Anakin Skywalker (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
morally_cryptic) wrote2015-04-15 10:49 pm
morally_cryptic) wrote2015-04-15 10:49 pm
Entry tags:
[fic/rp] across the galaxy
[ooc: Just prompted by a little mental image of Anakin "stargazing" that popped to mind earlier.]
On Coruscant, it was impossible to see the stars, even if one was looking out from the Council room at the top of the Jedi Temple. An unfortunate side effect of so much light from so many buildings and various forms of transport speeding around the airways. Not to mention that there was simply so much starship traffic, one likely wouldn't be able to tell the lights of ships from the field of stars behind them anyway.
Anakin had discovered this unfortunate fact not long after he came to live at the Jedi temple. He'd thought that, surely, so close to the center of the galaxy, the sky would be full of stars to see that he'd never been able to see before on Tatooine. Instead it turned out that perhaps the only thing that was better about Tatooine than Coruscant was that the desert planet was so sparsely inhabited and that the skies were so clear. Even out on the Rim, the sky was full of stars and the spiral arm of the galaxy could be clearly seen arcing across it.
He didn't try to watch the night sky on Coruscant anymore, but he still kept up the habit of at least looking for a moment whenever he found himself on a new planet. At the center of the Republic, however, he has to content himself with substitutes.
Which is why he can be found in an empty classroom surrounded by a holographic rendering of the galaxy. He's been spending all afternoon, so far, carefully marking off different star systems in various designated colors. Technically the entire exercise could be done by a computer but that wasn't Anakin's purpose in doing it. It requires concentration, but it doesn't require him to spend much effort in actually thinking so the whole activity is almost meditative.
The first batch of colored systems is simple: yellow for those that Anakin has already been to. Naboo might possibly be a subtly brighter yellow than all the rest, as if he'd lingered on that one for a moment longer than the others. He'd once told Qui-Gon he was going to see them all and certainly he had a better start on most other inhabitants of the galaxy, but it was still extraordinarily minute compared to the sheer number of systems represented on the map.
The second batch are green, signifying systems where battles of the Clone War have been fought and the Republic retained (or gained) control. Another group are blue, for the Separatist-won battles.
And finally, there's a sprinkling of red dots across the galaxy, mostly concentrated Rimward, and these are for those systems where battles are currently raging. Places he should be where he could be doing some good and making a difference. Staring at those flashes of red, it was almost enough to have him just commandeering a starfighter and heading out somewhere...anywhere. After making sure orders somehow just happened to make it through the system so that Rex and the 501st would be meeting him, of course.
But it wasn't, quite, enough. Contrary to some people's beliefs, he did have enough self-awareness to recognize that any action along those lines would likely not end well. That didn't mean he didn't still feel the temptation and it's that thought that has him swiping a hand through the starfield and systematically clearing everything out again until only dots of yellow remain on the map. He stares at those longest before they're wiped clean as well.
On Coruscant, it was impossible to see the stars, even if one was looking out from the Council room at the top of the Jedi Temple. An unfortunate side effect of so much light from so many buildings and various forms of transport speeding around the airways. Not to mention that there was simply so much starship traffic, one likely wouldn't be able to tell the lights of ships from the field of stars behind them anyway.
Anakin had discovered this unfortunate fact not long after he came to live at the Jedi temple. He'd thought that, surely, so close to the center of the galaxy, the sky would be full of stars to see that he'd never been able to see before on Tatooine. Instead it turned out that perhaps the only thing that was better about Tatooine than Coruscant was that the desert planet was so sparsely inhabited and that the skies were so clear. Even out on the Rim, the sky was full of stars and the spiral arm of the galaxy could be clearly seen arcing across it.
He didn't try to watch the night sky on Coruscant anymore, but he still kept up the habit of at least looking for a moment whenever he found himself on a new planet. At the center of the Republic, however, he has to content himself with substitutes.
Which is why he can be found in an empty classroom surrounded by a holographic rendering of the galaxy. He's been spending all afternoon, so far, carefully marking off different star systems in various designated colors. Technically the entire exercise could be done by a computer but that wasn't Anakin's purpose in doing it. It requires concentration, but it doesn't require him to spend much effort in actually thinking so the whole activity is almost meditative.
