A New Beginning

[Professor Mors]

Unit A1 had only just begun to enter scanning range when Doren finished arranging himself in front of the command console. Prior to the Captain’s intervention, the droid had already scanned the visible features and heat signatures of several lifeforms none too similar to Vassyl’s query. Taking the digital reins of his floating counterpart, Doren quickly set about narrowing the search criteria. They were more humanoid than not, and their dress was simple, stylized only by a cowl, which would remain drawn for the purposes of greater stealth. Then there was the weapon. Some manner of handheld-blaster, most likely a pistol. Snapping his fingers in light of this revelation, Doren punched a series of codes into the terminal, stared more intensely at the screen.

The viper series, among other modalities, was as just as adept at detecting energy signatures in lieu of simple thermal readings. In moments, the electrical veins of the building were laid bare before Vassyl’s eyes, as well as the various metallic instruments and entities walking the halls. Of course, at a border site such as this, most carried some sort of protection, if they were shrewd in any sense of the word. Yes, it would take to look over each and every pedestrian, but anything less than thorough search would not suffice. The mystery figure had gone unidentified long enough, and even those with a great disdain of the Empire would hardly go to such elusive lengths out of spite alone. Something was afoot, and Doren has keen to discover the gritty details. And, after all, if their query evaded them without any leads to follow after, Vassyl was certain the Lieutenant would never let him hear the end of it.

[Rhoden Carbine]

The woman turned and he immediately took in her face, running just as quickly through any wanted list he'd seen. She wasn't on any of them. That didn't necessarily mean anything but it probably meant she didn't have any pressing need to run away from Imperials unless she had something on her that was incriminating. He took careful note that she was preparing for something, outside of the obvious tension she had--which was understandable, of course--she was carefully concealing something in her other hand.

He arched an eyebrow, "So you've been crawling through a dusty ventilation duct too?" he asked, "Must be a pastime around here." he observed. "I've not seen you on any wanted list; so we'll just assume for the time being you're not on one." he continued, "That would leave the possibility of something on your person that is illegal or incriminating." he said, "In any case I believe Captain Vassyl would like to have a word with you--and then we'll see if you've done anything to worry the locals." he finished.

He didn't know what the Captain wanted with her, but it wasn't apt to be anything too bothersome for her--unless of course she was a criminal, but Rhoden had a hard time thinking that the case at this moment. She was nervous, and far too scared of an Imperial officer, but that didn't lend itself to a rebel operative or a serious criminal. Perhaps a past experience with Imperials? Possible, it wouldn't be the first case he'd run into. Then of course she could be worried about the local government, Rhoden didn't know how they operated but from what he'd seen that wasn't too likely either. Of course there was a fair possibility that she was simply feigning fear; regardless of the case he was ready for some kind of move, even if he hoped it wouldn't come.

[Ben Kenobi]

The pursuit was over, the Imperial Trooper had overcome the brunette and was questioning her, by his body language Ben could tell there was very little give to this man. He was a professional and he had orders to follow. In all actuality Ben suspected that he was following the directives of an immediate superior and so the choice of arrest or release wasn’t even his to make. That knowledge forewarned Ben that trouble may be ahead in the near future and he needed to be prepared for anything. The scene unfolded slowly before the cloaked man’s eyes as he continued to near the situation purposefully. She dropped her hood and spun about to reveal herself in a more direct confrontation; that took no small amount of courage, especially by the feelings of fear he sensed radiating off of her.

He only hoped her concealed hand wouldn’t brandish a blaster and fire at the Trooper in a moment of desperation. This alone forced Ben’s pace to hasten though he took a moment to scan his surroundings, the pedestrians were beginning to make away from the confrontation. Unfortunate, it would allow the Imperials to make better use of more severe means without fearing the collateral damage. By the look of her hesitation she was clearly making a play for innocence before she made a greater attempt at escape… though without a doubt he felt she would not go quietly.

