Diplomatic Relations: Emergency assistance sought for Almania {Open}

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

"Your Highness?"



A gentle voice beckons to the Princess. That voice belongs to the head servant to the Lirimaer Royal Family for the past sixty three years. Grandmotherly eyes, plump around the middle and a kind smile, Xyra's been like a grandmother to Skylar; there for her birth--there when Sky's mother died shortly after giving birth and so much more.



"It's the King, M'lady, he wishes to see you."



A beautiful face turns from the balcony doors, the sunlight drifting in as it begins to set behind the mountains hits the Star of Andugar resting against Skylar's forehead just right; creating a shimmering amber hued prism to dance across the ceiling and walls. A subtle nod is given to Xyra just as a sigh is released.



"Thank you, Xyra. Please inform him I will be there momentarily."



A slight bow at the waist is bestowed upon the Princess, "As you wish, M'lady."



The young Diplomat watches as the head servant departs from her chambers then casts a glance out the balcony doors once again; taking a moment or two to watch the sky become a vivid painters canvas with swirls of purples, streaks of fiery-oranges, pale pinks and whisps of white clouds. So serene at the moment. To gaze upon such a majestic display, it's hard to imagine the turmoil that plagues the planet of Almania.



The Je'Har have been rallying together and calling favors from their allies on Pyrdyr, collecting human slaves by the transport load on a near daily basis. Some are shipped to Pyrdyr and others are sent to serve the Je'Har; others are simply tortured brutally until near death. That is when they are left alone to suffer, praying for an end that never comes while locked away in cages as if they were savage animals.



Almania is suffering economically as well. There are no funds left to build any kind of defenses, nothing left to repair or update the current technology to give them even a remote chance at fighting back. The Je'Har have been funneling funds and resources to Pyrdyr; one of the three moons that satellite Almania. While Pyrdyr prospers, Almania dies a slow, agonizing death. Now she must find those who could aid her people and planet on the promise of repayment.


<center>******</center>



{In the King's chambers}



"My Princess..." The voice is raspy, wheezy, definitely belonging to one who is gravely ill. A pale, skeletal hand rises an inch or two from atop of the elegant bedspread; trembling with age and suffering. His eyes hold over a half of a century's worth of wisdom, as well as a millenia worth of saddness--pain--suffering. It pains her deeply to see her father in such a weakened state. Once so vibrant, energentic and young; now old and withering. Once upon a time, he was a roguishly handsome man. Stoic in nature, commanding since birth and one of the most noble men she had ever known in her twenty-three years of life. Jet black hair is now peppered with silver; his face ever handsome still with evidence of time marking his high cheekbones and the corners of his wise and tired eyes.



Her own delicate left hand takes his ever so tenderly into hers, covering his hand with her right as she smiles admiringly to him, "Yes, father. I'm here." Skylar leans forwards and kisses his forehead before easing down to sit at the edge of his bed, stroking his hair back a few times through her slender fingers.



"Skylar; so beautiful like your mother. It's time for you to let me go, my sweet daughter."



"I can't..". How can she leave him in such a state? What kind of a daughter would she be to just up and leave, travel around the galaxy on diplomatic missions ... and just leave him here to die .. alone?



"The Je'Har grow stronger day by day, Skylar Raine. You must go; you have no choice. You will soon rule over Andugar, and our people; our tribe -- are all looking to you to save them from a life of tyranny." His dark green eyes half lid as he draws in a shakey breath which only leaves his lungs with a sickly wheeze.



"Go, Skylar; Princess of Andugar and loving daughter of mine. You will be fine. You're in my heart -- no matter how near or far. Remember that and remember I love you." He finishes just in time as he soon drifts into a comatosed state. Just as Skylar kisses his forehead stiffly, tears begin to grace her cheeks and the nursemaids rush in to tend to their King; ushering her away.



"I love you, father.." she calls out from over the shoulder of the royal guard who has come to escort her from the King's chambers and down to the awaiting ship.



<center>******</center>



{Enroute}



Aboard the Andugarian III Skylar's aides are busy bustling about, gathering information of all the potential Heads of State to approach to request their aid and try for alliances with.



"M'lady, the Jedi are well known for coming to the aid of those peoples who are in danger. I advise you to seek them out first. For all you...." Skylar hushes the aid with a gently raised hand, just as another begins to speak..



"Princess, the Cizeracks are reported to have technology that we could use and need desperately if we are to defend ourselves from Pyrdyr; I'd strongly..." Once again, another aid is cut off with a wave of her hand.



Rising from the chair she was seated in, she just walks out of the conference chamber and wanders through the narrowed corridors until she reaches the cockpit. Atleast the pilot and co-pilot never hounded her with anything. They spoke to her with respect, yes; but they also treated her like just another human being; with normalcy.



"Hello, M'lady. Coming to join us?" Commander Baret asks of her while he motions to a seat for her to sit down in.



"Commander. You've been around the galaxy more than any of the aides as well as far more than I ever have been. I trust your judgement and value your word. Where should I go first?"



The commander sets the ship on autopilot and turns to look at her. Seeing the look on her face, he realizes just how young she truly is and how scared she is. The weight of a planet rests on her young shoulders. He takes a deep breath and casts a glance to the co-pilot before looking back to her.



"M'lady, go to the Jedi first. They are the keepers of the light and the justice of the galaxy. They would never steer you wrong and they can provide you; provide Almania, with atleast some assistance.



She simply nods then turns to watch the stars streak by as they head off to speak with the Jedi.

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

Reversion into real space was smooth for the most part. The ship only shuddered a few times and even that wasn't enough to rattle any dishes that were left on the conference table.

"M'Lady, we've arrived." The young Princess is informed by the Commander as she pulls herself from far off thoughts. She doesn't need the force to tell her that her father's condition has worsened in her absence; her bond with him is stronger than anything the force could ever bind betwixt the two.

