Ask Denon The Greatest Strength - Trial of Insight

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri read the message over repeatedly to make sure she properly understood. They want me to do what? It was a request she had never gotten from the Council before. Ever. Go retrieve this artefact? Sure. Stop that bad guy from doing something evil? Of course. Look after these Padawans to make sure they don’t get in trouble? Fine.

Jedi Knight Lanaamer – We would like you to assist in the Trials for a Padawan. Arctus Friers. We believe with your experience and skillset, you will be able to organize a comprehensive Trial of Insight. Make use of any resources you see fit, and inform us before you begin.

Arctus… Have I met him before? Part of the woman was flattered. Not being previously involved in any sort of Trials (other than her own), Bri wasn’t sure if this was something that was a usual ask of other Knights or Masters. I’ll take it as a compliment. But how do I …. Do it? Pride turned into a creeping feeling of growing stress. What if I pick something bad? Or too easy? Or too hard? What would be worse? Bri’s mind raced down various avenues of overthinking. Why is this starting to feel like a punishment…?

With a deep sigh, the Knight leaned her head back in the captain’s chair of her ship. The spacestation (and new home of the Jedi) Brighthome dominated the view out of the cockpit. Bri tapped the datapad on her leg repeatedly in thought. NL-142, her astromech, rolled up and observed the scene. It tilted its head in slight confusion.

“Don’t worry about it,” Bri brushed away its concern and sat the tablet down, leaning forward towards the controls.


//


Sitting in one of the libraries aboard Brighthome, Bri’s attention drifted from the ancient text she was flipping through, as the datapad beside her blipped with light. Tapping a few holographic buttons, a short message appeared and illuminated her face in a light blue glow.

The Jedi rested her chin on her hand in thought. The idea of the Trial still lingered. But this… This could be an opportunity. Much of it would be out of Bri’s control. But that’s the point, right? This is Arctus’ task. It will be up to him to either succeed or fail. And there are always consequences to failure.

The Knight pulled open the messaging function and began to type.


//


Bri waited, leaning against a lamp post, on the ecumenopolis that was Denon. In the week preceding, she had informed the Council of the Trial that she planned. They had responded with numerous questions and verifications, ensuring the Trial would meet the proper standards. Bri didn’t need to convince the Council of her plans, but they did require detailed explanations and reassurances. Which I gave them. They approved the Trial and permitted it to begin.

The Knight had messaged Arctus to meet her outside a large looking office building that stretched high into the Denon skyline. It was midmorning, and the bright sun had started to reflect off of the seemingly infinite glass surfaces of the other skyscrapers. Bri was not wearing standard Jedi attire, but instead sported a pair of dark pants, a grey tanktop with matching jacket, and heavy boots. Her light blonde hair was styled up in a loose ponytail. She had instructed Arctus to come likewise in average galactic citizen attire.

"Guess this is it."

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

To say that he was nervous was an oversimplification, an underwhelming word to describe the extent of his anxiety, excitement, and apprehension all rolled into one.

It had not been long since Arctus announced his desire to take the Trials to mark his ascension from Padawanhood. Though he had been feeling down due to his Master's death and the attack on Clove's home that resulted in her parents' deaths, the Corellian had decided to push forward with his Trials. His status as a Padawan severely limited what he could do for the Order, and though passing the Trials would ensure his Knighthood Arctus wasn't doing it out of any negative desire. Being a Knight didn't mean seeking vengeance for what had been done to one of his best friends, or destroying the Sith. Though she was now one with the Force, Arctus wanted to fulfill his promise to Indy.

He would be a Knight who helped and protected, not avenge and destroy.

As soon as he received a message with regards to his Trials, Arctus had quickly jumped to work. He trained more, studied more, meditated more. He constructed his own lightsaber, the blue-grey kyber crystal Indy had gifted him serving as the heart of the blade. He hadn't ignited it yet, and up to now he still couldn't pinpoint why he was so afraid to see what color the blade would be. It wouldn't be red, obviously – he hadn't bled the crystal and he wouldn't be so mad to even think about it. And so his lightsaber remained where it was, hidden in a box in his dormitory room and waiting for the Padawan to actually use it.

Soon, he told himself. How soon, though?

---

As soon as he received a message from one Knight Brienna Lanaamer, Arctus had been quick to jump into his ship and set a course for Denon. The Knight would be overseeing his Trial of Insight, and though he had no clue as to what Knight Lanaamer had in store for him, the Corellian tried to remain positive. He didn't let go of the possibility that he might flunk the Trial, but he wasn't going to do something so foolhardy as to actually fail it.

He could only hope to keep his wits about him, and pray for a clear mind and heart.

Dude's so nervous, he's actually praying even if he ain't religious. Bless.

As he walked the streets of Denon, Arctus couldn't help but think back on the last time he was on Coruscant with Faen. He hoped his friend and Boy were doing fine. The Padawan had left his Anooba, Nibs, and the Arkanian Dragon egg with one of his brothers, promising to retrieve them as soon as he could. He just needed to meet with Knight Lanaamer for the Trials and pass said Trial (feeling confident, aren't we?). As instructed the Corellian wore civilian attire: a grey jacket over a white shirt, dark pants, and his typical black combat boots. In lieu of his vibroblade two small daggers were tucked and hidden in one boot each. Other than the concealed blades he carried no other weapon, and though he felt bare without his blasters Arctus could simply make do with his fists and any other weapon within reach should he and the Knight find themselves in trouble.

Hazel grey gaze soon alighted upon their agreed upon meeting place, eyes darting from the office building to the woman leaning against a lamp post. Arctus had Knight Lanaamer's face memorized as soon as the Council told him who would be overseeing his Trial of Insight. He had seen her talking to Drastus years ago, and though a pang of sadness made itself known at the thought of his former Padawan brother he gently pushed the pain aside and made his approach.

"Good morning, Ma'am," Arctus greeted the Knight amicably, trying not to flounder on how to introduce himself without using either of their identities as Jedi. He offered Bri a polite nod and smiled. "I'm Arctus."

Internally, he cringed. She already knows that, dumbass!

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

The Denon streets were busy, but not overwhelmingly so. Bri changed her posture on the lamppost, spending equal time gazing down both sides of the avenue. A short while later, the Jedi spotted Arctus approaching. Looks like he got the instructions. Arctus was nearing middle age, but still had a youthful charm about him. We're probably about the same age. The Padawan was in standard civilian clothing, matching their surroundings quite appropriately.

"Good morning, Ma'am,"

Bri couldn't help but let out a half-laugh/half-scoff at the introduction. Ma'am?

"I'm Arctus."

"I know," Bri smiled, continuing her bright laugh. "And you don't need to call me ma'am. Just Bri is fine." The Knight really wasn't one for formality, and they wouldn't be needing it during the Trial.

"So," the Jedi clapped her hands in front of her chest, eager to get started. "The Trial will be taking place here," she gestured with her head to the large building behind them. Imposing was an understatement. It stretched high into the Denonian sky, and was predominantly rectangular shaped, except for the top, which rounded into a curved edge. A neon sign adorned the top half, heralding the "Tyrius Sysworks." There were no other obviously distinguishable features. Bri launched into the explanation, knowing that Arctus would be paying attention.

