529. Black Phoenix - Raezyr

Falka sat with his First Mate, Tocar in what used to be the War Room in the old Guild Stronghold, before they moved their headquarters to Nar Shaddaa, and then to some large star cruiser type ship.

One of Falka's men had had a contact within the guild, and they had been lucky enough to acquire this location at the price they did. It had still taken a huge chunk of their start up capital, but have a secure location from which to work was essential, and the Khommite knew that.

They were discussing an upcoming job when one of Tocar's men knocked, then entered the room. "Sirs, sensors are detecting two swoops approaching from the south at a high rate of speed."

"Have they attempted any communication?" Tocar asked.

"No sir."

"Then what makes you think they are bound for this location, and not just out sight seeing, or scouting for mineral deposits or moisture farm locations?" Tocar said with a hint of irritation in his voice. Prospectors and farmers were not uncommon, and even occasional tourist wasn't unheard of.

Falka kept looking down at the computer screen which showed the specs for the mission, acting as if he wasn't paying attention. This was Tocar's domain, and if the men were to have confidence in him, Falka must show he did as well.

"Sir, they've been on a straightline course for the last several minutes. They aren't wandering as a sight seer might, and they are moving much too quickly to be taking and sensor readings," the sentry reported.

Tocar sat silently for a moment, reflecting on this new information. "Thank you. You're dismissed."

The man hesitated for a moment as if waiting for some instructions, then he apparently decided to do as he was told and spun on his heel, leaving the War Room.

"Falka?" Tocar said, seeking the Captain's input.

"Go check it out and get rid of the intruders. Two men shouldn't be a problem. People disappear out here in the Jundland Wastes all the time," Falka instructed.

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

Tocar watched the screens from the sentry room. From here, all the bases ground approaches could be monitored and the defenses activated and controlled. On the screens he watched two individuals in black cloaks racing up a canyon at an impossible speed. Even the locals that had joined them since their arrival several months ago, who had grown up here and knew the canyons like the back of their hands didn't dare to travel that fast in the twisted maze of the Jundland Wastes.

Finally, the swoop bikes stopped a hundred meters from the entrance and dismounted. He squinted at the screen as the figured adjusted their hoods, hoping to get look at their faces, but between the bright sun, and the deep shadows, he couldn't make anything out.

"Send the Gamoreans out to meet them. Have them find out what they want... then kill them," Tocar instructed.

528. Black Phoenix - Raezyr

After looking over the communications, Haley gave Trychon and Raezyr the coordinates to Black Phoenix headquarters before parting ways. After she had gone, Trychon checked the location on his data pad. "Oh man," he said in dismay.

"What is it?" Raezyr asked. It was hot underneath all the armor, standing in the street.

"The base... it's about 15 kilometers north east of here," Trychon said. "Too far to walk, yet it would be too much of a pain to take the ship."

"That's just great," Raezyr commented. He didn't relish the idea of leaving his ship somewhere the Black Phoenix crew would have complete access to it. He was worried their "hostile takeover" might still be too close in many of their memories, despite what Haley had told them.

"I think it'll be alright," Trychon said casually.

"What under these two suns makes you think it'll be alright? We're about to go visit a group of people whom just several weeks ago, were trying to kill us while we slaughtered their coworkers, and now we are going to leave my ship in their base where their mechanics can have access to it. How is that going to be 'alright?'" Raezyr asked.

Trychon shrugged. "I don't know, I just think it will be."

Raezyr just rolled his eyes. They continued walking down the street in silence. A Jawa ran up to Raezyr and began chattering at him. Annoyed he placed his hand on the short alien's head and shoved the creature into the dirt and kept on walking.

"Did you even listen to that thing?" Trychon asked Raezyr, looking over his shoulder at the Jawa sitting in the dirt, shaking it's fist at them.

"Why would I listen to that thing?" Raezyr said, annoyed. "It's lucky I didn't kill it. I think I really hate this planet."

"Why's that?"

"Well, if there's a bright side of the galaxy, this planet has to be farthest from it."

"With these two suns, I'm pretty sure that isn't true. It's about as bright as it gets here," Trychon said grinning, shading his eyes and looking at the binary stars.

"Anyway, that Jawa was trying to sell you that piece of junk landspeeder over there," Trychon said.

"So?"

"So, lets buy some swoops."

Raezyr stopped in his tracks and looked at Trychon. "That's got to be the... best idea you've had today!"

A couple hours and 4,000 credits later, the two Sith drove out of a used vehicle dealer's shop on a pair of Mobquet Flare-S swoop bikes. They weren't in pristine condition, but they were solid, and reliable.

After fueling up, they headed out for the Jundland Wastes, an area which consisted of numerous canyons surrounding large mesas. In no time at all, they were racing up and down the canyons at full throttle, reaching speeds in excess of 600 km/h, using the Force to guide their actions and keep them alive.

