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Coruscant

The officer assigned to your mission returns to your unmarked civilian airspeeder with a to-go bag of fast food from the neaby diner. He hops into the passenger seat and sets the bag on the dash.

"Long line formed just after I got in," says Officer Quinto. "Good timing on my part, I think. Anything happening?"

Unfortunately, Wentar, nothing has happened in hours. The Council has tasked you with putting a stop to a notorious gang of speeder thieves that have been running rampant in the lower levels of Coruscant, something you feel could have been handled by local security. They have apparently been unable to stop it themselves, and so you were called in.

At the moment, you are parked in one of the airways between the tall Coruscanti buildings, outside of a strip mall. On the other side of the airway, down a short distance, is a fabulous, brand new Guster 5600 airspeeder with all the latest conveniences. It belongs to no-one; it is a decoy to lure the speeder thieves.

"Nothing yet," Wentar replies, still keeping an eye out for any kind of suspicious activity. "You think they suspect anything?"

"Fancy speeder parked outside a casino," Quinto says, unwrapping his food. "Nothing to suspect. Do you think they'll actually come?"

Intuition is not something you are fantastic with, Wentar, prefering to live in the here and now with the Living Force... but yes, you have a feeling that tonight is the night.

Wentar grabs something from the bag. "Now that you mention it I've got a good feeling this time, but still we could be waiting another five minute to an hour before anything happens."

"I guess you're right," Quinto says. He munches on the burger-esque item of food that he purchased. "What's it like, anyways? Being that sure about things."

Wentar places his food down, thinking. "You know, I never give it much thought. Truthfully I'd say it's a bit constrictive but relieving at the same time, for example it's like knowing the outcome of a sports game, relieved your team wins but you can't enjoy the moment because you know the outcome. It's not an accurate example though, it's a hard thing to explain," Wentar chuckles a little. "Like if a Rodian asked you what it's like without antennae or a Wookie asks how being furless is."

"As good as explanation as I'll ever get," Quinto responds, cheerfully eating his burger.

Roughly another hour passes before anything happens, all the while your senses growing keen and impatient. Quinto finishes his food, takes a nap, which you rouse him from when you notice the open-top airspeeder pull alongside your Guster decoy. There are five men inside; one hops out onto the Guster!

"Looks like we have our guys... We should follow them back to where ever they're hiding," Wentar suggests, trying to spot any kind of registration on the open top airspeeder. "I don't want to turn this into a high speed chase through Coruscant's airways."

"Think you can trail them without being obvious?" Quinto asks. "We don't have intel about where they're holed up, but if you think you can get us there..."

"Shouldn't be too hard, anyway if we tried anything now they'd flee. Best bet we have is to track them home, where they have nowhere else to run."

Quinto agrees with you.

The speeder thieves are not trying to be inconspicuous in the least, aiming for a quick heist. Soon they have deactivated the security airbrake and, discovering that it is low on fuel, just hooked the Guster to the back of their speeder with wire.

"They're on the move," Quinto says.

"Indeed," Wentar will wait a few seconds before following, no wanting to draw attention by taking off right away. "Luckily towing that speeder will slow them down a little..."

Your speeder quickly and quietly hums along after them. The speeder thieves are driving as fast as their speeder will allow them with the expensive theft in tow and moving at a slight downward angle, towards lower levels of Coruscant's ecumenopolis.

Wentar will follow as discretely as he can without losing them.

Wentar is finding it difficult to remain inconspicuous while keeping up with the carjackers. They are weaving in and out of traffic and flying rather dangerously, something Wentar cannot do if he wants to remain unnoticed, but there is the risk of losing them.

Wentar is going to try keep up with them. Going unnoticed will be useless if he loses them. He trusts his flying skills will be good enough to keep up.

Can we contact any other officers in the area or is it just me and Quinto able to do anything?

Nobody else will respond in time. They are trusting that a Jedi can handle this all on his own as it is.

Wentar decides to pick up the pace as he dodges between airspeeders. That's a Pilot check to pick up the speed in traffic. In the airspeeder, he has a pool of 8 dice to roll, needing only two successes to keep up. Just to show how apt he is, Wentar rolls twice as many (all 6s).

You start to speed up and give chase to the speeding thieves. You think one of them notices you, but you can't be sure at this distance.

"These guys aren't giving us much of a choice," Wentar says, weaving through traffic planning on keeping up with the criminals. "Looks like this may turn into a high speed chase after all."

"I expected as much," Quinto says.

To your surprise, the theives' speeder is slowing down.

Wentar will match their speed.

"This smells like a trick..." He'll stay alert and ready to speed up if the thieves decide to take off again.

Am I too far away to use Scan on their driver? To see if he's planning to take off or if they really are stopping here.

Too far away. The speeder is continuing to slow and is positioning itself in front of you.

"What are they playing at?" Wentar wants to move so they're no longer right in front of him, airspeeder equivalent to lane changing or something.

He may only have a pool of 4 but can Wentar make on observation roll on them?

When you shift over, you catch a glimpse of what they are doing in the car. They seem to be reaching for something below their seats in the back. And then they pull back in front of you.

Wentar frowns, not liking this one bit. He speeds up, wanting to pull up beside them before they grab whatever is below their seats.

