Ask Dangerous Campaigns

[Valeska]

Chandrila
​

“I don’t need an escort,” Valeska said hotly to the attendant as she crossed her arms over her chest with a defiant glare. Her sister was the Queen of Naboo and she knew she had no chance at the throne - not that she cared for it. However, over the years her attention had turned to politics. With the collapse of the Republic and the Alliance, the Core and Mid Rim worlds experienced utter chaos. Darth Raze was reportedly dead, but his minions carried on his work with abominations and other eldritch horrors roaming across the galaxy. The Hutts were rising and the economical blows to the Core were devastating and the Sith were always just around the corner.

Unlike her sister and her staunch loyalty to the ISC, Valeska saw the benefit of leaning more pro Jedi in light of recent events. The only way for her to make her own mark was to set out on her own and go for the position of senator. Being raised royal meant she had enough political acumen to get through most situations, but campaigning was outright dangerous these days.

Valeska was raised in the shadow of her Queen sister and had no desire to experience the same with her future husband, a strictly political engagement to a man that was positioned to ascend on Onderon. Truthfully she had met the man once and he gave her cutthroat vibes, but she had been raised to expect a scripted life at all times as a princess.

Chandrila was a planet that suffered a surprising amount of Dark Sider activity since the Raze attacks . While the Jedi had done some work to bust some cultist operations, there were still terrified citizens and a lack of direction on the planet with an absent Senator. Valeska wasn’t foolish enough to show up on Coruscant to start her goodwill campaign, but Chandrila was a strategic planet to make some moves.

She was expected to be escorted by a Jedi because of the various dangers in the lower districts, which she found absurd. Though she was pro Jedi, she couldn’t fathom Dark Siders prowling the streets of a planet like Chandrila. Valeska descended down the ramp of her ship, her posture dignified and regal befitting of a princess as she prepared to meet this escort.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun had been busy since joining the Army of Light and technically the Jedi. He’d visited his home world of Jedha, Orsimer Prime, Kril’Dor, Ailon, and probably other worlds that he was forgetting. Point was, there was a lot to do and a ton of people that needed help. He was quickly learning that not only was the Force out of balance, but the Galaxy was as well. Which just meant he’d have his work cut out for him to get the scales adjusted.

As a “reward” for his hard work, Jun had been given an “easy” task. A request for an escort had been sent, the sister to the Queen of Naboo and betrothed to the Crown Prince of Onderon, Voleska. Jun did some light reading on her, seemed like the standard political affair but he wouldn’t complain about an easier task. Rooting out cults and dealing with pirates tended to take a lot out of a guy. So a part of Jun was looking forward to this task on Chandrila. Who knows, maybe there’d be time for some rays after the job was done.

Jun arrived a few days early to Chandrila, he did some basic recon for the hotel and overviewed the areas Valeska wanted to visit. It seemed pretty straight forward. So, on the day of, Jun grabbed a beer from a spaceport bar while he waited for Valeska’s ship to arrive. He wore a pair of jeans, a graphic tee, and his standard brown leather boots. Around his neck sat the hand carved wooden Army of Light amulet. On each hand he wore his Matukai Gauntlets. And a utility belt was wrapped around his waist.

About ten minutes before the ship touched down Jun headed over to the landing bay. He knew he didn’t look the part of a Jedi, so he brought along the missive that had been sent and the Order’s he’d been dispatched with. When the disembarkation ramp lowered, Jun stepped forward and gave his best attempt at a formal bow.

“Lady Valeska? I’m Jedi Knight Jun.” He greeted, offering both his sets of paperwork to her aid. “I’m gonna be your escort and runnin’ security for you.” He stated plainly. “Already mapped out a route to the hotel if your wantin’ to check in first.” He offered.

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

Valeska was expecting someone to show up wearing a typical Jedi potato sack. She herself was dressed in a business casual attire with accompanying heels. When the Jedi first showed up, she assumed he was part of the porter crew, “The bags are back around the cargo bay,” She said dismissively with a polished, clipped accent, drawing up her datapad as she wondered where the hell the Jedi was. However, when the man in the casual T shirt introduced himself as the Jedi, Valeska blinked a few times.

“I-I see,” She said awkwardly, clearing her throat, “Good afternoon then, Master Jedi,” She gave a curt nod.

“This is Her Highness Princess Valeska Parnelli of Naboo,” Her attendant introduced. After all, royals did not introduce themselves.

