Teizi Lin
His words...shamed her. On behalf of her Order, she felt the stab of conscience that had clearly not asserted itself with the Jedi Pyrran had met. She knew not the circumstances, true, but she could guess. In fact, she guessed it was behaviour very much in line with what Master Jesk professed to be the way of a Jedi. A path she found herself hesitant to walk down.
"I...can understand your need for caution. I wish there was something I could say that would help you come to a decision on whether or not your choices have been wise."
Her voice caught as she began to speak before her mind fully gave her permission to say what was on her tongue. This man had been so honest with her. Straightforward about his fears - his valid fears - did she not owe him something in kind? Perhaps, she could start the process of atoning for the misdeeds of others...even though she was threatening to do the same by the verbal agreement she had just made.
"Master Jesk offered me a promotion - which is not the Jedi way - in fact, it flies in the face of the Code to seek personal advancement. I...do not plan on simply making the best of this without knowing how many of our Council feel the same way as Jesk about this and...other things. I intend to find out if he is acting on his own or if you and your sisters are in real danger."
That was...not what she was going to say. It just came out. As soon as she heard the words, she knew she meant them, but their brazenness surprised her. She wasn't one to get embroiled in politics. In fact, she stayed as far away from the Council chambers as possible for just that reason. It didn't suit her. But this...this was different. This was someone in a position of power who held sway over the set of rules she dedicated her life to. It wasn't safe for any Jedi to sit back and let interpretations of the laws mould them as whomever saw fit. If she was a Jedi, and she believed in the Code, was it not up to her to make sure it was being upheld by those in power? Was it not her responsibility?
"I will talk to Siralai to let her know about the Council's interest. Then, I need to start asking some questions. I hope you can hang on until I get some answers."
Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars) - Cont'd
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Monkey Kitty
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Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Lana Beniko
"I'll go in and take a look around," Lana said. "After a few minutes, they'll see me sending a text comm. Then you should send the 'order.' That way they won't wonder how I knew what was going on - they'll have been provided with a tidy explanation when they draw their own conclusions. It's very important that you don't act until you get a comm from me, though. Once I get inside, the situation may been too dangerous for us to enact the plan. If that is the case... I will improvise."
Lana had no idea what that improvisation would entail. She wasn't worried, though. She was used to thinking on her feet.
"I'll get a message to our personnel letting them know the situation if I'm able. If I can't... well, we must hope they can improvise too. May the Force serve us well."
She made her way to the Golden Boot and sauntered into the casino - very well aware of all the eyes on her. Lana quickly glanced around for signs of Felix and Theron - and didn't see those two - or what the Zabraks were up to.
"I'll go in and take a look around," Lana said. "After a few minutes, they'll see me sending a text comm. Then you should send the 'order.' That way they won't wonder how I knew what was going on - they'll have been provided with a tidy explanation when they draw their own conclusions. It's very important that you don't act until you get a comm from me, though. Once I get inside, the situation may been too dangerous for us to enact the plan. If that is the case... I will improvise."
Lana had no idea what that improvisation would entail. She wasn't worried, though. She was used to thinking on her feet.
"I'll get a message to our personnel letting them know the situation if I'm able. If I can't... well, we must hope they can improvise too. May the Force serve us well."
She made her way to the Golden Boot and sauntered into the casino - very well aware of all the eyes on her. Lana quickly glanced around for signs of Felix and Theron - and didn't see those two - or what the Zabraks were up to.
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Monkey Kitty
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Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Pyrran Onyk Mahr
"Thank you," Pyrran said, inclining his head again. He did not, however, apologize for his doubt. He was responsible for keeping his sisters safe - and he was now responsible for keeping Cheketta safe, too. He could not afford to take chances. It had rarely been his experience that thinking the best of people paid off.
Pyrran just hoped the Mahrs were the exception to that. He really wanted them to be what the seemed. He wanted to have found a happy home for his sisters at last. And... a happy home for himself. Even though he was no longer a child, it was tempting to think that it was not too late.
