You and your master, the beautiful Human Sonora Tabret, have only been involved in routine training, teaching, and diplomatic missions over the past 4 years of your apprenticeship.  But now you stand just outside of the Jedi High Council Room.  Master Tabret is sitting calmly in a chair, her hands in her lap, her head down, her eyes closed, meditating.

(OOC: You may describe your mood as you wait if you wish.)

Jubali stared at the wall across from her, a mix of boredom and anxiety running through her system.

Finally the doors opened and a Jedi sentry allowed you in.

As you entered the room, you noticed all Council members were present.  And there was a tall, stately looking Kel Dor in Senator's robes standing near Master Plo Koon.

"Welcome Master Tabret and Padawan Jubali," Mace Windu said in greeting.

"Thank you Master," Sonora replied.  "And may I say I was sorry to hear about Master Qui-Gon."
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:14, Fri 04 Apr 2014.

"He was...the best of us," Jubali said, find herself suddenly choked up.  She'd had a soft spot for the maverick Jedi for some time.

"Indeed he was," Mace agreed.

"But now, trying we are, to prevent another untimely death," Master Yoda added in his odd manner of speaking.

"Tell us, what do you know of the planet Dorin?" asked Master Ki-Adi-Mundi.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:24, Fri 04 Apr 2014.

"Uh..." Jubali wracked her brain to try to remember one of the innumerable planets that existed in the galaxy.  "It's where the Kel Dor are from and has a toxic atmosphere to most outsiders?"

"Correct, you are," Yoda complimented.

"Master Tabret, can you fill in any more details?" Master Windu queried.

"Certainly, Master," Sonora replied.  "First, to build on what my padawan has already said, the reason Dorin's atmosphere is toxic to non-Kel Dor is because it is composed of helium and native gases, with very little oxygen.  That is also why Kel Dor not living on Dorin require breath masks.  Dorin is situated between two black holes, and so was not discovered until several centuries ago.  Also, though Kel Dor are generally altruistic and helpful, their justice system is very swift, sometimes surprisingly so to visitors of that world who break their laws."

"Yes, very good." Master Windu admitted.  "It is in relation to this last point that we have called you here.  Senator Uuln?"  Mace gestured to the back of the Council room and a stately looking Kel Dor dressed in senatorial robes stepped forward.  "This is Senator Kon Uuln from Dorin.  Senator, can you explain why you've come to us?"

"Certainly," came the Kel Dor's voice, filtered through his breath mask.  "Our justice system is set up such that our judges are essentially the political rulers of our world.  We recently had an election in which three brothers were running for our most distinguished position, chief judge.  Shortly after the eldest brother, Pahor An, was elected, he was murdered.  The middle brother, Payan Kai, seemed to be the obvious suspect: he has a short temper and it was rumored he was going to lead a coup to take over the position by force.  He has already been arrested and was going to be quickly executed, but I managed to convince our judges to hold off until a second investigation could be conducted.  The youngest brother, Pakyu Meni, has taken over as chief judge in the interim until another election can be held.  I believe that is all."

"Thank you Senator," Mace said.

"Your assignment," Master Mundi explained, "is to go to Dorin and investigate the chief judge's murder.  Determine if the murderer really is Payan Kai or if something else is at work here.  Do you have any questions?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:07, Tue 06 May 2014.

"Local government intrigue," Jubali said, furrowing her brow.  "It does sound like a mission requiring a neutral third party.

"At your service, then."  Jubali bowed to the Senator.

"I have a few questions, if I may," said Master Tabret.

"Certainly," the Senator acquiesced.

"Perhaps it is just ignorance of Kel Dor culture, but why do these three brothers not have similar last names?"  Master Tabret asked.

"I thought that might come up," Senator Uuln admitted.  "The brothers' father was Pahor An, a very popular chief judge before he passed away from old age.  His eldest son was named after him and kept his name.  The other two brothers wanted to make their way on their own merits and so changed their names.  The middle brother combined his first and last name, and then added a strong last name.  The youngest simply changed his last name.  It is not an uncommon practice among our people, but usually only happens among those with notoriety."

"Thank you for that explanation," Master Tabret said.  "I do wonder Masters, why Master Plo Koon has not been assigned to this mission?"

"A valid question," Master Mundi admitted.  "Even though Master Koon is a Jedi, Senator Uuln did not want even appeared bias on this mission, so a Kel Dor Jedi was out of the question."

"I see," Master Tabret conceded.  "I know the Jedi usually are considered neutral, but couldn't sending only Jedi be perceived as biased?"

"Indeed it could," Master Windu agreed.  "That is why we have also assigned two Antarian Rangers to work with you.  I believe you've worked with Ranger Dane Cardosa before, haven't you Master Tabret?"

You noticed a slight flushing in your Master's cheeks as she replied "Yes, Master Windu, he's a very talented Ranger."

"Good," Master Windu nodded.  "He and his trainee, a Bothan named Traest Kaslon, are waiting for you in the hangar with your transport.  If there are no more questions, you are free to go."


"Thank you for this opportunity Masters," Master Tabret said, bowing.  "We will discover the truth to this mystery."  She turned and walked out, heading towards the hangar.

Jubali smiled knowingly and when she was sure no one would hear she turned to her master and bumped her with her shoulder.

"You liiiiike the Antarian Ranger!"  Jubali never took the "No love" rule seriously.  As long as it didn't get in the way of doing what was necessary.

Master Tabret looked around to make sure no one had heard what Jubali said or seen how playful she was being.  She straightened out her Jedi robes, and then admitted "It is true, I admire Ranger Cardosa.  As I said to the Council, he is a very talented Ranger.  He is half Ubese, so he is very perceptive," she continued, each sentence spoken more quickly than the last.  "He was orphaned as a child and so has learned to survive through almost any circumstance..." there was a break in her rambling.

"That's so sweet!"  Jubali giggled.  "Oh, don't worry your secret is safe with me."

"Padawan," Master Tabret said in a stern voice.  "There is no secret.  My relationship with Ranger Cardosa is strictly professional.  Now come on, we have a job to do."  And she picked up her pace.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Wed 14 May 2014.

Jubali smiled roguishly and followed after her master.

As you walked into the hangar, you saw a freighter with a side-swept wing with a laser cannon turret on the end, one folded wing underneath the first with a laser cannon on the end of it, and another laser cannon turret just above the cockpit. 

Standing in front of it was a dark-skinned being that looked almost human, except for the mask over his mouth and nose and the glasses over his eyes.  He had on a camouflage poncho and combat gloves, with a blaster pistol held in holster on his right hip. 

Standing next to the man whom you assumed to be Ranger Dane Cardosa, was the tallest Bothan you had ever seen, easily 1.75m.  Though his muscles were lean, you could tell he could stand his own.  His skin was a tan color, and his fur a slightly darker shade of brown. He also had a camouflage poncho on, with a utility belt around his waist that had 2 hip holsters on it: the right one holding a blaster pistol and the left some sort of knife. 

As you approached, Ranger Cardosa called out, his voice heavily filtered through his breath mask.  "Sonora, you're looking beautiful as ever."

Master Tabret turned red and you could see her face scrunch up in frustration.  "Dane, please," she pleaded, nodding her head towards you.

"Oh, right, right.  Well tell me then, who is this very capable-looking Padawan?"  Dane asked.

"This is Jubali," Master Tabret said.  "And Jubali, this is obviously, Ranger Dane Cardosa."
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:44, Wed 30 Nov 2016.

"Nice to meet you," Jubali said.  As she walked up she ran a hand through her hair to give it a roguish, unkempt look.  "Who's your friend?"

"This is sort of like my Padawan.  Jubali, meet Explorer Traest Kas'lon."  Ranger Cardosa then turned to his trainee, and after realizing he was staring at Jubali, slapped him hard on the back.  Traest swallowed the gulp he had been holding, and then said, "I apologize Padawan Jubali, it's just that Ranger Cardosa did not tell me that Master Tabret's Padawan was as beautiful as she was."

Jubali laughed, then struck a pose.

"Well thank you," she responded .  "You're awfully tall for a Bothan."

