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Coruscant

It has been three months since the Battle of Naboo and the death of the famous Solitaire Qui-Gon Jinn. His apprentice, Obi-Wan Kenobi, has returned to the Temple, in some controversy, with a young boy who Qui-Gon wished trained.

The Order is uneasy. Such a move is unprecedented. And Qui-Gon had built up a reputation of invincibility. No-one can understand his death. The Council is staying silent on the subject. Master Yoda is reported to be in 'deep meditation' on the matter. No-one one is sure exactly what happened on Naboo, only that good apparently prevailed.

The good news has been the recent election of ex-Naboo Senator Palpatine to the Supreme Chancellorship. Unlike his likeable but weak-minded predecessor, Palpatine is beginning to get things done. First on his agenda has been to get to grip with issues that threatened to tear the Republic apart, just like the crisis at Naboo had. He has requested the help of the Jedi Council in this endeavour, and this is where you come in.

Another small problem is quickly turning into a crisis. An outlying association of planets known as the Damagran Confederacy has threatened to decalre independance from the Republic, siting the breakdown of Government in the outer systems and the inability of the Republic to maintain control as it's reason. The central planet, Damagran, will set the lead of the others- they followed Damagran into the Repulic 1000 years ago, and they will follow it out now if the crisis continues.

Pirate attacks have been plaguing the outer systems for some time. Palpatine has decided to make a positive example out of Damagran. If the pirates can be stopped by the Republic, then perhaps Damagran can be persuaded to stay.

Resources are limited, but a two-fold plan has been devised. The Republican Navy has sent out a battlecruiser to the Confederacy to enable it to fight the pirates better. And The Council has agreed to send a small band of Jedi Knights, both to deal with the problem on a more personal level.

If you work for the Council, then you are one of those Knights. If you don not (i.e. you are a Renegade), then you are visiting the Temple for one reason or another, and perhaps have agreed to help..

None of you yet know how much worse the situation is than it looks. Yet for some reason... that you can't quite put your finger on... you all feel uneasy about this deceptively simple mission...

The Dark Side players will be making the first major move in this game. You people won't be leaving Coruscant until they have acted (as their actions will speed the urgency of your mission).

Before that point, feel free to socialise, introduce yourselves, make plans, talk to the Council about your fears (more recommended for Masters than Knights), or anything else relevant you can think of.

The major action should start in a few days once Dim is back and we can kick off the plot.

Phinney is standing outside the council chambers. Waiting for is promotion to jedi knight, He fears thought that if he is promoted to knight that he will be chosen to go to Damagran. He does not want to go there instead he wants to be sent on a different mission, one much less dangerous. He thinks that the knights should not be sent there.

'Phinney?' says Trorn, a disciple who acts as the liasion to the Council.

'The Council will see you now'

He beckons for you to enter.

(Phinney- you selected a Ronin as your template, right? Do you want to change your mind? A Ronin wouldn't be worried about being a Knight, yuo see... he doens't follow the code...)

....as the Jedi known as Oasis exits the Jedi Council he see's the young, soon to be Knight Phinney and bows his head. The door closes behind him, and Oasis realizes that Phinney is about to receive the same news that he heard just a few moments ago, that he is to go to the planet Damagran to settle the conflict that has arisen. Oasis had reasoned he would be one of the few Jedi Knights selected to go, and despite the strange feelings he couldn't help but antipate leaving the Temple for Damagran, where surely adventure awaited. As he was walking down the corridor, he heard Master Windu from inside the Council Chamber, "Welcome Phinney..."

When yuo enter the Council Chamber, Phinney, the most notable thing is Yoda's absence. Still, even when is is not there people seem to treat his seat as something to be revered.

Trorn closes the door behind you, staying outside. He also tries to catch the attention of Oasis, if he wishes to talk to him...

In the Chamber, the Council eyes you carefully, Phinney. They all have the wonderful ability to make you feel small, no matter how good you are.

"Well, then," begins Ki-Adi Mundi, after Windu has welcomed you in. "It's is easy to sense what you are wating for. And we can tell you, young Phinney, that you HAVE passed the tests..."

"The Council grants you the title of Jedi Knight, Phinney," says Windu. "You are a Padawan no longer."

Before you can answer, Mundi speaks again.

"But as you know, the life of the Knight is that of the deepest and most serious commitment. I have to tell you now that you may be called upon to act sooner than you anticipated..."

" Thank-you master Windu " Wishing to ask about yoda's absence, but moves along on his way to the exit of the council chambers.

"One more thing, Phinney," says Mundi as you leave.

"Talk to Oasis. He should be nearby. And he should be able to tell you more."

"Yes Master" As he exits he stops to talk to Oasis for awhile. " Oasis do you have any idea why Yoda is not in his usual place?"

'Aaaahhh.....' says Trorn, walking over to the both of you. 'That's actually something I wnated to talk to you both about... this is just a personal request from me, you understand? Not an order. But I think it would be nice if we kept any discussion on Yoda's absence to a minimum. I mean, there's already enough unfounded rumour running around on this place. It's bad for the young Padawans, you see. Let's keep our anxieties proeprly focussed, eh?'

Trorn is annoying, but it is difficult to doubt his dedication to the cause. Whether you do as he says or not is up to you.

"ok Trorn me and Oasis with talk in private in my chamber"

"Good good!" says Trorn, with a patronising smile. He returns to waiting outside the Council Chamber doors.

* goes to chambers *

He follows him in

(Yeah I do I had made my stats for an adventurer, and I guess I wan't to be that)

Meanwhile...

There is a disturbance in the Force.

Chaos is coming to the Galaxy. Elusive threads threaten to tear the Republic apart. You try to reach out and grab these threads, but they slip away from you.

Somewhere in the Galaxy the trouble strikes. You see a harsh rocky planet with a settlement around a dead volcano, with much pain and death coming from it

You zip away from that planet, and soon you see another, a world that is bright white. There is some form of platform nearby, and you see inside that platform. There are... people imprisoned there, and there are people fighting... a LIGHTSABRE fight...?

