Ask The Beer Hall Putsch

Jacob Richter

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Out of the way bugeye

The Rodian feigned offence as Jake shouldered past, but didn’t protest at the insult, slinking warily into an alcove. The squeaky runt knew his place.

Jake shot him a warning look as he sidled past. A part of him wanted to put an end to the Rodian just for looking so outraged, but that was not what he was here for. Not tonight. Besides, it would be a bad idea to draw attention.

He stepped down to the lower level of the bar, careful not to spill the three drinks as he set them down on the table.

Enjoy chaps”. His companions thanked him; two weather-beaten dockworkers from the main town on the island.

“It’s like I was just saying to Jax” the larger man said “every year it gets worse. We used to have just one big race a year, now we’re up to three. Half the sector piles in every time, drain us dry and then they’re gone again”.

“It wouldn’t be so bad if there were still plenty of locals racing” the other added, “but they haven’t got the credits to enter the big stakes they’re asking now. So between races it’s a ghost town. My mates on South Island say it’s the same there”.

They’re aliens” Jake said, taking a swig of his drink. “They’re not Human and they’re not from Corsin. They’re not gonna care. It’s just take, take, take and to hell with you guys. I’ve seen the same thing back home”.

“But getting organised like you say” one cut in “it’s easier said than done. And what if we start with what you said and we get caught?”

There’s ways gentlemen. Ways....”. Jake lowered his voice and began to explain to the two how they could fight back. They were simple men, but he could talk simple when required. Besides, he felt a connection with them however slight – they were strong guys, patriotic and trying to save their world from a government that was blind the damage outsiders were wreaking. Jake had seen it so many times and he was not going to let another world go under. It was time to turn the tables.

They lapped up his advice gladly. After all, he knew what he was doing. Soon enough, he would prove it to them too.

I’ll be back in three weeks” he explained “we’ll meet somewhere different next time. By then you need to have your people organised and have the lists of names we talked about. Then we’ll show them you mean business”.

They shook hands eagerly and passed Jake his credits. His help and advice did not come for free and all funds went to the cause. “I believe in your two” he told them, looking each of them in the eye. They would need courage for the task ahead.

With that, he zipped up his jacket and made ready to leave.



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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It seemed like a simple job. A low-ranking official on Corsin caught wind of something big, illicit and xenophobic going on. With few people on the planet being trustworthy, Sector Rangers were contacted. However, the rangers couldn't act without solid evidence and based on bare assumptions. That led to the job being "outsourced" to a Jedi, if one were willing to take it. As the Force would have it, Knight Nykoria Tallis was nearby and volunteered. Her objective: track down a couple of dockworkers to the meeting spot, see if they're conspiring with anyone, and what they're up to.

Lucky for the Zeltron, the meeting was to occur in a public place—a bar. Her standard attire could blend in nicely. The dark-brown leather jacket on top of it hid the lightsaber hilts secured horizontally on the back of Kori's utility belt. The heavy stun pistol holstered on her right hip was her only visible tool of self-defense.

But ideally, Kori wouldn't need it. With the Force, she would be able to overhear a conversation in a cantina without approaching her marks or bothering with technology. After that, it was a matter of approaching without drawing attention and engaging the recording device in the pocket. After all, a word of a Jedi—even Kori, who had helped the Rangers before—wouldn't be sufficient evidence.

"Sorry, didn't mean it," the Zeltron graced the Rodian with an apologetic smirk, as she had almost bumped into the alien. She sensed the man's powerless anger and self-bashing for not standing up to the guy who had insulted him earlier. If left unchecked, it could result in trouble. Taking pity for the alien, Kori decided to help; in the only way she knew how. She patted the alien on the shoulder and made a waving gesture towards the exit: "Wouldn't it be nice to go home and spend some time with the people you care about?" The Rodian nodded and headed towards the exit. Apparently, he did find the suggestion that the Zeltron had subtly instilled through the Force agreeable.

...​

That was a risk, Kori. You've interfered in that man's life and almost made the choice for him. Let alone the fact that you've made your presence in the Force known. Can't you feel the cold? That's a telltale sign of a dark side user nearby. Even if you can't tell who he is yet, or if he has buried his presence. And your little "persuasion" might've alerted them to a Jedi nearby.

