Residential Area

"Look, Terra, about the other day---do you want an apology?" Frankly, he wasn't the least bit sorry about what he'd done. The only thing he was sorry about was the intrusion of a random Jedi into the room that they were in. His untimely arrival had really upended the moment. Nik didn't know if Terra had had any prior experience with Zeltrons, but even if Ralph was around, as far as he was concerned, that wasn't really a problem. To be honest, Terra didn't seem satisfied in that 'relationship'---and if it had been Nik, he certainly wouldn't have left Terra in any doubt of his opinions on the matter. But once again, it seemed that this other male in Terra's life had failed to show up.

Nik felt that Terra wasn't really giving him much to work with, closed off, hiding her emotions. Zeltrons tended to be pretty up front and open about things.

"What about the other day?" he queried gently, reaching out to take her chin lightly in his hand, stroking his thumb along the line of her jaw. There were several possibilities here, but on the other hand, he wanted Terra to know what she was getting into. And while he might not mind that he wasn't her only partner, Ralph might have other ideas about that. "Ralph might not like sharing...and I don't want you to make a choice that you might regret." He blinked slowly, gazing at her once again with deep green eyes, relishing the biological advantage of pheromones that Zeltrons had as opposed to the more biochemically bland human species. "However, I wouldn't be opposed to--uh, picking up where we left off so to speak."

He grinned at her in a lopsided fashion, taking a half-step closer as he did so. "---besides, I feel that if he wishes to have the right to an opinion, he should be around to make that opinion known. Wouldn't you say?"

"Hmm...this is good, Terra Kiros," he whispered in her ear, relishing the situation she was currently in, feeling the tension between them thicken to the point it could be cut with a lightsaber before his hands settled low on her waist and he pulled her into his arms. He could feel every tentative, hesitant breath she took pressed into his chest. Ducking his head, the Zeltron brushed his lips against hers lightly, then gently bit her lower lip hungrily, pausing to see if she changed her mind.

Nik smiled, pleased with the turn of events. The Zeltron was careful not to move too quickly though as he pulled back a bit to let her catch her breath. Deep green eyes glittered in the light. He liked the way she had left her hair loose and let her know it as he ran his fingers through it, before running them along the edge of her ear and down her neck along the edge of her collar.

Despite the fact that he knew she was willing, there was a nagging feeling in the back of his mind telling him to be careful. She had a big test coming up tomorrow, something that meant more for her future with the Jedi than she was even aware of yet. And Nik knew that if he distracted her, she'd be performing at a less-than-optimal skill level. Given the fact that the two of them were physically close at the moment, he knew that she knew he was pleased with the situation. He leaned down and kissed her firmly while running his free hand down along her side. When he spoke, it was in a quiet voice so as not to jar upon nerves, "Terra, you've got a very big day tomorrow---and no, this isn't what you think it is," one of the advantages of his skin color was the fact that it was hard for anyone to notice whether or not he felt embarrassed. He wasn't going to make a 'tomorrow we might die, so you should be with me tonight' type argument. He didn't feel it necessary given the circumstances, particularly since she had agreed. "I don't want you to feel any regrets, and---" the Zeltron placed a gentle fingertip against her lips in case she tried to interrupt, "you will if you are tired tomorrow when we head into the underworld as a result of not getting sufficient sleep tonight. It is already late."

A glance at his wrist chrono was enough to tell him that much. He leaned closer and nuzzled her neck for a moment with the tip of his nose before kissing her earlobe and whispering, "besides, it's that much more to look forward to after we get back---incentive even, so you don't do something foolhardy." 

He had no intention of being the reason that Terra might fail her Trials. And besides, in the alchemy lab they would all be at risk. They would have to function as a team and trust each other. Adding a complication to that immediately prior to their mission would be nothing short of irresponsible in his opinion.

Nik smiled, more than aware of the sense of disappointment fluttering around Terra. He looked closely at her grey eyes for a moment, and then deliberately slipped his hand under her shirt, relishing the warm of her skin. Then, he pulled her close into a hug.