"Yes, I've never really fit in on Bothawui," Traest admitted.  "Not personality wise either.  That's one of the reasons I became an Antarian Ranger."

"I see you've taught him to be just as incorrigible as you were," Master Tabret pointed out.

"This whole exchange reminded me of when we were Explorer and Padawan," Ranger Cardosa replied.

"Except that I did not encourage you on purpose," Master Tabret scolded, also throwing a glare Jubali's way.

Jubali laughed at Master Tabret's glare.

"That's what makes it all the better," Dane said.  "You didn't even have to."

Master Tabret let out a sigh.  Then, trying to change the subject, said, "Well Traest I know Bothan names are very important; tell me, what does your name mean?"

"Traest Kas'lon means Enthralling Sentry or Enthralling Guard; and I am from the Alon clan," Traest explained.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:14, Mon 09 June 2014.

Jubali added to Tabret's question.

"How did you get so tall?  Were your parents tall?  Are you, like, part Wookiee?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:13, Mon 09 June 2014.

"I am not part Wookiee," Traest said, chuckling slightly.  "Most of the Alon clan are slightly tall, but even for them..."

"He's an exceptional specimen," Dane finished.  "Though he's too modest to admit it," Dane added.  "Well, shall we give you a tour?" Dane asked, indicating the ship.

"Sure," Jubali shrugged.  She always loved checking out the layout of spaceships.

"She's a G9 Rigger that we've named the Eclipse," Dane started.  "It's not a new ship, and she's a little slow, but she's got some punch."

"A double light laser cannon and two light laser cannons, to be exact," Traest chimed in.

"She only takes two to crew and can hold up to 6 passengers." Dane finished.

"Let's see our accommodations." Jubali said, eager to see where she would be living now.

"I'm afraid it's nothing fancy in that regard," Dane admitted as you all walked aboard.

"Just 4 rooms with 2 bunks each and 2 'freshers." Traest clarified.

The Rangers showed you around the utilitarian freighter pointing out each of its features, including 70 tons of cargo space, the bulk of which was taken up by two X-34 landspeeders.

"We did upgrade the hyperdrive to a class 2." Dane said apologetically.

"Well I'm excited," Jubali said.  "Let's get going."

The comforts may have been nil but at least she was out and about.  Plus the slow hyperdrive meant time to hang out with these two guys.

The Rangers went straight to the cockpit and started firing up the engines.  Traest carefully calculated their route with the help of the navcomp and Ranger Cardosa, and then proudly announced.  "Well the ship may be slow, but our route won't be.  We should be there in just a day."

"Good," Sonora complimented.  "That will give us some time to train.  Come along Jubali, I have a special exercise for you."

"Shouldn't we be building a camaraderie with our new allies so we can be more in tune with them?" Jubali tried vainly to get a chance for more conversation.

"They can observe," Master Tabret countered.  "Ranger Cardosa, could you please get me some rope and a sheet or a blanket."

"Certainly," Dane replied complyingly.

As Master Tabret led you to the cargo bay, Dane returned with the materials she asked for.  Master Tabret had you stand between the two landspeeders.  She then ran the rope across the two landspeeders and draped the blanket Dane had brought over the rope, so that the blanket now stood in between Master Tabret and her pupil.  The two rangers stood to the side, so that they could see the both of you.

"Now I'm going to punch at you through the blanket," Master Tabret explained.  "And I want you to use the Force to predict where I'm going to punch and stop me.  Are you ready?"

Jubali sighed then prepared herself mentally.  She dropped her natural inquisitiveness to her surrounds just as she'd been taught and tried to see using the life energy inside of her.

Master Tabret's first two thrusts came through without warning.  You were able to predict and block the third hit, but then you alternated, miss, block, miss.

Dane chuckled to himself, but Master Tabret must have given him a sidelong glare, because he stopped abruptly.  He watched for about another ten minutes before returning to other duties.

Explorer Kas'lon watched intently the entire time; eyes wide when you blocked a punch, and wincing when you missed.

You continued blocking about one third of the hits coming at you.  After a solid hour of the routine, Master Tabret declared: "That's enough for now.  Very good Jubali.  You did very well for your first time with that exercise."  She took down the blanket and started winding up the rope.

[OOC: Your turn for comments.]
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:22, Tue 27 May 2014.

"Anything else, master?" Jubali asked.

"That will be all for now," Master Tabret conceded.  "You are now free to 'build a camaraderie with our new allies so we can be more in tune with them,' as you put it."

OOC: For the rest of THIS mission you have +1 to Use the Force checks to Sense Surroundings.

"Thank you," Jubali said, hugging Master Tabret.  She then turned to Kas'lon.  "Well I'm famished, let's get something to eat."

Traest closed his gaping mouth and said "Sure.  But how...how did you do that?"

"You've never seen the Force in action before?" Jubali asked incredulously.  "It's not all levitating and throwing stuff around but I can tell you more about that over lunch."

Jubali grabbed Traest's arm and dragged him away.

After an hour of questions and answers over lunch, you were just finishing up.

"You can do all that with the Force?" Traest asked incredulously.  "I didn't realize the extent to which it could be applied.  But you never see your family?  You don't even know who your parents are?"

"Yes, I can do all of that with the Force," Jubali laughed.  "As far as family goes, the Jedi are my family.  I know I have biological relatives out there but I've never met them.  The Jedi take us in our infancy.  They say it's to keep us from forming attachments that might compromise our ability to make rational decisions in a crisis.  You know, if someone kidnapped our family or something.  But it's silly because we all form an attachment of some kind to each other at the Temple.  I say just teach them to choose the greater good but that's me."

"Well, I definitely see you as a Jedi who would choose the greater good," Traest commented.

"Yeah, well you remember how noble you think that is when you're the one on chopping block," Jubali said to Traest, turning serious.

"Well, I think you'll find that I'm the kind of Ranger that would allow the greater good to be chosen," Traest countered.

************************************************************************************

Just then Ranger Cardosa showed up at the galley entrance.  "If I were you two, I would hit the bunk.  We'll be at Dorin in less than 8 hours."

"Yes, sir," Traest said deferentially.  "Well it was nice talking to you Jubali.  I look forward to working with you on Dorin."  "Sleep well." Jubali winked at Traest as he went off to sleep.  Traest headed out the door and down the hall, with Ranger Cardosa right behind him.

Master Tabret came in right afterwards.  "How was your bonding time?" she asked congenially.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:57, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

"It went well,"  Jubali responded.  "What'd you do while I ate?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:57, Mon 09 June 2014.

"Ranger Cardosa and I were going over mission details, personnel profiles.  The usual pre-op data."  Master Tabret replied.

OOC: Note the bolded addition to my msg above.  Does Jubali have anything to respond to that?
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:10, Tue 10 June 2014.

"Well good," Jubali said.  "I'm going get some rest."

"A very good idea," Master Tabret agreed, following her out.

After several hours of rest, it was time to drop out of hyperspace.  As you all gathered in the cockpit, Ranger Cardosa explained "Dorin is rarely visited because of natural hyperspace hazards nearby.  So it is a tricky approach."

"Now when we do get down there," Master Tabret continued.  "Our plan is to first interrogate the imprisoned brother, Payan Kai, and then expand our investigation out from there."

"Remember, Dorin's atmosphere is toxic," Dane reminded them.  "So we'll have to wear breath masks.  The filters only last for an hour, so if we plan on being away from the ship longer than that, we need to bring spares."

"Any questions?" Sonora concluded.

"An hour?" Jubali asked.  "Don't we have filters like they do when their off world?  Don't theirs last longer than an hour?"

"Unfortunately Kel Dor physiology is unique," Dane explained.  "Nobody has yet figured out how to reverse the technology used to make the antiox breath masks that the Kel Dor use.  And there are so few visitors to Dorin that the need has never been enough to push development.  So I'm afraid we're stuck with standard breath masks.  Anything else?"

OOC: There really is no (official) equipment equivalent to an antiox breath mask.  Just be glad I'm waiving the required Mechanics check to replace the filters.

"Nope.  Let's go."

