With the events at the gala taking a morbid turn, Lord Zabi's compound is on high alert. There are more security forces at each position then before. And it appears there are heavily armored, and somewhat armed, droids wandering around the grounds.

The compound itself is built into a mountain about an hour north of the city proper. It looked like it was built many centuries ago and showed marks of ancient battles.  Lord Zabi's personal hover-limo came over the rise and the large gates(mostly ceremonial) opened to admit the vehicle.  It continued inside until it came to a stop inside a crowded garage.

The security guards stood aside as a younger man in a close-cut suit opened the door.  "Uncle, I am pleased you made it here without further incident. Baron Redden informed us of the attack and murder at the gala. He ordered me to call all my men and ready the compound for your arrival.  I apologize, but we are still getting everything together. Things are a bit messy and hectic at the moment."

Zabi smiled at the man and put his hand on the man's shoulder.  "It is alright, Arden. We are unhurt and I do not think we are a target. Still, it was safer to pull the family back to the old compound until we learn the full extent of tonight's events. If you will see to our guest, I am going to escort my wife to bed. She is very tired and a bit shaken after all this commotion."

Arden nodded and shook Zabi's hand.  He waiting until the Lord and Lady left, and sent the 2 guards to follow them.  He then stood back and waited for the "guest" to exit the limo.

Jax gave Zabi a seated bow as best he could when the noble left. "Well met. His lordship offered me use of the secure comm to give a report. Would you, or one of your men, be able to lead me there?"

Arden nodded as he listend to Jax's request.  "Absolutely. I can show you there. It is in our main comm center. It is a little busy at the moment as we are contacting allies both on and off world."

Arden then lead Jax into the main compound building and up to a room near the top of the building.  It was still inside the mountain, but there were holo-images projected on the walls of what appeared the local landscape.  They took up all 4 walls and gave the impression one was outside and not underneath a mountain.

Arden pointed to one of the far comm panels.  "All comms in this facility are secure. Feel free to use that panel."

Jax started to walk toward the terminal, but stopped and turned, "I realize now that I failed to introduct myself. I am Jedi Knight Jax Nilar. Thank you for your help. We are doing our best to root out the Sith plot on Balmorra."

Jax sat at the terminal and began a message.

---

Master,

Maliq, Jido, and I have uncovered what we think is a Sith plot on Balmorra. Maliq identified a waiter who was actually a Sith, he was attacked and killed the agent while defending himself. He is being held by planetary security forces. Also of note, there was a Diathim present. I am unsure of her role as of now. We are continuing our investigation, but have, I repeat, have identified at least one Sith agent on planet.

Message sent Jax sent a message to Lord Zabi, ++I've sent my message. Should I head to the security center to oversee that while Redden is away?++

Zabi replied a few moments later.  ++Yes, head there and support my men. Let them know if you see anything strange.++

Jax headed to the security room and found an operator there, "Lord Zabi sent me here to oversee security while Redden is away. What is the current status of your systems"

Jax paced at the back of the room, trying to keep as much of it in his view at any time.

Arden followed Jax and spoke up once they reached the communications room.

"Most of these devices have not been used in at least 5 years. Some closer to 10. We are still bringing everything online and checking for any issues. So far nothing major has appeared but we are limited in the long range sensors."

Jax scanned the machines, many seemed to be starting, but others might have issues. "Please let me know if you need help. In the interim, we should begin foot patrols in pairs with regular check-ins.

Can I try a Foresee power check?

OOC:

Sure. 3D.

No difficult for that power. Just need to get the light side pips.



17:16, Today: Jax Nilar rolled no successes, 1 dark force point, 2 light force points using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2f. Foresee.


So yeah, I can get vague hints of events to come, up to a day in the future.

Your vision shows a dark cloud slowly moving over the city. It is drowning and absorbing all light that touches it. It grows larger until a single ray of light is left piercing through.  That ray shines down on you as you stand on one of the streets in the city.  Across from you is a creature hidden in shadow but multi-headed and hard to get an exact look at. Its features seem to morph and change and its form is fluid.  Standing behind and above that creature, observing form one of the buildings, is the Diathem you met earlier. She seems amused at the confrontation but is staying well clear of it.