The situation at home has worsened. While watching the passing stars and gaseous planets she had been half-heartedly paying attention to reports being sent in over the holo to the cockpit. Pyrdyr has acquired an additional 5,000 soldiers for their cause -- a hostile take over of epic proportions against Almania. Her planet and her peoples have no shot at ever being able to defend themselves from the masses that Pyrdyr now has. The numbers were still coming in as Skylar rises from her seat and slips out into the corridor; heading to the boarding ramp.

Immediately, her entourage was hovered around her; fixing her hair and making sure her royal attire was sitting just right on her tall and slender form. She hates this; all this attention and fussing. Still, she'd endure it for her people and for her father.

*******

"This way, Princess."

Skylar, surrouded by her aides, advisors and guards is escorted from the ship to an awaiting shuttle. Once everything is checked out and cleared, she's seated and the shuttle whisks the young Diplomat off to the Senate. 'Formality' must be kept, or so she had always been told. However, the Commander suggested going to the Senate first to address those with Galactic Power and request emergency aid for the repressed peoples of Almania. The Commander also was hoping that atleast one or two representatives of the Jedi would be present; but he was going only on that hope alone.

******

{Senate Session}

As the gathering bodies come to settle down, the man in charge of the proceedings calls all houses to order and begins with the first proceedings.

"Welcome one and all. I wish to begin today's session with this announcement. Bringing an end to over five decades in politics, revered Senator Horox Ryyder retired in a quiet and informal gathering of friends and colleagues in his family compound on Gravlex Med yesterday.

Ryyder appointed former Gravlex Med President Zo Howler and his Secondary, Fo Kuna, as his successors. The two will begin Senatorial duty on 3:30, continuing Ryyder's legacy."

Bail Antilles and Senator Bail Organa salute retiring Senator Horox Ryyder as he bids a fond farewell to his fellow Senators.

"The Senate now recognizes Princess Lirimaer; representative of the Andugarian peoples of Almania."

The platform holding the Princess, her guard and an advisor hovers out to float in the center of the rotunda; circling slowly as she begins to address the peoples of the Senate.

"Members of the Senate -- I come to you under dire circumstances. My people and my planet are in a grave situation and are in need of emergency aide. Foods, shelter, clothing, monetary as well as military support are what I am seeking."

The senate session continues for another few hours and when its over, Skylar is found in the main lobby with her entourage, while her Commander is off seeking to find one or more of the Jedi.

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

The Senate session had adjourned approximately thirty standard minutes ago and Skylar was currently speaking with representatives of a few core worlds. Unfortunately, there wasn't much in the way of aide that most planets could offer at this point in time; they had their own woes and worries to contend with.

Ushered out of the Senate round, Skylar is whisked off by her aides and guards to the posh Coruscant Hotel. Once secured in the penthouse on the floor(s) reserved for the Dignitaries, she's informed of grave news.

"M'lady -- it's your father." Zaernia begins, her voice gentle and its obvious she is trying to find a way to put it as gently as possible.

"My father?" Skylar rises from the seat she had taken, taking a few steps closer to Zaerina; canting her head gently to the left as her brows furrow, steadily deepening with concern -- and a bit of fear.

"Zaerina, just say it. Please..."

The woman hesitates, Skylar's guards avert their stare upon the older woman and the commander rests his gloved hand upon the Princesses shoulder.

"M'Lady, I'm sorry.." Zaerina begins, shaking her head slightly while unclasping her hands to reach forwards to take the young Princesses hands into her own; which Skylar refuses to allow.

"No." Is whispered by the young diplomat, her shoulders and chest suddenly feel so heavy and its hard to draw air into her lungs. Growing weak in the knees, Skylar just repeats that whispered no, as if saying it would undo what has already happened.

"I'm terribly sorry, M'lady. He passed in his sleep peacefully a few hours ago." Zaerina is silenced by the look given by the Commander.

The room spins and her vision blurs, then suddenly Skylar is surrounded by darkness. Good thing the Commander and guards didn't stray to far from her; they wouldn't have been able to catch her when she fainted.

******
{Two hours later}


<center><font color="fffcc" size="2">BREAKING NEWS</center>

<blockquote><blockquote>This just in. King Aratoa Lirimaer of Andugar, Almania was found dead an hour ago in his palace chambers. Cause of death has yet to be determined, though there are no outward signs of foul play. According to palace insiders, King Aratoa had been gravely ill for the past few years. Keeping his illness hidden from the public, his death comes as a great shock to the people of Andugar and Almania.

In other news....</blockquote></blockquote></font>

******

Now, the young woman carries the weight of a world on her tender shoulders. With her father now gone, Pydyr will move in rather quickly to take what it so desperately wants. To conquer a nation and its people during its most vulnerable state.

"M'Lady, you're going to have to give a public address to ease the people back home. Assure them that they have nothing to fear, we cannot have riots breaking out in the streets."

"I know we cannot, Commander, but I will not lie to our people. Currently, I'd like for you to send an encrypted message to Jan`Elleor. Inform him that martial law is in effect and that they are to enforce it. I must seek out the Jedi and see what I can do about getting some military backing first. Pydyr won't wait. Commander, put out a holoaddress to the public asking for all citizens of Almania currently on Coruscant to report at a location of your choice. We'll need to address them as well."

A sharp salute is given to the Princess and the Commander summons two guards to accompany him on the way out. Skylar and her aides get to work on other urgent matters -- for now, grieving will have to wait.

[Oriadin]

A cloaked man stood in the lift of the posh Coruscant Hotel where Skylar was now staying. By chance, the man had been listning to the proceedings in the senate that day and had heard of Skylar's plight. It took a few moments for the lift to reach the floor the Jedi wanted and when he got there he was greeted by numerous guards and security people.

He bowed and spoke with them briefly before they let him past and one led him though to where Skylar was, no doubt contimplaiting her worlds fate. The guard introduced the man. "This is Oriadin, a Jedi here to see if he can aid us your highness."

Oriadin lowered he hood and revealed his face. He looked like a stern man but friendly at the same time. He had a very serious look on his face as he made eye contact with the woman before him. He took a bow, and then resumed his natural upright position.

