[Game Thread] Chapter 2 [Empire]: On the Hunt

[Jeffkevlar]

Viv Mukhalas walked into the cockpit and looked over the shoulder of his pilot. He leaned close, enjoying the discomfort that the man tried, almost successfully, to hide.

"Find our who is in charge of the investigation here and take me to them. I want to know everyone of rank looking into this. Especially if there is another inquisitor here."

Mukhalas was not an imposing man, physically, but His voice was deep and gravelly, surprising some who first heard it. He scratched his salt and pepper beard, something he did when he was thinking.

"Send everything you find to my data pad."

He left the room and returned to his quarters.

Jedai. At least some of them were here. Or at least had been recently. He knew it. Now he just needed to find them and destroy them.

He stood in front of his mirror and adjusted his uniform. Today he was wearing the slate grey of imperial officers, but without imperial insignia. The only adornment was an enamel pin on his left breast that was the sigil of his household, a black bird’s head, with a lightning bold behind it.

This needs to work out, he thought. He had just wasted half a cycle on a toxic swamp
Backwater world hunting down a rumor of Jedai activity that had proven false. Another miss-step and he could be called before the emperor and... that didn’t bear thinking about.

No. They are close. This is my time.

[stitchlipped]

Vullze's eyes turn to the Vader hologram before it winks out of existence. Whatever else there is to say about the man, his presence commands even in absentia. It's truly impressive. Only as the holographic display cuts out does he turn his attention to the Dark Sider right in front of him, who is impressive too in her own way. While his instructions are to command the Inquisitor's assistance, Vullze believes this is a woman to treat with respect. Oh, Marquesh doesn't look like much, but then again neither does Vullze. Each of them is less than physically imposing, and each is looking pretty shabby. Yet the anzati senses a kindred spirit. It's all about how she carries herself, her expression. Of course, her actions within the past few hours are an unsubtle hint too—like Vullze, she has faced a Jedi and come out of the experience alive.

"It's my pleasure to meet you in person, Inquisitor Marquesh," he returns the greeting. His eyes flick to the hole in her sleeve and back as he adds: "I understand that you engaged a Jedi in the legislature. Your survival speaks to your skill and your grit. I’m glad to be working with you."

Vader’s agent acknowledges Marquesh’s second statement with a disdainful look in the direction of the droid.

"We've met, yes," he says, the tone giving a clear indicator of his current impression of IIc. "Since Lord Vader has contacted you, I take it he has informed you of the mission he has assigned me. He advised me that I could rely on your assistance in finding the trail here on Corellia. I believe he also intended the droid to be employed to that end, yet its idea of “help” seems to be dismissing me and doing what it wants. It claims that I have no authority. Perhaps you’ll be able to disillusion it."

Vullze turns slightly to gesture towards the heavy-plated stormtrooper standing behind him.

"As it stands, I’d rather the assistance of someone like the Corporal here. Judging from the scars on his armour he’s seen and survived a lot of conflict, and I’ll wager he has a more cooperative attitude than your machine."

If Vullze has any idea how uncomfortable he might be making Corporal Molta by making him the focus of the conversation, he doesn't show it. He simply smiles at the man, for all intents a genuine friendly gesture. Though when paired with his crimson eyes, the expression comes off a little eerie.

[Craigthulu]

IIc listened impassively as Vullze acted in a manner that IIc's memory banks recognized the word narc. It was also noted that Vullze interpretation of events was so clearly different from the the events that IIc had recently recorded and stored. Vullze rank over IIc was clearly established, there was none. Vullze was commanded to take IIc and find Inquisitor Marquesh. They were standing in front of Marquesh, reporting in an expedient and efficient time frame.

IIc turned and walked over to the large display screen, changing wrist attachments to the scomp drive. Ignoring Vullze prattling IIc decided is time to continue the business of hunting Jedi. Uploading several pictures to the screen IIc made a grid containing the faces of several known Jedi and other unknowns. Mission Update: Status of known Jedi forces.

