Everything Must Perish (Anbira, Ravenwing)

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress arrived on Arcan IV just hours after having received the transmission from Darth Vader. Her new query: Anbira Hicchoru, now a Jedi. She had to admit, the hunt would have been more interesting and deadly had he still been a Sith. but, never the less, she would carry out this bounty.

She disguised herself and made ready to leave her now landed ship. Before she left, she made reservations for a room at Yoghurt's Bar & Grill, and also contacted Arya Ravenwing. With such a high profile target, even she knew two would be more successful than one.

Having finished, she gathered her belonging, and exited the ship, locking it and setting the security behind her. Then she made her way to the bar in her disguise as a young tourist, wearing brightly colored clothing, making her look more pale than she had made herself to be, a pair of large sunglasses to cover her blue eyes, and a large hat to hold up her auburn hair.

While she walked, she wondered if she should disintegrate Hicchoru or bring him bound and gagged to the Sith Lord. She figured the Sith Lord would be more pleased to exterminate the Jedi himself, so she opted for live capture. Of course, if her query became too difficult, she would not hesitate to drop him dead on the spot. Still, she wondered what the meeting between Vader and Anbira would be like. What she wouldn't give to have front row seats for the show.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya sat in the pilot's seat on the Chevvette77 Wing of the Raven, and stared at the message she had just received. Regalia? She hesitated, then shrugged. Credits were credits, no matter who they came from.

She punched in the frequency, and spliced together a transmission. When opened without using the proper password and protocols, the message would reveal only a titilating Twi'leki pornographic holo. Arya grinned as she prepared her message. Only Azure would be able to access the true transmission, piggybacked behind and hidden inside the holo.

Aaron taught me more than how to smuggle. His name no longer brought a pang of pain, but a wry smile to her pale lips. Arya completed her answer, and read it silently.

Have considered and accepted offer, will meet on Arcan IV to discuss paticulars in person. Whistle Down Cafe, corner booth, 20:00 sharp on the 20th. Do not be late or deal is off_

Ravenwing_

She nodded, and sent the transmission, then accelerated and entered hyperspace. In a two days she would be meeting her former partner, and hashing out payments again. She rolled her eyes, Oh the joys of sharing the loot.

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress had already reached the Bar & grill, and had settled into one of the booths, looking at several brochures scattered on the table before her. She munched on the snack she had ordered as she "read" through the pamphlets. What she was really doing, was keeping a discrete lookout for the whereabouts of her target. He would eventually visit the place, like she had seen him do before.

As she wastaking a gulp from her drink, and lifting a pamplet to look over, her comm rattled in her pocket. She had set it on vibration mode so as not to cause anymore noise than she needed to. Placing both drink and pamphlet down, she reached inside her pocket and plucked out the small comm unit. Reaching into her over-sized tourist bag, she retrieved a data pad and connected the comm unit to the data pads port.

What she received in the message was amusing to say the least. Ignoring the dancing Twi'lek "making love" to an ornate metal post, she punched in a code that would properly hack the image to retrieve the message hidden underneath in the feed wave. Her efforts produced a message from Ravenwing stating she would be here in two days and to meet at the Whistle Down Cafe in a corner booth at 20:00 hours. She burned the date, time, and place into her brain. In two days time, both would meet, devize a plan, and go after their prey.

She had a feeling Ravenwing wasn't too happy about sharing the Bounty, but then again, neither was she. But, credits were credits. And the sum that Vader had offered would be more than compensation enough.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya stood once again on the permacrete sidewalks of Arcan IV. Ever since she had visited with Turbogeek, when she had met Marcus for the first time... her life had been turned upside down. The place wasn't exactly full of fond memories. Of course, the fighting had been memorable.

She grinned, and ducked into the Whistle Down Cafe, at seven o'clock. Arya would wait for one hour, and leave at 20:01 if Azure did not show up. Going after what Regalia had described in her message as a "high profile target," didn't sound easy. Or cheap.

And if the bounty hunter thought she needed Arya's help...well, she was more than willing to assist her. For the right price. Arya settled into the booth in the back corner of the cafe, and ordered a pint of Guinness. Dark ale, dark moods. She sipped it thoughtfully, watching the door as the minutes ticked by.

19:55... Arya looked up from her wrist chrono. Was she going to show up?

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle was nervous.

She had been waiting patiently on the park bench for Jedi Master Anibra Hicchoru for an hour now. Not that he was expecting her. He often took a stroll in the early evening through the famed Arcan IV "Mintock Gardens" prior to going to supper at Yoghurt's Bar and Grill. And so she had come, the past two nights the same as this one, in order to "bump" into him and speak privately to him.Thus the nervousness. At the Bar & Grill he always seemed to be in the middle of something and Estelle hoped by coming here she would get a chance to speak with him.

