Dark Angel; 19 and Life

[Kes'La Bardo]

With an evil grin, Kes'La stared disbelieving at her reflection in the mirror. Her own mother wouldn't have recognized her...if she were alive that was.

Kes'La had taken a hell of a lot of time detailing and studying her prey for the final attack. She had just the right amount of golden hues in her own long, natural strawberry blonde hair. Her fair complexion was a perfect match. Hazel contacts and a brown Jedi robe completed the look and perfect the ensemble.

Today would be a life changing event.

It was her birthday, her nineteenth birthday to be exact and she had reached the last and final stage of her initiation to join the Dark Angels, a street gang.

It had been nearly six months since Kes'La had been assigned her final task. If she passed it, the title of being a Dark Angel was rightfully hers. If she didn't, she'd be dead and forgotten. But, that's just how it went.

But, no worries, there were for her. There was no way in hell that she wold fail this.

Not today....not ever! She grinned again as she thought of her assignment---to frame a Jedi.

"Welcome to hell, Jacali Danner for in a few hours that is where you'll be. All the while, I'm sipping on red wine and having one hell of a feast tonight."

She casually picked up the blade she's bought for the occasion and studied it, it bore poison at it's tip. Poison that would kill within an hour. Just enough time for the victim to be questioned.

Kes'La felt not remorse of what she was about to do, she had been planning this for quite sometime. She'd even gone as far as befriending the young Jedi, just to study her better. Now, it was only a matter of time, for her plan to finally come together. And Kes'La held the help of the Force with her as well, she was a Force-sensitive being and used it in anyway that she possibly could. Today, it would help her sprint to freedom...

Jacali would be in the custody of the Watch, while Kes'La would be a member of the Dark Angels and enjoying life. The plan was far too easy...far too easy.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

The letter had come from Mylia to meet her at the mall a few blocks down the street.

Jacali had already made plans with Jedi Knight Kelt Simoson for lunch, but had felt that lately she had been neglecting her best friend and asked Kelt if it were okay for Mylia to join them.

Being the kind friend he was, Kelt agreed and there was a wide array of eatery's in the mall.

It was very busy for a Saturday as Kelt opened the door for Jacali as they entered.

She was dressed in her usual Padawan attire and robe, a few took notice of them, but only for a second as their own shopping needs refreshed their minds and they scurried about their way.

Jacali didn't pay much attention to the onlookers, she was used to it by now. She had been a Padawan long enough.

"Thanks for this, Kelt. I owe you one." She smiled at him.

[Kelt Simoson]

' No need to thank me Jacali, i doubt seriously i would have got through the last week without you and your help...' Kelt said, his face full of a warm smile that had not been seen over the last week. The situation that had just gone by had left Kelt in deep thought about the truth, what was the truth? Had what Mernon said actually been true?...

Kelt today was not really looking for anything in perticuler, simply escorting the Padawan Jacali around. Women and shopping, could himself being a Jedi Knight, could only just stand the torment of women shopping. None-the-less he would last it out for today.

' Is Mylia joining us Jacali?

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Jacali nodded with a smile. "Yes, she said she'd meet us on the second floor by the food court." She led the way for them, twisting and turning though the mass of shoppers about.

Shopping had been one of Mylia's favorite things and she soon had gotten Jacali into liking it as well, but Jacali was still overly cautious of spending credits, unless it was truly needed.

Finally with little bit of effort, they made it to the food court. No Mylia.

Jacali frowned and glanced at her chronochip. "Well, she should be here anytime now." Jacali wasn't one for being late and it somewhat disturbed her when other's were.

She brought her attentions back to Kelt. "You seem a little distracted, is everything okay?"

[Kes'La Bardo]

Kes'La had been standing near a post not too far away, she scowled at the sight of the other Jedi beside Jacali. Sithspit! What was he doing here? He wasn't supposed to be here!

This could screw up the entire plan! She thought bitterly. No, I'm not about to allow that to happen! I just need an opening.

