Waking the sleeping Beauty

[Taruna]

~= Calm Winds =~​

[fancybox2]
We are on board of the Calm Winds, en route back to the SOV Galactic Evolution and right now a (as seen by a intergalactic traveler) sidestep away of the planet Attox, which also is only a sidestep away from the official New Imperial Border. The board time is 16:00 and the temperature at about 19 Degree all over the ship. Course is clear and there are no complications in sight so far.

Being a good mixture of an light freighter and a luxury yacht, the Calm Winds was not equipped with the fastest hyperdrive available, since the motto of a yacht remains the same throughout the times: The journey is the destination. Thus the way to the planet where one could all the needed spare parts for, say a X-Wing together with some random parts to hide them amongst already needed five days, and now, due to the new course of the SOV Galactic Evolution, the trip back would need about a week, barring any complications.

Which were way more probably on the way there. Now, with the way there done without any complications and a very successful bargain resulting in way more parts then the acting Captain could have anticipated, the Yacht was on it's way back via auto Pilot.

The acting Captain, by the way would be none less than Reland Gil, Jedi Master and Council Member of the New Jedi Order in undercover identity of Vincent Van Rode, the official son of a very successful business man Markus Van Rode and on it's way to outlive the Billions of Credits his father inherited him with on his dying bed.

How a Council Member gets the Captain of a Yacht, is sent to buy parts and even got a secret identity you ask? Well, that's explained easily. The good Master Gil was one who always had troubles saying no when someone asked him for help. Or when something was amiss. Or there was a Damsel in distress. Or someone chipped a fingernail. In short.. he was about to find out what can break a man who does not take regularly pauses to take care of yourself, recharge the batteries and get your mind some much needed rest. Especially if you just got into the Council and immediately buried in work.

So a certain Padawan decided that the Council member, whose beard was getting grey so fast one almost could watch it turn gray and allowed himself not enough rest needed a vacation and managed to trick him into this assignment. Of course, he saw through it. But only after he was a little more than half the way there.
[/fancybox2]

~= Imperial Star Destroyer Pax Imperia III =~​

The mighty ship went into a sharp right curve. At least what one could understand as one from a ship this age and size. Lynn, the young Acolyte of the New Sith imperium listened to the loud creaking and cracking all over the bridge and winced. She knew very well that this sound would go through all the ship without exception, which also meant the sleeping room she resided. She was standing right now to the right of the Captain, Jessica Thorr and was right not the highest ranking Sith on board. Which was exactly as she wanted it to.

She's seen the uncensored broadcasts of the Empress. She's seen how the Sith rule and how the planets are 'kept in alignment'. She's been searching for the Imperial Knights, but to no avail. She's seen what adhering to the Sith Code would do to her. Make her a senseless killer machine. And that's for sure not what she wanted. So she was lying herself on board of the probably oldest Star destroyer possible, tasked by a captain too proud to bow to the New Sith Imperium and make herself a brown nose in the process. The captain was a descendant of a really, really long history of Imperials, sitting on a Captain's Chair with pride since she knew this would be what she would do the rest of her life.. chasing pirates and small flies around the edge of the borders. Far away from anything important.

"Captain, we just destroyed the last of the... pirates" a bridge officer told her and the Captain responded with a nod followed by a short "Resume the ordered search pattern. There may be remnants of the... Pirates"

The short seconds of hesitations before the word Pirates was spoken had a reason. The so called pirates were not really much more than a bunch of hopeless small chain criminals with ships that were held together with duct tape, good will and a lot of praying. Even this flying museum was capable to make short process of them as soon as the scouts found something.

Lynn was about to retire to her chambers, her mandatory role as 'Evaluator of the Crew's capacities and capabilities', the role she gave herself to be more or less undisturbed during the trip. Who would like to start a casual conversation with someone who would fire you for saying a wrong word?

As the door to the hallways opened, she sighted as another bridge officer nervously announced "There's another ship, a three minute jump away. Does not seem to be connected. The course is right now away from our territory."

