The next couple of days passed and things were much better. They made much better time and made up a lot of ground as they could sense the easiest routes of travel, with the least amount of underbrush, even finding game trails to follow for short distances until they petered out.
It was almost as if the Dark Side had drawn a map for them, and beckoned them on towards their destination.
They also found that if they let their concentration lapse, the dark, brooding moods would settle back in, without even realizing it. Several times they caught themselves snapping at one another for minor things. Each time the other would just respond by saying, "Fog." It was all that was needed.
The afternoon of their fifth day of travel, Trychon kept feeling... something... on the edge of his senses. He tried concentrating as best he could while still walking, but whatever it was seemed to flit in and out, just at the edge of perception. Finally he called a halt in a small clearing.
"Is something wrong?" Raezyr asked him. Noticing the troubled look on Trychon's face he asked if the fog was getting to him again.
"No. It's something else. Do you feel it?"
Raezyr gave Trychon a quizzical look, but stopped and concentrated, closing his eyes and tried to tap in to what Trychon was feeling. After a few minutes Raezyr started to tell him that he wasn't getting anything when Trychon interrupted him. "There! Did you sense that?"
"I did. What was that?" Raezyr asked.
"I don't know, but I've been sensing it at the edge of my range for the last twenty minutes or so," Trychon responded. "It's almost like it's pacing us."
They began to concentrate together, attempting to extend the range of their senses. It only helped a little, but it was enough. Whatever it was, was large. For a moment it seemed startled, almost as if aware that Trychon and Raezyr were sensing it. Rage replaced the surprise and it began moving in their direction.
Aitchkay spoke up. "Inquiry: Do the Masters sense something I should know about?"
Trychon and Raezyr looked at each other for a moment, before Raezyr responded. "We've got incoming. Whatever it is, is big, and it's not happy."
Suddenly they could hear trees crashing and a loud roar pierced the stillness of the fog. Raezyr and Trychon drew their lightsabers and took their stances. "Huck, get that blaster out, and take cover in those trees, cover us."
The ground shook as the beast neared, roaring as it came. It was on them quickly and they got their fist look. The creature was huge, standing nearly three meters tall and walking upright on two legs. It had spines growing from its back and a pair of tusks protruding from each side of it's mouth, and it was covered in what appeared to be some sort of chitinous layers, giving the beast the appearance of wearing armor.
Raezyr and Trychon dove to either side as the beast charged into the clearing, swinging it's massive arms at the Sith. They rolled to their feet and took up positions on either side of the creature. The beast swung to face Raezyr and took a swipe him. Raezyr ducked under the blow and swung his lightsaber, landing a blow on the creature's wrist.
The beast howled in pain as Raezyr rolled backward and got to his feet. He expected to see a stump where his blade had contacted the creatures arm, but it wasn't so. The claw-like 'hand' was still attached.
Trychon used the distraction to attack the beast from behind. He swung his lightsaber at the back of the beast's leg, attempting to cripple the beast, but the black beam of energy barely penetrated the animal's chitinous layers.
He succeeded, however in drawing it's attention and it spun around, it's clawed feet rending the earth below it, to turn it's wrath upon Trychon. The beast caught him with a backhand, sending Trychon flying through the air and into a tree nearly 7 meters away. It was all Trychon could do to cushion the impact by using the Force.
From the moment it appeared, Aitchkay had unleashed a hail of blaster fire on the beast, but the bolts bounced harmlessly of it's carapace, seemingly unnoticed.
The beast spun faster than Raezyr anticipated and all he could do was duck the blow by dropping to the ground. Seeing this, the creature raised his foot to stomp on Raezyr, forcing him to roll.
Trychon recovered as best he could and charged back in, slashing at the creature, but still doing little but superficial damage. The beast spun again, but this time Trychon was ready, and he flipped backwards just as the beasts fist whooshed through the place his head had been just a moment before.
Raezyr jumped to his feet and charged back in, raising his blades, over his head, but the behemoth turned and grabbed Raezyr by his upraised arms. It lifted Raezyr into the air and towards it's face, opening it's huge mouth to reveal several rows of razor sharp teeth. Raezyr looked helplessly into the gaping maw, knowing that he could do nothing to save himself from becoming this creatures fodder, when blaster fire began pelting the creature in the face and mouth.
It shook it's head a bit in annoyance, like a bear who had just been stung by a honey bee.
Trychon watched in horror as the beast was about to eat his partner like an appetizer, and realized he himself, would now be the main course. Summoning all the power he could draw from the fog and the gem and from his own command of the Force, he pushed the energy outward with a every bit of his being. Trychon expected the beast to fall forward, and hoped he would release Raezyr. The latter part happened, but not in the hoped for manner.
The beast wasn't even rocked by the blast, but it tossed Raezyr anyway, before slowly turning back around to face Trychon. Out of the corner of his eye, Trychon followed Raezyr's form as it sailed into the foliage of the trees and disappeared into the fog and leaves, some 13 to 14 meters away, before returning his attention to the creature in front of him.
Slowly it lowered itself to Trychon's level and began to forcefully exhale in short bursts like a bull getting ready to charge. It then raised it's head to the sky and let out a piercing scream.
Suddenly Raezyr burst back out the underbrush to stand next to Trychon. "We've got to run!" Raezyr yelled over the beast's screams.
"Should be a cave 200 meters that way," Trychon said, nodding his head and indicating the direction of the cave.
"Aitchkay! Distraction! NOW!" Raezyr yelled to the droid, who was still firing away at the backside of the creature, hidden on the other side of the clearing.
"Acknowledegment: Run... NOW!" the droid responded as he launched a small round object into the clearing which landed just behind the creature.
Trychon and Raezyr recognized the thermal detonator and turning, sprinted into the woods behind them. They felt the concussive blast wave as the grenade exploded beneath the feet of the beast.
For a moment the woods were silent except for their own panting and footfalls, and they dared to think that maybe the beast had been slain.
Then their hopes were dashed as the beast roared and began crashing through the trees, following it's fleeing prey.
Calling upon the Force and all the reserves their body could muster, they ran for their lives.
March 31, 2009
March 30, 2009
356. THX 1138 - Trychon
Things got better later that day between the two sith. It didn't take too much... they'd both vented a bunch of their frustration in their brief scuffle, and despite Trychon's bloodshot eyes, they both felt better for it. Coincidentally or not, the fog had decreased just a bit. They had discussed the effects of the fog earlier, so they knew it was playing a hand in their respective demeanors, but after they set up camp for that night they settled in to try and understand it.
It didn't take much for them to agree that the fog was of Dark Side origin. They discussed their readings, and agreed that they'd found very little there that was helping them so far. They moved on to discussing Trychon's gem, which had heated up and reinforced his abilities as it always had, but provided little other help. Raezyr was convinced that the key may be with the gem, although Trychon didn't see the relation. Raezyr had Trychon describe the meditation techniques and thoughts he had been going through in unlocking the power of the gem, and as he did so... Trychon noted a little lift in the fog.
It was very little progress for two hours work though, and Trychon told Raezyr as much. The fog returned, and Trychon picked up a log, and threw it into the forest with a little reinforcement from the force.
Raezyr laughed, and then after calming Trychon down, he had him start again. This time, when he was in the early stages of the process, he had him change his focus to the fog. Trychon began thinking about the fog, and then desiring power... he saw himself pulling power through the fog and from the fog.
Raezyr watched Trychon through closed eyes. He used their unusual link to see what he could of Trychon's thoughts. In their minds' eyes, the fog lifted. Not entirely... but to a manageable amount. Still, through and with the fog, they were able to see beyond normal vision in many ways, with a different hue.
They opened their eyes simultaneously, and the fog was still there. It was a bit lighter again... but their vision was limited still to tens of meters. Their senses on the other hand were extended to hundreds. They now could feel not only the Vornkskrs, but also the trees, critters, and even insects that moved around them. The hills became vivid and obvious in ways that their scans could have never matched.
The Vornskrs kept a safer distance from them, and in the distance they felt a beacon of presence that called to them. Out of habit, Trychon noted the approximate spot on his datapad, though he thought they wouldn't need it.
Rather than sleep that night, they spent some time working on levitating objects around them with much success... then they meditated on the fog, pulling from its energy through the night.
They arose with the light from the sun, feeling more rested than they had in weeks.
It didn't take much for them to agree that the fog was of Dark Side origin. They discussed their readings, and agreed that they'd found very little there that was helping them so far. They moved on to discussing Trychon's gem, which had heated up and reinforced his abilities as it always had, but provided little other help. Raezyr was convinced that the key may be with the gem, although Trychon didn't see the relation. Raezyr had Trychon describe the meditation techniques and thoughts he had been going through in unlocking the power of the gem, and as he did so... Trychon noted a little lift in the fog.
It was very little progress for two hours work though, and Trychon told Raezyr as much. The fog returned, and Trychon picked up a log, and threw it into the forest with a little reinforcement from the force.
Raezyr laughed, and then after calming Trychon down, he had him start again. This time, when he was in the early stages of the process, he had him change his focus to the fog. Trychon began thinking about the fog, and then desiring power... he saw himself pulling power through the fog and from the fog.
Raezyr watched Trychon through closed eyes. He used their unusual link to see what he could of Trychon's thoughts. In their minds' eyes, the fog lifted. Not entirely... but to a manageable amount. Still, through and with the fog, they were able to see beyond normal vision in many ways, with a different hue.
They opened their eyes simultaneously, and the fog was still there. It was a bit lighter again... but their vision was limited still to tens of meters. Their senses on the other hand were extended to hundreds. They now could feel not only the Vornkskrs, but also the trees, critters, and even insects that moved around them. The hills became vivid and obvious in ways that their scans could have never matched.
The Vornskrs kept a safer distance from them, and in the distance they felt a beacon of presence that called to them. Out of habit, Trychon noted the approximate spot on his datapad, though he thought they wouldn't need it.
Rather than sleep that night, they spent some time working on levitating objects around them with much success... then they meditated on the fog, pulling from its energy through the night.
They arose with the light from the sun, feeling more rested than they had in weeks.
355. THX 1138 - Raezyr
The nights weren't much better than their days. The vornskrs attacked several times each night, allowing little sleep, and the sleep they did get was fitful and dream filled. They were dark dreams filled with strange creatures and stranger events of which neither Sith could remember the details.
Each day was spent hacking and slashing their way through the underbrush, and the rocky and hilly terrain made footing difficult. Everything was damp as the dense fog seemed to cling to them like misty veils.
On the third day during their noon meal, Raezyr accidentally knocked their ration box over, spilling the contents on the ground.
"Oh, that was smooth. I'm going to enjoy the extra dirt in my supper tonight," Trychon commented sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He watched as Raezyr picked the bars up and brushed them off as best he could, then replaced them in the box, making no effort to help.
"Almost as smooth as the way you let Fillis Riv-ars hack our computer," Raezyr retorted, referring to the program that had given away their position to the Republic cruiser Unity in the Commenor system.
Trychon shove the last of his ration bar into his mouth and spoke around it, "Whatever. If you're finished cleaning up your mess, can we get going again?"
Raezyr closed the ration box and shoved it back into his pack. Slinging it over his shoulders he began moving off into the fog without looking back to see if anyone was following him.
They'd hiked about an hour when Trychon checked their course on his datapad. "You're off course again, Raezyr. We need to be heading in that direction," Trychon said irritably, pointing in the direction they were supposed to be going.
Raezyr stopped and turned around to face Trychon. "I know which way we're supposed to be going. The terrain is less steep this way so I'm circling around."
"That's the long way. It's going to take a month to get there the way you keep 'circling around' everything. Besides, you're taking us straight towards a rocky out cropping."
"No, I'm not."
"Yes... You are. I've got the topography data right here from the scans we took when we flew over."
Raezyr walked the few steps back to Trychon. "Let me see that," he said, taking the datapad from Trychon's hand. He stood looking at Trychon's face as he tossed it into the fog. "What's your topography data say now?"
Trychon watched the datapad as it arced through the air and vanished in the misty shroud. The look of shock on his face was quickly replaced by a mask of wrath. "You stupid son of a bantha! What the hell did you do that for?" he snarled through gritted teeth.
Without answering, Raezyr spun on his heel and began walking again. He took two steps before Trychon dove and tackled him from behind. The impact with the ground knocked Raezyr's helm off and sent it into the bushes.
Raezyr rolled and, bringing his arm behind him, threw Trychon off, then dove on top of the other man. He grabbed Trychon by the throat with both hands, but Trychon had gotten his knees under Raezyr and kicked out, sending Raezyr back a meter.
Scrambling around Trychon launched himself at Raezyr. He knocked him backward and got on top of him. Grabbing the top of his chest plate with one hand, he began throwing punches at Raezyr's face with the other.
Dimly, they were aware that Aitchkay was saying something, but neither combatants paid it any heed.
Raezyr warded off the punches with his left arm, and grabbing a handful of dirt with his right, he flung it into Trychon's eyes. Taken off guard, Trychon put his hands to his stinging eyes as Raezyr grabbed him and rolled.
Positions now reversed, Raezyr grabbed Trychon's shirt front and drew back his fist, intent on punching his oppenent, when blaster fire from Aitchkay's carbine drew his attention.
Three vornskrs were bearing down on them from all sides. Raezyr let go of Trychon and jumped to his feet, drawing his lightsabers, the snap-hiss of their ignition all but drowned out by the sound of blaster fire and the snarls from the attacking beasts.
One vornskr went down under the salvo the droid had unleashed, just as the other two launched themselves, one at each of the Sith.
Spinning, Raezyr removed the head of the vornskr heading for Trychon, who had drawn his lightsaber. He held in a defensive position, but was still on his knees, and all he could make out was a dark blur heading toward him.
The last animal landed on Raezyr's back, knocking him to the ground as he bit down on the pauldron of Raezyr's armor.
Aitchkay rushed in and grabbed the snarling wolf-like beast. He lifted it over his head, then tossed it several meters into the fog. It landed with a yelp, then got to it's feet and disappeared into the mist.
Raezyr closed down his lightsabers. "Thanks, Huck."
"Comment: I just acted according to my programming" the droid replied in his digitized voice.
Walking over to Trychon, Raezyr and helped him to his feet. "Come on. I'll help you look for your data pad."
Each day was spent hacking and slashing their way through the underbrush, and the rocky and hilly terrain made footing difficult. Everything was damp as the dense fog seemed to cling to them like misty veils.
On the third day during their noon meal, Raezyr accidentally knocked their ration box over, spilling the contents on the ground.
"Oh, that was smooth. I'm going to enjoy the extra dirt in my supper tonight," Trychon commented sarcastically, rolling his eyes. He watched as Raezyr picked the bars up and brushed them off as best he could, then replaced them in the box, making no effort to help.
"Almost as smooth as the way you let Fillis Riv-ars hack our computer," Raezyr retorted, referring to the program that had given away their position to the Republic cruiser Unity in the Commenor system.
Trychon shove the last of his ration bar into his mouth and spoke around it, "Whatever. If you're finished cleaning up your mess, can we get going again?"
Raezyr closed the ration box and shoved it back into his pack. Slinging it over his shoulders he began moving off into the fog without looking back to see if anyone was following him.
They'd hiked about an hour when Trychon checked their course on his datapad. "You're off course again, Raezyr. We need to be heading in that direction," Trychon said irritably, pointing in the direction they were supposed to be going.
Raezyr stopped and turned around to face Trychon. "I know which way we're supposed to be going. The terrain is less steep this way so I'm circling around."
"That's the long way. It's going to take a month to get there the way you keep 'circling around' everything. Besides, you're taking us straight towards a rocky out cropping."
"No, I'm not."
"Yes... You are. I've got the topography data right here from the scans we took when we flew over."
Raezyr walked the few steps back to Trychon. "Let me see that," he said, taking the datapad from Trychon's hand. He stood looking at Trychon's face as he tossed it into the fog. "What's your topography data say now?"
Trychon watched the datapad as it arced through the air and vanished in the misty shroud. The look of shock on his face was quickly replaced by a mask of wrath. "You stupid son of a bantha! What the hell did you do that for?" he snarled through gritted teeth.
Without answering, Raezyr spun on his heel and began walking again. He took two steps before Trychon dove and tackled him from behind. The impact with the ground knocked Raezyr's helm off and sent it into the bushes.
Raezyr rolled and, bringing his arm behind him, threw Trychon off, then dove on top of the other man. He grabbed Trychon by the throat with both hands, but Trychon had gotten his knees under Raezyr and kicked out, sending Raezyr back a meter.
Scrambling around Trychon launched himself at Raezyr. He knocked him backward and got on top of him. Grabbing the top of his chest plate with one hand, he began throwing punches at Raezyr's face with the other.
Dimly, they were aware that Aitchkay was saying something, but neither combatants paid it any heed.
Raezyr warded off the punches with his left arm, and grabbing a handful of dirt with his right, he flung it into Trychon's eyes. Taken off guard, Trychon put his hands to his stinging eyes as Raezyr grabbed him and rolled.
Positions now reversed, Raezyr grabbed Trychon's shirt front and drew back his fist, intent on punching his oppenent, when blaster fire from Aitchkay's carbine drew his attention.
Three vornskrs were bearing down on them from all sides. Raezyr let go of Trychon and jumped to his feet, drawing his lightsabers, the snap-hiss of their ignition all but drowned out by the sound of blaster fire and the snarls from the attacking beasts.
One vornskr went down under the salvo the droid had unleashed, just as the other two launched themselves, one at each of the Sith.
Spinning, Raezyr removed the head of the vornskr heading for Trychon, who had drawn his lightsaber. He held in a defensive position, but was still on his knees, and all he could make out was a dark blur heading toward him.
The last animal landed on Raezyr's back, knocking him to the ground as he bit down on the pauldron of Raezyr's armor.
