[SW-TOR] Meanwhile, back at the spaceport... [Finished]

[Auric]

The gardens at the temple were removed from the bustle of Jedi life, the way Levant preferred. Sitting in the sunlight, he reflected on the task at hand. It was his first assignment as a Jedi knight, and it was not as it seemed. Master Houseman's brought Jedi Miles to the attention of the council. While some of his claims seemed justified, his motives did not. To appease Master Houseman the council agreed to sent a consort more or less to judge the Jedi and his padawan, but in secret Levant was asked to try to sniff out what Master Houseman's motives were.

Timith Houseman was known for his less than noble ideals, but he was also known to be an incredible lightsaber duelist. His fringe towards the darkside needed to be handled carefully to avoid any danger to the temple, the Jedi Raven Miles or his Padawan. The council had guided him here, but the force gave him the resolve. Levant knew what corrupt Jedi were capable of and he would stand against any that came to him, be it Jedi Knight Raven Miles, or Master Timith Houseman.

Levant stood and brushed himself off when his quiet was broken by a pair walking towards him. He could feel the stronger emotions coming off the two, they had recently been in a confrontation. "You must be Raven, and this must be Jen." Levant bowed. "I am Levant Moonstride, Jedi Consular to the order. It seems I am to keep tabs on you for a time. I promise my report will be impartial. I simply seek the truth on your situation."

Grabbing a small back sack Levant threw it over his shoulder. "I'm sure you're well aware you're travelling with a known smuggler? The council wanted to interrogate Ms.Sage and her companions in several matters. Seeing as I would be travelling with you I convinced them it would not be necessary. They have been detained out of their ship on the landing pad. So shall we?" He motioned for them to leave. "I'm sure we can walk and talk at the same time."

[Cyrian]

From several hundred meters away, Cy once again felt the Force signature of Raven amongst all the others in the area and allowed himself a small smile.  He had known from the moment he landed his Interceptor on Tython that Raven would not be very far behind him, and he would in fact find him in that peaceful grotto.  Ashla was calling to him once again, soft feelings and sensations poured through him as he "sighted" Raven, surely the sign he was looking for.  Ashla knew that Raven would need help, and she made sure he would be there to lend his assistance.

        Cyrian moved casually towards the assembled Jedi, completely focused on his goddess and allowing her eyes to see for him.  He had seen Levant around the temple, but as he did with most others, he had kept to himself.  He pulled his dark grey robes closer and came to a stop a few feet from them, nodding to Jen and Levant and then addressing Raven.   "I am prepared, Raven." 

[RavenMiles]

Rave could feel it in the force. The answer to his problem, was in the garden. He felt Cy, when he landed. Cy walked up to the group.  "I am prepared, Raven."  Cy said. Raven smiled. "I knew you would be. We will take your ship. We will get the rest of our team." Then he looked at Levant. " We will be taking out a slave ring. It will be fun." Raven gave him a big smile. " Rember to trust the Force you will be OK." With that said. He made his way towards the landing pad. Jen smiled. "This will be good." Then she followed her Master. As Raven walked he was trying to get a feel for Levant. He could feel the distrust. That was good. Trusting to easy could get him killed. He also was wondering what Master Houseman was up to. What had he shown the Council to get them on his side. Their would be time for that later. For now his path was clear.

[Catri]

Catri, Corrin, and Bowdaar were enjoying their stay on the lovely Jedi landing pad. They had been informed by two fine, upstanding young Jedi that they really ought to spend time soaking in the atmosphere of the hanger bay where the Wildcat was parked. In fact, the young men thought it was such a nice hangar bay that they decided to spend the next half hour standing near the door to get a better view. They were so engrossed in their contemplation that they refused the offer to join the game when Catri pulled out her deck of Pazaak cards.

After about a half hour a male Togruta wearing a Jedi master's robes approached the hangar. The young men bowed to him and stepped aside so he could enter. He approached the Pazaak game and waited a few moments. The three smugglers glanced at him briefly then returned their attention to the cards in their hands. A few moments later he cleared his throat loudly. Catri set down her cards and stood up.

"Can I help you?" she said

" I am Master Avin Na of the Jedi Council." he said. "I hear you have been traveling with Knight Miles. I have received reports that he harbors romantic feelings for his padawan, Jen Sim. Can you confirm these reports?"

"Well, I don't rightly know what feelings Raven harbors. I don't exactly make it a point to read his diary." Catri replied.

" Have you observed Knight Miles engaging in any behavior unbecoming of a Jedi?"

