2nd Transmission, Return of the Jedi [Voice]

[thefinaljedi]

Good evening everyone, this is Luke Skywalker returning from a mission at the behest of our...keepers. Did I miss anything important? I only have a sketchy time-frame for how long I was outside of the compound. I am alright, it just took longer than I anticipated thanks to the weather.

Next, I would like to extend a greeting to all of the newcomers I've seen wandering around the village. I have not been around very long myself, but should you require assistance I would be more than happy to help in any way that I can.

Finally, the weather here seems to have gotten colder, and it was my understanding that in many other worlds this time of year is considered a feast time or festival? It may seem like a strange request, but I've thought quite a bit about, and gotten curious about the customs and traditions of other homes. If you would be willing to share information about your home's winter culture I would be very interested to hear it.

Comments

[Voice]

[redjacketthief]

She's the one who will stab me in the back at a moment's notice. Though, admittedly, it was mostly because the owner said it was impossible. [He chuckles.] Man, did I prove her wrong!

And you're right in asking that. It isn't just exclusive to lovers. You can give a gift to anyone you like really, even teachers or neighbors. It's an all around touchy-feely holiday.

Not that I'm complaining. I like touchy-feely.

[Voice]

[thefinaljedi]

Sounds like...a lovely lady for a daring scoundrel like yourself. Is she here with you in Luceti?

[Luke laughs again, Lupin really DOES remind him of Han sometimes]

[Voice]

[redjacketthief]

She is. I'd have it no other way either.

[There's a brief pause. When Lupin continues, its in a tone full of curiosity and the implication of secrecy.]

Anyway. Missions, you say? Do tell. I've been..ah... [Air quotes--mostly for Lupin's own sake. He's aware that they aren't seen.] 'Gathering information.'

[Translation: plotting like a madman.]

[Voice]

[thefinaljedi]

Well, I just opted to go out on one of those Malnosso sponsored missions. It allowed me to get out of the compound, get my bearings a bit. We're definitely not in my home Galaxy, which I only had the faintest hope of being anyway.

Mostly it was just me running a series of skirmishes against that Third Party.

[Voice]

[redjacketthief]

Actually, I was hoping we could meet in person--I was wondering about intel of a different kind of variety. I can give you some too, quid pro quo and all, but not over these channels.

[Not when anyone could be listening in, even with the filters fully on. Maybe it was needlessly paranoid, but Lupin wanted to keep his plans as much on the D.L. as was possible. He'd ruined that enough already with his own actions during that Shift he experienced. No need to mess it up further.]

[Voice]

[thefinaljedi]

Sure. Where would you like to meet up, Lupin?

[He totally understands...and is happy to help out, but he's still a dork!]

[Voice]

[redjacketthief]

[...dorkiness is so noted. Luke was still Luke, no matter what.]

Well...where are you at the moment?

[Voice]

[thefinaljedi]

I'm in my apartment, but I could easily be elsewhere. What did you have in mind?

[Voice]

[redjacketthief]

Which house and which room?

Re: [Voice]

[thefinaljedi]

"House 5, room 24"

[Voice] 1/2

[redjacketthief]

[Wait a minute--that was the same building. How had they not seen eachother!?

...in hindsight, it probably had something to do with Lupin either sneaking out through back entrances and being borderline hikikomori at the worst times.]

Hang on a sec--be right there.

[-----> Action] 2/2

[redjacketthief]

[The book was closed at this, and a window opened. If Lupin made his calculations right, Luke should be very close to his room on the level directly below.

He grabbed a length of rope (another remnant of that Shift) and tied one end of it to his bed. The other was hefted out the window. With only a light coat and gloves to protect him from the cold, he climbed out the window and scaled down the wall to the window directly below.

Once there, it was easy to pick his way along the sills to find the right window.

He knocked, and grinned.]

