|
(4.10) Two Halves of the coin (Part Two)
Two Halves of the coin (Part Two)
City of Melcore
Republic Core World of Kelore
Amidst great fan fair, the Supreme Chancellor landed on Kelore spearheading a wave of relief ships. To many surprised and shocked opponents the Supreme Chancellor pulled off something just shy of a logistic miracle. Despite the claims leveled by his opponents within the Senate of being a political slug in action, incompetent, and a warrior with no wars to fight, the Chancellor has shown a more humanitarian and caring side. As the first wave of shuttles landed planetary leaders, under the guidance of the Chancellor, started organizing the means to get the first supplies out to the areas hit hardest. While debates in the Senate over which aid to send had gridlocked the Senate, the Chancellor had managed to assemble a task force of over twenty relief ships from both the military and private sectors.
During his arrival speech, he quoted, "I know that there is great debate over my administration, my lack of leadership, and failures here to stop these horrible attacks. There are people in dire need, republic citizens in dire need. If my opponents needs to blame someone for these tragic attacks carried out by the Flail, than I shall accept that blame. I do this only if this will end the needless debates that have stalled the Senate and help speed relief to these victims here. I have lead the way and set the example for everyone to follow. I ask my opponents and supporters alike, please set aside political debates over my leadership, failures and other distractions. Let us get down to leading the Great Republic during its hour of need. Let us helped these victims!"
The chancellor and his aides arrived just over twenty four hours after the first reports of the bombings hit main stream media outlets. Sources closest to the Chancellor stated that much of the planning had been done en route and ships joined up the operation during transit. After delivering his powerful "Call to Action" speech, the Chancellor took a tour of the Ravendale Elementary School with planetary leaders. While reporters were kept at bay by tight security, some details of the meeting did leak out. The Chancellor fielded hard questions from planetary leaders and gathered details on the needs of the victims. The Chancellor promised accountability and as much aid as needed to help victims. One leader stated off the record that the Chancellor's reputation didn't match the man, he met with today. Ravendale Elementary was the second location to be bombed during a series of cold blooded attacks on mainly schools. So far there are a total of four bombing sites which each has been secured by a special detail of Rangers. These sites along with what could have been a disastrous viral attack. Luckily for Kelore, the last and most deadly attack had been thwarted by Lead Ranger, Daz Murl.
Even during his tour of one of the bombing sites, the Chancellor took fiery attacks from Senators back on Coruscant for supposedly with holding key information regarding the attacks prior to the media being informed. Because of this claim, some Senators have argued that Chancellor Quee tied their hands and actively stalled their actions. Others have gone as far as claiming the Chancellor had something to do with the attacks directly or had fore knowledge of them occurring. Both claims have been sternly rejected by the Chancellor's office. One harsh critic of the Chancellor said, "How is it that the Chancellor had his relief teams ready so fast. Why withhold information regarding the bombings unless to show himself off." This statement came from Senator Moriunis from the mid-rim worlds of Hus'ist'le.
Senator Nabrina and candidate for the Chancellor's office offered a more measured reply, "while I do find the with holding of information issue puzzling, I truly do not believe the Chancellor to be responsible or even had knowledge of these events prior to. Entertaining these thoughts can only take attention away from the task at hand. We have to safe guard the Republic from real threats not create distractions of smoke and mirrors." Senator Nabrina is planning to arrive on Kelore with another round of relief ships sometime tomorrow afternoon.
With the attacks still fresh in the minds and the elections coming up, one thing will remain certain. The Chancellor will have a tough fight on his hands to remain in office. It is clear that he is not planning to leave office without a sound political fight. However, as the Chancellor pushes to reinvent himself to show his ability to lead, many ask if all of this fan fair is too little too late. What is clear, for the time being the people of Kelore is welcoming him as hero and savor. This election may become one of the most highly charged elections in Republic History. Only time will tell the outcome.
**********************************************************
"Greetings Daz" Sate said with a smile as he greeting Daz at the door to his suite. "Thank you for accepting my invitation for dinner." Sate was dressed in a casual attire which was surprisingly out of the norm for what Daz was expecting. He had a glass in his hand and offered his other for Daz to shake.
Daz nodded as he said, "of course Chancellor." The two men shook hands then Sate lead Daz in to the suite aboard the Chancellor's Transport. Just outside of the suite stood the Chancellor's personal guards.
