STAR WARS: An Ill Wind
Session 12

EXT. ALGUS - SETTLEMENT - DAY

The return of the expedition, safe and mostly sound, causes quite a stir in the small community. But what everyone notices is the black-furred 'monster' bound and slung over the Wookiee's broad back. The colonists' questions and mutters blend together into a babble as the group makes its way through the crowd.

The hunter trails sullenly behind, with his porter-droid bringing up the rear of the train.

The crowd clears a path to Ser Eldor, who beams at the Jedi and her companions. "Wonderful! I knew you could do it! That is the beast, yes?"

Pira says quietly "Not a beast. A lost Defel."

Eldor blinks. "A what?"

A similar murmur of confusion runs through the assembled people.

Pira says "A Defel. A very young one. He was orphaned in the crash, and knew no better than to survive by eating what he could."

Eldor stares. "What... what crash? I'm sorry, my lady, but we always believed that the Ghost of the Jungle was, if not just a legend, than some sort of animal. And it looks like you've caught just that."

Avirida shakes her head quietly at Eldor's words, glancing to Pira again.

Bogan speaks up from the rear of the party, his tone sarcastic: "Tell them how it's just an innocent babe, Jedi."

The hunter steps forward to stand beside Pira, smirking.

Pira says "Captain, can you help him stand a moment."

Harukuk rumbles a bit ironically, and puts the Defel down.

Tobbi stands unsteadily, leaning against the taller Wookiee and favoring his wounded leg. His visor is a smooth, shiny arc amid the rest of his black face.

Avirida glances across to lend a hand if one's necessary. Not that this is in any way /likely/.

Pira kneels beside him and says "His name is Tobbi. A ship crashed here -- have you not thought to wonder at that great clearing? His mother saved his life, and lost hers."

Pira rests a hand on Tobbi's arm.

There are looks and quiet words exchanged between Eldor and several of his fellows. Finally he answers apologetically, "Algus is still a wilderness planet, my lady. Few of us dare to go beyond the fences, and no one has ever found any crash sites."

Eldor continues, dubiously, "You say that... it... is intelligent?" He peers at the Defel, noting its bestial features.

Pira says "JC-P2, could you translate something?"

"Why certainly, Mistress. That is my primary function, after all. I would be delighted to be of service."

Bogan gives his droid a dirty look, and it shuts up.

Pira says "Could you tell him, "This is Eldor, chief of the Others. The ones whose animals you hunted."

Harukuk rumbles at the villagers' doubt.

<OOC> Harukuk notes that *he* is also rather bestial looking. :)

The droid turns to the 'prisoner' and emits another series of those deep, gutteral sounds - nothing at all like its normal and very proper voice. In response, the Defel bows his head and mutters something.

JC-P2 explains, "He says that he is sorry for taking what was yours."

Avirida glances across at Harukuk, and firmly squelches a smile.

After some more hemming and hawing among the villages, Eldor finally says, "I, um, suppose we can live with the loss of a few nerfs. Now, you will be taking it with you, right?" He looks from Pira to Bogan, unsure exactly who will be doing so.

Pira says "Yes. Hopefully to find some of his family. If not, another home."

Bogan nods. "Tha's roight... but first, I'd like my money, please."

Pira says "JC-P2, will you tell him that?"

The droid does as asked, in the background, while Eldor blinks at the hunter. "Your money?"

Bogan reminds the man smoothly, "You hired me to find yer monstah and get rid of it. Well, so I 'ave."

Eldor looks to the Jedi again, momentarily speechless.

Pira says, so Jedi-calm it is impossible to tell if she means it in humor, "His droid was of some use."

Avirida studies the lie of Harukuk's fur painfully closely. It wouldn't do to burst out laughing in front of Ser Eldor. Not at all.

The bronze droid can't draw itself up any straighter at the compliment, but it does thank Pira before another cold glare from its master silences it.

Eldor says, "And it sounds like the, ah, Jedi and her crew did most of the actual capturing...?"

Pira bows her head in thanks to the droid, then turns her attention back to Eldor.

Bogan points at his scratched armor vest angrily. "How d'ye think I got these, shavin'?"

Pira says "Perhaps... half?"

<OOC> Pira says, "Well, he did not shoot when Persuaded. And the droid was awfully useful. So I suppose he should get something :)"
<OOC> Pira says, "Avirida and Harukuk should feel free to disagree out loud :)"

Eldor echoes hopefully, "Half?"

Harukuk just shrugs at the conversation, and stays out of it, though there's an amused glint in his eye.

Bogan looks at the other two for a moment, then nods curtly. "'alf it is, then. I'll expect it in real money, too; not trade goods, or yer Republic dactarii." The last is snarled at Pira.

Pira says "Is that acceptable, Ser Eldor?"

Eldor says confidently, "Fine, fine. That will be no problem, we have some Hutt trade bars we picked up a while back."

