July 29, 2011

707. Like Womprats in a Cage - Trychon

Tyr felt the Force around him flex as his supposed 'grandfather' began moving a pair of cuffs from the corner of the room towards him.  He reached out in the Force to block the maneuver, only to find that he could not budge the cuffs at all, and they were rapidly approaching his arms.

He kicked off from the floor, to push away from the table and jump out of his chair, so he could not be cuffed down to anything, but was completely unable to move.  His eyes widened as he felt himself helpless.  He'd been around a number of Jedi and Sith since he was reawakened to the Force, but he'd never been trapped like this.  Trychon with his Force amplifying gem wasn't this powerful.  Perhaps Eiron or the Jedi Masters he'd fought had been... but this was a very disconcerting turn of events.

As the cuffs floated into position and secured him to his chair, Tyr could not move but to stare into the eyes of the Jedi Master, who was exerting no effort that he could discern.

He took a few steps closer and raised his hands towards Tyr's head.  "I'm sorry it came down to this, Tyr."

Streaks of blue light leapt out from the finger tips of Tanner's outstretched hands, and immediately made contact with Tyr's temples.

--------------------

Tyr saw himself from a third person perspective.  Only he wasn't looking at himself.  He was looking at a little boy, who was also him.  The little boy was no more than one or two years old.  He was bouncing up and down on the knee that was attached to Tyr's own perspective.  Only the knee wasn't bouncing up and down with the child.  It was as though he was bouncing the child in the Force himself.  The child giggled endlessly.

That vision faded, and then he was looking at a vision of his father, only much younger than he remembered from when he had murdered him.  His father was yelling at him.  The words were hard to make out, the vision was cloudy, like watching and viewing through cobwebs.  His father was yelling something about leaving for his family's safety.

That vision faded out quickly as well.  These images were flying through Tyr's conscious or unconscious mind quicker than he could easily keep track of, and it took him a second to catch his bearings.  It didn't take a lot of logic to figure out he was viewing memories of himself and his father from what was supposed to be his grandfather's perspective, but his recollection of the chain of events leading to this state was even foggier than the reception of some of the senses.

Now he was watching the holovid he'd been told of.  Younger Tyr was boarding a shuttle for Coruscant, all smiles.  Until the other day, he'd remembered himself as being upset about being sent away, and he was a little unsure after the Jedi Masters' comments.  Now he was not sure what to think.

Several images flashed by too quickly for him to even process.  Then he found 'himself' with his father again.  They were going over various details of an investigation.  They were looking for someone.  Quickly another memory took over, and they were fighting again.  The council had issued orders to call off the search, but his father was refusing, cutting the last ties to the order.

There was a moment of black in his consciousness, then another memory began.  This one was more clear, and was not rushed.  It was a holocom transmission from his father.  Even in the low resolution hologram, he looked much older, more tired.  He kept repeating that 'He's alive.  He's coming back.  I can feel him.'

---------------------------

Tyr awoke in his bed in his cell, unaware of how he got there or how long it had been.  He sat up and took in his surroundings.

"Blue?" He called out, knowing full well that he was by himself.

"Solumni?"  He asked a bit more quietly, after his own echo had died down.

He rested his head in his hands and sobbed.

July 27, 2011

706. Hoth: King's Lair - Trychon

Dianna sat in the chair in her office and turned around to look at the empty display stand she'd placed on the mantle just moments before.  She grabbed the velvet cloth and slowly uncovered the unique ceremonial blade her lover had given her the previous night.  She held the aurodium dagger in her hands and marveled at the design of it.  The jewels covering the small hilt were from the standard design, but most models did not have the glowing red jewel in the center. It was the unwritten rule that such a dagger has not made from synthesized jewels, and it gave her a warmth that belied the cold that the metal imparted on her skin.

Silly as it seemed, she was hesitant to place it in the stand until she was positive that was where she wanted it.  Once it was in that stand it would seem so much more permanent.  She wasn't sure if she could bring herself to move it again after that.

She pulled the object in her hands closer to her face and the smell of recently molded jewelry hit her.  She could help but be reminded of the first time she'd seen a Tingel Governor's blade.  She was five years old at the time, and her Father had just had one made.  Knowing what she knew now, she had no idea how he'd afforded one, even a low grade replica was expensive.  She'd hugged it to her body the way most little girls would hold a prized stuffed toy or pet.  After several minutes, she gave the blade back to her father to present to her mother.

As she got older, she used to sit in her dad's office and stare at the gilded weapon, sitting on this same display stand, on the same mantle.  When her father caught her eying the blade longingly, he wouldn't chide her for daydreaming as he was known to do.  Instead, he'd get a twinkle in his eye and tell her one of his many stories.  Tales of the various dignitaries and politicians who'd received one with their title, or of the large company mergers that used it to celebrate, even the celebrity weddings who'd been blessed with one.

Even with a holographic memory, she couldn't have count the number of times she'd been told of the origins of the first six Tingel Governors. The tale of how they had managed to come together for independence.  The systems had started out as small settlements and trading posts, but had quickly gained notoriety for piracy and other less than savory dealings.  The Republic tried to step in and intervene but a large amount of wealth, legitimate and otherwise, had come to the Tingel Arm of the galaxy due to trade.  Whether it was through bribes, coercion, or through their own devices, the local governors of the six largest planets came together. Led by Bo-Len Den and Howsam Var, they each passed local legislation to loosen salvage laws among others, effectively decriminalizing much of the piracy in the system.  When the Republic would not recognize their new laws, the planets in the Tingel Arm appealed for and was granted independence.

Looking back on the story as she got older, she realized that it was largely romanticized by groups like her Fathers'. This was most evident because part of the lore included the thermal detonation device in the hilt signified by the glowing red jewel in the center.  In a treaty between adversaries or groups with no trust for each other, every party was carrying one of these weapons. They were each then capable of defending a small attack or cause an explosion that could destroy the entire room, so backstabbing became much less profitable for all involved.

The Tingel Arm eventually eased back towards more standard laws over the next several hundred years. Pirates and smugglers no longer received any legal protection on Den Var or the surrounding planets than they did elsewhere in the galaxy, but they were looked upon with a bit more sympathy.  The smuggler and pirate groups still view it as one of the golden eras of the galaxy, and revere the symbol of independence even more highly than the inhabitants of those planets.

A quiet beep sounded from the desk.  Dianna opened her eyes and returned from her reverie to find herself clutching her gift like the little girl so many years ago.  She wiped her eyes and placed the dagger in her father's stand before hitting the button on her desk.

------------------

Dianna walked into Trychon's quarters and found herself amidst a few dozen floating objects ranging in size from credchips to luggage cases.  After brushing aside a small collectible of some sort, which floated away harmlessly, she saw the two brothers in the back corners of the room.  Each was sitting in mid-air with their legs crossed and eyes shut.

She walked over to the luggage case she'd seen amongst the other junk and pulled it out of their mystical grasp.

"Time to pack, boys.  Short trip.  Need you to come with me."

Raezyr stretched his legs out and then set himself down.  "Trouble?"  The redness in her eyes didn't escape his notice.

"The only trouble will be if you think you can say no."  She tossed him the bag.  "You must learn the art of acquiescence... if you're to come with me to Alderaan.  We take off at thirteen hundred hours."

July 25, 2011

705. Like Womprats in a Cage - Raezyr

Tyr's mind was reeling. This couldn't be happening, could it? He wracked his brain, trying to wring out any memory of this man sitting across from him, but he was drawing a blank. He tried to reject the notion, logically he had to. This was just a Jedi trick to get him to cough up the information. It had to be. Deep inside, he knew it wasn't. He could feel it, but there was no way he was going to accept this. Not without hard proof.

