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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 16, 2006 8:57:46 GMT -5
Tahsh thought about the information Derik provided about the poison.
"How do you know so much about this?" Tahsh asked.
"You don't get to the rank of chief medic without knowing about the local dangers and poisons." Derik said. "I have been working for years on trying to understand this poison and try to come up with an antidote." he continued with a sad determination. Tahsh picked up on this and realized the man had likely lost someone to the poisonous flower.
"Do you keep any of the poppies or the poison here at the palace?" she asked.
"Yes, I admit I do. I'm the only one that has access to my small supply. I have it for research purposes only." Derek stated. "I hope you don't think I murdered King Agmel." Derik added defensively.
"Right now, everyone is a suspect, though I doubt you did it. After all, why would you poison the king, then tell the galaxy how you did it? I'm sure you would have had plenty of opportunities to kill him in a less public setting." Tahsh told him.
"Darn right." Derik agreed. Then he realized what he implied. "I would never bring harm to anyone. As a medic, I took a vow to protect life. It still hurts that I couldn't get to Agmel in time to save him. Not that anything could have been done by the time the symptoms of the poison showed up. By then, the poison has already done its damage."
"What are the symptoms?" Tahsh asked.
"The person may notice difficulty breathing. This doesn't happen every time. What all victims experience is extreme chest pain. Once the poison gets into the blood stream, it travels to the heart and damages the valves. Sometimes it gets to the lungs and causes trouble there too."
Tahsh took in the information, nodding occasionally. One more thing to confirm.
"Derik, based your experience and knowledge, how long would you say the poison would have taken to kill King Agmel?" Tahsh asked him.
"Based on everything I know, I would say about an hour and a half, give or take ten minutes."
"Thank you, Derik. This information you've provided is very helpful in my investigation. I will let you get back to work now." Tahsh said standing.
"If you need anything else from me, Tahsh, I'll do my best to provide it. Please find the being that did this and put me out of business." Derik requested.
Tahsh smiled and bowed as she and Avin left. When they got to the hall and headed toward the throne room, Avin spoke.
"Learn anything helpful?"
"Yes. He confirms for me that Agmel had been poisoned at the beginning of the feast, or before." She thought a moment before continuing. "What was served as the first course?"
"Ching chang soup. A favorite of King Agmel's." Avin replied.
"How was it served? Did it come from the kitchens already in the bowls?"
"No. The protocol is for the soup to be brought out in large silver cauldrons on wheels to keep it hot. It is dished out in the banquet hall and then placed before the guests." Avin answered.
"Then for him to have been poisoned during this time, it would have been put in the soup after the bowl was filled and before he started eating it. Or already in the bowl. I'll have to watch for that on the recording." Tahsh said. She looked at her chrono. "I should check in on Marna."
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 5, section 4.5[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 16, 2006 17:29:23 GMT -5
This sort of like a Star Wars murder mystery. I like the way you wrote those passages Lynne, they are well done. I know it had to be tough to keep all the details straight while writing of how the investigate the death.
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 16, 2006 19:29:55 GMT -5
Well, it has taken years to get to this point. I wrote down all the important facts and details so I don't get them messed up. For example of one that was but is fixed, for most of the story, Tahsh has a blue lightsaber. I'd written the ending of the story and am nearly to where I can just paste it on and edit a little. In the ending, Tahsh has a green lightsaber. As I said, I fixed that part.
There's a part coming up that I know you'll like. Not in this next post, but coming up soon.
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 16, 2006 19:30:53 GMT -5
As Imalka and Jerill began their duel, Marna watched on, impressed by the skill of both men. The sound of metal clashing against metal took her by surprise at first, being a sharper sound than lightsabers. She sat on a bench and focused on Imalka, getting to know what he feels like in the Force, just in case. While doing this, her comlink went off. She grabbed it quickly and answered it, keeping her eyes on the men.
"Yes, Master?" she asked.
"How is your task going so far, Marna?" came Tahsh's voice.
