~ " No, you said five credits."

" It's twenty five, twenty five!"

" The sign says five, are you telling me your own sign is wrong?"

" I have to make a living, don't I?"

" Yes, and I have to eat!"

Jago chuckled softly, ruffling through his snow-white hair during the lull in bartering with the vendor. Whilst walking through Theed, a city of artistic and classic beauty, the smell of freshly fried dreeka, a small fish native to the home of the Ithorians, had called to him. It was no secret that Jago had a wide expanse of culinary tastes, nor was it hidden that seafood was something akin to a vice for him. The same could be said with haggling: Jago loved to talk to people, to know them, to get a sense of who they were, where they came from.

Even if said people were being simply outrageous.

" Look, how about ten credits? They're definitely not worth more than seven."

" Twenty."

" Ten."

" Seventeen."

" ... Ten."

" Thirteen, and not a credit less!"

" Ten!"

The shopkeeper through up his hands, laughing to himself as he scooped out a great handful of the fish and plopped them into a paper bag, handing them over to Jago who wasted no time in snatching one to munch on it as he handed over the money ... plus fifteen credits extra.

" Keep the change," he winked, both men chuckling at the stubbornness of the other and the fact that both knew the other to be a decent sort. It was not the first time Jago had purchased dreeka in Theed, after all.

As he turned away, he nudged an unfamiliar young man with a rough outer-appearance and cast a glance back over to the vendor,

" Word of advice, mate: never by from seafood from someone who's as slimy as what he sells," he chuckled, causing the vendor to roar back in faux-rage.

" And never trust a Jedi who tips well: money makes people forget more than that vaunted Force of yours!"~

*Makoto stopped momentarily as a man seemed to speak to him, looking between the two men who were apparently having some sort of issue. One of them appeared to be a Jedi. Makoto was unsure of what to make of it. They seemed to be aruging, but then, their way did not dictate anger or loss of patience. In fact, it almost seemed as if they knew each other.*

*He leaned back into a comfortable stance, weight on his back foot, and he assessed the situation more thuroughly- the Jedi had some air of jest in his way, and the vendor had a bit of a laugh to it. It was a very friendly exchange, not one that required much more of Makoto's attention than a brief conversation, he confirmed.*

I don't buy much, *Makoto said quietly,* and never from vendors. Nothing against them. I just don't have any influx of money.

*He turned his gaze toward the vendor and produced a small amount of credits, laying them down before the man.*

For your troubles, sir.

~ The vendor happily accepted the extra money, Jago shaking his head softly.

" Shouldn't do that, you know," he said as an aside to the younger man, " You'll encourage him."

He laughed softly, sizing up Makoto. He seemed peaceful on the outside, calm. Serene, almost. It was a good feeling to see someone who, from first appearances, was genuinely happy. In the way of making polite conversation, Jago held out the small bag full of fried fish, shaking it softly in an offer.

" Care for a Dreeka? They're quite good."~

*Cam walked into the place he was staying. A small, not too shabby establishment in the housing district of Theed. He closed and locked the door behind him and then leaned up against the wall with a sigh, closing his eyes and pressing his fingers against his temples.*

What did I get myself into?...

*He muttered to himself, and looked up at the fan above him, as if memorizing how fast it was spinning. He took off his cote and draped it over a chair, and sat, leaning his elbows on the table, and his chin on his fingers, wondering just how much time he had to perhaps....get off of Naboo. He had lived here for several years, and had even stayed after his rather unstable job was discovered. Now though.. things were different.. now he was not dealing with people... but ... the force.*

*Cam jolted as he heard the knock on the door. He let his hand drift to his blaster at his waist, and stood slowly. This was insane .... crazy.... would be the death of him he was sure. He shook his head, getting a grip on himself, as he approached the door, and opened it. He put on a straight face, and spoke deliberately.*

What can I do for you sir?