"This is the Tyrius Sysworks. They engage in a number of industries, from shipping to duracrete production. Your standard intergalactic corporation. My contact just so happens to be the CEO of the comapny. Ranem Tiiv. He is a, uh, friend of our employer"

Bri left a pause for Arctus to ask questions if he wished. It was more than a little odd that a Jedi Knight would know - on friendly terms - the CEO of a Denon based corp. Bri's own personal history with Tiiv was connected to her affluent family back on Chandrila. The Knight assumed, however, that Arctus would catch the implication that the Sysworks were friendly with the Jedi.

"Tiiv contacted me to ask for help with a problem he's stumbled upon in the higher-levels of his company. We'll head inside to meet him, and he'll explain it all."

The Knight took another moment and looked around, readying her final comments.

"Once we step inside, consider the Trial started. You'll need to use your insight need to solve Tiiv's problem. I'll be with you for the majority of the time, but only to supervise. This is all on you to figure out. Success - or failure - will depend entirely on you. Understand?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Red bloomed on the Padawan's face when Bri laughed, and he couldn't help but chuckle when she corrected him and told him what to call her. Addressing the Knight by name eased Arctus's nervousness somewhat, and gave her an acquiescing nod saying that he understood.

"Alright, Bri. Thank you," he told her, immediately following her gesture with his gaze. With slightly narrowed eyes Arctus looked up at the skyscraper, raising one hand to partially block the sun's glare that bounced off of the building's windows. Though surprised that his Trial of Insight would be taking place in an urban jungle the Corellian thought he hid it well, appearing more nervous and excited than confused.

The Padawan wasn't much of a business-minded man, his days as a smuggler often dabbling on the illegal (minus the slavery and human trafficking). As such he was not familiar with the name of the company Bri was talking about. However, at the mention of the CEO being the Knight's direct contact made Arctus's brows rise with surprise. He hadn't been a Jedi yet when the Sith invaded Denon years ago. Perhaps it was only fitting that a corporation would be friendly with the Jedi given the fact that the Order helped defend the planet on numerous occasions.

"You're friends with the CEO, then?" asked the man almost absent-mindedly, one hand now rubbing at his beard as his gaze landed back on Bri. He was all ears when she continued to explain that his Trial would be helping Tiiv solve the latter's problem.

This... was far from what he expected. If truth be told Arctus thought that Bri would be taking him somewhere remote or possibly dangerous, with nothing but his wits and insight as his weapons. Or maybe in a jail, or a criminal-infested area. But then again the Trial of Insight, as he had discovered from the texts he read, helped Padawans see through deception and in a way showcase a Jedi's investigation skills. Maybe he was here to help figure out the reason behind faulty accounting? Fix an embezzlement case?

He shook these thoughts away for the moment. The best thing to do right now was to meet Ranem Tiiv and listen to him as to what the actual problem was.

"Understood. I'm ready!" Arctus told Bri, eagerness mixed with a hint of nervousness for what was to come. Still, she would feel the sincerity in his voice, see him square his shoulders and stand a little taller in preparation for what lay ahead. He would walk beside her as she led the way, opening his senses through the Force as if in search of something amiss.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"You're friends with the CEO, then?"

"Yeah, something like that," Bri replied, tilting her head. The response was more cryptic than she preferred. In truth, besides just helping the Order, Ranem Tiiv was a business associate of her fathers, and she had known the man since her teenage years.

"There's a bit of family history between his and mine, but don't worry, that's completely unrelated to the Trial," Bri replied, offering her reassurances.

The explanation continued before Arctus gave his confirmation.

"Excellent, let's do it," Bri nodded. The pair turned and entered the large skyscraper. The lobby of the building was sparse and simple. To the Jedi's immediate right sat a waiting area comprised of four low chairs and a dusty looking table. On the wall near the seating area two large holoscreens broadcast the latest news of the Galaxy on mute. To the left was a water fountain which was no longer functioning. Further back in the large room sat a Mirialan receptionist behind a plain grey desk, she peaked above her computer screen as Bri and Arctus approached. The nametag on her uniform identified her as 'Sella.'

"Good afternoon, welcome to the Tyrius Sysworks, how can I help you?"

The Jedi didn't waste time with any pleasantries and responded in a flat, emotionless tone. "My associate and I have a private appointment on level B24."

The Mirialan's eyes widened, if only for a half instant, before she replied. "Oh. Oh. Right, yes. Of course. Please follow me,"

Sella exited her desk area and ushered the two Jedi to the back of the room, where a bank of elevators awaited them. The Mirialan pressed the down button, and the three then proceeded to wait in silence for a few moments. Bri was about to make an attempt at painful small talk, but was spared by the *ding* of the arriving lift.

As they boarded, Sella swiped the key card which had been attached to her belt in the small control panel to the right of the doors. Below the floor indicators, a small panel opened, which contained a few more buttons. The Mirialan pressed the button - one above the lowest - causing the doors of the lift to shut, and it begin to descend. During the ride, Bri made eye contact with Arctus, and offered a brief raise of her eyebrows, checking that everything was alright.

The elevator came to a rather sudden stop, nearly creaking, and the three stepped out. They appeared to be in a maintenance hallway. Various pipes and tubes roped above on the ceiling. A series of doors flanked either side of the space. Whether by choice, or just poor upkeep, the the hallway was dimly lit. A few of the lights adorning the upper parts of the walls were either out or flickering on and off. Sella led the Jedi down a few doors, before knocking on the one marked 749. A surprisingly cheerful "Come in!" responded.

Sella used her keycard once more, which opened up the group into a very small room. Much like the hallway, it too was poorly lit. There was nothing in the space, except for a vacuum on the right hand wall, and a large laundry cart on the left. Entirely out of place was the jovial looking man leaning against the back wall. A human male, aging, but still middle age, greeted them. The man had dark, salt and pepper colored hair, wrinkles on his face, which appeared to be from an excess of smiling, and was adorned in an expensive looking green and purple robed suit.

"Brienna! So good to see you!" Another friendly exclamation. Before she could react, the man had Bri in a friendly embrace, and kissed both of her cheeks in greeting. Even the least of observant people could see that Bri took the welcome awkwardly.

"Hi Ranem," she replied, offering an almost knowing tone in her voice. She patted Ranem's back twice with her hands, returning the hug. Taking a step back, the Knight took the opportunity to introduce Arctus.

"Ranem, this is my associate, Arctus Friers," she gestured to the Padwan with her left hand. "He'll be leading in this venture."

Ranem's friendly expression suddenly hardened, in tight concentration. "Ah Mr. Friers, very good to meet you," the man held out his hand in greeting.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Family history, huh? Arctus wasn't really one for assuming things nor prying about one's personal life if they didn't want to share, so he simply nodded politely at Bri's reassurance. And like she said, her and her family's relationship with Tyrius Sysworks' wasn't part of the Trial anyway. He was here to help, and for him the Trial was the most direct path to achieve that. The Padawan momentarily brushed aside thoughts succeeding the Trial of Insight and achieving one of the crucial steps to Knighthood. If he went through this whole lot just by thinking of the situation as a requirement to pass the Trial, the more he would be distracted by thoughts of failing.