--Your highness. I am a Padawan to the Jedi Knight Helenias Q'Dunn. By chance, I heard your speach in the senate today and have come to learn more about your situation. Is there somewhere we can have a quiet chat?--

The guard didnt wait to hear what the Jedi said. Instead he resumed his post by the entrance of the hotel room.

[Arik Illian]

Atop the balcony, roughly three stories up from the room number he recieved, the bounty hunter crouched on the edge of the metalic railing. He was suprised--the number of exterior guards was limited. Maybe they had just arrived or weren't even here yet. The latter would be the best luck, however he doubted it to be the case. Looking at his chrono, he noted the time. She was supposed to have arrived roughly 10 minutes ago. He was right on time.

To say he wasn't nervous would be a blatant lie. He was--this was his first real hunt. Sure he had taken down a number of punks on Coruscant--mostly debtors and thieves--but this was a real job. He had heard that there could be some serious danger involved. It excited him. He was young and foolish, and the thought of death made adrenaline flow through him.

His physique was well built, and his slim body was very nimble. What he greatly lacked in strength he made for in incredible agility and speed. With ease and expert timing, he grabbed hold of the rail, launching himself over the edge. Coming in a quick arc, he landed silently on the glass-plate windows of the hotel. He would need to climb down a bit to get to the princess' room. It would be easy enough. Throwing his grappling hook up to the ledge he was just on, it caught safely and connected itself to the rail. He began to climb down it with lightning feet, reaching the outside balcony of the room swiftly.

Under the shroud of the night sky, he crouched low to the balcony. It wrapped around the penthouse suite like an L. On the one side--the side he had landed--he peered into the window. It was the princess' room. She stood, in the corner, a grave look on her face. Beside her were two guards, followed by two more at the door. Not too heavy.

Without hesitation, he shuffled to the other side. It presented the lobby. Within the lobby, four more guards--two at the door, two at the lift--stood as sentinels. They were escorting...a Jedi? Jedi! This would not be good. Not in any way. It was time to accelerate plans.

Pulling the bombs from his belt, he palmed the golf ball-sized explosives. Clicking the timers into place, he placed three of them on the balcony rail. They were set for 20 seconds. Running around to the other edge of the balcony, he drew his dual-blasters pistols. The Client had said dead or alive--either way he would recieve his bounty. He would have preferred alive--he wasn't a murderer, it was just business. However, a quiet kidnapping didn't appear possible.

15 seconds.

He stood, facing the window into the princess' room. The soldiers stood like stone statues, offering no sympathy to the now upset princess.

10 seconds.

He hoped the Jedi would not get into the room before the explosion. His intent was simple--draw as many of the guards out of the room as possible, including the Jedi, to investigate the explosion.

5 seconds.

Kick the glass in, descending upon the room.

4 seconds.

Fire at any remaining guards.

3 seconds.

Try to take the princess if there is no more resistance.

2 seconds.

Execute the princess if there was too much heat.

1 seocond.

Show time.

kaaaaaaaaaa-BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM!!!

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

Most of the things spoken to her by the remaining aides sounded so far off to the beautiful young Princess. Her vision's blurred by the tears welling up in her eyes as she can only think back to the news of her father's passing.

"Hmm?"

Skylar's attention is drawn by the gentle hand laid upon her shoulder by Quirq, another aide who is present with the entourage. Failing to deny her grieving any longer, she closes her eyes and lets the tears trickle over her delicate cheeks; the flow becoming steady like an insistant rain dancing its way down the windows during a spring soaking.

Sure, she has aides and advisors, guards and a Commander at her disposal; but the one she always went to for advice in politics and diplomacy was now gone. Nothing but a spirit leaving behind an empty shell of the man that once was.

"Princess Lirimaer, you must set aside your grief. There is someone here to speak with you."

Quirq informs her as she slowly opens her pained, scared and saddened eyes to follow his indication towards the Jedi now approaching. A faint tug at the corners of her lips indicates an attempt of a weak smile as she nods gently to the Padawan while he introduces himself and requests an audience elsewhere. A brief pause as she swallows a dry swallow then Skylar is motioning off to the side where they can speak in the conference chamber of the suite.

"I am deeply honored to make your acquaintance Padawan learner of Jedi Knight Helenias Q'Dunn. Please, let us set aside formal titles as we speak. I am Skylar Raine Lirimaer of Almania; representative of the planet as well as the Andugarian Tribe. If you would come with me."

[i]Just as Skylar is about to turn from the aides and escort the Padawan into the conference chambers, there's the sound of breaking glass and an explosion at the balcony. Chaos ensues as the remainging guards open fire upon the intruder, however one of her guards is felled before he can withdraw his own blaster from the holster at his side. Two of her aides are wounded in the exchange of fire and the sounds of woman's shrieks is echoed throughout the penthouse, spilling into the hall.

The confusion, smoke and rubble from it all has knocked Skylar up against the corner of the wall where she hits her temple and a cut begins to swell and bleed. Suddenly, an unseen hand grabs the young Princess and practically drags then throws the woman safely away from the going-ons and about to be swept out of the penthouse via a secured passage.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin had brought out his lightsaber a split second before the sound on the breaking glass and the explosion. He sensed a disturbance in the force and acted upon that feeling. Me moved swiftly to pull the princess to safety. The commander wasnt too far away either and was preparing to take the woman away from the danger through the secured passage. The situation was intense with laser blasts being fired about here there and everywhere.

The guards did as well as they could to try and fight off the intruder but the smokey filled room meant they had no idea who or what they were firing at. It didnt take much time for all of them to be eliminated. That left the commander, the princess and the Jedi. A few aides well lying about injured but there was little that could be done for them right now. They would be fine so Oriadin concentraited on protecting the princess.

The laser blasts now came in directed at the three of them attempting to escape. There seemed to be some trouble opening the door for the secured passage. Oriadin focused on the force and managed to sense the blasts coming throught he smoke. He couldnt see the intruder though and so couldnt direct them back on him.

