Open Coruscant Ain't Give a Damn

[Juniper]

It was the closest thing she'd had to a holiday in five years.

There was nothing. Glorious, incredible, beautiful nothing. A noticeable lack of people to fight. An insane void of meditations or training to complete. An inordinate absence of huge tasks that needed to be done, just right this second, or the Galaxy would explode.

Yeah okay, eventually it'd get dull and she'd have to go and do something, but for the moment, she was enjoying it. With whatever credits she'd managed to scrounge from her old accounts, she'd committed to having at least a few weeks where she didn't have anything planned at all... aside from maybe getting a new ship. That'd be a priority... once she'd finished her drinks.

And this is a really, really good drink, holy moly.

Nara sat outside a nice bar, feeling the sun hit her face. Yeah, it was the kind of half-shaded, somewhat polluted sunlight you could only get on an ecumenopolis like Coruscant... but it felt nice. Reminded her of her old home. And it's about twenty billion parsecs away from swamps, broken temples and jungles. She gently bobbed her head to the music coming out of her headphones, eyes hidden behind the shades she wore. Held out lazily in front of her, just a holo-book. Some trashy romance she'd picked up on a whim, because the guy on the cover looked pretty nice. It was in the best way. And yeah, obviously she wasn't stupid. Her blaster was in her coat, stuffed into the holster that hung over the chair. Her saber was stuffed in the pack beneath the table, close in reach if she needed it. But why would she? She was just someone enjoying some music, reading a book, sipping a fruity cocktail that was doing wonders for her mood.

Don't need to give a damn about anything for a little bit longer. The Galaxy can keep on spinnin'.

I wonder if I can get a really long straw for this drink.

Oooh, this story is getting spicy.

OOC: Open to anyone!

 

[Corran Velt]

Coruscant was one of the planets that never slept. For Rangers on the planet that felt doubly true. Crime was often at night, in the shadows where it felt comfortable and hidden. Sometimes luck shined as bright as the Coruscanti sun on Corran's skin. Getting the day shift meant, baring planetary invasion, he got to follow-up on any cases he chose. Including his own with loose ends. Plus getting a regular night's sleep was nice.

Luck, however, didn't transfer over to Lieutenant Velt's search. Steps had been retraced. Clues scoured. Contacts questioned. He was getting desperate to the point that he was asking strangers if they'd seen anyone matching the descriptions he was after. As a street on the urbanized world went, this one wasn't too populated. A few restaurants and outdoor shopping stood shoulder to shoulder. Denizens walked by in groups of twos and threes. A previous contact had said they thought they saw the Ranger's quarry come this way awhile back. First look didn't reveal their presence. Back to asking strangers.

One of the few stationary people among it all was a young woman sitting outside a quaint establishment. If she had been there awhile, she might have glimpsed the suspects. As Corran approached he noticed the book she was reading. Maybe not so much. The blond man cleared his throat, "Pardon me, Miss?" Oh, wait, headphones. He rounded to stand in front of her, coming into view from the side. "Excuse me, I'm looking for some folks. I was wondering if you might have seen them."

The man before Nara looked only a few years older than her, clean-shaven along an angled jaw, with sky-blue eyes and ruffled blond hair. His shoulders were broad with a robust chest pressing against a tucked-in white shirt; all else was hidden behind a practical brown jacket left unzipped. He stood much like a cadet would. Upright, back straight, and no slouch or disorganization about him. In his hand was a datapad and a blaster on one hip secured in a holster. Corran's eyes stared professionally at the young woman, waiting to see if she gave him the time of day. "It'll only take a moment of your time," he offered politely.

@Charndley

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music IC

It had been a busy week. Training her new Padawan in a jungle had taken its toll, as had a dangerous encounter with a toki toki dish that had been even spicier that time. Vayla had come alone to Coruscant to keep busy, settling one affair after the other; meeting this Jedi and that Jedi, account representatives and medical professionals; going there to do this and see them. Right now she had a bit of a break and that bar looked good enough.

The Jedi strolled toward it with thumbs in pockets, sporting black pants and a tan leather jacket over all the black. She always liked how both contrasted all of her blue so had gone for the casual instead of donning the robe this time around. That jacket also covered one lightsaber and one pistol because nobody needed to see those right now.

