Niango

*Good, Serena was awake and okay. Morgan wanted to kick herself for writing off that bad feeling as just feeling the area was a little creepy, but they could get out of this yet. Morgan scooted over beside Serena and shifted her position so that she could reach Serena's hands with her own. Then she did her best to fidget about, trying to get them loose and unbound.*
We just... gotta.. get out of here... I think they wanna knock us out again and get rid of us... but we're gonna get them instead!
*Finally, the wire gave, loosening up Serena's hands. That would give her the freedom to undo her feet as well and get Morgan out of her own binds. Morgan looked at her hip, seeing that her lightsaber was still there. Wow, they were stupid, weren't they? Well, whoever grabbed them anyway; their boss definitely didn't seem to be behind this idea. He was the smart one, but he was still up to something. Something they were gonna shut down...*

*Morgan hoped Serena would hurry so that they'd be prepared for when the guy came, but fortunately Serena would be able to see where the bonds were wrapped and tied. When they were off, Morgan immediately undid her ankle bonds too, then looked around the room: It was pretty plain and bare, so they couldn't really use the environment to their advantage; they'd have to take these guys head-on. Someone was coming though.*
Act like you're still tied up, I got an idea.
*The man who appeared was somewhat nicely dressed, with clean-cut hair and a small beard on his chin. It was obvious where his sidearms were hiding however, and he seemed a bit flustered; he was probably the one who'd just got chewed out by his boss.*
Oh, you're awake! Sorry about this, there's been a bit of a misunderstanding, we thought you two could be... well, useful to us, but, you can't, so we're going to let you go. Oh, but we have to uh... put you back asleep first! We can't let you know where this is, you see.
*He seemed to have little experience talking to children... for he seemed to be trying to talk to children much younger than they were— right, he probably thought Morgan was younger than she looked, of course. Still, clearly he had no experience, but Morgan knew how to act a little, so she pretended to seem innocent and worried.*
Oh, okay... b-but... can't you just, I dunno, blindfold us or something? I don't wanna go back to sleep...
*The henchman paused for a bit, almost as though he wanted to berate himself for not just thinking of blindfolds. It would certainly be easier and a lot less messy than knocking two kids out again. He smiled and nodded repeatedly.*
Right, right, wait here, I'll be right back and soon you'll be on your way out!
*Before he could disappear, Morgan stammered out another convincing reply.*
K-Kay.
*When he was gone, Morgan looked to Serena and whispered to her.*
When he comes back, wait for him to get close then try to tackle him! I'll help.
*The man was returning, humming tunelessly to himself. Maybe he was trying to keep the mood light and friendly? Morgan didn't care, he was fumbling with two strips of cloth. She hoped they were clean— Why did it matter? She had no intention of wearing them anyway. He was closer now, and soon he was kneeling in front of them...*

*Morgan waited for Serena to make the first move, which caught the man completely off-guard, giving Morgan the opening to launch herself at the henchman, helping knock him to the ground. She straddled his chest, hands flat on his shoulders as though she thought she actually could hold him down that way as she glared down into his widened and shocked eyes.*
Sorry, we're not going anywhere. Now what is this place and who are you people?
*The man stammered as though he was trying to speak for the first time in ages as his eyes darted about the room.*
I-I-I can't tell you that, m-m'dear!
*Morgan wanted to retch at someone like him calling her that, but she only unclipped her lightsaber and held it up in one hand horizontally.*
See this? It's my lightsaber. Wanna talk now?
*She activated the weapon, bathing them in green light as she watched the man's eyes go even wider with terror before he seemed to get a grip on himself and grin very, very nervously.*
Th-that's just a toy right? I mean they don't give little kids lightsabers right?
*Maybe he had some knowledge after all, but Morgan's weapon was completely real.*
Sometimes we get them, and this is real, look.
*Morgan plunged the tip of the weapon into the ground a safe distance from either of their bodies, but it still caused the man to twitch and yelp. When the blade went through the floor pretty easily, he was convinced.*
Okay okay okay, we smuggle drugs in the city, please don't hurt me! ... wait a minute, you're a Jedi! You don't kill people do you?
*If he'd been a little smarter, he'd have had that realization sooner and called her bluff, but fortunately he had given up enough information already. She definitely had no intention of killing the man, nor hurt him unless he tried to hurt them. Which, from the sound of things, they had no intention of doing other than to keep their location secret. At least they had some standards and the man's only plan was ransom, and not something more nefarious.

