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Uridia III

Con- you are stopping by the offices of the Jedi Investigation Force on the third moon of Uridia, to resupply and get some rest. You haven't had much luck making it on your own and Xeth has made it clear that his facilities are always open to you.

Nobody is around expect R3-U9, Xeth's astromech droid. He is charging quietly in a corner.

Con will look around the place, see if he can rest somewhere or if there's something he could use.

The Jedi Investigation Force maintains a light armory and small medical bay, since Xeth seems to have a knack for finding droid armies to fight. Both are locked up tight, though.

There is a lounge that you can crash in, with a powerful comm unit and cheap entertainment system- you can see what Xeth found more important there.

I guess Con shouldn't steal Xeth's stuff.

I think he'll relax for a bit, reresh himself, have some food if there is any. Check out how bad the entertainment system is. After a while he'll try to reach Xeth with the comm unit, having nothing else to do anyways, maybe Xeth got something to do, otherwise it might be nice catching up.

Wouldn't want an angry insectoid vigilante after you because you used his toilet paper or something.

You haven't heard from Xeth recently- he seems to be following a lead with his old Jedi friends, which you find unusual.

(In game, Xeth and the Jedi were in Episode I and II of the first campaign around this time, tracking down a shipment of battle droids that had been commandeered and tested against them.)

There are some messages waiting for him, though.

Well, I think I am morally grey enough to listen in to them.

Most of the messages are encrypted, as Xeth prefers when his agents report in. But there is one that is not! It is addressed to the agency, and the transmission is from a world called Tutalone.

Jackpot!?

What does it say?

It contains a hologram of a lanky man wearing spectacles in an almost Steampunkish suit- something formal from the 19th century, but with odd little metal bits here and there.

"Greetings. My name is Torman Avalard of Tutalone, assistant to the Senator Gallifer of Tuatlone. If you could please return this message, it would be greatly appreciated. We require the services of your Investigation Force for the protection of the Senator. Thank you for your time."

The message ends.

Hmm, I guess Con could need something to do, and some money. Con suppose Xeth wouldn't mind, he did say Con could take advantage of the facilities.

I think I'll return the call as "Con Gordo with the Jedi Investigation Force"

Xeth probably has his hands full anyway!

That same lanky man, Assistant Torman, answers your call.

"You received our call," he says, timidly. "Most excellent. Con, you say? Are you one of the Jedi working for this group?"

"Yes, I am an associate of Xeth Tam. Can you fill me in on more of the details of the job?"

"You don't really look like a Jedi..." the man says hesitantly.

"I got a lightsabre and everything. I don't think the Jedi Council is interested in helping you, so you contacted Xeth's band of renegades, and it seems like I'm the best you can get. Luckily for you I am pretty damn good."

"My apologies! I meant no offense. But, uh, yes, that is why we have come to you. I believe I mentioned in my first message that our Senator is in need of a protector?"

"Yes, what does he need protection from?"

Torman explains that Tutalone is a world that has long been plagued by a criminal underworld, controlled mainly by the Mafia and other small-time gangs. They have gone unchecked for some time and are deeply ingrained in their culture. Corruption is the norm.

"Senator Gallifer wants to change that," Torman says. "He has already put into motion several laws that are limiting the activities of the Mafia. They aren't pleased with him. The bombing of his speeder last week has made that clear."

"I see, well, I am willing to help. Say, how much does it pay?"

Con is thinking it sounds similar to what he failed on Luon, perhaps a bit less intense, doing some good as well as getting some money and generally something to do, sounds nice.

Luon was a far more extreme case in that the Syndicate was effectively in charge of the planet. The Mafia of Tutalone simply causes delays in the political process and a multitude of criminal activities. But there are similarities, yes.

Torman offers a decent figure for your pay. He explains that it would be more but it is all they can afford presently.

I guess Con can do the rest pro bono.

So, how will he get to the place, someone going to pick him up?

You can get there by public transport, or private if you want to seek someone out.

There's no one Con wants to meet, he'll take public transport to the world (if there's time for a good nights sleep and some recovery he'll do that first though)

Plenty of time for that.

Anything else you wish to do before you go?

Nah, got no premonitions and not a buddy in the world, I'm all set.

Okay!