527. Black Phoenix - Trychon

The Jet Razor settled down into one of Anchorhead's many docking bays. Haley Stargazer had followed her instructions well, matching up documents for their arrival. They had clearance to land nearly immediately after exiting hyperspace in the Tatooine system.

Trychon had sent her a brief message before leaving the Korriban system, giving her simple instructions on preparing for their arrival. He had opted not to actually speak with her, simply sending a brief holo informing her that they would be there, and she would meet up with them prior to their dropping in to meet with Falka and perhaps some of the crew. He figured that was the best way to send the instructions, because that's exactly what they were... instructions. He didn't need to have a conversation with her, though both he and Raezyr were curious about the progress that the crew was having.

They had spent just a few days on Korriban, going through a few tomes and a few exercises, particularly a few on mind influence. They had plenty of training resources handy between holocrons, tomes, and even some training programs... but training and researching on Korriban was something different for them. It was almost as though the Academy or the planet itself was willing them to grow in their powers.

With so much else they felt they needed to accomplish though they stayed only a short while, nearly two days. They'd gotten what they came for and more... they expected a chance to hone a few Force skills, but they left with a pest's holocron and three lightsabers as well. They were reluctant to remove much of the resources actually native to the Academy, so it worked out well. Their brief stay was longer than they'd planned, but they always lost track of time in the Academy and they didn't rest until they were in hyperspace en route to Tatooine.

Raezyr and Trychon shut the Jet Razor down and headed out into Anchorhead. Having checked their chronos, they had a bit of time before Haley was expecting them at one of the cantinas so they wandered around for a bit. A relatively small oasis on what amounted to a desert planet, Anchorhead still was a rather large place when wandered on foot. It didn't take long before they realized that there wasn't much it offered that they couldn't get in better shape or prices on Den Var or any other number of planets. Still having plenty of time to spare, they opted to head to the cantina early, just to get out of the heat of the Twin Suns.

As they turned the corner towards their destination, they were slightly surprised not only to see Haley Stargazer already waiting for them, but more surprised to see that she simply waited out front of the establishment for them, hands clasped behind her back.

Raezyr gave Trychon a slightly annoyed look, and then they headed into the bar, walking directly past Haley. They found a dark booth and ordered a few drinks from the display. Haley wasted no time in following them in and taking a seat at the booth.

Raezyr didn't look up from the menu, pretending to still be interested in the measly selection. "Very discreet, Ms. Stargazer."

Haley looked at Trychon. "Your instructions mentioned a discreet meeting, but you also told us to follow our own judgements. We have found that 'discreet' catches more interest here than being a bit more open. The people here are very good at noticing the hidden, so sometimes it is best not to try too hard."

Still unhappy with the surprise, the two Sith conceded the point and moved on to question her about some of the general actions of the Black Phoenix group they'd helped to create, but they concentrated a lot of their questions on the morale of the members. Haley did her best to answer them, but she answered with a lot of half answers and guesswork.

Trychon ordered his third drink, having finished the one they'd ordered for Haley, who declined. "You don't seem like you were very well prepared for this briefing, Ms. Stargazer. Why not?"

She blinked, but held her gaze. "I was expecting you to ask me more about our current activities, and less about the crew."

Trychon shook his head. "We can get that information when we meet with Falka. We need the story behind the story. In short, you're not sure, but you're fairly positive that everyone's pretty comfortable with the direction of your organization so far."

She broke eye contact for the first time that Trychon could remember. "Yes. If you really are looking for a barometer of the mood of the Phoenix, perhaps you should select someone else. I grew up plugged into terminals from a young age. Emotions are not my strong suit. I won't be upset if you choose someone else. I will not tell Falka or Tocar."

Trychon smiled. "That's why we picked you, Haley. The list of things we can trust is pretty short, but your ability to be objective is about as good as it will get in your circle. Working directly with Falka will cause most of the Phoenix to feel more loyal to him, forgetting who they truly work for in the end. You will not." Haley looked to Raezyr, who nodded consent as Trychon continued.

"We may have asked too much from you today. We will help you learn what to look for and how to interpret it. You need to start by monitoring all communications from personnel, private or not. Scan their logs and holos as well."

Haley looked back to Trychon. "I have everything monitored. What do you need to see?"

Raezyr smiled now. "I guess you were right after all, Trych..."

526. Academy Ruins - Raezyr

Vain swung wide, powerful haymakers with his lightsaber. They might have been dangerous had any of the blows connected, but as it was, Raezyr easily deflected the attacks with his short blade and countered with light strikes, that barely grazed the places where Vain's armor failed to cover him.

Each wound elicited a scream of rage from the kid, and another fury of clumsy attacks. Trychon could tell Raezyr had an expression of glee on his face even though it was hidden behind a helm and despite his own frustration, he couldn't help feeling that maybe, somewhere deep down, a useful and productive Sith lurked inside this kids body.

Realizing Raezyr was beginning to grow tired of playing with Vain, and the deathblow would be forth coming, Trychon stepped in, landing a flesh wound of his own, just enough to draw Vain's attention.