The bar catered to outside seating which seemed lovely in the daylight. Music played from the speakers, a little lower compared with inside as someone opened the door and Vayla watched a pair of lovers intertwine on their way out. She was about to reach for the handle and head on in when something caught her eye.

Someone, actually. There was a man standing in the open air by a table where a woman sat. Vayla had not heard whatever he the man had said to the woman but it wasn’t the man who she was curious about. Is...is that… Vayla squinted and was already on the approach when she decided to run with the evidence. No way...but it has to be…

“...Nara?” She beckoned, now just feet away and surely this other woman would recognize the face of this Pantoran.

@Charndley @TerranSteel

 

[Juniper]

The whole day seemed to be passing in wonderful, blissful ignorance... until something got in the way of her sunlight. Or someone. She became aware of a vague 'person' shape blocking out the light, making her eyes narrow. She lifted her shades up, peering at the stranger with sharp, blue irritation. The headphones slid down next, the tinny sound of heavy, grimy music leaking from them as she did.

"The hell do you wa- a... ah...."

Nara was faced with the collision of two core tenants of life:

Rule #1: You never, ever, ever talk to a cop.

Rule #2: You take any opportunity to talk to an attractive man.

Her eyes widened a little more as her brain melted with contradictions, consumed with cognitive dissonance. He was clearly a capital-C Cop. But damn if he didn't wear that shirt well. Those shoulders were dangerous. Her cheeks flushed a little as she sat up, slipping her feet off the table.

"Uh... sure thing officer, what can I help you with?" she finally said, as sheer attraction took over. She even offered him a smile. It only felt a tiny bit awkward. That was before she was recognised.

"Nara?"

Instantly, her eyes flicked over towards the source. Brow furrowing a little, irritated to be called that. She hadn't used that name in a good few months. What was the point in hiding away from everyone if you got recognised just having a drink? So impolite. Nara recognised her after a couple of seconds, the familiar, kind face of the Pantoran Jedi right in front of her.

She was the first Jedi she'd seen since the Unpleasantness.

"Hi. Long time. We've gotta stop meeting like this, Knight Mirana." Nara wasn't sure if Vayla knew what she'd done. Jedi could be prickly around people who'd left the Order.

She knew she certainly had been, once upon a time.

@TerranSteel @Die Shize

 

[Corran Velt]

The initial reaction from the woman having her afternoon interrupted wasn't exactly a surprise. An unhappy glare and irritated reply was to be expected. Being a ranger meant dealing with a lot of that. Apparently nobody told the book-reading woman about the script because she changed it in a blink. Hostility shifted to sociability, complete with widened eyes and something like a smile. Corran's eyebrows gained an imperceptible dent as he didn't quite grasp what caused the about-face in greeting.

Still, best not look a gift bantha in the mouth. The blond man grinned politely and sensibly chuckled, "Officer? Is it that obvious?" He ran a hand through his hair and rubbed the back of his head in a small display of bashfulness. Normal people weren't often so quick on the uptake. Corran opened his mouth but was suddenly interrupted by a third party. Sky-blue eyes flicked between the new-comer and newly revealed 'Nara.' Social cues suggested they hadn't seen one another in some time and the sitting woman confirmed it. She also confirmed the Pantoran was a Jedi.

Corran closed his eyes and exhaled softly. A Jedi. Great. They often made things more complicated than they needed to be. He rubbed the bridge of his nose, sliding his fingers along a razor-thin scar that ran from his upper cheek, crossing his nose and rising to meet his eyebrow. A gift from a Sith. A quick inhale helped regain composure and sky-blue eyes opened once more. "While we're doing names," the man interrupted with a professional tone, "mine is Lieutenant Corran Velt, Sector Rangers." He glanced down and tapped a few times on the datapad in hand. "I'm looking for three others. A blue twi'lek, early 20s, energetic. A black male, teenager, suspected Jedi." Corran's gaze stared at Knight Mirana for a moment before shifting back to the device. "And a young Zeltron woman. Brown eyes. Indigo hair."

He raised the datapad and turned it around in his grasp so both of them could see the descriptions. No pictures were present as none of them had been booked for anything. "Their names are Xiann, Drastus, and Lani Tallis. Ring any bells?"

