STAR WARS: RETROSPECTION- Theft at Electric Court

Something drew you to them but it was not discussed in front of you.

Gallagher will try to listen to them talk some more but not move on, see if they continue on without him.

They seem adverse to carrying on with you standing there not saying anything.

Well Gallagher wants to do something else, his idle Padawan mind is drifting. He senses a lot of things going on here and wants to explore. Where's Master Korth?

Master Korth stayed with Cazzr walking in and has been talking with other politicians present at the meeting.

Gallagher will rejoin Korth and see what's going on. He's pretty bored, even after that weird conversation that he got drawn into.

Some Senators are discussing the Storm Lord with Master Korth and Cazzr.

"The Storm Lord doesn't seem interested in helping the Republic whatsoever," one Senator says, a humanoid in a simple tunic. "People throughout the Republic could benefit from the designs of your world. Why not share them with the Galaxy?"

"It's a complicated matter," Cazzr says, simply. "If anyone can tell you best, it will be the Storm Lord. Direct your questions to him, when the time comes."

"Why do you even partake in the Republic, if you will not help it stand?" asks another Senator.

"Now, now," Korth interjects. "The Czrzki have always been friends of the Republic, since its foundation."

"Where does your allegiance lie, Jedi?" asks the first Senator.

The arguing continues on like this, back and forth, for some time. Every conversation you hear within the chamber seems to relate back to this point that you already know- that the Storm Lord will not lend his designs for the betterment of the Republic. Not news to you, nor anyone here, but certainly the highest point of contention.

"When will the Storm Lord arrive?" one of the Senators finally asks.

"Shortly," Cazzr says. "I sense the time draws near until he will grace us with his presence."

Gallagher remains quiet, knowing that he could not possibly contribute anything of great importance to this conversation, regardless of his Jedi status.

So he gets Master Korth's attention.

"Why would they ask you about YOUR allegiance?" Gallagher asks. "It's pretty clear that the Jedi Knights work to protect the Republic and its worlds."

"The position of the Jedi in this situation makes some uncomfortable," Master Korth says. "Why do you think that is so?"

"I guess that's easy enough," Gallagher says. "We have a relationship with the Czrzki not only in our opposition to the Sith, but in our connection to the Force. I could see how it makes them uneasy. But do they really think we have some sort of motive here, then? I think the Order has long proven it's dedication to protecting the Republic above all else."

"As generic as it may sound," Master Korth responds, "people tend to fear what they do not understand. Even Jedi have trouble understanding the ways of the Force. You cannot expect the general populace of the Republic to do so.

"We will tread lightly here. We do not want to engage in debates, only act as observers here."

You sense a stir among the crowd in attendance; first among the Czrzki, then among the others when the announcement goes out that the Storm Lord will enter shortly.

Gallagher tries to glimpse (or sense) where the Storm Lord will enter, if it is not already obvious.

You certainly sense him before you see him. The Czrzki feel different in the Force than most beings, as if their presence is stronger, and yet strangely static and uncertain. But the Storm Lord rolls into the room like a surge of energy, focused and controlled.

The Storm Lord himself is, of course, a Czrzki. He wears silvery decorative armor, mainly ornamental rather than protective, encrusted with bright blue jewels that seem to flare infrequently with a sharp inner light. A dark blue cape billows behind him, and he carries a heavy scepter. The crown perched atop his head looks as lightning made solid, thin bolts extending skyward from a silvered ringlet.

All Czrzki in the room drop to a knee just as he enters, having sensed his approach. The Senatorial representatives present offer various gestures of respect in turn, as do their aides.

He moves among the gathered audience wordlessly. You sense that, though he looks at none directly, he scans the room through the Force. His power is tangible and he makes no effort to hide it. You find it comparable to Master Korth in terms of sheer strength.

And then... he looks upon you and locks eyes. He smiles.

"Rise, all," the Storm Lord bellows. "And welcome!"

Gallagher gets the chills when the Storm Lord looks at him directly and wonders why he did so. He probably feels the Storm Lord's power better than anyone else in the room, except maybe Master Korth.

"He's very strong in the Force," Gallagher says to Master Korth quietly.

Master Korth simply nods.

The Czrzki and the Senators applaud the arrival of the mighty lord and ruler of this stormy world, coming to their feet as requested. The Storm Lord moves through the crowd, shaking hands and giving greetings to those that approach.

He makes his way over to where you stand with your Master.

"The Jedi?" the Storm Lord asks Cazzr, without looking away.

"Yes, my Lord," Cazzr replies.

"I knew it. I could feel your presences clearly."

"We probably feel different than the way your people feel," Gallagher speculates, though he really isn't sure of himself. For all his potential power, Gallagher is still young and concepts elude him. "I-I'm Gallagher, Jedi Padawan."

Korth introduces himself as a Jedi Master and offers the Storm Lord a subtle bow.

"You do," the Storm Lord responds to you, "but the power - what you call the Force - connects us all. You honor me with your presence. We have not welcomed the Jedi to our world in some time."

"It is we who are honored by yours," Master Korth says. "We hope our presence does not distract from your meetings with the Senatorial delegation. We seek impartiality on this matter, and come as observers to this political process."

"The Jedi never simply observe," the Storm Lord quips. "They always find their way into the heart of the matter, and I feel that you will become more involved in this 'political process' than you intend."

Master Korth says nothing, so the Storm Lord turns to you. He squats to your level, a mighty figure of a Czrzki, his muscle taut under his blue-white skin and scintillating with quiet light.

"How long have you trained, little one?"

"Not long," Gallagher admits. "But I'm learning quickly about the Force. Master Korth says I have a talent for it."

The Storm Lord seems to consider this and nods, then rises back to his full height.

"Master Jedi, Padawan. You will dine with me this evening, after the pleasantries with the Senatorial commission. I must meet with you privately."

"About...?" Master Korth inquires, but the Storm Lord has already turned away to speak with other important figures attending the commission.

"I will keep you informed," Cazzr says lightly. "If you'll excuse me..."

Cazzr moves to join the Storm Lord. Master Korth looks puzzled.

"What was that about?" Gallagher asks Master Korth. He doesn't know what to think of that interaction. He can't decide if the Storm Lord makes him uneasy or not.