Senators and Sinners
Posted on Sat Jan 4th, 2020 @ 9:18pm by Jela Valla & Damask Hul
4,112 words; about a 21 minute read
Chapter:
Chapter VI: The Last Bastion
Location: Avenue of the Founders, Senate District, Coruscant
Timeline: After Rusasha's mission to Caanus; some days after "Chapter V: Unbound" and the Showdown on Korriban
Tags: vuul, bruta
There was a chill in the early morning breeze that blew across the vast silvery-yellow courtyard, in the shadow of the wide, mushroom-shaped senate building. The building and the courtyard were ancient and, in the years since its construction, many taller and more-imposing buildings had been constructed around it in the Senatorial District. However, something about the engulfing dome atop the capital building, as well as the space afforded all around it, allowed it to retain its feel of being the brain of Coruscant and of the Republic.
Huddled against one of the many statues that lined the pathway to the building, Bruta Thort wrapped his outer jacket tight to keep out the chill before continuing to tap away at his personal datapad. His morning meeting with Vice Chancellor Hul had left his mind swirling with many potential new contacts and allies that might come to his aid in his hunt to find his son. He had been a diplomat for the better part of his life, but he had never had need of working with the Third Republic Intelligence Office before. But covert intelligence gathering was key to the kind of delicate inquiries they would be making or, at least, that is what Damask had assured him.
The Ithorian Diplomatic Liaison had found himself in several such brief but informative meetings with the Duros senator since Bruta's recent trip back to Öetrago and the illegal dealings he and his friends had uncovered involving a foreign corporate entity on the planet. Damask had already put forward Bruta's case in the Senate for the immediate suspension of SharTrad operations on Öetrago; Thort's evidence having added further fuel to his claims of growing corporate espionage and undisclosed activities. He had revealed in today's meeting that he had also uncovered evidence that SharTrad was, in fact, a puppet company being run by GalactaWerks, which he would be introducing to the Senate later today.
Despite the strength of their claims, Hul had expressed some concerns that the Coalition might dismiss his findings as the link to GalactaWerks was tenuous and the evidence obtained by Bruta's team could not be verified given that it had been obtained through arguably-illegal methods.
Bruta snorted gruffly, thinking about how the company might continue to operate in spite of their efforts. He had, however, warned Mother's Aid of the potential security breach through their work with SharTrad so they would hopefully be safe from further poaching of their research.
The Ithorian finished his tapping and secured the datapad away, looking up across the courtyard, trying to decide the best use of the rest of his day here. The working day had yet to begin, so the space was not yet buzzing with traffic, but there were enough people and droids dashing around to put the rush hour of Mooko City to shame. One figure, however, did stand out in the crowd: a slight, hunched Human figure who seemed to be fighting to keep his velvet cape from catching the wind and sending him flying away into the Financial District.
The man seemed to catch the Ithorian staring and gave him a scowl, seemingly offended anyone should be watching his struggle against nature. Now having a good look at the Human's pale face, paired with the rest of his appearance, Bruta recognised the man as the Caanan Senator Haavan Vuul.
Bruta softened his expression, allowing his eyes to look more kindly as he reflexively adopted his diplomatic persona upon seeing the gentleman, "Senator Vuul," Bruta's strong, practised Basic echoed over to the man, "Good to see you. Come over this way; the statues shield you a bit from the wind."
Vuul's natural scowl quickly gave way to an effortless politician's smile, although it seemed oversized and angular for his narrow, hawkish face as he dismissed his embarrassing display. The narrow-shouldered man slid his way awkwardly through the Senate District's artificially-generated weather to sidle up beside the welcoming Ithorian, Vuul's thin frame appearing frail against Bruta's, hidden well though it was beneath the rich, dark-green trappings of his flowing outfit.
The senator extended a well-manicured, bony hand to the Öetragan Ithorian, bejewelled as it was with a collection of rings with exotic stones to match his colourings and ensemble. With his spare hand, he pushed back a few loose strands of oil-black hair that had been loosed by the wind moments before, thin lips still smiling their false smile. "You are some distance from the, uhh... herds, is it? And I'm afraid you must forgive this humble Caanan's poor memory, Mister...?"