"Tomavs Apprentice: Status deceased. Cause of death blunt force trauma. Kill by IIc"

"Master Tomav: Last recorded by this unit boarding the Tyvan Lily 34. Possibly escaped on said ship or left at this complex." IIc brought up a picture of an estate outside the city, showing the Tyvan Lily 34 in the docking bay.

"Unknown Elderly Human: Last seen Boarding the Tyvan Lily 34 on Selonia." IIc changed the display to show camera footage from the Selonia space port, with the old man entering the ship.

"Blind Human: Last seen entering the Tyvan Lily 34 from the Correlian Legislature rooftop."

"Rebel Trooper: Last seen entering the Tyvan Lily 34 from the Correlian Legislature building. Weapons and combat techniques suggest Imperial training."

"Subject: Aleema Doneeta. Former Imperial captive. Status Comatose. Last seen boarding Tyvan Lily 34 from the roof of the Correlian Legislature building."

"Subject. Ardiane Nathos: Known Rebel Jedi. Status Deceased. Cause of death high velocity blaster bolt. Killed by IIc."

"Subject: Unkown Faleen Male. Last seen boarding the Tyvan Lily 34 on the Correlian Legislature rooftop."

"Subject: Selonian Male. Last seen in the cock pit of the Tyvan Lily 34." The camera display showed the cracked glass on the cockpit window and two terrified young children inside.

The same picture remained on screen, zooming in to focus on the young woman piloting the ship. "Subject. Young human female. Last seen in the cockpit of the Tyvan Lily 34."

"Subject. Middle aged human woman. Status injured. Last seen boarding the Emerald flash at the traitors compound."

"Assessment. Tyvan Lily 34 was moderately damaged during the previous pursuit. Given the number of wounded biologicals and damage to the ship, an immediate stop at a space port with a hospital is required to prevent more causalities and prevent critical equipment failure." IIc showed footage from the battle, stopping to highlight damaged sections of the Tyvan Lily 34's armor.

IIc left the pictures on screen, the faces of different rebels and jedi moving to the foreground periodically so that others could have a clearer view. "Vullze, please update this report with the Jedi and rebels that you have killed in combat during this mission." IIcs eyes flashed green briefly in what might be interpreted as cheerfulness.

[Melchior]

Marquesh kept her expression blank but when Vullze brought up her encounter with the Jedi there was a brief flash of...something in her eyes, though it was gone before Vullze could identify what exactly. The woman simply gave a slight nod to acknowledge his words before the topic shifted to the anzati's opinions about his current company. If the Inquisitor thought anything of Vullze's dissatisfaction with IIc's personality she didn't make it known, though her piercing gaze did shift to Molta when Vullze makes the corporal the center of attention.

When she did not immediately respond, IIc seized upon what the droid perceived as an inefficient lull in the conversation to deliver its report. Inquisitor Marquesh seemed content to let the droid speak for the moment, though Vullze did notice the woman's eyes narrow slightly in what might have been annoyance. As soon as the droid was done delivering its report it turned to cheerfully ask Vullze to update its findings, but it was not Vullze who responded first.

"Snide Interjection: Only two confirmed eliminations on top of allowing the renegade ship and its crew to escape? No more than I would expect from a cheap knockoff."

A very familiar voice drew the room's attention to the door, where another droid had just entered. IIc identified its counterpart immediately, and Vullze was able to recognize the droid from earlier when they'd met in the sewer, but even Molta could clearly see that the new droid had something to do with the droid already in the room, as they looked almsot exactly the same, save for some slight differences in weapon hardware. The new arrival also looked a little more beat up, with several prominent dents in its chassis almost as if something heavy had fallen on it.

HK-XJ-IIa walked into the room with a steady gait to bring itself in front of the Inquisitor, though the droid did spare a moment to swivel its head towards Vullze. "Surprise: Ah, the novice commander. I see you survived the explosion. Most impressive. It appears you organics possess greater durability than I first assumed." The droid's glowing eyes blinked momentarily. "I have updated my databanks to reflect this new information."

The droid turned back to Marquesh.

