A Game of Guessing

[bac]

*The comlink beeped and the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic brought it to life. The meeting was about to start, or so he was told. General Anartaz had come up with a rescue plan to save the First Daughter. Ussej Padric Bac III, High Priest of the Bendu Order, was also called to the meeting. The Chancellor was not at all happy with the High Priest's performance, as he was the one tasked with the protection of Isabella. Isabella....he knew she had to have something to do with this. Perhaps it was a call for attention? He was uncertain, but he would get to the bottom of this plot. Mandalorians don't just abduct out of random, so either she was involved or there was a much bigger plot brewing. The door slid open, revealing the Joint Chiefs and respective higher-ups in the military, Jedi Order and Bendu Order. He took his place at the head of the table, pulling out his datapad and setting it on the table.*

"What's the situation?"

*Of course, he knew the basics of the situation such as the kidnapping and the assault on Naboo, but he didn't know the fine details. That is why he assigned these particular officers and respective guests to this assignment....they were the best of the best, even if one of them was unable to save his daughter in the first place.*

 

[Sabre]

The general hesitated for a moment, he knew he had failed by allowing the Chancellor’s daughter to be captured, but he also knew that there was no time for dramatics. “We have no idea as to the whereabouts of your daughter Chancellor.” He said slowly, trying his best to not give across the impression of complete uselessness. “But we have reason to believe that she is being held on a Mandalorian ship.”

 

[bac]

*Noting it in a potential plan on his datapad, he looked up to face the General. The evidence was not specific in the least, but at least it was some form of a start.*

"Is there any indication to where this ship may be?"

 

[Brandon Rhea]

"None as of yet, sir, but there was an attack on Mannan this morning. The intelligence the Selkath have sent us all but confirm that it was a Mandalorian strike. I had the scans compared with the ones taken on Naboo and it was indeed Mandalore's flagship. Luckily, our Republic strike force on Mannan set up a scanner to track their ion trail. We don't know where the ship is now, but we will soon know where it is heading."

*He paused for a moment, shifting in his seat. This briefing was not easy for him to sit through knowing that the Chancellor blamed him for Isabella's capture, but he had to get her back...he would get her back. He would do anything to ensure her safety. Not once had he ever failed a mission and he did not intend to do so now.*

"Chancellor, once we have discovered where they are headed I would like to lead the rescue mission. I was tasked with the protection of your daughter and I fully intend on completing that task. Please, allow me to make things right...."

 

[bac]

*The request was reasonable, though he was still worried about whether or not this High Priest could shoulder the responsibility. Afterall, he did lose his daughter. But, saving her did fall under "protecting the Chancellor's daughter", so he only felt it right that the leader of the Bendu Order be the one to carry out the mission.*

"Your request is granted, Bac. However, you will not do this alone. Take that boy....Kalel Kitsune, I think his name was....with you. Obviously he was a great help in the aftermath of the attack on Naboo, so it only seems fitting that he help you complete your task."

*He could see that the High Priest was ready to protest, so he quicky stood up and placed his datapad into his pocket.*

"If there are no further questions, this meeting is adjourned. I remind you that this briefing is classified at the highest levels."

*He turned and exited the chamber, his guards flanking him. However, he could see the Bendu leader standing in a manner that signalled him that he would soon have company in his office.*

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*The Chancellor headed back to his office as he quickly stood up. By the time he had left the room, the royal guards had already escorted Chancellor Dashin into a turboshaft. Moments later, when the shaft returned, he stepped in and was thrust to the upper levels of the Senate Office Building. He stepped off of the lift, headed towards the Chancellor's office. He expected the guards to stop him, but they immediately let him pass. He knew that the Chancellor had to have been onto him to simply let him pass by, so he kept things under control and calmly stepped through the door.*

"Chancellor Dashin, I must protest. Kalel Kitsune is nothing more than an annoyance. He's an arrogant, impulsive teenager who is going to get himself killed if he's not careful. Sending him is highly illogical and damn near insane."

