Pit Stop (Ridwan, non-Imps)

[Adia Issoris]

Cato Neimoidia loomed below the Lambda class transport shuttle. Adia eased the craft into a gentle bank for atmospheric entry. The last several days had been intense for Lianna. She had been combing over recordings of her sister, attempting to pick up her mannerisms and tone. Even for a Jedi, maintaining her composure during some of the speeches was difficult. Adia was also practicing. She was wearing her black and red COMPNOR uniform. The standard boots had two inch heels, bringing her to just shy of 1.8m. Her hair was pulled neatly back into a tight ponytail. Unlike other COMPNOR agents, her blaster was not the slick and mediocre standard issue. Although it still had a black finish, it was matte, and looked like it had been used, and often. In short, the former Emperor’s hand was the embodiment of Imperial intimidation.

Adia emerged from the shuttle’s vented, swirling gasses and ever tech on the pad jumped to work without a word. The Neimoidian greeter immediately was ignored, and promptly shut up when it was clear that Adia was not interested. COMPNOR did what it liked.

Another Imperial walked down the shuttle, this one with shielding glasses and a re-circulating mask. Her bangs were cut short enough to stay out of her field of vision and the rest of her hair messily encapsulated her head. The jacket she wore was presumably for the extra, unknown equipment. No one would dare set foot on the ship. Adia had arranged for a rental airspeeder to be delivered to the pad. Again, it was a fast one.

The Neimoidian greeter sighed in relief as the speeder disappeared into the distance with a roar.

[Ridwan Vars]

Over the past six months Ridwan had become a sponge. Even his memory got better, but it meant little. The amount of adequate info to his purpose was on a lower count than Hutt paladins. All Ridwan could do was listen to the numerous tales of forgotten heroes and follow the lead. Most of them left him at dead ends, but hopefully he would find someone worth his time.

This occasion was no different. Leaned aback he listened intensely as a Bimm and Feeorin companion clamored on about their encounter over a decade back with a Jedi Purge Survivor. Not much could be understood in the swings from language to language, with the occasional Basic. It was as if he wasn't there, but for some reason Ridwan felt he should not be. The nostalgic and disturbing aroma of the antique shop was starting to get to him.

Before he could intrude, the two turned their eyes back to him in surprise. They had went on for what seemed to be an hour, and clearly expected him to have left. Their argument was prolonged and Ridwan continued to hear the same points being prove again over the same detail. It was his duty as a Jedi to resolve certain conflicts with a diplomatic solution, however it was the only entertainment that he had encountered in the last year so he relished in it's glory.

"Well, what did the cloaked man say?" Ridwan finally asked, his arms crossed over his chest. They rose slightly as he took another shallow breathe, his eyes darting over to the side. It was an unnecessary act. His senses were attune to the world, and even the slightest disturbance in the vicinity would trigger his reflexes. However, it was always best to be certain.

"He asked about the battle during the Clone Wars. We were around, but all we could salvage was a few useless items from the wrecks. A blaster here, a hilt there, helmet here and such."

The eyes of the youth fluttered with excitement. If the hilt was one of the Jedi's relic, it would be a purposeful acquisition. Albeit it would probably be that of a fallen Jedi, it would hold information. Much of the knowledge of the Jedi was lost with the fall of the Temple, and even a single weapon could provide the most rudimentary answers.

"The hilt? Do you still have it?" The Kiffar asked calmly, his crossed arms relaxing.

"Of course, we keep everythin'. Nobody wants that junk around here," The Bimm murmured, his accent piercing through as his small figure stumbled behind the counter toward the back room. His large Feeorin friend could only look down in wonder at Ridwan, her hands holding her face up as she leaned on the glass.

"So, where did you say you were from again?" She asked, an inquisitive look found in her blank, dark orbs. They came out of her face, swallowing the pits of the galaxy, sucking Ridwan in like a black hole. Although she seemed generous, there was a pain in her that he could not catch readily. He showed no signs of such thoughts, but they still troubled him.

"Galantos. A planet in the Core Wor--," Before he could finish the dusty, unused hilt exposed itself in the furry paws of the Bimm. A smile curled up the young Padawan's lips. There was a slight bust of joy rampaging through his heart. Over the past months he had traveled far, and even in his optimistic hopes he refrained from making such a leap so soon.

Ridwan analyzed, polished and scrutinized every aspect of the hilt as he held it in his hand. There lay a soul amidst the perplex object, a tale untold, and left on the surface of the world. Hopefully he could catch the forgotten person's spirit.

In moments time he was out the door, after his payment. Under his brown cloak lay two hilts now, the subtle bang of their metallic holds kicking him into a step. Soon, he would be at the Cato Neimoidia's starport, but first he needed a ride.

"Taxi!"

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna adjusted the oversized jacket so she could get comfortable. She had sat on the extra fabric and had almost choked herself but the disguise was necessary. Plus it was Adia’s, which was why it was so big. The black pants that were purchased on Umgal fit easily with the uniform but for it to be believable, she had to wear a standard issued jacket. It was too soon for 'Miranda Tarkin' to be revealed to its Galactic Citizens. Adia wanted Lianna's identity to remain hidden until their arrival at Coruscant, which the Jedi heartily agreed.