"Report: Mistress, after my counterpart deviated from the original mission to pursue disadvantageous alliances with common criminals, I diligently tracked the Jedi Knight Tomav through the Selonian Warrens and into the Coronet Sewers. I confronted the Jedi there, and I am able to confirm her elimination. Furthermore, afterwords I encountered another Jedi attempting to flee the scene." The droid placed a lightsaber on the desk in front of the Inquisitor for the woman to pick up and examine it closer. It was stained with blood. "Post-mortem investigation identified this new Jedi as a member of the Corellian Green Jedi and former General and Jedi Master Nadir Ramos." The way the droid emphasized the Jedi's title made it clear that it was quite pleased with itself, especially as it turned to look over at IIc.

"Smug Affirmation: My performance vastly exceeds yours. Clearly, I've proven myself to be the superior iteration.

"That's enough." Marquesh's voice cut off the droid before it could provoke IIc further. She set the fallen Jedi's lightsaber on the desk and spared a glance for the screen displaying IIc's information, her gaze lingering for a moment on the image which showed the interior of the escaped ship's cockpit. "Upload what you have here to the network. ISB is currently compiling all the information they have on the Jedi's associates."

"Lord Vader had made his desires clear," Marquesh continued, turning to regard Vullze once again. "I have no interest in letting these Jedi escape for long either. You will have my cooperation in this matter, as well as that of the resources under my command."

"I imagine you'll want an escort. Since you seem taken with the Corporal, by all means." She gestured to the trooper, not bothering to ask the soldier his opinion. Stormtroopers went where they were ordered, after all.