"Prince Imalka isn't afraid to show how much he doesn't like me following him around. I don't think he thinks I'm old enough for this." Marna admitted.
"I hear a lot of noise in the background. I take it Advisor Durrango and Prince Imalka are doing their battle?"
"Yes. They want to show me that I'm not needed." Marna said. "They've been asking a lot of questions about my age and experience. I don't know how many more questions like this I should answer."
"Go ahead and humor them for now, so long as they don't ask anything that gets in the way of your mandate or makes you uncomfortable. Remember, Marna, you're extra protection for Imalka, not a servant for him to boss around."
"Thank you, Master. I will remember." Marna paused for a moment. "Master, Advisor Durrango makes me uneasy."
"How so?" Tahsh asked, concerned.
"He came at me in a challenging way, pointing a sword at me. After he did that, he said it was a test to help him know if I would be able to do my job. I can't shake the feeling I got, though. Like he's evil or something."
"Don't allow him to get to you, Padawan. These royalty types always feel the need to be in control. In this situation, intimidating you may be Advisor Durrango's way of getting back that control he lost when the sabotage began. Remember to stay alert. I'll keep in touch as the day goes on."
"Thank you, Master. I will do my best. Marna out."
She put back the comlink and turned her full attention back to the men.
[glow=red,2,300]Chapter 5, 5[/glow]
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 16, 2006 19:31:41 GMT -5
While they dueled, Jerill directed the battle further away from Marna. There were things he wanted to tell Imalka without the girl overhearing. When he noticed Marna was distracted by her comlink, he knew it would be the best time to speak to Imalka about certain things. Their swords crossed and they pressed against each other, faces close.
"Imalka, you've got to get rid of that Jedi." Jerill told him.
"I really want to, Jerill," he replied, ducking aside and pulling the sword away. Jerill fell forward the pressure suddenly gone. "but I don't see how." Imalka finished, swinging the sword at his advisor.
Jerill ducked his head under and rolled, getting back to his feet, blocking Imalka's sword with his own.
"I have called a meeting in the Grotto with some of the men to decide what to do about the Jedi. I want you there, and the girl not to be."
The two men parted and circled, evaluating each other.
"I understand, Jerill. What about if after we're done, you fight her and I slip out."
"A good idea. I'll make sure she doesn't notice your absence long enough for you to get away from her."
Imalka had his back to Marna, who was just putting her comlink away. Jerill quickly pointed toward her.
"The girl!" he called out.
Imalka turned to look at Marna, and felt Jerill's sword hit his back side. The armor kept him from getting seriously hurt, but could feel the sting of the impact.
"Hey!" Imalka protested, looking back at Jerill, who just smiled.
"You left yourself vulnerable, My Prince. A mistake I trust you will not repeat." he lowered his voice as they walked toward Marna. "Remember, I'll distract her, you get to the Grotto."
"Got it, Jerill. This is one trick I will not fall for again." Imalka said, as though they were talking about the duel all along.
When they got closer to Marna, Jerill saw the cautious look she gave him.
"I see I really made an impression with you earlier, young Jedi." Jerill told her, walking to the rack of swords. "Well, it's time to see what skills you have to offer. Grab a sword."
This surprised Marna. Jerill wanted to duel her?
"Advisor, I am here to help protect His Highness, the Crown Prince. Not be ordered around." She pointed out to him.
"If you want to protect me, child," Imalka said, starting to remove his armor, "you'll prove you have what it takes by fighting Jerill."
"You're Highness, I..." Marna began.
"Think fast." Jerill interrupted, tossing a sword her way. Barely giving Marna time to catch the weapon, Jerill charged at her.
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 5, 5.5[/glow]
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 18, 2006 15:03:19 GMT -5
In case you can't tell, I've got an exciting duel coming up. Not quite the people you were expecting, huh? ;D
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 18, 2006 21:12:10 GMT -5
In case you can't tell, I've got an exciting duel coming up. Not quite the people you were expecting, huh? ;D Good enough!
