Open Coruscant In Her Footsteps

[Lani Tallis]

Uscru Entertainment District
Outlander Club
Local time: 10:22 PM

Lani pulled down on the collar and the lapels to make the oversized leather jacket look more presentable on her. "That'll have to do." The slightly-noticeable tribal pattern looked fancy on the dark brown leather. But still, it was evident that the jacket wasn't a perfect fit. The young Zeltron sighed and fished a card out of the jacket's pocket. Yes, that definitely was the place Nykoria frequented. Seedier than Galania was used to, but it wouldn't stop the young Zeltron from entering.

What did she seek to find there? Lani wasn't sure. She just knew that her Jedi mission on Coruscant was close to its end. Soon she'd have to leave the planet and lose the chance to find out what Nykoria was up there. The only local acquaintance of Kori's that Lani knew of was Sector Ranger Darmus Onn... But he was nowhere to be found; not by a random Jedi Padawan. Besides, it's not that Galania event wanted to go near Sector Ranger facilities; not so soon after her latest stunt. That left few options. "Here goes nothing." She had the credits; she'd either find out something about Nykoria here, or just see how her sister passed the time.

With that, the unarmed Zeltron stepped in... and was engulfed by the storm of bass and intertwined emotions. It was overwhelming, almost consuming Lani's own self. She felt an inexpugnable desire of step into the vortex of dancers and become one with it. If it weren't for the little Jedi training she had already received, the Zeltron in her would've lost control. Even then, it would only take a little push...

But for now, Galania navigated towards the bar, slipping through the dancing crowds. After getting on a stool and landing her elbows on a bar counter, she waited patiently for the bartender to pay attention to her. "You ever seen Nykoria Tallis around?" she raised her voice trying to shout louder than the music... Which was a challenge in itself. Alas, the bartender only shrugged. "She's a Zeltron like me," Lani didn't yield. "Used to show up here often enough!" Then again, Zeltrons weren't that uncommon in Coruscant nightclubs... "Might have carried a lightsaber?"

"Come on, please say you met a Zeltron with a lightsaber!"

@sayso

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drastus had gotten there early. Lani had given him the time and place, but since he had his thing about escapes, he needed an actual plan. He was clad in silky, and by association, shinier purple button up, unbuttoned about halfway. He wore his black leatharis greaves and black boots with it. The sleeves were rolled up to the forearm, and his upper abs, as well as the various chest tattoos and scars he had were clear as day.

He had made small talk with others at the bar when a familiar face in a hot tribal jacket mosied on up to bar. Giving his pardons, he'd slip away from the other patrons, glass in hand as he slid in beside her, catching the back half of the conversation. "Fancy meeting you here." He said to Lani, that patented grin on his face. The hand holding the glass would rest on the counter, while his free hand would momentarily rest on her lower back in greeting. "C'mon Reggie, you know some stuff. Now get her some info while you get her a tisane, yeah? Chilled glass."

@Catbert

 

[Nima Deleste]

.

An offer was up on the table for Nima. The outlander club was one that she was accustomed to, and access to the back rooms was sort of luxury you could have if your reputation was good enough. The two members of the Pykes stood in front of Nima eagerly, as she sipped on her drink. "It seems they don't know about it yet..." she thought to herself. The job wasn't much different than the others: take out a possible leak. A decent sum of credits was piled on the table as well, but Nima didn't feel satisfied with these types of jobs anymore.

When she left her homeworld, Takodana, Nima wanted to be an explorer; she wanted to hone her skills and see new sights. Sure Coruscant was fun for a while, but sleeping on a ship every day while doing jobs for criminal organizations was no longer exciting. Nima set down her drink and looked back up towards the two Pyke members, "Too busy at the moment.... find me again a few days from now." The two members would leave the back room and walked out of the bar, passing two new faces that just entered.

The bartender's eyes would widen hearing the words "Zeltron" and "lightsaber". Although Nima is somewhat considered to be a "valued" visitor, mostly due to her relationship with the club's owner, she is known to have trouble arise in her area. Two new faces searching for someone of that appearance, sounded like trouble. The bartender's face would be frozen, and after a moment, they regained their composure and signaled Lani to keep quiet. The bartender leaned closer to the two and responded: "The backroom to my left, I'll unlock it for you. If you're here to start trouble, take it outside immediately. If you're here for a job, don't piss her off." The bartender would escort the two to the backroom, pausing before opening the door. They turned their head toward the two to speak once again, "She just ordered her favorite drink not too long ago, don't interrupt her until she's ready to speak." Turning their head back towards the door, the bartender mumbled, "I've had to clean up enough blood already..."