The driver is doing his best to keep in front of you, and soon you figure out why. The two in the back have pulled out blaster rifles and aim them at the wire holding the stolen speeder to theirs.

Wentar will push his airspeeder to top speed, aiming to go around and get in front of the thieves. Using the fact he's not towing a second speeder to his advantage.

Would it be feasible for Wentar to jump onto their speeder if he were in front of them?

Feasible, but you may need to give Quinto warning before leaping out of the driver's seat...

Pulling around them proves to be difficult when the driver keeps cutting you off. The thugs in the back seat line up shots with the wire and blast the stolen speeder free. Since you are catching up behind their speeder, this causes the fancy hovercar to come careening straight for you!

"Hold on!" Wentar orders Quinto.

I want to dive down to avoid the hovercar, then get back to chasing the thugs.

The driver rolls two successes against you, but you roll three in return! Your evasive action is good and the fancy Guster sails past you and into traffic where it inevitable causes some problems. But Wentar is in the clear!

As far as the car goes, anyways. Now he has other concerns as the three thugs with the blaster rifles start firing off lasers at your airspeeder, trying to damage it.

---

SPEEDER CHASE, START OF TURN 1

Coruscant Airways

Driver (P 6): 30 (A1)

Carjackers x3 (G 5): 0


Wentar (P 8): 30 (A1)

Quinto (G 8): 1(P1)/1(P1)/0

---

The Driver and yourself are both piloting speeders and can take evasive actions against shots taken at your respective vehicles. Each speeder has an Armor value of 1.

Quinto is reaching for a case in the back this turn.

Wentar is going to evade until Quinto gets, what I am assuming is, his gun. "And now it's a shoot out... This is going brilliantly," Wentar sighs.

Wentar takes evasive action as the shots start pouring in! Bolts zip past when they miss or flash against the hull of the speeder when they hit, as the speeders continue to descend deeper into the lower levels.

Wentar rolls only two successes against the mooks, but this means that the first misses completely. The second rolls three successes for four damage, and just one from the third, for two.

---

SPEEDER CHASE, START OF TURN 2

Coruscant Airways

Driver (P 6): 30 (A1)

Carjackers x3 (G 5): 0


Wentar (P 8): 24 (A1)

Quinto (G 8): 1(P1)/1(P1)/0

---

And yes, Quinto is grabbing his gun, which turns out to be a sleek sniper rifle.

"Shooting to disable!" Quinto tells you, indicating the speeder's engine.

"Just tell me when you want me to keep her steady," Wentar says, evading the fire again this round.

After rolling an inordinate amount of 2s, Wentar gets another two successes.

Quinto gets initiative! He lines up his shot with the rifle and cuts loose a bolt towards the aft of the speeder. He has a pool of 8, boosted to 10 by the accuracy of his sniper rifle doubled by Marksman, brought back down to 8 by. He also decides to tap Eagle Eye so that each success does two points of damage. He impressively gathers seven successes, meaing his single shot does 17 damage to the speeder as it slams directly into the rear thrusters. It starts trailing black smoke.

Thanks to his evasive flying, Wentar's speeder only takes three damage. A bolt flashes and burns a neat hole in the windshield, but that is all.

---

SPEEDER CHASE, START OF TURN 3

Coruscant Airways

Driver (P 6): 13 (A1)

Carjackers x3 (G 5): 0


Wentar (P 8): 21 (A1)

Quinto (G 8): 1(P1)/1(P1)/0

---

"No need," Quinto says.

"You sure your not a Jedi?" Wentar jokingly asks, still trying to dodge the incoming fire.

Is their speeder slowing up at all?

It does seem to be slowing a little...

Wentar pulls through a bit better this time, getting five successes on eight dice.

Quinto gathers initiative again, tapping Marksman for a ten-dice attack. Only four successes this time, one of which is discounted by evasive flying from the other speeder. Five damage still leaves it in pretty bad shape, though.

All of the carjackers miss!

---

SPEEDER CHASE, START OF TURN 4

Coruscant Airways

Driver (P 6): 8 (A1)

Carjackers x3 (G 5): 0


Wentar (P 8): 21 (A1)

Quinto (G 8): 1(P1)/1(P1)/0

---

"Pretty sure," Quinto says.

The smouldering speeder is descending towards what appears to be an abandoned speeder garage, and it is descending fast. It will reach it in a turn.

"We should let them land, we don't want to cause any more destruction if we can avoid it."

Wentar will speed up and attempt to land his own airspeeder before them.

The driver of the other speeder performs a very haphazardly landing that involves several thuds along the landing platform, skidding along it, and smashing against the enormous blast door that covers the main vehicle entrance to the speeder garage.

When Wentar lands, the gangsters have pulled themselves out of their now-burning wreck and are taking potshots while making for a doorway.

Quinto ducks down in the speeder as bolts explode nearby, then takes a look about the place and shakes his head. "Oh boy. Know this place at all?"

"Nope, why?" Wentar asks, unclipping his lightsaber from his belt.

Is there time for me to yell at them to freeze with something intimidation roll worthy before they make it to the door?

Nope, they've made it through and shut it behind them.

"We've been keeping tabs on this place," Quinto says as he hops out of the speeder, tactical rifle in hand. "If they came here... these carjackers aren't a lone operation. Know anything about the Stardusters?"