"Yes, we should. And I'll make sure you don't dream." The unspoken, 'if you want' query floated between them as he slid past her and then pulled her down next to him so she was resting in his arms with her head on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I won't try anything." And he meant it. This time. It would not be the first time the Zeltron Knight had watched over someone in the night. The simple presence of one who is a friend can often keep away the demons that walk in the realm of sleep, when the mind is unconscious and less defended than while awake.

Nik surreptitiously cracked an eyelid open and watched Terra as she grabbed fresh clothes and headed into the 'fresher. After she disappeared, he stretched slowly, and then got up. By the time she returned, her bed had been made up in a meticulous fashion, and the Zeltron was leaning against the edge of the window. His green outer vest was hung over one arm, leaving him wearing his light sand-colored shirt, now rumpled from being slept in. He looked over at Terra as she reappeared.

"You seem to have slept well," he remarked calmly, scrutinizing her appearance narrowly.

He smiled faintly as her lips brushed against his and held her close for just a moment so he could look into her eyes. "Hey...you've got this. Just remember what you've learned." He paused for a second, then squeezed her hand before stepping away from her. He looked back from the doorway, "I'll see you down there," he nodded in the general direction of the tower that housed the vehicles of the Jedi Temple and then headed off down the hallway. He figured it might be better for Terra if the two of them didn't arrive there together as they were setting off on a tricky mission to the underworld.

Sometime in the past... (Private Storyline)




The main cafeteria hall in the Jedi Temple was found one floor below the Grand Entrance Hall and was considered to be roughly half as large. Having the sole purpose of providing nourishment to most of the Jedi Order and its visitors, the cafeteria was justifiable massive. In the main area, rows upon rows of bland plasteel tables lined up like a legion of soldiers, flanked by benched seating. Along one wall, betraying the large droid-manned kitchens in the adjoining space, was a buffet line. From the slots in the wall, dishes, trays, and all manner of food stuffs were collected and served. Farther down the end, nearest to the west entrance, was a drink bar that featured liquid vessels suited to multiple species and an equally wide variety of drinks for a diverse Order.

Seated near the east entrance and rather far away from the high-traffic end of the cafeteria were three Jedi Knights, all of them with trays halfway through being cleared of their contents. Animatedly leading the conversation was a male, in his mid-twenties, with a shock of blond hair that remained tousled at the best of times. With a utensil in one hand, some sort of leaf hanging on to the end as it swung about, he gestured to his companions. Across from him sat a woman, also in her twenties, with hair that could not decide whether it was orange or red pulled back in a tail hanging down her back. Her features were average, and if not for her hair nothing about this woman was remarkable in the slightest. She responded to the animated man with nods and a half-smirk on her face. The third Knight was completely bald, with a deathly pallor about his skin and gaunt features. This was not for lack of health, for this Jedi Knight was a Rattataki and the nearly-white skin, iris-less eyes, and bald pate were all rather common among his species.

All three Knights were well-muscled as most Jedi were, and they all wore variation of the traditional Jedi robes. The blond man, Perci Vollant of Corellia, wore lighter robes in tan and creamed-caf brown. These were contrasted by the stark black and gray robes favored by the Rattataki, Juun Wiffen. Sitting with nondescript brown and dark tan robes was Artessa Emos, of Eriadu. As was usual, these fully-fledged Jedi Knights had a variety of equipment on their belts, but most prominently of all were their individualized lightsabers, each a cylinder of roughly equivalent length and circumference, but stylized to match the user's combat and physiological preference. Even in the Jedi Temple, seat of the Order, full Jedi and even Padawans were encouraged to keep their lightsaber at their side in the event of an unexpected necessity.

"I'm telling you," Perci accentuated with a jab of his utensil, "the Archives explicitly state that their ARE angels on Iego!"

Unable to help herself, Artessa rolled her eyes. But her counterpoint was made for her by Juun. In a raspy voice also common among his species, he replied, "Children who don't know better call them angels, but the species that make their home on Iego aren't angels."