"One more quick thing," Ranger Cardosa warned.  "Seeing an unmasked Kel Dor can be a little unsettling."

As you made your final approach to Dorin and Traest signaled traffic control, you got your first glimpse of an unmasked Kel Dor.  As with masked Kel Dor, you could see the extrasensory organs which terminated in small black tusks framing the traffic controller's head.  But instead of a mask there was a gaping opening that descended to a toothless chasm with drooping fleshy strands.  "Welcome to Dorin, we've been expecting you" the traffic controller said, clearly recognizing who you were and your purpose on Dorin.  "His Honor, Interim Chief Judge Pakyu Meni, has asked that you meet him in his chambers," he informed you.

"We had planned to interrogate the prisoner first," Master Tabret attempted to explain.

"His Honor has sent a retinue to meet you at your landing pad," the traffic controller countered.  "They will escort you to his Honor's chambers."  The traffic controller then pulled his lips back revealing an upper and lower hard-palate in place of teeth, in what must have been the equivalent of a Kel Dor smile.  Traest shuddered in his seat.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:30, Wed 18 June 2014.

Jubali shrugged, she still remembered the first time she'd seen a male of her species.

"Well, I guess we're meeting with the Interim Chief Judge first," Master Tabret conceded to the now empty screen.

As you touched down on your assigned landing pad, you saw through the cockpit viewport a small group of Kel Dor waiting for you.  One of them looked like a functionary in fine robes.  The other three were clearly security, with blast helmets and vests, blaster pistols in holsters at their hips, and stun batons clipped to their belts.

As you exited your ship, with breath masks firmly in place, the functionary came forward.  "Welcome to Dorin," he said, again giving you the Kel Dor "smile".  "My name is Hetch Kee, one of Interim Chief Judge Pakyu Meni's many aides.  We are honored to have you here," Hetch Kee complimented, giving a slight bow of the head.

"We are honored to serve," Master Tabret replied, bowing at the waist.

OOC: Any comments here?

Jubali followed suit with her master but, as a good padawan, remained silent.

"His Honor has requested an audience with you before you begin your investigation," Hetch Kee explained.  "If you will please follow us."  Hetch Kee gestured towards some nearby landspeeders.  Soon you were whisked away towards the capitol of Dorin, Dor'shan.  The city contained small and isolated buildings, ranging in design from domes to trapezoids, and even ziggurats, all built to withstand the brutal storms that frequented the planet.  Many colored lights illuminated the city of squat buildings, many engraved with geometric and organic patterns.

Your entourage pulled up to the tallest and most well kept ziggurat.  "The planetary courthouse," Hetch Kee explained briefly as he helped you out of your landspeeders.  He led you up the steep steps, and through the entrance at the top, which was surrounded by the most ornate patterns you had seen yet.  After only a few turns in the hallway, you arrived at a door that had markings above it in both Kel Dor and Basic, indicating that this was the chief judge's chambers.  Hetch Kee pressed the door chime button and soon the door was answered by a tall, well built Kel Dor.  "Welcome, welcome honored guests.  I am Interim Chief Judge Pakyu Meni.  Please, come in."

OOC: Make a Perception check.

OOC 17 (roll)

As you step into the judge's chambers, you noticed a desk made of greel wood.  It was topped with papers scattered across with no apparent order to it.  The thick, expensive carpet, had piles of books haphazardly thrown into all but one corner.  That remaining corner contained an overflowing trash receptacle along with a pile of dirty rags.  The window behind the desk had an impressive view of the city, but were smudged with fingerprints.  The deep crimson drapes framing the window were well kept, with only one of them pulled back.  Interim Chief Judge Pakyu Meni indicated that you should sit in the chairs surrounding his desk.

As everyone took their seats, Pakyu Meni started speaking.  "I wanted to let you know right away that both I and my staff will offer you our full cooperation."

"Thank you, we would greatly appreciate that," Master Tabret responded.

"However," Pakyu Meni continued, "I must warn you not to trust anything my brother tells you.  He is very smart and very clever.  And I'm sure he has no wish to die, so he will say anything to convince you he is innocent.  I assure you that your investigation will come to the same conclusion that put him in jail in the first place."

OOC: Any reaction?

Jubali was keeping her place for the moment.  She may be informal around friends and allies but on a Mission she wasn't going to speak out of turn.

"We appreciate your cooperation," Dane spoke up, "but as far as the investigation goes, we will remain neutral until we have made our own determination."

"Very well," Pakyu Meni replied simply.  He pressed a button on his desk, and his aide entered as he said "Hetch Kee will escort you to the prison where Payan Kai is being held."

There was not much fanfare as you were escorted back out to the speeders which whisked you off to the prison.

OOC: Any comments along the way?

"It's never a good sign when someone tries to influence your decision before you've even started your investigation."

"Agreed," Master Tabret admitted.  "Still, he may be right about his brother being willing to lie to us to get out of jail.  We must be wary during the interrogation," she warned.

Jubali tried hard to make sure she wasn't going into the interview with a bias.

The prison turned out to be one of the trapezoid-shaped buildings, in a slate grey color.  Hetch Kee introduced your group to the warden of the prison, who escorted you to an interrogation room.  The room was made out of transparisteel and adjoined the prisoner's holding cell.  You could see that Payan Kai was already seated at the table in the room, with two empty chairs facing him.  Two guards stood outside the door, holding blaster rifles at attention.  "In case something goes wrong," the warden explained.

Master Tabret reached for the door's access panel, but Ranger Cardosa stopped her.  "Let's let these two lead out the interrogation," he suggested, indicating Jubali and Traest.  When Traest gave him a concerned look, he added, "We'll ask any follow-up questions you don't think of."  He swept his arm forward, indicating that you two should enter first.

As the four of you entered the room, the would-be chief judge scoffed.  "Great, now they're sending Jedi to meddle in Dorin's affairs."

OOC: You are now participating in an Interrogation-style Skill Challenge.  You may describe your actions/reaction before you actually take your Skill Challenge turn, just make sure to differentiate between your RPing and your turn.

"I'm afraid we're the only ones trusted to be neutral arbitrators," Jubali replied.  "We're here to listen to both sides, look at the evidence and make a judgement.  Tell us your story."

"Well I do hope somebody can clean up this mess," Payan Kai said.  "But how do I know you can help me?"

"You don't," Jubali said, sitting and crossing her legs and arms.  "But we're your only chance...assuming your genuinely innocent.  If you are then you can be sure we'll get you off."

OOC: Make a Persuasion check.

OOC 9 (roll) + 1 (Cha modifier) = 10

"Perhaps that is what you believe, but  you are not a Kel Dor," Payan Kai replied, unconvinced.  He stood and started to pace the room.

Traest jumped in, trying a different angle.  "Well they must be treating you well, your cell is the cleanest cell I've ever seen."

"The cleanliness and organization of my cell is of my own doing," Payan Kai said with a sneer.  "I am what Humans might call, a neat freak."

"And was your campaign similarly well organized?" Traest continued.

"Of course, it was the best organized of the three; and I should have won," Payan Kai replied, some strain starting to come into his voice.

"So why didn't you?" Traest pressed.  "Was it because of your limp?"  He asked, noticing the Kel Dor's strange gait as he paced.

"My limp?"  Payan Kai asked absent-mindedly.  "Oh that.  No, that happened towards the end of my campaign tour.  I took a bad step off of a stage."


"And your brothers didn't take advantage of that?" Dane tested.

Payan Kai snorted.  "No, they're both too inept to even consider such a ploy.  Look, my brother Pahor An only won because of name recognition--our father Pahor An was the previous chief judge.  The only thing he's ever been good at is being popular.  And as for Pakyu Meni, well his body may be strong, but his mind, not so much."


You could tell your master was trying to get a bead on Payan Kai with the Force.  "But your thoughts betray you Payan Kai, you were planning a coup."

"Indeed, I was," Payan Kai admitted with a sigh. "But I was never planning on killing anyone.  I was just going to take over and exile Pahor An."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 23:14, Mon 17 Nov 2014.