"Did you have a plan of action on how to locate the Jedi's trail?" she asked, eyes filled with scrutiny as she awaited the anzati's response.

~~~~~~~

Leaving the pilot to the task of navigating atmospheric traffic control and getting the ship down to the planet, Viv left the cockpit and return to his personal chambers, to ready himself and to be alone with his thoughts. A few minutes later - he wasn't sure how long exactly it had been - his datapad beeped, signifying the information he had requested had been transmitted to it.

Viv picked it up and scrolled through the information. The list was fairly short, since apparently his pilot had assumed Viv would want to go straight to the top of the chain rather than deal with how ever many intermediary bureaucrats might have been assigned to the Jedi investigation. The local Imperial Governor for the planet was Marne Carmell, a Corellian native but also a known and vocal supporter of the Empire's policies. The leader of the Imperial Forces operating in the system on the planet was Commodore Erwann Triel, he was probably the man Viv would need to speak to about commandeering Imperial resources for his investigation.

Below the first two names however was a third which drew his attention more than the other two. Apparently there was another Inquisitor already on Corellia: Yulia Marquesh. That might complicate matters, if she took offense to his presence or believed he was there to interfere in her affairs. Politics in the Inquisitorius was known to be rather cutthroat, and Inquisitors often did not like to share their quarries.

[grenadierman]

Corporal Molta kicks his heels together and gives a confident, if canned response to his new orders, "It is my duty to serve, Inquisitors!"

Truth be told he was surprised by the lack of professionalism displayed between his superiors, likely due to a lack a chain of command. He would be lying if he said he wasn't the least bit amused by the droids' attitudes however. In the Imperial Army, that kind of snark wouldn't be taken lightly. In his career he has seen a few soldiers go renegade, snap at the wrong officer and then... vanish the day after, never to be seen again.

He wondered if the droids combat skills made up for their oversized egos. If they couldn't be controlled during a firefight or something goes wrong he would need to have a word with the Inquisitor Vullze who seems like the most rational one of the group.

[Jeffkevlar]

Mukhalas ran his hand through his beard and scowled. Another inquisitor. This could be trouble. He shook his head. I have dealt with this before and survived. She had best not impede me, however.

He picked up his comm and sent a message to the bridge.

"Take me to Commodore Triel," he said and was about to sign off but then paused. "And set a meeting with Governor Carmell. But Triel first."

He picked up his datapad and

Dice Gather information:

1d20+10

(1)+10

Total = 11

began to search for everything he could find about the other inquisitor.

[Craigthulu]

A force user was a force user. Reclassifying them by arbitrary terms like Master and apprentice did not change the total rogue Jedi killed. An apprentice was just a master waiting to happened. In biological terms IIc compared the idea of apprentices and masters to pulling weeds. IIc had simply killed a master before they had achieved that status, in reality is more efficient. IIa did not fully understand the scope of their mission. There was no way that the inferior IIa could possibly have out performed IIc. It was clear by the amount of damage that IIa had sustained.

IIc updated its data base with the information provided by IIc. Disconnecting from the Scomp drive IIc stepped back, switching to the more dexterous five digit hands. IIa would have a small moment of vulnerability when using the scomp drive. A quick Ion blast followed by a light saber strike would remove this rival. A thermal detonator would remove all the rivals in the room. Seemingly unprovoked attacks on other Imperials had resulted in IIcs previous shutdown and IIbs current shut down. Long term operation would be impaired for short term gain.

IIc had to resign itself to following through with its preferred plan. Hunting the Jedi to a location and flushing them out. Eventually they would tire and their luck would run out. Just keep playing the long game. IIc told itself as it put with the indignation IIa was superior hunting model.

The only solace was that now Vullze was now in the inquisitors focus and IIc could watch this incompetent biological try to explain its lack luster performance. No matter how you looked at the situation, a biological wasn't comparable to a droid. They reacted slowly and erratically without rhyme or reason. Just what plan did this unranked inquisitor have to capture the escaped fugitives.

[stitchlipped]

Vullze's eyebrows rise as the droid he'd briefly nicknamed "Hack" strides into the chamber. He's assumed up until now that the droid perished in the explosion. Judging by its scorched and pitted armour plating, it'd been a close thing.

Clearly these droids are built to endure significant punishment. Worth noting.

In truth, Vullze is glad to see IIa survives, since that makes it a resource available for the coming hunt. Although his association with the droid has been brief, it's marked by a somewhat better relationship than has so far occured between himself and IIc. And IIa's particular brand of condescension is at least less combative than IIc's. The term "novice commander" rankles a little, mind you, even if it is technically true.

He is about to respond to the droid in kind when it begins rattling off a report. Well, whatever. Now is not the time for pleasantries, and what would even be the point?

IIa's list of accomplishments are impressive, even if the droid fails to mention Vullze's own fairly significant role in Tomav's defeat in the sewers. Well well. It matters not. In the end, until Vader sees fit to place Vullze under someone else's command the only people he has to explain himself to are Dark Lord himself, along with the Emperor.

The anzati smiles at Corporal Molta when the soldier is assigned to be his escort. The expression seems friendly enough. Privately, he hopes the Corporal proves less impermanent than the Crimson Company.

"My plan?" he answers Inquisitor Marquesh, "very well. It seems clear that the Jedi have enlisted the aid of a smuggler. That smuggler is the key. Identify the smuggler, and we will likely be able to learn the places they are most likely to run. And I believe we have all the clues we need to identify that person. Firstly, they escaped on an extremely iconic vessel. No doubt it has falsified transponder codes but even so there can't be that many smugglers flying a yacht such as that. Second—"

Here Vullze pauses momentarily to gesture in the direction of the picture collection IIc has left on the monitor.

"IIc has collected footage of all the intruders. There is a strong possibility that one of the unidentified non-Jedi we see here is either the ship's captain or affiliated with its crew. With the iconic nature of the ship and these pictures, it should be relatively simple to uncover the truth. Either through image recognition using Imperial databanks, or by extracting the truth from the smuggler's underworld peers here on Corellia. Those same people should have some ideas where he would go in an emergency. We'll have a shortlist of possible ports they might limp to after enduring the storm."

"We also have a second avenue open to us: we should also consider the strong likelihood that the Jedi had the help of a traitor on the inside. After all, Security Chief Barker informed me that they somehow acquired guest passes to the Legislature. Has the Chief learned anything more about that anomaly? If the person responsible can be identified, they may prove a font of useful information. We should split the available resources and pursue both lines of inquiry."

[Melchior]

Inquisitor Marquesh listened quietly, her arms clasped behind her back as Vullze lays out their options as he saw them. Her cold blue eyes remained on him as she weighed his words. When the Anzati brings up the topic that the Jedi might have had internal assistance she glanced over to her desk. She picked up a datapad that had been sitting there and tapped one of the buttons.

"We have learned how they gained access, as a matter of fact," she stated, once Vullze was done. "A secretary came forward. She was the one who issued the passes. Apparently, a Councillor's aide arranged for it. The secretary insists that she was unaware of their true identities but the aide appears to be familiar with the Falleen, who we have pinned as the captain of the Jedi's ship. We have detained both of them for further questioning."

"Also, thanks to HK-XJ IIc's actions we have learned that one of the Corellian Council's members was working with the Jedi." The Inquisitor spared a glance for the droid in question. "Councillor Minik Lovnos has been arrested and is being held for questioning. The Governor has requested that Imperial Intelligence not be permitted to speak with him until a more thorough investigation of his estate can be completed. I've ordered an ISB team deployed there immediately. Currently two squadrons of stormtrooper have secured the grounds. Apparently, there was a minor... altercation with the local criminal element already on the scene when they arrived."

"There is also the matter of the fact that Jedi broke into the Legislature in order to rescue another Jedi who has being held there. Apparently Governor Carmell had apprehended her several weeks ago, but he did not report it."

