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  1. In Memory of LAJ_FETT: Please share your remembrances and condolences HERE

Star Wars CLOSED 10 ABY: Fringe Elements and the Perseverance of the First Order

Discussion in 'Role Playing Forum' started by The Jedi in the Pumas, Dec 12, 2019.

  1. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    Icarus didn't retract the line at all. He slashed it and gave Mara a thumbs up.

    "Hell yea, Red. Alright boys, secure a turbolift to the docking bay. Red and I are going to collect the client. Once we get him, we'll be right behind you boys."

    He lifted a second comlink to his mouth. "Carl, you getting the ship ready?"

    Carl Bolith's voice chimed in from the comlink. "Icarus, just who the hell is the captain here?"

    The bothan smiled at Mara and beckoned her to follow him as they began to make their way down the stairs of the building to the ground floor of the 50th floor. The streets were crowded and moving quickly as people continued to move away from the Opera House down the road. This would make it harder for them to find their contact, the fleeing Mirth Leech.

    Tag: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
     
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  2. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    [Mara on the Artemis Cradle]

    "That was eventful," Mara commented to Icarus and briefly described Wilkes. "Just a heads up... he seems to be connected to this guy you want to extract. Don't know if that's going to make it easier or harder down the road, but I'd keep sharp if I were you. And this guy you're after, how anxious is he to be found, or is he likely to take advantage of this crowd and vanish on you?"

    @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
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  3. Kalio_Dynkos

    Kalio_Dynkos Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    May 17, 2004
    Fouche
    50th Floor, Opera House, Upper Levels, Artemis Cradle


    A pickpocket was only a good as his prey. All too often on stations such as this, people would be savvy. They’d hide away their valuables, they’d have concealed pockets, or distribute valuable items across their person. As a pickpocket, the moment was fleeting and you had to gauge it. The bump and pull manuevers were well known, but so much so that most people bumped will immediately check a pocket. Check for the valuable thing that might have gone missing.

    In the Upper Levels, it was all too easy. Women ran by grasping at their pearls but leaving their bags hanging. Men would instinctively inch their concealed valuables away from suspected angles of vulnerability. And the bump? Everyone was getting bumped.

    The trick when moving through a crowd, against the flow, was that you had to be part of the pack. A shark picking off the weak would seep blood into the water. However, something larger - say a whale that just glided through with his mouth open - could silently wreak havoc without so much as a glance until it was too late.

    Fouche had been on the station mere hours, and no doubt the Upper Levels would have security cameras. Even the swiftest motions would be tracked. So, the game here wasn’t just to get what he wanted as he made his way through the crowd but to muddy the waters.

    Placing a newly acquired glittering bracelet in the pocket of the passing human male’s pocket, and nudging him into another woman, Fouche moved swiftly through the crowd - mixing and remixing wares among those he passed on his “drunk walk”. With any luck, those that reported their valuables stolen would likewise find themselves with incriminating items on themselves, and who knew how careful the local police were when it came to mass theft?

    “But, the fight’s thatta way,” he yelled, being spun forcefully by a burly male with a woman tucked in behind him, holding the tails of his blue coat.

    Fouche “lost his balance” into the woman.

    “My…my apologeez m’lady,” he slurred, putting his hands high up to show it was a complete accident.

    She punched him with a surprising amount of force back into her companion that made Fouche's jaw pop. Her companion shoved him to the ground with violence, and Fouche was obliged to use a passing blue-skinned being as a balance - removing from his pocket what was likely an indent pass for a vehicle, and a badge.

    “No manners,” he grumbled, wagging his head emphatically. “No manners whaatsover.”

    Patting himself down, he played like he dusted himself off and kept moving through the crowd at a stagger. A few pitied glances came his way, but the panicked exit continued.

    The old adage about gambling held true here. You don’t count your money when you're at the table. No doubt, he was losing valuables of greater value in return trinkets of lesser value and vice versa, but that was the risk he was taking. As he distributed certain items into his concealed pockets, or on to others, he would later know what he had and didn’t have.

    What was missing was Desi - which either meant she was really good or was really dead. Or, she’d conned him and there was nothing up here but a trap - like that time on Cato Nemodia. It was then that he saw the dead Duros with a vibroblade sticking out of his neck, and then the dark reddish skin of the Zeltron on the ground.

    “Not too bad, huh” she asked, holding up bloodied access cards. “Nailed it.”

    Blood dripped from her mouth.

    Fouche over-exaggerated a shocked reaction, arms wide and staggered back into the crowd.

    “My, my dear…you appear to have fallen down. Here, here,” he said emphatically waving and stooping down to pick her up. “Theesh iz no place fah a laady.”

    Her purposely staggered as he tried to lift her, and forced a passing man face-first into the bloodied pool around the Duros.

    “Par—-pardon me,” he said, as the man slipped and sloshed (not a great sound, Fouche noted) across the body, and absent-mindedly touched the vibroblade in his fright of touching the warm, wet body under him. The vibroblade gave way under his weight with a thek, removing a good portion of the neck and head along with it.

    A woman screamed in abstract terror as she saw the sight.

    “And, that, dear, is our cue,” he murmured to Desi, lifting her and turning to join the exiting throng of people.

    “I need a drink,” he yelled at the top of his lungs, staggering with the crowd - which was not easy carrying another being in your arms. “Where you all goin’? The fight’s thatta way.”

    TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  4. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    Ronin's Cruiser, The Bordamazian

    The slaves did not fire. They chose not to abide by Ronin's commands. However, what Stark did not realize. What none of them could've realized. What could not be accounted for was the intense indoctrination that the slaves had endured under Ronin. The depths by which he had sunk to ensure absolute obedience. And the price they would pay if they ever were to disobey him. Yet, convinced by Stark, the men, the women, and the children all hesitated to fire and it was then that Primarch realized what was about to happen.

    A half a second before the first blaster went off.

    The slave that had pulled the trigger slumped to the ground. A victim of his own blaster. And the rest of the slaves mindlessly began to raise their blasters and swords to themselves before a shockwave through the Force erupted from Primarch. The Paladian, arms raised in front of him and his antlers glowing a dazzling sequence of colors. He had stopped all of them at once, but it was taking all of his focus to keep every body from moving even an centimeter. His voice boomed into Stark's head.

    "I will hold them hear until Myra and the troops disarm all of them. But Ronin cannot be allowed escape. You must go forward and stop him. You sing with Mother's Song. Her melody is in you."

    Chord lowered his blaster from the slaves and quickly deduced what was happening. Impressive creatures, Stark and Primarch were. He moved forward and ordered his men to aide Myra's in disarming the slaves, safely.

    The red eyes slid to Stark. "We must move on to Ronin's throne room." And the Chiss began to sprint down the hall.

    Time was of the essence. Ronin, rising from his throne, grabbed his lightsaber. He had been expecting a wave of death to come spilling from the corridor and when no such wave came, he knew that he would have to offer the sacrifices himself.

    His body was still injured, but he knew that Stark wouldn't be at 100% either. Only one of them would leave the Bordamazian alive.

    Tag: @greyjedi125

    ------
    Trande Settlement, Vas Nihollia
    -23 Days after the discovery of the Vanger Mine

    [​IMG]


    Muul'Nuruodo stopped his fathier outside the Kett residence. He dismounted and leaned against the stead as he waited for Dathisi. The past three weeks had been a stressful one for the colony and it was to his great surprise that they were still holding things together. When they brought the news back of everything that unfolded at the Vanger Mine, as it was now called. the Trande Council immediately moved to dismiss Basto Jior, but as of yet no criminal penalty had been placed against the cathar. The council decided that for the foreseeable future, Basto's true involvement in the slave colony should be kept on a need to know basis while they dealt with the large influx of refugees from the colony.

    Von'Vanger had been placed under arrest and resided in the jailhouse every night. To atone for his mother's crimes, however, he was on a release program to help build the second settlement up for the survivors of the mine. The bounty hunter Prompa Sompa spent his time communicating with his guild and monitoring Von'Vanger, as he had been instructed to. Unbeknownst to the population at large, Prompa was actually informing the Bounty Hunter Guild that he may have found a base of operations on Vas Nihollia that the guild could conduct business from.

    He would be the first bounty hunter of the guild to have done so.

    Un'hee, the young Chiss woman who Von'Vanger had chased across the stars, spent her time learning and helping at Dathisi's clinic. Un'hee and Mirri had become quick friends in the short time they had spent together. Many of the slaves were malnourished and beaten and the colony would've surely fallen apart if the Church had not announced that the refugees from the mine should be taken in and welcomed. Muul thought it was just a ploy to widen the parishioners of the church and it probably was. That didn't mean that it did not help the refugees themselves.