Opening the door, the bartender would move out of the way for the two to enter. In the room would be Nima; a short Zeltron girl with long white hair, blue eyes, a beautiful black dress, and a cape engraved with a lotus flower marking. She would be sitting with her legs bent toward her side, sipping on a light orange colored drink in a tall glass. Two seats would be on the other side of the table.

@Catbert @Rhogar

 

[Corran Velt]

Uscuru Entertainment District was best known for its clubs, bars, beverages, and beers. It's bright lights and passing crowds made it an exceptionally lively part of the Coruscant urbansphere. What it was also known for was being a great place to lay low. Runaways could escape here and criminals could run their illegal trade more easily while remaining out of sight. That's why Lieutenant Corran Velt was down here. A couple reports by Coruscanti Constables claimed that some citizens had seen some wild man chasing down a character with tattoos and dark skin. Witness reports suggested the runaway was Nautolan, maybe? Story was possible burglary, attempted kidnapping, or public disturbance or whatever. What drew the Sector Ranger here were the reports of incredible feats of athleticism and a light saber. The kind he had only seen when it came to Force-users. So far, the search had been in vain and possibly was just a pointless scuffle anyway. He decided to check in with the Constabulary. "Resume sweep, over," came the stern order from the comm. "Roger that, over and out." He replied obediently to the dispatch, but allowed himself a tired sigh. It might be a long walk.

Among the crowds, the blond ranger had made sure to look anything but. Blond hair was in something of a riot, with an egg-shell white shirt tucked into practical pants that slid into practical boots. His badge was hidden away on the inside of his jacket; just over his heart. The only loud parts about him were the two blaster pistols that swayed in their secured holsters on each hip along with the razor-thin diagonal scar that ran across his nose. To any onlooker, he might have very much looked like a gunslinger or smuggler looking for a good time. The only thing he couldn't shake was the rigid way he stood upright. That posture that seemed like a drill sergeant had whipped it into muscle-memory.

So far, nothing had really drawn his attention too seriously. A few stumbling drunks here. A batch of giggling bar-crawlers there. Nothing stood out too much - until two Pykes came walking out of an establishment talking to each other in hushed tones. There wasn't anything inherently criminal of two Pykes being on Coruscant, but sometimes smoke actually led to fire. Instead of accosting those two, however, the lieutenant decided to check out the place they seemed to be leaving. The Outlander Club. Fitting name.

Pushing through the partying crowds, Corran couldn't help but wince at the smell of sweat and booze. The loud music didn't help either. Undeterred, he shouldered his way towards the bartender with a few polite 'excuse me's and 'pardon me coming throughs.' Making it to the sanctuary of the bar, the blond young man tapped a finger on the counter and leaned over as a visible cue for service. They had seemed like they were busy doing something just prior, but hey, it's a bar. Barkeeps are usually swamped. "Can I get some water?" Corran shouted over the music. A simple nod followed and the bartender filled up a glass with a hose near the sink. "Hey, I got a question for you," the undercover ranger called out before the barkeep left, "I'm looking for some people. A real tall guy. Human male. Bearded. Drinks a lot." Corran gestured about four inches above his own head. "Another guy with tattoos or something. Dark hair. Seen anyone like that?" The first description drew a casual shake of the head. The second gave the bartender pause. There was something of an overexaggerated pondering about it. Finally, the purveyor of drinks merely said bluntly, "Wait here."

Corran leaned on the counter and took a sip of water. He'd wait. Even if it came up nothing.

@Catbert @Rhogar @sayso

 

[Xiann]

Xiann straightened her short top for the billionth time as she entered the bar. She had finished disassembling Galania’s bike but managed to get covered in grease in the process, and while she could easily wash the muck off her skin her clothes were a different story. The Twi’lek had changed into her shorter, more tight fitting clothes as Drast and Galania had mentioned a bar. Yes, she would draw more attention in these clothes but going out just didn’t feel right without them.

She arrived just in time to see Galania wander into a back room, she couldn't see Drast though. Perhaps he was in the crowd flirting with some poor female. Her Zeltron friend had mentioned asking about information, presumably she’d found some and not being able to make it through the crowd quick enough to catch up to them, she instead took a seat at the bar next to a tall blonde man who seemed to be drinking water? Why come to a bar for water?