Or worse, helping the CEO to the full extent of his capabilities.

Arctus took in the sights as Bri led him inside the building. The lobby was simplistic rather than displaying a sense of opulence he expected, and the sight brought a sense of calm to the Padawan. He scoped out anything that seemed odd, but the lobby didn't offer much on that department. The Corellian briefly glanced at the holoscreens, frowning lightly at the news before shifting his focus on the receptionist. He offered the Mirialan an affable smile during her brief exchange with the Knight, and kept his mouth shut as the three of them made their way to the elevators and boarded one.

During the ride he could feel Bri's gaze on him, so he looked at her, caught the meaning in her raised eyebrows, and flashed her a quick smile and one thumb up to indicate that everything was indeed alright. He wanted to joke about feeling nervous but kept it to himself for the time being.

The sight that greeted him as the elevator doors opened made the Padawan blink. Okay, this is it, he thought as he flashed the button Sella had previously pressed a final glance. The flickering lights above them sent a slight chill to his spine, subtle reminders to that cursed abandoned building in that no name planet he had once stumbled upon with his friends and the Cadir's building during the Killik invasion on Thyferra. Arctus pushed the memories to the back of his mind, gaze darting from the pipes that lined the ceiling, the dimly lit hall, and the doors on either side of the walls. Only when they stopped in front of the one marked 749 did Arctus end his silence, tilting his head towards Sella.

"Thank you," he told the Mirialan with a friendly smile before following Bri inside the room. Nothing stood out in the bare room except for the jovial, middle aged man dressed in an expensive looking robed suit. Arctus was left an audience as the man greeted and aporoached Bri not just with a friendly embrace, but also a kiss each on the Knight's cheeks which she received rather awkwardly.

When introductions turned onto him, Arctus didn't miss how quickly the other man's demeanour changed. The Padawan's smile didn't leave his face nonethelss and he accepted the proferred hand, Arctus's grip firm but amicable, letting go as quickly as he had accepted it after shaking Ranem's hand once. "Back at ya, Mister Tiiv," replied the Corellian cordially, either unaware or uncaring if he had breached some sort of line with his casual and straightforward response. "Bri mentioned you stumbling upon a problem in the higher-levels of your company. I'm here to help."

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"Back at ya, Mister Tiiv,"

Ranem didn't openly respond to the much more casual method of introduction from Arctus, but returned the handshake heartily.

"Bri mentioned you stumbling upon a problem in the higher-levels of your company. I'm here to help."

"Indeed!" Ranem began to pace slightly as he started to explain. "First, my apologies for our meeting location." Ranem looked around the room with an expression of disdain. "But, this mission will require a fair amount of covertness, and my office upstairs doesn't exactly scream subtle. You may have guessed, by the Sysworks engages in a wide variety of ventures. Business diversification, all that nonsense," he waved his hand, "well, one of these ventures is a new navigation computer. Nothing revolutionary, but you can imagine the costs I can save by cutting a few corners - literally - in the hyperspace shipping of my large freight." He took a breath before continuing.

"Now, the tool, which I've named Project Shadowfeather," Tiiv spoke with pride as he mentioned the name, obviously pleased with the way it sounded, "is not yet ready for company implementation. We still need to do some further research to iron out a few kinks. However, I have acquired information to indicate that one of my chief rivals, Bollin Grae of Rodian Interfreight, has started to make progress on a tool remarkably similar to what my company as been developing."

Bri tiled her head downward, and raised an eyebrow. "Acquired?" she repeated.

"Oh Brienna don't look at me like that. I've got informants in a few of my competitors to help me stay appraised of the competition. That's just good business," Ranem raised one finger in explanation.

Bri's expression remained unchanged.

"Come on, but I don't steal from them! That's illegal." Ranem finished with a knowing nod of his head, almost as if he had to instruct the Jedi on the last point.

"There are only four individuals that I seriously suspect of betraying me and sharing my intellectual property. All four are higher-ups who work in my science division." Ranem materialized a datapad from a pocket somewhere in his robes and handed it to Arctus. Each 'page' on the datapad contained a photo of the four suspects as well as a brief intro that Tiiv had obviosuly written

Beema Karada - Rodian Female - the lead scientist in charge of starship integration. Her daily tasks consist largely of interfacing directly with in-progress starship development. A diligent worker. Also a dedicated family family woman, and she often requests time off to spend with her three adult sons to whom she is their only living parent.

Ty Yelliri - Human Male - the chief lead scientist in charge of projects oversight. He splits his time between the various labs and giving research briefings on the command deck. He holds authority over all the research staff, including the other lead scientists.

Kal Kesha - Human Female - the lead scientist in charge of fabrication. She manages the physical construction line of projects, a talent from which she was recruited from her family's small arms production business on Kuat. Despite her talent, she doesn't spend a lot of time socializing with her colleagues.

Essik Bopal - Duros Male - the lead scientist in charge of testing. He oversees system analysis and prototype trials. While initially brought in as an old friend of mine, he's distinguished himself as a brilliant researcher and moved up in responsibility accordingly.

As Bri and Arctus read the datapad, Ranem continued. "Because of the sensitive nature of this work, they are the only ones with access to the data that could be shared to start some sort of replication." Ranem paused for a moment of reflection. "And I thought I could trust each of them," he spoke, with a harsher tone of self-admonishment.

"In the cart there," Ranem gestured to the laundry bucket, resuming his normal tone, "there are a few spare outfits to help you go undercover within the upper floors of the building. Should be a research assistant, security personnel, cargo manager, dockhand, maintenance worker, maybe a few others. Whatever you choose, I'll make up some excuse to send a message about to let you have free reign of the upper floors to ask questions."

Bri started rummaging through the clothes and was displeased to find that the only outfit that appeared fit for a woman was a tacky patterned shirt and skirt for a canteen server. The Knight held up the shirt against her upper body and frowned at Tiiv.

"Really, Ranem....?"

"Ah, well, it's the only things we had that were clean. Sorry about that," Ranem's apology did not sound sincere. Clean was also an overstatement for the spare articles of clothing.

As Bri mentally prepared herself for the life of food service, Ranem returned to explaining.

"As I'm sure you've understood, discretion for this task is of paramount importance. If any of the suspects discover we're on to them, they'll be able to run off with my research! But, if you're able to uncover the deception we'll be able to cut this all off at the root." Ranem clapped his hands together in finality.

"Any questions?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

His casual mannerisms belied the Corellian's seriousness while he listened to Ranem speak, hazel grey eyes never once losing their warmth so as to assure the CEO that the Padawan's intent to help was genuine. Arctus simply smiled at the disdain in the other man's voice as he lamented about their meeting place. The Padawan didn't mind; it helped with the discreet nature of the task at hand. He was content to listen for the time being, noting the small exchange between Bri and Ranem with barely concealed interest, gaze flitting between the two before falling back to Ranem as he continued laying out his problem. It wasn't his business how Ranem received information so he could scope out or even outclass potential competition. Maybe it was because Arctus had had his own fair share of illegal stuff in the past as a smuggler - but really, he couldn't exactly compare his ways with Sysworks' head with the way the latter was convinced that what he was doing wasn't illegal.