"What type of behavior do you mean?" Corrin asked

"I believe you know what I am referring to." he said glaring at them.

"No," Catri said glancing mischievously at Corrin "I think I need you to explain it to us."

Catri tried to avoid laughing as Master Naa cringed and put his head in his hands.

"I would like to know if they have been engaging in any shameful, illicit activities which could lead to darkness." Master Naa said

"Oh, you mean Jedi sex. No, I haven't seen any Jedi sex on my ship." Catri said. "Corrin, have you seen any Jedi sex going on lately?"

"No, well not other than this one Holovid, but I don't think they were real Jedi." Corrin said "Have you, Bow?"

Bowdaar doubled over with laughter at Corrin's question. Master Naa folded his arms and glared at the three smugglers.

"Look, Master Naa," Catri said "It isn't my business what sort of feelings Raven harbors, and I really don't see how it's any of yours either."

[Auric]

The group of Jedi had walked into the hangar to the sound of laughter and a sight of a Jedi master standing in front of the smugglers. Levant recognized the Togruta. Master Naa was a well respected Jedi and member of the council. He was also known for his disdain for those who knowingly opperate outside of the laws of the republic. Levant figured it would only be a few moments until they all ended up in force cages. "He shouldn't even be here..." Levant mumbled before he bolted through the hangar towards them.

"Master Naa." Levant said coming to a stop. "May I ask what you're doing here? I believe I asked the council to not interrogate our guests while they were on Tython."

Master Na stopped leering at the group and turned his attention to Levant. "I was just asking a few questions about Miles, i left the smuggling infractions out of it."

"I understand master, but this is my charge. I will report back on everyone involved in the matter at hand." Levant said motioning for him to leave.

"A word Levant." Na said pulling Levant to the side. \These people are criminals and Miles is playing with fire, he could already be on a path to darkness. And what of Cyrian, how did he become involved?'. Telepathy was the Jedi way of keeping others out of a conversation.

'I believe Cyrian and Raven have a past connection. I will keep my eye on them both I assure you. As for the crew of the Wildcat, if I find they've broken the law, I will have them detained if I have to do it myself' He replied.

Master Na began to walk away. 'Be careful Levant. Do not trust anyone except the force. You are out numbered and you will be alone. I look forward to your report.'

Levant bowed 'I have the force, I am never alone.'. Turning Levant returned to the group having got rid of the Jedi presence for the time being. "We shouldn't stick around much longer, Master Na is a disciplined Jedi. If he couldn't resist coming here to question you then I'm sure there are others on the council who would rather skip this all together by throwing you all in force cages and sorting you out later."

[Cyrian]

Cyrian calmly and quietly followed the group into the hangar, then watched as Levant sped up and cut off Master Naa.  When they were both out of earshot, he turned ever so slightly and whispered to Raven "Beware Raven, the hypocrisy of the council knows no bounds"  He then moved away from the group and headed towards his Interceptor, raising a communicator. "Lower the ramp and prepare for lift off, no coordinates"  When the ramp hit the deck he stepped quickly into his ship and headed for the cockpit to assist his T-7 unit with launch procedures.

[RavenMiles]

Raven smiled at Cy. "I know old friend. Trust me . I know." He turned to Jen. "get aboard. I will get the others." He walked over to the laughing group. "I am glad you all are enjoying this glorious hanger. But it is time to go. Lock up the wildcat. We are taking Cy's ship. Do not try to leave. I took data chip for the nav computer. I know you wanted to keep me out of this. But i owe you. You also have a good heart, and that was enough to help you. Do not look so surprised. I am a Jedi i could feel your plan." Raven smiled at the group and walked to Cy's ship. "You coming young one?" he asked Levant.

[Catri]

"You what?" Catri hissed. She glared at the Jedi. She clenched her fists and it seemed like every muscle in her body tensed at that moment. Noone messed with her ship.

Bowdaar moved behind Catri and gently grabbed onto her arms. It was hard to tell whether he was trying to calm her down or trying to keep her from pouncing at the Jedi like her ship's namesake. Catri visibly relaxed after he bent his head to whisper something in her ear. Then he loosened his grip and moved his hands to rest on her shoulders.

"Raven, I appreciate your concern and your help fighting Soryn's men," Catri said "But I can't let you put your life on the line fighting my family's fight, and I certainly can't drag new people in who were not involved in any of this in the first place.  Now please return my nav chip, and we'll be on our way."

