Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 11, 2013 17:42:49 GMT -8
Well that was a first. She'd been called many things in her life: Jedi, Knight, Master Jedi, Agent, Hey You, but no one except her mother had ever accused her of being a "lady." The honorific sounded ... wrong, in conjunction with her name. "Lady" was for someone with grace, class, money, not a wandering Jedi Knight living off of others' charity and her father's good graces. But rather than start a small fight which would drain her energy further, she inclined her head to the young woman, paying attention to the cold ripples of the Force coming from her.
"Wasn't an accusation," she said, neutrally. "I've been in your shoes before."
She turned on her crutch (OOC: my fault, I forgot she has one arm in a sling) and headed back to the table with Morgan and doctor in tow. Odd, that she should be asked to return to the examination table when the Vratix had all but given her the all clear.
"Is there a portion of examination I've missed, Doctor?" she asked quietly. "Or is there something you wish to tell me that couldn't be said in... mixed company?"
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 9, 2013 17:26:06 GMT -8
Kriff, no. She ached all over, the bacta stung, and the wounds made by Devaronian blood-poisoned edges burned blindingly bright. No, she was not in the least feeling better but the healing process was a long path to take. And like it or not, she was stuck on that path. One of the aides handed her a pair of crutches to hobble around on, as if somehow sensing that she would've blown a fuse had she been offered a hover chair. Would've been easier, and faster too, probably, but Adelle hated the fact that she was reliant on anything but herself. The crutches were bad enough. She thanked the aide, keeping her disdain and dismay off her face.
Two more entrants caught her eye. One a young woman with a tense expression, fidgeting under a Healer's hands as he looked at her left eye socket. She smelled like a city after the rain, undertones of unease? or fear, maybe, clearly present even from this distance. Her companion was a... armor-clad individual? But no, there was a stillness to the body language that simply looked unnatural and he—or so Adelle assumed it was a he—smelled like gears and metal drying out from the rain. It wasn't... organic. A droid then? Something seemed off about the two of them. She couldn't name it though. Adelle rested her arms on the crutches unsteadily, her ears straining to catch the conversation between the woman and the healer.
There. A minute pause, a brief hesitation. A lie... or a partial truth. The droid spoke and the healer walked away, fingers manipulating the datapad. Adelle hobbled over before she had a chance to really think about why.
"Couldn't help but notice," she said, completely skipping over introductions. "You might want to come up with a different reason, one you can say confidently. You're not gonna fool anyone with your current line."
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 9, 2013 15:57:25 GMT -8
Many thanks!
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 9, 2013 14:03:35 GMT -8
Apologies, there should've been an actual thread for the Dark Diamond Palace as well. My mistake. Mid Rim > Iridonia > MalidrisMalidris > Dark Diamond Palace- Dark Diamond Palace
- Hangar Bay
- Golden Room
- Grand Halls
Palace is a sub-board of Malidris, with threads for palace, hangar, Golden room, and halls.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 9, 2013 9:08:35 GMT -8
Day of the Gala 06:00
Hot water rushed through her hair, rinsing the thick gel from her strands. Adelle closed her eyes and enjoyed the sensation, allowing herself a rare moment to relax. The past week had been nothing but work: dance lessons (and bruised toes, although Jago improved a lot and she got quicker at dodging his missteps), voice lessons, fitting sessions, acting sessions with the Governor present, all the while searching for some anomaly, some telltale hint as to their assassin's identity.
The make-up artist gently toweled her hair then set to work on it with a hair dryer, brush, and scissors, spinning the chair and tilting Adelle's head as needed. Adelle scowled at the falling red locks. She hoped too much wouldn't be taken off. Her long hair, while not practical, was a familiar weight and comfort. It was bad enough she had to change hair color for this mission. Tubes of make-up sat on the counter in front of her, along with a box of contacts, waiting to be used. Jago was in a similar situation on the other side of the room, his artist fussing over Jago's thick and unruly hair. From what glimpses of him she could get, his shockingly white hair had been dyed a more modest brown.