She watched carefully as the two remained standing there, talking.

[Kelt Simoson]

' No...i'm'- He paused. A tingerling feeling started to creep up his spine, the kind of feeling you get if you watch an insect creep across the floor or you feel like your being watched. It seemed in this case the latter of the two was correct. ' I'm..I'm just a bit tired Jacali..thats all' He smiled, but he felt rather warn...clearly the last few days had taken a toll on him.

As a Jedi you got used to the funny looks you would get when you walked down the street or cat walk around Coruscant...but this was diffrent, something, a lingering feeling crept up Kelts back...he felt slightly cold at the thought. Somone with a motive was watching them...

' I have an eerie feeling with me, somones watching us intently..' Kelt remarked looking slightly uneasy.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Jacali stiffened slightly, but didn't turn. "Really?" She drew on the Force and reached out, but her abilities weren't good enough with so many patron's around.

"Perhaps, we should locate Mylia and get out of here. I suggest that maybe we split up you start at one end of the food court. I'll start at the other, they can't watch both of us at same time. We'll, meet in the middle? With Mylia, hopefully."

[Kelt Simoson]

' As you wish... Said Kelt and stalked off towards the left side of the mall.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Jacali watched him go and began her hasty walk towards the right, the small eatery's were booming with life, but Mylia would be easy for them to locate. But, unfortunately she could be anywhere.

Jacali's first stop was a coffee shop, where she knew the cashier. A blonde haired young man stood behind the counter and smiled as he saw her. "If it isn't the Jedi Padawan Jacali Danner." He greeted her with a smile. "What's it gonna be today? A new flavor or one you've already fallen in love with?"

Jacali nodded a greeting to the young man. "No coffee today, Kyle. I'm just merely looking for Mylia. Have you seen her?"

Kyle shook his head. "No, she's not been here. Sorry, but if I do see her I'll tell her you're looking for her." He looked at her dreamily.

The Padawan smiled kindly and nodded. "Thanks, Kyle. I'd love to stay and chat, but I must continue my search. I'll talk to ya later." With a wave, she headed back out into the busy corridor to go to the next place.

[Kes'La Bardo]

Kes'La smiled in satisfation as she watched the two split up and walk down opposite sides of the mall. Her plan couldn't have worked out better. It was time to put her deed into action. She looked over to another woman standing nearby, Corena Hawkins another member of the Dark Angels. She was here to watch Kes'La and make sure the deed was done.

Corena was dressed as a shopper and was easily lost in the crowds to make her presence unknown.

Kes'La took a deep breath, as she walked around a corner and pulled the Jedi robe out that she had and a pair of dark gloves. Donning it and the hood, she hid the poisoned blade in her right gloved hand. She then pulled out a small bag and tucked it in her left.

Walking back into the main corridor, she glanced through the crowds and saw Jacali up ahead, the other Jedi across the way, she did not see.

With a determined smile, Kes'La entered the coffee shop.

Kyle noticed the strawberry blond hair beneath the hood right away and waved his greeting again. He was glad to see the Padawan again. "Changed your mind, Jacali?"

"You could say that, young man." Kes'La smiled as she stepped up to him.

Kyle looked at her more closely. "Hey, you're not Jacali." But, she looked darn close! And for some reason a sick feeling came over him.

"Your'e right, but I want everything in that credit drawer of yours now." She said calmly and causally leaned against the counter so not to attract any attention and then pulled out the shining blade.

It would be quite a waste to kill this young man, but she had no choice, kill or be killed. And Kes'La Bardo was not going to be killed today.

Kyle nodded as he saw the blade. She handed him a small bag, "nice and easy...that's it."

Kyle knew the security cam was on behind him, at least they would have a picture of the girl, as he opened his drawer and put the money in. A few moments later, he handed it to her. "Okay, you have what you've come for, so leave."

