Ask Low Rollin'

[Victoria]

Victoria had barely escaped the disaster of a senate session before the bombardment of messages began flooding her personal communicator. Constituents from all walks of life, finding it necessary to find creative ways of misspelling her name and or including expletives, were sharing negative commentary on social media and tagging her official account. Calls for her resignation or reversal of policy were fine and she'd cope with those, but it didn't escape her notice that a handful included a number of hurtful hashtags, #IStanJasnah, #Victoria_Wintergoaway, #Jedno.

It seemed there wasn't as much support on Gannaria for her very public position as she had hoped, and while she could rely on some groups within the capital that likewise supported the Jedi, the vast majority seemed apprehensive to risk war with the Empire. It wasn't even a competition if the Empire chose to invade, the planet's best defence was its remoteness and relatively agrarian economy. The little fleet and armed forces on hand were barely enough to maintain order and police the planet beforehand, now it was in danger of falling apart.

The little industry on the planet was mostly in service to keep the spaceports running and maintain facilities to tender to the FWA vessels that would berth. Victoria had hoped to improve this over time and perhaps even house a small production of local defence, but even that seemed so very distant now.

No sooner did she arrive back home than was she confronted with an endless supply of complaints and problems to deal with, her usual workload not withstanding. All the little problematic groups that she could normally keep at bay with cool words, were now stirring and causing trouble all across the planet. Her aide Doug Yrgrav didn't stop with the bad news, her opponent in the last election was publicly calling for her resignation in this wake, wondering how she could protect the citizens against the empire when she couldn't even manage to keep the planet itself safe from their own troublemakers.

It was all a little bit too much for the small town girl, Victoria bolted into her office and slammed the door shut in a panicked state. Hyperventilating and completely in over her head, what the heck had she done that for?! It was beginning to dawn upon her the reality of what had occurred and how much she'd screwed things up. It wasn't just that she'd painted a large target on her back, she'd find a way to cope with that, but more that she had felt so self-confident going into the senate only to leave doubting her own resolve.

The blinds were closed as she sat in the dark corner of the office, quietly sobbing into her elbow, lest the others outside hear. She couldn't claim to represent Gannaria if she didn't have their support, resigning and running away seemed the logical and sound option at this low point. But in the back of her mind, she could hear the voice of her father, encouraging her to be brave and stand up for what was right no matter what. His words at the time were meant to help her overcome a youthful challenge, and yet here they were so many years later, pulling her back from the brink.

Victoria sniffed and rubbed her sweater against her puffy face to dry the tears. There was so much to do and not that much time to do it, but she owed it to herself to at least try. Now sitting up, she slipped the communicator into her palms and began typing up some messages. It was a long shot, but maybe, she considered, the embassy on Ailon could send a Jedi her way. Her people were fearful of the empire's retaliation and although reluctant to admit it, the FWA wasn't likely going to be enough to save them. Better yet, if they could see the Jedi Order the way she did, perhaps they'd come around to supporting her position too.

She'd stuck her neck out publicly backing the Jedi and maybe, just, maybe that wouldn't be all for nothing.

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen had asked for his name to be left out of tabloids and Holonet since his success on Ailon. Despite all that, he was still summoned for various diplomatic assignments throughout the galaxy. He had seen the Galactic Senate session play out and it was perhaps one of the wildest ones in recent memory. The Jedi was frankly appalled at how the vast majority of Senators were so willing to wash their hands of the Jedi and Sith war that had impacted them for years prior.

When Senator Winterblaze reached out in desperation, Tazlen almost felt just as helpless. She had risked her career and reputation to back the Jedi. In the end, it exploded right in her face and left her standing alone to fend for herself. The Alliance worlds surrounding her own withdrew from her and the move risked whatever trade and economical ecosystem her planet had set up since before her election.

However, Tazlen was determined to at least do his best in helping her find her footing once more. It was the least the Jedi could do. If he had even a shred of doubt in himself, he wouldn’t let it come to surface. Not where she could see, anyway.

While Victoria wiped her face and dried her tears, Tazlen paced back and forth. Just as she calmed her breathing, Tazlen said a few words of comfort to himself his old Master had said. Just as she picked up the shattered pieces of her pride, so too did Tazlen shape together confidence he otherwise doubted.