"Who examined your leg," Jubali asked.

"My private physician," Payan Kai replied.  "It's just a bad sprain."

"Would you mind if we looked at it?" Jubali asked.

"I don't know what you hope to gain from that," Payan Kai said, narrowing his eyes.  "But if you wish."  He pulled up his prison trouser leg.

"Ranger Cardosa," Jubali called.  "Could you come examine this injury, please?"

"Sure," Dane said.  He looked at the Kel Dor's ankle and touched it gingerly.  "It's slightly bruised and swollen as if it was twisted several days ago and still recovering," he announced.

"There, that wasn't so painful was it?" Jubali said.  "Just a little verification goes a long way."

OOC: Make a Persuasion check.

OOC 2 (roll) + 1 (bonus) = 3  Well done Jubes.

"Maybe it goes a long way for you," Payan Kai replied disdainfully, "But all it's shown me is that you don't trust me."

"We are remaining neutral for now," Ranger Cardosa soothingly corrected, "and verifying all new information.  It would go a long way if you could tell us more."


"I suppose," Payan Kai admitted.  "I must say, I'm not even sure how anyone knew what we were planning," Payan Kai began.  "We were very careful to keep it a secret.  We hadn't even spread the word enough to carry out our plan.  But I'm telling you I couldn't have murdered my brother, I was at a meeting with my rebel group at the time it happened!"


OOC: I'll let Jubali react to this before I take Master Tabret and Traest's turns, if you want.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:43, Fri 27 Mar 2015.

"Do you have a way of proving that?" Jubali asked.  "That could clear all of this up really quickly.  Who else was there with you?"

OOC: Make a Gather Information check.

OOC 12 (Roll) + 6 (trained skill) = 18

"I could name several Kel Dor that were there," Payan Kai answered.  "But as most of them were new to our plot, I'd rather not implicate them.  There were two, however, who have been with me through my entire campaign.  Talk to Gadi Anton and Kish Kumen.  Now, I'm not guaranteeing they'll admit to being there themselves, let alone vouch for me," he warned.  "Remember, what we were doing was illegal."


OOC: Any other comments?
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:18, Mon 01 Dec 2014.

"Is there anything else you could tell us?" Jubali asked.

"I'm afraid there's nothing else I can think of that would be pertinent," Payan Kai admitted.

"Well, thank you very much for your help," Ranger Cardosa said.

As you started to exit, Payan Kai spoke up: "My brother may not have had a brain in his head, but I did love him.  Please find out who did this to him.  I want to see them pay."

As you left the interrogation room, Payan Kai was escorted back to his adjacent cell by two guards.

"Well I think we've got enough to get started," Master Tabret commented.  "You two started this line of investigation," she continued, indicating you and Traest.  "Why don't you continue with it?  Go talk to Payan Kai's two contacts.  See if you can't get any information from them.  We'll go and talk to the dead Chief Judge's staff, see if they know anything or could possibly be suspects.  We'll meet back at the ship this evening.  Sound good?"

"Sounds good," Jubali replied.

You first went to the home of Gadi Anton.  When you called at the door, he opened, and looking startled at seeing a Human and a Bothan on his doorstep, said worriedly, "Can I help you?"

"We're here on behalf of your government," Jubali replied.  "We're heading up the investigation into the murder of your Chief Judge."

"I see," he replied warily.  "How can I help?"

"May we come in?" Jubali asked.

Gadi Anton hesitated for a moment, but then seemed to decide he could trust you.  "I suppose," he replied, still a little nervous.  He slowly opened the door, just wide enough for you to enter.  As soon as you and Traest stepped through the door, he closed it.

"You seem a little nervous," Traest pointed out.  "Is something the matter?"

"Yes, something's the matter," Gadi Anton replied, a little frustrated.  "I've got a Human and a Bothan on my doorstep investigating the murder of the Chief Judge, when everyone knows I worked for Payan Kai during his campaign."

"Ah, yes, I see," Traest answered, a little embarrassed.  "We're trying to corroborate some information we've just received," Traest started, "And we wanted to know where you were at the time the chief judge was killed."

"I was out with friends," Gadi Anton replied coyly.

"Out where?"  Traest pressed.

"Why does this even matter?" Gadi Anton burst out.  "I'm not a suspect, am I?"

"Others are and we're trying to determine their innocence or guilt," Jubali countered.  "I understand your fear but there's no need for it.  Unless you're guilty of course, then I suppose there is."

"Look, I had nothing to do with the Chief Judge's murder." Gadi Anton replied firmly.  "But I can't tell you where I was or what I was doing.  It would be something that would get me in trouble."

"Whom were you with?" Jubali asked.  "We already know of the plot to overthrow the government so there is no need to hide that from us."

Gadi Anton's eyes went wide.  "Please, please don't report me to the police," he pleaded.

"Don't worry," Traest assured him.  "We're not interested in that.  We're interested in finding the Chief Judge's murderer."

Gadi Anton sighed, with a mix of relief and resignation.  "Very well.  There were several of us meeting together to plot how we were going to remove the Chief Judge from his seat--but none of it had to do with violence," he was quick to point out.  "Several of us were there, most of them new to our group.  But Payan Kai was there with myself and Kish Kumen."

"Who brought the new people?" Jubali asked.

"Kish Kumen and myself.  We were recruiting people we knew supported Payan Kai.  Why?  It couldn't have been any of them either," he said, though he didn't seem too sure.

"And Payan Kai was there the whole time?  He never left your sight?" Traest prodded.

"Never.  He was the main speaker, trying to rally people to our cause," came the certain reply.

"Where are Kish Kumen and the others now?" Jubali inquired.

"I'm afraid I'd rather not give away the others," he said firmly.  "But Kish is probably at home with his family.  If you're going to talk to him too, I would advise calling him away from the home to avoid involving his wife and kids," he cautioned.

"Is there anything you can tell us about Payan Kai?" Traest asked.

"That he would have made the better Chief Judge," he answered with a scoff.  "I still can't believe Pahor An won.  Even the political analysts said we should be winning, but everybody liked Pahor An."

"And what about Pakyu Meni?" Jubali forwarded.

"Pakyu Meni had no chance," Gadi Anton said derisively.  "He was the lowest in the polls, though he couldn't understand why.  Honestly, it was obvious.  Pahor An was more popular, and Payan Kai was smarter.  Brute strength doesn't win you everything."  Gadi Anton chuckled at that.  "I was surprised however that when the final votes were read, that Pakyu Meni went along with the voice of the people.  I thought he would have been just as upset as Payan Kai."

"Interesting," Jubali replied, then left the questioning open to Traest.

"Thank you for your time," Traest simply said.  "You've given us some useful information."

"Well, that went better than I thought it would," Traest commented as you left.  "I think we've most likely confirmed Payan Kai didn't do it.  The question now is, who did?"

"We'll have to follow the evidence, I guess," Jubali replied.  "How much time do we have left on our breathers?"

Traest did some mental calculations, then said "Enough to make it back to the ship with about ten minutes to spare."

"Then let's go.  We'll have to refill before checking out any more stories."

As you continued towards the ship and the sun was sinking below the horizon, a thick fog started to settle in.  Suddenly, you heard some scuffling behind you.  When you turned around you saw three shrouded figures approaching you menacingly.  "This will teach you to meddle in the affairs of the future Chief Judge."

...

One of the shadowy figures shot some sort of blaster rifle at Jubali, punching a hole in her side.

One of the others went after Traest with a knife, cutting him across the cheek, and knocking his breather off.

OOC: Your turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:46, Mon 15 Dec 2014.

Jubali pulled out and ignited her lightsaber, then took a couple of deep breaths in order to recover.

OOC Three swift actions to recover.

OOC: Both of the ones who acted before you rolled 18's. And when you say you're using three swift actions to recover, I assume you mean you are starting your three actions because drawing and igniting your lightsaber is a move action.

...Will post next turn later.

The third Kel Dor closed in on Jubali and slashed at her with his knife, nicking her arm. 

Traest gasped as the toxic atmosphere entered his lungs, he gagged and Jubali could tell he was in pain.  But he was able to keep it together, he put his mask back on and unsheathed his survival knife.