And for just a moment, you catch sight of a handsome man with pure hatred in his mind...

And then, Master Gundark, you wake up in your chambers, sweating slightly, your vision over.

...Meanwhile, back in Phinney's chamber, he and Oasis begin discussing their newest mission. "I am sure you to have had your misgivings about this mission. Nobody can place a finger on it, but a disturbance in the Force unlike any I have ever felt is coming from the planet to which we are to be sent. I fear the darkside may be growing" Oasis stated, waiting to see Phinney's reaction...

(Just a quick point- because you are all excpetional people, you have this certain feeling that something is very wrong, which is something others have not felt yet. Gundark's vision, especially, gives you good cause to be worried. So talk of the rise of the Dark Side is perfectly valid.

Just in case though... remember, every Jedi knows that the Sith have been extinct for a millennium, and Dark Side Jedi are exceedingly rare. It would take more than few bad feelings to start suspecting such things... you will get cause enough eventually, of course.

Right now, you suspect the Dark Side is rising in the form of greater evil from the people as a whole. When you discover there are indiviudals behind it, you should be considerably surprised.

Thanks for listening, and keep playing!)

Note- just added Trorn to the Profiles thread. That place will be used to keep a record of the important charatcers you meet. Trorn isn't actually THAT important, but I thought I would demonstrate the principle. Please feel free to add descriptions of yuor own characters if you have thought of them.

Yes Oasis I felt an errie thing going on too.
I think there is more to this than pirate attacks, I feel something wrong.

"Come let us find Master Gundark, the Council made me aware that she would be joining us. I don't have to tell you she is one of the wisest Jedi Masters, perhaps she can shed some light on the darkness in our visions...."

I hope your right

Meanwhile, at the Council chambers, RC has arrived. He has been summoned before the Council once again.

It has been 4-years since his return to the Jedi Order, but he is still hesitant of the Council, knowing how they were unhappy with his decision to leave the Order 14-years earlier.

Master Yoda was particularly scathing in his condemnation and, to this day, RC still finds it hard to talk with the Jedi Master.

“Trorn,” RC greets the Jedi, bowing low. “I have been summoned before the Council."

'Cree!' says Trorn, delightfully, trying (with no evidence of success) to hide the contempt he feels for ANYONE who could contemplate leaving the Order.

'Well, I'd best not keep you waiting...' he said, opening the doors to the Council...

"Many thanks Trorn," once again bowing as he passes. It has never gone unnoticed to RC that brother Trorn also disapproved of the actions of my youth.

RC steps before the council, noticing with some relief that Master Yoda is absent from his usual seat between Jedi Master Windu and Jedi Knight Ki-Adi Mundi.

He steps to the center of the room and lowers his head is salute to the 11 members of the council who are present.

'Rattrius...' says Windu. 'It has been a while. The Council has missed your services'

I have been in... uh... meditation Master. Master Yoda advised me that it would serve me well to contemplate what I have learned since my return to the Order.

RC raises his head to face Master Windu. It has been 4 years Master. "Does the Council hold the actions of a boy in such distaste as to have me meditate over every little mistake?"

"It was not my intention to displease the Council, but to be stuck, here, in the temple, for four years is not what I returned to Coruscant to do."

(Just to clarify, I have been back in the order for 4 years)

'We will not hold your life against you; not at all' said Windu. 'Your path is your own; we will not chose it for you'

'Master Yoda feels your time meditating has done you good," says Ki-Adi Mundi. 'He... still feels you have more to learn'

'But,' says Windu, 'A dire need is growing for Knights of your calibre. The Council has decided that it is time you were allowed to return to the Galaxy with our full backing'

"I have felt.... A.... uh... disturbance, centered around a place, a planet. It is hard to distinguish. Is this my destiny?"

Windu and Mundi exchange glances, somewhat alarmed. Mundi speaks first.

"The future is... clouded, right now'

Windu takes over 'For now, we are focusing on the present. There is a... complex situation developing in the Outer Rim'

"Yes Sir, I understand. What is it that you require me to do?" RC tries to hide his concerns, clearly he has picked up on something much bigger than he is.

"I'm hoping," says Windu, "that you are aware of the current political problem at Damagran. I have word that the Senate have just finished debating the issue, and have decided that the Confederacy must be free to decide whatever it wants. However things are... not that simple."

"I have had.... rather a lot of time to contemplate this matter Master Windu. Damagran has featured prominantly in the daily newscasts."

Mundi talks

"Indeed. What you do not know is that the Council recently received a request for help from Derin, a prominant political leader on Damagran itself. Derin leads the part of the Government that wants to stay with the Republic. He wants our help

Of course, we cannot be seen to be interfering politically. But Derin insists he has proof that his life is in danger,a nd that anti-Republicans plan to kill him in order to ensure that Damagran votes for independance.

We are alreayd sending a mission to the Confederacy to deal with the pirating problem. We would like you to go and investigate this problem with Derin; protect his life if you must, but do not be drawn into a conflict which is not ours to comment on."

Meanwhile Phinney is peacefully resting in his chambers, All of the sudden he wakes up, He runs to the jedi council door, "Throrn I must speak with the council"

Trorn splutters splutters almost uncontrollably.

'Speak the Council! Now? I-i-i-impossible! They have not sent for you! And they are talking to Cree!'

In the Council Chamber, The Council and RC are soon aware of the commotion outside.

"I am to attend to Derin alone?" RC asked, bewildered that the Council should grant him such an important task, after 4 years of redundancy.

Before an answer can be forthcoming, a commotion is heard beyond the doors of the Chamber and RC can clearly make out the heated words of Phinney.

Windu looks over interestedly at the commotion.

Sighing, Mundi gets up and heads to the door, after exchanging nods with Windu.

Menawhile, Windu continues.

"We hope you will appreciate what we mean when we tell you the reason why we think you are suitable for this mission..."

