Ask Wild Bantha Chase

[Lucien Adami]

The young Padawan had finished talking to the Mythrol and was now making his way over to a seated Twi'lek. Looks like things are going well, he seems to have found a lead, thought Lucien, turning back to the bartender.

"100 credits for what you're after," said the tattooed Mirialan.

Looking at Lucien, it would appear that this was the most insulting thing he had ever heard. "100!? You take me for a fool ma'am? I'll give you a quarter of that or you'll be seeing none of my credits."

"50 credits. Take it or get out." She said, casting a glance over at a scary looking Weequay in the corner. That must be security, thought Lucien.

"Fine then. And could I get a water as well please?" He reluctantly pulled out a credit chip and tossed it into the waiting hand of the bartender.

As the Mirialan filled up a glass, Lucien saw Quin take his leave of the cantina. The Jedi Knight contemplated as he looked at the door: What was that about? Should I follow him? He was reluctant to leave the Padawan alone in such a seedy part of town; Lucien would have to answer for it should anything happen to him. On the other hand, the kid could probably take care of himself and he was yet to get his information.

"I can't tell you anything about a Bantha. If you're looking for exotic animals, go see the Outriders. They're a gang of poachers and animal traffickers headquartered in the North-East quadrant of the city. They wear yellow armbands, you can't miss 'em." She said, sliding the water over the bar counter.

"I appreciate the advice," Lucien replied, nodding and standing up from the counter. It'd be good to press her further, but I have to check on Quin. He turned on his heel and made quickly for the exit, his untouched water sitting on the counter.

Outside there was no sign of the Padawan and Lucien reached out to the Force, trying to sense his presence. It was like looking out through a foggy window, he could only discern blurry shapes and signatures. He wasn't expecting to succeed in locating Quin through the Force, Lucien often found it difficult to use his Jedi powers in this way. That didn't make it any less frustrating.

Blast it, we'll do it the old-fashioned way. He took off at a run down the street, head on a swivel, ears listening carefully.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“HEY! Master Adami, over here!” Quin was pretty much sitting on top of the Mythrol’s chest now, waving to the Jedi knight with his free hand. It must have been a strange sight because people all around him had turned their heads and were starting to give him odd looks. He shot them an awkward grin before getting off the Mythrol and helping him up, though he kept a firm grip around the man’s arm as he got to his feet and slowly dragged him towards where Master Adami was, regardless of whether or not he’d heard him earlier.

“Just messing around,” he explained casually to those who hesitantly stepped aside for him. The majority of the passers-by seemed to take it and went along with their own business. As for whether or not Master Adami had seen that first tackle, well, hopefully this encounter wouldn’t make it back to his own master at the end of the day.

The Mythrol dusted himself off as best as he could with one arm and then glared at the Padawan as they stopped in front of the Jedi knight. As he did, Quin couldn’t help but feel that the yellow band around his arm clashed quite spectacularly with the rest of his outfit. He was no fashion guru, but yellow with that particular shade of gray was just not doing it for him. Then he remembered why he was here in the first place, and cleared his throat as he looked from Master Adami to the Mythrol.

“Alright, sir. First, Mr. Tom said that he wasn’t actually Mr. Tom, but that’s an easy mistake to make so I’ll let you go for that one. But then he said that you knew about the Bantha when you said you didn’t! And I have a feeling that he’s telling the truth. Sooo… care to let us in on a little of what you know? I promise I’ll let you go after.” Quin grinned at the Mythrol, who did not seem to be having any of it.

“I’m not telling you meddling Jedi a thing.” He spat at the ground, though Quin could sense the growing fear in him. “That deal is over and done, and I want nothing to do with it. Now let me go before I call for backup.” Quin glanced at Master Adami.

“Backup? What backup?”

“Ha! You don’t want to know. We Outriders have slayed creatures ten times your size. You’d be crushed in an instant. Don’t try me, Jedi.”