@Charndley @Die Shize

 

[Jennifer Lockwell]

It was a pleasant day for Jennifer, she had beaten several locals of Coruscant in a drinking contest, of course-she only played against attractive men and women, she wouldn’t dare risk losing something to a person who wasn’t of her stature, The Contess was away from her Canto Blight casino, she decided that perhaps if she left for a few days her “beloved” husband
would die. He was in his nineties! And he just won’t die! Tapping her slightly long black painted nails against the bar, the human female gestured for another drink.

Jennifer waited, and received her drink, a Tatooine Sunset, she gingerly brought it up to her lips, careful not to smudge her red lipstick, her eyes scanned the crowd, there was a group of three people, it seemed one of them was a man in uniform, Attractive was the thought piercing through her mind as she looked them over, Yes, I need a few new toys, the pale female made her way over to the group of three, oblivious to their conversation, and eager to get one of them back into some alley or hotel room with her.

Jennifer was wearing a lowcut black dress that showed off her figure well, a black purse with her lightsabers and a blaster in it, and lastly, sunglasses that aimed to hide her stormy eyes, approaching the group, she would have a broad smile on her face as she spoke cheerfully, “Oh hello! What’s this little threesome up to?” She brushed her brown hair out of her eyes with her free hand and turned to the handsome blonde Ranger, “Officer,” she purred “What investigation are you having? Hmm?~” As long as they weren’t frequenters of Cantonica and therefore the casino where she was betrothed to the elderly Count Samson, they would surely be open to at least a little fun.

@TerranSteel @Die Shize @Charndley

 

[Taldorak Trenessar]

Coruscant. And for once a level above 800. That meant zero armor and no heavy weaponry. Cops paid more attention, as did civilians. Well Preef was meeting with some bosses, he'd given Taldorak the day to go out.

So, out the Mandalorian went. Clad in a form-fitting sleeveless white shirt, covered with an unzipped black vest (hiding his holstered peacemaker). He had the build of a man who had worked (or fought) his whole life and his exposed arms and neck were covered in tattoos and scars. His hair was in it's usual Mandalorian-style braid, not that many would even know that by the look. And his beard had been trimmed down a bit to make it look a little more presentable.

He was on the hunt for a good drink until he thought he found it. He'd approach an establishment that seemed to be popping, there was a quartet (hopefully not a singing one) that just seemed to be enjoying themselves. From where he was, two beautiful ladies, being harassed by a guy? Maybe for once the villain could be the hero.

The thought of pulling his blaster and blowing the ruffian away from behind did cross his mind, but he refrained. So, he thought better of it. They were near the door, so he would walk past, then kill the guy if he heard they were in trouble. Yeah, that was a better idea. Taldorak would cross the street and head over, and when he was about fifteen meters behind the guy, he could just tell by the stance that he was a cop. "Well... At least you know he's harassing them." Tal would think to himself with an internal laugh.

Then he recognized -her-. The woman reading the smut book. In fact, he could have sworn that was Tac on the cover. The woman for the tablet shop. Good thing she hadn't seen his face so she'd have very little chance of recognizing him. Today could be a fun day after all.

@Die Shize @Charndley @TerranSteel @TheLightInTheDarkness

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Nara. Vayla might have smiled back in greeting but was still processing the image. There was no denying it. The face was familiar, the voice no less, and the Human addressing the Pantoran helped to give it all away. Knight Allam...but no longer.

Vayla was one of those Jedi who had a habit of immersing herself at the edges of existence, exploring on her own when she was not doing so with someone else, seeking to uncover secrets while helping to ensure others remained just so.

Keeping up with current affairs, then, was a delicate balance between big and small, and whether Nara was hiding or running, well, running into her right here and now had kicked her name right out of Vayla’s mouth.

Then it was the man’s turn as he introduced himself. “Ranger.” Vayla gave a simple nod. She wanted to let him know that he had her cooperation.

There they were: a Jedi, a former Jedi and a Sector Ranger. While wondering what other chance encounter could come their way Vayla decided to table the topic of catching up with Nara for now and considered the Ranger’s investigation. The species sounded unremarkable but anyone who was a suspected Jedi was anything but unremarkable. As is their being 'suspect'.

Xiann. Drastus. Tallis. Their names were not ringing any bells and a finger on Vayla’s lip was not helping as much as she had hoped. Was this another current affair that was not so current with this Jedi? Before she had time to investigate her own memories another figure approached, this one in a black dress; the woman looked like a patron who belonged at this fine cantina more than most. And as curious as one.

