Courtyard - Jedi Complex Coruscant
This vast courtyard is where much of the daily life of the Jedi can be observed. A park-like area near the bridge is often used as a study area, and the open areas in that park are teaming with life as students and teachers alike take part in sports and athletic activities, honing the body. At each corner of the square compound is a tower that is easily 200 stories high. Paths criss-cross the entire compound and run the perimeter, from tower to tower. At the north end of the compound is a large hill constructed of many different types and sizes of boulders.
In the center of the courtyard is the largest tower, rising another 100 stories above the other towers in the complex. The doublewide, ornate doors to this tower are always open. Unlike the other towers, this one has a wide section near the top that removes the tapered look the other towers have. Above this bulge is where the Jedi Council Chamber is located.
A brown-clad figure slips out from the training tower to the northeast. Not that this is such a surprise- there are quite a few individuals milling about, some in browns and beiges, some clad in other shades. As the figure makes its way through the courtyard, slipping easily through bodies due to its small size, it becomes clearer that this is Moira Brennan, human girl here to learn, study, and follow Tai Jinn around. In that order. Her blue green eyes, as well as her other senses, scan the courtyard for someone specific. As they do so, she continues making her way off the beaten path, and towards a clump of trees. The people milling about occasionally offer her a smile or a wave- she may not be as 'famous' as Tai, but when living someplace for a while, you tend to meet people. Moira smiles and waves back, where appropriate, but doesn't stop to talk. Clipped to the sash holding her clothes closed is a really, really beaten up lightsaber. Her practice one. Seems Moira's been hard on the poor little thing.
Spectre appears pretty much out of nowhere for the most part. The sounds and bustle of the planet fill him with awe and also somewhat frighten him. He knows that the Jedi people are supposed to be here and the officer pointed him this way. He sighs a little, not sure if he should be here but deciding to see if the one he made friends with was here to answer questions and give advise. He manages a slight smile and proceeds further. His furry tail floating lightly off the ground and flicking back and forth.
Davros appears pretty much...well, off the bridge into the complex as a matter of fact, some 40 yards or so behind Spectre as he seems to be moving slowly and brooding over something in his mind, and he heads over to a Jedi bustling off into the city for some business or other, and asks if Tai Jinn happens to be around. Unfortunately he's not, but perhaps the question might draw the attention of one who knows where he could be, as Davros continues asking from time to time as he heads deeper into the complex.
Far off from the courtyard is a small clearing with a small tree line behind it. A pair of Jedi can be seen, squared off with lightsabers ignited. Not training sabers, but the real thing. The first Jedi advances, attacking with an overhand slash, but the second is already parrying as he ducks away. The silvery blue blade of the second Jedi flickers off as the blades clash, causing his opponent's blade to fall through and pulling him slightly off balance. The two continue to trade blows, but the first Jedi is a bit more cautious about being subjected to the same trick twice.
The small blonde girl stops in her tracks as she hears Tai's name. Now who could be looking for Tai? Davros isn't quite as familiar a presence as Tai, or some of the other Padawan she knows, but he's familiar enough that in a few seconds, it dawns on her who's just entered. Quickly, Moi makes her way over towards Davros. "Evening," she says cheerfully. "I think Tai might be off training. Can I help? I know I'm a poor substitute," this is punctuated by another Moira grin, "But I'm happy to assist if I can."
Spectre has keen hearing. He approaches when he too hears Jinn's name, "He is gone then?" He bows slightly to the two, "Forgive me for interrupting my friends but I too came here to see if that one was present. I am called Spectre, or The Spectre, by most." He smiles a little, tail flicking calmly again, "Large ears like these let me miss little...I hope I do not intrude."
Davros shakes his head and chuckles, "Not at all Spectre, not at all. Nice to meet you." He gives a wide smile to the creature, awfully friendly but then again he's overly friendly with everyone, and he turns back to Moira with a wink and a smile, that barely hides a disconcerted look, "No, no, no. I'm afraid you just won't do this time young lady. There was an..." his voice trails off as he tries to think of a polite word for it and he shakes his hands vaguely, "incident the other night and I wanted to talk to him about it."