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

A sigh of relief escaped Lucien as he heard the Padawan calling over to him. Well at least I won't have to report I lost Quin. That'd be one awkward conversation with the Council. 'Hey, thanks for trusting me with a knighthood and everything. Oh the kid? Yeah about that...'

"Quin! Found yourself a friend?" He made his way over.

Lucien was pleased to see the Padawan had wrangled himself a Mythrol, the same one he was talking to before by the look of it. As Quin confronted his captive, the Knight's eyes flashed over to the yellow fabric fastened around the alien's arm. Isn't that a coincidence? The Force really does work in funny ways.

He was pulled from his train of though as the blue Outrider spat on the ground in front of him. You little womp rat! Lucien had to fight down the anger he felt bubbling forth within him. He glared at the pathetic creature before taking a calming breath and trying to find his solace in the Force. 'Emotion, yet peace.' he recited, waiting for the Mythrol to finish speaking.

"Those are big words for someone who really hasn't thought this through" He addressed the gang member, not feeling as kind as his Padawan companion. "We've got you outnumbered here and you're yet to call for backup - you've got nothing. The law doesn't look kindly on animal traffickers and I've half a mind to drag you to the nearest Royal Guard station just to see them put you away. Don't be foolish, you should reconsider my friend's proposal. Tell us what you know about the Bantha."

Lucien didn't feel very intimidating but he hoped the act was convincing. On the other hand, it would make Lucien look awfully dumb if the Outrider had a way of signalling the help of his colleagues discretely.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

At Master Adami’s questioning, the Mythrol noticeably shrank back and glanced at the street behind him. Quin didn’t even need the Force to know that he was considering running away. Good luck with that. But it wasn’t that which angered the Padawan the most. This man was a poacher? He wasn’t aware of how the Jedi knight knew, but Quin trusted his judgement. In that case, maybe I should have tackled him harder. He put a hand on the hilt of his lightsaber, just in the line of sight of the Mythrol. He wasn’t actually going to use it, but maybe it would help him speak up a little bit faster.

The Mythrol gulped and tried to meet Master Adami’s gaze, though to no avail. Now he appeared to be rethinking his earlier choice of words.

“If I tell you, will you let me go?” Quin glanced at the Jedi knight, then shrugged.

“Maybe.” Seeing that he wasn’t going to get a better answer as he looked between the two stony-faced Jedi, the Mythrol seemed to give up.

“It was a while back. Someone ordered a Bantha, and we delivered as promised. Typical job for us, and I forgot all about it until a week ago. That same client told us that the animal escaped. Apparently it ran away into the east highlands a few days ago.” He heaved a sigh. “Wanted us to track it down and bring it back, even offered a hefty sum, but we rejected the job and that’s that.” Then Quin felt his arm stiffen. “You aren’t here to force us into it, are you? A no is a no.”

“‘Course not.” The Padawan was a little miffed that the Mythrol had just told them what they already knew, with the small addition of Brutus being lost in the east part of the highlands. That was something, at least. But was there more?

“Why would you turn down an offer that pays so well? Shouldn’t finding a Bantha on land you’re familiar with be easy?” The Mythrol made a face.

“Easy for you, maybe. That Bantha was last seen in the off-limits part of the mountains. Avalanches happen almost every day in there. Even a single speeder will set those rocks off, and we ain’t wasting our time with that. You’d be lucky if that Bantha is still alive.” He snorted. “Care to let me go now?”

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

"Can't say I particularly feel like it." Said Lucien in response to the Outrider's question. The conversation had him thoroughly bemused as well - they'd just gone from having two solid leads to investigate all the way back to square one. "But if what you say is true then I don't think we have any more to say to each other. I'll let you handle this as you wish Quin. If you have any further questions go ahead and ask them, though I think this one's served his usefulness."

His voice was coloured by a disdain for the criminal. Lucien didn't know the Mythrol, the man could've been born into a crippling poverty that funneled him into this line of work. Maybe I should've given him the benefit of the doubt? I can be pretty quick to judge.