Savoir-Faire check... Wentar does know a little. The Stardusters are a group of young men not content with the way the Galaxy is, but they do not see things righting themselves so they want to ruin it further. They steal, they smuggle, they kill. They aren't nice people.

"This is, we suspect, their headquarters," Quinto says. "We'll need backup if we're right."

"I wont argue with you there. Though we shouldn't stand out here in the open until reinforcements arrive," Wentar says, looking around for any sign of activity. "Lets find somewhere more secure and call in the cavalry."

Quinto shakes his head.

"We need to get in there," he says. "Dangerous, I know, but if the Stardusters are notorious for anything, it is their ability to vanish when the jig is up. We can't give them that chance, Wentar. We're prodding on a year-old investigation, here."

"I understand... Alright then, getting in there wont be a problem. It's what happens after wards I'm worried about."

What does the outside layout of the building look like? How many entrances, anything window like we could look in to see the inside of the building?

"You said your other officers have been keeping tabs on this place. Do you know of anything we could use to our advantage here? Backdoors or things along those lines?"

As is typical of Coruscant architecture, this forgotten garage is sturdy enough that it serves as part of a mega-skyscraper that reaches high up into Coruscan't atmosphere. The vehicle entrance and the landing pad protrude further out from the side of said structure. The two accessible entrances are the massive blast door meant for speeders, and the smaller door that the thugs went through.

"I will climb up to the windows just over the entry," Quinto says. "It will give me a decent vantage point to cover you from. That was always part of the plan if we decided to take this place. Anything else doesn't really help us, I'm afraid."

That blast door will take too long to cut through... Looks like it's the smaller door time!

"Give me a signal when your in position, then I'll cut through the entry and... Well lets hope I get a shot at talking them down first, eh?"

"Doubt it," Quinto says. "Cut your way in, I'll be ready."

Quinto is going to use a built-in ladder to one side of the heavy blast door to climb up to those windows.

Well Wentar will go ahead and cut the door down.

I assume you want my loadout? Foccussed guard, Reflection and Block please.

Perfect.

Your lightsaber sinks into the door and slowly melts it away until it falls inwards. You step through into near darkness, but there is light ahead of you.

The inside of the massive speeder garage, since it no longer serves that purpose, is reminiscent of the warehouse from Indiana Jones where they stash the Ark of the Covenant. Full of crates! With alleys between wide enough for speeders to move through. There is also a clearing, where you hear hushed voices and hurried footsteps. Men are loading a large truck-like speeder with as many crates as they can grab.

The men who you engaged in the speeder chase with are being chastised by a guy wearing a beaten leather jacket and a heavy pistol at his belt, his hair slicked back. He looks like a smuggler.

"You LED them here?!" the smuggler angrily asks.

"Well... yeah..." the Driver says. "They shot back at us! Where were we supposed to go?"

"Anywhere but here!" the smuggler snarls.

Have they noticed me yet?

They have not.

Alright. I don't have intrusion but I do have Presense, could I sneak towards the smuggler looking guy using Presense?

Certainly. The smuggler is preoccupied and Presence works well here amongst the crates so that he nor any of his men in the area notice you as you creep in, having rolled four successes.

"This is just proof that you guys were the wrong people for the job," the smuggler. "You convinced me that you could handle it!"

"How do we make this right, boss?" asks one of the flunkies.

"I'll show you how we make this right..."

In an instance, there is a flash as the smuggler quick-draws and fires his pistol from his hip, striking the driver in the gut. In the same moment, he guns down one of the thugs before it can react. The other two flail and scream uselessly before being shot themselves.

"Idiots," he says, kicking one of them before twirling his pistol stylishly and holstering it. He swivels on the heel of his boot, his back to Wentar's hiding place, and yelps at the gawking underlings. "Get back to work! I want this stuff outta here before the cops show!"

Wentar will use this opportunity to spring forward, activating his lightsaber, holding it against the smuggler. (Obviously not close enough to cut him, but moving would be a bad idea.)

"In the name of the Jedi Order you are all under arrest," he shouts, keeping his lightsaber trained on the Smuggler. "Drop your weapons and get on the floor! We have this place secured and any resistance will be dealt with swiftly!" Wentar hopes Quinto's sniping will disable any runners and that none call his bluff.

Intimidation roll with Presence please.

When Wentar springs into action and holds the smuggler hostage via lightsaber, every goon in the area goes for their guns and draws bead on you before you can even speak.

But when you do, Presence bumps Wentar's Intimidation pool up to 9 dice. He rolls a decent three successes, and while the thugs don't toss down their blasters, they do lower them.

The smuggler laughs.

"They may all have the collective intelligence of a barstool," the smuggler says, "but I'm not a maroon! Those men I just shot told me it was you and the sniper chasing them. This far down, it'll take a lot longer than that for the cavalry to come!"

"I can wait," Wentar says, counting how many goons are in the area. "I have no intention of letting you go anywhere."

Can I disarm him, get rid of that pesky blaster of his?

There are somewhere around thirty. In addition, one has jumped onto a nearby speeder and armed the heavy blaster turret there.

Are you just going to yank it out of its holster?

I'd prefer to throw it away with a flick of the wrist via the force. I wouldn't put it past this smuggler to do something funny if I tried to grab it physically.

The pistol clatters away.

"They will shoot through me if it means they get away," the smuggler warns you. "Not very Jedi-like to take hostages, you know."