The first batch of colored systems is simple: yellow for those that Anakin has already been to. Naboo might possibly be a subtly brighter yellow than all the rest, as if he'd lingered on that one for a moment longer than the others. He'd once told Qui-Gon he was going to see them all and certainly he had a better start on most other inhabitants of the galaxy, but it was still extraordinarily minute compared to the sheer number of systems represented on the map.
The second batch are green, signifying systems where battles of the Clone War have been fought and the Republic retained (or gained) control. Another group are blue, for the Separatist-won battles.
And finally, there's a sprinkling of red dots across the galaxy, mostly concentrated Rimward, and these are for those systems where battles are currently raging. Places he should be where he could be doing some good and making a difference. Staring at those flashes of red, it was almost enough to have him just commandeering a starfighter and heading out somewhere...anywhere. After making sure orders somehow just happened to make it through the system so that Rex and the 501st would be meeting him, of course.
But it wasn't, quite, enough. Contrary to some people's beliefs, he did have enough self-awareness to recognize that any action along those lines would likely not end well. That didn't mean he didn't still feel the temptation and it's that thought that has him swiping a hand through the starfield and systematically clearing everything out again until only dots of yellow remain on the map. He stares at those longest before they're wiped clean as well.
that's because they ARE an old married couple
Jade, for her part, is fuming. It's likely only because she's bound and there's a blaster at her head keeping her from commenting on Malco's right-mindedness. Or lack thereof.
Anakin glances back at Obi-Wan, "I'm sure she'll appreciate the compliment."
Malco growls and now the blaster is pointing at them instead. "Will you shut up??"
Oh please oh please Anakin seems to be saying through the Force, can't we just take care of these guys now?
XD they totally are
Jade's anger is a mirror to Anakin's more contained irritation; Kista is all bluster and indignation, which puts her as the most likely to run her mouth off and make things worse.
The trio of guards are each a ball of nervous energy, which pegs them as easily dispatched, yet at high risk of accidentally shooting someone.
The only true threat in the room in Malco. He belies nothing of his emotions, and Obi-Wan has to admire that. Unfortunately it means that Malco has been calling the shots - pardon the pun - with this strange refugee operation for far longer than Jade and Kista probably realize.
Only one plan really presents itself: A simultaneous gesture from Obi-Wan to topple Jade's chair while pulling Malco's gun into the Jedi's hand and shooting the man in the leg would take care of those two problems. The speed of the maneuver should serve to keep the guards blinking stupidly for the half a second it would take for Obi-Wan to then turn and dispatch one, possibly two of the guards before turning the gun back on Malco.
As for Anakin, his responsibility would be protecting Kista and whatever remained of the guards.
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It's not too difficult after that to maneuver Kista so he's between her and anyone who might try shooting at her.
"Finally," he says under his breath. It's really a sentiment unbecoming of a Jedi but surely Obi-Wan will understand.
Malco really had no time to dodge since the sensation of his blaster suddenly leaving his hand was something that took a moment to percolate through his brain about what exactly just happened here. And by that point, he was on the ground hissing in pain. "Jedi. I should have known."
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"Jedi?" Jade echoes, looking between Malco and the two off-worlders. It's her glance at Kista, and the other woman's slightly guilty look that drops pieces into place for the refugees' leader. "You sent for them?"
Kista raises her chin in defiance. "Yes. But only because he," she nods at Malco, "sold us out to the Seps. I knew we couldn't call the Tarisian government or the Republic for help, so I sent a private message to one of my contacts in the CNS."
Jade looks all kinds of betrayed, and Obi-Wan spares her a kind, apologetic smile. "Don't worry," he says. "The message percolated through to the right people. Once this is over, no one will know that you had help from the Jedi Order."
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"Except these guys," Anakin points out, needlessly. One of the guards tries to get up again and he casually pushes him back down with the Force. At least Anakin and Obi-Wan can show them how to properly restrain prisoners. An object lesson, if you will.
Malco is scowling, "do you think it ends here, Jedi? You're wrong about that." Did they think he was prepared to take that ship out for shits and giggles?
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Obi-Wan is sure Anakin will be happy to make the proper introductions, because Malco's comment seems to imply that they are just any old Jedi, and not the infamous duo of The Negotiator and the Hero With No Fear.