Hey, I couldn't just leave the guy bashing himself over the insult and lack of courage. Besides, I haven't been hiding my presence and alignment in the Force anyway. Had to focus on not drawing attention and listening to the voices of our marks. Though you're right, it's time to be more discreet.

...​

Leaning over the rails, the purple alien with indigo hair observed the lower level of the bar. Closing her eyes briefly, Nykoria tried to conceal her presence within the Force, while reaching out in all directions herself. Her goal was to become a thousand eyes and ears spread all over the place. For a few moments, she saw and heard everything going on. A Weequay sharing a tale about his adventures in space; a Twi'lek giggling to a joke made by her suitor; a glass accidentally dropped, and a drink spilled... Three people discussing aliens; one of them sounds like he's trying to persuade his listeners to do something... Bingo!

The Zeltron focused on those particular individuals, shutting out the other invisible "eyes" and "ears". On the outside, however, she was still enjoying the view and just looking at the crowd. Yet her attempt to be omnipresent produced a curious effect. Instead of hiding the presence of the light side, Kori accidentally made it evident. The aura filled the bar, making its source harder to identify. Let's hope nobody pays too much attention to it.

Meanwhile, the stranger had finished talking with her marks and prepared to leave. And Kori hadn't even recorded anything! That's alright. You know those two are up to something. New plan: take note of their contact; wait for him to disappear; track down one of those guys when he's alone; "persuade" him to tell what he knows on record.

@Alhon
 
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Jacob Richter

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Jake rose from the table, turning to leave and having to steady himself as a strange sensation passed over him in a wave. He had never been a lightweight. His military days had made him and alcohol firm friends. What was it then?

The feeling came again briefly, passing across his body like the raking of a searchlight. He recognised it now and smiled in anticipation.

We're being watched” he said quietly to his comrades "As soon as I'm gone, get yourselves out of here and split up". They both nodded obediently, glancing warily around the bar.

Jake made for the door, walking calmly but with purpose. The dockworkers could look around the bar all day. The one that threatened them was not like them, but like Jake, with the power of the Force in their palm. They could be hiding that power under any exterior. Whether or not they were specifically tailing Jake and his companions, they would not be obvious to the naked eye.

He reached the door and slipped out into the street, checking the saber hilt concealed in the long back pocket of his waistband. He hoped it wouldn't be needed. Though he knew enough to sense that he was not dealing with a fellow Sith - likely one of the misguided Jedi - their meeting didn't have to mean the Jedi's end.

The street was empty and Jake's hands curled into fists as he began to draw the Force around him, shrouding his presence as he stepped into the shadows of an alley.

Piecing blue eyes fixed on the front door of the bar, he watched for his comrades leaving and, with any luck, their mystery pursuer.



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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Not long after the mysterious contact disappeared, the two dockworkers stood up from the table. Perhaps it was the time to bump into one of them? Spill a drink, apologize, wait for the other guy to leave, and then have "a talk". Alas, the marks were sticking together for the time being. Bumping into one of them meant that the other would certainly remember a pink-skinned indigo-haired woman. The Zeltrons did stand out in a crowd of humans; just like Twi'leks and Pantorans did.

That's why Kori bided her time and let the two men walk right past her. Up close, she could sense their cautiousness. It was as if they were up to no good, and their own fear tailed them like a shadow. Yep, definitely my guys. She followed the men outside the bar and into the streets, at a respectable distance. Focused on her marks; oblivious to everything else.

As one of the men turned to the side alley, while the other continued down the street, the Zeltron saw her opportunity. With a smirk of confidence on her lips, Kori turned towards the side alley, tailing the man. "Excuse me," she raised her voice a little, but spoke softly; mainly to keep things on the low, but also so as not to spook her target. Still, the dockworker jumped from surprise as he turned around to face the disturbance.

"I think you dropped something at the bar," the Zeltron waved to the dockworker in a friendly greeting. Some truths (and a little application of the Force) made the story more believable and allowed the Zeltron to approach without worrying her target too much. Kori knew that the closer she got, the easier it would be. At close range, her species' natural pheromones would also take effect: calm the dockworker down. Hopefully, that would make her questions and Force persuasion even harder to resist. Up close, she'd press the button on the recording device in her pocket, before asking: "I also think you want to tell me what the meeting was about."