Her Master, ReaperFett, was on a personal mission and while he had been away, Estelle had spent considerable time in the company of one Aurelias Kazaar - bounty hunter and rogue...(and who had fast become the person most dearest to her). She had learned alot from travelling with Kazaar. Learned alot about the way the galaxy works and how to protect herself in it. Alot about who she was, and what she was capable of... But she needed to learn more. So much more.

She had found a lightsaber in the apartment she shared with ReaperFett and as she didnt have one of her own, had borrowed it hoping to learn how to weild it. She recieved regular communications from her Master and he had suggested perhaps sparring with one of the many Jedi at the GJO. Which lead her to the park and the bench where she now sat. She was hoping to ask Anibra to help her learn the art of the lightsaber - or even suggest someone if he didnt have the time.

Glancing at her chrono, she began to think tonight was going to be another unfruitful wait.

[Azure Regalia]

Having left the Bar & Grill with enough time at 19:47, the Huntress called an air taxi. She climbed inside, still disguised as a tourist, but wearing clothing that didn't shout at every passerby. Instead she wore a simple suit, a few of her weapons stashed on her body in several unviewed places. Settling into the cab, she gave the driver a curt command.

Whistle Down Cafe.

The driver umph, and by 19:48 they were speeding off. The Bounty Hunter busied herself during the ride in calculating how much this endeavor would cost, and what amount from the split bounty she would receive. It would be more than enough to cover any hunting expenses. She half-smiled. No doubt Ravenwing was already at the cafe, counting down the minutes. Luckily for both of them, the Bar & Grill was not far from the Cafe, and both were very meticulous about punctuality.

The taxi stopped it's turns and accelerations through the skyways of Coruscant, just outside of the small Cafe, at 19:58. He mummble a due fee, and the Huntress paid him, exiting the cab.

At exactly 19:59 she walked through the door of the Cafe and stopped to survey the inside. At 19:59 and 30 seconds she began to walk leisurley towards the area and table both women were to meet. And at exactly 20:00 she arrived at the table, looking down at the woman seated there, the woman there looking up from her drink. She smiled cooly.

Good evening, Ravenwing. I hope you have not been waiting long.

The Huntress amused herself with the look of question from the other woman. It took Ravenwing but a split second to realize it was her, even with the disguise. With recognition settling into Ravenwing's face, the Bounty Hunter slid into the seat opposite the other woman.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya grunted a hello. "Glad to see you've kept your manners, Regalia." She waved the disguised woman into the other seat, and leaned her elbows on the table. "You know I'm interested. But before I commit to this...partnership...I need to know the W's."

Regalia raised her eyebrows, "The what?"

"The W's. Who, what, when, where...'why' is usually also considered in this group, but in a bounty case, its probably better not to ask that one. And after you answer those four questions, I'll tell you whether I'm in, or out." Arya leaned back, draining her second pint of Guinness. "And if I'm in, we'll work on the How."

[Azure Regalia]

The Bounty Hunter nodded and then proceeded to speak in low tones so as not to be over-heard by the other patrons.

It's best I don't speak of it outloud.

She reached into a pocket and withdrew a mini datapad. On it she quickly punched in the Who, What, Where, When, and even Why Ravenwing had asked for. There was even another line that contained the How Much.

When she was finished, she handed the pad to ravenwing and sat back, waiting for a response.

[Estelle Russard]

It was getting dark and quite cold now. Didnt look as though the Jedi Master was going to show again tonight.

Estelle pulled her robe tightly around her and moved off the bench and headed toward the lights of the city.

She could take a hover-cab, but despite the chill, the night was beautiful and the walk, though long, would be nice.

She stopped at a vendor outside the Whistle Down Cafe which was situated street level amongst the giant towers that dominated the city. Buying a hot mug of tea, adding milk and sugar to sweeten it, she noted through the windows of the cafe two women seated and talking at a booth . She didnt know why they caught her eye - it was just one of those details one notes, but it doesnt even register till much later, if ever, that one had done so.

Thanking the vendor, whos wings buzzed his bottom-heavy body busily in the air around his cart, the Jedi Padawan continued on towards the familiar Bar & Grill.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya's eyes scanned the pad, concealed in the palm of her hand, and did some quick division. A Jedi, though? A stray thought escaped from her and scampered through her head before she could rein it in. Marcus is a Jedi. How can you help take down another Jedi?

On the other hand, Marcus wasn't exactly paying all her bills for her. Her ship had taken some damage on Xa Fel, and needed repairs she just didn't have the credits for. She nodded once, confirming that she was in. "I'm assuming you have a plan?"