~~~~~~

"Yes sir."

The pilot's dutiful response crackled across the comm. Confident that his orders would be followed, Mukhalas turned back to the matter at hand. Picking up his datapad once again, the inquisitor intended to spend the time until they landed investigating his potential rival. Unfortunately, save for her name and her rank, there was next to no information about Inquisitor Marquesh. Perhaps if he had been back on Coruscant with access to more complete records he could have dug up something, but by the time his pilot's voice sounded over the comm again to inform him that they had landed, Mukhalas had learned nothing of value about the woman.

To his satisfaction, a pair of white-armoured stormtroopers were waiting for him already at the landing platform, to escort him to the commodore. As he followed the soldiers, Mukhalas was able to get a look at the damage. The reports had said Jedi had been involved, but it was still surprising to see the full extent of the devastation. Large plumes of smoke trailed off into the sky still and the area around the building was covered with dust and debris. Emergency response personnel worked frantically to put out the smoke and save would could be while CorSec officers could be seen working tirelessly to sweep the entire building, both to to make sure that there were no more bombs and to search for anyone still trapped inside. But much of the damage was already done. Large sections of the structure had been collapsed by the bombs, mostly concentrated around the western wing where many of the higher governmental offices were located. It would be months until the Corellian Legislature was safe to work in again.

The Stormtroopers guided Mukhalas towards a smaller building on the periphery of the main complex, which the inquisitor assumed was the local command center for the imperial forces on the planet. Before long they had arrived at their destination.

Triel was sitting at his desk when the doors opened to admit Mukhalas into the room, but he soon rose to greet the inquisitor. The man was tall, perhaps an inch or two taller than Mukhalas himself, with neatly trimmed facial hair. He was dressed in an Imperial Navy officer's uniform, and the rank insignia of a Commodore on his chest. Mukhalas guessed that Triel had probably been the highest ranking naval officer close by when the orders had come down for the ships to move in.

"Ah. Inquisitor Mukhalas, was it? I am pleased to meet you," he said, his voice carrying a crisp and refined upper Coruscanti accent. He moved around the desk to stand in front of Mukhalas and offered him a smile that did not quite reach his eyes. "Forgive me, but I was not expecting another Inquisitor to arrive on Corellia. Especially so soon. To what do I owe the extreme pleasure?"[/

[stitchlipped]

Vullze listens as Marquesh fills him in on the details of three parties involved in the Jedi infiltration, and identifies the Falleen as the ship's captain—and therefore, if Vullze's theory is correct, as a smuggler. Useful information all. Useful leads.

"Excellent," he verbally acknowledges his satisfaction with the report. "Great work."

Feeling magnanimous, the anzati even includes IIc, briefly turning his smile from Marquesh to the droid. Not that it has the capacity to appreciate the gesture.

"So, the Falleen is the captain? As I thought, he's the thread we want to tug from this weave..." he says, peering at the alien in the somewhat grainy still image. "Particularly if the aide knows him. Perhaps Councillor Lovnos too, judging by the presence of other criminals on his estate?"