"That's a laugh," Tyr said, his cool exterior not giving away his inner turmoil. He had spent too much time negotiating deals with smugglers to let his thoughts show on his face. "I could pretend I built something of yours and call it mine."

"Indeed, you could," Tanner replied. "But Tyr, how would I have known that you got this from your father and didn't build it yourself?"

"Easy. You probably knew him and recognized it," Tyr theorized. "You may have actually built it and given it to him, but that hardly qualifies you as any sort of relative."

Tanner could see that this line of proof wasn't going anywhere. His grandson was correct that something like this was merely circumstantial. "Your father loved you very much, Tyr."

The Sith chuckled. "Yeah, Val already tried that one on me," he informed the wizened Jedi. "But if he loved me so much, then how come he let me rot in slavery, doing hard labor?" He stripped off his tunic and spun around, showing the Jedi the mass of hideous scars criss-crossing his back from the energy whips. "If he loved me so damn much, how come he let me suffer this? Where was this loving Jedi dad?" Tyr's anger seeped through despite his having tried to hide it.

The old man winced and dropped his eyes at the sight of the scars. "I'm sorry, Tyr. Jaron told me about vivid dreams of your torture." He paused, almost as if searching for what to say next. Finally he spoke again. "Your father failed you... and I failed you... but not in the way you think."

Tyr pulled his tunic back on and plopped down in his seat again. "I suppose you'll enlighten me now, right gramps?"

The Jedi Master ignored the snide remark. "Do you remember the day you left for Coruscant? The look of joy and wonder and excitement on your face was truly something to behold."

Tyr's eyes narrowed. He remembered that day clearly. He had been so excited to travel on the small passenger star liner all by himself all the way to Coruscant and the Jedi Temple. The memory was vivid in his mind, despite his young age. It was also pretty clear to him that the only one there to see him off was his father. "How would you know what my kriffing face looked like?" he asked, his anger beginning to get the better of him as his patience for this pathetic Jedi trick wore thin.

Tanner smiled knowingly. "You're right. I wasn't there, but if you remember, your father used to take lots of holovids. Who do you think those vids were for?" He paused for a moment, letting it sink in. "I was essentially there for every big moment of your life: your first steps, your birthdays, and every other event your father recorded."

Tyr shook his head in disbelief. "No... no... you Jedi found those recordings after I avenged myself on him." In truth, the Sith was bombarded with doubt that he struggled not to express. What if this were all true? What if he had murdered the only person in the Galaxy who hadn't given him up for lost? What if he murdered the man who had loved him? What if every drop of hatred had been misplaced for all these years? But despite the fact that he knew the answers to these questions deep down inside, he couldn't let himself believe it. Not without some undeniable proof.

"No, Jedi, without some ounce of real proof, I'm not buying your little charade," Tyr replied.

"Very well," Master Solumi said. "I had hoped you'd see the truth in the things I had to say, and the documentation I had to offer, but I can see that you need something more duracrete. Something irrefutable." He looked deeply into Tyr's eyes as if searching for something. "I can offer you that proof."

"Then do it, if you can," Tyr replied. At this point in time he had to know the truth. "I just wonder why you haven't brought this forth earlier."

"Because the truth lies in my memories," the older man replied, pointing to his temple.

Tyr snorted. "Okay, just go ahead and download them to a data pad and I'll have my people look them over and get back to you in the morning," he chuckled, laying on the sarcasm so thick it had to be cut with a vibro-knife.

Tanner's expression didn't waiver. "I'll do you one better... I'll download them straight to your mind."

July 22, 2011

704. Hoth: King's Lair - Trychon

Things were cold on Hoth the next few days.  So cold, that Trychon suggested that they head outside the base for a stroll to warm up.  After a nasty look, his brother decided it wasn't a bad idea, and they took one of the base's specially fitted land speeders to go run a few routine checks on security sensors outside the base.

As they made their rounds to get away from the new tension in the pirate group, they were able to relax for the first time nearly since they'd landed.  While only Dianna was truly mad at them, and hadn't spoken to either Sith in days, the rest of the crew could pick up on her feelings easily enough, and were being a little less social than normal.  On top of that, it was hard to tell what sorts of idiotic things the new malcontent in the crew, Rhox Vegah had been spewing.

"So what do you want to do?"  Trychon asked, as they loaded back into the speeder after checking the last security marker.

Raezyr shut the canopy and powered up the lifters.  "I don't know.  I'm sure she'll calm down eventually, and she's already a little less upset from what I feel from her in the Force... but she'll blow a gasket the next time we leave for a mission."

"Probably."  The older brother conceded.

"Not that how I handle my relationship will ever be up to you in the slightest way, but what do you think?"

"Well, you know that I love Di like a sister.  A beautiful sister whom I would gladly console very deeply should anything eve..."

"Try it and be decapitated by a Force ghost."  Raezyr growled.  He knew his brother was joking, mostly.  He also knew that he made jokes like this to get under his skin.  He just wasn't above showing that it worked.

Trychon put his hand on his brother's shoulder.  "We have managed to do everything that we set out to do in the short term.  We can spend some time nurturing this part of our life, if that's what's needed." 

"What about our other plans?"

"They're all long term plans that require a bit of caution in not making waves too big too quickly.  We can afford to be patient with them.  Unless something comes up, we can wait things out a bit and see where we're at with the Ice Queen after some time.  Maybe she'll eventually come back with us."

Raezyr shook his head.  "I don't think her love for me is enough by itself to get her to abandon her life here.  I don't know if anything is ever going to be that powerful.  If we have the time though, then that's what I'd like to do."  He gave his brother an appreciative smile.

"I know."  Trychon returned the smile.  "We're done out here.  Let's go head in and tell her that...."  He paused as they saw a meteorite fall from the sky and impact on the surface in the distance.  "Oh, cool.  You think we should check it out?"

Raezyr stared in the direction of the small cloud of dust and ice for only moments before returning his attention to his tools and continuing straight back to the base.

---------------------

The signature subtle hum of a lightsaber blade was greatly magnified when there were actually four total blades whirling and clashing in otherwise near darkness.  The two Sith were far beyond the days when they'd use powered down blades only capable of stunning and they relied instead on their own ability to keep each others attacks at bay and to pull their own attacks back if they were in danger of slipping all the way through the others defenses.

Such defensive holes were rare between them, as they knew and could read each other so well.

Raezyr relished the opportunities where not only could he slip one of his two blades through, but were also big enough to fit his fist through, or even a kick as he did now.

As Trychon faltered back from the solid connection from his foot, Raezyr was also thrown back by a reflexive Force push.  They normally avoided many strong Force maneuvers due to the confined spaces in which they sparred, but the exception was in response to a successful attack.  Lashing back instinctively in the Force was a habit they wanted to nurture.

So was keeping awareness beyond the battle.  Trychon held up his hand to indicate a stop, though he didn't have to as his brother had already paused.  They both faced the doorway, where they'd also turned off the lighting.  They could sense a presence there, and with a flick of a finger from Raezyr, they could also see her.

"Dinner's ready."  Rhox Vegah said as she turned and left.

---------------------

After cleaning themselves up fairly quickly, they joined the rest of the crew in the mess hall.  As usual, those who weren't on duty were split pretty evenly between two tables right next to each other.  There was no grouping of age, or seniority apparent, and there was a few available spots at each table.

After grabbing some of the spiced meat and toppings from the small buffet set up, they headed towards the group, but sat at a third table near by to avoid causing any commotion if they could avoid it.  The eyes of Ms. Vegah were followed them with a measure of contempt.