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress nodded her head.

Aye, I do. Though it's not terribly solid. When hunting a high profile target, it's almost impossible to have a solid plan work out perfectly. Half the time you have to play things by ear.

She stood.

I have reserved a room for us at the Bar & Grill. I'm assuming you've been there before.

I have a feeling we'll find our target there, for he frequents the place quite often.

They began walking out.

But if it comes to be neccessary, one of us can always summon him. Jedi, are after all, supposed to help those in need.

They stepped into a cab that the Bounty HUnter had waved down, and were off to the Bar & grill.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Along the way, Estelle noticed a man wearing a robe, with his hood drawn over his head to protect from the cold of early evening. He continued on his way, and nearly passed her before an age-flavored voice spoke ::

Good evening, young padawan.

:: He withdrew his hood, smiling courteously ::

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya stepped into the very familiar Bar and Grill, and pushed her way to the bar. Whether or not Azure followed was the chameleon's problem. "Guinness."

The bartender handed her a pint, and she sipped it, scanning the crowd as Regalia sat down next to her. It was busy, the most full she'd ever seen it. Someone tapped her on the shoulder. "I'll have to take your weapons, miss." An NRSF spoilsport stood behind her, rail gun visible, but not drawn. "We don't want trouble."

But you're ready to give it to us if we don't comply. In fact, she'd been waiting for the NRSF to show up, it was so busy in there she hadn't seen the customary trooper at the doorway. Arya shrugged, and carefully extracted the blaster from under her jacket, handing it to the soldier. Then, to his surprise, she unstrapped a rail gun from her thigh, and also handed it to him.

"Don't get that mixed up with your own, now." She winked at him, and turned back to her drink while Regalia handed over her weapons. "Azure, I don't know how we'll be able to take down anyone with no weapons. I hope your plans involve another location. And I don't reccommend talking paticulars here, its teeming with Jedi. They can read minds." Arya laughed, and downed the rest of her ale, pushing it accross the bar for a refill.

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress smiled, shrugging, still in her tourist form, but not in tourist clothing. Her blue eyes scanned the area, taking into account where the NRSF troopers were. The only weapon she had handed over was a standard issue civilian blaster. What he did not know was that the elaborate barret holding her thick auburn hair up was actually a small dagger, the pearl-like ornaments small canisters of smoke bombs. And of course, there was no way he could take her poisonous claws from her. She was a weapon herself.

He didn't take all our weapons.

Her smile grew, more menacingly than before.

And not all minds can be read. The Jedi will not be a problem.

She was of course refering to her inherrant ability to block the Force. She still did not know how she came to have this ability, and little did she know that her creators had instilled this ability in her through various ysalimiri DNA for the exact purpose of eradicating Force users. All that data was lost. Or so she thought.

She looked around casually. Flipping through some pages on her data pad.

He'll show eventually. And when he does, I'll find a way to lead him outside, where we can attend to business.

Her eyes took on a deadly glow.

And if that doesn't work, there is another way of dealing with this man. Everyone has a weakness, and I shall exploit his.

[Estelle Russard]

She was draining the last of her tea from the flimsy cardboard cup when Anibra spoke to her.

They were only a few blocks now from the Bar & Grill and she had been debating the whole way there whether to try again tomorrow night in hopes of speaking with the Jedi Master, so her surprise was complete when he adressed her.

"Oh! Master Hicchoru!" she beamed.

"I was just...I mean, I tried...I was waiting....er..." suddenly she was nervous and her words were muddled. Gah! she had practiced her little speech for days and it had reduced to this.

"I'm glad I ran into you." (Finally, some sense) "How are you? Good?"

Anibra smiled and waited patiently for Estelle to get a grip.

"Are you on your way to the Bar & Grill? We can walk together if you like" (talking to much, too fast)

She took a deep breath and slowed down.

"I've been wanting to ask you for some help."

Even as she said it, she sounded so green and nervous - the very thing she had not wanted to convey. She wanted to move on in her learning and wantedto show in her confidence that she had indeed made some small progress.

She twisted the now empty cup in her hands.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Relax, young Padawan. I may look grave, but I assure you, it will be quite a long time before I am in the grave. Take your time.

:: He smiled, dark eyes gazing at her ::

[Estelle Russard]

Encouraged by his quiet calm, Estelle went on.

"I - I mean, my Master ReaperFett has been on a long trip, and I really need to learn how to weild a lightsaber. I was hoping you could teach me, or perhaps suggest someone with who to spar with. Would...er, do you think that would be ok?"

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira continued walking with Estelle, toward the Bar & Grill ::

Have you constructed your own lightsaber?

