Ask Missing Persons?

Brienna Lanaamer

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As far as planets went in the Outer Rim, Botajef wasn't terrible. Bri sighed, getting a lung-full of the semi-acrid air. She took a step and felt the small gravel roll under her boot. Not terrible is a pretty low bar to clear. The Jedi reminded herself that there were nicer parts of the planet than the massive shipyards that covered the majority of the southern part of the planet, where she was currently located. To be fair, the local Jefies were usually quite friendly, and as long as you treated them kindly, happy to help. Industrial sprawl spread around for miles, with tall, impossibly large cables stretching into the sky connecting to the orbital yards, segmenting the late afternoon sunshine. Despite the associated pollution that came with massive industrialization, it was a pretty impressive sight. Shells and skeletons of massive starliners all came together, in ways that Bri stuggled to comprehend. Her's was not a mechanical mind.

Bri turned the corner of another street, finding the narrow confines opening somewhat, with a small square ending at a dingy looking cantina. No doubt where the many shipbuilders and off world-ers gathered. The starport lay just short walk away, where the Jedi's own ship was currently parked. She headed in to the cantina, her eyes adjusting to the darker, more dimly lit interior. As per usual when trying to blend in a bit better with the surroundings, Bri was not wearing standard Jedi robes and attire. Instead, she matched a pair of dark pants with grey tank top and dark, open jacket. Her saber was hidden in an interior pocket. Also as per usual, her attempts at disguise never exactly played well, and she still somewhat stuck out. In the early part of the afternoon, the Cantina was not full, yet still held a general rumble of ambient conversation. The Jedi took a table by a window, attempting to look through the grime to see outside.

Returning her attention back to more pressing matters, Bri pulled out a datapad from her pocket. The Jedi council had sent her to Botajef with the directive to find a missing person. It was some criminal nobody, by the name of Kham Pavan. It should have been left to other authorities to handle his petty crimes, however, Bri had been informed that Kham had information on the Jedi temple on Yavin. It seems unlikely. Following the Sith attack on Ajan Kloss, secrecy of Jedi outposts was of utmost importance. Even if the criminal knew nothing, it was still necessary to find out. Bri had tracked him to have frequented the Cantina, and was eager to come to the conclusion of her problem.

Fortunately, she had happened upon a small amount of good fortune. Upon landing at the central spaceport, Bri had spotted a small group of Sector Rangers, and noticed one in particular. Corran Velt. The same Ranger who Bri had spent the day with frolicking on Dxun. The Jedi wasn't usually one to be overly trusting of the Rangers, but he had placed his life in her hands, and she had done the same with him. Saving someone's life tended to create a bond between people. The two had exchanged contact information after their eventful day, and though a long period of time had passed since they last spoke, Bri did not hesitate to send him a message on the holonet.

Hey - long time, right? I saw you when I was landing on Botajef and figured I'd ask if you want to catch up over a drink? My treat. -BL

While the Jedi was generally interested in catching up with the Ranger, she had another thought in mind - asking for his help with her case. Two minds were always better than one, and it helped to have a little bit more legal authority present. She tapped her foot in the floor of the cantina, thinking of other matters while she waited for her friend? to show up.

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Corran Velt

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Grey. Everything seemed to be grey on Botajef. On the southern end of the planet, anyway. Countless worlds had been nothing but dustballs or wasted potential for centuries. Many still were. Corran had been to many of them either in his space trader years or as a Sector Ranger. But Botajef was forcibly integrated into the Imperial industrial machine and paid the price for it. Uplifting and civilizing, they said. Normally he liked to see infrastructure and modernization, but was the cost worth it? The young man wasn't educated or enlightened enough to make that call. He wasn't here to muse on actions of autocrats.

A group of rookie rangers had accompanied the lieutenant to this distant world to get some in-the-field training before being sent off to their assigned sectors. Their organization had taken saddening losses at the hands of the Sith and Five Syndicates. Sector Ranger headquarters on Coruscant had burned to the ground in a massive pyre; taking scores of good people with it. These rookies would help fill some of the gaps, but so many more positions remained unfilled. Training had finished for the day and Corran was about to head off with them to get some drinks when his datapad chimed.

Unbelievable. His eyebrows dented deeper with each passing word on the message and his mouth opened slightly in speechless surprise. A Jedi. What could she want? Corran stared unflinchingly at his personal device. "What's wrong, sir?" Inquired one of the fresh recruits after a few, long seconds. The blond ranger blinked a few times as he returned to the present. "Huh? what? Oh, I'll... catch up with you later. Go on without me." Waves of farewell sent the junior rangers off to escapades unknown. Their trainer had to investigate something on his own. He stared down at the message again. The casualness of it seemed... well, he didn't have a word for it yet. A few taps and a final click sent a reply.

Sure. Where do you want to meet? - CV

The cantina near the spaceport was working class as they came. Drab, dirty, and dingy. Compared to the assembled patrons of welders, long-haulers, and drunkards, the lieutenant didn't quite fit in much like Bri herself. He was too polished... too clean. Much like a cadet fresh out of an academy. A brown jacket over a white t-shirt, tucked into practical pants, adorned his torso. The pants themselves tucked into unblemished boots. Two blasters hung from his hips; secured tight in holsters. To avoid drawing undue attention immediately, Lieutenant Velt had tucked away his law enforcement badge to the inside of his jacket along with his insignia indicating rank.