*He asked with the understanding that this would eventually happen. It was not a question of confusion or a questioning nature, he simply was telling Nekarian that he was ready for what the man would task him with, and he was.... to an extent.*

*Without speaking a word, Nekarian walked into the room. Barely breaking stride as he shouldered his way past Cam, Nekarian turned to face him after reaching the center of the room.*

We have business to discuss, but I assume you have a few questions that you'd like to ask before we get to my business.

*Reading into the man's body language and the truth behind his words, Nekarian knew that as long as Cam had questions to ask, he would not have a good informant. He would always be distracted and not concentrate on his job. Efficiency was paramount. The Sith locked his gaze with Cam's eyes. He would not use the Force to manipulate him now, but he was ready if he had to make a point.*

*Cam allowed the Sith to pass with out any problem, He wouldn't stand in the man's way, not with what he had seen Nekarian do. He never let his eyes leave the other's form, but flinched slightly when he locked his eyes with Nekarian's. Those eyes held power, an energy Cam had never felt before. It made him nervous, but he maintained his composure. His mind was hard pressed to find a list of good questions to ask this man, for it was in disarray at the moment from being in such a situation, but Cam knew that if not now, he might not get another chance to ask questions, and thus, he thought hard about what he would say next to Nekarian.*

What are you trying to accomplish?... and Why do you need someone like me to do it?... What did you do with Marki?

*He was not ...worried...for Makia persay, but he was curious as to what had happened to her. The last thing he recalled was that Apparently She thought him dead ....somehow...., and Nekarian had shouted at him.... just before flinging his hand toward his body. Nothing had happened, and it had made Cam curious, but to be cuppled with the thought that makia thought him dead was even more confusing, and Cam did not like being confused.*

*Nekarian felt a slight tremor run through Cam's mind as he stared at him. Good, he thought. Body language was a powerful tool when harnessed. He always preferred to use other techniques than the Force. In his experience, it could always be countered or there was someone stronger. Simple men and women could inspire and control entire systems simply by their personality and force of will. Those were two skills that Nekarian strove for. He would rally planets to his cause. He would become the puppetmaster of several governments.*

My goal is simple. I need information to promote peace. I require people like you who could go unnoticed and slice into records departments and the like. I need people to worm their way into influential circles on specific planets. I cannot be everywhere, so I need people. I have no idea who Marki is, but I sense you are speaking of my possible apprentice, Makia. She is working for me and is better off thinking you are dead. I felt you were a distraction for her, so I eliminated the distraction.

*Nekarian placed some emphasis on the word "eliminated". He believed Cam would understand what he meant, partially. He was not yet dead, nor did Nekarian worry enough to do so. There was no reason to let him know that he would be Nekarian's hidden card if he found Makia to be trouble. He held the card in reserve for a possible surprise. His appearance would, Nekarian believed, distract her so greatly that a killing blow could be delivered by a toddler.*

You have one more question to ask, then I require information.

*Cam moved his eyes away from the Sith and let them linger on a spot on the wall behind Nekarian. He pondered this for a moment. Makia knew him pretty well... and he her, for after he had escaped her once, hwe started doing his homework and researched what he could about the Woman. They knew eachother well... but Cam had not figured himself too important in her life. What could be detracting about him to her.. he did not know but he would not question Nekarian.

Slowly he nodded. His will to ask more question dwindling slightly at the tone in the other's voice. He had never liked tangling with force users but and mostly avoided them... but now.. it looked like his options were seriously limited.*

Information? .... alright. I'll do what you need me to. I'm good at blending in.

*He said with a slight grin appearing on his face. He waited, still standing, patiently for Nekarian's response. he figured that as long as he kept this man pleased... perhaps his life would not be too much in danger.*

*Taking note of how Cam broke his gaze first, Nekarian continued.*

I want you to find the places that are Jedi strongholds. Temples preferably. As I said before, I cannot be everywhere or do everything myself. Knowing where the Jedi are strongest will allow me to choose how much effort I extend into certain sectors. Secondly, I require some more businessmen, capable of transporting cargo that should remain.....hidden, and who can gather information such as you can. Thirdly, find me the name of the most ruthless being you can find. I cannot tell you why I want that information. It is in your best interest to not know.

