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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 7, 2006 15:04:04 GMT -5
Okay, so things slowed down a little. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Marna opened the door connecting the two rooms. Peeking her head into Tahsh's room, she called out gently. "Master?" There was no movement in the room. Marna knew Tahsh was there, sleeping. She walked a few steps into the room. "Tahsh? Master, please." As she drew closer, she could hear Tahsh mumbling in her sleep. "Tahsh." She said, standing right next to the bed now. "Marna, don't." Tahsh was saying in her sleep. "Come help me. Free me." "Tahsh, please." Marna gently shook Tahsh's shoulder. "Wake up. I need to talk to you." Slowly, Tahsh awakened and looked at Marna through tired eyes. She was groggy and a little disoriented, but forced her mind to clear. "Hmm? What is it, Marna?" Tahsh asked, rolling to her side to look at the girl. "I heard someone talking in the hall. They were talking about killing us." As Marna told her this, Tahsh became a lot more alert. She reached out with the Force, but felt nothing. Tahsh could tell Marna was very worried about this, and had every right to be. She sat up in the bed, making room for Marna on the edge of it. "Marna, sit down here." Tahsh told her. "Now, tell me everything you heard." Marna sat, then told Tahsh about hearing what the men were saying. She specifically pointed out the person Jazier the mysterious man was to meet with. Tahsh listened closely to Marna. There wasn't anything Tahsh could think to do about it though. What could they do? Tell the Captain of the Royal Guards that Marna heard unidentified voices in the middle of the night planning to kill them? He would probably pass it off as a dream brought on by the speeder crash and the explosion in the Throne Room. There was only one thing she could think to tell her apprentice. "If there is someone wanting to kill us, we must keep alert. Stay attuned to the Force. We can check to see if anyone knows of a person named Jazier tomorrow. Now, go back to bed. We will start our investigation in the morning." "Yes, Master." Marna stood and started walking back to her room. She turned back a moment. "Master, when I came in, you were talking in your sleep." "I was?" Tahsh asked. "Was I saying anything interesting?" "You were telling me 'don't'. You called out for me to help you." "Don't worry about it, Marna. It was only a dream." Tahsh reassured her. "What was I doing that you would tell me that?" Marna said. "If you don't tell, I'll have the hardest time getting back to sleep." "If it'll help you sleep, I'll tell you about the dream. You remember when I told you about my friends I had when I was your age?" "I remember." Marna said. "Didn't you say two of them died in a fire?" "Yes. Dee and Jonathan. In this dream, John and I were frozen in place. You touching either of us would have freed us. He offered the power of the dark side if you went to him. I was trying to convince you not to go to him. I woke up before you decided who to follow." Marna listened to Tahsh, and realized how tired she was. "Thanks for telling me Tahsh. Do you think it means anything?" "Not likely. Just a crazy dream about long dead friends. But, the choice between light and dark is never to be taken lightly. Throughout your life, you will be tempted by the Dark Side. Remember, the Dark side is never the right way. We both saw how it can make a being act. That's not how you want to be." "Yes, Master." Marna said with a yawn. "Go back to bed now, Marna. We'll talk more in the morning." Tahsh told her. "Okay. Good night, Tahsh." she said before returning to her own room. [glow=red,2,300]Ch 4, 3[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 8, 2006 9:35:07 GMT -5
Dreams are fascinating and they make good story material.
Lol... slowed down a bit at work huh?
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 9, 2006 9:04:56 GMT -5
Dreams are fascinating and they make good story material. Lol... slowed down a bit at work huh? It was fun writing that dream. I work in a call center. Sometimes, usually most of the day on Saturdays, it's very busy. Sometimes, most of us that are here are waiting a bit for the next call to come in. That's how it is right now for me.
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 9, 2006 9:56:51 GMT -5
That sounds like a good place to post a story
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 9, 2006 9:59:50 GMT -5
Tahsh lay in bed a while after Marna left, thinking about the dream.
"What if it does mean something?" she thought. "Dreams are not always just dreams. But if it does, what can it mean? Jonathan and Dee died long ago. Didn't they?"