Blue eyes scanned dark room for a brief moment. Finding the Jedi made easier by her own appearance. Corran's gaze settled on her profile as she looked out a nearby window. Absentmindedly, his hand raised to his head. Where a terrible wound once resided. When Bri had healed him, his vision had made her appear angelic. She looked much the same now, despite the surroundings. The blond ranger shook off the memory and brought his hand back to his side. With a deep breath for courage, he approached the table. "Ms. Lanaamer?" Lieutenant Velt asked in a low and professional tone. The first thing she would notice different would be a razor-thin scar running from the upper cheek, across the bridge of his nose, and up to the right eyebrow. A memento from the Sith he had fought in the flames of Coruscant. "You... contacted me?"

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Brienna Lanaamer

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The Jedi was not exactly sure how she would feel seeing the Ranger again. Though it was a while ago, the memories of their trials on Dxun were easy to recall. As was the effort that she had placed into healing Corran. His injury was not insignificant, and Bri was able to recall quite clearly the face of every being that she had imbued with her own living Force to heal. Lt. Velt obviously included. It was a challenge to explain how or why; it was more a feeling. A connection to the Force; warmth and magnanimity. His message in response to her greeting was short, though it didn't immediately feel like she was interrupting anything important. I hope.

Her attention turned as she could feel him approaching, despite maintaining her fixed gaze out the grimy window. She turned her head, and offered a friendly, bright smile as he walked up to the table. He looked just about as she remembered, though sporting a new scar that cut across his face. I wonder if he got that when the Sith attacked Coruscant? A pang of emotion struck her as she recalled the events.

Upon seeing the Ranger, Bri determined an answer to her previous question. Its nice to see him. Though she was tempted to use her own abilities with the Force to reach inside and feel his own emotions, it felt cheap to do so. It was a strong coincidence that they would happen to run into each other once more, considering the vastness of the Galaxy. However, the Jedi had long since come to question coincidences. The Force works in ways that I do not understand. What might seem like pure happenstance, perhaps was something more.

"Ms. Lanaamer? . . . You... contacted me?"

Bri couldn't hold her emotions in, and offered a small laugh at the formality of his introduction. Ms. Lanaamer? Makes me sound almost old or something. "Please, Bri is fine," the Jedi replied, smiling broadly. Without having formed a plan of how next to proceed, she offered her hand, but then retracted it, instead opting for the opening of a hug. Well good thing that wasn't awkward.

A thought occurred to Bri that Corran may not feel the same Force connection to her that she had with him. Something more personal. Presumptuous much?

"It's....it's nice to see you," she started, taking a seat at the table. "I almost couldn't believe it when I spotted you back at the spaceport," Bri added, with a sideways smile.

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Corran Velt

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Laughter, even the mild kind, was not what the Sector Ranger was expecting. Pink lightly colored his cheeks in a visible expression of bashfulness. "Right. Bri." He had forgotten that the Jedi woman preferred being called by something of a casual nickname. Her smile had been equally surprising and disarming. Corran reached out to shake the woman's hand a moment too late as it had already been withdrawn. Instead, Bri opened her arms in offer for a hug. Lieutenant Velt was not a man who hugged except for his mother. Especially when he was on duty. But an invisible string tugged at his chest. The faintest of feelings. Something so minor that it almost didn't register completely. Regardless, the outcome was the same. Corran embraced the Jedi even though he wasn't sure why.

As soon as they separated, the blond ranger cleared his throat and adverted his eyes. Why did he do that? Seeing Bri take a seat reminded Corran that he should do so well and took the space directly opposite. Her kind words and smile caught him off guard. Rose flushed into his face simultaneously with an urge to stamp it back down. "Yeah," Lieutenant Velt agreed with red receding, "I didn't expect to see you ever again." Quiet wonder and curiosity flavored his voice. After Dxun, none of the others had appeared either. Lorcan, besides one chance counter, had vanished off the grid. Same with the criminal Kel. The two Jedi left on different transports and into memory. Until now.

Dim natural and artificial light didn't provide the best view of the force-user, but he could still see that time had not aged her much. No scars, burns, or markings. A subtle aura of wisdom or knowledge or self-understanding still enshrouded the young woman. Some would say that was likely confidence. Corran wasn't entirely sure what it was. A server droid floated by a few tables away. It soon would pass by their booth. The young man rested his forearm on the table and casually pointed at Bri. "So why did you want to see me, anyway?"

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri was quick to spot the reddening on Corran's face at their awkward interaction. Well, the quicker we can move on.....

"I didn't expect to see you ever again."

That makes two of us. But, maybe there was something. Recalling their time on Dxun, Bri remembered that Corran's Ranger superior Lorcan? was generally more hostile towards the Jedi. She didn't want to spook the Ranger by launching into some philosophical connection that she felt with the Force and coincidences, but it was a reasonable explanation. To me at least.

The Jedi was also quick to note that Lorcan rather skipped the formalities of their introduction, quickly asking why she had contacted him. It was a little more direct than what Bri was used to, but for the sake of her own objectives, she figured it best to play along. "Ah, right. Well, other than being curious as to how you've been - which I hope has been good - I'm here on Botajef looking for someone." Bri paused as the server droid floated up to their table, looking over and ordering a soda. Her request was met with a blank stare from the droid.

Waiting for Corran to order before continuing, the Jedi added, "he's just some criminal nobody, but," she paused, trying to find the right words, "my colleagues and I are interested in some information that he might have stumbled upon." Bri sat silent for a moment, but then added in a somewhat more serious tone, "I don't know if you believe in the Force or what it means, but I'm not exactly sure it was a coincidence that we ran into each other here."

Realizing what she was inferring, she quickly added with a slight laugh, "I'm not saying that the Force brought you here to help me, but maybe our meeting could be productive for the both of us?"

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Corran Velt

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Two quizzical blinks replied to Bri's answer. She... wanted to see how he's been? The Demon Moon had been a nightmare of survival. Corran can't imagine he made that much of an impression. And yet... here they were; sitting together at a table. But there was a second half to the statement. Some business at the tail end of friendliness. The Jedi was looking for someone. At this, the blond man leaned forward in preparation to speak but the robotic wait staff drifted to position itself at the end of the table. "ORDERS, PLEASE" it chimed in a slightly static tone.