After a few minutes, Dianna grabbed her tray and took it over to sit next to Trychon, across from Raezyr.  She didn't say anything and the brothers followed suit.  She didn't make eye contact, merely focusing on her meal in awkward silence.

Trychon stuffed what was left of his flatbread into his mouth, and headed over to get more.  He took a seat at the adjacent table, next to Dek.

"Come on...."  Dianna sighed.  "I'm trying to mend shields here, but I won't apologize for what I said."

Raezyr finally made eye contact with her.  "He moved for me."

"More secret conversations?  You know I don't appreciate that."

"No... he just knows me very well."  Raezyr stood up and walked around the table so he could face her.  "I have something for you.  Before you judge, I obviously picked this up before you were upset with me.  There's not many stores here on base."

Dianna considered pointing out that her response to his injury wouldn't have been hard to predict, but instead she folded her arms and raised an eyebrow, while she waited expectantly.

Raezyr bent down onto his good knee so he could reach into his smaller smuggling department in his artificial leg.  From a distance, it would appear as though he was merely reaching into his boot.  He pulled out something wrapped in a fine black cloth, and remained on his knee to look up at her as he handed it to her.

She took it from him tentatively, and reached into the cloth to withdraw an aurodium plated dagger by its jewel encrusted hilt.  She gasped involuntarily.  If it was what she thought it was...

"Is that a..." She started, but couldn't bring herself to say the words.  She had not seen this coming.  The entire room had become very hushed, though whispers cut through the silence.  She wasn't the only one who recognized it or its potential meaning.

"Yes.  It's a Tingel Governor's blade."

Nearly a millenia ago, a small group of planets in the Tingel Arm formed a loose alliance that stood to this day.   There were six blades, identical to the one that Raezyr now gave to Dianna, each worth a small fortune, to symbolize their union after withdrawing officially from the Republic.   Many things had changed in the years since, but the symbol was still a powerful one often given to heads of state in the system as well as for large company mergers and weddings.

Dianna choked on her words again, before standing up and pulling Raezyr into a passionate kiss with him.  After the kiss and the hooting and hollering died down, she embraced him tightly with tears rolling down her cheek, and she whispered into his ear.

"This doesn't mean I forgive you."

July 20, 2011

703. Like Womprats in a Cage - Trychon and Raezyr


Even with the Force and the Dark Side as his ally.... Tyr would have had to have been inhuman to have not reacted emotionally with some shock at the declaration that the Jedi Master in front of him was his grandfather.

Dozens of thoughts went through his head faster than he could keep track of them.  Among those fleeting mental processes, he tried and failed to remember his father mentioning his own father... or his mother's father.  Also, Tyr noted it was fairly rare for Jedi to have children to begin with... let alone two generations of Jedi ancestry.


He did his best to hide his instinctive reaction by belting out a quick laugh.  It was ridiculous.  It had to be.  "Fabricating lies is hardly a new interrogation technique, though it's surprising to see from a pair of Jedi Masters.  You must be really desperate."

The Cathar Master Jedi gave a slight bow.  "I will leave you two to talk.  You have much to discuss, I am sure."

Tyr shouted at him as the door shut.  "I have no interest in discussing fairytales!"

The white bearded elder Jedi managed a smile, albeit a rather humorless one.  "I've also been chided for my ill timed use of wit.  I hope you don't mind if I have a seat."

The Sith shook his head and gave the man a nasty scowl.  "It's been ten seconds, and already I'm sick of your manufactured family resemblance spiel."

Master Solumni ignored the chiding remark and continued to to pull a chair over and sit across from his grandson.  When no further comments came forth, he reached into his robe and withdrew Tyr's lightsaber.

"You're a brave man, bringing a Sith his lightsaber during an interrogation."  The look of hate on his face would not subside.  He had not been this full of anger since his capture.  He had gotten to a point of relaxation even, as it was clear the Jedi were going to treat him well as long as he played by their rules, even while withholding the information they'd been trying so hard to retrieve from him.  This was foul play, and he did not appreciate it one bit.

"I brought what I believe could easily be seen as my lightsaber, young man.  I built it.  It was a gift to your father.  As he chose not to expose you deeply to way of the Jedi, your claim on his weapon is weak."

---------------------


Nal Talla spent the night in meditation. It wasn't quite as good as sleeping, but it was restful enough for her body to recuperate from the long hike across the hills and plains of the Dantooinian country side.


They stopped short of the cave entrance by a kilometer or so, according to their positioning devices. There was no sense in tempting the kinrath spiders into coming out of their nests in the middle of the night. They knew that with daybreak and a quick meal would come the time to venture into the darkness and the lair of the giant arachnids.

When the orangish yellow early morning sun peaked over the horizon, Nal opened her eyes and began to prepare their breakfast. It wasn't much. Dried grains cooked in hot water to make a kind of mushy goo, but with some added sweetner it was good and nourishing as well.

Val opened his eyes from his own meditation as Nal brought a bowl over to him. He thanked her as he took it and she sat down next to the big blue Chiss Jedi. "Are you ready for this?" he asked her after he had swallowed a few spoonfuls of the hot cereal.


"I doubt very much dat I could be any more ready den I already am," she replied with confidence. When her companion had first informed her of the mission she had been a bit hesitant, but as the time had passed and she had time to meditate and get her mind right, she knew she could do this.

"Good," Val replied. It was good to see the young Nautolan spring back so quickly. He'd felt confident that with time, she would come around. Not every Jedi did after so close a brush with the dark side of the Force. He knew of two such that had become permanent fixtures back at the Jedi Temple on Coruscant, taking care of the important, albeit much less exciting tasks there. In fact, they were happy to do so rather than risk falling to the Dark Side again.

It worked out all around. The last thing the Jedi needed was scared Jedi running around, swelling the ranks of the Sith.

Once they were finished and had their breakfast things cleaned up they tucked their packs underneath some nearby bushes. Locals rarely came near the caves and the last thing they needed in the confines of a dark cavern was a pack hindering their movement.

They climbed in and around the rock formations with only the faint illumination from a small glow rod. They didn't need to attract the attention of the kinrath even more than they would already. Finally after almost an hour, they came across their first set of crystals.

The crystals were glowing a brilliant blue and stood out in sharp contrast to the blackness around them. Nal carefully pulled a small tool out and worked one or two loose that appeared as if they would work well as a lightsaber focusing crystal.

Val hissed quietly just as she was tucking her tool away, and she sensed it almost immediately. Something was near. A being, yes, but it wasn't sentient as far as her senses could tell. Within moments it came around the corner.

Sure enough, the four-legged insectoid came skittering toward them. Normally Nal's first instinct was to attack, trying to catch her opponent off guard. This time she snapped on her lightsaber and waited. A Jedi was supposed to use their weapon for defense... never to attack.

She filled her mind with peace and tranquility as the beast crashed down on them.

July 18, 2011

702. Hoth: King's Lair - Trychon

Ms. Vegah avoided the Sith for the next two days, which wasn't overly taxing.  They spent most of their time in their room for privacy, when they weren't training or eating.  They even would take ales back to their room at the end of the day.  They were social with the crew during meals, but they kept mostly to themselves.

The crew offered small apologies for the incident in the control room, explaining that she didn't really know better even though she'd been filled in a little about them.  In all, they simply reassured the brothers that they were happy to have them back for a few days or a few weeks.  It always ended up being interesting when they stopped in.

When Dianna returned, Trychon headed to his room and allowed Raezyr to go greet her alone, or at least without his ribbing since the crew would also be there.  That would allow him to sweep her away sooner.