:: It was an interesting request, and Estelle was, if anything, eager. ::

[Estelle Russard]

"No, I'm afraid I dont have that knowledge yet."

She felt embarressed at her lack.

"I found one though - I believe it is one of ReaperFetts. He said I could use it to learn with."

Reaching into the canvas knapsack she was carrying slung over her shoulder, she retrieved the weapon to show Anibra.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

You may use it, and I will teach you...but you will eventually need to construct your own. Your needs and skills are unique, and a Jedi's prowess with a saber comes from within.

:: He gestured to Estelle, so that she may activate her weapon ::

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle looked nervously from side to side.

"Here? on the street? Is that ok?"

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira looked around. While there were people about, there weren't many nearby ::

It is a better choice of venue than within the bar, I think.

:: He smiled softly, nodding to Estelle to commence ::

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle shrugged. Good enough.

It took her what seemed like forever but was really only a matter of seconds, to find the button to ignite the lightsaber. Having the good sense to step back a bit and turn to the side so as not to inadvertantly nail Anibra in the chest with the activated beam - though he probably was aware of such a peril when it came to instructing padawans.

The brilliant white of the lightsaber dazzelled Estelle as it hummed in life in front of her.

Holding it awkwardly, nervously, she took in a breath at the sheer beauty of it.

"Its amazing"

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Its light is only a glitter compared to the radiance that powers it, within you.

:: Anbira in similar fashion, removed his saber, Gallanthor, from his belt, activating the brilliant white blade in a snap-hiss. He brought the blade up, in front of him, in a chivalric fashion ::

Now, move with your instincts...stretch out with your feelings.

[Estelle Russard]

Seeing the weapons in such close proximity - their power and billiance - the Jedi Master's held confidently like a natural extension of himself, only served to reveal how inadequate she felt.

But this was a good thing. This is what she needed. What if for some reason she needed to use this lightsaber and did not even know enough to protect herself with it....? The thought made her stomach plunge even as the whirring hum of the weapons made her skin break in a cold sweat from knowing how deadly they were.

Estelle calmed her breathing and tried to focus, though it was hard. A few passersby stopped to watch from a distance and she tried not to look at them.

She held the weapon tightly with both hands and tried an explorative tap against Anibra's blade, wincing at the crackling energy that erupted from the contact.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira drew his blade back, swinging diagonally down and to his left in a basic slash, which with Estelle's heightened Jedi senses, would be simple to block or avoid ::

[Estelle Russard]

Block or avoid...block or avoid...

She took too long to decide and the hit, though not a hard one, would have done much damage. Anibra arrested his slash though to stop in time not to connect to her body.

Estelle staggered back belatedly and felt foolish.

Anibra lifted his blade again in his previous stance, beckoning to her to try again.

This time she did with more strength than before, mimicking the slash he had just done to her and watching for how he dealt with it.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira halted her blade with a steady block, rebounding and slashing from the other direction. Her senses should allow her to anticipate his movements. Duels between force adepts were less luck and more of a chess game ::

[Estelle Russard]

As Anibra's blade blocked hers, she instinctively twisted and lifted her arms to block his second slash without a thought. She just knew thats where the next hit would come from.

Her eyes lit up with pleasure. "Wow, how'd I know that?"

Estelle had not really excercised her force ability to any degree. Her escapades with Aurelias Kazaar were mostly using blasters and detonators, not much sensitivity of the force at all. Apart from the inner prompting of danger and some certain foreknowlede, she was untried in her abilities.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira taught lessons as he moved through lightsaber combat moves, his motions precise and well-balanced ::

A Jedi's combat prowess is a direct result of their mental discipline. The same techniques you have been learning to this point as a Padawan Learner, they are the foundation for everything you will ever do with a lightsaber. Anticipation, sense, and instinct...they are above all, your greatest virtues. Clear your mind, and you will not fail.

[Estelle Russard]

The padawan listened, absorbing every word. She was hungry to learn more of the Jedi way and grow as a student of the light.

The people that had stopped earlier had now shuffled on...no great duel to be seen here..no chance of bloodshed or violence this time around..the moved disinterestedly off.

But for Estelle, this was one of the most exciting moments of her young Jedi life.

"Thankyou Master Hicchoru, I will try to do as you instruct."

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira swung quickly, and Estelle sprung out of the saber's reach with uncanny agility. ::

Tread carefully, Padawan. If you try, you are apt to fail. Do, and success is guaranteed.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle wasnt sure she understood....how can one "Do" if one doesnt "Try" first...Obviously she needed to grow in wisdom as much as in skill.

Standing here, on the streets of Arcan IV, she felt inspired - just as she had when in the company of her Master, ReaperFett. He, like Anibra, encouraged her and gave her confidence simply by treating her as if she was capable of the things they taught. As if it was a "given".

