Corellia

[Wookiee Jedi]

<< Using the Force to get information is something that should rarely be done. As a Jedi, you have multiple skills. You must use them while in the field as to not boast yourself above others. You serve others, you don't rule over them. Treat them as equals. >>

 

Kirlocca looked up as they approached the group, but Kirlocca then placed his paw on Neruu's shoulder and directed him away from the small group of people. Instead, he lead him towards a Catina of some sort.

 

<< Observe first, interact later. For now, we'll just get a drink and observe our surroundings. >>

[Neruu]

Neruu listen to master Kirloccas words and felt a bit foolish for thinking about just wanting to use force that way. Neruu then looked at the cantina. It was a modest building stuffed with mostly humans. Neruu though didn't mind it that much but it did feel odd being in a cantina of mostly humans.

 

"Iis doss notss thiinkss iitss bessts tooss bess iins thiiss cantiinas."

 

Neruu just decided to ask for some water. Neruu just liked drinking water or juice made from Barabel fruit plant. Neruu looked around noticing some of humans knew reputation of most Barabel who left Barab I.

 

"masterss Iiss thiinkss ssomes ofs humanss mays notss liikes mess beingss iins thess cantiinass."

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca order himself an pint of Accarrgm and sat down with Neruu in a booth. He took a long look around.

 

<< No, it's just curiosity of what and who you are. They don't hate you. >>

 

Kirlocca took notice of all of the conversation going on around the bar, taking careful note in what physical motions the patrons made as they spoke.

 

<< I can already tell you that the two men in the left corner work for the local Government, and the one man by himself in the right corner wants to approach us with some sort of information. >>

[Neruu]

Neruu looked over towards right then back at Master Kirlocca. Neruu wasn't sure what the person was going to say but decided to wait to see though he was curious if Master Kirlocca had a idea.

 

"whatss youss ssupposess thess iinformatiionss iiss?"

 

Neruu looked around the rest of the cantina to try and get idea what else was going on though he wasn't able due to he wasn't used to it still.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca shrugged his shoulders and then took a sip of his Accarrgm. He took a moment to rescan the room for wandering eyes and slight movements.

 

<< I don't know, he'll have to approach us first. >>

 

Kirlocca took another sip of his Accarrgm as he placed an eye of Neruu, who seemed to have a problem with being still at the moment.

 

<< Patience Neruu. Remember that the Force flows here as it does everywhere else. Remember the code, 'there is no emotion, there is peace.' Don't let you emotions get the better of you. >>

[Neruu]

Neruu takes a big sip from his water. Neruu swayed his tail back and forth. He looked at the man in the corner out of the corner of his eye. It looked like the person might come over soon.

 

"Iiss jussts notss usseds toosss pacess ofss otherss speciiess, onss Barab I oness musstss bess fassts."

 

Neruu had a feeling something was going to happen start to bother him. Neruu couldn't really figure out what might happen but he had feeling at least he would probably not finish his drink. Neruu though tried to hide it due to he wasn't sure to make of it.

[Guest]

Lieutenant Doppler of CorSec had issues to deal with. Still on the mend from wounds suffered before during the mad emperor Geki's attack on the Gateway Station, Doppler found his movements slowed. Bitterly he realized, it was one of the problems with aging.

 

Reports dealt with something sneaking around below the surface of the planet, investigating old ruins and machinery. Some said it was invisible, marked with glowing eyes. Others still reported flashes of a white cloak. More than a few fatalities came back, causing it to reach his attention.

 

He wondered if he should have taken a guard with him, but Doppler prefered to move quickly and trust his skills alone. Besides, if he could do this, maybe he wasn't getting as old and slow as he felt.

 

Arrayed in his CorSec uniform, he keeps a standard issue blaster pistol at his side, his eyes on the alert in the planet's depths. Over fifty minutes passed, with only small vermin crossing his path. Sighing he almost gave up when he heard footsteps approach. He flattened against a wall, listening. He picked up two distinctive pairs of feet. Their pace was steady, almost slow though as moving cautiously as well.

 

He flattened himself further, using his paripheral vision to glance askew and catch who it was. If it was someone here on business, then so be it. If it was his killer, then so be it as well. All would get sorted out in a matter of seconds.

