Thread: Star Wars: The Eclipse before the Dawn (Corsair and Xana)

She isn't here, my son. Quentin looked up, startled at the intrusion. He'd been pouring over the Archives, trying to locate where Kaydia was being held. What? he asked in confusion, blinking at Master Valis. Not here? But... she's a Jedi. By law, she... I am aware of the statutes, the Axotl said, staring at him with unblinking liquid black eyes. It is why the Order, for the most part, polices itself. But in light of the politically sensitive nature of the case... Quentin was on his feet now, pacing. What? What's happened? Valis blinked. The Supreme Chancellor has invoked a little-used law passed after the Exar Kun uprising. He will be passing judgement on her case himself. Quentin stared at him in shock for the span of three heartbeats. Then, wordless, he sprinted from the room. Master Quinn Faylen, Supreme Chancellor Palpatine said, smiling as he rose from his chair. How may I assist you? Quentin took in the spare room with its view of the sprawling ecumenopolis, noted the looming presence of the indigo-armored Chancellory Guard, and forced his pulse to slow. I thank you for your time, Supreme... Palpatine waved off the formal words with a smile. Nonsense, Master Faylen. I am delighted to speak with one of the Order. What did you need to speak with me about? A prisoner, Quentin said, forcing himself to be calm. Jedi Sir Kaydia... Voss-Hall, Palpatine finished. Also known as 'Scarlet'. He shook his head sadly. A Black Sun assassin the Order believed redeemed. Until she branched out into political assassination. What did you need to know? It's not a matter of knowing, Quentin answered, aware that his words were tumbling out faster than he could control. I've come to serve as her advocate. I... Oh dear, Palpatine interrupted. If only I'd known... but no. It would have changed nothing. Her guilt was incontrovertible. A hollow opened in Quentin's gut. What..? He couldn't bear to finish. I ordered her execution, the Supreme Chancellor stated. For the good of the Republic, we cannot show.... He continued for some time, speaking of the tester good and the need for order and the importance of showing that none stood above the law. Quentin heard none of it. Mandalore 20 BBY Quentin stood silently in the bedroom, ignoring the people around him as he let the living currents of the Force unfold around him. There was little enough to sense, though. The hostile patience of Prime Minister Almec and his guards. The quiet nervousness of the other two Jedi, Kento Marek and his partner Mallie Taris. But no clues to the identity of the murderer. He opened his eyes. Well? the Prime Minister demanded, disdain dripping from his voice. What have your vaunted powers told you, Jedi? Will you deny that your own Order has struck down Duchess Satine? The assassin entered with the assistance of the Duchess, Quentin said. There are no signs of forced entry. The Duchess was found in bed, yes? Her heart stopped? Yes, the Prime Minister growled. But I don't... Quentin ignored him, crossing the room and examining the bed. After a minute he was crouched low, examining the silken sheets closely. What are you looking for, Master? asked Sir Kento, moving to watch more closely. Nothing that can be seen with the senses, Quentin murmured, tracing the sheets with his hands. Feeling the impressions that had been left behind. Passion. Shock. A touch of memory. Nothing that could be put easily into words, but a complex melange of thought and sense that built up... Proof. Proof of what? Nellie asked, moving to stand near her partner. She invited her killer in, Quentin murmured. A chance flirtation, leading to more... He straightened up. Bail Organa. The name of the killer? the Prime Minister sneered. The name of the next victim, Quentin replied. She left the name, as a warning. He squared his shoulders, hope and fear mingling in his heart. I'll find her killer, Prime Minister. I'll find her.