Aitchkay rushed in and grabbed the snarling wolf-like beast. He lifted it over his head, then tossed it several meters into the fog. It landed with a yelp, then got to it's feet and disappeared into the mist.
Raezyr closed down his lightsabers. "Thanks, Huck."
"Comment: I just acted according to my programming" the droid replied in his digitized voice.
Walking over to Trychon, Raezyr and helped him to his feet. "Come on. I'll help you look for your data pad."
354. THX 1138 - Raezyr
The next day, Raezyr found that if he concentrated extremely hard, he could sense the vornskrs. He thought about telling Trychon, but in the end he felt that if Trychon wanted his help, he would ask for it.
It was hard to maintain that level of concentration when walking, though. He was constantly having to look down at his footing and use his lightsaber to remove the thick under growth. At times they were spared having to cut brush by following the stream, jumping from rock to rock, but just as often there were no rocks to jump to and they would have to move back to the bank.
After a short distance, the brook took a fortuitous turn toward their destination, but after a kilometer or so, it twisted back to the north and they were forced once again into the forest.
The fog began to get denser as they moved away from the stream, becoming so thick that they could not see more than ten meters in any direction. The tree trunks became faint dark columns rising into the gray bleakness, and anytime they tried looking up and away from the ground, they began to feel a bit disoriented.
About mid-morning they found a small clearing with a fallen tree and decided to take a brief rest. Sitting on the log, Raezyr stretched out and concentrated on feeling for the vornskrs. Sure enough, they were still there, just as the droid had been informing them all morning. The problem, Raezyr realized, was that between the trekking and the concentrating, by the time they reached the library, they were going to be physically and mentally exhausted.
Raezyr quit trying to sense the wild beasts and looked over at Trychon. The only time he had spoken all morning was when Raezyr had suggested leaving the stream, to which Trychon had responded, "Whatever." Now he just sat there poking the dirt with a stick he had picked up. Raezyr just stared at him, wondering what was going on with him. Finally, Trychon looked up as if he could feel Raezyr's eyes. "What in Exar Kun's name are you looking at?"
"Why don't you tell me? You're the one glaring at everything that moves," Raezyr retorted.
"Get off my back, Scarface."
Raezyr stood up and strode purposefully toward Trychon, who met him half way. Raezyr opened his mouth to speak, when Aitchkay interrupted.
"Warning: The vornskrs seem to be closing in." The droid stood up and indicated the direction with his blaster.
Simultaneously, Trychon and Raezyr drew their lightsabers, and Raezyr concentrated. The beasts had moved in closer, but seemed to be holding their position. "I thought you said vornskrs were inactive during the day," Raezyr commented.
"Explanation: They are supposed to be. According to my sensors, the beasts began moving at approximately the same moment Master Trychon and you began conversing," said the automaton.
"They must have been reacting to our tempers flaring," Raezyr mused aloud, closing down his light sabers. He hung the short blade back on his belt, but kept the other in hand.
"You really think so, Captain Obvious?" Trychon said sarcastically, shutting down his own blade.
It took all the self control Raezyr could muster not to hit the man. "Shut up, Trych." Trychon was about to respond but Raezyr spoke first as he reached for his pack. "Let's keep moving."
-----------------------
Nar Shaddaa: Sith Hunt, Part 1 - Caecillius Kostek -Mirk
Caecilius could feel the hesitation of the other men in the room, but the Rodian wasn't hesitating at all, once he started shooting the others would join in. Caecilius ignited his lightsaber and was on the Rodian before he could fire his blaster. Flipping over the Rodian, Caecilius cut his blaster in half, removing the trigger finger in the process.
Landing behind the Rodian he grabbed the back of his neck and whispered "I warned you" before using the force to send him into the nearest crate.
He won't be getting up for a while. Caecilius thought to Nal as he deflected a blasterbolt from the man in the rafters
------------------------
Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
Nal drew her light lightsaber and the emerald green beam of energy sprang from the hilt as she flicked it on. She turned as Caecillius sprang toward the Rodian, and looked up into the rafters just as red darts began lancing down from above.
She caught the blaster bolts with her blade and redirected them back at their source. The first couple hit close to the marks she intended, but not close enough. The distance was too great and the light was too dim to make out her target. Throwing up her left hand, she sent a push toward the sniper. The wave of force shoved him backward and over the railing of the catwalk and he landed on top of the plasteel crates some 20 meters below with a crash.
Oops...
---------------------------
Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
Jumping on to the nearest row of crates Caecilius deflecting blaster bolts back at the rifleman nearest him. Most of the bolts went past his target, but one found it's mark.
Remind me to work more on blaster redirection when we get back to the temple... Caecillius thought as he started deflecting the bolts of the other rifleman, but to no success. He could block well enough, but neither of the lightsaber forms he practiced were particularly suited to redirection... It was a weakness of his and he knew it. To make things worse, the bolts were coming in so rapidly that he didn't even have a chance to use the force or jump at his attacker between shots.
Who went and decided that autofire weapons were a good idea? I can't keep this up much longer...
-------------------------
Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
Nal sensed Caecillius' stress beginning to rise. She back-flipped over and stepped in between Caecillius and the blaster fire from one of the gunmen.
He was much closer and better lighted. Accurately redirecting the lasers was still difficult due to the sheer volume of bolts coming in from the gangsters automatic weapon fire, but she managed to redirect a few, with the third one hitting her target in the shoulder of his gun arm, effectively disabling him.
Caecillius was able to hold his own against the other gunman, deflecting the incoming fire, but Nal stepped in front and took the second man down with the first redirected shot, which hit the man in the chest.
She barely had time to see him topple backwards when she had to duck. Caecillius had thrown his lightsaber and the spinning blade had nearly clipped her head-tresses.
------------------------
Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
umping down to the ground Caecilius pulled his lightsaber out of a thug who had been about to shoot Nal in the back. Caecillius saw the other thug coming up behind him, and waited till the last minute to duck out of the way of the thug's vibro axe. As the axe passed overhead Caecillius brought his saber up and cut it off at the haft, the axe kept going and was embedded in one of the containers. With his weapon gone the remaining thug tried to run away He had nearly escaped when Nal jumped off the containers and landed on him, he hit the ground hard and was knocked out cold.
Nice one Caecillius thought, disengaging his lightsaber and walking over the Rodian who was still unconscious on the floor. It was only a matter of waiting for one of the survivors to wake up. Hopefully one of them would have the lead they were looking for.
It was hard to maintain that level of concentration when walking, though. He was constantly having to look down at his footing and use his lightsaber to remove the thick under growth. At times they were spared having to cut brush by following the stream, jumping from rock to rock, but just as often there were no rocks to jump to and they would have to move back to the bank.
After a short distance, the brook took a fortuitous turn toward their destination, but after a kilometer or so, it twisted back to the north and they were forced once again into the forest.
The fog began to get denser as they moved away from the stream, becoming so thick that they could not see more than ten meters in any direction. The tree trunks became faint dark columns rising into the gray bleakness, and anytime they tried looking up and away from the ground, they began to feel a bit disoriented.
About mid-morning they found a small clearing with a fallen tree and decided to take a brief rest. Sitting on the log, Raezyr stretched out and concentrated on feeling for the vornskrs. Sure enough, they were still there, just as the droid had been informing them all morning. The problem, Raezyr realized, was that between the trekking and the concentrating, by the time they reached the library, they were going to be physically and mentally exhausted.
Raezyr quit trying to sense the wild beasts and looked over at Trychon. The only time he had spoken all morning was when Raezyr had suggested leaving the stream, to which Trychon had responded, "Whatever." Now he just sat there poking the dirt with a stick he had picked up. Raezyr just stared at him, wondering what was going on with him. Finally, Trychon looked up as if he could feel Raezyr's eyes. "What in Exar Kun's name are you looking at?"
"Why don't you tell me? You're the one glaring at everything that moves," Raezyr retorted.
"Get off my back, Scarface."
Raezyr stood up and strode purposefully toward Trychon, who met him half way. Raezyr opened his mouth to speak, when Aitchkay interrupted.
"Warning: The vornskrs seem to be closing in." The droid stood up and indicated the direction with his blaster.
Simultaneously, Trychon and Raezyr drew their lightsabers, and Raezyr concentrated. The beasts had moved in closer, but seemed to be holding their position. "I thought you said vornskrs were inactive during the day," Raezyr commented.
"Explanation: They are supposed to be. According to my sensors, the beasts began moving at approximately the same moment Master Trychon and you began conversing," said the automaton.
"They must have been reacting to our tempers flaring," Raezyr mused aloud, closing down his light sabers. He hung the short blade back on his belt, but kept the other in hand.
"You really think so, Captain Obvious?" Trychon said sarcastically, shutting down his own blade.
It took all the self control Raezyr could muster not to hit the man. "Shut up, Trych." Trychon was about to respond but Raezyr spoke first as he reached for his pack. "Let's keep moving."
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Nar Shaddaa: Sith Hunt, Part 1 - Caecillius Kostek -Mirk
Caecilius could feel the hesitation of the other men in the room, but the Rodian wasn't hesitating at all, once he started shooting the others would join in. Caecilius ignited his lightsaber and was on the Rodian before he could fire his blaster. Flipping over the Rodian, Caecilius cut his blaster in half, removing the trigger finger in the process.
Landing behind the Rodian he grabbed the back of his neck and whispered "I warned you" before using the force to send him into the nearest crate.
He won't be getting up for a while. Caecilius thought to Nal as he deflected a blasterbolt from the man in the rafters
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Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
Nal drew her light lightsaber and the emerald green beam of energy sprang from the hilt as she flicked it on. She turned as Caecillius sprang toward the Rodian, and looked up into the rafters just as red darts began lancing down from above.
She caught the blaster bolts with her blade and redirected them back at their source. The first couple hit close to the marks she intended, but not close enough. The distance was too great and the light was too dim to make out her target. Throwing up her left hand, she sent a push toward the sniper. The wave of force shoved him backward and over the railing of the catwalk and he landed on top of the plasteel crates some 20 meters below with a crash.
Oops...
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Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
Jumping on to the nearest row of crates Caecilius deflecting blaster bolts back at the rifleman nearest him. Most of the bolts went past his target, but one found it's mark.
Remind me to work more on blaster redirection when we get back to the temple... Caecillius thought as he started deflecting the bolts of the other rifleman, but to no success. He could block well enough, but neither of the lightsaber forms he practiced were particularly suited to redirection... It was a weakness of his and he knew it. To make things worse, the bolts were coming in so rapidly that he didn't even have a chance to use the force or jump at his attacker between shots.
Who went and decided that autofire weapons were a good idea? I can't keep this up much longer...
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Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
Nal sensed Caecillius' stress beginning to rise. She back-flipped over and stepped in between Caecillius and the blaster fire from one of the gunmen.
He was much closer and better lighted. Accurately redirecting the lasers was still difficult due to the sheer volume of bolts coming in from the gangsters automatic weapon fire, but she managed to redirect a few, with the third one hitting her target in the shoulder of his gun arm, effectively disabling him.
Caecillius was able to hold his own against the other gunman, deflecting the incoming fire, but Nal stepped in front and took the second man down with the first redirected shot, which hit the man in the chest.
She barely had time to see him topple backwards when she had to duck. Caecillius had thrown his lightsaber and the spinning blade had nearly clipped her head-tresses.
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Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
umping down to the ground Caecilius pulled his lightsaber out of a thug who had been about to shoot Nal in the back. Caecillius saw the other thug coming up behind him, and waited till the last minute to duck out of the way of the thug's vibro axe. As the axe passed overhead Caecillius brought his saber up and cut it off at the haft, the axe kept going and was embedded in one of the containers. With his weapon gone the remaining thug tried to run away He had nearly escaped when Nal jumped off the containers and landed on him, he hit the ground hard and was knocked out cold.
Nice one Caecillius thought, disengaging his lightsaber and walking over the Rodian who was still unconscious on the floor. It was only a matter of waiting for one of the survivors to wake up. Hopefully one of them would have the lead they were looking for.
353. THX 1138 - Trychon
Trychon and Raezyr sat next to each other, facing each other, but also looking beyond and into the mists to watch each others' backs. At this distance, their hearing was impeded slightly... but they could talk normally to each other.
Trychon was watching his datapad as he received updates from Achkay. He was nearly done with a full circle around them and was about to start again. He'd taken out a few more of the animals, but his sensors also seemed to catch more of them backing off.
"I can't believe the droid had to point it out." Raezyr said. "I'm betting heavily that there's way more to this fog than we thought at first glance." He say Trychon mumble under his breath 'I knew it.'.
Raezyr rolled his eyes and continued. "I would also be willing to say that it may be largely responsible for our... irritability since we arrived." To that, Trychon said nothing.
They both stared off into what was left of the distance and said nothing more for the next several minutes. Eventually, their droid showed back up in the clearing. He told them briefly about what he encountered. Trychon continued to stare off into the fog, so Raezyr asked Achkay about the animals. He responded with a brief summary about the Vornskrs.
Finally Trychon spoke up. "We should head up the brook for a ways... if it makes a turn towards our destination, that would help us stay clear of these animals."
Raezyr felt a little better. "Agreed."
Trychon was watching his datapad as he received updates from Achkay. He was nearly done with a full circle around them and was about to start again. He'd taken out a few more of the animals, but his sensors also seemed to catch more of them backing off.
"I can't believe the droid had to point it out." Raezyr said. "I'm betting heavily that there's way more to this fog than we thought at first glance." He say Trychon mumble under his breath 'I knew it.'.
Raezyr rolled his eyes and continued. "I would also be willing to say that it may be largely responsible for our... irritability since we arrived." To that, Trychon said nothing.
They both stared off into what was left of the distance and said nothing more for the next several minutes. Eventually, their droid showed back up in the clearing. He told them briefly about what he encountered. Trychon continued to stare off into the fog, so Raezyr asked Achkay about the animals. He responded with a brief summary about the Vornskrs.
Finally Trychon spoke up. "We should head up the brook for a ways... if it makes a turn towards our destination, that would help us stay clear of these animals."
Raezyr felt a little better. "Agreed."
352. THX 1138 - Raezyr
The canine-like beast hit Trychon square in the chest, knocking him down and pinning him under the animal. Reflexively, he threw his left forearm up across his face, just as the creature attempted to latch it's razor sharp fangs into Trychon's throat, chomping down on his arm instead.
Raezyr drew his lightsaber with his right hand and lifted his left toward the beast. He was about to attempt to use the Force to throw the beast from Trychon when he was knocked down from behind, sending his light saber into the dirt, just out of reach.
Trychon grabbed the beast's throat with his right arm and attempted to push it off of him, but the creature was too strong. It's body was wiry and agile and the crushing strength of it's jaws had latched it firmly onto his arm.
Raezyr could feel the hot breath from the animal coming under his helm, and could hear the srcraping of it's teeth against the duraplast armor as it attempted to find a place to latch it's jaws into Raezyr's flesh.
The sound of several blaster shots ripped through the night, drowning out the growling of the monsters and the sounds of the humans struggling underneath, then the beasts went limp. "Observation: I believe the Masters' Force powers may not be working as well as they think."
Trychon rolled the beast off of him and sat up, holding his arm to staunch the flow of blood. "No kidding?" he said sarcastically, looking over at the droid who still had his blaster carbine leveled at the beasts.
Raezyr crawled out from under the canine-like animal and looked over at Achkay. "You mind pointing that thing out there? These are dead," he said, indicating the woods around them with a general sweep of his arm.
"Get out there and make a sweep around the camp, Huck. Use your sensors and see if there are anymore of those things nearby," Trychon instructed as he made his way over to the packs to dig out some medical supplies.
Achkay made his way into the fog enshrouded woods. "Observation: One would think his masters would be grateful for saving their lives." His form disappeared quickly into the darkness.
Picking up his lighstaber hilt and brushing it off, Raezyr made his way over and assisted Trychon in digging out the necessary items and then began cleaning and dressing the wound, then applied a stim for the pain. "Why didn't we sense those things? There's no way we should have been taken by surprise like that."
"I don't know. I hate this place," Trychon responded.
Raezyr chuckled a bit and Trychon shot him an irritated glance. "I'm inclined to agree with you."
Raezyr drew his lightsaber with his right hand and lifted his left toward the beast. He was about to attempt to use the Force to throw the beast from Trychon when he was knocked down from behind, sending his light saber into the dirt, just out of reach.
Trychon grabbed the beast's throat with his right arm and attempted to push it off of him, but the creature was too strong. It's body was wiry and agile and the crushing strength of it's jaws had latched it firmly onto his arm.
Raezyr could feel the hot breath from the animal coming under his helm, and could hear the srcraping of it's teeth against the duraplast armor as it attempted to find a place to latch it's jaws into Raezyr's flesh.
The sound of several blaster shots ripped through the night, drowning out the growling of the monsters and the sounds of the humans struggling underneath, then the beasts went limp. "Observation: I believe the Masters' Force powers may not be working as well as they think."
Trychon rolled the beast off of him and sat up, holding his arm to staunch the flow of blood. "No kidding?" he said sarcastically, looking over at the droid who still had his blaster carbine leveled at the beasts.
Raezyr crawled out from under the canine-like animal and looked over at Achkay. "You mind pointing that thing out there? These are dead," he said, indicating the woods around them with a general sweep of his arm.
"Get out there and make a sweep around the camp, Huck. Use your sensors and see if there are anymore of those things nearby," Trychon instructed as he made his way over to the packs to dig out some medical supplies.
Achkay made his way into the fog enshrouded woods. "Observation: One would think his masters would be grateful for saving their lives." His form disappeared quickly into the darkness.
Picking up his lighstaber hilt and brushing it off, Raezyr made his way over and assisted Trychon in digging out the necessary items and then began cleaning and dressing the wound, then applied a stim for the pain. "Why didn't we sense those things? There's no way we should have been taken by surprise like that."
