Star Wars CLOSED Star Wars: Episode V: Twilight of the Force II: A Father’s Fate

Anakin Skywalker
Dagobah, Dreamscape

Anakin gasped. The Sith. He felt them, he felt their power as if they were right next to him. It was real and it was ... undefinable. He had never felt something like this before. He had faced many evils.

Dark robes. A room. Nowhere was his son. It was his doing though.

Then he saw Padme. He almost smelled her. Almost felt her.

"You are a memory, are you?" He felt the tears in his eyes. His hands trembled. "So they start getting to me I guess. Who would more perfectly represent my need to act? I know I am not as strong as I made Master Windu believe. I know I am not as sure. Yes, I starve our son. I oppose what he has become by not confronting him. But he becomes stronger. Every second he grows more powerful. I allow it. Have I waited too long?" He raised his eyes and looked at her.

"Look at me old stubborn fool. Resisting destiny, Obi-Wan and all the Jedi by turning peaceful. I wish you were here. I could need you clarity." He stepped to the projection of his wife. "I am afraid, Padme. I am afraid I am making a mistake. No matter what I do."

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @BobaMatt




Joren Sole
Landing Platform, New Keldabe

Joren made good use of the offer and dived out of cover quickly making his way into his ship. Then he looked back and saw the Mandalorian had not followed him. He realized he probably had to return the favor, aimed and opened his cover fire with a well aimed shot at the closest attacker, before wildly shooting at them to make them go for cover. "Come!" He yelled, ready to punch the button and close the ramp as soon as the Mandalorian got on board.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Darth Zorn
Personal Ship, Leaving Unknown Planet

Darth Zorn looked at the creature and smiled.

"Flattering. Teasing. Hinting. I guess you are good with those unsure of their path or destiny, right?" He sat in the co-pilot chair and closed his hands to fists.

"This Ananke will be taken care of in time. She missed her chance. I was much weaker a decade ago." He closed his eyes as Vergere used his father and smiled. The creature studied him as he studied it.

"I don't think Palpatine had any secret apprentices. He knew his destiny lay with my father. It so obviously did. You guys were there to cover the time between moves. No matter how powerful we grow, we are all trapped by destiny." He opened his eyes again.

"So you want the Sith to return to their former glory? What exactly is that? Hiding in the shadows provoking wars and hoping their plans work out? Your Master was quite a Sith, was he? Yet, it all depended on corruption. A dangerous game, as all it needed was one man to look through it and he failed. Maybe had the Chosen One not appeared ..." Zorn leaned forward.

"You must understand the Sith will never rule the galaxy. Philosophies don't rule. They inspire rulers. One Sith will rule. It is a question of claiming the destiny to do so. One man failed. One man denied himself the power. One man needs to fulfill the destiny." Zorn hissed out. "I will be this last man. It is my destiny, making me so powerful and the same time so weak. I am trapped by it. As I said: We are all trapped by destiny."

Zorn leaned over to Vergere. "So are you." He moved closer to the thing. "You were not chosen. Like Wyyrlock was not chosen. How could I defeat him? Barely a Sith Lord, trained only in the most rudimentary arts of the Dark Side. How did I best him? He had a destiny, too. He was the one I had to kill to become ... me." Zorn licked his lips. "So this plan of yours ... don't deny you have a plan, it is terribly obvious you do ... is it part of my destiny? Or is it standing against it? I don't know yet. But I know what will happen if it is the second. I was and I am inevitable. Only one man stands in my way. Only one man can make me fail. The one whose destiny it was to be me." He leaned back. "My father."

Zorn breathed in and felt the cold embrace again. It no longer weakened him. The depth of this darkness ... he had learned to feed of it.

"So we shall see Vergere what your part is in this eternal game?" Zorn summoned the darkness around him and watched the charges of blue lightning dance between his fingers. "Who are your Masters by the way?"

The way he said it made it clear the answer was probably more than information to him. It was a test. If Vergere would decide to play games Zorn would set the rules and they would include a lot of elements the feathered wanna-be Sith Disciple would probably dislike.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: A combo with @Sinrebirth

IC: Pascale Rouser, Arb Skynxnex
Location: Rouser/Xux residence, Nouane City, Nouane

When Pascale returned home he shook his head. Jyn had blown the door off its hinges, luckily there was no damage inside. However it seemed he had a visitor and Arb had managed to pack a bag for him.

It seemed strange to have someone stand to attention in front of him, most of the time it was him doing the genuflecting to other high ranking crime lords.

Arb meanwhile was bragging about basically losing an eye and meeting some of his former acquaintances and Aryan. Nothing had changed there it seemed. His sincerity flowed through the Force although when it came to his fellow mercenaries who knew what they were thinking.

"And so you have decided to join Black Sun he said moving indoors, past Arb towards where the bag was sitting "About to come with our merry little band to basically try to beat your former employers" he shook his head "Ike must have given you quite the credit haul to keep you honest"

Pascale searched the bag, his suits were there as well as his 'safari' kit. There were bits for Qwi too. He headed into the bedroom to grab his weapons and his datapad which was safely locked away before quickly getting changed into one of his usual cream suits and shoes, white shirt, black tie and lastly his Panama hat, blaster safety in its holster and vibroknives sheathed on his belt.

He returned back into the main room his eyes focusing on Arb "You must have been well paid to disobey Ananke, you do know that she may come for you if she finds out you have joined us" he shrugged "But I suppose we may need someone of your talents shall we say to get what we need."

He folded his arms "My question is, what are you doing here?. And why should I trust you to get the job done?"

"Who knows, kiddo?" Arb said, with a shrug. He was feeling his way into this role, still. "Ike asked for me, and he pulls the strings of old Arb, right now."

"Credits, and all that," he said with a shrug. "Though, would you believe, I used to work for old Palpatine once. Took me a while to figure it out, mind you, him being Darth Sidious and all that. Scary bastard; scarier than Ananke, in some ways."

He shrugged. "I'll take my chances with her. She got tempted by the sun, came too close to it." He looked Rouser up and down."Looking good, Dark Underlord, hafta give you that."

Another lazy gesture."Statue?"