Lynn closed her eyes Do not say something wrong, captain.. but OF COURSE her order was "Plot a course. We will inspect the ship or destroy it if it resists

~= Calm Winds =~​

[fancybox2]
Reland was right now in the more than spacious Lobby, the more than just good tasting Lunch still in his belly and some time to think for himself alone. He was here since five minutes, and the calm and quiet in the last few days really did some good for his nerves.

But suddenly, he felt it.

A sudden and huge eruption in the Force, foreshadowing something potentially unpleasant. Vacation was apparently over.

His suspicions were confirmed as the incoming message was broadcasted into his room, a automatically created gadget to relieve one from being in the cockpit all the time "This is Captain Jessica Thorr of the Imperial Star Destroyer Pax Imperia the third. Shut down your engines for a routine inspection of crew and cargo. Any kind of resistance will be dealt with by opening fire. We are out of warning shots tho..."

At the same time the message ended, a protocol droid entered the room with a portable communicator, allowing the Jedi Master and Captain of the ship to respond immediately.[/fancybox2]

 

[Raydo]

"Wonderful" he said to himself as he picked up the portable communications device. "This is the Calm Winds. Your orders have been acknowledged. The engines are shutting down. You may carry out any inspection you need." he said in a polite yet somehow slimy way, imitating the numerous merchant captains he dealt with over the years. He had already taken care to hide anything that would tie him to the Jedi Order before picking the parts up. Every ship had a hidden compartment, the trick was to find it in a ship, and he was doubt the Imperials would spend enough time on board to find his. There was nothing out of the ordinary about his ship.

The engines shut down as his ship shook slightly from being grabbed by a tractor beam. He felt somewhat naked with his lightsaber. It wouldn't help in a situation like this, but it still would have offered him some type of comfort.

As his ship was being towed into one of the ship's hangar bays, he felt another tug of the Force. If it wasn't strangely familiar, Reland would have guess it was the presence of a Sith Master. It lacked the darkness of such a being. He couldn't quite place his finger on how it was familiar to him. Regardless, it felt off, somehow muffled. It was almost like it was being suppressed or controlled in someway. He had recently experience with captors using drugs to cut a Jedi off from the ability to draw upon the Force. Reland wasn't quite sure if it was that or something else. He wasn't sure there was anything he could do about it anyways without giving himself away.

The landing ramp descended and Reland showed his hands to the storm troopers that ran up the ramp. "Greetings friends, Welcome aboard the Calm Winds."

 

[Taruna]

~= Imperial Star Destroyer Pax Imperia III =~​

[fancybox2]
As the ship was about to be towed in, not offering any resistance, the crew was somewhat relieved and the armament was powered down to ready mode. The ship was all ready to give the ship a full volley if it would attempt to flee. It would have been a total overkill but neither the Captain nor the crew was in the mood to allow this ship to escape and have to chase it. This would have prolonged the time until they would get land vacation.

Having a sudden impression, the captain got up and turned to her XO, speaking in her usual commanding voice "Take the bridge, XO. I will greet the captain. It's common courtesy after all" and turned to the Sith who just barely suppressed a sigh. The Sith lady knew what would happen next and was already calculating her chances in getting away with force choking her right now. "As I remember this is according to he protocol 341a, section c subpoint twenty-three, right?"

Force! CHOKE! NOW!

"Yes, of course." the sith answered immediately, knowing the protocols due to the nightly lesions by a unfortunate protocol droid having to teach her or a week straight now "And I am required to be present to evaluate your ability to represent the Imperium. Do not attempt to test me again or I will act upon the overruling 'protocol' of the Sith code" the response had the desired effect, as the captain had to gulp audible and dry. With a slightly satisfied nod Lynn turned around to get into her Sith attire to not fail her own 'representing the Sith' tingy.


She hated that. A lot,
[/fancybox2]

~= Calm Winds =~​

What reland saw in the hangar was nothing short than intimidating everyone not being trained in combat. The whole Hangar was full of stormtroopers, all in a neat box formation and regularly accompanied with the one or another battle droid.