"I just assumed you had better control over your men."

Would Empathy or Scan be any use here? See if he's bluffing about them shooting him?

(Note: Any Force points spent during this part of the game will be replenished once it is over, to represent the passing of time. So feel free to go nuts!)

Using Empathy tells you that the flunkies are hesitant to shoot. They are afraid of you, but they are more afraid of the Smuggler.

"Maybe," the smuggler says. "Being held hostage by a Jedi doesn't do much for your image, though."

Things never seem to go as planned...

"Your situation could've been a lot worse. Now lets see if we can work out a more peaceful ending here."

Scan and/or Sense on the smuggler to see what he's feeling and thinking about.

Want to spend the point on Scan or just roll for it?

May as well spend the point.

Wentar concentrates on the Smuggler with Scan. He has a firm mind and it is difficult, but you manage to break in. His emotions are not particularly intense right now; he is surprisingly calm. However, he does feel aggressive... like he might try something...

Crack!

A single blaster bolt zips across the room from on high before anyone can react. It was aimed at the goon mounting the heavy turret at the landspeeder, and it vaporizes his head. Caught offguard, the thugs do not respond right away as they frantically try to figure out where that shot came from. But the Smuggler decides that now is the time to break free from Wentar's hold, making the best effort he can.

He taps out all three Combat schticks in his inventory- Martial Artist, Feint, and Leaping Attack. Focused Guard from Wentar detracts three dice, leaving him with thirteen to play with. He rolls six successes! What the Smuggler does is swiftly snap up a hand to Wentar's and push the lightsaber away from his neck, then twist about and solidly kicks in straight in the solar plexus with his heavy-booted foot. Wentar takes 11 damage as he is knocked flat on his back by the effects of tapping Leaping Attack... which gives the Smuggler a bonus attack as well! Two successes this time (having lost the effects of the other taps for this), but that's still 7 damage. Ouch. This guy knows how to fight, and how to fight dirty.

Which brings us to the start of the next turn.

---

WAREHOUSE FIGHT, START OF TURN 2

High Window

Quinto (G 8): 1/1(P1)/0 (cover: 2)


Warehouse Interior

Thugs x29 (G 5): 0

Smuggler (C 6): 0


Wentar (L 9 / FP 5): 3/3/18

---

Alright, ouch.

Wentar is going to make a run for cover tapping Reflection to start with, swapping it out for Unbreakable afterwards.

Is the defensive option from Focused Guard going towards anyone?

A random thug, as long as block can take over for the missing defense for nominating a target.

Initiative is rolled... and it goes to Wentar and Quinto!

Wentar hurriedly runs for cover before the thugs start firing at him. He settles for a sturdy pile of crates, giving him a point of cover.

Quinto is staying on the offensive. With his dice pool bumped up to 12 by Marksman and the Mook Killing Power of his sniper rifle, he downs a thug gunning for Wentar on the first three dice.

The Smuggler is going after his gun this turn, so that just leaves the mooks. The thugs split their fire evenly between Wentar and Quinto, so fourteen attacks on each.

Quinto benefits greatly from his positioning and Eye of the Storm, and goes untouched. His cover does wear down a bit as blaster bolts blow out the windows and carve into the wall.

As Wentar moves into the crates, he uses his lightsaber defensively to reflect back incoming blaster bolts. With the utmost concentration, Wentar sends back bolt after bolt after bolt from the first wave of shots... resulting in eleven of the fourteen shooters being struck by their own blasterfire! He still takes damage from the few that did shoot well, but it is mitigated to 12 points by the crates, which are now splintered and burning. Overall, the display is miraculous.

---

WAREHOUSE FIGHT, START OF TURN 3

High Window

Quinto (G 8): 1/1(P1)/0 (cover: 1)


Warehouse Interior

Thugs x17 (G 5): 0

Smuggler (C 6): 0


Wentar (L 9 / FP 5): 3/3/30

---

Awesome, I love how that went! Okay! Focusing on another thug with my guard... Erm... After that lets see.

Quick question first though, will I get the defense from Defensive leap before they attack?

If I do here's my plan:

If I get the initiative. Another run to cover, attacking a thug if I can.

If they get initiative. Defensive leap, towards cover if doable.

The thugs are a turn's distance away from Wentar at the moment. If you move in, you can attack, but no cover there.

And Defensive Leap gives a +3 Defense for the entire turn, though in the process takes away your actions, with the exception of leaping somewhere, like cover.

Okay.

If they get initiative. Defensive leap, towards cover.

If I get the initiative. Attack a thug.

I made an error while rolling the attacks against Wentar; because Reflection deflects an unlimited number of attacks when tapped and because Wentar has a Defense of 3, it is technically impossible for any of the thugs to have rolled higher than a total of 12. However, I rolled as if they had a value of 6, not 5... meaning Wentar reflects ALL fourteen attacks back and remains untouched that turn.

This turn, initiative check is a tie, so player privilege to Wentar means he goes first. He rushes out to meet the thugs and attacks one with his lightsaber. This gives him 13 dice (from the ** rating of Lightsabers) to attack with, and he rolls 6 successes, more than enough to cut down the mook.

Quinto gets his target, but only barely.