The bartender gave her a nod, asking for her order, “Tarisian sunrise.” She gave him a wry smile, “With extra rise, if you please.” With a nod he turned to begin mixing the drink. Xiann looked around to see what kind of crowd this club drew. Even an inexperienced eye could tell this place was full of criminals, runaways and general lowlifes, but they all seemed to be well behaved for now at least. Whoever ran this place had a tight ship and she figured her being a new face would draw attention from them but hopefully no trouble.

Xiann looked back at the oddity of a man she had sat next to. Here was a professional, he didn’t really blend in with the others. Why was he here? Was he new to the lifestyle? Why did he look so glum when everyone else kept a smile on their face, even if it was fake? And why the kraf was he drinking water?! She found herself unusually bugged by the water more and more until she couldn’t help but ask, “Why is someone as tall and handsome as yourself sat so glumly drinking water?” As she looked at the blonde man, she finally found Drast sat at the bar a few seats down from the pair. She leaned onto the bar, so if he looked over she would be easily spotted.

@Catbert @Rhogar @sayso @TerranSteel

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Unlike his companion at the bar, a life on the streets had made Drastus very mindful and hyper vigilant. He'd spot two Pykes exit a backroom and as fate would have it, that would be the very room that the tender gestured to. As the bartender started to lead them away, Drast would place a hand on Lani's back, holding her in place gently, his voice lowered so only she could hear. "Lani.. I don't think Kori is here.. Unless she has started dealing with Pykes.. We just attacked Kessel, so why would she be here talking to them? Peacefully. I know we want to find her, but there is zero chance she's in there." After he spoke his peace, he'd remove his hand. It was her choice after all.

Seemingly undeterred, Lani would head for the door and he cursed silently, draining his glass of tisane. His gaze would follow the Zeltrons walk, some admiration, some worry before she rounded the bar and exited the back room. That's when he saw her, Xiann. He hit her with a wink and signaled for another glass. Once it arrived, Reggie would lean over and nod to the man by Xiann. "Careful kid, someone's asking about dark haired guys with tattoos. You fit the bill. Friendly warning, could be nothing."

Grinning at Reggie, he'd pat the man on the shoulder and slide him some credits. "Thanks big guy. I'm sure it's nothing though." he'd cross over to his twi'lek friend, eyes drifting to Corran as he passed behind him. He nodded to himself and sat at Xiann's left, his eyes following from her to the guy she was addressing.

Drast eyed the man, the water, his clothes, then the stance. Hair was disheveled, but what really stuck out to him was the tucked shirt, it was too neat. And the posture, maybe former military. Given the excitement of the day, and the district, they could very well be looking at a Narc. He'd seen his share of a few, even his old crew had a narc fully infiltrate before he slipped Either way, Narc, Former military merc, or whatever, they had to be careful now. It was three of them in a bar of many who would jump to the opportunity to hurt anyone tied to the Jedi. "Who's the new friend, Rin?" he'd hope she was savvy enough to catch on with the use of fake names. As he spoke, his eyes would drift from her to Corran, then to the door that Lani had entered.

@Xian @TerranSteel @Catbert @sayso

 

[Lani Tallis]

Galania's heart jumped when her question hit the jackpot. The bartender knew something! He acted as if Nykoria was still around, and even pointed to a backroom. It did cause some confusion, but Lani dismissed it. For all she knew, Kori was missing. But could it be that she had simply decided to off the grid for a while? How many female Zeltrons with lightsabers could frequent the same club?

That hope and line of thought alone were enough to make Lani dismiss Drast's comment almost entirely. "I just have to," she'd turn briefly to face him, making his hand shift to his side. "Can't just dismiss any leads." With that, she would leave for the backroom. The Pykes were of no concern as well.

Alas, as Lani stepped into the room, she found only confusion: hope fading away and slowly being replaced with disappointment. That definitely wasn't the Zeltron she was looking for. Dumbfounded, Galania inadvertently followed the bartender's advice. She'd just stand there, looking at the white-haired Zeltron. Despite her not being Nykoria, there was something familiar about her. If she also had a lightsaber, could she be a Jedi? One of Kori's acquaintances, perhaps? "Maybe that's why the bartender had directed me to her."

