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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri turned her head towards the Ranger, as he replied with a 'you're welcome' to her comment of appreciation. There was a slight feeling from the Jedi that she had interrupted a period of observant silence. I bet he was just looking around, doing his 'Ranger' thing. The walk from the Cantina saw the environment slowly morphed into more dilapidated surroundings. However, to be clear, the Jedi had experienced far more 'seedier' areas of the Galaxy than the slightly downturned back blocks of Botajef's capital.

In return, the Ranger offered his own gratitude for healing him during their plight on Dxun. It sparked an interesting series of thoughts in the Jedi's mind. Bri appreciated the thought, though when she had used her abilities with the Force to heal others, it wasn't done as a 'favor' or general kindness. Its just my job. I use my connection to the force to help others. There's really no need for thanks required. She decided to voice a variation of her thoughts out loud. "I appreciate it, but that's a Jedi's job. To help others," she offered a half smile. Again not wanting to wade into a more detail filled discussion of the disagreements (putting it mildly) between Rangers and Jedis, Bri tried to keep more soft. "I'm glad the Force connected our paths."

"Angelic? That's interesting"
Bri said, sounding a little introspective. It was always of interest to hear others describe a connection or experience they had with the Force. While technically, yes, I did help him, I was just the conduit. The Force is what healed him. She couldn't resist another joke, "but still, not the worst compliment I've gotten," with a grinning smile.

A few speeders halted their progress as they waited for the traffic to dissipate at a cross walk. Bri was not sure how best to respond to the Rangers last comments. Though she remembered Corran acting professionally with herself and the other Jedi on Dxun, Izel, the same could not be said for his superior at the time, Lorcan. She obviously did not appreciate earning the ire of others for just trying to do the right thing, but nevertheless was not going to be dissuaded, even if the comments did end up being hurtful. "Yeah, uh. Just doing what needed to be done, right?" Still remaining a little curious, Bri asked, "what ever happened to that other Ranger? Lorcan?"

After the cross walk, the two progressed a few more blocks before arriving at an almost roundabout looking cul-de-sac. A few warehouses had their backs to the street, large mechanical doors offering a glimpse into a number of different industries. Tall crates and boxes lined the sidewalk, providing ample opportunities to remain undetected. Stopping a safe distance away so the Ranger and the Jedi could converse without drawing any attention to themselves, Bri took out her datapad. The screen illuminated her face in a soft blue. A small map of the city appeared, and the Jedi used her fingers to shift and zoom to their current location. "Well, Syngols Turnaround isn't listed on the map, but I'm thinking this is probably what we're looking for," she lifted her head back up. A few groups of beings were talking quietly, and while it could be classified as a 'sketchy' looking area, there was no immediate sense of illegal activity occurring.

"Any expert Ranger observations?" she looked over to her partner, eager for his thoughts.

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Corran Velt

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The Force connected their paths. Did the Jedi believe in free will at all? Corran glanced out of the corner of his eye at the religious woman walking beside him. A pang of disappointment thumped his chest at the thought that Bri didn't actually want to be here. That the Force just forced her. He knew he made the choice to be here and was happy to be. As weird as that sounded now that he thought about it. Humor from the Jedi elicited a nose-snort from the young man. He was starting to like her jokes. Though it begged the question what was the worst compliment she'd ever gotten.

As heartfelt as his thanks and apology had been, Bri replied almost with canned answers. Helping people. Doing what needed to be done. It felt so impersonal. Maybe it was that "Force connected paths" thing again. Or the Jedi had similar rote responses to the public like the Sector Rangers did. Lorcan though. That was a genuine ask. Corran sighed with a shrug, "He resigned from the Rangers. Last time I saw him was leaving Dxun for a long while. He eventually popped up at a meeting with a mutual friend." Dismay emanated from the blond ranger's words. "Something about being a bad person. Enjoyed killing too much or didn't really feel anything at all." He dented his eyebrows, looking downward not at anything in particular. "Gave up on himself."

The road came to a circular end after the duo crossed the street. Industrial warehouses stood shoulder-to-shoulder around a roundabout where speeder-trucks could easily come and go. They were far enough away to not catch any notice and Bri took that opportunity to double-check their location. While she did so, Corran acted the lookout and merely glanced around for trouble or trying to pinpoint their destination. Immediate answers to the Jedi's inquiry weren't available. "Syngols Turnaround..." Lieutenant Velt thought aloud as his gaze analyzed the industrial park.

A rookie would have been hard-pressed to puzzle out the location of a seedy meeting place. It took experience and well-earned detective skills to get a pulse on these sort of things. Corran understood this quite clearly. Once as a rookie, he had completely missed a stash of drugs practically in the open in a junkyard on Jakku. Now he was more street-wise. Workers and speeder-lift drivers were heading home for the night. Some larger transports were loading up for the nightshift haul. When it came to things like this it wasn't about what was there, but what wasn't.

"There," Lieutenant Velt nodded toward an otherwise non-descript building, "Syngols Turnaround." Arriving in the evening had its advantages. If everyone else was heading home, why were other workers in groups of twos and threes heading into the smaller warehouse in the center and not coming out? It was a much smaller pre-fabricated building. Practically hidden between two other industrial-sized ones with durasteel doorways. The second piece that gave it away was the building's location. Right at the bend of the cul-de-sac. The turnaround.

Corran turned to face Bri cocked a low eyebrow, "What type of disguises should we don now? We'll need to get in there without being too suspect and then wait for our target." If she didn't have an answer, he could provide one. Unfortunately the Jedi was too pretty and clean to be looking for spice. Maybe a first timer looking for a party drug? A more direct approach would be someone looking to runaway - perhaps to Hutt space. If their information dealer could be the supplier of that, much the better. But for now, he let curiosity simmer.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri sensed disappointment? or some kind of dissatisfaction with her answers to Corran. It confused the Jedi. For the first time during their evening spent together, Bri was tempted to use her abilities with the Force to search more of the Rangers feelings. Determine the source of the confusion. However, she didn't need any connection to the Force to tell that Corran was at least being earnest with her; there was a certain amount of admirable sincerity within the man. That and he's actually laughed at my jokes. Which are historically not good. You really can't fake that.

The recounting of Lt Velt's association with his former partner, or colleague, seemed to be a source of hurt feelings within the Ranger. There was emotionality within his words and Bri read that Corran had been let down by Lorcan. It sounded like an upsetting situation. There were complicated and challenging hurdles that were placed as obstacles in life. But to completely give up on yourself, feel so unworthy to stop caring - the thought frightened the Jedi. The same thought manifested into the prism of the Force. How people could use their connection to something larger, something mystical, and instead seek to do harm.

"I'm sorry," Bri replied sincerely, snapping out of her thoughts. "He seemed, rather gruff," she wasn't sure how to characterize their interactions, frowning, "But getting let down by someone always hurts." She tried to stay positive. "Maybe one day he'll come back?" Her meaning was both figurative and literal.

Bri's head turned, blonde pony tail whipping as Corran nodded in another direction and indicated to a seemingly insignificant looking building. She studied it for a few moments, attempting to work out the Rangers reasoning. Rather than leaving, heading home for the end of the work day, people were entering. Curious. "I think you're right," the Jedi responded quietly.