The Padawan crossed his arms over his chest, brows slightly furrowing. A traitor within the higher-ups? Accepting the datapad, Arctus scanned the page's contents, memorizing the names on the screen and their designated ranks, jobs, and brief introductions that gave the Corellian insights regarding their personalities and behaviors. Still, he knew that he couldn't put suspicion upon one (or all) of them without actually interacting with all persons of interest. Though succinct and straight to the point, the initial information Ranem provided gave Arctus insight as to how to act and behave around the four.

At the CEO's admonishing tone, the Padawan's gaze flickered from the screen to Bri, looking at her as if he wanted to assuage the other man's worries. He held himself back nonetheless; Ranem probably would've brushed the Jedi's words given the weight of his current problem. What the older man needed weren't words of assurance but actions and answers. Trial or not, Arctus wanted to deliver.

Arctus returned Ranem's datapad before shifting his attention to the laundry bucket alongside Bri. He contemplated on his choices, secretly relieved that it wasn't as limited as the Knight's. Still, he couldn't help but shoot Bri a commiserating half-smile as she found herself stuck to the food service industry. Rummaging through the clothes himself, the Padawan ignored clothes that would identify him as a research assistant or a maintenance worker (his cover would be blown immediately), and picked a security personnel's garb almost too quickly. With Ranem calling the shots about his and Bri's employment, working as security was the easiest way for him to patrol the upper floors of the building and have access to security footages. No one would question his fighting capabilities, either. More than those, he could probably end up as a bodyguard for one or all four persons of interest for whatever reason they needed a bodyguard for. Gathering the rest of the clothing, the Padawan turned to face Ranem.

"Probably a stupid question to ask, but I'll shoot my shot anyways," said Arctus as he sifted through the clothes he was holding. "These four have access to your Shadowfeather's info. How sure are you about one of 'em being the traitor in your company aside from the fact that they're the only ones who have info to feed your competitor's replica? Have you considered anyone else other than them, even just in passing?"

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"Probably a stupid question to ask, but I'll shoot my shot anyways,"

Ranem waved his hand as if to say 'no stupid questions.'

"These four have access to your Shadowfeather's info. How sure are you about one of 'em being the traitor in your company aside from the fact that they're the only ones who have info to feed your competitor's replica? Have you considered anyone else other than them, even just in passing?"

Bri looked over at Tiiv to see his response. Ranem brought a finger to his chin in thought.

"I suppose it's possible. But I think unlikely. They may have some sort of accomplice, but my own intuition says the buck stops with one of them." He paused for a moment, "But I gather you two are likely better investigators than I am."

Bri returned a glance toward Arctus, along with a slight shrug. He's probably right.

"Security officer, that's a good choice" Ranem nodded, spotting Arctus selection from the laundry cart. Tiiv turned his attention back to Bri, brows furrowed, evident that he was deep in thought for a few moments. "Brienna, let's have you walk around the higher floors with a tea and caf cart. That way you'll be in near proximity to Mr. Friers and can access the same floors."

Ranem nodded and smiled, pleased with the success of his own idea. Bri looked far less enthusiastic about the prospect.

Tiiv paused again for any other questions, and then continued. "So. I'll leave you to get changed down here, and then Sella will escort you upstairs. There's a maintenance room set aside for you two so you'll have somewhere to go to discuss. I'll also leave you a communicator so you can keep me appraised of any developments."

Tiiv paused once more, and then continued with a sigh and more serious tone. "Thank you again for helping me. The Galaxy is becoming increasingly unstable and dangerous. It's good that there are still people out there who are willing to do the right thing. Even if its not widely appreciated."

It was clear that Ranem was referring to the fact that Arctus and Bri were members of the Order. The Knight returned a sincere smile towards Ranem, and nodded, not needing to offer any further comment.

Ranem's posture shifted and he once again resumed his jovial demeanor. "Right! Mr. Friers, I'm sure you'll make a fine addition to our security staff. And Brienna, I look forward to your tea service later on!"

Bri's smile quickly turned into a frown. "You just had to ruin the moment, didn't you?"

Ranem returned a mischievous smile and made his exit from the room.

The Knight turned back to Arctus after the door closed. "He means well. For the most part," she replied, summarizing their first encounter with Ranem. "Any thoughts before we head upstairs?" Bri added, before taking off her jacket.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus nodded at Ranem's response. Though the Padawan himself wanted to find out if one of the four had accomplices, the problem really wouldn't solve itself without the three of them cutting it at the source. The smile he sent both the CEO and the Knight was grateful in return, quietly relieved that the answer to his questions was honest to the core. He could relate with Ranem relying on his instincts, in a way - in the past Arctus had done the same, except for the fact that he had no idea that the instincts guiding him then was his latent Force-sensitivity.

"Figured it would bring me within close proximity with the higher-ups as well as security access and footages without drawing too much suspicion on my part," he replied to Ranem's comment about the Corellian's choice, a quick smile lighting his bearded face. The Padawan fought the urge to chuckle at the older man's following comment directed at Bri.

At Ranem's following instructions and words of gratitude, the smile on Arctus's face reflected the warmth and sincerity in his next words, a kind "Thank you very much, Mister Tiiv."

Jedi were getting a lot of flak these past few years. It was heartwarming to encounter people who still believed in them and appreciated the good they were doing. Arctus wanted to work just as hard as his fellow Jedi so his friends hopefully wouldn't experience the backlash and harsh words they were receiving, but then again he really had no control over what the galaxy thought of them. It didn't mean he couldn't do anything to show positive influence, though. Thoughts of Ruzaan, Clove, and Indy pushed him to work harder. He promised to himself that he wouldn't let them down. And right now, he would work thrice as hard to help Ranem, because that's what Jedi did.

With Ranem's convivial demeanor returning, Arctus allowed himself to chuckle at his and Bri's exchange, lifting a hand at chest level as if to tell the Knight that he wasn't looking for trouble nor was he really laughing at her. The exchange lessened the Padawan's anxiety somewhat and gave him more reason to want to help. He didn't know the full extent of Bri and Ranem's relationship, but given their families' friendship and Ranem's view towards the Order, the Padawan could tell that the older man was a good person over all. At least that was Arctus's view about the man they were helping.

(Already he had forgotten that this was supposed to be one of his Trials, but it was probably for the best.)

He barked out a laugh at Bri's words, thoroughly amused by her summarization of Sysworks' CEO. "I know the type; met quite a few like him before," he told her as he adjusted his hold on his chosen clothing. Arctus began to walk towards the door as she took of her jacket, letting her change first, but paused when she asked him a question.