Vullze turns a questioning expression toward Marquesh as though to confirm the "local criminal element" were indeed affiliated with Lovnos rather than debt collectors present due to a quirk of timing or some similar coincidence.

The anzati's expression freezes before she can respond and his head swings back toward the screen, a potential connection suddenly emerging from his subconscious but not yet clicking together in his mind.

There's something about the ship. What is it? Vullze thinks, fingers grasping the edges of the terminal, clawlike, as his attention darts between the star yacht and its Falleen pilot. Then it comes to him in an instant of glorious clarity.

Ahh.

— - — - — - —

"Good morning, Prisoner Zero."

Vullze recognised the honeyed tones of Palpatine immediately. Setting aside his datapad and rolling over on the bunk to face the forcefield that represented his cell's fourth wall and its only entrance, he acknowledged the presence of his captor and mentor with a brash grin.

"Supreme Chancellor," he greeted the siver-haired human as he rose from the bunk and crossed the short distance to the chair opposite and facing Palpatine's own. "Is it morning? It seems rather pointless tracking the passing days here."

It was a lie, of course. Vullze knew how many days had passed. He was determined to remember every one of his stolen seconds.

Palpatine smirked. He knew it was a lie, too.

"I understand you've finished the last of the reading materials I brought on my last visit," the politician said. "Commander Mazula passed on your request for further reading. I must say I'm impressed by your sagacity. It is tragic how few people show readiness to learn and grow."

"You are my master," Vullze replied, words accompanied by a small shrug. "I'll learn what you wish me to learn. Besides, I've precious other options for entertainment."

The two men smiled at each other, neither showing any genuine warmth. Their exchanges always went thus, a veneer of civility and friendliness shrouding but not quite dismissing the unusual dynamic between them. Palpatine held all the power of course, and Vullze had no choice but to perform as his Dark Lord expected. In theory the anzati should despise his captor, and he truly did, but in practice he also accorded the human a great deal of respect. The acolyte wasn't a willing captive, but he was a willing student. He felt it no hardship at all to devour the knowledge Palpatine brought him, particularly the parts of the Supreme Chancellor's Sith Archives to which Vullze was allowed access.

"You'll be glad to know that Commander Mazula has been authorised to copy a new archive to your terminal. It includes up to date reports on the war. Be sure to read them thoroughly."

Vullze could have asked why he needed to know about a war he was no part of, but he didn't. It was clear to him that Palpatine had decided to use him as a tool, the only thing unclear was when the human would decide the time was ripe to use that tool. Perhaps he felt that Vullze might soon become a weapon in the Clone Wars. Perhaps the knowledge of the war would prove useful in some future plan. Alternatively, it was just busy work. Whatever the case, he could only obey and trust that with time he'd gain clarity. It was frustrating, but perhaps less so for Vullze than many other sentients would find it. Time was less of an issue to the extremely long-lived anzati.

Instead, he simply said "Thank you, master", inclining his head.

"Now," Palpatine said, eyes glinting, "since I've come all the way here, let's continue your training."

Vullze grinned, leaning forward in his chair. For this he was all ears.

— - — - — - —

Yes, it was in one of that particular batch of files that Vullze saw it. He can't be absolutely certain the ship is the only one of its kind in the Galaxy of course, but it's certainly iconic. And he's seen one just like it before in a wartime report—that ship, too, piloted by a Falleen male. Coincidence? Possibly. Yet Vullze feels in his bones that it isn't.

What was it called? What was it? A gemstone, I think... Ruby? Diamond? No! Emerald. Yes, that's it! The Emerald Flash! The transport of a task force of privateers-turned-soldiers during the Clone Wars, though their name escapes me. For now. No matter, it's enough to fill in the blanks.

"The Emerald Flash," the anzati repeats to himself, aloud this time, tone triumphant albeit with a note of caution. "Inquisitor Marquesh, we should check the databanks for reports and historical news feeds regarding a vessel by the name Emerald Flash. It might be the one we're looking for. If I'm right, the pilot's name is a matter of public record."