@Charndley @TerranSteel @TheLightInTheDarkness @Rhogar

 

[Juniper]

It had suddenly become very, very busy. Cops, former colleagues, pale ladies and everyone else just rustling by. How inconsiderate. Couldn't they see the drinks? The book? The look on her face? She wasn't here to mess about with crowds of people. She was here to drink herself into a fruity coma and imagine a better Galaxy filled with hunks, heart-throbs and tight pants.

Nara gazed thoughtfully at the pad that the Ranger put in front of her, trying to hide her recognition. She certainly remembered one of them. Drastus, suspected Jedi. Sector Ranger intel obviously wasn't up to scratch if he was only suspected. Nara had the unfortunate delight of having been on a mission with him, just before she left the Order. It had involved a lot of pouting, mostly on his part. Still, he may have been an annoying teenage twerp, she wasn't going to rat him out to the cops.

"No, sorry. Apart from this..." she said, tapping the last one. Lani Tallis. "I know... I used to know a Tallis. We were good friends once... but she disappeared. Lost in a shipping attack, I think. Nykoria Tallis. She was originally from Coruscant so there might be a relation. Other than that, no idea, sorry." Nothing but a shrug as she raised her book again. She gave Vayla a quick glance too, wondering if she'd say anything. From her recollection though, Vayla hadn't spent much time on Yavin IV. Certainly not enough to know those kids.

The woman approached and asked her questions, wearing a dress that was practically a belt. Unaccustomed to well-made fashion, Nara just narrowed her eyes a little and shook her head. "Least exciting threesome I've ever known," she muttered as she went back to looking at her book. The Scoundrels of Serenno seemed far more interesting than any eccentric rich woman or looming figure in the distance.

@TerranSteel @Die Shize @TheLightInTheDarkness @Rhogar

 

[Corran Velt]

A hint of natural curiosity pricked at the back of Corran's mind. He wouldn't be a very good ranger if small clues missed his attention. Knight Mirana and Nara knew one another, and while the former didn't supply any information at all besides a compliant nod, the latter supplied more than she realized. Not quite leads, but not dead-ends either. Nykoria Tallis, like her sister, was also a Jedi. Either Nara was currently or formerly affiliated with the Jedi somehow or she ran a therapy group for troubled religious types. Given the scowls she tossed around, not likely on that. Perhaps a little honesty might beget honesty.

The lieutenant withdrew the datapad to look at where Nara had pressed her finger. He recalled the sincerity in the young Zeltron's features as her name reflected into his eyes. "Ah, well, that's something," Corran said with a small shrug and left his shoulders slouched, "They aren't in any legal trouble. I made a promise to help Lani look for someone. We were supposed to meet up but never saw them again." To Nara and Vayla both, it would be clear as day the blond man was speaking truth and maybe even carried a little weight on his conscience.

A small crowd had started to gather with the addition of a rugged-looking man with a braid and a clearly upper-class woman who was starting her night out early. Corran was starting to feel a little guilty for interrupting Nara's casual reading with his initial inquiry. He mouthed 'sorry' to her before turning to the newcomers. Leaving the odd introduction aside, the Ranger faced the lady addressing him first. Unlike with Nara and Knight Mirana moments earlier, he was back to his rigid stance and exuding professionalism. "I'm looking for some missing persons, ma'am," Lieutenant Velt said seriously. He held the datapad up, screen-facing both the man who stood by and the black-dressed woman. "Xian, Drastus, and Lani Tallis. Have you seen anyone by these descriptions or those names?"

All of this was a long shot. Asking the general public for help was the last recourse of an investigation. Well, maybe calling it an 'investigation' was a bit much. It had morphed into more of a personal project than anything officially sanctioned. Still, if the search was like finding a needle in a Dantooine haystack, Corran's luck had provided a few threads to follow in the persons of Nara and Knight Mirana.