"I don't know. I hate this place," Trychon responded.
Raezyr chuckled a bit and Trychon shot him an irritated glance. "I'm inclined to agree with you."
351. THX 1138 - Trychon
The upside to the amount of brush they were cutting down just to make progress was that it was wonderful for starting a fire. It took them nearly no time at all to gather the resources needed to build one. The temperature hardly dictated a need... but being in an unfamiliar forest certainly did.
They were fairly positive that they would face various unknown challenges on this strange world, but brief excursions into the area surrounding their small camp gave them no evidence of what to expect.
They sat in a circle as the sun set over the trees, with the fire between them. The fire didn't seem to affect the fog, which was not only bothering Trychon more as time went on... but seemed to grow thicker as the light dissipated.
As this continued, they talked about the trip they had in front of them, as well as the issues they were facing. Half an hour after the light had gone, the fog was so thick that they could barely see beyond the outside of their own circle. Raezyr had been avoiding any comments on the fog and the quiet, as he had a strong feeling it would simply irritate Trychon more than it had already. He was already had a nearly permanent scowl on his face as though this very planet was an affront to him personally.
They began to disagree more and more as they tried to plan out their next 24 hours. Raezyr was becoming more irritable too, as he was not used to disagreeing with Trychon. To this point, it was almost always just that one of them would make a decision, and they would move forward with it. In the disorienting fog, with time to plan and potential predators that remained unseen, it seemed that everything became a matter of contention.
Trychon wanted to sleep in shifts because he didn't trust this forest, but Raezyr said that he'd normally agree, but Achkay should be more than up to the task of alerting them should something come up. Raezyr wanted to follow the stream for a bit to see if it turned in the direction they were headed, but Trychon didn't think that was likely and would only waste time. Raezyr was doing his best to keep from raising his voice with Trychon, but his frustration grew with the nitpicking and grew with the fact that Trychon kept lowering his voice the more they talked.
The talk went on for another hour... until finally, Trychon asked Achkay a question and Raezyr could barely hear it. He got up and took two steps around the fire so that he could see Trychon a bit better. "Why are you getting so quiet?!" He nearly screamed, while trying to keep from getting furious over their arguments and his growing mumbling.
Trychon got up as well and took two steps towards Raezyr and yelled back. "Me? You're the one that's barely talking all night!"
"Interruption: You both have been becoming increasingly quiet."
They both turned and looked at the droid. "Really?" Raezyr asked, confused. As he did, Trychon noted that he could hear him better now.
Trychon's scowl grew, and he stared off into the invisible distance. I hate this place.
Then, the creature jumped out of the mist and straight at Trychon.
They were fairly positive that they would face various unknown challenges on this strange world, but brief excursions into the area surrounding their small camp gave them no evidence of what to expect.
They sat in a circle as the sun set over the trees, with the fire between them. The fire didn't seem to affect the fog, which was not only bothering Trychon more as time went on... but seemed to grow thicker as the light dissipated.
As this continued, they talked about the trip they had in front of them, as well as the issues they were facing. Half an hour after the light had gone, the fog was so thick that they could barely see beyond the outside of their own circle. Raezyr had been avoiding any comments on the fog and the quiet, as he had a strong feeling it would simply irritate Trychon more than it had already. He was already had a nearly permanent scowl on his face as though this very planet was an affront to him personally.
They began to disagree more and more as they tried to plan out their next 24 hours. Raezyr was becoming more irritable too, as he was not used to disagreeing with Trychon. To this point, it was almost always just that one of them would make a decision, and they would move forward with it. In the disorienting fog, with time to plan and potential predators that remained unseen, it seemed that everything became a matter of contention.
Trychon wanted to sleep in shifts because he didn't trust this forest, but Raezyr said that he'd normally agree, but Achkay should be more than up to the task of alerting them should something come up. Raezyr wanted to follow the stream for a bit to see if it turned in the direction they were headed, but Trychon didn't think that was likely and would only waste time. Raezyr was doing his best to keep from raising his voice with Trychon, but his frustration grew with the nitpicking and grew with the fact that Trychon kept lowering his voice the more they talked.
The talk went on for another hour... until finally, Trychon asked Achkay a question and Raezyr could barely hear it. He got up and took two steps around the fire so that he could see Trychon a bit better. "Why are you getting so quiet?!" He nearly screamed, while trying to keep from getting furious over their arguments and his growing mumbling.
Trychon got up as well and took two steps towards Raezyr and yelled back. "Me? You're the one that's barely talking all night!"
"Interruption: You both have been becoming increasingly quiet."
They both turned and looked at the droid. "Really?" Raezyr asked, confused. As he did, Trychon noted that he could hear him better now.
Trychon's scowl grew, and he stared off into the invisible distance. I hate this place.
Then, the creature jumped out of the mist and straight at Trychon.
March 26, 2009
350. THX 1138 - Raezyr
"No sense in having the Stalker drop those swoops for us, I guess," Raezyr said with a sigh as he walked back into the ship. Things weren't settling right for him. If Trychon was concerned, then there was something to be concerned about. It surprised him that in a few short month how he'd come to rely on Trychon to temper his own serious outlook on things. "Achkay, you stay out here and keep your sensors on full scan. We don't want any unexpected surprises."
After the HK-51 unit had replied in the affirmative, Trychon and he headed back on board to close up and shut down the ship. They made their way to the cockpit and double checked the sensor scans and had the ships computer compile a 10 day weather forecast. Luckily, it didn't appear that any storms were coming soon, but who knows how accurate that would prove to be, as they had no previous weather patterns with which to correlate it.
Trychon downloaded the results of the topography scans and the location that had caught their attention earlier. He estimated that it would take them anywhere between four days to a week to make the trek through the heavily forested area, depending on what obstacles they ran into along the way.
He also made adjusted the orbit of the Twilight Stalker so that it was stationary above that location and transferred the controls to his datapad.
Exiting the ship, Raezyr used his remote to lock it up and tucked the remote into a secure pocket on his utility belt, then shouldered his pack. Trychon and Achkay followed suit.
Trychon made a quick consultation with is datapad then tucked it away again. "We go west from here," he said, indicating a few slender trees about 30 meters off.
"Alright, I'll take point, Huck you bring up the rear, and keep your scanners peeled," Raezyr said.
They were about 20 meters in when the underbrush became so thick that Raezyr ignited his red blade and began slicing his way through. It was slow going, and they often had to wait for the droid to catch up. For all his added agility and strength, a trek over this kind of terrain was not what he was built for.
After four hours of hard going, they came to a small clearing near a brook and decided to make camp. They still had another couple of hours of daylight, but they doubted they'd find another place as suitable.
After the HK-51 unit had replied in the affirmative, Trychon and he headed back on board to close up and shut down the ship. They made their way to the cockpit and double checked the sensor scans and had the ships computer compile a 10 day weather forecast. Luckily, it didn't appear that any storms were coming soon, but who knows how accurate that would prove to be, as they had no previous weather patterns with which to correlate it.
Trychon downloaded the results of the topography scans and the location that had caught their attention earlier. He estimated that it would take them anywhere between four days to a week to make the trek through the heavily forested area, depending on what obstacles they ran into along the way.
He also made adjusted the orbit of the Twilight Stalker so that it was stationary above that location and transferred the controls to his datapad.
Exiting the ship, Raezyr used his remote to lock it up and tucked the remote into a secure pocket on his utility belt, then shouldered his pack. Trychon and Achkay followed suit.
Trychon made a quick consultation with is datapad then tucked it away again. "We go west from here," he said, indicating a few slender trees about 30 meters off.
"Alright, I'll take point, Huck you bring up the rear, and keep your scanners peeled," Raezyr said.
They were about 20 meters in when the underbrush became so thick that Raezyr ignited his red blade and began slicing his way through. It was slow going, and they often had to wait for the droid to catch up. For all his added agility and strength, a trek over this kind of terrain was not what he was built for.
After four hours of hard going, they came to a small clearing near a brook and decided to make camp. They still had another couple of hours of daylight, but they doubted they'd find another place as suitable.
349. THX 1138 - Trychon
Their hyperspace trip took them about a week. There wasn't a whole lot new for the Sith to work on that they hadn't already, but Trychon and Raezyr continued to sharpen their skills as best they could. Achkay always seemed to feel left out when they sparred without him, but they let him watch, and Trychon told him to catalog the matches.
When he wasn't sparring or drinking, and sometimes while he was drinking, Trychon got to work on programming some hand to hand combat routines for the droid. There was some rudimentary knowledge in his banks... but assassin/combat droids were hardly meant for such combat themselves, lending more to heavy rifles and the sort.
Trychon knew his own knowledge was still limited but growing... but he was convinced that Achkay would be better suited to help them if they ran into Jedi, which was bound to happen, if he was more prepared for the style of battle they were likely to have. Trychon went through the cataloged sparring matches, and with Raezyr's help... pointed out flaws in their attacks and defenses. After some time, Achkay was able to find some of these on his own, and was starting to help them train.
During their last fight before arriving in-system, the droid sat in the corner of the room, and watched them spar, making semi random shots at any weakness his new programming told him there was. He didn't score any hits, but Trychon and Raezyr assured him he was doing a good job. They were certainly perspiring a bit more than regular. Achkay was proud... and learning.
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After getting cleaned up and having a few hours' last minute rest, the group sat in the cockpit as they fell out of hyperspace, and looked at their new surroundings. Trychon was quick to point out that there was no traffic, either ship or comm. They did some more checks, and began moving in on the planet.
As they got closer... the features of the planet began to come in to focus. Rather, they didn't. Trychon squinted at it through the viewport. "Um... Raezyr? That looks like Hoth."
"Yeah..."
Achkay piped in. "Statement: While the visual similarities would be strong from a limited human standpoint, sensors clearly show that the light spectrum you are receiving is actually due to massive condensation in the atmosphere, rather than a large concentration of ice."
Trychon gave him a quick glare and then shook his head and smiled before getting back to the computer readings that they were getting from the planet. They pulled into a high orbit so they could maintain an equally high velocity, and allow their ship to pull a closer sensor sweep of the surface by circling the whole planet several times.
They didn't learn much. Raezyr lowered their speed and went into a lower orbit near the equator of the planet. "We're not learning anything this way... and while there's plenty of signs of life... we have no idea if anyone here will be able to point us in the right direction." He closed his eyes and said nothing.
Trychon was about to say something when Raezyr gestured to him to remain quiet. Frustrated, he followed Raezyr's lead, and closed his eyes... not really sure what else to do.
Twenty minutes later, they both opened their eyes and looked at each other. "Huck... mark the spot we just passed over on the sensors. We've found a landing spot. I hope."
Achkay did as Raezyr asked, and Raezyr slowly turned the ship around and circled it down through the atmosphere to whatever it may have been that caught their attention. As they got closer and closer to the surface, they began to realize that the white appearance was more than just a simple cloud cover... it was a thick fog that followed them entirely down to the surface. Raezyr slowed as they got close, but didn't have any visual of the ground until they were just less than a hundred meters up.
"This... can't be natural." Raezyr commented on the fog, taking his time to insure a clear path to the ground. Eventually, the Jet Razor was settled down onto a fairly clear patch of grass in a small clearing from the decent sized trees. They took a few minutes to run last minute checks, and then they grabbed their gear and headed for the ramp.
They walked down to the end of the ramp and waited, taking in the sights... what little sights there were. Their visibility was a little less than the visual scanners had given them... around fifty meters, Trychon guessed.... although it was hard to tell for sure, as most of the trees were forty meters or less distant, in a rough circle around where they'd landed.
They stood there for several minutes... and Trychon felt lost. The sounds that should accompany a forest were simply not there. He had grown up in terrain similar to this, but the feeling he was getting was not similar at all. The silence was deafening to him.
Raezyr looked at him, and through his feelings through the force he noted that this was probably the first time he'd seen a genuine look of concern in Trychon's eyes.
"So much for our welcoming comittee..." Trychon said.
When he wasn't sparring or drinking, and sometimes while he was drinking, Trychon got to work on programming some hand to hand combat routines for the droid. There was some rudimentary knowledge in his banks... but assassin/combat droids were hardly meant for such combat themselves, lending more to heavy rifles and the sort.
Trychon knew his own knowledge was still limited but growing... but he was convinced that Achkay would be better suited to help them if they ran into Jedi, which was bound to happen, if he was more prepared for the style of battle they were likely to have. Trychon went through the cataloged sparring matches, and with Raezyr's help... pointed out flaws in their attacks and defenses. After some time, Achkay was able to find some of these on his own, and was starting to help them train.
During their last fight before arriving in-system, the droid sat in the corner of the room, and watched them spar, making semi random shots at any weakness his new programming told him there was. He didn't score any hits, but Trychon and Raezyr assured him he was doing a good job. They were certainly perspiring a bit more than regular. Achkay was proud... and learning.
--------------
After getting cleaned up and having a few hours' last minute rest, the group sat in the cockpit as they fell out of hyperspace, and looked at their new surroundings. Trychon was quick to point out that there was no traffic, either ship or comm. They did some more checks, and began moving in on the planet.
As they got closer... the features of the planet began to come in to focus. Rather, they didn't. Trychon squinted at it through the viewport. "Um... Raezyr? That looks like Hoth."
"Yeah..."
Achkay piped in. "Statement: While the visual similarities would be strong from a limited human standpoint, sensors clearly show that the light spectrum you are receiving is actually due to massive condensation in the atmosphere, rather than a large concentration of ice."
Trychon gave him a quick glare and then shook his head and smiled before getting back to the computer readings that they were getting from the planet. They pulled into a high orbit so they could maintain an equally high velocity, and allow their ship to pull a closer sensor sweep of the surface by circling the whole planet several times.
They didn't learn much. Raezyr lowered their speed and went into a lower orbit near the equator of the planet. "We're not learning anything this way... and while there's plenty of signs of life... we have no idea if anyone here will be able to point us in the right direction." He closed his eyes and said nothing.
Trychon was about to say something when Raezyr gestured to him to remain quiet. Frustrated, he followed Raezyr's lead, and closed his eyes... not really sure what else to do.
Twenty minutes later, they both opened their eyes and looked at each other. "Huck... mark the spot we just passed over on the sensors. We've found a landing spot. I hope."
Achkay did as Raezyr asked, and Raezyr slowly turned the ship around and circled it down through the atmosphere to whatever it may have been that caught their attention. As they got closer and closer to the surface, they began to realize that the white appearance was more than just a simple cloud cover... it was a thick fog that followed them entirely down to the surface. Raezyr slowed as they got close, but didn't have any visual of the ground until they were just less than a hundred meters up.
"This... can't be natural." Raezyr commented on the fog, taking his time to insure a clear path to the ground. Eventually, the Jet Razor was settled down onto a fairly clear patch of grass in a small clearing from the decent sized trees. They took a few minutes to run last minute checks, and then they grabbed their gear and headed for the ramp.
They walked down to the end of the ramp and waited, taking in the sights... what little sights there were. Their visibility was a little less than the visual scanners had given them... around fifty meters, Trychon guessed.... although it was hard to tell for sure, as most of the trees were forty meters or less distant, in a rough circle around where they'd landed.
They stood there for several minutes... and Trychon felt lost. The sounds that should accompany a forest were simply not there. He had grown up in terrain similar to this, but the feeling he was getting was not similar at all. The silence was deafening to him.
Raezyr looked at him, and through his feelings through the force he noted that this was probably the first time he'd seen a genuine look of concern in Trychon's eyes.
"So much for our welcoming comittee..." Trychon said.
348. Hoth: King's Lair - Raezyr
Once he had fully recuperated from the wounds he had received while in captivity aboard the Republic Hammerhead, Unity, Raezyr and his fellow Sith apprentices began making the final preparations for their trips.
With Dianna's permission, Trychon had worked with Dek and was able to pick up some feeds from the holonet, although they were a few days old and quite fuzzy, it provided them with the information they needed.
Raezyr had been correct. He and Trychon now had the death sentence in the Coruscant and Commenor Systems, but surprisingly enough, so did Dianna. Tyrrazapon was only wanted on Coruscant, and there was no mention of Anya. Apparently the Republic had assumed that Dianna was the Sith female on Coruscant.
The incident at Commenor was being reported as a "brazen act of terrorism," and the Commenoran government was calling for a retaliation by the Republic military, as well as a crackdown on pirates and smugglers, and had made motions in the Senate to those effects, although the holonews reporter had stated the motions were unlikely to pass.
They had also been able to find out more about the planet THX1138. It had been surveyed once, and found to have no worthwhile resources. Several attempts to clear the jungle forests and farm had been made, but the ever present fog made growing cash crops difficult, and those that did grow were wiped out by the rainstorms that ravaged most of the planet. Colonization attempts had been tried several times but had failed due to the storms and 'native species.' The entries hadn't specified what those native species were exactly. There had been no mention of the Sith library, not that public sources would.
Raezyr took Achkay and Trychon with him when he inspected every portion of the Jet Razor they day before they were scheduled to leave. Raezyr wanted to make sure that everyone on board with him was as familiar as possible with the ship and the new upgrades that Delki had installed. Trychon was pretty bored, but he recognized the importance and did his best not to fall asleep, while Achkay paid dutiful attention, although Trychon kept getting the feeling that the gun-metal gray droid was nearly as bored as he was.
On their last day on Hoth, Raezyr went through his quarters at King's Lair, making sure he had left nothing behind. There was no telling what might happen or if they would ever make it back here to Hoth, and that for some reason that thought bothered him. It never had before, but then again, for the first time in his life, he was leaving something, or rather, someone, that was important to him. He was going to be late to the hangar, but he didn't care. He walked down the corridor to Dianna's quarters anyway.
He hesitated outside the door. For a moment, anyone watching might have guessed he was about to walk away, but suddenly he raised his gloved fist and rapped lightly on the door.
Dianna's voice responded from within. "Enter."