The brisk woman styling her hair tossed aside the scissors and picked up a curling iron, spinning the chair away from the mirror. Adelle scowled up at her pale face, the woman's short blonde hair hardening what feminine features she had. A delicate eyebrow raised over one light blue eye full of apathy before the agent set to work again. Her deft fingers worked Adelle's hair into gentle curls, as Adelle herself grew more sullen. Red hair, layers, and now curls? She knew the Governor's niece was a beauty according to most people but fek! She never thought her hair would've been messed with so much. It felt like a violation.
Next came the make-up, a necessity since the niece had flawless skin and Adelle had three long scars down the left side of her face. Finally, Adelle was made to put in the green-irised contacts.
"There," the blonde artist said. "You are now Rhiannon Antilles, niece of the Governor."
Adelle stood and faced Jago to see his transformation.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 8, 2013 9:46:54 GMT -8
They all die... because the sand has turned into quicksand and every step is now lethal. Goodbye and rest in peace.
I wish I could go to college for free.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 8, 2013 8:52:18 GMT -8
You are no longer their chauffeur. You are, instead, their slave. Congrats on your new lot in life. Go make me a sandwich.
I wish I had pain killers that worked when I needed them to.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 7, 2013 16:47:33 GMT -8
Wish granted? But I become possessive, emotionally abusive, and drive off other potential suitors so you are forever alone and stalked by a crazy woman.
I wish I had a book published.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 7, 2013 16:31:12 GMT -8
You don't haver to go on your family vacation because you have no family.
I wish I was a tiger.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 5, 2013 20:28:28 GMT -8
I'm not sure if this request goes here, but I saw no thread for this sort of situation. It appears some of the threads on Iridonia were mixed up. Myself and several others noticed, having RPed there before. If this could be corrected, those of us currently RPing and interested in RPing on Iridonia thank you. Correct Locations: Mid Rim > Iridonia > MalidrisMalidris > Dark Diamond Palace- Hangar Bay
- Golden Room
- Grand Halls
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 4, 2013 19:53:39 GMT -8
You get real lightsabers and accidentally stab yourself in the eye with one turning it on.
I wish I was a phoenix.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 3, 2013 18:29:56 GMT -8
"Very well," Heren said. He turned to Adelle, his ice blue eyes measuring. "And you? Have you retained all your lessons or have you forgotten everything?" "My memory is... spotty at best. I may need a refresher course," she admitted, hanging her head slightly. Arnelos had made a lot of progress, showing her that while her mind couldn't remember, her body did. Most of what she knew was muscle memory, reflex. That wouldn't work for tournaments and the like, but it might work for the mission.
Heren beckoned her forward. "Show me." Adelle hesitated. What if she really had forgotten everything? What if she made a mistake? Would he become the father she'd known at home? Would he belittle her here? It would destroy what little peace there was between the Jedi and CorSec. But when he extended his hand, she looked up at his eyes and they seemed to know. To see her fear. And to say that everything would be okay. She placed her smaller hand in his, acutely aware of the heat from his skin, the calloused palm, the strength in his grip. He pulled her to him, placing his right hand on her spine, just below her shoulder blades. Instinctively, her left hand rested on his shoulder delicately and she looked up into the face of her dancing partner. A corner of Heren's mouth was pulled up ever so slightly. Was he... smiling? Adelle quirked her eyebrows, looking at her father with questions in her eyes, but there wasn't time to ask them. Heren pulled a remote from his pocket, pointed it at a music player, and began the first steps of the dance on the first notes.
The strings started out low, creating a solid rhythm before making slight deviations. Heren led and Adelle followed, light on her feet. Every move felt natural, felt right. Like a first language. The Coruscanti waltz grew more complex, spins, rotations, and variations of the steps adding. Even then it felt... easy. Like her father wasn't really challenging her. But surely that couldn't be the case. Her father would never miss an opportunity to push her to her limits. The music pushed into her thoughts and the rhythm of the dance lulled her mind, setting her at ease. It didn't matter. All that mattered was this moment.