Pascale stepped forward and took the statue "Might as well keep it, it was a gift from Ike after all" he popped into the bag "Besides as you say it might become useful later. And if not i'll just add it to my collection"

He folded his arms again "So you seem to have worked with a few homicidal maniacs in your time, and your reputation does of course precede you. I can see why Ike possibly asked you to come along, perhaps it's your brawn rather than brains, or perhaps you know something I don't about Criton's Point and the routes Black Sun is looking for"

"I have the brains to know when to get out, if you know what you mean."

Pascale probed with the Force a little "So tell me, why have you come to find me here?. And how do you know Ike?"

At the nudge, Arb's head slightly turned, and then he chimed in. "I was keeping tabs on Ike; he figured it out, as he does, and offered me a job. So, here I am." A grin played across his lips. "I mean - I wanted to get to know the legendary Pascale Rouser. I heard you met Emperor Amedda before Luke Skywalker died. I know Ike had a hand in shipping some very expensive statues for him to the Ultimate Weapon... maybe I'm curious where they are?"

Pascale raised an eyebrow "And so thanks to Ike, he whisked you away from Crimson Dawn just like that and offered you probably an exuberant amount of money all so you can come on this magical mystery tour" he shook his head once again probing with the Force "And so you also decided to swap one criminal for another, and I bet you were one of the ones who burnt Coruscant to the ground. At best you should be in a cell, at worst you should be like her, waiting for justice to be put upon you"

He shrugged "As for me, I am only legendary because I get the job done and I was labeled a war criminal for siding with the Separatists a bit. And you could say that I did have a little chat with him, it was more about more than anything else. And Luke Skywalker isn't dead, he's announced himself as a Dark Lord and basically wants to watch us all burn" again he raised an eyebrow "Thought you would know about that"

"As to the statues I have no clue where they are. It seems Ike though was not above getting his hands dirty either ..."

"It would be a shame if they went up with the Ultimate Weapon. How disappointing, if so." Arb shrugged. "Worth their weight in neuranium, they are... though what you and the Emperor of the galaxy consider lore and chitchat, is probably worth a few credits itself."

He seemed to chew over that. The Luke point was moot to him, for now. "Alright then," he said, brushing himself off."Ready to go?" He produced a lighter, and lit it, all prepared.

Pascale did a final check of the bag before picking it up "As ready as I will ever be I suppose," he said. His probes hadn't worked and the point about Luke Skywalker now being Zorn had either skipped Arb's mind ...or there was something else.

"You seem to be very interested in those statues yourself, fancy earning a credit by grabbing them I suppose?" Pascale said raising an eyebrow "A mercenary such as yourself would know all about them, correct?"

He tipped his head to the side "And why have you got a lighter?"

Not answering the query about the statues, Arb merely grinned.“To destroy any evidence I was ever here, of course.”

He dropped it, and as it went it caught the tablecloth even before it hit the carpet.

Oh no you don't…..

Pascale reaching out with the Force and one hand grabbed the tablecloth and whipped it out from under Arb, he didn't care if it tipped him off the table, the main thing was stopping his and Qwi's residence from going up in flames. With his other hand he grabbed the lighter again with the Force and called it to his hand.

The tablecloth he scrunched into a ball, it was at the moment a ball of flame. He would have to be quick, he would have to toss it away or….

"I see your sadism is still about" said Pascale with a slight smile "You like burning things do you?. Does it give you immense pleasure?" He shook his head "Did you have a good time while Coruscant burned?" He snorted "Barbarian"

His eyes turned to ice "If you think you can burn my home down which I have made with my girlfriend, think again. If you think I am an easy ride because I am a gentleman, think again." He inched the ball of flame closer "You could say I could do the galaxy a favour and set you on fire, perhaps send you to the New Republic wrapped in a pretty little bow as a present"

"Now, you put a toe out of line, I will have you dealt with" he prepared to throw the ball one way or the other "So, shall we conclude this messy chapter and get down to business?"

Arb grinned, unfazed by the threat. “There is the Dark Underlord I was looking for. I didn’t think much of the suggestion you were forced into Black Sun kicking and screaming.”

“Let’s go then, my lord. I am yours to command,” he said with a half-bow. “I promise not to burn any more planets to the ground for murderess Dark Lords again.”

Arb seemed to be taking it all in his stride and seemed unfazed by the fact that Pascale was either about to kill him or shop him off to the New Republic. He was no barbarian, he would have rather have sent him off to face justice. But in the underworld you had to make sure the menace was still there.

And as Dark Underlord he had to not only command respect but make sure that anyone that stood in his way or messed with him was dealt with. Qwi would have been shocked if she had seen him now.

I'm in the thick of it again he thought with a sigh. Do this job then find Qwi and get her back. I promised her I would and I will do it.

"Let's just say it was the lesser of two evils" he said his face remaining serious and tossing the fireball out the door to dissipate harmlessly outside "Follow me, i'll show you the way to where my yacht is parked"

As he exited he turned his head around "Oh and if you do decide to have sadistic tendencies whilst doing this job, stow them. I prefer not to work with animals, but I suppose needs must…"

He took one more look at the place he and Qwi shared. They had made it their home, their love nest. Now wrecked thanks to Jyn Erso and her New Republic friends.

Perhaps though one day they would be able to return.

Soon….

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Qwi Xux
Location: Aboard Rogue One, approaching Coruscant.

She had been left alone to think and to ponder her next steps. The unknown craft still concerned her, why were they showing up now?And why come after military science officers?. Could it be that they wanted a new weapon built?. A weapon to destroy a new threat or even the New Republic itself?.

She wished Pascale was here with her. He would at least provide a comforting presence and they could help solve the puzzle together. Qwi knew though that Pascale would not stay on Nouane for long now, hopefully he had gotten off safety and was off on another adventure before he tried to get her back.

Now though to her present predicament. She was no fighter that was for sure, Jyn and the alien looked like they had been fighters for a long time. That option was out, she was also not particularly good at firing a blaster even though the Empire and Pascale had taught her how to use one in self defence.

She would bide her time though and solve this equation as it came and any opportunity presented itself. After all you could never rush an equation such as this.