The door slid open and he removed his helmet and tucked it under his arm as he stepped across the threshold. She had been sitting at the desk in the corner and stood up. She was wearing the same red and black vest that she wore most often, along with black and red leather pants. "Raez!" she said, sounding a bit surprised. "Uh, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be taking off right now?"
"I am, but I wanted to say goodbye." He looked into her green eyes, and for the first time in his life, he wasn't exactly sure what to say.
"Um, but I though we all said goodbye already in the lounge." She fidgeted with her hands for a moment then rubbed her palms on the outside of her thighs.
"I uh, I just thought... never mind, I'll go. See you round, Di." Raezyr turned back toward the door and Dianna stepped quickly across the room and grabbed his arm, turning him back around, and she put her arms around his neck. Raezyr's free arm slid effortlessly around her waist.
"I'm sorry. I was hoping you'd stop by, but didn't think you would. Be safe and take care." She tilted her head up to him slightly as he bent his down. Their lips met for a moment before she pulled away, resting her hands on the breastplate of his armor.
"You're not going to punch me now, are you?"
She threw her head back and laughed. "Of course not."
"I've got to go."
"I know."
He turned and opened the door, then stepped into the hall to leave when her voice stopped him.
"Raez?"
"Yes, Di?"
"Come back."
Saying nothing he turned and walked down the hall toward the hangar bay, the only sound was his boots clicking against the durasteel floor.
-----------------
Raezyr walked across the flight deck toward Achkay and the other Sith, who were standing around in front of the three spacecraft in which they were about to depart. Trychon already had the Twilight Stalker waiting in orbit around Hoth.
"Sorry I'm late guys, I had some last minute business to take care of," Raezyr said as he got closer.
Achkay spoke up. "Exception: You have arrived precisely when Master Trychon stated you would."
Raezyr looked over at Trychon who was standing there wearing a grin from ear to ear. He chuckled a bit then turned to Anya and Tyrrazapon and made their good-byes, before facing Trychon again.
"Well? Stop smiling like an idiot and get on board. You too, Huck, I can hear your "sarcastic" servos working overtime."
With Dianna's permission, Trychon had worked with Dek and was able to pick up some feeds from the holonet, although they were a few days old and quite fuzzy, it provided them with the information they needed.
Raezyr had been correct. He and Trychon now had the death sentence in the Coruscant and Commenor Systems, but surprisingly enough, so did Dianna. Tyrrazapon was only wanted on Coruscant, and there was no mention of Anya. Apparently the Republic had assumed that Dianna was the Sith female on Coruscant.
The incident at Commenor was being reported as a "brazen act of terrorism," and the Commenoran government was calling for a retaliation by the Republic military, as well as a crackdown on pirates and smugglers, and had made motions in the Senate to those effects, although the holonews reporter had stated the motions were unlikely to pass.
They had also been able to find out more about the planet THX1138. It had been surveyed once, and found to have no worthwhile resources. Several attempts to clear the jungle forests and farm had been made, but the ever present fog made growing cash crops difficult, and those that did grow were wiped out by the rainstorms that ravaged most of the planet. Colonization attempts had been tried several times but had failed due to the storms and 'native species.' The entries hadn't specified what those native species were exactly. There had been no mention of the Sith library, not that public sources would.
Raezyr took Achkay and Trychon with him when he inspected every portion of the Jet Razor they day before they were scheduled to leave. Raezyr wanted to make sure that everyone on board with him was as familiar as possible with the ship and the new upgrades that Delki had installed. Trychon was pretty bored, but he recognized the importance and did his best not to fall asleep, while Achkay paid dutiful attention, although Trychon kept getting the feeling that the gun-metal gray droid was nearly as bored as he was.
On their last day on Hoth, Raezyr went through his quarters at King's Lair, making sure he had left nothing behind. There was no telling what might happen or if they would ever make it back here to Hoth, and that for some reason that thought bothered him. It never had before, but then again, for the first time in his life, he was leaving something, or rather, someone, that was important to him. He was going to be late to the hangar, but he didn't care. He walked down the corridor to Dianna's quarters anyway.
He hesitated outside the door. For a moment, anyone watching might have guessed he was about to walk away, but suddenly he raised his gloved fist and rapped lightly on the door.
Dianna's voice responded from within. "Enter."
The door slid open and he removed his helmet and tucked it under his arm as he stepped across the threshold. She had been sitting at the desk in the corner and stood up. She was wearing the same red and black vest that she wore most often, along with black and red leather pants. "Raez!" she said, sounding a bit surprised. "Uh, what are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be taking off right now?"
"I am, but I wanted to say goodbye." He looked into her green eyes, and for the first time in his life, he wasn't exactly sure what to say.
"Um, but I though we all said goodbye already in the lounge." She fidgeted with her hands for a moment then rubbed her palms on the outside of her thighs.
"I uh, I just thought... never mind, I'll go. See you round, Di." Raezyr turned back toward the door and Dianna stepped quickly across the room and grabbed his arm, turning him back around, and she put her arms around his neck. Raezyr's free arm slid effortlessly around her waist.
"I'm sorry. I was hoping you'd stop by, but didn't think you would. Be safe and take care." She tilted her head up to him slightly as he bent his down. Their lips met for a moment before she pulled away, resting her hands on the breastplate of his armor.
"You're not going to punch me now, are you?"
She threw her head back and laughed. "Of course not."
"I've got to go."
"I know."
He turned and opened the door, then stepped into the hall to leave when her voice stopped him.
"Raez?"
"Yes, Di?"
"Come back."
Saying nothing he turned and walked down the hall toward the hangar bay, the only sound was his boots clicking against the durasteel floor.
-----------------
Raezyr walked across the flight deck toward Achkay and the other Sith, who were standing around in front of the three spacecraft in which they were about to depart. Trychon already had the Twilight Stalker waiting in orbit around Hoth.
"Sorry I'm late guys, I had some last minute business to take care of," Raezyr said as he got closer.
Achkay spoke up. "Exception: You have arrived precisely when Master Trychon stated you would."
Raezyr looked over at Trychon who was standing there wearing a grin from ear to ear. He chuckled a bit then turned to Anya and Tyrrazapon and made their good-byes, before facing Trychon again.
"Well? Stop smiling like an idiot and get on board. You too, Huck, I can hear your "sarcastic" servos working overtime."
347. Hoth: King's Lair - Trychon
Sitting alone in his temporary quarters, Trychon put his gem back in his pocket and stared at the crushed desk light on the floor. He still didn't have unwavering control of the mysterious dark object... but he was getting better. In the past, it had given him power when he needed it the most, without thinking. He was learning to get it to answer to his whim. The similarities to some of the general Force teachings of the Sith were not lost on him.
Clearing his mind, he sat down at his desk and got back to his brief brush up on the upcoming mission that they were about to embark on for their Master, Eiron. He wasn't sure how Eiron would react to only two of the four going on this particular mission... but he hadn't given very specific orders, and this was in the best interest of not just the four Sith... but also the mission itself.
He was sure of that. He was less sure if the mission was purely utilitarian in origin, with a need for knowledge and especially holocrons... or if there was some particular lesson that they may all gain from going on the mission. Tyrrazapon and Anya didn't seem concerned with it, so he hadn't brought it up, nor did he plan to. Raezyr and Trychon certainly wouldn't hold back any knowledge or lessons they gained. As for Eiron, it was hard to gauge if he'd ascertain the fact that they split up on his own or if he'd even care.
He kept telling himself that Anya and Tyrrazapon may well get some experience and lessons that himself and Raezyr would be missing out on. It wasn't a big deal.
He opened the only file he had on THX 1138 on his datapad. Eiron hadn't given them any insight as to what they may expect there. All he had to go on was the portion of texts that they'd retrieved on Korriban. The standard galactic databases had no real information on the system they were headed to besides the standard map notes, such as location and atmosphere readings. As luck would have it, they did get an entry on the largely anonymous planet. It said "The majority of information on the Sith library of THX 1138 can be found in the texts in the library on THX 1138."
He'd opened that entry 3 times this evening, as though it was somehow going to update and tell him what to expect... not that he'd ever expect that sort of miracle. He hit a few buttons and went back to reading up on every tidbit he could find on Holocrons - Finding Holocrons - Accessing Holocrons - Learning from Holocrons... It was impossible to tell what may come in handy on this trip... so he would try to be prepared.
He hit another button and closed down his datapad, and put it in its usual pocket.
He headed out to find Dianna. There was only so much preparation that he and Raezyr could do before arriving at THX 1138... but they could try to figure out the best course of action for Anya and Tyrrazapon's mission. Dianna had told him she'd put out some feelers and try to find out what she could for them. She should have something by now.
Clearing his mind, he sat down at his desk and got back to his brief brush up on the upcoming mission that they were about to embark on for their Master, Eiron. He wasn't sure how Eiron would react to only two of the four going on this particular mission... but he hadn't given very specific orders, and this was in the best interest of not just the four Sith... but also the mission itself.
He was sure of that. He was less sure if the mission was purely utilitarian in origin, with a need for knowledge and especially holocrons... or if there was some particular lesson that they may all gain from going on the mission. Tyrrazapon and Anya didn't seem concerned with it, so he hadn't brought it up, nor did he plan to. Raezyr and Trychon certainly wouldn't hold back any knowledge or lessons they gained. As for Eiron, it was hard to gauge if he'd ascertain the fact that they split up on his own or if he'd even care.
He kept telling himself that Anya and Tyrrazapon may well get some experience and lessons that himself and Raezyr would be missing out on. It wasn't a big deal.
He opened the only file he had on THX 1138 on his datapad. Eiron hadn't given them any insight as to what they may expect there. All he had to go on was the portion of texts that they'd retrieved on Korriban. The standard galactic databases had no real information on the system they were headed to besides the standard map notes, such as location and atmosphere readings. As luck would have it, they did get an entry on the largely anonymous planet. It said "The majority of information on the Sith library of THX 1138 can be found in the texts in the library on THX 1138."
He'd opened that entry 3 times this evening, as though it was somehow going to update and tell him what to expect... not that he'd ever expect that sort of miracle. He hit a few buttons and went back to reading up on every tidbit he could find on Holocrons - Finding Holocrons - Accessing Holocrons - Learning from Holocrons... It was impossible to tell what may come in handy on this trip... so he would try to be prepared.
He hit another button and closed down his datapad, and put it in its usual pocket.
He headed out to find Dianna. There was only so much preparation that he and Raezyr could do before arriving at THX 1138... but they could try to figure out the best course of action for Anya and Tyrrazapon's mission. Dianna had told him she'd put out some feelers and try to find out what she could for them. She should have something by now.
346. Hoth: King's Lair - Raezyr
Anya smiled wryly. "That's not all. I've also found I can alter colors, and I think that with more practice and study, I can do so much more along these same lines." She closed down the practice blade and held out the silver cylinder for Raezyr to see. He felt her embrace the Force, and watched as the chrome of the hilt suddenly took on a greenish hue.
"It's not much right now, but I'm sure that I can do so much more with it. I think eventually I'll be able to create full illusions." She paused and looked at Raezyr's face, studying his scar. "Maybe I can even teach you how to hide your scar... once I figure out how to do it."
Raezyr straightened up and studied her for a moment. "Most impressive, Anya. Maybe you really can be useful to us."
Anya beamed with pride as she put the lightsaber back into it's place in the box. Years later, she'd come to realize that this was THE moment it had happened, although for now she was just elated that she would be able to contribute to the effort, rather than be carried along. Deep down, despite her successes, she knew that's what had been happening, although she was still loathe to admit it.
Raezyr announced that their session was now finished and while Anya headed for her quarters to change, Raezyr headed for the commons. When he entered he noticed Trychon and Tyrrazapon sitting at a table together, talking over an ale. Raezyr grabbed his own from the refrigeration unit and taking a tankard from a cabinet, joined them.
"Raez and I are too recognizable right now... we can find ways to work that in your favor," Trychon was saying as Raezyr sat down. He was grinning with his usual "I've-got-something-up-my-sleeve" grin.
"I hope it's good, because our faces are sure to be plastered all over the holonet. Hell, if you and I don't have the death sentence in at least two systems right now, I'll give up and go join the Jedi," Raezyr said facetiously.
"It's not much right now, but I'm sure that I can do so much more with it. I think eventually I'll be able to create full illusions." She paused and looked at Raezyr's face, studying his scar. "Maybe I can even teach you how to hide your scar... once I figure out how to do it."
Raezyr straightened up and studied her for a moment. "Most impressive, Anya. Maybe you really can be useful to us."
Anya beamed with pride as she put the lightsaber back into it's place in the box. Years later, she'd come to realize that this was THE moment it had happened, although for now she was just elated that she would be able to contribute to the effort, rather than be carried along. Deep down, despite her successes, she knew that's what had been happening, although she was still loathe to admit it.
Raezyr announced that their session was now finished and while Anya headed for her quarters to change, Raezyr headed for the commons. When he entered he noticed Trychon and Tyrrazapon sitting at a table together, talking over an ale. Raezyr grabbed his own from the refrigeration unit and taking a tankard from a cabinet, joined them.
"Raez and I are too recognizable right now... we can find ways to work that in your favor," Trychon was saying as Raezyr sat down. He was grinning with his usual "I've-got-something-up-my-sleeve" grin.
"I hope it's good, because our faces are sure to be plastered all over the holonet. Hell, if you and I don't have the death sentence in at least two systems right now, I'll give up and go join the Jedi," Raezyr said facetiously.
March 24, 2009
345. Hoth: King's Lair - Raezyr
Raezyr watched intently as Anya's red blade flowed through the sequences. She'd clearly been practicing, but she was still a long way from the level the others were at. Sweat dripped off her nose and strands of her blond hair stuck to her skin as she continued to move. They'd been at it all morning, Raezyr observing as she practiced, occasionally stopping her to change her stance, or her grip, or the angle of her blade.
Raezyr walked over to a small box that he had brought with him early that morning. Reaching inside he removed the two practice lightsabers that he and Trychon had built while on their smuggling mission. He tossed one to Anya and turned on the other one.
He could sense her disappointment and fatigue. It was something she needed to guard herself against. She seemed to let down her defenses when she wasn't actively using them, and it would get her into trouble eventually.
They circled each other for a moment, testing each others stances. Raezyr waited for her to make the first move. She came at him, and he parried her attacks with relative ease, making no offensive moves himself.
It went on like that for some minutes. Anya would attack and Raezyr would parry or sidestep, then wait for her to reset herself.
"Why won't you attack? I need work on defense as well."
Raezyr responded with action. With several quick slashes he disarmed her and struck a blow to her sword arm. She winced and grabbed her arm above her elbow where Raezyr's practice blade had made contact.
He shut down his blade and placed it in back in the box, then reached out his hand and called the other blade to him. It flew across the room into his hand and he placed it in the box as well.
Walking over to Anya, he moved her hand and looked at her arm. "I don't know why you insist on wearing these sleeveless outfits during lightsaber practice." The burn on her arm looked bad enough that he grabbed a pain killing stim. After injecting it he wrapped a bandage around it.
"I don't get you, Raez. One minute you act like a jerk, the next you're all nice. You don't do that to Trych and Tyr. Why me?"
"Because I like you, Anya. You're like a sister, but you're weak."
Raezyr could see her face begin to turn crimson and feel the anger starting to well up. He expected her to try and slap him, but it never came. Surprisingly, when she spoke her voice was calm, despite the fact that she was clearly mad. "I would think by now that I've proven that I can handle myself."
"You have, to a certain extent, but your powers are weak. You need to learn to keep your defenses up, even when you're not concentrating. When actively using your powers, you need to stop thinking so hard and just do it. When you fight, you're thinking about each movement. They need to become instinct, and you have to become an extension of the Force.
"You've done the same studying that everyone else has. You know that we aren't supposed to tolerate weakness. The weak are to be used to serve the strong, and if they can't be used, then they should be destroyed.
"But as I said before, you've become like a sister. The four of us are like a family. We need you, and we need to be able to rely on you. That's why I'm so hard on you. I'm trying to help you become stronger."
"But that's what I'm talking about, Raez," Anya replied, her anger gone. "I know there are things I need to work on, but just because I'm not good with a lightsaber or picking things up, doesn't mean that I'm not strong in other areas. Let me show you what I've been working on since you've been gone."
Walking over to the box with the practice sabers, she opened it up and reached inside. She removed her hand and held her palm out for Raezyr to see. It was empty.
"What's that supposed show me?" Raezyr said. The Force was telling him something was about to happen, but he couldn't pin point what it was.
Suddenly a beam of light appeared in her hand and flashed toward his skull. He dove backward and rolled to his feet. Looking at Anya, he saw that she held one of the ignited practice sabers in her hand.
-------------------------------
Nar Shaddaa: Sith Hunt, Part 1 - Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
Nal and Caecillius spent a few weeks checking around Nar Shaddaa. They frequented cantinas and attended swoop bike races all over the Smuggler's Moon.
At first they tried dropping subtle requests about the raider known as Sand Iago, but had no success. Eventually they began asking outright for the man, trying to find out if anyone had heard of him or seen him. That was no more fruitful than being subtle had been. They began to discuss returning to Coruscant, but neither really wanted to leave without having anything to show for it.
They'd checked with the contact on Korriban several times, but he had noted no activity at the Sith Academy that might indicate anyone had been their since the Sith had fled weeks ago.
They were at a swoop bike race, discussing in low tones what their next move should be when a Rodian approached them. [Are you the ones looking for Sand Iago?] the Rodian said in his native tongue.
Nal glanced at her Miralukan partner before answering. "Yes, dat's us. Do you know where we can find him?"
[Just be at this address tonight at 2300.] The Rodian handed Nal a piece of flimsiplast. Turning, he disappeared into the crowd of race fans.
Nal looked at the flimisplast and noted the address on it, then turned to Caecillius. "What do you tink?"