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Jacob Richter

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Jake watched the woman with narrowed eyes. She might have been Human if not for the garish skin and hair, maybe even a pretty one at that. His youthful features stopped just short of a scowl. Zeltrons had a certain appeal, and this one was a Jedi. She wasn't completely irredeemable.

The woman tailed the dockworkers up the street, following in their steps though she made every effort to conceal it. There could be little doubt she was the one he'd felt. Now it would be him who would get the jump on her, hidden in the shadows as he was and with her attention focused on hers charge.

She let one of the men go to Jake's surprise, opting to slip after the smaller one as he hurried into the opposite alley across the street. Bending the Force to his aid, Jake could just hear her call to the dockworker, probing him about their meeting.

Oh no you don't dear.

He stepped quietly across the street, rolling the soles of his boots to muffle his approach. She had her back to him now, focused on her interrogation.

It was only right to introduce himself.

Stepping into the alley behind her, Jake swept up and across with the Force, aiming to lift the Jedi off her feet and pin her against the wall. Fresh and fueled with anticipation for their meeting, it was a a powerful blow designed to hold her fast.

Then it would be time to ask some probing questions of his own.



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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Kori approached the dockworker, sensing his concerns fading away with every step she took. The Zeltron had no doubt that the mark would spill it soon enough, taken in by her harmless appearance and application of the Force. The job was definitely below the pay grade of a Jedi. Then why was there still doubt lingering on the fringes of the Knight's confidence? There were more emotions than Kori would've expected from the dockworker. The Zeltron's senses picked up... passion? A strange addition to the mix, unless...

The woman almost managed to turn around, suspecting that the unexpected feeling was someone else's. She had only managed to interject a surprised "Huh?" before everything hit her. The whole specter of the stranger's emotions. The cold presence of the Dark Side of the Force. Invisible energy that lifted the unprepared Jedi from the ground and pinned her back against the wall, making her gasp—more from surprise rather than from pain. All too easy, eh, Kori?

Pressed against the wall—both figuratively and literally—the Zeltron struggled to turn her head and take a look (and sense) at her attacker. He was a Sith; that much was obvious. Yet to the Jedi's surprise, she didn't feel the murderous intent, despite his attack. Then again, the Sith were proficient at hiding their intentions until the moment they'd decide to make a move; Nykoria had learned that the hard way. She would need to break the man's hold over her, when the time was right. For that, she had to repress her fear and concentrate. Emotion, yet peace, Nykoria.

The sudden display of supernatural abilities scared the mind trick out of the dockworker entirely. It made the man take a few hesitant steps back, before he'd turn around and try to make a run for it, breathing heavily. Nykoria couldn't do anything about that at the moment. But she knew both men; she could track them down at any time and "persuade" them to talk. That sudden realization contributed to Kori regaining control of her emotions.

Until there was any immediate danger, the Zeltron allowed the stranger to keep her pinned against the wall and exhaust his own stamina. After a brief chuckle, Kori stared at the stranger with a rather out-of-place smirk. Out of any words, she said the first thing that came to her mind, with some hesitation: "Why, hello there..."

@Alhon
 

Jacob Richter

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"I know, I know" Jake smiled manically, looking the Jedi up and down "not the best first impression, I get you. But you see you kinda set the tone lady, sneaking up on my friend here". The young Sith nodded to the dockworker, who needed no encourage to run for it, nearly falling over himself as he disappeared into the night.

Jake kept his gaze firmly on the woman in his grip. She'd been taken off guard sure enough, but she was not going to pieces. Not yet. There was a certain steel about her, at least for now. Though his
casual attire was a far cry from typical Sith kit, Jake could tell she guessed who he was. Or more precisely, who he was with.

"So what's your name?" he asked her pointedly. "And what you doing here?"