The scars on her chest briefly burned and she almost hissed, but she ignored them. She pulled her weapon out of the floor, but did not let the man up yet. Then she smiled smugly and shrugged, spreading her hands.*
You got me. But that's okay, because we already got you.
*She could see in his eyes that he knew he'd screwed up, but another voice calling out from down the hall, asking what was going on, got her attention.*
They're loose! Careful!
*Morgan tried to put her hands over the guy's mouth, but it was too late. Growling, she looked at Serena and nodded toward the hall.*
Hide and get the first one that comes out! I'll be there in a sec!
*The man seemed to struggle, but Morgan had to keep him down and silent for as long as she could, and she wasn't sure she was strong enough to— Lightsaber. She held it just above his face, not enough to actually hurt him but enough to keep him from trying to struggle any further. That would buy her the time she needed...*

*Serena had the second one down, but she seemed to be trying to keep him quiet. Wasn't exactly what Morgan was hoping she'd do, but maybe that bought them more time to do figure out a strategy. However, as Serena announced, there were more on their way, and only the two of them against the rest. So what did they do now? They'd have to fight back, hopefully without losing their lives. Wait, they shouldn't... Morgan started to grin deviously.*
We'll be safe.
*She remained in her position atop the first henchman, waiting as the others arrived. There were only two, a man in a nice-looking suit, and a man behind him. They paused in the entrance of the room when they saw their two men downed by the girls. Morgan pointed her lightsaber at them, scowling.*
Back off! Messing with us is a bad idea!
*The two men paused, then the boss pulled a firearm from his jacket and pointed it directly at Morgan.*
Sorry little girl, but I'm the one who should be saying that.
*Morgan panicked at the suddenness of having a gun pointed at her, but she quickly relaxed. She had to stay calm. And besides, she already knew they couldn't kill them.*
I'm not stupid. You can't kill us. The Jedi would find out, and when they do, they'll be here to kick your asses!
*The boss's facade seemed to fade and his aim became less steady; successful bluff called. He lowered his gun... but then he smirked.*
You're right. I wouldn't kill you... but you wouldn't kill us either, am I right?
*When Morgan only scowled, he chuckled.*
So we seem to be at a stalemate. Listen, until you threatened my men, I was willing to just let you go, but obviously you won't go quietly. Maybe we can make a deal. Is there anything you'd like, in exchange for keeping quiet?
*Morgan gave a derisive laugh before replying.*
Just you behind bars!
*A brief pause.*
... but I guess that means we wouldn't be keeping quiet...
*The boss even laughed at her realization, a sincere, amused laugh.*
Do you even know what we're doing here? How does it hurt you? You're just a child, you wouldn't understand.
*Great, he played that one. Morgan bared her teeth and growled, then stood up, making a point to step on the henchman's face as she walked away from him.*
I'm not stupid! I'm eight, not a kindergartener! Drugs do bad things to people, and you're breaking the law! We're Jedi! We keep the peace and protect the law! Right, Serena?

*Serena's rather-enthusiastic response made Morgan nod in agreement along with her, but then the last thug threatened Serena with his own pistol, set for stun, and Morgan decided that was too far. With a scowl, she drew her hands back—carefully, as she still held her lit weapon—and gathered up energy before releasing the Force push towards the last two men standing. As they tumbled backwards, Morgan dashed forward, using her weapon to slice their fallen firearms in half, rendering them unusable before lowering her lightsaber toward the boss' neck.*
Don't you dare move! You're in for it now... Serena, take my datapad and call the cops.
*Morgan turned just enough to show her bag to Serena, making it easier for her to locate the item. Meanwhile, Morgan only gave the drug boss a hard stare; he seemed to be regretting taking them easy and treating them like children. In his eyes, she could see the thought processes of a man going through every possible angle he could to escape before realizing he had none and giving up.