"I think it's a trap," he responded.
"Me too. Let's spring it and see what happens."
---------------
Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
----------------------------------
Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
"What a gentleman," Nal said, giving Caecillius the big grin for which the Nautolan were famous.
They stepped inside and looked around. Mountains of plasteel crates and bins were stacked inside the enormous warehouse in rows and aisles that turned the place into a giant maze with one main walkway through the middle. Nal wondered how anyone was supposed to find anything with the seemingly random twists and turns that branched off to each side as they walked carefully down the main row.
"Hello? Sand Iago?" Nal called, completely aware that the man wouldn't be there.
"Is anyone here?" Caecillius called, joining in the ruse.
I feel da general location of each gangstah, but where are dey exactly and do you see any weapons? Nal thought to Caecillius.
I see one in the rafters above us with a blaster rifle, there is also one on crates on each side of the main corridor, also with rifles. Two more are hiding just out of eyesight in the bends of the mazes on either side with vibro blades and blaster pistols, and there is the one standing in the shadows at the other end. He's the rodian that told us to come here, I believe, and as before, he just has the one blaster, Caecillius replied in like fashion.
According to the comm traffic, they are all in position, just waiting for the signal... the Rodian will scratch his head with his non-weapon hand, Caecillius added.
"Mistah Rodian! Is anyone here?" Nal called.
Finally the Rodian stepped out where Nal could see him. He stood silently as the Jedi approached, stopping a few meters away.
[Why are you looking for Sand Iago?] the green-skinned alien said in his native language.
"We are looking to hire him for..." Nal started before the Rodian cut her off.
[Bantha Fodder! You have run into dozens of pilots which are his equal or better. Who are you and who are you working for?] the Rodian said forcefully, crossing his arms. Nal and Caecillius noted that his left hand was now just that much nearer to his head.
"You want da truth? We're Jedi. We are on a mission to hunt down da Sith dat were on Coruscant. Sand Iago is our only link to dem at dis time," Nal said, hoping to avoid any blood shed.
[I don't think so. If you don't come up with some good answers soon, you are going to regret it.] The Rodian said, then began to lift his left hand to his head.
"Wait!" Caecillius spoke into the comm he had taken off the guard outside. "If he scratches his head, this is going to get really messy."
The Rodian paused for a moment, as if unsure what to do.
"Who is this? Who are you?" came a whispered voice over the comm.
"I'm the Miralukan Jedi you're about to ambush."
Another voice sounded over the channel. "A Miralukan?"
"Jedi?" responded another voice.
Then the Rodian scratched.
Raezyr walked over to a small box that he had brought with him early that morning. Reaching inside he removed the two practice lightsabers that he and Trychon had built while on their smuggling mission. He tossed one to Anya and turned on the other one.
He could sense her disappointment and fatigue. It was something she needed to guard herself against. She seemed to let down her defenses when she wasn't actively using them, and it would get her into trouble eventually.
They circled each other for a moment, testing each others stances. Raezyr waited for her to make the first move. She came at him, and he parried her attacks with relative ease, making no offensive moves himself.
It went on like that for some minutes. Anya would attack and Raezyr would parry or sidestep, then wait for her to reset herself.
"Why won't you attack? I need work on defense as well."
Raezyr responded with action. With several quick slashes he disarmed her and struck a blow to her sword arm. She winced and grabbed her arm above her elbow where Raezyr's practice blade had made contact.
He shut down his blade and placed it in back in the box, then reached out his hand and called the other blade to him. It flew across the room into his hand and he placed it in the box as well.
Walking over to Anya, he moved her hand and looked at her arm. "I don't know why you insist on wearing these sleeveless outfits during lightsaber practice." The burn on her arm looked bad enough that he grabbed a pain killing stim. After injecting it he wrapped a bandage around it.
"I don't get you, Raez. One minute you act like a jerk, the next you're all nice. You don't do that to Trych and Tyr. Why me?"
"Because I like you, Anya. You're like a sister, but you're weak."
Raezyr could see her face begin to turn crimson and feel the anger starting to well up. He expected her to try and slap him, but it never came. Surprisingly, when she spoke her voice was calm, despite the fact that she was clearly mad. "I would think by now that I've proven that I can handle myself."
"You have, to a certain extent, but your powers are weak. You need to learn to keep your defenses up, even when you're not concentrating. When actively using your powers, you need to stop thinking so hard and just do it. When you fight, you're thinking about each movement. They need to become instinct, and you have to become an extension of the Force.
"You've done the same studying that everyone else has. You know that we aren't supposed to tolerate weakness. The weak are to be used to serve the strong, and if they can't be used, then they should be destroyed.
"But as I said before, you've become like a sister. The four of us are like a family. We need you, and we need to be able to rely on you. That's why I'm so hard on you. I'm trying to help you become stronger."
"But that's what I'm talking about, Raez," Anya replied, her anger gone. "I know there are things I need to work on, but just because I'm not good with a lightsaber or picking things up, doesn't mean that I'm not strong in other areas. Let me show you what I've been working on since you've been gone."
Walking over to the box with the practice sabers, she opened it up and reached inside. She removed her hand and held her palm out for Raezyr to see. It was empty.
"What's that supposed show me?" Raezyr said. The Force was telling him something was about to happen, but he couldn't pin point what it was.
Suddenly a beam of light appeared in her hand and flashed toward his skull. He dove backward and rolled to his feet. Looking at Anya, he saw that she held one of the ignited practice sabers in her hand.
-------------------------------
Nar Shaddaa: Sith Hunt, Part 1 - Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
Nal and Caecillius spent a few weeks checking around Nar Shaddaa. They frequented cantinas and attended swoop bike races all over the Smuggler's Moon.
At first they tried dropping subtle requests about the raider known as Sand Iago, but had no success. Eventually they began asking outright for the man, trying to find out if anyone had heard of him or seen him. That was no more fruitful than being subtle had been. They began to discuss returning to Coruscant, but neither really wanted to leave without having anything to show for it.
They'd checked with the contact on Korriban several times, but he had noted no activity at the Sith Academy that might indicate anyone had been their since the Sith had fled weeks ago.
They were at a swoop bike race, discussing in low tones what their next move should be when a Rodian approached them. [Are you the ones looking for Sand Iago?] the Rodian said in his native tongue.
Nal glanced at her Miralukan partner before answering. "Yes, dat's us. Do you know where we can find him?"
[Just be at this address tonight at 2300.] The Rodian handed Nal a piece of flimsiplast. Turning, he disappeared into the crowd of race fans.
Nal looked at the flimisplast and noted the address on it, then turned to Caecillius. "What do you tink?"
"I think it's a trap," he responded.
"Me too. Let's spring it and see what happens."
---------------
Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
The pair arrived in the general area about thirty minutes early.
"I would guess that they have at least six thugs here to deal with us" Caecillius said "Although I have no doubt of our ability to handle it, I think that it wouldn't hurt to go in with a bit more knowledge."
"What are you tinking?" Nal asked
"Well, I am sure one of them would be willing to spare a com system so we can eavesdrop." Caecillius said with a smile.
"Dey should be in place already." Nal replied.
"Well then, I'll be right back" Caecillius said as he started walking around to the side of the warehouse.
"Wait why do you get to go?" Nal asked, somewhat irritated.
"Because it was my idea, and one person is quieter than two" Caecillius replied, his voice carrying what seemed like an odd combination of force and humor.
"Fine... but next time I go" Nal said stubbornly
Caecillius laughed again and continued, eventually finding a small dark alley behind the warehouse. Reaching out with the force he searched for anyone who might be watching this path. He was surprised to find one who was hiding in a nook in the wall opposite the building, a perfect place to catch someone trying to sneak in.
Using the force Caecillius knocked over a pile of junk stacked up against the warehouse on the far side of the alley, then quickly took cover in the shadows.
"I got something" he heard the guard say over his com before stepping out from his hiding place and briefly checking in Caecillius' direction before moving in the direction of the noise. Using the force to keep his moment silent Caecillius ran to the nook and waited for the guard to return. A few moments later Caecillius was rewarded when the guard activated his com again "Freaked me out there, but it was nothing... yeah I'll keep my eye out.... Look you shut up and do your job and I'll do mine ok?" The guard was heading back now. "Yeah I'm sure he will be very upset... but can we deal with this later... yeah fuck you too"
The guard turned the corner back to his nook and saw Caecillius. "Shit" was all he could say as the Miraluka's fist met his face knocking down. Reacting quickly Caecillius put his weight on the guards neck cutting off the blood flow, and after a few moments knocking him out.
Well... that was fun Caecillius said to Nal through the force as he took the guards weapons and the com, which he then put in his own ear. Just gonna tie this guy up and then we will be good to go using the guards own binders he secured him to the nearest large bin and then walked off, tossing the weapons in another bin on the way back to Nal.
When Caecillius returned he took a deep breath and stretched a little bit.
"Alright, I got what I wanted, I'll keep you updated with what I hear... Ladies first" Caecillius sweeping his arm forward allowing Nal to to walk ahead of him.
"I would guess that they have at least six thugs here to deal with us" Caecillius said "Although I have no doubt of our ability to handle it, I think that it wouldn't hurt to go in with a bit more knowledge."
"What are you tinking?" Nal asked
"Well, I am sure one of them would be willing to spare a com system so we can eavesdrop." Caecillius said with a smile.
"Dey should be in place already." Nal replied.
"Well then, I'll be right back" Caecillius said as he started walking around to the side of the warehouse.
"Wait why do you get to go?" Nal asked, somewhat irritated.
"Because it was my idea, and one person is quieter than two" Caecillius replied, his voice carrying what seemed like an odd combination of force and humor.
"Fine... but next time I go" Nal said stubbornly
Caecillius laughed again and continued, eventually finding a small dark alley behind the warehouse. Reaching out with the force he searched for anyone who might be watching this path. He was surprised to find one who was hiding in a nook in the wall opposite the building, a perfect place to catch someone trying to sneak in.
Using the force Caecillius knocked over a pile of junk stacked up against the warehouse on the far side of the alley, then quickly took cover in the shadows.
"I got something" he heard the guard say over his com before stepping out from his hiding place and briefly checking in Caecillius' direction before moving in the direction of the noise. Using the force to keep his moment silent Caecillius ran to the nook and waited for the guard to return. A few moments later Caecillius was rewarded when the guard activated his com again "Freaked me out there, but it was nothing... yeah I'll keep my eye out.... Look you shut up and do your job and I'll do mine ok?" The guard was heading back now. "Yeah I'm sure he will be very upset... but can we deal with this later... yeah fuck you too"
The guard turned the corner back to his nook and saw Caecillius. "Shit" was all he could say as the Miraluka's fist met his face knocking down. Reacting quickly Caecillius put his weight on the guards neck cutting off the blood flow, and after a few moments knocking him out.
Well... that was fun Caecillius said to Nal through the force as he took the guards weapons and the com, which he then put in his own ear. Just gonna tie this guy up and then we will be good to go using the guards own binders he secured him to the nearest large bin and then walked off, tossing the weapons in another bin on the way back to Nal.
When Caecillius returned he took a deep breath and stretched a little bit.
"Alright, I got what I wanted, I'll keep you updated with what I hear... Ladies first" Caecillius sweeping his arm forward allowing Nal to to walk ahead of him.
----------------------------------
Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
"What a gentleman," Nal said, giving Caecillius the big grin for which the Nautolan were famous.
They stepped inside and looked around. Mountains of plasteel crates and bins were stacked inside the enormous warehouse in rows and aisles that turned the place into a giant maze with one main walkway through the middle. Nal wondered how anyone was supposed to find anything with the seemingly random twists and turns that branched off to each side as they walked carefully down the main row.
"Hello? Sand Iago?" Nal called, completely aware that the man wouldn't be there.
"Is anyone here?" Caecillius called, joining in the ruse.
I feel da general location of each gangstah, but where are dey exactly and do you see any weapons? Nal thought to Caecillius.
I see one in the rafters above us with a blaster rifle, there is also one on crates on each side of the main corridor, also with rifles. Two more are hiding just out of eyesight in the bends of the mazes on either side with vibro blades and blaster pistols, and there is the one standing in the shadows at the other end. He's the rodian that told us to come here, I believe, and as before, he just has the one blaster, Caecillius replied in like fashion.
According to the comm traffic, they are all in position, just waiting for the signal... the Rodian will scratch his head with his non-weapon hand, Caecillius added.
"Mistah Rodian! Is anyone here?" Nal called.
Finally the Rodian stepped out where Nal could see him. He stood silently as the Jedi approached, stopping a few meters away.
[Why are you looking for Sand Iago?] the green-skinned alien said in his native language.
"We are looking to hire him for..." Nal started before the Rodian cut her off.
[Bantha Fodder! You have run into dozens of pilots which are his equal or better. Who are you and who are you working for?] the Rodian said forcefully, crossing his arms. Nal and Caecillius noted that his left hand was now just that much nearer to his head.
"You want da truth? We're Jedi. We are on a mission to hunt down da Sith dat were on Coruscant. Sand Iago is our only link to dem at dis time," Nal said, hoping to avoid any blood shed.
[I don't think so. If you don't come up with some good answers soon, you are going to regret it.] The Rodian said, then began to lift his left hand to his head.
"Wait!" Caecillius spoke into the comm he had taken off the guard outside. "If he scratches his head, this is going to get really messy."
The Rodian paused for a moment, as if unsure what to do.
"Who is this? Who are you?" came a whispered voice over the comm.
"I'm the Miralukan Jedi you're about to ambush."
Another voice sounded over the channel. "A Miralukan?"
"Jedi?" responded another voice.
Then the Rodian scratched.
March 23, 2009
344. Hoth: King's Lair - Trychon
Trychon sat in one of the common rooms by himself the next day, working mindlessly on his datapad. He had to make a few adjustments to a few of his basic slicing programs, or the chances of it getting figured out or blocked were highly increased. Eventually, they may be able to find a particular trend in his methods, but by keeping his programs updated, he made it that much harder in the meantime.
Stuck in isolation from news sources again, they had little choice but to assume what was being broadcast about them, if it wasn't being covered up. It brought back memories of his forest... just sitting there with his datapad, and imagining what might be going on elsewhere. It certainly was better than some of the alternatives though. As far as they knew, the Republic was looking for them... but they were as blind as a Miralukan on Myrkr. It wasn't exactly secret knowledge that there were smugglers on Hoth... but the reason they were there was that even the far reaching arms of the Government and Jedi would avoid the planet if at all possible.
There was probably enough signal around there somewhere that they could get holonews, and Trychon could help set that up and boost it... but that alone would make finding this base easier by tenfolds.
He shrugged off the random thoughts about what he couldn't change, and kept working on his coding. It was hard to really advance the abilities of his datapad when he hadn't encountered any new obstacles yet. He'd already set it up so that the ships he worked with couldn't hide a program from him again, since that nearly cost them dearly. It was a simple trick, but it caught him off guard. He didn't like the feeling.
Something else was bugging him. He couldn't figure out what, until he looked at his chrono. It was nearly halfway through the day. He got up and grabbed a glass and an ale. He sat back down, feeling a bit better. He'd had to go without for a few days at the end of the trip. He wasn't going to forget that either, if he ever came across another Republic cruiser.
Tyrrazapon strolled in casually and sat opposite of Trychon. "Mind if I sit here?"
Trychon smiled at him. "Only in my mind."
Tyrrazapon shrugged the comment off. "Are you sure about this plan? I mean... I understand the basic idea of all of it... Holocrons good, Republic bad... makes sense. Don't get me wrong either... Anya and I get along just fine. I just don't know about splitting up again. Seems like it's just not the best idea."
Trychon set down his datapad and retrieved an extra glass and some more drinks. "Here. I find that this helps." He offered a glass to Tyrrazapon, who took it gleaming. "I'm with you on all of those points. Obviously, together the four of us are stronger than any combination of just two. Really though, we need to try to make sure this doesn't come back to Di and her crew, when they took us in. So we need to distract the Republic. We also need to get those holocrons. We can't possibly allow for the Republic to come across this Sith Library. This is really the only way. You'll be fine."
Tyrrazapon laughed. "I know... I know... but how come you get stuck with Mr. Sunshine?"
Trychon laughed with him. "Well, we have some kind of bond that makes us paired up together a bit stronger. We haven't really figured it out yet... but it is worth planning for a bit... and you and Anya clearly make the most sense for a distraction. Raez and I are too recognizable right now... we can find ways to work that in your favor." He grinned, clearly with something in mind.
Stuck in isolation from news sources again, they had little choice but to assume what was being broadcast about them, if it wasn't being covered up. It brought back memories of his forest... just sitting there with his datapad, and imagining what might be going on elsewhere. It certainly was better than some of the alternatives though. As far as they knew, the Republic was looking for them... but they were as blind as a Miralukan on Myrkr. It wasn't exactly secret knowledge that there were smugglers on Hoth... but the reason they were there was that even the far reaching arms of the Government and Jedi would avoid the planet if at all possible.
There was probably enough signal around there somewhere that they could get holonews, and Trychon could help set that up and boost it... but that alone would make finding this base easier by tenfolds.
He shrugged off the random thoughts about what he couldn't change, and kept working on his coding. It was hard to really advance the abilities of his datapad when he hadn't encountered any new obstacles yet. He'd already set it up so that the ships he worked with couldn't hide a program from him again, since that nearly cost them dearly. It was a simple trick, but it caught him off guard. He didn't like the feeling.
Something else was bugging him. He couldn't figure out what, until he looked at his chrono. It was nearly halfway through the day. He got up and grabbed a glass and an ale. He sat back down, feeling a bit better. He'd had to go without for a few days at the end of the trip. He wasn't going to forget that either, if he ever came across another Republic cruiser.
Tyrrazapon strolled in casually and sat opposite of Trychon. "Mind if I sit here?"