Lieutenant Velt requested water from the automated server bot. Drinking on the job was typically frowned upon. Not to mention against regulations. That didn't stop some rangers - though he rarely drank ever. Bri ordering a soda made them something of kindred spirits. That faint thread tugged at his chest again. Without having to follow-up, more details about this 'someone' were shared. Corran's face grew contemplative. Low-level criminal. Information dealer? Usually not violent types. What kind of information he might have uncovered that the Jedi Order found serious enough to send one of their own to hunt down was an interesting thought exercise.

Mention of the Force froze the blond ranger in place; glass in hand. A forced laugh tried to mellow the claim but it stupefied him nonetheless. Sky-blue eyes gazed at Bri over the rim of the cup before finally closing as he took a few sips. Corran believed in the Force as much as he had witnessed. Tossing battle droids through walls. Supernatural jumps. Floating objects. Fire spewed from organic palms. He opened his eyes again, looking at the woman across the table. Healing. The Force abilities were undeniable. The idea that it was some all-encompassing deity, or god, or energy was another thing all together.

Water swirled in the glass after Lieutenant Velt placed it firmly on the table. His grip stayed around the cup. "I'm... humbled that you think so." A polite response given his true feelings. He wasn't one to mock someone's faith outright anyhow. Usually. "It turns out that I'll be here on Botajef for a few more days. As an officer of the law, I am oath-bound to apprehend criminals if a citizen requests our aid." The man gestured to Bri with an open hand briefly. "I just want to make it clear that I am helping you. Not the Jedi Order." Disdain for the Order was firmly rooted by now. Both professionally and personally. Corran felt they often stepped on the toes of real law enforcement. Lawlessly and without respect to jurisdiction intervening where they shouldn't. It was their endless war with the heretical Sith that imbued hatred in him for them both. If zealots wanted to fight it out - fine, but leave the rest of the normals alone.

But... Bri felt different. Why he could not say.

The serious, stoic look of a Lieutenant began to give way back to the young man who had blushed only moments ago. When he regarded her face, that indescribable feeling returned. A soothing, calming thing. His free hand drifted up to his forehead again and fingers glided over where blood once ran. Surprised by his own touch, Corran quickly withdrew it and placed a clenched fist back on the table. "I've... I've been doing good, all things considered," he replied honestly to the first thing she had said to him. So much had happened since they last saw one another. Where to even begin? "Are you doing well? What have you been up to since... the crash?"

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Their drinks arrived and Bri watched as Corran took a sip of his water before visibly pausing as the Jedi mentioned what she thought of their meeting and its potential connection to the Force. It had an obvious reaction on him, and Bri resolved not to push it too far, lest she end up scaring him off, or sounding too proselytizing. She smiled at his choice of water, figuring their combination of orders was not too common in the Cantina. That and I need to cut down on the caff filled drinks.

As Corran spoke, Bri recalled a few elements of his personality that had previously faded. He was very 'by-the-book', speaking in straight, formal sounding sentences. Which is fine. The Jedi noted his own efforts to clearly separate the distinction in his willingness to help her, versus helping the Jedi Order. There were obvious strong feelings behind his words, and it worried Bri somewhat if she told him too much, that his offer might be rescinded. The way he spoke almost sounded like a backdoor way for him to help her. As she recalled, he was serious about his duties as a Ranger, and Bri resolved to be respectful of that, knowing he would do the same with her.

Luckily, there seemed to be a certain amount of grey overlap between an official Ranger's duties, and Bri's task of tracking down a petty criminal.

"I hope I'm not forcing you into anything, but I really do appreciate your offer," Bri replied, sounding sincere. It did mean something to her that he was offering his own assistance, despite previous misgivings about Jedi in general. And that I may not have completely misunderstood our connection.

"Yeah, I've been alright."
The Jedi found Lt. Velt's description of how he was pretty accurate for her own feelings. Doing well...all things considered. Ajan Kloss. The Sith. Loss. She didn't want to go too far into her own Jedi adventures, due to his feelings on the Order, and instead tried to keep it light.

"Just a girl flying around the Galaxy. Met some interesting people, seen some interesting places. Unfortunately, I still seem to have a habit of running into trouble," she replied with a friendly laugh, but knowing that was entirely the fault of usually looking for Jedi related trouble.

"I've got my ship repaired, so I've been also trying to stay away from public transportation," Bri added, offering a knowing glance in reference of the starliner that crashed on Dxun. "Hope you've been doing the same," she nodded, but still noted the scar on his face.

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Corran Velt

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As the Jedi spoke, Corran would take a sip of his water here and there. Nodding along to vague references of adventures between their last farewell and now. Galivanting across the galaxy and doing... stuff. Come to think of it, he wasn't even sure what exactly Jedi did. There were the big stories everyone heard about. Like the failed assault on Sith-occupied Sullust. The blond ranger privately hoped that Bri hadn't gotten mixed up in that. But any of the other day-to-day or week-to-week was a mystery. Maybe they preferred it that way.

Her quip about staying away from public transport actually elicited a genuine laugh. Between Bri's own friendly chuckles and seemingly clever wit, Lieutenant Velt was starting to think she was good company. Not that a life-or-death struggle on the Demon Moon would have revealed that about her. A nod to his scar made Corran supply a chuckle of his own; an awkward one. He rubbed the back of his head thinking of a way to tell the tale without sounding theatric.

