"Sularre Rynnll'tan," she answered. "I was recently hired as an engineer here, and I was just helping K'kihl find the source of the power outage," she explained.

She didn't like the question. Something about the spontaneity of its asking bothered her for reasons she could not explain. As if they expected her to be lying...
Stop it, she commanded herself firmly, you don't have anything to lie about.

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

Then, as if it were an afterthought, he added one final question: "And has the power been restored to engineering?"

With nothing more he fell silent, waiting.

[ 05-09-2003 09:51 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Aaron Barnes ]

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"Sularre, did I get you into more trouble?" I looked back to GALEN. "I didn't mean to cause this much trouble. I didn't know I couldn't go to engineering! I'm sorry!"

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

"Dash, I don't know what's been happening regarding you, but I want you to know that I don't think you're responsible for this-- this whatever it is K'kihl and--

"Sularre, is it?" I interrupted myself, turning to the Twi'lek. She merely stood mute, her lekku twitching a bit nervously; I smiled a little at her and turned back to the others.

"Sularre found," I finished decidedly. Hesitating a bit, and then more firmly I now reached out and took the resistor from K'kihl's hand. It lay in my own, small and unobstructive; I thought to myself how easily this thing must have been to hide in the miles and miles of connective tunnels Hornett carried within her.

Not to mention how serendipitous it was to have been found at all. A simple power knock-out, probably not foreseen at all....

I shook my head a little, turning it over and then handing it back to K'kihl.

"What is it?" I asked... and immediately wished I hadn't, for he launched into a diatribe only half of which I could understand. Forcing back a reactive smile, I raised a hand.

"So what you're saying is that this thing was hidden in a hollowed place in one of the primary power cable shafts, and was designed to bleed power from the main line? Is that right?"

K'kihl nodded in reply, taking the resistor from me and tucking it into his tool belt. I sat back, crossing my arms as I considered what I had just said.

"Look," I finally burst out with. "I'm no engineer, and I can't even begin to imagine how this thing works. What concerns me is the whys of its being here, as well as who put it there. Seems to me one can't just up and stick it into solid durasteel without having some time in which to do it; I think that alone would take at least Dash off the hook."

Now it was my turn to display lowering brows, which I directed at Aaron and Jasyn; I might not have hung around reading the SOP Manual for Super Star Destroyers all my life, but simple logic told me that not merely the creation, but the implemention of such a strange little device took obvious skill... and time in which to utilize it. One just doesn't up and cut into solid durasteel in mere seconds; whoever did this had to have been aboard for the length of time it would take to do it.

I turned back to Aaron.

"I think I'm sensing some undercurrents here, Captain Barnes," I began cautiously. "Just because Sularre is new here shouldn't put her under suspicion."

I turned my gaze to K'kihl. Although to the others he probably looked non-committal, I knew him well enough to read the semblance of body language he did in fact utilize. That body language was spilling its guts saying that he didn't think Sularre did it either.

Well gosh wee, Galen ol' girl, that eliminates two out of... hmmm. A crew numbering in the tens of thousands, right?

I sighed and sat back, rubbing my temple as I did so, for quite suddenly the biggest headache to come down the spacelanes was settling in for the long haul, right behind my eyes.

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

She finally averted her gaze back to her questioner, wondering what under the sun of Ryloth she was supposed to say now.

After several moments of silence on her part, she decided that speaking might not be the wisest thing to do at this moment. Rather, she just stood quietly in her place, waiting for someone else to speak.

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

I asked Sularre because she seemed to be the most intelligent being in the office at the moment, even though she is a little unsure of herself at times. "Could it have been done during production or do you feel this was a deliberate attempt at sabotage by one of the crew members?"

Sularre was still not responding. "Anyone else have any views they might want to bring into light about this little device here?" I pointed to the little box with wires hanging out of it. "I don't know what it is, I've never seen anything like it before."