"Hmm, not much, for now," Arctus replied, head tilted to the side pensively. "Just wonderin' about how to get close to the introvert, Kesha. I'm not marking her as the primary suspect; I just have a feeling that she's got a lot to say... or so experience taught me that the less social ones were sometimes the most talkative." The Padawan shrugged, then offered Bri an optimistic grin. "But it's best if I get to hang around all four of them. Better to get close to 'em that hound them all suspicious like. Security guards ain't suspicious, but I don't wanna get all too chummy 'cause that's gonna be suspicious itself. I'm gonna hafta blend in with the other guards first, y'know-"

Realizing that he had more or less rambled, the tops of the Corellian's ears flushed pink in embarrassment. "Um, you go and change first," he said before walking out of the room after listening to anything she would tell him.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"I know the type; met quite a few like him before,"

Bri offered a knowing nod of her head at the comment. The Galaxy was full of all sorts of interesting people. Interesting carrying both negative or positive connotations. In the Knight's experience, Ranem was usually more of the former.

The Knight paused her disrobing as Arctus stopped by the door and began to hypothesize aloud.

"Hmm, not much, for now. Just wonderin' about how to get close to the introvert, Kesha. I'm not marking her as the primary suspect; I just have a feeling that she's got a lot to say... or so experience taught me that the less social ones were sometimes the most talkative."

"It sounds like you've already got a few ideas in mind," Bri replied with an eager smile.

"But it's best if I get to hang around all four of them. Better to get close to 'em that hound them all suspicious like. Security guards ain't suspicious, but I don't wanna get all too chummy 'cause that's gonna be suspicious itself. I'm gonna hafta blend in with the other guards first, y'know-"

Arctus seemed to be on a decent line of thought - that he was choosing to speak aloud. The Knight didn't mind. If this was the way that he liked to talk through problems, then Bri was more than happy to serve as the sounding board. A thought buzzed through her head. You're just here to supervise and watch. It was crucial, paramount even, that Bri left the decisions in this investigation entirely to Artcus. No leading or guiding in any specific directions.

The Padawan's ears began to hue red likely sensing that he'd started to verbally theorize. Bri smiled at the enthusiasm.

"It's a good line of thought. I'm eager to hear more," the Knight grinned. She nodded taking the opportunity to change first. Another deep sigh as Arctus left the room and Bri's attention was once more returned to unfortunate server attire.

"I hate this," she stared with a frown at the shirt and skirt.

//

The door opened and Bri stepped out, a grimace still painted across her face. She raised a finger in warning to Arctus. "This never gets mentioned to anyone else!" It was clear she was referring to the outfit. The garish ensemble appeared a few sizes to small, as Bri kept trying to pull at the collar to stretch on her neck, and the skirt to fall down a little lower on her legs. A sickly orange and bright red pattern ran down the right side of the top, continuing down on the skirt. Bright, red heeled boots completed the look.

"Your turn," Bri added, gesturing to the room.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus could only offer Bri a bright smile in response to her words, finding her eagerness to hear more as a sign of encouragement. It fed the Padawan's determination as well as his plans on how to approach this delicate situation that they found themselves into. Though remnants of apprehension lingered with regards to him handling this case almost in all its entirety, he refused to be cowed any longer. Still, he reminded himself that a little anxiety would do him good – if anything he didn't want to feel overconfident about any of this since it could possibly throw lapses in his judgement.

Trust in the Force, he gently reminded himself, thoughts drifting to Indy. A small, bittersweet smile crossed Arctus's face as the door slid shut behind him, the memory of one of his closest friends further kindling the Light that burned bright within him.

The Corellian shook his head moments later, grateful for memories of her but at the same time kindly pushing them aside for the moment lest they distract him from his current agenda. He muttered Ranem's primary suspects' names under his breath and matched each name to their respective face. He could only begin to truly analyze how they acted and behaved once he had come to actually observe them. Office gossip was normal, and as such him asking the other workers about the four wouldn't be too suspicious but only if he asked the right questions.

He didn't have to wait too long for Bri to finish changing. A light joke, never meant to insult but only to hopefully make the Knight feel a little better about her disguise, almost slipped past Arctus's lips but was instead transformed into a soft but amused chuckle as she warned him about it. The Padawan raised one hand in surrender as he fought against the urge to give her a once over, the other clutching his own set of change of clothes to his chest, his light laughter melting into a reassuring smile.

"My lips are sealed, and memories of your days in the food service industry shall be erased from my mind after this mission," he assured her in mock seriousness but the twinkle in his hazel grey eyes belied his utter amusement. Though the following nod he gave her showed that he meant to respect her wish.

With another smile he slipped back into the room and changed as quickly as he could. For a short moment he wondered where he could conceal the daggers he carried but ultimately decided against it, opting to bundle up his discarded shirt around them. Arctus placed his discarded clothes alongside Bri's and swiftly made his way out of the room. The uniform consisted of a dark grey, long sleeved company shirt with a company patch on the right sleeve, black pants, black shoes, a duty belt, and a black tie. A company badge was pinned to his chest, and a cap would've completed the picture but Arctus decided to hold on to it for now. Unlike Bri, the Padawan was lucky to have chosen clothing his size.

A little childishy, a snicker escaped the Padawan as he adjusted his tie. "I feel like we're in a heist or somethin'," he joked a Bri, unaware that he had quickly become quite comfortable around the Knight. His gaze then scanned the hall and landed upon Sella who was waiting for them just ways ahead the room. He addressed the Mirialan, "Er, shall we?"

Turning his gaze back to Bri, he swept a hand towards the elevator. "After you."

Only they stepped out of that elevator and made their way around the higher-levels would Arctus finally take tathe lead. For now, in this brief window, he would compose himself and prepare for the challenge and mission ahead.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"My lips are sealed, and memories of your days in the food service industry shall be erased from my mind after this mission,"

Bri was about to offer another comment of warning, feeling that Arctus was taking her message a little too lightly. But a more solemn nod indicated he understood the request. As the Knight waited for Arctus to change his clothes she ran over her own assignment in her head. She had likewise studied the information on Ranem's top suspects, and developed her own ideas on where to start, and what questions to ask to whom. But, despite her own investigative skills, which are pretty good, she knew her top priority was discipline. Discipline to not try and steer Arctus in a certain direction, and the discipline to evaluate his performance as fairly as possible.

A few moments later, the Padawan returned, looking very much like a security guard. It helped that his outfit actually was the proper size.

"I feel like we're in a heist or somethin',"

The Knight turned her head offered a smile and slight chuckle. She agreed, "Or something,"

The Mirialan, who Bri had forgotten was still standing nearby, guided them back to the elevator they had originally arrived in. She pressed a floor that appeared to be a few from the top of the building. 122. The elevator lurched into gear and began speeding at pace upwards. Soft music, which Bri hadn't noticed from before, played out of a speaker above their heads while they waited.

Dinging at arrival, the doors opened on the 122nd floor, which at first glance, appeared reasonably plain. The group stepped out, and Bri got a better look at the floor plan. It was an 'open plan' office space, with desks in rows, each having a few display screens and variety of technical looking machine pieces. Tall, floor to ceiling windows provided a view of the busy Denon afternoon skyline. Sella turned them right out of the elevator, parallel to the desks, before down another short hallway. The bathrooms were down this hallway as well as another room. Sella accessed it with a swipe of her key card.

Much like the small space on the lower levels, the 'room' was more like a large closet. There was a small table, with a few ID badges, obviously for Bri and Arctus, and a communicator. To the side of the room was Bri's tea and caf cart. She frowned upon seeing it. Sella addressed the two as they got their bearings.