 

[bac]

*He turned, knowing it was the High Priest who came through his door. He could see the disappointment and, dare he say, anger in the man's face. Whether or not it was justified, he did not know. He had yet to meet Kalel Kitsune, but that time was soon to come.*

"Although I do not know why you feel that way, Bac, I intend to find out. I've invited Kalel to a private meeting between the three of us, as I would like to meet the man who will help save my daughter."

*He stepped forward, attempting to get the High Priest to back down. Although it wasn't in a Bendu's nature, they did have a strong sense of duty and chain of command.*

"Is that clear, Sir Bendu?"

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*He stepped forward, angry, but backed away. Although he would most likely be arguing with Kalel for the entire trip, he had no desire to pick a fight with the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. He fully intended on rescuing Isabella, and he didn't want to compromise the privellege of having half of the Republic Navy at his disposal.*

"Yes, sir...."

*He sat back down, contemplating how much of a disaster this mission would be with that reckless, impulsive child with him. Although, he cannot help but think of what may have happened had Kalel not been there to pull him out of the rubble.*

"....just know that I do not agree with this decision, though I will follow your orders."

 

[bac]

*Sitting at his desk, he removed his pad and typed a message to Kalel Kitsune asking alerting him that the meeting would begin shortly. Placing back on the desk, he turned back to the Bendu High Priest.*

"That's good enough for me. Now, Kalel Kitsune will be here shortly. Just pretend like you're interested for Isabella's sake."

*The comlink beeped and his aide alerted him that the young Knight had arrived. He turned to the Bendu, smiled and told his aide to send him in.*

 

[Ser Yorick]

The silver haired young man known as Kalel Kitsune strode into the corridor outside the Chancellor's office, having just received message that their meeting would begin in moments. Wearing his same gray robes and black clothes underneath, with the katana still at his side he attempted to walk into the office as the aide motioned for him to enter. Nodding slightly at one of the guards he pushed the door open, and stepped in.

"Well hello there..."

He stood there a moment and smiled to the Chancellor, gave him a small but not necessarily truthful bow, though they wouldn't notice. He then brushed back his silver hair, revealing the vivid blue eyes and silver pupils.

Turning to Ussej he only nodded, not smiling at him, nor was there a frown on his face.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

*He turned, not even caring to acknowledge the young man's presence. He turned back to the Chancellor, letting him know that he was unhappy with the situation. Obviously, the Chancellor would be able to tell as the Bendu High Priest was always forward when he wanted to be.*

"I guess you should fill him in, Your Excellency."

 

[bac]

*He nodded to the young man, reaching out his hand asking him to sit down.*

"Thank you for coming, Kalel. I suppose I shall get straight to the point. The scanners that the Selkath set up to track the Mandalorians after an attack on Mannan indicates that they have returned to Onderon. Not only will this be a rescue mission, but it will be a liberation mission as well. We've sat by idlely for too long now, so this is the most advantageous time. I've ordered the military commanders to ready seventy-five percent of the entire fleet to prepare to disembark tomorrow at sunrise. In order to liberate the planet, we will need to reclaim Dxun as well. Sir Bac will be in charge of the Onderon force and you will be in charge of the Dxun force. You must force the Mandalorians to retreat from Dxun while Sir Bac is on Onderon rescuing Isabella. If he is still on the planet when you've completed your task on Dxun, make your way to Iziz to help him. Do you have any questions?"

 

[Ser Yorick]

Without even sitting down Kalel shook his head as the Chancellor spoke. He wrinkled his brow and actually took a step towards the man.

"Dxun? Dxun? I mean no offense sir, but this is an outrage. You send Mr. Bendu here to rescue your daughter and me to lead your military forces? If Ussej and I had switched places that day, we would not be in this predictament. His failure allowed the capture of your daughter, do you truly want to take that chance again by letting him lead the rescue mission? If you will oblige my request, then at least send both of us there. I have no doubt that I can get the job done on Dxun, but I would think my services would be better served helping your daughter."