Using a force push, Oriadin cleared the smoke in the room and revealed the lean, dark looking bounty hunter. The second he did so the commander managed to open the door and he and the young woman managed to escape. The blasts continued to fire and Oriadin continued to block them. He attempted to send them in the direction of the mysterious figure but his nible movements made that difficult, not to mention the speed in which they came at the Padawan. Instead he decided to close the attacker down. He moved in quickly to close him down. He would have to move to escape this in one piece now.

[Arik Illian]

Just as was planned, he had unleashed the assault. As the smoke billowed into the room, the bounty hunter reached up to his head and clicked a button, lowering his infrared goggles. All guards in his path were quickly eliminated--they were no match for his quick blasters and clear visibility. He dispelled them easy as the assault continued. The three people were left--the princess, the commander, and the Jedi. The Jedi! He had thought the explosion would have drawn him out to the balcony, where it occured. But instead, the Jedi had come to its source. He was smart. He saw right through the diversion.

Electing not to stop the barage of blaster fire, he concentrated it at the Jedi. None of the shots would hit and, in fact, they came zipping back at him. His lightsaber was blocking them! He had been warned of this talent, but he had never seen it in action. Amazing.

With expert footwork, though, he kept himself safe and clear from the returned shots. Suddenly, the smoke of the room was cleared, and the heat of the lightsaber blinded his eyes in the infrared goggles. Squinting in pain and turning them off, he recovered to see the Jedi advancing on him, saber prepared to attack. He fired two more shots--backing up slowly--each blocked away by the whirling light of the lightsaber. The Jedi came towards him in an attacking fashion.

As a blur, Arik let his feet carry him left, then right, shifting to bait the Jedi into missing him. With a quick jump, he had cleared the attacker and landed to his reet. Coming up from a crouching position, he backpeddled to the opposite end of the room as the Jedi turned to square up with him. He looked to the right, where the security door closed behind the commander and the princess.

"Dammit," he muttered, barely audible under his breath. It would take a few minutes to open that door up. He would get it open--no doubt--but it wouldn't be easy. He turned back to face the Jedi. This situation had to be dealt with somehow. He was little match for the lightsaber with only his blasters. He needed something else. Something to even up the fight.

"It seems as though we find ourselves conflicted," he said, reholstering his blaster pistols. He stoo, his hands empty at his sides. "Perhaps we should settle our differences hand-to-hand."

[Oriadin]

Oriadin could sense that Arik had little or no experience at fighting a Jedi. If Oriadin really wanted to he could probably finish him of quite simply but he was kind natured and would much prefer not to go down that route.

He remaind holding his lightsaber in his hands.

--I am not here to fight you. I will not make this any easier for you. Who are you and why are you trying to kill the Princess?--

He spoke sternly, using the force to track where the Princesss was going at all times. As he spoke he edged forward ever so slightly, a bit at a time.

--I dont want to harm you, I just want answers. If your calm, this situation with you and I can be resolved without a need for more conflict.--

[Arik Illian]

It was decided that day that Arik Illian did not like Jedi.

Who was this man to give him orders? To push him around, like he was some kind of ingrate. Arik was in control of himself and his situation. He did not care to be told what was what and what was necesssary and what was proper and what would happen and what was absoulte and...too many orders already! This was why he became his own boss in the first place.

"Oh, but there will always be a need for conflict with you, won't there? Are jobs, in nature conflict. Our ideals conflict. And definitely, our classes conflict." As he spoke, he reached very slowly to his belt, fingering a small fusion grenade. Lifting it off of his belt, he palmed it, hidden from the Jedi. "You're no better than me. You're no smarter." He was not one for words but, being so young, he had the all the arrogance of the universe in him.

"I'm here for a reason, and I have little time to discuss it with you." With that, he clicked the switch on the grenade, rolling it towards the Jedi. He lept from it, knowing the explosion would not be pretty. As he moved, the explosion, crushing the air around him. Leaving a hole in the floor, it rocked the room. He fled immediately to the door and began to pull at it. It was sealed. He would have to find the cracking mechanism, and quick.

Locating it, it would took him several seconds to disengage it. He began work, knowing that the Jedi would recover very, very soon.

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

In the meantime, the shuttle that the Princess had been unceremoniously dragged into, was lifting off. Thrusters engaged and the shuttle was rising quickly to clear the platform. Once cleared, it shoots off and drops low, skimming the lower portions of the city, piloted by a skilled hand.

A safehouse, located approximately two standard hours west of the main hub is where the shuttle sets down. Skylar remains inside the shuttle with the Commander while the guards of the safehouse perform a thorough sweep of the building and surrounding area. Its yet another hour and a half before Skylar is led from the shuttle into the safehouse.

"You'll be safe here, M'lady."[/i]The Princess is assured by the head of security; the Commander nodding his agreement.
Skylar looks to be in a state of shock. Eyes still wide and her body still quivering from the events that had transpired just hours ago. Finally, she blinks -- slowly; coming back around to the here and now.

[/i]"What of the Jedi Padawan? We didn't leave him behind, did we?"

The Princess was truly fearful that the Jedi Padawan hadn't made it out of there alive; just like her to be more worried about others than herself.

"He'll be fine, M'lady. He is a Jedi in training; he has skills that you nor I possess. Trust me on this, please, Princess." [i]The Commander reassures her once more than he will be fine and after speaking privately with the head of security for the political safehouse, the Commander is off to see if he can track down the Jedi and give aid if possible.

While enroute, the Commander also sets to work on retrieving data stored in the hotel's database, downloading the holovid of the events that took place and gets to work on identifying the Bounty Hunter and whom may have hired him.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin sensed the bounty hunter was up to something and backed off suddenly but he wasnt quick enough. An explosion went off in the room and sent the Padawan flying up against the wall.

It took him by suprise more than anything and almost knocked him out as he banged his head. He felt disorientated for a brief moment as he looked up and saw Arik attempting to open the door to the emergancy escape.