 

Stepping out into the middle of the way, Doppler raises his blaster, the other hand flashing his CorSec badge, which glinted in the dim light.

 

"CorSec! Freeze and raise your hands in the air."

[Damon]

Following orders Damon stopped and put his staff in front of Corbin. Raising it to the air he spoke to the officer in front of him.

 

"You can lower your weapon officer. I am a Jedi sent here to investigate what was reported as a living shadow. Guess initial reports were wrong then."

 

Taking the initiative the Jedi master lowered his hood, as a result it was clear to see he was blind. As his hood rested on his shoulders his staff remained in the air so the CoreSec officer would still feel in control.

 

"I can not tell what your name is, all I can see is your face. What do you say to giving Corbin and I a hand in locating this killer so I can bring him to justice?"

[Guest]

Doppler slowly lowers his blaster, taking careful measure of the people before him.

 

"A Jedi, eh?" Doppler measures the words slowly."My name is Lt. Benedict Doppler. I think I'm after the same person as you." He lowers his blaster a bit more as not to threaten the Jedi, if that was, a Jedi would even feel threatened. He hesitates again, realizing others, even if they meant well could be a liability. Then again, if the Jedi were involved, that meant this was no ordinary killer and he would need to fight fire with fire.

 

"I'm looking for a... we're not sure what. Our best description was something with glowing eyes, either red or blue, and white cloak. Other than that, no real features could be identified." He stops, deciding to give his information tit-for-tat. "What are you looking for exactly?"

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca slowly nodded his head, knowing all to well what Neruu was talking about. Turning his head slowly towards Neruu, he spoke quietly so that no one else but Neruu could hear what he was saying.

 

<< Learn to recognize when speed is not important. Race when being first is important; move at your own pace at all other times. It is not necessary to always strike the first blow, to provide the first solution, or to reach a goal before anyone else does. In fact, it is sometimes vital to strike the last blow, to give the final answer, or to arrive after everyone else. This is your path to conquer recklessness. >>

 

Kirlocca then turned his attention back to his Accarrgm and watching the room. His own personnel interest was on the man who clearly had interest in them.

[Neruu]

Neruu noticed several people get up from one of the tables. Neruu didn't think much of it until they headed towards the person in the corner. Neruu though waited to see what happened but the people stopped at a table and looked like they just went over to talk with friends that were in cantina. Neruu took a sip from his glass of water then noticed a old man walking suspiciously, as if the old man was faking needing a cane. Neruu wispered to master Kirlocca.

 

"massters theres somethiingss oddss aboutss thess oldss manss."

 

Neruu just had a gut feeling there was something not right about the confused looking old man in the cantina. Neruu continued to watch the old man waiting for something more. The old man though appeared to be getting closer to corner but he was just moving too random to be certain.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca could feel multiple stirrings in the Force, even some that came from the old man that Neruu pointed out. Different scenarios played out in the Jedi masters head as the mans movements became even more suspicious to the two Jedi.

 

<< Keep an eye on him, and be prepared for anything. >>

 

Kirlocca had already made a decision not to get involved unless it was clear to him that Neruu could not handle the situation by himself.

[Neruu]

Neruu continues to watch the old man putting down his glass to watch the man more closely. The old man makes his way right towards the corner where the other man is. Neruu gets up and heads towards the old man who raises his arms firing blasters at the other man. Neruu dashes towards old man kicking old man in face hard knocking the old man into a table. Neruu goes to see how the man who was shot at was when the old man jumps to his feet then leaps through air kicking Neruu in stomach causing Neruu to fly into a table. Neruu gets back up on his feet and grabs his training saber off his belt. Neruu heads right for old man and swings fast and hard to slice off the old mans arm with gun pointing at man in corner. Though Neruu blinks when he sees metal visible after cutting arm not flesh, just then when Neruu makes mistake to hesitate and the old man grabs Neruus face with his other hand and picks up Neruu only to quickly smash him into ground. Neruu drops his training saber from the sudden attack by the old man. Neruu opens his eyes to see the old man had picked up Neruus training saber. Neruu rolls over dodging stab then gets to his knees an extends retractable claws and slashes the old mans other arm causing him to drop training saber then uses force to call it back to his and slashes off the old mans other cybernetic arm who then kicks Neruu in the face knocking him over before trying to flee. Neruu loses sight of the old man though due to small fight started big fight in cantina. Neruu grabbed one of the arms of the old man that was on the ground as he stood up.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca hung back as excitement broke out all over the Catina. Most of the patrons didn't know what started it, and most didn't care either. They simply just stood up and began to fight as well, or they fell into the corners to hide and continue to nurse their drinks. For a moment, Kirlocca lost sight of his padawan. The Wookiee almost got up to look for him was never had the chance. A man had made himself comfortable in the booth with Kirlocca.