Cato Neimoidia was merely a stop over point to refuel and pick up much needed supplies for the rest of the length of their journey. During the ride over to the Imperial supply station, Lianna watched another vid of her twin sister. It was one that she had grown fond of and had replayed it daily since Adia had shown it to her. The speech was a heartfelt response to the loss of their Grandfather, the late Grand Moff Tarkin. In her speech, Miranda was truly devastated and sincere by his death. She could tell by how natural her mannerisms were, unlike the rigid postures she assumed when giving a formal speech. This was the one time Lianna saw her sister be human, It gave the Jedi hope that there was still some good inside of her sister…

All of a sudden, the speeder lurched towards the right. Lianna managed to keep the vid display in her hand but smashed into the door as consequence. The air was littered with horns and swearing as the Jedi sat upright to find out what had happened.

What she found was their speeder was now facing the opposite direction in which they were going, another speeder pilot making a rude gesture towards Adia, and a taxi up against her door to which she found herself staring at its passenger. She coughed and adjusted the shielding glasses that had uncovered one of her eyes but said nothing. Lianna was going to let Adia handle this one.

[Adia Issoris]

She was again Adia Issoris, COMPNOR agent. The rental speeder’s door came open with extra effort. She got out and put her uniform hat on. Adia left the door open, and set a bead for the speeder pilot who had decided that she had been in the wrong. All of the color had drained from his face when he saw the uniform and the dark look in Adia’s eyes. It was not entirely artificial. The speeder pilot had missed the fact that Adia’s speeder had just passed him, and merged into her. It too was a luxury model, but an easier going one aimed for comfort, unlike the sleek rental coupe.

The Neimoidian driver panicked and locked the door. Adia flicked her vibroblade into her hand and put it into the driver’s side window, and smashed the rest of the now structurally compromised glass with a gloved fist. The window collapsed into small rectangular shards. Adia replaced the weapon and reached into the car. She pulled the driver free just as he had finished fumbling the seatbelt off. The overweight male began to whimper when she hauled him through the broken window and lifted him off his feet before she dumped him onto the hood of the speeder.

“Don’t move.” She said coldly, and marched to the taxi.

“Get out of the taxi. Now.” She ordered at both the driver and passenger.

[Ridwan Vars]

Dramatics were very few and far in between for a Jedi's life. Ridwan had faced perils, but the tribulations were never long. His father had managed to uphold him to optimism and the way of a Jedi. An unhappiness could easily lead one down the wrong route, a route that none returned. Such memories of his father's teaching bolted through his mind on a daily. It was no different on this day either.

As his eyes danced from the accident onto the side view of the COMPNOR he felt a clear disturbance. The disruption had rippled through his senses only moments before the crash, but presently it was strong and nearly agonizing. His body was fine, but his mind was on a far different course.

Following the orders steadily, he kept mindful of any quick movements. Albeit his outer shell maintained a coolness, his insides were ravaged with unspecified images. Allowing himself a moment, his head dropped down slightly in motion for his hood to be shifted. In that second he washed the blemish from his mind, at least momentarily. The situation at hand was far more nerve-racking than any precognition.

Ridwan's lips coiled in thought as his eyes met the agent's. She held a cold confidence, and he admired that. Hopefully her confidence would not make the accident more than it should. Lifting his hood slightly, he ensured his Padawan braid was hidden underneath. Yet all the actions were left without a word to follow. He kept silent. It was the best of his weighed options.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna was stunned at what Adia had just done. Breaking the glass was almost understandable but breaking the glass and pulling the Neimoidian out through the window and dumping him on the hood was insane. The Jedi opened herself up briefly to the Force to only verify what she had already guessed: Adia's anger wasn't completely feigned.

She scooted over towards the driver's side and exited the vehicle, much to the poor Neimoidian dismay. One COMPNOR agent was trouble enough but two? The other Neimoidian, the taxi driver, was explaining the accident from his point of view. His fear was oppressive to her senses, however his fair was quiet and reserved. He was quite calm considering Adia's mood was foul.

The vid recorder in her hand thumbed over to a readout display so Lianna could inspect the damages done to all three parties involved. She really was just looking busy, only wishing to be near her friend incase things went out of control.

[Adia Issoris]

Adia’s hand tightened. The leather creaked. She turned quickly and smashed the fist into the perpetrators car. The rear body panel deformed around the blow, far more than should have been possible.

“Damn it all.” She muttered under her breath. She leaned against the battered vehicle, who’s driver dared not move. Adia closed her eyes and waited. Local traffic enforcement arrived a several minutes later of awkward silence.

The officer immediately apologized to Adia and Lianna for the inconvenience.

“He” Adia pointed at the Neimoidian who had just now found the courage to stand back up “will pay the rental company and the cab driver for the damages he caused.”

There was no debate about it. COMPNOR was the Empire’s will.

“He will also compensate this man for his time. I need see your ID so I am certain everything is handled in a timely manner. And take off your hood.”

[Ridwan Vars]

Ridwan's eyes took the scenery. Local police had come to no avail. They never were to help, at least while the Empire's grip was still strong on the galaxy. The Kiffar frowned at the possibilities, and every last one seemed to come true.