The young man's jaw shifted from one side to other subtly before finally replying. "I didn't get this from taking the city bus, if that's what you're asking." His voice sounded like he was making a small jest for levity. "The scar is from taking a Sith head-on with only a blaster pistol." That was the most watered-down version he could concoct on the spot. It skipped over the massive explosion that killed hundreds of Sector Rangers and support staff on Coruscant. The toxin that paralyzed in such immense pain that phantoms of it still touched his nerves from time to time. Thankfully those were fading. Also the fact that the Sith who gave him the mark was dead. Ash among the rubble of headquarters.

If questions followed that admission, he'd do his best to answer them. But the pair had plenty of other things to discuss if they had the time. "You'll have to tell me about your ship. I've spent most of my adult life among the hyperlanes one way or another." Corran pointed at the woman with an index finger along the edge of his cup. "If you had mechanical problems, you can just come to me. If it is a YT model, I can likely fix it. Anything else I can likely patch together." That claim wasn't even a brag. A ranger's salary barely covered fuel costs so he had to conduct all repairs on by himself. An expert mechanic he was not, but a handy one without a doubt.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri nodded gravely with a slight frown on her face as Corran described the origination of the scar on his face. Trying to find the right words, she replied, sounding smaller, "I'm sorry you had to go through that. Was that the attack on Coruscant? I read about what happened. It sounded awful, but I'm glad you're alright - all things considered" He wasn't explicit, but the Jedi inferred that Lt. Velt was involved in the Sith attack that took place on Coruscant. She was not on planet at the time of the event, but had naturally seen about the event in the Holonews and ensuing Jedi telegrams. Bri had her own forbidding thoughts on the Sith, but figured she would spare the Ranger an emotive diatribe that took their so far friendly discourse down a far different path.

"The Sith ..... they have to be stopped...." Bri added, staring down into the dark liquid of her glass, taking a slow sip. It was very evident that there was a certain amount of feeling behind the Jedi's words. Not fanatical, but strong determination. The Jedi was a little relieved that Corran was able to laugh in response to her joke about public transportation. From experience, the best way she had discovered to combat the dark, was refreshing, warm, light. Smiling in the face of adversity.

At least I can make him laugh a little. The Jedi was pleased that her own attempts at jocularity had elicited a few natural reactions from the Ranger, separate from the official duty lines. Bri was not afraid to use her own more self-deprecating sense of humor in attempts to create a sense of conviviality.

Bri smiled, somewhat sheepishly, at hearing Corran's interest in her ship. She pulled a datapad from her jacket pocket and pressed a few buttons, placing the datapad flush down on the table. A miniature holographic model of her 3-Z class ship floated a few inches above.

"Pretty glamourous, huh? Just like me," Bri smiled with a soft sounding laugh, looking down at the miniature version of her ship. Her own opinion was that the ship was decidedly not glamourous. "Its not a YT but I think the 3-Z is based on it. Its made by Nova-Drive. As my droid would be very quick to point out, if it were here, I'm really a pretty terrible pilot. Considering a few of the self inflicted issues I've caused, you may come to regret that offer of help," she laughed once more.

The Jedi had a few select incidents in mind where her own haphazard flying had directly resulted in her ship being out of commission. I really should take lessons or something.

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Corran Velt

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So she hadn't been there after all. A number of Jedi had been reportedly present at the destruction of Sector Ranger headquarters but reports were not always accurate. Chaos had made the full scope of the event obscured. Corran nodded solemnly, "Yeah, it was the burning of our headquarters. I was in the basement trying to rescue survivors when this... Sith woman with tons of vibroblades, and a red saber, engaged me in a long hallway. First time I had ever met one in person." His eyes reflected a vividness; memories still fresh and easily recalled. "Sliced me right across the face. She was aiming for the kill but missed. Mostly. The vibrosword had this... toxin. Paralyzed me in pain until I passed out. Took me days to recover." Others had seen to the Sith woman's final demise. The sword that cut his face, though, he kept. A prized possession to get even with Sith if he ever saw one again.

Those feelings were not unique to the blond ranger it seemed. Corran tilted his head subtly, observing the Jedi. Resolve was clear in her voice. Since the start of the Sith terrorism, the Jedi had seemed aloof or incompetent from his perspective. Bri seemed to have a bit more resolve. An ally in the fight perhaps. Not that relying on Force cult zealots was tasteful, no, but her as an individual may be helpful in the future.

A miniature disk-like ship displayed in blue slowly rotated at the center of the table. The blond ranger leaned over the table to get a closer look. Childlike wonder glimmered in his eyes as he tried to look at it from all angles. Being on the trade lanes for several years cemented an interest established earlier in childhood for starships. From the Hydian Way to the Corellian Spine, Corran had seen almost every kind of merchant vessel. Gas haulers, Mining ships, bulk goods, and more. "I don't know if many things in the galaxy reach your level of glamour," he replied absentmindedly without breaking eye-contact from the hologram, clearly not registering her joke.

Only after a few beats did the young man realize what he'd said so unprofessionally. He sat up abruptly, as if called to attention by a drill sergeant, and cleared his throat into a fist. "Uh, it looks based off a YT or something like it. With the right parts and tools, I could likely fix it." To drown out his embarrassment, Corran reached for his glass of water but froze as soon as his palm grasped the cup. "Wait... Did you say self-inflicted?" He blinked at Bri a few times with dented eyebrows. "Forget the offer for repairs. I'll teach you how to fly and save us both the trouble. I've flown a light freighter for years - the handling characteristics should be the same." Seriousness flavored his voice. It was the principle of the thing. Someone shouldn't be flying around the galaxy crashing into things if it could be helped. Imagine all the parking tickets and insurance claims to be avoided. It was just pre-emptive policing at that point.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri could feel the emotion of the recounting as Corran spoke. Being linked to the Force, the Jedi had a connection to the feelings and emotions around her. It was difficult to explain to those who couldn't feel it, but was something similar to an additional sense. Something that had always been apart of her, helping to make up who she was, both as a Jedi, but also a person. It was evident the memories lay fresh in the Rangers mind, the Jedi seeing through his eyes of the trauma that still lingered. Hearing his story further solidified the determination of Bri. The fact that so many could attack and purposefully injure the innocent; it was something that the Jedi had yet been able to wrap her mind around the understanding. The lingering feeling. Why?

