The Lone Senator

[Hannah]

The dreams came back to her every night.

Every night when Serra, ex-Senator of Naboo’s head hit the pillow, the dreams came rushing in. The dreams of the Sith as they slaughtered her people. It was her mistake going there- the Sith followed her. They wanted her dead after her original plan of defense at the Senate Hall on Coruscant, but once she had escaped she had gone to Naboo where the Sith had followed her. Her people were slaughtered because of her- but they still helped her escape, and Serra resented them for it. She brought the Sith there, and her people were still so willing to help.

But now the once rich Senator is barely making rent as a bartender at a cantina on Nar Shadda- Hutt territory, far away from the Empire, but just as dangerous, for if the Hutt’s find out who she is, they could wager her over to the Empire, or deprive her of her pride by enslaving her. She had to go by a different name now, an ordinary name no one would recognize.

Daria Cade. It definitely had a Corellian ring to it, nothing of the Naboo sorts, and that’s the exact thing Serra needed. But how long would she stay at this stink hole on Nar Shadaa? She needed to be out helping the Republic, not doing this bantha poo!

“Hey princess, how about we go find a room, and after you can get paid some real money,” a smuggler had said to her as she filled up his ale.

“Heh, not a chance, bud,” she replied as she slipped him his beverage before busying herself with other customers. The manager of the cantina had definitely taken advantage of her by giving her such a low salary- but what could she do? She couldn’t bargain with him, he knew how desperate she was for a job- and she was isolated from her friends and family who were currently suffering the might of the New Imperium.

I just want to go home, she thought grimly to herself.

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

Finding himself on the planet of Nar Shaddda was not an everyday sight for Wisp Lee. He was down for business, yet felt that he still needed to rest. Wisp didn't look like an obvious man, he wasn't from around those parts. He should be researching his hands off, but he researches too much, and needs a break. When he walked up to the bar, he asked "Hey. I want a glass of some vodka or something good."

 

[Hannah]

“Why not try the Twi’lek Sunrise, it’s quite the tasty one,” Serra suggested as she began to pour the woman a glass of the fine ale.

What am I saying? Serra thought to herself. I’ve managed sobriety for the past six years, and it’s all coming back to me now?

Serra finished pouring up the drink, and had slid it over to the man sitting at the bar. “14 creds, it doesn’t come cheap but it’s sure as hell worth it,” Serra said with a light chuckle.

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

Wisp put down 20 credits. "14 for the drink, 6 for tips. Also, I didn't get your name. You don't look like you are from around here either." He thought about the bartender. She definitely wasn't from around this place. Neither did she look like she was native. He was curious as to who she is and what was she doing in a place like this.

 

[Hannah]

“The name’s Daria, and I’m from Corellia, why?” Serra laid it off as cool as she could, trying to throw the man off of her scent, for if he knew who she really was he would turn her in to the Hutts or the Imperials- and it would be a rather quick shuttle ride, considering she is wanted for treason against the Empire- just for fighting for what she believed was right.

Daria was tempted to pour herself some ale, but thought better of it. It was hard to stay sober when you’re in a place like Nar Shadda, especially when you’re running a cantina there.

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

Wisp was very suspicious about the bartender. He knows well that those who have fake IDs are hiding from someone. He wasn't working for the Hutts or the Empire, so he wanted to know more. "Don't fear me. Tell me your real name. I don't know anyone from the Empire or the Hutt Cartel and won't give you over." He tried to sound as nice as he could. He didn't want to expose himself to the Hutts or the Empire either, and who knows if maybe those kinds of people are around here.

 

[Hannah]

Serra leaned in close to the man to the point where they were face to face. “Look,” she began, keeping her voice low so it wouldn’t draw attention to anyone else. “All you need to know is that I’m an enemy of the Empire, and if the Hutts find out, they’ll either chop my head off and hand it to the Empire on a golden platter, or gamble on who gets to keep me as a plaything, and as of now I’m trying to keep a low profile, and you aren’t helping.”