The reason was quite apparent, as the storm troopers soon gave way for a clear sight of a Sith and the Captain of the Star Destroyer who were half way to the ramp right now. The captain, dressed in the newest dashing black-and-grey uniform of an Imperial Ship Captain and emanated the aura of absolute authority and control. As well as some sexyness that came with it usually. The Sith on the other hand emanated the perfect image of a Sith, arrogance, strength and absolute superiority over everyone around her. Even if she was one head smaller than the Captain, she seemed to be the one in charge here at first glance.

Since the stormtroopers posted themselves to Relands right and left, it was apparent that he was expected to wait there. Also the weapons scan done by the troopers left and right was accompanied with a quite polite "Excuse me, sir" and the order "If there are more people in the ship, please order them to stand by in their rooms"

Arriving at the ramp, the two of them (Captain and Sith) were mostly like Yin and Yang. The Captain seemed really open and friendly. Which was, as he could not know just happy to be able to speak someone who would not answer all sentences followed with a 'Ma'am' while the Sith looked at him with a burning stare. As if she knew him but still could not get his face assorted to a identity.

"Welcome aboard the Imperial Star Destroyer Pax Imperia III. I'm Captain Thorr and this is Lady Lynn" the Captain introduced the two to Reland and offered a hand "I apologize for this interruption but there were some Space Pirates nearby we just brought to justice and protocols demand we search your ship for any contraband or escapees. It will not take longer than neccessary."

When the handshake was done, she smiled in her best inviting way and decided to jab at the Sith once more "May I extend an invitation to dinner for the time being? I'm sure this would be preferable to the brig"

Of course, this would require Lynn's presence at this meeting too, as it was stated in the protocols. Which made her think about her ability to double-choke.

 

[Raydo]

**OOC: Finally got back to my computer and cell phone from this work trip. I am good to go once again! Its a short post but I wanted to get something quick so we could keep moving forward.**

Reland gave every appearance that he was just another law abiding merchant captain. He smiled at the captain's welcome.

"Well, Thank you Captain, but I can assure you I didn't need all of this!" he said motioning to the lines of storm troopers. "If you wanted to have dinner, all you had to do was ask. I'm impressed regardless. " he said winking at the Imperial Captain. He glanced at the Sith in between his words with the Captain. She was young, but she gave off a certain aura of leadership. She was someone who was clearly used to have her words followed. She was perhaps an experienced acolyte or a crusader, but Reland had no intention of getting to know her better than he had to.

Perhaps she was connected to feeling he had felt since his ship was brought it. He still felt the tugging of the Force deeper inside the ships hull. It was a delicate situation he was in. He would investigate it if he could, but right now he was in no position to move about freely. For now he would accept the invitation of the Captain, and see where it went from there. Perhaps it was not only by chance he was brought here today.

"Shall we?" he asked in the most charming voice he could muster.

 

[Taruna]

"But certainly. I will lead you there, no need to stick around while the troops engage in what I believe to be a fruitless search anyways." the captain answeres with a final nod to the troops who started their jobs immediately.

The Sith, who noticed the side look, mainly since she did not avert her eyes from hin even for a second then looked at the Captain and spoke with her tremendously arrogant voice "I will take this opportunity to do a random troop evaluation of the process of searching. I will arrive a little later to the dinner"

The Captain of course did not like that one bit but unfortunately was not able to do anything against it. Lynn did buy herself away from the obligation to accompany the Captain for some time.

When she passed Relamd, he could almost feel her side look at him physically, like daggers made of pure ice.

But that moment passed quickly, as the Acolyte did. What was left was the Captain who accompanied the 'trader' trough the ship. "I apologize again, but unfortunately protocols dictate this search. Are you around in the outer areas often? It's quite a feat to stay in business with all these pirates about, I admit I am quite impressed"

 

[Raydo]

Reland passed by the Sith giving her a single glance before looking away. He could almost see the arrogance in the air around. It was the arrogance of the young. He suspected in Sith circles she was fairly low. This would make her all more willing to hold what power she had over those she could with such ferocity.