"I would appreciate it if you keep me posted. In the meantime, I will speak to Arksynn. He inadvertently overheard your conversation and is concerned."
Pyrran wasn't sure if it had really been 'inadvertent' or not, but this didn't seem the time to make waves. He certainly wasn't going to lecture the young man for trying to protect himself, or for being slow to trust Jedi. Trust took time. But between Teizi and Siralai, perhaps they could start building it by getting to the bottom of this Council matter.
"Thank you," Pyrran said, inclining his head again. He did not, however, apologize for his doubt. He was responsible for keeping his sisters safe - and he was now responsible for keeping Cheketta safe, too. He could not afford to take chances. It had rarely been his experience that thinking the best of people paid off.
Pyrran just hoped the Mahrs were the exception to that. He really wanted them to be what the seemed. He wanted to have found a happy home for his sisters at last. And... a happy home for himself. Even though he was no longer a child, it was tempting to think that it was not too late.
"I would appreciate it if you keep me posted. In the meantime, I will speak to Arksynn. He inadvertently overheard your conversation and is concerned."
Pyrran wasn't sure if it had really been 'inadvertent' or not, but this didn't seem the time to make waves. He certainly wasn't going to lecture the young man for trying to protect himself, or for being slow to trust Jedi. Trust took time. But between Teizi and Siralai, perhaps they could start building it by getting to the bottom of this Council matter.
Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Akaavi Spar
When Neva radioed her updated plan, Akaavi switched tactics. She gave a show of calming herself and pledging to treat the machines with better respect in exchange for continuing to stay in the casino. There was no sense getting thrown out when the team might need her close at hand. Ridiculous scheme as it was, it seemed to be working. As she flushed credits down the proverbial tube, she reminded herself to hand the captain a bill for her expenses. Akaavi had never professed to be lucky.
There was a bit of a stir in the room, which made the Mandalorian discreetly look around the edges of the machine she was playing. Interesting. The captain hadn't said anything about the Sith joining in. Something must not have gone right. While casual, it was clear the Sith was scoping out the place and Akaavi made sure she caught her eye. Having done so, she moved her head in the direction of the back of the casino with an exaggerated stretch, her spine making a few pops as she did.
When Neva radioed her updated plan, Akaavi switched tactics. She gave a show of calming herself and pledging to treat the machines with better respect in exchange for continuing to stay in the casino. There was no sense getting thrown out when the team might need her close at hand. Ridiculous scheme as it was, it seemed to be working. As she flushed credits down the proverbial tube, she reminded herself to hand the captain a bill for her expenses. Akaavi had never professed to be lucky.
There was a bit of a stir in the room, which made the Mandalorian discreetly look around the edges of the machine she was playing. Interesting. The captain hadn't said anything about the Sith joining in. Something must not have gone right. While casual, it was clear the Sith was scoping out the place and Akaavi made sure she caught her eye. Having done so, she moved her head in the direction of the back of the casino with an exaggerated stretch, her spine making a few pops as she did.
Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Teizi Lin
She bowed her head to Pyrran and left in search of Siralai without commenting on Arksynn's involvement. Naturally, it would have had to have been him that overheard her conversation. As much as she would have liked to have been annoyed at his action and subsequent response, she recognized it for what it was. Survival instinct. From the description Pyrran had just given her of his experiences with Jedi, she couldn't say she blamed any Sith for maintaining vigilance.
Siralai was with her family, of course, which made her pause. She was aware of how little time Siralai had gotten to spend with them - between the mission to Dromund Kaas, being stuck in a med bay after the attack, and dealing with the less-than-stable young Sith - Siralai was still very much a Jedi. Always pulled away from hearth and kin to help the needy. But, she reminded herself, this issue involved Siralai's family. It would be wrong to dally. Teizi stood to the side and waited to catch Siralai's attention before giving a nod of her head to indicate that she wished to have an aside with the other woman.