    The former slaves were transitioning, slowly, into citizens of Trande and were actively helping build the second settlement, while a large portion of them, mixed with Trande's unemployed, went back to the Vanger Mine to continue the work while they waited to hear back from Hir'Vanger on how her company would move forward with the people of Vas Nihollia. A select few slaves had disappeared and were rumored to have joined the bandits that lived beyond the outskirts. Nothing on that front had been confirmed.

    Finally, Muul had been given a temporary vote of confidence to assume Basto Jior's seat on the Trande Council. It was to his surprise when the council split on choosing Dathisi and agreed to promote him. Dathisi was of a new importance to the Trande Settlement. Hir'Vanger had made it clear (Very clear) that she would speak to Dathisi Niroon only.

    Which is what brought Muul to the Kett residence today. Hir'Vanger, the Chiss Matriarch, had come to a decision on the future of the Trande Settlement and would be arriving personally today to see the Trande Settlement. The council was on edge. Muul was on edge.

    After weeks of long hours at the clinic and anticipating this day, one could only imagine what was going through Dathisi's head.

    Tag: @Jedi_padawan_leigh
     
    Last edited: May 23, 2020
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  5. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Borek Tek
    Artemis Cradle, 50th Floor

    Another chirp caught Tek's attention. The running green man had come from the same area that the chemical trail he was following seemed to come from. Well, that seemed to be like he was on the right trail. It even seemed to be confirmed more, when Tek saw three more men emerge from the exit. Easy to guess that they were looking for the running green man. One of them held a blade towards Tek. “You seen a guy come by here…Wait, what are you doin back here anyway?”

    Tek saw the motion as the other two reached for blaster pistols. He didn't have time for this. Soon, all of the commotion spilling out from the streets would overrun the place, and he couldn't afford to lose the trail he now had. So, he did what any reasonable being would do.

    He charged.

    Of course, he stretched out just a bit in the Force, in order to speed up and enhance his movements, as he closed the gap, his hands bringing up his projectile pistols. As his targets were close, and he was nowhere near the edge of the cradle, he was not worried. And for the man with the blade in his hand, he had a well-placed kick waiting for him.

    Time to see if these guys were simple strongmen, or were they something more.





    TAG: @Kalio_Dynkos, @Master Vo'Un'Var, @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  6. Jedi_padawan_leigh

    Jedi_padawan_leigh Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 13, 2003
    IC: Dathisi Niroon
    (Andren Kett)

    Trande Settlement, Vas Nihollia
    -23 Days after the discovery of the Vanger Mine


    Dathisi was happy that she had managed to buy Trande Settlement some more time, but the aftermath of her intervention had resulted in many administerative, logistical and humanitarian issues to address, and many tasks for the citizens of Trande to undertake.

    Upon the groups reporting of the Mine to the town council, Basto Jior was immediately relieved of his title and privileges as Councillor. However, the council had decided to defer his punishment and supress the news of his involvement in the whole sorry affair until the influx of liberated slaves were settled in the town.

    Von had been arrested due to the actions of his mother, but the Chiss was at least allowed out of the jailhouse to take part in a release program. It involved him assisting in the construction of the second settlement. Dathisi told him to be mindful of the limitations of this work due to his missing hand, and she would make a point to go to the jailhouse every few days to monitor the healing process of the injury site, changing dressings and administering bacta periodically. It seemed to be healing well, the only question was that of a suitable permanent prosthetic for him. She had put out feelers to see if the clinic could source one, but so far had no real luck.

    The Nautolan bounty hunter who they had encountered at the mine returned to Trande in order to carry out the new orders given to him by the Matriarch. He monitored Von as ordered, but apart from that, his business was his own and Dathisi was smart enough to just let him be, at least for now.

    The girl Un'hee had found a fast friend in Mirri, who introduced the Chiss to the Clinic and it's staff. The young woman was keen to learn and expressed desire to help. The girl had a sweet, caring and gentle nature, and she was looking a lot healthier as the weeks went by. Dathisi was happy for Un'hee to help and shadow Mirri, as long as Mirri kept a watchful eye on her new protégé and didn't let her loose on anything too complicated right off the bat.

    The slaves who chose to join the settlement as new residents would have to be registered as citizens, lodgings found and then a medical record set up and populated with their health history and needs. Many of them could only provide fragments of their medical history, and many required treatment for a variety of ailments or injuries obtained in the mines. Malnourishment, vitamin deficiencies, badly healed or infected wounds, skin problems and lesions especially of the hands, the list went on. It meant that Dathisi and her clinic team were near constantly busy in the few weeks that followed.

    The days were long and Dathisi would sometimes end up pulling 12 hour days without realising. One night she had stayed late once everyone but herself and the overnight staff had gone home, updating the clinic computer with a new set of medical records. She had stopped to look over some papers, her elbow on the desk, her chin resting in her palm, and the next thing she knew, the sound of ceramic crashing against tiled floor woke the Cathar with a start. Bleary eyed, she looked about the darkened waiting room, her yellow-orange eyes finally finding the source of the noise. Her caf cup lay broken in pieces upon the floor, the sticky leftover dregs of the caf pooling beneath the broken vessel. She had fallen asleep at the desk and had accidently knocked the cup off the table with her elbow. The chrono displayed an hour which some would describe as ungodly. She heaved herself up to standing, grimacing at the aches her body had gained due to her unconventional sleeping position, and went about cleaning up the mess.

    In her half asleep daze, she hissed a little as a shard of ceramic bit into her palm just below her left pointer finger, leaving a gash of about five centimetres. A rivulet of blood seeped from cut and dripped downward. Placing the fingers of her other hand against the palm of her left, she took in a soft breath and closed her eyes. In her minds eye she pictured the small wound ...clot the blood...knit the skin... she instructed mentally.

    In the weeks following the incident at the mine, she had started to explore her reawakening of the force. Slowly, cautiously, away from the view of others. The more she meditated, the more she felt the energies returning within her, and within those energies, other thing had awakened: memories, feelings and sensations that had been lost to her for so long. The stinging in her palm subsided, replaced by a soothing warmth. She opened her eyes and watched the last of the skin knitting together, leaving only a thin shallow line where the wound had been. She exhaled and flexed her hand.

    She finished cleaning up the mess before finally leaving the clinic and making her way home. The night was cold and clear as she walked the deserted streets back to her home. Andren and Mirri were already asleep when she entered the house. She readied for bed as quietly as she could to avoid disturbing anyone. She was sure that she was asleep before her head even hit the pillow.

    And so it went, the rinse and repeat of long weary days. Until the day that Dathisi learned that the Chiss Matriarch was coming to Trande, having come to a decision about her proposal. An uneasy knot formed in the Cathars stomach, a knot which got suddenly bigger when she was informed that the Matriarch would only Speak to Dathisi. On the days leading up to the meeting, it played more and more upon her mind. Yes she had performed the negotiation at the mine, but she was far from what you would call a diplomat. But despite her highlighting this fact, she was told that the Matriarch was very strongly insistent that she would only deal with her and her alone.

    The day of the meeting came.

    Dathisi stood in the hallway of the Kett home. She wore a smart sage green shirt which she had sourced from Andren, and which a neighbour had very kindly altered it to fit her frame better, A pair of black leggings with a belt and her dark knee-high boots cleaned and as polished as she could get them. She finished off with a long black cardigan that tied at the side and ended halfway down her upper leg. She looked at herself in the mirror and sighed, hoping she at least looked somewhat presentable. She had to ensure she made a good first impression, even though technically this would be a second impression. The sound of soft footsteps behind her caught her ears and Andren's face appeared in the mirror behind her. Her husband had been busy too these last few weeks, namely restarting his trading business after recovering his hijacked stagecoach.

    "Looking real smart there darlin'" He commented as she turned to face him "Never could pull off that colour truth be told" This comment caused a soft laugh to escape Dathisi's lips, but Andren could tell his wife was worried. "Muul's gonna be here soon, you ready?"

    "Yes...No...I don't know" She murmured and started to pace nervously, a look of worry ghosting across her features "I don't think I can do this Andren I..."

    "Hey..." He soothed as he stopped her pacing and took her hands into his own. "I know it's been difficult the last few weeks, and you feel there is a lot of pressure on you. But all you can do is try your best huh? You are trying to do a good thing, for everybody."

    Dathisi's gaze dropped to the floor for a moment "But what if its not enough"

    "We will cross that bridge if and when we come to it, hm?"