"There is no need for apologies, Captain. I understand we all have our duties in this Galaxy." he said beginning to leave the hangar with the Captain. "I find myself all over the place. Everyone needs something out there, and as long as you have the credits and the need is legal, of course" he said coughing "I will bring it to you."

"The more Pirates there are, the more money I make. Pirates are a force of nature, just like the a bad storm. If you can predict their movements than you have nothing to worry about." he said chucking "Besides, with good Imperials out here such as yourself. Its safer than ever." he said. He knew he was laying it on a bit thick, but it played right into the character he was portraying.

He followed the Captain through the hallways the people they passed stiffened and gave nods of respect. Reland could sense the tension between the Captain and the Sith aboard, but was sure he wasn't about to bring it up.

They walked for several minutes and onto a turbo lift. They moved deeper into the ship and Reland felt the pull more strongly now. It ate at him. To be this close to....something, and have no way of finding out what it was. It was like a bad itch in a place he couldn't reach. He kept the conversation moving as they exited the lift and entered the Captain's private dinner room. While the Galactic Evolution had a place much the same as this one, it was much less rich.

He stood next to his chair as he waited for the Captain to take her seat and then took his. "So, Captain." He said taking the napkin off of the table and placing it in his lap. "How long have you been in service to the Imperium?" he asked continuing the small talk.

 

[Taruna]

Reland's display of his character was excellent, as the Captain blinked a few times before regaining her countenance

"Well, according to the file about Five years..-ish" she tried t keep it vague.. a Lady did not just spill her age at anyone "But if you ask my parents take my entire life down to the second and add nine months" she smiled a little, this was as much as she was willing to give away that she was the daughter of a military family. But while she spoke, there was a second voice. It was definitely not one used to be spoken for a long time, yet it echoed into his mind, creating a warm and fuzzy feeling. And unlike the harsh timbre and the edgy accent of the imperial captain, it was like honey coated ambrosia in his accent-fee and somewhat soft way

"Be on your Guard. Not everyone is as they seem. And I would appreciate some heroic rescue right now."

Unfortunately, the voice got weaker quickly, as if the one sending the message was at the end of their powers. Still, it was impossible to pinpoint the origin of the message, although it was by some reason crystal clear that this voice belonged to not only a Force user, but also a Jedi. That was something Reland simply... knew

Of course, the Captain did not hear it at all. It was clear in her eyes as she looked at him, waiting for her response. In the meantime, the Meal was already done, since it was originally planned for her and her XO.[/color]

 

[Raydo]

Was this a trap? It certainly didn't feel like a trip, but that is how traps are supposed to feel. He reached out and tried to cling onto the presence that was already beginning to fade.

"Where are you?" he asked back using the Force to carry his message. It was dangerous to reach out like he was, especially with the Sith on board, but he had to. The voice faded and then feeling beginning to fade as well. It was infuriating. He needed something to go on. The Captain wasn't just going to let him search the entire ship, and he was sure asking if there was Jedi on board would buy himself a ticket to the nearest Sith Base for interrogation.

He hid his frustration as the food was brought out. He smiled and nodded as the attendant laid the plate in front of him. "Thank you." he added as the woman walked away. "So, A navy girl for life huh? Well, and I hope I don't come off as too forward, but you barely look old enough to enlist, much less be a captain." he said as his grin grew and winking.

All the while he reached further and further with the Force. Then he felt it. The presence so small it was hidden in the thousands of occupants of the ship. It was muddled and fading still. Drugged perhaps? Reland wasn't sure. It was 2-3 decks below where they were right now, just at the reach of his perception in the Force.

Now he just needed to figure out how to get down there.

 

[Taruna]

Renald could immediately feel that he hit a soft spot, if his force sensitivity wouldn't have told him about the emotional spike, the very brief look on her face would have done so too for each and every attentive observer. Sure, Thorr was one of the youngest Captains, but due to the fact that she was not like her family or rest of the imperium one of the ruthless, cold-hearted kind, she ended up on a rustbucket at the edge of the Imperial space with a crew that was mostly just useless and thus sorted out. If you looked at all the communications and orders, it was clear that this ship was a useless part that was used to get rid of the junk, to not affect the real Star destroyers with their taint.