Tahsh was beginning to question what Master Inga had told her years ago about the two boys. She felt an urgent need to find out for sure. Tahsh stood and activated her comlink. She tried contacting the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, but quickly realized she was too far out of range. She would have to get to the palace communications room. If she only had some idea where that room is.
Tahsh got her boots, utility belt, and cloak on. Securing her lightsaber in its place, she left her room. For a moment, Tahsh stood in the dimly lit hallway, thinking of which way the communications room may be. Then she saw a guard on patrol. She approached the guard, knowing that he should be able to help her.
"Excuse me." Tahsh said softly as she caught up with him. He turned with his blaster ready to fire, but relaxed when he saw it was the Jedi woman.
"You started me." he said, pointing the weapon down. "What can I help you with?"
"Could you direct me to the communications room please?" Tahsh requested of him.
"Is there a problem with your investigation?" he asked, concerned.
"No. No problem." Tahsh reassured him. "I just have something on my mind that I need to check up on so I can get back to sleep. Most likely does not even have anything to do with the situation here."
"I know how that can be at times. Something on the mind that keeps me awake." he told her. "Follow me."
As the guard took Tahsh to the communications room, they walked in comfortable silence. It wasn't long before they got there.
"The comm techs are all off duty right now." the guard informed her. "Do you need any help with the equipment?"
"No thank you. I know how to work it." she told him.
"I'll get back to my patrol then. Good night." he said before returning to his patrol.
Tahsh turned on the comm equipment and soon, a voice answered.
"This is Jedi Cirani Hancas at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. What can I help you with?"
"This is Jedi Tahsh Hapay. I need some information about a temple student from many years ago." Tahsh said.
"Name?" Cirani asked dropping all pleasantries as she knew it was a fellow Jedi.
"Jonathan Dartanus." Tahsh answered. "I need to know what happened after he left the temple."
"Let me pull up his file."
There was silence as Cirani worked. Tahsh knew the other Jedi was accessing the Jedi Temple student database. Finally, she had something.
"There isn't very much on him after he left. Jonathan Dartanus was assigned to a research facility on Alderaan when he was not accepted as a suitable apprentice. It looks like he was there a few months until, oh dear." Cirani paused. Tahsh thought she knew what Cirani had just discovered. She continued. "There was a fire at the research facility that destroyed the entire complex. Jonathan was not seen after that, and he was presumed to have been killed in the fire."
"Presumed?" Tahsh asked, alarmed.
"The file says there was no sign of him after the fire. No body was found, but the fire burned hot enough it could have destroyed it."
"Then it is possible that he got out. He may still be alive." Tahsh mused.
"If he did survive, why wouldn't he have made contact with the Jedi? Unless he lost his memory."
"Or had no love for Jedi. The last I saw him, he was well on the path to the Dark Side."
There was a pause as both Jedi considered what this could potentially mean. Tahsh was the one who broke the silence.
"Thank you, Cirani. This is all I needed to know. Tahsh out." Tahsh turned off the equipment and sat back in the chair.
"So, Johnny could be alive, somewhere. If he is, has he gotten over his anger towards me from that duel? Or does he still wish me harm?" she thought. "Whatever he feels towards me, it's a very slim chance that it has anything to do with this investigation."
Tahsh returned to her room, coming to terms with the idea he may be alive. It took a while, but finally, she returned to a dreamless sleep.
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 4, 4[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 10, 2006 10:35:54 GMT -5
The plot thickens... I can sense an exciting lightsaber battle coming somewhere down the line in this story.