"Thank you again for helping Mr. Tiiv with this problem. He'll be accessable via the communicator. Any questions or major developments to report, just give him a call. Feel free to use this room as needed. Good luck."

One final nod from the Mirialan and she departed. Bri turned towards Arctus, and placed her hands on her hips.

"So, where do you want to start?"

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Silence fell too easily upon the Corellian these past months, certain circumstances prompting a change to the usually doubtful then humbly confident man. Once again he spent the majority of the elevator ride in quiet contemplation, hands in his pockets as he glanced between Bri, Sella, and the indicators in the lift while he mulled things over. How to properly proceed, ways to approach the mission with enough delicacy and tact, and how not to act too suspiciously for his and the primary suspects' liking. At the thought of being tactful Arctus couldn't help the slight cringe from crossing his features - it wasn't really his strongest suit, and right now said weakness would be put to the test.

The Padawan was deaf to the soft elevator music; the almost cheerful "ding!" of the elevator the only sound fully registering as the two Jedi and the receptionist stepped into the 122nd floor. Hazel grey gaze subtly swept across the office space, his swiftly darting eyes further concealed by the cap he now placed atop his head upon noticing a pair of security personnel patrolling the area in complete security garb (cap included). One of the guards took notice of the three, returning Arctus's polite nod as the Padawan walked beside Bri with Sella still on the lead. Down another hallway they went, and before the Corellian could make some light-hearted comment to ease his nerves Sella had already begun addressing him and the Knight. Arctus's attention was momentarily stolen by the ID badges and the communicator, and by the time he was about to offer Sella's gratitude and wish for good luck the Mirialan had already left the room.

"Was gonna tell her to save the actual 'thank you' for when we get to the bottom of this dilemma," he commented with a smile. Shrugging, his gaze returned to Bri.

"I'm sticking with my initial plan about getting close to Kal Kesha. But before that, I need to get ahold of the four primary suspects' office schedules, their clock-ins and -outs... but since I'm a new guard I feel like it's gonna be a little questionable to be too curious about it." He adjusted his cap and gave the Knight a reassuring smile. "Which brings me to a 50-50 chance of being called too earnest and zealous as a newbie. Anyways..."

He cleared his throat, averting his gaze when he realized that he was talking too much again.

"Looking into the fabrication department is a start. Brings me a little closer to Kesha, and to people I can ask around about her without making my questions seem too detective-esque."

Reaching for one of the ID badges labeled "Security", the Padawan clipped it to his belt and moved towards the door again, looking quite determined (and a bit too excited at the prospect of investigating) to begin as soon as possible.

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

"Was gonna tell her to save the actual 'thank you' for when we get to the bottom of this dilemma,"

Bri returned an almost exact same shrug at the same time as Arctus. It appeared they were on the same page.

"I'm sticking with my initial plan about getting close to Kal Kesha. But before that, I need to get ahold of the four primary suspects' office schedules, their clock-ins and -outs... but since I'm a new guard I feel like it's gonna be a little questionable to be too curious about it."

It seemed a sensible idea. Bri had her own thoughts on where to start, but this was all Arctus' show. As a security officer, he should probably be able to access the office schedules, and if they ran into any problems, Ranem could probably bail them out.

"Which brings me to a 50-50 chance of being called too earnest and zealous as a newbie. Anyways..."

The Knight measured her response to make it clear that she wasn't trying to guide Arctus in any particular direction.

"Who doesn't like an overzealous newbie?" She smiled in response.

"Looking into the fabrication department is a start. Brings me a little closer to Kesha, and to people I can ask around about her without making my questions seem too detective-esque."

"Alright," Bri nodded, "let's start there." She clipped her own ID badge onto her waist, and started to push the tea cart out of the closet. "I'll walk around keeping an eye on things, but won't hover near you. If we're too close, that could also look a little strange to some."

The two exited the storage closet, and made a series of consecutive right turns to the section of the floor labelled 'FABRICATION.' The layout of building seemed to designed around the central elevator in the middle of the building, with four quadrants on either side focusing on a specific industry. The fabrication zone contained a selection of busy looking technicians in white coats, operating a variety of machinery. Some of the equipment was small enough to fit on tables or desks, but there were a few that sat alone by themselves. A variety of mechanical sounding noises provided a certain rhythm to the space. Nothing so loud as to require ear protection, but it sounded busy.

Bri looked towards Arctus and gestured for him to start wherever he liked. She would operate her tea service around where he walked.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus gave Bri a grateful nod and a quick smile before adopting a more neutral expression as they made their way over to Fabrication. The Padawan walked ahead of her as if he was showing her where to serve drinks next. He didn't look at her directly nor did he give the inclination that they knew each other, the only time he subtly caught her gaze was when she discreetly sent a gesture his way. The Corellian looked away in response, but the twinkle in his eyes would be enough of a message to Bri that he was very much on point and ready to handle things his way.

Hazel grey gaze surveyed the area, hands clasped behind him as he made his rounds. A pair of security personnel were posted by the central elevator, one of them eyeing Arctus for a moment before dismissing the Padawan incognito. The other, a Zabrak male seemingly in his late twenties, tipped his head in greeting as Arctus passed them by. The bearded Jedi smiled and nodded in return, and the gesture was more than enough for the younger male to promptly begin conversation.

"New here, aren't we?" asked the Zabrak as he held out a hand to stop Arctus from walking away. The Padawan blinked, feigning surprise as he took a few steps backward to return to where the guard and his buddy - a stocky, older human - where posted. Subtly playing dumb, Arctus glanced at the hand being offered to him for half a moment before breaking into a smile, channeling his nervous energy from earlier as he accepted the proffered hand.

"Ah, yes, yes," he replied, his grip on the Zabrak's hand firm and steady. The man tapped his ID badge, company logo emblazoned on the laminated card and his 'name' and photo underneath it. "Got hired yesterday- erm, Seamus Langdon, by the way."

The other guard scanned the Padawan with a narrowed gaze. "Didn't see you at the briefing yesterday."

The Zabrak beat Arctus before the latter could reply. "It's because he said he just got hired yesterday, Lenny," said the young man with a roll of his eyes. "C'mon, man - at least listen before getting all suspicious towards your co-workers."

Arctus chuckled lightly, waving a hand to say that he didn't mind. "Hey, it's alright. I heard there's gonna be one later today, so... I can ask the head if-" He wasn't sure if there would be one, making things up as he went. The Corellian made a show of radioing his superior to ask about the meeting, but Lenny's annoyed huff and the Zabrak's cheerful laugh were enough for him to drop the act.

"No need for that, newbie! I'm sure Lenny's got the message loud and clear." The Zabrak's smile widened. "The name's Baz, by the way. Welcome to the club, Seamus. I'm guessing you're assigned here on Fabrication?"

'Seamus' nodded, hands clasped behind him once again. The "ding!" of the elevator prevented him from replying, the Padawan stepping aside to make way for whoever was behind the doors as it opened. Out walked the woman whose face he had just seen from Ranem's datapad earlier, Kal Kesha looking a bit unapproachable in person. Though she didn't spare Lenny and Baz a simple nod of her head to acknowledge their greeting, she did glance at Arctus - the new face - before muttering a quiet "Good day" in response to the Padawan's. He followed her with his gaze openly, and though it would've been normally suspicious (especially towards Lenny) the Corellian was met with looks of surprise when his focus shifted back to the pair.