The half Annfyn wasn’t dressed obviously Jedi, adorned in simple civilian attire when he knocked on the Senator’s door. She didn’t need to attract more attention than necessary and he wouldn’t put her through explaining a saber wielding hippie showing up at her door. Tazlen patiently waited for her, his face displaying nothing but utmost calm as unyielding as a mountain in a tempest.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

It didn't take long for some confirmation texts to come rolling in, they agreed in principle at least and would do their best. That was all she had hoped, in any case. It sounded like at least one of her neighbours was interested to meet her again after the last successful visit to her home world, the reply in of itself lifted her mood considerably.

There was one text that lay unanswered, although she hadn't really expected one. Celeste was a close neighbour and what felt like her closest friend in the FWA, the only thing she had heard recently was that she'd needed some space but with the baby comin' an all, Victoria reluctantly agreed.

In the meantime, Victoria heard the knock at her door and looked up unexpectedly. Her aides hadn't warned her that any Gannarians were coming, which either meant they were here angry without warning, or perhaps Doug was just checking up on her. Either way, she couldn't let them see her in such a sorry state, she quickly tried to freshen up the best she could in the office and fix her clothes. Her staff were frantically trying to manage the PR disaster that nobody bothered the man standing outside.

It wasn't the best look, but she'd have to manage, hoping they'd not mind. Walking slowly to the door, she peered through the minute pinhole without recognising the face that stood outside her door. At least he didn't look angry, her expression softened in relief. Opening the door, she forced a smile and extended her hand invitingly.

"Welcome, come on into my office." It was pretty common for the senate to treat guests on this small world, she'd have a small bench in the office with refreshments and the standard many shelves of books that an aspiring politician would keep. Adorning the walls were landscapes of nature and local art that she had come to admire.

This job wasn't anywhere as easy as she had thought it would be as a kid, but it would provide some comfort to put aside her troubles to help this stranger in his hour of need. "Excuse the messy desk, I have, um, a little bit on my plate at the moment. Please sit and tell me how I can be of assistance?" The question lingered in the air for a moment as she tried to clear some paperwork from the desk, a simple trick to keep her riddled mind distracted and to stop her hands from shaking.

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen didn’t need the Force to be able to tell how tense she was. Given her position, it was a wonder she didn’t drink herself into a stupor. The Jedi stepped in and waited till the door was closed behind them before he spoke, “Pardon the discretion,” He said as he pointed to his attire. However, he opened his jacket a bit to reveal a saberhilt before closing it again, “I’m Tazlen Axil,” Taz explained, “I was the Jedi that negotiated the Ailon deal,” She would have heard all about it on Holonet.

“First things first, no words will describe or be enough to convey the gratitude the Jedi Order has for your staunch support,” He said, his expression genuine, “You risked everything to stand your ground, and it’s a trait that’s largely absent in the Senate.”

Tazlen had never been burdened with the task of helping govern a planet, and he couldn’t imagine the pressure she felt, “I’ve come to assist you however I can on behalf of the Jedi Order,” He said, “If I may offer a suggestion - if there is any big problem or good deed that can be done, we can perhaps vocalize it to show your people that having faith in the Jedi is warranted. I’m here to help you let your people see what you already do. You don’t have to feel alone, Senator Winterblaze.”

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

The look of surprise encompassed the senator's face as the Jedi revealed himself, momentarily breaking her professional demeanour. Support them as she had, but Victoria had never quite actually sat down with one before, and the aura of the moment was a shock to the system. Whether they could salvage the situation she had found herself in was irrelevant, the fact that he had so promptly arrived after her call for help was all the validation of her senatorial speech she needed.

It was also so very nice to have such a kind soul entreat her, to hear those words of encouragement after the last few hours of abuse and ridicule. His last words of hope were something she desperately needed, someone must have been cutting onions nearby as she began to tear up again as he said them.

Softly she began to speak, "Thank you Tazlin, I graciously accept your offer. I know others in the senate support your cause as I do, but their risk is far greater and the burden of doing what is right when compared to your responsibilities as a leader is still something I am coming to grips with."