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 10, 2006 12:24:56 GMT -5
I'm not saying anything to that comment except you're getting ahead of the story! ------------------------------------------------------------------ When Marna awakened again, Tahsh was in her room. "Come on, young one. Time to get up and get started. Miss Chantell Thamas is waiting to escort us to the banquet hall for breakfast." Marna looked out the window. The sky was still dark. "It isn't even morning yet." she complained, pulling the covers over her head. Tahsh grabbed the blankets and pulled them off Marna. "Come on. Queen Scathia has requested we eat breakfast with her. I'm assuming she wants to get the investigation going." "But, Tahsh." "Marna, I know we had a hard day yesterday, and last night was not exactly pleasant, but we must get up. Laziness is not one of the qualities of a Jedi." Marna finally sat up on the bed and pulled her boots on. "I'll be outside when you're ready." Tahsh said as she left the room. When the Jedi and Chantell entered the banquet hall, Queen Scathia was already seated. As were four men. The three bowed before approaching the table. "Your Majesty, I trust you are healing well?" Tahsh said. "Yes. We have a plant that helps greatly. Captain Slader was fully protected by his uniform. My personal bodyguard was not so lucky. He is going to be in the infirmary for a while." Tahsh and Marna both could tell the queen was saddened that her guard was seriously hurt. She moved on quickly. "May I present my son, Crown Prince Imalka, his adviser, Jerill Durrango, my own adviser Shamos Dunn, and Chief Adviser Darian Thamas. I see you already know his daughter, Chantell. Gentlemen, this is the Jedi Knight Tahsh Hapay and apprentice, Marna Veign. Please, be seated, Jedi. Help yourselves to some food." Scathia replied. Marna had never seen such a selection of food just for one meal. There were pastries, fruit of all kinds, various meat products, hotcakes, toast and jellies. There were also five different types of beverages. She got some hotcakes and sausage, and selected a juice to drink. As breakfast was beginning to come to an end, Scathia spoke of a concern that had been on her mind. "After the events of yesterday, I have a request to make of you." Scathia said. "We are here to help in any way we can, Your Majesty." Tahsh told her. "I would like to request for one of you to protect my son, the Crown Prince." "Mother, I refuse to be..." Crown Prince Imalka protested. "Hush, Imalka! After the sabotage, especially after the explosion yesterday, I want to be assured that the heir to the throne remains safe." Scathia explained. "I understand your concern, Your Majesty." Tahsh said. "Because I am needed to investigate, I will entrust my apprentice to that task." "What?! I am to be protected by a mere child?!" Imalka stood, his voice angry. "Imalka, control yourself, or remove yourself from my presence!" Scathia ordered. "I assure you, Your Highness, my apprentice is young, but she is capable. And if anything goes wrong, Marna will contact me by comlink." Tahsh told the Prince. "This is acceptable." Queen Scathia said. Marna was surprised that she was to protect the Crown Prince. Inside, she felt a bit of fear. Could she truly be trusted with the life of the Royal Heir? She didn't have much time to wonder. "Marna, after breakfast, you are to keep an eye out for Crown Prince Imalka. Make sure no harm comes to him. If there is the appearance of harm, contact me." Tahsh ordered Marna. "Yes, Master." Imalka stood from the table and left the banquet hall, disgusted that he was to be protected by a child. Marna watched him leave, then looked at Tahsh. "Go after him. Your assignment has begun." Tahsh told her. [glow=red,2,300]Ch 5, 1[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 11, 2006 21:27:32 GMT -5
Lol, that doesn't sound like a fun assignment
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 11, 2006 22:45:07 GMT -5
Oh, but it is a fun assignment. At least, it was fun for me to write, and I'm sure you'll enjoy reading it.
I'll post the next part later. Been working on the story as a whole, and have been making great progress the last two days. Gotta get them out of situations I got them into. But, you'll read that eventually.
