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 double-wide, 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.
Vahlen von Veiz strolls into the courtyard, four Republic Army soldiers with BlasTech TY-7 Carbines are following him in step, their boots clanking loudly on the stone walkway. Heads turn toward the peculiar procession, some youngsters loosing their concentration. An older Jedi steps out in the path of the General, forcing the soldiers to stop abruptly. The Jedi bows slightly and says in a calm voice "May I help you, gentlemen?" Vahlen frowns slightly, quickly sizing up the elder, then does a short bow and announces in a deep voice "I am looking for one named Tai Jinn. Where can I find him?"
Cerin steps up alongside Tai as the general walks in with his escort. A slight frown crosses the young padawan's face as he hears who the man is looking for, and he turns slightly, smiling a bit at Tai, "These friends of yours?" he keeps his voice low, speaking loud enough for Tai to hear alone.
The little blonde Padawan called Moira Brennan steps into the courtyard from the Training tower, just in time to see a gentleman in uniform walk up, and ask for Tai. A delicate eyebrow raises, and the girl unabashedly makes her way over in the direction of the inquiry. Not to get into Tai's business, exactly, but because when the Military gent is done, Moira intends to take her turn in line. She stops a few feet to Tai's left, just close enough so he can sense her presence. Keeping silent for now, the girl simply opens her ears and observes.
Distracted by the entrance of the military people, Sten takes a stinging blast in the side while attempting to train with the barrowed lightsaber of his current trainer. "Damn," He hisses as he rubs the spot on his side. His trainer seems to hide a smile, and then frowns and says, "Once again you demonstrate your lack of control, young padowan. You must concentrate on your task, and let nothing else bother you. " And a sigh from the trainer, "No more for today. Go gawk at the military people..." And the trainer holds out his hands for the saber and Sten hands it to him. He frowns at the guy and then wipes the sweat from his brow and turns to concentrate on the military people, wondering why they would be here.
Talking quietly to Cerin, Tai shrugs a bit. "We'll soon find out." Turning, he awaits for the elder Jedi to formerly point him out to Veiz as he stands there patiently. Folding his hands behind his back, he looks slightly out of place amongst the other Padawans as he's not in a Jedi robe.
Patting Tai on the shoulder, Cerin turns, "I've got to report to one of the masters for some trainings... take care, Tai. We'll talk later," folding his robes closer around him, Cerin smiles slightly, then begins to walk off towards the towers...
The elder Jedi slowly turns to the left, but doesn't bother pointing at Tai, letting the youngster step forward if he wishes. The Jedi does notices a little crowd begin to gather, so he quietly moves aside and begins hurrying the others away from the scene. Vahlen von Veiz looks in the direction indicated, his frown becomes more pronounced as he sees more then one padawan. And why do they have to all look so similar? The general hrms and takes a step toward the group, announcing once again in his deep command voice which seems to just saturate with authority and confidence "I am Chief General of the Republic Army, Vahlen von Veiz. I need to speak with the one named Tai Jinn."
The General of the Republic Army? What's he want with Tai? Moira stands her ground, smiling cheerfully at the elder Jedi who tries to shoo her off. "I'm waiting on Tai, too." she explains, softly so as not to disrupt the conversation in progress. Then, she turns to face the General, not interrupting any further.
The young Padawan steps forward towards the General and presents himself before the man who emits authority. Looking him in the eyes, the young Jedi smiles. "General, I am Tai Jinn... what may I assist you with on this evening?" he inquires quietly, not seeming to be intimidated in the least. Glancing alongside him to Moira, who he conveniently is standing beside now, he looks back to the general awaiting a response.
Vahlen von Veiz leans forward slightly, sizing up the Padawan from head to toe and making a very serious face, trying to look imposing and threatening. He growls deeply "The cellblock master informed that you have visited one of my visitors without permission today and interrogated him. I want to know what you got from him..." the General makes a dramatic pause and adds "...in detail." The guards seems to mimic the actions of their commander as they grip their rifles a bit tighter and frown deeply while staring at Tai with contempt.
SKILLCHECK: Vahlen von Veiz
Skill: Intimidation Difficulty: Sheer Folly
.........................Failure!