When her small personal fighter shuttle landed and she came down the ramp, the crew rushed to greet her.  The exceptions were Raezyr and Rhox.  They had been standing on opposite sides of the now dispersed crowd, but even with only a gap between them now, they did not look at each other.

Raezyr found it odd that she had gone on her own, and he planned to point out that she should at least bring someone for backup.  None of the crew had been able to give him details on her whereabouts or purposes, just that she'd said she would be gone a few weeks, and she'd let them know when she was on her way back.

Raezyr simply stood there, smiling as he waited for his lover to wade through the crowd.  He even allowed the new girl to talk to her briefly without interrupting or trying to humiliate her again.  He was sure Dianna would hear about the ordeal that they encountered when they landed, but now wasn't the time.

As he'd hoped, Dianna excused everyone and waited until they dispersed before she finished approaching him.  Some of the crew milled about the landing bay, pretending to work.  With such a small crew, there was seldom anything fun for them to gossip about.

They didn't mind.  They embraced each other and shared a series of passionate kisses. When she pulled away, she told him she had missed him and gave him a melting smile.  "How was your 'trip'?"

"You first."  He forced a smile.  "I told you everything was fine.  You're not usually gone on secret missions."

"Oh my god.  Something's wrong, isn't it?"  Her expression soured immediately, and she gave him a push to create distance between them.  "I can tell you're hiding something from me.  What happened?"

"Now, calm down... you haven't even..."

"Raezyr!"  She shouted, the humor quickly disappearing from her eyes.

He met her gaze, hoping her fuse would extinguish.  "Schyrt and Reed didn't make it."

"Is that all?"  She begged skeptically.

 He gave in.  "Not entirely.  I was hurt, and they came to my rescue."

"Walk with me." She turned and headed down the hall.

-------------------------

Trychon could feel them coming down the hall well before they reached the door.  A quick flick of the hand towards the control panel unlocked and opened the door.  The two mingled clouds of emotion would have been enough to rouse the entire Valley of the Dark Lords.

He stood from his meditation stance on his bed and walked toward the middle of the room to greet his guests as they came in.

Dianna didn't want or ask for a greeting.  She stormed into the room and didn't slow down until she was inches from touching her nose to Trychon's chest.  She stopped just long enough to slap him.

Trychon allowed his head to roll with the force of her hand.

"YOU were supposed to look out for him." She yelled, not worried about who could hear them.

Raezyr simply watched, knowing that his brother would be more than capable of handling the situation, whereas his interjecting would likely infuriate her more.  She needed to let this out how she needed to let it out, and any attempt to even direct her anger would only frustrate her, because it was her right to be upset.

"Don't even start with me about how he can handle himself."  She was able to keep herself from shaking, but her mental state was not holding up as well, and it showed in the Force.  "I don't know why I thought I could trust either of you on your stupid little Sith missions.  I knew this would happen!"

Trychon stood his ground and didn't say a word, as her hand met his cheek again.

"Never again, Trychon.  I can't afford to let you two out of my sight.  Not once.  No more games, no more rancor crap.  Understood?"

She took his continued silence as understanding.

Finally, she lowered her voice, and suddenly she was barely more than whispering.  "I don't want to see either of you for the next twelve hours."

She walked towards the door, turning around at the last minute, voice finally quivering.  "He would die for you.  I know that.  I also know that it runs both ways.  It's about time you grow up and stop putting each other in those situations."

July 15, 2011

701. Like Womprats in a Cage - Raezyr

Jedi Knight Nal Talla double checked her gear as she packed it neatly into her backpack. It wasn't going to be a long trip, and Jedi usually traveled lightly, but they still had to eat once in a while. She hated eating the food pills. It felt almost like cheating to her. Instead, she liked to pack her food even if it meant taking a little extra time at meal breaks.

Once she was sure she had all the basics covered, she hoisted the pack onto her back, then flipped her head tails over it so they wouldn't get caught, and headed for the Main Entrance to the Enclave where she was supposed to meet Val.

The Dantooinian Sun was just peeking over the horizon when she got there, and Val was waiting for her sitting on the edge of a large planter. His eyelids were closed over his blood-red irises, but they popped open when she drew near. He drew in a deep breath and exhaled slowly. "Early morning sunrises are always calming," he noted.

"As if you aren't calm enough already," Nal kidded. She was rewarded by Val's every so slight grin of amusement as they strode off toward the rising sun which the locals called Dina.

They walked for a couple of hours then veered off into a wide grass valley. Once, ages ago, it had been a watercourse, but for some reason or another had long since dried up. As they came around a bend she saw a pack of wild beasts only a couple hundred meters off. They were dog like creatures with stubby horns and cloven hooves.

Val held up his hand in a signal for his companion to halt. "Kath hounds," he said quietly. "A fairly rare sight on Dantooine these days. Fortunately these aren't the horned variety or they probably would have attacked already. These shouldn't be aggressive unless they're provoked. But let's not take any chances," he explained and led the way up the steep slope of the valley to the top of the hill, circling around the beasts.

They decided to stay up on the ridge of the valley as they continued on their trek. As they day and kilometers passed, Nal could feel her stresses and worries melt away. It was a good day to be alive, she thought.

--------------


Anya Tachi sat in the corner of her cell, glaring at the bars of her prison. She hadn't seen a living soul in days, and slowly her burning rage had turned to ice cold hatred.

She hated the Jedi now more than ever, and their treatment of her was only justifying her belief that they were the ultimate evil in the Galaxy.

Her hatred only grew stronger every time that ancient T1 droid brought her meal to her. The droid could understand her but it didn't have a vocabulator, instead only emitting beeps and boops. The least they could have done was send her a droid that she could converse with.

The endless hours she was spending alone was only giving her time to plan and to strategize her next escape attempt.

----------------

The Jedi guard led Tyr to the usual interview and interrogation room just the same as yesterday and the days before that. The guard left and the Sith leaned back in his chair just a bit, waiting for Val. Despite the mutual impasse they had come to, he had begun to look forward to these talks with the big blue Jedi.

Tyr could feel the presence of a Jedi outside the door, and when it opened it was the Cathar Jedi, Master Taisun who entered.

"Where's Val?" Tyr asked.

Taisun sat down opposite from Tyr, his feline like eyes taking in the Sith warrior before him. "Val is off on another errand at the moment, to answer your question. Now I have some questions for you." The Jedi Master began going through the same questions that Val had asked him, and Tyr gave the same answers he had been giving the Chiss each and every day.

He quickly grew bored, yet careful not to be complacent and give anything away. Val had promised him a change of pace the next time they had a talk, and he decided to say as much once this cycle of questions was drawing near to it's usual completion. "You know, the last time I spoke to Val he said that the next session wouldn't be the same old thing. Asking the same questions with whiskers is hardly what I'd call, 'changing things up.'"

Taisun breathed in deeply and gave what Tyr assumed was a slight smile. "You are correct, but before we get to Val's 'change of pace,' we just needed to get the formalities out of the way."

"Okay, so what's the change of pace?"

Taisun stood up and walked over to the door. "I'd like to introduce someone to you, Tyr. Someone very important. Not just to the Jedi, but to you as well."

Tyr rolled his eyes and looked at the Cathar skeptically. He couldn't imagine anyone that would be important to both him and the Jedi. If such a person existed, his first thought was that it was only the Jedi who thought this person should be important to him.

The door to the interrogation room swooshed open and Tanner Solumi stepped into the room. "Tyr," Taisun began the introduction," I'd like you to meet Jedi Master Tanner Solumi."

"Far be it from me to point out the oversight, but we've already met," Tyr said. He was doing his best to remain polite, but these stupid Jedi games were wearing thin on his patience.

"Indeed you have, young Sith," the Cathar said. "But I'm not introducing you to Tanner Solumi, the Jedi Master."

