Chapter Four: What the Hutt Beholds

[Alicia]

One could say the library is as unchanging as the stone it was carved out of, though that’s hardly true for as the days go on, the residents of the facility bring with them their gathered knowledge adding to the collection. While most of the faces found within are the same there’s always the few newcomers who have come for their own reasons.

Daegin would recognize them all, if not know them by name having spent some time working on the transports which dropped them off before leaving for other missions. Others have vessels which have since been hidden in the jungle’s depths till their owners come to claim them generally having the maintenance crews in the bay look over it before departing.
Having made his way through the natural corridors and deeper into the mountain, the Jawa has little trouble pushing large double doors aside. Rows of datastores, and even a few bookshelves are neatly spaced in the cavern turned library. Suffice to say, the library is an impressive collection. In the center a few tables with computer panels have been set up for the studious Brothers. Arriving early, there’s no sign Ka’ra has made her way here as of yet.

---

Ka’ra seems about to say something and then thinks better of it as she stands and makes her way toward the door. The young woman seems to know the maze-like tunnels well and has no issues leading Ooru to the large double doors which leads to the library. Stopping short of opening them, she turns to the Miraluka. “I understand the desire to help friends and finding that attempts turn out less than ideal. What happened to Davian is not your fault. No one expected Jut-hakk to be able to cheat his death and take over Davian’s body.”

[Duggs]

He takes a quick look around the library and after he doesn't see Ka'ra anywhere he begins to browse through the collections of books and datastores. After spending a few minutes looking around he moves over and takes a seat at one of the tables and thumbs through files that he has on his datapad. Though one question keeps running through his mind... What could Ka'ra want to talk to me about?

[BWS2K]

The point is well-made, and Ooru has long struggled over feeling guilty for what happened to Davian. It wasn't his fault of course, and he knew that, but the wondering if he could have handled things differently was always there. He has the opportunity now to prevent Jut-Haak causing further harm to his friends, and countless others, and simply intends to keep that his goal rather than the destruction of anything - or anyone.

"You're right, Ka'ra. Whether he's using the same trick again or not, we'll soon find out I guess. It's just easier to succeed at rescues and keeping people safe than it is to destroy ancient artifacts. Or maybe not, I don't know. I just think Lanius is probably not the first - or last - to want the Force Harvester destroyed. Even with it out of the picture though I think Jut-Haak would just find another way to inflict pain and suffering. I'd rather see him restored to reason if at all possible. I'll try my best to follow your lead though, whatever happens."

He takes a deep breath, adjusts his grip on the shoulder strap of his pack, and waits for Ka'ra to make her entrance.

[Alicia]

Ka’ra nods and smiles at Ooru, a hint of the young, carefree girl she used to be appearing in the glint of her blue eyes, then she turns toward the door and it’s gone. The door opens easily at her touch. The sanctuary within is much as Ooru remembers it however there seems to be more milling about than on his first venture within. Bent over one of the consoles Ooru recognizes the aging Draethos, though the master doesn’t look up to acknowledge the newcomers.

Striding in, Ka’ra catches the attention of the waiting Jawa mechanic, though it takes a moment to recognize her out of her armor, and indicates for him to follow them into the back where meditation rooms await use. There’s only two rooms available, the other three rooms have red indicators signifying their occupancy and picking the closest one Ka’ra heads in.

The meditation rooms themselves are simple with high ceilings which have been untouched by the facilities builders - small stalactites spot the rocky recesses. An array of cushions in a corner of the room are provided to make the occupant comfortable on the rock floor, which is strangely warm to the touch. Adjsuting the lights to a comfortable level Ka’ra waits for both of her ‘guests’ to enter before locking the door behind them.

[BWS2K]

Ooru is glad to see Odan-Urr present, even if only in passing. He has many things to be thankful for and the aged Draethos' acquaintance is not least among them. A smaller team member - a Jawa, typically from the Outer Rim planet of Tatooine if memory serves correctly - joins the pair and Ooru nods and smiles in acknowledgement but keeps quiet, unaware of the true nature of the gathering as of yet.

Reaching the all-to-familiar meditation chambers, Ooru enters and takes a seat on one of the cushions and waits for Ka'ra to begin. His pack rests on the warm stone floor beside him.

[Duggs]

After Ka'ra indicates for him to follow her, he gets up and puts his datapad back in one of the pouches on his belt and walks over to join Ka'ra and the newcomer following her. When he gets up to the group he looks up at Ooru and gives him a nod back as they walk into the meditation room. Once in the room he takes a seat on one of the cushions and waits for Ka'ra to talk about what is going on.

