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2.19.4787 Republic Reckoning

In a special Emergency Saturday Gaming Session (ESGS), Quindo had a long and difficult conversation with the 5 Sith baddies. It seems that Garek Brynn is not involved in the revolts at all! His mission is the give us a message for the Council, and to spread chaos. Basically, he's sitting on the sidelines for this one. Speaking on behalf of what used to be Santaros Corporation, his message is basically "We will destroy the Rebublic and replace it with our own Sith Empire." Ok, way to dream buddy, but I've got more important things to do right now.

The other 4 Sith, are as follows: The Apprentice, DJ Junior, A buggy alien named At'tck. The Sith, DJ Senior, A Vhodran male named Tvlashka. The Master, DJ Master, A human male calling himself Master Laut. The Prophet, Nakael.

Master Laut did most of the talking for the group, though he listened politely to my comments and seemed merely amused when Q tried baiting him. (Tvlashka kept looking like he wanted to kill him on the spot when Quindo made a few choice comments about the Dark Side being the path for weaklings and cowards.)

The problem is, Laut's arguments made too much sense. Quindo could not condone the Sith's methods by any means, or what he fear are their end goals, but their stated purpose could not be dismissed lightly. Laut insists that they are here to free the slaves and break the Hutt's power in the galaxy. Granted, he wants to destroy them utterly and Quindo tried to insist that all life must be protected, but even a Jedi can't be too overzealous defending the Hutts. Which puts him on very shaky ground. Laut puts the brutal methods on the shoulders of the slaves, who, understandably are pissed off. He denies influencing them overmuch in their methods, though Q believes that to be a lie.

Quindo tries a different approach, "If it means so much, why are you here drumming up the troops instead of simply killing the Hutts and freeing the slaves? The 4 of you could easily overcome the entire complement on this planet. Heck, with planning 'I' could do it!" Laut easily counters Quindo's suggestion by insisting that the revolution must be a victory for the slaves, otherwise they simply trade one master for another. See, he makes too much sense, even though he's evil. Quindo had to take step after step backwards in his defense of his own actions and purpose in the situation, largely because he doesn't really believe in what he's doing.

Then the enticement: "You are so conflicted. You know in your heart the right course to follow in this situation, you are too caught up in what you should do that you can not act as you wish to. Join us in freeing these people." (Come to the Dark Side!!)

Quindo's response: "There is always doubt. The day I stop questioning my path is the day I fall into shadow. You can not use my doubt against me, it protects me."

Laut insists that Quindo accompany his group, or at least stand aside. Quindo offers that he must continue to oppose them as his conscience directs. Laut threatens to destroy him. Will this be the end of our hero??

But wait! Brynn offers to "escort" Q out of the situation, for reasons of his own. This seems like a good idea, a good way to survive the next hour, but too easy. Quindo has thought a lot about his course over the last year and he has become wary of easy solutions. So, he takes the hardest path he can see.

Quindo agrees to accompany the Sith in their mobile command center. He does not pledge aid, and declares that "If all is as you say, then I will simply be an observer and consultant. But if your actions compel me to move against you, then I must act." Laut merely laughs and gestures toward his waiting aircar.

Brynn seems displeased, but I care.

With Laut's permission, Q contacts Igashu telepathically (Laut is monitoring) and conveys absolutely nothing while trying to impress on him the Really Bad Nature Of The Situation. Overall, all that is really communicated is that Quindo is captured but alive and well for the moment, and that Nakael is here with some friends we've met before. Oh, and Garek Brynn is here too, but uninvolved.

Quindo: Igashu... Things are rather more complicated.
Igashu: what do you mean?... are you alright?
Quindo: Garek Brynn is here. Nakael is too. And his three friends.
Igashu: can you get out of there?
Quindo: No. The situation is um... that is to say... Things have progressed out of our control.
Igashu: into Brynn's control? where are you?
Quindo: Garek Brynn is just here to send a message. He seems to be his Own faction in this fiasco
Igashu: and Nakael? and the three? together? and what pray tell is Brynn's message?
Quindo: I am with Nakael. Things are much too .. no... well... let's put it this way. I may not be coming back... but if worse comes to worse, I at least won't be coming back.
Igashu: Quindo if you're doing something stupid don't handicap me here... To'iir is on planet if it's just Nakael we can get you out of there... I'll get her to help somehow... what are you planning to do...
Quindo: I can't go into details without breaking my word. And even if I wanted to, he's sitting right here. And I don't mean Nakael.
Igashu: and you can't say who either?
Quindo: He's looking at me now... Let me try to make my point clear. Get everyone out of here. We've lost this one. This is not going to be solved by more deaths on the battlefield. Make them listen. We can't stand aside, but I fear our hands are tied.
Quindo: I'll try to minimize casualties on THIS END, but I've got to act now.
Igashu: Quindo... stay safe... I'll find a way to get you out.