USH'S GAME EPISODE IV- 'CHASE'- LIGHT SIDE AREA

"Very well. Of course, no-one in the Republic has been to the Mausoleum in thousands of years. No-one has even known where it is. Without an Astrolabe its location was impossible to discern, even to those few who have access to the relevant maps, of whom I can probably count on one hand. It is why I knew the Astrolabe, when I found it, was such a valuable find.

"But of course, the Jedi Temple has two such Astrolabes in its Archives. Have you not considered it funny that the Jedi never destroyed the threat the Mausoleum could pose?"

"It has always been my understanding that the Astrolabes in possession of the Jedi were non-functional," Kellan said, somewhat confused.

"That is indeed true," says Ascar. "But here is something you may not know, Master Gundark." Ascar smiles. "Those Astrolabes were in perfect working order when the Jedi found them." He pauses to let the implication sink in. "They were disabled, centuries ago when found, on the orders of the Jedi Council. Lest anyone- even a Jedi- ever use one to find the Mausoleum. You may wis to think about that.

"On the other hand, of course, the more you think, the more of a lead Kuylen gets."

Kellan digested this information, previously unknown to her. If the Council had ordered the mechanisms disabled so long ago, they must have had more knowledge of the mysteries surrounding the masoleum itself or that order would not have issued.

But her original directive from the Supreme Chancellor remained. Kuylen.

"I must follow my destiny as well, Ascar. No matter where it takes me. Where is the masoleum ? Where will I find Kuylen ?"

"Very well," sats Ascar. "You will find a disc in my top right-chest pocket. It has the navigational information you need. The planet is a VERY long way out. It has no name, only an astrological reference- LV-201."

Kellan reached into Ascar's pocket to remove the disc.

It is there, as he said.

"Consider it a gift from me to you," says Ascar. "I hope you enjoy it as much as the Senator is enoying his."

"It is not enjoyment I seek," Kellan stated, holding the disk in her hand with a queer sense of apprehension.

"Then I hope you find it of use," says Ascar. "A gift should be at least of use use, and let it not be said that I am not generous with my gifts."

Kellan tore her attention away from thoughts of the masoleum at Ascar's mention of the Senator. "What do you mean by that ?"

"Why, the girl, of course," says Ascar, smiling. "A courtesy to the Senator for having taken the trouble come so far to take me into custody."

"You're quite the manipulator, Ascar," Kellan told him. "I must say you certainly can obtain the advantage of a situation without your adversary even being aware of it. Sometimes."

"You are too kind," says Ascar. "I am simply playing the role of courteous citizen. The girl was from a wrold that prides itself on its 'Courtesan' class. They are very entertaining. A dreadful thing that such a girl should become captured by the vile plague of slavers in this area of the Galaxy; it was a joy to release her and allow her to return to what she enjoys."

The thought disgusted Kellan and she declined to comment. "Thank you for the information, Ascar."

"Always happy to help, Master Gundark."

"Goodbye, Ascar," Kellan said. "May you find your destiny to be a favorable one."

"A being chooses whether to follow a destiny or not, Master Gundark. I am certainly sure you are following yours."

As the door opens, he adds.

"Master Gundark? You can leave my lightsabre with the Senator's Guards."

"Of course. Mine was damaged during a battle and I took the liberty of utilizing it."

"So I gathered when I saw you using it. I think your own will serve you better where you are going."

Kellan gave Ascar a small smile and turned to leave the room.