"That's Miss Kal Kesha, right? Chief gave me the roster of-" Noticing his fellow security's raised brows, Arctus' own narrowed curiously. "Something wrong?"

Baz, the more talkative of the pair, shrugged as he stole a quick glance over to Kesha as one of the scientists approached her before she could reach her desk. "We just didn't expect that," he commented, tucking his hands in his pockets. At Seamus's confusion, Baz was quick to clarify. "Kesha doesn't normally spare peeps like us even a tiny shred of attention - normal greetings and all that. Busy with her work and all. Eh, maybe you're just a new face to her."

"There's no such thing as a 'new face' to that woman," Lenny added under his breath. "She's anti-social like that."

"I think you mean asocial," corrected Baz with a smirk. "Anyways, this is quite a surprise. Seamus is a bit good-looking, after all. Maybe that's why you caught her attention?"

"Or maybe it's because I'm new and all that," the Padawan amended, letting his face heat up as if embarrassed by the Zabrak's observation. With an invitation from Baz to join the pair for lunch later, Arctus continued with his rounds and kept tabs on Kesha, discreetly following her with his gaze under the pretense of securing the workplace. His feet eventually carried him closer to her desk, and though he would've liked the notion he also didn't want to come off as dubious. To her and almost everyone else he was a new face, after all.

The radio attached to his belt suddenly buzzed to life, the speaker requiring assistance on something Arctus didn't quite grasp because the jargons were rather lost on him. The request for assistance caught Kesha's attention, however. The crackle of the radio startled the scientist who was neck-deep in her work and she dropped her pen on the process. Eager to assist, 'Seamus' bent down to pick it up for her as the pen rolled towards his booted feet. He approached her, handing her the pen and offering her an apologetic nod for the sudden intrusion.

"I'm sorry, ma'am," offered the Padawan with a slight flinch at the woman's unblinking stare. He considered it a win, however, when she waved his apology away before resuming her work. Arctus glanced over at Lenny and Baz, the former leaving his post and entering the elevator to probably answer the same request for assistance he received. His focus shifting back to the silent Kesha, Arctus stepped away but remained well within earshot when one scientist - a female human with shoulder-length hair dyed pink - approached the lead scientist. She carried a datapad with her.

"Ma'am, here's the summary of reports about the previous testing for Shadowfeather-"

Arctus tried not to outwardly react at the mention of Ranem's project and the root of his problem, schooling his expression as he lingered. With his back to the two scientist, he missed the way Kesha's brows furrowed as she pored over the report while the other woman talked more complicated science stuff. Subtly he reached out through the Force, gauging what emotions he could detect from his 'target' - exhaustion, a tinge of excitement (probably a development in the report?), then a surprising spark of annoyance. Towards what, or whom? He chanced a quick glance at Kesha, her face not betraying the annoyance he felt from her through the Force. Once again his radio crackled to life, Lenny's voice relaying that he needed another pair of hands and requesting for 'Seamus' to help. Apparently someone from the lead scientist's department messed up some kind of coding that was to be layered over the prototype, and was detected by another from the testing department - a fight ensued, and judging from the annoyance in Lenny's voice it was still going underway. Kesha's gaze met his as she dismissed her colleague, the pink-haired woman's datapad still in her hand. He would've looked away, but the lead scientist was already tipping her head at him towards the elevator Lenny had disappeared earlier into.

Following after the woman, Arctus carefully but swiftly maneuvered himself past Bri and her cart. Underneath the brim of his cap he tried to catch the Knight's gaze before the elevator doors closed as he stood beside Kesha.

"Scientists fighting on the floor below," he telepathically told the Knight. "Kesha's needed downstairs as well, probably to check on something reported to her and to... I dunno, reign in one of her scientists? Maybe I'll find something related to our case."

@ModernMarvel

 

[Brienna Lanaamer]

Bri looked up to see Arctus quickly taking the initiative on his task. He appeared to be in lengthy conversation with a couple of other security guards by the elevator. One a human, and the other a Zabrak. The Knight hadn't engaged in any sort of Jedi missions, with Arctus, but assumed that if the Council had approved his taking the trial, he wasn't just about to flunk out at the first instance of any adversity. Nevertheless, her nerves got the better of her and she kept a trained eye on the interaction, just to make sure things weren't immediately about to go sideways. Which of course they're not. Why are you worrying?

The task of watching Arctus led to a distraction for Bri's new job. She didn't realize she had stopped right in front of someone's desk as they were working. A confused looking Rodian raised his head from the machine on the desk.

"Uh, can I help you?" he asked quizzically of the Jedi.

"What?" Bri turned back, sounding more aggressive than she should have. She quickly realized her mistake. "Oh! I'm doing a tea service," she gestured to the cart in front of the desk.

"You're doing what?" the Rodian repeated.

"A tea service, you know, to drink?" Bri replied, picking up a paper cup, and filling it with the hot liquid. The Rodian still stared at Bri with large confused unblinking eyes.

"Just take it" Bri sighed, setting the cup down on the desk, and pushing the cart on to its next stop. The Rodian peered down and sniffed the tea.

The same scene repeated itself over and over again with humorous consistency, as Bri worked her way around the floor with the cart. Nearly everyone looked entirely confused as to why she was there, and what she was doing. Most took the tea, but a few others just shooed her away with an inconsiderate wave of their hand.

Bri looked up at hearing the *ding* of the elevator.

Likely the same as Arctus, she had memorized the face of Kal Kesha, and spotted her exiting the elevator with a few of her other colleagues. There was some sort of discourse between Arctus and Kal, as well as one of the other scientists, but the Knight was too far away to make out what was happening. The group then began to walk in Bri's direction, not towards her specifically, but towards the elevator headed downwards.

Bri caught a glance from Arctus under his cap, and then received a telepathic message.

"Scientists fighting on the floor below. Kesha's needed downstairs as well, probably to check on something reported to her and to... I dunno, reign in one of her scientists? Maybe I'll find something related to our case."

It really didn't make much sense for Bri to follow the cohort with the tea cart, lest she look even further out of place. Instead, the Knight replied through her own telepathic skills.

Understood. Please keep me appraised of any developments.

@Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Arctus Friers]

With a final, subtle nod to Bri before the elevator doors closed, Arctus squared his shoulders and took his place beside Kesha while also making sure to put a respectful and professional distance between them. He kept his gaze steady on his own reflection, focusing on whatever emotion he could pick up from the scientist through the Force rather than surreptitiously stealing glances at her every now and again. Kesha, for her part, kept her eyes glued to the datapad and typing down notes.

It took them a few seconds to get to the floor below, and Arctus stepped out before Kal did. She didn’t look at him and instead walked ahead, unaware of the quiet sigh of relief that escaped the Padawan incognito since he had no idea where exactly the testing of Shadowfeather was being held. He knew he could just look at the overhead signs but following after Kal was much easier. Still, he kept up so it would look as if he knew where he was going despite being new. If he were to earn points in earning the fabrication head’s approval he needed to look as competent in his security job as he could.