[Alicia]

Finding her own seat, Ka'ra leans against one of the walls and lets out a tired sigh. "It's safe enough here to talk freely, these rooms were designed to be sound proof." Glancing between the two she indicates each in turn as she continues, "Ooru. Daegin. Lanius and I believe you have have something to offer toward an important meeting. It's our hope we’ll get valuable intel involving the Force Harvester.” Pausing for a moment she makes sure to have both of the men’s attention.

“An agent has already made his way to Nar Shaddaa where he’s been in contact with Torga the Hutt, unfortunately he won’t meet with us until we pass an interview with one of his trusted subordinates. Torga is to act as mediator between us and one of his associates, a smuggler called Hoggon who about a decade ago managed to find where Ulic Qel-Droma went into exile. Ultimately Lanius believes Qel-Droma might have left information on how to deal with the Force Harvester.”

[BWS2K]

Ooru lets Ka'ra's words sink in before responding. Hutts weren't the most trustworthy beings in the galaxy but they always seemed to have a way of brokering exclusive information. Hopefully it was worth more to Torga to help Lanius than to just double-cross him. If they already had an agent in place it's probably as safe a setup as it was going to get, but still...

"Are you expecting trouble at the meeting?" he asks, glancing between Ka'ra and the Jawa, Daegin.

[Duggs]

He shakes his head when Ka'ra mentions a Hutt. "I have never liked dealing with Hutts. They are always shady, and most only help you if it helps them in some way. Let's just hope that we are the only oned that want this information from Torga."

After Ooru speaks he says in reply, "I hope there isn't too much trouble. I am not sure how well I will be in a fight... I mean I have taken down rogue droids with my ion pistol, but I haven't fought too many people that had the intention of killing me first."

[BWS2K]

Ooru nods at Daegin's last comment.

"Me neither. I think we could manage to hold our own if needs be - one tends to surprise oneself once battle begins - but I'm afraid we'd lose whatever bargain we had with Torga if we killed one of his own. Of course, Hutts can be deceptive that way... maybe he'd be impressed."

At least it won't be a ghost. That part comes later on, I imagine...

The Miraluka's eyebrows raise as he turns back to Ka'ra and awaits a response.

[Duggs]

"I can understand Huttese, so I will make sure that Torga doesn't try and use his translator to tell us lies. Who is our agent that met with Torga?"

He runs his hands through the fur covering his head and then looks up at Ka'ra.

[Alicia]

"We won't have to worry about the Hutt deceiving us. It would be bad for business and we all know how Hutts like their business. Aside from that it seems the majority of us know the Hutt language so he can't hide that way, your translator makes doubly sure of that," she points out. "As for expecting trouble. I always do, particularly since reports indicate Torga has been receiving death threats, which could mean if things break out while we're there it's possible we'll get caught in the middle."
Ka'ra shifts uncomfortably as she continues. "The agent there is Yuri, I doubt you've met him," she comments to Daegin. "He hasn't made his way to Telia yet."

[Duggs]

"Let us hope we don't step into the middle of an assassination attempt." His look goes blank for a second as he thinks. "Though saving Torga's life could help us out with getting the information we need from him.

"What do we know, or what do we need to know, about this Agent Yuri?"

[BWS2K]

Ooru is content to listen to the conversation since his only real question - whether to expect trouble or not - has already been answered. Considering the likelihood of combat, he's grateful for the time to study the healing arts more in depth. If there is a double-cross, or an ambush, or if it's a setup, he's confident they'll be able to get out intact - Ka'ra doesn't really look like someone who'd get in over her head.

Not too much anyway... he thinks, noting Ka'ra's physique and having nominal knowledge of Mandalorian prowess. Having a Hutt in their debt would be handy, but if rescuing him means earning a death mark ourselves so early in the mission it may be wise to just call Torga a hostage and interrogate him later...

[Alicia]

"We'll leave immediately once the Atin Oya'ka arrives, which should be arriving soon." The name sounds familiar to Daegin, not so much to Ooru. The Atin Oya'ka is a Citadel-class cruiser owned by Ka'ra the Jawa has worked on once before, though its been awhile since he's seen it. It left a few months ago with its pilot, Tanith Hoagra and the Ithorian Jedi Tandeau Mimwen aboard.
"As for Yuri, he's been working with Lanius and myself for the last few months. He's been using is contacts on Nar Shaddaa to great effect in this endeavor. Other than that, I'm afraid it's not for me to tell." She shrugs lightly with that thought and moves to stand. "If there's nothing else, ner vod, we should finish any preparations before we leave."