You book a flight aboard a public shuttle heading out in the general vicinity of your destination and planet-hop on smaller transports until you reach Tutalone. The world is mostly green oceans with a smattering of small continents strewn across them. You ride into the capital and catch a scenic view of the city- all classical architecture of yellowed marble, gleaming in the sunlight.

When you arrive at the starport, the Senator's representative is there to meet you. He is somehow even lankier in person than in the hologram, now that is life-sized.

"Welcome, Con Gordo," says Torman. "I trust your journey was well?"

"It was fine. Tutalone is very beautiful"

"Yes, it is a very scenic world," Torman says. "I am proud of my home. Though, as a Jedi, I'm sure you've seen many worlds greater than ours."

"I feel all worlds have their appeal. We should talk about my protective duty though, maybe now you can give me some more details, otherwise I should meet the senator".

"Straight to business, then," Torman says. "What do you wish to know about your task?"

"Most of all, what kind of risk do we expect?"

"Tensions are high on our world," Torman admits. "Senator Gallifer is at odds with some of the more dangerous criminal elements here. Our worst case scenario currently contends with trained assassins coming after him... but we are not sure it will come to that. Especially as you will serve as a great deterrent to anyone who chooses to attack the Senator.

"And you won't be alone in protecting him, Jedi. We've hired gunmen to keep the Senator's estate secure."

That seems strange to you, Con. The Tutalonians should have a police force.

"Won't the local law enforcement be involved in protecting a senator?"

Torman adjusts his collar.

"We don't necessarily trust the local law enforcement," he says.

"Why is that?"

"We have had some issues with corruption amongst their ranks," Torman says. "And the commander didn't vote for Senator Gallifer. They are at odds."

"I see, so will there be no police involvement at all?"

"They will not be involved with the Senator's private guard, no," Torman confirms. "They will be running investigations into possible threats, however. You may choose to work with them if you like."

"I'd like to know about their investigation. It might help"

"When you have time, you may discuss the investigation with Commander Monaco. He coordinates all police efforts on the planet. Just be cautious with him. He has a short temper and the Senator does not trust him."

"I will be careful. I suppose I should meet the senator."

There is a speeder waiting for you that Torman ushers you toward.

"Yes, you will be meeting with Senator Gallifer shortly. As well as the members of his newly formed private guard, of which you will be the leader and coordinator."

"You mentioned the Senator was trying to change laws? Is there a vote coming up or do the enemies of his want to generally get rid of him?"

Torman explains that the Senator is planning on legalizing laws that will legitimize investigations into government personnel, which were previously guarded against by privacy rights. It is being met warmly by the populace, but the Mafia is none too pleased.

"I can imagine. But is there any specific date, or will we have to proactively take care of certain parts of the mafia to make him safe again?"

Torman looks confused.

"Take care of the Mafia?" Torman asks.

"I don't think you can take care of organized crime altogether, but perhaps aiding the investigation or targeting certain parts of their organisation could be advantageous."

Con is thinking how similar this situation is to Luon, though he doesn't want to make the same mistakes.

"That may provoke the Mafia into violent action," Torman says, nervously. "We already expect that, of course. If you think it will help, by all means. I know little of the investigation myself. I am not sure what progress they've made.

"Just remember that you need to protect the Senator above all else."

"Of course, protecting the senator is my number one priority, if the investigation can not help in that I will not pursue it."

"I trust your wisdom, Master Jedi," Torman says. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss before we arrive?"

"If there is nothing else you think I should know, I can't think of anything"

"I hope you are not opposed to working with mercenaries?" Torman asks.

"Not inherently, no. But did you have them checked out well? Don't want one of our own to become a problem"

"I have performed extensive background checks to ensure that it will not be a problem," Torman says. "They're rough, but they're honoring their contracts."

"That's good, it will be favourable to have people I can count on." Con smiles a little and goes on: "So, I assume you did a background check on me, too?"

"To the best of my ability," says Torman, fiddling with a coat sleeve. "These mercenaries are locals and have records on this world. You do not."

"So what did you find out, need something filled in?"

"Not necessarily," Torman says. "I AM curious why you didn't finish your Jedi training." He produces a small datapad. "You were involved in situations on Vono'k and Luon, most notably. What were you doing there?"

"I fought and won a war on Vono'k. And I attempted to defeat a crime syndicate on Luon, it didn't work out the way I wanted."

"Well," says Torman, "if that did not go as planned, I can tell you that fighting the Mafia will not either. Thankfully you're just here to protect, not to fight."