The Jedi had faced off with a Sith before, and so knew what it was like to be in a similar situation. The intensity. However, Bri had the assist of the Force. Able to calm herself. Focus and drown out all other distractions. A being of pure action and reaction. "I know what you mean," Bri said quietly. "That must have been.....just terrible."

Luckily, the subject of Bri's ship seemed to lighten the mood of the conversation. The Jedi noticed as the Ranger looked on with great interest at the holographic version of her freighter. It was obvious he had a great interest in starships. Way more than I do. Bri looked up as he replied to her joke about her own level of glamour. The young woman narrowed her eyes and tiled her head in slight confusion. Wait, does he actually think I am glamourous? Was that sarcasm? The thought made Bri laugh internally.

A quick return to the subject of her ship seemed to move the conversation on. The offer of mechanical services was genuinely appreciated. I spend way too many credits on repairs. However, Corran seemed to have spotted the flaw in Bri's plan. "Uh, yeah. Self-inflicted. Its not that I, like, don't know how to fly," she paused, holding her hands out to emphasize the point, though even that wasn't exactly true. "I do. But I can end up making poor decisions in moments of high stress." Bri chewed her bottom lip, before adding, "like, flying through gas clouds to evade pirates. Or trying to outrun actual starfighters,"

She paused again, "actually, maybe I do need lessons," laughing with a smile.

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Corran Velt

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As she recounted her ship-focused problems, Corran cocked an eyebrow and occasionally glanced between the Jedi and the holographic display of her ship. Fleeing pirates into orbital gas clouds. Dogfighting starfighters. If the 3-Z is anything like the YT-1300, those are two scenarios he'd hate to be in. The Crimson Venture had survived a few scraps but enduring those kind of conditions might have ended it up in a scrap heap. By the sound of it, Bri wasn't a bad pilot. Just an unlucky one. Or one who sought out trouble.

"Well, at least you aren't crashing into things," the blond ranger said with a smirk matching the jovial mood captured by her laugh and smile. There it was again. What mood she displayed he mimicked in turn. An aura seemed to extend from her being and influence him. Did it work on others too? Shame their server was a droid or else that theory could be tested. "I would recommend following the convoy system along the major hyperlanes to avoid bandits," Lieutenant Velt cautioned, "But I get the feeling you don't often find yourself in peaceable situations looking for trade markets. A good escort or turret gunner would help avoid most.. uh, hazards. But if you'd like lessons, I can certainly oblige." A sociable grin briefly tugged at the corner of his lips before fading back to enforced neutral.

Speaking of hazards, there was someone that the woman was hunting here on Botajef. While not entirely pressing, her target could get off world and vanish into the void of space and whatever information along with them. Corran took a long gulp of water and a satisfied sigh before broaching the topic again, "So your quarry. Do you know what they look like? Current location? Any idea where they've gone to ground? Are they aware of you?" Any little bit of information helped. Over his time as a Sector Ranger, the young man had gotten skilled at finding people who didn't want to be found. Little clues unintentionally left behind that provided a trail. If they had surprise and secrecy, urgency was less of an issue. It made napping the target that much easier but a spirited chased wasn't entirely out of the cards either.

As long as Bri didn't have to be at the helm of a space engagement. That sounded like something to be avoided for now.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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"Hah, yeah. Definitely don't crash into things..." Bri giggled shortly, in a highly sarcastic manner. She took a sip of the soda and added, "in all seriousness, the times that it has happened hasn't been entirely my fault. For the most part." Again, a few select incidents resurfaced in the Jedi's memory. Trying to fly through spaces that were far too small for a 3-Z, aggressively trying to push other ships away, miscalculating the room from certain large objects. Its not that bad.

The Jedi smiled at the suggestions. "Right on all counts. I try to follow the hyperlanes, but like you note, Jedi business can sometimes take me off the beaten path. So to speak. The gunner is a good idea, but key to that would be finding someone who can put up with me for an extended period of time," Bri smiled, self-deprecating herself once more. "I think you'd make quick friends with my droid. He's constantly haranguing me for how I fly."

Taking another sip of the soda, Bri nodded as Lt. Velt returned the subject back to her missing persons. "I've got a little more information for you." Bri took the datapad back, and turned off the holo of her ship. She tapped her finger a few times on the screen, pulling up a new page of information. "This is Cen Harend - pretty much a nobody who takes contracts from different organized crime groups. I think the latest info I had from him was that he was working for the Hutts." Bri handed the datapad over to Corran. It wasn't that the Jedi didn't trust Ranger Velt, it was just that the information she was after was highly important to the Jedi. She figured the best way was to give him enough to ensure he'd stay roped along, without her sounding too aloof.

"I'm here more as a precaution. We'll find Mr. Harend, and see how things progress. I doubt he's got what I'm looking for"

"He's been seen around this bar," Bri gestured with her hands. "I figured the best place to start would be asking the owner," the Jedi tilted her head towards the man currently occupying space behind the bar. "And we'll go from there. Any suggestions on your end?" Bri waited and took another sip of her soda. "Oh and don't worry, I guarantee that we won't get into trouble," came an additional comment with a broad grin, knowing full well she couldn't keep that promise.

