Vann dodged through the shanties, running at a speed just slightly higher than the fastest unaugmented possible speed for a human. "I'm coming to you," she sent telepathically. "Think of what he looked like."
She rapidly ascended a wrap around staircase. The image of the lightning bolt tattooed face came to her mind. She knew those marks. Sithe was just ahead.
"Master?"
"I'm okay. We've got to get out of here. This matter has become much more serious than we thought."
"The Force user?"
"Yes. He was a K'llan Merkash Warrior Adept. They're very dangerous, although they mostly keep to themselves. For them to take a contract directly against the Jedi is unheard of."
"Yet he did."
"Either he was a renegade or the Grand Master has decided to play a most dangerous game. We need to get back to the ship."
"You think there will be more assassins?"
"I'm sure of it. And now we have a real lead."
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Retan was waiting for them back at the landing pad as they departed from the air taxi. "You didn't waste any time did you?"
"It appears our trouble found us," Vann responded. "If you could prepare us for lift off?"
"We're ready. All we need to do is enter the Dancer, flip a few switches, and tell me the destination. Oh, and there is the little matter of payment."
"Another four thousand Republic credits."
"Done. Where to?"
"Merkash Secundus."
"Never heard of it."
"No reason you should have. Its in the Outer Rim." The Jedi followed their captain into the Wise Dancer and Sulos began to power the ship up.
He flipped several cockpit switches and the engines hummed to life. "The nav computer does have coordinates for that rock you mentioned. Its off the main lanes so it'll take a while to calculate the jump coordinates."
The Dancer rose up off her landing struts. "Nothing I can't handle," he said smiling as the tramp freighter howled out of the bay and through the open sky. "Just a few more moments until we hit the void and its smooth flying from there."
Hovering above Barona's north pole was a sinister ship in the form a great curved E shape. A cloak wrapped the vessel, shielding it from the sensors of the planet below. Doors on the underside of the ship slid open dropping two dart like fighter craft into the void. They would no longer be shielded from the eyes of others, but that didn't matter now.
They droid ships raced through space, angling towards the Wise Dancer.
An alarm hooted behind Retan. "We've got company!" he shouted and flipped on the shields to full power.
Sithe turned towards a display monitor. "Two fighters, coming in fast. No identifying signals."
"Someone wants you really dead," remarked Retan. He grasped a cluster of control rods and pushed them forewars. The Dancer's engines whined in response.
"Sithe," said Vann, "man the dorsal turret." Her padawan turned and darted down the corridor.
"What do you intend to do captain?"
"We're taking her in. You know how to work shields?"
"Actually, I am quite proficient at it."
"Good. Channel the power back aft and get ready to redeploy it to whatever angle those bastards hit us from. I'm taking us down."
"Back to the planet?"
"No, to the moon." One of the fighters opened fire. Green blaster bolts shot forth from rapid fire cannons along the slim craft's nose, two on either side, one above and the other below. Most of the stream of bolts missed. Several impacted on the Wise Dancer's shields. The white and barren surface of Barona's moon loomed in front of them.
"Hold on sister. This is going to get rough."
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Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2008-09-15 08:12pm, edited 1 time in total.
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The Wise Dancer dived down towards the craggy white surface. "Master Retan," said Vann, "I hope you have a better plan than smashing us into the surface of a lifeless moon."
"Trust me," he said. Scanning charts were displayed on the left side of the cockpit window. A warning howl like overdriving engines just behind him let him know the fighters were gaining. "I have no intention of dying here, but as I said, it's going to get rough." The rocky surface of the moon filled the cockpit as they dove at its surface. He jinked out of the way of a volley of blaster bolts, but several tagged his shields in green flashes. "Just keep those shields properly fed." He readied his hands on the control surfaces. Just a little closer. Closer. The ground was rushing at him. Now.
He yanked back hard, aborting the Dancer's dive and turning it into a swift ground skimming flight. The tips of jagged rocks were mere meters from the Dancer's shields. Dancer's engines' howled as he pushed for maximum acceleration. A mountain loomed ahead, part of a range of rock that had never been worn by water or wind, a razor edged crag of rock. Green blaster bolts tore up the surface of the moon all around the Dancer as the mountain loomed ahead.
He jinked and twisted to the right, sliding between the mountain and its closest neighbor while easing up on the speed. Even he couldn't do the next part at full speed.
A spire of rock was dead ahead. He pulled hard to the left, narrowly avoiding a crash and entering a long canyon of rock. "They're still on us," said Vann, "although they haven't been firing for the last few seconds."
"That's because we haven't been giving them a shot."
"One's trailing us from a our level, the other is staying above."
"I figured," he replied.
"The Planetary Defence Forces have just scrambled fighters."
"They'll have to climb up the glue to reach void and then play catch up. Either way, it'll be over for us by the time they get here."
The canyon straightened out for a long stretch, revealing an enclosed bridge of crystaline armour and gleaming metal connecting two clusters of tall dark stacks on either side of the canyon.
Meanwhile Sithe had strapped himself into the gunnery chair at the Dancer's dorsal turret. He flipped switched activating the targeting computer and and charging up the pair of fat barrelled guns. Green lights showed ready.
Retan spoke into the com. "Are you ready kid?"
Sithe put asside his annoyance. "Ready."
"Good, because I'm about to give you a shot on the low guy." Retan punched the thrusters and yanked up just after he passed the bridge. The Wise Dancer rose into the sky. The low flying fighter didn't have a chance to climb in the space abailable to it without risking colliding with the bridge. Instead it climbed at a more sedate rate, which pinned it vertically by the cavern floor and the bridge and horizontally by the walls.
Sithe relaxed as he locked on the guns, feeling the Force flow within him. Now. He fired. A burst of cyan bolts flashed from the guns, tearing the dart-like fighter into a pile of flaming debris. "Scratch one," he said calmly.