The speeder comes to a halt.

"We're here," Torman says.

Con will follow where Torman leads. How do the surroundings look?

The speeder has come to a stop inside the perimeter fence of a compound. The courtyard is paved with marble bricks in a pattern that spirals out, with a fountain at the center. Small figures of men and women dance around an abstract shape that is streaming colored water and sparks of light.

Armed men in uniform approach the speeder.

Do I feel any sort of danger? I'd like to observe the area, see if we are being watched. Then I'll just wait for what Torman and the Guards want to do, I assume escort me to our destination.

Torman adjusts his collar as the uniformed men approach. One appears to be leading this group- a man in a rigid black uniform, with tanned skin, peppered hair, and a furrowed brow. He looks grumpy. He has a pistol strapped under his left arm, as do his men.

"Commander Monaco," Torman says.

"Torman," Monaco says. "I see you've brought in another recruit for the... private guard."

"Ah, yes," Torman says. "This is Con Gordo. He's..."

"The ex-Jedi," Monaco says gruffly. "I recognize the name."

"Yes. Nice meeting you, Commander."

"Yeah, I'm sure," Monaco says. "If you'll excuse me..."

Monaco brushes past you, rather pointedly bumping into you. His men slink after him.

"Pleasant fellow," Torman says. "Come along then."

Torman leads you up the front steps of the complex. The front door is simply an energy gate, like the ones that interrupted the lightsaber duel in Phantom Menace. Torman swipes a keycard and it deactivates, letting you through.

"You'll be receiving your own keycard," Torman says. "Most of the guards have them. It will let you through any security checkpoint in the complex."

This complex is not as elaborate on the inside as its exterior. the yellowed gleaming marble gives way to dull metal floors and walls. Torman guides you through a few more blast doors and energy gates. Each room you pass through is dull and metal and very spartan.

"So, what is this place exactly?"

"Senator Gallifer's personal complex," Torman explains. "It is the place he feels most secure on Tutalone."

"I think I'd feel pretty secure too. Have there been attempts on his life before?"

"There have been several," Torman admits. "That is why we have assembled a guard to protect him. I can supply records and data for the previous attacks, if you believe it will help you protect him."

Eventually Torman leads you to one MASSIVE blast door, that is blocked by a trio of energy fields. Torman slowly unlocks each one.

"The records may be of use".

Torman promises to get those to you as the last energy field goes down and the blast door begins to unlock, grinding open slowly.

Within is a pleasantly designed grand staircase that slopes up the sides of the room, and there is a great meeting table in the center between the staircases.

A short, well-dressed man is seated at the far end, surrounded by holograms that he is sorting through and studying. He looks up from his work when you enter.

"TORMAN!" the man shouts. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry, Senator," Torman apologizes. "I was retrieving the newest addition to our guard..."

"Who the hell is this?" the Senator says.

"This is the Jedi you hired."

"Ohhh..." The Senator pauses. "He doesn't LOOK like a Jedi!"

"I can fight like one, so that works in your favour, Senator".

"Oh CAN you?" the Senator says. "I'll believe it when I see it!"

"We are rather hoping that will not be necessary..." Torman says.

"Yeah, yeah," Senator Gallifer says, rising from the table. He shuts off his datafeed as he steps up. "I read what Torman gathered on you. Not bad."

"Thanks, I got around a lot. I have to say, you seem to be quite safe in this place!"

"My complex is very secure," Senator Gallifer says. "I've paid out of pocket to make sure of that. Still, if you've got someone determined enough, they'll get in. And I'm not always going to be in here."

"The Senator normally conducts his affairs at Parliament's House," Torman interjects.

"I'll need to see that, too, then. What is the upcoming schedule?"

The Senator has business there tomorrow. Torman convinced him to cancel his schedule for today so that he could meet you and get you situated with his security team before venturing out again.

Ok, so I'll let Torman decide what he thinks we should be doing today.

Torman was hoping you would say that! He wants to get you totally familiarized with the security system and meet the people you will be working with. You leave Senator Gallifer to return to his work.

Torman takes you up the flight of stairs to a room on the upper floor behind the gathering hall. It is the security room, and there is a man in there running perimeter checks and watching the cameras.

It is explained to you that the complex's security is mainly dependent on advanced coded locks on heavy blast doors and energy fields, as you noticed when you came in. It keeps anyone from getting in, and Senator Gallifer says as deep in the interior of this place as possible.