 

<< This booth is taken. >> Kirlocca said with a slight growl to remove the man, but he never took the hint. Instead, he leaned in to talk to him.

 

"I have some information that might let your way..." Kirlocca thought he would never be in a position where he would be baited, yet here he was. Part of Kirlocca looked up to find Neruu, but after a scan of the room, Neruu was still out of his sight. After Kirlocca let out a sigh, he turned back to the man in his booth. He knew that Neruu would make his way back to the booth eventually.

 

<< What sort of information? >>

[Neruu]

Neruu scans the room for anything else the old man might of dropped. Neruu is still baffled though, how could someone have metal limbs. Neruu picks up the other arm of the old man then looks around for the blaster. Neruu notices someone with the blaster though has trouble getting through the cantina brawl. Neruu throws one of the arms then bam in the head knocking out the person with the blaster. Neruu grabs the arm and blaster on ground then looks for where master Kirlocca is. Neruu looks around more not able to see through all the fighting easy. Neruu then kicks a table with aid of force through part of crowd of fighters when he thinks he spotted master Kirlocca. Neruu looks through path before it becomes filled with mostly humans fighting. Neruu puts the blaster on his belt and holds both of cybernetic arms from the old man with one arm while using the other one to fight his way too master Kirlocca. Neruu kicks, punches, head buts and hits people with his tail before sending one last person flying across the room. But Neruu only makes it part way when a bunch of people decide to gang up on him. Neruu drops the two cybernetic arms and starts to fight the group of humans. Neruu slugs one in the face then another jumps on his back. Neruu flicks his head back smashing the back of his head into the face of the human on the back. Neruu grabs one humans head and bashes the humans head into his knee. Neruu looks around then gets hit in back with chair and falls down. As he gets piled on by humans Neruu thinks he won't get back to master Kirlocca anytime soon which he did want to though mostly cause he wanted to finish his water.

[Wookiee Jedi]

The man smiled as he made his own scan of the room before he returned a reply to Kirlocca.

 

"There is about to be a big rebellion of species against humans. A Wookiee leader named Teagaar is heading it up."

 

Kirlocca couldn't help but feel as if he was mistaken for someone else, but he decided to play along for a bit and find out why.

 

<< ...And this concerns me how? There are millions of forms of rebellion that happen each and everyday. Why is this one any different? >>

 

"Because, Teagaar has massive amounts of money that he's feeding a private shipyard for a small fleet to take on both the Empire and the New Republic."

 

That caught Kirlocca's attention. He allowed for a moment to think it over his next move as the man fell back in the booth, making himself more comfortable. He did his best to sort through his thoughts to pick out which ones were actually logical. How does Teagaar have money when it all disappeared with Luvinnia? More so, what fleet design could one have in mind to take on both sides? Kirlocca turned his head back towards the man.

 

<< What makes you so sure that this fleet could present a danger, let alone concern me? >>

 

Kirlocca took note that the man leaned forward and his eyes tensed up.

 

"I've seen the design, it would be a nightmare for any one ship to head to head with on of these soon to be Star Ng'rhr's. They'll rip ships to scrap metal if they're given the chance. And I approach you for multiple reasons. You're a Wookiee who is a Jedi. You'll end up having to choose a side, and as it is, these Wookiees could use someone with your skills on their side."

 

Kirlocca then took his turn in leaning back into the booth, trying his best to make himself comfortable. He looked out at the Catina to see where Neruu was and then looked back at the man.

 

<< I would very much like to see or hear much more on this, but in a more private location. >>

 

The man stood up and started to walk out of the Catina.

 

"I'll contact you as the time nears."

 

Well that's not helpful. Kirlocca shook it off and went back to his drink. It seemed like Neruu and him would have more to do on Corellia then he originally planned.