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

Wisp listened carefully to the girl. He was stunned to hear that she was being hunted by the Hutts and the Empire. It was no surprise to him that he needed to keep her identity a secret. "I do not wish to expose you. I hate the Empire as much as you, and I don't like the Hutts. I promise to keep your identity a secret. I am Wisp Lee." He also spoke in a voice as silent as a whisper.

 

[Hannah]

“So, were you involved in the Battle of Coruscant?” Serra asked as she rested her body on the bar, leaning against it as she talked to the man. But it was then she noticed how quiet the Cantina had gotten. Everyone had left by now, and no one else was coming in.

Must just be bad hours, Serra thought to herself.

But it was Nar Shadda. There were never bad hours.

 

[Garis Hark]

Garis slowly meandered through the bustling pathways of Nar Shadda. The glow of the neon lights, that blanketed the city planet illuminated the walkway. He had not been on planet for long, and after the long flight from Corellia, he decided that a drink might take the edge off his apathetic mood. As he rounded the next corner, he saw a modest looking cantina across the way. Deciding that this would suffice, he made his way towards the door. As he stepped through the doorway, he was met with the sound of music and the smell of smoke and alcohol. The place seemed rather dead, but he wasn't necessarily there for a social call. He made his way to the bar and found himself a seat, a few down from where the bartender was currently conversing with a man. "Ahem", he cleared his throat in hopes of getting the bartender's attention.

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

(Wisp Lee)

Wisp couldn't help but notice the young man sitting next to him. He turned to the bartender. "I was not at the Battle of Coruscant, yet I have heard of the devastation it caused." He then turned to face the man next to him. "Who are you, soldier?" He was a curious man after all, and learning everything was a priority for him.

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(Venelin Krayt)

Walking across the streets, a eye-raising sight, was an Umbaran. His name was Venelin Krayt. Venelin had spent some time in Nar Shaddaa, because he had some business to take care of. He had soon been warned to the bounty placed on a senator's head. He kept asking people "Have you seen this lady?" The responses were almost always no. No one had seen the lady. He was wondering whether he had wound up in the right place to hunt a senator. He was a Sith, and a bloodthirsty one.

 

[Hannah]

Serra listened as the man stated he was not in the battle of Coruscant. “Oh,” Serra said, as she watched another man enter the Cantina. “Then you’re lucky. The things that were seen there were…. Disturbing. I wish I could wipe them from my brain,” Serra had finished her statement just as the other man sat at the bar.

“Hello there,” Serra said, turning to the man, “Can I get you a drink?” she offered as she grabbed a glass in case he accepted her offer of a beverage.

 

[Garis Hark]

Garis eyed the man for a moment. "So much for, just me and my drinks.." he mused to himself, briefly. He was slightly uncomfortable with the candidness of the individual adjacent to him. "And what would make it your business to know who I am?", he stated wryly. "Now, if you want to buy a man a drink or something...then maybe we can talk."

New people always made him uneasy on Nar' Shadda, and rightly so. One could never be sure of anyone's motives or intentions on this planet. Hark shifted slightly in his seat, as he faced forward to the bar, and faced towards the bartender, who was now asking if he'd like a drink. "Of course.", he said with a smile. "Bartender's choice, if you will. Just make sure it's drinkable for humans, I suppose."

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

(Wisp Lee)

Wisp was startled at the man's response. He wanted to know who he is. Yet always, Wisp kept his manners civil and his voice at a slow, steady tone. He returned with "Good sir. I do not wish to harm you of any sort. I am a friendly man. Name's Wisp Lee." Wisp didn't keep his weapons at reach, so he wouldn't use them up and was saving them for an emergency situation.

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(Venelin Krayt)

Venelin was growing impatient of looking around for a stupid senator. He was sweating to the bone. He needed a rest. He walked into the cantina, with his hood up. He was an unknown being to them, and no one knew he was a Sith. He asked "Bartender. I want a drink. Something that my kind would drink. Any chance you have the Tiger's Blood?" His hunger to kill was unimaginable. He wanted to find this senator and hand her over to the Empire or kill her himself if need be.

 

[Hannah]

"Hey, no fighting in the cantina. I don't want this to start off an argument. How about I just get you some New Alderaanian Ale?" Serra suggested as she began to poor him a glass to blow off the men's argument. "11 credits, but if it's really that important to you I can give it to you for a discount of 7 credits," Serra offered as she turned her back to the door just as a third visitor walked in.