"Please stop beating around the bush," Tyr said. This was growing old quickly.

"Very well," Taisun said. "Tyr, I'd like you to meet Tanner Solumi... your grandfather."

July 13, 2011

700. One Foot In the Door - Trychon

After a short discussion with Helwae and his supporters, they agreed to honor Trychon and Raezyr's request.  They were a little stupefied by it, but figured they owed them at least that much.  After a brief session of getting a story straight, in which the group as a whole overpowered the guards (because none of the individuals would be believable by themselves for the role), the two Sith crept out the side exit.

After a rather long walk back to their suite, they began loading up the supplies they'd picked up while they'd been on Den Var.  After they'd gotten everything loaded up, Trychon went to his room to start packing, and Raezyr excused himself to pick up 'one last thing' before they went.

It ended up being morning when Raezyr returned, and he found his brother asleep on the couch with the holonews on.  Before rousing him from sleep, he caught the tail end of a report on the attack on the newly elected Representative Helwae the previous night.  Based on the brief time he watched, it seemed that there was a lot of support from the commentators as well as the general populace for Helwae and those that saved him.  A poll showed that constituents who disagreed with Helwae's politics were a little less supportive, but still overwhelmingly proud of the citizen action that saved the politician. 


Trychon awoke on his own, feeling his brother's presence.  He got a brief recap of the news report and then he helped Raezyr pack some belongings.  With new security measures in place, they headed to their docking bay with their HK droid and set course for Hoth.

-------------------

Leaving the Sith Stalker in low powered sentry mode outside of deep orbit, they took the Jet Razor down and landed inside the King's Lair Base.  Dek had told them when they came in-system that Di had gotten in touch and gotten Raezyr's message.  She was on her way back as well and would be there within the next day or two.

They were greeted by some of the normal welcome crew, Delki and Bleetz were hyper as usual.  Dek was particularly happy to see Trychon, who had hinted that he'd bring a long a few cool tech toys for the young man to play with.

Dek and Teera led them towards the command center so they could get a general update on how things had been progressing since they'd been away.  He gave them some brief details, but knew they'd want access to some records until Dianna got back and could fill them in entirely.

When they arrived, the two Sith headed straight for an unoccupied console and Trychon began to pull up records.  He hadn't gotten very far when an unexpected voice tried to interrupt them from behind.

"Excuse me, but you can't just log into our system and start poking around."  The female proclaimed, not yelling, but clearly upset at the intrusion.

Simultaneously, they turned enough to look.  Raezyr immediately recognized the source of the voice as the new crew member he'd had a brief discussion with when he'd contacted the base from Den Var.  Rhox Vegah stood and was walking towards them from across the room, as though to impose herself between them and the computer.  The tint of her long brown hair, and her darker skin tone were among the few distinguishing characteristics that separated her from Dianna.  They did not look anything alike in the face, but she carried herself with the same confidence and was roughly the same size and height as the smuggling group's leader.

The older Sith turned back to the computer and laughed.  "Sure I can... it's not that hard, really."  He tapped on the screen to access the main database, but was halted by a security measure that hadn't been previously.

Dek appeared at Trychon's side, apologizing.  "Guys, this is Rhox Vegah.  She hasn't been here long, but Di's been having her spend a lot of her time reviewing security protocols, etc. because of what went down with... you know."

They did know, of course.  Dianna's second in command had disappeared with a shuttle, two other crew members, and a lifetime's worth of credits.  Or at least that was what everyone in the smuggling group had been lead to believe.

Dek tried to get in close to log in to the computer himself, and told Vegah to settle down and be nice.  She pulled her hair back into a ponytail to cultivate her serious demeanor, but she couldn't hide the giant smile on her face as she was clearly enjoying the fact that Trychon had been wrong about how easy it was to access the computer. 

Trychon brushed off the younger slicer, and simply tapped away at the controls much quicker.  Within seconds, he had gotten to the main database control screen.

"Hey!  I can't even get in there without the captain's approval!"   Rhox turned and jogged back to her terminal to kick Trychon out of the system.  She found that her console had been shut off.  A quick glance around showed that hers wasn't the only one.  She tried to say something, but the words failed to come.

The Sith started walking towards the door, and a few taps on his datapad later, the screens around the room restored themselves.

"We're going to go review these in the privacy of our room."  Trychon belted loudly, as though he was addressing the entire base... though his gaze met Rhox's squarely and didn't waver.

Raezyr followed him out of the door.  He paused at the last moment.  "If there's a new lock on our door, it will be replaced with a smoldering hole.  Hope we don't have to borrow someone else's door."

---------------------

July 11, 2011

699. Like Womprats in a Cage - Raezyr

Jedi Masters Taisun and Tanner Solumi strode along the paths of the botanical gardens just outside of the Enclave. Once well tended when the Enclave had more Jedi stationed there, now they were somewhat overgrown, although still effective in it's intended use.

"So, what do you think, Tanner?" the big Cathar Jedi asked his companion.

Tanner Solumi stopped and picked a small flower with a orange and blue bloom and inhaled deeply, taking in it's surprisingly strong aroma.  "I don't think it will be necessary to send her back to Coruscant. Not yet anyway, if that's what you are asking," he replied, knowing full well that it was.

Taisun paused for a moment, thinking before he spoke. "But do we take the chance of letting her continue? Despite all her progress, her future is still hard to see."

"I agree, but it's a chance we'll have to take," the gray haired human said.

They walked in silence for a minute before Taisun spoke. "We should test the waters, so to speak."

"Indeed," Solumi replied. "Have Val set something up."


-------------------

Nal looked up from her meditation at Val walked into the room. The blue Jedi was carrying a bowl of some sort of steaming soup.

"I know you don't particularly need it while you're meditating, but it's been a while since you've eaten last, I thought you could use it," he said in his usual calm manner.

"Tanks," she replied as she took the bowl from her companion and checked her chrono on her wrist. "I'm actually surprised at how hungry I am, especially since it's only been a few hours since lunch."

"Actually, the last time you ate was about 30 hours ago," Val informed her.

"What?" the Nautolan asked, not fully comprehending what the Chiss was telling her.

"You've been in meditation for over a day now," he told her. "The last time you ate was the midday meal yesterday."

Nal took another spoonful of the soup before replying. "It seemed mere moments... I guess the meditation techniques you've been teaching me are really paying off."

"Indeed they have," he agreed. Val came right out and told her about the mission they needed to go on. There were some caves several days journey to the south in which lightsaber crystals could be found, if one looked hard enough and long enough. The catch was that the caves were inhabited by kinrath, a very large insect-like creature.

Nal looked a bit unsure. It would be her first time going into combat since her brush with falling to the Dark Side, and any activity of an aggressive nature would put her newly rediscovered inner-peace to the test. Val could sense her uneasiness.

"Just remember we're not there to attack the spiders, but rather to find the crystals and defend ourselves if that is what is needed."

"But how come dey want us to go and get da crystals?" Nal asked, still not one hundred percent confident.

Val allowed himself the rare hint of a smile. "For one, it's probably not the best idea to send unarmed Younglings into a cave infested with kinrath," he said, then added more seriously, "and two, they like to present new Padawans with a crystal as sort of a graduation present so they can begin construction on their first lightsaber."

Nal took a cue from her partner's confidence. "Den when do we start?" she asked, smiling.

"I thought we could get a good night's rest and a good breakfast, then start out on foot," the blue-skinned Jedi replied.

"On foot?" Nal asked in surprise. "Wouldn't a speeder be faster?"

"Oh sure it would... but the weather has been beautiful lately. I thought we could take in some of the countryside as well. We should be there by nightfall," Val estimated.