"I am sorry to pull you away, but I have to tell you about this call I just got from Master Jesk of the Jedi Council. He asked me to observe and report on your family and Master Visper, among other things. I agreed, to a point, but frankly I am uncomfortable with both his request and his...viewpoints. I wanted to first, let you know that he seems to have ill-will toward you and Pyrran's sisters in particular, and second, that I don't intend to tell him anything other than what I've seen here. That the girls are healing and that you and Master Visper have things well in hand. What concerns me is his methods. They are...not in line with what I have come to recognize as the Jedi Code. He expects me to give a negative report in exchange for a promotion. I am not sure how many of the Council share his opinions. I ... wanted to ask you for insight on this matter."
Teizi stood with her hands clasped in front of her - a neutral position, but for the stiffness in her arms. In a way, she was practically talking treason for speaking ill of the Council. In another, she was desperately hoping that the whole Council wasn't party to this strange view - that consumption, eradication and glory were the only things that mattered.
She bowed her head to Pyrran and left in search of Siralai without commenting on Arksynn's involvement. Naturally, it would have had to have been him that overheard her conversation. As much as she would have liked to have been annoyed at his action and subsequent response, she recognized it for what it was. Survival instinct. From the description Pyrran had just given her of his experiences with Jedi, she couldn't say she blamed any Sith for maintaining vigilance.
Siralai was with her family, of course, which made her pause. She was aware of how little time Siralai had gotten to spend with them - between the mission to Dromund Kaas, being stuck in a med bay after the attack, and dealing with the less-than-stable young Sith - Siralai was still very much a Jedi. Always pulled away from hearth and kin to help the needy. But, she reminded herself, this issue involved Siralai's family. It would be wrong to dally. Teizi stood to the side and waited to catch Siralai's attention before giving a nod of her head to indicate that she wished to have an aside with the other woman.
"I am sorry to pull you away, but I have to tell you about this call I just got from Master Jesk of the Jedi Council. He asked me to observe and report on your family and Master Visper, among other things. I agreed, to a point, but frankly I am uncomfortable with both his request and his...viewpoints. I wanted to first, let you know that he seems to have ill-will toward you and Pyrran's sisters in particular, and second, that I don't intend to tell him anything other than what I've seen here. That the girls are healing and that you and Master Visper have things well in hand. What concerns me is his methods. They are...not in line with what I have come to recognize as the Jedi Code. He expects me to give a negative report in exchange for a promotion. I am not sure how many of the Council share his opinions. I ... wanted to ask you for insight on this matter."
Teizi stood with her hands clasped in front of her - a neutral position, but for the stiffness in her arms. In a way, she was practically talking treason for speaking ill of the Council. In another, she was desperately hoping that the whole Council wasn't party to this strange view - that consumption, eradication and glory were the only things that mattered.
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Monkey Kitty
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Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Lana Beniko
Lana caught the gesture, and understood it.
Well, this was the point where they would need to improvise, then.
She quickly dashed off a typed message to Dallyn on the comm: "no time!"
They wouldn't be able to implement the plan they had discussed. The situation had progressed too far. By they time they set it up, it very well might be too late for their people. Time for a new plan.
Lana strode purposefully toward the door in the back that Akaavi had subtly gestured toward.
A bouncer moved to block her way. "Excuse me, ma'am, you can't go back there!"
Lana could sense his fear. That was good. He would put up a show of resistance, but when push came to shove, he would back down.
"Do not attempt to hinder the Sith in our business!" Lana commanded, fixing him with a golden-eyed stare. "I am looking for a Republic soldier. I have business with him."
"Business?" the bouncer echoed.
"From Corellia," Lana replied shortly. "He caused a great deal of trouble for our forces there."
When she said the name 'Corellia,' it seemed to spark something. Lana had no way of knowing that Felix had referred to the same planet in his cover story - they had just picked it for the same reason. Corellia had been a chaotic mess, a sprawling and prolonged battle that both sides had plenty of reason to be angry about, and the fighting forces had been too many for even the other participants to confidently identify who had and hadn't been a combatant. By that coincidence, her story matched Felix's, and the bouncer decided that getting in her way would be more dangerous than it was worth, if the Sith was really hunting the soldier.