Then, mooks! Five to attack Wentar, seven for Quinto, since the sniper picked off one of the thugs gunning for the Jedi. Wentar takes nine damage from incoming fire, while Quinto gets nicked by an impressive shot (for a mook).

The Smuggler decides to pick Wentar as his target and lets off a blast with his recovered pistol. The bolt skims Wentar's side and inflicts 6 damage.

---

WAREHOUSE FIGHT, START OF TURN 4

High Window

Quinto (G 8): 1/1(P1)/4


Warehouse Interior

Thugs x12 (G 5): 0

Smuggler (G 9): 0


Wentar (L 9 / FP 5): 3/3/33

---

Focused Guard on the smuggler. Same orders as before.

Initiative to the good guys, again. Wentar goes after another thug and rolls a full nine successes against him (all 5s and 6s), cutting him in two rather suddenly. Quinto shoots down another thug.

"Get the sniper!" the Smuggler shouts. "I'll handle the Jedi!"

All ten thugs turn their blasters on Quinto; his cover has been slagged, but many of them miss due to his Parry from EotS. A few sneak by and give him a scare, and two in particular nearly hit him, but he racks up a fair share of damage in the process.

The Smuggler's pool drops down to 5 dice because of your Guard, but he scores a success on a 1 due to Gunslinger, and hits you with 5 points of damage because of Straight Shooter. He's getting his Gun schticks in...

---

WAREHOUSE FIGHT, START OF TURN 5

High Window

Quinto (G 8): 1/1(P1)/23


Warehouse Interior

Thugs x10 (G 5): 0

Smuggler (G 9): 0


Wentar (L 9 / FP 5): 3/3/38

---

Alright, if I get initiative. Tap Focused guard and attack another Thug.

If they get initiative. Defensive leap.

Initiative to them...

Wentar takes to a Defensive Leap in his effort to throw off the Smuggler's aim, reducing his opponent's pool to 2 dice. But he rolls a 5 and a 6 on those dice! 6 more damage for Wentar. He tries to shoot again (10,000 Bolts... uh oh) but lacks the dice to do so.

Quinto shoots a thug, but Wentar's action is consumed with his Defensive Leap.

---

WAREHOUSE FIGHT, START OF TURN 5

High Window

Quinto (G 8): 1/1(P1)/45


Warehouse Interior

Thugs x10 (G 5): 0

Smuggler (G 9): 0


Wentar (L 9 / FP 4): 3/3/44

---

Moving towards the smuggler this time.

Good guys go! Wentar moves in as Quinto picks off a thug. When he arrives at the Smuggler, he attacks! A single slash deals a total of 11 damage to the aggravated Smuggler.

Firing back, the thugs bring Quinto to the edge of being downed as the lasers strike closer and closer...

The Smuggler seems real uncomfortable with Wentar slashing at him, and shoots back! Three successes is 7 damage, and he gets to shoot again but with lower pool. He gets nothing on the second shot.

---

WAREHOUSE FIGHT, START OF TURN 6

High Window

Quinto (G 8): 1/1(P1)/59


Warehouse Interior

Thugs x8 (G 5): 0

Smuggler (G 9): 11


Wentar (L 9 / FP 4): 3/3/51

---

Things are not looking so great for Wentar and Quinto, but the good news is, it's a Refresh turn!

Even Wentar is sick of this guy...

Focus on the Smuggler. Combat push, Tap Block and attack.

Refresh Reflection and swap Block for Reflection.

Initiative goes to... uh oh. The bad guys.

Quinto snaps his rifle across to take a potshot at the Smuggler, but before he can do so, he is swamped with blasterfire and is killed when a shot goes straight through his heart.

Wentar takes 6 damage from the Smuggler... who then shoots again with 10,000 Bolts. His bonus attack is successful, and Wentar takes a bolt to the side that brings him down...

I- Awww damnation! This was not a good thing to wake up to...

What does this mean for Wentar?

Wentar is alive but wounded, and in a very bad situation. The thugs now go to investigate if their gunfire has succeeded in offing Officer Quinto, but the Smuggler comes and stands proudly over you, kicking your lightsaber away.

"Nice try, Jedi," he says. "No one busts up MY operations."

Wentar tries to keep his emotions in check, though Quinto's death has caused him a fair bit of grief.

"Don't delude yourself with this small victory smuggler, no one is invulnerable. My situation is proof of that."

"Unlike you, I'm not a fool," the Smuggler says. "If it weren't for your fancy swordplay, my men would have vaporized you instantly. Now, I just need to finish the job..."

Wentar, you sense dying.

That can't be Quinto, I'm sure he died before he hit the ground. Looks like we bought enough time... hopefully...

Wentar is going to make a desperate attempt at a last ditch intimidation roll to buy a bit more time.

"You say your not a fool yet you plan to kill me? How do you think murdering a Jedi on Coruscant will end? The Jedi sent to track you down will be far more efficient at 'fancy' swordplay then my own disused skills."

The Smuggler laughs.

"I'll be long gone from the Republic before anyone comes after me," he snorts. "You Jedi are slaves to their system and have to respect it. But don't worry your little head. I'll free you from your bonds..."

He starts to pull the trigger when a laser bolt strikes him the shoulder. Coruscanti policemen start pouring into the warehouse with assault rifles raised.