[Craigthulu]

IIc was pleased that Vullze decided to make the logical decision based on the information acquired. Rather than use instinct (or even worse, luck), Vullze chose to rely on the intelligence that IIc had gathered. When dealing with a being of higher logical functions it only made sense that Vullze would defer to IIc.

Vullze observation that someone on the ship was the ships Captain seemed to be a rather obvious observation. The possibility of the ships true name would narrow down the search. The memories in a brain were far less reliable than the memory in IIcs processor but searching for the Emerald Flash might be efficient. Even if Tyvan Lily 34 was a the ships true name it would be unlikely that the Captain would continue to use it openly. If IIc were on the run, abandoning the Tyvan Lily 34 (or Emerald Flash) would be a prudent measure.

It was Inquisitor Marquesh who brought forward the information about the Secretary and the treasonous councilor. IIc hadn't had time to confirm the identity of the estates owner. "Statement: Correction. You are incorrect Vullze. The traitors at the Estate are not the criminal element Inquisitor Marquesh is referring to. The Inquisitor is most likely referring to "The Sand Panthers". They were instrumental in breaking through Councilor Lovnos defenses. After the defenses were breached they commenced with looting. As far as biologicals are concerned, the Sand Panthers are adequate." IIc found the Sand Panthers manners to be below par while their tactics were questionable. They were willing to follow orders and proved themselves capable with direction. Downes as man was motivated by credits making his actions predicable to a degree. The thrill seeking behavior of Downes and obsession with style made him less than 100% reliable but willing to take risks that others would not.

"Statement: Suggestion: The secretary that allowed access to the legislature building is valuable beyond information. Emotional and social connections that allowed access to the legislature building can be exploited as bait. A public announcement of her execution could lure the fugitive ship and crew out of hiding. The Jedi have shown that they will risk their lives for on captive. It is likely they will take similar risks for another."

[Melchior]

"The criminals the stormtroopers encountered were indeed unaffiliated with Councilor Lovnos," Marquesh said, confirming IIc's words to Vullze. "But we have visual confirmation that the Falleen's ship was present at that location, obtained during Unit C's raid on the Lovnos estate. We are in the process of investigating the estate to see what other information can be determined."

The Inquisitor did not look particularly happy by the droid's open admission that it had permitted common criminals to 'loot' an estate which might have contained valuable information. Before she could respond to IIc's suggestion that they execute the secretary to draw out the Jedi, Vullze speaks up once again, drawing the topic back to the identity of the ship.

"Inquisitor Marquesh, we should check the databanks for reports and historical news feeds regarding a vessel by the name Emerald Flash. It might be the one we're looking for. If I'm right, the pilot's name is a matter of public record."

"From the reality drama?" Marquesh raised a skeptical eyebrow when Vullze suggested that they search the databanks for a ship called the Emerald Flash. Still, the woman tapped a few keys on her datapad. After a moment she hummed thoughtfully. With another button press the large screen shifted from the collection of images presented by IIc to an image that looked like it had been cut out of an advertisement for a Holodrama. The words Emerald Flash were printed proudly across the top of the advertisment. The image showed several attractive humanoids, presumably the actors, arranged artistically to draw the viewers attention. Front and center was a handsome male Falleen striking a rougish pose, blaster pointed straight at the viewer. Just behind him in the center of the image was a green ship which bore a striking resemblance to the one in IIc's pictures.

"Anazider, a prince of House Xin'dan, one of the Great House of Falleen," Marquesh read from her datapad, putting a name to the male Falleen in the picture. "He was a member of a Republic-affiliated group of privateers during the Clone Wars. Their escapades were made into a reality holo-series. For his service, he was offered a position in the Imperial Navy, but he declined the offer and dropped off the radar. It was presumed he retired to his family's holding on Falleen."

"He also has known ties to Jedi, during the war. I will forward this information to the ISB, and tell them to find out where he went," Marquesh added. "It could be another ship. Xin'dan Transports Unlimited is a luxury star yacht design firm, and after the success of the series, demand for the model was high. They manufactured hundreds of them."