    Dathisi looked at her husband and nodded in agreement. Her gave her hand a final squeeze as she sound of activity beyond the houses front door caught both of their attentions. The tell tale sound of a fathier coming to a stop. Muul was here. She said her goodbyes and moved towards the door, exiting and closing it behind her.

    A warm smile crossed the cathars features at the site of Constable Muul. Though his title wasn't really going to be constable for much longer. She performed a slightly theatrical bow "Ah, good-day to you councillor" The attempt of humor was an attempt to quell her own reservations and anxieties of meeting this woman face to face. But there was no going back now.

    TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2020
  7. greyjedi125

    greyjedi125 Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Apr 29, 2002
    IC: Stark
    Aboard The Bordamazian

    He did not focus on the fact that he would not have been fast enough. No, he was both glad and relieved that Primarch had been. To focus on a failure that hadn’t occurred was inherently narcissistic. To be able to do the Will of the Force, one had to abandon all illusions of self interest, to truly be an extension to that which bonded all living things, to honor, preserve, enrich -much like Primarch had.

    Everyone had a role to play. Primarch had his, as did Myra. Theirs was to show mercy and compassion, to lead the hopeless back into the Light of Hope. That Fear did not have to rule them, have dominion over them. A choice made under such extreme duress, was no real choice at all.

    Stark let the shock of what would have happened pass through him and focused on the fact that lives were saved, if by a hair.

    He could see the terror still in the faces of the immobile slaves who were all too ready to end their own lives, who had been too terrified to ‘live’ again. For a brief moment, Stark could almost consciously feel the deep nuance of the Force at the scene playing out before him. Almost.

    “Thank you.” He finally managed to say to both Myra and Primarch, just as Chord nudged him on.

    “We must move on to Ronin’s throne room.” the Chiss Commander instructed. Stark nodded in acknowledgement, then turned to quickly follow.

    Swiftly and steadily, Stark sprinted alongside Chord. In his mind, he reasoned that there was something Chord was not telling him, but he had also decided to trust the Chiss Commander, and so, he would continue to do so. But more importantly, Stark trusted in the Force. It was by far, the best contingency plan in his opinion.

    As they neared, Stark did not know what horrors might be awaiting them, or what treachery the Second Prince would unleash on them once they happened upon the throne room; but one thing was certain, Ronin was not hiding. He could feel the slaver’s dark presence, thus, neither would he.


    Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2020
  8. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    "You're...*cough* good with your hands....Rik." Desi was starting to fade in and out. Blood began to stain Fouche's clothes. They descended hurriedly down the steps, but before they moved further Desi weakly pointed to a turn coming up, that looked like it led to nowhere. "This way...The...quickest...way out."

    They could vaguely hear the sounds of a scuffle unfolding in front of them.

    ----
    Borek Tek's boot found its target and slammed into the blade wielder's chest. The assailant went flying back into the metal sides of the Opera House. He was down. The other two men were not as quick as Tek's bounty hunter-trained reflexes and were staring down the barrels of Tek's pistols. They were afraid of death, but the way they saw it dying from a slug to the head was better than having the wrath of Abaddon come down on them and their families. They felt the barrels of the pistols smash into their heads and then everything went black for the two.

    Their bodies falling to the ground was all that Desi and Fouche would see as they walked through the exit into the alley. Desi continued to bleed, but looked up at Tek and made a finger gun with her free hand. "What's up, killer? I wouldn't suppose...you...have any bacta on ya?" That was the last thing she said before she passed out completely.
    ----
    Icarus moved with Mara through the crowd, listening to her description of Wilkes.

    "So you mean to tell me that dude almost kicked your ass?" He laughed and moved a man out of their way with an aggressive shove. "If he almost got you, he would've broke me in half."

    "This guy wants to be found, but I don't think he's the type to make it easy. After all, I kind of gathered from the request that he's sneaking away from someone as opposed to just trying to leave. Can't you turn on the Force and locate him?"

    An intriguing proposition... Could Mara track Mirth Leech through the Force? She had never met the man before, had basically no real information on him and they were in the midst of a rushing crowd that was fleeing from the Opera House...

    Mirth Leech blended with the crowd. He was worried that the cowboy bounty hunter was going to give him trouble, but instead he had let him pass. Mirth began to make his way to the apartment when he sensed someone...Not now, but in the future. This happened every so often for him. His future self sending him unconscious notes and imprints to guide him away from danger. So he followed the imprint and reached out in the Force...

    He was looking for a red headed Force user. How specific.

    Tag: @Ktala @Kalio_Dynkos @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    ------
    Trande Settlement, Vas Nihollia

    Muul blushed and tipped his hat to Dathisi, returning the joke.

    "Oh Dathisi, don't get too attached to calling me that. They'll boot me as soon as they realize how big of a mistake they've made."

    The Chiss stepped aside and offered to help her onto the fathier before straddling the mount himself. They rode at a moderate pace. Muul could sense that Dathisi was nervous and he half thought that they both needed to stretch the time. The morning was still getting started and the shops and stores of Trande were beginning to open, slowly. They could still talk freely without fear of being overheard.

    "I know this is a lot for you. I can't truly relate, to be honest...Being given a position on the council, I can't tell my ass from my head sometimes." He chuckled. "Some of the refugees and citizens have been clashing. Been keepin a lid on the commotion, but its bound to get out sooner or later...New settlement won't be ready for a few months and the council's told me their not even sure if they will have enough building material for the amount of citizens and refugees."

    Muul chuckled again in an exhausted way. Andren informed Dathisi over the past weeks that Muul, like her, had been getting pushed to his limit. When he wasn't going to to Council meetings, he was settling citizenship disputes and fights between the citizens and the refugees. He was running every day off of 4 hours of sleep and was not spending much time with his family. If there was one man that was the physical representation of the stress that the settlement was under, it would be Muul. But, every day, he woke up and got back to work. His sense of duty to his adopted colony, his adopted home, was complete and undying and Muul would do everything he could to keep this settlement from falling apart.

    He and Dathisi continued to talk and try to ease each other's nerves until they arrived at the only landing zone Trande had. They wouldn't have to wait long before a ship appeared in the sky.
    ----
    [​IMG]

    The matriarch of the Vanger Royal Family descended the ship's ramp with two male bodyguards. She was elegant and noble. Measured and intense, yet somehow approachable. If Dathisi didn't know any better, she would've confused the woman with a queen. For that was how she carried herself. Hir'Vanger walked confidently across the deserted landing pad to Muul and Dathisi, her guards moving a half step in front of her the entire way.

    They moved to search Dathisi, but Muul raised his hand. "Whoa fellas...No need to search the lady Dathisi. She's not armed. I am, but I'm the constable here."

    They hesitated and turned to Hir'Vanger who waved them off. She closed the distance between her and Dathisi to an uncomfortable distance, less than a foot from the cathar's face. Then she took Dathisi's arm and crossed her arm under the Cathar's, almost like a courting motion and began to stroll off; leaving Muul with the bodyguards.

    Hir'Vanger continued to walk with Dathisi in silence until they were far away on the landing pad and completely alone, staring at the horizon as the sun was coming up.

    "Dathisi Niroon..." She began. "I have convinced my board to your terms. We will leave your settlement intact... we will pay the workers of the mine...but only if the work is continued to be done. So far, my reports tell me that production from the mine has resumed and is showing early promising results...Perhaps you were right about free people..."

    She turned to look the Cathar in the face. There was a curiosity in the older Chiss' eyes.

    "Tell me more about you, Dathisi Niroon of Trande. Tell me what you want here."

    Tag: @Jedi_padawan_leigh
     
    Last edited: May 26, 2020
  9. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    IC: Mara Jade on the Artemis Cradle (in the Crowd)

    Mara absorbed Icarus' explanation and felt a tendril of some strange Force probe. Something tied to the "here and now" yet somehow tenuous...

    "The Force isn't like a weapons locking program," she said with an ironic smirk, "but I do sense someone ... who, is trying to be inconspicuous but has a unique 'sense' in the Force; it's complicated." She frowned.

    @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
    The Jedi in the Pumas and Ktala like this.
  10. Kalio_Dynkos

    Kalio_Dynkos Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    May 17, 2004
    Fouche
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    They were nearly out, having descended the steps. Fouche felt a smirk tug at the corner of his mouth. It had, in fact, turned out to be fun. The bleeding woman in his arms aside (and the appalling collection of evidence being left on his dark tunic), this was an interesting place.

    “You're *cough* good with your hands….Rik,” Desi said softly.

    A snappy retort came to mind, but he quickly dismissed it. Then, he cursed himself for dismissing it.

    He was getting old, he thought.