Either way, Lani would remain standing at the doorstep, staring at whom she had hoped would be her older sister...

Spoiler: Tags and posting order

For the time being, we're split into 2 groups, so we're on separate posting orders, if you'd like. The groups would be:
- @sayso @Catbert
- @TerranSteel @Rhogar @Xian
That way, one group wouldn't have to wait for the other until/unless things start heating up.

 

[Nima Deleste]

.

The sweet taste of her drink filled Nima with happiness. The drink was called Moof Juice; Nima wasn't sure what was in the drink exactly, but she didn't really care. It was her favorite part about coming to this club, and sometimes Nima would show up without any business-related activities involved. However business must always be put first, and in the room was now another business opportunity.

Nima set her drink down and looked up towards the door. She was going to ask the bartender for another drink, but it seems he left as soon as he could. In front of her stood another Zeltron, a seemingly independent looking one at that. They seemed to be in shape, similar age to Nima, but most importantly they were a force user. Nima could tell through the force. Although her connection to the force isn't that strong, she has always been good at noticing other force users. There was probably another nearby; Nima recalled that Jedi like to travel with partners.

Light sea blue eyes would burn their stare onto the stranger. Nima's face was blank, almost cold; it was a bad habit. Nima loathed Jedi. They were stubborn, usually rude, poor communicators, and very hypocritical. To Nima, they were simply a cult of selfish individuals. However, this one was already starting on the right foot by listening to the bartender's advice. Many Jedi would have walked in and immediately speak like they are in charge. After observing her, Nima would let out her monotone voice: "Why are you here Jedi?"

@Catbert

 

[Lani Tallis]

The other Zeltron's unexpectedly monotone welcome brought Lani back into the "there and then". Just like Lani recognized the stranger, she too was recognized in turn. Somehow, Lani just knew it didn't have to do anything with her Padawan braids. Other than that trademark Jedi thing, her own regular outfit could be mistaken for that of a slightly frivolous commoner. Especially with an oversized leather jacket on top of it.

Galania stepped into the room, the door closing behind her. There was no going back now, so she might as well go all the way. Her explanation was rather emotionless as well: "I'm looking for a Zeltron. Jedi Master. Nykoria Tallis. Used to hang out here," Galania approached one of the seats, but didn't take it just yet. Despite feeling strangely compelled to remain in the room, she couldn't say if the exchange would end with a simple "Never heard of her."

Admittedly, Lani didn't add "Do you know her?" After all, the bartender must have sent Lani to that Zeltron for some reason...

@sayso

 

[Nima Deleste]

.

Nima had no clue who Nykoria Tallis was, nor had she ever seen another force-sensitive Zeltron outside of this stranger and her own father. She figured if anything, the bartender would be the only person who would know. However, she assumed that this stranger would not be in front of her if the bartender did know.

Sitting up straight, Nima waited for the Zeltron to continue; a sudden awkwardness would enter the room. The muffled sound of music was in the background, but Nima assumed the stranger had more to say. Nima simply continued her gaze, while the stranger stood. "Does she want me to tell her where this person is? I don't know who that is though...." Nima thought. She waited a few more seconds to see if the stranger had anything else to stay, but they were just standing there. Unsure of the situation, Nima would finally respond with "Ok."

@Catbert

 

[Corran Velt]

Clubs did not normally appeal to Corran. Their booming music, crowded dance floors, and ruckus patrons. Alcohol was only rarely consumed and usually for special occasions in the Velt household and he carried on that tradition. Not to mention what it did to people. No, the blond ranger was here to find someone. Instead someone found him first. She had appeared casually enough, ordering a drink. Corran expected her to flutter off with her booze like anyone else. Only the blue Twi'lek turned to talk to him about his beverage. The blond man's face remained mute, though she would notice a faint pink in his cheeks from her initial question that couldn't be suppressed. Flirtations from cute girls were always humbling. Corran raised his glass and jiggled it for the new-comer to see, "Gotta stay hydrated for a long night."

Another person walked up and this one gathered more attention from the undercover lieutenant than a pretty Twi'lek. Although he couldn't tell the age of the alien next to him, Corran knew what a teenage human looked like. This one also matched the description (as crude as it was) for one of the persons wanted for question. Coruscant held billions of beings though, so the ranger needed to be certain this was the guy. Subtly was also demanded - a place this far down contained criminals and ne'er-do-wells who wouldn't mind roughing up solo law-enforcement.