Bruta wrapped his fingers around the Caanan’s offered appendage and shook it gently up and down, “Thort,” he confirmed, “I am the Öetragan diplomatic liaison. I work closely with Senator Cosh of the Mayagil Sector.”
He released Vuul’s hand, allowing it to retreat back inside his cape, adding, “I suppose I am a bit out of place in the capital, although there are a quite a few herds that call Coruscant home. I’m actually here on some personal business, but I did wonder if I might encounter a few familiar faces from the political sphere. I have not been keeping up these last few weeks; is there a vote today?”
Vuul waved a friendly, dismissive hand within his linens, the poorly-executed gesture intended as a cordial expression. "No doubt," he replied, "but none that I have arrived for. Admittedly, I possibly spend more time here than with my own 'herd', these days, troubled as they may be. Like your fair nation, my Ithorian friend, we enjoy sitting apart from those hotheaded factionals within the Senate, alarmist cliques that they are. You don't go in for all that radicalism, I trust?" As quickly as he had asked the question, the Caanan senator carried on speaking, although the almost-predatory blue eyes that hid within the thin man's sunken sockets were quickly shooting away from Bruta with each passerby that came within leering range of them. "It is for the welfare of my beleaguered people that I grace this rambunctious world so soon after leaving. A personal matter as well, I will be meeting the Supreme Chancellor directly."
A brightly-coloured and expensive-looking speeder came down low from the thrum of air traffic that lined the skyways overhead, the sound of its engines briefly loud enough to drown out the two men's conversation. A few blue-clad uniformed figures approached with offensive-looking sticks, making clear to the driver of the vehicle the error they had made in attempting to land along the Avenue of the Founders.
Just as quickly as it had arrived, the offending vehicle sped away to rejoin the nearby traffic, its elegantly-clad and disgruntled driver and passenger cursing as it narrowly avoided crashing into the nearest thirty-foot statue of a Founder. Grey-green in colour but still impressive in scope and detail, the statue was of a Human figure - a Corellian character that played a key role in the establishment of the Grand Proclamation that restored the Galactic Republic - forged of trimantium.
Once upon a time, during the millennia-long ages of the First Republic, grand impressionistic effigies of the original Core Founders lined the avenue leading to the Senate Building, immortalising the vision and grandeur of that legendary galactic state. The Yuuzhan Vong Invasion of the Second Republic, as with so much in the galaxy, had resulted in the destruction or loss of those icons, and the subsequent years of strife had not seen them rediscovered or replaced - barring one, which now stood central, in front of the main entrance at the end of the avenue.
When the Third Republic had been established, premised on the ideals and vision of that almost-immortal design that permitted thousands of years of peace under the Old Republic, artisans had been commissioned to rebuild the Avenue of the Founders in that same vision. Whilst the original 'Core' Founders were still honoured in parts, with some of the old likenesses restored, new statues, of the 'New' Founders integral to the advent of the Third Republic, had been constructed. They used a variety of metals, nominally from the homeworlds of those beings, but the grandest statues of all, positioned either side of the one original statue, was of Supreme Chancellor Valaha and Grand Master Junun Waay.
“Paralles himself, eh?” Bruta drew Vuul’s attention back, mentioning the name of the current supposed leader of the Third Republic who, even amongst his own supporters, would never be ranked among those whose likenesses were erected here, “It must be a matter of some importance, so I shall not keep you. I do hope your people are not seeing the same rise in outside interference we are seeing. If you ever want my assistance or want me to speak to Senator Cosh, then do contact my office.”
Bruta suddenly considered what messages might be mounting up for him during his absence and his assistant Llim deciding to remain back with the Elenca herd for the time being. Still, his time away from his work took precedent as it was not only about finding his son, but also about protecting his world from the aggressions of corporate interference.