The pair traversed a somewhat busy hallway, other workers in lab coats and other gear making way for Kal Kesha as she purposefully strode towards the glass doors, TESTING plastered above in bold aurebesh. Arctus heard the fighting before he could see them - two human males snapping at each other, tempers continually rising until one of them swung a fist at the man Lenny was restraining. The Padawan hurried towards the squabbling men, brushing past the small crowd of onlookers - a mix of scientists and utility personnel - while saying polite excuse me’s and sorry’s. Though described as introverted in her file, it was Kal’s turn to follow after Arctus as she willingly involved herself and moved to stop the unrestrained scientist from whaling on the one Lenny was holding.

The man looked as if he wasn’t done, however, and ignored his superior. Jaw clenched, he rounded on Kal, moving to roughly brush her aside. He would’ve succeeded but Arctus stepped into his line of sight, catching the hand that threatened to roughly push away Kal Kesha. Fingers caging the angry scientist’s wrist, Arctus pressed his free hand on the other man’s chest and began to push him away.

”Stop,” said the Padawan, not intending for his voice to sound imperious nor for his gaze to be sharper than intended. Cowed by the new security guard’s taller frame and broader build, the ranting male could only wrench his hand from Arctus’s grip and shoot the bearded man an offended glare. Dark eyes then swept over to look at Kal who stood behind Arctus, brows furrowing further in contempt.

“I don’t know why you entrusted that string of important code to someone so inept, ma’am,” snapped the man as he jutted his chin at the one Lenny was restraining still. “I thought you knew better! Glenn is new here, and-”

“I’m not the one who inserted the code!” Glenn snapped back, looking quite incensed. A bruise was beginning to bloom on the young scientist’s left jaw where he had been struck. “I came here to check if Lunalla has already done it but then you just came swinging at me! Telling me I screwed up doing something I’m not even assigned to do! What the hell, man?”

Both scientists attempted to hit each other again but Arctus and Lenny managed to successfully subdue the pair this time, the latter tightening his grip on Glenn’s wrist the guard had pinned on his back and Arctus’s steely grip curling around the other scientist’s forearm. But what made the small crowd of onlookers disperse was Kesha’s irritated huff and glare. Without a word she gestured for both security guards to follow her to a more secluded area in the testing room with the squabbling scientists in tow.

“I’ll only say this once,” Kal began, annoyance clear in her tone as she looked between the two scientists, “so you both better behave yourselves or I’ll have these guards throw you out. Am I understood? Glenn? Ricafort?”

Glenn nodded but not before shooting Ricafort a dirty glare. Ricafort, however, acted as if he didn’t acknowledge Kal’s words and instead sulked around.

”Don’t look cooperative to me,” Arctus muttered out loud purposefully. ”By your leave, ma’am…?”

“Fine!” cried the scientist in exasperation, free hand flying upwards to pull at his own hair in exasperation. “I’ll behave, alright? Sheesh!”

“Says the idiot who threw the first and only punch,” Glenn shot back.

“I don’t have time for this,” Kal hissed, thumb and forefinger rubbing the bridge of her nose. “Look, I don’t care if this childish squabbling continues, but at least have the decency to listen to what I have to say. Don’t make me further pull ranks over the both of you. Now, please, be civil enough and enlighten me further about the cause of this unprofessional display.”

Ricafort began by telling the obvious: he suspected it had been Glenn who added the code and messed up in doing so, and it was him who discovered the mess. Glenn, on the other hand, insisted that Lunalla had been assigned to input the code and that he came here to check if she had already done so. A frustrated Ricafort then shot back that Glenn shouldn’t be “sneaking” around if the latter had only been “checking”. Glenn, of course, denied the allegation.

Arctus frowned. Why did the term “sneaking” pop out of the blue?

“Have you checked the algorithm for-”

Technical and scientific mumbo jumbo flew over Arctus’s head when Kal began to talk to the squabbling pair, asking this and that and how much of the project’s system had been compromised. More science-y jargon came from Glenn and Ricafort, but from the few the Padawan could understand the problem had been detected early and as such prevented both minor and major derailment on Shadowfeather.

“Glenn,” Kal said as she looked at her colleague. “Where is Lunalla?”

“Haven’t seen her yet, ma’am. I told her to add the code yesterday.”

“Then who added the code if you haven’t seen her yet? Have you seen her, Ricafort?”

“No.”

“And who told you that Glenn was the one who placed the code?”

Ricafort shrugged. “Well, I, uh, assumed that it had been him because I saw him hovering by the mainframes before I checked.”

Rolling his eyes with disdain, Glenn crossed his arms over his chest and shot Ricafort a challenging look. “And I told you I didn’t! And I’m not hovering or ‘sneaking’, as you oh so kindly put. Just because I came from Rodian Interfreight doesn't mean that I’m a spy or something. I was fired there. Fired!”

Arctus managed to suppress the look of surprise that threatened to cross his face. Glenn was from Sysworks’ competitor - and he was working under Kal Kesha, to boot? He filed away the discovery so he could discuss it with Bri later, wondering about its importance for their case.

Kal’s voice cut through Arctus’s thoughts and he looked at the lead scientist just in time to see her dismiss Lenny and Ricafort. She then motioned for Arctus and Glenn to follow her out of the room and stopped by an alcove a few meters to the elevator’s left. Sunlight streamed through floor-to-ceiling glass windows, both the skies and the streets below busy with traffic. From the way the light hit her Kal Kesha looked even paler in person, the dark circles under her eyes from countless sleepless nights more pronounced. The woman glanced at the datapad before staring at Arctus and Glenn.

“Lunalla placed the code yesterday, Glenn. She sent me yesterday's report,” she began as she handed the young man the device. “Yesterday’s testing ran smoothly, but then they found a bug on the code today.”

Glenn frowned, more out of concern than annoyance. “She didn’t tell me yesterday, that's why I came down here to check. I swear, ma’am, that’s the only thing I did. I only found out about the bug when Ricafort came swinging at me.”

Kal sighed, cast Arctus a wary glance, before lowering her voice. “I know, and I believe you. And I know he still can’t accept the fact that I chose someone from one of the rival companies to work in my department over him. Of course he’s going to throw all kinds of accusations at you and throw dirty looks my way.” Another sigh. “Meet me in my office later, I have something to discuss with you.” With a nod to Glenn, she beckoned for Arctus to follow her back to the elevator. As soon as the doors slid shut, she leveled the Padawan with a calculating gaze. “You’re new.”

”Yes, ma’am.”

“Thank you. For earlier. I didn’t want to have a reason to smack Ricafort on the face.”

Arctus didn’t know if he should chuckle or shrug. He went with the latter, earning himself a small smile from the woman. As soon as the lift stopped and the doors opened, Kal tipped her head at the Padawan then stepped out, making a beeline for her office. Arctus, on the other hand, would make his way to Bri under the pretense of asking her for a cup of caf.

Turns out someone previously working for Rodian Infreighter is now an employee here.

@ModernMarvel