“Thank you, Pon,” Valeska said to the attendant, “Please have my things brought to the hotel. I will take it from here.”

“But prin-” He stopped halfway, gave a skeptical look at Jun, sighed and walked back into the ship.

Valeska turned her attention back to the Jedi, her opinions on his attire and nonchalant demeanor kept to herself, “Were you able to secure a transport to the lower districts?” She asked.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

When the Princess in the white lady suit told him where the bags were, Jun’s ears and tails twitched with slight annoyance. The posh type, greaaaattt. However, he managed to keep his mood out of his voice when he introduced himself. Her attitude towards him, shifted slightly. He was about to comment on how itchy the brown robes were when her assistant began her introductions.

“I’m not gonna have to remember all that am I?” He asked bluntly before he turned his gaze back to Valeska. “You wanna be called Princess, Highness, or just your name?” Jun offered.

When the Princess dismissed her one man entourage, Jun nodded towards the entrance towards the space port. As they walked, Valeska asked if he’d secured them transport. He had, but he was now beyond certain she’d hate it.

“Yeah, it’ll fly under the radar in these lower districts too.” He replied. “It’s a HND oldie, a family style speeder. Closed top, tinted windows, and it’s super common down there.” He continued with a shrug. “Makes it easier to ensure your safety.”

In reality, this was the cheapest thing the rental lot had to offer. Being a Jedi Crusader meant he could build a powerbase now, yeah. But he still hasn’t started earning off this base yet and just being a Jedi didn’t exactly pay dividends. So he hoped his lie would work. If not? Oh well. This was better than walking in heels the whole way, he hoped.

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

She waited until her attendant was far out of earshot before addressing the Jedi, “Just Valeska is fine,” She stated flatly, “I’m not too keen on drawing unnecessary attention,” She said as if being dressed nice in the poor districts wouldn’t do just that.

Valeska didn’t understand half of what he said about the speeder, but as long as it did the work, she didn’t care either. The princess slid into the speeder with him, her posture prim and proper. She had a rebellious stint back in the day, but that buffed out over time. Valeska had given up on chasing her childish fantasies and whims after they almost got her killed a few times.

She was silent during the ride, wallowing in dignified neutrality as they arrived in the lower districts. Valeska waited patiently after the Jedi got out of the speeder. Seconds ticked by. And it finally dawned on her he didn’t know royal etiquette. With a huff, she opened her own speeder door, an act she couldn’t remember doing for years.

Her displeasure didn’t appear on her face - after all she couldn’t blame him for being from a different social hierarchy entirely. Valeska brought up a handkerchief over her face as she stepped outside, the streets smelly and grimy. She started walking, only for her heel to sink into a small puddle of water. Valeska grimaced as some of the water splashed against her ankle.

“Okay…you can do this..” She whispered to herself. Valeska straighted up again, glancing at the Jedi, “Our first stop will be to meet with someone named Davin Croft,” She explained, “He… lost his family to some of these Dark Sider cultists and reportedly the Senator here has done little to investigate further. I’m here to offer my condolences.”

He would perhaps note that she wasn’t keen on actually solving the issue.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

”Alright, Valeska it is.” Jun replied casually. However, when she mentioned not wanting to draw too much attention, Jun cocked an eyebrow. His ears flicked and his twin tails twitched. Was she serious? Then it dawned on Jun, she was.

A small smirk appeared on his face, he stopped himself from shaking his head. Yep. He was definitely going to be getting shot at. He drove the “undercover” Princess to the lower wards. Once they arrived he hopped out of the vehicle and made his way around to the back of the speeder to double check the area and then wait for her. A few seconds ran by before she got out of the speeder, Jun couldn’t help but sense that she seemed a little…upset. He wondered if it was directed towards him for a moment and then she covered her face with a handkerchief.

Nope. It was the smell of the street.

Jun watched silently as her heel sank into the mud. He didn’t rush to her side to help her or coddle her, he simply waited. His duty was to protect her, not to babysit. However, when she started talking of Dark Side cults and unresolved crimes, and condolences being given, Jun’s mood noticeably shifted. His ears tucked back and his tails snapped back and forth with open irritation.

