USH'S GAME EPISODE III- 'ARTIFACT'. Light Side Area

OOC: woops

Kellan had her lightsabre ignited and in a defensive position before the gun was fully leveled in their direction. "Don't be a fool," she cautioned. "We're not here to make trouble."

(Actually, Gundy, he drew just as fast as you)

"DROP THE WEAPON!" yells Persis.

"Master Gundark," says Ascar, pouring himself a drink. "I thought you were a reasonable person. Obviously I mis-judged you. My secretary will have made it clear to you that I am not taking visitors. Unless you have a warrant, your presence here is illegal, and my security chief is entitled to react appropriately. And the one who is causing trouble here, is clearly you." He looks at Persis.

"You can lower your gun, Persis. I am sure that the Jedi will see sense."

"I..." begins Persis.

"Lower it." Persis obeys.

"Now you," says Ascar, turning to you, Gundy.

"Well, Master Gundark wouldn't have ignited her saber had your gentlemen - and I use the term loosely - of a bodyguard not leveled a blaster to her head. So it is more likely YOU, Persis, who started the trouble. All we need is a little..."

Xeth looks to Ascar with a grimace on his insectoid face. "...chat."

"People who burst into my office without permission are liable to have guns pointed at them," says Ascar. "Persis' security credentials are approved and with no warrant you have no more right to be here than any other citizen. The fault is entirely yours for entering here without permission."

"I apologize for the inconvience of our visit....but our mission is urgent."

(I assume Gundark is standing down)

"And my business is also urgent," says Ascar. "I fail to see how I could possibly fit into any urgent business of yours."

"Yes, a business formed around gambling," says Xeth, rolling his eyes. "But who's business is more important; the missions of Jedi Knights and Masters issued by the Republic, or the deal-making and gambling of a rich commoner."

"Last I looked, gambling was not illegal," says Ascar. "But 'commoner'? I see, this is it, is it? Because you are Jedi, you have to be better than I. Such typical arrogance. But if you ask me, the rights of a citizen are more important than the brash assumptions of a Jedi. You have NO business here. Now please leave, before I have to call the authorities to have you removed."

(Only fair to remind you guys at this time how tenuous your mission is; neither the Chancellor or the Council will want it continued if it turns into a diplomatic mess. The Chancellor wanted it all kept VERY quiet)

"But your receptionist allowed us to enter."

"Did she now?" says Ascar. "I find that unlikely." He presses a buzzer on his desk.

"Majora, did you let these Jedi in there?"

"No," comes the response. "They barged past me and entered." Ascar smiles.

Kellan held up a hand to silence her companions and shot Xeth a look to back him down. "Due to an unexpected turn of events, the urgency of our mission has become critical," she began. "Kuylen has fled Malastare and the Astrolabe is our only hope of discovering his destination."

"Really?" says Ascar. "How very dramatic. And you expect me to hand it over to you just like that, do you? I cannot say I am ninded to do so after the treatment I have received..."

You are sensing a lot of hate from Persis, Gundy. He wants this to get worse.

Kellan took a moment to consider Persis' state of mind. She was not immune to the fact that the news of the bountys on her's and Lance's heads had probably reached halfway to the Outer Rim by now. Persis' security firm was no doubt staffed by an assortment of assassins who didn't hesitate to acquire side jobs. Especially in return for a million credits in pocket change. She threaded her senses in every direction, as a knowledgeable Jedi should. Looking back to Ascar, she spoke with her most diplomatic voice. "I apologize for this intrusion. And the aggressiveness of my companions. It is not for them to judge your business affairs."

"Spoken like a Lady," says Ascar. "But I am afraid I cannot let you have my astrolabe."

"And may I ask why?"

"Frankly," says Ascar, "I am not minded to risk it falling into the hands of anyone. Not even thre Jedi. Certainly not a risk I would take for no return on my part..."

"And what sort of return are you seeking ?"

Ascar smiles again. He sits down behind his desk and drinks.

"Being Jedi I presume none of you are gambling people... but I am sure you know how a deal works, yes?"

So this is how its going to be.... Kellan thought. "What's it going to take, Ascar ?" She tried not to think about Kuylen slipping through her fingers...