He knew the answer to the second question of course. She was here to see what Jake and his friends were up to. He was not going to waste time pretending they were not up to something. Both he and the pink princess had better things to do with their time. But what was she planning to do with her information? If it was stop them, then as always the real question was;

"-why?" he added. "Why's it matter to you what's going on here?". Few Jedi seemed to give much thought to why they did what they did. This one would probably be no better. She was clearly not a Corsinian herself, but instead one of the many offworlders the locals resented so much. What did she even know of the struggles she was ignoring here.

Jake feigned nonchalance as he waited for his answers. In truth, he was beginning to feel a stiffening in his outstretched arm and the rise of a dull ache in the back of his neck. He was strong, both in the Force and in body, but he could not hold her indefinitely. The effort was already beginning to drain him.



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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Good news: the stranger didn't try to kill or maim immediately. That left the Zeltron with more time to regain her composure and concentration. Even better, he was seemingly inclined to a casual chat. Kori attempted to shrug at the man's initial remark, but the applied Force meant that she had to settle for an awkward motion of her shoulders. "It's ok. I already see that you hold me high," the woman retorted with a wisecrack, even though the smirk was gone from her face.

Then the question came: the name. How was she supposed to introduce herself, and to a Sith of all people? Tallis? The last name has a nice ring to it, but leaves a trail. Not something you'd tell the supposed enemy of your Order. Nykoria? Less of a trail, but too pompous and formal. Shiri, just like a Twi'lek BFF from the academy? Best option at first glance; but if the enemy knew your real name already, it'd lead to trouble. No, it had to be...

"The name's Kori," the woman replied after a few moments of thought. Sure, a pet name was inappropriate for the circumstances. But it didn't leave a trail. And if the stranger knew her real name, the woman would have an excuse—she didn't actually lie. Meanwhile, the stranger asked a couple more questions. Purpose was the easy part, but reason... Yet luckily, Kori had an answer that wouldn't allow to blame her for the lack of sincerity.

"You've figured the what already," the Zeltron gritted her teeth momentarily between words, steeling her self for the inevitable less pleasant part of the conversation. "As for the why..." she let the Force flow through her and build up inside, preparing for whatever might come next. Yet even though she could try and break the man's hold over her, she opted to wait for whatever move he intended. "I was hoping that you or your friend could tell me that."

"Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to dodge the question," A smirk crossed Kori's lips; she didn't actually lie again. "But once I know what exactly you three are up to, I'll have a more certain answer." The Zeltron made her semi-shrug again: "Until then, I can only say the standard 'increase the peace' line."

The smirk widened into a radiant grin, as the Jedi had come up with something really punny, just for the occasion: "It's totally fine though, you can leave me hanging."

@Alhon
 
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Jacob Richter

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"Typical" Jake snorted.

He released his hold suddenly and without warning, likely sending the Zeltron sliding to the floor.

"You don't even know what you're in the middle of here, Kori, there's no peace to increase". Jake stepped sideways around the woman as he embarked on setting her straight. He was unconcerned about releasing her. She was not likely to come for him and if she did he would deal with her.

"Corsin's not at peace. Like a thousand other worlds there's a war waging beneath the surface. The decay, the stagnation, the struggle of the ordinary men and women who can't get a fair crack of the whip on their own world". The young Sith's wide smile was gone now, replaced by the cold fire of conviction in his eyes. "Those who want a better future have to rise up and take it Kori, who are you to tell them they can't?" He shook a curled fist in her direction, inadvertently drawing the wind into the narrow alley, before he steadied himself.

"You don't know their life, you don't know mine." He looked her up and down. " But you have power - like me - why waste your time with damned Jedi?"



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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Suddenly, the invisible barriers keeping Nykoria pinned to the wall were gone. Unprepared for it, the Zeltron slid down the wall, landing on one knee. To her surprise, the stranger... helped her up? He seemed to have been expecting that sort of answer. Perhaps the Human had his own prejudices about the Jedi, just like the Zeltron had about the Sith. To top it off, the man had an agenda; his determination and belief virtually emanated from him, easy to pick up for empathic and Force-sensitive beings. Kori was both.

"Maybe you're right," she shrugged, dusting her clothes off. Her law-enforcement training reminded her about the first lesson of dealing with fanatics: don't argue with them. The stranger was... well, strange somewhat, but he seemed reasonable. Yet you know how they say: "Beware of a silent kath-hound and still water." Still, the man had a point. "I don't know what I've gotten into."