“Your political campaign is meant to show these people you’re on their side right?” Jun asked. “That you’re here to help, correct?” He continued. “Well, you have Jedi here and a Dark Side cult too.” He continued. “People are hurtin’ here, real people not just snippets from holo reports. Look.” He said before pointing to a group of malnourished kids. “Maybe, instead of just offerin’ well wishes, you could the politician that makes a difference for them.” He offered with a shrug. “But what do I know, I’m just a guy from a backwater.”

Jun kept walking towards their destination as he spoke. His voice was casual and calm just as it had been. If there was issue happening here, Jun had to solve it. Especially if it involved the Dark Side. He didn’t really have a choice in the matter.

“Come on Valeska. I’m sure Mr. Croft is dyin’ for that handshake.”

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

Valeska paused and stared at the Jedi as he more or less lectured her. Her brows rose, but other than that there was nothing but silence.

“And how’s that working out for you?” She quipped back, “Trying to save everyone? The way I see it, the Jedi continue to be a bigger intrusion to daily life than even common thieves. It’s just so typical of you to waltz in and play the hero without getting all the facts first,” She took a step towards him, her eyes narrowing at him, “How about you let me do my job, Jedi Knight, and I let you do yours,” She finished icily.

With that, she walked towards the contact she intended to meet, her heels clicking against the grimy road. Valeska knew she had many glances her way, but she paid it no heed. She stopped by to give out a few coins to a group of children, but she otherwise held her head high and kept to her path.

Valeska fixed up her hair and knocked on the door of the rundown apartment. There was no answer. She sighed, checked her chrono and went to knock again. The door slowly creaked open as if it had been ajar. She was no Jedi, but Jun would sense something was off. That it wasn’t entirely safe.

“Hello?” Valeska called out, moving to step inside.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun shrugged at Valeska’s response. “So far?” He replied. “Not too bad for me.” Jun said with a smirk.

When Valeska stopped to give the kids some coins, Jun’s relaxed disinterested expression softened. He gave the kids a wink and tossed them a few of his scant few credit chips.

“Get yourselves some real food.” He told them. “None of that sea bread trash.”

With that he’d leave the trio of kids behind to catch up to his charge. As she made it to the door of the apartment building, something made the hair on Jun’s neck stand. His ears flicked and then focused on the building.

click hum

The sound of a blaster being primed.

Jun knew he didn’t have time to be gentle. He reached out with the Force and shoved Valeska to the floor. His gauntlets snapped to life as the blaster shot ripped from the darkness of the apartment complex. Jun caught it at an angle in the magnetic field and sent it flying back into the assailant. There was a pained cry before the sound of someone falling to the floor.

Jun rushed alongside Valeska to help her up. “Sorry, wasn’t time to tell you to duck.” He told her. “But…I think you might have a fan club.” Jun quipped as he nodded to the body. “There are more here, it’s not safe.” He explained, sensing the presence of further danger. “We should head back to the hotel…” Something told Jun that wasn’t happening though.

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

Valeska had no time to react as she was unceremoniously dropped to the ground. She whirled around to see what was happening just in time to observe the deflected bolt and the subsequent thud. Valeska quickly scrambled to her feet, her heels miraculously staying on. She turned to glare at the Jedi after he helped her up. While he was in the middle of talking, she impulsively reacted and punched him in the face.

“You’re an asshole, you know that?” Valeska snapped, breaking character for the first time in years. Her aggression out of the way, she looked down at her knuckles and winced, “OW!” She yelped as she fanned her hand, in complete disbelief at how much a punch could hurt. Was this guy’s face made of duracrete?!

Valeska straightened up her clothing and scowled at Jun, bringing her regal presence back, “Apologies, I needed to get that out of the way,” She said curtly, “Carry on, Knight,” Valeska said as she glanced over at the body, “Is that one of the cultists? Does he have any Dark Sidey things on him?” This piqued her curiosity far too much to go back to the hotel now.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun had been in the middle of checking in Valeska and helping her to her feet, when she swung on him. The punch caught him off guard. Thankfully, taking punches to the face was Matukai 101. Jun blinked in disbelief for a moment, then smirked. She was a fireball.

“Not a bad right hand.” He complimented. “Be sure not to tuck your thumb next time, you could break it otherwise.” It was off-hand advice. If she took it or not was up to her.

Jun didn’t react or respond to her calling him an asshole. He was there to protect, not coddle. She was alive, that was all that mattered. When she addressed him as Knight again, Jun’s tails flicked.