"Probably"


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Corran Velt

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Jedi Bri Lanaamer continued to be full of surprised. Or rather interesting things. When the hologram of her oft-wounded starship disappeared and a datapad offered, Corran took it with visible curiosity. Cen Harend. An information dealer for sure if he held no specific loyalties. The blond ranger occasionally glanced up from the digital file on the criminal to make eye-contact with Bri as she spoke. A couple charges in the Mid-Rim related to black mail. A few notes below his profile confirmed that Cen in fact was in the pay of the Hutts currently. Thorough work for someone who wasn't law enforcement.

The datapad was offered back after the ranger had reviewed the intel. Both hands clasped around his glass more as a resting place than anything else. Sky-blue eyes glanced around the bar at its mention before settling on its possessor who was serving drinks to some off-shift workers at the counter. Muted chuckling followed Bri's promise of staying out of trouble. "We'll see about that," Corran retorted, looking at her out of the corner of his eye with a smirk. Trouble seemed to be a constant companion for the Jedi if everything she said was to be believed. Combined with him, they were bound to get into some sort of mess before the sun set.

Lieutenant Velt turned his head to face Bri directly. He slowly bobbed his head in satisfaction, though satisfied with what wasn't entirely clear. "You've certainly done your homework. I'm impressed." The blond ranger pointed a finger at her from from the glass, Ever consider that you missed your true calling as a Sector Ranger?" As much as that was meant as a jest, it opened up a few ideas in his head. Why couldn't a Jedi turn Sector Ranger? They'd have to disavow their connections to a questionable religious group but there wasn't a rule forbidding a force-user to join their ranks. Eyebrows dented in visible thought and reflection. After a few moments of quiet, Corran realized he had been oblivious to the woman sitting across from him. "Sorry, sorry. I was just dwelling on something." he waved politely with one hand in awkward hope of forgiveness.

A credit chip fished from his pocket slid across the table. "I'll cover the drinks on the condition you speak to the barkeep. Most men are a bit less tight-lipped talking to a lady." Women were typically less suspicious when looking for someone. Not to mention Bri had a look about her that likely made men more sociable in general. Corran would not be too far behind her but posing as a friend versus interrogating a business owner seemed the better bet. Honey versus sour and all that.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri offered a mischievous grin and quick raise of her brows as Lt. Velt caught her sarcastic comment about keeping them out of trouble. In all seriousness, she did hope that they didn't run into anything too dangerous. I roped him into this, and he's now my responsibility. The Jedi knew the Ranger could take care of himself, but should anything happen to him - it'd be my fault. Bri attempted to brush the thought from her mind, feeling confident in their combined skills to keep them safe.

The Jedi replied with a knowing smile as Corran complimented her preparation of looking for Cen Harend. His comment about her missed calling as a Sector Ranger elicited a laugh. To be truthful, it was not something that she had considered. Her abilities with the Force had manifested when she was a child, and as she grew up, the call to become a Jedi - or follow her own journey of discovery with the Force - became the singular focus of her being. As the Ranger paused, Bri reflected slightly more, sensing some overlap in the required skills. Curiosity, a keen sense of observation, pursuit of justice. I suspect that he may have a different view on how the Jedi fights for justice.

The Ranger offered an apology. "Oh, don't worry about it," Bri laughed. "I'll take that as a compliment, and no, actually, I hadn't thought about it before," she shook her head. "Maybe a fallback career, ya know, if this Jedi thing doesn't work out?" she joked.
"Nope. I already offered to pay for drinks, and besides, you're helping me," Bri slid Corran's credit chip back towards him and fished in her jacket pocket for her own credit chip, placing it on the table. "Besides, we just had water and a soda," she laughed.
Bri agreed with Corran's guess that she might have more luck talking to the barkeep than he would. While she occasionally underestimated the strength of her own personal charm, Bri was aware of the usual affect that she had on men. Still, the way the Ranger had phrased his comment allowed Bri to have a little fun at his expense - already noting how flustered he got earlier in the conversation.

"Oh, so I'm a lady now? Why, Lt. Velt, what exactly are you implying?" Bri held a serious face, blue eyes locked on his, for only a few moments, before softening into laughter.

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An amused huff responded to the woman's joke. Religious fanatics didn't ever put down their creed easily; much less 'not work out.' Jedi were likely no different. Only death or heresy seemed to alter their paths. Extreme in all things. Indifference to normal people and their lives. Jedi just hid their zealotry better than the Sith but their dictates are the same. Could someone come back from that? No. Not likely. Maybe. Well... Bri seemed well-adjusted. She could be different. Not that the Lieutenant knew very many of the Order. Not that he knew Bri too well either. But may-

Clattering of a credit chip pulled Corran's attention back from his own dwellings to the table. One of equal value appeared on the table. He glanced between the two for a moment in confusion for a moment. Thankfully, the Jedi explained it all. Oh, right. The message that brought them together for this little meeting did promise the inclusion of drinks. Bubbly laughter from the woman elicited a few chuckles of his own. It was kinda funny. Usually the offer of drinks actually mean alcohol but they both had avoided it. "Well, I can't refute that. Next times on me though," the blond ranger promised as he tucked the credit chip back into his pocket.

The money almost slipped out of his hand and onto the floor as his grip suddenly tensed up at her honeyed question. Corran caught the credit and tucked it away as he slowly turned to face Bri. Paralyzing blue eyes stared into his own. "W-w-well, you know, y-you're..." the young man stuttered to clarify, his cheeks turning rose, until the Jedi's powerful face gave way to laughter. Instead of joining in this time, Corran grimaced in mild embarrassment. Felt a little bit like high school. The popular cheerleader teasing the bookworm at lunch.

