Ask Coruscant Good Trouble

Corran Velt

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Searing eyes greeted the news with the intensity of turbolasers. Normally a ferocious glare followed by an intense curse would have given Corran pause. Having dulled, suppressed feelings allowed him to receive the Death Star-like reaction with only a mild twitch of an eyebrow. Not out of fear or shock, but amusement. Her blunt, crass way of expression was admittedly... a little endearing. Having her along for the 'interrogation' would make things go smoother anyway. Or rougher. Her frustration was palpable from here.

As Nara packed up her things, Corran also grabbed what little stuff he brought with him. Taking up the datapad connected to the holoscreen, he unplugged it from the connector table, but then paused before reconnecting it again. The news article, the organized, color-coded timeline, and the three profiles of the 'trio' all went away. What replaced them was a new profile with no picture. It contained scant information such as guest code, location of visit, and date of entry. The first and last name section read Nara Allam. A few taps on the device began erasing all the data until the profile vanished entirely. "There. It's like you were never here," he said with a glance to the former Jedi. The official reason for deleting that info before it could be stored was because Nara wasn't under investigation. Keeping her information was an encroachment on her privacy. The unofficial reason... well... secrets didn't make friends, but they did keep them.

Lieutenant Velt tucked the datapad inside his jacket as he walked by Nara, giving two-fingered gesture for her to follow. "I'll drive. Who knows, Drastus might use his one comm-call to give you a ring along the way." Was that... a joke?

--------------------------------------
Coruscant Ranger Station, Level 1

The drive to the surface level Ranger station was uneventful. Mostly because Corran drove obeying all the rules of the skyway and didn't go over the speed limit even a little. Traffic was lighter than usual and the pair arrived only half an hour later. The lieutenant didn't even need to introduce himself as the officer at the front desk immediately recognized him. A simple nod was all that was required to give Nara permission to enter the facility without signing in. They were not escorted back to the temporary cells that contained criminals during their processing but instead to a room much closer to the front of the building. The drunk tank. Not an entirely barren hold but certainly one used to let folks cool off before being released.

The attendant officer was about to swipe a keycard to open the cell, but Velt raised a palm to stop him. He turned to say something to the woman who accompanied him, hesitated, then closed his mouth and motioned the guard to proceed. There was really no point in discussing how they would question the Padawan sealed within. It was always going to be Good Cop, Bad Cop, and their roles were decided as soon as the commlink chimed.

With a mechanical shhhhhh, the door slid open and Corran entered the room first. He took up a position immediately to the right of the door and rested one hand on his hip. The drunk tank itself had grey walls with metal benches on either side. A single toilet towards for anyone kept here to use. The floor was an elderly, dark green with a single drain in the center. "Padawan Drastus Drahr," the blond, bearded man said slowly, "I'm Lieutenant Corran Velt and I believe you owe me quite a few answers."

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Drastus Drahr

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When Nara and Corran entered, one of the Rangers would inform him that the man who subdued Drast was still waiting in the station to talk to the LT.

---

Drast however sat at his table, this wasn't the first time he'd been arrested, and he was sure it wouldn't be the last. Hands were drumming on the table and the boy would look fairly different than the cop would remember, same for Nara.

Burn scars would run along one side of his face, most likely from an explosive. Clothing was very much similar to the seedy bar they had met in. He'd just offer a grin to Corran. "Good to see you again, -Offiicer-." So he had definitely been right when he pegged him as a narc.

His gaze would shift to the woman as he studied her face and it would be a few long moments until realization hit him. "You too, Nara. Glad you're just still alive in the galaxy, Order or not."

He'd have to hide his smile though. Good cop bad cop, a classic. If he were to guess the bad cop, it would definitely be Nara.

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Nara appreciated the gesture. All records gone. Strictly hidden. Just the way she liked it, for now. The other news was still less welcome, though. If Drastus wasn't very closely linked to the case of Kori, Nara would've considered leaving him to rot.

She had a very different two finger gesture in mind when Corran lead the way, but she refrained. Why antagonise the lieutenant, it wasn't his fault?