"Alright, den. A hike it is." The green-skinned Nautolan smiled as she got to her feet. Things were really looking up. She had thought for sure that Taisun and Solumi would send her back to Coruscant to spend her days working mundane tasks back at the Jedi Temple.

Sure, they needed Jedi who mediated and delved into the mysteries of the Force, Jedi who tended the library and studied, and Jedi to work in the infirmary, but Nal had trained to be a Guardian, not a Consular. Her talents and abilities were better suited to a life of defending the Republic and protecting the innocent, rather than a life of boring study.

Instead, Val was taking her out on a mission. Maybe not an important one, but a mission nonetheless, and that could only mean that the Enclave Council was confident that she wasn't in danger of falling to the Dark Side.

It was said that most Jedi had to confront and defeat the dark side of the Force on a personal level at some point in their lives. She was pleased to know that her time had come... and she had passed with flying colors.

July 08, 2011

698. One Foot in the Door - Trychon

Raezyr knew exactly why he was being pulled aside by security, so he allowed them to lead him a few feet while he pondered the best way to handle the situation.

Over the quiet thunder of the crowd, they could hear a man's voice yelling from a distance 'red-98!' 

The large Sith turned to look in the direction of the voice, and could barely make out Helwae pushing his way through the crowd.  From the distance he had to cover, it was impressive they could hear him at all.  He yelled in their direction again.  "RED-98!"   


Raezyr turned to look at his temporary captors and he gave them a confused look.  One of the guards explained to him "It's an audible code.  It means we have a slight change of plans.  Hang on."

Helwae worked his way to the guards, and after a brief exchange of hushed words, and a handshake where credits subtly changed hands, the security walked away without a word to Raezyr.  The newly elected politician put his arm around the Sith and told him "You boys are with me.  I take care of my own."

Raezyr looked around half-nervously.  "Uh, Mr. Helwae..."

"Zhan."

"Zhan, my brother told you we'd like..."

Helwae began to walk into the crowd again and gestured for the two brothers to follow.  "I know.  Low profile.  No worries.  Come on."

True to his word, as he led them through the crowd, he shook a few hands and waved at several people along the way.  When asked about them, he merely introduced them as good friends.  He pointed to a couple of reserved seats near the head table and winked at them as he headed off to network a bit more.  As they took their seats, they found more of his favorite ale waiting for them.

----------------

As the night wore on, even Trychon began to bore with eavesdropping on the upper crust members of the district.  There was only so much interesting they'd be willing to say in such mixed company.  He found that ironic, because if it weren't for a couple of Force-sensitives there, the crowd actually served well for keeping conversations secret.  Even against listening devices.

He glanced over at his brother, who in between bouts of feigning narcolepsy, was scratching at his new leg.  He watched him for a moment, then noticed he was actually feeling it out as though figuring out the quickest action to draw his holdout blaster.  He yawned.

Alright, Trychon conceded.  Let's get out of here.


'Bout time...


They had only taken a few steps towards the exit when Helwae intercepted them.  "I won't take up too long of your time here, guys.  Just meet a few like-minded businessmen who may be able to help you get settled here, alright?"  He didn't wait for an answer, and led them to a private room off to the side.  Several of the security guards followed the group, despite the politician's protests.

They entered the room and were greeted heartily by about half a dozen businessmen and a few women as well.  The Sith had seen a few of them through the course of the night, but they had not been this enthusiastic. Now it seemed that outside of the view of the general public, they were relaxed a bit.

Helwae introduced them by name now, and explained to the unhappy brothers that these select few were actually business contacts that were very important in getting him where he was.  When he explained to the group that Trychon and Raezyr were the ones who were taking over his brewery, and that they also supported independence, the small crowd cheered.  Trychon nodded a small approval and thanks to Helwae for not mentioning their campaign donation.  He did mention that they were very supportive and helped him get where he was.

One of the larger, rounder, more jovial men there, with a ridiculously curled mustache asked them in the midst of a chuckle "What did you do, loan him a Sith Lord!?'

"Yes... he lives in my hotel, across the hall."  Trychon chuckled as he glanced at his brother, to make sure he was also taking it in stride, which he was.

At this point, Helwae interrupted with a scoff.  "Yes, the Sith Lord.  How ridiculous.  Not just the story of my 'savior'... but the myth of the monster in general.  It's pretty convenient that seemingly every Jedi that disagrees with the Jedi Council and strikes out on their own is cast as a 'Sith' and 'evil'."

"That's right."  Someone from the back of the room chimed in.  "I remember the start of the Sith wars.  They recruited here, and there was never an incident until the Jedi and the Republic showed up.  We had to kick both groups off-planet... but not before the Jedi."

"Exactly."  Helwae nodded.  "I don't think the Sith exist.  Not really... not in the way they're painted by the Republic and the Jedi.  More proof that Maflay was a tool for them.  He bought their stories, and it bought him his demise.  Poor fool."

One by one, the entrepreneurs talked to the brothers, several handing them business cards or other notes with information.  Each explaining their connection to Helwae and or his old business and how they'd been mutually beneficial.

Without warning, both Sith got an uneasy feeling, and quickly noticed that of the four guards who had joined them in the private meet and greet, two had positioned themselves at the main entrance and were looking uneasy, while another had blocked the rear exit.  That alone wouldn't have been unusual, except that the last had positioned himself alarmingly close to the Representative, and was giving anxious and furtive glances to the others.

Quickly and without word, the brothers split up with Raezyr easing towards the main entrance while Trychon backed towards the exit.  Before they could fully get into position, the guard by Helwae reached for his weapon, signaling the others to follow.  He began to yell something, but nobody was paying close attention.

Trychon put on a bit of extra speed to close the distance to the guard he was headed towards.  With his final step, he unleashed a Force strengthened back kick that caused the unexpecting man to fly into the durasteel door with a semi-metallic clang, and then slump to the floor in shock, unconscious.

Raezyr moved even more quickly, and most likely quick enough to cause questions as to how, had any of the room's occupants been less distracted by the gun waving guard closing on Helwae.  He unleashed a fist to the throat of the first guard, immediately shutting his airway before a single sound of protest could sound.  Then he ripped the blaster rifle out of his hands and flipped it around, aiming a shot directly into the chest of the second guard and firing before his own rifle had even come around to bear.

The last remaining guard was just quick enough to get into position behind Helwae and throw one arm around his neck while holding his weapon to the politician's temple.  "Stop!  I don't know who you two are, but this doesn't have to do with you!  This man conspired to defraud our government and threatened the life of a sitting Representative.  Furthermore, his dangerously militant view on continued independence threaten the entire planet if not system!  He needs to be brought to justice!  Please throw your weapons down!"

The two Sith nodded, and gently and slowly tossed the rifles at the feet of the assailant.

As blasters skidded to a halt on the floor, Raezyr's hand moved fast enough that it would have likely given away some of his abilities, had anyone but Trychon's eyes been on him.  He reached down and pulled out his holdout blaster that he'd so nearly lost earlier, and without bringing it into line with his shoulders, he twisted it and squeezed a shot off.

The man and Helwae fell backward to the floor.  The assailant's head and body had jerked back so quickly from the hole created in his forehead, that he still had a firm grip on the Representative.

There was quite a bit of ruckus that followed, but the entire crowd was quick to get up off of the floor where they'd fallen screaming during the ordeal, and they were immediately crying out thanks to Raezyr for saving them.

Trychon pulled Helwae to the side.  "We need this kept quiet.  Can you help?"

"You're heroes!   Why would you..."