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 18, 2006 22:03:11 GMT -5
Marna just had time to catch the sword and bring it up to block Jerill's attack. When the swords clashed, Marna nearly dropped hers. It was awkward in her hand, and much heavier than a lightsaber. Marna backed away from Jerill, onto the mat, defending herself to the best of her ability. She reached out for the Force, and felt it flow through her.
While the two dueled, Imalka finished putting his dueling gear away, then quietly slipped out, heading toward the Palace Gardens.
Jerill kept up his fast and furious attack, barely giving Marna time to react. She fought desperately to defend herself and knew she could not allow herself to get cornered as she had with Ian. Jerill feigned to one side, then hit Marna's sword hard near the hilt. Hand stinging, she dropped the weapon.
Now disarmed and vulnerable, Marna wasted no time. Without hesitation, she dropped to the floor, swinging a leg around to the back of Jerill's knees.
Jerill felt Marna's leg connect with his, and he fell to the floor. Marna quickly got to her feet and pulled her lightsaber, igniting her green blade. She watched Jerill closely, pointing it at him and breathing heavily.
"Tricky move, young Jedi." Jerill told Marna. "You know that lightsaber is cheating in this duel."
Marna could not believe this. Jerill attacked her without warning, made her fight for her life, and he was accusing her of cheating!
"So is what you did. You know I didn't want to fight. If you ever do anything like that again, you will regret it. I'm supposed to be watching the..." Marna just noticed Imalka was nowhere to be seen. Without another word, she put away her lightsaber and ran from Jerill and out into the hall.
Once in the hallway, Marna closed her eyes and concentrated, reaching out to find Imalka through the Force. She felt him outside and rushed after him.
As Marna got outside and saw Imalka with her own eyes, she called out.
"Your Highness, wait!"
Marna realized that was a mistake when the Crown Prince began to run. As Marna chased after him, she decided to inform Tahsh about the turn of events.
"Yes, Marna?" Tahsh's voice came over the comlink.
"Master, Imalka gave me the slip, but I found him heading to the Gardens. Trying to catch up with him. If anything happens to him before I catch up, it's his fault." She told Tahsh as she ran.
"Thank you for letting me know, Padawan. Get back with him as fast as you can so you can save him from his own foolishness, if you have to." Tahsh replied. "Keep me informed."
The communication ended and Marna put the comlink away, concentrating on catching up with Imalka.
After Marna left the dueling room, Jerill stood to put his gear away. He was pleased with what he saw and felt in Marna. She had an anger and fear deep inside her. Leaving the dueling room and heading for his personal speeder, Jerill formed a plan for the young Jedi. He needed to get to the Grotto, but he had to get something from the caverns first.
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 5, 6[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 22, 2006 9:56:01 GMT -5
Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to a butt kickin'
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 23, 2006 9:04:19 GMT -5
I like that. "Fear leads to anger, anger leads to hate, hate leads to a butt kicking!" ****************************************** Tahsh and Avin soon arrived at the Throne room. Walking through the grand doors again, Tahsh prepared herself for the mess she knew would greet her. Since the previous night, more of the pillar that had blocked the door had been removed. Tahsh noticed that the pillar that had nearly crushed Scathia was still where it had fallen, though it had been cut so the beings working in the room could get over it easier. Tahsh saw Captain Slader working around where the stained glass window had been. There were only two other security personnel in the room, picking up the mess one piece at a time, not wanting to miss anything important. "Captain!" Avin called out, getting Slader's attention. "Ah. Good. More help." He said, starting to walk towards the two. "This is all I can afford to put on this task." he explained to Tahsh. "We're really spread thin. Well, pick a spot and look for clues. We have to go through this mess little by little, to find anything we can from the explosive that caused this mess." "Have you learned anything about what happened last night?" Tahsh asked while Avin put on some gloves