When they arrived in the drunk tank, Nara's nose wrinkled at the smell in the room. Drastus was certainly looking a lot worse than she'd remembered. Crappy clothes and some scars. Fate hadn't been kind to the kid in her absence. A bubble of sympathy built up, only to be ruthlessly popped when he started to speak.

Why does he always speak like he's got the upper hand?

"Padawan Drahr," she replied, refusing to use his first name. Unlike the lieutenant, he actually had experience of her in the past. He'd known her as a Jedi. She'd been senior to him in the Order, though now that meant very little. Not that he'd listened to rank in the past anyway.

"The lieutenant has his questions, I have mine too." She took her place, the other side of the door to Corran. Leaning back against the wall with her arms folded. Watching Drastus closely, waiting to see what his face would do.

"You're a long way from the Jedi temple. Does your master know you're here? Forgive me, it's been a while since I had the pleasure of another Jedi gathering, but I've been reliably informed that padawans are not to go on Jedi missions alone. Something about past mistakes in that area." A very pointed voice.



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Corran Velt

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'Frank' looked worse for wear since their last meet. One side of his face had taken a nasty blast from something. Or a flamethrower scorched him. Were the Jedi really throwing kids into battle? No, no; Nara already made clear the Jedi leadership were against Padawans going off on their own. Lieutenant Velt dented his eyebrows imperceptibly at the grinning teen who so casually greeted a lawman. Drastus' own arrogance likely led him to unsupervised danger. The detainee's attention was rapidly drawn to the former Jedi who entered the room. For one reason or another.

Nara took the lead in asking the first questions. Considering how her hands weren't strangling the Padawan's throat, her self-control was very impressive to the Ranger in the drunk tank with her. The thing about lower-ranked Jedi not being allowed to go out alone was new information. Corran turned his head subtly to look at Nara out of the corner of his eye. Was this a recent policy or had the original trio at the bar broken those commandments too?

The bearded ranger waited until his co-interrogator finished before taking his turn at Drastus. Unlike the cocksure, overly relaxed smuggler persona, Lieutenant Velt appeared a different beast entirely. His shoulders were square and upright and his once bright sky-blue eyes had dulled to a wall-cloud grey. There was no hint of expression on his face. "I'm curious about that too, among other things," Corran began, using gesturing to the room empty of anyone else, "Where are the other two? Galania Tallis and the blue Twi'lek?" Nara's question was more daggers than helpful for the case at hand, so he tried to angle it back towards what they needed to know. If Lani Tallis hadn't vanished and was alive somewhere, that solved one half of the investigation. Not to mention putting his mind at ease.


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Drastus Drahr

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Drastus would adjust his seating, some physical discomfort from burns hidden from view. "Look. I wasn't even arrested for a crime. I had some guy with blonde braided hair stun me from behind and then bring me here, said something about you looking for me. So realistically, you're holding me here unlawfully." There was no real evidence that pointed to him or the other two the last time they were on Coruscant and even then, Lani's name was technically on the apartment. He'd smirk at Nara's questioning. "Yeah, well, I'm not really sure what those past mistakes would be or if they included me. My only real mistake was.." his hand gestured to scarred side of his face. "Denon.. and my Master hasn't talked to me since then."

He'd adjust his seating, sitting a little straighter. "Besides, I'm not doing a mission for the Jedi, I'm doing one for Lani. Most of the Jedi have given up looking for Kori, but I can't. I had to recover after Denon, but now that I can move around, I started up my hunt. I came here, looking for you Lt. Velt after leaving Naboo." If Nara was trying to goad a reaction out of the young man, she'd get very little of one out him.

Leaning back in the seat, he'd roll his shoulders. "Sorry we stood ya up the last time. All the Masters here were leaving so since we were here on Jedi business then, we left with the rest of the Jedi." He added with a smirk. He'd purposefully ignore the question about Lani or Xi, possibly waiting out until the nature for the question was revealed.