He turned his back on the gang member and paced over to a nearby building, leaning on the wall and waiting for Quin to finish up with the Outrider. Their little interrogation had drawn the attention of many passers-by, and a few had stopped to watch the outcome.

At least the two Jedi had figured out a piece of the puzzle. It seemed Lat Mundo himself had commissioned these Outriders to steal Brutus the bantha. And it appeared that Brutus had escaped Mundo of his own volotion. Lucien sought out the Force, closing his eyes to concentrate. A gentle rain descended on the scene. Pondering the facts so far, considering and reconsidering, Lucien was struck with an idea. Mundo solicited the Outriders as well as the Jedi, but he may not have limited himself to just those two parties Perhaps we're asking the wrong question - maybe we should be asking about Mundo rather than Brutus.

Lucien would wait for Quin to finish with the Mythrol before waving him over. If all went as expected, he'd have some words to exchange with the Padawan.

"Long story short, the bartender told me about a gang of animal traffickers called the Outriders. She said to look out for the yellow armbands. Anyway, that's about all I learned - anything to report? I'm open to any ideas right about now." He'd say.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

As Master Adami made his dislike of the Mythrol clear and then made his way over to a nearby building, Quin turned back to his captive. He had one more question, but he doubted that the poacher would have a definitive answer for him. Still, might as well give it a try.

“One more thing, and you can go. Was there anyone else involved in your capturing the Bantha? Someone outside your group that helped you, or tried to stop you?” The Mythrol shrugged.

“Not on the job itself other than the company that provided us with a transport. Might have been something behind the scenes, but you’ve got the wrong man if you want to know about that.” Seeing that was all that Quin was going to get out of the Mythrol, he decided to let him go. His arm was hurting anyway, and it probably wouldn’t help much keeping him around for any longer. If Master Adami couldn’t see a use for him, Quin didn’t either.

“You can go. But I would rethink my life decisions if I were you.” The Mythrol glanced back at him in disdain before walking away in the direction where the crowd had gathered. Some moved to part for him, but others seemed as disgusted as the two Jedi.

Quin made his way over to Master Adami, nodding at his explanation of what he found out from the bartender. It all made a little more sense now, though emphasis on little.

“I don’t have anything more than what he told us,” Quin said. “Maybe… we could try to find out why Mundo wanted the Bantha so badly. It can’t all be for money, going through so much trouble to get just one animal. What if there’s something else?” Then he gave a rueful smile. “Or I’m just overthinking it.”

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

"No, that's a good point of course," He noted. Quin was right, all that effort for a common pack animal. "Given how, uhhh, concerned both Mundo and Jovan seemed I did find myself convinced of their story about the Royal Bantha Show, but we can't ignore the possibility there's something deeper."

The rain intensified, torrents crashing against the overhanging roof above them.

"How would we investigate Mundo's intentions with the bantha? I don't think he'd volunteer the information if we contacted him now. Hmmm. On another note I thought we could look into whether Mundo had hired anybody else to chase after his prize bantha? Like you said, he did seem desperate, I don't see the reason why he'd call it a job done after commissioning just us and the traffickers, " He spoke over the downpour.

Lucien had been concerned for the Padawan's well-being but he thought Quin had handled the Mythrol situation competently. The younger man could definitely hold his own. The Knight put a finger to his chin in contemplation.

"Looks like we have two avenues to explore - maybe we should split up? We can meet back at the gate in a few hours. If anything goes wrong..." Lucien tapped his comm-link. "In any case we should probably get moving lest we see that Mythrol again. I think he'd be keen to introduce us to his buddies."

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“Two Jedi and animal traffickers and it’s still not enough for him? He must really want Brutus.” But everything Master Adami said made sense. Mundo likely wouldn’t have stopped at hiring just them, might as well go all in if he was going to spend so much money on this Bantha. And it would do them well to find out who that additional party was. Quin shuffled a little closer to the wall as the rain picked up, then nodded at the knight’s suggestion that they split up.