Inadvertently, the stranger had also let slip what the whole thing was about. A revolt of some kind? Regardless, the stranger was also right about another thing: the order of things wasn't always just. And if people wanted a better life, the Jedi couldn't stand in the way. It was not the place of the Order to decide other people's fates. But what they could do was to ensure that someone's fate wouldn't get cut off violently and prematurely.

A sudden gush of wind sent the Zeltron's indigo hair waving and returned her from the train of thought to reality. She flinched at the surprise, but remained startled only a couple of moments longer. "I... can't blame people for wanting change," she tilted her head, looking at the stranger intently. "I guess... All I'm after is to reduce people's suffering, change or no change. Violence..." Kori cast down her brown eyes and lowered her tone; it was evident that the next topic was deeply personal to her. "... Sometimes it carries people too far from themselves, and only breeds more violence and misery in turn."

"As for the Jedi," she looked at the stranger again, from under her eyebrows, still thoughtful. "It's simple. Unlike many people back home, they accepted me for what I was. Taught me how to control my powers..." The Zeltron now met the stranger's gaze head on: "... And of the responsibility that comes with them." In layman's terms, a Jedi's abilities were both a gun and a healing kit. And as the the Force would have it, Kori had those abilities. As her master would put it: "It isn't much different from a peace officer being entrusted with a weapon."

Kori sensed that the Sith would probably have an argument or two against what she had said. After a moment of hesitation, she asked a question of her own. Partly because she wanted to change the topic, and partly because she was genuinely curious: "But what about you, stranger? What makes you tick? And more importantly..." The Zeltron lightened up a little: "What is your name?"

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Jacob Richter

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Kori actually seemed to consider his words. She could be just pretending to of course, but Jake suspected her mind was not entirely closed. He didn't know much about aliens, hell why would he want to, but even a back alley boy from Desevro knew about Zeltrons and their talents. It wasn't exactly their empathy that made them famous in Maslovar's nightclubs, but it was renowned all the same. Perhaps she couldn't help but hear him out - it was her nature - and through it he would make her understand. He would show her the way.

Jake was about to tell her how she'd got her responsibilities all mixed up, that she owed the Jedi nothing for the shackles they had fashioned in mind. But she suddenly turned the questions round on him and he smiled in the spotlight.

"Jacob Richter" he volunteered, introducing himself unashamedly. His political action back in the Hegemony had already put him on most wanted lists. She'd find out his name eventually. "You can call me Jake though, now we're friends". He sniggered at that last word, knowing she would tie herself in knots trying to work out if he was serious. Jedi always did when they met anything other than the heavy-breathing violent type - their training didn't prepare them for thinking people who simply chose a different way. Only for monsters.

"...and I'm not so different to you princess. I'm all about ending folks' suffering too. The difference is I've seen it, I've lived it, and I know the rot that needs burning away. I'm ready to light that fire". He took a step a little closer, knowing on some level she could feel him more than most.

"I could show you, you know".

He realised he could sense her now, a radiant aura that tugged at him, trying to calm his fire. He shut it out on instinct. The woman had a certain appeal, it was true, but it needed no exaggeration.




@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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The Zeltron made a rather amused scoff through her nose at the mention of "friends". Who would've thought? Then again, Kori took it with a grain of salt. She had seen Sith going from "Hello, friend!" to "Kill-them-all rampage!" in a matter of minutes. That's why Kori left that remark unanswered. "Jake," she simply pronounced the stranger's name, as if savoring it. Yes, it would have to do. If Jake had any ill intent towards her, she'd hopefully feel it and be ready. Keep a Sith close, and the lightsaber closer, right?

Jake's "we're not so different" comment made Kori tilt her head in the other direction, a strand of hair landing over her left eye. Yet she didn't notice it, processing what the Sith had said. Yes, she knew what he meant. The righteous anger at the injustice plaguing the galaxy. The subtle frustration at the inability to right the wrongs on your own...