--You wont catch up with them now.--

He slowly got up, clutching his side but quickly put the pain out of his mind. He took a few deep breaths and focused. If it had not been for his Jedi training he probably would have pulled his lightsaber out and chopped the man in two there and then. Instead he brushed himself off, taking care not to fall down the hole created by the blast. He re-ignighted his light saber and the blue beam shot out with the familiar hum.

--A brave move my friend, but a foolish one. I dont want to harm you but I will not take too kindly to being fired upon a third time.--

The padawan took on more of an aggressive tone now. His eyes deadly serious and penetraiting.

--Why are you trying to kill the princess? Who are you working for?--

Within seconds, guards and security burst into the room holding blasters up at the two men. The security instantly recognised that Oriadin was a Jedi and so all took aim at the Bounty Hunter.

--Dont open fire! I want to see what information I can get from this man.--

Now he focused his discussion on Arik.

--And in turn, see what I can do for you. Not discussing it at least would be fool hearty. You could benifit from it afterall.--

He stood silent, awaiting Ariks reply. The security (Roughly about 20 of them) filled the doorway, all guns aimed striaght for the Bounty Hunter.

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

[i]The Commander wasn't able to retrieve any information on who the bounty hunter was or whom had employed his services. Not unusual and neither was it shocking to be protecting the Princess from an assassination attempt. Simply being who she is puts her at great risk.

The Commander sets down on the rooftop of the Coruscant Hotel and as he heads back down, he calls a few more guards to follow; eventually they end up returning to the scene of the attack.

************

While the Commander is away, Skylar remains under the close protection of the guards at the safehouse. Many diplomats and other heads of state have used the safehouse at one point in their life or another.

Able to sit down and relax a bit, she begins transloading information to her datapad on the current state of affairs between Pydyr and Almania......

[Arik Illian]

Even his ancy, 18 year-old trigger fingers wouldn't bend as he saw the insurmountable odds before him. One Jedi and...20 guards!! Impossible, he thought. There was little chance for escape. The Jedi had seen him sneak to his belt for a grenade once, and he was sure that he would not make the same mistake of not watching his sky hand this time. He could almost feel his eyes on the Bounty Hunter's weapon belt.

With little choice, he dropped his blaster to the ground, signifying his surrender. Unholstering his second, he let it fall the the ground before him as well. He had other weapons on him--a machede-lenght vibroblade, a few explosives, and some other toxins--but they wouldn't do that great in this situation. His hands up, above his head, he stared into the Jedis eyes with fierce eyes of his own. They shone through the small, white slits in his mask.

It was always better to be restrained and give up some details than be mute and dead. He would give very little up--very, very little--but the Jedi could not know of his intentions yet. Not untill all was said and done, and he had broken free, leaving the Jedi clueless. Afterall, he didn't plan to stay in their custody long. Just long enough to find a good oppurtunity to escape.

He came down to his knees, placing his hands behind his head as the guards commanded him to do so. Looking back towards the Jedi, his eyes narrowed as he spoke.

"I am a shadow. I have no name. The night is my master." It was in response to his questions. He was no one, and he worked for no one. It was lie, but a fitting response to a question he wished not to answer.

[Oriadin]

It was obvious Arik wasnt telling the truth. It was unlikely he would confess all either. Now was where Oriadins experience failed him. He wasnt sure what he should do now. He took a brief moment to talk to the head of security and asked him to place the bounty hunter under arrest. It was vital that he talk with Skylar as soon as possible. The Jedi would have to deal with Arik at a later date.

Several guards handcuffed Arik, then took away his weapons and led him out and to a secure room. Two guards pulled him along, each holding an arm. Two guards stood behind with blasters pointed at the attacker with another in front leading them. If the truth be told, Oriadin had a bad feeling about leaving Arik in the hands of security guards but he had little choice. The only question was, how to find Skylar. She had made it safely away from the hotel but she must have travelled a reasonable distance as Oriadin had lost track of her through the force.

A few moments later and a familiar face appeared. Skylars commander had come back to see if there was anything he could do to help. This was the Jedi's ticket to finding out where she was. The commander led Oriadin to his ship and they made way to the Princess's secret location. Using his comm on a secure line he transmitted a coded message and the co-ordinates of a meeting place to the Jedi Knight Estelle. The message read...

"Estelle, there has been an incident involving the Princes Skylar of the plannet Almania. An attempt has been made on her life. I require assistance. I have included in this message the co-ordinates of a safe meeting place, far away enough from the princess so you cannot be followed. Can you come to my aid? Please inform me when you arrive at the meeting place, or if you cannot help. Oriadin out."

The padawan hoped the Jedi Knight Estelle would get the message and be able to help but more importantly, he hoped the hotel security guards would be able to keep Arik under lock and key until he returned to question him.

[Jeran Conrad]

(Please Ignore post and delete if possible. Thanks.)

[Arik Illian]

This was perfect.

The Jedi was leaving, it was obvious, and with the Jedi gone, Arik could escape at the least. He wanted his pay, though. He wanted it bad. However, he could manage to settle with keeping his freedom first.

Being dragged was really not an ego-boosting experience. As they guards grabbed hold of his arms and pulled him along, he did his best to be a heavy, limp sack of lead, just to annoy. Two guards behind him, weapons poised, and one in front. That was five altogether. It was quite a bit, considering that he had to accomplish to major goals first.

1) Get armed. This, he thought, would be the key. Get a weapon and take out as many as possible. Mostly, this meant the immediate five. But, he would have to do it in a place where he could just face the first 5 with no other resistence. Also, he had to do this in cuffs, which wasn't going to be easy.

2) Get his hands free. If he could get himself uncuffed, then he could move onto the next stage, which would be getting his own weapons back. This was important to him, because...well, because they were his guns, dangit! He didn't need a different reason. Plus, they were modified, and he had spent some time performing this modification.

As they reached his soon-to-be cell, he decided it was time for action. The guards pulled him into the cell as the two behind him stood in the door. Letting him down, now was the time.