Trychon smiled at him. "Only in my mind."
Tyrrazapon shrugged the comment off. "Are you sure about this plan? I mean... I understand the basic idea of all of it... Holocrons good, Republic bad... makes sense. Don't get me wrong either... Anya and I get along just fine. I just don't know about splitting up again. Seems like it's just not the best idea."
Trychon set down his datapad and retrieved an extra glass and some more drinks. "Here. I find that this helps." He offered a glass to Tyrrazapon, who took it gleaming. "I'm with you on all of those points. Obviously, together the four of us are stronger than any combination of just two. Really though, we need to try to make sure this doesn't come back to Di and her crew, when they took us in. So we need to distract the Republic. We also need to get those holocrons. We can't possibly allow for the Republic to come across this Sith Library. This is really the only way. You'll be fine."
Tyrrazapon laughed. "I know... I know... but how come you get stuck with Mr. Sunshine?"
Trychon laughed with him. "Well, we have some kind of bond that makes us paired up together a bit stronger. We haven't really figured it out yet... but it is worth planning for a bit... and you and Anya clearly make the most sense for a distraction. Raez and I are too recognizable right now... we can find ways to work that in your favor." He grinned, clearly with something in mind.
343. Hoth: King's Lair - Raezyr
Over the next few days, Trychon spent time downloading and sorting through all the information that the Rancor had collected from the Republic cruiser, Unity.
He found some information referring to a highly classified convoy that was scheduled to take place in a few months. He also found that the Hammerhead's facial recognition software had identified him as one of the participants in what was apparently now labeled the "Coruscant Massacre."
Raezyr spent a short period in the kolto tank to speed up what was left of his recovery. He used the time to meditate on the teachings he had been reading, but he was nearly done with the texts he had been able to download before leaving Korriban.
Talking with the other Sith, he found that they were having the same problems. They had already shared what they had, and Tyrrazapon and Anya had already finished their copies. Trychon had started on a second time through the material.
The evening after Trychon had finished sorting through the data that had been dowloaded the four Sith students sat down to discuss their problem.
"We're going to have to go back to Korriban if we want to continue our training," Anya suggested. She knew that was probably suicide. The Republic would, at a minimum, have someone posted there to send an alert once they returned.
Tyrrazpon rolled his eyes. "That's probably not the best idea, Anya."
"Well, what else can we do about it?"
"I do believe that we can kill two mynocks with one bolt, here," Trychon said. "Remember one of the missions that Master Eiron gave to us, the last time we heard from him?"
Raezyr spoke up. "Right! He wanted us to recover some holocrons from an old sith library, right?"
"Exactly." They spent the next few hours discussing a plan of attack before turning in for the night.
He found some information referring to a highly classified convoy that was scheduled to take place in a few months. He also found that the Hammerhead's facial recognition software had identified him as one of the participants in what was apparently now labeled the "Coruscant Massacre."
Raezyr spent a short period in the kolto tank to speed up what was left of his recovery. He used the time to meditate on the teachings he had been reading, but he was nearly done with the texts he had been able to download before leaving Korriban.
Talking with the other Sith, he found that they were having the same problems. They had already shared what they had, and Tyrrazapon and Anya had already finished their copies. Trychon had started on a second time through the material.
The evening after Trychon had finished sorting through the data that had been dowloaded the four Sith students sat down to discuss their problem.
"We're going to have to go back to Korriban if we want to continue our training," Anya suggested. She knew that was probably suicide. The Republic would, at a minimum, have someone posted there to send an alert once they returned.
Tyrrazpon rolled his eyes. "That's probably not the best idea, Anya."
"Well, what else can we do about it?"
"I do believe that we can kill two mynocks with one bolt, here," Trychon said. "Remember one of the missions that Master Eiron gave to us, the last time we heard from him?"
Raezyr spoke up. "Right! He wanted us to recover some holocrons from an old sith library, right?"
"Exactly." They spent the next few hours discussing a plan of attack before turning in for the night.
342. Hoth: King's Lair - Raezyr
They made the several short jumps to hide their tajectory before making the long jump to Hoth and King's Lair.
They spent the time doing the usual: meditating, practicing their forms and finishing up what little ale the Republic had left on board the Rancor. Neither Trychon nor Raezyr were very happy about the fact the Republic had confiscated their supply, but Raezyr did point out that they would have done the same thing if the situation had been reversed.
When they finally came out of hyperspace, the ice blue orb of Hoth seemed like the most welcoming sight they had seen in quite some time. Raezyr felt that it almost felt like home, even though he had never had one that he could remember.
They undocked the S-250 from the light freighter while still in orbit, then took the ships down and landed in the hangar bay of King's Lair where they were met by the entire crew.
Dianna's people had returned from their mission successfully some time ago and were worried about how long it had taken the three to get back. They also seemed highly interested in just how bad Raezyr's injuries were.
After relating the story, leaving out some of the details on Carida, the crew began handing credits over to Tyrrazapon.
"Why are they paying you, Tyr?" Raezyr inquired.
"When you guys became overdue, we knew you must've run into some trouble. So we started a pool on who was going to be injured and how badly. I won." Tyrrazapon was grinning as he put his scooped his winnings up and put them in his pouch.
Raezyr stared at him for a moment before speaking again. "Since you made money off my pain, I think you owe me half."
Tyrrazapon was still grinning. "Yeah, right."
"How about this: You and I spar... right now. You win, you keep your money. I win, I take half." Raezyr proposed.
"That's not fair."
Raezyr grinned at the incredulous look on Tyrrazapon's face. "It is from where I'm sitting."
With a sigh, Tyrrazapon began digging the credits back out. After counting out half, he slid them across the table to Raezyr, grumbling a bit.
Raezyr turned and slid the money over to Bleetz. "Put that toward your next order of ale. The Republic confiscated all of ours."
They spent the time doing the usual: meditating, practicing their forms and finishing up what little ale the Republic had left on board the Rancor. Neither Trychon nor Raezyr were very happy about the fact the Republic had confiscated their supply, but Raezyr did point out that they would have done the same thing if the situation had been reversed.
When they finally came out of hyperspace, the ice blue orb of Hoth seemed like the most welcoming sight they had seen in quite some time. Raezyr felt that it almost felt like home, even though he had never had one that he could remember.
They undocked the S-250 from the light freighter while still in orbit, then took the ships down and landed in the hangar bay of King's Lair where they were met by the entire crew.
Dianna's people had returned from their mission successfully some time ago and were worried about how long it had taken the three to get back. They also seemed highly interested in just how bad Raezyr's injuries were.
After relating the story, leaving out some of the details on Carida, the crew began handing credits over to Tyrrazapon.
"Why are they paying you, Tyr?" Raezyr inquired.
"When you guys became overdue, we knew you must've run into some trouble. So we started a pool on who was going to be injured and how badly. I won." Tyrrazapon was grinning as he put his scooped his winnings up and put them in his pouch.
Raezyr stared at him for a moment before speaking again. "Since you made money off my pain, I think you owe me half."
Tyrrazapon was still grinning. "Yeah, right."
"How about this: You and I spar... right now. You win, you keep your money. I win, I take half." Raezyr proposed.
"That's not fair."
Raezyr grinned at the incredulous look on Tyrrazapon's face. "It is from where I'm sitting."
With a sigh, Tyrrazapon began digging the credits back out. After counting out half, he slid them across the table to Raezyr, grumbling a bit.
Raezyr turned and slid the money over to Bleetz. "Put that toward your next order of ale. The Republic confiscated all of ours."
341. Pirates....... YAR! - Trychon
Trychon felt Raezyr's movements and thoughts in concert with his own. He didn't have enough experience in this sort of battle to make a huge advantage of it... he just used it to make sure that he pointed away from the scuffles that Raezyr was in. It took him a minute to adjust to the speed of the fighters they were facing, but he eventually began to lead them well.
In a matter of minutes, as they left the cruiser behind, the fighters' numbers were cut in half... and a little more again. They seemed to take the hint or become discouraged with the increasing distance between them and their hangars. They weren't receiving any support fire and the cruiser just listed to the side with its thrusters and half the decks' lights off. They headed back to the relative safety and left the fighter and smuggling vessel to escape.
They congratulated each other briefly over the comm, and Trychon left the guns to meet Raezyr after he docked. After they were sure that the damage was minimal and the seal was good, they headed up to the cockpit to get ready for the next leg of their journey.
Dianna gave Raezyr a hug as he entered and then slid into the co-pilot chair to allow Raezyr his normal seat. Trychon sat behind them and turned his chair to put his feet up on the dash. "Looks like you worked Raez over pretty hard there, Dianna..."
"If he wasn't so stubborn..." She quipped back. "Anyway... I've set us a course to get us out of system, then a few small jumps before we head back to the lair. Time to put this hell behind us and then figure out where to go from here. My contacts aren't going to be happy... but they'll be even less happy if I manage to link them to Riv-ars..."
With her last comment, Raezyr hit a button that sent them off into the distance and eventually back to the base on Hoth.
In a matter of minutes, as they left the cruiser behind, the fighters' numbers were cut in half... and a little more again. They seemed to take the hint or become discouraged with the increasing distance between them and their hangars. They weren't receiving any support fire and the cruiser just listed to the side with its thrusters and half the decks' lights off. They headed back to the relative safety and left the fighter and smuggling vessel to escape.
They congratulated each other briefly over the comm, and Trychon left the guns to meet Raezyr after he docked. After they were sure that the damage was minimal and the seal was good, they headed up to the cockpit to get ready for the next leg of their journey.
Dianna gave Raezyr a hug as he entered and then slid into the co-pilot chair to allow Raezyr his normal seat. Trychon sat behind them and turned his chair to put his feet up on the dash. "Looks like you worked Raez over pretty hard there, Dianna..."
"If he wasn't so stubborn..." She quipped back. "Anyway... I've set us a course to get us out of system, then a few small jumps before we head back to the lair. Time to put this hell behind us and then figure out where to go from here. My contacts aren't going to be happy... but they'll be even less happy if I manage to link them to Riv-ars..."
With her last comment, Raezyr hit a button that sent them off into the distance and eventually back to the base on Hoth.
March 22, 2009
340. Pirates....... YAR! - Raezyr
Raezyr stood outside the door and stretched out with his feelings for a moment, making sure there was no one immediately on the other side. The door slid open silently and he stepped in to a kitchen-dining area. There were a few empty tables in the middle of the room with four chairs surrounding each. Cabinets and counters lined the walls along with a sink and two refrigeration units.
He moved quickly across the room and peered down the hallway. There were two doors along the right side and at the end he could see a large room open up. There appeared to be multiple gaming devices such as a billiard table, a dart board, as well as several couches surrounding a holo screen.
A dozen men and women dressed in black flight suits seemed to be gathered around a couple of computer terminals and talking in hushed tones. Raezyr supposed that they were probably trying to figure out what all the alarms were about. Luckily for him, the terminals were on the far wall and they had their backs to the hallway.
Slipping into the corridor he took a few steps to the men's locker room and went in. He looked around quietly for a few minutes, before finding a suitable change of clothes. He stripped down and shoved his bloody and torn fatigues down to the bottom of a laundry hamper before slipping into a black flightsuit matching those worn by the pilots out in the lounge area.
There were also several flight helmets sitting on top of the lockers, and after the third try, he found one that fit and slipped it on. He walked over to the showers and entered one of the stalls, then sat down and waited.
Raezyr began to meditate, letting the Force fill him, and focusing his rage and letting the power flow through his being. He could feel the energy like electricity running through him, looking for an outlet.
Suddenly the klaxon sirens sounded and he felt the consciousness out in the lounge become suddenly alert. Several of the pilots came running into the locker area and he heard the sounds of lockers opening and closing.
"Where's my fraggin' helmet?" Raezyr heard a voice say. "Just go, I'll find it and be right behind you."
Raezyr heard footsteps leaving, then more explicatives as lockers were opened and slammed shut. Stepping out of the shower stall he saw a pilot frantically searching through lockers.
Raezyr walked up behind him and held out the helmet in his left hand. "Looking for this?"
The man jerked around in surprise. He opened his mouth to say something and Raezyr hit him in the chest. When he did he released all of the energy he had built up, concentrating all of it into the end of his fist. He felt the man's chest cavity buckle and watched as the pilot's body flew backward, slamming into the wall and crumpling to the floor.
Raezyr walked over to the man and grabbed his hair. Blood was trickling from his mouth and his breathing was ragged. His eyes rolled around before focusing on the Sith standing in front of him. "What's the tail number of your craft?" Raezyr asked.
"No," the man breathed. Raezyr could hear gurgling noises as the man struggled for air.
He pressed his hand roughly against the pilot's chest and he attempted a scream. Raezyr could feel the fear and pain emanating from the man and he let it flow into him, feeding Force still raging inside of him.
"The tail number. You can end this by giving me the tail number."
"DB50," the pilot said, struggling to get out the words.
Raezyr straightened up and put on the helmet, then lowered the darkened visor.
"Please," the man on the floor wheezed, and reached pleadingly toward Raezyr.
He lashed out with his boot and caught the pilot in the temple, knocking him out cold. He'd be dead soon enough.
Raezyr jogged out of the locker room, through the lounge and exited the door on the other side of the room into a long hallway. Following the schematics that Trychon had showed him he trotted quickly down the long corridor toward the flight deck.
As he got close he could hear the engines of the starfighters winding up even before the last door slid open. The hangar was full of Aurek A-wings, but the one with DB50 painted on the side was an S-250. He strode to it, double checking to make sure his helmet was securely fastened and the visor covered as much of his face as possible.
An astro tech by the ship waved his arm, motioning him to hurry. Raezyr picked up his pace and the tech spoke to him as he approached. "What took you so long? I started your pre-flight..."
He trailed off as he took a second look at Raezyr. "Wait! You're not..."
Raezyr didn't wait for him to finish before striking the man in the throat, crushing his larynx. The tech dropped to his knees clutching his neck with both hands and struggling for breath.
He climbed the ladder and slid into the cockpit. He took just a moment to orient himself with the ships controls before punching up the engines and engaging the repulsor lifts.
The comm in Raezyr's helmet crackled to life. "Falcon Leader this is control. You're late, so you'll have to launch last."
"Copy," was all he said in return, doing his best imitation of the pilot in the locker room. He hoped they wouldn't be able to tell the difference from the one word reply. When he heard nothing in return, he assumed it must have been close enough to pass.
Finally the last of the A-wings began leaving the hangar and he was notified that he was clear for takeoff. He angled the ship around and began his exit from the Unity.
Suddenly a voice came over his comm again. "Falcon Leader, or whoever you are, this is control. You are ordered to return to the Unity." Apparently the astro tech had recovered and alerted someone. Raezyr grinned as he thought about the next part of his plan.
Just before he exited, Raezyr maneuvered his starfighter around to face the Republic cruiser and the open hangar bay. He flipped his weapons selector to the concussion missles and launched two of them into the hangar then spun back around has he did so and punched the throttle to maximum.
He didn't stick around to survey the damage caused, but he knew it'd be significant enough to put the Hammerhead out of commission for quite some time. Now their main concern was the eleven Republic A-wings currently chasing down the escaping pirate ship.
He switched his comm frequency over to the Rancor's channel. "We don't have to worry about that cruiser for now," Raezyr said into the comm. "I'm going to patch you into these fighter's comm channel so you can listen in."
"Glad you made it," Dianna's voice came back. "Now get up here and get these fighters off us!"
He moved quickly across the room and peered down the hallway. There were two doors along the right side and at the end he could see a large room open up. There appeared to be multiple gaming devices such as a billiard table, a dart board, as well as several couches surrounding a holo screen.
A dozen men and women dressed in black flight suits seemed to be gathered around a couple of computer terminals and talking in hushed tones. Raezyr supposed that they were probably trying to figure out what all the alarms were about. Luckily for him, the terminals were on the far wall and they had their backs to the hallway.
Slipping into the corridor he took a few steps to the men's locker room and went in. He looked around quietly for a few minutes, before finding a suitable change of clothes. He stripped down and shoved his bloody and torn fatigues down to the bottom of a laundry hamper before slipping into a black flightsuit matching those worn by the pilots out in the lounge area.
There were also several flight helmets sitting on top of the lockers, and after the third try, he found one that fit and slipped it on. He walked over to the showers and entered one of the stalls, then sat down and waited.
Raezyr began to meditate, letting the Force fill him, and focusing his rage and letting the power flow through his being. He could feel the energy like electricity running through him, looking for an outlet.
Suddenly the klaxon sirens sounded and he felt the consciousness out in the lounge become suddenly alert. Several of the pilots came running into the locker area and he heard the sounds of lockers opening and closing.
"Where's my fraggin' helmet?" Raezyr heard a voice say. "Just go, I'll find it and be right behind you."
Raezyr heard footsteps leaving, then more explicatives as lockers were opened and slammed shut. Stepping out of the shower stall he saw a pilot frantically searching through lockers.
Raezyr walked up behind him and held out the helmet in his left hand. "Looking for this?"
The man jerked around in surprise. He opened his mouth to say something and Raezyr hit him in the chest. When he did he released all of the energy he had built up, concentrating all of it into the end of his fist. He felt the man's chest cavity buckle and watched as the pilot's body flew backward, slamming into the wall and crumpling to the floor.
Raezyr walked over to the man and grabbed his hair. Blood was trickling from his mouth and his breathing was ragged. His eyes rolled around before focusing on the Sith standing in front of him. "What's the tail number of your craft?" Raezyr asked.
"No," the man breathed. Raezyr could hear gurgling noises as the man struggled for air.
He pressed his hand roughly against the pilot's chest and he attempted a scream. Raezyr could feel the fear and pain emanating from the man and he let it flow into him, feeding Force still raging inside of him.
"The tail number. You can end this by giving me the tail number."
"DB50," the pilot said, struggling to get out the words.