Even as the officials appeared, the COMPNOR agent's stance sustained a firm control over the situation. Before he knew it she was barking orders at every last person involved with the accident. Ridwan was nearly taken aback, but it was her last words that turned his stomach slightly. He knew better to reveal his braid to anyone he even felt had a love for the Empire, but a COMPNOR agent was far too much.

However, he knew better to disobey. So, he conceded and allowed the hood to fall, his braid trickling from the clothe. All his learning symbolized in a lengthy twist of hair, nearly passing his collar bone. Many years had passed since he took the role of a Jedi, but he had yet to be promoted. How could he be with the Empire's face spitting orders in the face of the galaxy.

In return to the ladies order he smiled. Reaching into his pockets, he provided his ID readily. Hopefully she would pleased, and he could be on his way. He hoped the best for the Neimoidian too. A fear encompassed the cowardly Duro decedent, and without the consent of the government there was not much the young Padawan could do.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna's eyes immediately spotted the Padawan braid that tumbled over the passenger's shoulders. Master Drin had never required her to grow the symbolic braid because it would have caused unwanted attention, but she was well aware of its significance. She was rather intrigued that the Padawan was brave enough to still have it, especially here on a firmly controlled Imperial planet and now wondered what had brought the Jedi here.

Adia too was well aware that he was a Jedi. She was trained to hunt down and kill them since Order 66 was implemented. But things were different now

The two of them exchanged knowing looks. The undue commotion had unfortunately brought the Padawan out in the open. There could be others in the area that recognized him for what he is and if they did not take him away, well, now their cover was blown as well. This was a messy situation that had only one recourse.

She focused her attention onto the young man and projected an aura of peace around her in hopes that he would not run off after Adia initiated a dialogue to take him in. If he did, an action that he could not be faulted for, it would make the small random incident turn into a newsworthy catastrophe.

[Adia Issoris]

The former Emperor’s Hand and former Clone Trooper trainer/ Republic Special Operations Commando and Battlefield Commander’s eyes snapped to the braid. She grew cold and mechanical.

”Execute Order 66.” The Jedi have betrayed the Republic and must be executed according to battlefield law. The Emperor’s words echoed through her head, and her decade and a half of training took hold.

Adia’s hand slipped down her left side, toward her well worn blaster. Her hand stopped at her hip, though. She looked down at her boots as if she were dreaming, and looked back at Lianna for a moment. Adia’s face looked unnerved, but she quickly regained her composure when she turned back to face everyone else.

She took his ID, and scrutinized it thoroughly. Adia narrowed her eyes for a moment, and moved closer to Ridwan. She held the ID at arm’s length next to his face, and frowned a little. Adia took another step closer, and put the ID back in his hand.

“We’re not what you think we are.” She whispered through barely open lips. Anyone else would have heard only the ambient traffic noise.

“Sir, your ID is out of date. I’d like you to come with us to get it sorted.”

[Ridwan Vars]

The Kiffar's eyes followed the movements, the mannerism. From start the situation seemed dire, but besides his eyes he didn't even twitch. Only a blink to moisten his eyes showed any sign of life before his ID was taken away. The young Padawan had learned well to observe fear, not meddle with it. The topic of was a taboo amongst his family, despite the natural disaster and common occurrences of Galantos.

And even still, Ridwan was in need of relaxation. The adrenaline continuously pumped through his veins, surging through his body. Ridwan restrained himself, but soon there was no need as the COMPNOR agent to her task.

With only a slight whisper, his shoulders dropped slightly. From the view of others it seemed as though depression took over him as she requested her follow for his outdated ID. Ridwan had watched many act before, but he always was a step ahead.

"Fine." His voice held a clarity, especially for it being concealed for so long.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna smiled in relief, something she could afford with the mask on as Adia escorted the Jedi into the speeder. The local officials already had pried the taxi and their vehicle apart so Lianna could enter with ease. However, there was a slight problem with opening the door. The impact had jammed the lock but with a little focus, she forced the door free, which opened with a loud pop and then furthered swung open with a creek. With the display that Adia had performed against the Neimoidian's speeder, her show of strength was just a footnote.

When they were safely on their way, Lianna looked up into the rearview mirror and saw the perfection of calm on the Padawan's face. Yet she knew better. The Knight sensed questions that were daring to boil over if they could not be asked. Adia was still focusing on keeping herself in check to begin answering them.

For the sake of keeping her identity a secret, she did not remove the mask to speak. Her usual tranquil voice was filtered and sounding more mechanical then anything. "I am not sure if you are brave or foolish in keeping your braid, Padawan. Though I must admit that it pleases me to see it."

She placed a hand on Adia's thigh, sensing the conflict within her friend, "But if you wouldn't mind, for the sake of my companion, would you please raise your hood?"

[Adia Issoris]

Adia gritted her teeth. How could anyone be so stupid. A padawan braid. She shook her head, and smoothly fed the speeder more power as the traffic opened up again. They traveled in silence for two minutes before Adia spoke.

“Check the map. The grocery should be within two or three turns.” She instructed Lianna. Adia did not dare look at the mirrors to see if Ridwan had complied.

“Third right” came the mechanically filtered reply.