But you're gifted! You have the power to make everything right! All it takes is to give into that feeling. Become your true self.
If you give into it, you'll lose yourself. You felt it, didn't you? Back on Coruscant, when you almost killed your once-best friend.

The Jedi shook her head, as if chasing away a bothersome insect or an indecent thought. "I know. And I've had the same urges, more than once. I just..." She started, still unsure what she wanted to say. "... I think that a fire can cause more trouble than in can solve." Kori stood still, half-turned to her vis-a-vis, who made a step towards her. "I guess that's the other difference between us..." She raised her eyes to meet Jake's and shrugged: "... And I don't know if anything you could show me would change that."

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She was a difficult one to read.

Jake had long had a talent for getting others to listen, for rousing something in them that made them open their mind. But Kori was a Jedi and naturally suspicious of him. It was always difficult to get past that conditioning, to make them see the lies they had been told. He had tried to show her by his actions that not everything she thought she knew about the Sith was true. He could not change her mind overnight, but he could give her reason to doubt.

She might have been wavering. Though she claimed they remained on different sides, she admitted to feeling the pull of her powers. There was something uncertain about her protests. Something weak.

"Well it's up to you, cupcake" he said, holding her gaze. "You can come with me, and use your gifts to do some real good. Chase down the real bad guys in this universe. Or...you can keep keeping your false peace till you're old and grey, and see where it gets you".

Jake stepped back, gesturing down the alley, back towards the street. "If you're not stopping, best you go that way, I go mine, and we both hope we don't cross paths again. It wouldn't be good for you darling'. His smile hardened briefly into a resolute expression. "Either way, you're done with my two friends. They've got work to do here".

"Ball's in your court".



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

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"Ball's in your court."

The choice that Jake offered was fairly simple, binary. Be with him or against him. As a Jedi of old once said, "Only a Sith deals in absolutes". Sure, it was an absolute statement in itself. And that particular Sith had shown more restraint than Kori would've given him credit for. Did it spur the Zeltron towards the Sith beliefs of violence and conflict being the solution? Not by an inch. But did she want to part ways there and then, only to meet as enemies next time? That was the question to answer.

The purple-skinned alien ignored the condescendingly-flirtatious remarks and lowered her gaze again, processing everything she had heard. Come with me, and use your gifts to do some real good. Chase down the real bad guys in this universe. That... didn't sound too bad. After all, that's what Kori was doing already, by tracking down the dockworkers. And if there was crime corruption at play there on Corsin—there always was—then wasn't it a Jedi's duty to expose it and bring the perpetrators to justice? If anything, Kori could try and make sure that the process wouldn't lead to unnecessary misery and destruction. And if the Sith proved to be lying, she'd "use her powers to do real good" alright.

The alternative would be to leave the Sith and his cronies running around. Tracking them down at a later date. Potentially letting them cause whatever trouble they were up to. Probably remaining oblivious to their plan. In that case, what did she stand to lose if she agreed to the offer? A thought from moments before resurfaced in Kori's mind, but with a new meaning. Keep a Sith close, and the lightsaber closer... Right.

Kori met Jake's gaze again, her facial expression just as resolute and serious as Jake's: "If I come with you, then we've got to set some ground rules. I am a Jedi, first and foremost. I'm not leaving the Order, breaking contact with them, or denouncing the code. I'm not letting my emotions get the better of me and cloud my judgement." The Zeltron paused for a moment and gave her vis-a-vis an inquisitive look to gauge his reaction so far. "Most importantly, I do not kill. And I try to avert murder and suffering when there is a better way. Which always exists."

A smirk of confidence made its way on Kori's deep-purple lips as she finished her speech: "I also need to know more about anything I'm getting involved in before I do anything more than observe. If your supposed 'bad guys' turn out to be good guys, I will try to stop you. And you wouldn't be able to jump me so easily next time." The gaze of Kori's brown eyes now had a daring glint; as if challenging the Sith to accept those terms: " You think you can work with that?"

She tilted her head and added in a somewhat less enthusiastic tone: "If not, then we just part ways and cross paths again next time, as you suggested..." Jake was probably expecting something along those lines when he made the offer. If not, then Nykoria was simply returning the favor, since the man had been so sincere. At least she now knew of "the third way", and where exactly she drew the line. It was up to the Sith whether or not he could give up an absolute and settle for the middle ground.