With a swift kip-up, he was on his feet and to the door before the guards could react. Punching the inside locking mechanism with his shoulder, the cell door shut abruptly, shutting the two shooters outside of it. He could hear blaster fire as they reacted late to his suprise. He was too quick for them. Turning to meet the three in the cell, he stepped forward quickly. The lead guard was target one, as the other two were busy drawing their blasters. He kicked the blaster out of the man's hand, following with a roundhouse style kick to his face, knocking him senseless and into the wall. Swinging his shoulder to the right, he jarred the right guard into dropping his weapon. His feet moved in almost a blur as he spun around him, using the startled guard for armor. The other guard fired--three bolts into the chest of his friend. Kicking the dead guard in the rear, his body fell forward and onto the other guard, kocking them both to the ground.

Quickly, he descended upon the guard and, with a motion of his ankle, the switch blade in his boot sprung forward. Kicking it into the guard's hand, he held hs arm flat to the floor as the guard dropped his blaster.

"What's the combination!" He yelled at the guard. The binders had a 4-digit combination that was activated by pressing a sequence of the keys on the binder. The guard kept his mouth closed as he sweated with pain. Outside of the door, Arik could hear the sounds of the guards fighting to find the right key.

"Do you want to die! What's the combination!" He commanded again, digging the blade in deeper to his hand. The guard finally uttered it and, with quick fingers, Arik inputed the keycode. The binders came free. He ducked to the ground, grabbing the blaster the guard had shot. The other hand of the guard came free, holding the blaster of the dead one atop him. It was horribly off target, but the bolt shot, whizzing byt he bounty hunter and striking the wall. Two bolts to the chest, one to the head, the guard lay silent.

Just then, the door of the cell flew open. Arik turned, kicking the other pistol up from the floor and into his empty hand. Firing a blinding array of fire, the two guards at the door dropped, dead. The final guard began to stir, and Arik turned to face him. Kicking his blaster pistol away, he crouched down. Pressing the muzzle into his temple, he spoke.

"Were are my weapons." The guard's eyes were scared, but steady.

"Down the hall...take a right...then a left into the first door you see." The guard spoke, his voice quivering. "Please don't kill me." He pleaded for his life. Arik was not an evil man--he did what was necessary to live and to get his jobs done. Flipping the blaster in his hand, he whipped the guard across the head, knocking him unconscious. He would live.

Ducking out of the hall swiftly, he found a dark hallway to slip into, as 4 or 5 more guards trotted by. Coming back out, he followed the guard's directions to his gear, which was left unguarded by those who had gone to investigate the rucuss. His next move: to the launch pad.

Making his way there, undetected, he tried hard to see the Jedi. All he could make out was a single ship. It was begining to leave. It had to be the Jedi's, as all the others were quielty docked for the night. Heading to the smaller storage bay, he found a speeder-bike there. Very high quality. Fortunate, he thought.

Comandeering it, he laid in the shadows, tailing the Jedi. It was all he could do, to get to the princess. Staying behind the ship, he kept watch and followed the Jedi, envigorated by the adrenaline that rushed through his body. He was doing well. Keep it up, and he would be a well-to-do man.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle had been in her living quarters earlier that evening reading up on some history of Coruscant. The new homebase of the GJO held a rich background in recent history and the Jedi Knight found the knowlege of a place helped much in understanding it. Coruscant was an overwhelming city, especially to a farm girl from Tr' Nuva, but Estelle found she loved the hustle and bustle, the constant vibrancy of it and was glad to now be a part of its life.

However - history was often filled with many unexciting mundane facts that lent itself to a form of literary sedative and so, to stave off sleep, she had taken a trip through the city in a speeder.

Stoping for some fast-food, Estelle was hover-parked beneath a neon blinking sign with the image of a cheeseburger in blinding bright lights. The exact same cheeseburger she was in the middle of devouring when she thought to scan the transmitter unit and check for any messages. Oriadins coded message displayed and was then deciphered as she slurped down her Coruscant-cola.

Dabbing at her lips with a colourful paper serviette, Estelle re-read the message and then entered into the GSP unit the co-ordinates Oriadin had given. Tossing the remainder of her dinner into its paper-bag, she engaged the engine and made her way to where Oriadin had indicated he would be.

An hour later, she walked into the lobby of a small but respectable hotel.

Scanning the busy foyer for Oriadin, she hoped he had waited and had not left thinking she wasnt coming.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin was travelling on the ship with the commander, heading to the meeting place where he hoped he would meet with Jedi Knight Estelle. He hadnt recieved a reply saying that she couldnt help so he hoped she would be there. As they traveled, Oriadin occasionally felt a slight disturbance in the force. He kept looking out the back for anyone following but he couldnt see anyone. Still, Oriadin was weary. If they were being followed, it could bring great danger to the Princess.

Oriadin brought out is Comunication unit and tried to get intouch with the security guards. Just to make sure things were...ok.

After several attempts at trying to get in touch with no reply, Oriadin assumed the worst. Something must have happend and Arik could have escaped.

After a few minutes they arrived at the hotel Oriadin informed Estelle to meet at. He told the commander to land the ship and stay where he was for the time being, while he discussed things with Estelle. He entered the doors and quickly scanned the room. Estelle was there, just as he had hopped. She looked like she was searching for him so he went over to talk to her.

Coming face to face with her he bowed.

--Estelle. Its good to see you again, I only wish it could have been under better circumstances. Please walk with me.--

They began to walk slowly through the hotel, making sure no one person could possibly hear the whole conversation. He also spoke very queitly, trying to ensure no one would hear anything.

--An attempt was made on Princess Skylar's life. A bounty hunter. There was somewhat of a confrontation between him and myself back at the hotel Skylar was staying at which allowed her, and a few of her staff to escape safely. In the end he was arrested by the hotel Security guards but he wouldnt give me any information. There is a ship out there with Skylars commander. He wants to lead me back to the princess but.... well, I get the feeling Arik may have escaped the security guards. He could be following and I dont want to put her life at risk but we do need to see her. Get to the bottom of why she is being hunted down. She was at a Senate meeting, earlier today tring to raise support for her plannet and thats what I was going to see her for in the first place. No doubt, this is all related.--

[Estelle Russard]

Princess Skylar..the name was not immediately familiar to Estelle and she searched her memory to place the name. It was quite possible he referred to Skylar of the family Lirimaer of Almania. The Jedi Knight was vaguely aware of the planets hardhips, but she was far from versed in the details.