The ship immediately rocked under the impact of direct hits. "Great kid. Now get the other bastard." Sithe swivled the turret around as the ship rocked with another series of impacts. He squeezed the trigger. A flurry of blue bolts flashed from the guns and into the void. A miss.
The Wise Dancer rose from the moon and twisted hard to the right. Jade fire chased its tail. "Our rear deflector shields are failing," Vann said. "Another burst and they'll be gone."
Sithe tracked the guns to where the fighter would have to go to continue following the Dancer's turn, wait a moment, and then fired. A bright explosion blossomed in space. "Scratch two."
"Trust me," he said. Scanning charts were displayed on the left side of the cockpit window. A warning howl like overdriving engines just behind him let him know the fighters were gaining. "I have no intention of dying here, but as I said, it's going to get rough." The rocky surface of the moon filled the cockpit as they dove at its surface. He jinked out of the way of a volley of blaster bolts, but several tagged his shields in green flashes. "Just keep those shields properly fed." He readied his hands on the control surfaces. Just a little closer. Closer. The ground was rushing at him. Now.
He yanked back hard, aborting the Dancer's dive and turning it into a swift ground skimming flight. The tips of jagged rocks were mere meters from the Dancer's shields. Dancer's engines' howled as he pushed for maximum acceleration. A mountain loomed ahead, part of a range of rock that had never been worn by water or wind, a razor edged crag of rock. Green blaster bolts tore up the surface of the moon all around the Dancer as the mountain loomed ahead.
He jinked and twisted to the right, sliding between the mountain and its closest neighbor while easing up on the speed. Even he couldn't do the next part at full speed.
A spire of rock was dead ahead. He pulled hard to the left, narrowly avoiding a crash and entering a long canyon of rock. "They're still on us," said Vann, "although they haven't been firing for the last few seconds."
"That's because we haven't been giving them a shot."
"One's trailing us from a our level, the other is staying above."
"I figured," he replied.
"The Planetary Defence Forces have just scrambled fighters."
"They'll have to climb up the glue to reach void and then play catch up. Either way, it'll be over for us by the time they get here."
The canyon straightened out for a long stretch, revealing an enclosed bridge of crystaline armour and gleaming metal connecting two clusters of tall dark stacks on either side of the canyon.
Meanwhile Sithe had strapped himself into the gunnery chair at the Dancer's dorsal turret. He flipped switched activating the targeting computer and and charging up the pair of fat barrelled guns. Green lights showed ready.
Retan spoke into the com. "Are you ready kid?"
Sithe put asside his annoyance. "Ready."
"Good, because I'm about to give you a shot on the low guy." Retan punched the thrusters and yanked up just after he passed the bridge. The Wise Dancer rose into the sky. The low flying fighter didn't have a chance to climb in the space abailable to it without risking colliding with the bridge. Instead it climbed at a more sedate rate, which pinned it vertically by the cavern floor and the bridge and horizontally by the walls.
Sithe relaxed as he locked on the guns, feeling the Force flow within him. Now. He fired. A burst of cyan bolts flashed from the guns, tearing the dart-like fighter into a pile of flaming debris. "Scratch one," he said calmly.
The ship immediately rocked under the impact of direct hits. "Great kid. Now get the other bastard." Sithe swivled the turret around as the ship rocked with another series of impacts. He squeezed the trigger. A flurry of blue bolts flashed from the guns and into the void. A miss.
The Wise Dancer rose from the moon and twisted hard to the right. Jade fire chased its tail. "Our rear deflector shields are failing," Vann said. "Another burst and they'll be gone."
Sithe tracked the guns to where the fighter would have to go to continue following the Dancer's turn, wait a moment, and then fired. A bright explosion blossomed in space. "Scratch two."
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Sulos Retan walked out of the cockpit and into wardroom where the two Jedi were waiting. "Smooth as glass," he said. "We'll be at Merkash in a few hours."
"Good," said Vann.
"Nice shooting kid," said Retan. Sithe bowed his head in acknowledgement. "So what am I getting myself into here? Data bank says that Merkash is pretty much a back water system, not a place that exports Jedi killers."
"It doesn't usually," answered Vann. "The K'llan Merkash are an ancient order of Force using warriors indigineous to that world. They are insular, for the most part, and exist mostly to hone their martial skills. They have, at times, acted on the behest of the grand clan chieftan. The Jedi Order has long been aware of their existence and whenever possible kept an eye on them."
"So this comes right out of the blue?"
"Yes. The K'llan have usually been neutral in most galactic affairs. Their only involvement in larger affairs was several small clashes with the Sith. On a more local level they have hunted pirates, crimminals, and interviened in several local disputes. The Jedi Order has never considered them a threat."
"Until now."
"Yes. This is most unexpected. Sithe, what is your evaluation of the warrior adept's skills?"
"His execution of his technique was excellent. It was similar to Shien and he relied upon armour and a portable shield generator to bolster his defensive abilities. His offensive moves were strong and well executed, attempting to smash his way through my guard with both speed and strength, but his defence was less excellent. His connection with the Force was . . . . tenuous."
"Hmm. Perhaps he had fought often, but not against those who used lightsabers?"
"That would be consistent with what I observed master."
"Great," said Retan. "What does that mean to those of us who don't speak Jedi?"
"That means," said Vann, "that the K'llan used an aggressive style of combat relying on speed and strength to carry the day. He employed technologicy to armour himself against attack and although his offensive techniques were excellent his defensive ones were not. It is consistent with a warrior who has often used his lightsaber in battle, but who has rarely encountered a lightsaber armed opponent outside of training. Of course, that probably means they have quite well developed blaster deflection skills."
"Sounds lovely."
"Indeed. I suggest that you leave any of them we encounter to Sithe and I."
"Yea. And if you aren't around."
"I suggest running."
"Great. You have fun doing whatever it is Jedi do. I'm going to go check on the navicomputer." Retan headed back towards the cockpit.