The conversation proceeded to its next logical step. "Well," Bri sighed, puffing her cheeks out slightly, "for something like this, I'd prefer a little more preparation." A memory sprung to mind. She kept the details brief in the interest of time. "I was meeting someone, less than reputable, to buy something. Ended up dying my hair. Went full criminal," she waved her hands dramatically for effect. "Well, as close as someone like me can get. Conclusion was I'm not actually that bad as a brunette," came an additional shrug.

Bri narrowed her eyes looking at the building. "Other than coming up with something on the spot- like a wannabe spice runner or something-do you think I could sneak in? I guess that kind of raises the stakes for being caught." The Jedi sounded out her thought process aloud then remained quiet for a moment. "Or, I might be able to talk my way in. Maybe. What do you think?"

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Corran Velt

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Out of all the things to call Lorcan, gruff was pretty mild. Polite even. The senior ranger had belittled and insulted their sect and beliefs. As much as Lieutenant Velt blamed the ills of the galaxy at the feet of Force cults, he could restrain himself from being outright rude. Many of them were still citizens of governments he served. Some were even good, if misled, people, he'd come to discover. Lorcan wasn't as nuanced or forgiving. Stubbornness and distaste had laced his words even when he revealed why he quit. As kind-hearted as Bri's optimism was, the 'gruff' ranger wouldn't be coming back. Corran just didn't have the heart to tell her.

Getting into Syngols Turnaround would require that optimism in greater amounts. Infiltrating any place unwanted was always a challenge. The Jedi had some experience with going seriously undercover. As unorthodox as it sounded. The blond ranger cocked an inquisitive and mildly concerned eyebrow at her story. "That... sounds like a story you should tell me sometime," he said with some hesitation, "And that 'something' you bought better not have been illegal." Not that it mattered in practical terms. With no proof or evidence, taking the Jedi into custody would be a waste of time. Could have been a useless artifact or personal trinket that just ended up in the wrong hands.

Corran tilted his head as he listened and studied the woman standing beside him. If they had more time, some undercover work on their looks would made this whole operation a lot easier. Once on the Smuggler's Moon, fake golden tattoos had been added to his face to make him appear to be a high-rolling Scipion banker. She would be anything given how easily men trusted women. And Bri was right, she wouldn't look bad at all as a brunette. Lieutenant Velt mentally shook that thought away quickly. Their other options had to be discussed.

"Sneaking in is easy. It's getting out that's hard," the Sector Ranger mused aloud as stroked his chin, "Plus getting seen is a big risk. Mhm. We don't want to spook Cen Harend either. I think taking time to get into elaborate personas might give him a window to evade us and escape off-world." That only left one option. Talking their way in. Pregnant silence filled the air as Corran thought privately. His fingers snapped suddenly. "I got it. You're looking for a lost family member who you think joined one of the Syndicates. I'll take on the role of a rogue smuggler who is jetting you around on this hunt and we are looking for someone who can supply us with some information. We'll ask after Cen Harend. If we come across convincing enough, we'll either find your suspect or be pointed in the right direction."

Without waiting for agreement, the professionally-attired ranger began undoing his jacket, ruffling up his hair, and untucking his shirt. In no time, he took on the appearance of any free trader in the galaxy. Probably because he had been before. The two blasters on his hips added a roguish swagger. Lieutenant Velt gestured vaguely at the Jedi, "Just uh... pinch your cheeks or something. Make them pink. Sell the sob story." It was becoming apparent that this wasn't the first time he'd done something like this and certainly wouldn't be the last. "And this time, I'll be right beside so we can convince them together."

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Brienna Lanaamer

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During their time spent together so far that evening, Bri had almost forgotten that Corran was an officer of the law. She was snapped back to reality when the Ranger had asked, almost inquisitively, as a follow up to her story. Truthfully, the item in question was not illegal. I think? It was a Jedi holocron that had somehow fallen into wrong hands. The Jedi smiled slightly, "Uh, no it wasn't illegal. Jedi artifact, that kind of thing. I'll give you the full details later." Though not meaning it, the Jedi still ended up sounding somewhat vague. A secondary thought occurred which Bri verbalized, "wait, do I look like someone who would engage in black market buying?" along with a slight, almost surprised sounding laugh.

The Jedi also concurred with the evaluation that departing from Syngols Turnaround would be easier than getting in. Making any kind of a 'scene' had to be avoided at all costs. "Yeah, I agree. The more time we spend out here, the more chance that Cen could move on to somewhere else," she paused, "if he even is in there." Bri raised an eyebrow has Corran explained his idea for getting into the hideout. It seemed to make sense. And probably better than what I had in mind.

"Probably better than my idea. I was just going to,"
she paused, and raised her hands, wiggling her fingers, "you know..." a small burst of Force energy emanated from the Jedi's hands, creating a minimal wave of persuasion. Without really waiting for much further discussion, the Ranger began his own minor transformation, consisting of ruffled hair, an unzipped jacket, and untucked shirt. It was relatively minimal changes, but the effect was nonetheless noticeable.

"Oh! Right. Just one minute," Bri nodded at Corran's instructions. The Jedi pulled out the datapad from her jacket and propped it up against the wall and a tall box, turning its reflective screen back against her. She pulled the elastic band from her blonde hair, and ran her hands through it, adding some slight volume. A small container appeared from an additional jacket pocket, where Bri applied some pinkish powder to her cheeks, and similar colored gloss to her lips. "Ready?"

The two set off from their box and wall hiding spot, walking confidently towards the entrance of the building. No other individuals were close, leaving Bri and Corran to approach the entrance by themselves. Walking through the open doorway, the Jedi and the Ranger were met by a frowny looking man, seemingly bored at being assigned to door-duty for the building. Bri's demeanor changed as soon as she spotted him.

"Oh! Thank goodness!" she jogged forward, leaving Corran's side, and stood close to the door watcher, placing her hands on his crossed forearm. Emotion was evident on the face of the young woman. Flush was evident on her cheeks.

"What?" the man looked entirely perplexed by the approach, and stepped one foot away from Bri.

"Please, you have to help me! My brother - his name is Bratan - got caught up with the wrong crowd," a big gulp, with large blue eyes looking pleadingly at the man.

"and?" the man looked increasingly confused, but not aggravated.

"I think.....," a slight whimper, "I think he wanted to join one of the syndicates. I've got to get him out! Please.... you have to help me....please," another big sigh, with tears starting to well. "He's not cut out for that stuff! He's going to get himself hurt. Or worse!" Another large outburst of emotion at the thought of mortal peril. "Tell him Varlo!" Bri looked pleadingly at Corran, who had just been anointed as 'Varlo.'

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Corran Velt

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Analytical blue eyes glanced up and down the Jedi woman quickly. "I don't... think so." No, she didn't look like someone who would engage in black market dealing. She also didn't look the type to carve up biologically-cloaking predators and pirates either, but he knew she could and did. Bri had been seemingly honest in their dealings though. Plus the Sector Ranger just kept getting a good feeling around her. One that he couldn't logically explain as much as he tried to refute it. Just like mystical gesture the Jedi made with her fingers. Corran recoiled from the invisible energy that he felt emanate from her fingertips. What was that? Fire summoned in the hand, the ability to shove battle droids through walls, supernatural reflexes, healing by touch alone; He'd seen many different Force powers but this one was new. What it did was a mystery and he both wondered and feared it's capabilities. Lieutenant Velt made a mental note to ask about it later.