“Thank you.” she replied and moved the car into the right lane.
“Officially, you are our prisoner.” Adia took out a pair of binders and tossed them over her shoulder, which bounced off Ridwan’s chest and into his lap.

“Put those on, loosely.” She instructed.

[Ridwan Vars]

The day had only in moments twisted and turned into something even his keen precognition couldn't for see. Ridwan had gone from a taxi passenger, to a prisoner in matter of seconds. Such things were not a surprise to Ridwan, despite the unlikeness. Instead, he took it in stride, even with the masked being called out Padawan.

People knew of the Jedi, and rarely, even during his questioning, did they speak of them. Only a few decades had separated the Jedi Order from the present, and still they were looked upon as relics, mystics and fakes. Although Ridwan had never had the pleasure to arms during the Order, he had been taught to pay their tutelage and culture with his braid. Certainly it was a forgotten symbol, but he cherished it so.

Taking the request, he swiftly threw his hood back over his braid. Before he could speak, the braces thrown to his lap were on his wrist. As demanded, they were left loosely, but the Clan Vars descendant was quite unsure as to why. The whole situation was quite awkward, but he would reserve his questions for later. However one could not be held at bay...

"Where are we going?"

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna answered the Padawan thoughtfully. She shouldn't go into too much detail yet. "There is an Imperial supply depot here. We're going for supplies as our shuttle refuels. It shouldn't take too long."

She pat Adia's thigh and returned it to her lap. "You should go in and get what we need. You know better then I anyhow. I can keep our guest company."

[Adia Issoris]

Adia quickly got clear of the speeder. She marched into the solid, boring Imperial structure. Her boots clicked rhythmically against the polished floor. Anyone else shopping there immediately averted their eyes. Crossing a COMPNOR Officer was stupid at best and deadly at worst. Adia was glad for this, but her expression remained stony. She picked through the available types of foodstuffs, creating meals with ingredients, but had to remind herself that there was a possibility of three. Adia sighed. Her shuttle had a small food prep area, and plenty of cold and frozen storage, so she piled it on until the basket overflowed slightly. The trip should only take three days, but the journey thus far had too many… detours. Adia wanted to be prepared.

The clerk didn’t bother to look up. He just immediately started to scan the goods.
“Rations not to your liking?” He said as he looked up, and froze. Terror filled his brown eyes. The corner of Adia’s lip pulled upward.
“No.” She said.
The rest of the transaction progressed in a fear-driven silence.

She let the auto bagging machine proceed as normal, and the scared young Zabrak placed each bag into the cart with care. Adia took hold of it, indicating she would unload it herself, to everyone else’s relief. She popped the rear storage compartment and unloaded the groceries, and got back into the speeder.

Sometimes COMPNOR Officers had strange personality quirks after years of “dedicated service.” This one proved to be no exception.

“So, what is your real name, and where are you headed?”

[Ridwan Vars]

"Ridwan Vars. And to the spaceport."

The Kiffar spoke with a neutrality in his voice. Even the slightest influx of anger, annoyance or strong emotion would easily tip the already weighed scale. He maintained an easiness, although his wrist were still restricted by the binder's clutch.

Underneath the facade he with held hope. A hope to escape the uncontrolled situation. A hope to avoid all the trouble. A hope to make it out alive. Although it seemed he was safe, the COMPNOR official's motions were hard to read. She at any time could attack, and he was certain to maintain his neutrality, even if it meant he was struck down. Ridwan mind did not dwell on such pessimistic thoughts, instead he cherished the moment.

Moments ago he could have been killed if it was not for his training. His training even instilled him the eyes for the good, and mind far more positive than the rather mechanical driver. Somewhere under his unreadable mask he hoped she was not always in such robotic mood.

"Did anyone get hurt in the accident?" He finally diverted from the heavy topics weighed in his mind. Ridwan knew being courteous was the only policy in such a pressing situation. Hopefully the two would respond the same.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

"Just some minor bumps and bruises," Adia said, evenly. "No one was seriously hurt."

Lianna was in silent deliberations with the Force. She was not a skilled in premonitions but there had to be some motive for finding Ridwan, save the obvious. Their destination was Coruscant and they were going there under deceitful means. It was certainly not a place for a Padawan who would more then likely be forced to stay on the shuttle if he were to come. And that was a big if.

Adia was still using all of her willpower to remain in control and overriding the Emperor's orders. Between that and being thrust into the heart of the Empire, Ridwan stood little chance of surviving. As lucky as the Jedi was, perhaps it would be best to never reveal who she really was and just escort the Padawan to the spaceport.

[Adia Issoris]

Adia drove them back to the hangar. This was, after all, a pit stop to refuel the ship and restock their food supply. Adia was more paranoid after the little bender earlier, but, like she pointed out, it was the other driver’s fault. The ten minute drive went by without incident and words.

She backed the speeder to the shuttle’s ramp, with the rear crash guard centimeters away from where the ramp started, and pulled the hatch release. Adia flicked her seat back. It intruded into the rear passenger space, next to Ridwan.

“I’m going undo your binders. For the love of dusk and dawn, don’t do anything stupid.” Adia said. She felt exasperated. His presence alone could complicate things a great deal.

“My friend and I are going to Coruscant. What we’re doing there is very important to her.” Adia explained, undid the binders, and put her seat back up.