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"I'm quite sure that the Jedi council will be very understanding when they find out you weren't here on your own, looking like a drunk on a mission for them, merely just a mission for one of your friends. They're famously reasonable, aren't they?"

Nara stared, just watching him. He looked messed up since the last time she'd seen him, but didn't everyone? Times had changed and by his own admission, he'd been busy.

"So you're what, on a one padawan mission to do what the rest of the Order couldn't? And if you're doing it for her sister, where is she? Considering what I've heard from the lieutenant, seems like you're all practically attached at the hip?" Questions, questions, more questions. She had scant trust in Drastus's ability to do anything but get into trouble, but maybe he'd know something.

What is his game? What is he doing this for? Helping Lani? Or does he wanna be the big shot hero? Wouldn't be the first padawan with a hero complex and a death wish.

She unfolded her arms, letting them drop to her side. "Well, if you're talking about rescuing Kori, then maybe there's a discussion we can have." Her gaze flicked over to Corran again. "I never found much of a trail beyond a news report."


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Corran Velt

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The internal politics, personalities, and policies of the Jedi Order was not Lieutenant Velt's area of expertise. Sometimes he wondered if even the members of that secretive religion even fully understood its teachings and internal workings. A living example sitting in the same room with him in the form of Drastus Drahr. What Corran did understand was the finer workings of the law and he wasn't going to let some teenager who likely hadn't even read a single holobook on Coruscanti Juris Prudence tell him what was 'unlawful.'

He raised his hand that rested on his hip and started counting off his fingers at the young man, all delivered in monotone indifference. "First of all, you were brought in unconscious to this station and were placed in the drunk tank for your own safety. Second of all, you are not detained, lawfully or unlawfully, because you don't have stun-cuffs on you and this isn't a jail cell. Third, if I wanted to detain you, I would have the authority to do so. If you recall, Padawan Drahr, you and your friends were breaking and entering an apartment, then engaged in disruptive action with another individual wielding a red lightsaber which caused a public disturbance, and finally fled the area. Not to mention, you placed yourself at the scene of the crime the night we met at that bar." The bearded man wiggled the three fingers held up before curling them back in the palm of his hand. "Based on that evidence alone, you could certainly be legally detained for a week."

Corran didn't feel very much emotion these days, at least on the job, so no frustration dawned on his features. He spoke like reading from a grocery store receipt. "If you really cared about Galania Tallis or finding Knight Nykoria Tallis, then you'd answer Ms. Allam's questions," an open palm gestured to the young woman, "explain why you were looking for me, and stop this delaying game." The array of legalese and logic ended in abrupt silence. The lieutenant withdrew his hand and rested it again on his hip.

Oh, yeah. He was supposed to be the Good Cop. An obviously professional, tight-lipped grin appeared on Velt's face, "Help us, help you."

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Drastus Drahr

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Drastus actually laughed at Nara's words before growing a bit solemn. "Yeah.. the reasonable one.." he'd look away, remembering Master Tionson's patience with him, his near constant guidance. It was sobering, for a moment. "Yeah, they'll probably just bounce me anyways. My Master gave up on me."

His gaze would shift back to both of them. "I'm not trying to be a hero, if that's what you think.. I'm just trying to put some more good into the galaxy. Lani has lost hope, I'm trying to restore it. We do things for those we care about and I know it's foolish. But... I could die for something I believe in. I want to help with finding Kori, and I want to protect Lani while I do it. She's been hurt enough and I can only keep her positive for so long."

He'd just offer a shrug at Corran. Whatever the man said about the law, sure. "Definitely got you as the good cop. Although, I don't think the routine is as effective when the one being questioned was looking for ya. I got sidetracked and I've chased down every lead I could find on Kori. There are some.. whispers in the Temple. Maybe Sith have her. My hunch? Pirates took her, right? Slavers wouldn't touch anyone with the Force, not right now. So who else would maybe take a forcie, especially a Jedi, assuming they knew what she was, the Sith. Which, it's not much in terms of narrowing anything down. I wouldn't know which region of Sith Space to look in.. but I tried to send out another lead on Naboo, I'm just hoping it works. Zero evidence, zero support, but when you got nothing you gotta think outside the box, right? And I came here looking for you, Lieutenant Velt because you're probably the best the Sector Rangers have to offer and you already offered to help in the past."