Wentar mentally breathes a sigh of relief, but physically keep his composure, as he rises from the floor. "I told you no one was invulnerable..." he says, calling his lightsaber back.

The gunslinger is not brought down by the shot and staggers away from you, raising his pistol in the direction of the policemen. He taps Carnival of Carnival, bringing down four of the ten policemen, who then throw themselves into cover. With this spare moment, the Smuggler turns his pistol on you and shoots you full in the chest as you rise, knocking you back down.

Everything after that you lose track of, having been preoccupied with the painful and possibly lethal wound... you slipped into unconscious... but later awake in a blinding light...

This has been such a terrible day... Wentar thinks, feeling tired and sore both physically and mentally. He looks around, trying to figure out where he is now.

You feel a dull pain in your chest as you sit up but it is manageable. You are in the hospital, wired up to a great deal of advanced electronic medical equipment that is monitoring everything about you.

But you are not alone. Your visitor stands on a chair beside your bed.

"Awake, you are," Yoda says. "How do you feel?"

Wentar straightens up upon seeing Master Yoda, ignoring his chest pain.

"To tell you the truth Master, terrible. The gang members are dead, so is Officer Quinto... I was too confident in my abilities and the price was paid..." Wentar replies, sadness filling his voice. "Though your surprise visit has lifted my spirits a little." He adds, making a weak smile.

"Avoidable, perhaps, those deaths were not," Yoda says, heavily. "The delicacy of the Jedi, the Judicial Department lacks. Glad to see you well, I am, Wentar. A fine Jedi you have become."

"I- Thank you Master Yoda," Wentar says, a little taken back by the elder Jedi's praise. "Master Vynn would be glad to hear it, especially coming from you."

"Sure, I am, that he would," Yoda says. He pauses, studying you. "Another assignment, the Council has for you, Wentar."

You have your doubts when he says this, Wentar. You are not ready for physical labor.

"I had a feeling there was something more to your visit," Wentar says, smiling. "I hope it's something requiring less physical effort than my last mission."

Yoda nods.

"Pleased with this, you may be," Yoda says. "More vacation than mission, this is..."

"Oh? That's good to hear. What is the mission?"

"A Senator needs protecting," Yoda says. "Receiving threats against his well-being, he claims to have been, from an unknown source. Deem this vague paranoia, I do, but nonetheless, an old friend of the Order this Senator is. Your mandate to protect him it is, from the luxury and comfort of his Senatorial quarters."

"I see..." A luxurious Senatorial room would be a nice change, Wentar thinks to himself. "Well then I will head there as soon as I am able to Master. Is there anything I need to know, mission related or otherwise, before I do?"

"Senator Garys Farl, of Triskatan, your ward is," Yoda says.

You know of Senator Farl. Triskatan is a Core World, one that has been within the Republic since its beginning. Farl, despite hailing from there, is a staunch supporter of anti-slavery movements on the Rim worlds.

"Go to him when you've had rest," Yoda tells you. "Begin then, your mission will."

"Yes Master Yoda," Wentar says, bowing his head. "I shall do my best."

Wentar rests in the medical center for a few more days before he is released. A combination of meditative techniques and the marvels of modern medicine have healed up his blast wound very neatly, and will leave no scarred tissue once it is finished healing. For now, he must keep the chest injury bandaged and take medicine- once-daily pills- to ensure that the healing process completes itself quickly.

After reporting to the Jedi Council- who have nothing further for you than what Yoda gave you- they redirect you to the Senatorial District of Coruscant. This is where the Senate Chambers are located, as well as the Office of the Supreme Chancellor and the living quarters that visiting Senators take up residence in during meetings.

It is here that you land your borrowed airspeeder on one of the hovering platforms that reside outside the Senatorial apartment complex that your mission begins. The Senatorial guards at the entrance allow you to pass without question as you head for Senator Farl's suite.

Wentar will nod graciously at the guards and head straight for Farl's suite, not wanting to delay any longer.

You reach the entrance to Farl's suite. Upon arrival, you press the buzzer and wait for someone to come along and let you in. After a brief moment, the door hisses open and reveals a Zabrak standing behind it, with smooth horns protruding like a crown from the top of his head. His attire is very formal, as a butler's would be, made with expensive fabrics in soft hues.

"Can I help you?" he asks, timidly.

"I am Wentar Reiua, Jedi Knight," Wentar says, bowing, revealing any identification if needed. "The Order has sent me as a bodyguard for Senator Farl."

"Just a moment, Master Jedi," the Zabrak says politely. He closes the door, and you are left waiting in the hall.

Any thoughts on what you want to say to Senator Farl when you meet him?

Hmmm, well first up Wentar would repeat what he just said to the Zabrak.
Maybe some pleasantries, mention Farl's anti-slavery stance and Wentar's relief that there are still Senators out there who haven't abandoned the outer rim.
Then move on to business, asking him how long these threats have gone on for, how he's received them, etc.

An organized approach, indeed. You will be living with Senator Farl, best to get on good terms immediately through a common interest- anti-slavery.

The Zabrak returns shortly.

"This way, please," he says, ushering you into the suite.

"Thank you," Wentar will walk in and take note of his surroundings when he enters.