Oriadin was talking quickly and quietly, as if he feared being overheard, and Estelle let her eyes drift from his concerned face to discreetly examine others about the lobby.

Oriadin relayed the situation to her, the attempted assassination and the possible escape of the attacker from Security, and as he finished, she turned to look at him once more.

"Are you hurt at all?"

Oriadin looked puzzled for a moment, as if that was the last thing he'd expected her to say and shook his head sharply in the negative. He was obivously focused on what had happened and hadnt given much thought to his own well being.

"Good."

She was deliberately calm, and spoke in slow measured tones.

"You did well to aid the Princess as you did. Im certain she is in good hands at the moment, being with her own body guards. So we have some time."

They continued to walk and stolled out onto a balcony area that overlooked the city. The walk encircled the whole of the hotel and it gave them a little more privacy than inside where it was more crowded.

"To chase off after Princess Skylar could, as you say, place her again in danger if the hunter escaped and perhaps is following you. It might be an idea for us to contact her and arrange a meeting with her. Somewhere that is secure and of our choosing, rather than trying to deal with so many unknown elements that we cant control if we just rush off now.

What do you think? Is there someone still there at the Senate that would know her coded frequencies?"

[Keerrourri Feessaarro]

"No, Sssenatorrr. Therrre wjill be no barrrgajin."

The Gran seemed to recoil at the Emissary's statement, fuming at the Cizerack diplomat's noncompliance.

You are an impossible creature, Emissary. We need this business to stimulate our planet's economy. All we ask is leniency in tariffs, to allow our exports to grow.

Seated opposite the Senator from Malastare, Sarrtarroa's cool blue eyes blinked.

"Sssenatorrr Teel, jI am afrrrajid jI cannot grrrant thjisss. Whjile jit would no doubt assssssjissst the belleaguerrred Malassstarrrjian pharrrmaceutjical jindussstrrrjy, mjy Mjissstrrressssss beljievesss jit would be detrrrjimental to ourrr own economjy jin the long rrrun."

He leaned forward, smiling in a disarming way.

"Perrrhapsss jyou ssshould addrrresss the New Rrrepubljic Sssenate forrr ajid. jI sssjimpljy cannot help jyou. jIn fact, jyourrr planet owesss Carrrssshouljisss qujite a larrrge sssum of crrredjitsss forrr assssssetsss purrrchasssed. We can, of courrrssse, negotjiate pajyment...jif jyou arrre wjilljing to worrrk wjith the Cjizerrrack Prrrjide, and not agajinssst usss."

His smile broadened.

"jI trrrussst jyou to make the rrrjight decjisssjion, Sssenatorrr. Now, jI mussst be leavjing."

Rising from his seat, Emissary Sarrtarroa gave a genteel bow, slinking back his long hair as he exited the Malastarian's office. The Gran slammed his fist to the desk, cursing.

[Skylar Raine Lirimaer]

While Skylar was kept safe at an undisclosed location, the Commander waited patiently for the Jedi Padawan to meet up with him.

Skylar, in the meantime, was sitting with her head hung low and her eyes closed; taking a moment to mourn for the loss of her father. Her hand comes up to press gently against her brows as she weeps, her shoulders hitching from the force of her sobs that soon flow beyond her control. She has no family left now. Instead, she is thrust into ruling a planet that is about to be annihilated from the very space it occupies.

An emergency frequency beeps insistantly on the datapad, drawing the scared young woman from her misery immediately. Though her vision's blurred from the tears still mounted in her eyes, she blinks them away long enough to view the dynamics now taking up the whole of the screen.

The images of Almania and its orbiting moons flickers into view; Almania is set off by the yellow circle and the moons are set off in blue; Pydyr is set off in red. What is left of the Almania fleet is shown as tiny bright green blips on the screen; and the ships are so old and outdated its truly pathetic. Almania's never really had a reason to update any of its fleets; normally it was a rather peaceful world that had been left untouched by the empire and the numerous wars that make up the galaxies history.

As she watches, her planets military prepares to go on the defensive strike as the more current technology of Pydyr, indicated by the white blips, moves in for the fatal attack.

"NO!" Her shout alarms the two guards posted outside of her door and they both come barging in with their weapons drawn, sweeping the muzzles across the room, prepared to meet an intruder. Skylar jumps at their sudden entrance and after assuring them that she is safe, she orders that they contact her Commander and inform him that she is departing on the shuttle with a few guards in tow.

"Princess, you will remain here under our protection until the Commander returns and orders otherwise. While under protection, I'm afraid there is nothing more we can do until he arrives."

The Princess was not happy to hear that in the least. Here, her people were about to be killed and all they could tell her was to sit tight.

"My people are about to die! Get Commander Baret over a secure frequency and get him here now."

Her voice was kept low, yet held an authoritive edge to it that isn't usually heard from the Princess. The guards nod and depart her room quickly to summon the Commander as per her instructions. While they are off doing that, Skylar's back at the datapad sending an emergency plea for help over a few private and secure channels. Surely, someone will pick up on this and respond; she must hold faith in that.

[Arik Illian]

Tailing the Jed was easy, especially in the heavy traffic of the Coruscant highways. After reaching his destination, the Jedi's ship landed. Arik stuck back, so as not to be detected. Watching the Jedi enter the hotel, Arik made his move. He closed in on their location. Then, a few meters from the hotel, he got rid of the speeder. Coming to the landing pad where the Jedi had landed his ship, he crouched low, to avoid being seen from the inside.

He could see the Jedi know conversing with someone else. Hmmm....perhaps another Jedi? Or a security advisor? He didn't know, but what he did know was that sooner or later, the Jedi would try to make contact with the security guards that 'held' him. When he did, he would know exactly what happened. He had an idea.