Vann turned towards Sithe. "Are you alright?"
"It is not the first time I have killed master."
"It was the first time you have taken intelligent life since you joined the order. The first time you have faced a foe you haven't been taught your entire life to hate."
"I'm fine master. Really. I feel . . . . . disappointed that it had to be done. That's all."
"You would tell me if you felt differently?"
"Yes master. Those days are gone. I am a Jedi now."
"Your feelings do not cease because you have become a Jedi."
Sithe gazed directly into her eyes. "I felt joy that I had won and survivied, but I did not enjoy the taking of a life. That ended six years ago, when you found me. I am not a warrior of the Destoc Clan and I am no longer a taker of lives. I am a Jedi padawan and I hope, one day, to be a Jedi Knight and eventually a Jedi Master. I have killed fifteen members of Tenarr Clan. I enjoyed each kill and I felt the lure of the Dark Side. That war is no longer mine. That darkness is something you have saved me from. I am Jedi."
"Good," she said. "Know that fear, anger, and hate are part of our lives. A Jedi must not act on them, but that does not mean you pretend that they don't exist."
"Vann, if I felt it, I would tell you. I know that one does not avoid the pit by pretending it isn't there."
She smiled. "You have more wisdom than some masters. One day you will be a great Jedi."
"Good," said Vann.
"Nice shooting kid," said Retan. Sithe bowed his head in acknowledgement. "So what am I getting myself into here? Data bank says that Merkash is pretty much a back water system, not a place that exports Jedi killers."
"It doesn't usually," answered Vann. "The K'llan Merkash are an ancient order of Force using warriors indigineous to that world. They are insular, for the most part, and exist mostly to hone their martial skills. They have, at times, acted on the behest of the grand clan chieftan. The Jedi Order has long been aware of their existence and whenever possible kept an eye on them."
"So this comes right out of the blue?"
"Yes. The K'llan have usually been neutral in most galactic affairs. Their only involvement in larger affairs was several small clashes with the Sith. On a more local level they have hunted pirates, crimminals, and interviened in several local disputes. The Jedi Order has never considered them a threat."
"Until now."
"Yes. This is most unexpected. Sithe, what is your evaluation of the warrior adept's skills?"
"His execution of his technique was excellent. It was similar to Shien and he relied upon armour and a portable shield generator to bolster his defensive abilities. His offensive moves were strong and well executed, attempting to smash his way through my guard with both speed and strength, but his defence was less excellent. His connection with the Force was . . . . tenuous."
"Hmm. Perhaps he had fought often, but not against those who used lightsabers?"
"That would be consistent with what I observed master."
"Great," said Retan. "What does that mean to those of us who don't speak Jedi?"
"That means," said Vann, "that the K'llan used an aggressive style of combat relying on speed and strength to carry the day. He employed technologicy to armour himself against attack and although his offensive techniques were excellent his defensive ones were not. It is consistent with a warrior who has often used his lightsaber in battle, but who has rarely encountered a lightsaber armed opponent outside of training. Of course, that probably means they have quite well developed blaster deflection skills."
"Sounds lovely."
"Indeed. I suggest that you leave any of them we encounter to Sithe and I."
"Yea. And if you aren't around."
"I suggest running."
"Great. You have fun doing whatever it is Jedi do. I'm going to go check on the navicomputer." Retan headed back towards the cockpit.
Vann turned towards Sithe. "Are you alright?"
"It is not the first time I have killed master."
"It was the first time you have taken intelligent life since you joined the order. The first time you have faced a foe you haven't been taught your entire life to hate."
"I'm fine master. Really. I feel . . . . . disappointed that it had to be done. That's all."
"You would tell me if you felt differently?"
"Yes master. Those days are gone. I am a Jedi now."
"Your feelings do not cease because you have become a Jedi."
Sithe gazed directly into her eyes. "I felt joy that I had won and survivied, but I did not enjoy the taking of a life. That ended six years ago, when you found me. I am not a warrior of the Destoc Clan and I am no longer a taker of lives. I am a Jedi padawan and I hope, one day, to be a Jedi Knight and eventually a Jedi Master. I have killed fifteen members of Tenarr Clan. I enjoyed each kill and I felt the lure of the Dark Side. That war is no longer mine. That darkness is something you have saved me from. I am Jedi."
"Good," she said. "Know that fear, anger, and hate are part of our lives. A Jedi must not act on them, but that does not mean you pretend that they don't exist."
"Vann, if I felt it, I would tell you. I know that one does not avoid the pit by pretending it isn't there."
She smiled. "You have more wisdom than some masters. One day you will be a great Jedi."
Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2006-11-13 11:37pm, edited 1 time in total.
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The Wise Dancer dropped from hyperspace and sped through space, heading for a blue-green world half shrouded in clouds. The tramp freighter dropped through Merkash's atmosphere. Vann leaned forward in the cockpit. "Put us down on Kalindo."
"Will we find the K'llan there?" Sithe asked.
"No," she said. "We may find something to lead us to them. They are a secretive order and do not love the Republic. Most of Merkash views joining galactic society as an irritant necessary only to maintain trade relations, keep down pirates, and keep the Hutts at bay."
"My kind of people," said Sulos Retan. "No offence."
"None taken," said Vann.
"So, Kalindo," said Retan. He punched a few controls as the space ship flew through the clouds. He glanced at the screen. "Okay, not really a problem. Is this altitude reading correct?"
Vann looked over. "Yes."
"Alright then." The Wise Dancer streaked through the sky. "Should be coming up ahead," said Retan as they neared towering mountain peaks. The tips gleamed gold in the sunlight. As they grew nearer it became clear that each peak with lined with buildings of ivory and gold. Multikilometer bridges connected each mountain peak to its neighbors.
"Behold, Kalindo, the greatest clan hold on Merkash," said Vann.
"I'm getting instructions from traffic control to land on one of the pads on the rim."