"Well sometimes children know better than the rest of us..." Perci grumbled, no malice in his words, and only feigned annoyance in his Force aura. Truly, it was wonderful that good-natured conversation like this was once more the norm on Coruscant. It had not even been a full year since the Second Great Sith War had raged across the galaxy, with the invading Sith Force getting as close to Coruscant as Corellia before being repelled for good by the Jedi Order and the Republic military. Many of the wounds caused by the catastrophic campaign had been healed at this point, but relief efforts were ongoing even now as the Senate continued to work through its list of requests for aid pouring in from member states all across the galaxy.

Artessa laid a hand on Perci's arm, smiling at him as she did so, "Trust me, one day we'll get the chance to go to Iego and you can draw your own conclusions." Perci returned her gaze, his eyes flashing in a way that Artessa had always thought of as mischievous.

It was at that moment that a figure approached them from the far side of the cafeteria. Having been engrossed in their debate as they had been, none of the Knights had felt the approach, but quite suddenly they were all looking up from their meals into the elegant features of a Bothan Jedi, his fur a wonderfully calm shade of cream speckled with darker brown. Their surprise rippled through the Force as they registered just who had approached them. This was Master Gadriel Ley'lya, a Jedi from the Council and one of the Jedi pivotal in the final battle at Corellia that ended the Second Great Sith War. Respected for his service in peace time as a vaunted liaison between the Jedi Order and the Senate as well as his contributions in times of conflict, Master Ley'lya had a personage as elegant as his record led one to believe.

"Afternoon, Master. I did not see you there." Artessa recovered quickly. She made a move to rise out of respect but the Bothan Master waved her to remain as she was. His voice was very smooth, with a feline grace, as he spoke, "We are in our own home here, Jedi Emos, and eating at that, save the formalities for when they really matter." His Force aura radiated good humor.

"If I may, Master," Juun volunteered, "What brings you to us?"

Sliding down into the empty spot next to Perci, Gadriel smiled in his feline way, "I appreciate your candidness, Jedi Wiffen. Indeed, I've come to you now because I have an assignment I'd like for you three, as well as another, to undertake for me."

Always the forward one, Perci asked first, "What will we be doing?"

"The Galactic Republic Address is scheduled in two days' time. Now, Chief of State Ogram, as is tradition, will be riding in the opening parade caravan to the speaking venue at the head of Fellowship Plaza." Master Ley'lya began. He glanced at the three Knights he was addressing.

"Naturally, he refuses to ride in a closed-up and armored speeder, but has insisted that as per tradition, he be open to the air and therefore open to the public."

Perci's frown was more than expected, he interjected, "That must have given his security an absolute headache."

Gadriel grinned, "You're very right about that. However, I presume I don't have to explain why he insisted despite the obvious security risk."

"It's all about portraying strength to the public," Artessa supplied, "If he's viewed as hiding away in an armored speeder, nobody's going to think that the Republic is in a true safe state after the War. He has to project confidence, especially prior to the Address."

"Exactly." Gadriel nodded. His pride at Artessa's logical deduction was evident in the Force. "As such," the Bothan continued, "the Chief has compromised with his security team by reaching out to the Order for Jedi protection.

"Jedi Emos, you'll be riding in the Chief's speeder with his personal guards." As Gadriel said this, he pointed furry finger, "Jedi Wiffen, you shall be stationed at the end of the parade route, where the speech is set to take place. Therefore, you'll be coordinating with his security team to make sure that the crowd is safe for the most powerful man in the galaxy to give an open-air speech live.

"Finally, Jedi Vollant, you and Jedi Zuk, whom I have already briefed, will be providing air support from a speeder especially designated to remain separate from the parade and at a pace and location where you'll be the overseers of any suspicious activity."

The Master was referring to Jedi Knight Nalliana Zuk, a woman of fair skin but thick dark hair from the planet Dathomir. Having been raised in the tradition of the Dathomir witches for her adolescent  before deciding to join the Jedi Order, she was versed in their special nature-related applications of the Force in addition to the regular Jedi abilities. Overall, a pleasant woman, she did have some eccentricities that were allowed to remain from her life among the Witches.

Each of the three Knights nodded their assent to their assignments. With a knowing twinkle in his eye, Master Ley'lya stood and dismissed himself, saying, "May the Force be with you."

"Thank you, Master." the three Knights each responded in turn. At that, he left them to finish their meals, and to most likely discuss their upcoming assignment.