Twisting around quickly, and crouching low, she kicked out with one leg to off balance Anibra (a move Kazaar had shown her) and then brought her saber around to strike towards his body.

[Loki Ahmrah]

After having been visiting Nile and his sister, Yvevian, daily for three weeks now, Loki was suprised to find that he was becoming a little forgetful, he hadn't watered the plants outside the Bar & Grill for two days now. They still looked healthy enough, no doubt Avolon has persuaded another individual to take over the Padawan's job when he forgets.

As he finished off the last of the hanging baskets, he dropped down from the chair he was standing on, pushed it under the table and returned the watering can behind the bar. Whilst he was inside, he jumped up on a stool and ordered a tumbler of cold water, once it had arrived, he pressed it against his clammy forehead, at this time in the afternoon it could get rather hot. He sighed and leaned forward on the bar, his head resting in his crossed arms.

Across from him he saw two women he'd not seen around the Bar & Grill before. Under normal circumstances he would go over and introduce himself, but today he was a little tired, as of late Anbira had been making sure he pushed his padawan to his limits, both physically and mentally. If anything, the little boy was becoming a lot fitter than the thin, pale-skinned boy that came to Arcan IV five months ago.

Last week his parents left to go back home to Chandrila, he missed them already, they arrived a couple of days before his ninth birthday and after spending two weeks with them, he was very sad to see them go home. But he felt very proud of himself for being a part of something so special. Shortly after, he found he was too comfortable and not able to resist temptation any longer, Loki fell asleep, resting on the bar top.

Two hours later, he woke up and it was much colder than before, it was now much darker outside but not quite nightime. He sat up straight and stretched, the two ladies were still seated where they had been before.

"That's odd," He thought, "I wonder if they are waiting for someone."

The little boy hopped down from his stool, his back a little sore from how he'd been resting and he wearily wandered over to the women at the bar.

"Excuse me," came his quiet, tired voice, "I was wondering if you two are waiting for someone, if so, I might be able to help as I'm hardly ever away from here in my free time."

"By the way," He said, realising he had been a little rude, "I'm sorry, my name's Loki Ahmrah. I should be able to help you find who you're looking for, if not I'm sure Master Hicchoru will know who you're looking for, he's been here much longer than me and is usually around here at this time."

[Azure Regalia]

OOC: Loki, darling, I stated earlier in the thread that Azure was camofladged to look like a human tourist: pale skin, blue eyes, and auburn hair. It's easy to miss in all the writing. But I'll go ahead and roll with the punches. :)

IC:

The Bounty Hunter looked down from her conversation with Ravenwing to look at the boy who had come up to their table. She blinked, realizing from the information she had pulled up on Anbira early, that this was Loki Ahmrah, his Padawan. Her eyebrow raised slightly as he confimred this and mentioned Hicchoru's name. She looked at Ravenwing casually, and then back at the boy, smiling kindly.

What a charming lad. And so polite too.

She took notice how he hadn't shown any reaction to her having blocked her mind to Force-sensitives, using her natural Force-blocking ability. It was also possible that he was not fully trained along detecting such a small void.

As a matter of fact, we were indeed waiting for someone.

The wheels in her head started turning, mulling over her words, and double checking to see if the plan she had would work. She realized as she was speaking that Plan A wouldn't work and would tip Anbira off... but Plan B would definitely work to their advantage and place Anbira where they wanted him: aboard her ship, in the Force-cage.

Well, not just any someone, but someone to gives us a tour, so to speak.

She saw a flicker of confusion flicker over Ravenwings features, only to be expertly coverd by a hand placed over a big yawn.

I was hoping someone here could show us the beautiful national park here in this region. We were told it wasn't far from this establishment, and that one of the kind Jedi here would be more than willing to escort us, even give us a tour, of the area.

She looked to Loki, all bright-eyed, and eager as any tourist would be.

Would you perhaps be willing to show us the park?

[Loki Ahmrah]

<FONT SIZE="1">OOC: Sorry about that. I remembered you mentioning the disguise, but forgot about the disguising the skin colour, my bad. Tis edited now. Just for you. :)</FONT>

IC:

"Oh certainly!" He answered enthusiastically, waking up some more, "I'd be only to glad to help."

He stood up straight now, making himself look presentable with his hands clasped professionally behind his back. He always liked to help people and make them feel as comfortable and accomodated as possible. Slipping easily into the role of a tour guide, he smiled politely, very much looking forward to the excursion.

"I must admit on a personal note," He added, "I'm rather happy you asked, because I love plantlife, horticulture and such things; it is a hobby of mine and naturally, I love visiting the National Park of Greeunia. A delightful place, I'm sure you'll enjoy it!"