The senator's watchful gaze shifted down to her desk of files, scanning their words for meaning amongst the chaos.

"Well, I'd like to show the people of Gannaria that the Jedi aren't just some wishful thinking and that standing up for your principles doesn't mean you have to cower in the face of adversity. Perhaps we should start with calming some local elders in the capital, show them that you're here to help, and that could buy us some time to deal with the bigger problems."

There had always been spice gangs running operations on the down low, often avoiding detection by law enforcement through intimidation, bribery or other such means. Victoria had always firmly tried to keep them away from the capital where most of her people lived, but in recent times the gang had started to gain momentum in the outer reaches of the city. With the chaos, they had started to recruit smaller gangs and had the means to fully entrench themselves anywhere they liked if they were not quickly pushed out.

Victoria would share a few pages with the Jedi to get him up to speed on this particular issue. She didn't even think she'd held a blaster in her life, the last time she saw action was on Ruusan and look how that turned out. Dealing with the criminals in the senate, as she liked to say, just didn't compare to giant mind control bugs trying to enslave the galaxy!

"I'd like to accompany you, although I can't say I'd be any good in a fight. I understand that it may come to it, but if there's any chance I can help save the city without bloodshed, I'd want to be there to try it."

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen looked through the information on the local issues. Truth be told, he had done some of his own research before arriving here, but he would only offer his counsel where it was appropriate. He read through the details before his gaze flicked up to her, “Given the benefit of anonymity, I was able to walk through your cities and gain some perspective of local sentiments,” He explained as he set down the notes, “The public is distressed and there are a lot of plots to put your prior competitor in the running. There is talk of impeachment. I’m sure none of this surprises you. However, it does mean we may fare better if we let actions speak first before we approach the elders.”

He pointed to the notes, “If there’s something here to address right away, I suggest we start there,” Tazlen was about to continue when he paused. His brows furrowed together and it was the first time he looked outright skeptical, “I…. Senator I can’t say I advise you coming with, but I’m not going to disrespect your choices,” God damn it. She was probably going to fuck them both. Thankfully his face remained largely impassive as he recovered from the breach in expressions.

“If you’d like to accompany me, I strongly suggest a disguise of some sort,” Tazlen said flatly, “If you’re recognized, it may invite a lot of questions before we make any progress,” Ultimately it was her choice and she could heed his advice or not. For a moment he simply eyed her. He wished he could say something more, anything comforting or helpful. He could see the lines on her face, the shadows under eyes that normally shined beautifully. But he always struggled in that department, his demeanor and appearance always a bit more on the rugged side. So he remained silent, presenting a stony resolve.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

Victoria sat there quietly contemplating the advice that Tazlen offered calmly. It was just as likely that she'd end up getting in the way and making his job harder than actually being able to negotiate the spice gang down. Worse, if he got hurt having to save her sorry ass from walking into a trap, she'd never forgive herself for that. Her face shifted, and a deep sigh released itself from her diaphragm before getting up from her chair and moving towards the small cart on the opposite edge of the room.

"Can I get you some refreshments at least? We have a number of teas, coffees blends ....and some stiffer stuff, but it's far too early for that." She said with a soft chuckle.

Victoria set about making her own cup of tea as she thought about what to do. She wasn't going to accompany him into battle if that's what he was thinking, she wasn't that reckless. No, she could always ride along with some security forces and stay back in the command vehicle with them, watching from afar.

Turning back towards Tazlen with a cup, had he requested something, she felt the ground beneath her shake suddenly and without warning. Gannaria wasn't prone to earthquakes, and so the movement was bizarre. A perceptive person might sense the imminent shock wave that would shortly after crash into the window hidden behind the blinds, causing the glass to shatter inwards towards them with a frightening explosion erupting from the neighbourhood.

A loud chorus of alarms blared themselves from slumber as paper floated in the air, jostled pipes burst and people panicked in all directions. Victoria was shocked to her core, startled and confused. "What the hell was that?" before she could finish her sentence, the distant sound of blaster fire could be heard as a skirmish broke out somewhere outside. The senator struggled to pull herself up, more frazzled than injured she realised after checking herself over, immediately worrying about the wellbeing of her new-found friend in front of her. "Are you alright?, were you hit?"