Jax's awareness returned to the control room, he was leaned over, holding himself up on one of the terminals. Some of the technicians were looking at him, a mix of concern and confusion on their faces.

"Continue with your work, I've just had a vision, but I'm not sure what it means. I am sure that we must be vigilant in these coming hours."

Thanks! That was a good vision, I know that power can be a pain for GMs, so I'll do my best to save it for times that seem more significant.

Arden reached out to put a hand on Jax's shoulder. "Are you alright? Do you need to lie down? I can take you to one of the guest rooms if you need rest. Or maybe the dining room if you require food or drink."

Thanks.  Sorry it took so long to reply, but I wanted to get it right and incorporate all the elements together.

Jax pulled himself back up to his full height, "No, I'll be fine. Though a plate of food and something to drink would be wise. I wasn't able to eat at the gala due to the disruption."

Jax thought back to one final detail of the vision, "Arden, do you remember the Diathem from the gala? Do you know anything about her? Is she a known local prescence around here? She was in the vision. Observing, and pleased by the darkness."

Arden looked confused at Jax's statement.  "Diathem? I have never heard of them before. You are certain you saw one in your vision? That is disturbing."

He turned to speak to one of the attendants. "Pull up all information you can find about this Diathem. Any images or video feeds that might give us any clue to their dealings."

He then turned back to Jax.  "I can show you to the dining hall if you like."

Hm, I had planned on staying here, but if they are just doing research, I suppose a few minutes away won't matter.

Jax nodded and began to follow Arden to the dining hall, on the way he said, "I don't want to remain away from the control center for long. I am unsure of what is ahead of us, but we must be prepared."

At the dining hall he grabbed a platter of seafood mixed wtih a creamy sauce and noodles. The food smelled great, and he expected it to make him feel stronger as well.

Arden grabbed a plate and sat at a table across from Jax.  "I understand.  But at the moment we are at a standstill. Until we find someone on this Diathem, or my uncle returns to the compound, or an emergency appears, we have no leads. Standing around staring at the monitors will not help. I know. Best to take the few moments to relax and recharge when you get them. In my experience they are few and far between."

Jax took a deep breath and let some of the tension out. "You're right. There will be a time to get worked up, but now we should rest and prepare."

He savored a few more bites of his meal and continued, "I'd like to help with some of the research that your team is working on. I have some ideas of where to start."

Jax waited for Arden to finish eating and headed back to the control room, grabbing a terminal to start working.

Check (perhaps lore?) to figure out some more details about this Diathem

Arden finished his meal and stood up from the table.  "Very well, we will head back to the control room."

He then turned to lead Jax back to the main control room.

Lore works.  4D since they are a rare species.

Jax scanned through files locally and on the galactic web. Diathem were definitely a rare species and culture. There was a good amount of info out there, but some sources conflicted or simply lacked good references.

12:06, Today: Jax Nilar rolled 4 successes, 3 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2a 2p 4d. Lore Check.

Just wanted to make sure you saw this post

Yup. Saw it and completely forgot to reply. Sorry about that.

There were many false leads and conflicting information about the Diathem.  They are an incredibly rare species and not many facts are known.  There are stories about them that go back to the founding of the republic.  But these same stories tell of dragons that can travel in space, fish-like creatures that once ruled the entire galaxy, and a race of hive-minded insects that built entire solar systems for an even stranger race of beings.

The few true facts that Jax could find pointed to a planet named Iego. They were rumored to be a very kind and helpful species that rarely left their home planet. They were said to have telepathic abilities and some powers of suggestion.  Little else was known fact and most other details seem to contradict each other or are outright fabrications.

Jax read the info, Fairy tales were not what I had in mind at a time like this...

He keys up a new search, specifically about Sarai Fleur, the Diathem who appeared at the gala.