“It’d be more efficient that way,” he agreed. At Master Adami’s suggestion to get moving, Quin grinned at him and gave him a salute. “Yes, sir! I’ll find some more information about the show. It has to be soon, especially with so many people looking for him. Maybe I’ll even find what makes it so special… and the real reason why Mundo wants Brutus.” The Padawan paused. Hopefully he’d be able to find something. Who knew, maybe he’d get lucky again. Perhaps Master Adami would too, if he chose to go and speak with the Mythrol’s superiors. “If there’s nothing else… I guess I’ll see you soon, Master!”

With that, Quin headed out from underneath the overhanging roof, and instantly regretted it. The pouring rain drenched his clothing in a matter of seconds, and he quickly ran back to the Jedi knight’s side. Too soon.

“Actually, uh… I think I might check out that cantina again. It’s better than, you know, running around in that.” He gestured at the rain, slightly embarrassed. “Or maybe I’ll stick around with you. Whatever you think would be better, heh.”

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

With his first question, it seemed as if Quin was casting some doubt on Lucien's idea, or at least remarking about how bizzare their whole situation was. He makes a fair point.

"Maybe Mundo tried hiring the Outriders and when they turned him down he resorted to his second option- the Jedi Order. No third parties. It's not unreasonable, but I think we both feel that there's something deeper involved that we're being kept in the dark about. Call it gut feeling, call it the Force, whatever it is I know there are secrets to be uncovered." He remarked.

Lucien responded to his companion's plan of action, "Good thinking, we could definitely do with some intelligence on the Royal Bantha Show. Our mission brief was so ambiguous it didn't mention the bantha let alone the show."

He chuckled as Quin set off to make good on his plan before promptly returning.

"A little rain going to stop a Padawan of the Jedi Order?" Lucien teased, smirking at the young man. "I think I shall set off for the North-East quadrant of the city, that's where the Outriders are based. That unpleasant Mythrol you wrangled mightn't have had the slightest clue about Mundo's bantha chase but he didn't strike me as the brightest lightsaber in the Galaxy anyway. I think there may be someone in that Outrider headquarters who was let in on a little more information, or maybe there are some clues that could be dug out of a data console."

The Jedi Knight pulled the hood of his robe over his head and made to stride out into the downpour. He stopped, turning back to Quin. "You can accompany me or you can find your own path. Whichever way you think would serve the mission best, the choice is yours Padawan. Just remember, every moment we waste lessens the chance of reuniting Brutus with his owner. Oh, yes, and if anything happens, use your comlink!"

And with that he left the shelter for the rainstorm.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Quin grinned sheepishly at Master Adami’s tease. He probably did look ridiculous, running back to the Jedi knight as if he were his mother just because of some rain. But they did have more to worry about, and his next words pulled Quin back into thinking about the mission.

Master Adami said that he would find the Outriders to question them further, and after his encounter with the Mythrol, Quin had had enough of that. Plus, he didn’t want to spend too long out in the rain.

“In that case… I’ll go back to the cantina to see what they know.” He nodded when the Jedi knight mentioned the comlink again, and when he made to leave Quin pulled on his own hood and raced back to the cantina. He nearly ran into a couple of people on the street as he did, the rain clouding his vision as the water threatened to get into his eyes, but he was soon back at the cantina.

The door slid open for him as it had before, and he let out a sigh of relief as he went inside. Almost immediately, his gaze drifted over to the twi-lek he’d been talking to earlier. The man was still at his table with the girl, though it looked like he’d had a couple more drinks now. Still, maybe he would know something? It was a good place to start.

“Heyyy, if it isn’t the kid! Just came out of the storm, I see,” the twi-lek said as he saw Quin approach. “Back so soon? Did you find your Bantha?”

“Actually, about that… Would you happen to know anything about the Royal Bantha Show?” Whatever the man had to say, Quin would listen intently. This time, he was determined to get something useful out of it. Brutus depended on it.