Her aide Doug pushed her door in a few moments later, relief filling his eyes that the pair appeared fine at first glance. "Senator, it's gotta be the Dragonclaw Syndicate, they're raiding the police HQ down the street. If they bust their boys out the cells and steal a cache of weapons, we'll never run them out of town! What should we do?"

Victoria's panic-stricken eyes turned to Tazlen as she swallowed hard. She opened her mouth to speak, but no words came out, as if held down by the gravity of the situation. The senator could do nothing but close her eyes and think quickly, there wasn't any time for a long-drawn-out plan. She had to act now, without hesitation, with so many lives at stake.

"Go, show them. I'll find you some back up." was all she would say to Tazlen, the Jedi would surely know how to respond in an emergency better than she could, she was an administrator after all. Turning back towards Doug, she quickly spoke. "Get me the security forces captain on my communicator pronto, I need to know what we're dealing with, oh and ensure security lock down the building, just in case."

Victoria, for her part, having pulled herself up and out of her office, began walking around checking in on her staff's wellbeing. It was a long process, but one she was taking very seriously.

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen had to actively keep the look of relief off his face when he saw hints of agreement on her face, “Never too early for a nice bourbon,” He said with a grin, “But tea is fine,” He didn’t exactly fit the mold of the classic Jedi that abstained from most vices. He was just as likely to win Ailon for the Jedi as he was to hook up with someone in a closet. Alcohol in the morning sounded just fine to him.

He heard the rumbles before they felt it, his Annfyn ears perking up as he abruptly turned to face towards the source of the noise. Seconds later there was a rumble and movement, and he rushed towards Victoria almost protectively. He was already beginning to channel the Force to himself in the off chance a collapse was happening. By the time the window shattered, he sprang in front of it, shielding the Senator with his body as they both tumbled to the ground. He caught himself on his palms and she would catch the slight wince on his face above her.

“I’m all right, Senator,” Tazlen said through a forced smile, “Are you?” He slowly got to his feet, offering her a hand to help her up. It was then that she would notice he caught a bit of glass on the back of his shoulder. The Jedi reached back and plucked it out, looking over as Victoria’s aide burst into the room.

Tazlen gave her a curt nod in response to her request, quickly making his way out of the room and towards the HQ. Already he could spot smoke and fire, his sharp ears picking up screams and blasterfire. He was a whirlwind of motions, leaping over speeders and zig-zagging through crowds. He gave a gentle nudge with the Force to part people out of the way as he made a beeline towards the base.

Unbeknownst to them both, a member from the Syndicate was waiting patiently with a rifle trained. He was banking on Victoria coming out of the diplomatic building to survey the commotion at the HQ. He would take his shot then and no one would see it coming, or so he hoped. He had to be careful - if he missed, he would give away his position.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

Victoria was in a hurry to check all the staff and members of the public that may have been vulnerable to the blast wave or fragments from windows and the like. For the most part, everyone that she encountered was safe and sound, albeit roughed up and worried about the events going on down the road.

They all stood in small groups, panicking as she found them. Leading by example, Victoria grit her teeth and began shouting orders at each little pod she found. This was in part just to keep her own mind at ease by being busy, but also likewise for them as well, lest they rush out into the streets and get caught up in the mess.

Some were directed to coordinate with police that were outside the HQ and able to provide assistance elsewhere, others were tasked with contacting other vital infrastructure and having them enter into lockdowns just in case they could themselves become targets. As she was marching around, her communicator lit up as she received a call from the security forces captain.

"Senator, are you alright? What's your status?" the concerned voice inquired. "I'm alright captain, so is my office, for now." Victoria's frustrated voice broke through her diplomatic veil. "You have my authority to deploy down town and secure the city, although you won't be alone. I'm sending you a description of a Jedi you'll be working with, he'll be your heaviest artillery, so I would recommend letting him take the lead. Good luck, captain, we're all counting on you. "

Victoria had heard the stories of force users conducting marvellous feats of strength and endurance, but surely even they had limits, she surmised. She wouldn't want to send Tazlen into danger on his own anyway, and without knowing what they were up against, it couldn't hurt to send him some strong back up.