[Ridwan Vars]

The Padawan did not even flinch. Even as the binder snapped off, his eyes managed to keep their soft gaze on Adia. The emotionless nature of his face was only contrast by the clench of his teeth. All words thought were kept in, and for good reason. Although Ridwan was not a rude man, he had many questions as always. He had always been a curious child, which developed a habit of strong jaw to keep his unnecessary inquiries at bay.

Ridwan allowed himself only a nod in response, and awaited the response. Hopefully he could stay in an oblivion of silence, ease, peace and serenity. Certainly there was a complication amidst, but the moment called for a dull nature. He had made it this far staying quiet, maybe he could tread softly a few steps more.

Pressed against the comfortable seat, he turned his eyes ahead at the other passenger. The man, or woman for that matter, had mirrored his talking. It was quite unclear if he could trust her for even a normal conversation, but he showed no disdain. Instead he conceived a neutral line at his closed lips, ease of the brows and piercing eyes.

Best to stay calm, though he might not reach the next horizon how tense the atmosphere seemed.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

“My friend and I are going to Coruscant. What we’re doing there is very important to her.”

Quite an understatement by Adia. The Jedi was visiting her mother who had not laid eyes upon her since birth. All of the deceit that was unfortunately required by this venture will be worth it to meet Lise face to face. All of her preparations in studying her sister and Adia's instructions on Imperial protocol assured the Jedi success. The last hurdle would be her mother's reaction. Even Adia couldn't predict one hundred percent Lise's response but felt that the outcome would be in Lianna's favor. Lise had to give up her child, something the Assassin was familiar with. Any mother would be elated to see their child returned to them.

She exited the speeder and opened the door for the Padawan, still unsure of what to do or say. In situations like this where the future was cloudy, it was best to leave it up to the Force to decide fate.

"You are free to go," her mechanical voice stated evenly. "You should be able to find fare to any system you are looking for."

Her eyes softened, wishing she could ask him what he was doing here or where he had come from but that wasn't possible. Not here.

She fell in stride with Adia but allowed a moment's pause to look back at the Padawan. He was about to burst with curiosity but hid it well for those unable to sense his feelings.

Lianna gave an extensive look about the garage. No one was within earshot. "May the Force be with you Padawan." The cursed mask made the sacred proverb sound horribly forced but she was sincere. Lianna turned back around, knowing she couldn't make Ridwan's decision. It was up to him, and the Force, to do what he felt was right.

[Adia Issoris]

Adia unpacked the speeder in short order, and started the warm up sequence for the shuttle’s engines. It would take ten minutes, but she preferred to wait fifteen, just in case.

Ridwan and Lianna had exited the speeder when she came back down the boarding ramp.

Adia folded her arms and sighed. She had cast her lot with whatever happened.

[Ridwan Vars]

The pressure of his emotions finally peaked through his facade when his lips were forced into a frown. A number of thoughts scampered across his mind, but as expected it was hard to decide. Even as freedom finally beckoned him, he could only look on with curiosity at the other side. These people were not who they seemed, and they had even told him so.

Ridwan could only weigh the ideas as he watched the masked figure head forth, leaving him with a food for thought to teeth on. Many people had forgotten the Jedi Culture, or done their best to forget, but this person did not. Instead the masked being left the memorable words of the Force, and it resonated. The last time he heard the phrase he sat near his father's death bed.

Much had changed thing, but little in the galaxy. People still regarded the Jedi path as nothing more than tales of old lore, or horrid way. Yet this person, this masked specimen spoke in another light. Though he frowned, he cherished the moment and it only made his next move harder.

Heading forward, he followed the masked being toward the shuttle. He would stay in their company longer, and maybe Coruscant could lead to more than just an old Jedi General's lightsaber.

[Adia Issoris]

“If you’re going to come you have to cut your braid.” Adia said. How the hell had he lasted this long with that thing on his head was beyond her. But then again, Jedi were relegated to either superstition or derided. They either betrayed the Republic or failed in it’s time of greatest need.

“There are some people on Coruscant who remember what that means.” Unusually, Adia tossed off her cap and jacket, which revealed the tight black t-shirt underneath. Normally she was extremely neat.

“You’ve got ten minutes to make up your mind, Padawan.”

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

"I'm sorry, but Adia is correct." Lianna undid the mask and sighed softly as the fresh air hit her skin. She then reached behind her head and pulled out the band that was holding her hair up. The ratty mess of brown locks unfolded and fell around her shoulders, somewhat curled because of being tied up for so long.

Free from confine, Ridwan saw that the disheveled being was actually a very attractive young woman who was now removing the bulky COMPNOR jacket. "It was fortunate that we found you first Ridwan but Coruscant will not be so forgiving, especially since Imperial Center is our destination."

She hung the jacket over one of the storage units and finally offered the young Jedi the smile she wanted to give him since they first met. "I'm Lianna," she said, introducing herself with a respectful bow and watched him closely. They were close to the Core Worlds now and it was quite possible that her visage could be disconcerting to the Padawan if he had seen Miranda Tarkin's face.