After trading blows for a few more minutes, the two combatants square off again, and both lightsabers shut down; first the green one and then the silvery blue one. The two talk for a few minutes, and then turns back towards the courtyard. Ashton leads the other Knight back, wiping the sweat from his brow as they continue walking and talking. Very soon, they are closing on the two visitors and Moira.
"You're not intruding." Moira quickly says, hoping to reassure the large-eared creature. "It's nice to meet you, Spectre. I'm Moira Brennan." Then, the little one turns back to Davros. "I meant to ask you...do you know anyone who might have it in for Jedi and Padawan in general and Tai in particular? A nice looking gentleman, dark hair, kidnapped Kastanje once upon a time?" She's so casual about asking this question, that it's obvious there's a reason for it. Specific questions usually have specific reasons, after all. She then gets a look of recognition on her face. Why it's there only becomes clear as Ashton comes into view. Excellent, exactly the person she'd been looking for. Moi waves a friendly wave in his direction, though she leaves it up to him if he comes over, or not.
Spectre watches in awe for a moment as the shimmering blades catch his attention. He shakes his head as if to break himself out of his reverie, "Your movements make my feline agility more akin to a rancor's shuffling..." He manages a grin, "It is an honor to meet you Moira Brennan." Again he bows to the young one. "I came looking for Jinn for he told me to seek him if I should need help. And I figured he would be good to ask advice from. I hope to join the Bounty Hunters Guild." He thinks a moment, "I hoped he would perhaps tell me more about them...his opinions...and perhaps help find a way to get me and another to where the guild is. A man has said he would take me there but he needs a ride. I am not sure what to do and if this is a good choice."
Davros nods his head slowly, "Yeah, sounds like a guy I know named Bode, want me to send you my file on him?" Now isn't that scary? The thought of Davros having Files with a capital F...because who's to say he doesn't have one on almost everybody. Ashton gets a respectful nod and then he turns to Spectre with a smile, "You're in luck man, I've got a ship in spaceport now, and I'm on my way to the Bounty Hunter's Guild HQ." He tosses a look to Moira, please don't say anything, "I do mechanic work and whatnot on their ships." He gestures down to his body, especially the cast on one arm, "Not nearly intimidating enough to be a hunter. I stick to tinkering with my ships." He smiles and what's for some kind of response.
Bode. And now, the face has a name. "Yes, please, Davros." Moira leaves it at that, for the rest of the thought wouldn't bear repeating in front of the whole courtyard. Namely, 'Can you tell me...exactly -why- he has it in for Tai and 'our kind?' However, she does add "One more question, and I'll let you gentleman talk business," and no, though she vaguely disapproves of bounty hunters, she won't comment, "Exactly what is he capable of? This 'Bode,' I mean?" Plotting something, Moira is. But what? That's the question.
Spectre frowns, "Someone is after Jinn? Why would anyone be after him? He appears to be a nice guy." Now he seems a bit irritated, "I have heard of those who do not like the Jedi...a man...a Sith said that Jedi are cowards and without care for others. Another man said that he hides from the Jedi and was proud of not being found. I am not sure what to think, but I know that Jinn helped me and that I am seeking honorable work for myself. There is not much out there that doesn't go against my morals it seems. So I am searching. I had hoped for Jinn's wisdom.
Davros shakes his head to Moira in a friendly affirmative, "Go ahead and shoot Moira, I'll do what I can to help. I owe you guys more than a couple." You know, like Tanya not throwing him in jail even though he should." He turns to Spectre and shrugs, "It's a really long story, maybe I'll tell you on the trip over if you decide to go with me."
That curiosity in Moira's presence might be what detours Ashton away from the other Knight as they reach the middle of the courtyard, or it might just be his own curiosity. Nevertheless, Ashton breaks off from the other knight and approached Moira from behind. His eyebrows lift as he hears a reference to Tai. He doesn't say anything as he comes to a stop behind Moira and off to one side.