With a hand raised, "Daz, call me Sate. And no politics tonight. My god, I have been blasted with politics all day." Sate complained, “Those worms in the Senate have taken every chance to stab at me today.”
Nodding, "um yes Sate, though before we refrain from speaking about politics. I have to know one thing" Daz stated calmly. There were questions on Daz's mind and he knew that Sate would not be offended.
Sate nodded, "the rumors?" Daz only nodded, "no I had nothing to do with the attacks.” Sate stated flatly. Daz knew in his heart that the Chancellor was telling the truth. “I don't blame you for having to ask. I wouldn't have the respect I do for you if you didn't speak your mind. As for withholding information. Yes I withheld it from the media. I had hoped that your team would have been able to catch the Flail in the act. It was a long shot I know, but I placed my hopes in your skills." Noting the look across Daz's face Sate moved closer and rested his hands on Daz's shoulders, "tomorrow I will have my full briefings from you and the other Rangers. But based on what I do know now, you did your best and I respect that. My faith in you was not misplaced."
Daz nodded and allowed the chancellor to continue, "I sent a personal messenger to the Senate leadership." He explained while walking to his desk. "Here, take a look" he said while placing his drink down and picking up a datapad from his desk and turning to a file. "See I have a signed receipt of the entire package that outlined the situation and your mission." He walked back over to Daz and offered the datapad for inspection, "All under the requirements of the Law which the Rangers were formed by. See, less then two hours later they passed a bill that allowed your team authorization to conduct your investigation. Senator Moriunis is trying to cast mud as always" Sate said as he walked back to his desk and set the datapad down. "Does this answer your question” he asked as he picked up his near empty glass.
Falling back on Daz's skill as an investigator, he could tell that the Chancellor was not lying. Daz nodded, "Yes it does Sate."
Sate smiled and walked over to a table, "you know, I meant to ask earlier. What happened to the other robes you had. It seemed so much more colorful and well, um pleasant. It seemed to fit you better."
"I was asked to change" Daz explained.
"Its a shame, I liked that outfit on you" he said as he poured a brown liquid in to his glass from a decanter. "I would offer but I know you don't" he said taking a seat. "Come sit. Let's not make this so formal" he said smiling. "I have to admit, I envy you my friend. A life free from politics. Filled with friends who respect and look up to you" he said leaning back in his chair taking a drink. "My world is filled with snakes, back-stabbers and liars. Sometimes I feel you are the only one I can trust" he said laughing. "Don't get me wrong, I have advisors and allies but each has their own political agendas and goals. You seem like the only one who would not screw me to advance your own career" he took a drink from his glass as two men dressed in white served a traditional Kel Dor meal for Daz and something lighter for the Chancellor.
“It was the same dish my cooks served for the ruler of your world four months ago. I hope you find it as enjoyable as he did” Sate said with pride as he motioned for Daz to eat. There was a short conversation regarding the means to which Daz would have to eat the meal. Sate laughed off the suggestion of Daz's taking his to go. Sate smiled while taking a sip from his glass, “You are not my first alien that I have shared a table with, my friend. You can learn allot from watching a man eat.” He motioned once more, “Don't be embarrassed my friend. We have nothing to hide from each other.” The meal passed as conversation moved to personal stories from the Chancellors past military career. The Chancellor was good to his word, answering all that Daz inquired about truthfully. The Chancellor didn't probe Daz for information but listened carefully when Daz offered. There was something about the way the Chancellor treated Daz that seemed to make him all that more comfortable.
Daz learned about how the Sate and Raynar become close friends along time ago. It was a leak to Sate that Raynar was going to be found guilty which was why he pulled the plug on Raynar's trial. "Sometimes I feel it was the worse mistake I had ever made. Justice must be blind and fair. Swift and merciful. He was my friend and I couldn't let his honor be tarnished by a guilty verdict. Ever since that day, I promised no more. Friend, ally, foe enemies will all be treated the same." Sate explain. Daz could see how that mistake had shaped Sate's vision of upholding the letter of the law. For him, there was no middle ground or gray areas. It was black and white. Right or wrong. At the very least, Daz could see where Sate came from and have respect for that. The Chancellor was very forth coming in answering Daz's questions as long as they remain off of politics.