The music died away and Heren stepped back."I'm impressed. You underestimate your memory," he said. Then he turned to Jago. "Think you can handle learning that dance?" Adelle hardly heard the rest of what he said. He's impressed. I impressed him!
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 3, 2013 16:21:39 GMT -8
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 3, 2013 15:54:12 GMT -8
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 2, 2013 16:24:08 GMT -8
Please, Jago, please behave. If the Jedi said anything regarding his last visit, there would be hell to pay. Her father was not a man that let insults slide and there would be some form of punishment later. Adelle stiffened uneasily as she sensed Jago stepped forward and . . . offered his hand. A wave of relief flooded her and she relaxed quite a bit. Perhaps the lessons wouldn't be a disaster after all. Heren reached forward and clasped Jago's hand firmly, not smiling but a calm, professional expression on his face. He was a different man at work, Adelle knew. He was more at home here, more relaxed and friendly even.
"Likewise," he said, almost pleasantly. Adelle inclined her head in greeting when he turned to face her. The shadow of a frown flitted over his face before being replaced by his placid countenance: the only sign he was displeased with her being here. That man was almost impossible to satisfy. She heard the Director silently take his leave, committing them to her father's hands.
"What do you know of dancing, Master Jedi?" Heren asked, the gruffness gone from his deep voice. This was one of the reasons Adelle liked working with CorSec: she got to see the father she wanted.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on May 1, 2013 17:46:45 GMT -8
"750 thousand now," she said before her mind told her that saying so was a bad idea. Adelle quickly moved on and shrugged. "I wouldn't do it. Couldn't, actually. Lita calls me a hero Jedi and who'm I to argue with her?"
"So! Aside from my sorta-girlfriend showing up, did you learn anything else from the guest list? Any last-minute additions that look suspicious, anyone that seems like they're a plant there on behalf of someone else?"
Bitter caf caught in her throat and scalded all the way down her throat. Adelle somehow managed to swallow it down her esophagus and keep her eyes clear of brine without losing her composure or coughing, a miraculous feat. She gently set the mug on the table, done with the drink for a while now, and leaned back in her chair, propping her feet on the metal table. Thoughts raced through her mind but she focused on the ones pertaining to his question, the facts she knew, and the theories she'd been contemplating, rather than what he called Lita. From what she knew, there had been no surprises.
"Oblivyn. Nothing. Zero. Every appointment and hire was made four months ago and has been kept. No sudden drop-outs or replacements. Retina scans and blood ID tests are consistent with the identities of all personnel and guests. Which means we're either dealing with an infiltration, or a very patient assassin." Force help them if it was a double-agent. Adelle rubbed her jaw with the heel of her hand, staring at the datapad in Jago's hands. "If it's infiltration, it should be easy enough. Entrances, exits, and windows will be covered by CorSec. Surveillance cameras will be in every room and public area. Food and drink will be monitored. If, if the assassin gets through security, it won't be our fault."
The blastdoors to the small room opened. The Director strode through, the creases on his uniform so pressed they looked sharp. His narrow chin and long nose gave him an expression of disapproval at best, disdain at worst. Bushy black eyebrows gave him a constant angry expression which, if you weren't used to him, made his words sound severely critical. As they did now.
"I should hope that's not the attitude you're approaching this mission with," he said.
Adelle yanked her feet off the table and sat up straighter, feeling like a youngling caught napping in class. "No sir."
"Good." He nodded his head curtly then turned his wooden brown eyes on Jago. "It's been reported that you, Master Jedi, have very little knowledge of ballroom dancing. For this cover to work, you must at least know the basics of several. A major within CorSec was a dance instructor prior to enrollment and offered his services. Knight Bastiel, if you and Master Pulastra would accompany me."