"Heroes take a lot of paperwork.  We're still not finalized on some of our transactions and citizenship, and this could slow things down for us considerably.  Give one of these other supporters of yours the credit for saving you."

"I... I think you're wrong about the paperwork... but if you insist...."

"It's vital."  Trychon put a little extra emphasis on the last word.  Representative Helwae was far from weak-minded... but the Force also allowed a point to get through really well at times.  This was one of those times.

July 06, 2011

697. Like Womprats in a Cage - Raezyr

Each day Anya tried something new. At first, having failed in her attempt to seduce the Chiss with his damnable aloof demeanor, she tried it on the guards who came to bring her food to her in her cell, but they were cautious and wary and most likely had their defenses up. It wasn't long before she gave that tactic up for hopeless.

Her cell had been downgraded after her two physical attacks that first day of interview. She had been returned to a room with a cot and not much else. It infuriated her even more. She resolved they'd pay, but the next time they came to interview her nearly a week later, two guards came to the door.

She could sense them outside, and she hid her presence, crouching and waiting. And she waited. And waited. Seconds ticked by into minutes. Her muscles grew tired from crouching for so long. Finally she stood up and backed away from the door. Immediately the door swooshed open.

She rushed them. Had she noticed the pole arm that one of them was carrying, she might have reconsidered, but it was too late now. The stun staff swung in her direction. She tried to dodge the blow but it was too late.

When she awoke, she was in a different cell again, this one with just a mat on the floor for a bed. A Cathar Jedi was standing outside the bars of the door. She recognized him as being the Jedi Master who had greeted them the first day they had landed on Dantooine. "I'm truly sorry about... this," he said, gesturing to the rough duracrete walls.

"Suck go se, kitty cat," she sneered through the pounding headache the stun staff had left her with as a souvenir.

He continued as if she hadn't replied. "We don't want you in here any more than you want to be in here, but you have to give us something in return."

"I'll give you nothing," she said through clenched teeth.

"All we would like is your good behavior. If you can give us that, and show us that you should be treated better then we'll be able to return you to better accommodations," the cat-like humanoid explained to her.

Anya got to her feet. Her head felt like a thousand gundarks were having a wrestling match inside of it but despite that she sauntered over to the bars of the cage door. Anya smiled, and then spit at the Jedi Master, which he easily batted aside with the Force before the spittle could touch him.

"Tyr and I will never submit to the will of the Jedi," she screamed.

"I see," Master Taisun said sadly. "I had truly hoped that things would turn out different. They still could. But that will be up to you."

"We'll never stop fighting you," Anya said, plopping down on the mat on the floor.

Taisun turned to leave, then paused. He looked at her thoughtfully. "You might be interested in knowing that your partner is, at this very moment, sitting and talking with Val just as he has done every day since he arrived. Their conversations have become quite amiable."

Anya didn't move or give any sign that she had heard the Jedi.

"He's still being housed in the same type of suite that you and he began your stay in... and he's currently wearing the change of clothes we provided for him," Taisun added.

The Sith's head snapped up sharply. "You lie!" she said vehemently.

"Search your feelings."

Anya jumped up and ran at the cell door, clawing at the the humanoid Jedi through the bars. "No! You lie! I'll kill you! What did you do to Tyr, you brain-washing hwoon dahn! You gou tsao de Jedi!"

Taisun shook his head sadly as he walked away from the cell. He could still hear her screaming even after leaving that part of the building. He was thankful the Younglings in the upper levels couldn't hear the foul things she was spewing.

Later, he conferred with Master Tanner Solumi and informed him of how the conversation had gone.
"I think we may be wasting our time with that one, just as Nal predicted," the Cathar concluded.

"I agree," Tanner said. "We don't have any other cells to put her in but we can isolate her from any contact. We'll get that old T1 utility droid to take her meals to her."

July 04, 2011

696. One Foot in the Door - Trychon and Raezyr

Raezyr entered Trychon's room without knocking or saying a word.  The brothers could feel each others' presence so instinctually it made little sense to bother.

Trychon was standing with his hands behind his back, staring out the giant one-way privacy transparisteel viewports that lined his room's outer walls, seemingly lost in thought.  The other Sith didn't need Force insight or a family bond to see what was going through his head.

"Don't get too far ahead of yourself, Lord Trychon."  He wasn't mocking his brother's new self-given title, as he'd done the same.  Instead, he was merely poking fun at his tendency to dream big... even though it was something he admired and needed from him.

He could get away with the jest because they were both using their new titles in private to become accustomed to them.  They figured it would be a while before they could use them publicly, with a few exceptions.  The Black Phoenix group could call them that, and it would not be a problem, as they had been loyal workers for them for a while now, and wouldn't publicly out them too early.  Problem was that they had already portrayed themselves as Sith Lords to that group, and had been using such titles.

On Den Var, they were trying to get by without being known as Sith until they were more settled in.  They could not do that and use Sith titles.  For random missions and trips, they would have to decide on an individual case by case basis.  Some times it would be appropriate and sometimes it wouldn't. 

On Hoth, at the King's Lair they could perhaps demand that the pirates other than Dianna, but they couldn't dream asking her to, and that would make it awkward for the rest of her crew.  Half of them were close friends anyway, and not being Sith lords around them gave them a place to go and relax with a little less on their mind for at least part of the time.  They got to be a bit more normal, and it was a good release.

That was exactly why Raezyr was in Trychon's room now.

"I'm ready to go back to Hoth, Trych."

Trychon didn't move or acknowledge the comment.  Like announcing themselves upon entering the room, it was nearly pointless.

"As much as we buy here or get involved, this still isn't home.  I never thought I'd say this, but Hoth is really our home more than anything."

The two could have their entire conversations in silence, but some things were better said out loud.  Trychon turned around and gave his ever so annoying grin.  "Raez, I don't think anyone ever thought they would say that."

"Di should be back in a few days.  If we leave now, we can be there just a day or two behind her."

"Ok."  Trychon nodded.  "We can leave in the morning.  We have a party to attend tonight.  It's election night.  Zhan Helwae commed to invite us.  I told him we'd come, as long as he did not introduce us as campaign contributors or anything.  We're shy and all that."

The look he got in return spoke volumes.  Raezyr really did want to go now, and didn't feel that being publicly active with Helwae was prudent.

"I said we'd be there."  The look he gave his brother in return was also plenty for Raezyr to understand.  He was set on arguing the point anyway, but they were interrupted by a beep from one of Trychon's many pockets.

"About time..."  He mumbled as he reached for his datapad.  "Been waiting to get a connection to the base on THX for hours.  I'm going to have to look into that when we go back to get Mannix."

He spent a moment rapidly tapping through various screens.  "This is very odd.  It's still showing the boy under medical coma for rehabilitation.  The original projections put him out of that stage three weeks ago.  Either something went wrong, or things are taking a bit longer because the systems there aren't as good as they think they are."

"Everything's fine though?  Just slow?"  Raezyr craned his neck to take a look at the report, but Trychon kept switching programs too quick for him to get a grasp on it.

"I'm no med-droid, but yeah, all the stats appear to be within normal ranges. He should be fine.  It's an old system. I think it's just acting weird."

Raezyr sat on the bed for a few minutes while his brother continued to tinker.  Finally, he shrugged and put the datapad away.

"Trych, can I at least bring my lightsabers?  I get sick of walking around without them.  I feel naked."

"Sure... as soon as you upgrade your leg to hide them."

Raezyr's eyes lit up.  He clearly hadn't thought of that small upside to a cybernetic prosthesis.