With her own building accounted for, Victoria ventured back towards her office, where she found Doug waiting for her. She'd decided that she had done everything she could here and that her talents were better used out there, looking for anyone who may have been injured in the blast but still outside the headquarters. Doug was not having a bar of it, steadfastly refusing to allow her to leave on her own.

"Well then I guess you're coming with me then because I'm not staying here when people could be hurt outside." Her facial expression was stone-cold serious, she'd sooner drag his sorry ass with her than stay huddled up while everyone else did all the work. "Have you considered that is exactly what they want? What better way to disrupt the security of the planet than by nabbing the senator while everyone is busy dealing with the police!" Doug was just about as stubborn, a trait that both infuriated and made her enjoy working with the man.

"Fine, lets at least take a look-out my window and see if we can see anyone who might need help, maybe then you'll be less of a dick about it." Nodding, Doug walked with her into the slightly worse for wear office as they came up to a small opening in the blinds that would allow them to look out with impunity.

Except of course for the fact that the Syndicate had placed a shooter with a watchful gaze over the senator's building. He was supposed to watch the entrance and take his shot when she left, however, his spotter excitedly tapped him on the shoulder and shouted that he saw figures standing in her offices window.

The shooter hurriedly adjusted his aim and looked down the scope towards the seemingly unworried senator before pulling the trigger.

Whether it was luck, training or coincidence, her aide Doug screamed "Get down!" as he lept into and tackled the senator to the ground inside the office a split second before the blaster bolt bore its mark into the room's roof. "I saw something, like a sun glare from a rifle, or I don't know. Keep your head down and don't move, Vicky."

Victoria's face paled, what could she do?

@Sreeya

Spoiler

Victoria rolled 13/20
Doug rolled 18/20
Lucky!

 

[Tazlen Axil]

All of the commotion was trained ahead of him. Therefore, when he heard the sound of a bolt erupting behind him, it caught his attention at once. He was standing on the back of a parked speeder, preparing to do another jump when he glanced back towards the building he came from. His head quickly shifted towards the origin of the shot, watching as he saw two figures hastily moving across a roof to get into better position. Tazlen looked ahead of himself, looked back to the roof, then ahead of him again.

“Gods damn it,” He cursed as he doubled back towards the roof. With most of the local forces sent to investigate the police HQ, no one was keeping an eye on the Senator.

“Senator where’s the Jedi? We’re struggling here!” Victoria’s comlink buzzed from the men on the ground.

Meanwhile, if Victoria and Doug attempted to stand, more shots fired into the office they were in. Knowing they were cornered, the Syndicate assassin decided to switch to heavier artillery. He clearly came prepared as he lined up an rpg perched over his shoulder. He had the target scared and stuck right where he wanted her and this would blow the entire office to bits and complete the job.

Before he could fire, the assassin felt something coil around him and harshly yank him from the edge of the roof. The man barely spotted the Jedi before Tazlen slammed a blow to the side of his head to knock him out. The spotter had already fled but at least no one could fire the shot now. Tazlen glanced across at the senate building from the roof, thinking about what almost happened.

There was no chance to celebrate the averted crisis as a massive explosion erupted from the HQ. The Jedi looked towards that direction to see a chunk of the building missing and inmates flooding out. Tazlen was left weighing the consequences of his choices and he wondered if Victoria would experience the same.

With no time to catch a break, he leaped off the roof and continued towards the HQ again, his job now ten times harder.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

The terrifying situation caused the senator to pause and bite her lip, the metallic taste of iron permeated through her mouth. Doug looked her over quickly, not noticing anything obviously out of place, but checking if she was okay still. "Considering everything going on and almost being turned into a pin cushion, I'm just dandy." The stress of the situation was making it hard for the young senator to keep her usual cool demeanour, but she wasn't about ready to give up yet.

Her comlink started buzzing, but in the heat of the moment, it went unanswered.

It would be too dangerous to get up and look out the window again so quickly, and to try and escape through the door would risk being shot without knowing where the shooter was located. She wasn't callous nor cold-hearted enough to send Doug off as the sacrificial lamb, even though she suspected he'd be willing to make a run for it. Instead, she looked around for something that could be used to help view the situation without being seen.