"Of course, ma'am," the bouncer replied deferentially, and stepped aside to let her pass.
Lana caught the gesture, and understood it.
Well, this was the point where they would need to improvise, then.
She quickly dashed off a typed message to Dallyn on the comm: "no time!"
They wouldn't be able to implement the plan they had discussed. The situation had progressed too far. By they time they set it up, it very well might be too late for their people. Time for a new plan.
Lana strode purposefully toward the door in the back that Akaavi had subtly gestured toward.
A bouncer moved to block her way. "Excuse me, ma'am, you can't go back there!"
Lana could sense his fear. That was good. He would put up a show of resistance, but when push came to shove, he would back down.
"Do not attempt to hinder the Sith in our business!" Lana commanded, fixing him with a golden-eyed stare. "I am looking for a Republic soldier. I have business with him."
"Business?" the bouncer echoed.
"From Corellia," Lana replied shortly. "He caused a great deal of trouble for our forces there."
When she said the name 'Corellia,' it seemed to spark something. Lana had no way of knowing that Felix had referred to the same planet in his cover story - they had just picked it for the same reason. Corellia had been a chaotic mess, a sprawling and prolonged battle that both sides had plenty of reason to be angry about, and the fighting forces had been too many for even the other participants to confidently identify who had and hadn't been a combatant. By that coincidence, her story matched Felix's, and the bouncer decided that getting in her way would be more dangerous than it was worth, if the Sith was really hunting the soldier.
"Of course, ma'am," the bouncer replied deferentially, and stepped aside to let her pass.
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Monkey Kitty
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Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Siralai Mahr
"Jesk!" Siralai said with frown. "I shouldn't be surprised. He contacted me too."
Siralai sighed, and gestured toward a pair of chairs where they could sit and talk. She poured a cup of water for herself, and offered one to Teizi as well.
"I've dealt with Jesk before.. and others of his kind. Jesk has worked with the Republic military for many years. At this point, I think he struggles to remember that there's a difference between the military and the Jedi Order. He acts as if they're essentially one and the same, the Jedi merely a Force-using arm of the the Republic's goals. That shouldn't be the case, needless to say. But I think he forgets he is a Master rather than a General. He would like to see the Empire wiped out and crushed, completely and forever."
She stared into her cup as if she might find answers there.
"He does hate me, I suppose - but not for personal reasons, as far as I know. Rather, he hates me on principle for loving an Imperial. He hates the Sith for existing. His goal is a total military victory for the Republic... and he is willing to accept all the casualties it takes to win."
"Jesk!" Siralai said with frown. "I shouldn't be surprised. He contacted me too."
Siralai sighed, and gestured toward a pair of chairs where they could sit and talk. She poured a cup of water for herself, and offered one to Teizi as well.
"I've dealt with Jesk before.. and others of his kind. Jesk has worked with the Republic military for many years. At this point, I think he struggles to remember that there's a difference between the military and the Jedi Order. He acts as if they're essentially one and the same, the Jedi merely a Force-using arm of the the Republic's goals. That shouldn't be the case, needless to say. But I think he forgets he is a Master rather than a General. He would like to see the Empire wiped out and crushed, completely and forever."
She stared into her cup as if she might find answers there.
"He does hate me, I suppose - but not for personal reasons, as far as I know. Rather, he hates me on principle for loving an Imperial. He hates the Sith for existing. His goal is a total military victory for the Republic... and he is willing to accept all the casualties it takes to win."
Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Neva Xolte
While she was glad the guys were okay, she was keenly aware that she'd kind of blown it so far as swooping in when the assistant was exposed. Of course, things didn't look like they were going to plan here either. The two of them were sitting on stools - a spilled drink next to Theron on the floor - both of them seemed a bit miserable. Probably because the number of unknowns was starting to bite them in the butt.
She was also aware that her presence was unwelcome. Still, they didn't kick her out right away. A new dealer showed up and she was ushered toward a table on the other side of the room. Cute, but if things were going this slow...maybe they needed a kick in the pants. Like a sweeter pot, perhaps.