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

The North-East quadrant of the city was not what Lucien was expecting and he was beginning to think that the Mirialan bartender had intentionally misled him. Regal looking buildings lined the narrow streets he travelled. He passed a large park filled with marble fountains and sleek brass statues, almost feeling compelled to take a leisurely stroll through. Lucien might have made good on that idea if it weren't for the foul weather and the pressing mission he had been assigned to.

All in all this sector of Iziz was, if anything, even nicer than the rest of the city. It felt fit more for members of the upper-crust than a gang of animal traffickers. He recalled the words of the tattooed bartender: They wear yellow armbands, can't miss 'em. His eyes scanned the surroundings, looking for even the tiniest flash of the colour, but the inclement weather had emptied the streets.

Lucien took shelter under a small overhang, rainwater dripping from his saturated robes. Ugh, this isn't working. He threw back his hood and ran his hands through his drenched hair, pushing it out of his field of view. As he was considering whether to press on with his search or call Quin to check if he had found anything yet, he heard the faint sound of music echo across the plaza before him. It was emanating from a restaurant across from his location, a posh-looking establishment. The lights were dimmed to a establish a romantic ambience, and Lucien strained to see through the foggy window. But with his Force-heightened senses, he swore he could just barely make out a human male in a window seat, yellow cloth adorning his upper arm.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“Royal Bantha Show? Banthas have royalty?” Quin blinked, the twi-lek blinked back, and then it seemed to click. Thank goodness. For a moment, the Padawan had wondered if the twi-lek had had a little too much to drink. “Ohhhh, you meant that show. Yah kid, I can help you out. Sit down, sit down.” He gestured to the seat across from him before he lifted his bottle and downed it, smacking his lips in contentment. As the Padawan made to sit, the twi-lek turned his gaze on him. “What do you wanna know?”

That was a good question. He really wanted to know what Mundo wanted with it, but he was pretty certain that this twi-lek wouldn’t have any information on that. So instead he went with a generic answer, hoping that it would help link the pieces of this puzzle together.

“Anything you’re willing to share, sir.” The twi-lek shrugged.

“Aight. I don’t got any secrets here, kid. It’s an annual show here on Onderon, but it travels all over the place.” He waved his hand dismissively. “Best looking Bantha gets ten thousand credits or somethin’. I reckon it’s to boost viewership or participation.” Quin raised a brow. Ten thousand was not a small amount, and way more than one would expect for a show like this one. Seeing his expression, the twi-lek shrugged again.

“Although that whole thing started up five years ago. I heard the same man won every time since then, and the show’s lost popularity.” Mundo. It had to be. Sounds like a massive money laundering operation to me.

“Any idea how the Banthas are judged?”

“Can’t help you there, kid.”

“No sweat.”

Once Quin thanked him for the information with a couple of credits for his next drink, he headed over to his own table somewhere close by. If this really was an attempt at money-laundering, then Mundo would need Brutus to do it. After making up his mind, the Padawan hit the button on his commlink, hoping that he hadn’t interrupted Master Adami in any way.

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

The wind blew across the plaza and Lucien had to make a conscious effort to stop his teeth from chattering, wishing he were inside the fancy little restaurant that he now observed. It would have been too conspicuous if he'd just strolled in, surely looking out of place in his drenched Jedi robes, and so he now crouched in a small alcove, staying out of sight in the shadows.

From his new vantage point he had confirmed that the man by the window was indeed wearing the Outrider armband. Not only that, he was accompanied by a fellow armband-bearer - a pink-skinned female Twi'lek. The plan was to wait until they had finished dining, then follow them back to the Outrider headquarters. He hoped that's where they were headed. If not, it might make things considerably trickier.

Not really sure what I do would if they split up, Lucien wondered and just at that moment his comlink notified him of an incoming call.

He brought the device to his mouth. "Padawan Quin?" He answered, keeping his voice low. Looking back up at the restaurant window, he saw the two Outriders stand up from their table. Looks like dinner is over.