"Hm? Oh, yes," Vuul replied, smiling again and turning to face the Ithorian once more. "It has been some time since Octavus and I shared a goblet or two, but His Excellency is most receptive when it comes to matters of principle. An inspiring man of integrity, and no doubt about it!" The senator's embellished and empty flatteries were declared loudly and without much integrity of their own, and it almost seemed as though the middle-aged Human had entirely ignored Bruta's other comments.
It looked to be that Senator Vuul was preparing to take his leave of his brief companion, but a peculiar twitch then fluttered about one corner of his mouth, and there was an almost imperceptible shift in his expression. Moving back towards Bruta, Vuul seemed to almost flow over the duracrete parade. "Excuse my ailing mind, Ambassador. I mean no rudeness, and no fear I make a poor example of all Caanans, but what did you say your name was again?"
Used to repeating himself to absent-minded senators, Bruta did not find the query irritating and clarified his name again, “It’s Bruta Thort. Spelled T-H-O-R-T.”
Vuul smiled widely and unpleasantly as he processed the name with some flicker of deeper recognition, the distorted expression giving the man and even more angular appearance. "Much obliged," he crooned with a little bow of his head. "I wish you well during your time on Coruscant." The crooked smile grew ever more. "May the Force be with you, Ambassador."
“Oh, and with you, Senator,” Bruta replied, pleasantly surprised by the familiar pleasantry coming from the Human’s lips. While many non-Force sensitives uttered the words, it was not often spoken in casual encounters such as this. Vuul had already taken his leave and, as the man whisked his way onwards between the gazes of Republic founders, old and new, Bruta’s mind was cast back to his son again and he echoed the senator’s words in his mind, hoping the Force would indeed reach out to his lost boy.
"I lost trace of the exact location of their ship in the Atravis sector," Agent First Class Jela Valla continued, hands clasped behind her back and her posture one of military precision, as she provided a rare face-to-face report to the Vice Chancellor of the Third Galactic Republic. Her internal frustration at the perceived failure caused one of her lekku to twitch almost imperceptibly, although Damask's trained eye missed little. "Although there are a limited number of habitable or populated worlds in the sector, my judgements, based on their previous behaviours, would indicate planetfall on either Atravis itself, or Mustafar."
Valla had been dutifully shadowing the routes and activities of the Red Raptor and her wayward crew for several months now, at the direction of the Duros politician. The order had initially been provided after a meeting with the enigmatic Jedi Master Rynseh Lahan, who had conducted his own expedition to locate (and possibly apprehend) the vessel's masters. The Cathar Jedi's mission had taken an alternative turn, however, since a fateful encounter on Korriban between the Jedi, the Red Raptor crew, and the mysterious Cult of Axion that served as the Raptor's own intended target. Although Valla had not been present for that altercation, she had managed to harvest records from the Judicial Forces, Reborn Jedi Order, and other data accumulated in various forms during that period of time, allowing her to build a fairly thorough picture of what actually transpired.
"The Human former Jedi, Thane of Caanus, has begun developing a surprisingly wide network of finance and informants, although he has taken great pains to limit the exposure of his name and details in doing so," the Twi'lek TRIO agent went on, her eyes not locked onto Damask as she maintained her aloof explanation. "I believe he has provided access to these newfound resources to his apprentice, Zaracoda Wolph, as well as Wolph's mother, who still continues to travel with them, as both have made journeys independent of the Red Raptor at various instances."
The Lethan Twi'lek had also provided the Speaker of the Senate with a datapad containing much of the data regarding the individuals in question, which included the smuggler Kalen Vickers, his Jawa companion - and one other figure of (dis)repute. "The Rattataki former devotee of Axion, whose name remains unknown, has not been given such freedom, but he does not appear to be being held against his will. He has accompanied them, especially Bomoor Thort, to a few locales since joining with them at Korriban. It would appear he is supporting them in their efforts against the other cultists, for reasons that elude me. Thus far, I have seen no actions actively taken against the Republic; they seem far more fixated on their pursuit of the cult, admittedly, but they are definitely expressing an interest in the Republic's political climate and situation." Valla finally allowed her eyes to focus onto the red bulbs that were Damask's. "Speaker, based on what I have uncovered, unlike the reports of Masters Quellus and Lahan, I do not believe these individuals to be targeting the Third Republic, but their exact motives are..." Valla paused, and a brow furrowed, the red-skinned woman appearing frustrated at her inability to decide on an appropriate assessment. "They are unknown to me."