Stopping on her way to the table, she arced back toward Felix and Theron, the dealer stiffening as she did so. She put her hand down on the table and looked at Theron's cards, letting out a low whistle.
"Not a bad hand. I can see why they moved you up to the big boy's club. But really, this is pretty tame - how about a game of sabacc? Whaddya say? We might even let you play, handsome." The last bit was said to the dealer with a wink. She was pushing it now, but playing opposite ends of the table hadn't worked so well thus far. Why not try to get everyone pulled up to the same table?
At that moment, the door behind her opened and Neva assumed it was the manager...or maybe someone who found that other bouncer behind the crates... She took a peek and blinked in surprise. Moving to cover, she made a show of spinning around and giving the newcomer a friendly grin.
"Heyyy, now we have five! Everyone knows Sith like Sabacc!" Leaning back, she half-whispered to the dealer, "I'm so going to have my own lightsaber tonight. Just watch me."
While she was glad the guys were okay, she was keenly aware that she'd kind of blown it so far as swooping in when the assistant was exposed. Of course, things didn't look like they were going to plan here either. The two of them were sitting on stools - a spilled drink next to Theron on the floor - both of them seemed a bit miserable. Probably because the number of unknowns was starting to bite them in the butt.
She was also aware that her presence was unwelcome. Still, they didn't kick her out right away. A new dealer showed up and she was ushered toward a table on the other side of the room. Cute, but if things were going this slow...maybe they needed a kick in the pants. Like a sweeter pot, perhaps.
Stopping on her way to the table, she arced back toward Felix and Theron, the dealer stiffening as she did so. She put her hand down on the table and looked at Theron's cards, letting out a low whistle.
"Not a bad hand. I can see why they moved you up to the big boy's club. But really, this is pretty tame - how about a game of sabacc? Whaddya say? We might even let you play, handsome." The last bit was said to the dealer with a wink. She was pushing it now, but playing opposite ends of the table hadn't worked so well thus far. Why not try to get everyone pulled up to the same table?
At that moment, the door behind her opened and Neva assumed it was the manager...or maybe someone who found that other bouncer behind the crates... She took a peek and blinked in surprise. Moving to cover, she made a show of spinning around and giving the newcomer a friendly grin.
"Heyyy, now we have five! Everyone knows Sith like Sabacc!" Leaning back, she half-whispered to the dealer, "I'm so going to have my own lightsaber tonight. Just watch me."
Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Teizi Lin
The simple act of being offered water realigned her perspective. While big things outside of her control may be impacting her life, focusing on the things she could control would be more productive. It wouldn't do to accuse a Master of not adhering to the code while being incapable of managing to maintain harmony and peace within herself. While her own state of mind didn't necessarily have the same galaxial ramifications as that of a Council member, she wanted to be mindful of hypocrisy. After all, she'd been told that the path to the Dark Side was a slippery one.
Siralai's description of Jesk was apt and Teizi found herself equally relieved and concerned. Relieved that it wasn't a difference in core beliefs that drove his actions, but rather his application. However, she also recognized that a Jedi who thought of himself as a military man was a dangerous combination. The ruthlessness of a general tied to a pervasive feeling of righteousness...there was no telling what Jesk might do in the name of the Order. Who he might ruin in the path to victory.
"Are the other Council members aware of this...viewpoint? If he sees himself a general, surely the Council has noted his interests in the military stratagems of the Senate. I can understand why a Jedi would want to see the Empire's platentary occupations broken and the Dark Lords machinations kept at bay...but victory whatever the cost is not the Jedi way. Should such a man have so much sway?"
She paused, looking at the house and its motley collection of people. Sith, humans, Twi'leks...all coexisting peacefully. More than coexisting - thriving. Clearly, it could be done. If only Master Jesk could see this for himself... In her heart, she knew that was wishful thinking. Men like Jesk could see with their eyes and never perceive. Hear with their ears and never listen.
"But I suppose that is a moot point. He does have this power. So what can we do?"