The transformation from serious fighter to naïve, concerned younger sister was more rapid than expected. Corran was actually drawn in by the appearance of make-up and how quickly Bri's demeanor transformed with each brush on the cheek. It brought back memories of high school dances in a way. Though going with a girl of her caliber was out of the question at the time. He had leaned over so far to observe the process that when she finally turned around he nearly stumbled backwards and onto the ground. "Ahem. Ready," the blond ranger replied after clearing his throat.

Lieutenant Velt followed his companion into Syngols Turnaround where they were met by an expected bouncer. What was unexpected was how quickly the Jedi dove into character. It took all of the ranger's discipline to suppress his astonishment. It really was like Bri had become another person. Maybe she wasn't so bad at this kind of thing after all. Now it was his turn. Conjuring up years of working on a bulk hauler and spending plenty of time among spacers, 'Varlo' sauntered up to the big guy, placed his hands on his hips, and gave small shrug, "What my employer here, Ashteli, means is that we are looking for some information. We got wind this place might have some of those folks who are... in the know."

The doorman stood unmoving except for his glances between the two. Satisfied they were likely harmless (much to Bri's acting and demeanor), he lifted a thumb to the door, "Head on in and talk to Hep. Behind the bar. He knows better." Corran gave a thankful nod and gestured for the undercover Jedi to follow, "Come on, Ash. We'll see if we can pick up the trail." Syngols Turnaround was a mixed bag of every blue-collar vice. Tables were spaced out and made of rugged and discard materials leftover from industrial projects long finished. Company names or workers' unions lined the walls. An area for sabaac and dice games were off to the left. Further back looked like an area for secluded seating. To the right, liquor covered the wall on several shelves behind a counter where a Duro stood mixing a drink. Corran calmly strode up to the counter and tapped a finger against it. Giving the drink to one of the patrons, the barkeep slid down to greet the newcomers. "What can I do for ya, strangers?"

"Syngol, I take it?" The blue-skinned alien shook his head, "Just Syn. The rest is a play on words." The blond man forced a friendly chuckle, "Ain't that funny? My name is Varlo and my associate here, Ashteli, are looking for someone. You ever know a Bratan that blown through here?" For a moment Syn scratched his bald blue head before shaking it in negative confirmation. "No, can't say that I have." Corran snapped his fingers, "Ah, blast it. Well, Ash here is thinking her brother ran off to join one of them... Syndicates." He then leaned in closer and whispered to the alien. "You know someone who deals in... that kind of information and connections?" The undercover ranger glanced back at Bri, summoning her nearer. He couldn't sell the scenario alone and she had proven to be increasingly adept with this sort of thing.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Thankfully, Corran was quick on the uptake, though Bri didn't expect him not to be, and jumped right in with the scene, acting to try and convince the bouncer to let them inside. The overall effect was quite convincing. The man took a few alternating glances between the two and decided they were alright to enter. That, or he just did not want to deal with Bri's hysterics, and judged that greater danger was more likely posed by more menacing looking individuals. I wonder where Ashteli came from? I'll ask him later.

Bri kept up the act as they entered. "Oh, thank you! Thank you!" the young woman exclaimed, wiping a few of the newly formed tears away from her eyes, before grabbing the mans hands and shaking them vigorously. The bouncer increasingly uncomfortable about having to be in the situation, and began to pull himself away.

"Uh, yeah. Whatever. Just go inside."


Hopping along back to Corran's side, Bri-Ash, nodded in response. Upon entering, Bri's first observation of Syngol's Turnaround was that it was much larger on the inside. The walls almost appeared to spread into the neighboring buildings - a variety of cantina-esque activities were ongoing. Card games being played, drinks being served, and hushed conversations were being had, no doubt planning some sort of criminal ventures. If Harend is any kind of generic criminal lowlife, this is the place he'd come.

The Jedi tagged along with Corran to the bar, as the Ranger approached first. He seemed to start friendly enough as the two engaged in some kind of introductory chat. Bri looked on intently as the two spoke, nearly slipping out of her character for the briefest of moments. She readjusted back to the worried sister, tapping her fingers nervously on a nearby table and chewing her lower lip. Finding the right opportunities, she offered the occasional pleading look, ensuring eye contact was made. When summoned over, Bri adjusted her emotions, turning on the nervous anticipation. Please... it's my brother who's missing. Please tell me you know where he is...."

"Look, like I told your friend here, I ain't heard of him,"

Another whimper from Ashteli, as the Jedi once more prepared the water works.

"Please..... I....." a big breath, followed by much shorter ones, "I don't know what I'd do without him....please help..... anything you know...…..please!" Bri tried even harder to play with her emotions, trying to tug at any heartstring the Duro may have.

Like the bouncer outside, the very outward display of emotion from the young woman seemed to make the bartender uncomfortable. It was not often that someone came up to the bar in Syngol's Turnaround and started crying about their missing sibling.

"Uhh, there's a guy here who might know. I think he's involved with a couple different enterprises. But like I said, I dunno. Name's Harend, I think I saw him earlier this evening," adding a point behind and to his right.

The offer of assistance came across as the Duro more interested in getting the emotional girl away from the bar - the scene starting to alert some other patrons - rather than his own goodwill in helping a distressed stranger.

"Oh, thank you! Thank you, thank you!" Bri welled with a smile, dragging Corran away from the bar. The relieved Duro shook his head almost in disbelief at the odd situation he had just had to endure.

The Ranger and the Jedi walked slowly to where the bartender had pointed, spotting a second section of the Turnaround, where more conversations and games were being played. Walking side by side, as Bri scanned the crowd for a few moments, she spotted Cen Harend, and quickly turned her back to him, facing Corran. Large blue eyes glanced up at the Ranger along with a knowing look. Something's not right.

Something was indeed not right. As the two stood - far enough away to not be noticed - Cen Harend was in the middle of an interrogation. A weequay and a devaronian were in intent conversation with Harend, the larger Devaronian with his hands firmly grasped on the mans collar. It appeared their conversation was not going well.

Bri leaned against the metallic wall, trying to remain inconspicuous. She was curious what Corran thought. Her own judgement was to wait and see how the situation developed. Any interjection from the Ranger and Jedi could end up making a dreaded 'scene.'

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Corran Velt

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Bri was laying it on thick. The pleading. The desperation. Even the watery eyes. It all felt very real. Corran had to use all his willpower not to instinctively react. He was the supposed smuggler who'd seen this wimping woman and her story plenty of times before now. The Jedi must have been holding back at the first bar because this was a whole other level. Instead of a face of sympathy, 'Varlo' merely shrugged and shook his head slowly. An indifferent guide to a young woman's search. Luck seemed to be their combined magical power as the Duro behind the counter not only buckled to her pleas but also pointed them their target, Cen Harend. Jack pot.

'Varlo' added a polite and grateful nod on top of 'Ashteli's' excited thanks. The doorman and the bartender both seemed relieved at their departures. Tough guys and criminals typically don't see many criers and were totally disarmed by the whole display. An idea began to ferment in Corran's mind. Maybe taking Bri for other undercover work might yield results otherwise impossible without someone like her. Ah, but the Jedi thing. He'd have to review legal options later. Lieutenant Velt walked beside the Jedi, merely glancing about for a place to sit or, preferably, their suspect when the woman abruptly turned and blocked his path. He nearly collided with her but stopped short by putting a hand on her shoulder until he steadied. If her shoulder hadn't stopped him, her powerful blue eyes would have. They spoke a warning.