Lucien would listen to what Quin had to say, eyes glued to the two diners as they left the restaurant and hopefully set off towards the Outrider base.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Master Adami’s voice crackled through the commlink on Quin’s wrist, and the Padawan let out a sigh of relief. He would share what he found quickly, then get back to finding out more if the Jedi knight was still busy.

“I think this may be a money-laundering scheme. I have a feeling that you-know-who might be selling something to whoever is in charge of the show,” he said. “There is a lot of prize money involved.” He paused for a moment. “I’m going to see if I can figure out what he’s selling. It might be something the Council wants to know.”

When he finished, Quin was about to ask if Master Adami had found anything yet, but then realized that if he had, he probably would have contacted him first. Getting information out of the Outriders certainly wouldn’t be as easy as asking a tipsy twi-lek about a traveling Bantha show.

“That’s it for now. I’ll see what else I can find, and uh, good luck and let me know if you need backup?”

That was all Quin could think of, but he meant what he said. If the Outriders tried anything with Master Adami, then they would find out that they were messing with not one, but two Jedi.

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

Trying to follow two conversations at once really put Lucien's multi-tasking skills to the test and to further complicate things he had to remain undetected shadowing his targets. The latter task was proving to be easier than expected - the couple seemed more preoccupied with each other than their surroundings, huddling close under a single umbrella.

While Quin relayed his money-laundering theory, the two Outriders exchanged snippets of conversation periodically. He was hoping to hear words like 'Bantha' 'Mundo' or even 'Eastern highlands', but all he registered so far could only be described as awkward flirting. Maybe Onderon had different standards for that kind of thing.

"The theory holds water from what I can tell. Maybe Lat's attracted some unwanted attention from the authorities lately. Could explain why he's so desperate to get the Bantha back." He whispered, trying to piece the story together.

"As far as backup goes, I should be ok for now, Quin. I'm following two Outrider members in the North East quadrant of the city - hopefully to their base." Lucien relayed, "They left an upmarket restaurant in a large plaza and we've been heading Southwards for a few minutes now. Just keeping you informed in case things go wrong."

Up ahead Lucien swore he heard the word 'Neimoidian' pass between the two gang members. It may have just been wishful thinking, the wind was howling a ferocious tune.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“Roger roger, master. I’ll be listening in case you need me. Quin out.” He’d always wanted to say that. Wasn’t it a battle droid thing or something?

But, as Quin refocused on the mission at hand, what Master Adami was saying made sense. Transferring such large sums of money would inevitably attract the attention of the authorities, and it was only natural for someone like Mundo to turn to more illicit methods. But where would he find the details for that?

If only they’d learned more from Jovan. If not for him, this mission would have been as simple as recovering a runaway Bantha and returning it to its owner. But, as always, there was more to the story than just a concerned owner.

Just before he was about to get up and find someone else to talk to, a someone else found him. It was the woman who had been sitting next to the twi-lek earlier, and she looked hesitantly at Quin.

“I… I have some more information about the show that you might want to know.”

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

He'd been tailing the Outriders for a fair while now. The narrow little streets were easy, there was always some shadow, corner or little hideaway that would break line of sight, allowing Lucien to inconspicuously follow his two targets. It was the open areas that were most difficult. The rain meant few people took to the streets and more than once he was forced into a position that would've resulted in his imminent discovery had the couple decided to check their six. He'd relied on a breathing technique his Master had taught him, falling back into the familiar pattern of inhales and exhales that never failed to calm him down. Every movement of his was deliberate, controlled and silent, and his senses were hyper-focused, feeding his mind a complete picture of the surroundings.

He had remained undetected thus far and here he finally was. The Outrider headquarters was a grand three-story building exquisite in its architectural design. An array of marble columns decorated the mansion's exterior and its trapezoidal roof was capped in glistening gold. He would've thought it was the wrong place if not for small contingent of yellow armband wearing individuals loitering out front. His mind was brought back to Quin's theory about the laundering of credits.