"Go ahead," said Vann. "Don't do anything out of the ordinaryl."
"Too late," said Retan with a grin. "We left without fifty kilos of spice in the smuggling compartments."
"Master Retan, I would appreciate if you would restrain your sense of humour in the presence of customs authorities."
"Will do, as long as the credits keep flowing."
"You are a man of singular focus Master Retan," she said dryly.
"Just doing my part to maintain stability in the universe." The Wise Dancer dropped down towards a line of golden landing pads projecting off the side of a mountain city. Beneath the pad was mist and void. Dancer shuddered as she touched down.
After a brief and fruitless inspection by bored customs inspectors wearing brown and gold uniforms. Retan smiled at them through his teeth as the last of them left. "What now?" he asked.
"Now we rely on the Force to guide us," said Vann.
"Which means what exactly in Basic?"
"Observe and learn."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The travellers stepped into the domed building. Tall windows high on the sides let in shafts of lights and the sides were lined with mostly empty benches for observers. On the tiled floor in the center two score men in sleek jumpsuits spared with a variety of practice weapons.
"What are we expecting to find here?" asked Retan.
"Although it has been mostly at peace for centuries, Markesh idealizes the clan warriors of the past. The K'llan are an elite warrior brotherhood that survives from those times. That is our key."
"You think these guys know something."
"Some will. Some undoubtedly dream of an invitation to join the K'llan. They can point us in their direction. We just have to convince them to be helpful."
"How will we do that?"
"I will," said Sithe. The young Jedi shed his robes to reveal his simple black tunic and pants beneath. The handed them and his lightsaber to Vann before walking into the center of the circle.
"I've heard the warrior adepts of Merkash are among the best in the galaxy," Sithe said loudly. "I offer challenge. Who will face me?"
A lean, dark skinned blonde smiled. He threw a staff tipped with stun field generators at Sithe and took another from another man. He spun the staff. "Three hits. Might want to get on the mats."
"Good idea," said Sithe. He moved onto the mat. "Ready?" he said mildly.
The other man smiled and moved in. He jabbed tentatively at Sithe. The Jedi batted the staff down and then brough the other end of the staff swinging down. The other parried and then Sithe was a blur. He stabbed the blonde in the thigh, then in the side, and across the hand, sending the staff and the blonde both to the mat. "Who's next?" the Jedi asked.
"Will we find the K'llan there?" Sithe asked.
"No," she said. "We may find something to lead us to them. They are a secretive order and do not love the Republic. Most of Merkash views joining galactic society as an irritant necessary only to maintain trade relations, keep down pirates, and keep the Hutts at bay."
"My kind of people," said Sulos Retan. "No offence."
"None taken," said Vann.
"So, Kalindo," said Retan. He punched a few controls as the space ship flew through the clouds. He glanced at the screen. "Okay, not really a problem. Is this altitude reading correct?"
Vann looked over. "Yes."
"Alright then." The Wise Dancer streaked through the sky. "Should be coming up ahead," said Retan as they neared towering mountain peaks. The tips gleamed gold in the sunlight. As they grew nearer it became clear that each peak with lined with buildings of ivory and gold. Multikilometer bridges connected each mountain peak to its neighbors.
"Behold, Kalindo, the greatest clan hold on Merkash," said Vann.
"I'm getting instructions from traffic control to land on one of the pads on the rim."
"Go ahead," said Vann. "Don't do anything out of the ordinaryl."
"Too late," said Retan with a grin. "We left without fifty kilos of spice in the smuggling compartments."
"Master Retan, I would appreciate if you would restrain your sense of humour in the presence of customs authorities."
"Will do, as long as the credits keep flowing."
"You are a man of singular focus Master Retan," she said dryly.
"Just doing my part to maintain stability in the universe." The Wise Dancer dropped down towards a line of golden landing pads projecting off the side of a mountain city. Beneath the pad was mist and void. Dancer shuddered as she touched down.
After a brief and fruitless inspection by bored customs inspectors wearing brown and gold uniforms. Retan smiled at them through his teeth as the last of them left. "What now?" he asked.
"Now we rely on the Force to guide us," said Vann.
"Which means what exactly in Basic?"
"Observe and learn."
-------------------------------------------------------------------
The travellers stepped into the domed building. Tall windows high on the sides let in shafts of lights and the sides were lined with mostly empty benches for observers. On the tiled floor in the center two score men in sleek jumpsuits spared with a variety of practice weapons.
"What are we expecting to find here?" asked Retan.
"Although it has been mostly at peace for centuries, Markesh idealizes the clan warriors of the past. The K'llan are an elite warrior brotherhood that survives from those times. That is our key."
"You think these guys know something."
"Some will. Some undoubtedly dream of an invitation to join the K'llan. They can point us in their direction. We just have to convince them to be helpful."
"How will we do that?"
"I will," said Sithe. The young Jedi shed his robes to reveal his simple black tunic and pants beneath. The handed them and his lightsaber to Vann before walking into the center of the circle.
"I've heard the warrior adepts of Merkash are among the best in the galaxy," Sithe said loudly. "I offer challenge. Who will face me?"
A lean, dark skinned blonde smiled. He threw a staff tipped with stun field generators at Sithe and took another from another man. He spun the staff. "Three hits. Might want to get on the mats."
"Good idea," said Sithe. He moved onto the mat. "Ready?" he said mildly.
The other man smiled and moved in. He jabbed tentatively at Sithe. The Jedi batted the staff down and then brough the other end of the staff swinging down. The other parried and then Sithe was a blur. He stabbed the blonde in the thigh, then in the side, and across the hand, sending the staff and the blonde both to the mat. "Who's next?" the Jedi asked.
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"Your boy can sure fight," said Sulos as Sithe engaged a pair of challengers with single sticks.
"He's not 'my boy', yes he is most impressive," said Vann as she scanned the crowd.
"You're not even looking," said Retan.