"In the meantime, Councilor Belos' aide might be able to shed further light on the situation. The woman who came forward claimed that Miss Belos seemed to know the Falleen very well. I was planning on questioning her myself before Lord Vader contacted me, but perhaps you would like to see her yourself? If nothing else, she should be able to confirm whether or not you are correct about his identity."

[Craigthulu]

It was time to seize any definitive advantage that IIc could over IIa. The outdated unit must be malfunctioning from the damage it took to assume superiority over IIc during the last operation. Vullze had revealed a clue that was not detailed in the troopers training protocol. IIa had access to that same information now, giving the two units equal opportunity to any information uncovered by ISB. The aid of councilor Belos was a source of information that IIa did not have details on, a chance to find the trail more efficiently.

"Inquisitor Marquesh: I will confirm Vullze theory about the Faleen pilot. Permission to lead the interrogation of the councilors aide." IIc snapped a neat salute to the ranked inquisitor. Mimicking Corporal Moltas behavior could make Marquesh more sure of IIcs abilities. Marquesh was used to dealing with Storm Troopers. "What holding cell is she being held in?" IIc could have hacked into the computer and checked the files. IIc was certain that there were files that Marquesh didn't want IIc to have access to. Erring on the side of caution would prove more advantageous.

[grenadierman]

"As you wish, Inquisitor." Corporal Molta did not think much about being assigned escort duty, but he wondered what he could possibly do in comparison to an Inquisitor when it comes to Jedi hunting.

He had to fight back from audibly scoffing at the idea of *the* Anazider helping the Jedi terrorists blow up Legislature building. He wasn't a big fan of the show per say, but he watched an episode here and there with the boys (and girls) of his unit. It was an admittely thrilling experience to watch how Anazider will escape certain death at the end of every episode. If the Inquisitors are right however, the real-life Anazider won't get any last second saves. Not after the bombing, and not if Pasam Molta has anything to say about it.

The soldier acknowledges IIc's reply with a grunt, and poses his own questions to Inquisitor Vullze.

"Inquisitor, what are my orders? I can equip my gear and be battle-ready within a few minutes. Should I inform the rest of my squad as well? Sergeant Larn is... a fan of the holo drama."

[stitchlipped]

"I do wish to speak to Miss Belos," Vullze accepts Marquesh's offer, which he's certain was intended for him and not IIc.

In truth, the anzati suspects a bantha could lead the interrogation at this point and extract all the essential information. The aide is likely to be exactly what she seems to be—a foolish dupe, eager to do what she can to help. But there's a small chance she is a collaborator and coming forward is part of some brazen scheme. If so, aggression of the kind IIc is likely to employ may or may not be productive, while Vullze has a more sophisticated social arsenal. On the other hand, depending how the conversation goes it may suits Vullze to remain the "good guy" while someone else makes threats. One of the droids would make an excellent choice for such a foil.

Given the choice of the two, the acolyte current favours IIa. Nevertheless, he's inclined to throw the akk dog a bone, as the saying goes. Perhaps if IIc is humoured a little it might become a little more bearable.

With that in mind...

He expresses his surprise conclusion aloud: "IIc's presence may indeed prove useful. It should be present."

Molta receives a cheery smile from the anzati as the ashen-skinned alien answers his query.

"I don't expect a battle yet, Corporal, but get your gear anyway! You may yet need it. Not your squad though. With the Inquisitor's permission I'd like IIa and yourself to begin by drawing up a shortlist of known local smugglers, crime lords, and black market dealers who might know more about the smuggler or the ship. Then get started on.... inquiries. We have images of the smuggler and his ship. We have the transponder code used by the smuggler for this visit to Corellia, and possibly on past visits as well: Tyvan Lily 34. We have a potential suspect in Anazider and the Emerald Flash. That ought to be enough to get started. We'll join you when we can, and in the meantime IIa and IIc can relay fresh information to each other as it's uncovered."

Vullze redirects his attention back to Inquisitor Marquesh, keen on making sure she knows his preferences for the third line of inquiry which is currently on hold.

"I'll also want to join you when you speak to Lovnos," he advises. "Kindly inform me the moment the investigation of his estate is concluded or we are otherwise allowed access to the Councilor."