"Just...would he really kill a Jedi or one of the Padawan, if he could? Bode, I mean. And do you know why..." There's a break in the train of thought, as Ashton joins the group. Well, she -did- need to talk to him about this and other things, but it wouldn't do to just stop asking questions that might shed light onto the situation. So, she just gives him a 'please stay' look, and hopes he chooses to stick around. "How well do you know Bode, Davros?" is the final continuation. "Do you know if it was one event that sparked him off, on his campaign of hate, or if it was a series of things?"
Spectre looks at Davros, "Well if you would not mind...I wish to still ask Jinn a few questions. I do not wish to make a mistake in choosing the wrong career. I wish honorable work and it seems that the Sith do not pay their debts...and are dangerous. I have decided to stay away from them but it will take money to save my people from the corporate sector." He becomes quiet as the young Jedi seems to want to speak of more important things.
Davros nods his head to Spectre, "Sure, suit yourself." Then he turns his head to Moira, "Well, it's a really long story, or so I think. Would he kill a Jedi? Yes, if he could do it he most definitely would in all likelihood. How well do I know him? We've worked together a few times, but it's almost purely a professional relationship. So not too much. The rest of it I'll just send with the file, you've sparked my curiosity now." Davro's eyes burn with an inner light, suggesting his curiosity is a rather intriguing thing to spark, the curse of the genius, they must know everything.
Ashton raises an eyebrow at the comment that Bode would kill a Jedi is he could. That automatically made him a threat to any padawan, regardless of their fighting skill. Now he's got a personal interesting in this, but he allows Moira to continue with her questions.
"Thank you, Davros." Moira says, and then something else dawns on her. "Oh! And that reminds me, one last question. Pills, labeled 'rose colored glasses.' Do you know what those are? I think he was ingesting them. Then he started to hallucinate..." Hmm, so Moira's seen Bode, in a non-'I want to kill you' atmosphere. The 'young Jedi' apparently finds Spectre's problems important enough to end her inquisitions about Bode at this point, for she falls silent, glad that Ashton's sticking around. Now she won't have to repeat all of this later.
Spectre's ears swivel around as he decides to try listening a bit. The tufts on the edges make them seem even larger then they already are. He keeps smiling at the girl clearly fascinated by her. Curiosity fills his silver eyes. The tail twitches a bit more but overall he appears to be relaxed.
Davros thinks thoughtfully for a moment, doubling up on the thinking. ;-) Before replying, "Hmmm...I know that he's a drug addict. Do you happen to have the pills with you? I can take them home and maybe find out exactly what they are, knowing Bode it's probably some homemade concoction he came up with on his own...."
"Tai had the pills. I'll ask him to give them to you, if he held on to them." Moira states. "Thank you, Davros, for talking to me about this. I'm sorry Tai wasn't around, for you to talk to about what you had on your mind." Then, with a smile to the two guests, she says, "I hope you gentlemen have a good trip. It was nice to meet you, Spectre." Moi's attention now goes to Ashton, and she says, "When you get a chance, may I speak to you?"
Spectre grins, "I do not know about a trip yet. Tell Jinn that Spectre wishes to speak with him. Perhaps he can tell me what he knows of bounty hunters...unless you can tell me about them."
Davros smiles and nods, checking his chronometer, "Actually I can, since I work for them fixing their stuff and all, but unfortunately I've got to go. Maybe I'll talk to you later, have any idea where you'll be? If you're sure you don't want to come now...."
Ashton loses part of his smile, his outlook getting a bit more serious as he contemplates what he's heard so far. Moira's question brings him out of his thought process and he nods, "Sure... how about now?" The Knight gestures towards the center of the courtyard where a few benches are available. He offers a nod and a polite smile to both Spectre and Davros, before excusing himself from their company.