and got to work. "Not really. All I know is what I suspected yesterday when it happened. An explosive was planted behind the thrones. One strong enough to knock down the two closest pillars. It definitely feels like an attempt on Queen Scathia's life." Slader replied, walking with Tahsh around to the back of what was left of the window. "I'm just glad Marna and I were able to stop the attempt from being successful." She noticed that most of the debris shot out toward the thrones. Behind where the window used to be, there was hardly any debris at all. "It looks like the blast was concentrated in one direction, for the most part." she commented. "I wonder if..." Tahsh heard her comlink go off. "Excuse me. Yes, Marna?" "Master, Imalka gave me the slip, but I found him heading to the Gardens. Trying to catch up with him. If anything happens to him before I catch up, it's his fault." Marna told Tahsh over the comlink. "Thank you for letting me know, Padawan. Get back with him as fast as you can so you can save him from his own foolishness, if you have to." Tahsh replied. "Keep me informed." She turned back to Slader, who gave an understanding smile. "Your apprentice should have known it would be hard, based only on Imalka's reaction when Scathia requested protection for him." He commented. "Yes, but if he's not careful, he can end out like his father." Tahsh said. "I'd like to help out here. Have any gloves I can use?" Slader handed a pair of gloves to Tahsh and one to Avin and they got to work. [glow=red,2,300]Ch 6, 1[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 23, 2006 22:48:50 GMT -5
Hmmm, you never know what you might find when you help do the dirty work. I'm betting she gets a good clue from that mess.
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 24, 2006 7:43:45 GMT -5
Hmmm, you never know what you might find when you help do the dirty work. I'm betting she gets a good clue from that mess. Have you been reading ahead at Valheran-Moashi Empire? Or am I that predictable in this story? Bet you can't guess what she does find in that mess though!
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 24, 2006 8:02:58 GMT -5
The chill of night was beginning to dissipate as the sun rose in the sky. The sweet songs of birds rang through the morning air and flying insects fluttered from one flower to another. A group of birds were feeding in the grasses in the Royal Gardens.
Suddenly, they scattered in fear as Crown Prince Imalka ran toward the group. Imalka ignored them and ran on, trying to loose the eleven-year-old girl that persued him. He had told his advisor that he would loose her so they could talk freely, but he could not shake her. The Jedi girl was fast. He had to admit that. And annoyingly persistent. Somehow she found him when he had a good head start.
Imalka finally gave up, stopping at the Pool Grotto. He stood slightly bent over, winded from the run. The eleven-year-old Padawan, Marna Veign, ran around the corner. She saw she had passed through the only entrance to the Grotto. High cliffs rose above the natural looking pool. A waterfall poured into the pool at one end, and at the opposite end, runoff water formed a stream about a meter deep that flowed along the path. Imalka stood near the waterfall and he straightened as she caught up.
"Your Highness, what do you think you're doing, running off like that? You could be killed." Marna called over the sound of the waterfall.
He could not blame the girl for her concern. All she knew was that an unknown assassin had killed his father, King Agmel, during his own birthday celebration. The assassin had also attempted to do the same to Queen Scathia just the day before. She'd have been killed, had the Jedi not been there. At the request of his mother, the Jedi Knight Tahsh Hapay had assigned her Padawan to protect Imalka. He was offended by being 'protected' by a girl nearly half his age, and wasn't shy about showing it. Despite that, the girl seemed devoted to her assignment. She'd been following him around since breakfast was over.
"You need not lecture me, child. You have no idea what is really going on here." Imalka answered her. "If you would just go away and let me alone, no harm will come."
Just then, a dozen men dressed as Royal Guards entered the Grotto, blasters aimed at the Jedi girl. She could tell they had nothing good in mind. Marna removed her cloak and pulled her lightsaber, the green blade glowing bright in the shadow of the cliffs.
"Keep behind me, your Highness." she told Imalka.