The Kel Dor with the blaster rifle continued to hang back, and fired at Jubali again, but Jubali's elusive nature enabled her to position herself so that the ruffian attacking her with a knife was in between her and the one with the blaster rifle, causing him to miss.

Meanwhile, the thug next to Traest slashed at him again, but Traest leaned out of the way.

OOC: Your turn.  Just FYI, you can catch your second wind whenever you're ready to.  A second wind is only a swift action.  So you could, use a swift action to finish recovering, use a swift action to get your second wind, and still have a standard action left to attack.

OOC I'mma do that.  1 swift to finish recovering, 1 swift to catch second wind, and 1 to attack.

Jubali finished centering herself and then turned and struck with her lightsaber.  (4 + 4(FP) + 3(ATK) = 11) (5 dmg)

OOC: You move back to Normal on the CT (good thing too, otherwise you would have missed), and regain 10 hp with your Second Wind, putting you at 20hp.

Jubali's lightsaber barely found its target, but the blow was damaging, slicing up the side of the Kel Dor's arm. 

Jubali's opponent took a slash at her, but Jubali batted away his knife with her lightsaber.

Traest stabbed at his foe, but the thug sidestepped the blow.

The assailant with the blaster rifle fired at Jubali again, but Jubali kept herself hidden behind her enemy.

Traest's attacker swiped his knife at the Bothan, and nicked his shoulder.

OOC: Your turn.

Jubali knew she had to end this fight now so she attacked her opponent again.

(OOC 15 + 3 = 18, 12 dmg)

Jubali put a hole in the Kel Dor's chest with her lightsaber and he dropped to the ground.

Traest tried a cross slash but the assailant easily dodged the blow.

The Kel Dor with the blaster rifle tried to take advantage of the fact that Jubali no longer had soft cover, but his shot still went wide.

Traest's opponent slashed back at him, slicing his abdomen.

OOC: You are up again.

Jubali moved to the Kel Dor attacking Traest and attacked him.

OOC 7+5(FP)+3 = 15
4+1 = 5 dmg

Jubali's move took the Kel Dor by surprise as her lightsaber cut into his shoulder.

Then it was Jubali's turn to be surprised when two human figures appeared in the mist.  The first ran straight to the fallen Kel Dor.  The other ignited a blue lightsaber and took up a stance between the two Kel Dor and the two apprentices.

"I would pull back if I were you," Sonora Tabret advised the Kel Dor.  Both of them took the hint and disappeared back into the mist.

"What do  you have to say for yourself?" Master Tabret chided Jubali.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:20, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

"They almost killed us!" Jubali protested, pointing to the gaping wound in her side.  "We were just walking back when they opened fire!"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:35, Wed 18 Mar 2015.

Master Tabret took a calming breath.  "I understand that they attacked first--and with deadly force," she added before Jubali could remind her.  "But we are here on a diplomatic mission to solve a murder, we are already not thought well of among the local populace, and I don't think killing one of their citizens is going to help the issue.  I just hope that Dane can revive him."


"Well, hope no longer," Dane called out.  "I did it.  He's alive--just barely.  But we need to get him, as well as these two, to a hospital."

"Hopefully the Kel Dor will believe your story," Master Tabret said.

"I'm fine, by the way," Jubali replied, dryly.  "I'm sure the bolt cauterized the wound.  I may have lost a kidney but, hey, that's why I have two I suppose."

"Please don't be sarcastic.  You don't think I care how you're doing?" Master Tabret answered, her soft brown eyes starting to glisten with tears.  "Why do you think Ranger Cardosa and I came?  Because I sensed your pain in the Force.  What do you think was the first thing I did once you were in sight?  I checked your vitals through the Force."  She was trying hard to hold back the quaver in her voice.  "I trust your skills, I knew you wouldn't let yourself get killed."  She paused as if about to say something else, but then reached out her arms and pulled Jubali toward her.  "Oh, Jubali..."  Suddenly Jubali felt strength coming into her, felt her wounds knitting themselves back together, and she realized that Master Tabret was using the Force to heal her.

Master Tabret then moved to Traest and touched his forehead, healing him as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:45, Thu 19 Mar 2015.

'Great,' Jubali thought sardonically as her master embraced her.

"Not to continue complaining but Traest and I are running out of air," Jubali said.  "We need to get our tanks refilled."

"Oh, yes," Dane spoke up.  "I nearly forgot.  Here," he said handing each of you a new filter.  "We were back at the ship changing our own filters out and wondering where the two of you were when Master Tabret sensed you were in danger.  I made sure to quickly grab two filters on our way out."

OOC: Anything else before you go to the hospital?

"Thank you," Jubali liltingly replied.

As soon as you arrived at the hospital, the Kel Dor, Traest, and Jubali were all admitted and treated.  Jubali could hear the hospital administrator speaking to Master Tabret and Ranger Cardosa just outside of her room.  "Of course we will treat all of them, but I'm afraid I will have to have the authorities come down and question everyone."

"As you should," Master Tabret admitted.

And as promised, a handful of police officers, as well as Hetch Kee, the aide from the chief judge's office, arrived.  They began questioning the wounded Kel Dor and the hospital staff first.  Again, Jubali could hear the chief judge's rep talking to her master nearby.

"This is unforgivable!" the diplomat was ranting.  "Attacking our citizens for no reason at all!  This is outlandish!"

"As I said before," Master Tabret replied through clenched teeth.  "I think you will find that once everyone's statements are taken and all other evidence is brought forth, that it is your people who attacked our apprentices."

"Even if that is true," Hetch Kee conceded, "is this how all representatives of the Republic respond to threats?  With deadly force?"

"No one has died," Ranger Cardosa pointed out.

"Not for lack of trying," Hetch Kee countered.  "Interim Chief Judge Pakyu Meni has told me to inform you he is tempted to contact the Republic and have them recall you."

"What?" Master Tabret gasped incredulously.  "Don't you see, the attack on our students is a clear sign that we are getting close to discovering the murderer of the chief judge.  Pulling us now would not be a wise decision."

"Of course, Judge Meni's decision will depend largely on the outcome of the evidence regarding this attack," Hetch Kee said placatingly.

"Then I have confidence we'll be back to work soon," Ranger Cardosa said, finalizing the conversation.

A Kel Dor police officer came into Jubali's room then.  He simply said, "Please, tell me what happened tonight."

Jubali explained how they had been returning from their questioning of Payan Kai and Gadi Anton when they were inexplicably set upon by their attackers.  She also related what they shouted before they attacked.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 07:08, Tue 24 Mar 2015.

After all the questioning was done, Jubali, Traest, Master Tabret, Ranger Cardosa, Hetch Kee, and the hospital administrator were all gathered into one room by the police.

"Both the injured citizen and these two," the chief investigator indicated Jubali and Traest, "claim that the other side started the attack."

"Ah, there you see," Hetch Kee jumped in.

"But," the hospital administrator interjected, "all the physical injuries indicate that the offworlders were defending themselves."

"Except for the gaping hole in our citizen's chest," Hetch Kee offered up.

"In case you haven't noticed, there's also a gaping hole in my Padawan's side," Master Tabret countered.

"Which, according to our tests, was sustained before the wound was inflicted on our fellow Kel Dor," the administrator confirmed.

"There is also the matter of numbers.  Even the injured citizen admitted there were three of them and only two offworlders," the chief investigator added.  He also then described what was said during the attack.  "I'm afraid Aide Kee that we have to believe the Republic representatives about what happened."

"If that is so, then it does seem obvious who their target should be.  Clearly the fact that they were attacked after visiting an associate of Payan Kai's indicates that he is the one trying to stop the investigation," Hetch Kee suggested.

"Unless they were trying to frame Payan Kai," Jubali countered.  "Or were simply isolationists."

Hetch Kee raised a finger to object, but then thought better of it.  "Both of your theories are plausible," he admitted.  "I will consult with Judge Meni and see what he thinks about this."  He walked off a few paces and spoke into a comlink for several minutes before returning.  "Judge Meni has decided to let you continue with your investigation," he announced.