“It’s Jun.” He corrected her as he began to approach the body.

Valeska’s tone shifted slightly as he knelt over the corpse, she seemed genuinely curious. Jun didn’t glance over at her as he searched the body. He doubted this was a cultist, what kind of Dark Si-

Then he found a weird looking statuette that had glowing eyes and a demonic face. Jun sighed, annoyed at his bad luck. Nothing could ever be easy.

“Yep. Probably.” He replied as he held up the statuette. “Likely means this was always a set up.” Jun informed her. “Also means, you bein’ here is rilin’ up the hornet’s nest.” He plucked the pistol up off the floor and offered it to Valeska. “You might want this.” He suggested. “Just in case things get hairy.”

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

Valeska gave him an icy stare as he advised her on how to punch better next time. When he turned his back to her, she stuck up her middle finger and mouthed the words, ‘And what do I do with this finger, jackass?’ This guy was already grating on her nerves. She briefly entertained the idea of just asking to be sent a different Jedi. By the time he looked again, she was very astutely listening to his observations.

“Wait what?” She asked as he went to hand her the pistol, “Isn’t that forensic evidence? It’s a potential murder weapon, shouldn’t we turn it into the authorities?” It took her a moment to realize there were no authorities in these districts. That was precisely the problem and the Senator was missing. Jun was her only ticket to survival and that horrified her.

Valeska finally took the weapon, grimacing. She knew how to fire a blaster, but she never had to do it against a person.

“Where is Davin Croft?” She asked after a moment, “Nothing here tells me what happened to him. Part of the reason I wanted to meet with him specifically was because he reportedly dug up some intelligence on the cultists,” Valeska explained, now willing to divulge a bit more about what she was really doing here, “Either they already offed him or they set a trap just for me and he’s still out there. In any case, we need to solve that mystery first.”

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun could tell that not only was his hopes of an easy job dashed, but likely? So was his hopes of a seaside vacation. Something that became clear as he searched through the corpse of the would be assassin. A few things other things were perfectly clear too. First, he was a dude. Second, he was young, no older than twenty. Third, he looked rough. This was probably a street kid turned ganger turned cultist. Which led to a whole host of other issues.

Jun flipped the cultist’s arm and inspected the tattoos. There were some that were clearly professionally done and others that looked like they had been done in a jailhouse. Jun’s ears folded back slightly. That meant the cult had hardened killers. He pulled his eyes from the body as Valeska took the pistol from him.

“Look, there’s a reason no one is lookin’ into this cult.” He told her. “That guy, he isn’t just some street scum. Half his tattoos are prison tats.” Jun explained. “He was already hard before the cult even got to him.” He continued. “Which means this cult is probably impactin’ the Chandrila underworld…that’s always nasty.” He muttered the last few words.

Jun chewed the inside of his lip as he thought. He was figuring out how to tackle the issue when Valeska said she wanted to get to the bottom of this mystery. A smirk formed on Jun’s lips.

“You know what Valeska, you’re not half bad.” He stated cooly. “Looks like Croft ain’t home…” Jun muttered as he looked around. “We should take a look around, just keep close and behind me.” He instructed. “I’ll keep you safe, promise.”

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

“No one’s looking into this cult because the Senator has been absent for months,” Valeska said coolly. However, she didn’t protest any other points, preparing to look through the apartment. She had a penchant for being nosy all her life, and that would come in handy to play detective here. Valeska was rifling through a cabinet when Jun spoke again, suggesting she wasn’t half bad.

“Jury’s still out on you,” She muttered under her breath, not realizing that with his ears he could hear her. Valeska said nothing about his valiant promise to keep her safe. She already knew what that looked like - bodily throwing her across a room to get her out of harm’s way. Just great.

The apartment was annoyingly spotless outside of the scuffle with the cultist. Valeska looked all around but couldn’t find anything, “I don’t get it..” She trailed off, “It’s as if he hasn’t…” Her eyes widened, “..lived here for days!” Valeska gasped, “That means he’s still alive!”

She turned to Jun, “Listen, can you do that ghastly mind trick thing? It may be needed to question the tenant across the hall. They may have seen him go or overhead him,” Mind tricking sounded terrible to her, but if she had a Jedi at her disposal, may as well make use of him.

If he agreed, Valeska would walk across the hall and knock sharply on the door.


@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

”Yeah, that’s curious too…” Jun muttered when Val brought up the Senator again.