Ben broke through the crowd now, it was Carbine, Swann and Kenobi in the makeshift circle. Likely the keen eyes of the Trooper would surely notice him by now and being in a sudden confrontation would set him immediately on edge. Seeking to deny these instant feelings he lifted up his free hand, dropping his own hood from his face to reveal his own features. Ben Kenobi was a well known man across the Galaxy and he was no stranger from the Imperial Database despite his disappearance from the galactic scene for half a decade. If history was still properly taught in Imperial Space, he’d also be known for the most famous duel to have been undertaken in the history of the Galactic Empire, if not the Galaxy; though that was some twenty years ago by now… perhaps more.

Brown hair with peppered grey among his temple, a well trimmed beard with bright green eyes, the six foot tall, one hundred and ninety-five pound gentleman approached with his free hand up in caution as he attempted to relay to the Imperial that he meant no harm; and truly, no harm would come if Ben could help it. “Sir, pardon my intrusion!” He spoke boldly, it was a voice that was smooth and accented with a strong tinge of Coruscantii. “But as a representative of the Jedi Coalition in these Embassy grounds, I am invoking the rights of sanctuary to this young lady. She is to be my charge from this moment on.”

Finally he stopped a short distance away from the scene. His free hand remained up at a ninety degree and he eyed the Trooper. Watching his body language and using his training techniques to quiet his own mind and listen very carefully. He’d hear the Trooper’s voice pattern and judge his resolve all while listening for the ever discreet click of the comm.-bead that he no doubt was wearing as he took advice from his superior. He certainly didn’t want this confrontation to turn into something more serious, but if the Imperials gave him no other choice then he would not barter the safety of the girl for diplomatic nicety. As he stood and awaited the decision of the Imperial he slowly took his free hand and shifted open his cloak that the Imperial could see that there was no clear weapon attached to Ben’s belt though he maintained his right hand grip on his staff; while he was not elderly nor did he need the support of the staff, it was not all out of place with the current dress of his ensemble.

It was now in the Imperial’s hands. He hoped they’d choose well in this case and not try to assert their jurisdiction despite being within the area proximity of the Imperial Embassy’s plaza rather than the Galactic Alliance’s. Or… it was in Miss Swann’s court. Ben felt her tension and was prepared to support her. He’d just provided the distraction she would need to make the fight or flight call. Therein, if she did choose to act, he’d automatically appear to be a conspirator in the eyes of the Empire. Then again, the Imperials may even choose to engage him at the revelation of his person!

Regardless of the outcome, the Embassy area was just tossed into a whole heap of confusion. Much weighed upon the next few moments…

[Evelyn Swann]

Blinking Evy kept her focus on the stranger in front of her. She listened intently to his rhetorical questions as if he was trying to figure out the puzzle. Her eyes shifted to look down at her figure to notice all the small dust particles covering her attire like small snowflakes. It made her raise a brow as well, knowing that she couldn't get around that one. That was simply too obvious. The young lady knew she couldn't convince him of her little innocence act. So she might as well go with the flow here. She had to prepare her mentality for a possible fight. Evy looked back up and into his piercing blue eyes. "I like how you just assume things, is that how you guys do it now these days? I don't own anything incriminating Sir. And to be honest I find it rather rude that such an assumption is made with no valid proof. But then again... I wouldn't expect nothing less from the Empire... Evelyn shook her head, trying to remain calm and collected. Deep inside she was terrified, but she refused to let that show too much. She had to appear confident and strong of character. Maybe that would confuse him in some way? Probably not. He seemed quite determined in this little persuit. He wouldn't let her walk away that much was certain.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she took note that a lot of the passerbys had begun to move around them to avoid the current confrontation. All besides one. A hooded figure approached them, but she couldn't quite tell what this person wanted. "I believe Captain Vassyl you speak of has better things to do than speak to me. I am no one of importance, so I can't see the logic in this Sir. And I'm sorry, but I am not going with you... that is out the question." Her features revealed determination as well. She'd rather kiss a Wookie than go with him. If the Empire got their hands on her, she would never get out of the Imperial Embassy alive. She knew this much.