----------------------

Unfortunately for Raezyr, the upgrade to his leg was not something that he could pick up anywhere and would have to be fabricated to his customized specifications. Fortunately for him, one of the companies they had purchased while investing their haul from the highjacked aurodium shipment had been a small company just starting up which specialized in custom cybernetics. At the time, Trychon had noted that playing with laser swords could be a serious risk to the survival of their limbs. Raezyr had scoffed at the thought of losing a limb, especially given his skill with a blade, but gone along with the investment anyway figuring that his brother only wanted to have shiny gifts for his girlfriend-bot. He hadn't envisioned Sand People energy slugs or Sith Lords who broke knees.

The order was still going to take several hours to complete, even given the fact that all other projects had been dropped to work on this. The company president hadn't been very happy when the order came in, but after being told that he could be replaced even though he had founded the business, he soon came around.

In the mean time, Raezyr decided he'd have to settle for a hold out blaster. Trychon had been against the idea, reminding his brother that security would mostly likely be heavy and result in his getting caught, but after seeing the set of his younger brother's jaw, he realized further argument would be futile.

A couple short hours and one trip to the tailor shop later, both Sith brothers were waiting in the private bay of the Farrian Arms for the speeder that was to pick them up. When it arrived, Trychon gave a low whistle. It was long and black with black-tinted transparisteel windscreens. The driver got out and opened the door for them to enter. The passenger cabin was upholstered in genuine leather, not the synth-leather that most things were made from, and there was a small bar stocked with Teeboe Ale, which the brothers recognized as being produced by the large brewery they had purchased from Zhan Helwae right before he had announced his candidacy.

As they poured the ice-cold amber liquid into glasses and took a drink, Trychon looked over at his brother. "Did you know it's my birthday today?"

"Really?" Raezyr asked in surprise. He sometimes forgot how little they knew of each other despite how close they had become in such a relatively short time.

"Well, the people in the village where I grew up never knew when it was exactly, so they always just celebrated it as the day I had wandered into the town," Trychon told him.

Raezyr lifted his glass. "Then a happy birthday to you, Lord Trychon."

Raezyr then lit up a cigar that the luxury speeder had been stocked with. "I'm guessing that Zhan is expecting to win if he's going to all this expense," Raezyr commented, changing the subject as he took a long draw on the pungent cigar.

Trychon just chuckled. "I see your interest in politics runs deep, Darth Raezyr," he commented with his usual grin. He'd been keeping track of the polls all day and Helwae was well ahead of the incumbent, Mr. Maflay. Ever since his infamous press conference a week earlier, his popularity and support had steadily declined. The more he insisted that Dark Lord Tiberius Vulcanus had really visited him, the more he had been viewed as a crackpot lunatic. The fact that on top of it all, he insisted that Helwae had killed people in a drunken piloting accident only served to drive the voters to his opponent's camp. Tonight was mostly a formality.

The soiree was being held at a posh, upscale hotel and to the Sith brothers it appeared that every upper-class citizen had turned out to congratulate and suck up to the new Representative as soon as the winner was formally announced.

At the door the security personnel stopped Raezyr. "Excuse me sir. You need to come with us."

Raezyr's first instinct was to fight, and Trychon apparently sensed it. He stepped over quickly and casually waved his hand. "This is a misunderstanding. He can go on through."

Both Sith started to move ahead when the security guard put his hand on Raezyr's chest. "No... this isn't a misunderstanding. He will be coming with us."

I thought you had perfected the mind trick, Raezyr thought to his brother.

I did, Trychon thought back, but it only works on the weak minded.

July 01, 2011

695. Like Womprats in a Cage - Raezyr and Trychon

For the next several days, the big blue Jedi would come for Tyr and escort him to the interview room. Each time they went over the same questions and Tyr gave the same responses.

Val shook his head.  He was naturally frustrated, but he couldn't help but admire the tenacity of the Sith sitting across the table in protecting his fellow Sith.  He tried to avoid thinking of the group of Sith as 'friends' because it flied in the face of his or anyone else's conventional knowledge when it came to the Dark Side of the Force.

Yet as he stared into the eyes of this Sith, Tyr... he could not keep himself from wondering if the phrase actually did apply in this one rare case.  He could feel the dedication flowing from the young human, and the decisive lack of hate.

True, it was to be expected to be met with refusals and defiance when dealing with the Sith, but that was usually due to the hate of the Jedi, or even all beings they deemed inferior.  Loyalty amongst the Sith was manufactured out of a hierarchy of power, and then mutual hate.

Despite his claims to hate the Jedi, Tyr seemed to hold resentment for his childhood, but not direct hate for the Jedi.

Yet they were at the same impasse as they would be otherwise.  Seemingly because this unique Sith had some of the traits that the Jedi themselves exalted.  The irony was not lost on the Chiss.

Still, he felt that they were making imperceptible progress, so he continued on with the same questions worded ever so slightly differently each time, if only to break up the monotony of the process.

"What do you think your fellow Sith were up to while you 'galavanted' around?"

Tyr smiled.  It felt to him as though this had progressed to a game for him and the Chiss Jedi.  The man who had beaten him so simply in lightsaber combat now wanted to beat him in a game of wills or intellect.  He had been answering the same questions for four days now, and he'd answered them the same every time.  Either the Jedi Order was extremely bored, or the Jedi on this planet thought they were making headway with him.

He had lead some pretty intense negotiations for pirate and smuggling groups that absolutely hated each other though, and if they thought they could gain any ground on him by sitting across a table and talking... their voices were going to go hoarse.

Still, he'd been polite for the most part, as they had been respectful to him.  In return, he'd gotten some perks.  It was little stuff so far, the food was starting to get better, and he had water during these sessions.  He made sure the Jedi drank the water first, and he always obliged.

"I told you I didn't know, and that's the truth."  Tyr put his feet up on the table and leaned back casually.  He stared absent-mindedly at his fingernails.  "However, If I did know I would probably say the same."

"So what you know is that they weren't doing what you were, which was leading us on a chase."

Tyr was tempted to roll his eyes, but he decided it wasn't worth the effort or the dramatization.  "Yes, as I've said."

"So we can assume they were on some more important mission, or research for the Sith."  The Chiss knew that the real answer was in there somewhere, an honest truth.  So far, all he'd gotten back was basic answers... but the man in front of him must know that what he suggested was true, even if he did not have any details.

"Well, they weren't doing anything for the Sith, as I've said I have not heard anything from or for our 'Master' since Korriban.  Other than that, you may be right... or for all I know, they've been searching for the lost planet of Magrathea."

"The lost planet of... I'm sorry, I didn't catch that," Val replied, prompting the Sith to repeat the name of the planet.

"Don't panic, Blue," Tyr replied. "I'm pretty sure it doesn't actually exist... not in this galaxy, anyway." Tyr smiled inwardly. For the first time he thought he might have actually caught the big Jedi off-guard, and he liked it.

The Jedi returned his smile outwardly.  "Duly noted."  After a pause he glanced down at his datapad he'd been using to compare notes for the last few sessions.  "Tell me again how you feel now about your... exploits over the past few months."

Tyr sighed.  "Same as yesterday.  I don't regret my actions, but I think I was acting stupidly and under the influence of a spell of sorts.  I think I would do things differently as a whole if I could, but that doesn't mean you'd appreciate my actions more."

He watched as Val typed in a summary of his response.  "Aren't you getting tired of going over all of this every day?  Several hours every day, just seeing if my impressions are changing in a twenty four hour span, or if I'll let something slip I didn't before?  Is it as exhausting for you as it is for me?"

The Chiss backed away from the table.  "Very well... we'll stop here for today."

"Thank the Valley of the Sith." Tyr shook his head as he stood up.

"In fact, I think tomorrow we'll change it up again."  It was Val's turn to smile as he knew he was catching the Sith off guard.