[RavenMiles]

Raven turned and smiled real big. He new this was coming. Messing with her ship, would be like messing with his lightsaber. "One, it is my job to risk my life. I am a Jedi. For now any way. They are Jedi as well. So, they did not want to miss out on the fun. I think the new guy is dieing to use his lightsaber. Two, you need are help. So like it or not. We are coming with you. Ohh. Three, it will be three days till you get it back. I ate it." Raven turned and headed for the ship. Jen stuck her head out the door. "Are we leaving? Or are we fighting here. If so i want in, and i get Corrin. I owe him for what he said in the cantina." She smiled and ducked back in to the ship. Raven stopped and turned. " Come on. You can yell at me on the way there. It will be like a family space trip. I will even get Jen to ask, if we are there yet." He smiled and entered the ship.

[Auric]

Levant timidly raised his hand. "I have something to say on this actually. Raven is not the only one who's under probation right now. There's a republic arrest warrant out for the entire crew of the Wildcat." Reaching into his pocket he tossed a datapad containing the details to Catri. "It seems both you and Raven managed to attract some attention pretty high up in the food chain. In fact the only reason you're being allowed off Tython is that you're travelling with Jedi."

Levant moved to the ramp of the ship. "The Jedi are not the republic's puppets, but there are those who seem to have an interest in getting you out of the way. It took me hours to negotiate this much. Now this is my first assignment as a Jedi knight, and if you refuse to come along I 'have' to try and detain you and given the size of your Wookie friend I'd likely end up stuffed in a plasteel canister and I really hate cramped spaces. So I'll use my diplomatic charms to emplore you to just get on the ship and we'll sort the rest out as we go. This seems to go higher up in the republic then you think, someone is pulling strings. Let the Jedi help you find out who."

[Catri]

Bowdaar laughed at the plasteel canister comment, but his face showed a similar look of concern like the ones displayed by the other two smugglers.

"Well, Cat, I'm impressed. It looks like you're getting quite a reputation. What did you smuggle that got the government's attention?" Corrin said as he followed Catri, Bowdaar, and Levant up the ramp.

"That's a good point." Catri called to Levant "What did your report say were the grounds for the charge? Corrin here regularly engages in all sorts of filthy brigandry..."

"Thanks a lot,Cat."

" Just telling it like it is."

"True. I've probably earned myself several warrants in my uncle's employ"

"Anyway," Catri said turning back to Levant "I don't know what Bowdaar and I could have done to earn the attention of higher level government. Sure, some of our cargo isn't exactly legal, but it's mostly essential supplies or harmless comfort items that we don't exactly inform customs about. We don't deal in spice or slaves, and we avoid weapons when we can."

[Cyrian]

The landing ramp raised up and the hum of the thrusters fired from the Interceptor as it pulled away from the hangar, the transponder flashing a randomly generated ID to the orbiting security forces as they cleared the atmosphere.  With a few flicked switches, Cy ripped free of Tython's gravity well, hit the first hyperspace lane and high tailed it out of Jedi controlled space.  "T-7, plot our usual course, stand by for nav points."   It may have been complete paranoia, or the simple fact that he did not trust the Jedi Council on Tython, but he had a good habit of making sure he was impossible to follow, of course that would have to change now that Levant was on board. 

He turned in his chair, facing the assembled group on his ship.  "Where will I set course to?"  Not that he really cared, he seemed to be comfortable just drifting along with the tides...

[Auric]

Once they were all on board and the ship had cleared the atmosphere, Raven went to fill Cy in on their destination. Levant figured it would be an appropriate time to answer Catri with less ears around. "Well according to the warrant, there's quite the list actually. We have a few accounts of harboring fugitives, treason, multiple counts of theft, extortion, there's even a report in here saying you placed a hit on a one 'Soryn Vel'. You're also to be detained regarding the where abouts of your brothers who are also fugitives."

Turning he looked at Catri, Bowdaar and Corrin. "Most of these charges haven't been validated of course, that and being with Jedi is the only reason you're free to walk around right now. The same pressure that's on you has also been put on Raven, Jen and by proximity Cyrian. Once the council got wind you were headed to Tython, there were some on the council who wanted to have you arrested and detained on landing. You're fortunate the Jedi are not all puppets of higher masters or jailers for the republic. I'm basically here to determine if the charges stand, or at least if the Jedi are going to do anything about it. Well that and I have to keep an eye on my fellow Jedi. If I find them unbecoming of the order, they could be facing exile or imprisonment."