He leaned back in his chair. "This is my last ditch effort."


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Nara rolled her eyes at the story of 'being bounced' by the Order. Her problems with the Order aside, they wouldn't just kick a padawan out for being a little dumb. If they did, how would anyone get to knighthood? She'd have been booted out ten times before her first year was over.

"Most people get their friends something nice or take them somewhere when they're feeling down, they don't try and singlehandedly launch a missing persons enquiry," Nara told him, hands on the table now as she leaned in to watch him.

"Nykoria Tallis is a Jedi Master and accomplished lightsaber combatant. If she was picked up by pirates, she'd have butchered them and flown their ship straight back into a port somewhere." Pirates didn't make sense, unless she was either dead or somehow willingly going along with them. Maybe Kori had snapped and turned pirate? Not that Nara would blame her for that but it wasn't Kori's style.

"I don't think you're being a hero, I think you're being bloody stupid. For good reasons, but it's still bloody stupid." Nara shrugged and leaned back from the table, talking to both Corran and Drastus. "In my mind, either we get a lucky break somewhere else... or we need to speak more to Lani Tallis. I could probably find a way to speak to her through my old contacts but I'm guessing you," she said, pointing to Drastus, "have a more direct line."

Let's hope Lani feels just as desperately about you as you do about her, padawan.


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Corran Velt

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Unrestrained idealism had gotten firmly rooted in the teenager and what fertile soil it was. A friend in need, as the Padawan claimed, was his guiding star on the grand crusade to find Nykoria Tallis. Idealism seemed to rose-tint what he saw too. The last time Corran had met Lani Tallis, she was quite clearly the most level-headed and powerful of the bunch. She never lied and never flinched. A lot could have happened between then and now, but being so emotionally wounded, nearing total defeat, to rely on Drastus to save her seemed... more fanciful than true. The bit about dying for a cause he believed in almost made the lieutenant shake his head. Dying for a cause does nothing to further it. Staying live and continuing to fight was better. Suggesting such wisdom won through harsh experience likely wouldn't get through Dratus' head though.

Though he did supply a sliver of information they didn't have before. Corran gripped his chin between a thumb and an index finger, musing to no one in particularly, "So Galania hasn't vanished. Just returned home..." One Tallis accounted for, more or less, meant there wasn't a grand conspiracy to kidnap the two Zeltron sisters. Another thread in the case revealed itself. Lani had been meeting with someone privately at the bar that night. She obviously got something important from it because the trio was off-world before the next morning. What had she discovered? If she was resting somewhere, in pain, had it been a dead end?

All the while, Nara was doing a good job of cutting down the 'conclusions' Drastus had floated. The pirates angle was similar to the Hutt one pondered over earlier between Lieutenant Velt and Former Knight Allam: Unlikely for lots of reasons and those goons would have been cut to pieces, announced their victory, or sold her into slavery by now. Some news would have leaked out. Sith capture was the same hypothesis they had come to without Padawan Drahr's help. At least they were all in agreement there. Shame he travelled out this way just to share that.

Corran glanced over to Nara as she finished accosting the younger man for his recklessness and suggested following the very thread he'd thought of earlier. The younger sister. She was the last rock unturned. The tiniest smirk tugged at the corner of the blond man's mouth before he glanced away from the brunette's profile. Nara was turning out to be a pretty good partner.

"Based on what Padawan Drahr said, Galania is back on some Jedi enclave. I take it there's not a good chance I'd get to speak to her then?" The Sector Ranger asked, gesturing to the two Force-users with an index finger.

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Drastus Drahr

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"Oh trust me, the something nice is tucked away in a storage locker on-planet." He'd say to Nara. "I guess you could say something to replace Kori's jacket. But as you both know a nice jacket won't replace anything, it needs to be her sister. Besides, I work faster alone and I know what places to avoid."