Daz learn a great deal about Sate the soldier and student. Daz was able to share about his own personal life with Sate as the to enjoyed the night. Well after dinner as the two were sitting on the balcony of Sate's office, his comlink went off interrupting the after dinner conversation. "See, I can never get away from it" he said finishing off his fifth glass. The effects were taking their toll as he pulled out his comlink, "Yes, Chancellor Quee speaking." Daz was surprised how well he was able to hide the affects of his night time drinking.
"Chancellor, this is Master Uwthorin." Daz immediately recognized the Master's voice from one of the Jedi Council. He took notice of the conversation, "Are you available to speak?"
"Greeting Master Jedi, I am having dinner with Master Murl. How can I help you" Sate said calmly.
"Sir you might wish to speak to me in private." There was clear concern in his voice.
"Master Jedi, Master Murl is my close personal friend and my best Ranger, I need not hide anything from him" Sate looked at Daz with a look of pride on his face for Daz. But the nature of the call seemed to trouble Sate. It was clear to Daz that he didn't see where this was leading.
"Yes Sir, I just over heard a conversation between Master Noon on holovid and Master Lunish here in the Council Chambers. There were speaking about Master Murl. Her words were, 'we have to take steps to protect the Order and other Jedi from Daz's reckless and destructive behavior. Can I count on your support once we return to Coruscant?' They spoke in great lengths Chancellor regarding Daz actions. I have my beliefs that they mean to toss Daz out of the Order. I have checked the communication logs for Master Noor and found that she has already talked the other members of the Council. She has as of this moment kept myself and Master Rathor out of the loop. I can only conclude the reason is because of your support of us."
Sate looked troubled and shook his head. "Thank you for your timely update Master Jedi. We will look in to this matter on our end." He waited for Uwthorin to reply before turning off the comlink. Sate leaned forward towards Daz and looked at him in the eyes, "There must be some mistake. Master Noor is a close follower of Visst. I know her kind, she wouldn't move unless Visst gave his okay first. I have it on good authority that Visst does not want you removed from the Order. No there must be some mistake in this. It is too late tonight to seek answers, tomorrow morning you should look in to this. What ever help my office can offer, you have it my friend. Just ask and I will stand by your side My Friend."
Daz looked troubled as the information sank in. Sate was right, Noor was a close follower of Visst and has not taken any steps on her own. She didn't have the backbone for independent action. Daz thought harshly of the matter 'Something must be wrong.' Daz's mind couldn't help but dismiss the report as some kind of mistake. However, Sate's offer was on par with the way he has treated Daz to date. "Yes you are correct. I should look in to this tomorrow. Thank you for your kind offer." Daz said softly as he stood up from his chair, "I have to go and meditate on this."
Sate rose with Daz, "yes of course" he said as he lead the way to the main door. "I will see you at the after mission briefing at noon tomorrow. If you need to speak with me, I will ensure that you have access."
Daz nodded still caught up in his own thoughts. "Yes tomorrow at noon" Daz said as he walked through the open door. He left the Chancellor's office and headed back to his own home away from home. His mind raced with the possibilities of what could be happening. Walking alone along through the night Daz wondered of his future. Those terrible visions continued to press down on his heart tapping his strength. There were just so many unanswered questions running through his mind. Before he knew it he walked in to the main door of the barracks where his team was staying.
The place was dark and silent. The only light came from a small metal desk where one of his Rangers set reading a book. He looked up from his book and started to get up. Daz waved him back to his seat. The sleeping arrangements were offered by the local Government. While all seemed safe, everyone thought it a good idea to keep a watch during the night. Daz nodded to the Ranger as he walked passed. Entering the main hall he saw four rows of double bunks ten sets deep. His team only took up the first few bunks. He walked down the row looking at the Rangers sleeping.
He couldn't help but come to a stop next to one Ranger he knew was in deep trouble. He heard the whispers and understood the fear. She had acted out of good intention but the sad fact was that she was in allot of hot water. It was surely her actions which Noor will lay blame on him and use to attempt to cast him out of the Order. He knew the Chancellor well, and the Chancellor didn't like to hold double standards. Sate had made a point that the Rangers would not be above the law. If this is true and Sate pushes the issue, she could very end up in prison for her mistake. 'A simple ill place foot and her life and career would be over' Daz thought shaking his head.