"But, this isn't all that I've come for..." With her quick reflexes, she shoved the knife deep within his gullet and twisted.

A look of fear and shock came over Kyle's features as his blood began to spill.

Another female patron walked in from the outside, she saw the stabbing and smiled briefly. Kes'La, run! As Kes'La ripped the blade out even more painfully than it had gone in, Corena let out a fearsome scream. "Jedi! Help me! A Jedi just stabbed this guy!" She ran around the counter to try and help the young man that had collapsed to the floor in severe pain, but smiled even more.

Kes'La ran through the crowds, her brown robe swirling behind her while her hood came off and her locks of strawberry blonde hair could be seen by everyone.

Alarms began screaming as she located the Jedi just up ahead, her target.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Jacali had just walked out of another eatery, with no luck in finding Mylia. She wondered if Kelt were having any luck. Suddenly, she heard some kind of alarm go off in one of the places she'd already been in...the coffee shop!

In a hurried fashion, she hurried back towards it, they might need her help.

Suddenly, a brown blur knocked her off her feet and to the floor. Trying to get a grip of what was going on, she felt something wet being placed in her hands and someone closing her hands around some kind of handle.

As fast as the blur was there, it was up and going....

Jacali felt the Force in it as she looked down to see a bloody blade in her hands and blood all over her tunic. A cold feeling came over her and people were looking at her and screaming, she couldn't seem to hear them!

"No!" She yelled and quickly got to her feet and looked around, people were pointing at her and yelling. She noticed a bag at her feet for only a mere second and then dropped the blade and took off in the direction of the brown robe that seemed to be getting further and further away. She had to catch up and get them before they got away or....she didn't even want to fathom the thought.

She could hear the security guards yelling for her to stop as she shoved through the crowds, but she kept going...she couldn't lose this person or whatever it was!

With a mere glance back, she noticed quite a few security guards tailing her and then as she glanced forward again, the true culprit was gone....nowhere to be seen.

Jacali stopped for a second and then felt herself being tackled to the floor with an, 'ugh!" She struggled to get air as the wind was knocked from her.

[Kelt Simoson]

'Move back, please' Called Kelt to the security guards who had taken Jacali to the floor. One by one the security pulled themselves of off the Jedi Padawan, drew their blasters and pointed them at her. ' There is no ned for that my friends...' Kelt said. ' She is a Jedi Padawan...'

' And a murderer!' Yelled one of the security gauds.

' Pardon me?' Kelt said, his brows knitting together in a frown.

' She killed Kyle Master Jedi, the Padawan killed Kyle!'

Kelts head turned towards Jacali, his face full of question.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

"Killed Kyle?" Her eyes were full of shock, she had just talk to him!

"I...I didn't kill anyone, Master Kelt. Especially, Kyle Hernandon." She looked down at her blood covered hands and tunic. A sick feeling came over her...this blood was Kyle's.

"It wasn't me...it was...someone else. They knocked me down...didn't anyone see that?" Her eyes pleaded with Kelt. "I didn't...you must believe me." Her voice was a mere whisper.

"We have the murder weapon, Master Jedi." One of the security guards bellowed. "And the Watch is on the way. Seems this Padawan isn't going to get off that easily."

A female security guard walked up and stood by Kelt. "The boy is dead, the blade was poisoned. I was able to get one word out of him before he died. He was shaking his head in disbelief, I suppose and he said 'Jacali'."

What is happening? This can't be!! Jacali's mind was screaming! Who or whatever the brown blur was, it had set her up and it had done it very well.

She looked at the security guard. "You have cams, check them and you'll see it wasn't me."

"Shut up!" Bellowed a rather heftly security guard as he hauled Jacali to her feet and held on to her.

The female guard looked at Kelt. "I have a witness, it was a woman who walked in shortly after the stabbing. She said that the girl that did this had strawberry blond hair was about five-four in height and donned a Jedi robe. Several other customers claimed the same thing, Master Jedi. And, she was seen running from the scene and we've also found the money that she stole. This will not be good publicity for your Order."