[Neruu]

Neruu uses force to blast the humans off himself then stands up. Neruu pants tired from using force like that. Neruu then proceeds to punch, kick and swing tail towards the humans around him. Neruu grabs the two cybernetic arms from the old man he faught earlier then throws a small human into the crowd to distract the humans long enough to slip between fighting to get back towards master Kirlocca.

 

Neruu gets back to master Kirlocca and looks exhausted an like got into a fight. Neruu sets the two arms from the old man on the table along with the blaster. Though it might be hard to notice right away that the arms were fake since they were covered in fake skin to make them appear real when looked at. Neruu sat down in the booth then grabbed his water and took a long sip.

 

"Old man... metal arms.. that old man was not.. normal.."

 

Neruu still was catching his breath after all the fighting. Neruu though was thinking about the old man again. He had no clue how a old man could have metal arms or even fight that well. Neruu wished he had caught the old man though but Neruu would wait to see what master Kirlocca would say. Neruu was hoping master Kirlocca would know more about metal arms or even anything since Neruu was baffled that someone had metal arms.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca looked from Neruu to the metal arms on the booth and then to the now dying energy of the recent fight. He rested his gaze on Neruu.

 

<< Usually Jedi try not to leave a mess in their wake. And as far as the arms are concerned...You picked a fight with a cyborg? >>

 

Kirlocca looked at his drink and thought of his recent activity.

 

 

<< I think you had more fun then me. >>

[Neruu]

Neruu tilts his head while listening to master Kirlocca. Neruu understands he probably should of tried harder to not start the brawl but the word cyborg confuses Neruu. Neruu shrugged slightly when Kirlocca mentioned Fun.

 

"Iitss wass goodss exerciisses... thoughss Iiss havess oness quesstiionss... whatss a cyborgss?"

 

Neruu Was very much so interested in learning what a cyborg was. All Neruu knew was they had metal arms which he still found a bit disturbing. Though Neruu had never heard of that word before so it was still a mystery to Neruu was cyborg really were. Neruu hoped master Kirlocca would take the time to explain to him what a cyborg was besides having metal arms.

[Silas]

With a slight lurch two ships simultaneously slid from hyperspace above the blue orb that was Corellia. The two ships quietly headed down to the planet's capital Coronet City. Several weeks ago an office building in the center of the city had been purchased in Vesper Stubernic's name. Hopefully no one would be smart enough to connect the fact that the largest campaign for the election of the newest Senator had purchased a building to use as a headquarters weeks before the Senator had been assassinated. But then again in Vesper's past life everything had revolved around luck and there was no reason to change that now.

 

As the two ships set down in the hangar bay of the newly renovated office building Vesper put the finishing touches on his wardrobe. After straightening his tie one more time he stepped out of his small room and walked down the ramp into his new headquarters. The twelve men that had followed him from the Black Sun were already busy unloading the technology that had been brought with the group.

 

Once it had all been unloaded the ships were locked securely then the group and the hover sleds filled with technology went to the service elevator to be taken to the top floor where the headquarters would be set up. Vesper watched as the campaign office slowly took shape and couldn't help but smile. So far every part of his plan had worked perfectly.

 

Within the hour the office was up and running. Vesper was settled into his desk and already beginning to make the political deals that would move him into the office that he sought. After he had obtained the political part of his plan the rest would fall into place rather easily. Most politicians were already corrupt beyond belief so convincing them to take part in the chaos that he strived for should be relatively simple. It was all too easy.

 

As he was just about finish for the day his secretary walked in, alerting him to the fact that he had a speech tomorrow in front of the capital building. It would be the first time that many people on the planet had seen him and he needed to make a good impression so he decided to turn in early so that he could get an early start tomorrow. It was the first time in a long time that he had worried about sleep, but the discipline that had been instilled in him early in his life came back in a flash. As he stripped off his clothes and slid into bed he rested easily knowing that the day had been incredibly productive and tomorrow would without question be better than today.

[Wookiee Jedi]

<< A cyborg is half human half droid. The best of both worlds at time, at others, they get the worst. >>

 

Kirlocca put his drink down on the table and stood up from the booth.

 

<< Come now, we're going to head to a hotel for the night and start finishing things tomorrow. >>

 

With that, Kirlocca began to walk towards the door without looking back to see if Neruu was following.