Difficulty for a Lore or education check (or maybe computers)

That is going to be 3D and a challenge.  That info is VERY hard to find.

Want me ot take the threat as strain from all this concentrated effort?

10:39, Today: Jax Nilar rolled 1 success, 2 threats, 1 triumph using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 2p 2a 3d 1c. info on Sarai.

No, no. I have something special in mind for that threat.  Also will need a bit before I can give you the results.

Like what? I'm not sure how to RP it, since I don't know what sort of database she'd appear in or what.

Well the threat is going to let her know someone was searching her.  It is too low to point at you, but given the events in the gala thread, it should be obvious it is one of you three.

As for the results, I need to confer and see what all information would be publically available.  You will definately know some things. And something she does not want you to. But need to see what all is revealed.

OOOH! Got it, I thought you needed more from me. I'm happy to stand by while you talk to her. Sorry for the confusion.

Still working out the fine details.  If you want to do something else, we can move on and fill this in later.

Not 100% sure what I'd do next without hte info. I'm fine to wait a bit :)

Finishing his comm messaging with Maliq, he turns to Arden, "One of my partners, Maliq, will be coming here. Please ensure he is allowed through the gate."

Maliq arrives at the compound and greets the guards as he approaches the gates. "I'm Maliq. Here to meet with Lord Zabi and my comrades.

The guards looked Maliq over for a moment and then stepped aside.  One pressed a button and the door behind him opened.  A droid was standing on that side and spoke up once Maliq was in sight.

"Greetings!! I am A4-D12.  And I am here to bring you inside and show you the compound. We will make our way up to the command center where you can rendezvous with Master Arden.  Master Zabi is currently unavailable. Please follow me and I will show you inside."

The droid then turned and began walking back into the compound.  "This inital site was picked because the metals in the formation of the mountian make it almost unscannable with most equipment. This is an advantage since it makes it harder for outside forces to penetrate our defenses. Now, when the initial construction began...."

After a nice run Jido Draji makes it to the compound, he eyes the guards and says "Jido Draji of the Jedi Order.I am here to meet with my companions and Lord Zabi."

One of the guards at the front entrance stood aside and had a private conversation on his comlink for a moment. He then stepped back to Jido as the door started opening.

"You are cleared to enter Lord Zabi's compound. A guide will be present inside and take you to see his lordship."

The guard then went back to his station and ignored Jido.

As the doors opened, Jido saw Maliq and a protocol droid standing on the other side.

"Greetings!! I am A4-D12.  And I am here to bring you inside and show you the compound. We will make our way up to the command center where you can rendezvous with Master Arden.  Master Zabi is currently unavailable. Please follow me and I will show you inside."

Yes, I know. I blatantly copy/pasted from Maliq's post. But it was basically the same statement.

Beaurocracy is like that sometimes... :p

Jax spots the pair arriving and contacts them on his comm, ++I'm in the command center. Feel free to join me when you are able.++

Jax continues to monitor the camera feeds looking for anything out of the ordinary.

There was nothing out of the ordinary on the security or communication feeds.

A guard came over to stand next to Jax.  "Jedi Jax, I have a message from Lord Zabi." He held out a datapad with a message.

"Thank you," Jax extends his hand to accept the datapad, quickly skimming the message within.

The message was written in typical politican-speak. He thanked Jax for bringing the information to his attention and helping him work up the courage to face off against Lord Deikun. At the end though he added a personal line.

--And thanks for coming here. I know this was not your mission, but the information you gave me about my rival might put my family back on top once more. Just beware. Deikun knows you now and will do all in his power to impede or eliminate you.--

Maliq enters the command center, ignoring the long, drawn-out statements of history and other information more fit for a tourist. "Long night, so far." He greets Jax with a slight bow of his head.

Arden turned to look at Maliq as he entered the command center.  "You are the one who was arrested, correct? The one who killed the Sith agent? How could you tell he was a Sith? He passed the background checks and nothing in his history tripped any alarms."

