Time: 38 BBY
Location: Jedi Temple
Inside his room in the temple's padawan dormitory Zell sat cross legged in a mediative position levitating off the ground several feet in the air.
In front of him was his personal astromech droid, C-5.
At present the droid from a hidden built in blaster that extended from its body was taking aim and fired an energy shot at Zell. Just as the bolt was about to make contact on Zell's chest a wall of light appeared for a slit second, blocking the bolt making it disperse and causing the air where it was to ripple for a moment.
Following this C-5 continued with shooting additional shots, aiming for different area on Zell's body. But each attempt ending with the same result, the blasts being blocked and Zell remaining completely unharmed.
This had been an exercise which Zell had developed some time ago, and had been executing for the past 30 minutes. Its purpose being to help Zell train his skills in 'force deflect' while also practicing being able to maintain a deep meditation while keeping up a solid defense up.
He like many of his fellow jedi found mediation to be a very valuable practice, but noticed that sometimes one can be left vulnerable when meditating, especially for those who delve deep when they do so. As such he began this practice as a means to counter this flaw.
"Okay C-5 that's enough for now"
Releasing his levitation Zell brought his feet down returning to the ground.
"Thanks for the assistants C-5, got to say I was a bit hesitant to install that blaster modification when you asked for it a while back, but I'll admit it was a really good choose"
C-5 beeped in glee and smugness as it enjoyed the satisfaction of being told it was right.
"Yep the stun mode on your blaster is quite helpful with my training, and saves me a trip to the training rooms and having to use their droids for bolts deflecting/blocking practice"
Looking at his communicator he scrolled through its message log seeing if he had received any messages from his master. Seeing one, Zell swiftly read through it.
"Looks like masters current mission is going well be she says it'll likely be anther another week before she finishes and start returning back to the temple to pick us up"
C-5 beeped in disappointment, hearing that they still had to wait a while before returning to space.
"I understand you pal, you enjoy traveling just as much as I do. But I still believe master had a point when she dropped us off at the temple to get some rest while she continued on to help that colony recover"
For the last two years, since the events of the gala celebrating the electoral win of chancellor Valorum. Zell after his recovery from his trying experience, with C-5 in tow, began traveling with Fay as she resumed her nomadic lifestyle. And over those two years Zell was able to experience many unforgettable things. Seeing numerus planets, meeting many different people and cultures, and receiving many lessons from master Fay along the way.
However a few days ago, Fay, believing that while non stop wandering though perfect for her, may be detrimental to a still growing child. Even for one as mature as Zell. So she had decided to leave him at the temple for a brief period to relax and recuperate. And originally she was going to join him as well but at the last minute she received word that a small colony on a planet in a remote region of the mid rim had just recently suffered a natural disaster. Unable to ignore this Fay explained what had happened to Zell, then left to go provide assistance.
"You know I appreciate that master wants me to take some time off, I really do but... (sigh) all this doing nothing these last few days is making me a bit restless"
Zell sighed as he sat on his bed.
Seeing its master in such low spirits C-5 beeped suggesting that maybe they should go to the archives. C-5 knew from watching Zell over the years that some of the things he found most fulfilling were tinkering and studying new knowledge, and seeing as this was the first time in a long while since they've been back at the temple, the little droid thought perhaps visiting the temple archive would help Zell's mood improve.
Zell looked at C-5 with grateful smile.
"Thanks C-5 that's a good idea, but master wanted me to use this time to rest, so I think doing anything involving training, studying, or building would surely contradict her wishes. So I'll have to pass on that, sorry pal"
With its first idea reject C-5 began thinking of a second option. And not long it had one. Beeping excitedly it throw out the thought of the two going out for a walk.
"A walk? Like in one the temple's gardens. I suppose that would be nice"
Zell was receptive to the idea of a peaceful walk through one of the temple's botanical gardens, but C-5 beeped in clarification. It meant that they should go for a walk outside the temple.
"Wait do you mean down on the streets of Coruscant"
For the near entirety of his life up to the present, Coruscant had been his home, but in all that time he had few chances to really get to know it. The few times he was allowed to leave the temple as a youngling, were when he was taken off world, usually for some lesson or rite. And of the few excursions that did involved Coruscant they too were normally for educational purposes. Such as the trips to see mount Umate.
Which was the last remaining uncovered mountain on the planet.
And even after becoming a padawan most of his time was spent off world.
'Wow, now that I think about it for a place that I call home I've experienced very little of it'
Mulling on this thought in his mind for a moment, he came to a decision.
"You know what C-5 alright, let do it, let see what Coruscant has to offer"
C-5 shook and beeped in excitement. Ecstatic that the two of them would be going out for some fun.
"But for safety sake lets stick to the upper levels. If what I've been taught is true then the deeper the level we go, the more dangerous it becomes"
As Zell got up from his bed to get ready to leave he gave a side ways to several nearby wall shelfs which carried a large assortment of items and gadgets that he'd gathered over the years. This collection first began back when Zell was a youngling visiting the temple's technical Division.