There was little chance that he could get close enough to the Jedi to hear the whereabouts of the princess. Also, who says the Jedi would even speak it? He was a smart adversary. But so was Arik. Creeping to the Jedi's ship, he made his way to the hull. With a small device from his belt, he placed a transmitter on the underside of the ship, where most people would not look. It was a tracking device--a homing beacon.

It was an excellent piece of equipment. This way, he could hang back, giving the Jedi the false sense of security. He would risk nothing by trying to tail the shuttle--instead, he could just sit back and wait, stalking it from afar. Perfect.

Getting back to his speeder, he waited.

[Oriadin]

Estelle could obviously see that Oriadin didnt feel easy in the slightest about how the situation was panning out. He had studied well but was inexperienced. When it came to a real decision to make he felt at a loss. It was his trust in Estelle and her knowledge that had gotten her involved now. Oriadin wasnt really sure who else to ask for help. Most of the other Jedi he knew were on asignments already. Estelle probably would have been his first choice anyway.

--The commander of the Princess is with me. His ship is outside waiting for me to return and give him further instructions of what to do next. Its possible he has a means of getting in touch with her over a secure line, but im not certain. As for people in the senate, I would doubt anyone would have a way of getting in touch with her. Lets just say there wasnt really anyone particularaly bothered in helping her world out. All to concerned with thier own problems.

I fear I may lead her into more danger. If her attacker has indeed escaped then I am his only link back to her.--

He paused thinking for a moment.

--I shouldnt have left him in the hands of the hotel security. I just didnt know what else to do.--

Oriadin always set himself high standards and if he didnt measure up or if he felt something could have been done better he always felt a little fustraited at himself. He rarely made any mistake twice though.

[Estelle Russard]

Estelle touched her hand lightly on Oriadins arm in a gesture of encouragement.

"You saved the Princess's life. And it seems to me, you have kept your head in the whole thing. It is not your fault that hotel security is not what it should be.

Besides, this Arik sounds very dangerous and is obviously resourceful. We must take great care, no matter what we decide to do next."

She thought for a moment. She was not a familiar fixture in the Senate, but there were those she knew that may help. This attack on Almania was out of her league, but surely there would be some there who could advise them. In the back of her mind she wondered if Keerrourri would still be planet-side or if he had left for Carshoulis Prime already.

"Officially, we are in no position to help her planet. That, I am afraid is in the hands of those who rule the senate. But we are in a position to help the Princess and see that her situation is brought to the attention of those in charge.

I suggest we ask the Commander where she would be, and go from there."

[Oriadin]

Oriadin nodded. Estelle was wise and trusted and had become reasonably good friends with Oriadin in recent weeks.

--Perhaps it would be possible to try and set up a meeting with her plannets attackers. Try to resolve this issue peacefully. I would not be at all suprised if the had something to do with this bounty hunter. Although I shouldnt presume anything. As you say, lets have a quick chat with the commander and take things from there.--

Oriadin led Estelle outside to where the ship was positioned. Ready for any quick take offs. As soon as he walked outside he sensed something but he couldnt quite put his finger on what it was. It was like an itch he couldnt reach. He quickly scanned the area with his eyes but saw nothing.

--Commander, this is Jedi Knight Estelle. She will be helping us out in this situation with Skylar. Can you give us the location of the Princess, oh and show it to us, dont say it out loud.--

The commander did as requested and Oriadin showed it to Estelle and looked to her to see what she thought the next course of action should be. Do they go and make sure Skylar is safe, seek help from someone in the senate or was there another option?

[Estelle Russard]

"I think we should meet with the Princess, she may have more information as to who her attacker could be.

We will have to be vigilant to ensure we dont place her in further danger, but without knowing more, it will be very difficult to find who this assassin is."

[Oriadin]

Oriadin nodded in agreement.

--We really have to meet with Skylar to get some information from her. For all we know, her attackers may know where she is now and be on their way already. Wouldnt look good if we were just wasting our time here. If we are indeed being followed then we will have to do our upmost to protect her, and this time make sure we all stick together. It should be easier with two Jedi on the case. There wouldnt be too many people go up against two Jedi on their own I woud think.--

Oradin turned to the commander.

--Set a course for the princess and tell your men there to be ready for anything. Get all the security together that you can. Jedi Knight Estelle and I are going to want to speak with her as soon as possible when we arrive.--

They all piled onto the transport and it set off on its journey.

[Arik Illian]

Activating the transmitter, the bounty hunter watched the ship's heavy thrusters fire as it lifted slowy from the launch pad. Then, without hesitation, the ship blasted off and headed for it's new destination. Accompanied by what appeared to be two guardships, the transport took a fairly high altitude for the trip. It was obvious that it did not wish to be followed, and Arik was lucky that he had attached the homing beacon to it.

Firing the jets of his speederbike, Arik took to the skyways several meters below the ship. He kept his position well away from the ship, but close enough that he could react quickly to any sharp turns or exits.

Now, it was a matter of time untill he reached the 'safe' hiding place of the Princess. Soon enough, he would have her in his sights. There would no longer be an attempt to catch or secure her--now, it was all out assassination. The rifle that hung at his back would be an important tool. He smiled as he rode through the busy skyways.

This bounty was his.

[Estelle Russard]

As they travelled, Estelle took the opportunity to see if Oriadin had any more information.

She sat beside him and encouraged him to remember all that he could.

"Did you see anything, this mans weapons, armor, markings....anything that might give us a clue as to who he is, or where this attack originates from?"




ooc: lets finish this :)

[Oriadin]

Oriadin shook his head.

--Not that I remember. I cant say I really looked though. There was so much going on, I hardly had time think about it. I should have checked though.--

COMANDER: We are approaching the Princess's hideout now sir.

--Good. Have your men armed and ready for when we land. I still dont feel particularaly happy. There is something naggin in the back of my mind but im not sure what it is. Lets hope Skylar is ready.--

They landed and the Commander and his men spread out and kept a look out for any dangers. Estelle and Oriadin made their way inside to speak with Skylar.