*As he gave his orders, Nekarian began pacing back and forth inside the apartment. He let his senses fill and spread beyond the room. He could afford no surprises, and he was not certain Makia had left the planet yet.*

*Cam nodded slightly, and cocked his head at the last request. He smiled thinly but looked away once more when he realized he would be working among other force users. The notion bothered him but perhaps.... he could get around that some how.*

how will i be able to contact you in the future then?

*Cam asked this last question, figuring it might be important to report his findings to this Nekarian. Also, deep in the back of his mind he thought about the last question. Several names came to his mind of others he had worked with, but he would seek them out before speaking of them to the sith.*

*Nekarian walked over to a desk and pulled out a piece of flimsi. He scribbled numbers on it.*

This is a private comm frequency. Only I can receive messages from there. I will send you messages when needed, but do not try to track them. The signal will be scrambled and sent through relays. You will only waste your time.

*With that, Nekarian stood and began focusing his thoughts on Cam's mind, trying to read what he intended to do now, and after Nekarian left.*

*Cam nodded, as he held a slightly contemplative look upon his features. He was thinking of systems he could go to get done what this man wanted. He knew the first place he would go would probably be Courscant... and so, he set his mind about how and when to get there.*

I'll see what I can do...

*He said nodding to the SIth, and for the moment... just wanting him to leave. He felt tense... in the man's presence for some reason.*

*Nekarian remained silent and still for at least a minute after the man spoke. He just stared at Cam.*

*He knew it was time to leave, but the unease of his smuggler drew his attention. Keeping Cam uncomfortable was a method of keeping him in line. If there ever came a point where he was not uncomfortable or fearful, Nekarian would know something was wrong. There were so many unspoken signals that were just waiting to be read.*

*After he felt his point had taken root in the man's mind, Nekarian turned and left, speaking only one phrase.*

I will be looking forward to your first contact.

*Nekarian left the building and closed the door with a brief Force push. He walked toward the spaceport and where the Frosty Hawk awaited him.*

*Walking from the spaceport, a white cloaked figure moved towards the gates of the city. He was off on a mission. A soul search. And walking near to the edge of the city a speeder sat unoccupied.*

*Tidus straddled the speeder contemplating if it was wrong to steal.*

*An old man came out and walked towards Tidus*
=Old Man=
"HEY THATS MINE!!! Dont steal my bike, ive had that thing for a long time!"

*Tidus quickly jumped off the bike. He was very embarrassed that he got caught, and the he almost gave into such a dark temptation such as stealing.*

*Tidus was still wearing his white robes, so to anyone he looked a little out of place and stood out.*

O my, I am so embarrassed. Please forgive me, I dont know what got over me. I just.... Im sorry. Its just so tempting to take something like this and go out for a ride. My name is Tidus, I am here cause I suffered a head injury. eh... im just rambling...

*Tidus turned, and started walking away.*

=Old man=
"Wait... I cant ride the thing anymore anyway. What if you just give it a good run and bring it back in a day or two? Free of charge? Just be sure to keep it running!"

*Turning with a large grin and feeling excited*

Really? THANKS! You have no idea how awesome this is to me. Thank you sir. If you ever need anything let me know! Ill be back in a few days. Thanks so much. Ive never been to Naboo before.

*After a few hours of meeting and greeting and some tea, the old man learned of Tidus's story and shared some stories of his own. Aparently the man was once part of the royal guard and also had met jedi and knew much about adventure. With a new bond of friendship Tidus left on the bike and both the old man and Tidus knew they would see each other real soon. For the first time in the few days he felt that he was in charge of his future, and this old man was something that was looking forward to him coming back. This man was a reason for doing something. He had a purpose...*

*The bike zoomed through the terrain.*