@Charndley @Die Shize @Rhogar @TheLightInTheDarkness

 

[Jennifer Lockwell]

“Hmm dear, let me think...” The Countess reached a gloved hand to her chin as her face scrunched into thought. Still beautiful, but obviously thinking she was quiet a moment before exclaiming “Oh! Tallis? She shares a last name with Nykoria Tallis- the Jedi Zeltron from the Battle of Sullust, a master at that. Her popularity among those at the high rollers table was sky high, they all assumed she’d die one day and then their bets would bring in the cash, from what the gentlemen at my establishment say-she was quite impressive! And no doubt her sister is of similar value! Imagine how much money I could get if I found her for the me-Oh sorry, I mean, I bet I can help you find her.” The Countess’ stormy eyes ignited with the of an idea as she went on, “If her sister was a Jedi-I assume, that she is also a member of the order. I bet if you went to the main temple, surely someone would know of her if what I suspect is correct.” Grinning wildly at the prospect of cash, and power, imagining the perks of having a Zeltron, making it broken and loyal, maybe then she could use it on her blasted husband!

“Oh, if you ARE going to do some more in depth looking, I’d be honored to go. I’ve always been into... Uh..” She paused and smiled sweetly, masking her greed and her hunger for power, “Zeltron psychology, their internal make up is just so interesting to me!” She stepped closer to the blonde Ranger and huskily said, “Plus, being there with a hunk like you would make the journey worth it.”

Continuing with her flirtatious ways she added to the other gals in the group, “Oh-no offense, you are all no scruffy nerfherding type either, quite impressive really, not an ugly person among you!” Brushing her hair to keep it pristine, the black clad woman reached under her dress leg, pulling it up slightly, wrapped around her thigh was a belt holding her two lightsabers, and a stack of her business cards.

She withdrew the stack of cards and handed them out to the people still paying attention to the conversation, the cards were black, with Sparkly silver text on them, reading Jennifer Lockwell, Countess of Canto Blight, in addition to her name, it also provided the location of the Casino. Smiling as she slipped away the remaining cards she cheerfully added, “If you ever come-just say you know me and you’ll be let in right away!” With that final word, the dressy woman, took a swig of the beverage she had ordered previously as she awaited the presumably confused responses from the others.

 

[Taldorak Trenessar]

By now, Taldorak was passing the table, mainly now focused on the door. At least he was until the woman in the elegant dress starting talking more in a handful of seconds than anyone ever had a right to. But, the group of them all said one word over and over that caught his attention: Jedi.

He would pause briefly at the table, glancing at the holos before he caught something recognizable. "Sorry." He'd say to Nara before looking to Corran. "The boy. He's a Mandalorian." He pointed out a tattoo on the boys neck. "Seen that sigil a few times on Corellia." He didn't want to help the cop, but.. one less Sector Ranger on Coruscant was better for him.

Despite his bare arms being covered in full sleeves of tattoos, none of them would openly mark him as a Mandalorian, nor would his appearance.

Based on a lot of the conversation, multiple Jedi were being discussed. One at his left, the girl reading, and the three toddlers. The very thought of it, made his skin tingle. Having said his peace, he'd flag down one of the roaming cocktail waitresses. "Luhv, she'll be needing two more of whatever she's drinking." His hand would fish some credits out of his pocket and set up on the waitresses tray. "For the interruption. Ladies, Officer." He'd then start to head into the establishment to order his drink, though he'd stop if addressed.

@Charndley @Die Shize @TheLightInTheDarkness @TerranSteel

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Well, it seemed the ex-Jedi was more up to speed on these matters than the still-standing Jedi. Vayla arched a brow as she listened to Nara cast her voice to the Ranger instead of silence and my what words came with that voice. The Ranger had been looking for one Lani Tallis, and at first the Pantoran had not caught onto a name that she had not encountered in years. Yet, Nykoria Tallis? That was cause for pause. Master Tallis… Of course…

As surely as she caught that connection Vayla just then caught Nara’s look. Now, the Jedi was not one to hold back on cooperating with the Sector Rangers—she had made it a point and purpose way back when Jedi like Nara were trying to get tough with them—but if this ex-Jedi had some concern about a name they both knew then perhaps it was prudent to first see how things played out. So Vayla maintained her silence...for now.

As the lady in a lowcut dress opened a bag of revelations to the Ranger, appeared to come onto him, 'complimented' the other women for not being scruffy nerfherders, then promptly showed some leg to show some lightsabers, well, it was all Vayla could do to stand there with her mouth hanging slightly agape in amazement.