<OOC> Pira says, "Is that something we should look askance at, or is it normal out here on the rim?"
<OOC> Kelly says, "Alas, it is. Pira might not know that, though. ;)"
<OOC> Pira grins. She does know galactic politics and thus the Hutt, though, she probably wouldn't be that surprised.

Bogan nods again. "Pleasure doing bizness with ya," he grates, his voice suggesting it's been anything but.

Pira rises, and gives carefully measured bows to Eldor, Bogan -- and the droid.

Pira says "May the Force be with you and your people."

Pira moves away a few feet, and asks Avirida and the Captain "Did you leave anything at the hut?"

Avirida gives Bogan her most charming smile. "I don't think so," she answers Pira.

Bogan shoulders his blaster rifle again. "All right, let's get my money loaded so I can get off this stinkin' green rock. And you --" He glares at Pira and her companions. ""-- if I evah run into any of you agin, it'll be too soon." He snaps a final order over his shoulder. "JC, pick up yah feet and get the ship ready. We'ah leavin'!"

"Very good, sir."

<OOC> Pira says, "Look, we've made a friend!""
<OOC> Harukuk figures that whatever deal they made with Bogan they should follow through on. They deserve it for their lack of faith. :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "I'm not sure that's exactly how he'd say it, but that's the sentiment. :)"
<OOC> Avirida shakes her head. We're now doomed to run into him constantly, aren't we. ;)
<OOC> Pira cackles.

EXT. SPACE - ALGUS

The Dauntless soars away from the green and blue orb, returning to its own natural element. Not without a small pang of loss for Pira, who stands in the observation lounge watching the life-covered world recede into starry blackness.

<OOC> Avirida cracks up at Kelly.
<OOC> Pira sniffles. All that lovely Force energy...

At their posts throughout the small diplomatic cruiser, the Captain and crew go about their routine tasks, preparing for a much-anticipated return to Coruscant.

And in his cabin, alone with his thoughts, Day-Lin broods.

<OOC> Pira pokes at Day-Lin. Can Pira come harass you?
<OOC> Pira says, "We should probably get the Defel medical care and a good meal too..."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "Sure."

Leaving Tobbi and Avirida in the galley to explore the mysteries of the autochef together, Pira goes in search of her fellow Knight.

Pira presses the intercom outside the door. "Day-Lin?"

Day-Lin, after a brief pause, answers: "Yes?"

Pira says "May I come in, Knight?"

Day-Lin opens the door; he's leaning against the inside wall. "No," he says, "but you can get something close."

Pira says "We found what was troubling the colony."

Day-Lin says "Good. I assume it won't be any further trouble."

Pira says "Not to them. He is in the galley with Avirida."

Pira says "But there is something else troubled here."

Day-Lin says "'Here' is a bit vague. Troubled where, exactly?"

<OOC> Kelly watches the two Jedi duel with words instead of sabers.

Pira says "Here. In this cabin."

Day-Lin says "I don't sense anything."

Pira says "Perhaps it is too close to sense."

Day-Lin says "Or perhaps it's only in your mind."

Pira says "Why did you not go down to the planet?"

Day-Lin shrugs, very slightly. "There wasn't any need."

Pira says "I see."

Pira says "I did not know you were so gifted in foreseeing. You must nearly equal Master Yoda."

Day-Lin points out, "You accomplished the mission."

<OOC> Pira says, "Where DID all this sarcasm come from..."

Pira says "We did."

Pira says "But that path was a chancy one."

Day-Lin says "Life often is."

<OOC> Kelly says, "Let me know when/if you want to be interrupted by something."
<OOC> Pira grins. Feel free. I wanna see Avirida trying to feed the Defel too :)
<OOC> Kelly says, "No, you don't. Trust me."
<OOC> Pira says, "Aw, come on!"
<OOC> Avirida says, "Trust me. You don't. ;)"

Pira says "It is our purpose to try to bring the best from those chances."

Day-Lin says "Is that how you perceive of our mission?"

Pira says "You see it otherwise?"

Day-Lin says "One object can cast many shadows."

Day-Lin says "The shadow you see tells me less about the object than about the light casting it."

<OOC> Kelly says, "And you thought Day-Lin didn't learn any fancy thinkin', out here on the Rim. :)"
<OOC> Pira giggles.

Any further conversation is interrupted by a sudden sense of wrongness - what some would call "having someone walk over your grave". The feeling grows sharper and clearer, like the chime of a wineglass... or a cry faintly heard in the distance.

Day-Lin looks off to one side. "What was that?"

Pira casts her senses outward, seeking disturbance.

Pira frowns, deeply disturbed. "Disaster, but I know not where."

Even as the Jedi concentrate on the tremor in the Force, it fades from their awareness, leaving only a lingering unease.

Pira says "Perhaps the Captain has some communication."

Day-Lin says "Best to check. And call Coruscant."

Pira says "Will you come?"

Day-Lin says "I suppose."

Pira turns and heads forward towards the bridge.

Day-Lin follows, not quite so quickly as perhaps Pira is accustomed to him moving.