"Master?" RC can't help but be distracted from the disturbace at the door.

Mundi strides through the Council doors. Trorn panics somewhat.

'"I'm sorry!" he says. "This one... he..."

Mundi waves his hands to indicate all is well, and there is silence. He looks over Phinney, carefully.

Meanwhile, Windu is still talking to RC.

"We are sending no official assistance to the Republicnas on Damagran. If we were so openly to back their side it could create sympathy for the seperatists. Howver, if Derin were to receive a bodyguard of his own accord...

"You can go to Damagran and offer your services, and people would beleive the Council if we said it was your decision alone

"Please, do not think we are taking advantage of your situation. But as I have said, these are difficult times and we are forced to do as we must."

"So, I am to play the renegade? Plausible deniability?"

So this is their game RC thinks to himself, send me on a mission and let me slit my throat with my own Lightsaber.

"I must admit to being gravely concerned by the Councils decision, but I guess I am left with no choice in this matter."

"Please understand," says Windu, and it is not hard to see that this point has been debated fiercely "this is not an order from the Council. It is not even a strongly worded request. If anything, it is a favour we ask. We think the protection mission is the right thing to do, but going about it is very difficult.

We think you are the most capable resource for the job, and we ask you to do this for us. But we will respect your decision.

The Knight Oasis is taking the expedition to Damagran. At least go with him and see what you think of the situation."

"I understand that Master Windu, and I am sure that my time with Corsec will be as invaluable in this mission as my training as a Jedi.

"I assume I am to undertake this mission covertly? To appear to all as the Renegade that my past has so often appeared to portray."

"That would be wise," concurs Windu. "In fact, the whole mission to Damagran will probably be best left quiet. While the battlecruiser the Senate has sent will work to openly deter the pirates, Oasis will be working quietly; we have no wish to force a confrontation out there."

"When must I depart Master, will I travel with Phinney and Oasis?"

Gundark sat up with a start, rubbing her eyes, but unable to rub the vision in her dream from her mind. She sensed turmoil with the council and decided since she would be summoned there sooner or later, she may as well get up. She showered, still rolling the vision over and over in her head. Drying her hair and getting dressed, she checked the newscast for the lastest update on the Damagram situation.

Meanwhile, back in his chambers Oasis was gathering his things, preparing for his departure to what was to be a grand adventure. Master Yoda had warned him several times that adventure was not what the Jedi seeked, but Oasis could not hide his excitement. There was more to this mission than on the surface, Damagran was shrouded with darkness, Oasis was ready for anything...

"Master? Jedi Mundi?" RC is confused as neither council member replys. "Master?"

"It should be within the next few days..." says Windu. "We are still waiting word fro,m the Republican Captain put there.

Do you have any further questions?"

Meanwhile, Mundi is outside, still looking at Phinney.

"Young Phinney..." he says. "You seem... troubled..."

RC nods, "I will take my leave of you Master and prepare for the journey. I fell it best that I travel incognito, rathar than as a Jedi Knight. Thereby distancing myself from the order to allay suspicion of Jedi involvement.

"If that is all Master." RC turns and strides confidently away, inwardly smiling at the turn of events.

At the door was he gives Phinney the slightest on nods before heading back to his apartment.

Meanwhile, Gundark is checking the news.

Of course, it's a large Galaxy, and Damagran is a long way out. The only reason that it is still featuring is because they are reporting the Seneate debate on the problem.

Both sides appear to be well represnented. Derin is making stirring speeches about historical and cultural ties to the Republic. His opposite number, a man named Faylar, seems quite the firebrand. Not only does he accuse the Republic of doing nothing to protect the outlying worlds, he accuses them of actively inciting the problem, in an attempt to drive people inwards towards the core.

It must be said, this Faylar seems to have a lot of support. It seems certain that Damagran and the confederacy will cede, and that could be a disaster for the Republic.

One other thing DOES catch your eye, Gundark. The telecast does a brief biew of each of the 14 planets of the Confederacy. You recognise one of them! You saw it in your vision! The rocky planet, with the space port built around a dead volcano- there it is!

The planet's name is Jaglon Beta, and it is one of the larger Confederacy worlds. Apparently, it is the centre of the piracy problem.

Meanwhile, at his Coruscant apartment, RC is careful packing away his Jedi robes. The very act brings back painful memories of a time, 14 years earlier, when he had undertaken this same task for very different reasons.

He folds the brown, hooded cloak and places in into the dresser, next to the pale smock and pants. The boots stand to one side, clean and shining.

Now wearing clothes more becoming of a bodyguard for hire, he slips his Blastech DL-44 into the thigh mounted holster on his right leg, whilst the less powerful, but with greater stamina, DH-17 is to be found in against his left leg.

Picking up is Lightsaber, he slips open the charge pack pouch of his holster and drops the saber, pommel up, into it.

Surveying his new look in the wall-mounted mirror, he is satisfied that, with a few days growth around his chin, he can pass for a bodyguard with no suspicion of Jediness at all.

Gundark's eyes widened at the broadcast. The scanner displayed the planet in her vision as an exact replica, so much so that her fingers reached out of their own volition to touch the screen. Faylar.......sounds like he wants to make a name for himself, she thought, tucking the name away for future reference.

A quick note from the Mod

Sorry for the delay in getting thing off the ground here, guys. Due to unforseen circumstances the Dark Side part of this plot has been delayed, so I can't quite move things along at the speed I wanted. However, thre Dark Side are all ready now and things should soo take off. Keep it coming!

RC took a final look then, after unholstering his blasters and placing them securely into his room safe, he headed for the door.

"Time to test out this disguise on the denizens of Coruscant I think."

Gundark moved slowly along the corridor, her Jedi robes flowing behind her, absorbed in a hand-held viewer when she nearly walked into RC, just leaving his quarters. "Oh, sorry RC," she began, then took full notice of his clothing. "Nice blaster," she observed with a grin. "Heading off-world ?"