Over her shoulder and a small distance away stood a hulking Devaronian and a smaller Weequay had cornered Cen. The meaty hands on Harend's collar suggested it wasn't likely a meeting between old chums. Off to the side, 'Ashteli' backed up against a wall and kept an eye on the interrogation unfolding. Corran took a few steps near her but leaned an elbow on an empty table, mostly looking like he was keeping tabs on Bri. That is, until the hulking Devaronian slapped the informer so hard blood ran from his lip and nose. No more waiting.

Without a word, the smuggler 'Varlo' squared off against the two other aliens. He stood 10 paces off from them and stood like an experienced gunfighter. "I think he's had about enough, friends," Corran said with a faked Outer Rim accent. One inspired by his friend and fellow ranger, Zad Ruzed. "Shut up and get lost. This is none of your business," the taller Devaronian snarled. "I'm making it my business. He has something I want. Drop him." A chittering giggle erupted from the Weequay, "What a coincidence! We want something from him too. You can have what's left of him when we're finished with him." Harend moaned in pain as the Devaronian tightened his grip on the man's shirt, "There won't be anything left of him."

"Ah ah ah," Lieutenant Velt warned, "Hurt him again and I'll hurt you." Both of his hands casually rested on the grips of the blasters that hung from each hip. "Don't make me repeat myself." Corran was hoping these thugs would take the smart way out. Avoid the risk of death and continue on with their lives. But he was fully prepared to carry out his promises. Avoiding a shoot out in this small establishment was preferred, but he'd staked his ground and would not falter from it. The only other thing that tugged at the back of his mind was Bri. If she was any other type of civilian, he'd want her out of any potential crossfire. Given her skills, and their mutual history, she might as well be the trump card.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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For the first time that evening, it seemed the Jedi and the Ranger disagreed. Despite the sudden outburst of violence against Harend - which no one else in Syngol's Turnaround seemed to care an iota about - Bri did not want to approach. Cen appeared to be alright, but the Jedi calculated that any interference on their end was likely to serve as gasoline on the fire. However, before she could offer a quiet opinion to Corran, he had set off, intent to break up the fight. "No, wait...." Ashteli muttered in hushed tones, trying to get Varlo to return, but it was too late.

A plan was slowly starting to form in her mind. It was risky. Here goes nothing.

Bri hurried after Corran and tried to slide back into her character. She stood idly by, trying her best to look afraid, or at least intimidated by the larger gangsters - the proverbial fish out of water. Which I guess I technically already am?

"I think he's had about enough, friends," - an amusing Outer Rim accent.

"Shut up and get lost. This is none of your business,"

"I'm making it my business. He has something I want. Drop him."

"What a coincidence! We want something from him too. You can have what's left of him when we're finished with him."

"There won't be anything left of him."

"Ah ah ah, "Hurt him again and I'll hurt you. Don't make me repeat myself."

Bri took the opportunity to speak up for the first time. "Umm.. I'm really sorry, but we need to talk to him... for just a few minutes," the Jedi tried to add sincerity to her voice, again fitting in oddly with with the two gangsters, and Corran's fake Outer Rimmer.

"What?" the Devaronian spoke first, sounding thoroughly annoyed with Bri-Ash's interjection. The weequay turned his head, looking similarly confused.

"Please.... my brother is missing. He might be in serious danger....." again the threat of more tears, and a quieter tone at the mention of peril. "This man might know something..." she turned her large, pleading blue eyes to Cen Harend, who, somehow, looked even more confused about the situation than the two gangsters. "Wait, I....." Harend started.

"I don't care about your damn brother!" the Devaronian interjected, quickly dismissing Ashteli's attempt to diffuse the situation.
The Jedi did not expect her emotional demeanor to affect the two gangsters like it had the previous two victims, and instead opted for a secondary course of action. Bri placed her hands on the Devaronian and the Weequay, this time exerting her abilities of the Force to add a certain degree of persuasion with her voice.

"Please. We just need to ask him a question or two. You won't mind if we talk to him for a few minutes." The Jedi knew she was taking a risk. Jedi Mind Tricks were not failproof, depended greatly on the biology of the target, and their own mental fortitude. Luckily it appeared that the two gangsters fit the bill.

The Devaornian was the less swayed of the two, and responded sounding slightly confused, "I won't mind if you talk to him for a few minutes?" Luckily, the Weequay had the weaker mind, and solidly responded, "I won't mind if you talk to him for a few minutes." The affirmative response seemed to convince his much larger colleague. Unfortunately, Cen Harend had also taken notice of the strangely developing situation, and had decided to seize the opportunity to make his own escape. As soon as the Devaronian let loose his grip on Harend's jacket, he bolted from the spot, tossing a table and chairs on the ground behind him to serve as obstacle.

"Oh, dosh." Bri cursed. She offered an additional frustrated glance at Corran. "Why do they always run...?" The Jedi quickly took the initiative to chase after Harend, nimbly hopping over the make shift impediments. It appeared that Syngol's Turnaround had a nondescript back exit, which Cen had known about, slipping behind a tall set of crates into what looked like a dead-end. Bri ran up and quickly noticed it was a rusted door, which was still groaning from Harend's energetic force in opening it. Not checking if the Ranger was following, Bri zipped through, finding the other side was a short, dimly lit ramp down into another alleyway.

Taking a large jump down, Bri ended up in a puddle, splashing the ground loudly. "Gross....." she muttered, taking the briefest of moments to look at her muddied boot, before continuing the chase of Harend, who had just exited the alleyway, taking an immediate sharp left.

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Corran Velt

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Diplomacy seemed to be the secret Jedi's preferred path. An ironic good cop, bad cop scenario given that Corran had played the tough guy card to try and brow-beat them into submission and Bri was the good cop. Usually religious extremists were the inflexible ones. Pleading with threatening waterworks didn't seem to be working. The Jedi took a few steps closer to the two thugs and Corran almost reached out to grab her arm instinctively, but refrained on account of her combat prowess. Her hands touched both of them, the demand spoken with more focus, and they... changed. The Devaronian uneasily and the Weequay in full agreement. Impossible. Was this some sort of... mind-control? Subluminal persuasion? Could all Force-users do this? More importantly, had Bri ever done it to him?

All those feelings of hers he mirrored. Laughter. Positivity. Patience. Frivolity. It would explain a lot. But she hadn't touched him. The hug, maybe? No, no, that action had been a mirror as well. These thoughts plagued the blond ranger so much that he didn't even notice the Hutt informant had taken off until the Jedi cursed. He blinked a few times to summon his own attention back to reality. Bri was already hurdling over overturned furniture. "Blast it," Corran muttered as he took off at a dead-sprint, leaping over the overturned table with experienced finesse.

The rearward storage area of Syngol's Turnaround made detection of the fleeing suspect challenging. Thankfully the whining of a rusty door shoved open by Bri acted as a guide. Good thing too because Corran wouldn't have found it as quickly otherwise. Slamming his shoulder through the exit, a small elevated ramp was the only thing that greeted him. So unexpected was the sudden change in artificial terrain that Lieutenant Velt lost footing and tumbled. He recovered with a somersault back onto his feet and continued the pursuit now almost shoulder-to-shoulder with his Jedi companion.