Suddenly he looked outside, with a face of worry. It would be night-time in two hours time at the most and he would have to be back in about three hours time for bed. He looked back to the two, straightening up his face as best he could.

"Well, it will be dark soon. Normally I wouldn't leave the area any later than this but if you don't mind getting back in three hours time I'll be only to happy to guide you!" He paused for a moment in thought, "But if we do go now, I think I had better tell my master where I'm going or at least another member of the Order."

Realising he was trailing off, he remembered his manners then said, "But if three hours is too short a time, then I could take you on a much longer tour tomorrow after my training with Master Hicchoru; in fact," He added excitedly, "He could join us tomorrow if you'd like. But it is entirely up to you both, in any case, it's my pleasure to take you on a tour of the National Park!"

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress stood, genuinely smiling, placing her hand on the boys head gently.

What an adorable child! they certainly teach you respectful manners at the temple!

She looked to her companion and flicked her head slightly towards the door. A signal to gather their belongings. She then looked down at Loki as Ravenwing walked towards the door.

Why don't we take the tour now. We have to leave mid-day tomorrow to continue our trip. And I don't want to leave here without seeing the park.

She smiled and began heading towards the door, an arm around Loki's shoulders.

Thank you for taking the time, my dear lad. It is much too kind of you.

Inside, she began to wonder what the fates had in store, for this was becoming too easy.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya slipped off her stool and strode to the door to pick up her weapons. The officer standing there handed her the blaster which she slipped under her jacket, but asked for her identification card when she held out her hand for the railgun.

She hesitated, but he insisted. "This is a NRSF issue weapon. I ran the serial numbers, so show me your ID and I'll give your weapon back to you." His stance was tense, expecting her to run for it, or to open fire on him..or something. Anything!

Arya grumbled angrily and flashed him her galactic ID. "Arya Ravenwing's my name okay? Give me my weapon before I report you to your superior!" He grudgingly gave the railgun over to her, and she strapped it to her thigh just before Regalia and the small boy walked up.

She smiled to the boy who liked to talk, and was thankful she was wearing her long coat, covering both weapons. "Shall we go?"

[Azure Regalia]

The Bounty Hunter saw that Raveniwng had aquired all their weapons, concealing them in her long coat. She half herded, half walked Loki out of the bar.

Next stop: the park... and then the plan would be under way.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira had to brace against the misdirection, his saber intersecting hers remarkably close to his body ::

That's good. Use your body to gain the element of suprise. However...

:: Offhandedly, Anbira gestured to Estelle's feet, which were spread wide ::

You're now hyperextended. And you have drawn my energy inward. If I lower my center of gravity...

:: Anbira slowly crouched, easing his lightsaber forward gently against hers. The added momentum and a subtle change of direction caused Estelle to fall on her backside rather ungracefully ::

[Estelle Russard]

She landed with a hard bump. The surface of the pavement bruising her rear most likely, but nothing compared to the bruise on her ego as she sat, legs twisted at odd angles and her lightsaber rolling a little ways along the ground she having dropped it upon her spill. Forntunately, the energy beam shut off on the impact of the weapon touching the ground.

An embarressed red flush came to her face. "Yes...I see your point, Master Anibra."

She got to her feet, Anibra's eyes smiling patiently at her.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

Estelle...it is unwise to lower your defenses.

:: Anbira gave a challenging smirk, drawing his blade back for another swipe ::

[Estelle Russard]

The padawan jumped back, surprised. He could have hit her with that!

Anibra advised, "Retrieve your weapon, Estelle."

She moved to make a wide arc away from Anibra's blade to collect the lightsaber, when the wise Jedi stepped to block her path.

"No. Retrieve your weapon Estelle."

She looked at him, not understanding.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira brought his saber's blade up vertically, putting it between himself and Estelle. And that meant between Estelle and her lightsaber. ::

Do not think in such mundane matters. Stretch out with your feelings, and use the Force. It must become an extension of yourself.

[Estelle Russard]

Stretch out with the Force...

She had heard that term often, and she had tried many times to do just that. She didnt know if it was mind control, or emotional direction or what it was exactly. But basically, she wittled it down in her mind to focus. Focus of her thought, of will, of her inner self and the life force that flowed through her.

She looked at her lightsaber on the pavement. As far away as the Moon of Endor for all her ability to get at it - Master Anibra's lightsaber saw to that.

She saw his eyes as they studied her, and she didnt want to fail him.

"Do it, Estelle."

She locked onto his hazel/grey eyes, seeking to somehow get some transferrence of discipline just by watching him. She thought of her weapon laying dorment on the ground.