The Vice Chancellor, who had waited patiently for the duration of the report from the sleek, form-fitting chair in his senatorial office, arose wordlessly and paced away from Agent Valla towards the centre of the room. His dark red eyes betrayed nothing of his thoughts, with only the faint gesture of his hand wrapping about his chin to indicate that he was deep in thought.
“You are right to question the conclusions of the Jedi,” Hul spoke after a moment, in a quiet but firm voice, “Far too often do they attempt to mask their own intentions by making scapegoats of others, but that is nothing new to you, I am sure. I believe that more and more of us are opening our eyes to the dangerous truths all around us, including our former Jedi here and their odd collection of cohorts.”
Hul walked back over and placed his datapad upon the desk and placing his hand firmly upon it, “This particular report must stay between us,” he cast a serious look at the Twi’lek, “Do not lie about any details when questioned by Quellus, Lahan or anyone else who comes asking. Your investigations are transparent and by-the-book, but the wider picture we are gathering here might be vital to the future identity of our Republic and its people.”
He crossed his arms and leaned back slightly, “Tell me, what are your personal feelings on these individuals you have been observing? Their motives may still elude you, but do you think they deserve the level of scrutiny I have been asking you for?”
Valla shifted her weight from one foot to the other ever so slightly, but her posture and expression were otherwise unchanged. "That is not my place to say, sir," she said after a brief pause. "If I were to be so bold as to express an opinionated assessment-"
“You have earned as much, Agent Valla,” nodded Hul, “Please continue.”
"-then, to use a phrase you have employed in the past, sir," Valla resumed with a small confirmatory nod of acceptance, "I would determine the crew of the Red Raptor, such as they are, to have 'great tactical value as a potential asset', should it be possible to direct their efforts, either directly or through judicious subterfuge." Having grown to know the Twi'lek in some professional capacity, it was plain to see that this secondary suggestion did not sit completely comfortably with the agent, although she gave no voice to this. "They wield peculiar power and influence for such a ragtag assortment so recently associated with one another. Two disgruntled former Jedi, aligned with three other Force users of mixed repute, individuals with pronounced ties to the Hutt crime families of the Y'Toub system, and even troubling connections to figures within both Alliance and Exile space, they have already come into direct conflict (somewhat successfully) with the Reborn Order, resulting in a significant deployment of resources against their activities."
Particularly since Rynseh’s surprising revival from the dead and his return to the growing crusade against the supposed Dark Side threat in the Galaxy, Hul added mentally, still rather frustrated at his failure to learn of his former colleague’s survival in all the time since the incident, Ryn’s interest alone is enough to warrant significant attention to this crew.
"In addition to what has already been discussed," Agent Valla continued matter-of-factly, "I believe that they will be successful in their endeavours against the Cult of Axion within the next twelve to twenty-four standard months, at least to the point where the organisation is of little threat to the greater public or governmental stability. The speed of this success may be compounded should either former Knights Thane or Thort ingratiate themselves with their birth families and the associated prestige and assets. When they no longer have the cult as an endeavour - or rather, obstacle - I am unsure what they will turn their attentions towards. They do not strike me as aimless individuals."
Damask granted a brief smile passage across his face as he thought on the concept of aimless individuals and how a life within the Intelligence service often led to categorising certain people in the galaxy as those who would influence events and those who were just along for the ride. Everyone on the crew of the Red Raptor had the potential to affect change and were therefore valuable assets if directed correctly.
“I agree,” he stated simply, “It would be a shame if they were eliminated too soon when they could be potential assets. I am pleased you are also looking into the family histories of the former knights. I am discovering some quite fascinating connections in my own research. Anything else of interest at this time before we wrap this up for today?”