After she was finished preparing the drink, she turned around and greeted the new arrival. "Hello, can I get you a drink?" she asked, just as she had asked the other two when they first walked in.

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

(Sorry for posting when someone else is supposed to, I just saw a great "Sithy" moment and wanted to make it interesting.)
(Venelin Krayt)

Venelin Krayt was startled that the bartender didn't hear him the first time. He looked up to see something that shocked his own eyes. He was looking at the Senator that is being wanted by the Empire. He was thinking Not a chance. This has to be one. She matches the picture exactly. He then stood up. He broadened his tone of voice. He took out his lightsabers. "Senator Serra Talorae of Naboo. So this is where you have been hiding. I am here to bring you home. To the Empire." He was meaning his words. He wasn't afraid in going in a fight if the need was for one.

 

[Garis Hark]

A dumbfounded look shifted across Garis' face. "Awkward...", he thought, as he slowly nursed his glass of ale. He was interested to see where this whole thing was going, while at the same time planning his egress, in case things got a little hairy. He looked back and forth between the bartender and the hooded figure standing nearby. He really didn't need any trouble tonight, it was his day off. As long as things didn't put a damper on his plans for the next day, he really could care less what transpired at the cantina.

 

[Hannah]

Serra’s color immediately drained from her face- the sith had found her. Not only that, but now these dirtbags at the cantina knew who she was. Although maybe dirtbags was going to far, the one guy seemed genuine enough in his hatred against the Empire.

“What are you talking about?” She said as she tried to sound convincing. “Ahem, my name is Daria Cade, and I got stuck here after all of my credits were stolen, so I haven’t been able to get a transport off-world.” Serra was practically choking on her words- years of being a Senator, convincing millions, and she had to falter now?

As Serra tried to cover up her real identity, her hand slowly reached under the bar for the blaster that lay there- hoping that somehow that blaster would make a difference.

 

[TAC]

As the Sith pulled out his lightsaber, no one saw the stranger that walked out of one of the back rooms. The Khil preferred to drink alone these days, but even still he didn't have much to drink. It was more just to listen to others' conversations, and there had been some interesting conversations. Now he was heading back into the main room as things started to get... heated.

Senator Liile Glegor had been killed on Coruscant, the reports read.

Gilan Dulnor, a simple wanderer, however, had been nowhere near the Battle of Coruscant.

"Excuse me, sir," Gilan said as he walked into the room. Most of his body was covered by a stylish poncho, his hand lingering on his belt in a non-threatening way. "Miss Cade has been in my employee for well over five months, now. Which would not be enough time for her to escape your victory at Coruscant." The Khil's voice was like a song as he spoke. "I am Gilan Dulnor," the Khil introduced, walking over to the bar. His right arm came away from his belt and to a pocket, where he produced papers.

"You'll read in my documents here that I am an sanctioned, loyal member of the New Sith Imperium. And while I appreciate you ensuring our protection from the Galactic Alliance and their dogs, I would protest this harassment of my employees." The man set the papers down on the bar, between the bartender and the Sith. "If there are any questions, I would plead that we follow correct procedure in accordance with local law enforcement."

 

[Sophia McLaren-Cobb]

(Wisp Lee)

Wisp had just turned to see the Sith's lightsabers. He stood up and pulled out his own. He said with great courage "If you want her, you will need to get past me first." He then ignited his lightsabers. Until he noticed the strange Khil. No idea who he is, he kindly asked him "Please, good sir. This is Force-Sensitive matters here. I don't want you to get hurt or anything." He then turned to face the Sith. Then said to Serra, "Don't worry, he won't take you alive. I promise all my life on it."

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(Venelin Krayt)

Venelin grew instantly impatient and grew angry to see that there was a Jedi here. Or something like a Jedi. He was not surprised. But the Khil who interrupted Venelin's will to kill, became his first priority to wipe him off the tale. He spoke "I have evidence that this lady is a Senator that is running from the Empire. I have orders to kill you, should you get in my way."