Nevertheless, this guest did not need to know it, so she tried her best not to attempt to poke his throat with her fork for his insolence but keep her countenance and smile "Thanks, I was trained from a very early point, so it was not hard to get the necessary tests a little earlier than normal..~"

Her sentence was interrupted by the characteristic hiss of the door opening, followed by the stomping of the everlasting thorn in the Captain's side, the Sith entering. She once again suppressed a sigh. It was probably too much that she hoped the Sith would be more pedantic to check in how the stormtroopers would conduct the search. Although, since she was on board, the professionalism among the crew skyrocketed. Mainly because the Sith's first action was to almost choke two stormtroopers for not saluting her correctly, and that in the first two minutes since she was on board.

Now the Sith simply looked at the two, holding a small canister in hand and taking place at the long table, sitting exactly the same distance away from Reland and the Captain, placing the canister on the floor aside her "Apologies, but there was not much to do. The Crew is doing a marvellous job as usual"

This made the right eye brow of the captain raise in surprise. This was in fact the first time the Sith actually did say something... positive about the crew. The captain also noticed that Lynn was looking at Reland as if she would expect him to say anything specific that only the two of them could know...

 

[Raydo]

Reland somehow managed to keep his jaw from dropping when the Sith walked into the dining chamber with the canister. His use of telekinetic lightsaber combat made it necessary that he be extremely in tune with both of his lightsabers. He had spent months meditating with both blades until they felt a part of him. That is how he knew that the canister contained both of his lightsabers. She made no hostile action towards him, and hadn't arrived with a company of storm troopers, so he calmed himself for the moment.

He stood as the Sith went to sit down and bowed slightly to her as she took her seat "Ah. Lady...I don't believe I was graced with your name?" he said questioningly before taking his seat once again "I am glad you could join us." he said as he tried to get a read on the girl. Logic told him his best chance at getting out of her would be to kill the both of him right here, but he remained still. If she had caught him, she surely would have already prepared for that event. Perhaps she underestimated him, other than his age there was nothing to suggest he was anything about a Jedi Knight.

Reland was never one for stealth, and while his Force presence was not extremely obvious it would be there if she looked hard enough. Reland looked Lynn as she looked expectantly back at him. He had no desire to kill her or her Captain, but he couldn't risk the Sith learning the secrets his mind held. He would remain silent for now, but at the first sign of hostility he would act.

 

[Taruna]

This feeling.

This feeling of absolute satisfaction and success. Something sherishable like that usually was something to be enjoyed as long as possible. But in this case she did not have the luxury of time to do so.

She did not really remember where she knew this man from nor if he really was a Jedi, but the second she saw him she realized he was one. From there on it was just a matter of the right.. Motivation of the troops.

Reland was not to blame. If you want to hide something, the trick is to have the right balance of concealment and accessibility. Hide it too well, and you die before reaching it and hide it not well enough you die because it's uncovered. Nevertheless, the idea of hiding them as dummy-power couplings was brilliant, and Lynn just was lucky because the trooper taking a look made an ominous "uh.." Seeing them. That this guywas preparing to transfer to the mechanical career was simply dumb luck.

At this point be mentioned that his Robe was very well hidden and not found, despite hanging in plain sight.

What followed then was easy. The Stormtrooper was easily bribed with the prospect of being posted on a calm planet without any trouble. He would spend most of his days sitting around and read.

Then, Lynn moved to the Data Center, opened the surveillance footage of the landing bay and ran a face recognition program on him. Having the Captains access Codes from her stolen code cylinder gave her root access. Much fun, so convenient.

Then, after indeed finding "Reland Gil" in the Intelligence file and his actual cover identity she decided that if he liked to play Spy, he could as well take Another one. Within moments, Inquisitor Reland Gil was born, given access level red Omega. His secret mission to check up on the "special project" that was here on board and even with her actual Access rights not accessible since the good captain used password protection.