Valla inclined her head in brief admission, a swooped lekku slipping from one shoulder, but she made no inclination to move. "Sir, I am unsure if it will be of interest to you, but during my time examining some of the previous movements of the Red Raptor crew, I managed to locate the exact position of the Reborn Jedi Order vessel Sotah's Woe in the Jericho system, last marked as being under the captaincy of Jedi Shadow Loren." Valla did not need to provide further information on that particular Jedi Knight and the implications of her history. "It is thus far unrecovered and untouched. The local Mandalorian Exiles seem unaware of its existence, and I do not believe the Red Raptor crew knew of or found its location, either."
The significance was not lost on Damask; while Jedi Shadows were often reported officially as Missing in Action when no body was recovered, in almost all cases, the Jedi were aware of their member’s passing and noted this in their records (which TRIO were usually able to access). Loren’s file had been updated in this manner recently and the revelation that she had been on Jericho around that time meant that Thane or Bomoor may very well know more about how she met her end.
“Thank you for highlighting that to me, Agent Valla,” the Vice Chancellor nodded before glancing down at the datapad once again, “I will read the information in your report and determine whether recovering the vessel would be worthwhile.”
A subdued chime resonated from Hul’s computer terminal and he swiftly strode around his desk to see the notification. It was an alert telling him that Diplomat Thort had just entered the building.
“Perfectly timed, as usual. My next visitor will be here shortly.” Hul informed Valla, “I appreciate you delivering this report to me personally. I wanted to be sure you understood the significance of this surveillance and you have not disappointed me. If the Agency can spare you any longer, I would like to continue working with you on this matter. Now that Master Rynseh has returned, I will see about getting The Descent transferred into your care so that you might be better equipped for future operations.”
"Thank you, sir." The Twi'lek agent brought her feet together and saluted the Third Republic's vice chair, but she did not yet move, earning a curious glower from the stalwart Duros. Such behaviour, indicative of further questioning, was quite out-of-character for the TRIO agent. Indeed, in breach of usual protocol and Agent Valla's own typically strict adherence to policy, she asked a question. Her eyes remained forward-facing, though, not meeting Hul's. "I beg forgiveness already for my uncouth manner, sir, and would understand if you now wish to relocate me into an alternative assignment, but I wanted to ask: do you believe the Jedi to not have the Republic's interests at heart?"
Although not stated explicitly, the sinister undertone to the question was obvious: did Hul believe the Jedi to be opposed to the Republic?
That same smile dared to return to Hul’s face as he caught that meaning. He had allowed himself to express more emotion since his move into office, learning that the use of expression was as sharp a tool as any weapon of subterfuge as well as a pleasant indulgence.
“That, Agent Valla,” his coarse voice resonated with his grin, answering both the original question and the unasked query, “Will depend on what you believe is in the Republic’s best interests. From what I have pieced together so far, I am personally very hopeful about their influence, when handled with a delicate touch.” He cut his smile short with a curt nod, “Rest assured I act in the best interests of the Republic and your contributions are most certainly noted. For now, I wish you a good day. Until our next correspondence.”
"Yessir," the Twi'lek said quickly, reciprocating the nod and not claiming any more time from the Duros than was necessary. "Thank you." She turned quickly on her well-polished heel and made for the door with military precision, each step appearing timed and carefully-considered. With a few calculated strides, Jela Valla had removed herself from the vice chancellor's office, leaving Hul momentarily alone.
A more pronounced chime at the door then signalled the arrival of Bruta Thort and Hul positioned himself down in his chair with care before beckoning him in.
The familiar Ithorian poked his long head around the door, meeting eyes with Damask at his desk and nodding before shuffling the remainder of his bulky form into the sleek office, somehow seeming small against the elegant backdrop.
“Ah, my friend,” Hul stood up as precisely as he had sat down and paced over to Bruta, “Thank you for seeing me again on such short notice, but I think you will be keen to hear of my latest insights regarding the elusive Red Raptor. I may be close to finding your son.”
END
RSS Feed