And without warning there was movement. One end lifted and Anibras eyes crinkled to a smile.

Encouraged by her success, Estelle closed her eyes and visualised the weapon flying forward to her hands.

Opening her eyes she was disappointed to see it lay where it had before.

Refusing to give up, she looked again to the Jedi Master and this time, she stretched out her hand and, keeping her eyes looking into his, called her weapon to her.

With a satisfying "smack" the lightsaber was back in her grasp.

[Loki Ahmrah]

Outside the Bar and Grill, Loki looked up and down the street until with a smile he raised his hand and gestured to an oncoming vehicle, it slowed to a halt and Loki opened the door and gestured to the two women politely.

"After you, ladies."

Shortly he followed and once the door was shut gave the cab driver directions and with that the land speeder started up and headed for the national park. Inside the cab, Loki turned to the two ladies and with a smile began to strike up a conversation.

"We should be at the park within no more than ten, maybe fifteen minutes depending on traffic. I'm sorry to hear you'll be leaving tomorrow, we could've spent more time together perhaps. Oh well," He sighed, realising he was talking a lot again, "So is this your first time to Arcan IV?"

Amidst his excitement at being asked to be a tour guide for Greeunia, the little Padawan had forgotten entirely about informing his master about his plans for the evening should he wish to see him.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya settled into her seat, letting her jacket drape around the gun on her leg without being conspicuous. The boy prattled on about some park, but she let her eyes look out the window as the dirty city went by.

And then she saw two people on the street with lightsabers. One looked young, and the other...

Arya tapped Azure on the shoulder. "Look at that...not something you see every day."

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress turned to look as Ravenwings finger poked her shoulder. There, on the sidewalk, were two Jedi fighting. One, a woman, she did not recognize. But the other made her take in a sharp breath, which she covered up to sound like something of wonder and awe.

She mummbled.

Yes... you certainly don't see that everyday.

She had to hold back from extending her Force inhibiting bubble to mask all of them, but she knew if she did that, it would expose them more than hide them. The elder Jedi would certainly pick up the empty spot in so much life on the streets.

Just then, the hover taxi veered sharply off in the opposite cirection, going down a fast airway to get to the national park. Now she just had to distract the boy. She didn't want the Padwan to get any ideas on saying anything about the Jedi, or contacting him in any way, so she tapped him lightly on the knee, pointing to a buidling off to the side.

Is that the Jedi Recruitment Center? I've heard the few training rooms the building houses are state of the art!

And then, just as quickly, she pointed to another establishment.

Oh! That's the "Lucky Draw"! I had a friend that once worked there. Said the drinks and entertainment were quite good!

The car sped on, far from the Bar & Grill, and far from the dualing Jedi.

[Loki Ahmrah]

"Don't see what-" He began until his attention was suddenly diverted by Azure, he looked at the building then turned back to her and said, "Ah well, what I've seen is hardly what I'd call state of the art, the rooms I've trained in are rather spartan actually. Yet I wouldn't be suprised if some rooms housed state-of-the-art technology for Jedi Masters."

The cab driver certainly did like to make sharp turns, he was a bit of a wild driver, at this rate the trio would be there in no time.

"I'm quite excited about this trip actually!" He declared with a smile.

[Azure Regalia]

She graced the boy with a genuine smile, ruffling his hair a bit.

So am I, Loki...

She turned again, still smiling, to look out the window.

...so am I.

[Estelle Russard]

She reactivated her lightsaber and the two Jedi - Master and beginner - stood eyeing each other in the street.

Estelle watched for any indication of Anibra's next move, hoping to anticipate and then out maneuver him.. But he was unreadable. She was either too inexperienced to peirce his thoughts, or he was deliberately not allowing her to do so.

Estelle thought most likely both answers were correct.

The busy city traffic buzzed by them, Estelle hardly noticed it was there. She was not concerned with anything but the Master before her right now.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira made a somewhat amused face, gesturing to Estelle's feet, which were now several inches above the ground ::

Do not be distracted by it. React, adapt, and let the Force guide your instinct.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle trusted Anibra, which is why she didnt let the unsettling feeling of not having her feet firmly on the ground, but in someone elses power, distract her too much. Instead she flowed with it and swirling her saber in hand above her head, then brought it down in a hard swipe toward the Jedi Master.

[Anbira Hicchoru]

:: Anbira met Estelle's strike with a firm block, and was about to counter-attack, until he felt a flicker in the force. His demeanor changed, and he stepped away from the spar. ::

Something is amiss...