Moira Brennan stands to Tai's left side, not interfering as of yet. Though, she's not real keen on anyone, general or not, trying to intimidate the Padawan. The information about interrogation is filed away- what -was- Tai up to? She reminds herself to ask later.
Moira won't be needing to ask later, she'll find out since she's standing there. Indeed, her presence now brings a moment of hesitation from Tai, he wasn't going to tell her about the situation until later, but alas, the time is now. "Very well General." the young Jedi begins, not showing reaction to the attempts to be intimidating, perhaps it's the time he's spent in the levitation training. "As you know, Medic Captain Kastanje Asatha was kidnapped during the failed attempt to break out Simon Farranger. I merely inquired to Simon as to the location of where the Captain might be now. He stated that Nar Belsa or Corellia would be the most likely locations of her captors." Certainly the Republic had that cell wired, why is the general asking Tai these questions?
Vahlen von Veiz stands straight up, a little disappointed that his 'lazy eye' doesn't work on these freaks. He blinks with mock astonishment "Wire the cell? We cannot do that. That is against privacy protection laws passed two hundred years ago!" The General glances at Moira, idly wondering why she's eavesdropping on the conversation, but deciding to concentrate on Tai for the moment. "I am well aware of the kidnapping of one of my staff members. That is why I am here. I need to know everything this Simon character told you." Vahlen sighs quietly and mumbles to himself "I have ignored the issue for too long..." then looks back up to the Padawan when he feels the afternoon Coruscant sun beginning to feel uncomfortable under his jacket "Is there a comfortably shaded spot we can talk..." he glances at the crowd briefly and adds "...in private?"
Kastanje kidnapped? Moira's stomach tenses, in shock, and most likely, any force-attuned individual in the area would sense the sudden reaction. However, she eases the feeling away, in order to deal with the situation at hand. Private, hmm? Well, Moira doesn't seem to care what the General wants. However, should Tai want to go off alone, the girl will respect her fellow Padawan's wishes. "Tai?" she asks, softly. "Would you prefer that I find you after you're done?"
Glancing around, Tai quirks an eyebrow slightly only now noticing their under the sun. So the General's a vampire, very well. "I'm afraid I really cannot offer you that much more information than I did... other than to tell you that Kastanje is still upon Coruscant." Pausing, Tai doesn't elaborate immediately until finally deciding to. "I can still sense her nearby to a certain degree, I have her impression upon me... I can't isolate it however." Glancing again at Moira, he speaks more directly to her. "I was hoping to get the assistance of certain others to help me focus so we can locate her specific location." Returning his attention to Vahlen, Tai smiles thinly. "Oh, we also talked about a couple other issues besides Simon, such as Terrick Seth's involvement in the kidnapping of a woman he referred to as Naomi... but most likely it is information you already have." Turning to Moira, he shakes his head to the question she had previously posed. "No, I rather you stay..." Looking to the General, he adds, "Whether she finds out now or later, this Padawan will hear the entire tale." he indicates to Moira, "And I'd appreciate not having to repeat it."
Vahlen von Veiz quirks an eyebrow as he studies Moira curiously. Finally he smirks, deciding that fighting the peculiar behavior of the force users is already a lost battle. The fact that Kastanje is still on Coruscant doesn't seem to lighten his mood any "One can hide on Coruscant better then anywhere in the Galaxy. This city has more holes to crawl into then an asteroid in the S'aram system." The 'certain others' makes Vahlen worry slightly, but he lets the Jedi reveal his plan instead of pushing the issue. As for Naomi.. that name sound familiar... suddenly the General's face brightens up as the memory floods back in "Ah yes, the woman Ashton failed to protect. The Jedi council seems very interested in her for some reason, but I did not wish to get into the mess, so I let Kastanje handle it." Vahlen grumbles worriedly "But if that is what got her into this in the first place, I certainly would like to hear the details."