Adelle swept up both mugs off the table and set them on the kitchenette's only counter then followed the Director and Jago out the doors. He led them through several corridors, passing agents and officers who saluted him, until they came to a large set of blastdoors. Inside was a room clearly designated for combatives training and sparring, but the mats had been folded up and put away. A CorSec officer stood dead center in the room, his back reflected in the mirrors behind him. Adelle stiffened then stepped inside, ducking her head as she did. It had to be him.
The Director raised a hand towards the officer. "Master Pulastra, Knight Bastiel, your dance instructor, Major Heren Bastiel."
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on Apr 30, 2013 12:27:48 GMT -8
"Uhwhatnow?"
She pulled her hands away as he practically ripped it from her. Okay then. He could have it. His emotions surged in a panicked flood: elation, apprehension, chagrin. Adelle shut out his emotions, distinguishing hers from his. Deep breath in, slow breath out. Seeing Lita on the list had given her a shock, yes, but that was it. There was nothing more behind it, no subtle feelings of admiration, nothing to it. Just shock. Adelle leaned back in her chair and clasped her hands behind her head. She could totally do this. Fake it 'til you make it, right?
Jago was going to have to do better at hiding his feelings for the taciturn warrior though.
"You've got to be joking me. If she's on the list, then she's coming, Adelle. She's not one to miss an engagement if she's been committed to it, whether by her hand or otherwise. This ... This complicates things ..."
That was an understatement. Adelle spun her mug around, watching the black caf slosh nearly over the rounded edges. Jago and Lita had feelings for each other; she didn't need to be told that. She also admired the Zabrak—as a friend and mentor only, nothing more—and felt incredibly self-conscious in her presence. The entire cover story depended on Adelle and Jago successfully behaving like a couple to avoid detection. That was already going to be awkward. But now, with someone they knew who'd recognize them, any pardon granted by anonymity would be effectively defenestrated.
"We can trust her. She wouldn't do anything to mess this up. She knows what we do for a living; she'd be more than aware of what was going on."
"She's not the one I'm worried about," Adelle said. There were two other people she was more concerned with. Because those two would be under the scrutiny of everyone. She and Jago would be walking the edge of a vibro-knife on this one.
"She I trust. You, I trust. Some of these other people, though ... You may end up watching my back more than I yours, Adelle."
That's right. Adelle sat up and ran a hand through her hair, the other clenching the mug. The things she had heard... and verified. Everything was true. DNA couldn't lie. He had murdered several of her own people. Murdered CorSec agents. Led them on a merry chase through the galaxy until every lead just suddenly died. She'd seen his face on datapads, on a holo of CorSec's most wanted wall, read the cold case file numerous times trying to crack the code. A criminal, a thief, a smuggler, a murder. Willow. Also known as Jago Pulastra.
And she'd brought him into what was possibly the most secure location in CorSec, detention cells notwithstanding. High-priority cases demanded security of the utmost level to ensure the agents' safety and the completion of the mission. That she had brought him here, onto her planet, into her own home... She didn't know what to think and couldn't imagine what he must be feeling right now. Adelle steepled her hands in front of her and leaned her elbows on the table.
"Jago," she said softly. "The last solid lead anyone had on Willow was about thirteen years ago. It's a cold case. I didn't even recognize your face, and I've seen it countless times. No one will know."
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on Apr 29, 2013 22:16:41 GMT -8
Adelle raised an eyebrow at him. My love? Man, he was taking this seriously. But she left the ramp controls alone and practically leapt into the cockpit, firing up the engines. Now that they could get moving, she felt more at ease. Her right foot, seemingly of its own accord, lifted up off the floor and spun the co-pilot's chair to face him. Then it pressed a button and opened up a small cooler in between, filled with the best liquors Corellia had to offer. Hey, CorSec agents earned a bit of relaxation, right? She pulled out a bottle of Whyren's Reserve with her toes, then leaned over to pull out two glasses.
"Hey flyboy, let's go! Whiskey's getting warm."