"Oh, this part of it ends here," the elder Jedi says calmly. "We will deal with whatever it is you've set in motion when the time comes."
oops
Anakin rolls his eyes, "we're always outnumbered. We're used to it."
Then, of course, several more things happen at once. One of the guards dives for his lost blaster, Malco reaches for a holdout blaster strapped to his ankle, and Kista goes for the guard going for his gun.
Anakin is perhaps a split second too late to move to intercept and Kista slams into the guard at the same time he gets his blaster up and pulls the trigger. She crumples to the floor and Anakin lets out a snarl, reaching out with the Force and slamming the guard into the wall.
He didn't like Kista, but she'd been under his protection.
Oh dear....
Jade launches herself at Malco, but as his attention is more on Obi-Wan and her angle of attack is from the side and not in front, she manages to knock his hand aside just as he fires. The shot ricochets off a wall and hits the third guard.
A brief struggle ensues between the two, and Obi-Wan steps in to break it up and disarm the treacherous aide. Jade sits back, panting from rage and exertion. She glances up at the ceiling, as if trying to track the in-coming vehicles, with a scowl firmly in place.
"What have you done, Malco," she demands with a tiny growl. "What. Have. You. Done?"
Re: Oh dear....
The others more or less under control now (thanks, Obi), Anakin crouches beside Kista and checks her pulse. Still alive, at least, the bolt must have missed anything too major. But that didn't mean she'd stay that way.
"Decided I wasn't interested in neutrality either but the Republic is going to go down in flames, Jade. You made the wrong choice!" It might be the pain getting to him, but Malco was starting to sound a little hysterical.
Anakin stands up from checking on Kista, "great. I always wanted to ruin the day of a Separatist landing party."
Re: Oh dear....
Jade's starting to reel from the shock of the last several minutes, and Obi-Wan puts a hand on her shoulder. "This isn't over yet," he says gently. "We still need to deal with whatever's happening outside, and then we need to see to your people."
She nods and swallows thickly. She turns to Anakin and nods at Kista. "Will she be okay?"
Re: Oh dear....
"She needs a medic," he says, "but she's okay for now." Maybe Jade has a medkit somewhere but right now the Jedi's main problem was whatever was coming out of the sky.
"They probably aren't coming to shoot everyone," he says to Obi-Wan. There didn't appear to be enough resources on this rock to want to take it as any sort of base of operations. So they must have come for the people and whatever they'd compiled. Maybe they'd promised Malco a nice cushy estate somewhere. "But taking them doesn't sound like a plan I'd agree with either." He looks at Jade. "Tell me you've got some cameras out there. Or at least a window."
You know, so he could take stock without getting shot.
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"Hidden surveillance system."
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He nods, giving her a grim smile and going to the desk to take a look. A ship has already landed and those on board have begun disembarking.
"Good news: I don't see any super battle droids or destroyers."
He frowns slightly and keeps scanning.
"Bad news: I still hear ships coming in to land."
Malco chooses this moment to laugh at them. "Even you can fight that many, Jedi."
Anakin's eyes brighten as he looks over the desk and down at the injured man. "You don't know who we are, do you?"
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As for Malco, he gets a bemused look from the elder Jedi. As previously stated, he'll let Anakin do the formal introductions.
[ooc: sorry, am still at work, doing this on the fly :P hence the relative brevity of content.]
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Anakin gives a short laugh, "I said no super battle droids. Looks like just the regular kind. Which, you know, makes our job easier." Sure enough of those tin cans could overwhelm even Jedi...eventually. But in general he just thought of them as a waste of Separatist money.
Then he's hopping over the desk
showoffto land in a crouch beside Malco. "Skywalker and Kenobi," he says with a fierce smile, "you might have heard of us."If Malco weren't already pale from his wound, he might have just paled a bit more. Anakin pats him on the shoudler, "don't worry, we'll make sure you get a nice cushy cell." Then he stands and looks at Jade, who is likely rather wide-eyed herself. "We're going to need to tie them up too," he says, gesturing at the guards who so far have either been unconscious or cowed enough not to make trouble but there was no reason to think they wouldn't get other ideas once there weren't eyes on them.
[It's okay! I'm replying by email because I'm at work so we're even. :) ]
I think I know what happened to their lightsabres...
Obi-Wan, in the mean time, has moved away from the desk and has been taking stock of the room. He notes that there are two more doors that lead to larger closets, and upon inspecting one of them, he finds sealed cargo boxes. They're all covered in varying layers of dust.