 

[bac]

*He shook his head, obviously disagreeing with the young warrior. He reassuringly nodded to the High Priest before turning back to Kalel.*

"I have seen the security tapes from the Naboo Throne Room and the reason Sir Bac was knocked out was because he was hit with a war droid after jumping in front of it to save Isabella. My decision is final, and I suggest that you show a little more respect to the man who risked his life to save my daughters."

 

[Ser Yorick]

Kalel sighed and put his right hand on his forehead, frowning.

"Fine, if this is the only way to help Issa, then so be it."

The Tribunal Knight would go along with this for now, but when it came down to it, the only thing that held meaning to him in this mission was to rescue Issa and if he had to go against orders to do so, it'd be worth it. For Kalel took orders from no one but himself.

Clouding his mind with the Force so the Bendu wouldn't be able to sense his thoughts on the subject he took his hand away from his forehead and waited to hear the Chancellor's reply. Anxiously awaiting to get this thing started, for every moment they wasted, was a moment Issa had to suffer more.

 

[bac]

*The young warrior did not hide the feelings on his face very well. Not only was worry painted all over his face, but he could tell that Kitsune could easily defy his orders. His spirit was to be admired, but he would not stand for someone defying his orders.*

"Yeah, kid, you've got spirit. I'll give you that. Just know that if you are part of this operation you are under the jurisidiction of the Galactic Republic and, if you should for some reason choose not to follow our laws, are subject to all punishments garunteed by Republic law. Do I make myself clear?"

*He stood up and walked over to the Bendu's chair as he too stood up. He nodded and shook his hand, praying to the Force that he would save his daughter.*

"Sir Bac, you are the leader of this mission. Let me know when you are ready to disembark."

 

[Ser Yorick]

"Haha, sure."

Kalel wasn't in the slightest, phased by his comment. Though he pretended that he was, turning away for a moment, his laugh nervous. The Tribunal Knight had heard worse threats and laughed in their faces before. This was no different. Eitherway, this wasn't even about him, or the law. This was about Issa, and Kalel had no intention of letting her die. No matter what the price.

He then turned his gaze to the Bendu, waiting on his response to the Chancellor's statement.

 

[Brandon Rhea]

"I'll let you know as soon as possible, excellency."

*He stood up, standing up tall in front of the young man. To many, the Bendu High Priest seemed like a God amongst men, towering over them in the skillful form of intimidation. He did it here, though he knew that the young man was as fearless as he was stupid. At least the Supreme Chancellor would be able to see how dedicated he was, even though he would be betraying him within a matter of weeks.*

"And you, young one. I suggest you show more respect to the Supreme Chancellor. You have a terrible sense of propriety. You may be able to talk to me like that without any reprocusions, but just remember that you are in the presence of the most powerful man in the galaxy."

*He grabbed Kalel's shoulder and pulled him close, leaning his head in towards the young man's ear so that the Chancellor would not be able to hear him.*

"Just know that if you do anything that compromises this mission, the law won't have a chance to deal with you...."

 

[Ser Yorick]

"I show respect to those I have seen earn it."

As Ussej drew in close to Kalel, the Tribunal Knight's left hand touched the hilt of his katana, though he did not draw it. Listening to his words he grinned, shrugging his shoulders.

"Haha, you think I havn't heard those words before Bendu? I trust that you will attempt to keep to those words, though I promise you that you will find it extremely difficult, if not impossible to fulfill them. My life, and your life, are meaningless in this great journey."

 

[Brandon Rhea]

"Finally, we agree on something!"

*He laughs, pulling away. Though he was never one for sarcasm, it never hurt to be like his grandfather and pull one out of the hat now and then.*

"Your life is meaningless in this journey."

*He picked up his white robes from the chair, throwing them over his shoulders. He bowed to the Supreme Chancellor and gave the Tribunal Knight a glare that let him know just what he thought of him. He turned, quickly leaving the office for the Military Staging Ground a few kilometers away.*