Aaron hadn't said so much as a word once everyone had begun throwing out ideas concerning how to get into Coruscant and past the Reborn, and he certainly hadn't said anything when everything seemed to blow up into smoke after the young girl, who quite obviously was not in the here and now, went running off.

He cocked a rather skeptical brow at Jebbua, then his look darkened ever-the-slightest. "Well, first of all...

...there's no way we're gonna smuggle ourselves into Coruscant no matter who you know. And secondly," he continued, looking to Dash, "with the ysalamiri, it’d stand to reason that even a small force-bubble will attract attention, as your friend here as already pointed out."

He quieted for a moment then, his brows lowering just a bit. He didn’t want to admit it, but he was getting a little more than just irritated. Here they were trying to discuss ways to get to Galen’s baby daughter...

He turned to Jebbua. “Perhaps you should go and settle matters with your sister, if they were pressing enough to interrupt this conference...”

--------------------

"yes, perhaps your right. Then if you'll excuse me. And Dash I hope yopu'll fill me in later."

I left the room and went to my sister's room.
We had a lot to talk about.

[ 05-16-2003 09:15 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jebbua Dahutt ]

--------------------

Jasyn lead Galen to one of the tables, admittedly relieved to get away from the big "meeting" himself. The host immediately approached the table as they sat, requesting drink orders.

Jasyn somehow managed to make himself order a very light ale instead of his costumary Whyrene's Reserve. Then the host turned to Galen as well, taking her request. Promising to be back in a moment he hurried off to fill the order, and Jasyn looked over towards Galen. "Been a while since I've been here," he observed quietly. Then, "But it's got some of the best food..."

...and alcohol, eh buddy? a shoulder-devil snorted.

"...I've had on this ship. You can order just about anything you can think of," he finished, then quieting and giving Galen some time to decide for herself what she wanted. In another minute or so, the host returned with the drinks, then turning first to Galen as he waited for her meal order.

[ 05-16-2003 06:55 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jasyn Lancaster ]

--------------------

"Yes... Unless they think they are receiveing a shipment of Ysalmari. If we had a contact person on Coruscant who could 'order' a whole ship load of the little critters... Maybe we could get clearance to bring them in, and we could smuggle ourselves in with them."

I waited for someone to point out the flaws in my line of thinking.

--------------------

He paused a moment, pursing his lips. "It's entirely too tight for us to smuggle our way in. Period. We're gonna have to be much more up-front."

Pausing again with that, Aaron placed his right elbow on the edge of the table, and placed his chin in his hand, his eyes defocusing a bit as he considered something. "Maybe we can request audience with Actar or Tarnus, claiming to have EE business we wish to discuss with them...

"...or just maybe we should simply request to speak with Tarnus about Galen's daughter, since technically he doesn't know we know he has Darra."

Aaron chewed his lip a bit. "But then there's the issue of getting the baby and getting back out should we succeed in getting in, and that may be where you'll be most needed.

Finally quieting at that, Aaron simply waited to see what the Jedi might comment or suggest.

[ 05-16-2003 08:51 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Aaron Barnes ]

--------------------

--------------------

"Alexis, its me Jebbua. We need to talk." I said.

"Go Away!" She replied.

I opened the door anyway and walked in.

"Listen. I'm sorry I didn't go right away and see why mother had died."

"Then why didn't you." She was still crying while she talked.

"I think you better tell me everything that happened." I said as I sat down on her bed.

[ 05-16-2003 09:28 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jebbua Dahutt ]

--------------------

Aaron's mind finally shifted back to Galen's suggestion back in his ready room. "Actually," Aaron commented at last, "It has finally come to my attention that there is another possibility which we discussed before your arrival in my ready room which might increase our success level in all areas."

He quieted a moment, trying to figure out exactly how he was going to work his way into what he was thinking.

Well, might as well just drop the ball and see how it lands.

"Tell me, what do you know of the Sith?" he queried suddenly. Then added for clarity, "And I'm not talking as in Palpatine, I'm talking about a race of beings..."

The room fell eeriely silent as Aaron just waited for whatever reaction Dash might have.

[ 05-16-2003 09:49 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Aaron Barnes ]

--------------------

"As far as I recall the Sith were a race of creatures who studies the Dark side of the force. They based thier lives on the Dark ways. As a young boy I was taken from my parents and placed in a training camp to learn the Dark side. But that is all just a painful memory now. That part of me is dead. I've seen the error of my ways and decided to walk the path of truth and Justice. To fight for the good of the universe and do all that I can for my friends. But as far as I can recall, the Sith have been extinct for at least two millenia. So I am quite puzzled as to why you would ask me about them?!?"

--------------------

Since she had eliminated the possibility of the resistor being implanted when the ship was made, then she could safely assume that the wiring must have been added with all the ship walls in place. This meant that whoever had done this must have had some way of leading the wire to wherever it was leading.

She leaned in more closely to inspect the wall. It was made up of metal panels, each about a meter square. These panels were bolted to what she imagined was probably some sort of frame. Now that she thought about it, it was possible for some sort of tunnel to be concealed behind one of these panels--there were similar tunnels throughout the ship, including the one she was currently occupying.