    "This way...The...quickest...way out,” she continued, pointing to a turn coming up.

    Tsk, tsk, Deena,” he said, purposely continuing to mispronounce her name. “Less co-piloting. In fact - ”

    He stopped short as a tall human stood over two crumpling bodies, the butts of dual pistols hanging over his head. It wasn’t difficult to assume that he’d just bonked them both out. Desi made a gun finger with her free hand.

    "What's up, killer,” she asked the man.

    He was tall. Had a nifty big brown hat. Bounty hunter? Gun for hire? Runner Up to the Cad Bane Fan Club Wardrobe Prize? Was Cad Bane even a thing anymore?

    Fouche looked at the ground. Those weren’t tiny goons that Tall Dark and Deadly just knocked out. Fouche liked him.

    “I wouldn't suppose...you...have any bacta on ya,” Desi continued.

    That was the last thing she said before she passed out completely.

    Kriff,” Fouche cursed. “And here I thought there might be a reward for saving her life from that guy with the vibroblade. Names Rik.”

    He lifted her head with his shoulder toward Tall Dark and Deadly.

    “Friend of yours,” he asked.


    TAG: @Ktala @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  11. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    He wasn't powerful or particularly skilled. But Mirth's flow walking ability was able to reveal things that made up for his limited skillset. And he felt the imprint that the future had left for him.

    Mara Jade.

    So he reached out to her specifically in the crowd. And she would feel his nervous, but cool touch in the Force. They had located each other.

    Icarus' comlink buzzed. "Yo, go for Icarus."

    "I am nearby, where are we going?" The voice on the other side responded.

    Icarus glanced at Mara Jade. Freaky. That's what he thought of the Force. But whatever. Their target had found them and the plan was moving forward.

    "Heya bud, meet us at Turbolift..." He checked his wristpad. "Turbolift SE45. We got a shuttle waiting for us to get the hell off this big ass wheel. And my associate got your stuff from the apartment."

    "Very well then, I will meet you there."

    Tag: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
     
  12. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    Mara took note of the Force signature -- someone who was anxious but also composed. She listened to the exchange with Icarus and kept an eye on the crowd to make sure they stayed inconspicuous. So far so good.

    The way towards the indicated turbolift seemed no more congested than any other.
    @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
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  13. SirakRomar

    SirakRomar Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Mar 30, 2007
    Taza Talone
    Jakku, Camp

    Taza listened as the target seemed to have some kind of call with a third party. Oh, that explained a lot. He was blackmailed or lured into deserting his wife and Republic. It also made things more complicated. He would not follow her because she gave him a chance to run. He would potentially betray her if she revealed herself out of fear from his new Master. So what were her options?

    Stun him came to her mind and drag him away. His son might scream, stunning and dragging both would not work. She could stun the father and son, take the sun and return to the New Republic with the frequency of the trackers. Not a bad option, if someone was willing to have a 50% success rate. Taza was not giving up so easy yet. Also she felt the case, the true case was not getting him back anymore. It was what she was hired to do. What she wanted to was finding or what was going on!

    That left her with only one choice. She withdrew, activating the tracking devices and withdrawing to her ship. She would wait for them to leave and see where they were going and who they were going to meet. Nevertheless she send the Senator a message.

    LOCATED YOUR HUSBAND AND SON BUT UNSBLE TO APPREHEND THEM YET. THIRD PARTY SEEMS INVOLVED.

    She did not send the location yet and would only send the message once the other ships departed. The last thing she needed was a New Republic strike force raining fire on them. She preferred dealing with matters in a quiet manner.

    Leaning back in her pilot seat she watched the two green dots on her scanner and waited for them to take off. Stimulants would keep her awake. She could sleep in hyperspace.

    The Corellia thing came back to her mind. Had he been contacted there? It made sense in a way. Out here several criminal organizations had their home. Also the Empire had a presence out here still. Also any power from the immer Systems that wanted to handle things quietly might have picked Jakku for a good place to do so. Whoever it was, he had planned this well. They had prepared for a New Republic force to intervene though, not for a single investigator. That was her advantage so far. Nobody knew another or her mission.

    Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  14. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Borek Tek
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    As Tek finished with the distraction in front of him, he turned when he heard some noise behind him. A man carrying a bleeding woman in his arms. Not that unusual sight in this place, Tek would guess. The woman looked up at him hazily.

    "What's up, killer,” she asked Tek while pointing towards him. Tek gave her a quizzical look. “I wouldn't suppose...you...have any bacta on ya,” the woman asked before she passed out completely. Tek gave a smirk and looked towards the man.

    “Kriff,” the man cursed. “And here I thought there might be a reward for saving her life from that guy with the vibroblade. Names Rik.”

    He lifted her head with his shoulder towards Tek. “Friend of yours?,” he asked. Tek gave the pair a quick once over. He didnt feel anything in the Force from them. He gave a smirk and shrugged. "Nope. But I don't mind making new friends. She's pretty cute," he stated with a headshake. He looked at the man. "Hallo Rik. Call me Tek. Unfortunately, ya caught me a bit busy. But here..."

    Tek reached into one of his pouches and pulled out a bacta bandaid and tossed it to the man. "Be a shame to let the gal run dry. If you don't have anything to do with this, then I suggest ya'all get to the side, before the mob comes out this way." Tek tipped his hat. "I'd stick around, but Im looking for a few lost friends, and dont have much time before more guys like these three come hunting down these corridors. And they are definitely NOT the friendliest of beings." With a small whistle, Zeeked moved down, and headed towards the trail that they were following. Tek wondered why he couldnt sense anyone. The area must be shielded. Same reason why he didnt sense those guys. Tek would have to move fast. He was sure he didnt have much time left. Once he found the others, he would have time to take care of other matters.

    "If I see you again, maybe I'll buy you a drink Rik. Good luck with the gal." With that, Tek started moving at a quicker rate now. He felt like he was close. He was not going to lose this opportunity. His hands moved, and one arm went down to his rifle. He didnt have time to be subtle.



    TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas, @Kalio_Dynkos
     
  15. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    Abaddon stepped over Fold's body, assuming the Stormtrooper Captain was dead after Abaddon had pressed a finger through the man's stomach, rupturing his kidney. The opposition had been dispatched. Fold was alive and as he watched the towering figure of Abaddon close in on Bossk the Trandoshan, he had to admit...He was in awe. He and his men were briefed that Abaddon would be a tough opponent. They were told to try to find the Broker of the Syndicate Supreme, but Fold thought that there was no way that the Third Prince could hold off a Force user, a legendary bounty hunter in Bossk, his men, and Fold and his stormtroopers.

    Yet, here they were, scattered, broken and defeated across the Opera House.

    Bossk stumbled to his feet using his blaster rifle and aimed it at Abaddon as the man was closing the gap. Abaddon smiled, a small bit of blood trickling from his mouth. He had been damaged and pushed more than he had been in years. He would have to recover in the days ahead, but unfortunately for Bossk: an 80% Abaddon was more than any one being could handle. Abaddon moved forward until the barrel of Bossk's rifle was against his forehead.

    "This was fun...Who would've thought I'd add Bossk the legend to my body count."

    Bossk was barely able to hold the rifle up. "You're...something else."

    "Yea, that's what mom used to say."

    Bossk pulled the trigger, point blank at Abaddon's head and caused the man to stumble back, but it was not the killshot that one would've assumed. He pulled the rifle from Bossk's grasp, crushed the barrel, and used it to bat the Trandoshan 10 meters across the club. Even though he should've been chasing down Mirth Leech, Abaddon couldn't help but play with his food now that his victory was sealed. And that loose behavior caused him not to notice Fold toss a thermal detonator laden belt towards the giant as it exploded.

    Destroying much of the inside of the Opera House and sending a tremble through the 50th floor.

    ----
    Tek, Fouche, Mara Jade, and IG-66 would all feel the rumble. Smoke would be visible rushing out of all orifices of the Opera House...

    Mirth Leech met Mara Jade and Icarus at the turbolift. Once Mara confirmed that her friend had arrived in the docking bay, they could proceed with the extraction.

    Tek would follow Zeek's path through the crowd to Abaddon's apartment building. He would sense anguish, despair, and pain coming from a room on the high level:

    The same room that Mara Jade had faced down the bodyguard Wilkes.

    The same room that contained an hidden dungeon underneath the floor. A room where Abaddon kept his "trophies".

    Lastly, Fouche would see a smoke cloud erupting from the secret passage. Related to the blast, one could correctly assume. But then he would see the large frame of Abaddon, bloodied, burned, but very much alive emerge from the passageway. Abaddon exhaled the smoke from his lungs and eyed Fouche, Desi, and his three downed subordinates.