She couldn't have been more correct as holo-cam reporters began to swarm in along with the Watch. Security had to begin backing people out of the way.

Jacali just looked at Kelt for a moment, before silently shaking her head and closing her eyes. This was a nightmare.

[Christian Dekker]

' Okay, damn it, move out the sodding way so i can see!' Dekker yelled moving up towards the crowed of people gathered around the Knight trying to convince him of Jacalis miss doing. Dekker had a photo memory an so all of this would be remebered quite well, but he had a data pad with him for recording.

'Officer! this women here just murdered a barman by the name of Kyle-' Spoke the gaurd before Dekker interuped.

' Yes i know, got a few cadets over there now taking a look' Dekker looked towards Jacali, disgust in his eyes.' A Jedi Padawan, kill? He had never seen it before in his career but hell, there was always a first time. Always had to be one person that left the box for the other side.

' Never seen it before, but before i arrest you we will see the security tapes...whos head gaurd here?'

'I am, but we dont need-'

' Just get them...' The head gaurd rushed off. ' Miss Jacali, would you mind taking a seat over there while i review these tapes breifly?..thank you.' It clearly was not a request.

' Master Kelt would you please join me for confimation?'

'Of course..' Said kelt, nodding to Jacali before following the seargent.

[Reese Somers]

Reese brought the tapes to her seargent. She glared over at the Jedi in utter disgust. Very hypocritial. They preach peace and justice and now this. "Here, Searg. You can't trust these security officers here worth anything, the minute you turn your back they have lost site of the task assigned to them." Reese shook her head at the patheticness of security officers.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Jacali felt sick. She concentrated on her breathing, Kelt would see that the killer wasn't her. Everything would be alright and she could just go home.

[Kelt Simoson]

'Thank you Reese' Said Dekker. The watch officer then placed the small cartridge into his portible player. The Jedi Knight and Seargent watched the screen while the cadets seald of the area.

The camara was at such an angle that it pointed down towards the back of the head of whoever the murderer was. There was no sound and so there was no proof for voice regognition. The vidio played for a few moments before a femail ventured up to Kyles exterior bar. The brown Jedi robes, the red hair. The two of them had to admit within their own minds it resembled Jacali to a fine degree, but they both watched on.

Suddenly the knife was exposed, waved, and then dug into the large belly of Kyle. Blood crept from the wounds, a horrific face came over him and then he collapsed. Unfortunetly for Jacali the other woman was never in camara view.

As the murderer turned, dekker pressed the freeze button, looked at it for a while and then turned towards Kelt.

'Thats your friend Master Jedi, Thats Jacali...'

Kelt had to admit, it did look greatly like her, but also he could feel Jacalis fear and confusion. he had no idea what to think...

' May i talk to her before you take her down?..' Asked Kelt to Dekker.

'Of course Master Jedi' Answered Dekker...

[imported_Jacali Danner]

What was happening? Why was it taking so long? The young Padawan thought as she remained seated where they told her too.

Jacali winced at all the staring eyes. She looked down and closed her eyes as more reporters showed up, flashing their lights and probably getting close up shots.

All in all, Jacali felt like crying, but held it in. Kelt would help her, he'd get it all straightened out.

Kelt would know it wasn't her, he would just know. She looked up to see him coming towards her. The concerned look on his face, didn't seem to ease her mind. Something was not right.

[Reese Somers]

Reese watched the tape over their shoulders. She shivered. It was a sad day when a Jedi turns into a natural killer.

[Kelt Simoson]

Kelt sighed as he made his way back towards Jacali, his heart full of sorrow and confusion. He felt Jacali was innocent, but the woman on the recording was so alike towards the Padawan that Kelt could not sway the judgement of the Watch even if in his own heart he KNEW it was not Jacali.

The Jedi Knight sat down beside Jacali, but remained quite, in thought for a few more moments.