"Of course not. I don't need to look to know that Sithe is winning." The padawan was a blur, spinning, blocking, and striking. In a few moments, he had dispatched yet another set of enemies. Vann closed her eyes for a moment and was still. She touched everything and let her perceptions ride the flow. Sithe's display stirred thoughts and emotions. Slowly she opened them again.
A young man with brown skin, black hair, and brilliant red tattoos on his cheeks was watching on the sidelines. "Him," said Vann.
"Sure?" said Sulos.
"Yes."
"Read his mind?"
"No," said Vann. "I read the Force and his turmoil touches the Force, as do all things." She circled the fighting ground where Sithe was preparing to engage another pair of opponents. Retan travelled in her wake.
The tattooed man saw her coming his eyes narrowed. He wore a white padded tunic and pants with blue piping. A sword and a blaster pistol hung from a belt. "I would like some assistance," Vann said.
"I will provide assistance," said the man.
"You will help me find the K'llan Merkash."
"I will help you find the K'llan Merkash."
"Where can I find them?"
"You can find them at the Zhon Tee Hold."
"Where in the Zhon Tee Hold?"
"The hold is abandoned, except for the K'llan Merkash and their servants."
"You are one of their servants?"
"I am one of their servants."
"This conversation is not worth remembering. You should forget it when I stop talking."
"This conversation is not worth remembering. I'll forget it when you stop talking."
Vann turned away and withdrew. "Nice," said Retan. "Now that's a trick."
"Many things are possible with the Force as your ally," Vann told the blonde man. Sithe dispatched another opponent in a barehanded fight, flipping him onto his back. Vann met his gaze. Sithe nodded.
He bowed to the assembly and left the fighting area to rejoin his master. "Well done," she said as she handed him his robe back.
"Thank you master." He secured his lightsabers. "How did it go on your end?"
"Quite well," she replied. "We now have a destination for Master Retan."
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Wise Dancer approached a desolate mountain top. Retan checked a read out. "No com traffic or active sensors. No sign of a large power source. This place is dead."
"That is what they wish others to believe," said Vann.
"I thought these guys were really liked here?" said Sulos.
"They are," Vann replied, "but their traditions are of a secretive warrior brotherhood."
"Gotcha," replied Retan. The Dancer came in close, giving them a better look at Zhon Tee Hold. There were no magnificent bridges or gleaming buildings. Instead there were a few tunnels into the interior that glowered like the eye sockets of a skull. Gun turrets covered the avenues of approach, but were still and lifeless. "Nice place," said Retan.
"Put us down on that ledge," said Vann.
"This is going to cost you extra," Sulos grumbled as the Wise Dancer settled on a clearly artificial ledge near one of the tunnel mouths. "I suppose you Jedi are going to go in and poke around?"
"Something like that Master Retan," Vann answered. She flung her braid back under her hood and pulled the hood over her head. She turned and walked toward the boarding ramp, Sithe trailing her two steps behind.
"Hells," Sulos swore. "Wait a second. You're going into there knowing that they're there, that they're trying to kill you, and they probably know you're here?"
"Yes," said Vann. "Since they didn't power up there turrets and try to shoot us down, they are probably going to wait for us to come to then so they don't tell the rest of the planet what they are up to by shooting us down. That's supposing the assassins aren't renegades, of course."
"Of course," said Sulos. "How many of them are there?"
"Probably a lot," said Sithe.
"Probably?"
"It's hard to get good numbers on secretive warrior brotherhoods," said Vann.
"You're both crazy," said Retan. "I'm coming with you." They both looked at him. "Someone's got to keep the pair of you alive and if you die, I don't get paid."
"Very well, Master Retan. You may join us. Try to stay out of trouble."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The room was a cylinder ten meters in diameter and fifty meters tall. There is only one entrance to it and besides its sole occupant, nothing inside but bare stone. A cloaked zhutak approached the kneeling figure shrouded in black robe. "The intruders have landed kalresh," the young warrior said.
"I know. There are those strong in the Force with them."
"The others have not felt such a thing."
"That is because one of them has great skill in hiding their presence."
"Should we greet them kalresh?"
"No. They are here because a young fool over reached himself. Power up the defence turrets to make sure they cannot escape us. Then let the zhutak hunt them as they see fit. We have long anticipated the day when we could put our skills to the fullest test, as our ancestors once did. The Sith are gone, but the Jedi remain. Let us see who among the zhutak carries within the seeds of true greatness and if these Jedi are truly what the Republic believes them to be. Go."
"I will convey your will," said the zhutak who bowed and retreated. The kalresh smiled behind his mask. There would be no escape for the Jedi. He doubted they would last against the zhutak, but if needs be he would face the Jedi himself. He had no doubts about who would prevail.
"He's not 'my boy', yes he is most impressive," said Vann as she scanned the crowd.
"You're not even looking," said Retan.
"Of course not. I don't need to look to know that Sithe is winning." The padawan was a blur, spinning, blocking, and striking. In a few moments, he had dispatched yet another set of enemies. Vann closed her eyes for a moment and was still. She touched everything and let her perceptions ride the flow. Sithe's display stirred thoughts and emotions. Slowly she opened them again.
A young man with brown skin, black hair, and brilliant red tattoos on his cheeks was watching on the sidelines. "Him," said Vann.
"Sure?" said Sulos.
"Yes."
"Read his mind?"
"No," said Vann. "I read the Force and his turmoil touches the Force, as do all things." She circled the fighting ground where Sithe was preparing to engage another pair of opponents. Retan travelled in her wake.
The tattooed man saw her coming his eyes narrowed. He wore a white padded tunic and pants with blue piping. A sword and a blaster pistol hung from a belt. "I would like some assistance," Vann said.
"I will provide assistance," said the man.
"You will help me find the K'llan Merkash."
"I will help you find the K'llan Merkash."
"Where can I find them?"
"You can find them at the Zhon Tee Hold."