Looking through the corridors of the ship he saw the most likely way to the cargo hold. "I'm here to represent the council and find the truth. I'm sure you're all thrilled to have me here. But I do have my uses and I'll keep my investigation private from you all so you don't get distracted. Now, if anyone needs me I'll be in the cargo hold." Levant was pretty uncomfortable at this point. He really didn't like having to act like some bastion of morality especially on the councils behalf.

It was heavy news for them to absorb but it would hopefully keep them occupied for the trip. He knew the Jedi on board didn't trust him, he needed to make sure the smugglers didn't trust him either. He needed space. Space that only distrust could build. The charges were phony, Levant knew it. While he was here to keep an eye on Jedi interests he was also on the hunt for something else. Corruption in the Jedi order. Finding proof against on Raven or Cyrian was one thing. Finding ties between criminals and members of the council would be another.

The cargo hold wasn't massive, in fact it was a little cramped, but it was private. Pulling some electronics out of his back pack he began to set up in the back corner. Alright strings, lets see where you go.

[RavenMiles]

Raven got to the cockpit, and sat down in the copilot set. He calmed heself. He let the force flow through him. With his mind he told Cy. "Sorry i got you into this mess. Set course for Nar Shadaa. I think Master Houseman is behind this. I think he is in it with the Vel Family. We are walking into a trap. If any thing happens to me. I want you to take Jen to her home planet. I will give you it's location. You are to never tell any one where it is. I ask this of you because you are my last Jedi friend. I fell this mission will go bad. I can fill it it in the Force.

[Cyrian]

Cyrian heard Raven speaking in his mind, but he definitely did not understand what Raven was thinking behind those words.  A few more flicks of the switches and they were on a hot route to their destination, after that he turned back to Raven "I am here because it is the will of Ashla, and she would not lead us into this blindly.  We are tools of the Force,  Raven, never forget that." He gave Raven a pat on the shoulder and turned back to look out the transparisteel cockpit, lost somewhere in his own mind once more.

[Catri]

"Well we're good and farkled now. First your uncle chases us down, and now we're fugitives from the Republic?" Catri shouted "How in the nine Corellian Hells did the Republic pin all of that on us? Now granted, Javin's not always been known to be too careful about background checking his contacts, but he'd never accept a job that looked too shady. And Bow and I are real careful about double checking anything or anyone that boards the Wildcat. We may have unknowingly harbored a fugitive or transported goods for a customer who was none to honest about their ownership, but there's no kriffin way we're guilty of extortion or treason. And as if that isn't bad enough, I can't even warn my family. "

Bowdaar caught Catri's wrist to prevent her from breaking her hand as she tried to take a swing at the wall of the ship. He wrapped his arm around her shoulders to keep her still until she calmed down.

"Settle down, Cat, before you hurt yourself." Corrin said "Even a glitted up nerf could see those charges are fake. There's no way anyone can make them hold up in court. I'm more concerned with finding out who would want you and your family out of the way bad enough to frame you. It must have been someone with a lot of power."

"Ohwo raanan whwowowa."

"You're right, Bow. We could use some sleep." Catri said. The three smugglers headed off to look for the spare bunks.

[Auric]

Levant had set up a holo-display of all the 'players' that were caught up in this web. He had been staring at it for so long it felt like his eyes were on fire. His focus was shot. There was only one person who could get a warrant out that fast, the Republic  Minister of justice, though it was possible that anyone who worked under him could've pushed it through. There was no reason to do so unless Catri knew something, or maybe her brothers knew something, maybe Catri was just leverage to get them out of hiding. There were more questions then answers. Who ever was pulling all these strings had their fingers in many affairs, from the Jedi order to smugglers.

Leaning back Levant stretched his arms and rubbed his eyes. He needed to clear his head and meditate on it. Relaxing his body and taking a few deep breaths, he drifted into a deep trance. Trying to solve things through meditation was a little like waiting for the puzzle pieces to place themselves, even still it was a clearer view then he had.

He could hear the voices of the people travelling with him, distant echoes of from their past. Focusing his thoughts to the senate on Coruscant the waves of the force grew restless, there was something at work behind the scene's. The empire? he thought. Shaking off the negative vibe, he switched his focus to Catri and saw something unexpected. Pazzak cards. Not in her head, more like a residual energy, something important left behind from someone she was close to, an event maybe. It was crucial enough for the force to revleal it so there had to be some importance to it.