Upon entering the suite, Wentar is met with the glaringly white interior and the distinct lack of corners on anything; everything has a smooth and rounded look to it, from the furniture to the architecture. The room you have entered seems to be the living room, where an enormous hologram projector is quietly portraying a sporting event. The seats are hi-tech floating versions of those plastic white Jacobsen egg chairs, with doo-dads built into them, and the shell-like part exceedingly white and smooth.

Senator Farl has risen from one of these floating chairs. He is portrayed by David Strathairn, wearing white casual wear that nearly blends in with his suite, his hair thick and graying. He looks tired and is poorly shaved.

"Master Jedi!" Farl greets you warmly but quickly. "I was beginning to worry that you weren't coming! I was told by Master Yoda that you were on the mend from a recent operation- no doubt that Starduster trouble that was in the news?"

"Indeed, it was fairly nasty business to tell the truth," Wentar says, that incident still fresh in his mind, he quickly puts it to the back of his mind before introducing himself. "Wentar Reiua, at your service," He says extending his hand. "I hope my delay didn't cause you too much strife, Senator."

"Not at all!" he says, but you think he feels otherwise. "My aide here, Emso Crubo, has been a sufficient bodyguard for some time, and he continued to fill that capacity in your absence. However, I do feel much safer now."

Emso nods silently.

"That's good to hear. I'm sure that with myself and Emso you will be safe."

Though safe from what, Wentar thinks. Who'd be threatening a Senator like Farl on Coruscant.

"I must say I'm glad to be assigned as your protector Senator, what I hear about your support of anti-slavery movements is refreshing to see from someone in your position."

"Oh, yes, not a popular movement to throw your lot in with in the Senate, I'm afraid," Farl says, with a weary smile. "My world is not entirely understanding of my dedication to it, either. Triskatan is much too close to the Core to worry about such things as slavery. Nevertheless, there are those out there that need the help that the Senate can provide. I just try to push the help in their direction."

"I couldn't agree more, I often questioned my old master about why the Order never helped those on the Rim," Wentar smiled, then sighing a little. "Unfortunately I've had to accept that the Jedi Order just doesn't have the numbers to liberate them all."

(Also I keep forgetting to ask, did Wentar ever find out what happened to the Stardusters and their Smuggler leader?)

"That is not an excuse that the Senate can fall back on, of course," Farl states. "Come, sit with me. I am just watching sports. Emso, if you could bring us drinks..."

Emso nods and heads off towards the kitchen.

Wentar has not received the final report on that.

Wentar will accept the seat, a little uncomfortable, not use to being brought drinks and the like in such a personal environment.

"I'm sorry to have to move on to less pleasant chat so soon Senator Farl, but I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't," Wentar says, siting down. "How long have you been receiving these threats?"

"Only just recently," Farl tells you, uneasily. "I fear it is regarding my stance against slavery that I am receiving these threats against my life. I have managed to become quite influential, you know. It seems the most likely, don't you think?"

"Unfortunately," Wentar agrees. "I guess you can take some comfort in the knowledge your influence is getting someone worried and with me here there's a better chance they'll back off. How are you receiving these threats anyway?"

"Encrypted messages, right here in my suite," Farl explains. "Vocals only, I'm afraid, or I could provide you with a face. The voices are disguised on these messages, so... I generally haven't a clue."

"So no group in particular stands out? At least none that could possibly carry out their threats on Coruscant?" Wentar asks, feeling that it will take a quite while to discover the culprit behind all this.

"It would be ludicrous to think that any illicit fellowship should hope to operate on Coruscant," says Farl, "but then, you just dealt with one yourself, didn't you?"

"Indeed," Wentar admits. "I sometimes can't help but feel the galaxy is changing and I fear it's getting more worse then better."

"You may know better than I," Farl comments. "Jedi often possess the ability to foretell events that have not yet passed, if I am not mistaken."

"Sometimes we can, some better than others," Wentar explains. "Truthfully I tend to focus more on the present then the future. My feelings on the galaxy are based off what I've seen in my life rather then inspiration from the force. Lets just hope my observations on this matter mislead me."

"Yet you still possess the intuitive sense of a Jedi," Farl says, continuing his line of thought. "Perhaps you unknowingly are observing where you know things are already going. Or maybe not. I cannot say that I possess the gift that you do. My words are purely theoretical; I am quite fascinated by the Jedi, after all, and have been a strong supporter of their methods for some time."

"Yet you still possess the intuitive sense of a Jedi," Farl says, continuing his line of thought. "Perhaps you unknowingly are observing where you know things are already going. Or maybe not. I cannot say that I possess the gift that you do. My words are purely theoretical; I am quite fascinated by the Jedi, after all, and have been a staunch supporter of the Order for some time, even in these days when others might distrust the Jedi."

Emso returns at this point, bearing a platter on which rests a bottle, thin red slices of exotic blumfruit, and two... puddles of white liquid. Emso presses a thumb to each puddle and they immediately reform into a solid white wine glass. He delicately pours your drink and hands it to you before doing the same for Senator Farl.

"Thank you, Emso. Now, if you could please get dinner prepared..."

"Of course, Senator." Emso takes his leave once more after placing the platter between your chairs, and Senator Farl sips his drink.

"Ah, Zabrak ferment... delicious when aged properly." He takes a bite of a fruit slice. "Where were we, Wentar?"

It must said, you feel that Farl has provided well for his guest. Zabrak ferment is particularly enjoyed by the Zabrak people- which Wentar is- and blumfruit are a popular item amongst Jedi hopefuls at the Temple.