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

"Ahh--" I garbled, trying to be diplomatic, and by reason of the damned headache I was developing probably failing miserably.

"Didn't Captain Barnes just ask Sullare that in so many words?"

I fell silent again, rubbing my temple, but now cocking my head a little to one side as I contemplated the young crew member and our C'hiss guest.

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

"Uhhh, Sorry. I have a habbit of opening my mouth where it doesn't really belong. I was just trying to help. From now on I'll leave the questioning to you." I looked directly at Captain Barnes.

I didn't want to look at Jasyn, he looked mad enough before I entered the room. I can sense a general dislike for me emminating from that man. I don't know why?!? I saved him from drowning in a puddle of his own vomit back on Sullust.

"What I mean to say is, I want to help out in any way I can! I just hope that doesn't mean being confined to my quarters."

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

...or at least, the honarary since her true Captain had died.

"This ship is too old to have had a resistor implanted in her during construction--we would have had a power bleed long ago if that were the case," he commented.

"And Ms. Rynnll'tan, Ms. Danner's point is well-made. Your reply needs to be forthcoming, and to your Captain. That is the procedure we adhere to on the Hornett."

He quieted at that, directing an expectant gaze in Sularre's direction.

[ 05-10-2003 09:33 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Aaron Barnes ]

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Then I frowned as his words began sinking into my skull through the headache which pounded there. I wanted more than anything to ask Aaron why Dash had been confined to quarters, or at least threatened to be, and to otherwise find out what the heck had been happening lately aboard Hornett while I had been... incapacitated.

But timing is everything; now was certainly not the time for such a line of questioning. I let out a little sigh, and settled back to see if the Twi'lek was ever going to answer Aaron's question or not.

[ 05-10-2003 09:42 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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"I agree, Captain, that it is unlikely that the resistor was implanted during the production of the ship," she began, now looking the Captain directly in the face. "The most likely answer, in my opinion, is that the resistor was added to the ship within the last few days. Although it would depend on how much energy it was drawing away, I do not believe it would take long to create some sort of effect on the ship."

She resisted the temptation to avert her gaze to Dash or K'kihl. She was on her own, at least for now.

Taking a deep breath, she finished her thought. "This means that whoever implanted that resistor is, more likely than not, on the Hornett as we speak." She hesitated, then added, "I suggest that the destination of the resistor's wiring be revealed so as to get an idea of what the culprit was trying to accomplish."

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

Great still locked. I thought.

I closed my eyes searching for Alexis and Dash. Alexis was asleep still and Dash...
He was somewhere with a group of other lifeforms doing who knew what?

Dash, What are you doing? I sent a mental thought to him.

Whatever he was doing I hoped he could get me out of my room.

[ 05-11-2003 05:23 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jebbua Dahutt ]

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I streched out with my mind to speak with Master Jebbua, "I'm sorry Master, I'm still in negotiations for our freedom of movement throughout the ship. I am working on it. I will make a final plea in a minute."

I looked to GALEN and Captain Barnes. "Can I make one small request in the middle of this turmoil? I'd like for Alexis and Jebbua to be freed from thier quarters. If it is possible."

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

Then I sat on the ground and went through some jedi excirises, waiting to be let out of my room.

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

It was then that Jasyn interrupted him with a, “Now wait just a damn minute,” he exclaimed, suddenly coming to angry life. “If you’re saying that this has to have all taken effect recently, then it must be in connection with recent events. I’ve been thinking through things, and aside from the time Terrin and I spent in the Coruscant prison we’ve had little contact with...

...much of anyone else.”

No need to talk about the Sith around this guy til it’s brought up a bit less...

...abruptly.

“Not to mention the fact that Terrin and I were busted out of that jail by Graysith, leaving not so much as a trace on how we managed our way out. At least, there were no traces so far as I’m aware. The Empire is, however, well aware that Terrin owned the Hornett, and I really doubt they know that he...”