Looking down on the ground, Victoria spotted a few large shards of glass that had blown in from the window earlier, with edges
as sharp as knives, she tore a chuck off her shirt to wrap about the tip of one of these pieces. With some careful movement, she was able to lift the glass above her head and tilt it in a way that she could somewhat see across the street, although it wasn't perfect.

Victoria hushed Doug before he could speak as she saw a figure moving on the building before he too disappeared, shortly afterwards, replaced with a silver haired man she faintly recognised as the Jedi who had been standing in the office a little while before. "Damn, he's good." he whispered under her breath, before looking back to Doug. "It's clear, let's go."

Picking themselves up, she ran with her aide from the office into the main building before calling everyone in the vicinity's attention. "Alright, listen up, people. I need some volunteers to come with me and help those in need outside. It's likely dangerous, and I won't judge if you choose to stay behind, but I can't stay here and let everyone else risk their lives if I won't."

Amongst the large amounts of shuffling staff, only three came forward willing to lend the senator a hand in this dangerous mission. Victoria internally thanked the stars and visually beamed, pointing them in directions.

"Okay, we're going to be needing as many first aid supplies as you can find in the building, find some bags and fill any water containers also. Gather some clothing that people are willing to donate and tear them into temporary bandages, we won't know what it's like until we get out there, but we must hurry."

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

By the time Tazlen made it to the HQ, it was completely up in flames. He managed to throw up a barrier to keep breathing as he charged into the building. He could hear screaming and yelling all around him and the escaped convicts weren't a priority right then. The Jedi moved debris aside, rearranging things to suppress the flames where he could.

If Victoria came towards the HQ, she would see Tazlen covered in soot, dragging out injured officers and admin workers. There were already rows of them sitting or lying on the ground outside, completely covered in ash. Several of them had serious burns, others were coughing and sputtering. Tazlen worked relentlessly to rescue as many as he could, going back into the building despite the dangers it possessed.

The families of those inside the HQ began to gather and shout for their loved ones. Suddenly the burning building had become a spectacle and the Jedi’s actions were caught on camera and by the crowds. Whispers and gossip began to travel rapidly, far quicker than they would have if Tazlen had simply gone after the convicts.

A luxury speeder pulled up nearby and one of the elders stepped out, surrounded by a personal guard. He made his way over towards Victoria, “What’s going on here? What’s all this I hear about a Jedi?” He asked as he kept a respectable distance away from actual danger.

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

The fire and flames would be scary enough for anyone braving the fiery hell that once was the police HQ. Victoria was understandably hesitant, not being particularly fireproof herself. That wouldn't stop her from being proactive, though, as she quickly raced onto the scene to assess what was happening outside.

Few dared to enter the building inferno, which only caused those who did to stand out more as each pair of eyes arrived on the scene to watch the chaos unfolding. The senator came face to face with an injured police officer sitting on the pavement holding his head. Squatting in front of the man, she briefly examined him and deduced that there was nothing wrong with him externally, perhaps he had bumped his head or was just exhausted, but either way she would move on.

The ad hoc medical team she had arranged descended upon the ever-growing cluster of wailing and screaming men and women in the street. Victoria fumbled through applying a bandage for the first time, desperately hoping that it would hold long enough for a real doctor to arrive at the scene and take over.

Looking around, the group was doing their best to apply a triage of sorts, but without any proper gear and sterile environment, it was going to be difficult to know how many they might lose. To an extent they were lucky that a majority would escape unscathed or only lightly wounded thanks to the heroic efforts of Tazlen and the handful of other brave souls working with him.

The first few lifeless bodies were drawn out after what seemed like all the survivors had been rescued. Stopping in place as she laid her eyes on the first, a calamitous feeling of despair caught up to the seemingly spirited senator. It was a heartfelt response to the tragedy and yet it would only last a few seconds before being yanked back into reality, when an officer pulled on her arm for attention.

Initially, Victoria paid no attention to the stunned onlookers, until one familiar voice spoke up above the noisy street. Turning to face the elder Demetrius and accompanying entourage, she swallowed sharply as he asked his obtuse question.