Taking a sharp left after the criminal had them gaining. Corran was youthful and physically trained for years in this sort of thing. Industrial buildings of all types lined the garbage-ridden and abandoned alleyways. Cen made a hard right and the Sector Ranger followed. Suddenly coming to a four-way intersection, the suspect seemingly vanished. "Where could he...?" Corran said aloud to no one in particularly as he skidded to a halt. Sky-blue eyes scanned in all directions. The warble sound of an old metal roof being stepped on forced his gaze upward. Only the glimpse of Harend's back was there. Without a word, the blond ranger bounded up a crate, grabbed the ledge of an elevated cargo ramp and hauled himself up with practiced effort. He turned only to call out to Bri, "Cut him off up ahead!" Corran then leaped up the slanted metal roof to give chase to their target.

Above the drab alleys below, Cen stood out like a tower in the desert. His silhouette against the grey sky meant he could only run; not hide. It was times like these that Lieutenant Velt appreciated all the foot-chases of his career. Bounding over gaps between buildings, ducking under strewn cables, and hoping over rooftop ducts made the whole affair more like a track meet than a dead sprint. Corran only needed to chase Harend until the Jedi got to him or he ran out of rooves.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Corran had quickly caught up with Bri, easily dodging the table-and-chair barrier, as well as the unexpected ramp and drop down from the building into the alleyway. Without the Jedi noticing, the Ranger was running shoulder to shoulder with her. The Jedi liked to stay in shape, but it was clear that Corran was in better shape.

At the end of the alley, following the sharp left turn, Bri just managed to catch a glimpse of Harend taking an immediate right at the next opportunity. The small street opened to a four way intersection. The Jedi and the Ranger stopped, with Lt. Velt wondering aloud where their target had disappeared to. A clanging of metal provided the winning clue. Looking up, Bri spotted Cen trying to make his getaway via the rooftops. Almost immediately, and what was probably a good bit of instinct, the Ranger had already begun to climb up, quite creatively, reaching the rooftops in moments.

"Cut him off up ahead!"

Bri had a pretty strong idea of what Corran was planning, and with their combined pursuit, they stood a much better chance of tracking down Harend. Just as the Jedi took off running, she sensed a small hum in her mind, before a blaster bolt whizzed past her head, striking a metal wall with a dissipating sizzle. The two criminals from Syngol's Turnaround had apparently shaken off the effects of the mind trick, and were now also in eager chase. "Ugh, really....?" The Jedi groaned. An annoying grin from the Weequay was met by Bri using her command of the Force to knock over the same crates Corran had used to climb up onto the rooves. It created a decent sized blockade on the small street. Hopefully that buys us some time.

Unfortunately, Bri's detour with the criminals had cost her time in the chase for Harend. She quickly took off running, just barely spotting the back of Corran's head a good twenty meters up and in front of her. The Jedi sprinted hard, attempting to catch up. If Harend had some sort of plan in mind to escape, or evade, Bri didn't spot it. Randomness seemed to prevail as left and right turns were selected inconsistently.

After a few more blocks, the Jedi spotted an end to the current series of interconnected rooves, meaning the informant would have to either find a way down, or just jump for it. The warehouses ended to more smaller, less interconnected buildings. A much larger construction site featured to their left. It was mainly an empty yard, though with a few feet of scaffolding preparing to build some kind of structure. Likely another warehouse.

Wisely, Harend did not attempt to jump down the ten odd meter height from the roof to the ground, and chose to take an alternative exit, a collection crates stacked neatly in segmented fashion. By this point in the chase, Bri's lungs were starting to protest at the continued exertion, and she was relieved at the opportunity to catch up, being already on the ground. Upping her speed to make the timing, the Jedi had a split second to get Harend to stop, and decided for a good, old fashioned tackle. Harend and Bri were about the same size, and her momentum was more then enough to clatter them both to the ground, rolling and sliding to a rather comical stop a few feet away.

Cen groaned, while Bri managed an 'Ow....", getting her body up off the informant. He was obviously in worse shape than the Jedi, as she rose to full height, placing her boot on the man's chest, not unlike a proud hunter and its capture. "Got him," Bri grinned, in between pants of breath, looking over at Corran approaching.

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Corran Velt

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Huffing in controlled, focused breaths, the undercover ranger stayed in hot pursuit of the fleeing suspect. Cen was making good time up ahead and having no difficulties bounding over obstacles or across gaps in the rooves. He seemed more the speedy and quick-thinking type than the muscley tough guy. The information dealer likely has outran most of his problems. Not this time. As Corran leapt from one roof to another, a blaster shot echoed through the air. He glanced back from where the sound came from. Where Bri and him had separated. Concern immediately panged in his chest. "Please be okay," the ranger prayed before sprinting off again to corner their mutual target.

One pre-fabricated roof followed another. By now the blond ranger was feeling that burning in his lungs. No matter how athletic someone was, you couldn't outrun biology. The gap between the two men was closing anyway. Then Harend suddenly stopped and began looking around frantically at the ground below. He'd run out of buildings. Appearing to find a way down without breaking bones, the suspect hopped off the ledge and down off to the left. Corran pumped his increasingly sore legs as fast as they could go. He reached the same ledge Cen had descended from and saw Bri picking herself up off the criminal before planting a firm boot on his chest.

If Lieutenant Velt had any breath left in his lungs he might have laughed. Not only was the spunky woman alright but she actually took down Cen. She was more cut out for Ranger work than she knew. Corran climbed down the same crates their new prisoner had but with with less abandon to avoid slipping. With both feet firmly back on the ground, he rested his hands on his hips and took in a deep breath. "Nice.... Nice work," a few more gulps of air separated the sentence, "You think... think fast. Respect... that."

The screech of a blaster pistol interrupted the victory. Corran immediately turned, putting Bri and Cen behind him, and faced where the shot had come from. It was those two goons from earlier. The Devaronian held a blaster in the air. He had discharged a shot to get their attention though he likely preferred to shoot the Jedi and the undercover ranger, they were too close to Cen to get a clear shot. Killing the informant they wanted with a stray shot wasn't something they wanted. "You said you wanted a minute. You had your minute," the bigger of the two thugs snarled, "Hand 'em over!"

Unflinching eyes stared them down. As much of an experienced gunfighter Corran was, he couldn't quick-draw two opponents with their blasters already out. Who was he, Preef Callo? They'd have to rely on something else or give up Harend entirely. "We didn't get to talk to him ye-" A red blast bolt scorched the dirt between the groups. "No more talking! Give us Cen!" The ranger slowly raised his hands in a form of meager surrender, but as he did so, twisted his waist ever so slightly. Bri, from behind, would easily see the grip of a blaster pistol sitting in his holster and well within reach. Corran hoped she could read his mind or have a better idea at hand. Their options were thinning.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Lt. Velt made up the ground, and arrived at the captured Cen Harend only a few moments after Bri had tackled him to the ground. Like the Jedi, he too was showing the obvious exertions of hard running, panting heavily as he complimented her work. Before Bri could offer any sort of witty response, their brief back-and-forth was interrupted by a the sound of a blaster shot. The reverberations cracked off the metallic surroundings, with a black singe mark on the ground a few feet in front. Dread quickly took over triumph as the overwhelming feeling within Bri's gut.

"You said you wanted a minute. You had your minute,"

The Devaronian and his Weequay buddy had managed to get past the crate obstacle, eager to apparently eager to retake Cen Harend back into their custody. Corran, logically responded, that they hadn't had the opportunity to ask him any questions. Unfortunately, that statement didn't quite mollify the two gangsters, who fired another warning shot into the ground.