The alien eventually came and ordered her into the cockpit. It seemed they had reached their destination. And that destination was Coruscant. It looked as beautiful as it did in the holos an entire planet covered in city, a sprawling cosmopolitan metropolis bouncing back from being totally annihilated.

And as Jyn pointed out as she took a seat she was being brought here to stand trial. To face years in a prison all alone. No Pascale, no friends, just her and those padded walls. Qwi supposed she could have fled before but both she, Pascale and possibly Ike would have ended up dead.

It was then that the ship took a hit and the tail end dropped backwards. The alien guard was down and basically going backwards down the ship and Jyn was struggling. It seemed the opportunity was now to do something….

Of course this could be their mystery guest trying to get her this time. It could follow them all the way down to the surface or even just kill them outright. But if they wanted her alive all they had to do was disable the ship. Now she had to think.

This was a Skipray blastboat, commonly used by the Empire, designed by Sienar Fleet Systems, it was basically a mobile gunship packed with weaponry. But if they were up against a starfighter it could easily dodge out of the way. Skipray's also did not carry escape pods which was a shame. She could have gotten down below and gotten some allies to get back offworld again.

So the only options were to fight or to flee. To fight them both would end up with her getting injured or worse, but she could not sit idly by while the mystery guest ship took potshots at them.

They couldn't stay on Coruscant, it was too dangerous. One way or the other their mystery guest would find her again. Their only hope was to get out of the Coruscant system and jump somewhere. Perhaps they could even take potshots at the ship back just to say they were there.

With a strength that even surprised her she sprang forward and grabbed Jyn from behind, grabbing her holstered blaster along the way and shoving Jyn backwards as hard as she could.

"We stay here, we die" she said simply popping the blaster in the waistband of her trousers "And I don't fancy entering Coruscant in a fireball. You want me to go to trial?. It will happen eventually but this equation is faltering, it needs a new path"

Pascale had taught some piloting skills to her and so it was time to use them. Pulling the stick she sent the ship sharply up and out of the traffic lane. It would catch thier attacker by surprise at least for the moment.

She brought the ship bacjk out into space and activated the comm "This is Rogue One, we are under attack from an unknown vessel. We have moved out of the lane to make sure other vessels are not in danger"

She would now have to find a place to hopefully jump to and that the vessel would not follow. Or hope that Coruscant's air defenses or squadrons would take care of it.

Of course there was still the alien and Jyn to deal with….

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

Ka'rta (A combo post with @Sinrebirth )
New Keldabe City

The Hand of the Manda'lor snarled as the 'Sith' bloviated from his perch. So that was what they were after to challenge for the throne. Thinking that Madelyn didn't have the stomach for fighting now that she was ruler. They would find that it wouldn't be that easy not while Ka'rta lived. The four 'acolytes' stepped forth throwing down their blasters and drawing knifes. Did they not notice her pistols still in her hands? As the challenge was laid down. She turned her head to the side, looking to her friend. Madelyn couldn't rightly ignore it not with all of Mandalore watching.

Though did that extend to her? Her skin crawled at the thought of having to show any respect to these monsters that attacked, that showed no honor themselves. Attacking from the shadows, causing a scene. If one wanted to do it right...you marched on the Estate, challenge at the doorstep of the Mandalore, or in the throne room, the sight of many fights. They were just making a spectacle. They wanted a gladiatorial show down. Suits a Sith to go for the show rather than the reality.

The fight for the throne was clear, once it had been offered it could not be rejected...lest one invite whispers...Ka'rta on the other hand...was not bound by these rules. She was the Hand, the enforcer of the will of the Manda'lor. With a snarl she raised her pistols taking aim considering it for a second before looking to her Vode.

"I...Accept" With three quick pulls, she sent three bolts towards her challengers.

Four on One wasn't very honorable now wasn't it, and the challenge had been offered, she accepted...that meant the fight was already on. She charged forward stowing her pistols and drawing her blade in a fluid motion.

The bolts ripped into the three men, startling them and sending them to the ground. They rolled, revealing holes in their clothes but body armour beneath them - though one had taken a shot in the throat and was done.

There was an approving rumble through the crowd; the Mandalorians approved, though there was as much attention on Linnett.

Only one managed to get back to their feet quickly, scrabbling for a weapon, by the time Ka'rta rushed into the fourth. The other was splayed out, stretching for his blaster to equalise matters. The fourth man lashed out, aiming for Ka'rta's neck but mostly off-target out of the surprise of Ka'rta's attack.

Seeing the strike coming she dropped her chin, crouching down a little and letting the blade scrap off the rounded top of her helmet. Snapping upwards she drove her blade into the underside of the man's chin sending it through his skull. With a quick turn she rushed the next one careful to put him between her and his comrade looking for a blaster. One arm wrapped around the back of his head the other guided the point of her knife into a gap in the armor, right at the waist. It would be a bloody mess but she didn't have time to be careful.

Boots hammered into the back of the acolytes back as the blade stabbed into his side, causing him to cry out and drop his weapon. The sole survivor didn’t let Ka’rta have a time to react - he shot the stabbed man in the back of the head, which exploded a mass of gore over Ka’rta’s visor.

Standing and dropping the blaster, the survivor recovered a blade, and then another, moving to engage Ka’rta - hopefully before she recovered.

She turned in a rage wiping what remained of the one acolyte's head from her visor. His vision was already streaked with red as she saw the last one rushing toward her dual blades shining in the sunlight. She was just able to get her guard up in time to parry the first attack then the second. Bringing her elbow in a strike that was meant for her ribs was deflected and she thrust her blade up looking to open the man's throat.

This one was a fighter, and he was pushing off her block, meaning he was off angle; the blade skimmed his throat, and the acolyte grinned, leaning into the damage and bringing his arm up under her neck, intending to hook his foot around the back of hers, and send her to the ground with his arm pressed to her throat and a blade under her arm.

It was a fluid move, but reliant upon him surprising her and her not standing her ground - on him being stronger than her.

Potential over-assumption, there.

This was where her training with Mirdala came in use. Her partner was good at grappling, using his strength and height as leverage against her. This fighter while trained and good, was not Mirdala. While she might not have been stronger than her attacker, she did have instincts and prior training. Her unbound leg moved to the outside of her opponent's leg giving her a moment of stability in that moment she stabbed her blade into the acolyte's exposed armpit as it was busy applying pressure to her throat.