Switching to her friend Corrin, Levant was hit by feelings of hopelessness, fear, his hands felt bound. He could hear the voices of slaves calling out. The feeling was unbearable. Levant had no patience for slavers given what happened to his home planet, but at least Corrin was ridden with guilt. Eventually the sounds became too much and broke him from his meditation. He jerked backwards nearly knocking over a crate. With a sigh he put his head in his hands and gave his eyes another wipe. "If I don't get out of this cargo hold I'm going to lose my mind" he said to himself as he stood and walked out into the ship.

It was quiet. He could only assume everyone else was sleeping. Walking towards the bridge he sensed Raven and Cyrian were still in the cockpit. Stepping in behind them he saw they were still in hyperspace. "Well I'd be lying if I said I wasn't hoping to see Nar shadaa when I walked in here. I don't do well in cramped spaces, makes it so much harder to focus." Turning Levant looked at the astrogation charts. "So do we have any information on this slave ring? I prefer to know a little about people that are shooting at me."

[RavenMiles]

Raven turned to the young Jedi. "Hello shadow. Well he is bad guy. We are good guys. So, we stop bad guy. I thought they teach this stuff at the temple." He turned to Cy and smiled. He then turned on the ship's com system. "OK, NAP TIME OVER! EVERY ONE TO THE LOUNGE!" He then got up. "Come on shadow. You may learn some thing." Then he made his way to the lounge. As he got there he could see every one entering. They all looked very sleepy. "Good morning all. We will be to Nar Shardaa soon. So, here is my plain. First, sorry big guy you will have to stay on the ship. Cat, Corrin, you will dress as Jedi. With the hood up it will be hard to identify you. When we land, Me and Corrin will check out his uncle's place. Catri and the rest will get the equipment, we will need to get in. We will meet up at the Drunken Jedi cantina, and go from there. dose any one have any thing they want to add?" Raven turned to the group. He could see the look on Catri and Corrin's face. He had forgot that they did not know they where coming to Nar Shadaa. This will be good.

[Catri]

"Nar Shadaa?" Catri shouted " Are you out of your fracking mind? What in the Nine Hells led you to believe that this would be a good idea? You don't know the kind of psychotic schutta-spawn you're dealing with. Only a full-feathered lunatic would walk right up to Soryn's compound and knock on the door."

"Catri's right. My uncle is seven kinds of crazy." Corrin said
" He spends his spare time studying forms of torture and he tries them out on people who 'annoy him.' We've crossed him,and if he catches us he'll kill all of us slowly just to watch us die. But, blaster-brained as this idea may be, Raven's right. We don't have any other choice. " Bowdaar and Catri stared at Corrin in shock.

"Rooohu schucao rhwo shooorahwhrr!"

"I'm dead serious, Bow, well hopefully not too dead. We can't keep running from him forever. He'll catch us eventually. I have help now. I may as well face him and get it over with. Catri's staying on the ship with Bowdaar, though." Corrin said

"Like hell I am! There's no way you're going down there without me."

"Ro wwrcahwowhwac rarcwo ahwh warawhrrworc." Bowdaar pointed to his friends and then to himself as he spoke.

"I should have known Cat would be too stubborn for her own good. Unfortunately, you have to stay, Bow. You'd draw too much attention and give us away for sure." Corrin said.

Bowdaar pulled Corrin into a quick hug and then he wrapped his arms around Catri. "Rhwo oararcwowwhuanrawhwa aoraorwo oararcwo ooww"

"Trust me Bow. I'll be careful, and I'll make sure she comes back to you in one piece." Corrin said.

Catri clung to her friend for a few minutes burying her face in his fur. It was bitterly ironic that she had Soryn Vel to thank for introducing her to him.

"It'll be alright, Bow. We're ending this now. Nothing will happen to me or to Corrin." She said trying to sound as if she believed any of it. She pulled away and turned to the group of Jedi.

"Is there anything else you need to know about the filthy son of a rancor?" Catri asked. She pulled her Pazaak deck out of her pocket and began to shuffle it nervously.

[Cyrian]

Cy moved from the pilots seat and followed Raven into the lounge where he slid his hands into the sleeves of his robes and leaned against the wall, tilting his head back slightly as he listened to the goings on.  The way he reacted to the news of their assignment could probably be considered pure apathy, he really did not seem to have any personal feelings in this matter at all, he was simply here because the Force told him to be.

Ashla reached out through him, soaking into the auras of his guests, most specifically Levant.  Cy knew he could not trust most members of the council for they thought they wielded the Force, he knew in his heart it was the other way around, they were merely tools, but he was quite curious about this young Knight who seemed to dwell in turmoil and confusion.