"I'm afraid I can't discuss it my friend, I have a special assignment to attend to."

RC turned away from his friend quickly, worried that his face may reveal the trepidation in his heart.

"May the Force be with you," he called as he hurried away. "I'll be in touch."

Gundark, you notice someone watching the two of you as RC walks away. You feel a tiny amount of apprehnesion at first, but then you recognise the robes of a Jedi Knight.

This man is Argentis, a recently confirmed Knight and, you believe, a friend of Phinney's. Why he was watching you, you don't know. He catches your eye and smiles.

RC, you have probably spotted Argentis as well.

A note from the mod...

Argentis' profile has now been posted in the profiles thread. Bascially, he has been thrown in earlier than planned to givr you guys something to do until the Dark Side stop arguing and get on with things... amusing though that is.

You will be off-world in a couple of days (real-time), so make sure you are ready.

Gundark- you are suddenly overcome with great feelings of distant pain... Argentis looks at you curiously as you stumble in the corridor.

Something terrible has happened! Out there, where your vision was...

Meanwhile, elsewhere, Trorn runs hurriedly up to Oasis. He looks alarmed

"Oasis!" he says, catching his breath. "you mut go before the Council immediately!"

RC walks on, in silence towards the elevator. Now what was the child Argentis skulking about for? RC Thinks to himself. Shaking his head, he enters the lift car and hits the button lowest on the panel.

Argentis catches you, Gundark, as you start to fall.

'Master?' he asks. 'Are you alright?'

Oasis does not hesitate and runs towards the Jedi Council chamber as quickly as he could run. For some reason he felt the disturbance in which Trorn spoke. Oasis burst into the Council looked at Master Yoda. "Master Yoda, why was I beckoned?" Yoda looked at the Jedi Knight and said....

Yoda has indeed returned to the Chamber JO, nice guess...

However, he still does not speak. He simply looks towards Windu.

'Oasis...' begins Windu. 'There has been a serious development in the soituation at Damagran... there has been a disaster.'

Ki-Adi Mundi continues.

'The Republican cruiser the Senate sent to the area has been destroyed, along with the station it was docked at. All hnads were lost. There were no survivors''

'Over 10,000 people have died in this atrocity,' says Windu. 'And it could grow far worse than that., Our sources tell us that if Damagran votes for independance a Civil War could start. The destruction of the cruiser makes this almost a certainty. We cannot protect the sysetm now.'

'Early indications make out that this was an accident,' says Mundi, 'but we already suspect sabotgae. Clearly these pirates are far more organised and dangerous than we imagined'

'Obviously,' says Windu, 'We must act quickly to prevent this disaster getting any worse. Do you understand, Oasis?'

Gundark grabs Argentis' arm. "I felt a tremendous disturbance in the Force. I fear something terrible has happened."

As the car decends, RC is hit by a sudden wash of terrible sadness. It takes a moment for him to recognise the source, Gundark.

Hitting the ascend button, the life abruptly halts and reverses, heading back to the Chambers above. Gundark is never so uncontrolled with her emotions, something truely aweful must have occured.

Dashing through the still parting doors, RC sees Gundark, almost hanging from the arms of Argentis.

"Gundark!" He calls, "are you alright?"

Still staggered by the horrible news of the tragedy, Oasis was able to mutter the words, "Yes, Master Windu. I understand." "Good," responded Windu. "You will leave with the other Knights as quickly as possible. You are excused, and may the Force be with you." Oasis bowed his head and turned and left the Council chambers. The situation had grown far more complicated, and Oasis could not help but feel uneasy about the mission he was about to partake in.

'Should we send for a Doctor?' asks Argentis, looking at you, RC.

It doesn't feel like a medical problem to you. Gundark's mind feels... overwhelmed.

"She's not ill." RC shot back, perhaps a little too abruptly. "She's.... engulfed. Go! Summon Master Yoda, perhaps he can help her."

Argentis hesitates for a moment, and then goes running off in the direction of the Council Chamber.

Gundark , you wake up a little while later, resting comfortably in your chambers. RC and Argentis are still with you. So is Mace Windu.

'Feeling better, Master Gundark?' asks Mace. 'Please, Why don't you tell me what is troubling you so?'

Windu turns quickly to Argentis. 'Would you excuse us, young Argentis?' he asks. Argentis nods and leaves the room as Windu turns back to Gundark.

Aregntis leaves the room, and bumps into Oasis and Phinney. The two of you have been asked to attend Gundark's quarters as ell; the Council seemed to thinkm that this might be important to the two of you. Argentis nods at Oasis, and says a cheery hello to Phinney- the two of you were students together,

RC is fidgety, clearly Master Windu has assembled them all here for some purpose.

Phinney walks in, "Master Windu you requested me?" "I have felt a terrible disturbance in the force."

Windu gently motions for you to be quiet Phinney.

"Please... let Master Gundark speak..."

Gundark spoke slowly, deliberately. "I have felt a tremendous wave of darkness in the Force. A wave of death, of innocents crying out their last breath." She studied the assembled group. "I have also had a vision....in a dream. Of a battle on a brilliant white planet. And of another planet...rocky, volcanic in nature...then I saw this same planet..only just this morning, on the Damagram newscast." She let this weight slowly settle upon her fellow Jedi.

Windu's face reamins calm, as always, but he is obvioulsy thoughtful...

"A vision at Damagran..." says Windu. "Please, Master Gundark... when you are well enough, come to the Council and we will discuss this..."

(Just moving things on a bit... Dark Side will overtake you guys soon!)

Gundark, a little while later you are talking with the Council about your vision. Yoda is abesent again. Some of them are sceptical about its significance, some think it merely refers to the now-destroyed station and there is nothing more to be done about it. No-one can identify the whitr planet, but the rocky one is definitely Jaglon Beta, so your vision must have SOME relevance...