Her weight was still falling backwards but, hopefully he would have a punctured lung and a severed artery by the time they hit the ground.

He did have both of those, but they landed heavily.

The Mandalorians paused, a collective moment of wonder who had won - grappling was notoriously difficult to follow from the outside, and he had landed on her, which implied she had lost.

It wasn't the case, of course.

She quickly pulled her blade from his arm throwing the body, not quite lifeless, but not getting back up, off her. Her dark armor dripped with blood, her boots were standing in a slowly growing pool of the other man's lifeforce. She looked to her friend and her fight...using all of her control not to intervene...This was a fight only Madelyn could take...and it hurt her to just stand there and watch.

Tor
Linnett Estate

Tor looked at Owen, the old man that had taught her mother, that watched over her when she was old enough to fight, but not old enough to fight on her own. He was offering something she'd always wanted a chance. A chance to finally put her skills to the test. She looked to Leia then back to the others. A devious smirk bloomed across her face. She wanted to take his offer, not the tracker that just sounded like a hassle and besides she could ditch him easy enough. He was old and slow. Though his use of mandalorian phrase did give her pause. Her mother did order her to stay and look after Leia and Alfred...though if they came with her...she would still be watching out for them wouldn't she? The flawless logic of a girl that didn't know any better and just wanted to be out there, where the action was. Though she had no idea where she would go...though from what her buir would talk about at home, there were dangers everywhere. It wouldn't take long for them to get into trouble.

"Say Leia…" She started looking at her much younger sister. "Want to go on an adventure?" She looked to the adults nearly vibrating with energy ready to just take the ship and fly off...She knew her mother would be safe...nothing could hurt her. And she would finally be out from under her protective gaze and could finally breathe.

TAG: @TheSilentInfluence @Sinrebirth

 

Anakin Skywalker
Dagobah

Anakin smiled at Padme and closed his eyes.

"I know you do. Have you not always forgiven me?" He nodded. "You were always the better one of us." Anakin smiled. "You made me a better man."

Fear.

Obi-Wan Kenobi had talked about it.

They were both right.

He was afraid. It weakened him. But it also made him cautious, denying his son the confrontation he longed for. Hopefully the force would find a champion worthy of Luke. One not afraid of him.

"Palpatine was a monster. His dreams and believes were monstrous. Yet, he would have failed in the end. I saved many. You have no idea how many ... but it cost us our only son." It felt as if the force was judging him, retaliating for his cowardice.

Through his failed apprentice Palpatine had achieved victory. A mighty Skywalker had turned into a Sith. Not the cripple he would have been, but the unchained power of the Dark Side at the command of a man with nearly unlimited potential.

A perfect Sith.

His son.

"I love you Padme. Just trust me. I know what I am doing."

He wished he had the certainty he had almost a decade ago when he came here. Something was coming. He did not need the force to know something terrible was about to happen. Had he failed?

Again?

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Chancellor Feyna Organa
Senate Tower, Senate District, Coruscant

The interruption from Captain Girdun, with Isolder and Captison in tow, was not unwelcome; it was the news he brought with him that was bothersome. An attempted attack on the Senate by the Acolytes, with rumors of similar occurances on at least three other worlds, and though security had engaged the assailants here, apparently assisted by an unknown third party, they were still dealing with an explosive of undetermined strength.

Isolder immediately recommended evacuating the Senate, but was quickly countered by Captison, who pointed out that security was handling the situation and such a drastic response would cause a lot of stress and confusion—Feyna was not worried about looking “weak,” where protecting civilian lives was concerned—and the Chancellor could see her point. Graul, predicatably, agreed with Captison.

An easy call for them to make, people wouldn’t be pointing fingers at them if they were wrong. No, that blame would fall on Feyna’s shoulders. She would rather err on the side of caution and be criticized for the frustration of an “unnecessary” evacuation, than have preventable casualties on her conscience.

Graul then informed them, or at least voiced his belief, that the intervening third party was a Force-user. No one made to ask him how he knew, and Feyna felt no need. There were only a couple of ways she could think of that would explain how he knew this: Either he knew the person directly—highly unlikely given the situation—or Graul could sense it because he had the Force, himself. He hadn’t said as much directly, but the possibility was there.

After all, Arek had to have gotten it somewhere.

But Graul probably didn’t know that Feyna knew about that, and though she was curious now as to just what he had been doing in those years of hiding, now was not the time to be getting distracted.

She gave Captison and Graul a small nod, acknowledging their input, but not ready to make her decision on their advice alone. A possible Force-user acting on their side was helpful, but until they knew how powerful an explosive they were facing, she was taking the threat seriously.

The Intelligence agent, who probably had a better idea of what they were dealing with than anyone else in the room, had been silent thus far, but his opinion was the one Feyna was most interested in. “Agent Suials, do you think this threat is serious enough to merit an evacuation?” She raised a questioning brow. “Or would that be over-reacting?”

TAG: @The Jedi in the Pumas @Sinrebirth @HanSolo29

 

IC: Qwi Xux
Location: Aboard Rogue One, Coruscant

Qwi was wondering whether she had made a massive mistake.

A frigate, the Mawrunner was coming out of high orbit to see what the commotion was all about. The comm crackled to life "Rogue One, please stay on the channel. We cannot detect any other ships."

Qwi got a shock as the mysterious ship darted in front of them. The majestic fighter had decided enough was enough and had made itself known by making a pass. The pilot must have felt it was time to reveal it’s presence and basically say in big letters I’M COMING FOR YOU.

And so our mystery guest decides to finally show itself…I hope that frigate saw it.

This ship was built to be a little bit like a starfighter, so she began to juke and jink to see if the mystery ship would try again to hit them. Perhaps the pilot would eventually have had enough and either blow them up or retreat and try and find them again. Which was why she had wanted to jump as soon as possible and then hopefully jump again to put the mystery ship off course.