He would was allowed to help make repairs to small pieces of equipment and tech by the department's head, Kazdan Paratus. And as he grow older he was permitted to keep an item or two every now and then. Items that Zell could continue to practice on, to sharpen his skills. Simple, unimportant, harmless things that the department no real need for or a surplus of.
And as he traveled with Fay he sometimes came across new things on distant worlds that caught his attention that he brought back with him. With his master's permission of course.
This eventually resulted in the small hoard Zell had built up and was now looking at.
'Hmm... this might also be a good opportunity for that other thing I had in mine, two birds, one stone'
******
Moving about the streets of one of Coruscant's upper levels Zell equiped with a small back pack on his shoulders and with C-5 by his side, walked down a bustling road.
Taking in the sights of the countless shops and people they passed by, Zell couldn't help but be amazed. While he had has seen many cities before during his travels with master Fay, none of them could compare to the Republic's capital city, in size and population.
"Be sure to say close to me C-5 I bet it wouldn't take too much for the two of us to get separated in one of these crowds"
C-5 beeped in agreement as it made sure to remain in close proximity to Zell.
As the two explored Zell made sure to not only look and take in the sights but to also try his hand at some of the food stands he walked by, after some of them gave off alluring smells that stimulated his appetite. Using some credits that his master left him he purchased and sampled some of the food stalls products.
After filling his stomach Zell and C-5 stopped at a couple of near by stores and window shopped, scanning over their available selections. One store was a clothing store filled with clothes that symbolized Coruscant's latest fashions, another being a sort of toy store which held a myriad of items and trinkets for child amusement, and one even being a store for exotic animals.
And while Zell was a tad regretful at ultimately not buying anything, effectively wasting those stores time, he was having a pleasant time.
After a bit the two continued on their way, eventually coming to one particular shop that had caught Zell's attention. The store's sign shined letters in a bright neon emerald, spelling [Kurcoff's Pawn & Repair].
"Well, their straight forward in what their business is if nothing else, and its just the type of store we've been looking for. Lets head inside C-5"
Zell and C-5 entered the three story tall store.
******
Passing through the door Zell could immediately see the assortment of technical gear and equipment on the many shelves and stands that the shop had to offer. With a few glances Zell could tell that this store bought and sold a wide range of tech.
On one side of the store he saw pieces of common household appliances, in another part he saw individual electronical components sold independently, in another were droid and speeder parts.
There were even a few blasters and other combat gear, displayed on the store's back wall behind the store's counter.
Walking up to the counter Zell took in the sight of the lone other person in the store standing behind it, whom he could only assume was a sales clerk for this establishment. This person was a grey and brown furred male Bothan, who appeared to be in his mid to late forties. And who's most noticeable feature happened to be his left red cybernetic eye.
And who appeared to be in the middle of fixing some sort of clock.
"Excuse me sir"
"....."
Silence filled the store as the clerk did respond in the slightest, he simply remained focused on his repair work.
Zell didn't attempt a second time to get the man's attention as he could sense that the Bothan was aware of his presence and was just ignoring him. While Zell was not pleased by this behavior as he was a potential customer, he also didn't want to agitate the situation by being impatient. So he just crossed his arms placed them behind his back, adjusted his current stance to a more comfortable one and just waited quietly.
After fifteen minutes passed a clear look of annoyance could be seen on the Bothan's face.
"This ain't no toy store brat, get out"
The Bothan man said without looking up from his work.
Zell, relieved that he finally got a response spoke.
"Yes I am aware that this establishment isn't a toy store. I can assure you I'm here for its intended business"
The clerk put down his tools and stared down at Zell with a fierce glare.
Zell stood in place and just took it staring back, not even flinching an inch.
"....Fine brat you got 2 minuets. So what do ya want and why the hell are you in my store"
The clerk had tried to intimate Zell to leave with a nasty look, hoping to scary the child out. But as such a thing appeared to have had no effect what's so ever the clerk had no chose but gave up, and choice to simply deal with whatever the boy in front of him wanted in order to quickly get him out of his store.
In truth he had considered the option of just picking the child up and tossing him out the door, but he knew that such an action would definitely be seen in a negative light by the other surrounding businesses. Which could possible lead to unsavory rumors about him, likely souring his reputation which was already not too good. Ultimately effecting his business.
So he tried to refrain from the more physical solutions.
"But know this, if I feel like you're wasting my time for even a moment I'll kick you out my door faster than a Hutt eating a plate of Klatooine paddy frogs"
'Ok its clear this man has no love for children, and from what he just said I guess he's this store's owner named Kurcoff, best to make this quick'
"Understood"
Zell put the small back pack that he had been carrying with him since he left the temple onto the clerk's counter. From it he pull out several small objects. A pair of electrobinoculars, three hand held holocomms units, a weapon detector, an adjustable targeting visor and a aquata breather mask.
All of which were items that Zell had come across at one point or another in broken states and had repaired to pristine condition himself.
"Sir I am looking to sell these. If you are interested in any of them then please tell me how much you're willing to pay"
Zell's reason in leaving the temple today and venturing out was two fold. First to finally get a more personal feel for Coruscant and second was to see if he could sell some of the items that had been clustering in his possession.