INT. DAUNTLESS - BRIDGE

The navicomputer is ticking over its calculations for the first leg of the trip through hyperspace when the two Jedi arrive.

Pira says "Captain, have you received any messages?"

Harukuk rumbles something that sounds negative.

The second officer shakes his head as well.

Day-Lin says "Too soon. If we only just sensed it --"

Pira tucks her hands in her sleeves, and says "I suppose you are correct." She still looks deeply disturbed.

"Sensed what, sers?" asks the promoted navigator, Etta.

From the compartment just behind the bridge, the current holder of that post announces, "Ready for lightspeed, Captain."

Pira says "Can we use communications while in lightspeed?"

Etta strangles a laugh, though not completely. "Uh, no, my lady. The physics of hyperspace don't allow communication with the outside."

Pira looks to Day-Lin. "Do you think we should tarry to call?"

Day-Lin says "Yes."

Harukuk shrugs, and appears to note that they're not in any rush.

INT. DAUNTLESS - COMMUNICATIONS

Further back along the topside corridor, between the navigator's station and the crew lounge, is the two-person comm station. One of the special features of this type of ship is the array of dishes and antennae mounted atop its spine, allowing it to send and receive a variety of transmissions. All of that information feeds into this console for decoding and display.

The Dauntless's communications suite includes a Holonet tranceiver, and it is this that Pira uses now to summon a flickering blue shade of a functionary on far-off Coruscant.

The image, of a thin and balding Human in Jedi robes, shakes his head gravely. "I'm sorry, but there's nothing I can tell you at this time. The Council felt it too, of course - we all did."

<OOC> Kelly says, "Robert Picardo makes his cameo. ;)"

Pira frowns. "Do they have any sense of what it was?"

"As you said yourself, disaster; untimely deaths, many of them, rippling through the Force. Something terrible has happened. But more than that..." The hologram shrugs helplessly.

Pira sighs, looks sideways at Day-Lin.

Day-Lin shrugs slightly. "We'll find out soon enough."

Pira says "Thank you. May the Force be with you."

"And you." The hologram flickers off.

From afar, Sabriel cackles lots. When you mentioned Robert Picardo, and I read the lines, I could hear the good doc's (jedi's) irascible why-are-you-taking-up-my-time voice. :)

<OOC> Kelly says, "Now, if I was really cool, this is where I'd have an interlude of something completely different. As it is, I'll just have to cut to you coming out of hyperspace, I guess."
<OOC> Avirida laughs.
<OOC> Sabriel | The accountants nag Kelly about spending too much on CGI FX.
<OOC> Kelly tells the beancounters to bite him.
<OOC> Kelly says, "Maybe I'll splice something into the log later. For now, though..."

EXT. SPACE - CORUSCANT

With a blur of pseudomotion, the scarlet shape of the /Dauntless/ drops out of hyperspace at a safe distance from the cityworld and its constantly-crowded orbital traffic pattern. Coruscant is framed in the bridge windows, a golden crescent shining on the day side by the reflected glow of its sun and on the night by the delicate web of its own lights.

While Harukuk and his co-pilot go through the familiar motions of flying the ship, Pira and Day-Lin stand in the doorway looking silently over their shoulders, as if the sight of the planet itself might give them the answers they seek.

A voice speaks over the intercom - one of the comm officers. "Captain, I've got something on my board. I think you and the Jedi might want to take a look."

Harukuk frowns and and growls an interrogative over the com.

The young officer's voice is hushed. "You... you'd better see for yourself."

The bridge monitor, mounted above the main viewport, snaps to life in the middle of a sentence for the well-dressed newsbeing looking out at his viewers. "... appears now that this may be one of the worst accidents in modern space travel. The latest reports from the rescue ships suggest that over half of the passengers were lost with Republic, as well as many of the crew."

The newsbeing, a Duros, continues, "This would put the loss of life at over five thousand sentients."

Harukuk blinks.

Pira tucks her hands inside her sleeves, slipping further behind the Jedi mask.

"We will continue to bring you updates as we hear more. For those of you just joining us: the starliner Republic, on its maiden voyage, has collided with an unknown object - possibly a stray comet head - and suffered severe damage, resulting in the deaths of... of over five thousand souls." The Duros, visibly shaken, looks off-camera for confirmation.

<OOC> Kelly lays on the metaphor with a trowel.
<OOC> Avirida laughs.
<OOC> Pira says, "Foreshadowing!"
<OOC> Harukuk chuckles. My heart will go on...

"Just a moment... yes. We take you now live to the Office of the Chancellor, where Chancellor Palpatine will be appearing in a moment to offer a few words on this tragedy ..."

FADE OUT.

<OOC> Kelly says, "Someone want to say something?"
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "I think we're all stunned into silence."
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "(There's a first.)"
<OOC> Avirida knows she is.
<OOC> Day-Lin says, "And, at the end of this episode, they should play the credits in silence and over a black background, like at the end of 'Earthshock'."
<OOC> Kelly says, "Good idea."

ROLL CREDITS.