Raezyr straightened up and put on the helmet, then lowered the darkened visor.
"Please," the man on the floor wheezed, and reached pleadingly toward Raezyr.
He lashed out with his boot and caught the pilot in the temple, knocking him out cold. He'd be dead soon enough.
Raezyr jogged out of the locker room, through the lounge and exited the door on the other side of the room into a long hallway. Following the schematics that Trychon had showed him he trotted quickly down the long corridor toward the flight deck.
As he got close he could hear the engines of the starfighters winding up even before the last door slid open. The hangar was full of Aurek A-wings, but the one with DB50 painted on the side was an S-250. He strode to it, double checking to make sure his helmet was securely fastened and the visor covered as much of his face as possible.
An astro tech by the ship waved his arm, motioning him to hurry. Raezyr picked up his pace and the tech spoke to him as he approached. "What took you so long? I started your pre-flight..."
He trailed off as he took a second look at Raezyr. "Wait! You're not..."
Raezyr didn't wait for him to finish before striking the man in the throat, crushing his larynx. The tech dropped to his knees clutching his neck with both hands and struggling for breath.
He climbed the ladder and slid into the cockpit. He took just a moment to orient himself with the ships controls before punching up the engines and engaging the repulsor lifts.
The comm in Raezyr's helmet crackled to life. "Falcon Leader this is control. You're late, so you'll have to launch last."
"Copy," was all he said in return, doing his best imitation of the pilot in the locker room. He hoped they wouldn't be able to tell the difference from the one word reply. When he heard nothing in return, he assumed it must have been close enough to pass.
Finally the last of the A-wings began leaving the hangar and he was notified that he was clear for takeoff. He angled the ship around and began his exit from the Unity.
Suddenly a voice came over his comm again. "Falcon Leader, or whoever you are, this is control. You are ordered to return to the Unity." Apparently the astro tech had recovered and alerted someone. Raezyr grinned as he thought about the next part of his plan.
Just before he exited, Raezyr maneuvered his starfighter around to face the Republic cruiser and the open hangar bay. He flipped his weapons selector to the concussion missles and launched two of them into the hangar then spun back around has he did so and punched the throttle to maximum.
He didn't stick around to survey the damage caused, but he knew it'd be significant enough to put the Hammerhead out of commission for quite some time. Now their main concern was the eleven Republic A-wings currently chasing down the escaping pirate ship.
He switched his comm frequency over to the Rancor's channel. "We don't have to worry about that cruiser for now," Raezyr said into the comm. "I'm going to patch you into these fighter's comm channel so you can listen in."
"Glad you made it," Dianna's voice came back. "Now get up here and get these fighters off us!"
March 17, 2009
339. Pirates....... YAR! - Trychon
Trychon grabbed Dianna by the back of her shirt and pulled her a few paces out of the way of the incoming crossfire. They made it by a fraction of a meter.
"Shit." Trychon said, staring at the incoming troops, but still focusing as well on the troops inside the hangar. He thought for a split second about what to do, but could really only think of one way out...
He got up and ran towards the troops running their way in the corridor. He pulled slightly on Dianna once more... not enough to affect her greatly, but just enough that she'd hopefully understand the hint that she needed to follow him. He almost tried to tell her in his mind, but caught the near mistake.
She got up and began firing as he moved forward. He threw his left arm out with the lightsaber as though he was going to hurl the blade at them. As he feinted the attack in a physical form, he attacked through the force, shoving the trooper closest to them. Those that weren't already trying to get out of the way of Dianna's blasts, or one of the handful she'd taken down, tried to maneuver away from Trychon's lightsaber throw. His force push bumped the front trooper into the ones directly behind him, and it was just enough to throw them all off balance and to the metal floor.
It was far from a devastating offensive maneuver... but even the few seconds it may have gained them may be a deciding factor for whether or not they survive the next minute.
He turned and dashed into the hangar to face the troops facing them there between the entrance and the ship. The forces against them were still grouped into a tight formation, and that would play to his strength more than theirs... although they still outnumbered him. They opened fire on him instantly, but with all of their fire coming from the same area, it wasn't too much of a strain on him to block the shots, and he even took one down on a redirected bolt almost instantly.
He felt Dianna catch up behind him, and she was placing a few shots into the group. Another two soldiers went down with direct shots to the torso, and a third fell screaming due to a hole in his thigh. Trychon risked a quick look back at her to get her on board with what had to be done. "I'm going to head into the middle of them. Go around, but don't take too much time. Get on the ship and into a gun." He wanted to explain more, but he taken too much time as it was.
He ran straight at the men facing him, blocking what blasts were on intercept courses as he went. He cut the first enemy right in half as he plunged himself into the middle of a storm of fire, which quickly died down as they found themselves pointing at one another as well when he sliced through another soldier to find the center of their grouping.
Dianna ran to the right of the chaotic battle and haphazardly fired at them as she went. Her shots went high, but two of the soldiers turned to return fire on her side. Trychon felt their attention shift and spun around, raking his saber across their backs as he turned. He grabbed the soldier next nearest to him by the arm and pulled him to the ground as he rolled over his back and under the blaster fire, shoving his blade through the man as he landed on his feet.
His gamble had been about as successful as he could have hoped for, but he was out of time. Weapons were starting to pour in from the entryway, and having one of the soldiers in between was the only thing that kept him from being overwhelmed on the spot.
Dianna was nearly to the ramp, which descended when his datapad got within the programmed proximity. The ship was already coming out of sensor hibernation, and hopefully ready to help them fight back. Trychon turned his back to the incoming troops, and took off after Dianna as fast as he could. He immediately felt a sense of danger flare up behind him, and was bracing for the death was sure to meet him as he didn't have time to react. Instead, he saw a bolt fly past him and hit Dianna squarely in her back. She screamed as she took one step onto the ramp and collapsed. Trychon looked on in shock as he saw her fall.
He turned around and felt the anger rise up in him. He looked straight at the trooper who had fired the shot, and he yelled as he shot both of his arms out at him, and let free his barely controlled emotions. The three remaining soldiers in the middle of the hanger went flying back several meters, their weapons torn from their grips.
Not stopping to think about what he'd just managed, he turned and grabbed Dianna, pulling her up the last few steps into the Rancor, allowing the ramp to close behind him. He let go of her, and felt his legs buckle from underneath. He looked at Dianna and saw her make a face of lingering pain back at him.
"Thank the Force for energy shields. Never leave confinement without one..." She groaned.
Trychon pulled himself to his feet and headed for the gun array. "Get this ship airborne and out of the hangar! It should let us out!"
Dianna didn't take the time to question whether or not he was right on that last point, and she took to the cockpit as fast as she could manage.
Without taking any time to settle into the gunner's seat, Trychon let the ship unleash the rest of his fury on the remaining squad.
"Shit." Trychon said, staring at the incoming troops, but still focusing as well on the troops inside the hangar. He thought for a split second about what to do, but could really only think of one way out...
He got up and ran towards the troops running their way in the corridor. He pulled slightly on Dianna once more... not enough to affect her greatly, but just enough that she'd hopefully understand the hint that she needed to follow him. He almost tried to tell her in his mind, but caught the near mistake.
She got up and began firing as he moved forward. He threw his left arm out with the lightsaber as though he was going to hurl the blade at them. As he feinted the attack in a physical form, he attacked through the force, shoving the trooper closest to them. Those that weren't already trying to get out of the way of Dianna's blasts, or one of the handful she'd taken down, tried to maneuver away from Trychon's lightsaber throw. His force push bumped the front trooper into the ones directly behind him, and it was just enough to throw them all off balance and to the metal floor.
It was far from a devastating offensive maneuver... but even the few seconds it may have gained them may be a deciding factor for whether or not they survive the next minute.
He turned and dashed into the hangar to face the troops facing them there between the entrance and the ship. The forces against them were still grouped into a tight formation, and that would play to his strength more than theirs... although they still outnumbered him. They opened fire on him instantly, but with all of their fire coming from the same area, it wasn't too much of a strain on him to block the shots, and he even took one down on a redirected bolt almost instantly.
He felt Dianna catch up behind him, and she was placing a few shots into the group. Another two soldiers went down with direct shots to the torso, and a third fell screaming due to a hole in his thigh. Trychon risked a quick look back at her to get her on board with what had to be done. "I'm going to head into the middle of them. Go around, but don't take too much time. Get on the ship and into a gun." He wanted to explain more, but he taken too much time as it was.
He ran straight at the men facing him, blocking what blasts were on intercept courses as he went. He cut the first enemy right in half as he plunged himself into the middle of a storm of fire, which quickly died down as they found themselves pointing at one another as well when he sliced through another soldier to find the center of their grouping.
Dianna ran to the right of the chaotic battle and haphazardly fired at them as she went. Her shots went high, but two of the soldiers turned to return fire on her side. Trychon felt their attention shift and spun around, raking his saber across their backs as he turned. He grabbed the soldier next nearest to him by the arm and pulled him to the ground as he rolled over his back and under the blaster fire, shoving his blade through the man as he landed on his feet.
His gamble had been about as successful as he could have hoped for, but he was out of time. Weapons were starting to pour in from the entryway, and having one of the soldiers in between was the only thing that kept him from being overwhelmed on the spot.
Dianna was nearly to the ramp, which descended when his datapad got within the programmed proximity. The ship was already coming out of sensor hibernation, and hopefully ready to help them fight back. Trychon turned his back to the incoming troops, and took off after Dianna as fast as he could. He immediately felt a sense of danger flare up behind him, and was bracing for the death was sure to meet him as he didn't have time to react. Instead, he saw a bolt fly past him and hit Dianna squarely in her back. She screamed as she took one step onto the ramp and collapsed. Trychon looked on in shock as he saw her fall.
He turned around and felt the anger rise up in him. He looked straight at the trooper who had fired the shot, and he yelled as he shot both of his arms out at him, and let free his barely controlled emotions. The three remaining soldiers in the middle of the hanger went flying back several meters, their weapons torn from their grips.
Not stopping to think about what he'd just managed, he turned and grabbed Dianna, pulling her up the last few steps into the Rancor, allowing the ramp to close behind him. He let go of her, and felt his legs buckle from underneath. He looked at Dianna and saw her make a face of lingering pain back at him.
"Thank the Force for energy shields. Never leave confinement without one..." She groaned.
Trychon pulled himself to his feet and headed for the gun array. "Get this ship airborne and out of the hangar! It should let us out!"
Dianna didn't take the time to question whether or not he was right on that last point, and she took to the cockpit as fast as she could manage.
Without taking any time to settle into the gunner's seat, Trychon let the ship unleash the rest of his fury on the remaining squad.
338. Pirates....... YAR! - Raezyr
After a brief conference, they moved quickly down the hall.
"Why aren't we meeting any more resistance?" Dianna asked.
Trychon grinned and patted the data pad in his pocket. "I set up several alarms all over the ship. They think they have fires and explosions on several decks. It won't take them long to figure out what's happening, but it should buy us some extra time."
"Nice work, Trych," Dianna said.
She leaned up against the wall as they came to an intersection. Pistol raised, she glanced around the corner. "It's clear," she said to the other two who were pressed up against the wall behind her.
Trychon nudged Raezyr and pointed down one of the halls. "This is where we part, my friend. The fighter pilot's ready lounge is two halls down to the right, then seven doors down on the left. Dianna and I need to go the other way."
Raezyr and Trychon clasped each others wrists. "May the Force serve you well, Raez."
"You too, Trych."
Dianna stepped up to Raezyr and kissed him lightly on the cheek. He cocked his head slightly in surprise.
"For luck," she explained.
Raezyr took off jogging down the hall toward his destination.
"I guess it's just you and me," Trychon said to Dianna as they watched Raezyr disappear into another corridor.
"Let's go," she said and ducked around the corner in a crouching run. Trychon followed right behind.
Right in front of them several Republic troops came running around the corner. Startled, it took them a moment to react, diving to the sides of the corridor and back around the corner as Dianna began firing into the group.
Still in motion, she dropped to her knees and slid over to a nearby door, using the jamb as slight cover.
Trychon flicked on his light saber and moved forward as the Reps began to return Dianna's fire. He found it much easier to move in as he re-directed the blaster bolts. The troopers had to keep under more cover and were shooting less accurately as Dianna's shots helped to pin them down.
She had taken two of the marines down by the time Trychon waded in amongst them, and within seconds he dispatched the rest.
"I don't even think they had time to report us," Trychon said as they ran down the hall.
Just as they reached to doors to the hanger which housed the Wasted Rancor, they heard distant sounds of feet pounding on the durasteel flooring, and turned to look.
An entire squad of Republic troops had rounded the corner about 50 meters away and were running toward them. "I think they figured out the false alarms," Trychon noted.
One of the lead troopers noticed them about to enter they hangar and pointed as he ran. "There they are! Blast 'em!"
Dianna began firing as Trychon triggered the door and ignited his black-bladed laser sword once again. He furiously deflected the incoming blaster fire as the large doors opened revealing their ship... and another dozen troops waiting for them inside.
"Why aren't we meeting any more resistance?" Dianna asked.
Trychon grinned and patted the data pad in his pocket. "I set up several alarms all over the ship. They think they have fires and explosions on several decks. It won't take them long to figure out what's happening, but it should buy us some extra time."
"Nice work, Trych," Dianna said.
She leaned up against the wall as they came to an intersection. Pistol raised, she glanced around the corner. "It's clear," she said to the other two who were pressed up against the wall behind her.
Trychon nudged Raezyr and pointed down one of the halls. "This is where we part, my friend. The fighter pilot's ready lounge is two halls down to the right, then seven doors down on the left. Dianna and I need to go the other way."
Raezyr and Trychon clasped each others wrists. "May the Force serve you well, Raez."
"You too, Trych."
Dianna stepped up to Raezyr and kissed him lightly on the cheek. He cocked his head slightly in surprise.
"For luck," she explained.
Raezyr took off jogging down the hall toward his destination.
"I guess it's just you and me," Trychon said to Dianna as they watched Raezyr disappear into another corridor.
"Let's go," she said and ducked around the corner in a crouching run. Trychon followed right behind.
Right in front of them several Republic troops came running around the corner. Startled, it took them a moment to react, diving to the sides of the corridor and back around the corner as Dianna began firing into the group.
Still in motion, she dropped to her knees and slid over to a nearby door, using the jamb as slight cover.
Trychon flicked on his light saber and moved forward as the Reps began to return Dianna's fire. He found it much easier to move in as he re-directed the blaster bolts. The troopers had to keep under more cover and were shooting less accurately as Dianna's shots helped to pin them down.
She had taken two of the marines down by the time Trychon waded in amongst them, and within seconds he dispatched the rest.
"I don't even think they had time to report us," Trychon said as they ran down the hall.
Just as they reached to doors to the hanger which housed the Wasted Rancor, they heard distant sounds of feet pounding on the durasteel flooring, and turned to look.
An entire squad of Republic troops had rounded the corner about 50 meters away and were running toward them. "I think they figured out the false alarms," Trychon noted.
One of the lead troopers noticed them about to enter they hangar and pointed as he ran. "There they are! Blast 'em!"
Dianna began firing as Trychon triggered the door and ignited his black-bladed laser sword once again. He furiously deflected the incoming blaster fire as the large doors opened revealing their ship... and another dozen troops waiting for them inside.
337. Pirates....... YAR! - Trychon
Raezyr walked back to where Trychon was standing, waiting for him. He got to Trychon and they both started to jog down the direction that Trychon indicated.
"Hold on a minute." Dianna said impatiently. They stopped and turned to look at her. She was rummaging through Trychon's bag. She pulled out a stim from the small medical bag. "This will help you keep from getting worn down."
"I don't need that." He frowned. "I'm pulling enough from my anger right now. I'll make it ok."
"Well, it certainly won't hurt, either." She said, walking up to him and injecting him in the arm.
"Ow. That hurt..." He responded with his best imitation of Trychon's lopsided grin.
Trychon snickered.
She stood up and grabbed the bag. "I don't suppose you noticed if they already offloaded our cargo, Trychon?"
He looked at her, a bit surprised. "Honestly? I didn't even think the chances warranted a check."
"I'm gonna kill that little bitch, Riv-ars." She grumbled.
"Well, we don't have to leave empty handed." Raezyr shrugged.
"He's right. We're just standing around. If we're gonna be taking our time, we may as well make use of it... with permission, of course" Trychon added with a wink.
"Are you guys insane?" Was all she could think to respond with.
"Yes. Also, I think I have just the cargo in mind. How are you feeling, Raezyr?" Trychon asked as he put a hand on Raezyr's shoulder.
"He's beaten half way to a month in a tank!" Dianna nearly yelled, giving up on keeping her voice down.
"I'm good. What do you have, Trych?" Raezyr smiled in anticipation.
"Hold on a minute." Dianna said impatiently. They stopped and turned to look at her. She was rummaging through Trychon's bag. She pulled out a stim from the small medical bag. "This will help you keep from getting worn down."
"I don't need that." He frowned. "I'm pulling enough from my anger right now. I'll make it ok."
"Well, it certainly won't hurt, either." She said, walking up to him and injecting him in the arm.
"Ow. That hurt..." He responded with his best imitation of Trychon's lopsided grin.
Trychon snickered.
She stood up and grabbed the bag. "I don't suppose you noticed if they already offloaded our cargo, Trychon?"
He looked at her, a bit surprised. "Honestly? I didn't even think the chances warranted a check."
"I'm gonna kill that little bitch, Riv-ars." She grumbled.
"Well, we don't have to leave empty handed." Raezyr shrugged.
"He's right. We're just standing around. If we're gonna be taking our time, we may as well make use of it... with permission, of course" Trychon added with a wink.
"Are you guys insane?" Was all she could think to respond with.
"Yes. Also, I think I have just the cargo in mind. How are you feeling, Raezyr?" Trychon asked as he put a hand on Raezyr's shoulder.
