20040413

Republic Reckoning 5.8.87

We are on board ship, en route to Nantel. It's a 5 day trip. Most of that time is spent in training, recreation, or saying "yes master". Information on Nantel indicates that it is a clannish but "enlightened" feudalism. It is a sector hub and major trade center. We are to guard the Emperor and prepare the government head for Evac in case it becomes necessary.

Republic Reckoning 5.13.87

We land at the spaceport well outside the capital city. We ride local transportation (mule drawn carriage) into the Caiptal and into the walled government sector, known quaintly as the "Forbidden City".

Quindo - "If we're going there it must not be particularly Forbidden." Someone - "It's not so much 'Forbidden' as 'greatly discouraged'!"

The architecture of the city is what Igashu describes as "Retro Feudal". The houses have all the modern amenities but all modern conveniences are hidden out of sight. Visibly, it appears wood and brick construction with foot, bicycle, or animal traffic, but everything is very clean and in excellent repair. No droid in evidence.

We arrive at the Imperial Palace. Quindo senses something Dark and gets jumpy. "They're already here!". We are to be taken "directly" to the Emperor, which means a 2 hour wait in an antechamber. Aegone presents us to the Emperor and everyone kneels except Quindo, who only goes to one knee (waiting for an attack). The Emperor denys sending for us and kindly refuses our offer of assistance. He claims that his people are well prepared for any attack. He asks Aegon for a demonstration of the "legendary prowess" of the Jedi. (Zip, thud?) Aegon politely refuses. We are dismissed from the Emperor's presence.

We are approached by Undersecretary Quinlan Hidaka of the Hida clan. He explains that it was his clan that sent for us, planning to present the Emperor with a "fait accompli". Apparently, he underestimated the Emperor's resolve. We're at loose ends, but the Hida clan will sponsor us, allowing us freedom to move about the city and a place to stay. We are told that the Emperor is a member of the Seppun Clan. The sinister looking fellow over there is of the Bayushi clan. They have the next most ligitimate claim to the throne.

We are taken to the Hida Clan Enclave and given a place to stay. We try to decide how to approach the problem of helping out where we're not wanted. The first thing we need is more information and we plan to go out into the city as soon as we get passes from the Hida. Quindo - "We need to make it look like we know more than we actually do. If we act like we're too obvious anout being completely open, they'll suspect that we're hiding something." Elbram - "So, we can hide that fact that we're not actually hiding anything." Quindo - "Exactly!"

A contingent of Imperial Guards drop by to say hello. Apparently, by offering our assistance unwanted, we've implied that they are not capable of protecting the Emperor. We've impuned the honor of the Emperor's guard. Aegon diplomatically says nothing.

Igashu (internal monologue) - "I'm not going to say ANYTHING. Aegon told us not to start a war, so I'm going to sit back and let HIM start it."

After they leave, we decide to pass the time with training. We clear a space on the grounds and practice our cadences. Igashu actually manages to complete his. Quindo gets close, but flubbs the last pass.

Quindo and Igashu decide to spar. Igashu beats Quindo 3 times out of three. His technique is a little less polished but the Force is really with him today. Quindo suspects that Igashu may have done more than he admitted while he was away. He asks Igashu who taught him recently and gets a non-commital answer. Night falls and it's time to sleep.