[Ridwan Vars]

Ridwan frowned eased as he saw the woman's face. Under the guise she carried a memorable face, but the Kiffar was not good with names. Since the days of Galantos he had been lost in an eternally mobile schedule. Instead of the ease of ritual disasters on the planet, he had learned to deal with the catastrophic carnage of people.

Prepared to burst out with a name, he reserved it and simply allowed his head to nod with respect. Even if someone out there looked similar, it would only be foolish to point it out presently. There were more pressing topics, such as his Padawan braid.

"I will cut it," he began. Smoothly flying his voice into the next sentence, he referred his eyes back to the the newly acquainted Lianna.

"Nice to meet you. Whoever you guys actually are."

Finally, the Padawan flashed them a smile.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

"Adia," she motioned to the tall redhead Assassin, "is a former Imperial Agent. She's had a change of heart and is graciously helping me."

Lianna was forced to be vague. It wasn't her place to expand too much on Adia's past, for both of her's and Ridwan's sake.

"As for me, I am a Jedi like yourself," she said smoothly but her eyes narrowed at Ridwan capriciously, "Which begs me to ask why you are here? You chanced a lot being inside such firmly controlled Imperial space."

[Ridwan Vars]

Emotion flushed over his face. An odd mixture of confusion, surprise, fear and embarrassment contorted his features. No longer could he with hold his emotions from spilling over into an assortment of distorted expression. He ogled at her presence, as a storm of terror brew in him. At the jaw he loosened, the adrenaline pumping throughout his veins as a slight excitement over took his heart.

In the harness of the moment, he forget all presences and could only gawk in amazement at the woman. I am a Jedi... was all she had to say and left his semblance unbalanced. Falling into a sorts of discomposure brought his mind into a spin. For seconds he lingered there, simply staring at the living artwork of the Jedi Order.

Only a slight flutter of his eyes showed signs of any life as the blend of his despair provided a motionless statue. Before her he was no longer the composed Padawan that sat in the back seat. Instead he was replaced by seemingly senseless buffoon. All the wandering, the lengthy conversations and queries had led to this, and he could not put on his best display.

Composure was a topic his father stressed. Ridwan had normally upheld such a calm and neutral to his emotions. Even in times dire he controlled his desires, feelings and content to a stand still. However, this was a topic he had never before addressed and could only attempt to relax himself. With a gulp and clenched eyes he tried at easing his stress.

Finally awakening, his ogled eyes were replaced with an scrutinizing gaze. She was nothing like he expected a Jedi. Albeit beautiful, she did not carry the need for composure. Instead, she simply was who she was...or so it seemed.

Maybe on second thought, she was exactly what he expected. He just was not ready...not ready for this.

Regarding his questions, he could no longer hold them at bay. Instead he let his words part and let his curiosity flourish from his calm tone. "You are a Jedi?"

[Adia Issoris]

“Yes she is.” Adia said, and disappeared back into the cockpit, making sure the shuttle’s warm up was proceeding as it should. Ridwan was still in shock when she came back.

“We’re not exactly advertising what we’re doing. That’s why she’s wearing COMPNOR gear, and why she’s not so… reserved. You can’t play the traditional Jedi right now in the Deep Core. Maybe on the Rim.” She shook her head.

“Listen…” Adia was about to lecture on one of the reasons she felt the Jedi of old failed, but held her tongue.

“If you’re going to go with us, you have to act like a normal person.”

[Ridwan Vars]

"Normal?"

Although the shock still had not left, his voice commanded a confusion. Normal was not a subject that he had ever encountered. His father had secluded the family, leaving only the prestige of his training as the subject of his life. Normal was unnecessary quality, and never had been taught. Ridwan had only observed normality.

The casual movements of people, the untrained surveys of the scene, and idle conversations. All of it was quite easy to become with. He had done it before, to motion or meddle his way in and out of situations. However, it felt weird.

His father never called him normal.

A frown that was destined to come was diverted and deferred by a forced smile.

"Okay, I guess." Slowly, he shuffled his feet about and headed to the nearest seat in the ship. "Do you have anything to cut this braid?"

The words rolled off his tongue with ease, but it was hard to comprehend. Cutting his braid was part of a ceremony, not for unusual trips to the Deep Core. However, it was necessary to survive. Ridwan had only managed because of his frequent trips outside of the Core and careful hiding of his braid. People only saw his Kiffar face, waving him off as a tourist, traveler, spacer or explorer from Kiffax. No one dwell on such topics.

Yet the present called for a change in his life, and he had to embrace it.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna picked up Adia's jacket, that was so hastily thrown to the floor, and fumbled through the pockets to find her knife.

"Here," she held it out hilt first. "You don't have to cut it off entirely. Just make sure that it is roughly the same length as the rest of your hair." It was the length of the Padawan braid that made it so obvious and Ridwan's was well past his shoulder. With a trim and a quick smoothing of his hair, no one would realize what he once had.

She sat down across from the Padawan and regarded his feelings. He was willing to do what was necessary to stay but felt conflicted. His Master had instilled a deep honor and respect for the traditions of the Jedi. "I know this is difficult for you, and I thank you for doing this."

[Adia Issoris]

"I take it that means you're coming with us." Adia said.

"If you're not, yell. I'm going to make sure the ship is ready."