She found a multi-purpose tool on her toolbelt and used it to unscrew the bolts surrounding the panel that had contained the resistor. Once unbolted, it took a mere prying motion to remove the surprisingly light panel from the wall--revealing, as Sullare had expected, a tunnel.

Before examining the tunnel any further, however, she carried the panel the rest of the way down the ladder and set it down on the floor. Then she climbed the ladder once more and peered into the tunnel with her flashlight, noticing the wire that had originally been attatched to the resistor leading off into the distance.
Well, this is a start...

She climbed into the tunnel and began following it into the darkness.

--------------------

"Ahh--" he started, drawing attention to himself as he did so, "It would appear you're going to need a lot of filling in."

Pausing for a moment then, Matt just studied Dash, his green eyes very intense. "First of all, the Sith--at least the Sith Aaron refers to--are a race of beings who existed 4 millenia ago. The Sith you speak of are darksiders who actually overran the Sith race and took the name "Sith" for themselves."

He pursed his lips a bit, quieting for a second before continuing further. "The Sith race are tall horned beings with red skin, multi-colored eyes, and claws; otherwise they are humanoid in appearance. And, to set the record straight, they do not study the darkside. Rather they have some sort of magickal powers. Some also have powers that seem to extend beyond the mere usage of the light or darkside of the Force; I'm not a Force adept, so that's as much as I can explain it."

Knowing this was going to be alot to take in, and knowing that there was something of much greater importance to speak of, Matt again quieted, allowing Dash a few minutes of silence to absorb everything. Meanwhile his intense green eyes defocused slightly as he considered exactly how to approach the next matters which would have to be addressed.

Bluntness was the only thing that seemed logical.

"The Sith--that is, the race--have alot of magickal technology that goes along with their magickal abilities, including a little fighter that is quite capable of penetrating the Coruscant blockade, thus the reason Aaron has mentioned it. Galen’s father was a archeologist who studied the race in depth; through their family journies from place to place Galen and her sister learned of them as well. Eventually Galen’s sister killed their father on one of their trips and proclaimed herself “Graysith,” becoming heavily involved in trying to bring the Sith into our time and gaining that power which extends beyond the Force herself in her “transformation.” Though Galen and her sister have been at odds--to say the least--since her father was killed, there have been times in the past when “Graysith” has helped us. Galen has posed the idea of going to the world where her sister resides and acquiring one of the aforementioned fighters, but this would require a carefully laid out plan, cause we can’t just go there and up and snatch one.”

He quieted one final time. Then, “We can’t because we aren’t entirely sure if Galen’s sister will be willing to help us again, and we can’t because the Sith world where we would find these fighters is now occupied...

...and it’s occupied by millions of those magickal Sith who were erradicated four-thousand years ago.”

[ 05-17-2003 07:01 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Matt Stanza ]

--------------------

I thought back to what me and Alexis had talked about.

according to Alexis the kidnappers had tourted her or harassed her every day in their custody. And why she hadn't send messages to me as soon as she was captured made me think, but she told me she wanted to find out where they were going first. After that we discussed about our childhood and then when i came back from the bathroom I had found her asleep and decided to leave her so she could get some rest.

So I continued to head back to the dining room.

--------------------

"I can't even imagine the havoc that could be released on the Empire if we pitted the SITH against the REBORN. Now All I need to do is come up with a plan that will accomplish this, without getting us involved. Because to be honest, I really don't want any more problems with either group."

I looked to the hall momentarily when I sensed Jebbua approaching.

"Do you think Galen could talk to this Graysith? See if she would be willing to help us out once again?" I said as I turned my attention back to Matt and Aaron.

[ 05-19-2003 10:03 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Dash Kelderon ]

--------------------

"Well, me and my sister sorted out things and would it be ok if she stayed here while we help you?"

then looking at Dash I asked.

"So, what did I miss?"

--------------------

Captain Barnes simply nodded his head as if to say "Proceed". So I filled Jebbua in with all the details. From the distinction of the Dark Jedi and the Sith Race, to the Fact that Galen has a sister who is aphiliated with the Sith.

The food arrived, steaming hot, and smelling delicious!

"My compliments to the Chef. I've never smelled food this succulent before. But getting back on topic here... Matt, Aaron, Jebbua, what do you think about approaching this Graysith person?"

[ 05-19-2003 10:22 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Dash Kelderon ]

--------------------

"But I'm sure one of you two do and if you don't well then. We'll just have to think of a way." I said looking at Aaron and Matt. I took a bite of my food and then looked back at the two to see what they would say.

--------------------

"And by all means, Jebbua, your sister can stay on the Hornett during whatever we do. But again, I think we've reached that point where we've got some ideas, and it's up to Galen what she wants to do. So let's enjoy this meal, and then get some rest. We'll reconviene in the morning, if that will suit everyone. In the meantime, I must make a brief comm."

With that, Aaron got up and departed the room, taking his comm-link out and dialing a familiar frequency. "Hey Jasyn, just wanted to let you know what's up. Dash and Jebbua are up to date; we've discussed some ideas but we ended up pretty much where we were when Galen left. We're gonna reconviene in the morning after everyone gets some food and rest; let me know how things are on your end in the meantime."