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Jake felt a certain weariness as he listened to the woman's reply. She offered to come to with him sure, but not because she wanted to learn the error of her ways. Rather, she fancied herself as a paragon of virtue, standing by his side and supervising his work. Her skewed morals and ethics would do nothing but get in the way.

"I am a Jedi first and foremost'. Alright then, he had his answer.

She would not break. She wouldn't even bend. It was sad really, and hugely disappointing. Part of Jake wanted to strike out at her there and then, to destroy her utterly as a means of venting his frustration. To destroy enemies was certainly his first impulse and perhaps he should have listened to it.

"No" he said with finality, "I can't work with that, Jedi, and you know it". He started to back away, in the direction the dockworker had fled. "I was offering an invitation to an ally, not an enemy. You've made it clear that's what we are Zeltron. You go look for your better way down there" he gestured in the opposite direction. "Maybe one day you'll realise it's not there and never works. Come find me then".

He blew her a sarcastic kiss. "Don't follow me in the meantime. I'm done playing with my food".

Jake turned and walked away quickly.

What a waste of time.



@Catbert
 

Nykoria Tallis

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
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OOC
Catbert
Joined
Apr 26, 2020
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And there we have it. Only a Sith deals in absolutes. Perhaps there was truth to that Jedi saying after all. Kori was willing to bend the rules, go with a supposed enemy and see how he saw the world... All she asked was for him to be open to see her side as well. Could she have worded it better? Gained a chance to slowly turn Jake into a force for... well, not for good, but for something better? Perhaps. But the Sith had been so stuck up about his way being superior! It's only fair that I got defensive... No matter. What's done is done, Kori.

If he truly cared for the better of the people, he'd be open to the opinions other than his own. And what did he expect? That she'd throw away a decade of training after a few compliments and a simple "Your beliefs are all wrong, mine are better" lecture? Did he take her for some sort of a Padawan?! He sure was condescending throughout their talk. Not that it didn't have its charm, but still...

The Zeltron could see scenarios where what Jake told could've gotten through to her. Like back on Coruscant all those years ago. A 19-year-old Kori would've been all to eager to do more than a Force Push on her BFF and boyfriend when she caught them together. But to sway Jedi Knight Nykoria Tallis, Jake would need to show her something truly moving or horrible. Like a slaver torturing his subjects in cruel ways for some twisted pleasure. Then Kori could have considered breaking her code and striking that scum down, just to rid the galaxy of it.

Those thoughts made the Zeltron leave almost all of Jake's preaching unanswered. I'm done playing with my food. Kori had a whole lot of possible answers for that. From "Bite me" (and ruder versions) to "Try not to bite more than you can chew", or "Be careful not to choke on your aspirations". Yet in the end she settled for... staying silent. She only returned a confident smirk to Jake's dramatic gesture, before turning around and going in the opposite way, just as he suggested. Only that time, she'd be more mindful of her surroundings, ever prepared to summon a saber to her hand and defend herself.

As they were far enough that Kori no longer sensed Jake, she allowed herself some rest and retrospect. The mission was a failure. Jake refused to cooperate. Kori lost the dockworker before she could record anything from... Hold on a second! Something occurred to the Zeltron reached into the pocket of her jacket and fished out a small recording device. The one that she had activated just before she'd talk to the dockworker. A red light indicated that the machine was still recording. With a triumphant grin, the Jedi hit the button to end the recording. Bingo!

Even though the dockworker hadn't spilled it, Kori had her entire exchange with Jake on record. She also vaguely remembered parts of the discussion from the bar. Something about "three weeks", "getting people organized", and "not caring about non-Humans". That wasn't a lot, and Kori didn't know the details. But it was definitely something worth reporting to the Jedi Order and the Rangers. They'd know how to handle the rest.

The Zeltron continued down the street, at peace and with a confident smile on her face. Her faith in the Jedi and their teachings was reinforced. She hadn't completely botched the job. And she had gotten a valuable reminder of being mindful of her surroundings.

A time well spent.

// END THREAD
 
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