Nodding quickly to Spectre, Moira says "I'll tell Tai you'd like his advice, when I see him next." Then, nodding to the gentlemen, Moira turns and follows Ashton towards the benches. Time to fill the Knight in on the escapades of the other night. Hopefully, he'll be able to help... certainly, he could do more about the situation than either Tai or herself could. On the way to the benches, Moira decides to explain the reason for the aside- not that he can't already guess. "I wanted to talk to you about this 'Bode' fellow. He was the one who kidnapped Kastanje- and he was in the Spires the other night." Obviously, there's more to it than that. But Moira saves the rest until they reach the benches.
Spectre bows to the Jedi and begins to back away, "Thank you for your time." He turns and looks at Davros, "Well perhaps we can talk for a bit before you leave?"
Ashton reaches one of the benches and waits for Moira to sit, while he buckles his utility belt back on. He'd had it, and the lightsaber attached, slung over his shoulder while walking earlier. As the two settle down on to a bench, he nods sagely. "I assume Tai was there, as well," he says, referring to the comment about Bode being at the Spires.
Davros shakes his head, looking at the chronometer again, "Nope, sorry I've got to run." And in fact he bows his head somewhat politely and begins heading off out of the compound.
Moira takes a seat as well, and nods. "Tai was, but he showed up after I'd been there a while. Bode was at the bar, I was at a table. Tai took a table across the room- he told me it was because Bode would kill us if he knew 'what we were.' Tai apparently knows enough about him, to know how he'd react to his presence, as well as mine. Well, I was planning to leave when Bode started muttering about giant sparrows. Then he went into convulsions. Tai and I took him to the hospital in the military complex- we thought they could both help him and look after him. When we were checking him in, the pills I was asking about fell off of him. We picked them up, asked about them, but the nurse didn't know what they were." Uh oh, and here comes the part Moira isn't quite so proud of. "Well, the next day, I went to check on him. Turns out he ran off right before they took him into custody. He was in bad shape when Tai and I last saw him...so I went after him, to see if he was okay. I changed into something old and ratty, tried to alter my appearance as best I could. And then I went to where I though someone who wanted to hide would be... he was down past the military complex, in that not-so-nice part of town. Bode was disguised and using the name Jasir Once I found him, I left. I know I can't handle this alone, and so I didn't try. But...I think he knew who I was. And he didn't try to kill me." Moira takes a deep breath, trying to decide whether or not kill me." Moira takes a deep breath, trying to decide whether or not she should list her reasons for following. Finally, she decides not to do so, for now. Moi will wait for Ashton's reactions.
Ashton listens carefully to the story, not allowing any facial expressions to any part of the story. As Moira pauses, hopefully to catch a breath, he nods slowly. "I'm glad you're conscious of your limitations, Moira. Whether you believe he would've done anything or not, I think you put yourself into danger by following him." He pauses, looking her in the eyes. "I'm not saying you were wrong or right in following him. You were looking for more information, and that's something I've been encouraging with your training." Where's that 'but' that should be coming? He continues, "First of all, I'd like to find out why Tai believes this man would kill you if he knew you were padawan. I'll discuss this with him tomorrow when he returns." Another pause, this time longer than the first. "How did you figure out who Bode was when you followed him into the Underworld? Do you think he's still on the planet?"
The girl nods- she probably was in danger, when she went down into the Underworld. But, oddly, she was also worried about Bode, and his health. If he ran away after a night like the one before...well, he was either quite afraid, or didn't care at all about his health. "I...I just felt it." Moira says, in response to he questions posed to her. "I'd been near him before, and it felt, well...the same. Plus, he was in this disguise, but the hair was the same. That's what tipped me off, in the first place. As for on planet- yes, I believe he's still here. And probably still down there. Though I doubt old Jasir is still present- if he knew who I was, why would he continue to use that alias? So I could go back and track him down?"