[Ridwan Vars]

Politeness was a Jedi's specialty, along with common courtesy. So as Lianna supplied the knife he took to habit and bowed, though his mind thought otherwise. Instead of a tool of secrecy, she provided him a weapon of doom. Cutting the braid, even at this point, was an emotional departure of dreams and hopes. As if waving away to the days of old, and welcoming the troubles of the future.

It symbolized too much, but it was to be expected. Jedi seemingly over-analyzed everything.

Grabbing the locks of his hair, he measured the length with the sensitivity of his fingertips. Finally, he clutched the Padawan braid, holding tightly in it's memory. The lengthy tail held strength in it, as well as knowledge. Time had been taken to grow it, along with himself. It symbolized all the aspects of training he had put in, and with a swing of the blade it was gone.

Falling to the floor, the braid went into a blend with the rest of the growing locks of hair.

"Well," He gulped, glancing away from the lock of hair on the floor. "I'm ready when you guys are."

Then, once more he realized. He was boarding a ship with an Imperial Agent and Jedi. The Force had a crude humor.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna had wanted to stay with Ridwan long enough for him to complete what was necessary. He had done it with ease but his heart was still heavy from the act.

With his proclamation, the Jedi rose and squeezed the Padawan's shoulders in sympathy, "Thank you. I need to head to the cockpit with Adia. Make yourself secure here."

She made her way to the front of the shuttle and sat down in the co-pilot's seat, belting herself in and putting on her headset. "He is coming with us."

A cursory glance at the console indicated that the shuttle was ready to launch and she looked towards her friend. This was the first time that the two of them were alone since picking up Ridwan. She knew that Adia was holding back much of her feelings on the matter. "I know this complicates matters greatly. I'm sorry for that."

[Adia Issoris]

“Well, yes.” She said, giving the cockpit a final once-over before committing to flight.

Adia keyed up the repulsors, and the ship began to hover.

“I’m not sure what I can do with him while we’re on Coruscant.” Adia was feeling haggard. She had worked for several weeks on acclimating Lianna to what Coruscant would be, and now they had unseasoned meat for the grinder. When the task was to blend in, with an uninitiated traditionalist Jedi, it would be a monumental undertaking.

“I have no idea how to keep him out of trouble, even without the Padawan braid. I’ve been completely focused on getting you through the possible hoops we might need to jump through.”

“I guess we’ll figure something out. Not like we have much of a choice.”

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

"No, that's not entirely true," she allowed Adia to confirm their departing vector before continuing. The repulsors hummed to life, vibrating through the durasteel as the shuttle began to lift off the ground. "Ridwan did not have to come with us, nor did you have to accept him, though I am in your debt once more that you did."

Eventually the shuttle broke through atmospheric pressure and into space. They were only a few seconds away from making the jump into light speed. Their next stop: Coruscant. So much awaited the Jedi there and with her objective so close in hand, she couldn't help but feel anticipation swelling inside her heart. Regardless, she was ready to play her part.

"We have a choice with everything that we do. We just have to hope that we are making the right choices for the right reasons." Seeing her mother and understanding her heritage. Yes, those were valid reasons for her impending subterfuge.

[Adia Issoris]

“I’m loosing my composure.” She hadn’t lost her composure in a long time, not since that night just after the Clone Wars. Absentmindedly, she rubbed her cheek in memory.

Adia let her breath out. She had been holding it. She loosed her ponytail and ran a nervous hand through her hair. For the first time in weeks, Adia had doubts about being able to successfully pull this off.

“We need some way to lessen the scrutiny on you.” Adia declared, looking at Lianna with the hard eye of an Intelligence Agent.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

“I’m loosing my composure.”

Lianna realized what that meant. She needed to alleviate Adia's concerns for her friend to feel at ease once more but the answer eluded her. "I'm not sure how that is possible seeing. I'm supposed to pretend to be my sister after all. It takes great difficulty to be anymore scrutinized then that.”

[Adia Issoris]

Silence loomed while Adia contemplated the problem. She had no answer.

“I don’t know what we’re going to do yet.” Adia said, and pulled the hyperspace lever like it was an irrevocable act. The stars became lines, and then the universe began to swirl blue. She stood from the pilot’s seat and arched her back. She made a slight shimmy, and started for the cabin.

“Maybe we need a fresh mind’s input on this.” She said to Lianna.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

She unbuckled her belt, agreeing, "You're right. Ridwan's mind is swimming with questions that need to be answered as well."

Lianna followed Adia into the back seating area where the Padawan was patiently waiting. He seemed more relaxed but the Jedi was still trying to recover from removing the symbolic braid.

"Ridwan?" She took a seat across from him. "We've entered hyperspace and it will take about a day to get to Coruscant."

Her eyes strayed over to Adia who was looking as pensive as ever. "This is the only chance we have to talk about what's going to happen."

[Ridwan Vars]

The seat was comfortable, but the words were not. As the two entered the room, a tense atmosphere appeared and Ridwan could do nothing to evade it's pressure. It compressed his soul, composure and left his eyes astray in seek for avoiding the realm of confusion. Perplexed, he took his thoughts inward as Lianna spoke and searched for an appropriate question.

"So, now we'll get the chance to talk?" He asked, but he knew the answer. She had already pronounced her openness, but he was still uneasy.