However if the rumours were true about who wanted these ships and was now commanding them then they would do anything to capture her. They could follow her to the ends of the universe if need be, if they were that desperate. Unless she hid in the Unknown Regions but unfortunately that would mean that Pascale may not be able to find her, Force powers or not.

"We need to decide whether we want to head to the frigate or jump. They've tracked us here, but we're not in a good spot." Jyn said , sounding like she was talking more to herself than to Qwi. Which was understandable since Qwi had practically shoved her out the way and disarmed her. Plus the alien had gone backwards and had not made it back to the cockpit. Which Qwi was thankful for as no doubt he would want to basically fry her where she sat at the moment.

"You're the bait - your decision. If we jump, I'll have a lot less help to hand. I have an in with the New Republic, but somewhere else, we'll have no help..."

Qwi sighed, Jyn was right. If the frigate hadn't come in then Qwi might have made a break for it. Perhaps dropped her captors off at an inhabited plane and then run off to try and find Pascale. But here could be a good chance that the fighter could still pursue. Another shot shook the ship and Qwi had to make a decision. It seemed the New Republic would have their prize after all, despite Qwi’s attempt to try and do a runner.

“It seems it would be better to perhaps get some help, tip the scales in our favour. It may be fortunate that the frigate has arrived, we will see. But our pursuer may need to be get rid of, before it blasts us or decides to return from the place where it came from and decides to report on today’s festivities”

She turned Rogue One and headed straight towards the freighter “Mawrunner this is Rogue One. A hostile fighter craft is trying to damage or destroy us. Your assistance would be much appreciated”

Rogue One had dipped again with the shot, but Qwi had managed to balance her out with a bit of shifting. Pascale if he was watching would have been proud of her. It was up to Jyn and the alien whether they wanted to man the guns and fight back but Qwi was happy where she was, even though she would rather be designed ships than flying them.

Perhaps she would even get a bonus point for getting them out of this mess but she doubted it. The alien would be gunning for her and Jyn might not thank her for shoving her aside. But there had been a chance to escape and she would have done anything to try and get back home and see her love again.

But for now she would have to head towards the frigate…

And hoped that luck would be with her today.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Gil Fortis
Back Alleys, Coruscant

Gil looked back to see Berko reach for the med kit, but his hand fell short, clear evidence that he was in very bad shape. Taking another quick look around to make sure he was clear, Gil set his rifle down and turned to face the Rodian, unwrapping the kit and pulling free a bacta patch. It was no healing tank, but the bluish gel-laced bandages could still work wonders, from Gil’s experience. It took a bit of fabric tearing to get through Berko’s shirt, but Gil finally managed to make contact between skin and bacta and get the meds working. He then grabbed the stim injection and found a clear spot.

A quick jab was all it took for the stim to release, and Gil dropped the spent injector to the side. Getting hit with one was like getting a full 3 meals, deep sleep, and a whole 2 pots of caf all at once and should jumpstart the Rodian, he thought. On the few occasions he’d needed a stim, Gil had been totally wired for the rest of the day, which both helped get out of trouble and caused a massive crash later.

As Gil was working, the LAAT/i came swooping in and lit up the small battlefield, showing the fallen Acolytes. Seeing it all lit up, and the pile of smoking metal that was Orloc, Gil realized how lucky they were to be in the shape they were so far. It also lit up the ongoing fight between the Jedi and the remaining Acolytes. Grabbing his rifle once more, he pulled the flashlight from its mount and aimed it up to the gunship, flashing the light multiple times to mark their location to the pilots and spotters.

“Hang in there, Berko. Backup’s here, so we’re going to get out of this.”

After marking their spot, Gil set the light to full-on and set it on the ground to illuminate a wall across the alley to provide a constant glow. He’d prefer chem lights for the color, but this would do. He then once more picked up his commlink and called in:

"Gunship, this is ground team. Three robed hostiles remain engaging the swordsman. One casualty in need of evac, location marked by the flashlight. All known explosives have been neutralized. How copy?"

As he waited for an acknowledgement from the LAAT, Gil set his rifle against his shoulder again and took aim at the remaining Acolytes in case they disengaged from their mystery ally and headed their way again. When able to get a clear shot, he sent a blaster round or two toward the Acolytes, hoping to wound one with a hit to a leg. If they could capture one of them, they could hopefully get some answers.

TAG:
@Sinrebirth

 

ooc: Sorry this took so long. Had some tech trouble

Galen Marek
Coruscant, Alley

"Yes, follow him." Galen ordered his droid and looked up at the spotlight as it illuminated the scene and allowed his blade to rotate as another of the acolytes ... no it were actually two ... approached him with a weapon that looked like another iteration of lightsaber proof steel.

He stepped back and reached out, using the force to grab the taller of the attacked and rip him off the ground. Slowly he closed his hand, crushing the bones of the man. He felt a dark satisfaction of which he knew it was wrong, but he had decided the ends justified the means a long time ago.

The second man attacked probably.

Galen did give himself to the force and dodged the blade bringing his own blade around. Surprisingly the man skillfully blocked his strike. These men were not the only ones to play dirty though. Galen kicked at his leg and unbalanced the man as he let go of his dead comrades crushed body. When the man regained his footing he was there, unleashing a series of brutal attacks. The last strike of it broke through the defense and made room for one killing blow slicing through the attacker shoulder to hip.

Galen turned. They were prepared to fight lightsabers. They were ready to die. The darkness within their souls gave away their true master. The Sith Lord. Zorn was behind this. He was sure of it.

"Where is our friend running to Huyang?"

Hopefully a ship. He wanted to follow him. It would probably not lead directly to his target, but by the force ... this had Sith written all over it. It was a lead! The Force had given him a damned lead! Finally.

First he had to escape capture though.

Summoning the force he leaped up into the air and landed on a platform above. He turned and began to run ...

Tag: @Sinrebirth, @Bodhran777

 

GM Approved

Name: Han Solo
Photo:


Age: End of his forties
Homeworld: Corellia
Personal equipment: DL-44 Blaster and comm unit, a vibro blade hidden away, some credits and a shard of a mysterious crystal.
Personal ship: Corellian Engineering Baleen-class heavy freighter Eravana



Faction: None
The Force: No
Bio: For guys like Han it doesn't matter who rules the Galaxy really. When the Empire was still a thing he escaped Corellia after having some trouble there. Joined the republic navy. Had a head of his own and ended up deserting and meeting a Wookiee called Chewbacca, a bandit named Beckett (their friendship was short lived) and a guy called Lando. Won his ship over a game of Sabaac, had a hand in killing a Crimson Dawn leader and after many adventures ended in the service and debt of Jabba the Hutt on Tatooine. Funny how some things never change, is it?