He'd nod his head at both of their statements on Lani. "I do have a direct line, but I won't take anyone to the enclave. I can get her out of the enclave and meet you elsewhere, but I need two promises. Ones that won't be broken regardless. Lani isn't put into a situation that can bring her harm and that you take me with you. No matter where this path leads. Kori Tallis inspired me even after Sullust.. it's hard to explain, but I just need to do this." He'd lean back. "And unrelated, once we're done here I'd like a few words in private, with Nara."

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"Yeah, working alone has really worked for you. If this is your idea of winning, I'd hate to see you lose."

Nara had to look away as he refused to take anyone to the enclave, as if she didn't already know most of the Jedi hidey-holes in the Galaxy. Still though, getting Lani out there would be good. If all else failed and Drastus couldn't deliver, she could always badger Izel and ask her to drag Lani somewhere they could meet. Still, Drastus was meant to be friends with Lani, so she trusted he'd be able to do that at the very least.

"Fine on my end." She waved her hand towards Corran, wondering if he'd have any more to add. "We can keep you in the loop, involved, whatever. But this means no going off and doing your own thing, no matter how clever you think you're being."

The last request made her frown all the deeper. A few words in private, with Nara was a phrase more ominous than I've just seen a dozen red lightsabers or gee that mushroom cloud sure is close.

"These better be some important words," Nara grumbled, nodding in confirmation. "Fine."


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Corran Velt

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How Drastus managed to be simultaneously very helpful and the least helpful 'person' to this case was impressive. Impressive in the same way a new driver can wedge a speeder sideways and block all traffic for hours. The 'I work alone' comment elicited an eyeroll from the Sector Ranger. Not only was the kid on a solo crusade to save the galaxy, but he'd watched too many action holo-flics too. Rookies like that among the Rangers were considered a liability in most cases.

Then came the conditions. The Padawan wanted to help, but worked better alone, then he was eager to solve this case, but didn't want to share any information without incentive, and he claimed he came to Coruscant to find Lieutenant Velt but seemed intent only to tell Nara things. Spice addicts were more coherent than this. Being devoid of obvious emotion prevented the bearded man from pinching the bridge of his nose. "Considering you broke the promises you made last time, I'm a little hesitant to give that currency to you. We'll work it out on a case by case basis," Corran said in a stoic and impassive voice, hinted only with professional authority, "And you shouldn't make conditions for someone else's life. Galania will tell us what she wants."

All the information the blond Ranger needed, he'd gotten. Galania Tallis was safely alive and likely be more helpful than her stonewalling friend. If the former Jedi Knight hadn't been here, Corran wondered if the scarred Padawan would have said anything helpful at all. Sensing the situation, it felt better to step out and put his faith in his new ad-hoc partner. The lieutenant vaguely waved off Drastus, "When you're done here, you're free to go. The Sector Rangers appreciate your cooperation." Sarcasm was suppressed with a mental riot hose, but some of it managed to still get a finger on that second part.

Corran turned to head for the door but hesitated for a moment next to Nara. His right shoulder next to her left and facing the opposite direction. The man placed his hand on her arm in an exact copy of the same touch she shared earlier. As if he'd learned it from her and put it to memory. "Come find me when you're finished." A small squeeze punctuated that soft spoken sentence. The door hissed open and Lieutenant Velt departed the drunk tank with the door closing behind him just as quickly.

He turned to the officer stationed nearby and was reminded to go visit the man who'd brought in the Jedi Padawan unconscious. Time to see what that was about.

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Drastus Drahr

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His gaze would shift to Corran. "Keeping her safe, will keep everyone involved safe. She's not been the same since Kloss. Her focus, her confidence, her faith. Caution is good, but if she's excessive beyond that.. she or someone else could get hurt. And I sat next to her tank for months.. I can't do that again. If she finds that fire again, that resolve, then have at it. But I know her better than anyone else thats not blood related." Hed then offer a mock salute. "Chief Velt."