Jido Draji walked in to the command center as he was being asked how he knew that the Sith agent was a dark sider. Jido ignored the man and continued over to Jax in a low whisper he said "The Police seem intent on not allowing us into their investigation.This has led me to believe that the Sith may have already infiltrated this world we should call the masters, to see if they can send a Jedi strike force to help us weed out the Sith."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:25, Fri 04 Sept 2015.

"As Jedi, we are trained to detect the for e and its users. When I saw his lightsaber as well, I knew that only the Jedi and the sith issue those weapons as standard. And he certainly was no Jedi." Maliq walks up to one of the terminals and asks, "What's the situation on your end?"

Maliq, who or what are you asking that question? And what exactly are you looking for?

that was directed towards Arden. Not looking much for specifics. Just any general info I may not already know

Arden looked over at Maliq before answering. "At the moment things are quiet. We are waiting to see if Deikun will respond or if there are more Sith agents on the planet. We were surprised by your exposing the Sith agent earlier, so we reviewing all the background data on Lord Deikun's men."

"Good. And any word from the Jedi Order?"

Jax shook his head, "Nothing yet, hopefully they are close to reaching some sort of decision."

One of the security personnel came over and stopped next to Arden. "Excuse me, sir. But we have a situation that requires you." 

Arden looked at the man and nodded. "You can talk in front of our Jedi friends. Speak freely."

"Well, sir, one of our patrols went missing. They were guarding one of the supply entry points and are not responding. I sent another squad to check and they are just gone. There is no signs of combat or any foul play."

Arden sighed and turned to one of the communications technicians. "Inform my uncle. He should know about this."

Jax's brow furrowed, "We could go investigate, rather than risking another of your patrols."

Arden stared at Jax for a moment before nodding.  "Very well. If you do not mind taking a look at what happened to my men. Our resources are not infinite and it might be useful to get another perspective on the events."

Jax nodded at Jido and Maliq, "Well boys, let's go have a look. But we must be careful."

Jax took a look at the monitor to see where in the compound the disappearances had occured and guided the other two Jedi toward it.

Jido nodded at Jax, as he did so he started to head for the door.As he did so he thought to himself Finally the Sith make their move against us.

Maliq walks over to Jax and whispers. "I seem to have...lost my lightsaber to the authorities. I might not be much help in a fight right now."

One of the aides handed Jax a datapad. Arden took out a keycard and handed it to Jido.

"Here this is the base schematics and a passcard to get in and out of the areas. This should get you to the location in question with minimal hassle."

Jido take the keycard than looks the man square in the eye and says "Thank You for your help and May the Force be with you."Before the man can react Jido turns and leaves the room.

"Any good with a blaster or cudgel Maliq? If so, can one of your men spare his sidearm or a club for Jedi Maliq?"

Arden nodded and pointed at one of the guards.  "Take them down to the armory. Let them take whatever they think might be needed to investigate."

One of the guards stepped forward and motioned to one of the exits.

"A blaster would probably suit me best until I can retrieve my saber." Maliq follows the guard to the armory as he speaks.

The guard lead the Jedi down to the armory and showed them the inventory.

"Feel free to grab what you think might be needed. And find out what is attacking the other guards. I would like to not die today."

OOC:What weapons are present?

OOC:

I left it open ended for you.  Since this is planet known for droid and weapon manufacturing, you can assume most anything in common circulation is here. There are more rare and restricted items as well.

Basically, if it is within reason or common, feel free to take it.  If you want something special or exotic, ask me if you can locate it.

OOC:Does the armory have an ancient sword or an electrostaff?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Mon 05 Oct 2015.

Is there anything I can use my saber skill to wield?

The Anceint Sword uses the lightsaber skill

I'm down for that then.

Hey Maliq what form do you use?

Ataru form

The sword, no. Too rare.  Electrostaff, well, that I might be able to agree with.

OOC:What is our current Destiny Point Pool at?

I do not think we ever established one.  You guys can roll for it now.