Vain charged, swinging away once again as Trychon deftly defended the attacks, backing up as he did. "Please Vain. All we want is to guide you. All you have to do is listen."

"I'm listening, but you aren't helping me, and now you're attacking me. You should be better teachers if you want me to learn anything from you," Vain snarled.

"Seriously? Did you just tell us how we should be doing this?" Trychon asked incredulously.

"That's it," Raezyr said. "That was the straw that broke the bantha's back."

Raezyr reached out with his right hand and shoved the kid through Force, sending Vain tumbling head over heels passed Trychon and into the wall. The collision was hard enough to jar several bits of stone and rubble from the wall, and it fell to the ground around Vain as he struggled to get up.

A low roar sounded from the kid as Raezyr drew abreast of his older brother. Vain looked to be alright as his armor took the brunt of the damage from the collision, and his eyes welled with tears of rage as he looked at the to Sith brothers.

Trychon and Raezyr took up their fighting stances, waiting for the inevitable reaction from the kid. They didn't need to speak to know this would be Vain's final charge, and when he did, they'd slice him to ribbons.

Vain stood up, tears streaking down his anger twisted face, his roar getting louder with every breath. The kid gripped his light saber with both hands, and sprang forward with all the power he could muster.

Or would have, if he had been more aware of his surroundings. His first step was onto some pebbles he had knocked loose when he hit the wall, and they rolled underneath his step, causing Vain to fall to the ground once again.

Trychon and Raezyr watched as the kid's skull hit hard on the stone floor with a sickening thud. The hallway became silent except for the sound of their breathing and the hum of their lightsabers.

"I don't sense anything from him," Raezyr said, wondering why their inept and unskilled opponent wasn't moving.

"Neither do I," Trychon agreed, moving forward and crouching near the kid's body.

In the dim light from his energy blade, he could see blood beginning to pool beneath Vain's head, and he reached out with the Force, searching in vain for any sign of a pulse. He rolled the kid's head to the side just enough to see a small rock impaled in the would-be Sith's temple.

"He's dead, Raez," Trychon said.

"Seriously?" Raezyr asked in astonishment and disbelief.

"Seriously."

Raezyr clicked his blades off and stood there in the dark. "Well that was pretty anticlimactic."

525. Academy ruins - Trychon

Trychon stopped back peddling and stood his ground, blocking a few more pointless strikes from the odd 'Sith'. Finally, he gave up and held out his free hand, using the Force to grab the young man by the shoulders and hold his arms still.

Vain's mouth opened, but it took him a moment to actually utter anything. "Hey! What did you do?" He yelled out, clearly not sure how to react.

Trychon released his hold after picking Vain up and moving him several meters away so that he could safely turn off his weapon for a moment. "Calm. Down. I don't want to fight you. I want to show you around a bit, show you the right way to do some of this."

The 'Sith' continued to stare at him with his dumbfounded look firmly plastered on his face. "I don't understand what you want me to do."

Trychon was trying his hardest to keep his temper with the kid, but he was getting ready to reach his limits. "Listen. It's really quite simple. All I'm telling you to do is to stop for a minute and try to understand what you're doing. Just listen to what we have to tell you."

The boy seemed to consider this. "I don't understand what you want me to do."

Trychon sighed, as the 'Sith' boy clearly was right on the point... he didn't understand. "Just stop fighting for a minute." He grabbed the lightsaber he'd taken from him and held it out before tossing it to Raezyr. "Look. See? No more reason to fight. Now will you calm down?"

The 'Sith' boy did not calm down though, as he jumped in a futile attempt to grab his lightsaber. Raezyr calmly snatched it out of the air when it reached him, placing it on his belt as Trychon had. The boy turned towards Raezyr and ran at him, wildly swinging the blade in his hand.

Raezyr blocked the attacks effortlessly with one hand and without giving up any space to his aggressor. He called out to his brother down the hall. "I don't think this is going to go anywhere. Can we finish him off, please? Get it over with?"

Trychon shrugged. "I think we've given him enough time now. I suppose we're ready to move on." He began to close the distance between himself and Raezyr, taking his time as he knew his younger brother had the situation firmly under control.

Raezyr blocked several more of the 'Sith's 'attacks' until finally he got bored and decided to see what the boy was really made of. He carefully struck out with his blade and grazed Vain's shoulder, causing a small puff of smoke as skin and cloth alike were disintegrated by Raezyr's lightsaber. Vain screamed in pain, and backed up to look at his injury, which was barely more than superficial.

Raezyr paused, not pushing the attack. "On my brother's behalf, I'll give you one more chance. You clearly don't belong here and don't know what you're doing. Just leave. It's for the best. Just go."

The dumbfounded look returned to the boy's face, mixed in with his horror and pain. "I don't know what you want from me!" Despite his claim, he didn't seem to have any interest in trying to follow the instructions he had been given time and again, and he attempted to attack Raezyr again.

Trychon rolled his eyes. "I knew he would say that, somehow."