He paused for a moment, then ended with, "And let me know if you found Galen and if she's allright. Let her know what's going on too.

"Have a nice evening, and give me a brief comm when you can.

"Barnes out."

[ 05-20-2003 06:40 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Aaron Barnes ]

--------------------

"Well Dash I guess I see you in the morning." I said. i turned around and went out the door to head towards my room.

When I got to my room I fell ono the bed and instanlty fell into a deep sleep.

--------------------

When I had finished I looked to Matt. "What time do you think we should resume this little get together?"

[ 05-20-2003 08:40 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Dash Kelderon ]

--------------------

...and caught the flash of his wristcomm.

"Might be Aaron," he said aloud, then pushing the accept button. And it was Aaron's voice across the frequency, filling him in on what was going on. After the message was over, Jasyn glanced to Galen, who was finishing up as well. "Well, I sounds like we're going to be ready to get down to the details of what we're planning on doing to get Darra back," he said, his brown eyes thoughtful even as he stood. Then, "Com'n," he continued, waving a hand, "I'll take you back to your quarters so you can get some rest.

And he did just that, taking Galen through the winding corridors of the Hornett and up the turbolift and through more winding passageways til at length they reached the quarters she had taken the last time she was aboard the Hornett.

"And should you need anything," Jasyn said as they approached, "Let me know. There should be a commlink in your quarters so you can get in contact with me or Aaron; one of us will give you a comm with more specifics on what time they plan to reconviene in the morning as soon as I get them.

"Get some sleep, if you can. And again, if you need anything...

...let me know. Goodnight."

--------------------

"Someone will go to your quarters and let you know, I'm just guessing but I'd assume sometiem mid-morning," he stated, standing.

"Now, go and get some rest...

...you're gonna need it..."

--------------------

I was gettign really tired at this point, but there was still something I needed to take care of. I hurried on toward ALEXIS's room.

"Knock, knock" I said as I rapped lightly on the door. "Are you still awake? I'd like to talk to you if I could."

--------------------

"Oh, Hi Dash, how are you? Was there something you wanted to see me about?" She asked him. She stepped out of the way and offered him in to the quarters and offered him a seat. Sitting back on the Bed Alexis looked at Dash to see what he was going to say.

Just as she was wondering if she would ever have to simply give up, she noticed it--the vague blackness ahead of her was begining to solidify into what appeared to be a metal panel just like the one she had entered at the other end, with the wire going through a hole in its center.

On closer inspection, however, the panel proved to be significantly different. On the left side, there were two hinges, meaning that the panel should swing inward. And, indeed, on the right side, there was a groove that could be used as a handle.

Sullare reached out and pulled the panel toward her, scooting backwards as she did so to get out of its way. As it opened, it revealed a small-ish, dimly-lit room lit only by an open door at one end.

The panel she had just opened was about a meter off the ground, so she jumped the distance and inspected the panel from the outside. It had an identical resistor concealed within it, and a small, very thin wire protruding from that resistor and snaking along the wall. It was cleverly disguised to be nearly invisible--there was no way Sullare would have ever noticed it had she not been looking for it.

With an effort, she traced the new wire along the intersection of ceiling and wall until it came down a half meter and discretely entered the gap between the door and frame of what appeared to be...

She looked more closely at the door. It didn't look like much more than a closet. She wiped away some dust off a metallic sign engraved: DROID STORAGE CLOSET

She blinked at it profusely, then stuck out a hand and tried the antiquated knob. It was firmly locked. She tried several of her tools, but all failed. She glanced at the wiring once again, reaffirming that it did indeed enter the closet.

She shrugged. Someone had to have the key... She should probably report to the captain and inform him of where the wire had taken her.

It was then that she looked around the room she was standing in. She walked over to the open door and looked out, feeling relieved by the bright lights shining in the corridor. She stepped outside and looked at the door to the room. It read:

23198
DROID REPAIR

She looked inside the room again, looking for any traces of droid remains. There were none. The room was empty, save the closet at its far end. Must not be in use any more, she thought to herself. Wait... I know where this is... It must be the old mechanics wing that got merged with engineering. Droid repair is in the engineering wing, now... I think...

She followed the small corridor to a larger one, which she recognized as heading to engineering. Hmm... better go find Captain Barnes, she decided. He'll be able to find out what's in that closet.

With that thought in mind, she continued down the corridor in search of the captain.

[ 05-20-2003 11:04 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Sularre Rynnll'tan ]

--------------------

I sat down in the chair Alexis pointed too. This could get really awkward really quick. I don't wann seem like I'm brushing her off, but I know it is best for her to stay behind.

"I brought you some leftovers from dinner. I thought you might be hungry. You left in quite a hurry." I subconsiously fingered the Lightsaber that Alexis had lent to me. "Uhh, I hope you don't mind me borrowing this again."

Yet another awkward pause in the conversation. Why can't I ever just talk to her?!? "I'm just gonna come right out and say this...."

--------------------