Jax taps his foot, "Guys! We're trying to catch Sith agents here, not elderly Hutts, we need to get moving!"

Not being an ass OOC, Jax would just want to get moving.

15:16, Today: Jax Nilar rolled no successes, 1 dark force point using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1f.  Destiny.

OOC:13:23, Today: Jido Draji rolled no successes, 2 light force points using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1F. Also can I flip one of those Light side pips to say there are two ancient swords in the armory?

09:27, Today: Maliq rolled no successes, 1 light force point using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1f ((9(F))).

Ok, so the pool is 3 light 1 dark.

What exactly do you mean by "ancient sword"? That can mean a number of things in the Star Wars universe. Can you clarify before I give an answer?

Cant speak for Jido but I know that Maliq would like to get something as close to a lightsaber as possible so as to be able to apply the same techniques in combat.

Ancient sword is an item from FaD. It is a non-lightsaber weapon, but uses the lightsaber skill

I also wanted something as close to a lightsaber as possible since I am using the Soresu Tree.

I looked up the Ancient Sword.  It has a rarity of 8, which means it is REALLY hard to find.  I would think of any that exist they are either in the hands on the Sith, at the Jedi Temple, or lost to time. I do not think that one of the Balmorran lords would have posession of one.

Hence the expenditure of the Destiny Point to find one in the armory, it is a expenditure of the point that falls under dumb luck.

I am hesitant to agree, but I will allow you to flip it for this instanace.

Just make sure y ou come up with a good story to explain finding it.

Jido looked at the various racks and displays in the armory, as he did so he closed his eyes and called upon the force, as he was so often used to in the sparring sessions he regularly took part in at the residence of his master, he let the will of the force guide his decision.As the zabrak did so he was led to an ancient part of the armory that predated the modern conflict with the Sith, there behind crates and boxes of various items he found what the force willed him to find a sword that was once used to train apprentices before they constructed a lightsaber for themselves.Holding it in his hand he drew it from it's sheath and made a few swipes with it.Just like the real thing Jido thought to himself as he returned to the others he looked at the head of security and said "If it alright I would like to use this to combat the Sith agents."


OOC:Is this a good description of finding it? I can add more to it if need be.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:49, Thu 15 Oct 2015.

Arden looked at the sword Jido found and nodded his head. "I have never seen that sword before. I did not even know that section of the armory existed. My uncle might not even know. This facility has been in the family for almost 2000 years and constantly updated and changed. I do not think anyone has seen that section for a very long time. You can use that item."

He walked past Jido with 2 security officers to investigate the room Jido uncovered.

OOC:

Yes, that is perfect. Thanks!

Maliq picks up a blaster rifle and a combat knife, checking the sight on the rifle and twirling the knife before looking up with a satisfied grin.
"I guess these will have to do for me."

Jax took his saber, still unlit, in his hand. "Are we ready? I'd hate for the trail to get cold."

OOC:

I was waiting on someone to answer Jax and let me know if you all are good to proceed.

"Let's get going then."

Jido looks at Maliq and says "Lets be off than."

The hidden entrance looked like it was just another section of the exterior structure. Once the hidden switch was activated, it slid slightly open to allow them to step outside and see two of the security guards there.

One of them turned and looked at the Jedi.  "You here to relieve us? This place is creepy."

Jido looks at the men and says "No we detected a breach in the line we are here to help you stop what we assume to be a Sith incursion.

The guards looked confused at the statement. "Sith? Those exist? I thought they were rumors. And stories to scare kids with."

Maliq steps forward and it takes all his willpower to resist simply incapacitating the guards in favor of accomplishing the task at hand in a more swift and decisive manner. Insyead, he takes the opportunity to gather any useful Intel. "The details are of no consequence. What's important is the fact that we're here at the request of Lord Zabi. Are there any other entrances or exits we need to be aware of?"

One of the guards looked at Maliq with a questioning experession on his face.  "Not in this sector. There are others around the base, but this is the only one nearby."