The little Padawan offers the General a smile. No need to be rude, even if she thinks he could work on his people skills. "Moira Brennan, General. Moi for short, if you'd like. As Tai said, I'm also a Padawan learner, here." With what is basically Tai's permission to stay, the girl shows little inclination to leave. So, her feet remain planted in their spot, and the girl listens. Hiding on Coruscant...perhaps she and Tai, working together, could sense her. And maybe that was his plan, already. She'd have to bring it up, later. For now, she just smiles absently and listens to the tale of Naomi curiously. After all, she's got no idea who this woman is.
Tai shrugs a bit to Vahlen. "Perhaps, but the closer Kastanje is to me, the easier it will be to track her. In fact, the sooner we can get to it the better. I can certainly fill you in on the rest of my discussion with Simon, but I'd rather get to the issue of finding the Captain now as opposed to later."
Vahlen von Veiz inclines his head slightly and grumbles unhappily "You are avoiding the issue. What did Simon tell you? If I have the information, my men can start searching physically while you do your hocus-pokus stuff." Finally realizing that the child at Tai's side will not leave, the General looks toward her and offers a slight nod "Good luck with your training, Moira Brennan. Please be sure to keep everything you hear to yourself." He gives her a warning gaze before returning his attention to Tai "And how about that secluded spot?"
'There he goes,' Moira thinks with a mix of worry and fondness, 'trying to save the universe. Again. Well, if he's going to try, he's going to have to accept a sidekick.' The thought of being Tai's sidekick actually elicits a smile from the girl. Humorous, though Ashton would probably have words with them both for going off on a crusade. Pulled out of her silent contemplation by the General's words, the Padawan nods. "Of course, General." She seems sincere, and Tai's connection to the Force would allow him to sense that she actually means it. Not that Moira has any propensity towards lying. She too turns her eyes to Tai, waiting for him to lead the way, should the little meeting need to move.
Fortunately Tai doesn't have anger management problems, for if he did, the young man would definately be getting frustrated with the General. However, he merely nods and leads the group to under the shade of a tree, into a slightly more isolated area of the courtyard. "Apparently the kidnappers who took Kastanje were hired by Set Harth, formerly known as Terrick Seth, to bring Simon to him. The woman Simon captured, Naomi, has some sort of connection to Set Harth and therefore he was seeking revenge. However, Simon saw through the ploy and thus they were able to abort the kidnapping." Looking to Moira, he nods slightly to the young Padawan. "Moi... I'd suggest preparing yourself... this will most likely be strenuous." Returning attention to the General, he awaits a reaction.
Vahlen von Veiz quietly thinks over the situation and sighs in frustration "Terrick? That the Jedi who defected to the Sith?" He shakes his head slowly "I should have know this is a result of your games." He obviously means the Jedi in general, not Tai specifically. The four soldiers follow the group obediently, but Vahlen stops them with just a look over his shoulder and a slight shake of his head. More thoughts are processed in his head and Vahlen glances at Tai quizzically "Why did they take Kastanje though? She's has no part in your conspiracies. Or does she?"
Moi Brennan nods to Tai, and begins to slip out of the conversation in favor of focusing on the Force. Terrick, too, is an unknown, so she files information away for later use as she readies herself for what most likely will be a serious trial on her abilities. She keeps her eyes open, for now, but her face takes on that look of peculiar concentration those that know Moira would associate with Force use.
Tai moves away from the general and sits upon the ground to begin to prepare himself. "Most likely it was merely a case of the wrong place at the wrong time." Looking to Vahlen, he adds, "If you have any more questions general? Or is it alright for us to do our hocus-pocus thing?" The sarcasm in Tai's tone is unmasked, he obviously isn't taken a warming to the statements of being talked down upon.
Vahlen von Veiz smirks and shrugs "Very well, I'll just watch quietly." He crosses his arms on his chest and leans against a conveniently placed tree nearby, observing the two young Jedi with an amused, if somewhat curious, smile on his face.
'Hocus pocus thing?' That sounds familiar. Though it might bother the girl, were she to have the time to be bothered, now all she wants is to find Kastanje. Moira shakes off the associations with the past, that the comment brought up- it will only distract- and also takes a seat, near Tai. She lets the Force flow through her, calming her and focusing her thoughts and attention. Once she feels a little more in tune, she speaks aloud, to the other Padawan. "What did you have in mind, exactly? Just search for her presence in the Force?" The words are soft, as the girl is also trying to retain her mindset and concentration.