Then the glittery cards. For a glittery countess. A man’s voice was less glittery but also not the Ranger’s. As yet another newcomer joined this little party, Vayla, a Jedi Knight, was suddenly struggling to keep up with everything and everyone. To be fair, Jennifer Lockwell had not helped at all.

Vayla imagined the Ranger would be quick to halt the man in the white shirt after just confirming his knowledge of ‘important persons’ in whatever case said Ranger was working on. The Jedi would not be needed for that. What she would be needed for was a drink of her own. Last time she had engaged Nykoria was with more than one drink and the occasion suddenly called for it as she called for the passing server.

“Martini. Dirty. Stirred. Please.” I’m going to need it.

"Excuse me, Jennifer?" She politely addressed. "I could not help but notice those hilts on your...thigh..." Need she say more?

@Charndley @TerranSteel @Rhogar @TheLightInTheDarkness

 

[Jennifer Lockwell]

Jennifer smiled broadly as they began to read her blitzed out business cards, smiling outwardly and cackling in the inside, The Countess had found some new... people, useful yes? Friends? Hm... She didn’t have many of those.

"Excuse me, Jennifer? I could not help but notice those hilts on your...thigh...“ The woman who had earlier mentioned that she was a Jedi Knight addressed her directly, and Jennifer was happy to talk more!

“Oh, I’m glad you noticed-aren’t they pretty? I had them commissioned myself once I was old enough. My mother got me my kyber crystals when I was young, she figured a woman like me would need some sort of.... Defense... Some men and women, couldn’t keep their hands to themselves.” She shook her head and dropped the smile for a moment before it lit up again as the extremely talkative woman went on, “You see? I’ve never been formally trained to use the force, but I have been taught a little more than the basics when it comes to dueling with lightsabers.” Her grey eyes scanned the Jedi Knight up and down, “I always figured that at some point I’d try to join The Order, I’m quite above the usual age of training, but-my force skills need quite a bit of work to be refined. As a Jedi-I’m sure you’ve had your share of trouble makers and bandits, working at-and later running Canto Blight, there’s always a rowdy crowd to deal with!” Smiling and breathing slightly heavily from her... momentous “small talk” she would finally pause and let everyone get a word in. She ran a hand through her hair, careful to keep it presentable.

@Die Shize

 

[Juniper]

Things were getting a little trickier to navigate now. The blabbermouthed newcomer was making suggestions about visiting the Jedi temple, which was a reasonable assumption to make. However, the location of the temple was meant to be secret. The Jedi didn't advertise where they were based for a very good reason. Nara knew it, of course, but she still had enough respect for the Order to reveal anything.

Besides, the Rangers and Jedi are meant to have a relationship. Surely he can bug his superiors to send a message to the Order.

It seemed like it'd all lead to nothing... until Corran mentioned trying to look for someone. Instantly, Nara closed the book she was reading. There could only be one person that Lani was looking for, right? The revelation that Drast was Mandalorian too, that focused her thoughts even further. If Lani convinces him to go looking, they'll get themselves killed.

"Lieutenant?" she said, rising from her seat. She even managed to slip off the headphones and take off the sunglasses too, looking far less antagonistic. "If they're not in legal trouble... then I may have more I can share. And if Lani was looking for who I think she was looking for, then I want to help." If they were all after Kori, then Nara couldn't sit this out. She'd noticed that Vayla had gone to get a drink, which made this much easier.

"I can share limited information about one of them. I do know the boy. Drastus, I've met him before. When I last spoke to him, he was a padawan in the Jedi Order. That was just before I left." If he'd been paying attention, it'd probably have been pretty obvious, seeing as she knew the other Jedi by name.

"Nara Allam. Formally Knight Allam, of the Jedi Order," she said, properly introducing herself.

@TerranSteel @TheLightInTheDarkness @Rhogar @Die Shize

 

[Corran Velt]

Okay, so maybe asking the general public for information wasn't the best idea. Totally unprompted, the finely-dressed woman became a broken dam. Words rushed like bursting flood waters. Some of it closer to the matter than she realized and the rest seemingly nonsense. Betting on someone living or dying didn't could be illegal, but this sounded more distantly distasteful. Corran cocked a skeptical eyebrow at the offer to help locate the missing trio. Mostly because the woman said some odd things. All Jedi outposts and temples were top secret. So secret that he doubted even Chief Hudson knew their location. Contacting the Order when it didn't want to be found was a difficult proposition. It also didn't help that her other reasoning was because she was interested in the biological guts of Zeltrons. Yeah, that wasn't weird at all. Lieutenant Velt used the datapad in his hand as a physical barrier as she drew near and provided a compliment that made him uncomfortable, though none of it expressed on his face.