Jasyn hesitated, shifting uncomfortably, “...is no longer with us. What better way to get back at us...and possibly kill us in the process...than by taking the Hornett down?”

His frown darkened as he caught his breath. Then he added, “And hell, though they might not know about Terrin not being alive on Coruscant, they are probably damn well aware that Darra is Terrin’s adopted daughter...it’s a matter of public record. Our Coruscant pals might not be too thrilled with that, and might be trying to...

... express their sentiment. Either that, or maybe they are thinking they can collect big if they get rid of Mom and Dad.”

Jasyn quieted then, sighing. “Maybe I’m grasping at straws, and I don’t guess the speculation will help us all that much until we analyze the route for the resistor and any serial numbers on it that can be traced. But I don’t think I’m jumping to conclusions in saying that I have a really bad feeling about this...”

[ 05-11-2003 08:17 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jasyn Lancaster ]

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I hope I can get some answers now. It would make things a lot easier for me to understand!

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

Matt then cut the comm off at that, lowering his arms and directing his intense green eyes towards Dash as Jasyn finally began to answer his questions, seemingly unsure as to whether he really wanted to or not.

"Terrin Danner is... was...part-owner of Eagle Enterprises, and the previous owner of this vessel," Jasyn started, waving his hand expansively to indicate the Hornett.

Then, after a bare moment of hesitation, he continued. "Darra is his adoptive daughter, and Galen's daughter, who has been taken to Coruscant. We were discussing just how to get her out of there when this whole resistor issue came up."

He paused a moment then, his look darkening. "And as for the Coruscant prison...let's just say that the New Empire doesn't like us very much, and leave it at that," he answered, not willing to budge any further.

Then he leaned back, folding his arms against his chest, his brown eyes directed right to Dash. They were fairly inscrutable...

...but inside Jasyn was all but wondering exactly what the Jedi would have to contribute to all of this...

...if he was going to contribute anything at all.

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

"I think you're kinda forgetting something rather of importance, Jasyn," I said softly, cutting my glance from Dash back into his dark brown eyes again. For a moment I just looked at him, not saying anything at all. Then I straightened up and leaned forward, now letting my eyes move back into Dash's.

"Darra is my daughter by Sorben Tarnus... who I ahhh... believe now has some kind of connection with the Empire. And as to why he would want her that badly...."

I trailed off and got to my feet. Moving quickly past the others, I came to a viewing port. It didn't actually open out onto real space, as the captain's ready room was buried deeply amidship, but was rather a digital representation of where we were. I stared out into the glittering velvet beyond us.

"I can only hope it's because he loves her as much as I do," I finally finished, and fell silent, still looking out upon the silent stars. Time ticked inexorably by, in which the room seemed to thicken palpably with undercurrents of... of what exactly, I wasn't sure.

I finally turned around, now leaning back against the digi-port.

"Look, Dash," I began, floundering a little. "Nothing would make me happier than having you toss your lot in with us in helping to get Darra back safe and sound. To remain unhindered with me for the rest of her life, I might add..."

Although how that was going to be accomplished was a bigger fish than I wanted to fry at the moment. Well, one step at a time, I guess.

I shook my head and refocused my eyes on the group.

"There's more here than we're telling you; as a Force-user I'm sure you can sense at least that. There's... something out there which is almost totally unbelievable; in fact, if I hadn't already gotten involved with it I wouldn't believe it myself. For your own protection I don't want to say anything further, other than this.

"If you want to just say you're friends with us and have it be that, we'll be happy to transport you wherever it is you and your friends wish to go. If you do choose to throw your ante into our pot, then we'll tell you the rest of the story. And--"

I stopped a moment, letting a stern look sweep over the others present. Aaron remained his usual unflappable self, but Matt was frowning and Jasyn was back to his volcano impersonation again.

"--and I think everyone here had just better flush out whatever bad feelings he's been nursing and let things start anew. Allies are no good as allies if they're not completely trusted, that's a fact. And trust is a two-way street."