At first most were helpful, as they were simple pieces of tech that he used to practice and improve his mechanics, technical, and technomancy skills. But now, several years later his skills in those areas have grown to such an extent that many of these simple items no longer serves him any good for practice.
So he decided to try selling a few pieces and made some credits that could be useful for himself down the road. Afterall Zell felt it would be a good idea to have his own stash of personal credits at his disposal for when he needed them.
Of course he could of always petition the order for funds, just as he and master Fay did some times for some of their missions, but credits like those ultimately belonged to the Jedi order and as such he believed should be used solely for the orders interests. If he tried pocketing such credits for his own uses then Zell would feel like he'd be stealing for the order. A line he didn't want to cross unless he absolutely had to.
But still Zell predicted that in the future there may be times where he will need credits to support certain actions or ventures. And with there being a chance that said actions or ventures may not align well with the order's wishes, making them unwilling to bankroll such endeavors. Zell wished to try building some personal funds now.
Kurcoff looked at the items placed in front of him. He picked up each and carefully looked them over. Turning them on and off several times to test their functionality. Some times his cybernetic eye would light up and shoot out a grid like scan ray that ran over them. Likely checking their interior to see if any parts inside are old and about to wear out.
Satisfied with his checks the Bothan looked back at Zell.
"So tell me how'd you get your hands on such piece like these?"
"I came across them here and there"
Zell had no intention on revealing the truth, that he was a jedi and collected these things while on missions and during his work at the temple.
As he didn't want to risk word of his activities here getting back to the jedi. Even if the chances of that happening were low, Zell didn't want to risk it. After all Jedi like himself aren't suppose to possess personal wealth.
"....right..... seems they been fixed up quite nicely, this your handy work? its quality work I'll admit"
"Yes that's right, I have a nack for fixing things I've been told"
"...well if that's true its impressive work, for a brat...I'll give you 650 credits for the lot"
Zell became some what apprehensive at the offered amount. While he had studied commerce he wasn't experienced in it, but still even amateur like him knew that that amount was far too low for the items he was selling.
So he gave a counter offer.
"2000 credits"
"Hmph! very funny brat. Look here, seeing as this stuff aren't the type of things that normally land in the hands of a brat like you I have to assume that there is a good chance that this stuff is stolen. And if that is the case I'm taking a risk of suffering a lose here if I buy them. If in a few days Coruscant security comes by and identify them as stolen goods, then confiscating them I'll be out a lot of credits"
Somewhat irritated that the clerk had suggested that he had stolen these things Zell made sure to keep it from showing on his face. And after considering it Zell acknowledged that the clerk did in fact had a point. The presented items really weren't things normal kids could get on their own naturally. And the fact that he was trying to sell them alone, without a parent or guardian present did make him look more suspicious.
Hence why he didn't react the allegation.
C-5 however beeped and shook furiously at the allegation that its master was possibly a thief. Draw the Bothan's attention.
"Hmm....how about this, throw in the astromech and you got a deal, 2000, no 2500 credits. I've been meaning to get a droid to help out around here. What do ya say brat"
C-5 beeps intensified as it was offended that Kurcoff's was try to buy it.
"Sorry but he's not for sell. How about 1600 credits for the bunch"
With his offer rejected Kurcoff frowned before shrugging it off with a sour look.
"975 credits"
"1520"
After this a back and forth style negotiation broke out between Zell and Kurcoff for a good while, but eventually the two managed to settle on a final price of 1350 credits.
Having reached an agreement Zell requested that his earnings be transferred onto a new blank credit chip. Seeing as he wanted to keep this money completely separated from the money provided by the order, he would need another chip different from the one he uses to hold credits from the temple.
And as requested Kurcoff moved amount onto a blank chip and handed it to Zell.
"Here, 1340 credits minus 10 credits for the chip"
In truth Zell was confident that could have gotten more if he had been persistent but doing that risked making a bad relationship with this Bothan. And while he wasn't sure whether or not such a connection with this person would prove valuable in the future, Zell figured better to be safe than sorry.
"Thank you, sir"
"Now if you're done here make yourself scarce brat"
"I shall. I'll return if I have more stuff to sell"
Zell said headed towards the exit.
Returning to his work Kurcoff just grunted at Zell's comment that hinted that he may return.
******
Once outside again Zell and C-5 moved to a spot across the street from the store. And Zell couldn't help but chuckle a bit at the recent interaction.
"Well that guy had quite the sunny disposition wouldn't you say C-5"
Not feeling the same C-5 beeped in complaint at the rudeness and attitude of the Bothan. But mostly it was because Kurcoff had tried to buy him. And at such a low price too. C-5 then suggested that they never return.
"Come on buddy don't say that, yah he seems a bit on the rougher side but he didn't feel like a bad guy really, end the end he did give us an acceptable prince. So lets reserve judgment until after a few more visits, if we ever do come back and see, ok. Who knows we just might grow on him. Come on lets go"
Zell said as he rubbed the top of the astromechs head in an attempt to alleviate its anger.
Having finished his goals for this outing, Zell decided he and C-5 would look around a little longer, just for fun before heading back to the temple.