Placing his hands before him, halfway between himself and Moira, Tai slowly closes his eyes as he begins to stretch out as well. "Sort of... I have an impression of Kastanje, a strong one... I took it not long ago in case something like this happened." Smiling, and ignoring the general's presence, he adds. "That foresight thing hitting me again I guess. Anyway, I was going to suggest we both use the impression I have to seek her out." Tai's voice, so calm and peaceful as he's in the beginning stages of meditation.
Vahlen von Veiz yawns quietly and pulls out a long cigar encased in a plastic wrap. He quickly pulls off the cover and is about to throw it on the floor when he decides against littering in the Jedi domain. The general puts the plastic into his pocket and bites off the end of the cigar, simultaneously pulling out an electric liter. He spits out the bitten off piece of bio-degradable tobacco and puffs on the brown roll as he lights it up. It takes a few seconds, but soon the cigar is melting visibly and a thin trail of smoke rises into the air. Vahlen hides the lighter as he inhales deeply, holds it for a moment, and then releases a neat smoke ring. He watches it rise for a few moments before turning his attention to the two Jedi.
He's been preparing for something like this? Moira is vaguely impressed- it seems that whole "interest in the future" of Tai's is paying off. Good for him. "That sounds like a good idea." Moira says, and closes her eyes so she can fully concentrate. The smoking General, the courtyard, all this is left behind as the girl stretches out to the Force, trying to connect more fully. This connection will be needed if she's to sense anything at all. She also begins the process of opening up her own mind, so Tai can show her what she'll need if she's to help search. For now, she doesn't reach out to him, to grasp the impression. She's not quite at that stage, yet, in her meditation.
Tai's eyes already closed begin to isolate out of everything as he focuses upon himself and Moira to begin with. Slowly, he reaches out and brushes her with the force, but is far to hesitant with it. Sighing, he speaks again, his voice sounding distant. "Moira... I'm finding this difficult... I apologize for this..." Then, he closes his eyes again.
Vahlen von Veiz gets bored studying the Jedi who seem to fall asleep sitting, so he quietly retreats to the group of his soldiers and starts up a quiet chat with them, occasionally pointing at the pair on the ground and laughing quietly about something.
Moira was expecting to have to brush his presence with hers, in order to retrieve the impression, and his words give her warning as to exactly when this is to happen. So, she's able to brace herself as before. Again, emotion and thought lurking at the back of her mind, unneeded and unnecessary for this task, is none-the-less exposed. Worry for Kastanje, worry for Tai getting himself involved in whatever this 'Simon' is up to, various feelings about the city, training, Tai himself. But in the fore is an intense sense of concentration. She's really having to work hard at this, but she's able to maintain control. For now, at least. Then, as brushing tends to have reciprocity, at least when she's "brushing" Tai, she stretches out and tries to retrieve the impression from Tai's mind, and senses.
Tai, who is revealing all of his emotions and self to Moira during the contact can do little more than sit there as she draws the impression. Somewhere in the back of his mind he feels the others looking at them, laughing at them... Not directly offended, the Padawan feels bad perhaps for Moira, desiring them not to laugh at her, only himself. Very well, he's young and Ashton did say he needed to relax occasionally. Not breaking his concentration from Moira, he does reach out a bit to the grasses around him and begins plucking them, swirling them about in his classic foliage storm and sending it about the military personnel, a small smile at his lips.
The laughter stops and some of the soldiers cry out in surprise and anger. Vahlen quickly comprehends what happened when some of the grass softly hits him in the face and flutters to the ground. He frowns at the Padawan and mumbles some nasty comment which is barely audible. The fools feel powerful in the safety of the walls, protected by the old withering masters, ignorant to the dangers which loom in the universe beyond this overpopulated rock. Memories of a Sith slaughtering a platoon of Vahlen's loyal bodyguards with just a wave of a hand flashes through his mind. The frown deepens as the General deeply inhales the relaxing tobacco smoke, idly wondering how the arrogant youngster would fair in the face of real enemies. Probably wet his diaper.
