Taking Advantage [Day 8, MA]

[Dapper Dog]

"Not sure how you are protecting your brother in here, ma'am, or even back at the museum," he said not buying the excuse.

"Sounds like a sob story to me."

[Jenna Karath]

"Just the truth," she said, raising her hand up in a passive calming gesture, slowly she stood a little bit more so that they were at a more conversational stance, "it's a long, long story and I'm willing to go into it but seeing as I'm not sure how much time we have the quick version is that I made a deal with some powerful people, people who could put an end to my life and all of those I care about."

"Happens to be that deal is what got me my brother back, I had to make it," she rose a bit more, standing now, keeping her eyes locked on his as she did, "was a time when he needed me most and without it I wouldn't have been able to be there for him. That museum, that was only part of the price I'm being forced to pay, and as for here.. well, once you've seen an Inquisitor murder someone in cold blood like I have, knowing what the Empire is up to is important for anyone who wants to stay alive," she paused, reaffirming her stance.

"I want to believe, I really want to believe that you're a good man under that uniform, and that you aren't the type that can stand and support something like that. That maybe, maybe you just don't know everything that's been going on?"

[Dapper Dog]

Poule frowned and said, “Just trying to keep the peace ma’am, I can’t question what the Inquisitors do, they protect the Empire from the Jedi and other dangers. I don;t like their methods but they get the job done.”

“Sometimes you got to do bad things to keep good folk safe. That much I do know,” he said with a heavy sigh thinking of her situation.

OOC: Charm check at 1 red and purple with a boost die for appealing to his Honor.

[Jenna Karath]

"Sometimes," she came a little bit forward, her hand still out in the calming gesture but as she inched forward so too did her hand fall a little so that he had to look at her just a bit more closely, see the earnest appeal in her eyes.

"However, sometimes what they tell you is wrong. Sometimes, the bad things you do are only harming people for the sake of others. Sometimes, they misuse the trust you give them, because you're a good man, who cares for the troopers under him and the people he protects and that's what the Empire does, it uses and discards people."

"All I want," she said, a small smile, "all I've ever wanted for the past few years is to escape somewhere, maybe start a family, own a nice farm. Find myself community and a place where my brother, and those I care about, can come find me to talk, catch up, and live peaceful lives. Not the dreams of a hardened criminal only in it for the money, are they?"

Day 8, MA | Charm vs Poule, Player Destiny, Honor Boost: 1eP+2eA+1eB+1eC+1eD 1 success, 2 advantage

[Dapper Dog]

He frowned and said, “Say I believe you, I also have a responsibility to my people so let’s compromise. I escort you out of here and you don’t cause me a problem. I’ll forget you were here trying to help your family.”

“I get what you are trying to do, but I am still a soldier and I still owe my people my trust and support.”

Poule finished with, “You got a raw deal, ma’am, and I am mighty sorry but I still can’t let you do what you came here to do.”

[Jenna Karath]

"That is," she let out a breath of relief, "everything I hoped for since we ran into one another here, Commander Poule. Maybe," she smirked and shook her head, "maybe this is enough? Knowing people like you exist among the white armor and black masks. Thank you," she paused, thought.

"Suppose I can't go back to get my clothes, might raise a few too many questions," she said, pulling at the two-sizes too large uniform, "so, lead the way, Commander?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Give me a place to send them, and I will have them sent along, ma'am," he said lowering his weapon.

"A lady should not be parted from her belongings." He then tapped the panel and the lift started again, "You got a strong will and bond for your family, I can respect that."

[Jenna Karath]

"Thank you," she said, a soft smile as she reoriented herself in the lift to stand beside him rather than cowering in a corner like she was but moments ago. Brushing a bit of hair back over her right ear, she continued, "my parents weren't worth much, made that bond I share with my brother all the more important to me. Meant I had to fight a bit harder for everything I needed, wanted, too."

"As far as my things," she thought for a moment and it clicked, "I don't have much of a residence in the city. However, though they've moved on and the place is deserted, if you sent my things along to a farmhouse outside of the city I'd know where to go to collect them?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Sure ma'am, you have my word," he said honestly.

"Just try and stay out of trouble, " he finished as the lift opened and he gestured for her to head into the hall. "Follow me."

[Jenna Karath]

"I'll do my best," she promised, stepping out into the hall and awaiting his lead.

For a little while, she just followed obediently behind. Well, as obediently as she could manage, her eyes wandered now and again but otherwise her mind was occupied on a thought. One that made her a little flush, act irresponsibly, "Would it.." she started, gathering a little bit of courage, "would it be improper to ask about you, Commander? Something more than just.." she looked down, "more than just what you do?"

[Dapper Dog]

"Just a soldier ma'am but sure, if it isn't classified why not," he said honestly.

[Jenna Karath]

Your first name? Calm down Jenna, use the situation to your advantage better than that!

"Not just a soldier, you're a person too," she commented, her voice lower as if she was almost unsure of saying the words, but she came back stronger with, "do you have a family? Someone to go home to?" she asked, looking back to him as they walked.

[Dapper Dog]

“Mamma Poule and Papa Poule are still alive and kicking, originally from Alderaan but they moved to the Core, pops has a condition and it gives me piece of mind to know he is somewhere within quick access of a medical center. Don’t get home much, mission comes first, ma’am,” he said as they walked.

"I take care of them as best I can, and service ensures he gets good care."

[Jenna Karath]

See?" she said, looking to him with a smirk, "You're not just a soldier, you're a son too, and a good one at that. I'm glad, that even with the work you do you're able to support them as you do."

There was a slight pause, she wanted more and yet, what was even appropriate, what did she even want, logically this was all stupid but, "Can I have your name? So I don't only have Commander Poule as the way I remember you? I'd like to remember the person behind the soldier," she let sense take a backseat for a moment.

[Dapper Dog]

He gave her a quizzical look and for a moment considered this was some bizarre trick or con but she seemed on the level thus far and she could have tried to run earlier so he said, “Stephe (pronounced Steve), Stephe Poule, ma’am. He opened the door to the outside and waited for her to head through to the outside.

“And you?”

[Jenna Karath]

Glancing aside she took the name to memory, held it for a moment, it was foolish and stupid. Still, she couldn't really help it.

Stepping outside she turned back to him and nodded, "Thank you for everything, Stephe. You're a good man, and for what little it's worth; I'm sorry for the trouble I've caused you.."

"Jenna," she said, brushing her hair over her right ear again, heart in her chest for no good reason, "Jenna Karath," she took the risk.

[Dapper Dog]

"Thank you for giving me only a mild heart attack, be safe out there, ma'am," he said warmly.

[Jenna Karath]

"You too, Stephe," she said, her cheeks flushed a little. "Thanks,for not shooting me," she returned, and turned down the walkway.

Walking away, feeling.. something.

[Dapper Dog]

Stephe stammered, "I... I don't just shoot people, only... bad people!"

"Just stay out of trouble, Jenna, ma'am. Please." Satisfied, he turned and went back inside, he really dodged a slug there.

[Jenna Karath]

With a blushing face, she was just happy she'd already turned and been somewhat down the walkway, hiding it only from the angle at which she walked with some false sense of confidence. There was a smile, as of course there was a smile, and she walked away feeling like a gleeful idiot.

Helluva self chosen mission, helluva way to fail.

Helluva day.

/scene