    Abaddon scratched his head. Under normal circumstances, he would kill this guy. But...Mirth was escaping and the blast had set Abaddon's priorities back in the proper order. Mirth would head to the apartment first before he would try to leave. And with that, Abaddon set off down the street, through the crowd, knocking bystanders aside and trampling those that didn't move fast enough. He was on a rampage now.

    Tag: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
    @Ktala @Kalio_Dynkos @Master Vo'Un'Var
     
  16. Ktala

    Ktala Force Ghost star 6

    Registered:
    Sep 7, 2002
    Borek Tek
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    Tek feet a rumble that seemed to travel throughout the station. Usually, that was not a good sign. And if it had anything to do with Abaddon.. it was not a good sign. Tek would follow Zeek's path through the crowd to Abaddon's apartment building. He would sense anguish, despair, and pain coming from a room on a high level.

    Tek didn't walk now. He ran. He used the Force and pushed himself as fast as he could go. He could not sense Deya, but if any of those beings could tell him anything, it was worth it. He didn't need the Force to tell him that time was running out.

    So he ran. He had to make sure.



    TAG: whoever is close enough, @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  17. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    Mara felt the tremor and scowled. There was a distant sound of a detonation.

    She glanced at the recent arrival as her commlink pinged.

    "Mara, are you ready to leave?" Jenica's voice came over.

    "Sure looks like it." Mara said tersely, "Not a moment too soon."
    @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
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  18. greyjedi125

    greyjedi125 Chosen One star 6

    Registered:
    Apr 29, 2002
    Another Fantastic combo with our Illustrious GM, @The Jedi in the Pumas

    ********************************************************
    IC: Stark
    Aboard The Bordamazian

    [​IMG]

    Stark and Chord entered the throne room of Ronin and the older man stood to meet them.

    A lightsaber clinched in his grasp.

    On Ringilla, Ronin’s form carried itself like a much younger and lighter man. Though he had not been able to match the speed or Primarch, he had moved quick and agile. Almost weightless in his expression of youth, despite his age. Now, standing before Chord and Stark, the elderly man seemed like just that: an elderly, broken man.

    He felt heavy, Ronin would admit to himself. But his confidence and determination remained steady.

    He descended the steps bravely to meet his guests.

    “You.” He pointed to Stark. “You’ve changed. I can *feel* it... and that’s good. I will send you to meet the Force god with your new open heart and he will continue to bless me with renewed...” he coughed and it was painful. “Bless me... with renewed strength. For I am his faithful... servant.”

    Stark shook his head. There had been three near-equal all powerful Force combatants on Ringilla, and all three had miraculously recovered in different ways, from what should have been their assured annihilation; but it seemed that Ronin's recovery was the least of the three. That in itself spoke volumes.

    Stark gave a slight nod to Chord as he took a step to fill Ronin's line of sight, though he well imagined the Second Prince did not need to look on the Chiss to know where he was. In that case, Stark would simply endeavor to capture Ronin's undivided attention.

    "Faithful servant...?" Stark echoed incredulously, fully understanding the dangers of such delusions. Though he was aware that Ronin carried his weapon in hand, Stark made no move to arm himself as the Second Prince had.

    "Tell me, what exactly is he telling you now? You certainly look....tired."

    Ronin raised a open palm to his face, fingers joined together in a knife-life death salute.

    “The Force god tells me...” red lightning sparked and engulfed his entire arm. “That those who stand brave against me...”

    He lunged forward towards Stark and ignited his red saber.

    “SHALL NEVER STAND AGAIN!”

    He became one with the moment, falling deep into the flow of Force. Everything seemed to slow down for
    Stark. He felt no anger, no fear, only peace.

    Ronin was in the process of lunging at him - a forward attack. The Second Prince had ignited his lightsaber and also engulfed his entire arm in red lightning. Stark simply side-stepped and shoved at the man’s shoulder as he passed, fully intent on setting him off-balance.

    For one who could touch the Force, Ronin seemed to have forgotten a few cosmic principles about the Force. Darkness always fled in the presence of Light. Life was found in the Bright Places of the Universe. The Purest Power was not manifested in Destruction, but in Creation.

    But truth be told, Stark only learned this himself recently. Before their meeting on Ringilla, the person he once was may have harbored similar ‘views’ concerning power, but Stark had experienced a fundamental change since that fateful encounter; quite literally, after his death.

    Here, as then, saving lives was what was important. Lives which had been enslaved by cruelty and false doctrine. Ronin did not need Stark to meet his end; The Second Prince would be the architect of his own undoing, should he continue on the Dark Path. The Final Story of all who succumbed to the Power of Dark Side underscored this fundamental truth.

    “You’re right.” Stark would say, his voice a beacon of calm amid a raging storm.

    “I have changed.”

    The Second Prince gracefully spun to with the force of Stark's push into a ready stance.

    Ronin coughed again, harder than before. The Second Prince was no fool. The man in front of him moved and carried himself completely differently than before.

    "You've had an awakening in the Force." He nodded and raised his lightning palm to his head. "I congratulate you. But it will be short lived. You will come to...*cough* learn that...when you get older...all the awakenings in the galaxy...only prolong the inevitable grave that awaits us all."

    "Allow me to show you to yours."

    Ronin centered himself in the Force. This was the end. His heart smiled in his chest.

    For a moment he vanished from Stark's view. Speed. and impact. The impact of an elbow to Stark's stomach, fused with lightning sent painful waves of shock through Stark's body.

    Stark received the Second Prince’s punishing blow to his stomach fully. Despite expecting a surprise attack of some kind, he still got caught by it. Unceremoniously did his body careen through the air within the throne room, but he managed to twist himself into a practiced crouched landing, thanks to all the rigorous training he received- such things seemed routine to him now.

    The pain Stark felt was excruciating, as he held his crouching pose, his face grimaced in pain. He coughed once, sounding just like Ronin, droplets of blood spraying the floor. Stark waved his free hand over his torso, dissipating the arcs of red lighting that had been coruscating there. Such familiar darkness he could still flush out.

    “You still don’t get it, do you?” Stark managed to say as he looked at Ronin with pity in his eyes.

    Knowing about an ‘Awakening’ and experiencing one were two very different things.

    The Second Prince was still thinking in terms of graves and death, of finality and endings. He was probably right concerning himself. It was clear that he did not believe what Stark knew to be true: There is no death.

    Crude matter is shed, but the spirit endures.

    Stark did not fear death, which freed him to live for the benefit of others, or die for others. Everyday that he lived was a gift, a gift that he would not squander foolishly.

    For the moment, he’d succeeded in becoming the Second Prince’s sole focus of attention, which meant
    Myra and Primarch could complete their part of the mission. The same was true for Chord and his men.

    Slowly, Stark rose to his feet and extended his hand, his lightsaber flying into his palm.

    “Tell me, how do you know about the ‘inevitable’ grave?” he asked, suppressing a cough.

    Stark ignited his blue lightsaber and adopted a stance perfected by
    Obi Wan Kenobi. He would meet the Second Prince’s blade, if it meant keeping him busy for the sake of his friends and those they had come to save.

    “Have you died before?”

    The question was not a mocking one, but an honest inquiry. Maybe, just maybe, it wasn’t too late for Ronin.

    Ronin’s chest grew heavy, his body grew cold. But struck out across the gap and met Stark blade with his own, and then again with an overhead strike from above.

    As he pushed his weight down on the blade to bring his strength Down upon stark’s, Ronin stepped close to the man.

    “I have...*cough* I... I have done many bad things in my life, young man... There is no true death for men like me.”

    He lashed out again and again, but Stark would see that the strikes were weaker and slower. The lightning that Ronin has summoned diminished entirely. Chord, who watched from a distance could see that The outcome was not in doubt. What they had happened upon when they found this ship was an old menace of the galaxy. Surrounded by worshippers and slaves, but alone. And in that solitude, his recovery has stalled. In contrast to Stark who has been surrounded by people united by a cause. No this was not a battle, Chord thought as he raised his blaster... it was the end of a life of horror and pain.

    Ronin peered Chord out of the corner of his eye, but would not stop attack Stark until he fell to his knee. Out of breath and dying.

    “I have no apologies, for I know what I am... But... do you know what you are?...*cough cough* This power... the Force... that we wield. It comes at a price you fool. Look at what becomes of us.”

    He stood back up, breathing erratically and blood pouring from his mouth. He raised his lightsaber and slashed at Stark neck.