The blonde girl smiles slightly as the grass flies. Certainly seems to be one of his favorite tactics. She, as well, is open to Tai's perusal, should he wish to take a better look around. For now, she only seeks the impression of Kastanje- there will be time for "soul searching" later. And, after a few moments search, she finds it. Moira takes a moment to examine it, and then tries to send a sense of something to Tai. Were it to be words, it'd be "Shall we begin looking?" However, she knows vague feelings are more easy to read, so rather it's an impression of looking outward with Kastanje in mind.
Tai expresses his agreement to Moira as he begins to seek outwards as well for Kastanje through the force. Still connected to one another, the Padawan feeds off his partner as he expects her to do to him in order for both of them to be slightly more capable. Streets are far to difficult to see, but areas and districts are slightly more manageable. Occasionally, he pulls something from Moira that he's not quite sure if it's an impression or something more personal.
Vahlen von Veiz decides to leave the Jedi alone for now and begins discussing more practical matters with his soldiers, like weapons and alcohol.
As Tai's more experienced and further along in his training, it's only natural that she'd use the connection in such a situation as this, to tap his abilities in order to help the search. In turn, Moira has a tenacious, almost stubborn focus. She's determined to retain control, as she reaches outwards, searching for Kastanje's familiar presence. As Tai probably knows her better, and his impression is the guide, Moira seeks to follow his lead, boosting where she can his search, while also taking his lead and using that to focus her own. For now, the personal is filed away at the back of her mind- this is business- but it's there and "visible" none the less.
For a moment, Tai gets a brief glimmer of something, through Moira's assistance and his search ends. Physically, he is sweating and looking quite exhausted, mentally he is tired as well and it is certain Moira would be able to tell, quite a bit of himself went into his search. A brief thanks is sent to Moira before he begins to slowly break their contact so they can return to the 'real' world to converse with the general.
Vahlen von Veiz finishes his cigar, having send two dozen smoke rings into the Coruscant atmosphere by the time the Jedi finish their search. He finaly gets impatient, tells his men to stay put, and heads toward the pair intent on 'waking' them up regardless of whether or not they're done. If they are not... well, point for the normals. If they are, he can finally get out of this place and direct the search.
As the search ends, fatigue hits the little one. Her color, already on the pale side of the spectrum, is a little more chalky than usual. Determination and control have their price, especially in a mind only semi-trained. A few strands of blonde hair stick to the sides of her face, like she's been out running or training with a 'saber, or something. Not just sitting there focusing. Moira's blue-green eyes open as Tai breaks the connection, but for now, she doesn't stand. That would take far too much energy. Instead, she watches the General approach. "Looks like the General wants to pester you some more, Tai," the girl says wearily, under her breath. She knows better than to let Vahlen hear that, after all.
Sensing the approach, Tai speaks quietly to the General. "The Captain is still planetside... here on Coruscant, and in no immediate danger." Taking a deep breath, the man closes his eyes again. "I will not be able to answer any more questions for you tonight... this has taxed me greatly and I need rest."
Vahlen von Veiz smiles pleasantly and nods "Much appreciated, sir." The title does not leave the General's lips often. He glances toward the girl and hmms quietly "You too, ma'am..." he quirks an eyebrow slightly "...you look pale. Get some rest." Vahlen bows slightly and begins to retreat "I will contact you soon." Then turns around as he straightens up and approaches his men in quick stride, motioning them to follow with one hand. The soldiers quickly form a square and trail the General out of the courtyard, their boots once again making loud clanking sounds on the pavement.
Moira Brennan can't quite get out a "thank you," before the general leaves. Pale? Hmm, perhaps he's right. "Walk you to the Residence Tower, Tai?" she asks, finally standing up. "I mean, since we're neighbors, it'd be silly to go separately." Even tired as she is, she can still smile at the other Padawan. "Though I doubt I can carry you. Are you okay?" This is said with concern- she knows he's got to be out of it, too.
Struggling slowly to his feet, Tai nods at the back of the retreating general before looking to Moira. "Yes." is all he can say for the moment, even now there are still to many other Jedi around for him to feel comfortable with things that need to be discussed even still.