"He may not care," Ashton says, shrugging lightly. "The alias may be in place for another reason entirely. But..." - There is it - that 'but' everyone knew was coming. "I don't want you going near him again." He reaches out, pointing at the weapon affixed to her sash. "Not with that, and not without you feeling more comfortable using it." He drops his hand back onto his leg, pausing as another thought comes to him. "I have no qualms about you continuing your investigation into Bode's well being, but not alone. Take Cerin or Tai with you, if Tai is on planet. Or better yet, I'll talk to a few of the Knights who are on Coruscant without specific duties right now. Randy might be a good choice if I'm not available." He pauses for a moment, a bit of concern crossing his face before he asks, "You don't have a problem asking me for help, do you Moira? I mean, you do know I'm available if you need my help..."
"Oh!" Moira exclaims. "No, not at all. That's why I'm talking to you about this. Because I know -I- can't handle it, alone. And I thought you could help. And no, stupid as it is, I didn't carry this thing down there and brandish it, when I went after him." Moira looks a little sheepish as she pats the saber. "I, err...well, I thought the best bet would be to run if it looked like trouble. Trying to fight it out would just be a bad idea. You're right- not until I can practice a lot more. So I just tried to look un-Moira-like, and keep alert enough to sense trouble coming." She pauses, thinking about it all. "But yes, I'll take someone with me. I promise. Right now, what I'm thinking is: find out what those pills are. I can't help but feel that addiction is important, somehow."
Ashton nods, "Possibly. Then again, it could be a homemade remedy for a cough." The Knight furrows his brow. "I'm surprised the medical staff at the center didn't keep a sample of the pills to test." He glances again at the saber on her sash. "We need to get started gathering the components for your lightsaber. You and I will go on a little shopping spree this week and pick up some of the components you'll need. I have an idea of how to get a more customized fit for the pommel, since you don't seem to be comfortable holding a larger pommel. Oh, speaking of training... I have a spare lightsaber. I want you to use it to train with. It was my first lightsaber and I know it works better than that one does. I'll have it next time I see you."
"They wanted to, but they needed the owner of the pills to sign a waiver and Tai and I didn't..." Moira starts, but trails off as the last part of Ashton's statements dawn on her. She blinks, a few times. Ashton loaning her -his- old lightsaber. He really didn't mind helping her, it seemed. "Wow. Thank you..." Moira says, a little surprised. But in a good way. "I actually brought this one out in the hopes I'd run into you- since you asked to see it." Moira looks down at the very beaten object. One doesn't have to turn it on to see it's probably not in perfect working order.
Ashton grins, "Well, the thing about those 'practice sabers' that you get on Ossus is that they were all put together by Acolytes and they usually were failed attempts that another Jedi repaired to some working condition." He chuckles. "At least I know mine works... My hands were a bit smaller when I used it, so it was designed a bit smaller. Not as small as yours will need to be, but more comfortable than this one," he says, gesturing to the bulky thing she carries. He rises from the bench, "Anyway, I think I better head to my quarters. Be sure to make sure Tai uses the buddy system too, until Phanton okays him to solo on this stuff. He doesn't have the training to be an intermediary right now." Then a smile to Moira, "You, however, seem to be gifted with those skills..."
Gifted? Moira certainly doesn't feel gifted. But, instead of voicing this, she just nods. "Okay, I will tell him. And thanks for your help." Finally, for the first time since starting her story, she smiles. This turned out better than expected, after all. 'Teaches you to expect, Moira Brennan.' The girl tells herself, silently, with equal measures of scolding and amusement.
Ashton pats Moira on the shoulder. "Bring that thing with you next time too. We might be able to scavenge some parts from it... or maybe sell some parts from it to get better parts for yours. We might be able to salvage the gem too." He smiles back at Moira, and a bit of the Force bolsters her own flow as he channels it into her. "All things are possible, Moira, with the Force as your ally. You're going to be a good Jedi." He steps away, but pauses long enough to turn back and arch an eyebrow. "And don't forget...that talking to yourself late at night after meditation does tend to help you focus on the question. Then the Force will guide you to the answer. Good night..." And with that, he turns and heads towards the residence tower.
END OF LOG