"Where in the Zhon Tee Hold?"
"The hold is abandoned, except for the K'llan Merkash and their servants."
"You are one of their servants?"
"I am one of their servants."
"This conversation is not worth remembering. You should forget it when I stop talking."
"This conversation is not worth remembering. I'll forget it when you stop talking."
Vann turned away and withdrew. "Nice," said Retan. "Now that's a trick."
"Many things are possible with the Force as your ally," Vann told the blonde man. Sithe dispatched another opponent in a barehanded fight, flipping him onto his back. Vann met his gaze. Sithe nodded.
He bowed to the assembly and left the fighting area to rejoin his master. "Well done," she said as she handed him his robe back.
"Thank you master." He secured his lightsabers. "How did it go on your end?"
"Quite well," she replied. "We now have a destination for Master Retan."
--------------------------------------------------------------
The Wise Dancer approached a desolate mountain top. Retan checked a read out. "No com traffic or active sensors. No sign of a large power source. This place is dead."
"That is what they wish others to believe," said Vann.
"I thought these guys were really liked here?" said Sulos.
"They are," Vann replied, "but their traditions are of a secretive warrior brotherhood."
"Gotcha," replied Retan. The Dancer came in close, giving them a better look at Zhon Tee Hold. There were no magnificent bridges or gleaming buildings. Instead there were a few tunnels into the interior that glowered like the eye sockets of a skull. Gun turrets covered the avenues of approach, but were still and lifeless. "Nice place," said Retan.
"Put us down on that ledge," said Vann.
"This is going to cost you extra," Sulos grumbled as the Wise Dancer settled on a clearly artificial ledge near one of the tunnel mouths. "I suppose you Jedi are going to go in and poke around?"
"Something like that Master Retan," Vann answered. She flung her braid back under her hood and pulled the hood over her head. She turned and walked toward the boarding ramp, Sithe trailing her two steps behind.
"Hells," Sulos swore. "Wait a second. You're going into there knowing that they're there, that they're trying to kill you, and they probably know you're here?"
"Yes," said Vann. "Since they didn't power up there turrets and try to shoot us down, they are probably going to wait for us to come to then so they don't tell the rest of the planet what they are up to by shooting us down. That's supposing the assassins aren't renegades, of course."
"Of course," said Sulos. "How many of them are there?"
"Probably a lot," said Sithe.
"Probably?"
"It's hard to get good numbers on secretive warrior brotherhoods," said Vann.
"You're both crazy," said Retan. "I'm coming with you." They both looked at him. "Someone's got to keep the pair of you alive and if you die, I don't get paid."
"Very well, Master Retan. You may join us. Try to stay out of trouble."
----------------------------------------------------------------------
The room was a cylinder ten meters in diameter and fifty meters tall. There is only one entrance to it and besides its sole occupant, nothing inside but bare stone. A cloaked zhutak approached the kneeling figure shrouded in black robe. "The intruders have landed kalresh," the young warrior said.
"I know. There are those strong in the Force with them."
"The others have not felt such a thing."
"That is because one of them has great skill in hiding their presence."
"Should we greet them kalresh?"
"No. They are here because a young fool over reached himself. Power up the defence turrets to make sure they cannot escape us. Then let the zhutak hunt them as they see fit. We have long anticipated the day when we could put our skills to the fullest test, as our ancestors once did. The Sith are gone, but the Jedi remain. Let us see who among the zhutak carries within the seeds of true greatness and if these Jedi are truly what the Republic believes them to be. Go."
"I will convey your will," said the zhutak who bowed and retreated. The kalresh smiled behind his mask. There would be no escape for the Jedi. He doubted they would last against the zhutak, but if needs be he would face the Jedi himself. He had no doubts about who would prevail.
Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2008-09-15 08:53pm, edited 2 times in total.
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Most good.
More is needed.
More is needed.
Via money Europe could become political in five years" "... the current communities should be completed by a Finance Common Market which would lead us to European economic unity. Only then would ... the mutual commitments make it fairly easy to produce the political union which is the goal"
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The Jedi walked down the cavernous hall, their foot steps echoing through the corridors of the hold. Sulos Retan followed just slightly behind, a long barrelled blaster pistol in his hand. Light strips on the ceiling provided enough light to see by, but the halls were otherwise unadorned. They came to a T junction.
"Which way?" asked Sithe.
"Left, I think," said Vann.
They followed the curving hall for a short distance before the inner wall opened for the base of an enormous staircase about eight meters wide that was broken up by two landings part way up its length. At the top of the flight of stairs were five men wearing body suits set with armour plates over the chest, stomach, thighs, upper, and lower arms. Helmets with armored face masks covered their heads. They began to descend towards the Jedi.
"Hello," Vann called out. "You are members of the K'llan Merkash I presume? We wish to speak with you."
"They don't look like they want to talk," muttered Sulos Retan.
"Jedi," said the zhutak in the lead. "You have come a long way to die." They crossed the first landing and continued down the stairs.
"Yeah, this is going well," said Retan.
"Desist from this course of action," said Vann. "There is no justice in it and it will only end badly for you."
"Your tricks will not work on us," said the one in the lead. A snap-hiss marked the ignition of a red bladed lightsaber in his hand. A moment latter the others ignited their blades. The zhutak on the far left was armed with two blades.
Retan raised his blaster and fired a volley of bolts against the lead zhutak. He blocked the shots with the lightsaber, sending bolts to ricochet against the stairs and the walls in sprays of sparks and stone chips. "Well, that didn't work so well," Retan said.
"Stay behind us," said Vann. "We'll take care of this."
"Master," said Sithe, "those plates are Phrik alloy."
"I believe you are right, but armour is a burden as well as a benefit." The zhutak's advanced past the last landing. Vann raised her left hand and a Force wave smashed the the three K'llan adepts in the center back across the landing. The two Jedi leapt forward, clearing a dozen meters to engage those still standing, lightsabers igniting as they flew through the air.
