No, There's No Place Like Corruscant

[Gar]

Ni stared pensively from one of the windows of The Castaway's Hope. She frowned and released a sigh as she watched Gadeon depart for the temple. Returning to Corruscant was awful enough without also coming to terms with this unpleasant, anxiety-ridden occasion; her closest friend was making himself a target, and in more ways than one. The Zeltron urged her mind away from this depressing thought and tried to center on happier subjects. Instead, the disturbing face of a man suddenly manifested inside her mind. Merrick. She shivered and turned her back to the window, now concentrating on the floor. 

Ni remembered the day they left Corruscant--she wanted to force a confession from Merrick, but Gadeon advised against it. He told her to let the authorities handle it. Well, she gave the authorities the information before they left, and Merrick was still in power when they returned. She mused irritably that the nasty man had probably already customized a new clone for himself to break and use by now. Her hands tightened into fists. 

Ni strode out into the corridor of the ship with a fierce purpose blazing in her eyes. She donned a simple white dress and sandals, plus a matching white purse with some gadgets packed inside, including a recorder. Her expression shifted to a joyful, carefree facade when she found Zay. She cheerfully asked the clone to help Bay with his work and stay by his side while she went shopping. Then she hailed a speeder to the Senate building. Her stomach turned into knots as she witnessed this grandiose building once more, remembering the dullest two weeks of her life. As she navigated through the halls towards Merrick's Senatorial office she attempted to calm her racing emotions and wear her usual cheerful mask once again.

'You wanted it,' Ni chanted to herself, 'You always, always want it.' Ni understood that if she dared allow her feelings to control her in this moment, if she didn't think clearly about what she had to do, then she may never have a chance in granting justice for Zay or Zera, let alone the satisfaction of watching an evil man fall. 

The Zeltron beamed down at Merrick's secretary. "I'm here to see Tal Merrick, Miss. He is expecting me."

(Bluff 29)
(Synergy - Intimidate 35)