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 13, 2006 9:11:55 GMT -5
Marna quickly caught up to Imalka in the hallway outside the banquet hall. Arms crossed, Imalka sized her up. "Your Highness, it is my honor to accompany you." Marna said as she bowed to him. "How old are you, child?" Imalka asked. "I am eleven, Your Highness." she answered, not reacting to him calling her a child as he'd hope she would. "How much experience do you have at protecting Royalty?" he continued. "This is my first mission away from the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, but I am one of the best in my class." she answered without boasting. "So I am to be followed around by a child half my age with no real experience to be protected by her? What is Mother thinking?" Imalka sighed. "If I am to allow this infraction on my dignity, there are a few rules to be followed. Number one, do not enter my bedchamber under any circumstances. That is my space where no children are allowed. Number two, stay at least ten steps behind me at all times. Number three..." "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I can't do that one. If someone tries to shoot you and I'm ten steps behind, there's no way I would be able deflect the bolt and protect you from harm." Marna pointed out to him. "You really think you can do this? Very well. Come with me. I frequently duel with swords against Jerill, my advisor. I'd like to show you that I can take care of myself. But stay at least one step back." Imalka told her. "That, I will agree to." With that, Imalka led Marna to the dueling chamber. On the way, he contacted Jerill by comlink. "Yes?""Jerill, meet me in the dueling chamber. I want to have a sword fight." Imalka ordered. "Yes, My Prince. I will be ready in ten minutes." came the reply. ************************************ After Imalka and Marna left, Scathia turned to Tahsh. "Are you certain the girl can handle her task?" she questioned. "I admit we have not been together long, Your Majesty, but in the time we have had together, I have tested her skills. She has what it takes." Tahsh replied. A comlink beeped and Jerill Durrango pulled his out. "Forgive the interruption, Your Majesty, Madame Jedi." he answered his comlink. "Yes?" "Jerill, meet me in the dueling chamber. I want to have a sword fight." Imalka ordered. "Yes, My Prince. I will be ready in ten minutes." Jerill replied. He put it away and stood. Bowing slightly to the ladies, he spoke again. "Excuse me, Your Majesty, Madame Jedi. My job never seems to be done." "You know swordplay, Advisor Durrango?" Tahsh questioned. "I was trained by a kind man when I was young." he answered. "If you'll excuse me, I must get going." "Of course, Advisor." Tahsh replied. Jerill left the room, and Scathia turned to Tahsh. "I know it's a dying art, but it is a tradition for the Royal Family to not only learn it, but be proficient at swordplay. When we took Jerill in, we tried him with a sword. He was so good at it, he's been dueling with Imalka since." Scathia explained. "So, Madame Jedi, how would you like to begin the investigation on my dear Agmel's demise? Is there anything you need?" "Yes. Thank you. I would like to view any recordings of the banquet there may be, as well as any of His Majesty for up to a half hour before the meal. Specifically the recordings of the beginning of the meal. I also would like a list of suspects, and why they're on the list, if you've got that." "Captain Slader will see to that." Scathia said, indicating the guard standing nearby. "I would also like to speak with the being who determined the cause of death." "That would be Chief Medic Derik Lory." Scathia commented. "He is usually found in the infirmary, unless there's an emergency. Anything else you will need ?" "I would also like to help investigate the explosion from last night." Tahsh finished. "That sounds like a good start. Captain, help her with all she needs. At least until Lt. Smyth is able to resume his normal duties." "It will be my honor." Slader said. "Good. I would like to begin with a few questions for the medic." [glow=red,2,300]5, 2[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 14, 2006 21:26:18 GMT -5
She's gonna whip him This is gonna be good
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 14, 2006 23:59:16 GMT -5
She's gonna whip him This is gonna be good I think I know what you are thinking about this part coming up. If I'm thinking that you're thinking what I think your thinking, then prepare to not have it the way you're thinking. It is gonna be good, though. I want to agree that she's gonna whip him, but she may not. ***Caution, these words were from a very congested and achy head. Cold and not enough sleep contribute to it.***
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 15, 2006 0:03:22 GMT -5
When Imalka and Marna arrived at the dueling chamber, the prince pointed to a bench along the wall.
"Sit there. If you come on the mats, you will risk serious injury." he told her.
"Don't you worry about that, Your Highness. I have been well trained in the art of dueling and know the dangers." Marna told him, her thoughts returning to Ian for a moment.
While Imalka went to where the equipment hung on a wall, Marna looked around the room. Large frosted windows let in the morning light without the risk of glare as the sun began to rise over the horizon. The area was not as large as the Throne Room, but was large enough. Blue mats lined most of the floor, leaving a boarder a couple meters wide all around the room.
Imalka put on some light armor and a helmet for protection during the duel, and selected a sword, swinging it around to test the weight.
Jerill entered the room, annoyed at something. He saw Imalka was all ready to go, and went over to get his own safety gear on.
"I apologize for the delay, My Prince. Jedi are always full of..." Jerill began, pausing when Imalka cleared his throat and pointed to Marna. "questions." Jerill finished with a forced smile. As he got ready for the duel, he spoke to Marna. "So, young Jedi, you wish to see how unnecessary your assignment of protecting Imalka is, do you?"
"If Prince Imalka wishes to duel, I will watch." Marna replied.