    Stark blocked and parried defensively, summoning all his will to withstand Ronin's onslaught, diminishing though it was. He sensed that his opponent was fading, and yet still, the Second Prince remained unrepentant of all the evil he had visited on weaker souls. Ronin had not proven his might or prowess, just his depraved capacity for cruelty.

    "If you come back, I'll be here to stop you, or someone like me, that's a promise." Stark countered serenely. "We look at the vast mantle of darkness, but marvel at the endless points of light."

    It dawned on Stark that perhaps Ronin was willfully blind to these things, that he would not turn from the abyss, no matter what he said.

    The clash in the throne room was one engaged on many levels, not just in the physical. Swift as Ronin's attack to Stark's neck had been, the younger force user had been faster, as he simply slid out of range of the attack and allowed it to pass by harmlessly. Stark had a perfect opportunity to counter with a crippling counterstrike of his own, but did not; it was not necessary, at least not for him. Ronin was a thief, who robbed life from others. They had deprived him of his ill-gotten gains and that was more than enough to bring him low.

    Stark could feel his body slowly healing as he maintained a centeredness in the Force, he could also sense that Ronin was slowing with each passing moment, his body failing.

    "The seed must let go if it ever hopes to become a forest. This is the way of things. Do you understand?"

    Stark took a few steps back, but keep his guard up.

    "Will you yield?"

    Ronin growled at Stark.

    “I will never yield...The sacrifices... the Force... everything has brought me to this point. I am too far gone to yield... But you... how much will you give to the Force... You.”

    He collapsed onto both knees, his lightsaber rolling out of his hands to Stark’s feet. The wicked, sharp hilt seething with decades of remorseless innocent kills of the Former Jedi.

    “I ...... “

    Chord was lifted from his feet, clinching his neck.

    “Regret... nothing.”

    "I have given everything….” Stark offered, still calm, while raising his own hand and exerting his abilities in the Force.

    "...and will gladly do so again."

    Stark brought his Will and Force knowledge to the fore, not against Ronin. He knew better than ask the Second Prince to release the Chiss Commander, that would have been a waste of breath, as the man was patently unrepentant. Stark used his Force knowledge to dissipate Ronin's choke hold on Chord, leaving him free.

    "You won't be killing anyone today." he declared sternly.

    Ronin passed. His final heartbeat thumped and his final breath left his body.

    The scene that unfolded afterwards would be only the second of its kind to be seen in the galaxy's history. Those who have found the light side of the Force have been witnessed to disappear peacefully upon death and find eternal life as they join the ocean of the Force. What Stark and Chord were witnessing now was Ronin's body turn to black stone and slowly erupt in fire and lightning. The stench of burnt ash filled the room and the corpse that had been Ronin crumbled away, leaving a scorch mark on the ground.

    When one truly is an adherent of the Dark Side and finds their heart and mind given over to the Dark Side of the Force. When one has grown beyond the concept of redemption and regrets nothing of their forbidden and evil behavior in their life, they join the lava of the Dark Side of the afterlife; the consciousness consumed by it. In a way, then, Ronin was correct: he had joined his Force god as a sacrifice.

    Yet a voice touched Stark from beyond the realm of the living.

    You have not given everything. Not yet...Your body carries the weight of the Force. And eventually, a due will be paid.

    Stark did not avert his eyes in the moment that Ronin passed into darkness. He needed to remember this event, mark it within his being. All truth was relevant in the Force.

    As for the voice which touched his consciousness, the Force User could do little else but to listen and remember. the words spoken. A reckoning came to everyone, no exceptions.

    "Are you Ok?" he asked of Chord who stood next to him.

    As he waited for a response, Stark looked down at the Second Prince's lightsaber. The evil weapon needed to be destroyed as far as he was concerned and he would make sure that it was. Clipping his own weapon back unto his belt, he now produced a hand-held communicator and spoke into it.

    "Myra, Primarch. Ronin has been vanquished. What's your status?"

    Deep within himself, Stark felt no satisfaction with Ronin's passing, but rather, felt a sense of dutiful completion. This specific source of darkness had been driven from preying on innocents, but he was connected to an even greater evil:
    The Syndicate Supreme.



    Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  19. Jedi_padawan_leigh

    Jedi_padawan_leigh Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Feb 13, 2003
    IC: Dathisi Niroon
    Trande Settlement, Vas Nihollia

    Dathisi took in the regal sight of the Chiss Matriarch as she descended the ramp of her ship, flanked by two bodyguards. The Cathar was instantly taken back to the day she had experienced the galactic senate on Coruscant for the first time, walking down the hallways of the spectacular senate building, she and her master in their modest Jedi robes looking quite out of place amongst the senators and diplomats, politicians and royalty conducting their business in all their elaborate finery.

    The matriarch appeared as a beautiful vibrant gemstone against the plain rough-spun backdrop that was Trande, and Dathisi surmised that every stitch of delicate embroidery on her robes, every pleat and every fold was a conscious decision by the matriarch, symbols of her power and her influence. And yet, also like a gemstone, she appeared multi-faceted. Elegant and noble. Measured and intense, yet though all that she seemed to have a somehow approachable air about her. She had not gotten that sense when they had conversed though the medium of holo-communicator. It helped allay some of Dathisi's anxiety, if only slightly.

    Dathisi bowed to the Matriarch as she got closer to herself and Mull. The bodyguards moved to search her, but Mull Interjected "Whoa fellas...No need to search the lady Dathisi. She's not armed. I am, but I'm the constable here." The bodyguards looked to their lady for confirmation, and she swiftly waved them off. The Chiss woman approached Dathisi, coming to stop at a somewhat uncomfortable distance between them.

    The Chiss woman had stopped less than a foot from Dathisi's face, and it took a considerable effort from the Cathar to not let that awkwardness she was feeling show in her expression. Was she testing her? Or just having a bit of fun? She then took Dathisi's arm and crossed her own arm under it. To Dathisi this felt like quite an intimate action. She was sure Andren had done the same thing to her when their relationship had started to progress and deepen.

    The Matriarch began to stroll off, Dathisi at her arm. The pair walked in Silence, until they reached a point on the landing pad where to two women found themselves alone. Dathisi's gaze followed the Matriarchs to the horizon, where the sun was starting to rise. The slightest trace smile crossed the Cathars lips at the sight. Her attentions were pulled back towards the Chiss woman as she started to speak

    "Dathisi Niroon...I have convinced my board to your terms. We will leave your settlement intact... we will pay the workers of the mine...but only if the work is continued to be done. So far, my reports tell me that production from the mine has resumed and is showing early promising results...Perhaps you were right about free people..."

    Inwardly, Dathisi felt a swell of relief at the Matriarchs' words. She too had heard that operations at the mine had resumed, albeit with much needed changes implemented. This was a positive first step but she recalled Muul's conversation about pockets of tension between the townsfolk and the newly liberated slaves. The Settlement was going through a considerable change, and she hoped that the citizens would muster their resolve and patience during this time to get used to such an adjustment. The Matriarch turned and looked Dathisi in the face. Curiosity was clearly reflecting in the Elder Chiss's eyes

    "Tell me more about you, Dathisi Niroon of Trande. Tell me what you want here."

    Dathisi blinked and a brief flash of uncertainty crossed her features, unbidden. It had been so long since anyone had asked that particular question, but even now Dathisi would still be hesitant about answering. She had spent so long hiding her past from others, and always felt like she had to be so careful about what she chose to divulge. She exhaled a soft breath.

    "There's not much to tell Matriarch. I'm a clinician at the towns medical facility. I have a family. A husband and a daughter. We have all found our solace in Trande in one way or another. I have always lived my life in service to others...I suppose that is my purpose. My purpose here.

    She looked back out at the rising sun again for a few seconds as she considered her next words.

    "What I would want...is for Trande to continue to be a safe haven from those who need it" She paused for a moment, as if trying to find the right words, a brief look of sadness appeared in her feline eyes "This settlement took me in when I found myself alone and adrift in a cold and dangerous galaxy...a galaxy that is so big, so vast--Surely there should be room for even just a handful of places like this where people can just...live and find peace?"

    She paused for a beat, allowing the regal woman to take in her words before continuing, "I'm not saying we are some sort of perfect utopia, the settlement has encoutered issues in the past, and will likely do so in the future... but the people of Trande overcome these problems through thier hard work and indomitable spirit. We are a community of survivors. Be it of War, Slavery, Occupation or invasion. Trande was our safe harbour, and I only hope that it will continue to be going foward for future generations"

    TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  20. Kalio_Dynkos

    Kalio_Dynkos Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    May 17, 2004
    Fouche
    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    "Hallo Rik. Call me Tek. Unfortunately, ya caught me a bit busy. But here…" the man in the hat paused, tossing a bacta bandaid to Fouche. “Be a shame to let the gal run dry. If you don't have anything to do with this, then I suggest ya'all get to the side, before the mob comes out this way.”