"He's beaten half way to a month in a tank!" Dianna nearly yelled, giving up on keeping her voice down.
"I'm good. What do you have, Trych?" Raezyr smiled in anticipation.
336. Pirates....... YAR! - Raezyr
"They'll be coming for my interrogation soon," Dianna said looking over at Raezyr. She sat against the wall, knees up in front of her.
Raezyr didn't respond. He had sat down about ten minutes earlier and begun to meditate. Suddenly he stood up and she noticed that he winced when he did so. She'd found a new respect for the man, realizing that here just might be the real deal. A man who walked what he talked.
Raezyr looked down at Dianna. "The time has come."
She stood up just as an explosion rocked the outer room. The concussion reverberated throughout the cell. The door slid open, smoke rolled in and Raezyr disappeared into it blacked out room. She watched as red and blue beams of light appeared in the smoke and darkness beyond.
Raezyr could sense the six guards trying to rouse themselves, and sensed the alarm and disorientation coming from them. Rage poured through him as he waded through the dark, smoke filled room. His lightsabers lashed out, bringing death and pain to the guards still trying to assess what was happening.
He could hear blaster fire coming from outside the guard room and the hum of Trychon's lightsaber. He removed the head from the last guard and went back to get Dianna.
She heard the sounds of men dying and blaster fire and the crackle of the energy blades weilded by her companions. Suddenly a figure loomed through the smoke in the door way. She started to step back when Raezyr emerged.
He reached out an empty hand to her, the blood red blade still gleaming in his right hand. "Let's go."
She took his hand and followed him through the smoke and blackness toward the lit portal on the other side of the room. He stopped her at the doorway and let go of her hand. Re-igniting his blue blade, he stepped out into the hallway and joined Trychon as the red darts flew all around.
As Raezyr took over deflecting the blades, Trychon stopped to hand his bag to her. Inside she found her blaster and some spare cartridges, along with some personal energy shields. She slapped one of the shields onto her forearm and turned it on, then grabbed her blaster, took cover in the doorway and began to add her own green blaster fire to the mix.
Raezyr saw that Trychon had already taken out several of the troopers, and began striding toward the few that remained, blocking blaster fire as he moved. Suddenly he threw his blue blade forward, guiding it with the Force. It glided through the air and took an arm from one trooper and sliced through the torso of another and caused the remaining troopers to dive out of the way.
In one Force aided dive he was on the last of them, his red blade moving through the bodies as if it had a mind of it's own. He came to his feet and called his blue saber back to him, then continued striding down the corridor. The light from his blades illuminated his blood covered face and clothes making him look like something from a horror holo-flick.
Trychon cleared his throat. "Um... You're going the wrong way, Raez."
---------------------------------------
Nar Shaddaa: Sith Hunt, Part 1 : Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
After sitting for far too long in the cramped starfighter cockpit for the better part of two weeks Caecilius was relived when he finally exited hyperspace at Nar Shaddaa. Looking over he also saw Nal's fighter exiting hyperspace.
Opening up the com Caecilius said "I have got to get myself a real ship for this stuff... even while meditating that takes too long..."
"Yeah..." Nal replied
"Well, I guess we should get to it then." Caecilius said as the two fighters moved into Nar Shaddaa's space.
Nal fliped a switch on her comm panel and spoke into her headset, "Nar Shaddaa Contol, dis is Republic ships Firaxa 1 and Skiv, inbound."
"This is Nar Shaddaa Port Authority, we have you on our screen Skiv and Firaxa 1, go ahead."
"Request permission to land," Nal asked.
"Do you have an approach vector preference?" the controller responded.
"Dat's negative, aldough we would like to share a landing bay."
"Copy that, transmitting vector and landing bay assignment now. Welcome to Nar Shaddaa." The controllers voice didn't convey the nicety. He probably said it a hundred times every shift.
Caecilius touched down a few moments after Nal did. Getting out of his ship he stretched before going over to her.
"I don't want to sit down for at least a day now" He said with a laugh
Nal simply nodded in agreement
----------------------------------------
Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
They gathered their gear from the storage compartments of their respective ships, then secured the starfighters before exiting the landing bay.
The security at these landing bays was usually pretty good, as smugglers and pirates rarely trusted one another, but then again, for the right price a guard could be bought. They took a few extra moments to make sure the entrance to the bay was secure before heading out, just in case.
Nar Shaddaa, or the Smuggler's moon as it was more commonly called, was reminiscent of Coruscant in the fact that the city spread all over the surface, but unlike Coruscant, where only the lower levels were dangerous, Nar Shaddaa was rife with crime and filth throughout.
They quickly found lodging that was secure enough for them and sat down to come up with a plan of action.
Raezyr didn't respond. He had sat down about ten minutes earlier and begun to meditate. Suddenly he stood up and she noticed that he winced when he did so. She'd found a new respect for the man, realizing that here just might be the real deal. A man who walked what he talked.
Raezyr looked down at Dianna. "The time has come."
She stood up just as an explosion rocked the outer room. The concussion reverberated throughout the cell. The door slid open, smoke rolled in and Raezyr disappeared into it blacked out room. She watched as red and blue beams of light appeared in the smoke and darkness beyond.
Raezyr could sense the six guards trying to rouse themselves, and sensed the alarm and disorientation coming from them. Rage poured through him as he waded through the dark, smoke filled room. His lightsabers lashed out, bringing death and pain to the guards still trying to assess what was happening.
He could hear blaster fire coming from outside the guard room and the hum of Trychon's lightsaber. He removed the head from the last guard and went back to get Dianna.
She heard the sounds of men dying and blaster fire and the crackle of the energy blades weilded by her companions. Suddenly a figure loomed through the smoke in the door way. She started to step back when Raezyr emerged.
He reached out an empty hand to her, the blood red blade still gleaming in his right hand. "Let's go."
She took his hand and followed him through the smoke and blackness toward the lit portal on the other side of the room. He stopped her at the doorway and let go of her hand. Re-igniting his blue blade, he stepped out into the hallway and joined Trychon as the red darts flew all around.
As Raezyr took over deflecting the blades, Trychon stopped to hand his bag to her. Inside she found her blaster and some spare cartridges, along with some personal energy shields. She slapped one of the shields onto her forearm and turned it on, then grabbed her blaster, took cover in the doorway and began to add her own green blaster fire to the mix.
Raezyr saw that Trychon had already taken out several of the troopers, and began striding toward the few that remained, blocking blaster fire as he moved. Suddenly he threw his blue blade forward, guiding it with the Force. It glided through the air and took an arm from one trooper and sliced through the torso of another and caused the remaining troopers to dive out of the way.
In one Force aided dive he was on the last of them, his red blade moving through the bodies as if it had a mind of it's own. He came to his feet and called his blue saber back to him, then continued striding down the corridor. The light from his blades illuminated his blood covered face and clothes making him look like something from a horror holo-flick.
Trychon cleared his throat. "Um... You're going the wrong way, Raez."
---------------------------------------
Nar Shaddaa: Sith Hunt, Part 1 : Jedi Caecillius Kostek - Mirk
After sitting for far too long in the cramped starfighter cockpit for the better part of two weeks Caecilius was relived when he finally exited hyperspace at Nar Shaddaa. Looking over he also saw Nal's fighter exiting hyperspace.
Opening up the com Caecilius said "I have got to get myself a real ship for this stuff... even while meditating that takes too long..."
"Yeah..." Nal replied
"Well, I guess we should get to it then." Caecilius said as the two fighters moved into Nar Shaddaa's space.
Nal fliped a switch on her comm panel and spoke into her headset, "Nar Shaddaa Contol, dis is Republic ships Firaxa 1 and Skiv, inbound."
"This is Nar Shaddaa Port Authority, we have you on our screen Skiv and Firaxa 1, go ahead."
"Request permission to land," Nal asked.
"Do you have an approach vector preference?" the controller responded.
"Dat's negative, aldough we would like to share a landing bay."
"Copy that, transmitting vector and landing bay assignment now. Welcome to Nar Shaddaa." The controllers voice didn't convey the nicety. He probably said it a hundred times every shift.
Caecilius touched down a few moments after Nal did. Getting out of his ship he stretched before going over to her.
"I don't want to sit down for at least a day now" He said with a laugh
Nal simply nodded in agreement
----------------------------------------
Jedi Nal Talla - Raezyr
They gathered their gear from the storage compartments of their respective ships, then secured the starfighters before exiting the landing bay.
The security at these landing bays was usually pretty good, as smugglers and pirates rarely trusted one another, but then again, for the right price a guard could be bought. They took a few extra moments to make sure the entrance to the bay was secure before heading out, just in case.
Nar Shaddaa, or the Smuggler's moon as it was more commonly called, was reminiscent of Coruscant in the fact that the city spread all over the surface, but unlike Coruscant, where only the lower levels were dangerous, Nar Shaddaa was rife with crime and filth throughout.
They quickly found lodging that was secure enough for them and sat down to come up with a plan of action.
335. Pirates....... YAR! - Trychon
From one look at the diagram of the ship, Trychon basically knew which way to head. There wasn't any real direction that was going to be completely empty the entire way, but overall, the ship seemed to be rather... empty. His luck wouldn't carry him forever though.
He made his way down the corridor.
-----------------
He seemed to be right so far, it was the 'night' shift for the crew it seemed. He'd walked past a few people, but he did his best to look as though he was minding his own business, and they seemed tired enough to believe it. Probably a good thing he had his lightsaber in the bag, but he felt nearly naked without it. He opened up the top of the bag and made sure his weapon was right on top, so he could just reach in and grab it... he kept the bag closed enough that nobody should notice.
He was starting to get into a rhythm and was halfway there, when his guard began to slip. He was surprised when the door to his left opened. Surprised enough that he could feel that he wasn't going to be able to explain the reaction. This man was dressed in a Lieutenant's uniform, and seemed ready to ask questions.
Trychon spun around in a complete one hundred eighty degree turn and stretched out his right hand to force shove the man back inside his room while his left reached into his bag for his trusty blade.
He followed the tumbling man into the room and shut the door.
He made short work of the man, with a kick and a swing of the blade. He was about to leave when his eye caught on an object on the table off to the side of the door.
A black military cap. Hmmm... cool hat... should match my black fatigues well...
He took the hat and put it on, exiting the room and headed down the corridor again. He got a few more odd looks, but no trouble. Full disguises are overated...
Before long, he was right outside the room he knew Raezyr and Dianna to be in. He could feel Raezyr building something up... but he didn't worry about it. He was sure that he felt Raezyr notice him as well.
He pulled out the datapad and got to work.
-----------------
The guard by the computer console noticed a light blinking, and it had never done that before. "Hey, John... check this out..."
Another guard walked over, and the man he was talking to couldn't help but follow him. The three of them stared at the light. The one who responded to the name John spoke next. "Well, I'll be darned. Don't know what that is. Do you think that we should..."
Then the console overloaded. Sending the three men back into the bulkhead, crushing bones from both the explosion and the immediate impact after it. The other 6 guards were all thrown off their feet, but none suffered any major injury.
----------------
Trychon peered under the bill of his cap and at the door as he heard the explosion. Another few buttons on his datapad, the door slid open and the lights overloaded. Hopefully, Raezyr's cell also opened at the same time. He could feel Raezyr's reaction to the open door. He glanced into the room. It had worked as well as he could have hoped.... three down. He reached into the bag hanging from his shoulder and grabbed the two lightsaber hilts that he had brought for his friend. He dropped the bag, ignited his own blade, ready to spring into action in just a moment.
Then he threw the two spare weapons through the smoke.
Catch.
He made his way down the corridor.
-----------------
He seemed to be right so far, it was the 'night' shift for the crew it seemed. He'd walked past a few people, but he did his best to look as though he was minding his own business, and they seemed tired enough to believe it. Probably a good thing he had his lightsaber in the bag, but he felt nearly naked without it. He opened up the top of the bag and made sure his weapon was right on top, so he could just reach in and grab it... he kept the bag closed enough that nobody should notice.
He was starting to get into a rhythm and was halfway there, when his guard began to slip. He was surprised when the door to his left opened. Surprised enough that he could feel that he wasn't going to be able to explain the reaction. This man was dressed in a Lieutenant's uniform, and seemed ready to ask questions.
Trychon spun around in a complete one hundred eighty degree turn and stretched out his right hand to force shove the man back inside his room while his left reached into his bag for his trusty blade.
He followed the tumbling man into the room and shut the door.
He made short work of the man, with a kick and a swing of the blade. He was about to leave when his eye caught on an object on the table off to the side of the door.
A black military cap. Hmmm... cool hat... should match my black fatigues well...
He took the hat and put it on, exiting the room and headed down the corridor again. He got a few more odd looks, but no trouble. Full disguises are overated...
Before long, he was right outside the room he knew Raezyr and Dianna to be in. He could feel Raezyr building something up... but he didn't worry about it. He was sure that he felt Raezyr notice him as well.
He pulled out the datapad and got to work.
-----------------
The guard by the computer console noticed a light blinking, and it had never done that before. "Hey, John... check this out..."
Another guard walked over, and the man he was talking to couldn't help but follow him. The three of them stared at the light. The one who responded to the name John spoke next. "Well, I'll be darned. Don't know what that is. Do you think that we should..."
Then the console overloaded. Sending the three men back into the bulkhead, crushing bones from both the explosion and the immediate impact after it. The other 6 guards were all thrown off their feet, but none suffered any major injury.
----------------
Trychon peered under the bill of his cap and at the door as he heard the explosion. Another few buttons on his datapad, the door slid open and the lights overloaded. Hopefully, Raezyr's cell also opened at the same time. He could feel Raezyr's reaction to the open door. He glanced into the room. It had worked as well as he could have hoped.... three down. He reached into the bag hanging from his shoulder and grabbed the two lightsaber hilts that he had brought for his friend. He dropped the bag, ignited his own blade, ready to spring into action in just a moment.
Then he threw the two spare weapons through the smoke.
Catch.
334. Pirates....... YAR! - Raezyr
Dianna heard the sound of footsteps outside the cell. Raezyr had been gone a long time, hours it seemed, but without any chronos around, it was hard to tell.
The door opened and the guards flung him onto the floor and then closed the door again. He struggled to get to his knees and Dianna could see the blood dripping from his face. She knelt down and helped him into a sitting position.
She barely recognized him. His right was swollen shut, the blood running from the cut above it would have blinded him even if it hadn't been swollen. His left eye was swollen up as well, although not closed and there was another cut on his left cheekbone. His nose was broken and blood ran from his nostrils as well as another gash on the bridge. He looked up at Dianna and grinned through his swollen and bloody lips, showing two missing teeth and a mouth full of blood.
"Oh my, what did those sick bastards do to you?" she said, ripping the sleeve from Raezyr's shirt to and tried to staunch the blood flow. She noticed that his arm was already turning black and blue as well.
Raezyr turned his head and spat blood on the floor. "Don't worry about me. My plan is working perfectly. I wore them out with my face." He started to chuckle, but began to cough instead and had to spit more blood.
"I think I did this to myself mostly. The more I laughed and taunted them, the harder they hit me. The best part though, was listening to them getting yelled at for 'taking it too far.' They drug me back here after that." He grinned at her through the bloody mask.
"How can you be smiling right now?"
"Well it's difficult really. And painful. But it beats laughing. I think they broke most of my ribs, so smiling really is my only option." He grinned.
"Raez, you know what I mean," Dianna said as she dabbed at his cuts. She had seen tougher men squirm and cry after lesser beatings than Raezyr had just taken. "You're normally angry all the time."
"Oh, I'm saving my anger for a special occasion, and unless I miss my guess, that party should be starting very shortly." Raezyr pushed himself up to a standing position.
It took her a moment to realize that he meant Trychon must be on his way, or nearby, but she continued as if she hadn't noticed. "Should you be standing up right now?"
"I don't want the bruising on my legs to cause them to stiffen up." He grinned at her again, but this time she could almost feel the malice emanating from within him.
The door opened and the guards flung him onto the floor and then closed the door again. He struggled to get to his knees and Dianna could see the blood dripping from his face. She knelt down and helped him into a sitting position.
She barely recognized him. His right was swollen shut, the blood running from the cut above it would have blinded him even if it hadn't been swollen. His left eye was swollen up as well, although not closed and there was another cut on his left cheekbone. His nose was broken and blood ran from his nostrils as well as another gash on the bridge. He looked up at Dianna and grinned through his swollen and bloody lips, showing two missing teeth and a mouth full of blood.
"Oh my, what did those sick bastards do to you?" she said, ripping the sleeve from Raezyr's shirt to and tried to staunch the blood flow. She noticed that his arm was already turning black and blue as well.
Raezyr turned his head and spat blood on the floor. "Don't worry about me. My plan is working perfectly. I wore them out with my face." He started to chuckle, but began to cough instead and had to spit more blood.
"I think I did this to myself mostly. The more I laughed and taunted them, the harder they hit me. The best part though, was listening to them getting yelled at for 'taking it too far.' They drug me back here after that." He grinned at her through the bloody mask.
"How can you be smiling right now?"
"Well it's difficult really. And painful. But it beats laughing. I think they broke most of my ribs, so smiling really is my only option." He grinned.
"Raez, you know what I mean," Dianna said as she dabbed at his cuts. She had seen tougher men squirm and cry after lesser beatings than Raezyr had just taken. "You're normally angry all the time."
"Oh, I'm saving my anger for a special occasion, and unless I miss my guess, that party should be starting very shortly." Raezyr pushed himself up to a standing position.
It took her a moment to realize that he meant Trychon must be on his way, or nearby, but she continued as if she hadn't noticed. "Should you be standing up right now?"
"I don't want the bruising on my legs to cause them to stiffen up." He grinned at her again, but this time she could almost feel the malice emanating from within him.
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