Although the human male didn't ask him directly, the ranger leaned over and introduced himself, "Corran; nice to meet you." There was no point in lying. Corran was a fairly common name in the universe. He turned to face the pair now and they would get a full view of his face, including the razor-thin diagonal scar that ran across his nose. "Rin, was it?" The blond man nodded to the flirty Twi'lek before turning his eyes on the younger man, "And what's yours? You guys new to town?" It sounded like casual conversation; friendly and welcoming.

Despite the cacophony of the club, the investigative ranger couldn't help but notice the dark-haired man's glance over his shoulder. Only a solid wall near the wall was there. Either the teen was already too deep into shallow cups or something already wasn't feeling right.

@Xian @Rhogar

 

[Lani Tallis]

Well, that was awkward for sure. Galania had expected that the stranger would have something to say about Nykoria. Why else would the bartender lead her there? But all she got was an "Ok". Either the stranger didn't know anything, or she was being extra careful and had a habit of not saying more than necessary. Either way, it was worth a try.

Galania took a seat opposite to the mysterious Zeltron. She fished out of her pocket a scrap of paper with printed data from a Holonet broadcast and passed it to the stranger. "The ship she was on disappeared around Fondor. Pirates, as it turned out. Most people were rescued, but Nykoria was nowhere to be found. So now I'm looking for her, figuring out what she was up to... How and why she ended up where she did. I'm her sister."

That'd be a deciding factor. If that myserious Zeltron knew anything, she'd react somehow. Either to the news of Kori's disappearance, or to Kori's sister getting involved. If not, then all of that might have been some kind of weird mistake. A coincidence, a random hand of fate, the will of the Force, whatever you name it. It didn't have to be a bad thing; but it would rule out Kori's shady dealings at the club at least.

@sayso

 

[Nima Deleste]

.

Nima was a bit hesitant on taking the piece of paper, as she was confused on how the Jedi seemed to prove how strange they were every day. "They still use paper for information?" she thought to herself. Nima would reach out and take it, opening it up to read; she didn't pay much attention to what the stranger said, rather focusing on reading.

Nothing seemed exactly too out of the ordinary; Nima had once found herself in a similar position as the people on the Starblazer were in. About the pirates on Fondor, unfortunately, Nima wouldn't know anything. She didn't have many jobs located in that general area, but she did know a few things. Nima lowered the paper down while looking back at the fellow Zeltron; "Says ship didn't get to Fondor, exited hyperspace early. There are pirates on Botor, a planet near Fondor."

Although she does not know much about the interworkings of the Jedi order, Nima has heard enough stories from her father to have a decent bit of understanding. The purpose of this Jedi's visit seemed meaningless, so Nima had questions to ask; she also seemed to have an answer for the Jedi as well: "The Jedi order has a base somewhere correct? If she was alive she would return to the base correct? I have never met a Jedi Master, but a Jedi Knight is a formidable foe, and Masters are stronger correct?" Nima paused for a moment to let the stranger take in what she was asking, wondering if they would catch on to the direction Nima was heading towards. "If she, a Jedi Master, was unable to fight and escape, then she is dead. If she is alive and hasn't returned, then her body was sold to someone. You came to this club looking for her. If she were alive do you believe she would come to a club before finding her family and friends?" Nima's voice was still monotone the whole time as if she were speaking like some sort of droid.

Nima knew the business. Pirates capture to kill or sell; selling implying a multitude of things. Nima looked down at the piece of paper again; the names of the missing people seemed feminine, implying that most of them could have been females. Nima looked back up to observe the stranger once again. Unsure of whether or not she was older or younger, Nima could tell that the girl was trying to find her place in the world; they were the same. Nima didn't want to believe that the Jedi was dumb enough to believe that her sister would be drinking in a club after being missing for so long, so she decided to ask what was their purpose: "You are looking for your missing sister, and your reason for choosing this location is that she use to come here often. So, what brings you in front of me then, Jedi?"

@Catbert

 

[Xiann]

Xiann leaned back against the bar as Drast came and sat with her and the stranger so that they could see each other properly. She smiled lightly when Drast gave her a fake name, did he think this guy was up to no good? “Yup, that’s me. Corran, this is Francis. Francis, this is Corran. We’re pleased to meet you Corran.”