However, just as she was about to use her spray bottle, the hooded figure had come much closer to the pair, and revealed himself by removing his hood as well. The young brunette couldn't help but switch her attention to him for a short while. Her mind was searching for answers as her features now revealed utter confusion as to what was happening. He didn't look like an Imperial or Sith for that matter. What in the bloody galaxy was he then? In a way... he seemed so familiar. Had she seen him before? His bright green eyes revealed comfort to Evelyn in a way, which she found extremely weird from a complete stranger. Wait... was he... now she knew. He was the one whom previously had asked for directions. What in the vulcanic rivers of Mustafar is he suddenly doing up here? He asked for directions as if he was lost... Miss Swann's brows furrowed as she asked herself if she should try and make a run for it with the droid behind them approaching slowly but surely.

When the young brunette heard the other stranger speak, she recognised the voice immediately. It was him. What she hadn't expected though, was the fact of what was said next. Evy couldn't help but blink rapidly as her features revealed her shocked reaction. He is a what now? Jedi?! What?! But... I thought... Trying to pull herself together and not gape by these news, Evelyn was taken aback. She thought it was just mere tales these days. Is he... trying to protect me? Why? Her plan of escaping was slightly uncertain now. She couldn't just make a run for it and let him take all the impact of fault. Evelyn didn't want to get him into trouble. That was just not in her nature. She'd rather get into trouble herself and find a way out than risk hurting others along the way. But, at the same time, there was a rather dangerous droid belonging to the Empire approaching the trio rather quickly now with the lack of crowd. This stranger in front of her wanted to bring her in and he had a confusing vibe coming off from him. The Jedi was not the most popular amongst the Empire and its followers, so he would also be in trouble. He might be able to use those magical tricks, but Evy was not fond of fighting if she could avoid it. And she had no intention of hurting anyone today. She had no other choice in her mind than to get the heck out of there.

Miss Swann closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Now time would race against them to get to safety. After her next move there'd be no going back, she'd have reached the point of no return. As she exhaled her eyes opened once more. "I thank you for offering me sanctuary Master Jedi. I have an offer to you as well..." Just as she finished, her left hand tightened its grip around the spray bottle ready to strike as she moved her right hand to her vibrosword's handle at her right hip. Young Evelyn made it seem as if she would use the sword in defense, however as she started to move the sword, her left hand moved up over her head in front of her to quickly spray in the direction of the stranger's face. "Run!" She took a step forward to grab hold of the Jedi's left hand with her right and pulled as she began to run away from both the droid and the Imperial. Would the stranger successfully be blinded temporarily for a few minutes or had her aim failed? Would the Jedi run with her or would he pull his hand back and stand his own ground? Only time would tell.

[Rhoden Carbine]

"I'll grant you the Empire's reputation." he replied dryly, "And I'm sure the Captain does, but how he spends or wastes his time isn't my problem." Rhoden replied with a shrug. He noticed people were moving away from them, unfortunate, this didn't need to be any more of a scene than it already was. And then someone stepped out of the crowd.

Rhoden looked at the man, he recognized him--he couldn't not recognize him. He spoke and Rhoden sighed, "Captain Vassyl will--" he broke off at the sudden movement and spun, stepping back. He had a moment to feel some minor relief that she wasn't trying to stab him before the spray caught him. Not as much as she was hoping, but enough to cause him pain. HIs eyes snapped shut on instinct even as he reached out to grab her in a somewhat more forceful grip than before.

He forced his eyes back open even as he reached, cursing inwardly. He had a blaster pistol, wrist-mounted scout blaster, and vibroblade. None of which he could use near a crowd without risking them or at the very least scaring them enough to cause a panic he didn't need.

[Professor Mors]

A conversation, and an interruption. Even through the eyes of A1, Vassyl could not discern the nature of the discussion, or who had leapt into it partway through. What the Captain did observe, much to his surprise, was the sudden assault on Rhoden's vision, and the aggressor that had perpetrated it. At last, Doren received a more-or-less complete image of his query, and a ominous premonition. Something on the individual- no, the woman's person struck a chord deep within the recesses of Vassyl's mind. That settled it. The Captain slowly brought the viper down into a slight descent, such that the droid hovered no more than a few feet from the heads of the various onlookers. Simultaneously, Doren took copious steps to retract A1's various claws and mechanical mandibles into their more passive, stored condition.