I rounded on Matt now, sending him a silent look as to who our last ally had been, and lifted a brow in his direction before turning back to Dash and falling silent. When no one at first ventured to speak, I stepped forward and regained my seat, calling quietly for a protocol droid to bring us some caf. Something told me it was going to be a long meeting.

[ 05-12-2003 11:19 AM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Galen ]

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A guard walked into the room.

"You are to come with me."

I got up and went out my room. I saw Alexis and 4 other gaurds there too.

"Can you tell me where we are going?" I asked the Lead guard.

No answer.

I guess I'll find out soon enough. I thought.

[ 05-12-2003 12:29 PM: Message edited 1 time, lastly by Jebbua Dahutt ]

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"I've seen and heard a lot of things in my day. And in the past I would have just sat back and left this situation to play itself out. But for a Jedi walking the path of LIGHT, I can't just stand by and watch, as a mother is being kept from her child unwillingly. I'll ante up like a true Jedi. I am a man of my word and I say this to you... No matter how long or difficult the road ahead is, I pledge my allegence to your cause. I give you my word as a JEDI KNIGHT."

I could still sense some distrust from Jasyn. So I said to him, "Look Jasyn, We never really met on good terms. But if I didn't sense the good in you back on Sullust, I would have left you in the hallway of the Azure Planetiod. But instead I watched over you all night to make sure you were going to be allright. You may or may not remember all of this, but I can assure you I am trustworthy. And I'd like to work with you in the future as friends."

My eyes wandered around the room. From person to person, trying to read thier expressions.
Well... This is it Dashy ol' boy. You have chosen your path.

"I'd like to hear more of the story at a later time Galen. If that is alright with you?!?"

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

...but in Aaron's opinion it was still obviously taking the man a bit of effort. Matt, on the other hand, Aaron knew wouldn't need any prompting to remain open to whatever might lie ahead; he was, after all, fairly observant and slow to judge...

...even when it came to Jedi.

Aaron couldn't help the faintest of smiles from crossing his features at that thought; and it was only then he realized how crowded his little ready room was getting. Even as the droid was returning with cups of caf, Aaron cleared his throat. "K'kihl and Sularre, could you start running any and all tests on that resistor that you can?" he queried at first, looking to them and cocking a brow.

Then, to the others, "And while they are at it, how about the rest of us finding somewhere a bit more...comfortable to discuss all that we must...

...and perhaps somewhere to find food as well. Red Level has some private dining chambers, and we could easily make use of one...

...if that would suit everyone?"

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

"Discover we must, the function of this device," he muttered, almost to himself. "A power bleed it is, this much know we. But-- why? To obtain or merely power to remove?"

He clacked his mandibles again, the Verpine equivalent of losing himself in deep, if worried, thought, then came to an abrupt halt in the corridor. Crew members and the occasional droid moved past him; he paid them no attention whatsoever but turned his shining eyes upon Sularre.

"Tracing the line, a good idea it is," he confirmed her earlier suggestion. "And do that now we must. You--" He cocked his head, pointing an appendage directly at Sularre.

"Your task this is, to prove your worth. I faith in you have, Captain Barnes maybe not. Chance have you now, self to prove, worth to gain. Is this not so?"

He fell silent, folding his arms, and giving Sularre all the time in the world she needed to reply... which by his casually tapping foot was far less than his attitude implied.

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

"I could certainly go for some food. I haven't had a decent meal in days! Mostly my own fault though. But a nice meal to discuss matters over would be great!"

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

I heard the last words that Dash said."to Discuss matters over would be great!"

"What matters?" I said as I stepped into the room.
Inside the room were 3 other men besides Dash and Galen was also there. I also the men that had escorted us here had left. Alexis smiled at Dash and stepped beside me. I stood there waiting for an answer.

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

"But we are just leaving, perhaps Captain Barnes here will invite you to dine with us."

I looked to the good Captain for a nod of approval.

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