While you are in here, they get you a security card for swiping through.

It is revealed that not everyone on the private guard has one. Those on perimeter patrol duty have had them taken away, so that they can't be killed and have the cards stolen.

That's probably smart. Where does the Senator sleep usually?

The Senator's bedchambers are toward the rear of the complex. It is still consider to be in the deeper interior. The rear is mainly the living spaces for the Senator, while the front is mostly meeting spaces, the security room, the Senator's library, etcetera.

I will be posting a drawn map of the house's layout when I can.

I assume my quarters will be close by?

Yes. Just down the hall slightly. You will be the only member of the private team that will actually being staying on site at all times when the Senator is in the complex. Otherwise, the other guards just change shifts.

Excellent, shift change will be the perfect time for me to assassinate the Senator.


Wait...


Anyways, is there anything about the political situation I should know, maybe?

They've anticipated that and stagger the shift changes so that not everything changes at once. Smart move.

"The Senator is just generally unpopular with other politicians on our world," Torman says. "The people voted him in looking for change and protection. It has been impossible for him not to step on toes with the reforms he wants to introdue."

"What sort of reforms is he working on?"

Mainly, the reforms are being leveled at taxation and government transparency. He is also looking at term limits for the Parliament (which are virtually non-existent) and is trying to weed out corrupt politicians so he can throw them out of office.

And his political opponents employ criminals? Or are the criminal organizations basically in charge?

The majority of his political opponents are squarely in the pockets of the Mafia, and if they are not, then they are in things for their own gain, or they have been cowed into not opposing those politicians that the Mafia influences.

Does he have any allies?

There are some that support the new Senator's attempt at reform, but most are too afraid to openly voice it.

Alright, well I have no idea what to do (And Con doesn't either, good thing he didn't mention that during the interview). So I'll suppose he'll just drag along with what Torman wants to do, and then prepare for the day tomorrow, staying vigilant during the night.

Thankfully Con is not expected to change the political situation, just make sure the Senator stays safe. Though I'm sure the Senator wouldn't mind if Con took initiative. Maybe opportunities will appear?

In any case, Torman is going to introduce you to the security team. Most of them are on the perimeter patrol right now, so he only assembles a handful of them to get you introduced.

The Senator's security staff is operated entirely by mercenaries! They are all loyal (to the Senator's wallet) and Torman made sure to grab them from all sorts of groups to avoid employing one cohesive group, in case somebody bought out their figurehead.

Con is being made that figurehead, and they are all a little wary of working with a Jedi.

The good news is that they are all pretty deadly and intimidating types, and they are working for you. Every merc mook has a Guns pool of 6, and there are a handful of Supermook mercs of varying talents.

What sort of talents do they have?

Basically, higher pools and Gun Schticks.

Does Torman think Con should address the mercenaries? I guess since they are bought they don't really need much speeching.

Torman doesn't think it would hurt. Other than the general niceties and saying hello, they don't seem much interested in you.

I think Con will pass on the speech. But he'd be interested in finding out the plans for tomorrow. Routes, layout, where the guards are supposed to be positioned, etc.

Tomorrow, the Senator will be going to Parliament to discuss (read as: argue) his reforms with the multitude of representatives of Tutalone's states. They will travel by speeder convoy, with the Senator riding in the armored speeder you were brought here in, along with Torman and some of the mercenaries. The rest of the mercenaries will take other speeders and travel with him.

Once at Parliament, there will be defensive checkpoints in the main chamber, so that the mercenaries can prevent anyone going in or out without identification. This will be in conjunction with the security already present, provided by the police.

Will I and my weapons be allowed in and close to the senator?

As part of the security team, that should be no issue.

Torman wants to know where in the convoy you want to go. Your options are- front speeder, the Senator's speeder, and rear speeder.

I think Con will go in the front speeder. First to spot trouble and able to get to the senator quickly if needed.

Torman will make sure there is room for you there, then.

The lead speeder is actually a fast attack craft, designed for speedy hit-and-run tactics and the quick retreats that follow, complete with guns. The rear speeder is more like an armored van designed to transport multiple mercenaries about for the Senator.

That makes me more sure in my choice of being in the front one. How far is the ride?

The Senator's complex is a ten minute ride to the grandiose Parliament structure.