Sure, the Inquisitor would not hold longer then a week, but it did not have to. She just hoped this Reland was not an amateur. She then smiled on that thought. Even a Master would have troubles to survive on a Star destroyer filled with thousands of enemies if he would not be able to think on his feet.

Back to the here and now, Lynn bowed her head ever so slightly in response of his inquiry and spoke with a somewhat untypical respectful vouce, giving the Captain so much the creeps that it was written openly in her eyes "That surely is in its entirety my fault. I am Lynn. And I will without a fail accept any punishment you see fit for my lateness. But to my defense, I would have arranged for better lodging and food, had the Central intelligence just sent the encoded Signal a day sooner. I of course completely understand the need for secrecy," she then ended her little ruse with the most important thing. Would the beard be able to get the drift? Or would they both die here and now by the captains blaster? There was only hope left.

"But there are things even we need to prepare for your arrival, Inquisitor Gil"

 

[Raydo]

Reland wasn't sure what this girl's game was. He listened with a blank face as she spoke, not wanting to give anything away with his expressions. He paused after she had added the title of "Inquisitor" to the end of his actual name. He would follow her down this path as his options were limited at the moment. Reland stared at the girl for just a second before adopting perhaps the darkest scowls that had ever touch his face. "If I wanted fanfare, don't you think I would have announced myself? This was meant to be a surprise inspection. Of which you have ruined. Perhaps this assignment was a bit too much for one as simple as yourself." he bored into acolytes eyes with his own. He used to moment to touch her mind to see if he could get a glimpse of her intentions.

He had gripped the edge of the table until his knuckles were white while he chastised the Sith. He let go of the table and picked up his napkin from his lap and dabbed his face before placing it on the table. He turned to the captain. "I apologize for my outburst at your table, Captain. How you have managed to keep your crew in line, despite the burden of this one, speaks to your skill as a leader. I am here for inspection. Of course you understand the need for such things from time to time. If you don't mind I need to have a word with this one." he said, his tone growing darker as he mentioned the Sith speaking across from him. "I would ask for privacy, and do not speak of this to anyone. I will know if you fail in this task." he said as he dismissed the Captain with a wave of a hand.

He waited until the Captain had left and the doors had sealed closed. As soon as they did, he pulled the chair out from underneath the acolyte using the Force. In the same motion, he pulled the canister that held his light sabers to his hand. If she resisted he would not hesitate to quickly fling her into the bulkhead. "Now, explain yourself." he asked in his normal calm tone as he removed the light sabers from the canister.

 

[Taruna]

Lynn sat there with her hands folded in front of her and endured the deliberate slow skedaddling of the pouting Captain. Then, of course the Jedi wanted to know why he was not dead by now. He would not have been able to pick up more then a strong feeling of satisfaction and some degree of antitipation, replaced by relief when he started to llay the role. That he asked what's going on was nothing spectacular, the way how he did on the othe hand was. And that he moved her chair was earning him a negative point, but she simply let not let him make her angry, if that even was his plan. She was Sith.. So far.. and knew what discipline means. Some dozens carefully healed and masked scars on her back would prove that easily.

Of course she also did not resist as he took back his Lightsabers, as they where rightfully his and if he was about to do something as foolish as using them. He at least would die with honor and his precious blades in hand.

While she thought these thoughts she has a little more through, the Acolyte realized that her impromptu action would have unchangeable consequences and the choices she would make right now would bring her life in a absolute path. Realizing that she actually wanted to march this path since she was beaten to the ground by her first instructor at the Korriban Academy, she finalized her plan and broke the seconds of silence she spent measuring the Jedi for quite some time now "I don't have to explain myself. It's you who just wandered into a Star Destroyer where the Imperium is conducting some strange experiments. Experiments that involve a Force user. I too felt the whisper, but my clearance is insufficient. So since you apparently are at least of average wits and at least know how to play a role half ways, I suggest you help me put an end to this and maybe we both leave the ship alife.