Mercifully the attention switched to the others present, though calling them 'not ugly' wasn't exactly a ringing endorsement. Skin flashed as the dress was hiked up to the thigh and Corran averted his eyes instinctively. He still caught a glimpse of the duel light-saber hilts. Please be fake, please be fake, please be fake. Whenever Force-users gathered, shenanigans soon followed and this situation was already up to his neck in it as is. He peaked open one eye to check if the coast was clear when an ebony card with flashy, metallic lettering was shoved into his hand. Jennifer Lockwell. Casino owner. Countess? Did Canto Bight even have nobility? The blond ranger had been there before with someone born there. Well-to-do too. Was Falynn Tikarsis a countess?

"Uh, yeah, I'll keep all that in mind, Ms..." Corran glanced down at the flashy card in his hand, "Lockwell." Ninety-nine out of one hundred, he wasn't going to take her up on any of her offers. Never knew about that 1% chance though. The card was quickly stashed in a pocket.

The man with the braid took an opportunity to toss in his two credits. Something about Drastus having tattoos that made him a Mandalorian. All those of that creed that Corran knew (one) were coated in armor, not tattoos. Corellia was also a major core world. Seeing a 'symbol' there was almost as bad as looking for three missing people on Coruscant. Almost. Lieutenant Velt raised a finger to call after the man as he departed but was stopped by the call of his rank.

Nara had risen from her chair. With headphones and glasses removed, Corran was struck by how close to his age she looked. Her initial prickly attitude had thrown off his expectations. It seemed that telling the truth and putting faith in the kindness of strangers paid more dividends than some would expect. Lieutenant Velt's features grew serious. "No, they aren't in trouble," his blue eyes conveyed that he understood without saying so much, "But they did need help looking for someone important to Lani."

It seemed this Drastus fellow was well-known. At least enough to be recognized. The padawan, as confirmed by Nara, had been pretty talkative when Corran met him in a seedy bar too. She knew him and the Order he supported. Earlier suspicions were confirmed when Nara gave her full introduction. That made them no less surprising. The lieutenant's eyebrows rose and eyes widened, but much like the flash of a camera, soon vanished.

"Nara Allam," he said aloud to commit her name to memory, "Nice to meet you. You can probably already guess that we are thin on leads. A sister looking for a missing person finds herself also missing." Add in their Jedi status and that made it even more troubling. "I could use all the help I can get."

@Charndley @Die Shize @Rhogar @TheLightInTheDarkness

 

[Taldorak Trenessar]

A bunch of Jedi.. and talk of maybe going to their hidden base? He needed to get involved. Tal would stop in his tracks as if urged to do so by the raised finger of the cop. Small truth to gain trust and implant himself. He doubled back, ordering a drink from the nearby waitress. "Look.. Officer.." Taldorak would say as if he hadn't heard the mans name. "I know a little bit about that mark. I also know people on Concord Dawn that share the same mark. It's loose threads.. but may be worth a shot."

He'd take a sip from the glass he had in hand and winced, having no idea what it was or how badly it was made. "I kinda know my way around tracking people.. I'm sure you guys aren't handing out rewards but that's fine. Was getting bored of my vacation as it were." If he was asked for help or invited to join, he'd share a little bit more.

@Charndley @Die Shize @TerranSteel @TheLightInTheDarkness

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music IC [Recurring]

Truth be told, how could anyone not have noticed those two lightsaber hilts? Especially a Jedi or a Ranger for that matter, yet whoever this Jennifer Lockwell was besides...whoever she was...likely was not a Jedi and never mind a Ranger. Her mother, though? Vayla narrowed her eyes at that. It must have been some woman indeed to be handing kyber crystals to her daughter and never mind just one. A Jedi Knight, perhaps?

“I’ve had my fair share, yes,” Vayla confirmed at Jennifer’s mentioning of bandits and troublemakers. The Knight stole a look at the other individuals in this group huddle that had just then split off into more than one isolated conversation. “However, prioritizing training with lightsabers or the Force for the purpose of strong-arming order in a casino is, well, not the best way to get enrolled with the Order.”