His mind couldn't help but think of Biggs and how he was escaping Justice. 'A mass murder walks free and a good person goes to prison. This is not justice!' Daz could feel the emotions welling up inside him over the miscarriage of justice. Daz shook his head and turned as he continued to his bunk. He wanted to sleep with his team. He felt it brought them closer together. He still felt like an outsider with them. Each had history with the larger group. During the war they all had served together with the Grand Army of the Republic. While some like Daz had tired to hold on to the Order others were given choices, leave or be cast out. Still others held out till the end of the war before leaving altogether.
As Daz laid down he couldn't help but think of them as a family. They each looked out for the others. They would die for each other. Now this family was in turmoil over what could happen to one of the younger members of the family. Daz took in a deep breath and let it out slowly. He closed his eyes and tried to get some much needed sleep. 'Tomorrow is going to be a very long day' he thought as his mind drifted away.
The night was hardly restful for Daz. He suffered through another dark vision. This time he found himself battling for his very life against no other than Talon. Everything he knew about her skills and abilities told him he was in a losing battle. Everything he tried failed to best her. The battle was joined to the death and only a death would bring an end to it. During one of her counter attacks on him, he was knocked to the ground. Her next action, she slammed her right boot down on his right forearm snapping the bones. She then kicked his right hand with her left boot shattering his hand and sending his lightsaber flying. Daz had no choice but to call on the force to summon his saber back to his left hand. He. Could see her leaping in to the air and spinning over him. He snapped his saber from midair and activated it.
It was down to who was faster. Daz brought the saber up with every intention of killing her while she spun above him with every intention of killing him. She won the moment! Her first passed right beside his saber and landed with all her weight behind it. She drove her fist in to his breath mask. He heard the shattering sound of her armored gauntlet smashing its way through his mask and impacting the soft flesh of his mouth. Pieces of metal and blood filled his mouth as he fought to breath the now lethal air filling his lungs. Talon moved quickly to kick Daz's lightsaber away once more. They both knew it was over. As she stood over him, he could feel his life slipping away. He watched her open up her visor to look down at him. He saw Talon's face as his vision blurred and faded. All that he desired, all that he was, all that he wanted was gone.
Daz woke up from the restless night to see that most of the Rangers were still sleeping. He turned and laid his feet over the side of his bed. He thought of the dream and couldn't understand why Talon would betray him. Why she would kill him. He shook his head and got up from the bed. He walked to the restroom to fresh himself. He bent over the sink and washed the sleep from his face. He took in a deep breath as he lifted his face. He knew he wasn't alone and was not surprised by his number two man, Ranger Jaster Saper .
"I have a report Sir" he said, "in a small mountain community not far from Resolute, our Rangers have uncovered some good leads. We have an eye wittiness that placed a person matching Lysire and get this, she made Biggs flee from the crime scene of where our slain brother was found. The time frame for the sighting puts it right in line with the time frame of the murder. I made sure that they test this witness to ensure that she was telling the truth. The witness passed our tests. I know you would have wanted it that way. While you were at dinner with the Chancellor, I had them investigate the sightings further. They found that the pair had been there, however the community as a whole is stone walling our investigation. They claim no information on Biggs or Lysire. However our investigators know they are lying.
"Despite their efforts, our team was able to learn that they were living in the area under the names David and Mikala. This morning the team is going to check out a house under their name near a lake. I don't think they will find them though. The team reported spotting a small craft, maybe a shuttle or a fighter leaving the area late yesterday night. It had to be them. They were unable to get a positive ID on the craft. The craft made for space and disappeared in to orbit. We contacted that Azgard ship for help tracking it, but they reported no unidentified traffic to track on their sensors. So either the ship had some kind of cloaking or the Azgards are lying. Either way I don't trust those Azgards. I have a meeting with my counter with the planetary defense force. I wanted to make sure you got this news. We are on the right track Sir."
Daz listened to the report and nodded then Ranger Jaster Saper turned and left. Truthfully Daz's mind was somewhere else completely. He heard the report but couldn't fully focus on the information. He needed to speak with Visst. He pulled out his communicator and dialed up Visst. He was sadly not surprised when it came up unavailable. "Still not taking my calls" Daz questioned softly. He took a deep breath and walked across the hall and in to his office that was on loan to him while he ran the investigation. Already in this early hours there was a mountain of work to be done and a incident report to file regarding the near fetal stabbing of the Padawan. "Its going to be a long day" said sitting down at the large wooden desk.
|
