Plo Koon: Senate Crisis

Chaper Two: Depths

The Jedi walked side by side, both troubled by their recent news. "Do you believe this could be a Separatist plot? Or a hunter, looking to get paid?" Eeth directed his gaze towards Plo, measuring his current temperament. "To kidnap a Senator is one thing. To be willing to kill Jedi to do so is another. This isn't your average thug for sure." Plo's face remained void of emotion, making it hard for Eeth to interpret the Kel-Dor's true thoughts. "If you are searching my thoughts, you will find nothing, Master Koth. I hold no anger nor stress about the kidnapping of Senator Tol. The force will have its way. One way or another." Eeth was astounded that Koon was so easily able to detect the growing curiosity. "Right. My apologies, Master Plo." The Jedi took their seats in a luxury speeder, and began their descent into the underworld.

Thousands of bright shops and stands flashed by their eyes like the celebratory lights on Life Day. "Of all the planets in the galaxy, there is little that compares to the sights of Coruscant." Plo speculated. "For such a dire situation, you seem so relaxed. How can you not fret for her life?" Koth inquired. "Of course I care for her life. But a chaotic mindset often leads one into rash decisions. Decisions that cannot be afforded against a Jedi killer." Koth sat in thought for a brief moment, and spoke up. "You're right. Entirely correct. I seem to have much to open my mind to."

As they arrived at their desired destination, Plo landed the speeder between two junky bikes, and the Jedi departed. In the neon glow of the shops, the two Jedi seemed to contrast. Eeth radiated true light and mercy in his tan, brightly colored robes, and a brown cloak that hung to his feet. The other Jedi was much more sinister, and dressed in crimson. The color of wrath.

As they rounded the corner of a bar, they were surprised by a shorter human getting hurled from a window, shattering it to pieces. The human was gasping and begging for mercy. "Please.. I'll never come back. I promise! Just leave me alone!" A massive Herglic stepped from the doorway, snarling at the injured human. "You don't need to assure me. I'll make sure you CAN'T come back again!" The Herglic pulled a large blade from a sheath on his chest, and plunged it towards the man. With a grunt, and a whirlwind of radiant blue and dark crimson, Plo sliced the knife from the Herglic's hands. "That is enough. He has learned his lesson." Plo's deep voice sent chills down the spines of the combatants. "Oh. A Jedi. I was just uhh.. Leaving." The Herglic began to walk away, but a hand wrapped around his neck, forcefully pulling him back. "What was this about, Herglic? We are very busy men; and do not have time for this pointless conflict." Plo questioned. The behemoth turned to face Plo, looking him up and down as to size him up. "Don't try that." Koth chimed in. Moving to stand shoulder to shoulder with Plo. "Looks can be deceiving, my friend." As he examined the situation, the Herglic sighed, releasing a spew of warm, yet foul breath that reeked of drugs and drink. "Look. I'll be honest. This sleemo just tried to sell me a bad batch of Death Sticks. Replaced them with a spice, thinking I wouldn't notice."

"Serves you right, Herglic. This might be a wake up call." Eeth exclaimed. "Look, I'm not going to try to claim innocence. Are you going to arrest me or not?" The Herglic stated in a monotone way. "That depends. Have you heard any talk of a senator's kidnapping? You seem like the type to hear things down here." Plo inquired. The Herglic pondered for a second. "Hmm. I have a friend that might know something about that. As long as I don't get locked up for this." "Trust me. If you help us find the perpetrator, you'll have no run-ins with us again. Come on. We'll take our speeder." Plo said, motioning for the others to follow.

***Meanwhile at Dooku's hidden bunker***