The simple act of being offered water realigned her perspective. While big things outside of her control may be impacting her life, focusing on the things she could control would be more productive. It wouldn't do to accuse a Master of not adhering to the code while being incapable of managing to maintain harmony and peace within herself. While her own state of mind didn't necessarily have the same galaxial ramifications as that of a Council member, she wanted to be mindful of hypocrisy. After all, she'd been told that the path to the Dark Side was a slippery one.
Siralai's description of Jesk was apt and Teizi found herself equally relieved and concerned. Relieved that it wasn't a difference in core beliefs that drove his actions, but rather his application. However, she also recognized that a Jedi who thought of himself as a military man was a dangerous combination. The ruthlessness of a general tied to a pervasive feeling of righteousness...there was no telling what Jesk might do in the name of the Order. Who he might ruin in the path to victory.
"Are the other Council members aware of this...viewpoint? If he sees himself a general, surely the Council has noted his interests in the military stratagems of the Senate. I can understand why a Jedi would want to see the Empire's platentary occupations broken and the Dark Lords machinations kept at bay...but victory whatever the cost is not the Jedi way. Should such a man have so much sway?"
She paused, looking at the house and its motley collection of people. Sith, humans, Twi'leks...all coexisting peacefully. More than coexisting - thriving. Clearly, it could be done. If only Master Jesk could see this for himself... In her heart, she knew that was wishful thinking. Men like Jesk could see with their eyes and never perceive. Hear with their ears and never listen.
"But I suppose that is a moot point. He does have this power. So what can we do?"
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Monkey Kitty
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Re: Mek-Sha Nightlife (Star Wars)
Lana Beniko
"You're on," Lana said, taking a seat across from Neva at the table.
Intentionally or not, Neva had very successfully created a diversion. No one's eyes were on Felix and Theron anymore; the Zabrak had made too much of an entrance. Lana mentally praised her for that.
Since her cover story was hunting a Republic soldier, Lana was not required to hide the fact that she was staring at the two men - she just had to make it look like hatred, instead of her true motive, which was scanning them for damage. They both appeared unhurt. Theron looked cool and unruffled, while Felix was visibly disconcerted. It was clear which one of the two was the spy; Felix was well out of his depth.
Lana gestured for the dealer to lay out the proper spread for Sabacc. The dealer glanced at the managers, and received a grudging nod in response, so he began to do so.
Abruptly, the bouncers and manager departed, and the doors sealed with a hydraulic hiss. Lana felt the faint breeze of gas being pumped into the room.
Oh no, not again! she thought. She hoped this would only render them unconscious, not kill them if they failed to prevent it - though being unconscious in this scenario likely wouldn't lend itself to a better long-term outcome.
The dealer and the slave boy had not been evacuated with the others - apparently they were acceptable casualties. Anger flushed the dealer's face, while the boy's eyes were wide with terror.
"You're on," Lana said, taking a seat across from Neva at the table.
Intentionally or not, Neva had very successfully created a diversion. No one's eyes were on Felix and Theron anymore; the Zabrak had made too much of an entrance. Lana mentally praised her for that.
Since her cover story was hunting a Republic soldier, Lana was not required to hide the fact that she was staring at the two men - she just had to make it look like hatred, instead of her true motive, which was scanning them for damage. They both appeared unhurt. Theron looked cool and unruffled, while Felix was visibly disconcerted. It was clear which one of the two was the spy; Felix was well out of his depth.
Lana gestured for the dealer to lay out the proper spread for Sabacc. The dealer glanced at the managers, and received a grudging nod in response, so he began to do so.
Abruptly, the bouncers and manager departed, and the doors sealed with a hydraulic hiss. Lana felt the faint breeze of gas being pumped into the room.
Oh no, not again! she thought. She hoped this would only render them unconscious, not kill them if they failed to prevent it - though being unconscious in this scenario likely wouldn't lend itself to a better long-term outcome.
The dealer and the slave boy had not been evacuated with the others - apparently they were acceptable casualties. Anger flushed the dealer's face, while the boy's eyes were wide with terror.