But this wasn't high school. Lieutenant Velt was an experienced Sector Ranger. Red still flush in his face, he gestured to Bri resolutely, "I... I don't see what's so funny." Corran didn't sound mad or terse. More like trying to recover his own professionalism in the face of a woman who caught him off guard. Again. The young man leaned on the table with one elbow and ran a hand through his hair. "Will you talk to the bartender then, or should I?" An attempt to get back to the criminal case was made. Not that he couldn't handle his own in a social conversation but the Jedi woman had... had tricks. Outfoxing him at leisure. Until Corran could discover why, sticking to business was more equal footing.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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"We'll see," Bri replied evenly. She was not exactly sure what kind of context their next meeting would have, and was thus not prepared to commit to allowing the Ranger to buy the drinks.

The Jedi laughed harder as gaze and comment nearly caused Corran to drop his credit chip. The giggles continued as he barely managed to compose himself, finally stammering out an attempt at an excuse. Bri quitied somewhat as she noticed that the embarrassment was quite obvious on the Ranger's face and was certainly not laughing.

"I'm sorry, that was mean of me." Bri calmed herself with a sigh, feeling a little bad about the situation. "You're kind of an easy target when it comes to teasing, and I couldn't help myself" The poor Ranger looked a little like a lost puppy. Composing herself once more, the Jedi straightened her jacket, and readjusted her blonde hair back into its ponytail, ensuring not a hair was out of place. "Sorry, yes, I'll talk to him. Let's see what we find out, yeah?"

Bri slid out of the booth they were sitting in, and sauntered her way up to the bar. The bartender had his back turned, adjusting a few bottles and glasses on the shelves. Waiting for a few moments, Bri flashed her friendliest smile as his attention turned to her.

"Can I help you?" a slow, almost bored sounding question.

The human bartender was unkempt, rather tired looking, with his apron covered in stains of varying color. He likewise gave Bri a once over, and inquired what she wanted. The Jedi assumed that she would be more likely to pry any information away after providing him with a few of her credits - in the form of an alcoholic beverage.

"Can I get a photon fizzle?" Bri asked, again with a smile. The bartender nodded in an almost understanding way, as if judging that a photon fizzle was the right drink for someone of Bri's look to be ordering. The bar was not crowded and it only took a few moments for the bartender to prepare the colorful looking drink. In the interim period, the Jedi looked back at Corran and gave a knowing glance, hoping he understood the strategy she was taking.

Shortly thereafter, the drink arrived and Bri exchanged a few credits. Before the bartender could return to the other patron's, Bri grabbed his attention once more, asking, "sorry, I've got a quick question."

The man looked intrigued by this development and raised an eyebrow, his way of allowing her to continue. "Right, thanks, I was wondering if you'd seen this man in here before?"

The Jedi took the datapad from her pocket and opened it to the same photograph of Cen Harend she had provided to Corran. The bartender glanced at it briefly and shrugged in a noncommittal fashion.

"Ehh, I think so; came in her for drinks 'round this time," he gestured to the rest of the cantina with a nod of his head.

Bri followed up, "ever talk about his business?"

"I don't remember, maybe mentioned something about Syngol's Turnaround," again another shrug.

Bri had no idea what Syngol's Turnaround was. "Uh, and what's that?"

A slight eye roll from the bartender expressed a slight feeling of annoyance. An added sigh. "It's a few blocks from here. Meet up for people who look for ... business." With a stress on the last word, Bri understood business to include less than legal activities. "Not really a place for people like you," he added, looking the blonde young woman over, moving his gaze to the photon fizzle that was still on the counter.

At this point, the man slowly broke from the general charm that Bri possessed and turned the questions back at the Jedi. "Why...? who's asking?" with narrowed eyes.

Bri hurriedly tried to get the attention away from herself. "Oh, uhh" she stammered slightly, "just a friend. no reason. Thanks for the drink," tossing a few more credits on the counter.

The bartender seemed to be appeased by Bri's response and grabbed the credits before turning to another customer. The Jedi swiveled away from the bar and returned her attention back on Corran. She took a sip from the tall drink in her hand and scrunched her face, remembering that she didn't really like photon fizzles.

"Syngol's turnaround. Ever heard of it?" she asked to the Ranger, before mistakenly taking a sip of the drink. Again another face.

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Easy target. What did that mean? This Jedi was all riddles. Sky-blue eyes watched Bri as she deftly pulled her hair back into a peppy and stylish ponytail. Women were also all riddles to Corran in general. Her teasing and why she seemed to enjoy it so much was a mystery. Their first meeting didn't convey such a playful personality. Maybe it was the constant attempts to avoid death. He'd forgive her later anyhow. No harm done. But for now he watched her saunter off to go fishing for information.

All things considered she started off pretty good. Focused and firm. When Bri glanced back at him, intentions clear in her features, the undercover ranger sent back a subtle nod and rose from the booth they previously shared. He hung back a bit, trying to not obviously stare at the exchange between the Jedi and the barkeep. Eventually he found an empty table to lean on and took on a slovenly, hunched appearance while still being within earshot of the conversation. What began promisingly devolved into the amateur. For a moment it seemed like the bar owner might get tight-lipped and toss them out on their ear. But Lady Luck (and a few extra credits) smoothed over the wrinkles and got them enough to get by.

When Bri returned, drink in hand, Lieutenant Velt had his arms folded and noticeably looked a bit off-balance. An act but a mildly convincing one from a distance. It didn't need to be perfect - just enough to appear innocent. He shook his head with a fake hiccup, "N-no. Can't say I have. First time on Botajef." Corran leaned closer and spoke quietly under his breath. "I was expecting something more akin to flirty party girl persona, but you managed otherwise. Nicely done." He quickly glanced over her shoulder at the other patrons and bartender. "We'll need a more convincing exit to ward suspicion off you. Follow my lead." His hand reached up and slid the glass out from the Jedi's grip by taking hold of the top with his fingers and setting it on the table nearby. "Won't be needing this anymore."