[glow=red,2,300]Ch 6, 2[/glow]
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Post by Man in Black on Oct 24, 2006 19:50:32 GMT -5
If it makes you feel better I'm not sure what's about to happen here ... and no I haven't been reading ahead, that would be no fun
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Post by 4C-696E on Oct 24, 2006 22:04:35 GMT -5
"She thinks we're going to hurt the Crown Prince." one man said to the others. Imalka went to stand against the cliff wall, Marna now between him and the pool.
"Relax, girl." another man said mockingly. "We've come to help protect the prince."
"I don't believe you." Marna said, her attention focused on a possible attack from the twelve men standing before her. She reached down with one hand, feeling for her comlink.
"We really do wish Prince Imalka no harm." a familiar voice came from behind her.
Marna quickly turned and saw Jerill Durango standing there. He had just come through a door barely visible beside the waterfall that seemed to completely disappear as Marna watched it slide closed.
"Hello, young Jedi." he said, seeing the surprise on her face. It quickly turned to determination. Marna knew she was trapped, but wouldn't let that stop her. She quickly turned on the comlink and brought it up to speak into it.
"Master, it's..." she started. Before she could get any further, it was pulled out of her hand and landed in Jerill's. He turned it off and tossed it into the pool.
"We can't have you calling anybody, young Jedi." Jerill told her, walking around her to stand near his men.
Marna stared at him, her jaw nearly dropping as she came to a realization.
"You're trained in the ways of the Force?" she questioned. He smiled an evil smile.
"More than you know." he said to her. He focused in the Force and grabbed a large rock from the cliff above them. He levitated it quickly toward the back of her head.
Marna felt the warning through the Force. She spun just in time to see the stone flying right for her. She sliced it in half, and then brought her green blade over her head and behind her to deflect a single blaster bolt that had been fired at her back. The bolt sizzled harmlessly into the water. While her arms were up, Imalka charged at Marna, butting her in the gut with his head. They both lost their balance and as she fell, Jerill pulled her weapon to him with the Force. Marna's spine hit the edge of the pool and an explosion of pain shot through her body. She slipped under the water with Imalka, the force of the nearby waterfall holding her under.
Marna tried to get turned around in the water, but found she couldn't move her legs. She knew the hit to her back did damage, but she couldn't worry about that now. If she drowned, it wouldn't matter how hurt she was otherwise.
She saw Imalka heading for the surface, and she grasped for anything on him she could reach. Her fingers slipped off his tunic, but she held tightly to the pendant Imalka wore. The prince got one leg on Marna's gut and pushed her away from him, not noticing the chain breaking and his pendant being torn away. Marna grasped for his leg, but one of Imalka's feet kicked her head, sending her unconscious. Imalka surfaced and dragged himself out of the pool.
"Get the girl!" Jerill ordered two of his men.
They dove into the pool to retrieve her and they soon had her out of the water. They dumped her on the ground beside the pool. Jerill looked at her and saw she was alive and breathing. He turned to the prince, angry with him.
"Imalka, I gave you plenty of time to lose her! I kept her busy as long as I could without revealing too much about myself, and you blew it!"
"I couldn't shake her, Jerill." Imalka responded. "Somehow she found me and once she did, she was on me tight. I did my best to shake her."
"And you brought her right to us!" Jerill took a deep breath and seemed to calm down. "No matter. She can't do us any harm now."
"Yet what will we do about her?" Imalka asked. "We can't allow her to go. She's seen too much. She knows too much."
"Don't you worry about that, Imalka. I plan to keep her and train her as my own apprentice. I know no better revenge than for Tahsh Hapay to see her apprentice willingly at my side." Jerill said, bending over Marna.
"She doesn't like you, Jerill. What makes you think she'll ever want to learn anything from you?" Imalka pointed out.
Jerill placed a hand on Marna's head, probing her mind through the Force.
"Her thoughts are hard to see. Even while unconscious, they are guarded." Jerill marveled. "Yet there is fear and anger in her. She is young, but strong. Turning her may be a challenge, but a worthwhile one. She will join me. All I need is the right...persuasion."
[glow=red,2,300]Chapter 6, 2 continued[/glow]
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