"No more talking! Give us Cen!"

The Ranger slowly walked in front of the Jedi and the informant. Bri slowly got an idea of what he was trying to do, and it worried her. Unlike previously during the evening, the Jedi felt that there was a legitimate chance of injury to her partner from the two gangsters. I can't let that happen. However, to both of their detriments, they had just sprinted for a good half mile or so, and were now thoroughly gassed. The Jedi spotted Corran slowly reaching his hand behind his back. It was a seriously risky move. Despite his considerable skills, Bri doubted that he would be able to get multiple shots fired before either of the two could react.

I've got to do something. But what? Her saber was an option, but that would open a different set of issues. Their immediate surroundings were not exactly abandoned, and those who were nearby didn't seem to care in the least about the situation that was developing. However, Bri guessed that the appearance of her saber may cause some to stop and stare. She turned her attention to the build site on their right, and spotted some of the loose scaffolding. That might be it. The Jedi paused behind Corran, and focused on a weak point, reaching out with her right hand. Loosening and bending the connection between metal bars.

The Weequay however, was wise to the sudden motion of the woman, and fired a shot. Whether he was aiming for her or not, the dark red bolt blazed right towards Bri and made slight connection with her arm, singeing the jacket and skin underneath. The woman breathed quickly inward, a slight yelp of pain. Luckily, at the same time it became evident her previous efforts were enough. The grouping of scaffolding slowly start to lean, before tilting heavily right towards the two goons. The metal beams clanged and clattered, falling all around the Devaronian and the Weequay.

Still can't let him get hurt. As the collection of wooden and metal beams began to fall, Bri stepped right beside the Ranger, placing her left leg in front of his right - the ideal spot for the left-handed Jedi to pull out her saber and deflect a blaster bolt if necessary. Her arm was hot. Probably too hot, and the feeling where the bolt had skid against her was already starting to tingle sharply. The Jedi held it close against her chest but remained focused.

Good thing I'm a lefty.

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Corran Velt

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Seconds passed at a glacial pace. Each moment a possible link before death. A squeeze of the trigger by either one of the thugs could mean the end of someone for good. By now Corran couldn't shift his waist any further without drawing attention. He had hoped Bri would have drawn his blaster from his hip and gotten off a surprise shot. But the sudden jerk and loss of weight from the holster never came. Out of the corner of his right eye, construction scaffolding began to quiver. Any curious thought about that unnatural shambling was cut short by the heat of a red bolt darting over his shoulder. A hiss of pain from Bri behind him instinctively made the ranger draw his sidearm. Simultaneously the loosened scaffolding came tumbling down. The Weequay was the first to crumple under the shock and fell to the ground either by being hit by timber or for fear of his health. The Devaronian was made of tougher stuff and raised his arm to shield his hulking body from falling debris.

Bri's leg shifted in front Lieutenant Velt's right in a protective stance just as he raised his blaster with both hands on the grip. Realization dawned in the Devarionian's eyes as he became lined up in the ranger's iron sights. Three streaks of blue burped from the barrel. Bulk had a downside. Made a target easier to hit. Each shot landed true and the large alien groaned and gritted his teeth as he fell to his knees. Three more shots sent him falling backwards; stunned into long unconsciousness. Immediately Corran pivoted his aim to the Weequay on the ground. Two stuns shots slammed into his exposed shoulder and neck without hesitation.

The danger now averted, the blond man had an opportunity to get a handle on his surroundings. Sky blue eyes glanced down at the leg blocking his and then over to his right. "I'm starting to think you're my guardian angel," He quipped before his gaze settled on the wound Bri bore. "Let me have a look at that. Do we need to take you to the hospital? Can you... heal yourself?" Gravel shifted as someone on the ground attempted to sneak away. Without even looking and in the blink of an eye, Corran used his left hand to draw his other sidearm and point it at Cen Harend. "Don't even think about it," he warned. At this close of range, any pull of the trigger would hit the target. He was going nowhere.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Just as quickly as Bri could blink, Corran was able to fire off a few shots, aimed in the direction of the two goons. It was more than impressive how quickly and accurately he was able to respond. The falling scaffolding had put the Devaronian and the Weequay on the defensive, and the Ranger's stunning bolts were more than adequate to put them out of commission for the immediate future. The threat of imminent danger slowly passing, Bri's thoughts returned to the now dull pain that was seeping in her arm. She returned the glance at the same time as stepping away from her defensive position in front and to the side of the Ranger.

"Well, I dragged you into this so not sure if I can qualify as guardian angel this time around," she replied, a soft laugh following. Corran took her arm and proceeded to evaluate the wound. It was a grazing shot, but still struck enough to burn the woman's skin, causing tissue damage underneath. Bri tempted a finger to touch the wounded area, but only managed a slight glance, before quickly retracting and hissing once more in pain. "Crik," another curse.

"I don't think the hospital is necessary. I can stabilize it with the Force and then get some bacta on it once I get back to my ship." Plus, I think I'm going to need to use the Force again in a minute. The Jedi paused and closed her eyes. Breathing inward deeply, then outward. Inward. And outward. She held her left hand over the wounded forearm. Another deep breath in. And out. Bri actually found it easier to heal others than herself. When healing someone else, it was the literal transfer of Force energy from one to another. Healing and mending. But, when working individually, it became more of challenge to will the Force into healing the cells that were damaged, or destroyed. A warm sensation, this time reassuring and pleasant surrounded the wound, ceasing the dull pain. It was not a permanent fix, and any two handed grips with a lightsaber were out the question, but it would make do. The Jedi still held the arm close to her chest to prevent excess movement.

Meanwhile, Cen had thought to take the opportunity to escape, before Corran talked him into otherwise. Well, threatened with a blaster. Before Bri could even ask a question, the informant quickly claimed, with both hands up defensively, "Wait, ok, wait. I don't know anything important, I promise. I'm just a freelancer."

The task became more sensitive. Despite the level of trust she felt she now held with Corran the Sector Ranger, he could not know what she was looking for from Cen Harend. After what happened on Ajan Kloss, keeping the location and details of the Jedi temple on Yavin was paramount. There could be no exceptions. Well, except from the approval of the council.

The Jedi narrowed her eyes and tried to evaluate the statement. He seemed to be telling the truth. But, there was a more certain way Bri could check. She approached and kneeled down in close proximity to Cen Harend. Close enough to make the man feel uncomfortable. Soft blue eyes became steely as they bore deep into the man's face. "Do you know who I am. What I am?" simple questions to start.

"Uhh, no. Should I?" It was probably a lie. If he was paying attention, which I would suspect he does for a living dealing in information, Cen probably had spotted Bri both knock over the scaffolding, and semi-heal her arm with the Force. His face bore the expression of someone who looked both perturbed and confused about the developing situation. Also a slight invasion of his personal space. The feelings might have been quite different, if he didn't feel like he was being threatened, however. Women that looked like Bri Lanaamer tended to have a certain affect on men (and some women), especially being that close.

"I am a Knight of the Jedi Order." another simple statement. Cen's reaction was muted. No strong response.

"Is that supposed to mean something to me? I don't know any Jedi. Try to steer clear of 'em. For reasons exactly like this."