Then there was Mimban and Mimban changed everything. The damned crystal and the damned force sucked him into a game that was so above his pay grade he had no idea what to do. So he tried his best. It was just ... not good enough.

First his plan got most of his friends killed. Then ...

He met a Princess he kinda disliked, two Mandalorians he kinda liked actually and a Jedi Master he might have called a friend (and he had a hard time believing that). A Rebellion was thrown in the mix that nowadays has become a Government and he disliked them, too. Also they turned out to be much better rulers than the Empire.

He devised a plan that went terribly wrong over Mandalore, was ready to die for a higher cause and never got the chance to do so and finally ... he did what he always did best. He ran away from all the trouble. Probably the reason why he made it out, but he often wondered if that was seriously a good thing.

He escaped, but death had found his friends. Maz, Lando and Chewbacca were gone by the end of the crisis. Heartbroken he sold the stolen X-Wing he had stolen and began drinking himself through his money. But in time he realized there was no sense in wasting his life and talents. He actually believed it would make a certain Wookiee very angry.

He was lucky enough to win a ship in a game of Sabacc and bored enough to get back into the one business he knew ... smuggling.

His only priority was money and staying out of anything that felt even remotely like 'galactic affairs'.

Among his newly acquired crew was an exotic woman known only as Xaverri. Han had previously made her acquaintance several years ago on Nar Shaddaa, where she was working as a traveling magician and illusionist. The two immediately hit it off and became lovers, but where circumstances prevented them from being together in their youth, they now had a second chance to make things right. They were able to rekindle the love they once had, and have become a formidable force working together as professional partners.

From various sources around the galaxy he managed to reconstruct at least a little about Chewbacca's fate. He died at the hands of the Sith, probably ironically the very son of Anakin Skywalker. So even he tries to stay away from such things, he holds a grudge against these particularly dark players of galactic deejaric. He never met one though and hopes they died in some hole somewhere the most miserable death they deserved.

After a streak of bad luck he recently accepted a job to steal Beskar from some poor guy over Mandalore ... a planet holding especially bad memories for him.


ooc: Thanks to @RachelTyrell, @HanSolo29 and @Sinrebirth for getting a chance to give my favorite scoundrel a try!

 

Han Solo
Above Mandalore

Han smirked at his companion ... did he call her that now? ... and folded his arms.

"Oh well, we have sunken so low we now are pirates who have to steal the stuff we wanna smuggle." He shrugged. "What should we feel bad about? We can't sink any lower than that."

Mandalore. He remembered Mandalore. He had come here to die a brave heroic death at the side of a noble Jedi Master who turned out to be quite alright actually. Han sometimes wondered what had gotten into him. But it had been painful. Their plan failing had been painful. Getting the girl and her pet Mando into this situation had been feeling particularly bad. It had all kinda turned out well for all of them. But that was of little help considering how bad it had turned out for him. Chewbacca. He had send his best friend to his death. The plan was so perfect and then things had gone wrong. He should have anticipated this. Things always did. It had cost his best friend his life.

He wondered where the other great looser of that day had gone to. Anakin Skywalker had obviously never been heard from again. Maybe hiding under rock like he had for five long, drunken years. Well, considering he was a Jedi there was probably less alcohol involved. Skywalker had lost his friends too. Even his family. He kinda hoped he had found some peace as Han finally had.

He wiped the dark thoughts away. Xav was way too good at detecting these moods nowadays. A smile tried to obfuscate them. The earlier he left the planet again, the better.

He actually had a bad feeling about this.

Mandalore was not his lucky place.

"Any sign of the ship Plo?" He asked. "Undry is probably getting bored in that rusty ion battery up there."

The plan was simple and incredibly rough. Steal the beskar, get it to the buyer. They were now supplying themselves with smuggling goods. How had it come to that?

He sometimes hated the New Republic for it's liberal take on things as much as the Empire for it's oppressive ways. Well ... not as much. But he could use a little more anarchy for his business.

"I hope the captain of this ship is not one of those heroic types this planet seemed to attract like energy cables a mynock."

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

IC: Pascale Rouser
Location: Firenze, en route to Criton’s Point

It was good to be home, well his second home anyway.

Fortuna was always his bachelor pad, the place where he could retire to safety and enjoy all the home comforts. His mansion in effect and he always made sure to spend good amounts of money on his girl. When Fortuna was destroyed on Takodana he felt like a part of him had died, luckily he had been granted a gift on the Ultimate Weapon, a new Baudo yacht, his ship of choice.

Christened Firenze, this yacht became his new home, taking him to the Unknown Regions and back again. It had become his second home after the residence on Nouane but after Qwi she was his second favourite girl. She had the optional extras and security systems reinstalled that he had had on Fortuna plus a new paint job, this time red and golden yellow.

Firenze had been called into action once again only this time on a more dangerous mission than usual, to hopefully transport him and the Black Sun team to Criton’s Point and hopefully land them on sacred ground. And hopefully Pascale would not have ro use the solitary laser cannon the yacht had.

Pascale was himself in the cockpit, listening to a song he always played when away on his adventures and missing Qwi. Oh how he missed her. The woman he had met and decided he wanted to spend the rest of his life with, cruelly taken away by Jyn Erso and sent off to probably rot in a New Republic prison, brought out in front of the public like some kind of freak and then thrown away to play dodge the manic prisoners. They also needed to talk, she needed to come fully clean with him about her past, he needed to explain why he had decided to plow back straight into filth of the underworld and renounce himself as Underlord and Dark Prince of Black Sun.

She would probably be disgusted with his choice but hopefully he could explain to her his reasoning. Chief of all was to get her back, whatever prison or place they sent her. She was quite resourceful though, her brain was her main asset and he knew she would use it well, perhaps escape herself. He would find her either way, and Black Sun had the agents to do it. And when they were reunited….