' They think it is you, and i feel they are about to arrest you.' Kelt finally said. ' I am frankly confused myself Jacali, i feel you are innocent, but she is identical to you...is there anyone who you feel could have done this to you?' Kelt asked his saddened face turning towards Jacali.

[imported_Jacali Danner]

The young Padawan shook her head. She knew no one that would have a vendetta against her, she'd never mistreated anyone or anything.

"I don't know of anyone, Master Kelt." Her voice was shaking as she looked him in the eyes. "I didn't do it, I swear to you."

This wasn't happening!

A single tear slide down her cheek as fear started to well up inside her. They were going to arrest her and charge her with the murder of her good friend, Kyle.

Stay calm, Jacali. She told herself over and over. But, deep down her strength felt like it was being sucked into a vacuum.

[Kes'La Bardo]

The great escape was now complete, Kes'La had made it! Jedi Padawan Jacali Danner didn't have a leg to stand on. She'd take the heat, while Kes'La ran free.

Never had anything been so easy and now she would be the newest Dark Angel and it had been well worth it.

Kes'La wanted so bad to see the look on Jacali's face when they arrested her, but she didn't dare go back in. Instead, she tossed all the clothes she had into the back seat of her speeder and quickly changed into some fresh ones. Lucky for her, her speeder had a top and tinted windows.

She drove around the mall and parked near some of the Watch vehicals, at least she could see Jacali in cuffs as they brought her out.

[Kelt Simoson]

' Okay Jacali...' Kelt said, his face rather sad but he trusted her all the same. ' They will arrest you, but i promise i will speak to the council on this issue okay?

'We shall sort something out, i know it was not you...but i cant make all these people understand our shared Jedi connections, and feelings we feel.' Kelt stood up and took Jacali's hand and helped her up onto her feet.

Dekker came over the, gave Kelt a nod as if to conferm he had endd their convo and placed Jacali under arrest. One Cadet placed handcuffs onto her writs while Dekker read out her rights.

' I promise i shall speak to the Jedi Council Jacali.' Kelt said to her as Dekker and the others lead her outside into a squad speeder, while pherensics moved in to see the body.

[Lady Mylia]

Mylia sat in the living area flipping through the different transmission on their halo. It had been a lazy day, Jacali had left early that morning and Simene was out. She hasn't even changed out of her sleeping clothes yet. She yawned as she began to doze when she heard something on the channel she left it on. It was Jacali's name. She instantly woke up and finished watching the report.

"It's a sad day when a Jedi, the so called keeper of the peace, would do something so drastic for the sake of peace."

The new woman reported. Mylia glared at the halo. She couldn't believe she was seeing this. Next they started talking to a witness.

"I didn't see it happen but I heard the yell and we saw the woman who was running trip and fall. She was covered in blood." The woman shook her head. "I can't believe this Jedi would murder that man, he was just a worker. This really lowers my standards for the Jedi..."

The woman went on and Mylia continued watching. Mylia instantly ran to her comm link and tried to get ahold of Master Dasquain. "Master Belargic! Master Belargic! We need to talk now, meet me on the front steps to the Temple." Mylia waited for a reply before she began to get ready to meet with Dasquian.

[Dasquian Belargic]

Dasquian too had heard the news, not directly but passed on from others and was skeptical at first. Mylia’s message, however, affirmed his fears. He calmly made his way to the steps to meet with her, and saw that she was already waiting there looking panicked.

“What the blazes has happened?”

[Lady Mylia]

Mylia saw Dasquian arrive and a sigh of relief filled her chest. "It's good to see you, Master." She shrugged in answering his question. "I really don't know, first I was dozing while watching the holonet and the next thing I know I hear Jacali's names on it. They think she killed Kyle! One of our friends that works at the works in the mall.[/i]

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Her mind is numb, she can't think straight as she trudges through all the ghastly stares and hateful comments from the onlookers.