"This is what an underfunded police force gets Gannaria, Demetrius." Victoria's tone was barely respectful, which might be forgiven in the circumstance, but despite being exhausted and stressed to the limit she was ever the diplomat. "The gangs are becoming more ambitious and reckless, ever since ...Ruusan." Even saying the name aloud was difficult for the traumatised Victoria.

The elders had insisted on diverting funding away from the police and into their districts for various projects that were clearly more important. Crime had been low, and why would you maintain a large policing force in such circumstances? Without perhaps examining how it got so low in the first place. Perhaps they wouldn't even connect the dots, it didn't matter.

Tazlen was spotted on more than one occasion braving the flames and returning with civilian and police in tow, a testament to his own efforts, and Victoria was ready to capitalise on it.

"Almost every soul you see before you owes their lives to that Jedi." She pointed out the silver fox with a mix of pride and envy. She wished that she could accomplish a fraction of what he had just done in a flash. "And if my eyes do not deceive, is that not your great niece in his arms now? Perhaps you should thank him yourself."

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Demetrius’ lips curled into a snarl as Victoria spoke, “Remember your place, Victoria,” He said with venom in his tone, “You are hanging by a thread,” He said as he turned towards the chaos before him. However, there was a noticeable break in his icy bearing as he spotted his great niece. He quickly shuffled over towards the Jedi exiting the building.

“Do not put her on the ground with the others!” Demtrius practically shrieked, gesturing his men to help the girl into one of the luxury vehicles to be transported to a hospital at once. However, even Demetrius couldn’t deny what he saw, his gaze fixing on the Jedi. Media was closing in around them and he was backed into a corner. He managed a smile, standing next to the Jedi.

“Thank you, Master Jedi,” Demetrius said through a painted smile, “For going above and beyond. Your… arrival could not have been more timely or fortuitous,” He said as his face turned towards Victoria briefly, displeasure clear in his eyes.

It was, indeed, fortuitous that it was Tazlen here and not the standard Jedi that had no skill in diplomacy. He only needed to see the subtle shift of a gaze from the Elder to Victoria to see what was being implied. Tazlen improvised on the spot, knowing that media was watching this.

“Only doing my duty as a Jedi,” He said with a smile as he bowed respectfully, “It is indeed very lucky. I arrived here a few days ago on a mission to hopefully improve relations between the Order and Gannaria. I was on my way to visit the Senator to request an audience when the explosion happened,” Tazlen looked at the building. His story effectively changed the circumstances of his arrival and took Victoria out of it to erase any reason the Elders would have to suspect that she orchestrated anything as a publicity stunt. The entire cover story was effortlessly delivered without any slip in his demeanor. Demetrius stared at him, but his expression softened as he looked back at Victoria again.

“There is no time, I’m afraid,” Tazlen continued as he looked back at both Demtrius and Victoria, “We must apprehend the criminals that escaped.”

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

Victoria held her tongue bitterly as Demetrius scolded her. She very well knew her place, but it wouldn't serve anyone's interests to start an argument here and now. It had crossed her mind also, how Tazlen had seemed to appear out of thin air when he was required and not a moment sooner.

The senator continued with her new-found duties assisting with the paramedics that were arriving, pointing out which injuries were the most severe and needing more immediate attention. She couldn't help but smile as the Jedi seemed to shut down the grumpy old elder with his quite believable story.

"I agree, but it's too dangerous to go alone. Here, take this. Hang on, though, your back-up is almost here." Victoria handed Tazlen a small earpiece that he would be able to use to speak directly with the security forces, as she had been. "While Gannaria might be a modest planet, and perhaps we don't always see eye to eye on politics.." her eyes drifted between the elder and the others littered along the side walk.

Before she could finish, Demetrius interrupted her. "I am thankful, for my nieces' sake, for the Jedi's assistance. But that doesn't change the fact that you've painted a target on our back, Senator." Victoria opened her mouth to retort but resisted the urge, instead offering a sincere answer instead. "My priority as your representative will always be the safety of all Gannarians and by extension your family. But that doesn't mean that we cannot also call out the wrong doing in the galaxy and attempt to hold those who do, accountable."