Good Senators didn’t ignore issues like this. Especially when they were presenting so boldly. Usually, it meant they were on the take. Which, given the fact this was likely a cult attached to the underworld, meant it was well-financed.

Jun was still learning about Dark Side cults, but he’d dealt with a religious one on Jedha. While the leader of the cult had targeted raiders, it wasn’t because they were members of the underworld. If this cult was what he believed, credits and power were likely more of a motivator for its members than religious zeal. Which was also a good and bad thing. Meant that the cult would be harder to root out but also meant its members were less likely to fight to the death too.

Information could be gathered to use against the cult.

Jun also heard her comment on the jury still being out on him. He didn’t comment. She didn’t have to like him, he just had to make sure she got out of this alive and if they helped these people too? All the better.

When Val started getting excited at her revelation, Jun forced his ears to stay perked. She could be right. Or the cult could have nabbed him and killed him already. He would prefer her theory over his jaded ass thought process. However, when she brought up a mind trick, Jun sighed. Technically, that would be an abuse of power…but Dark Side cult.

“Given the gravity of what’s happenin’, askin’ for forgiveness might be better than permission.” He said with a shrug. “You lead the way, I’ll back you up.”

Jun would follow her across the hall when she knocked on a door. The room would be quiet for a while before heavy footsteps would be heard from the other side of the door. A massive middle aged Orcolean woman opened the door. Jun’s eyes widened as he drank in this tall, muscly glass of water. He was glad Valeska wasn’t looking at him.

“Can I ‘elp ya wit sumthin’?” She asked in a harsh tone as she glanced between the two.

“Yeah uh, hi.” He replied. “I’m Jun and this is Valeska.” He continued, seemingly slightly more lively than before. “And uh, she had some questions for you.” Jun rambled. “I’m just gonna shut up now…and be right over here. Mindin’ my own business.”

@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

Valeska wasn’t raised royal and to take on diplomacy without knowing how to read people. She picked up on Jun’s odd behavior instantly the moment the Orcolan woman answered the door. As he fumbled through his words, the tenant looked progressively more annoyed. Valeska gave a polite, apologetic smile and stepped forth to greet her instead.

“Sorry to bother you, miss,” She began calmly, “We are looking for our friend Davin Croft across the hall from you. We can’t reach him on comms. Have you seen him by any chance?”

The woman’s gaze flicked up and down, taking in sight of Valeska’s nice attire, “Friend? Yea okay,” She scoffed, “Y’all look shady as fuck. I ain’t boutta snitch on my neighbor and I suggest you get your fancy tits outta this neighborhood right now,” She growled, looking between her and Jun, “You and your little rat.”

She slammed the door in their faces. Valeska exhaled. Jun would be able to overhear the orcolan suddenly on her comlink and alerting others that two people were around asking questions. Both of their outfits were described in great detail.

“Great,” Valeska said as she started walking away. She shot a glare at Jun, “Also this is an investigation, not a middle school dance,” She hissed, “Keep your hormones in check,” She scowled at him, not remotely amused by him falling apart in the presence of someone he found attractive. Valeska had no patience for that kind of immature nonsense.

“That was a setback..I’m not sure how to continue,” Valeska said with a sigh when they had some privacy. Their only option to try again would be to disguise themselves.

Roll for talking to Orcolan: nat 1...

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun winced at being called a rat. That actually stung a little. What was worse was the fact the Orcolean woman had effectively cut them out of talking to the apartment building as a whole. The neighbors would know what they looked like and avoid talking to them. It was a bad situation that only was made worse with his flustered introduction.

While they walked and Val pecked away at him, Jun was looking elsewhere. He’d spotted the kids from earlier, they sat in an alleyway munching away one what looked like old fruits, vegetables, and dried meat. Not exactly appealing but likely a better meal than they’d had in a while.

“Woah, let’s slow down a sec here.” Jun told her before nodding to the street kids across the way. “Time to see if a little good deed pays back, yeah?” He asked rhetorically before jogging across the way to speak with the kids.

Jun would announce his presence to the kids to avoid startling them. A warm smile settled onto his face. “I’m glad you guys didn’t get sea bread.” He told them as he crouched down. “I didn’t get the chance to introduce myself before, names Jun.” He said, his eyes flicking between the three of them. “And the lady in white suit, that’s Val. Trust me she’s nicer than she looks.” He joked. The youngest of the three, a little Iridonian girl giggled at that. The other two, a Twi’lek boy and Human girl didn’t seem too amused. Jun smiled regardless. “Look I’m not gonna rob of your meal or anythin’ like that, promise. I just got a few questions if that’s okay?” He pushed.