Business first Pascale, then pleasure…..

Before he had jumped messages had come in. First was Ike basically with a “sorry i’ve missed you” message. He had to smile a little at that, at least he had made it through the ordeal and Qwi would be pleased he was OK. Pascale had found the man annoying but he didn't deserve what had happened to him.

After he had jumped the yacht into hyperspace he read through the rest. Patches who had been waiting by the yacht with the team had sent him a message regarding his quest to try and find Ananke and Crimson Dawn. Hopefully he was steering clear of Arb who was a former Crimson Dawn mercenary who could find out about Patches mission and turn traitor. They were both steering clear of him and Pascale was still not sure Arb was who he said he was. Perhaps he could secretly task the agents with finding that out.

Speaking of which Black Sun’s network of agents and assassins had gotten to work. Different agents were reporting that terrorist attacks had happened on other worlds and not just Nouane. Mandalore was one of them and Pascale's heart panged a little because Linnett and Ka’tra had been heading there the last time he had seen them. He hoped they were both OK, Ka’tra could handle herself and Linnett had been a Jedi. He may have been competing with them to grab the Kyber crystal but he still felt guilty for stripping Linnett of her memories.

These Acolytes of the Beyond could be a future problem for the galaxy and if Zorn had taken them over they were now his own personal band of terrorists. Those psychotics would like nothing better than to be mini Zorn’s just watching the galaxy burn and sowing chaos everywhere. Pascale would make sure that Black Sun would have no dealings with them whatsoever, and no amount of credits in the world would make him ally with them. Besides, the Echo within him wouldn't like it. Pascale still did not have a clue where or who this Echo came from.

Moving on to the data he had received from Arb regarding Criton’s Point, it seemed a former pirate turned King called Xen had found it and decided to basically plonk a library there. He had been an explorer himself deciding to create an Empire that was passed on to his despotic son Xim who was more famous than his father. There was no reason why Xer had decided to create a library there, not many people had made it including Xim and because the world was quarantined not much information got in or out. And of course the team there would be limited as to what they could get out into the wider galaxy.

And Black Sun was hopefully about to infiltrate it, take what it had to offer and depart, all so they could beat the competition to the best smuggling routes and steer clear of the New Republic and Imperial Remnant. Spice and other illicit goods would be no good unless they could use these hyperlanes and there was still the antiquities idea which Pascale thought was a good eureka moment. Pascale could find them and get them to buyers via Black Sun smugglers or even take the lanes himself. And also he wanted Black Sun to be a reputable organisation. More...civilized than Crimson Dawn but still running black market trade and maybe the odd assassination for people who turned traitor or maybe people who decided to mess with them. Barbaric yet hopefully not done too often.

He wanted to remain Underlord for a bit, just to get the organisation sorted and successful. Then maybe once he had found a worthy successor, drop down to being an employee again doing odd jobs for them and keeping the credits flowing into his bank account. And of course making sure he and Qwi had a good nest egg for his eventual retirement.

Top of his list was to get Qwi back, second was to keep one step ahead of the New Republic and the former Empire and the third was to keep Black Sun at the top of the underworld food chain. Perhaps keep his Force skills going during this time too, it would give him and edge against his competitors.

To get into Criton’s Point he had to be clever. An archaeological team was a good cover, hopefully they could get past the quarantine controls by stating they had to use the library as it was stacked with information regarding ancient treasures than other libraries and that they had come to assist the other team. Which was a lie but maybe the Black Sun agents could provide some information to them to keep them sweet.

He had an alternate name which he used more during the fourteen years he had been on Nouane and doing odd jobs gathering treasure in system. Announcing himself as Pascale Rouser wasn't going to get him anywhere, he might as well have announced himself as a wanted man. He also had an alternate name and ID codes for Firenze as this yacht would also be recognizable, although it had a new paint job since the last time it was touring the galaxy.

Everything seemed set he just hoped it was enough to get them through the front door.

TAG: @Sinrebirth

 

OOC: Thanks for the Leia reprise/cameo @Sinrebirth
Location: Dagobah

Leia had been observing things in the realm of the Force -- a cosmic plane similar to that where sentients who dreamed could observe and interact with others.

"Father," Leia said, "I am so happy to reach you at last. Our family has fractured, been so for so long! Luke ..." Her voice caught and broke. "If any one can help him be redeemed, it's you." She imbued every ounce of hope and affection into the words.

And hoped it would be enough ...

 

Darth Zorn
Personal Ship, Leaving Unknown Planet

Darth Zorn leaned back. The Sith Bird was wise. It understood the trap and avoided it. Impressive.

Shadows from outer space. Beyond the rim. He breathed in and liked the idea.

"Turn them against me. I would appreciate the war and death the war would bring. The Jedi are weak. Their numbers are few and their Jedi Knights have little to offer to one like you, do they? My father on the other hand ... the greatest warrior of all time. A man forged by war. If I fail, what a choice he would be. But how could you find him, if even I could not." Zorn smiled. "You will have your champion either way I suppose. So I expect you not to interfere."

Then there was the challenge. He felt it was real. He felt there was no deception in that.

"So let us start with that challenge you have for me, shall we? I look forward to it."

He left the comments about the raids unanswered. It was not important. Much more important was the one sentence he had read from the force. Was destiny dead?

"Destiny is never dead Vergere. The conflict was meant to be eternal. Yet, it is about to end. I claimed destinies of others. I have not trained or unlocked this ability." He was sharing a secret he had not even shared with his most trusted servants.

"So my father might have altered and abandoned his fate. He might have betrayed it. That did not kill his destiny. It needs just someone to take it ... to pick it up. That is why I have been given this ability. So I can restore destiny." Zorn looked at his feathered friend.

"You probably do not believe me. You doubt my words. Which is why you will fail. You won't see it coming. You have become blind to destiny."

Zorn got up and left the cockpit, letting the feathered Sith take him to this challenge he had promised.

He hoped it would not be another disappointment.

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Anakin Skywalker
Dagobah

Anakin felt the urge to embrace his daughter, but this was impossible of course.