"I take it someone's been skimming off the top," Obi-Wan comments, with a glance back at no one in particular. "Taking small pieces of cargo from each transport for a rainy day?" He looks at the stores for another moment, contemplating. He doesn't see anything in this lot that suggest it's been added recently. "Tell me something, did you happen to take anything off our transport?"
Because bacta shipments don't exactly come in small sizes.
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Anakin frowns as he watches her, "if you did you could probably use some of the bacta for your friend there."
Just saying. And he doesn't believe that they really left it untouched.
Ta da!
"Let's see how lucky we are," he says. He reaches in and runs a finger along the side of the crate's bottom, right up against the wall. "Aha," he intones as his finger supposedly finds what he's looking for. A soft click precedes the faint hiss of pressure being released, and seconds later he's lifting the bottom panel of out the box and putting it aside. He lifts two objects out and tosses one to Anakin.
"I think might need these," he says, brandishing the hilt of his lightsabre. "Though if all we're dealing with is rank-and-file droids, they're usually unintelligent enough to talk circles around."
Which means Anakin needs to confirm without a doubt what the hell it is they're dealing with, pronto.
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Anakin smirks a little as Obi-Wan tosses him his saber. If he happens to wave it past Malco's eyes as he moves to put it on his belt well...that was accidental. Even if the man's expression was somewhat entertaining.
And then he was going back over the desk to double-check the view, flicking through different cameras as quickly as possible. "Okay mostly standard tinnies. Looks like they're rounding people up." Sithspit, they've been wasting time back here. "But..." he mutters a curse, "they did bring destroyers."
And somewhere up there was whatever they were using as commander. Not Grievous, Anakin thought. This wasn't his sort of mission. Plus he probably would've started shooting by now.
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He sighs in frustration. "And yet, we can't just go out there, lightsabres drawn, until we know who it is." He looks at Malco. "You wouldn't mind telling me who you've been in contact with, would you?"
Malco spits in reply and Obi-Wan raises a brow. "If you won't tell me, then maybe you'll tell him?" he nods at Anakin.
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He just smiles and comes back around to crouch down by Malco. "He's right, you know. I'm not as nice as he is. He's the Negotiator, after all." And Anakin was the Hero With No Fear. Which really could imply all sorts of things if one had the right sort of imagination.
Something in Anakin's gaze must have been having an effect because he hadn't actually touched Malco and Anakin could still sense the flare of fear that emanated from him. Still, Malco shook his head. "I'll tell you nothing."
"You've served your purpose to them, Malco. Do you really think they aren't going to just round you up with the rest of their prisoners? You're dreaming."
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Still, Obi-Wan is impressed at Malco's insistence at not speaking. By now, Jade has finished tending to Kista, and she's made the other woman as comfortable as possible. She moves over to the trio and stands over the traitor as she wipes her hands on a rag. The rag gets tossed aside and the anger in her gaze would almost shame Anakin on a bad day.
"I know you won't talk for them," she says, her voice quiet and deceptively calm. "But you will talk for me. And Master Skywalker is right, the Seps will take you prisoner. I, unlike the Jedi, have no problems with handing you over to them with the very convincing message that you double-crossed them to the Republic. I'm sure you know what Dooku does to those that fail him and his people."
i'm rolling with ventress here
So Malco can't quite repress a little shudder that comes over him, "she never gave me her name."
Time for Anakin to step in again, an intensity in his gaze that has little to do with the traitor in front of him and more to do with the sudden sensation that he knows exactly who he's referring to, "she?? What does she look like?"
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Obi-Wan turns away with a grimace and a resigned sigh. Why is he not surprised.
"Of course it's her," he says to Anakin, taking a leap in reading into the feelings coming off of the younger man. "She's smart enough to not show her face, and if she did engage in a holo-transmission she would've been concealed somehow."
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Jade glances between them, irritation and confusion evident on her face. "Well I'm glad you two know but could you please let me in on the secret?"
Anakin stands up and gives Malco a disgusted look, "her name is Asajj Ventress. She's an...acolyte...of Count Dooku. And she's almost as bad as Grievous." Just in a very different way. "You should probably just stay out of the way."
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flip a coin, I guess?
My Percentile Die Says...
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