Ki-Adi-Mundi suggests that, as a mission is going to Damagran already, that the Knights go to Jaglon Beta first, to check it out, just in case. The two worlds are close so the delay in the main mission would be small.

Without Yoda, the Council will follow Windu's lead. He is undecided; he can see Mundi's point but is hesitant to delay the vital Damagran mission.

"Do you have anything more to say, Master Gundark?" he asks.

"Jaglon Beta should not be ignored," she finishes, looking pointedly at Windu.

Phinney is walking down the corridor with oasis, Patiently waiting for Gundark, While still wondering what lays ahead. He walks into his chambers, to get ready, and for a moment of meditation.

Windu thinks long and hard for a while, and just for a few moments, he looks troubled. But then he comes to a decision.

"Master Gundark," he says, "I am hesistant to delay the mission to Damagran... but I do agree that your vision at least deserves investigation."

The Council quickly agrees with Windu;s verdict.

"Send for Oasis. I will ask him to take you with him on his mission to the Damagran Confederacy. He will take you to Jaglon Beta; if you do not find anything there immediately, then he will move onto Damagran itself and leave you to investigate Jaglon.

"Send for Cree as well. He must decide how best he should proceed now."

Gundark, you are pleased with the decision... but somewhat concerned. The Council seemd worried about something that you cannot put your finger on, and you very much doubt that they will talk about it. Their worry is part of what convinced them to listen to you; it's almost as if they were expecting a problem like this.

Menawhile, Phinney, there is a knock on your door, as you meditate. Your friend Argentis has come to talk to you.

"Hello, Phinney!" he says, cheerfully. "What;s been going on? I hear they have sent you out on a mission..."

Yes my good friend they have, I wish it could be stopped but I guess not, Phinney walks out of chambers and stops to see oasis and gundark in the council room, phinney had his stuff ready and asks oasis when he is going

Argentis looks nonplussed as Phinney walks out his room.

"They never send ME anywhere..." he says to himself...

Phinney knows what he thought, and says "Don't worry u will get your chance" "Believe me"

...Meanwhile while all this is going on, Lance Windu (nephew of Jedi Master Mace Windu) gets word that the Jedi Council would like to see him. He wonders why the Council would want to see him so soon in his Jedi Knight career. The one that has only lasted half of a month. He never wanted to leave his former master, Fresten Junier, the adventurous Rodian with a heart of gold. But, he would rather fight along-side his mentor-for-life uncle.

Rattrius enters the Jedi Coucil chamber. "You sent for my Masters?"

RC, the Council quickly explains the situation to you.

This presents you with a difficult choice. You can either go to Jaglon Beta, where you may find out more about any threat that Derin may be facing but will be unable to protect him, or go to Damagran where you can protect him but will know nothing!

Both options have their ups and downs. You may NEED knowledge to protect him, but on the other hand he may need someone very soon!

Ah, hard is the life of a Jedi...

On the way to the Jedi Temple Lance sees Trorn outside the Jedi Council's room, meaning that the Council must be meeting with another Jedi Knight at the time.

"Trorn, do you know how long this is going to take till I can get in there to see my Uncle and the other Jedi?"

"Master Windu, I feel it would be best to accompany Master Gundark to Jaglon Beta at this time. I can not protect Derin from a threat we do not understand. If we find nothing then I can move on to Damagran with Oasis."

"It should not take us too much time to assess whether the threat is there or on Damagran."

Phinney is talking to trorn, "WHen are Oasis and I to leave for Damagram?" He thens see Master RC walking out of the council room , and asks if he is going with them

Windu agrees with you, RC. He nods, indicating that you should proceed at your lesiure.

Trorn smiles benignly at you, Lance.

"I am sure Master Windu will make time to see you as soon as is appropriate, young Lance!

"And Phinney... from what I understand you will all be leaving the moment that Oasis' ship is prepared and he is ready to go! Time is very much of the essence..."

Down in the hanger bay, Oasis finished the preperations for the journey to Damagram. He would now await the arrival of the other Knights for what was to be a grand adventure, one of which the darkness was shrouding in mystery.

...Lance walks into the Council room and looks around for a brief moment.
"Uncle, I mean Master, you wanted to see me?" Lance waits patiently for Master Windu to start his discussion. All the while aware of eleven sets of eyes watching him closely.

Phinney walks down to see Oasis's ship, "Ahh here it is" Oasis My good friend we are ready.

Windu looks ever so slightly disapproving of you, Lance...

"Young Lance," says Ki-Adi Mundi, "by now you must be aware of the catastrophe that has occurred in the Damagran Confederacy. We were sening a small diplomatic mission to the area, but after due consultation the Council has agreed that a show of strength by the Jedi would be an apt move at this time..."

"Go and speak to the Knight Oasis, Lance," said Windu. "Accompany him on his mission. You may decide in which way you will best serve the Council; you may accompany Oasis on his diplomatic function, Master Gundark as she investigates a vision she has had, or Cree as he provides protection for a threatened politician on Damagran itself.

"Go now! Time is against us... my Nephew...

And may the Force be with you."

Mod note

With all the players ready, we can finally get off Coruscant! Once everyone has got to Oasis' ship we will move the action to a plent far, far away...

"Yes Masters. I believe I will join Cree to serve as protection."
Young Lance nods to his elders then leaves the council room. He swiftly returns to his quarters to pack for the journey with Oasis and the other Jedi.
Lance reaches the hanger bay in no time at all.
"Hello, Oasis."
"It looks like I will be accompaning you and the other Knights to Damagran."

*Phinney walks into the ship and is welcomed by a droid

Gundark joined Oasis on the hangar deck, waiting patiently for RC.

"Master Gundark, I am honored to serve under u in this mission, and Nothin will happen to the ship, We will get u to your destination

(RC, are you using your own ship? Knights are better pilots than Swordsmen, but as I am cutting you a few favours as you can't use telekinesis I could probably let you have a ship. Oasis would still be the better pilot, but you have plenty of advantages of your own...)