The probe was about four feet away when the Captain concluded his non-hostile gesture by disarming the droid's shoulder-mounted canon with an audible beep. Instead of a weapon, one of A1's microreceptors began to glow to life, and holographic likeness of the Captain soon materialized in the air. Gloved fingers laced together, a seated Doren maintained a stern, dignified posture, undermined slightly by the fresh bandage clinging above his right eye. [Lieutenant, I trust you are not egregiously injured], the phantasmal facsimile began, [You may stand down for now]. Vassyl's hologram then cast an azure gaze on the mystery woman, and continued, [I do apologize for my colleague's forwardness, this has been a hectic chain of events to say the least]. [As a representative of the Empire, I have no further intention to impede your travels today], Doren added, straightening up in his seat, [But before you and yours take your leave, Miss, I would ask something of you]. Vassyl's head tilted forward with interest, and though he cared not how the young lady chose to respond, he made the inquiry thus, [What is your name?].

[Ben Kenobi]

He could feel the tension in her body through the Force, on instinct he closed the gap slightly as he wasn’t sure exactly what she was planning. Before the Imperial Trooper could reply she spun in a disarming maneuver and her free hand shot up to dispense an aerosol into the Imperial’s eyes. The musk on the air smelt nothing of any toxin and he was thankful that it wasn’t such, but regardless it would certainly offer up a stinging feeling and purchase precious seconds in which they could both maneuver away from this instance. Perhaps at that same time he felt her hand grip his own hand tightly and yank him in her pursuit of freedom just as the warbling and ominous tones of an Imperial Viper Probe Droid descended into their proximity.

They were in the very early stages of movement when, also, the Trooper’s hand shot out to grasp Evelyn once more; without exerting much effort at all, Ben spun his staff in a swift motion and gave the good Imperial Trooper a fatherly smack on the palm of his hand, thus thwarting any such physical arrest of the brunette girl in question.

It was a fluid situation and as the girl pulled away, Ben not only went with her, but superimposed his body between her and the recovering Imperial Trooper. Any such response would be forced his way and not directed immediately towards her. They fled the scene and within a few steps they were weaving their way through a hastily parting crowd that wanted absolutely nothing to do with the situation, getting in the way of the Empire’s Soldiery meant obstruction and the Empire didn’t have a reputation of responding gently towards such roles.

Ben could hear the clicking of the droid though he didn’t turn back to see what was happening. He assumed that the droid was equipping non-lethal arms or perhaps was engaging in recovery operations for the downed Imperial Trooper, never would he have suspected it was equipping a holoprojector for the Imperial OIC to present himself with an apology and of all things, diffuse the situation. It was unfortunate, but Doren Vassyl’s words were largely lost in the flight away from the Imperial Trooper.

All in all, Ben largely approved of Evelyn’s actions. Instead of drawing her blaster or blade, both of which she very easily could have, she drew a form of defense that was non-debilitating and was now working to make away from the situation rather than fight it out to the bitter end. While patience wouldn’t have hurt here, she had made a decision and that decision wasn’t at the cost of a life nor was it at the expense of Ben’s own disposition as she’d taken care to ensure that, whether he was anticipating it or not, she didn’t leave him behind to take the fall. She displayed compassion and awareness. Key traits indeed.

They made away from the scene into the waiting embrace of the outer crowd, of which weren’t aware of the unfolding scene. These citizens weren’t in as much of a hurry to be out of their way as they made flight from the fight, but otherwise it seemed they’d continue onwards unmolested by Imperial pursuit. Now, some generous distance away, though not nearly far enough to stop running, “Up ahead,” he started as they both wove through the end of the terrace, “the tram.” He smiled slightly at the irony; when they’d first met he’d asked her for directions, now he was the one giving them. He would have to apologize for the deception and he readily assumed she’d have those very questions if he didn’t.