It was a good feeling, but it didn't bring a smile to Morgan's face. Truly he was pretty small-time, if he had no contingency plans for something like this. Of course, who'd expect to get busted by a couple of Jedi children your dopey henchman brought in? Besides, small rings like this? What kind of plans could they have against Jedi anyway? It wasn't going to be a fully satisfying victory, but at least she and Serena were removing one ring from this city's streets.*

*Morgan held her weapon still. It was... disorienting, knowing she held someone's life at the end of her weapon. She wouldn't take it, not willingly, but the slightest movement or disruption and the man's neck would have been pierced. It was a battle just to remain steady. She'd taken lives, sure, and had to defend herself with weapons, but that was always, always in self-defense. One could say it was the same situation here, and they were probably right, but she had never held someone at weapon's end to get them to cooperate before.

She didn't like the feeling, but it was the only choice she had.

Serena made contact with the police, and she was thankful they believed their story. She just had to keep these people still; they'd pretty much already established that she wouldn't take their lives, but the precarious placement of her weapon meant that no one would try anything. She tried to stifle a gulping noise; she didn't want them to see her nervousness. She knew her last run-in with the local law enforcement wasn't exactly pleasant, but right now, she couldn't wait until they got here to relieve her.

Finally she heard the movement of people moving through the building. There was the possibility of other members of this ring, but she sensed no danger. At last, the officers appeared in the hall, weapons drawn in case of a trap, but when they saw the four men on the ground, not daring to move, and the two girls standing there victorious, they lowered them and the one in the lead waved others forward, who drew binders to apprehend the men.

Morgan deactivated her lightsaber and nearly stumbled her way to the nearest wall so she could lean against it and sigh in relief, so glad was she to no longer be holding someone's life in her hands. She wiped her forehead, only to find it moist. Was she sweating? Had the pressure really been that great? She stared at the wall blankly for a few moments while the police dealt with the men and confirmed their identities, then finally one of them spoke to the girls.*
I guess I do owe you two an apology. It appears I underestimated the both of you.
*Morgan looked into his face to find none other than that of the man who'd come to apprehend the shoplifter from earlier, crouching before them. That... was a good thing to hear, especially after what they'd been through. However, as much as she'd like to have taken pride in her handiwork... it had all been an accident. Well, she supposed there was "no such thing as an accident" and all, but it wasn't due to any effort by them.*
Th-thanks... but... we didn't find them. One of them grabbed us and brought us here, we just got free and, well...
*She started to gesture before realizing the men were already up and being escorted away, so her intended example wasn't there anymore. She blushed a little then lowered her head. Why did she admit that? The cop would just look down on them again. And he was laughing, even better!*
You got free and subdued them yourselves? I'm impressed.
*Morgan looked up again, wide-eyed.*
You're what?!
*The officer was smiling. Morgan shook her head, then allowed her own small, but confused, smile.*
Th-thanks! But I thought you were against us going after criminals...
*He patted her head—Morgan wasn't sure how to feel about that—and stood up.*
You didn't. They came to you, and you defended yourselves. Then got us involved. But perhaps I was wrong about your abilities... er, now, don't take that the wrong way! I still don't want you getting into any danger. But I certainly won't underestimate you again.
*Well, that was... something, she guessed. She nodded and the cop left after asking for their names, then said a parting "You two be good." There was silence for a moment, then Morgan looked toward Serena.*
I guess that wasn't so bad after all... but now what do we do?

*Poor Serena. Morgan thought she'd be the type to appreciate cities more than Morgan would, but even she was tired of this place. Morgan wasn't exactly sure she was tired of the city, mostly because she'd helped apprehend a minor drug ring, but she wasn't exactly interested enough to stay here. Nothing truly spectacular had caught her eye anyway, it was just... well, it was a city. And cities were not nature, therefore cities were boring.*
Okay. Let's go find Rush.
*She grabbed Serena's hand and led her out of the building, following the direction the police had left. Outside, they were still around, but that was obvious; they still had to keep the place secure should any other members of the ring still be inside or come around thinking they were still safely nestled away, and also they would have to send in investigators to scope the place out anyway. The officer from before was still around, and he gave them a wave as he noticed them, one Morgan returned while managing a smile.