Lance walks into Oasis' ship and greets everyone he sees there. He gets situated in his seat and straps on his crash webbing.

Ok then, guys! Your ship(s) are powered and fuelled and ready to leave. You have clearance to leave at your lesiure.

Next stop, Jaglon Beta. The journey will take a little while, during which time you can plan...

RC joins Oasis and Gundark in the hanger.

"Ready when you are."

Lance yells from inside the ship, "I'm ready too!"

Saying goodvye to the likes of Trorn and Argentis, you finally leave the surface of the planet.

Clearing Coruscant space is always a humbling experience, as you wonder quite how the traffic controllers keep on top of such an enormous amount of space vehicles.

Soon enough, however, you are cleared to your hyperspace route. Before long the course calculations are finished. With a quick flash, your ship enters hyperspace, and the familiar blue swirl surrounds you.

(Oasis, it's your ship, so feel free to describe it)

<A little note...I know very little about ships in the SW universe. So I'll just say its a standard Republic cruiser like in TPM>

Space is so....beautiful

And hyperspace doubly so!

(OK, JO, a standard cruiser it is. Though feel free to make up an idea from scratch for a ship if you want).

The journey to the Damagran Confederacy is mainly uneventful. On the way, you catch up with pieces of news that might be important.

Pirate attacks in the area are on the increase. Nearly everything is being hit; the pirates don't seem to be discriminating against rciher or easier targets; they blast everything in sight. In fact, it's becoming more like a mini-war than a pirating problem. The pirate clan is known as the Red Lance.

News from Damagran indicates that a referendum is even now being taken on the question of independance from the Republic. The vote seems very much split by geography; the North wants to stay loyal while the South want to secede. it looks like the South have the edge, especially with the destruction of the cruiser. You may be too late to change their minds. The leaders on both sides are now always accompanied by large and heavily armed bodyguards. Things are getting very tense.

It is clear that the other planets of the Cofederacy will follow the lead of Damagran.

Apparently, it is clear that your destination, Jaglon Beta, has been virtually claimed by the pirates. No law officials go there any more; the Republican Cruiser was due to go there to sort things out but was destroyed first. Your bright red Republican ship may draw undue attention when you arrive there so be careful and have an excuse ready.

Gundark, you meditate during the journey. The future is uncertain, but you are certain that Jaglon Beta is the right place to be. But also something important is happening on the unidentified white planet! You must discover where it is.

You will arrive at the Confederacy soon.

RC lies in a bunk, snoring loudly.

Phin lays in his bunk trying to get some sleep over RC

Arriving at the Confederacy, you could be mistaken at first for thinking you had jumoed into a war zone. Space traffic control operators bark warnings and orders at you as soon as you are in Confederate space. They are VERY wary of approaching pirates.

When you give your destination as Jaglon Beta, you are met with suspicion. Decent people don't go there any more, especially in ships showing Republican colours. Stioll, they can find no reason to doubt your intentions, and they send you on your way.

JO and RC, you are both veteran space travellers and are paying attention to what you see. Something is not quite right. Evidence of pirate activity is everywhere; you fly past supply ships and merchant vessels heavily escorted by military-grade fighters. Nearly every ship you see shows the tell-tale burn marks of laser combat; fighting has been heavy,

But this is exactly what is confusing you. It DOES look like a war zone, but the COnfederacy is not at war. These are Pirates, not an opposing army. Pirates don't like to hit hard targets; they prefer soft Merchant routes. When you first heard about the pirate problem at the Confederarcy, you were imagining poor defenceless people being shot down mercilessly. Quite the opposite; the Confederacy is obviously well-armed; far better armed than most outlying systems.

If you were a pirate, you could find at least a dozen systems in this secotr of space alone you would rather attack than anyone beloning to the Confederacy. Attacking ships this well protected just wouldn't be worth the cost, unless they were transporting something REALLY rare, and from what you can tell they are just standard goods.

It makes no sense. This pirate clan must be fighting itself into oblivion with the losses it must be taking.

Presnetly, you arrive at Jaglon Beta, a dirty planet that is not particularly big with only one major settlement, where the starport is located. There seems to be nothing else of interest on the planet whatsoever.

Gundark, the first time you see the planet- just for a moment- you feel a disturbance in the Force. Just that, a disturbance. You cannot feel it's nature or meaning. But something is wrong here.

Oasis could not place his finger on it, but something about this place irked him a great deal. He and his fellow Jedi Knights were here to resolve the issue and for the first time he began to realize just how difficult this mission was going to be. Suddenly, Oasis noticed Master Gundark was stirring, "Gundark, what is wrong?"

Phinney is up next to Oasis wondering what is wrond with Gundy

Ok guys, crunch time. Jaglon Beta control is hailing your ship.

"This is the Port Control Tower. Please state your business here."

BTW, the Jedi Mind trick does NOT work over the radio, or at this distance.

RC stirs in his bunk."

Oasis, answer the nice man from the Port Control authority, BEFORE they decide we're a threat and impound the ship."

This always happens

I do feel honour-bound to point out that letting the authorities here seize your ship will leave the bad guys in hysterics. Do you really want Queeq laughing at you?

RC jumps down from the bunk and strolled into the cockpit. Reaching down, he flicked the transmit button.

"This is the CorSec Cruiser Nabulon. We are here at the direct request of Supreme Chancellor Palpatine."

"What is you business here?" shot back a reply.

"Well for one, we hope to assist in routing out your little pirate problem. We need to clear this up quickly as we have business with Derin of Damagran to attend to."

Gundark shot Cree a warning glance. "Do the words covert operation mean anything to you?" she hissed.

RC flicked the transmitter. "Don't panic, I'll deal with it." Flicking the transmitter back on, he smiled to himself.

"CorSec Cruiser Nabulon, you are cleared to dock at berth Sixteen-Alpha-Three."

"Thanks control. Please ensure Security Protocol 8973-2223434-11 is adhered to and do NOT log this immunity vessels docking." RC knew that there was know such protocol, but also knew that the control officer would have no time to check with all the traffic currently entering and leaving the system.