The zhutak's had the advantage of height and their armour. Two sabers swung down at Sithe. The Jedi parried and stepped to the side as Vann clashed with the other zhutak. The Jedi Master locked blades with the zhutak and then sent him flying through the air with a Force burst that smashed him into the stairs between the two landings.
The other three zhutaks sprung to their feet and rushed forward. Sithe fell back a step under twin saber's onslaught as Vann rushed to attack him from the side. Two saber's attention flickered towards the gold skinned woman for a fraction of a second. That was more time than Sithe needed. His right hand saber swung through the zhutak's knees. With a cry he toppled forward down the stairs. Sithe was no longer in the way.
Three on two the Jedi clashed with the K'llan Merskash at the edge of the landing. Without speaking they surrendered the center and wove around the edges. For a moment it was one on one as the zhutak leader had to maneuver around his own warrior-brothers to get into position.
Sithe parried a downward blow with his left hand saber, redirecting slightly to the Jedi's left. He flicked his right hand weapon up and through the left armpit of the zhutak facing him. The saber easily cut through muscle and bone, but left only glowing scars on the Phrik alloy shoulder guard of his opponent. The severed limb dropped and the zhutak stepped back but he was far too slow. Another blow of Sithe's saber relieved him of his head.
The leader struck ferociously at Sithe, forcing the padawan to parry and deflect with his humming blue blades while giving ground. Vann held the other in a flashing exchange of blows as the zhutak attempted to hammer through her guard while she probed him for weaknesses. The other zhutak stirred from where he had been hurled into the stairs and leapt forward, flipping through the air as he did so. He landed at the edge of the ledge, facing up towards where the Jedi dueled his brothers, ready to strike in tandem with his brothers.
Blaster shots rang out. The zhutak took a step forward and fell, holes smoking in back. In leaping forward, he had forfeited the cover provided by the rapidly moving Jedi that had Sulos reluctant to shoot while exposing his back to the smuggler. The combination had been fatal.
Vann fell back before the zhutak's continued hammer blows. He struck again and again and then the Jedi dodged instead of parrying. The green blade sliced through his hands just below his wrist. For a moment he staired at his stumps in disbelief and then the Jedi kicked him down the stairs.
Their leader was too canny to fall into a predictable rhythm facing Sithe. His blows came swiftly from a variety of angles. He struck with great force, keeping Sithe on the defensive. The Jedi parried and fell back, parried and fell back. The leader struck again, a diagonal blow from the upper right. Sithe caught the blade on his left hand saber and and twisted inside the leader's blow. The tip of Sithe's right hand saber lead the motion, striking the zhutak on his chest plate. Phrik alloy could withstand considerable punishment from lightsabers, but it had limits. The metal glowed yellow and then failed as Sithe thrust his saber through the armour and into the zhutak's heart. The zhutak remained upright for a moment and then fell. Then there was silence.
"Which way?" asked Sithe.
"Left, I think," said Vann.
They followed the curving hall for a short distance before the inner wall opened for the base of an enormous staircase about eight meters wide that was broken up by two landings part way up its length. At the top of the flight of stairs were five men wearing body suits set with armour plates over the chest, stomach, thighs, upper, and lower arms. Helmets with armored face masks covered their heads. They began to descend towards the Jedi.
"Hello," Vann called out. "You are members of the K'llan Merkash I presume? We wish to speak with you."
"They don't look like they want to talk," muttered Sulos Retan.
"Jedi," said the zhutak in the lead. "You have come a long way to die." They crossed the first landing and continued down the stairs.
"Yeah, this is going well," said Retan.
"Desist from this course of action," said Vann. "There is no justice in it and it will only end badly for you."
"Your tricks will not work on us," said the one in the lead. A snap-hiss marked the ignition of a red bladed lightsaber in his hand. A moment latter the others ignited their blades. The zhutak on the far left was armed with two blades.
Retan raised his blaster and fired a volley of bolts against the lead zhutak. He blocked the shots with the lightsaber, sending bolts to ricochet against the stairs and the walls in sprays of sparks and stone chips. "Well, that didn't work so well," Retan said.
"Stay behind us," said Vann. "We'll take care of this."
"Master," said Sithe, "those plates are Phrik alloy."
"I believe you are right, but armour is a burden as well as a benefit." The zhutak's advanced past the last landing. Vann raised her left hand and a Force wave smashed the the three K'llan adepts in the center back across the landing. The two Jedi leapt forward, clearing a dozen meters to engage those still standing, lightsabers igniting as they flew through the air.
The zhutak's had the advantage of height and their armour. Two sabers swung down at Sithe. The Jedi parried and stepped to the side as Vann clashed with the other zhutak. The Jedi Master locked blades with the zhutak and then sent him flying through the air with a Force burst that smashed him into the stairs between the two landings.
The other three zhutaks sprung to their feet and rushed forward. Sithe fell back a step under twin saber's onslaught as Vann rushed to attack him from the side. Two saber's attention flickered towards the gold skinned woman for a fraction of a second. That was more time than Sithe needed. His right hand saber swung through the zhutak's knees. With a cry he toppled forward down the stairs. Sithe was no longer in the way.
Three on two the Jedi clashed with the K'llan Merskash at the edge of the landing. Without speaking they surrendered the center and wove around the edges. For a moment it was one on one as the zhutak leader had to maneuver around his own warrior-brothers to get into position.
Sithe parried a downward blow with his left hand saber, redirecting slightly to the Jedi's left. He flicked his right hand weapon up and through the left armpit of the zhutak facing him. The saber easily cut through muscle and bone, but left only glowing scars on the Phrik alloy shoulder guard of his opponent. The severed limb dropped and the zhutak stepped back but he was far too slow. Another blow of Sithe's saber relieved him of his head.