    Fouche tilted his head in a nod. His hands were full of the Zeltron woman. As the bandaid hit the ground, he tugged at with his foot.

    “Very reasonable advice. Thanks,” he said.

    Tek tipped his hat.

    "I'd stick around, but I’m looking for a few lost friends, and don't have much time before more guys like these three come hunting down these corridors. And they are definitely NOT the friendliest of beings."

    Fouche eyed the two thugs on the ground. Their markings were similar to those that had been cheering at the pit of that Rancor Tattooed Man he’d seen earlier. If they were of the same group, that Tek was probably right.

    By the time he’d looked up, Tek was gone. Everything around them rumbled, causing Fouche to lose his footing. He knelt to one knee as carefully as he could, but not enough that his leg didn’t pop from the quick action. Nothing hurt, just old creakiness in his muscles. He hadn’t planned on this sort of activity so soon after escaping his detention just hours before.

    He grabbed at the bacta patch, and gingerly lifted the bloodied clothing from around where a wound had to be. There was a lot of blood, and whether it all belonged to Desi was had to say. He applied the bacta bandaid.

    Smoke began filling the corridor from within the secret passage, and a massive figure came rumbling out. It was none other than Rancor Tattooed Man from the Pit - bloodied, scorched, seething. Up close, Fouche noted that he’d not been far off comparing him to a Rancor. He positively blew out smoke in a large gust.

    “Someone knows how to make an entrance,” he said aloud.

    Rancor Tattooed Man leveled a gaze on Fouche, Desi and then the downed men. He scratched his head.

    “You might want to get outta here, fella,” Fouche said, holding up a bloodied hand. “Whoever did that might come back.”

    The towering man took another breath and then purposefully moved down the street away from them.

    “Didn’t think that would work,” Fouche said, grunting as he stood up and looked down at the still unconscious Desi in his arms. “I wouldn’t suppose you had a place to lie low for a while.”

    Knowing he wasn’t going to get a response, he continued walking down the hall. He was sure something would present itself along the way.

    Tag: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  21. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    IC: Wapoe
    The Huzon Fleet

    It seemed that Sera had dragged them into a mess. Wapoe couldn't see his game, but did he need to? If he was a piece on the board, it was always much more fun to see where he was being moved.

    "We will isolate him from any communications and will keep him here. The Trickster Machine Sera is devious, but our legends do not tell of him being violent. A pilgrimage ship is loading now to go down to Crisis." Jinos looked certain, however Wapoe wasn't.

    "He is up to something, though," Wapoe said, lazily tugging at his gloves to settle them; wearing them all the time inevitably resulted in stickiness. "He didn't just rock up to tell you about the Jedi twenty-nine years after it happened... he's clearly losing it as an in." He put a finger to his lips to shush Sera. "Don't interrupt, for once."

    "You guys coming up with a plan?" Sera said aloud before taking a seat on the ramp; then he leaned close to Wapoe. "If this doesn't work out..." He whispered. "If Minute doesn't make it back here, you'll be stuck here with the rest of them. I'm certain."

    "I'm sure," Wapoe said, turning away and using the Force to carry the voice to his... ears.

    In spite of being a cloaked man, he allowed his honesty to ebb into the Force. "I'm ready to do whatever is needed to complete the pilgrimage. If I can do anything to assist here, I will. It was my path to be here, and so I am ready to act."

    He looked for the woman who had joined them; the Dark Tower.

    "I want her to come with me."

    TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
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  22. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    Huzon Fleet, Crisis

    Vega accepted Wapoe’s proposal and Jinos welcomed the young lady’s help. There was little work left in preparing the Pilgrimage ship for its trip to Crisis. The Pilgrimage was a light freighter that was gutted of all but the most basic amenities to make room for the cargo haul from crisis. The crew was mainly agrarian specialists who had made the trip many times, yet there was an air of unease about allowing Wapoe and Vega on. The sentiment was that they were worried that Jinos was trusting the outsiders too haphazardly: specifically outsiders that had appeared alongside the Trickster Machine Sera.

    These concerns were well noted to Wapoe and Vega as they were now part of the mind-well communication apparatus.

    The ship departed, however, without incident and the flight down to Crisis proceeded in absolute silence, aside from the occasional operational checks by the crew. Vega decided to be the first to break the silence.

    “What have you heard of Minute?” She asked. Her curiosity resonated through the Force and they all would know why, through the Mind-well. Vega’s life had been completed guided and cultivated by the mysterious Minute of the Dark Tower. She had never seen her parents again and everything that she had learned have been fruit from the tree of the Dark Tower. Minute was the closest thing she had ever heard of something resembling a leader of the organization, yet here they were on behalf of Sera to come ‘rescue’ Minute from this world.

    Her curiosity bordered on desperation.

    The first mate looked at Vega before answering back.

    “Minute has been gracious since his arrival. It is careful and considerate. The crops have never been particularly strong on Crisis. Its always been like scavenging; getting the food from Crisis to grow and make it on the trip back. But from our orbital scanners, it appears that whatever Minute has done since it has arrived has improved the quality and territory of the land. He is a godsend.”

    Vega nodded physically, which Wapoe could take as the young woman being reassured. It was calming to her mind that her mysterious benefactor was someone people perceived as good. But, maybe Wapoe’s experience in the galaxy would remind him of people that were perceived as good more often than not were too good to be true.

    An hour later the transport touched down on Crisis; in what could be perceived as the outskirts of a major technological hub city. The outskirt was covered in lush green vegetation, fruits, and vegetables. It was in stark contrast to the dark industrial city in the backdrop several miles away. A small haven made by organics on the dominant machine world.

    [​IMG]


    The crew stepped off and immediately got to work cataloging what had grown and what to take with them. They ignored Wapoe and Vega and left them to themselves. Vega inquired about where they should start their search and the Mind-well pointed them in the direction of a singular, droid-like creature. It was planting in the garden and nothing by positive calmness radiated from it through the Force.

    [​IMG]


    Vega looked at Wapoe. “This place…have you ever seen anything like it? And that droid…it reminds me of Sera, in some way I can’t articulate.”

    Tag: @Sinrebirth

    -----

    The Bordamazian

    “We’ve got everything under control. All the passengers have been disarmed. Are you okay?” Myra’s voice responded from the other end of the comlink.

    Chord rubbed his neck and holstered his blaster. His unease that Stark had felt earlier eased a bit. No doubt connected to the completion of their mission…But there was something else still there that Stark could not directly feel.

    “A terrifying power…This Force that he spoke of. I have questions that I have not yet asked you, Stark. About all of this. But they can wait until the debriefing. Let us take our leave. I will be sending collectors to bring this ship to my shipyard. There are many secrets that this ship could tell me about the Syndicate Supreme.”

    They exited the cathedral down the hall from which they have entered. Most of the passengers were being escorted to Chord’s transport ships that docked on the Bordamazian. There was such great confusion, sadness, and heartbreak that screamed from them. Not the relief that one might expect. Primarch stood at the dock and guided the last of the passengers to the ship. There had been several hundred of the worshippers on the ship, but from the attack by the Chiss and Ronin’s programming, only a hundred remained. As Chord and Stark approached, Primarch raised his gaze towards them.

    “You did well, Stark. I could your peacefulness in Mother’s Song. You were settled and did not let Ronin’s twisted manipulation of her voice affect you.”

    There was more that he wished to communicate.

    “My people need me now, Stark. I must return to them now that Ronin is no more.”

    Chord was not part of the communication between Stark and Primarch and had been occupying himself with a casualty report and relaying messages back to Csilla. He looked up when he thought there was a break.

    “Stark, I require you and Primarch return to Csilla with me. We have much work to do.”

    A punch connected with Stark’s arm. Myra placed her hand on his shoulder and shook her head in relief. “I did not think I would be here when I first entered the Unknown Regions. You crossing my path is starting to seem like bad luck.” She joked. Her face was relieved, light, and pleasant despite the current environment, but it quickly changed when she heard Chord’s lingering statement.

    “What do you mean much work to do? We helped you. You said we would be square after that. My soldiers and I nor Stark are your personal striketeam, Chord.”

    Chord’s red eyes glowed, but he said nothing. It seemed that all roads were now at an impasse and that was not including what Stark himself wanted to do.

    Tag: @greyjedi125

    ------

    Trande Settlement, Vas Nihollia

    Hir’Vanger was sincerely moved by Dathisi’s words and the Cathar would not need the Force to tell her that. Dathisi felt the grip on her arm tighten in understanding.