"Of course Sir," the slightly hesitant reply came.

"Thank you control. One more thing, you have been very helpful, I would like to pass on my thanks to your supervisor. What is your operator designate?"

"PL-663319."

"Thanks you control, you've been most kind. CorSec Cruiser Nabulon out." RC flipped the switch a final time and turned to back to a worried looking Gundark. "I'll deal with it," he reassured her.


MOD NOTE

RC, I had to alter your post slightly... Derin is on Damagran itself, not Jaglon... you decided to come here first



RC NOTE

I re-edited a little bit as totally discounting Derin makes the whole exchange between Cree and the controller pretty pointless. Derin was our key to a quick dock you see.

Noew you at least have some clearance to land, you appraoch the space port. Of course, the appearance of a Cruiser flying Republican colours in an area where law and order is supposed to have broken down is bound to cause quite a stir, and a number of other ships fly close during your descent.

The main space port, located at the only major settlement on the planet, is split into two areas. It is built around a long-extinct (and I MEAN extinct) volcano, but a large chasm down the middle neatrly bisects the small city. A grav cable-car connects the two sections. The upper section is off-limits to travellers and is well defended; there is a small landing pad there that you are not cleared to use. Getting up there will be difficult, but if there is something to hide up there it could be worth it.

You land in a bay of the main space port, in the lower section. It is VERY busy. And... you can hardly believe it... pirate ships and fighters are openly docked here, servicing their ships, though you can't get too close a look during the descent.

It's a smooth landing, and soon you are docked and secured. As you prepare to leave the vessel, two customs officials approach your ship.

(BTW, if anyone leaves the ship I would like to know how they are dressed. Going in Jedi robes gets you respect but also makes you a target)

"I don't suppose for a moment any of you have thought to bring a change of cloths?"

RC stood brfore his companions, still dressed in the disguise he had carefully picked out for this mission.

Dark pants and a blue shirt, worn beneath a full length jacket, made from wampa leather conceal a Blastech DL-44 holstered agianst his right leg, whilst a DH-17 is to be found in against his left. His Lightsaber is secreted in the charge pack pouch of his holster, just in case.

During the trip a good amount of stubbly growth had appears on RC's face.

"You'll be made for Jedi before you have taken 5 paces."

Phinney dresses in a gray shirt with green pants

WOnders what Gundark and Oasis intend to do.

Oasis, more worried about the mission than his clothing only brought his Jedi robes. Knowing full well of the danger his apparel presents, he makes sure his lightsaber is clipped securly to his belt.

The customs officials have reached the main hatch. They knock loudly on it.

"Open up! Customs!" they call.

RC looks at the others.

"I'll go." He says. "You three get in the back."

RC presses the release.

"Officers, how may I help y..."

There are two agents, who we will just call Mr. Smith and Mr. Jones.

'Well well well," says Smith.

"Well indeed," says Jones.

"A Republican Diplomatic cruiser, eh?"

"Not seen one of the, in a long time to be sure."

"Does hey look like he is from the Republic?"

"He surely does not"

Smith sucks his lips in against his teeth.

"I don't know; if they are flying Republic colours they must be on Republic business..." he says

"Quite a landing tax for those on official business," says Jones.

Thwy look at you expectantly.

RC reaches into his pocket and produces two shiny, Republic credits.

"I think you will find that this will cover it."

He watches both men as hge implants the image of two large bags of golden republic 1000 credit coins. More than these two would probably earn in a lifetime.

For a moment RC is worried that the suggestion may not work.

"Ah!" says Mr. Smith. "A man who knows his business! How we appreocate that, eh?"

"Er..." says Mr. Jones, looking confused. "Hang on..."

"Well, I guess our inspection is done, though do remember that taxes increase the longer you stay here, and as for protection against the pirates, well..." SMith sucks in his cheeks.

"Wait... ah..." says Jones, looking at the coins.

"Come on, my friend, I am sure these travellers wish to be left alone..." Smith turns around ane leaves. Jones follows him, trying to work out exactly what has gone wrong with their routine.

Phinney starts talking to Oasis,

"Man I hope we can restore peace on this planet" I hope the mission goes shall I say smoothly"

It looks like you may have your work cut out.

The way is now clear for you to enter the docking area and the rest of the space port.

It seems that pirate fighters are just landing from a recent raid. Engineers are scuttling out to service the ships. Again, the scale of the operation surprises you.
One brightly coloured ship appears to be getting the lion's sahre of the repiar work done to it. The pilot hops out of the ship, on his hands. He is a Dug, and a violent looking one at that. He starts to push the engineers around.

No sign of law enforcement can be made, except for the 'Customs' officials, who seem a little confused right now...

There are, however, plenty of security personnel, but they all seem to be working WITH the pirates.

What The Hell is going on, A Civil War

(Strange you shoud mention that, Phinney. If you go to Damagran itself you will see that the two sides are those who favour continued union with the Republic (The Unionists) and those who favour making the Damagran Confederacy independant (The Confederates).

War hasn't started there yet, but it could well do soon. And THIS planet appears to be the source of all the trouble.

The Damagran Confederacy used to be strong and stable. Now this entire planet in it has been given over to the pirates. it is a sad time in the Republic when this can happen, but who is responsible?

So This is a different planet we are on, or is this a city, and the confederacy is the porates, please explain I have been gone and I dont like reading

Ok, Damagran is the Capital world of the Damagran Confederacy where the troubles are.

However, based on Gundy's vision, you guys have gone instead the nearby world of Jaglon Beta, to check it out to see whether her vision meant anything, and you have certainly found SOMETHING wrong here...

"OK, I have a little errand to take care of, before our friend Mr. PL-663319 has second thoughts."

RC heads out of the hanger, following the signs for the Port Landing Authority.

For those of you who cannot think of anything to do, here are some ideas...