Guiding the subject of the mini-interrogation was enough for Bri's abilities with the Force to take over. Most Force sensitive beings were capable of detecting and interpreting the immediate, surface level thoughts, memories and emotions of a majority of individuals in their close vicinity. The Jedi hoped Cen would now let his mind wander, and she could feel any strong change in his feelings. Knowing intimate details about the Jedi temple would be a secret someone would carry heavily, or so Bri thought, and as a result, may cause a change in thought behavior. Especially under the threat of interrogation. The Jedi closed her eyes and tilted her head downward.

"Hey, wha....what are you doing?" a slight look of concern.

"Quiet," Bri's response was flat and emotionless, unlike any tone she had used earlier in the evening with the Ranger. Such was the seriousness at which she undertook the task at hand. A few moments of silence, and Bri re-opened her eyes. There was a slight fear about the situation, but nothing that felt like strong or active concealment. Either he's been trained to hide his thoughts about the Jedi, or he doesn't know anything.

It was a relief to consider the latter. But again, the solemnity at which Bri understood this particular mission still weighed heavily. She'd put a tracker on him to be followed by another Jedi, or herself, just to verify what he did or didn't know.

The Jedi stood back up and approached Corran once more. "I don't think he's got what I'm looking for. Do you need him for anything?" her tone of voice was back to its melodic pleasantness, though undercut with a feeling of slight un-satisfaction.

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Corran Velt

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Every time the Force manifested itself at the command of a Force user, Corran's mind could never fully grasp what it was witnessing. This time he was up close. A steady hand hovered over the damaged arm as the Jedi closed her eyes delicately. Nothing seemed to happen at first. The blond ranger glanced between the wound and Bri's face to determine if anything was in motion. Subtly, almost unnoticeably, the burn from the blaster shot began to soften. Red to a more soft pink. Corran's eyes widened in wonder. Magic wasn't real, he was told as a child, but here he saw it.

None of this distracted the experienced Sector Ranger enough to lower his guard, or blaster, around Cen Harend. Bri was quick to get to the interrogation. She closed the distance and knelt very close to the suspect's face. Intimidation was a new side to the woman Corran hadn't seen before. It was quite convincing even from a distance. He took the time to holster one of his blasters while the series of questions continued rather vaguely. What was she looking for? When the Jedi bowed her head and startled Cen did the Lieutenant take a step closer to possibly intervene. Her command of 'quiet' froze him as much as it silenced their prisoner. A tone of strength. There was more to this Force user than he thought.

The silence was only broken when the Jedi rose from her meditation without asking a single question more. Corran blinked in confusion as she returned to his side. Maybe that was some sort of mind-probe or sensing ability. Ilana had something like that. Could all Force-users read minds? At least her voice returned to something kinder - the way she usually spoke to him. "Yeah, I've got a couple questions for him," the undercover ranger responded.

A shadow cast itself over Harend as the blond man stood over him. The blaster only casually pointed in his direction. "What did those two guys want with you?" Corran pointed a thumb over his shoulder to the two stunned goons. Cen glanced over in the general direction before meeting his new interrogator in the eye. "I may have misled them on some information for a weapons deal. The Hutts offered to pay more because of plague stuff." The supposed smuggler nodded along. "Are you looking for a shipper for said weapons? I've got a YT-1300 with an empty cargo hold." Cen seemed to perk up at this possibility. "What about people? Slaves are dirt cheap and aplenty right now because of all the refugees. The weapons work too."

Corran chuckled lightly, "Hey, that's great to hear. Because you're under arrest." A slow reveal of the Sector Ranger badge under the false smuggler's jacket made the criminal informant's eyes bug out. "Uuuuuugggghhhh," he groaned as he laid his head back on the gravel; exhausted at this final twist of events in his day. In a smooth motion, Velt pulled out his comm and dialed his trainees. "Hey, it's Lt. Velt. I've got some suspects I need you all to detain, interrogate, book and hand over to local authorities." He winced and pulled the device away from his face for an instance as the excitement from the other end reached an uncomfortable limit. "Don't get too excited. Hurry to the warehouse district. I'm by a construction yard. I'll send you a ping. Oh and you all will be doing the documentation. I want it thorough and I will be checking."

In a short while, four young rangers were placing stun-cuffs on the knocked out aliens and the conscious information dealer. Corran oversaw the initial phase before finally turning to Bri with arms folded. "I think they've got this under control. Do you want me to escort you back to your ship?" Sky-blue eyes glanced down to the hurt arm across the Jedi's chest before meeting her face again. "Not saying you can't handle yourself, but the injury reduces your capabilities a small amount. Rough neighborhood and all too." A gentlemanly upbringing, ranger public-service, and selfish curiosity all worked together to compel the young man to make such an offer. An acquittance (friend?) getting jumped was unacceptable and maybe he'd get some answers about all the Force powers she really had.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri stood and watched, arm folded, as Corran proceeded with a few questions for Cen Harend. Unlike what she had done, the Ranger obviously concealed his true occupation, and guided the criminal informant into rather foolishly self incriminating himself. Harend groaned and made a face as the realization slowly dawned on him. The Jedi offered a slight scoffing laugh through her nose, and semi-smile as she observed the situation conclude. "Well, he kind of walked himself into that one," she offered as commentary.

There was also the remaining question of the two other criminals, the Devaronian and the Weequay, who had previously been stunned, and were now knocked out underneath a mess of metal. That point was subsequently answered by an additional call to the Ranger trainees that Bri had completely forgotten about. A comical scene played out in the Jedi's mind - Corran trying to manage the newbie Rangers, with comical hijinks ensuing. Could be a Holonet show. Bri could hear the excitement from the Rangers on the other end of Corran's communicator, which elicited another laugh. Their elation was quickly met with the promise of paperwork, which surely would dampen any delirium.

Just a few moments later, the four junior Rangers arrived to close out the scene, placing stun-cuffs on the three criminals. Bri only offered a nod of her head as some of them looked at her presence with slight confusion. As the situation was quickly wrapping up, the Jedi turned her attention to Corran as he addressed her. A wry smile met his proposition. She didn't expect to encounter any further issues on the walk back to ship, but the offer was thoughtful, nonetheless. The young woman pondered a counter proposal. Though the outcome of the evening had resulted in less than clear conclusions, the Ranger had still been generous with his time and was willing to help Bri with her problem - even in the face of danger. I'd like to repay the favor considering I have no idea when I may see him again.

"Sure, thanks for the offer," Bri offered a friendly smile. "Are you hungry? We could stop and pick up something on the way there. I don't know what else you had planned for your evening, but I still think I owe you for your help. I put you in danger and the best way I can think of repayment at the moment, is food," the woman offered a slight joke, despite the serious message of her fear for his safety. After a pause, she added, "running through alleyways always makes me hungry, anyways," with a grin.

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Corran Velt

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Corran blinked at Bri in subdued surprise. The offer to escort a wounded citizen to get medical slowly turned into something else. He wasn't sure what to call it. It felt rude to turn her down and those positive energies began to slowly apply pressure on his mood again. Not to mention he was a little hungry. "I could get something to eat," the blond ranger responded with two pats on his flat stomach, "The trainees and I found a nice on-the-go place a few days back. Lots of food you can eat one-handed." He nodded politely to her arm. The injury still worried him, as placated as it was, but if Bri wanted food then she must be feeling well enough. Corran motioned for her to follow and walked side-by-side. "Oh, and you don't owe me anything. The badge requires me to be in danger almost every day. Just part of life," he shrugged.