"I ... I am not sure if he can be redeemed. Leia, the Dark Side is strong in him. He has chosen a path which was mine to walk."

Yet, he would have been redeemed. Right? Darth Vader would have returned. If he could ... could Luke?

"He wants nothing more but kill me. I feel his hunger, his despair. And once he strikes me down he will not only be lost forever, but so will the galaxy ... I ... I cannot allow this to happen."

They all did not see he was doing the only thing he could.

"I am so sorry I could not save any of you."
He had tears in his eyes and yet he also was angry. The Force wanted him to face Luke. It demanded him to face the champion of darkness who was his son. Always another sacrifice. Always another fight. The Chosen One was cursed and he had escaped this curse.

Tag: @Sinrebirth



Joren Sole
Landing Platform, New Keldabe

Joren looked at the Mandalorian. Yes, indeed he should have died. Yet somehow he had not. A miracle, the force, good old luck or all three.

"A rifle is in the storage." He pointed the direction and made his way to the cockpit. "Be careful, I think we might not be alone!" He yelled, remembering the shadow he saw.

Holding on to his blaster pistol he felt somewhere in his brain the fact registered he had killed someone. He had never before taken a life. Bringing the engines online he prepared to leave and had a quick look outside to see what was going on. Mandalore had turned into a war zone. He disliked war. It was actually not good for business as people always claimed. Wars got you killed and being killed was actually pretty bad for business!

Tag: @Sinrebirth

 

Tor
Linnett Estate

Tor grinned from ear to ear hearing Owen speak. She turned to Leia eyes beaming. The young warrior nearly vibrated looking around. No one was looking and Owen was keeping them somewhat distracted. And whatever else was going on seemed to keep them occupied. Seeing her opening she rushed off snatching up her pack loaded with snares and other hunting traps, and extra power cells for her weapons. She did come here to hunt, maybe she would hunt something else.

As she moved entirely too quickly to the hangar she stopped to look for Leia and Alfred. Hoping they wouldn't come with her, they would just get in her way...though Leia's piloting skills could come in handy.

TAG: @Sinrebirth @TheSilentInfluence

Ka'rta
New Keldabe

Her fight was over, but Madelyn's was far from over. The message came in from the young warrior, Aliyn.

"Hand, the blaster-fight is intensifying in the port. Permission to lay down cover fire for you?"

"My place is with the Manda'lor." Ka'rta shot back. She wanted to defend her home, to push back those that sought to take it out from under her. Though she couldn't very well leave her sister to fight this all alone. Besides, she wanted to be here, to make sure the fight went how everyone expected. With Madelyn standing over the dead body of this wannabe.

"But you gather as many Vode as you can and end that fight. If any dare to quibble tell them that the Hand is making this order directly and will have to deal with me if they refuse. Understand?" Her voice was harsh, laced with the same fire and anger that got her through the Battle of Keldabe, that allowed her to survive years as a Mercenary for years. "Once this battle is concluded I will be with you. But I will not leave the Manda'lor."

TAG: @Sinrebirth @TheSilentInfluence

 

IC: Gil Fortis
Back Alleys, Coruscant - And they’re off!

Gil watched as the Jedi cut down the remaining Acolytes in short order. The ease that the glowing blade did its work was a bit unnerving, but he was hoping that destructive force wasn’t about to be turned his way. He would have preferred, however, for the gunship to stick close for fire support. Seeing It move was a bit disappointing, but then again it would announce his location to anyone and everyone if it hovered overhead.

“I am requesting orders about the swordsman; he’s not on the Jedi rolls, from what we can tell.”

Oh great, Gil thought. So, we really don’t know anything about this man or which side he’s on.

“Follow the target, but do not, repeat, do not engage until Captain Girdun comes back to you.”

“Acknowledged, gunship. I hear medevac, moving to follow new target.”

As much as he would have loved to escort the incoming medic and Berko back to the med center, he knew they needed answers, and staying in line of sight of this guy was the best way to do it. He turned to see medevac on its way, flashing his light twice at them for location, then turned to watch the Jedi.

Then, to Gil’s surprise, the Jedi took a flying leap onto a platform above, further than any normal person would be able to jump, and took off running in the direction of the retreating Acolyte.

“Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me,” Gil muttered to himself as he pushed himself up from his kneeling position.

If he took stairs up, he’d be left behind, and there was no way he was making that kind of leap himself. Instead, he began following the alley in the direction of the Acolyte. Most likely, Gil figured, the Jedi was after him. If he could catch up to the Acolyte, then odds were good the Jedi would be close.

As it stood now, he could still see the Jedi as he made his way along the platform, so following, if at a lower level, was still possible. Along the way, Gil’s flashlight shone all around, searching for obstructions, quick ways up, and possible dangers.

TAG:
@Sinrebirth @Lawbreaker

 

IC: Madelyn Linnett
Mandalore, Keldabe

Madelyn regarded the Sith carefully before laughing out loud. "Mandalore the Pacifist? Is this what people call me now?" She looked amused and placed one hand on the hilt of the darksaber, keeping her eye on the Sith's friends and then turning her attention back to Jedgar. "This blade belongs only to Mand'alor. You really need to do you're research before you come to my home and challenge me and my people." She activated the blade and smiled softly, reaching out to the force. "You do not frighten me Sith."

She took a fighting stance, and nodded. "I accept you're challenge, but if you kill me you won't make it off this planet alive." Madelyn took a step back and a few men drew close to her. "Do you know why I really freed Mandalore from the Republic?" She asked, drawing him into conversation. Patience. Do not rush into battle.

IC: Leia Skirata-Linnett
Linnett Estate

Leia admitted she wasn't paying much attention, and turned to make sure Alfred was still with her father before she noticed Tor sneaking out. She moved to go after her; and fell into step; grabbing Tor by the arm to stop her; just for a moment before they got to the hanger. "I know I'm a good pilot, but if we get hurt my mother and yours will kill us. Besides-" Leia looked disappointed, "-I'm the heir." She shook her head and frowned, the young child was already full of responsibilities.

"Tor; if I pilot this...ship. You need to promise me you won't do anything crazy."

Tag: @Sinrebirth @galactic-vagabond422