1. Find out from the locals what the heck is going on here. Why is a supposedly civilised Republican world given enitrely over to pirates?

2. Talk to the pirates and find out why they are proceeding with such a dangerous operation, and more to the point where are they getting all the resources from to do it?

3. Find a way past the security stopping you from getting to the upper level, where you are bound to find more info.

4. And for RC (and anyone who wants to help him), try to uncover any evidence of a plot to assassinate Derin.

RC, the PLA is very close indeed, though it is not quite the well-run place you may have imagined. It is full of pirates trying to get various administrative things signed. That Dug is on his way there now, looking mean.

Gundy, that Force disturbance... of course, it is rare to feel a Force disturbance around a place or person, and sure enough you cannot feel it any more. It was more of... a possibility, like something or someone here had the potential to cause great change... for the worde.

Phinney follows RC and Gundy

Gundark clipped her sabre back in place, having been holding it loosely in her left hand, listening to RC's conversation with security with half a grin. His money had spoken louder than any words. Like Oasis, she had chosen not to wear a disguise, deciding the risk to openly appear in her jedi robes was worth the danger it might present, no matter how that danger prickled in the back of her mind. The air that filtered in from the open hatch smelled hot with fuel exhaust and lubricants. Well, she'd been worse places.....

Assuming they go the same way, of course.

Standing just outside the gates to the PLA, RC turns to Gundy and Phinney.

"Look, if we all go in there, someone is gonna get suspicious. Shooo! Go find your trouble elsewhere."

As Gundark and Phinney walk away, RC enters the complex.

*TALKING TO GUNDY* "I feel suspicious of this place, I feel like it has something to do with the other planet" I feel the darkside hear.

RC, the crowd at the PLA is getting a bit tight. One of them slips backwards slightly in the queue and backs into that Dug. In typical Dug fashion, it responds by 'kicking' him to the floor with his hands and jumping on top of him.

"Oh, just LEAVE him, Jemel..." says one of the nearby pirates, resignedly. Jemel does not seem to listen, and starts to punch at the terrified man.

Phinney see the police and pirates attacking the citizens, He then walks over to try to straighten things out.

Meanwhile RC has entered the complex. The corridors are bustling with people, but not the kind that he would have expected to find in a major planetary control office.

The place is crawling with pirates, reprebates, the basic skum and villiany of the galaxy... RC pulls back his shoulders and strides into the throng, allowing his size to clear the way for him.

More than once a pirate or other individual took exception to his hurried progress, but a slipped in suggestion of badness that would ensue should they decided to follow up on their ugly glances ensured that his progress was swift.

Three floors up, hidden at the end of a grimey corridor, RC found the wide expance of the Port Landing Authority control office. Harrassed looking controllers were attempting to keep order in the skys above.

It took RC less than 4 minutes to find his friend PL-663319, an aged Twi'lek, missing much of one of his lekku and looking decidedly unhappy.

RC propped himself on the edge of the desk and waited for the green skinned alien to notice him.

"Who are you!" The Twi'lek snapped. "What are you doing here?"

"Ah, Mr. PL-663319. I am Mr. Cree, I am here to ensure that you adhered to my instruction to follow Security Protocol 8973-2223434-11."

"Hrmph! You don't look like CorSec to me!"

"Now, now. Remember, Security Protocol 8973-2223434-11"

The Twi'lek looked blankly at Cree. "Security Protocol 8973-2223434-11, yes, of course."

"That's much better... Now tell me, Why is a supposedly civilised Republican world given itself almost entirely over to pirates...?"

The controller looks a little confused as he speaks.

"Well..." he says. "I wouldn't say we were... ah... given OVER to pirates... as such...

"But this world... we weren't getting anywhere... the runt of the Confederacy. Having the pirates here... it's turned things around...

"Of course, the pirates wouldn't stay... it's too dangerous here for them... if it wasn't for... the gold shipments... with the gold they are paying for everything they need... everyone is becoming rich..."

He blinks, heavily.

"But... why do YOU need to know all that, anyway? I'm a very busy man, you know!"


Meanwhile, outside the office, you, Phinney, have just arrived at the argument.

Well, it's less of an argument than a beating, now. The Dug, Jemel, is still kicking at the fallen man, who is groaning. Jemel yabbers in an alien language, rapidly. His friends- well, associates, anyway- are unesuccessfully trying to get him to stop, and are now giving up and getting on with things.

RC files that away for future reference.

"Yes, yes, I know. You are a very busy man... One more question. Have you heard anything of assassination attempts, say on anyone of any stature ?"

Escuse me I think he has had enough

"I... I wouldn't know much about that..." said the controller. "I heard that Pellorans' friend had some people killed, but then we heard lots of things... his friend HAS just organised a new mission to Damagran, actually... he and his cohorts only leave the planet when there is trouble. Mind you, they've only just come back from ONE mission..." he says, before he realises he is talking for no reason again. "Look... let me get back to work!"

RC, you know that Pelloran is the head of the pirates (and if the pirates are in charge around here. then he is running things). As to who his 'friend' could be, and who he had killed you have no idea.

Meanwhile, Phinney, as you speak, the Dug stops kicking rh man and looks at you. Then he begins a ferocious tirade at YOU, jabbering and pointing and gesturing. Lucky you don;t understand his language, though you think he does KNOW your language, just he doesn't use it when angry..

You sense he may well turn violent on you in a moment.

*trys to calm him down.*

You can certainly try, but he is an aggressive being and I'll need some idea how, or what you are saying.

"I dont think violence is the key in this matter, You never know next time he may have guards or worse and you will be left for dead, where as if you sorted it out by talking it wouldn't provoke him to get protection of send a bounty on you."

The Dug jabbers back at you quickly, somwthing that roughly translates as:

'Stay out of this you big-nosed prat'

No I refuse to, You are hurting this poor man for no reason

"Yeah? He annoyed me! And so are you! So get back or I'll turn you into bantha fodder!"

I warn you to stop