 

[Raydo]

Reland was relieved when the acolyte didn't attack back. He was fairly confident he could handle this one if needed, and if this, indeed, was not a trap, he doubted anyone would question if he killed one so below his apparent station. Which made him even more curious. Why would she leave herself so vulnerable.

He sat down again after securing both of his lightsabers and leaned forward. "Do you know where" he asked. He still didn't trust her yet, but this sounded like it would be his best shot at getting at whatever lay deeper in the ship.

He talked quietly as he looked into her eyes. He reached out with the Force to barely touch her mind. Even a Sith deserved her privacy, and this particular one had done nothing but seem to aid him so far. Perhaps it was too trusting, but Reland didn't since any attempts at deception. She was either a damn good liar, or she was being truthful. He didn't push further into her mind. After a moment he spoke quietly. "What do you know about these experiments?" he asked. His voice was now calm. He didn't ask her about why she wanted to leave. That would be discuss later. They had a long way to go before thinking of leaving.

 

[Taruna]

Taking back her seat by means of the Force, the Sith sat down again now that the Jedi apparently collected himself again.
"I can say it's somewhere between decks twelve and twenty rear half of the ship, since I am not allowed in this area. I also can't say anything about the experiments since all files are locked and I can not snoop around without looking out of place. But it's labeled Experiment #325. The only ones knowing what this experiment is are the Captain and those working there directly, and the lower ranks do not leave this part of the ship." she paused and took a deep breath "I only know that there's a Force user involved since she reached out to me, but I can not get anywhere close to the damn lab to do anything. What I need is access, and that's why I created the disguise of an Inquisitor on you. You temporary have access to all areas. It won't hold long and so I suggest you convince the Captain to let you see the actual status of said experiment. But to make one thing clear: I created this disguise, and I can dismantle it as well. I want to be present to see what this experiment is about and if you try to elbow me out of it you will regret it."

 

[Raydo]

To say he enjoyed being threatened by little more than a child would be a lie, but he kept his composure. He pushed back from the table. "I suppose we should go then." he said as he stood up. He tucked the lightsabers into concealed pockets.

He didn't wait for her permission to go. She had told him what she knew, and he was fairly certain she was telling the truth. The door opened with the Captain standing outside. She had no doubt heard the clanging of the thrown chair. She had a somewhat smug grin, like a sibling who knows their older sibling was in trouble. "I apologize for the mess Captain. You, of all people, understand that failure should be punished. She will accompany me for the day, perhaps seeing how a true Sith acts will make somewhat less incompetent." he said, forcing his voice to drip with arrogance. It was not a tone he ever really used, but he had fallen in the roll nicely.

"Now, I want to inspect the experiment." he said walking towards the turbo lift. The Captain had begun to follow beside him. He turned on his heels and faced her. " I am sure you have matters to attend to, Captain. If you will point me to the right direction, I would like to view things for myself." he said putting no pretext of a question in his words. He was certain she would back down. Her competition with the acolyte and Reland's perceived chastisement of her had won him some favor with the Captain. As soon as he told what deck it was on, he would turn and leave.

 

[Taruna]

It was going well so far. The Jedi at least knew how to make an appearance and did not rat her out immediately. The Acolyte remained silent until the two of them were left alone, since the Captain gladly gave the Inquisitor whatever he wanted, since this was the fastest way to get rid of them sooner.

Also, the Sith made a mental notice about the fact that the Captain did not flinch for a second as the word experiment was mentioned and gave out the reuested information in the presence of some crewmen.

Now there was the issue to actually enter the area were the experiment was conducted. Access codes would not be the problem, since Lynn still possessed the Code cylinder. Having the daily parole would be something the Jedi had to figure out. But it was better to improvise then asking the Captain, since he was expected to know them anyways. Had she herself asked, things would have gone south equally bad.

Now, leading the Jedi subtle to the correct correct Turbolift they of course encountered a all time high of discipline and by-the-book behaviour, since the news was already all over the ship. Just as planned.