Without a tense hunt for a criminal hanging over them, the walk through town was quite nice. The sun was nearly set and night had begun to descend. Fewer denizens moved about and the streets were clearing after a busy workday. Sparks from the shipyards above twinkled like stars. The pair had been walking in silence for a while. Lieutenant Velt glanced at Bri out of the corner of his eye before darting his gaze forward. Everything about her was odd. She was a Jedi; a zealot. He distrusted those types innately. But she seemed so... normal. The other Jedi he knew were indifferent or arrogant. Bri could be any girl he grew up with. Not only that but her attitude spread to him. Tension when she was tense. Positivity when she was optimistic. That had to be some Force power. Maybe he'd get an opportunity to get some real answers about that.

"Um," Corran cleared his throat, "You did well today. Not many people can keep up in a foot chase. Your cover at the Turnaround was really good." He turned his head to look at her; a show of his seriousness. "And you likely saved my life. I don't know how you did it, but the collapse at the construction site. That was you... wasn't it?" Gratitude towards an aligned Force-user was hard. If it was anyone else, it wouldn't have happened at all. It was real though. Real thankfulness. Corran made a left turn from their current route and the food-place of choice was visible. A small, white semi-circular booth with five windows stood in the middle of otherwise occupied apartments and unoccupied businesses. Yellow lights from inside illuminated the three workers within. A family was getting their orders handed to them with the children eagerly taking their share and bolting off the run about and eat.

As the two approached the order window, a Gran in a clean apron leaned on the counter. "What can I get the two of youse young people on your date? We got ice pops, snack wraps, meat-sticks, whatever you see on the board." He gestured a tan hand to a holographic menu hovering behind him. Corran opened his mouth to reply but the words caught in his throat. His mouth clamped shut as pink glowed in his cheeks. He'd take a moment to recover, allowing Bri the opportunity to order first.

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Brienna Lanaamer

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Bri nodded with a smile. From past experience, it was rare that someone turned down the offer of a free meal. Well, in certain instances, like this one appeared to be. I don't think he's going to let me pay. A small laugh escaped her lips at the promise of one handed food. "Probably a good idea for the time being," she looked down at her arm. The two set off on a walk as Corran explained again how the Jedi didn't really owe him anything, due to the more dangerous nature of being a Ranger. Bri still disagreed, but didn't want to be too forceful in her correction. "Well, that may be true, but I'm still the one that dragged you into this situation. So I feel still a little culpable."

The two walked in silence for a few moments, giving Bri the opportunity to reflect on the surroundings. Dusk had just about reached Botajef's capital, with the day shifters already off and a few night workers just beginning. It wasn't a surprise, but ship building appeared to be a round the clock endeavor. The occasional loud clanging of metal punctuated the general hum of the city. It was a weeknight, and as a result, there was not much for nightlife happening around them. The city had a somewhat quieter feeling compared to earlier in the evening when their mini-adventure started.

Bri thought she caught a glance of the Ranger towards her direction, but any movement was quickly corrected. In the silence it was easier to concentrate, and she felt that Lt. Velt had something to ask her, or still held some kind of internal reservations. Is it something to do with the Force? Or the Order? The Jedi did not want to make any assumptions, but also did not want to press the issue with the Ranger. If it was something he wanted to talk about, then he could raise it with her.

The silence was interrupted by Corran providing a compliment for Bri's actions that evening. "Oh, well thanks." Not one to be great at accepting praise, Bri's response sounded almost half-hearted. Instead, she defaulted to another self-deprecating comment. "Been doing my best to lay off the junk food," came a laughing response, along with pat of her stomach. The Jedi never described herself as, 'thin,' but also didn't look like someone who over indulged on unhealthy snacks.

The conversation then turned a little more serious as the Ranger turned his head to face Bri, looking at the Jedi inquisitively. The woman's tone matched the Rangers. "Yes, it was," with a nod. "Seemed like the best choice in the moment, and worked out pretty well" came an additional, analytical sounding, justification. The more Bri thought about it, however, the more she felt a little remorseful. Not for her actions helping to save them from two goons, but for the workers who would show up the next morning to find a rather large mess to clean up.

After a quick turn, a small looking restaurant took up Bri's view. Situated snugly in between a number of shops and tall apartment buildings, the building looked to have a small eating area on the inside, but customers seemed to more frequently use the street level window, currently being manned by a Gran. After a family getting a meal in front of them departed, which made Bri smile, the two stepped up to place their orders. They were met with a friendly comment from the proprietor, which made Corran blush and Bri laugh, though a slight tinge of embarrassment was present even on her cheeks.

"What can I get the two of youse young people on your date? We got ice pops, snack wraps, meat-sticks, whatever you see on the board."

Corran was definitely nice, good looking, and though Bri did like to tease him, the chemistry she felt with him - after an evening in his company - seemed more like siblings. Their matching blonde hair and blue eyes might even convince a few strangers. Plus, as a Jedi she didn't really do relationships. Corran was evidently indisposed, and Bri stepped forward to place her order. She tapped her chin with her free left hand replied, "The meat sticks sound good, I'll have a couple of those, along with the fried chips," turning to look at Corran for his turn.
 

Corran Velt

Character
Rank
Lieutenant

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TerranSteel
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Embarrassment eventually surrendered to indignation as the initial shock wore off. Bri didn't even correct the purveyor. "It's not a..." Corran mumbled through gritted teeth. He was cut off by the Gran with a wave of the hand and a subtle wink with two of his three eyes, "Yeah, yeah, sure buddy. Whadda ya want?" The ranger sighed in mild annoyance but decided to let it not get to him for much longer. "I'll take a meat-stick." The Gran typed in their orders into the console in front of him. "That all? The little lady is gonna out each 'cha." He chuckled at the thought. "I'll toss an ice-pop for ya. How's that?" Didn't sound like the Lieutenant had much of a choice. He handed enough credit chits to cover the order to the alien who accepted them neutrally. It was all relatively cheap food anyway. "It'll all be done here in a minute. Don't go nowheres," the Gran said cheerfully as he walked away from the serving window to go help cook.

And then they were alone. The small courtyard where the food stand resided was more a park than anything urban. A quiet place for families to come on evening strolls after long shifts at the dockyards, freight yards, or shipping hubs. It kind of reminded Corran of Commenor in his youth. A planet that wasn't known for manufacturing ships but for receiving thousands of them a day in vast trade fleets coming and going. His mother warned him to always check if a shooting star was just a freighter leaving port before wishing on it. These reminiscings reminded the young man how normal his life had been before joining the Sector Rangers. Before fighting shadow wars against criminals and terrorists. Before meeting force-users.

"So, you can pull or move things," Corran began slowly to break the quiet, "Heal others and yourself, more or less." He looked at her arm while his hand rose to his forehead and rubbed it gently. An odd habit. "I've seen flames summoned into a palm out of thin air. Lightning shot from fingertips. Battle droids tossed through walls like rag dolls. What else can you... do?" The 'you' could be taken generally as in 'all force-users' but was spoken with a hint of the personal 'you.' What Bri could do. Different powers had been utilized by the Jedi woman in their hunt for Cen Harend. All of them a mystery. Bri seemed a private person, often vague in her answers and quick to joke about herself. But the Lieutenant wouldn't let things go so easily. He tucked his hands into his jacket pockets and tried to give off a curious innocence.

@ModernMarvel
 
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