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke was sitting in his chair, idly waiting for Lupin's knock when he heard a most curious tapping on his window. Blinking, he turned to see the thief grinning in his window, holding onto a rope. The scene was so ridiculous...and so Lupin...that he couldn't help but laugh as he opened it up for his friend.]

Well...thats one way to make an entrance...

[redjacketthief]

[Lupin entered, still smiling.]

Why do things the easy way when you can do it the fun way?

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke laughs again]

Fair enough, but the fun way often takes longer.

[redjacketthief]

That's what makes it fun!

[He shuts the window and tucks his hands into his pockets, idly looking around for any possible interference and listening for possible unwanted audiences. Satisfied with his findings, he wanders over to the couch and flops onto it.]

Anyway, Luke. quid pro quo. I can give you intel on what I've gathered, and tell you why I recognized you--and others, probably--if you can tell me anything you've gathered about the terrain beyond the barrier and what you learned about the enemies of our enemies.

[thefinaljedi]

[Lukes nods, all to happy to share]

Sure, but first, lets have a seat. I'll make you some tea. I found some interesting blends from another world. Oolong...sounds like such a funny word.

[redjacketthief]

It's Chinese--a country that makes funny words like that where I come from. [smile.] It's pretty good tea too. You'll like it.

[A part of Lupin marveled at the domesticity of it. He never expected to sit down and have a cup of tea with Luke Skywalker, of all people!]

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke nods, pouring cups for the both of them]

Here you are, Lupin. I hope its good. So...what did you discover while I was out, my friend?

[redjacketthief]

[Ah, straight to the point. He could appreciate this in a man. It was a respectable trait.

Lupin took a sip of his tea and leaned back with an inscrutable smile. Playing his cards close was an old habit, and not even the quaint nature of Luceti was going to break that.]

A few things--where did you want me to begin?

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke shrugs, obviously Lupin was going to be doing this more like Lando than Han]

I'd like to know more about our keepers if you have any information on them. Also, I'd like to know more about the barrier, and any information you'd consider to be useful.

[redjacketthief]

[There is a calculated beat of silence as he settles deeper into the cushions, carefully keeping his eyes on Luke. The casual, even careless demeanor is so noted, and his smile softens and grows a little sincere. He'd appreciate the comparison to Lando, Luke. The scoundrel was one of his favorite characters in the movies!]

Barrier, barrier. If I had more info I wouldn't still be here, Luke. I'm a thief, and this is a prison for me. A fancy, comfy prison, but still a prison.

Wierdly, people seem to like this place, for whatever reason. I personally don't get it, but they will put up a fight if a change is forced too suddenly. It's best to approach barrier-breaking and jumping home with lots of caution.

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke's eyes never waver from Lupin's, and he just smiles. He knew the thief had more information, he just seemed to want to make this seem as long as possible. Definitely a Lando thing to do. Scoundrels and rapscallions were all alike...]

I'm well aware that it is a prison. I'm not fond of it either, and given the choice I'd split it apart but I don't think thats happening. Particularly if the inhabitants actually want to stay here. Did any of them give reasons?

[redjacketthief]

[The smile vanishes for an instant as Lupin invoked what gravitas he was able to muster. It was by no means surprising news, but it wasn't always pleasant.]

...There are people who are dead in their homes here.

Or, if not that, then they don't want to leave the friends they've made. Or, maybe they're afraid--but that's my speculation.

[thefinaljedi]

[Luke's face darkens as well, that certainly killed the mood Lupin!]

I...had no idea. I suppose that does make a certain bit of sense, though. People from any time...could very well be pulled from their deathbeds. I don't know about the friendships with people from other worlds. I mean no offense, but...well...you aren't exactly Han.

[Luke silently strokes his chin, lost in thought.]

Well, a tit for a tat then. I've learned a fair bit about the terrain outside the barrier. We aren't terribly far from a rather large mountain range, that for whatever reason the Malnosso value enough to send me to deal with enemies.