"Thank you," Master Tabret said with a slight bow of the head.  "We will rest up and continue our inquiries in the morning."

You were able to return to your ship without incident.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:00, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

The next morning the four of you met in the Eclipse's med area.

"Because of the investigation last night, we know what you two were able to find out," Master Tabret started.  "We thought we would fill you in on how our interviews with the dead Chief Judge's staff went."

"Unfortunately there's not much to report," Dane said.  "None of them could possibly have committed the murder and they weren't close enough to witness it either."

"We're going to investigate the crime scene today," Master Tabret informed them.  "We would like the two of you to review the Kel Dor police records of the event and see if you can't glean any information from that.  If you do find something, let us know, and then go ahead and investigate it.  Any questions?"

"Nope," Jubali replied, happy to be given a chance to recuperate from her injury.

After Master Tabret and Ranger Cardosa left, Traest pulled up the public police and news reports on the Eclipse's computer console and the two of you pored over them in detail.

You found that the evidence did seem to point to Payan Kai as the murderer: all questioning into those whom the jailed brother claimed to be with at the time of the murder resulted only in denials--but you had solved that mystery, he had been part of a clandestine meeting; Payan Kai's political robe was found in his house with the chief judge's blood on it.

However, later reports showed that it did not come out that he was planning a coup until after he was arrested for the murder; and there was one report that had a note about the murderer outrunning the guards who chased him.

"Traest, look what I've got," Jubali said, pointing to her screen.

"What is it?" Traest asked, scooting over to Jubali and looking over her shoulder.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:36, Wed 08 Apr 2015.

"These reports say that the idea of a coup didn't come out until later," Jubali said.  "I wonder if that was a cover for their real plot."

"You could be right," Traest agreed.  "But look at this," he said pointing to his own screen, "It says here, the murderer outran the guards who caught him at the scene of the crime.  Do you remember when we were interrogating Payan Kai in jail?  He was limping because he sprained his ankle at the end of the campaign.  How could he possibly outrun anybody?"

OOC: Does Jubali have any reaction to this news?

"A subordinate perhaps?"

"Possibly," Traest admitted, though with an incredulous tone.  "I do keep forgetting about that possibility.  But the reason they charged Payan Kai with murder as well as sedition is that they found his political robe in his house with Pahor An's blood on it.  But that doesn't make sense either.  Do you remember when I asked Payan Kai about how clean his cell was?"   "He's a self-admitted neat-freak.  Why would someone that organized and clean leave a bloody robe lying around his house?  He had to have known it would be found."

"Someone with that close of attention to detail, yes.  A frame-up, then.  That leaves his brother...or a third party.  Ugh, I hate politics."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:01, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

"Then you probably shouldn't have apprenticed yourself to a Jedi Consular," Traest pointed out jokingly as he cracked a smile and nudged Jubali with his elbow.  "Seriously though, I agree with you, Payan Kai was most likely framed.  And since we don't know what third party would want to frame him, let's see what we can find when we look into his brother.  Now the question is, do you want to just keep combing through records here?  Or should we take a field trip to the interim chief judge's house?"

Jubali felt the bandage where she'd nearly been killed; it'd healed most of the way by now.

"We should be good heading out.  Just a little stiff at this point."

"Okay, I'll comm Ranger Cardosa and tell him what we found." Traest said excitedly.

***

"You've done very well," Ranger Cardosa said.  "While I don't think the information you've found necessarily points to Pakyu Meni, it's probably your strongest lead.  I think you may have trouble finding anything out at his house though: you do not have enough reason to enter it without permission, so be cautious," the Antarian Ranger warned.

As you headed towards Pakyu Meni's house, you saw that it was a large home at the end of a cul-de-sac, with no other homes actually in the cul-de-sac.  The lights were darkened and the shades were drawn.  "So what now?"  Traest asked.  "Should we just knock?"

"I don't think so."  Jubali Searched Her Feelings.

OOC 15+6=21

OOC: Since you weren't specific, I am assuming your searching for the results of what will happen if you knock.

You are able to glean from the Force that if you knock, no one will answer, and nothing bad will immediately happen.

OOC Sorry, no, I was trying to determine if I should try and sneak inside.

The Force is unclear what will happen if you try to sneak inside, as there are different results depending on your method.

Jubali sighed.

"Let's scout the area first.  But stick together."

"Could you use the Force to check if any one's inside?" Traest asked excitedly.

OOC 20+7=27

Flush with the Force, Jubali closed her eyes and attempted so Sense her Surroundings.

The Force let Jubali "see" into the building clearly, and Jubali could sense every living thing in ever room of the large house.  And while there were some small insect-size creatures inside, there were definitely no sentients present.

"Looks like it'd just be us and the bugs," Jubali explained, a little light-headed from the rush of the Force.  "We're free to roam at our pleasure."

"Wow, you can really tell that with the Force?" Traest asked in amazement.  "That is so awesome."  Then, realizing he was groveling cleared his throat. "Ahem, I mean, well done, well done.  Now when you say we can roam at our pleasure, you're assuming they have no security measures in place.  But I have an idea that will maybe get us a look inside first before we try and get in."  He paused for a moment.  "Could you use the Force again to open the blinds so we can look in?"  He waited expectantly.

"Yeah, I was mostly referring to the building being empty, not on it's security measures," Jubali conceded.  "I might be able to raise the blinds...it depends on the mechanism.  It's worth a try."

OOC: Go ahead and make a Use the Force check to Move Light Object.

OOC 15+6=21

Still flush with the Force Jubali reached out and flicked the switch to open the blinds.

The blinds opened easily.

"All right," Traest said rubbing his hands together eagerly.  "Let's see what we can see."

OOC: Make a Perception check.

OOC 9+2=11

Jubali found it a touch hard to focus while still lightheaded from the Force usage.

All Jubali could see was a cluttered mess, with piles of clothes lying all over and stained furniture set about the rooms with no clear sense of purpose to them.

"Hey, look over there," Traest said, indicating the far wall.  As Jubali looked closer, Traest confirmed what she thought she saw on the dust and cobweb covered shelving set into the wall.  "Aren't those track and field trophies?"

OOC Galactic Lore check: 19+1=20

IC "I believe so?"

OOC: You didn't need to make a check to tell that they were (that's why I put in there "confirmed what she thought she saw").  But, since you did, I'll give you a little more info:

Jubali could tell that the trophies were even specifically for foot races.

"Running trophies..." Jubali clarified.  "Sounds like we found our speedy murderer."

"I'll contact Ranger Cardosa and Master Tabret," Traest said pulling out his comlink.

"You've done well," you could hear Ranger Cardosa telling Traest.  "We were starting to narrow in on the same conclusion and wondering if we should have the robe the police confiscated tested further.  Now we know that we should.  Go back to the ship, swap out your filters and meet us at the planetary courthouse."

OOC: Any comments, etc.?

"Finally," Jubali said.  She'd hated 'intrigue'.

OOC I don't, but she would.

When Jubali and Traest made it to the front of the courthouse Master Tabret and Ranger Cardosa were there waiting for them.  "I'm afraid all of our suspicions were correct," Master Tabret said as the young apprentices approached.  "When Payan Kai's robe was first analyzed they only took DNA samples of the blood on it.  When we asked for a further analysis, they found skin samples and sweat samples on the robe that match Pakyu Meni."

"The planetary police are on their way, but we need to keep Pakyu Meni here until they arrive," Ranger Cardosa informed them.

As they entered the courthouse's lobby, Pakyu Meni's assistant, Hetch Kee, met them.  "Have you finally discovered for yourself that Payan Kai is the murderer?" he asked innocently.

"To the contrary," Master Tabret countered.  "We've found another culprit."

"Ah, I see," Hetch Kee replied coyly.  "And so you've come to inform the chief judge of your new information?"

"We've come to arrest the interim chief judge," Ranger Cardosa said with only a slight pause before adding "for murder.  And anyone who helped him for conspiracy."

"Be careful Ranger, conspiracy is a strong..." Hetch Kee started to warn before Ranger Cardosa punched him out.