Once he was gone, he looked back at Nara, his hands fiddling together. "Unrelated to the case.. how did you know? That it was time to part ways with the Order? It sounds ridiculous but.. its stopped feeling like home. Like I'm unwanted by both Master and Order, yet I'm bound by the shackles of devotion to others there. I don't want to be comforted or coddled. I just want to know if it was something similar for you.."

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Nara said nothing as Corran squeezed her arm, a tender touch to match her own. His fingers slipped over her slenderness, giving her a moment of pause. Wordlessly, she nodded in agreement. Hearing the door close shut behind him, leaving her alone with Drastus.

The question surprised her. She'd been expecting condemnation, hectoring or an attempt at smug superiority. This seemed... almost human. A shocking development in her opinion of the padawan.

"I just did," she replied, with a shrug. "I'm sorry to say this, Drastus, but there is no magic moment when it all seems clear and the path opens ahead of you. It's a decision to be made and it's murky whichever way you go. But in my case?" She bit her lip, looking away for a second. How much did she want to reveal to him?

"Things changed. I fought for the Order. I bled for the Temple. I helped train padawans, tried to teach other Jedi anything I could, went hunting holocrons, went healing... and nothing changed. Everything stayed the same. I was still the same Knight, getting shit on from on high, trying to do something whilst those above me sat on their asses and contemplated the Force." Old, old problems, resentments built up over several years.

"I hear Master Tionson passed. That's a shame. We had nothing in common but he was a very good man. Someone who was actually proactive, for a change. Now? Well, unless something's drastically changed, the Council is still Hannibal and some woman who does nothing. I hear Master Grayza is much the same these days too. So much sitting around, nothing getting done. The one person who could ever lead them was... is... well, he lost faith. And he left."

Her fist clenched for a second. A sad look lingering as she stared past Drastus. "I can't tell you what the right path is, you have to make it for yourself. But... whatever you decide, I would advise you to complete your training first. The Galaxy is no place for a half-trained Jedi. Especially not those who get tangled up in law enforcement."


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Corran Velt

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Chief Velt. A joke more cruel and stupid than the Padawan likely realized. And what was that bit about Galania Tallis being a danger to herself and others? Last time they spoke, she seemed the most level-headed of the bunch. Could she have morphed into some unrestrained monster? Tch. Not likely. Even though Corran wasn't showing any outward signs of annoyance, a few rangers and station personnel jumped out of his way as he marched down the isle between cubicles. He'd been banned from seeking higher rank, no matter what he did, unless he brought a Sith Lord in chains back to custody and kept them there. That didn't really bother him. It was the cold disrespect to the death of a respected Sector Ranger that still bothered him. He was glad to be away from upper-rank politics for awhile.

At the front of the Ranger Station was a meeting room adjacent to the entrance. It was a fishbowl of an office, with glass all around it so others could look. A level of public viewing made available for those who weren't detained but wished to speak with the authorities. Inside the room was a simple office table with six ergonomic chairs seated evenly around it. It was here the capturer of Drastus would've been asked to wait.

The lieutenant recognized the man immediately upon entrance. It was the man with the blond-braided hair from the cafe. Worlds really don't get much smaller than this. He shut the door behind him casually but did not take a seat. "So you're the one who brought Drastus in," Corran began, much more impassive than the first time they met, "I never caught your name before. What is it?"

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Taldorak Trenessar

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Tal had been waiting in the little room for an unforseen amount of time, which was really no bother to him. Though, this was definitely a first for him. He'd never actually been in a Ranger station before. So he sat and waited, his mind elsewhere on the topic of a green skinned beauty.

When the door opened, he offered the officer a smile. "Ahh, Lieutenant Velt. Good to see you again." He'd sit a bit straighter. "That I did. And you kind of waved me off and didn't ask." He'd say with a playful smirk. "Name's Nakadr. It's how I knew about the.." he gestured to his own neck. "Clan Sigil. I spent my whole life on Roon with my Clan, so no chain code, and I haven't quite ever figured out where to get one." He'd say honestly.