[Neruu]

Neruu got up to his feet and decided to leave the arms an blaster on the table. Neruu figured the cantina owner could do something with the arms. Neruu then quickly followed master Kirlocca. Neruu wondered what a hotel would be like on this planet. Neruu was still not used to the place being so developed. Neruu decided to just think while walking to the hotel. Neruu decided to focus on thinking about why someone would be half droid but he also thought of the cantina fight while walking.

[Silas]

No one on Corellia could have asked for a nicer day. The sun radiated warmly and there was a pleasant cool breeze that took any edge off of Corell's harsh rays. It was the perfect day to be outside and on this particular day many people were. A group of close to a thousand people had gathered outside the capital building of Corellia to hear senatorial candidate Vesper Stubernic give his first speech. Though it had only been scheduled the day before, the news had traveled quickly and now everyone was either attending or watching the speech via the Holonet.

 

Vesper walked up onto the platform and approached the podium to the sound of roaring applause. Vesper had never really understood why some people seemed to idolize political figures as they did but he planned to exploit that fact in any way that he could. The breeze cooled his face but did nothing to his immaculate hair as he turned on the microphone to begin his speech.

 

"Citizens of Corellia:

 

Our population has faced a terrible crisis with the recent death of our beloved Senator”¦"

 

Beyond this point Vesper just read the words. He knew enough about public speaking to know that he needed to put passion behind the words he was speaking but he didn't believe any of it. It made little difference to him what these people wanted to believe he was advertising as long as they believed what he was preaching.

 

Soon enough the speech had run his course and Vesper was walking off the stage to thunderous applause. The smile on his face wasn't because the speech had gone well but because these people actually believed and were embracing exactly what he wanted them to. It made his day that much better.

 

Within the next fifteen minutes everyone affiliated with the campaign was back at the headquarters and Vesper was back up in his office telling his secretary to let Dr. Pang in. The good doctor had developed many very useful weapons for Black Sun and now he would create a few that would further Vesper's aims indefinitely. For now, he let the doctor know that his office on the thirteenth floor was prepared and ready to begin weapons testing. The thirteenth floor was chosen because it was the only floor to not be listed on the turbolift for the office building. Due to superstition it would make an excellent hiding spot for the illegal weapons that would be developed there. Hiding in plain sight was one of Vesper's favorite tricks and applying it here only seemed necessary.

 

As the doctor left his office to begin development Vesper checked the donations for the day. As he had expected they were through the roof. His funding had shot up and that made him smile even more. The citizens would never know that for all intents and purposes they had directly funded terrorists. It was funny how these things seemed to work out.

 

With all of this good news Vesper decided to push his luck and see if his spice shipments had arrived early”¦

[Damon]

Listening to the tone of voice and description of from the office Damon made his choice.

 

"Him to be exact. Your top brass asked for the orders assistance. So here I am. From what you describe, he sounds as if he could be a Sith acolyte. His presence has left a bit of trail in the force that I can vaguely follow."

 

The jedi master continued walking down the corridor now with Corbin and Benedict. As they progressed down to where the force lead them the Jedi his best to converse with his new ally.

 

"Corbin, I know you were once CoreSec yourself. I want you to tell me about this location to the best of you understanding."

[Guest]

Corbins life had never been one of ease or pleasure. His own origins were a testament to the cruelties of the universe.He was not the child of a blessed union between two people. He was the spawn of a violent attack, one meant to dominate and control. At his birth he was sent away to be raised by others. His physically features would have made it impossible for him to do anything of importance within Chiss society.

 

A Sith acolyte, I wonder what that is?

 

As all children had, Corbin had heard stories and rumors of the Jedi and the Sith. As he grew older he had begun to believe less and less in their power and strength. To him it seemed more like fairy tales meant to teach children right and wrong. For such all-powerful people, why were they never around when they were needed most. What twist of fate would bring him into the company of a Jedi now, instead of.......

 

"Corbin, I know you were once CoreSec yourself. I want you to tell me about this location to the best of you understanding."

 

Taking a better look at their new surroundings, Corbin recognized very little. His crimson and emerald eyes widened as they adjusted to the darkness and goosebumps crawled along his skin as the air chilled. The half-breed knew they were deep under the city and that the only people who usually populated this area were the homeless and those who did not wish to be found. The former CORSEC officer vaguely remembered having several informants and contacts from this area.