Vayla nodded her thanks toward the server who just returned to pass over her martini. It was a hearty sip for a cold and crisp beverage and would be followed up with a few more sips soon enough. “If you’re serious about it, though, and since you already seem to know a good deal about the Order, it is always best to discipline yourself before trying to discipline others.” The Jedi Order could provide that. Though it was not enough for Nara.

Vayla looked away again to eavesdrop on the Ranger’s conversation with Nara and now Mr. White Shirt. Her curiosity had been sparked when the Lieutenant had first mentioned his looking for a Jedi. For the Tallis sisters to be involved among others? That curiosity was quickly turning into concern and, depending on Jennifer Lockwell’s reply, Vayla would mingle back into the midst of the others sooner rather than later.

@Charndley @Rhogar @TheLightInTheDarkness

 

[Juniper]

There were a lot of unknowns now. Too many people around them, fluttering with vague comments about Mandalorian backgrounds, specially-crafted lightsabers and casino antics. That was just the crowd around them who made themselves known. Who else could be sat there in the cafe, just waiting to pick up any stray information? It could lead back to criminals, who could sell it on. Or worse. You never knew who was listening in public.

"If you need to get in contact with them, I can... contact someone still in the Order. See what information they can get, maybe arrange a meeting via holo. Maybe." There wasn't a chance that the Order would just let her fly in with a Ranger, a random Mando and whoever else would tag along. "That's if the kids you're looking for are still there. Every chance they mighta run off or left at some point. Or even worse."

She hadn't heard that there'd been an attack on the Order yet. It wasn't usually public knowledge anyway, but Nara kept in touch with a few former colleagues. She might've asked Vayla, but Vayla didn't seem to be a 'on base' kind of Jedi.

She said nothing about the other man's offer. He wasn't a Jedi and she didn't trust him, full stop. She didn't trust the lieutenant much, but being a Sector Ranger made him a slight bit more easy to predict. Random inked guy was a total unknown. If the lieutenant wanted his help, he could take it. But Nara wouldn't reveal anything more than that easily. Besides, she knew where the Order's base was, there was no guarantee they'd let her back there.

She wasn't a Jedi, after all. Not anymore.

@TerranSteel @TheLightInTheDarkness @Rhogar @Die Shize

 

[Corran Velt]

There were helpful people in the galaxy. They held doors for others. Returned shopping carts. Told people when their shirt tag was poking out discreetly. Then there were grifters. Folks who promised a lot but likely underdelivered. Or intentionally misled for their own personal gain. Corran wasn't sure what type of person the man in the braid, but he did come across a little too friendly. First some hint about Corellia, then Concord Dawn. Even offering to join the investigation to help track. For free. Because he was bored. It had been awhile since Lieutenant Velt had been a rookie, but he was sure he wouldn't have taken the bait on something like this even then. "What's your name, sir?" He asked the other name, ready to type it into his datapad, "I'll follow up with you about this should we need your aid." Yeah, this guy would need some background checks.

Nara, on the other hand, provided something much less certain than an offer to help hunt, but seemed much more likely. Try. Maybe. If. Words like that flavored every sentence she said. Contacting the Jedi Order though? That was nigh impossible. Even a possibility of that was worth an attempt. Especially when it came to case about missing Jedi.

Glancing over his shoulder for a moment, the blond man drew newer to Nara. He reached into his inside coat pocket and drew forth a card of his own. This one was much less flashy than the ritzy ones handed out earlier by 'Countess' Jennifer Lockwell. His name and rank were cheaply stenciled on the top with contact information blow. No physical address was listed. "Here, take this. It's my personal number," Corran said in a low voice, his sky-blue eyes glancing between his card and her own blues. "If you want to help, I'll gladly accept it. Just not.." His eyes motioned over his shoulder. "...here."

With the assorted crowd of all types, discussing the sensitive topic they both knew more about than they were saying had to be kept on the down-low. He could only hope the seriousness of his offer had been conveyed. Sliding his hand away from Nara's, he turned returned to check on the other citizens who had 'shared' what they knew. Lieutenant Velt likely had everything he needed to continue on his search.

@Charndley @Rhogar @Die Shize @TheLightInTheDarkness