"Sorry about that," Ranger Cardosa replied.  "I was getting tired of him getting in our way."

Master Tabret wiped the shocked look off her face and gave the Ranger a respectful nod.  "Let's get to our real quarry."

When the two Jedi and two Antarian rangers entered the chief judge's office, it looked much the same as it had before: messy.  Pakyu Meni sat at his desk, poring over something on his datapad.  Next to the desk, also peering over the image on the small screen stood a large Kel Dor with a serious composure.  His clothes were inconspicuous, but this was no doubt a personal bodyguard.  Posted around the room were three security personnel.

"Ah, the Republic representatives," Pakyu Meni greeted once he noticed that they had entered.  "To what do I owe the pleasure?"

Master Tabret was the first to speak up, "In the name of the Galactic Republic, you are under arrest, Interim Chief Judge."

"Are you threatening me, Master Jedi?" Pakyu Meni replied calmly.

"The Kel Dor justice system will decide your fate," Master Tabret replied firmly.

"I am the Kel Dor justice system!" Pakyu Meni answered with a throaty growl.

OOC: Roll for Initiative.

OOC 12+2=14 Nice RotS reference.

"I have worked too hard to get this position to let some meddling Jedi and their Antarian Ranger lapdogs ruin it for me," Pakyu Meni said, standing up.  "Get them!"

"Ranger Cardosa and I will handle Pakyu Meni and his guard," Master Tabret instructed hurriedly.  "You two keep the security personnel off of us.  And remember, we're here as diplomats, so try just to disable them."  She had a pained and worried look on her face as she gave these last instructions, but then she turned quickly back to the looming battle.

Dane was quickest to act, drawing his blaster pistol and firing a stun shot at the would-be chief judge, but his shot missed.

The bodyguard responded in kind, but was not so forgiving, delivering a deadly bolt that Dane easily dodged.

The security guard closest to Traest pulled out his blaster pistol and fired at the Bothan.  Traest winced in pain as the shot pierced his shoulder.

The security guard closest to Jubali followed suit, but Jubali moved out of the way before the bolt could reach her.

Pakyu Meni flipped back his robe, pulled out two heavy blaster pistols and fired at Ranger Cardosa and Master Tabret.  Both heroes were able to avoid the blasts.

Traest pulled out his blaster pistol and fired a stun blast at the security guard attacking him.  The security guard winced as the stun shot glanced his shoulder.

OOC: Jubali's turn.  And there is a map.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:02, Tue 26 May 2015.

Jubali moved in close to the guards to draw their fire while she kept herself on the defensive.  Her acrobatic skills and dexterity made her lightsaber display a wonder to behold.

OOC Fighting defensively with Acrobatics gives me a +10 to me Reflex Defense and with Elusive Target ability imposes a -5 to ranged attacks against her (unless you don't count what she's doing as her engaging in a melee, regardless I get a +10 to Ref).

Master Tabret pulled out her lightsaber, ignited it and warned "You are outmatched Pakyu Meni, you can't win."

"I count five to four, I believe it is you who is outnumbered," the Kel Dor replied, unintimidated.

One of the security personnel attempted to shoot Master Tabret from behind, but was unsuccessful.

Dane tried for another stun shot at the false chief judge, but the bodyguard stepped in the way and took the blow, managing to work through the pain and fire back at Dane.  Dane had no trouble avoiding the blaster bolt.

The security guard (SP1) engaged with Traest moved to the back of the room and tipped up the caftable to get some cover from Traest.  The security guard (SP2) engaging Jubali similarly moved between the two chairs to get cover from Jubali, then fired at her, but Jubali back-flipped out of the way, avoiding the shot.

Pakyu Meni took a shot at Master Tabret, deeply piercing her abdomen.  Then he and his bodyguard moved towards the door that led to the balcony, stepping out of your sight.

Traest, meanwhile moved behind the couch to get more cover as well and fired at the security guard hiding from him.  Unfortunately, Traest's shot missed.

OOC: Okay Jubali, your turn.  Note the updated map.

Jubali was now faced with the choice of hunting down the traitor or staying to finish this battle.  Realizing Pakyu Meni had lost his legal standing and would be forced into hiding, Jubali decided to stay and protect her master and friends.

Hoping to provide additional coverage as well as maneuver herself into a position where she might have a slight chance of attacking, Jubali moved her way closer to one of the guards (SP3) while continuing her dance of defense.

As Jubali moved in, Sonora caught a second wind, and moving to the balcony door attempted again to appeal to Pakyu Meni, "Where will you go?  You have nowhere to hide."  But the criminal remained undaunted  "You will never find me!" he declared.

The security guard confronted by Jubali fired at her, but Jubali didn't even need acrobatics to avoid this desperate attack.  The guard then moved behind the other chair in the room.

Dane looked imploringly at Master Tabret, and when she nodded, he switched his blaster off of stun, moved to the cover of the doorway and fired at the retreating bodyguard.  Jubali could hear the bodyguard grunt just outside the door from the hit.

The bodyguard returned fire, but still couldn't hit the spry Ranger.

The security guard behind the caftable aimed and fired at Traest, who took a glancing blow to the abdomen.

The security guard behind the chair took advantage of Jubali's distraction with his comrade to fire at the weakened Master Tabret, but the Jedi was still able to avoid being hit.

Pakyu Meni fired another shot back at Master Tabret from the balcony, but after failing to hit her all Jubali could hear were his and his bodyguard's footsteps.

Traest caught a second wind, and then took his master's lead and switched his blaster off of stun and fired at the security guard attacking him, but failed to even hit his cover.

OOC: Jubali, it's your turn.  Again note the updated map.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:21, Mon 01 June 2015.

"You two get Pakyu Meni, we've got this," Jubali said, keeping the two guards pinned down with her dance.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:47, Mon 01 June 2015.

Master Tabret nodded in appreciation to Jubali, then exited to the balcony, while the second security guard attacking Jubali targeted her and fired, but Jubali shoulder-rolled underneath the shot.

Ranger Cardosa followed Master Tabret onto the balcony, while the security guard facing off against Traest continued his barrage, hitting Traest once again.

The security guard closest to Jubali tried to follow Master Tabret and Ranger Cardosa onto the balcony, but in doing so opened himself to an attack from Jubali.  (OOC: You get to make an Attack of Opportunity against SP2 as he moves out of a square you threaten.)

OOC 4+2+3=9  1+1=2 damage You had ONE job Jubali.

IC Jubali's whirling dervish did little to aid her attack, unfortunately.

The security guard was able to sneak past Jubali's lightsaber swing and get out the door just behind Ranger Cardosa.

Traest aimed and fired at the guard assailing him, finally returning a damaging blow.

OOC: Now your full turn.  Note the updated map.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:42, Mon 01 June 2015.

Jubali swore as the security guard got away, then moved next to the remaining one of the two she'd been holding down and attacked him.

OOC 19+3=22 7+5=12 dmg

Jubali was able to cut the guard up pretty good.  In return, he tried desperately to get a shot in at her, and got a lucky hit.

Traest's assailant fired and finally missed.  Traest fired back, barely missing.

OOC: Jubali's turn again.

Jubali had had enough of this nonsense.  She spun, twirled and struck again.

OOC 19+3=22 5+2=7 dmg

Jubali wounded the guard's shoulder, but he fired back anyway, but Jubali was too agile and ducked the blast.

The other guard took aim and fired again at Traest, nearly taking him out.  Traest fired back, but his wounds were starting to get him and he missed.

OOC: Jubali's turn.

Jubali moved to attack but her lightsaber slipped in her hands and her swing went very wide.

OOC 1+ it doesn't matter it misses.

The guard tried to take advantage of Jubali's mistake, but she recovered too quickly, using her agility to dodge the blast.

Traest and his opponent again exchanged blaster fire, with neither one finding their mark.

OOC: Jubali's turn again.

OOC 8+3+6(FP)=17 5+5=10dmg

IC Desperate to end the fight and aid her friends, Jubali called upon the Force to guide her strike.