Jerill looked at Marna in a way that made her uncomfortable. She looked him in the eye, not wanting to show how intimidated she really was.
"You seem a little young for a Jedi. How old are you?"
"She's only eleven." Imalka answered for her.
Jerill picked a sword and approached Marna, pointing it at her. Marna found her heart was pounding from anxiety. She reached out for the calming influence of the Force.
"That isn't very old to be away from the Jedi Temple, is it? How long have you been with Tahsh Hapay?" Jerill asked, the tip of the sword centimeters from Marna's chest.
"I have only recently become her apprentice, Advisor Durrango, and I don't like you trying to intimate me like this." she replied, pushing the sword aside with her hand.
Jerill laughed and pointed the sword down. "This one has a backbone." he commented to Imalka with a smile. "She may be useful after all. Tahsh choose well." Jerill turned to Marna. "Relax, Young Jedi. I was just testing you. If you had been intimidated by my advance, I would have spoken to Queen Scathia to convince her you would be no help."
Marna physically relaxed, though she stayed alert.
"I may be young and inexperienced, Advisor, but don't underestimate me." she warned him.
"Fiery too. Great potential." he commented.
"Come on, Jerill. Stop playing with her and let's duel." Imalka said.
"Very well, My Prince." he put on a helmet and joined Imalka at the center of the mat.
[glow=red,2,300]5, 3[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 15, 2006 2:04:16 GMT -5
^ and we'll be back after these commercial messages
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 16, 2006 8:41:23 GMT -5
Captain Slader escorted Tahsh to the infirmary. When they got there, Avin was just being released back to duty.
"Captain, Tahsh, come to see how I'm doing?" Avin asked.
"Captain Slader has escorted me here so I can begin my investigation." Tahsh said. "Though I am glad to see you're doing well."
"And now that you're fit for duty, you can take over, and I can get back to my duties. I'll get that list and the recordings for you Madame Jedi. If you need anything, that's what Avin's for." Slader said, slapping Avin hard on the back before leaving.
"Thank you, Captain. And please, call me Tahsh." Tahsh said. She turned to Avin. "Now, which one is the chief medic?"
"He's checking on Vance." Avin told her. "This way."
Tahsh followed Avin into a side room where the queen's bodyguard, Vance Daegar, lay. He had a bandage on his head and arms. Tahsh knew that wasn't the extent of his injuries, but the rest was covered with the blanket. Though his eyes were open, Tahsh could tell the man was not really with it. A medic was shining a light in his eyes, checking on his progress.
"How is he doing, Derik?" Avin asked.
"About as good as can be expected for a man in his condition." Derik answered. "We're going to see if we can save his foot. It was crushed in the explosion. He'll live either way."
"Good to hear that. I'm sure Her Majesty will be pleased. This is Jedi Knight Tahsh Hapay." Avin introduced. "She's here to investigate King Agmel's death and has a few questions for you."
Derik turned to Tahsh. "I'll be glad to help with this in any way I can. We can talk in my office."
As they left Vance, Derik gave another medic instructions, then continued to his office. He sat behind his durasteel desk and moved some work aside so it wouldn't be in the way.
"Please, have a seat." he offered. "As you can see, I've been behind on the paperwork since the sabotage began."
"Then I'll try not to keep you long, Chief Medic Lory." Tahsh said.
"Please, call me Derik. Using first names speed up conversations more than official titles." he told her. "Unless you have an impossibly long first name."
"I agree. Call me Tahsh. On the way from the spaceport, Avin said King Agmel was poisoned with the Nicos poppy. How could that have been done?" She asked, getting down to business.
"The poisoning was done with a lot of advance planning, I'm sure." Derik answered. "It takes time to prepare the flower and get it in it's poisonous state. It has to be dried naturally or it loses its poisonous qualities. It also can't have any moisture left in it when its ground to powder."
"Does it only work in a powdered state?" Tahsh asked.
"It is only deadly as a powder. It can be put in liquid or on food and still be deadly. It dissolves instantly when it comes in contact with moisture. It leaves no trace, no scent or flavor. The good thing about this poison is that once it's mixed with moisture, there's only about ten minutes time that the poison remains deadly." Derik explained.
[glow=red,2,300]5, 4[/glow]
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