The trio looked between each other. There was a moment of silence before the Twi’lek boy spoke up. “We ain’t ‘posed ta talk ta ya.” He muttered, his eyes flicking between Jun and Val.

“Fair enough.” Jun replied with a smile. “What if you just nod or shake your head instead?” He asked. “You wouldn’t be breakin’ no rules and you’d be helpin’ us find someone who could be in danger. You’d be heroes.” Jun pushed.

“I’d like ta be a hero, Uthy!” The little girl exclaimed. “Tell ‘im yes pease!” She continued.

“Fine.” The boy grumbled. “But only yes or no’s ya hear?”

Jun nodded and ruffled the little girls hair. “Deal.” He replied then waved for Val to come over.

“Yes or no only.” He told her. “They’ll shake or nod their heads nothin’ more.” He continued. “Ask away.”

13/20 talking to kids. Roll for questions being answered due to nat 1
@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

Between taking zero accountability for his behavior earlier and immediately taking a jab at her appearance to the children to make her the end of a joke, Valeska decided Jun had the emotional range of a toddler. She would have to treat him as such if she wanted to get anywhere with the mission. She may have had her reservations about him, but she’d tell them to him instead of undermining him in front of others. For now, she let him deal with the talking, pleased to see it yielded better results than the awkward exchange with the orcolan.

While the children honestly nodded yes or no, unfortunately the questions yielded nothing. The children hadn’t seen anything. Nevertheless, she gave them some credits for their cooperation. Valeska was beginning to gather that Croft kept a low profile, which made sense considering his family had been butchered and he was likely working as a vigilante for some street justice.

“We have to dig deeper,” Valeska declared after the second failed attempt at gathering information. This neighborhood wasn’t going to tell them anything - voluntarily or not. She was determined to chase this down regardless of how many roadblocks she hit, “There is a strip a few blocks from here with local cantinas. No one is going to talk if we go around asking questions, I think our best angle is to just pose as randoms just out and about. These attacks have people on edge, but we’re bound to overhear something that puts us back on the trail.”

In truth, Valeska hated operating without a strict plan, but she had to take her foot off the gas if she wanted to get anywhere with this. This was a delicate operation and tensions were high with the locals.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun’s ears tucked back slightly when the kids scampered off. They didn’t know anything. They were just kids after all. But that was fine. Well it wasn’t, they were back to square one.

He listened to Val when she suggested sitting down and eavesdropping on folks. That was something Jun was solid at, his sensitive Fiani ears could easily pick up noises and sounds. He nodded at her suggestion.

“Before we head out…we gotta new outfits.” He told her. “They know what we both look like for sure now. Any change is better than none.” He continued. “We get some new outfits, grab a beer at a cantina, and listen out.” He recapped.

Jun was getting a sneaking suspicion that Val didn’t like much. He’d fucked up earlier, he knew it. He would have apologized but her ceaseless pecking was driving him crazy, even if he didn’t show it. So, his stubbornness kept those key words from rolling out of his lips at least for now.

Jun wouldn’t leave Val’s side, even if she tried. He was there to protect her despite the budding dislike between them. He intended to do just that while trying to help these people.

Regardless of her reaction, Jun would get himself a new shirt. Unfortunately there was only one in his size at the store. And its message was poorly timed. He’d walk out from the store wearing it with his ears tucked back.

“There wasn’t anything in my size…but this.” He stated in an annoyed tone before continuing onwards towards the strip.

When they arrived Jun would find a seat at the bar. He’d order himself and her a cheap beer and sat there next to her. He took a deep breath before speaking.

“Look, we clearly got off on the wrong foot.” Jun started. “I’m sorry about back there. I fucked up with Orcolean…” His voice trailed off for a second. “…and I shouldn’t have been an ass towards you with the kids.” He finished.

Once he’d said his peace, regardless of her response, Jun would focus on his role. His ears twitched and turned to face different directions as he eavesdropped. At first there was nothing interesting but eventually Jun would overhear something. Two patrons were talking about a group of guys that worked the corner of 33rd and 81st, they’d started keeping weird statues on themselves and were nervous about something. The description of the statue matched the one Jun had in his pocket from the dead cultist.