[Azure Regalia]

They finally reached the park, a good 15 to 20 minutes from where they had come and also where Anbira and his pupil had been left behind. All three spilled out of the cramped air taxi. The Huntress payed the driver, even giving him an extra tidbit, and instructed him to forget about the whole ride and his now departed pasengers. He gave her a quizzical look, but never the less took the money and gave her a mock salute. She stood back as the taxi departed, neither Ravenwing or Loki having heard what she'd said. She noted Raevwing was carrying their small duffle bag, that could be mistaken for a large purse, with their equiptment in it.

Turning, she clasped her hands together, beaming with excitment.

Now... I heard this park sports a cave with exquisite crystals! I've only heard friends speak of it, and never seen pictures. But oh how curious i am to see them!

She was practially jumping with perfectly practiced excitment.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya stood by the child, alert and ready for anything. Regalia was coming back, and saying something about a cave. Arya smiled as the boy looked in her direction. "Do you know where it is, Loki?"

She pulled the bag up higher on her shoulder, holding it almost nonchalantly.

[Loki Ahmrah]

"Oh yes, you must mean the Tasar Crystals!" He confirmed with overflowing enthusiasm.

"They have quite a history, y'know. But I'm sure I can tell you all about them on the way. It's a ten minute trek, this way!" He gestured in the direction of a small footpath visibly breaking the grass, dissapearing into a thick wood.

They headed off, descended a gently sloping hill which dipped into the forest which was no rather dark due to the sun beginning to set, the sky was a brilliant ensemble of oranges, reds and pinks and the tree canopies were nicely silhouetted against the evening sky. It was getting a bit chilly too but Loki happily chatted away about the forest and the natural preserve itself until finally getting to the story behind the crystals.

"Well the truth is," He began rather informatively, "That the cave is actually not a cave, although it wont be visable from our perspective, what we actually will be venturing inside is the remains of a meteor."

He paused a moment, waiting for gasps of suprise and intrigue.

"There is an abudance of these crystals on the planet Tasari; which occasionally suffers heavy meteor showers and the meteors carry specific minerals from which the crystals originate. Upon impact these large meteors cause fractures in the planets crust and the volcanic reactions and the magma which seeps to the surface refine these minerals and produce the Tasar Crystals."

Finally the came into a small clearing in the talls trees and the evening sky crept through lighting the face of what appeared to be an unusually smooth cliff. At the base of the rock face was dark opening, this of course was the cave Azure had spoken about. "She sure does know a lot about a place she's never visited before," Loki pondered on this a moment before speaking up again.

"This of course is not a cliff, the rock face is one side of the meteor; similar to Tasari, Arcan was once battered by a shower centuries ago, this is now a national treasure. The upper half is only visible and the cave plunges deep into the bowels of it. That is where we'll find the crystals, but we'll have to be careful. Does anyone have a glowlamp or anything?"

[Azure Regalia]

The Huntress listened to the boy as he spoke, quite impressed with his knowledge. They apparently tought them well at the Temple. A shame he was to be caught in the middle of their mission.

He finished speaking for a breath, giving her a chance to speak.

Wow, Loki! You certainly know your planets! The pamphlet I picked up at the space port only had a fraction of what you just told us.

She turned to Ravenwing.

See? I told you having a guide would be more intrigueing and informative than just veturing off on our own.

She looked at the mouth of the meteor/cave.

Not to mention we could get lost!

The boy continued by asking for some glowlamps. This prompted the Huntress to rumage through the small bag slung over her shoulder.

I don't have any glowlamps...

More rumaging.

...but I do have some glow sticks. They fit better in my purse.

She produced two glowsticks, one of which she handed to Loki.

Will this do?

[Loki Ahmrah]

"Ah these are fine!" He replied, examing the long, thin rod.

Together they ventured forth, carefully manouvering themselves from a series of descending rocks which led to the ominously dark mouth of the cave. The three stood, staring into the gaping black maw from which they could feel the gentle caress of a chilling breeze which accompanied the faint whistling of the wind deep within the labrynth of tunnels and caverns.

Gently snapping the glow rod, the young padawan watched as it illuminated rapidly before his eyes casting an eerie green glow which sson became so bright that the interior of the cave opening became visible. It wasn't remarkably bright by any means but sufficient enough to take a stroll through the caves. Yet in that moment, Loki felt something what he could only later describe as a chill but on the inside, not caused by the ghastly breeze or haunting sounds. Feeling a little uncomfortable, he drowned out his doubt and worry and cast a weary smile in the direction of the two women.

"Ok then. Here we go!" He said, this time somewhat less enthusiastic than before. Within a moment, the three had made their way inside and began their descent into darkness, the light of the glowrods dissapearing with them.

[Arya Ravenwing]

Arya activated her glow rod and ducked, following the child inside the caves. She shot a sideways glance at Regalia, still unsure what the Hunter's plan was.