"Now I'd regale you with an epic tale of how I stalked the galaxy and found him, but I kinda have this thing about lying. That said, I'd once more like to offer my services."

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Drastus Drahr

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Drast would kind of nod his head slowly as Nara spoke, taking her words to heart. "So.. Denon, the thing that I failed on. My speeder was hit by a suicide bomber. I somehow, am getting blamed for it. That's what my expulsion talk is about. Personally, I just think Master Sati needed someone to blame for Master Tionson..I don't blame here.. and I don't hate her. I just wish I could have done more, I guess."

He'd sigh. "For what it's worth, you and Master Zapan leaving the Order, I didn't lose respect for either of you. We had one real mission together that went.. okay.. I guess I'm just more.. jaded. But.. I did always hope you both were doing well. I guess, I have a follow-up.. if I do decide to leave.. but I don't finish my training.. would you be willing to teach me?"



@Charndley
 

Juniper

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Independent
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Independent Force User

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Charndley
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The admission surprised Nara but it didn't shock her. There was probably another side to the story that was missing, though it did seem like the current Order's style. Push and push and push, then when a mistake is made, close ranks and blame whoever they can.

"Oh for the love of... you're a padawan. You're a kid, even if you hate admitting it. If you make a mistake, it's on you to learn from it and nothing more. Blaming a padawan for something like that... stupid." Nara had never really had much to do with Master Sati and from the sounds of it, she needed a new one tearing out of her.

Metaphorically speaking, of course.

The next question was the real shock. Why her? What possible reason would anyone have to look at Nara and see someone to learn from? Maybe if you were looking to expand your collection of insults and swears, maybe. Her face softened, twitching with uncertainty.

"I'm not a good teacher. I've never trained anyone seriously," she warned. It did not sound like a good idea to her... but she supposed there was a duty. "If you seriously want to finish your training, then I'd expect you to listen. Bitch all you want about it, but listen. And no sneaking off to dangerous places on a whim. Those are my terms."

After taking it from her pocket, Nara slid a data-chit across the table to Drastus. "My communicator details. You get in contact with Lani and arrange a meet, then we'll talk training." With that, Nara turned and left the room, feeling the swish of the door behind her. It wouldn't take long to find Lieutenant Velt, not when she heard talking through the door.


@TerranSteel @Rhogar
 

Corran Velt

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TerranSteel
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Contrary to what Nakadr said, Lieutenant Velt actually had asked his name when they first came across one another. Going so far to even offer to enter his contact information onto his datapad. He let that topic brush under the rug as it didn't really matter at this point. The appearance of a Mandalorian tattoo on the stranger's neck did clear up some things. Like how he knew what the symbols on Drastus meant. Did that mean the Jedi trainee was also a Mandalorian? That would be something Corran had never seen before.

The offer to work together resurfaced. On the face of it, the blond ranger wasn't entirely sure what to make of the man. He obviously was some sort of tracker. There were a few things left to pin down. "Nakadr. Right. Nice to put a name to a face," Corran replied, "Thanks for bringing in Drastus. Unfortunately there's no bounty. We just wanted to talk to him. Was he unconscious when you found him or how'd that happen?" The lieutenant likely knew the answer but wanted to see if this tracker's 'honesty habit' was truthful as he claimed. Not to mention, he wondered how someone got the jump on a Force-user. Even a fairly untrained one.

Out of the corner of his eye, Corran glimpsed Nara through one of the many windows of the meeting room. This one was more public than the secure ones in the back, meant for private interrogations. He gave the former Jedi a wave to come inside if she wanted. Not that she needed to, but there was no secrets between them on this case. Lieutenant Velt gave Nakadr a resigned shrug, "Drastus told us everything we needed to know about the other missing two kids. They're alive and we will get to them to clarify a few things. So we won't need a tracker for them. As for your services, I can keep you in mind for other hard-to-crack cases. Best I can offer."

It all came down to trust. Corran didn't know a thing about this guy or his angle. What was he really after? People don't typically offer their time and effort for practically no money just to work with the Sector Rangers.

@Rhogar @Charndley
 
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