*The Next Day*
Courtyard - Jedi Complex, Coruscant
The now familiar racket of military boots on stone path floats into the courtyard from the direction of the main entrance. It steadily gets louder and soon Vahlen, followed by eight Army regulars, comes into view. A sharp frown is on his face and he seems to be breathing heavily in a barely concealed rage. Padawans barely have time to move out of the way of the procession as the General swiftly makes his way toward the Council Tower.
Ashton emerges from the tower, close on the heels of another Knight, who is already on his way towards the residential tower. As the two Knights hit the center of the courtyard, Ashton slows. Purposefully, he steers away from following his fellow knight, and instead veers towards where the military procession is making their entrance. He recognizes Vahlen easily, and as he reaches out with the Force, he detects the anger coming from the General ... and the noticeable irritation of some of his troops. Stopping in Vahlen's path towards the Council tower, he adjusts his tunic carefully and waits.
"How the heck do they do it?!" Vahlen wonders angrily as he is again forced to stop suddenly when a Jedi appears out of nowhere in front of him. The soldiers stop as well and an eerie silence settles over the courtyard for a moment, such a contrast to their drilled clanking of boots on pavement. The General quickly glances the Jedi up and down and an expression of recognition passes in his eyes. Vahlen scowls and grumbles "Ashton Quince, perhaps you can help me?" He inclines his head to the side slightly and continues without waiting for a response "Where can I file a complaint about a Padawan?"
Ashton would smile, but he realizes that the military leader in front of him isn't one to share the humor. He does, however, raise an eyebrow. "Well, General, that would be here. What can I help you with?" The Knight clasps both hands behind his back in a non-aggressive stance out of respect for the man before him. Strangely, none of the padawan that were in the courtyard are in sight. For the moment, it's only Ashton and the military group.
Vahlen von Veiz scowls again and almost pokes Ashton in the chest with his extended accusatory index finger as he growls "Tai Jinn and Moira Brennan extracted one of my prisoners, Simon Farranger - you might remember him, from the Headquarters using forged documents." The General breathes heavily, trying to contain his rage and not break whatever or whoever is nearest to him. His eyes narrow and he leans toward Ashton slightly, hissing "I am tired of your Jedi games. They left Coruscant last night on a public transport. Where did they go?"
"Calm yourself, General," the Knight says evenly, without a hint of aggression or irritation. As quickly as Ashton himself appears, another Knight is suddenly standing next to Ashton. He turns to the new arrival. "Moira and Tai seem to be missing. Check their quarters. Look for anything out of place." The other knight nods in response to Ashton's orders, then sets off for the residential towers at a quick run. "Whatever the two students are up to is of their own accord, General. They are not under orders of, nor acting with the knowledge of the Council or the Temple." Still the Knight keeps his hands behind his back.
Vahlen von Veiz smirks as he glances after the Jedi heading for the Residential towers "They have already left the planet." He turns his attention back to Ashton and growls in astonishment "Calm myself?! Your pupils have set a dangerous criminal free and went off on an improvised crusade to 'rescue' Captain Kastanje Ajalae. The operation has been in planning for days and if they screw it up..." Vahlen shakes his head with anger, not quiet knowing what he will do to them. But the Padawans are far away, it's difficult to punish someone you can't quiet reach. Ashton is right here though, so the General turns his frustration and anger on the Jedi "...if they screw it up, I will hold your order responsible. You fill the ignorant youngsters with ideas of heroics and make them believe they're invincible. And this is the result!"
Ashton allows the General his vent, knowing all too well his opinion is not unique. He nods only once at the end of the General's words. "General, with all due respect, I was not aware that Captain Ajalae needed rescuing, nor that you had an operation in motion to do so." He pauses, refraining from asking why the military would release a prisoner of war to /anyone/ in the Jedi order, considering they had no authority over the military or any New Republic citizen, in any way. Inwardly he frowns. Unless one of the padawan had started using illusion or persuasion. Instead, he raises an eyebrow in curiosity. "You say you've had an operation in planning for days... So you know where to go to rescue the Captain?"