 

"As you can tell we are deep under the city. I am not sure exactly what goes on down here. The only people who come down here are the homeless and those who are avoiding contact with the law. It is a brave and thorough officer who will come down here searching for his quarry."

 

Tossing an eye in the direction of Lt. Doppler, Ballard tried to remember from his days as an agent. He had heard of the man but had never met him. Corbin had always respected him for his record, and had always hoped to one day meet him. But now, Corbin did not care who he met. He held little respect for anyone, and admired even fewer. Especially the so-called keepers of the peace.

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca lead Neruu through the streets of Corellia to a near by Hotel where they both checked in for the night. Kirlocca made it up to the room and sat down on the bed and began to meditate, going over within his own mind the events of the day. Through his meditation, he was able to feel Damon through the Force on the planet along with some dark energies. There was a slight urge felt to go and help with whatever Damon was doing, but he had other stuff to do, and Damon was more then qualified to handle anything that might come his way.

 

With a mind full of so many things, Kirlocca eventually opened his mind finding that the light of the new day was rising. I've got to learn to clear my mind better. Kirlocca stood up and looked over at Neruu.

 

<< Lets be on the move. >>

[Neruu]

Neruu was sitting by device that heated room due to it was still a bit chilly out and Neruu was trying to keep warm. Neruu had been thinking about fight in cantina. Neruu had trouble sleeping due to fight with cyborg kept replaying in his head. Neruu opened his when master Kirlocca had spoke. It took Neruu a minute to get to his senses and stand up. Neruu was a bit sluggish even though he had sat next to heater due to he was a reptile and cool mornings generally made Neruu a bit more sluggish. Neruu looked at master Kirlocca.

 

"Wheress wiills bess headiingss?"

[Wookiee Jedi]

Kirlocca could tell that Neruu was tired, but the call of the Force was more important then sleep at this moment, even though neither of them got any real sleep last night.

 

<< We are going to meet with this contact that approached me at the bar last night. He has some information that might lead to others things that are far worse then a bar fight...>>

 

Kirlocca looked around at the streets of Corellia and then back at his padawan.

 

<< Jedi respect each other, and all other life forms. And death is a natural part of life. Do not let the worry of the cyborg cloud your mind Neruu. You should keep your focus on the here and now. Remember to be mindful of the living Force the surrounds us. >>

 

Kirlocca then indicated that they should be on the move. Until this contact summoned him, he had no choice but to start an investigation on his own to learn more of this Teagaar character.

 

<< Until I get contacted by this man, we are going to look around and see what we can find on a character named Teagaar. You might also want to keep an eye out for parts you could use for your lightsaber while we are out and about. >>

[Neruu]

Neruu wondered how master Kirlocca knew he had been thinking of the cyborg. Neruu tried to best think of task on hand and wondered where he would find lightsaber parts here. Neruu though for a minute and blinked, Neruu had no idea what lightsaber parts looked like. Neruu took his training saber off his belt and looked at it. It was simple looking on outsider but Neruu had no clue what was on inside.

 

"Mastersss.. whatss exactlyss woulds bess.. usseds iins as lightssabersss?.."

[Silas]

A few of the lighter items on his desk jumped a few inches into the air as Vesper's fist came smashing down onto his desk. Cancelled? How could they just cancel a shipment like that? His entire scheme had hinged on receiving the spice shipments. Now dates would have to be pushed back, arrangements changed and lives put on hold in order to ensure that everything that had been put in play in the past few weeks wouldn't be in vain. So much planning had gone into this single concept that to have it fall through this far in the game would be catastrophic.

 

But no matter, what's done is done. Now all that was left was to move on in order to salvage what was left of the idea. He let his secretary know that she needed to begin searching for a replacement vendor while he moved forward. There were only a few days left until the election of Corellia's newest Senator and Vesper couldn't give up now. He had to push the hardest now if he was to achieve an integral part of his plan.

 

He finished reading over the speech that his secretary had written for him to orate in a few hours and was pleased. It was well-prepared and was sure to gain him more support from the gullible people of Corellia. He finally began to calm-down from his earlier outburst and realized that it would all fall into place whether he had the spice shipments on time or not. All he needed was a little bit more perseverance and a stroke of luck that was sure to come.