Lucien made himself discrete, setting up in a nearby location to observe the building, trying to get a feel for any potential guard rotations. He was more than comfortable with the idea of infiltrating the headquarters all by himself, perhaps a little foolishly so, but backup never hurt in any case. Withdrawing his comlink from a robe pocket, he attempted to contact Quin. It finally looked as if the weather was clearing up.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

Quin gestured for the woman to sit down, and she began to talk as soon as she did.

“The new director of the show. He was… strange. I used to work there on marketing, you know, and it was only when he became the owner that I quit.”

“Why is that, ma’am?” He was curious as to why she hadn’t mentioned this earlier with the twi-lek.

“He had this room, one that we weren’t supposed to go in. One day I finished my work early. There had just been a show and I didn’t have much to do, and when I passed the room, I got curious, and since no one was around I opened the door just to get a peek. That room was filled with spice. Boxes and boxes of it. I’d even helped to carry a couple onto the ship; I’d thought it was just animal feed. I left that day. It’s just that spice- spice destroyed my family, and I-”

The woman was suddenly unable to finish her sentence, her words caught in her throat, and Quin sent out a few waves of calm with the Force. His hand rested comfortingly on her shoulder. That explained why she hadn’t said it in front of the twi-lek. He’d heard plenty of stories like hers before, and it was unfortunate how widespread the problem was. If Mundo could be a part of this…

Once she seemed to loosen up a bit, Quin gave her a couple credits. She looked as if she were about to refuse them, but he didn’t give her a chance to.

“Buy yourself a drink, ma’am. Thank you for telling me.” Just then, the Padawan saw his comm blinking, and he clicked a button to answer.

“Master?”

@Lucien

 

[Lucien Adami]

"Hope I'm not interrupting anything Quin, but I think I've found the Outrider home base and I bet there's some answers to be found here, I can feel it." He told the comlink.

Finding those answers would be easier said than done by the look of it. A casual ebb and flow of gang members could be seen entering and leaving the mansion and there seemed to be at least one guard patrol making their leisurely rounds.

"You’d never guess it but it turns out that the Outriders are completely loaded. I know that Mythrol you caught earlier didn't look like the most affluent fellow, but he must have been some low-ranking thug because this headquarters is exquisite - three stories, gold roof, carved marble. I'm sure you've seen the type back on Naboo..." He paused, caught in a distant memory from home.

"I think it'd be easier if worked together infiltrating this one". Not that I couldn't do it myself, he thought. He detailed to Quin the approximate path he'd taken following the Outriders back from their dinner date. "Look, basically, if you pass by a fancy looking park with fountains and statues you know you've gone the right way." He said, finishing the long-winded set of directions.

@Sicadorito

 

[Quin Leonkri]

“Not interrupting anything,” Quin responded, giving the woman a quick nod of farewell as she got up to leave. She’d shared what she knew, and that was all he could ask for. At Master Adami’s explanation of the Outriders’ base, he raised a brow. The Mythrol had definitely not seemed like an exceptionally wealthy being, but that didn’t mean that his higher-ups weren’t. The description of their headquarters reminded him of Naboo too, and as the Jedi knight trailed off Quin found himself picturing something similar in his mind too.

Doing his best to memorize the directions, Quin nodded along to himself as Master Adami detailed them. If he were being honest, he didn’t remember most of it, but he did know the general direction and had an idea of what the building looked like. From what Master Adami was saying, it would be difficult to miss, and if it really did contain the answers they were looking for…

“Got it. I’m on my way!”

Heading out, it appeared as if the rain had stopped for the most part, with just a light drizzle coming from the sky now. That was good. If Quin wanted to get there fast, now was the time to do it.

Soon enough, he came into sight of the headquarters building, and it was unmistakable. There was nothing else like it around, and it matched Master Adami’s description exactly. Standing just out of view of the entrance behind a building across the street, Quin turned on his comlink again.

“I’m here. We have a plan?”

@Lucien