The clink of a glass on the bar behind the Twi’lek made her turn away from the pair for a moment. She transferred the credits, picked up the glass and raised it slightly, “To the long nights.” She took a mouthful and pulled a sour face. The drink had a metallic taste to it. Very metallic. She immediately felt her stomach start to churn, she quickly put the glass back on the bar and quickly made her way to the bathrooms. Only just making it before her stomach violently purged itself.

Spoiler

It seems ill health has claimed me for now, so I’ll be dropping out of the thread as to not hold you all up. If it’s still going when I’m feeling up to it, I’ll rejoin, but if not consider this an exit post.

@Rhogar @TerranSteel

 

[Drastus Drahr]

"Francis" would watch "Rin" depart and shoot for the bathrooms, a smirk playing on his face before he looked back at Corran. "Guess she didn't stay hydrated enough, yeah? Trust me, my parents must have hated me with the name of Francis, get the jokes out of your system now." he laughed before taking a sip of his tisane. "Visiting some.. family. Wish the ordeal was better, we were just in time for bad news. A cousin went missing, we're trying to find her. Cops don't care because, look where we live, yeah? So, we came here for some answers, don't think we're going to get any though."

He then looked back to the door, then signaled over Reggie. "Hey Regg, can you bring whoever is behind the door another one of her drinks, lemme know how my girl's doing?"

Good ol'Reggie would nod before gulping. He would then mix up a glass of Moof Juice and then head for the door, entering the code, giving it a few moments as it unlocked, then with permission, step inside to bring Nima her refill. While he did it, he'd steal a glance at Lani.

@TerranSteel @Catbert

 

[Lani Tallis]

"Pirates on Botor?" That was better than nothing. Yet the confusion in Lani's vis-a-vis was unmistakable. Chances were, the mysterious Zeltron knew nothing about Kori. Perhaps two Zeltrons with lightsabers could frequent the same bar after all.

Galania's heart started sinking as the woman continued with her questions. Many of them Lani had already asked herself; her childish hopes and hunches shattered and fell down like shards of glass; with only one shard remaining. Almost all the questions and observations were spot-on, except for the last. "She cut all ties with family long before disappearing," Galania shrugged with calm despondence. "Never really shared too much about plans with us."

Before the Padawan could answer second question, Reggie showed up to refill Nima's glass. That gave the Zeltron some time to think. She'd nod to the man, and would return her attention to the Zeltron only after they were alone again. "I guess..." she began, building the answer as she went. "I guess I'm searching into Kori as much as I search for her... If it makes sense."

With that sorted out, Lani would stand up with a polite nod. It seemed to her that she had gotten the help she needed. Perhaps the stranger could offer more, but Galania wasn't aware of that. "Thanks... For the Botor angle, and... For helping me make sense of things." A smile started shining through Lani's despondence, just barely, as she prepared to make her leave from the room with a renewed sense of purpose. Perhaps some things were preordained by the Force after all?

@sayso

 

[Corran Velt]

That's why you shouldn't drink alcohol. As Rin rushed off towards the lady's room, Corran could only shake his head. Poor girl might be hurling for the rest of the night. It all worked out for the better though. Getting the younger man away from his friends provided a better opportunity to question him. The blond man couldn't help but chuckle at Francis's joke on his friend's behalf. He was a quick one - that was already obvious. "No jokes here," Corran replied, "Francis is a fine name." He raised his glass of water in a small toast before tipping it back for a few sips.

Everything else that followed didn't seem to be a fabrication. Granted, the undercover ranger wasn't an expert in detecting lies but Francis said it so naturally that none of the normal tics of speaking falsehoods didn't appear. The only thing that didn't quite add up was the cousin bit. Whose cousin was it? His own? The Twi'leks? Inter-species families weren't rare but they weren't exactly common either. Especially the extended kind. It didn't rule out that Francis was the suspect either. Corran cleared his throat and smacked his lips, "That's too bad. Both about your cousin and the cops." He raised his glass and pointed at the teenager with an index finger. "Tell you what though, I'm pretty good at finding people. Maybe I can help you and your... family out." The offer was chased by a quickly tipped back glass of water. After searching a fair number of grids, it felt refreshing as a morning shower.

Corran was going to call for a refill of the life-giving liquid but Francis got to the bartender first. Another layer to the story appeared as the teenager ordered a drink to be sent to a backroom. A place where another friend of his was. When the door opened, the lieutenant subtly leaned back to catch a glimpse of the situation. From his angle, he could only see the back of a Zeltron woman in a big coat. Before the door closed once again, Corran leaned back on the counter and jiggled his glass for Reggie to see. As the water bubbled up in the cup and was handed back to him, the ranger was growing more curious. What exactly was going on here?