Without warning, the blond ranger took hold of Bri's hand and began pulling her towards the exit in a stumbling portrayal of someone getting a bit to deep into their cups. "C-c-come on! Yoush said we'd see a few meer places." As they neared the exit, Corran would throw an arm around her waist. A crutch and a publicly friendly gesture both. He'd miss a step and lean on her before catching his balance. "Lesh go get the GOOD stuffs!"

Once outside and out of sight of the previous establishment, the act would come to an abrupt end. Corran would step away from Bri and straighten his jacket stand at his full height - the total opposite of his previous drunken character. "They said this Syngol's turnaround was a few blocks away. Looks like we'll just have to take a stroll until we find it." He clasped his hands behind his back in a cadet-like stance and waited the agreement of his temporary partner.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri turned back from the bar, and noticed a different look about the Ranger. He seemed slightly off balance? If that was the right way to put it. The gears in hear head quickly came to the conclusion that Corran was putting on some kind of act to try and help them blend in a little better in the cantina. After leaving their table by the window, in the less than crowded space, they had become somewhat the center of attention. It was a smart idea.

As the Jedi walked back up to Corran, she was met by a fake hiccup and slow sounding sentence. Bri did her best not to laugh, and forcibly hid a smile. The demeanor changed once they were right next to each other, and the Ranger offered a compliment to her handling of the bartender. She agreed with the assessment, but figured that a better job might be able to be done in the future. Oh well. Learning experience. The party girl comment elicited a smirk. Though she didn't consider herself a 'master of disguise', blending in with society was a skill that benefitted Jedi. I don't get to use party girl very often. If at all. The Jedi nodded shortly in understanding of Lt. Velt's idea for a more skillful exit. Before noticing, the glass in her hand was removed and placed back down on the table.

In another swift movement, Corran launched the more 'creative' exit, taking the young woman by the hand, stumbling away from the table and closer to the door. The Jedi had to suppress another laugh as the Ranger offered a few inebriated sentences. Wait, what does he mean by the good stuffs? After a few more steps, Corran added in an arm around Bri's waist. A missed step put additional weight on the Jedi's shoulders as Lt. Velt stumbled. Luckily, we're about the same height. A shorter, more flimsier person would have struggled to help hold up the strapping Ranger.

Bri figured it a good idea to add in her own comment and smiled broadly, "Oh, totally! Let's goooo"

As soon as they made it outside, both drunken acts came to an end, and Corran was able to cease his leaning on Bri. The return to his more rigid, natural Ranger-like stance made Bri giggle again. It was such a stark difference. "That was a pretty good fake drunk," she laughed in compliment. "Used it before it getting out of a sticky situation?"

The Jedi looked around again at their surroundings. "Right, so this way?" she nodded, pointing to her left. The two set off began to walk away from the Cantina. Late afternoon sunlight had slowly begun to turn into early evening twilight, painting the drab grey shipyards of Botajef in soft tones of yellow and crimson. The relative hub of the ambient noise was marked by the occasional crash or bang, side effects of the ship building.

"Hey, uh, thanks again for helping me with this. I really appreciate it," Bri commented as they passed the first block.

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A pleased, thankful grin couldn't be suppressed in opposition to Bri's infectious laughter. It seemed she both enjoyed and was impressed by his long practiced studies of blending in. He theatrically bowed in animated gratitude before rising back to full height, barely containing his own chuckling. Were they... having fun? Her positivity was infectious and the usually stoic ranger kept finding himself mimicking her expressions. Corran placed his hand on one hip and took a deep breath of composure before answering, "Thank you. During my years on the trade lanes I spent a lot of time among blue collar folks. I've gotten pretty good at blending in among the drunk, overworked, and hard-knocked. You could say it's helped me a lot in my line of work." Few people recognized the precise, methodical Sector Ranger when transformed into the working-class man. It was pretty easy too considering he was a working-class spacer for much of his youth. Not a drunkard or one for vices, but the rest was just following the act he saw every time in port.

With a direction chosen, Lieutenant Velt gestured for her to lead the way but ended up walking side-by-side regardless. Golds, oranges, and reds of the setting sun reflected off the metallic structures that molded and shaped starships that would travel past the stars that illuminated them now. A couple night-shift workers passed by with lunch pales in hand, paying the pair no mind. Corran had been quiet for a bit, head upright and attentive - focused on the objective. Only the woman by his side's gratitude tore his eyes away from scanning the buildings. "Oh... uh, you're welcome," he said shyly.

Despite his airs, rigidity, and displays of judicial authority, Bri would be able to notice something few did. Hands tucked into his coat pockets after her spoken thanks. His eyes cast down to the mid-ground as they walked. Corran was a young man. Some would say even a boy trying to be a dangerous lawman. In a way, their path down the worn industrial street was not too different to two classmates walking home from school. "I never did get to thank you for what you did on Dxun," Corran finally spoke, "For healing me, I mean." A half-hearted, embarrassed laugh acted like a nervous release value. "When I came to, the pain in my head vanishing, you looked angelic. Light behind your head. The whole thing. I must have been delirious."

They came to a cross-walk with some light road traffic going both ways. The blond ranger tapped the button that would eventually signal them across. "Lorcan and I had been... pretty tough on you and your fellow Jedi then. But we wouldn't have made it out without your help. So... thank you right back." How long had it been since the Demon Moon? He didn't even carry this apology with him but it floated up to the conversation nonetheless. Maybe if Bri had been more of the arrogant zealot he pictured all Jedi as it would have never been uttered. But she wasn't. And he wasn't sure why it felt easy to talk to her. Only that it was.

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