“Well fuck me…” He muttered before taking a sip from his beer.

“I just might big boy.” A Chandrilan woman replied.

Jun almost spat his beer in surprise. Instead he just suppressed a coughing fit and glanced to Val. “Got something. Let’s get out of here.” He whispered as he recovered.

Once outside Jun would finish his beer then toss the bottle in a dumpster. “Corner of 33rd and 81st. Cultists work there and they’re jumpy lately.” He told Val. “It’s not much, but it’s more than what we have.” He offered with a shrug. “Let’s see if we can’t find Mr. Croft and get to the bottom of this.”

11/20 for overhearing intel.
@Sreeya

 

[Valeska]

As with most other things today, Valeska had no better luck in the shop either. When Jun came out, he would find her in a t-shirt and jeans. First of all, she couldn’t remember the last time she wore a t-shirt or jeans, let alone a shirt with such filth on it. She calmly stared at Jun with his drooped ears, her gaze silently pleading with him to keep his opinions to himself. His shirt, on the other hand, looked like something he would wear anyway so she didn’t buy the excuse about not finding anything in his size.

Once they were at the cantina and Jun ordered the beers, Valeska simply stared at hers. She took a sniff and didn’t bother drinking it. She had to remember to look casual, so she looked around and copied the others, slouching her shoulders and loosening her limbs to stop being so stiff. Valeska was beginning to wonder if she would actually have to drink the shitty beer when Jun spoke. An apology left her with brows raised in surprise, “Thank you..for your apology,” Valeska said with a nod, genuinely surprised.

As she watched Jun enjoy the beer, she extended her own to him as well, letting him keep it. She walked with him out into the streets. As they got closer to the designated intersection, it looked like a run down speeder mechanic’s shop. There were multiple speeders suspended in the air and sounds of machinery resounding. From the looks of it, the workers looked like regular employees, but Jun would recognize some of the tattoos as ex-con tats.

“You want us to just waltz right in?” Valeska asked with a quiet whisper. She was definitely out of her element when she wasn’t playing Valeska the princess. Now she was Valeska the..she glanced down at her shirt…fuck.

@Apollyon

 

[K’Jun]

Jun read Val’s shirt but didn’t say anything. No sense in adding fuel to the fire. Instead he just nodded for them to get going to the cantinas. Once there and the beers were ordered, Jun was a little surprised when Val didn’t really accept his apology but acknowledged it. He accepted the beer she offered him and just took it as a silent truce agreement.

Jun sipped the other beer as they walked, he kept his ears out once they got closer. He was able to quickly pick out the former convict’s tattoos. The shop looked like it was owned and operated by people with a record. That didn’t mean they were doing anything wrong, they could just be refor- Jun overheard one openly talking about sinking a snitch.

Jun gave an exhausted sigh and glanced to Val when she asked if he intended to waltz in there.

“Nah, we’re goin’ back to the rental.” He told her. “I’ve got an idea.”

Jun would pull his EZPhone out and drop a pin on the location. He wanted it to be easy enough to find his way back. Then he’d guide them back to their beaten up old speeder. As he passed the passenger side, he’d open Val’s door for her but not wait for her to get in. She’d have to shut her own door.

They’d be off shortly after he got settled in. He’d fidget with the radio until a song he felt was appropriate came on. He tapped his palm on the steering wheel and hummed along for a few seconds. Then he’d turn to Val and explain his idea.

“We’re gonna be gettin’ a tune up on the van.” He explained over the radio. “It’s gonna be our in.” He continued. “I’ll buy you time to snoop around and if shit hits the fan? I’ll buy you time to get out.” He stated with a grin.

Jun was actually excited at the prospect of being the distraction. He knew what he was good at, being a hammer and he was about to be in a room filled with nails. Until they arrived and unless Val changed the song, Jun would drive and sing along with the radio.

When they arrived Jun would hop out of the vehicle first and approach a couple of the ex-cons. He explained he heard some weird rattling in the Van and just wanted to get it checked out. Then asked them if they had the time to do that. A few of the potential cultists read his shirt, snickered, and then told him they’d take a look at it for him. But Jun would continue asking questions long enough for Val to hop out (hopefully quietly) and get to looking around.

He really hoped this shit worked out.

@Sreeya