@Rhogar

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Drastus was about to speak when Reggie returned, who would helpfully refill Corran's glass of water before moving back to the Padawan's side. "She's doing good kid." he'd say with a curt nod before moving onto the next patron.

Drast would nod in thought, eyes shifting back to the hidden door before his attention returned to the tender. "Thanks Regg. I don't care what anyone here says about ya, I'll fight em." there was a shared laugh before his attention returned to Corran. "A cousin. Not mine. The zeltron in the hidden room, hers. She's my family, so I'm here."

He would take a long pull of tisane from his glass before sliding Lani's untouched one over to Corran. "Tisane, it's a Mandalorian herbal tea. Fruity. It will help keep ya focused." he had a wild thought and what the hell. If the guy was in a gang, he was smart enough to keep the tats covered up which meant he wouldn't be living in this level. He'd lean closer, his voice just barely able to be heard over the music. "We're looking for a Jedi named Nykoria. We tried to go to her apartment but it was a scene of a budding riot. Saw a Sith fleeing the scene and I tried to follow him. Nothing. So, here we are, trying to retrace Kori's steps."

@TerranSteel

 

[Nima Deleste]

.

The stranger's response was somewhat interesting, but Nima wanted to take a sip from her refilled drink again. She thanked the bartender for coming, and didn't question the fact that she didn't ask for a refill. She quickly grabbed the refilled drink and took a massive sip. Nima smiled and swayed side to side rapidly, enjoying the sweet taste of the orange beverage. However, she set the drink back down to continue; her happy demeanor switching to the cold expressionless appearance she had prior.

Nima looked backed up towards the stranger again, thinking about whether or not the person's troubles were worth her time. From her experience, Jedi typically operate with a low amount of credits; simply put, they are usually poor. At the same time, however, they were generally unwilling to pay for a service. Payment wouldn't be much of an option, but Nima took this opportunity to kill two birds with one stone. "If you are planning on going to Botor or confronting the pirates, you will die. Your sister was a master, and was taken; You do not even appear to be on the level of a Jedi Knight." Nima reached into the left sleeve of her dress, pulling out a lightsaber. "I can offer help, but I ask for two things in return."

Holding the hilt sideways, Nima ignited the saber. A flat blade-like beam would burst out of the hilt, radiating a purple glow through the room. "Before leaving Takodana, I believed all lightsabers to appear like this, but I was soon proven wrong." Nima turned off the saber and placed the hilt within her sleeve once more. "Some of your kind utilize a hilt that has two blades, one on each end. I want one." Nima held up two fingers toward the stranger, "Secondly, you must help me with a job, but it could also lead to information on the pirates." Nima placed her hand back into her lap and would wait for the Jedi's response.

@Catbert

 

[Lani Tallis]

Again, the Zeltron was spot on. Lani came to the same conclusions long before she had set out on that mission. If anyone, the Jedi had the best shot at getting Kori back. And Galania hoped to become one. Or at least not hold them back. And then the other Zeltron offered help. The offer caught Lani by surprise, so she remained standing as the stranger named her price. A steep one, but Galania had some ideas. So, she took a seat again.

"I know of such hilts," she replied rather confidently. "The one I saw was just two separate sabers with interlocking mechanism." Admittedly, Lani had only seen Nykoria's saber, and even had one of its halves. "I can't just give you such a saber, but I can help you build one." Admittedly, Lani hadn't built her own. But if Xiann could work her magic with the swoop, maybe she'd help with the saber too. "Finding the crystal is the toughest part, and I can get a few pointers from the Jedi."

Hopefully, that would suffice. The prospect of just stealing a saber for the help of that Zeltron didn't appeal to the Padawan. "As for the job," the young Zeltron closed her eyes and gulped. "My time on Coruscant is limited, and after that I don't know where the Order would send me. That, and there are things that Jedi aren't supposed to do. But tell me what, where, and when, and I'll tell you if it works."

The last thing Galania needed was to get involved in another criminal story or illegal activity. But refusing an offer of help or outright denying a request without hearing it out would be wasteful. Galania looked at the stranger intently; the ball was now in her court.

@sayso