Victoria felt a swell of emotion bubble up through her chest as she continued to speak passionately. "The Jedi stood bravely against the Sith on Onderon and pushed back their horde. I have no doubt they would likewise assist us in our time of need, as they are right now. The least we can offer is to do the same against the political jackals."

As she finished speaking, the low drumming sound of air speeders arrived at the scene as the promised back-up arrived. Two hawkbat's and a patrol gunship touched down just slightly up the road from the trio. The sergeant made his way over to them, suggesting that they were ready to leave.

Looking towards Tazlen, she remarked with a cheeky quip. "Think you can squeeze in with a squad on the gunship?" The security forces were well armed despite their small size. They would be able to assist the Jedi with any assault that he might undertake to apprehend the criminals that were loose.

The sergeant nodded respectfully before stating, "Senator, we won't be able to track each of them down individually yet, that will take time. But in the meantime, with your permission, we could strike the gang's powerbase and cripple it before they've regrouped."

Victoria looked to Tazlen and Demetrius in case they had better ideas to share, but she was otherwise in agreement with whatever plan they would come up with.

@Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Taz gazed up as the air speeders touched down. He wasn’t sure how the security forces would take to working with a Jedi, but no one had any time to contemplate their prejudices. He popped in the earpiece and looked from the Sargent to Victoria, “Sounds like a good plan,” He said, “I will be in touch, Senator,” He said as he hopped into one of the gunships.

When they began to take off, he turned to the sargent, “What do you know about this group?” Taz asked, “I will offer you guidance where I can but this is your show,” He said, likely to the surprise of those around him. Jedi were best when they taught others how to fight and defend instead of doing it for them. Ideally, there wouldn’t be a huge dependency on the Jedi to solve their problems for them, but they would see them as allies.

“We need to find out where they have allies and how wide their network runs,” Taz explained, “Because the moment they see their base destroyed, they’ll scatter to the winds and gather elsewhere. I suggest one group composed of slicers find a way into the powerbase and bring down any security protocol they have. I will see if I can get the leader to divulge information. In the meantime, another recon group should tail anyone spotted running away from the base to find out where any other hideouts are."

@Xorism

 

[Victoria]

The airship's engines rumbled as it took to the sky, and the armed security forces within clutched their restraining hooks to keep steady as the mission began. The Sargent studied their new ally studiously, a cool tension was hidden under his visor. It was a risky endeavor that they were embarking on and while he didn't hold any personal grievances against Tazlen, his main concern was not knowing whether the Jedi was here to help them, or himself. Determined to withhold his judgment until the end of the mission, the Sargent nodded in agreement.

"The Dragonclaw Syndicate are a bunch of lowlife thugs, originally spice runners but over time they have expanded their operations here and in the nearby towns into an extortion racket. Their current leader goes by the name Hayes the Outlaw, a bit of a hothead, but more interestingly he has a cybernetic arm. Yeah, it's got a flame thrower and a claw, can't imagine how he came up with the name hmm?"

They'd hover in a holding pattern overlooking the city as the crew conducted scans and general observation waiting for further orders. The Sargent listened with interest as Tazlen outlined a few ideas that they could execute. A few thoughts crossed his mind as the plan began to develop, with any luck they'd either destroy the criminals or at the very least set them back years.

"Private Vincent here is our go-to tactical slicer, I have no doubt he can get you and a team in. While you're doing that, Vincent can sniff around their network and see what goodies we can uncover, maybe financials, maybe safehouses that sort of thing. We can have one of the Hawkbat's fan out over the city doing recon and following down leads."

If they were lucky the operation would be completed by the next morning, and Gannaria would be liberated from their spice fuelled grubby hands. Not only would Tazlen come under scrutiny from the Sargent and fellow soldiers working with him, but the people of Gannaria would soon find out his worth, and that would likely shape their opinion on Jedi for years to come.

Meanwhile, Victoria having waved off the others in pursuit of the criminal elements found herself continuing to coordinate relief efforts at the old police HQ. Scores of emergency vehicles arrive to help put out the blaze, secure the scene and help bring the wounded back to real medical facilities. For her part, the chaos of a would-be battlefield was a weird excitement now that the worst had seemed to pass and her organizational skills started to bear fruit.

@Sreeya