She then followed her instincts to lead them away from the city and back toward the jungle. It didn't truly matter where, she supposed; the jungle was the jungle, and she could find her way back home easily. Once out, she called for Rush; they'd need his speed to get back to the base, as it seemed the sun was already starting to set and they'd need to get back to the base quickly. When he appeared, she mounted her companion, waited for Serena to follow suit, then the three of them were off, on their way back to the base...*

A large man plodded down the street in the entertainment district of Niango. The casual observer noticed two things - the lightsabers at his waist, and his constant muttering as if he were arguing with an unseen antagonist. Needless to say, Maroth's path was unhindered as he wandered aimlessly seeking something that could make him inebriated. Preferably as quickly as possible.

I am stopping at the next cantina and drinking you into oblivion. All because we agreed to seek balance with each other doesn't mean I have to put up with you incessant yammering to destroy, kill, or otherwise ruin some other person's perfectly good day.

Oh come now, we both know that you enjoy your fair share of destruction and torment. Why just the other day you went out of your way to help a little old lady, who thought you were trying to rob her, and spent the rest of the night running from the authorities. If that's not torment, stuff me with candy and call me an angel.

Shut up, this place will do fine. Plenty of alcohol for me to forget about you, and plenty of pretty females to steal your attention from tormenting me.

As Maroth stepped into the bar, several patrons were discussing a pretty dark-haired woman who was drinking the mushroom alcohol without a safe dilution.

Look look look! Its a pretty woman doing dangerous things that you can save her from! Now doesn't that just give the panties on your white knight complex a little twist.

You are hilarious. My white knight complex is manly and attractive to vibrate female community. Sometimes.

The dark half of Maroth went silent as he retreated laughing uproariously at his lighter side's joke. Maroth approached the counter, patrons cautiously moving out of his way, and ordered a glass of the dark mushroom brew that somehow passed for the start of a good time. Armed with the glass, he turned and surveyed the boisterous crowd, his gaze settling on what could only be his next greatest mistake.

Black hair framing a perfect face possessing sensuous red lips meant to be kissed. He took a step forward noticing his dark half was humming in appreciate to this exquisite creature and then noticed the six other empty glasses beside a seventh as well as her lax grin that spoke of a state far beyond simple inebriation. Growing slightly concerned, Maroth moved across the room and slid into the seat across her.

I confess I don't know much about the strength of this liquor, but it seems to me that you have had far too much already. It's almost as if you want to die, simply don't care, or the love of your life discovered your best friend was more interesting than you.

Maroth's eyes narrowed at the woman's proclamation of his height. She did seem familiar, but all thoughts of her familiarity abandoned him when she snatched the glass out of his hand. The entirety of his body tightened and flexed readying to knock the glass out of her hands if she tried to drink it.

What do you care if this woman drinks herself to death. If it's what she wants, so be it.

Her desires at the moment are irrelevant. If I do nothing and she dies, the responsibility of her death is mine. I won't let that happen if I can stop it.

If you really want to save her, be my guest. Just don't expect a warm sloppy thank you.

Oh, shut up and let me concentrate. Her rhythm just changed.

Maroth's Jensaarai heritage came to the forefront allowing him to read her body language, posture, and facial expression as if reading an article on the holonet. She started to raise the glass as if to drink, but suddenly stopped and stared at the glass with an uncertainty that was alien to the confidence, albeit very drunken confidence, she had just displayed moments before. Then her fingers spasmed, and the glass slipped towards the ground.

Maroth moved. Before the glass was halfway to the ground, he was landing lightly on his feet after vaulting the table in an impressive display of physical prowess. As she started to tip forward, Maroth's hands pulled her back up and steadied her.

I do believe that you have had more than enough to drink for one night, pretty lady. Do you live nearby?

Oh, yes. I like this situation. Do you think she will be nice to us?

Oh for the love of... Would you grow up? If I took advantage of this woman, I don't doubt I would have a much shorter life expectancy come morning.

Living on the edge and bad decisions. Heh heh, sounds like the start of a good time.

Enough, I need to concentrate.

Maroth drew on the light side of the Force and sent tendrils of questing energy into her body certain that she had major internal damage from the large amount of poison she had imbibed. He only hoped his skill in healing was up to the task of at least keeping her alive.