Vahlen von Veiz frowns slightly as he is forced to reveal the other part of the youngster's involvement "Tai Jinn interrogated Simon and learned that the Captain was kidnapped by followers of the one you call Set Harth. When I questioned Tai Jinn about the interrogation he offered to try to locate the woman through force. Together, Tai and Moira discovered that Kastanje is still on Coruscant. Them leaving would suggest that Tanya was moved as well." The frown deepens and anger returns "They completely neglected to notify the military though. It is our operation, they chose to interfere. Someone will be held responsible." The General says the last sentence with strong determination, keeping eye contact with Ashton at all times.
Ashton nods slowly. "They're padawan, General. Students and learners. They should not have been involved without a teacher present. Either a Knight or a Master. I'll speak to the Council about that when we return." At that moment, the other Knight returns from the residential towers. "Found this," he says, handing a note to Ashton, who looks it over and slides it inside his tunic. He nods to the General. "Moira went after Tai to follow her, as you suggested. I assume you are going to that location now?" It is evident the Knight plans to go along or he'll fly one of the available ships on the Jedi landing pad.
Vahlen von Veiz quirks an eyebrow at the words 'when we return', idly wondering if the Jedi is planning to go after the students. Unfortunately... "I am unsure of where Kastanje is now. Probably on some independent world, but not Corellia. I have people monitoring the space port there." He tilts his head to the other side and questions "Do you know where Set Harth may be? They are probably taking her to him."
Ashton frowns. "That doesn't sound like Simon is going of his own accord then. By his own confession, he is scared spitless of Harth. Unless he doesn't know." He taps his tunic. "His cohort left a note in her quarters. It mentions Taboon. Isn't there a settlement on one of its moons?"
Vahlen von Veiz quirks an eyebrow "The Taboon Moon? Yes, I believe it is the scum capital of the Galaxy." The general smirks as he appreciates the irony "The perfect place to hide for the capital scum bag." Vahlen looks at Ashton curiously "I take it you have decided that you are coming along?..." a short pause, as the Pfalzgraf goes through a short internal struggle where one voice implores him not to trust the force wielder, but the practical side and the desire to find his subordinate say that a Jedi would be most useful if one is wander the streets of Taboon. Vahlen sighs quietly and murmurs "Navy cruisers Eternity and Oblivion are waiting for us in orbit. They will take us to the edge of the system and from there we will continue on a reposessed smuggling freighter. You will help me..." something says 'tact!' in the back of the General's mind and he rephrases the sentence "...I will need your help to get through undetected."
Ashton hmms as he realizes just where the padawan are headed. He senses the internal struggle the General has going on inside. He nods when asked if he plans on coming along. "Shouldn't be a problem. Still..." He turns to the other Jedi still beside him. "Tell Master Hamilton where I am going. Have Kril join me. I'm going to need his skills." He turns back to the General, completely in charge of his end of the journey. "With your permission, we'll take one of our freighters up. If we need to leave before your operation or after, it'll give us the freedom to do so."
Vahlen von Veiz narrows his eyes, wondering what the Jedi is scheming. Why would they want to leave early? He hates these games, but some ground must be given, so the General nods slightly "Very well. You can land your freighter inside the Oblivion's hangar. The Eternity is full with drop ships of the assault regiment." Pfalzgraf von Veiz adds quickly "Just in case we need backup on the ground." He glances at the other Jedi and back to Ashton, his expression all business like again "When will you be ready to go?"
As the other Jedi departs to find Kril, Ashton removes his hands from behind his back. "I can be ready for liftoff in less than ten minutes." He seems to see that his last statement wasn't as clear as it could've been. "Kril will get your infiltration team onto the moon without detection. Once we find the padawan, if we've not heard from the council, the padawan will be brought back to Coruscant." He visibly frowns, "Set Harth is a serious problem and I am sure the Council will dispatch a pair of Battlemasters to come to Taboon to deal with him. I'll most likely need to remain behind to assist them." He inclines his head to Vahlen. "If ten minutes is okay, I will bring the Ageis up to the Oblivion."
Vahlen von Veiz nods again and a faint smile grazes his lips "Very well. I shall wait for you on the ships. We will depart as soon as everything is ready." The General bows slightly to Ashton, then quickly turns around on one heel and strolls toward the exit, his soldiers quickly fall into two lines behind him and clank their way down the path.