"Good. Here is my comm channel. Keep watch and notify us of ANYTHING suspicious. Lately, lax security guards have been performing disappearing acts with no finale...and no evidence left behind to find them." With that Maliq sets off to search for more Sith.

"As my partner indicated, the danger is real. If anything, and I mean anything, suspicious happens, comm us first. That way we can investigate together in numbers."

A few hours passed, but nothing out of the ordinary was found.  None of the guard patrols or the Jedi were able to find any sign of intruders.  Nighttime fell and the nocturnal sounds of animals slowly built in the background.  It appeared that whoever caused the earlier alarm was no longer a threat.

using sense to check for nearby intruders

23:30, Today: Maliq rolled no successes, 1 light force point using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1f.  Checking for intruders.

You do not detect anything in the area.

"Looks like we missed our visitors. What now?"

The force is clear and shows no signs of any Sith nearby.

All is quiet at the compound.

Each of you receive a message asking you to respond to the Jedi Council when you have a free moment and are alone.

Jax nods to the others, "Let's go see what the Council has to say."

He pulls out a communicator and leads the others to a quiet area in the compound.

Maliq nods and follows Jax, hoping that their rebuke of his actions won't be too severe.

The message came on standard jedi encryption channels:  ++Jedi Nilar, Draji and Maliq. We are sending a representative down to the surface to meet with the locals and discuss the situation with Maliq.  Jedi Nilar and Maliq, you are to continue the investigation until we contact you again.  Jedi Draji, a situation has arisen that needs your attention. One of the jedi from your training class has gone missing and we need your help to locate her. You will return on the shuttle immedietly to assist us in the investigation.++

++"Understood."++

"Should we head back to the compound then?" Maliq

The internal pa system of the base started broadcasting a message as the message ended.

++Unidentified beings located near the west side of the base. Requesting assistance in case they are Sith agents.++

Maliq rushes in that direction, speaking to Jax as he goes. "I'll try and find some high ground and cover you if need be."

I think you might be the only one left. Still interested in continuing?

sure

Any preferences on where you would like to go from here?

Well, depending on how you want to remove jax, I wouldn't be opposed to Maliq finding his way toward a non Jedi practice of the force. Seeing the inefficiencies of this mission pushes him to deem the Jedi ineffective.

That can work.  I have 2 non-Jedi and 1 Sith in other stories. We can wrap this up and move you to one of them.

Sounds good to me

Jax fell back to cover the entrance and make sure no one was able to get into the base.  That left Maliq to move outside and look for anyone who might be hidden outside.  It appeared he was alone, but the darkness could always hide someone who knew what they were doing.

OOC:

Going to continue this to end this chapter.  Feel free to post and I will fill in for whoever is missing.

Maliq searches the area for any signs of the Sith, moving cautiously to avoid any ambush that may await him. Though his last altercation didn't end the way he had hoped, his excitement at the idea of facing the enemy once more...then the fact that his lightsaber is momentarily confiscated is a sobering realization. The rifle will have to suffice...if it comes to that of course.

Ok, so give me either perception or sense force.  3D. 

14:47, Today: Maliq rolled 2 failures, 1 advantage using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire with a dice pool of 1a 1P 3d ((7(A), 8(P), 5(D), 3(D), 3(D))).

You do not detect anything amiss.  All seems quiet and functioning as normal.

Seeing that everything seems normal, Maliq reaches for his comm. ++"Everything seems fine. These You might want to check on your sensory equipment. I haven't seen a thing since I got here."++

There was no response from the comms.  Just the normal static that is always present on encrypted comms.

Maliq begins to get suspicious, remembering the stories of the Sith's treachery and deceit. Trying not to jump to conclusions, he makes his way back to the compound.

Perception checks, same as before. 3D.

Not doin so hot on the perceptions lol.
23:55, Today: Maliq rolled 1 failure, 2 threats using the Star Wars Edge of the Empire

Everything seems normal, just no response from control.

The compound was quiet, and that feeling in the force that felt like danger was near started to perk up in Maliq's mind.