Wentar notes the blumfruit, he can't help but feel more comfortable now, the fruit taking him back to the days before he was even a padawan. He wasn't lying when he said he was fascinated with the Jedi it seems.

"We were talking about my current views on the galaxy," Wentar says, taking a sip of his drink. "How long have you been in support of the Jedi? Most people now days only start trusting us after we 'come in to save the day' so to speak."

"So very true," Senator Farl says. "I must confess that such a reason for trusting the Jedi is one that I myself have. Are you familiar with Triskan fluid?"

"I cannot say I am," Wentar replies.

At least I'm assuming Wentar knows little to nothing about it.

Indeed, you do not.

"Triskan liquid is a technology that we developed eons ago," Farl says. "How we develop it is a well-protected secret. It is a white liquid that is programmed to reform into a set solid object on command, makes it easier for storage. It is fireproof, it is stainproof, it is blastproof... and it is highly expensive."

He finishes his glass of ferment and sets the glass down, then taps it with a deliberate motion. It quivers, then collapses into a perfect puddle.

"I'm not surprised," Wentar says, now studying his own glass more intently. "Though such technology could become quite dangerous in the wrong hands."

"What makes you say that?" Farl says.

"Well by the sounds of things it could be programed to reform into a blade or something similar for assassins," Wentar explains, realizing how it sounds he adds. "Not that I'm implying anything about the Triskatan people, I'm just musing the possibilities."

"I will not lie, the Triskan people have considered it... but it is far more useful defensively, in large enough quantities to form armor. As a blade, it would only degrade into liquid after a single impact. Not very useful, I think."

"You have a point," Wentar says, despite feeling a trained assassin would only need a single impact. "How does Triskan liquid connect with your trust of the Jedi?"

"Forgive me, I tend to ramble. But yes, the Jedi. Years ago, when I was a young Senator, someone tried to steal the secret of Triskan liquid. It was the Jedi who stopped this man."

"So you are in possession of this secret?" Wentar asks, trying to see where the pieces of this story fit.

"Perhaps," Farl says. "I know what you are thinking, that perhaps this is why I am receiving threats. That cannot be. The man was a petty thief with limited ambitions, but one that had fantastical skill... with a lightsaber. He was a Dark Jedi named Pazol. The Order tells me he is dead, and has been for years."

"I've never dealt with Dark Jedi before... Who was the Jedi that stopped him?"

"There were four Jedi, actually. Masters Scovione and Dooku, assisted by their Padawans. Pazol was no match for their prowess, nor their numbers. He fled, and was later found murdered in the deserts of the far-off world of Tatooine. Serves him right."

"Do you really believe he was that bad of a person to deserve death?" Wentar asks. "I've heard Dark Jedi end up becoming very violent people... but to feel death was best suited for him..."

"His mind was at ease with the theft of an eons-old secret that would cripple the economy of an entire planet, for who knows what purpose, as well as other heinous crimes," Senator Farl says. "So will my mind was at the news of his death."

"I hadn't thought about it from that point of view," Wentar says. "Unfortunately a Jedi's view on the preservation of life can sometime cloud his judgment."

Farl becomes very serious, suddenly.

"I will tell you now, Wentar- if anyone comes for me, I fully expect you to strike them down. A life so ruinous as that of an assassin is not a life worth preserving."

The darkened mood passes quickly and Farl becomes quite jovial again.

"Shall we watch the game? I am quite a dedicated fan of zero-gravity polo. Triskatan does not have a team, so I root for Coruscant."

Wentar is a bit unnerved by the change of attitude.

"I will protect you to the best of my ability, Senator, you have no need to worry there," he assures him, picking his words carefully. He's not about to argue the point at this time, though if the opportunity arises he will take any assassin alive.

"I guess it can't hurt to watch a bit of sports while on duty," Wentar says with a smile.

Zero-gravity polo is played with great similarity to water polo, with minor adjustments to the rules to account for the full range of motion as the players are competing for goals in an arena in orbit around Coruscant. It is highly entertaining, though at one point the game is stalled when a referee makes a bad call that sees the opposing team's star player benched. After that, Coruscant's polo team wins.

"Excellent!" Farl says, clapping quietly. "That certainly made my day that much better, considering circumstances. What did you think?"

"It was more entertaining then I expected. I have to admit I'm not usually one for sports," Wentar says. "Though I think the result may have been different if their star player wasn't benched."

"Perhaps," Farl says, with a slight grin. "But you never know! However, I know one thing with great certainty- I'm hungry! Emso should have dinner prepared by now..."

The dining hall is nearly identical in its decor to the living room. The main table is ovular, with Farl sitting at the rounded head in yet another egg-shaped floating chair. Emso has prepared something vaguely akin to sushi for the Senator- sauteed insects wrapped around some odd vibrantly-colored meats. You almost lose your appetite, but then Emso brings you a well-seasoned medium well steak of some alien beast and you decide to have dinner after all.

"So, tell me, who was your Master?" Farl asks you from across the table as he eats his strange delicacy.

"A Jedi by the name of Altar Vynn," Wentar replies, once again a little uncomfortable with this setting. "He's a man more skilled with a saber then the force, but that didn't make him any less wise. Taught me a lot of things."