Just before Jubali delivered the final blow to her foe, eight Dorin Security Force officers rushed into the room, weapons drawn.

"Everybody freeze," one of them said.  "Drop your weapons until we can determine who you are."

Both of Pakyu Meni's security personnel immediately dropped their weapons and raised their hands.

Traest looked longingly at Jubali first, but then complied.

Jubali was hesitant to comply but did so, placing her lightsaber on the ground and raising her hands into the air.

Before the DSF officers could start their pat downs and inquiries Master Tabret and Ranger Cardosa came into the room.  "Don't worry about these two," Ranger Cardosa said.  "They're with us."  The lead DSF officer gave a nod of acknowledgement and indicated that Traest and Jubali could pick up their weapons.

OOC: Any comments?

"What happened?" Jubali asked Master Tabret.

"There's no place to get down from the balcony," Master Tabret started, "so Pakyu Meni and his bodyguard were actually heading to another office to come back in and make their way to the stairs.  We slowed them down, but could never quite stop them.  Of course, we were surprised to find one of the security guards following us," Master Tabret gave Jubali a chiding look, but the glare quickly faded.  "But he didn't end up causing too much trouble for us.  Anyway, just as Pakyu Meni and his bodyguard reached the stairs, DSF showed up in force.  So it looks like we did our job, we stalled them long enough."

"But where is Pakyu Meni now?" Traest asked.

"Come see for yourself," Ranger Cardosa answered, leading them out into the lobby area.  There you saw Pakyu Meni, his bodyguard, and the security guard that had followed them, in binders, surrounded by DSF officers.

"I don't understand," Pakyu Meni said as he saw the four of you approaching, "How did you know?"

Jubali leaned over, placing her hands on her knees so she could look Pakyu Meni on his level.

"I think that's a little secret we're going to keep," she said.

All of Jubali's companions seemed satisfied with that answer, but as the quartet turned and started walking away, Pakyu Meni started mumbling, "I don't understand he said no one would figure it out, not even the Jedi.”

Master Tabret stopped dead in her tracks, a look of fear coming over her face.  "Sonora, ignore him.  It can't be what you're thinking," Dane said.  But Master Tabret turned back around and stalked toward Pakyu Meni, with Dane not far behind her.  "Who told you that?" she asked her voice rising slightly.  "Who helped you plan this, but told you the Jedi wouldn't figure it out?"

Pakyu Meni hesitated for a moment, but when he saw the look in Master Tabret's eyes, he finally answered softly, "The Paladin."

Master Tabret gasped, putting her hand to her mouth.  She shook her head in disbelief as she said, "No, it can't be."  Ranger Cardosa put his hands on Sonora's upper arms, and said to the DSF officers, "Get him out of here."  The officers immediately dragged him and his conspirators off.

"What was that about?!" Jubali asked, stunned.

"It's nothing, Jubali," Ranger Cardosa said.  "Just a lie Pakyu Meni made up to blame somebody else for what he has done."

"Is it?" Master Tabret asked, having gained a modicum of composure.  "Isn't this just his style?  Chaos and confusion?"

"But why would he come back now?" Dane countered.

"Why else?  Why does he do anything?  He's bored.  For the last while he's had the Stark Hyperspace War and the Invasion of Naboo to entertain him, but now there's nothing." Master Tabret answered.

"I think your wounds are starting to take a toll on you," Ranger Cardosa said, somewhat changing the subject.  "We need to get you, all of you," he said including Traest and Jubali, "to a hospital and get you healed up."

Master Tabret seemed as though she was going to protest but then thought better of it.  Instead she simply nodded her head quietly.

OOC: Any comments before I summarize the next few days of healing and events?

Jubali decided WHO it was they were talking about could wait until later.

The Republic envoys were treated even better this time at the hospital because now they were heroes: they had restored order and justice Dorin.  It took a few days for all of them to heal up.  During that time, the heroes learned that Payan Kai had been elected chief judge.  Even now he was appearing on the local holonews.  "It pains me to say, that though he is my brother, Pakyu Meni was the one who murdered my other brother Pahor An.  As my first act as chief judge, I have sentenced him to death, the execution to be carried out by the end of the local week."  Holocameras started flashing and reporters eagerly raised their hands.  "Will you witness the execution?" one asked.  "No, it is painful enough to have to deliver the sentence and deal with losing two brothers in a short period of time."  "How was it discovered that Pakyu Meni was the murderer?" another queried.  "With the help of some representatives from the Republic, we were able to..." and the image vanished as Dane pushed the power button on the feed.

OOC: Any comments?

"Hey, they were just about to talk about us!"

"Yes...and we already know what happened, because we were there." Dane replied, not understanding the complaint.  Traest just shrugged.

"Besides," Master Tabret interjected before Jubali could protest more, "it's time for us to go."

But before they left, the holocomm in the room chimed.  Dane answered it and a miniature, blue image of Senator Kon Uuln appeared.  "Good, I was hoping to catch you before you left.  I wanted to thank you for handling this issue  with such tact," the Senator said.  "It is too bad that such a thing as fraternal homicide could take place on Dorin.  I know that Payan Kai will be a tough, but fair chief judge.  I also wanted you to know that should you need one, you have an ally in the Senate."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:03, Mon 04 Jan 2016.

"Thank you Senator," Master Tabret replied with a slight bow.  "We look forward to working with you in the future."  The Senator's image disappeared and all four of them left the hospital and headed back to their ship.  On the way back, Traest commented to Jubali, "At least we won't have to wear these breath masks anymore."

"It's the simple things in life, isn't it?" Jubali replied.

Traest chuckled at this, and even Master Tabret cracked a smile, which in turn made Ranger Cardosa smile.  All in all the company was in good spirits when they returned to their ship.  After removing their breath masks and getting settled in, Master Tabret activated the holocomm and contacted the Jedi Council.  Miniature images of Masters Yoda, Windu, and Mundi appeared before the group's eyes.

"Masters," Sonora said, giving a slight bow of the head.  "I wanted to report our success in discovering the murderer of Dorin's chief judge."

"Heard of your success, we have," Master Yoda said.  "Congratulations we give."

"Yet there must be some other reason for you to be contacting us," the intellectual Master Mundi added.

"Indeed, there is." Master Tabret said solemnly.  Ranger Cardosa shook his head slightly indicating that Sonora should not continue.  But she did anyway: "I believe the Paladin was behind this plot."

"The Paladin?" Master Windu said incredulously.  "First Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan discover that the Sith have returned, and now you think the Paladin is back?"

"What evidence have you?" Master Yoda asked.

"Nothing solid," Master Tabret admitted.  "But Pakyu Meni claimed the Paladin was the one who gave him the idea.  And it does seem his style."

"Indeed," Master Yoda agreed, "Chaos and confusion are his weapons."

"Well, with the immediate matter settled, I'm afraid any further investigation into this will have to wait," Master Windu interrupted.  "We have another task for the four of you."

"Yes," Master Mundi chimed in, taking over the explanation. "We have received a distress signal from a starship named the Stellar Damsel.  The ship was working for Republic Intelligence and we believe they have discovered some information of importance.  Unfortunately they reported being attacked by pirates, who damaged their ship before they were able to jump to hyperspace.  Something must have gone wrong with their hyperdrive, because a short time later we received their distress signal coming from the Miro Asteroid field."

"You are our closest assets," Master Windu continued.  "We need you to rescue the ship and crew if you can and make sure we retrieve the information they obtained.  We have no doubt that the pirates are still pursuing them, so you must work quickly.  Are there any questions?"

"Do we know anything about the pirates hunting them?" Jubali asked.  "Is the sector known for certain pirate activity?"

"Unfortunately we know nothing about the pirates," Ki-Adi-Mundi replied. "They either had no markings on their ship, or the Republic's agents did not report them.  Also, the sector does not usually have any higher accounts of pirate attacks than any other sector, and that is the reason our people were caught unawares."

Jubali nodded.

"If there are no more questions, then be off," Master Windu concluded and the image of the three senior Jedi Masters disappeared.

OOC: The adventure will continue in "Damsel in Distress"...