[Evelyn Swann]

Evelyn didn't risk to turn her head to see if her minor defense had been a success. She just needed to get away so the young lady ran as fast as her legs could carry her. Relieved of the fact that the Jedi had chosen to come with her, a wave of confidence was washing over her being. If he hadn't run with her, young Evy had to stop. She couldn't get herself to leave him behind. This was her mess she had to get out of, and Evelyn was not in for a small conversation with this so called Captain Vassyl. She didn't trust the Empire, not after everything that had happened. So his little speech had been in vain for him unfortunately, since Evelyn wouldn't have been able to hear him while running.

The crowd ahead of them seemed eager to get away from the tensed situation, but Evy didn't care. She fled from the Imperials with a Jedi... A real Jedi, and a Master nonetheless! She remembered how her mother used to tell stories about them, and the battles had with the Sith and the Galactic Empire. Now she had met one. One that was there for her at the moment. So everything her mother had explained in her stories were true and Evy loved it. It made her feel better now where she was running for her life.

As the pair continued to rush through the tensed crowd, Evy couldn't help but wonder who this man was. He seemed so familiar, as if she had seen him before a very long time ago, but she brushed the thought away for now. All she had to concentrate on, was for her and the Jedi to get away safely. As they ran she threw the metal spray back into her backpack and began to search for a way out. They ran around corners, inbetween people, up and down stairs and Miss Swann felt how her body began to calm more and more when they neared a crowd more ignorant to the past events close to the outside. The young lady looked over her shoulder to see if the droid or the Imperial had engaged persuit of them once again, but she couldn't see them at the given moment.

When the Jedi spoke to her, Evy looked ahead and saw the tram he was referring to. Nodding, the young lady gestured for him to lead the way. She found this iconic since he had been the one asking for directions at their first encounter. Why he had done so was yet to be revealed, but she saw no reason as to why she should ask this now. That was a question Miss Swann would ask him once they were safe.

Getting closer to the tram, it seemed that they'd have another five minutes before it would move to which ever destination it was headed. Boarding the tram, Evelyn tried to catch her breath as she gazed up at the Jedi Master now standing in front of her. "So... I think you already know what I will be asking you Master Jedi.. Why did you ask for directions when you obviously seem to know this place rather well? And how come that you want to offer me sanctuary?" Her hazel eyes kept eye contact while waiting for an answer, her breathing still trying to get back to normal.

She couldn't help but have a rather bad feeling about the situation since the Imperials now have her face and they would easily find her in the records now. So the brunette would have to keep herself out of sight for cameras and other Imperial equipment. Dusting off her clothes, she paid attention to the Jedi and what he had to say as she placed her hood back over her head for protection of being seen.

[Professor Mors]

Vassyl hissed with disgust as the video feed from A1 was temporarily reduced to static and muted warbling. For all their technological advances, even Imperial transmitters had their limits, and broader net servers at the outpost were almost exclusively private in ownership. Whoever had wired the transponder nodes along this particular hallway had seemingly botched the job. When the visual feed was finally restored, Doren found his query slipping just beyond the boundary of the view screen, disappearing into yet another swirling cloud of travelers and non-combatants. As far as this bout was concerned, the Imperials had lost their edge, and to the fleeing woman went the spoils.

Still, there was little room to maneuver in a neutral territory such as this. And, whoever had assisted the woman in her flight might not necessarily be working alone. Whatever the true nature of the scenario was, further reconnaissance and reflection were in order. For all their trouble, the Captain had at least succeeded in a obtaining a relatively clear physical dossier on the target, and had begun to formulate a working theory as to not only who she was, but whom she had once held connections to. Vassyl had indeed seen her weapon once before, a long time ago. Now, it seemed a once dormant line of inquiry had been given new life, and Doren had no intention of neglecting it. [Return to the embassy Lieutenant], Vassyl announced over A1's speakers, now in real-time, [We have quite the debrief ahead of us].

[Rhoden Carbine]

"Care to tell me what this was all about?" Rhoden growled into the comm as he gave up the chase. "In the unlikely event you managed to fail in retrieving physical data I got a good look at her; I'll be able to provide any details necessary." he said. "Just send word down the line and I'll keep an eye out for her in the future, that is technically part of my job."

Rhoden bypassed the ventilation system and stepped into a lift, clasping his hands behind his back as he returned to the Captain wondering about this latest encounter. He would have research and analysis to do; and a lot of it.