    “I have lived a long life, among the business world and royalty of the Chiss. Peace is something my family has never known. We may not be warriors or slaves, but we are survivors. It has cost me a great deal. I have lost a husband to an assassination years ago. Von’Vanger will likely never forgive me for what I did to Un’hee. My other children…distanced themselves from me and every night I return home to an empty palace of material filth.”

    This time Hir’Vanger looked at the rising sun.

    “I empathize with you and the life others like you have built here on Vas Nihollia. You and I, we have what my people call kuul’va’si…it means “true trust.” It is a bond and an understanding. Vas Nihollia is owned by my corporation so the Chiss will leave you alone. I trust that, as when Basto Jior was in charge, your settlement will be able to fend for themselves. But if you need my assistance…”

    She handed Dathisi a red communication device.

    “That will alert me and allow you to keep me updated on the progress.”

    There was a pause and then the elderly Chiss began to lead Dathisi back to Muul and the guards.

    “Dathisi Niroon…something tells me that you’ve earned this life. But you once had a greater purpose. People like us…Our greater purpose never truly leaves us. I hope you find your way back to yours.”

    They came to a stop back from whence the walk started. Muul was speaking to the guards in his native tongue and was even managing to get a chuckle out of the guards before they snapped back to attention once they saw Hir’Vanger and Dathisi. Hir loosened her grip and let Dathisi go and turned her back to the cathar. “We will talk soon, Dathisi Niroon. Keep me updated on the colony’s progress.”

    The ship took off. Unusually quiet for a starship. It rose into the sky until it disappeared. Muul turned to Dathisi. He seemed lighter than he had when they arrived.

    “So ah….where to now Dathisi?” He said with a grin and his hands on his hips. “What’d you gals talk about?

    Tag: @Jedi_padawan_leigh

    -----

    50th Floor, Artemis Cradle

    A speeder descended from the traffic above the scrambling crowds and rescue vehicles that were now surrounding the Opera House. Driving the speeder?

    An older man…

    [​IMG]

    A man that was…one could say he was in charge of young Desi and the numerous activities she got into. It was his job…one could say to keep her from doing these activities. But Desi was smart. She had learned a lot from him and her father and their…family. How could they expect to keep her away from a life of crime when it was all that the girl had ever been surrounded by?

    “Son of a…. what the hell, Desi?” He mumbled to himself as he maneuvered down into the alleyway in front of Fouche and Desi. Normally it would’ve been hard to find her, but her tracker had beeped his a few moments ago, which meant that Desi was in a lot of trouble. The speeder door opened and Fouche found a blaster pointed as his face.

    “Just where the hell do you think you’re going with her, wise guy? Think you’re getting a fresh piece…” He noticed the blood on the both of them. “Damn Desi.”

    The older guy looked Fouche up and down and could tell the man wasn’t from here and wouldn’t recognize who he was. “You…Get her in here. We’re gonna have a little talk.”

    Tag: @Kalio_Dynkos

    ----

    41st Floor Hangar, Artemis Cradle

    Away from the chaos of the 50th Floor, the 41st floor would seem like it was an entirely different world. It was the hangar that Mara Jade had arrived in and maintenance was actively being performed on some of the ships docked there.

    [​IMG]

    Noticeably absent was both Jenica’s ship and Carl’s ship. Mirth was not pleased, and Icarus was not surprised.

    “Dammit Carl.” He hurriedly tried to raise Carl on the comlink.

    Mirth looked at Mara Jade. “Interesting. Mara Jade, former Hand to the Emperor. Interesting company you’re keeping nowadays.”

    Tag: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    -----

    Jakku

    Hours passed…The first wave of stimulants began to wear off. But her patience was awarded. A half hour ago, the scouts had pulled back into the camp and the ships were being prepared for take. But the dots on her radar split.

    A smart move. But this would make her job a bit harder. Should the ships split up, she would be forced to follow one over the other. However, for now they rose into the atmosphere together. Above Jakku. And then stopped…in orbit, scanning for any followers.

    Well trained mercenaries, after all.

    As Taza would plan to follow, a message appeared across the panel in her cockpit. A channel that was encrypted and almost impossible to breach. Yet…still.

    YOU MUST BRING ME THE BOY

    Tag: @SirakRomar
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020
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  23. WarmNyota_SweetAyesha

    WarmNyota_SweetAyesha Chosen One star 8

    Registered:
    Aug 31, 2004
    Icarus Cradle (41st Floor Hangar)
    Mirth looked at Mara Jade. “Interesting. Mara Jade, former Hand to the Emperor. Interesting company you’re keeping nowadays.”

    "Yeah, not well, let's just call it a matter of expediency and reciprocal benefit for the moment. I guess you're the person we went to such lengths to extract. I encountered one of your ... employees, I guess he was. He tried to keep me from extracting these, but I guess they're yours."

    She reached into the bag with the discs and other things from the apartment she'd been able to remove.

    She caught the tail end of Icarus' hail to Bolith. "What's with your friend? Does he want to stick around? As soon as my ride shows up, I'm blazing out on all afterburners. Whether he's along or not makes no nevermind to me."

    @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
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  24. Sinrebirth

    Sinrebirth Mod-Emperor of the EUC, Lit, RPF and SWC star 10 Staff Member Manager

    Registered:
    Nov 15, 2004
    IC: Wapoe
    Beneath the Huzon Fleet

    He kept silent as they drifted to the ground, watching the world sprawling beneath them. Vega was interacting with the others as they went. There was so much going on around this world, beneath the orbiting fleet that was ostensibly trapped... with what he was presumed was Minute, another curious entity out of place in the Known Galaxy but seemingly another every day occurrence in the Unknown Regions.

    Wapoe liked it.

    But he wasn't quite sure what to do with it. He recognised the ancient machines which had restored Telos... and the building architecture reminded him of something else but he wasn't too sure where.

    But then there was Minute.

    Vega was right; there was an otherworldly nature to Sera and then Minute here too.

    Tucking his hands behind his back, he slowly stepped forward, ignoring Vega for the moment. He could feel something here; something important. He had his bag still on his shoulder, of course, and the book still to read, but he passed it to Vega to take.

    He wanted to be unimpeded in this introduction.

    "You may call me Wapoe," he said, happily, projecting a welcoming greeting into the Force. "Minute, I presume?" He bowed over his hand in an exaggerated fashion. "I come bearing tidings, both good and bad, and, hopefully, enough to intrigue even you here in your perfect domain."

    TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas
     
  25. The Jedi in the Pumas

    The Jedi in the Pumas Jedi Grand Master star 4

    Registered:
    Jun 23, 2018
    41st Floor Hangar, Artemis Cradle

    "Hey, Carl's reliable...sometimes. Relax...he'll be here." Icarus responded with a wave of his hand. Honestly, he had no idea. Luckily they weren't being hunted at the present moment.

    Mirth's gaze never left the bag in Mara's possession. She had no idea what she held in her possession. He relieved her of the bag and caressed it at his side. For a moment, his eyes closed and he breathed out. When he opened them, it was clear that he had gone somewhere to access some knowledge.

    "What do you know of the Syndicate Supreme, Mara?"

    Tag: @WarmNyota_SweetAyesha
    -----
    On the planet of Crisis

    Amusement.

    Amusement from the mind-well spilled forth from the Huzonians. But the being in front of Wapoe flickered the large receptacles on its face and returned the welcomed greeting of Wapoe.

    Then a voice spoke to Wapoe's mind. "My name is Styx. I am not Minute. I can take you to him...Is that what you want, Wapoe?"

    Styx raised the long staff held by clearly human hands. Vega grew alarmed by this fact. He was a droid...he was a human with a machine head. Forgetting that her thoughts were open to the mind-well, the rest of the Huzonians immediately turned their heads. This was not how they saw Styx. The mind-well opened again and poured forth into Vega and Wapoe's thoughts. Styx was originally a man of the Huzon fleet that was dying from a terminal disease. He decided he would live the rest of his days on Crisis, tending to the crops. On Crisis, the machines changed Styx, but erased his disease. His personality was gone and some of his memory, but he knew that he was loyal to the Huzon fleet and so he continued to tend to the crops for the Huzonians. They saw his sacrifice as one of the larger sacrifices in the history of the Huzon fleet.

    Vega immediately felt remorseful for her feelings, but Styx did not seem to respond to the negative feelings. He asked Wapoe again.

    "Is that what you want, Wapoe? Is that what you want, Vega?"

    Tag: @Sinrebirth