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08:30 hours, 1 week later CorSec headquarters, Coronet City, Corellia
The sharp, burnt smell of caf helped wake her up as much as the actual liquid did. Adelle breathed in the steam before chugging down the bitter fuel and stared at the datapad in front of her. Names, locations, security systems, all of it was contained in this handheld device. She rubbed her eyes and sighed, resting her head in her hands. Force, she was tired. They had arrived on Corellia just an hour before and had to sit through what had to be one of the longest briefings she'd ever been in. Wearily, she removed her hands and gazed over the files again, starting with the guest list. Names from all over the galaxy, governments of almost every different -archy and -ocracy had been invited. This wasn't just to be a celebration; this was to be a spectacle. The governor was going to lure the assassin into striking again. Well, at least this time, there'd be two Jedi to take him on.
Her eyes lazily roved over one of the invited parties. She choked and spat her caf out in a muddy spray. No, she can't have read that correctly. But the words stared right back at her in blazing green. The Iridonian Empire.
"Hey Jago," she said. "Lita doesn't do parties does she?"
That... would throw everything off. No one could know who they were. And if Lita showed up, Adelle wasn't sure what would happen.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on Apr 29, 2013 19:07:09 GMT -8
Thank the Force he wasn't going to make this harder than necessary. On a mission like this, she'd rather have a partner she knew rather than one she didn't. Cover stories tended to work better if there was at least some camaraderie. She relaxed and sat back in the chair, crossing one leg over her knee. It'd be nice to have a familiar face in the middle of all the anxiety. Oh sure, she felt the same adrenaline rush as the next agent whenever she was on a mission but this was a high-profile assignment. She'd be in the spotlight with the governor, instead of working behind the scenes like she was used to. Her motion would be limited. She wouldn't be able to run. It would be incredibly comforting to know that someone had her back.
"But."
Adelle locked eyes with him. Great. A stipulation. Eh, she could work with it, as long as it was reasonable.
"There is one, major condition I have to lay out. You are not allowed to fall in love with me, under any circumstances. Whatsoever. At all."
Wait... What? Adelle stared at him. Blinked. Then stared again. Her eyebrows drew together, the corner of her mouth pulled upwards, and her head tilted ever so slightly. Her breath came out in short little gasps until she could hold back no longer and laughed. Jago was worried that she'd fall in love with him? Her? Adelle clamped a hand on her mouth to smother the giggles but seriously, what did he expect? Here she was, expecting some mercenary condition, and he tells her to not fall in love with him! That was ridiculous!
"Um, Jago?" she said when the giggles calmed down. "I don't think you have to worry about that. You're not exactly my type."
Force, he really expected her to fall head over heels? Swoon at his feet? She wasn't easy to impress. Adelle stood up in one smooth motion and glided to the ramp controls.
"Heh, if we're going to do this, I need you ready to go in five. Think you can do that, hotshot?"
Fall in love with him. Ha.
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Adelle Bastiel
Member
Right or wrong? I can hardly tell. I'm on the wrong side of heaven and the righteous side of hell.
Posts: 338
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Post by Adelle Bastiel on Apr 29, 2013 17:38:12 GMT -8
Oh Force. He really got to the heart of things, didn't he? Adelle leaned against a wall and rubbed the back of her neck, trying to think of how to explain without making it awkward.
"Well... For one thing, they asked who I recommended," she said, dancing around the topic. "For another, you're... going to be posing as my sorta kinda maybe lover."
That was out of the way. She took a deep breath and moved to sit on one of the chairs, lounging in it with all the carelessness of a pittin. Probably looking much more relaxed than she felt. "I'm going to be there as the governor's niece. Since my partner will be playing a rather intimate role, they gave me the choice of picking out a Jedi I trusted."
And that wasn't all, was it? Adelle ran a hand through her hair, grateful that the shuttle's dim lighting would hide most of her physical cues of embarrassment. The Force... was a whole other animal.
"And I'm still having nightmares. I can't use my normal methods for coping since they're security breaches so I'm counting on a familiar presence to snap me out of it." She sat up straight, her clothes whispering over the synthetic fabric, and steepled her hands. "Will you accept this mission? Will you help me?"
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