Jacali's feet feel heavy, the Watch nearly have to push her to move. Her stomach is churning as her wrists start burning from the metal rubbing against her skin.

Tears fall from her eyes as she looks at Kelt with a sorrowful gaze and she sees the News people having a hay day getting this story.

She fears what the council will think, she's let them down. She's let down the Order as a whole.

Jacali feels sick and only moments after leaving the building, her nerves can't take it any longer and she heaves. Throwing up right before she gets to the squad speeder.

[Kes'La Bardo]

Kes'La laughs as she sees the poor Padawan's face contorted with fear as she exits the building, in restraints.

"Poor Jacali, your Jedi friends won't be able to help you out of this mess." She smirks and then busts as Jacali vomits, that was even more worth it.

"Tough luck, Jacali Danner. See ya around, maybe...but probably not."

Kes'La notices the other Jedi, he's looking as confused as Jacali. "Perhaps, we'll meet as well." Her mind already working.

[Dasquian Belargic]

“Killed someone? Jacali?”

Dasquian’s brow furrowed,

“That’s ridiculous. We have to get down to the Watch yard immediately and see their evidence.”

[Lady Mylia]

Mylia nodded. "I know, it's crazy! Let's go!"

[imported_Jacali Danner]

Jacali was devastated as she was taken downtown and booked like some criminal. The procedure was quite horrible and horrifying to say the least. Fingerprinting, pictures, being stripped clean of her clothes and given some bright orange jumpsuit.

The young Padawan was taken to her cell in the accompany of six guards, all carrying Electro-jabbers. They led her away from all the other criminals. It was a rumor that she heard that the Watch didn't like Jedi, because of their use of the Force. Now, she knew that rumor was true as they stopped in front of a rather small one person cell.

Jacali suddenly broke out in a sweat as she saw the small, confined area. Her breathing became heavy as she shook her head. "No, I can't go in there."

One of the guards scoffed. "You will go in there!" He said as he unlocked the door and opened it.

"You...you don't understand...I'm...I'm claustrophobic....I can't." Her breathing became heavier.

The other guards laughed and one attempted to shove her in, but the Padawan took a hold of the sides of the door and didn't budge. Her mind was in a panic, she couldn't go in there!

"Get in there!" another said as he tried to push her in. Out of sheer panic, Jacali turned on him and kicked him in the knee cap, bringing him down, but not before the other's were on her.

An electro-jabber swiped her knees and her right shoulder, they were both hard blows sending the Padawan crashing to the floor. The wind had been knocked from her as she fell like a rock, she never felt an electo-jabber before. Most of her body was numb as they picked her up and tossed her in. Leaving her lying on the cold. hard floor. She tried to move, but nothing would respond, except her left arm...the Padawan could do nothing.

[Lady Mylia]

Mylia pulled pulled her hood down to reveal her face as they stepped off the transpost close to the Corusant Watch bulding. She and Dasquain were going to find out what happened to Jacali. Mylia burst through the door to the busy Watch. She passed people, some didn't look to friendly. Great, she thought as she saw some of the Watch members giving her and Dasquian dirty looks. Our outfits must give our occupation away, she thought. She sighed and went up to the front desk. She cleared her throat before speaking. "I am Mylia Basque and we are here for Jacali Danner. She was just arrested for an unjust incident that occured at the mall a little while ago." She woman at the desk looked at her as if she were an idiot. "You call murder unjust?!" She barked at Mylia. "She didn't commit murder!" Mylia yelled back. She sighed, this wasn't getting them anywhere. She looked to Dasquian for help. "Master, you are the dipolmatic one, can you handle it?" She asked him silently, blocking all other from her mind, but her Master.

[Dasquian Belargic]

“We are here on behalf of the Jedi Order,” Dasquian explained calmly.

“I am Jedi Knight Dasquian Belargic, a member of the Jedi Order’s council. If all is permitting, I would like to view the evidence that is being used to charge my apprentice Jacali.”