"The access codes are covered, but there is also a daily password to use. I trust your thinking on the feet jn this one" she spoke up as soon as they were in the turbolift, wich was comfortably empty as all the passe gers suddenly had to leave at ghis deck.

 

[Raydo]

Reland slammed his hand against the button on the turbo lift which brought it to a halt and whirled on the acolyte. "And you are just tell me this now. I am not sure what to make of you. There are some things you can't just fake on the spot. That is the point of a password!" he said trying to think of a solution. They couldn't remain stopped for long without raising suspicion. He hit the button again and the lift began moving. There were easier ways to have killed Reland if that was the acolyte's intentions. He didn't hide the fact that he was growing quite annoyed at her, but he would continue anyways. The call in the Force pulling him along.

The lift opened and Reland reached out with the Force and bent the light of the room around the pair. It was not something he could keep up for long, but he had been practicing with Lutomi, who was much more skilled in these types of things. The two storm troopers turned to see an empty turbo lift. Reland grabbed the acolytes arm and pulled her past the two guards. It was not a perfect plan. The two guards had been expecting the pair of "Sith". Reland reached into both of there minds and said "The Inquisitor has postponed his inspection for the time being." as they waited to see if either one of them would question the thoughts he placed in both of their minds. Satisfied that they were quelled, Reland guided the acolyte further down the hall way before rounding a corner. As soon as they were out of sight of the two guards who were charged with making sure a password was given to enter to level, we removed the cloak of light from around them. He wiped the small amount of sweat from his forehead that had gathered there as a result of his straining.

Everyone else would know that the two were coming, and assume they gave the password to guards as they entered the deck. Reland straightened his clothing once again, and began walking down the hallway towards the nearing presence.

 

[Taruna]

It was not hard to see that the Acolytes usual self created a certain annoyance to the Jedi. It was somewhat mutual as the long jears of actually hating the Jedi was not something she simply could take off like a piece of clothing.

The more she was impressed that the Jedi managed to get rid of the two guards that easily and thus remained silent and calm when she felt him using the Force for something.

As they rounded the corner, the urge to ask a question was overridden by the sight ahead. The hallway changed from the usual ash gray color to a bright white and ended not more then five meters ahead in a bulkhead of a design that made clear that even a Lightsaber would have quite some difficulties to get trough. To the top left and right corners, two mounted blaster turrets with six barrels in a rotating formation made clear that you either have access or will not away again. The only thing not white was a forcefield protected yellow console were the credentials would have to be provided.

More disturbing was the fact that now, as they were in such a close proximity the Force, or more the perversion of such was so strong that everyone attuned to the Force could feel it. Warped and twisted as it was, it made your finger itch, your throat dry and your eyes hurt. Mot to mention the ice cold feeling going done one's spine.

Without so much as a word, Lynn took the code cylinder she prepared and handed it to the Jedi. From here on she would fly as blind as the Jedi, bht she was content that their combined knowledge would bring them trough somehow.

 

[Raydo]

Reland used the code on the cylinder to open the doorway and stepped into the luminescent hallway. They were surrounded by light, but Reland could not see any actual light fixtures. It was as if the hallway glowed. The white light and twisting, writhing presence of the Force made his head spin somewhat.

As he stepped inside, he noticed a window with three armed guards standing in front of it he faced them as they saluted to him. Reland only returned the gesture with a cold stare. The door closed behind them as computerized female voice spoke. "Welcome Inquisitor Gil. Please place all external items in the box and prepared to be scanned for contaminates." the voice requested as a panel in the hallway slid out. Reland once again relinquished his two lightsabers and communication device he carried.

"Scanning in progress" the computer announced and after thirty seconds there was buzzer that announced they were clear to proceed. A door opened up on the other side of the hallway and to the pair stepped through again.

Something was not right in the place. It smelled much like a medical facility would, sterile, but that conflicted with his perception in the Force. He wanted to get in, quickly investigate what was going on, so they may leave this place quickly.