The two were intimidating figures, at least to Ridwan. Lianna was a Jedi, and she radiated with superiority. Over the years Ridwan had focused his life on the ways of the Jedi, but she professed an elegance to her that his own eloquent words could not express. An uneasiness resonated from him at the thought, but he kept at bay. He knew, however, that way one day it would return from the sea of his mind like a tsunami.

"Your a Jedi? How?"

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

"I think we've established I am a Jedi already," she kidded, "But as to how ... "

Her story was messy and explaining everything in one breath might cause Ridwan to finally loose the small sliver of control he managed to hold up until this point. Lianna stole a quick glance at Adia who nodded in encouragement. Even the former Hand had yet to hear Lianna’s entire story. "I was separated from my parents for my own protection. They hired a mercenary to bring me to a Trianii known as Drin Kizael. Not only was he a former Trianii Ranger, but he was also a Jedi from the days of the Old Republic. It didn't take my Master long to realize that I was Force Sensitive. Why else would I have been brought to him?"

While the Knight spoke of Drin, her eyes grew distant as she remembered the good times of her childhood. "It was unclear how they knew where to find him since he was in hiding, but with his location compromised and taking the responsibility of raising me, he left Hathrox III. For the next ten years he was my Master as well as my father."

[Adia Issoris]

Adia knew of the Triannii Jedi, but had never encountered him. She had been briefed on Drin, but beyond holos and a dozier, nothing. It did explain some of Lianna’s penchant for wilderness, and for her lack of knowledge regarding some kinds of feminine upkeep. It was something Adia related well to.

Part of her wanted to know what had become of the large fuzzball, and the other part was happy she had never found him. The details of Lianna’s past were only slightly less informative for Adia than it was for Ridwan.

“But we have somewhat more pressing matters to deal with. Lianna is going to be masquerading as her twin to see her mother. It’s very important to her, and it’s equally important that we figure out some way to keep you, and by extension, ourselves, safe.”

Adia contemplated her last statement after a moment. Gears in her head began to turn, but had not arrived at any sort of conclusion.

[Ridwan Vars]

Ridwan listened intently, his eyes locked on Lianna as she spoke. Although informed, his mind tended to swaying back to his own past. Not much seemed to compare. However, his nostalgic moment ended with a sudden burst as Adia's words slithered into his ear.

Running his hand through his locked hair, he pried his mind for any possible idea. Nothing came to, at least not readily. Despite all his composure, he was starting to open at the seams. All the Jedi training in the world could not uphold to such pressure when the person was not fit for it.

Maybe his mother was right. The Jedi Code just needed to be altered for the day and times. More pressing era was about than the Republic of old, and his mind needed to adjust. This was just another situation that called for such a reaction.

"I think I can keep out of trouble. I'll just need new clothes..."

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna appeared unswayed by the Padawan's assertion. "It's a lot more difficult then just putting on some new clothes in this case, Ridwan, otherwise I would agree with you."

Her lips grew pensive, bordering on a frown. "When Adia speaks of my twin, she speaks of Miranda Tarkin."

The Jedi's eyes narrowed, studying Ridwan, "When I first took off my mask, you recognized me but were too polite to say anything. I take it this isn't too big of a shock, but we're heading into the heart of the Empire. Imperial Center. One iota of deception sensed and we're all dead."

[Adia Issoris]

“You’re not twins.” Lianna looked at Adia, bewildered.
“You’re Miranda’s body double.” The former Black Hand of the Emperor smirked slightly. With Ridwan around, the risk of being found out increased. This wrinkle brought it down considerably.

Besides, Lianna’s accent was usually a bit off, and this could explain it easily.

Adia turned back to Ridwan and her smirk melted away as quickly as it appeared.

“Lianna’s correct. We need put you into some role. You need a reason for being with us.”

[Ridwan Vars]

"Hmmm," he thought. Ridwan's eyes concealed by his fallen lids as he awaited something to come to in his mind. All that he heard were tics echoing through his churn of ideas.

Rarely did he find himself in such situations where so much pressure laid on his shoulders. Although he had searched for the Jedi with hopes to eventually reform the Jedi Order, the pressure had faded as time spelled out the impossibility of it all.

And now there was a Jedi before him. All of it was a little to much for him to think as clearly as he hoped.

"Security?" He asked, opening his eyes.

[Lianna Mal Pannis]

Lianna shook her head in disagreement, "No. With who Adia is, it would practically be a slap in the face with what her reputation is within the Empire."

She smiled knowingly, "Trust me."

Her eyes focused on Ridwan, unblinking in thought until an idea dawned on her. "With your plan, I presume there must be speech coaches or something along those lines?"

[Adia Issoris]

“That is perfect.” Adia smiled.

“The best part is? No one will say anything when you don’t say anything. I’ve hired you on my way back to Coruscant. You don’t need a license. I’ll make you a security ID, and with your clean background, we can even send you through a check with your original name. You’ll be registered, and even have some minor security clearance.”

[Ridwan Vars]

"So, it's settled?"

Ridwan asked with his whole body. From his expression to his eyes, he was ready to commit to the plausible idea. Everything seemed to fall in place, as if destined.