The leader struck ferociously at Sithe, forcing the padawan to parry and deflect with his humming blue blades while giving ground. Vann held the other in a flashing exchange of blows as the zhutak attempted to hammer through her guard while she probed him for weaknesses. The other zhutak stirred from where he had been hurled into the stairs and leapt forward, flipping through the air as he did so. He landed at the edge of the ledge, facing up towards where the Jedi dueled his brothers, ready to strike in tandem with his brothers.
Blaster shots rang out. The zhutak took a step forward and fell, holes smoking in back. In leaping forward, he had forfeited the cover provided by the rapidly moving Jedi that had Sulos reluctant to shoot while exposing his back to the smuggler. The combination had been fatal.
Vann fell back before the zhutak's continued hammer blows. He struck again and again and then the Jedi dodged instead of parrying. The green blade sliced through his hands just below his wrist. For a moment he staired at his stumps in disbelief and then the Jedi kicked him down the stairs.
Their leader was too canny to fall into a predictable rhythm facing Sithe. His blows came swiftly from a variety of angles. He struck with great force, keeping Sithe on the defensive. The Jedi parried and fell back, parried and fell back. The leader struck again, a diagonal blow from the upper right. Sithe caught the blade on his left hand saber and and twisted inside the leader's blow. The tip of Sithe's right hand saber lead the motion, striking the zhutak on his chest plate. Phrik alloy could withstand considerable punishment from lightsabers, but it had limits. The metal glowed yellow and then failed as Sithe thrust his saber through the armour and into the zhutak's heart. The zhutak remained upright for a moment and then fell. Then there was silence.
Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2008-09-15 08:55pm, edited 1 time in total.
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Ohh, dis is de good.
I demand more, naturally.
I demand more, naturally.
Via money Europe could become political in five years" "... the current communities should be completed by a Finance Common Market which would lead us to European economic unity. Only then would ... the mutual commitments make it fairly easy to produce the political union which is the goal"
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Vann walked over to the wounded man. He lay sprawled near the bottom of the stairs, moaning in pain. His legs ended just above the ankle. "Shhh," Vann said as she approached. She touched his forehead gently. "There is no pain," she said softly. He quieted.
"Tell me why is your order attacking Jedi?"
"We aren't," he replied.
"Members of your order were involved in attacks on us in Baronna. Ambushes."
"I no nothing of these things."
"Then sleep," Vann said. She rose from his limp form. "It appears the masters choose not to inform the students. Let us proceed and see if we can unravel this mystery."
They climbed the stairs, weapons in hand. Before them was a great columned hall, cold and and foreboding. The ceiling was ten meters high and the hall was twice that wide. It curved gently, forming one part of a great arc.
"These guys sure like circles don't they?" said Sulos Retan.
"They are symbolic. Higher circles of mastery and deeper mysteries," said Vann.
"Which way?" asked Retan.
"Left, I think," said Vann. The Jedi Master lead them away from the stairs. The sound of booted feet on stone echoed toward them.
"Company," said Retan. He held up his blaster and moved towards a pillar.
"That might be a good idea," Vann said. She ignited her lightsaber and stood near a pillar. Retan looked over towards Sithe and found him missing.
They came around the bend. The wore clothing and armour in the same style as the zhutaks, but bore blaster rifles. "Bantha poodu," muttered Retan and he leveled his blaster.
Blazing red bolts smashed fist sized holes in the column Sulos was hiding behind. Vann deflected a fusillade of bolts and thrust out her hand, sending two zhutaks flying. Fire concentrated on the Jedi Master and she retreated behind the nearby column.
Retan peaked out and fired back, driving a pair to cover but hitting no one. Vann darted around the other side and pulled a blaster rifle out of a zhutak's hands. She slammed another one hard against a pillar with the Force. He slid limply to the floor as the Jedi Master parried mor ebolts and dodged towards a closer pillar.
Stone chips from near hits opened cuts on Sulos Retan's face. He crouched behind the pillar as more fire slammed into it. "I could use some help here."
"They've had training," said Vann. "They'll find the weak points of my defence given just a little time and they're prepared to resist the Force. There's a limit to how many I can affect at once."
"Just great."
Sithe walked around the side of a pillar at a brisk but unhurried pace. The Force was with him, shrouding him from the perceptions of others. Before him was one of the zhutaks, who had his flank to him and was busy firing down the hall. The padawan ignited his sabers.
An ordinary man would not have noticed, but these warriors had Force training. The added danger was enough. He turned towards Sithe. A lightsaber cut his rifle in two while another decapitated him. His body tumbled to the floor.
The closest two opened fire and Sithe's saber's hummed as he deflected incoming fire. Vann emerged from behind her pillar and sent two zhutak's sprawling as she moved forward to the next pillar and deflected incoming fire. Sulos peaked around his ravaged pillar and fired off a volley of blaster bolts. One took a zhutak in the side, uncovered by armour plate, and another high on the left side of the chest. The warrior fell.
Sithe deflected bolts as he advanced on the two zhutaks. They took a step back and then another. One of the standing zhutaks was flung hard against a pillar. Sithe heard bone crack. Another one fell to blaster bolts. and then he was upon the closest one. Sithe sliced through the rifle and then ran him through the neck. The zhutak fell and out of the corner of his eye he saw his master strike down another with her lightsaber.
The other threw down his blaster rifle and drew a lightsaber. A red blade ignited and he unleashed a powerful, downward stroke. Sithe took the strike on his right hand blade and redirected it to the side. Sithe ran him through the chest.
The last two zhutak's were flung against pillars and pinned there, hanging two meters in the air. "Enough of this," Vann commanded. "You are beaten." She slammed them down on the floor hard enough to break bone. Retan winced.
"Ouch. If that's Jedi mercy, I'll pass."
"We cannot rely on their word. They have sworn a higher obedience. We cannot trust them behind us. Broken bones will heal given time. I know you would have no scruples about shooting them."
"Point. What now?"
"The master has sent his students to stop us and they have failed, both the seasoned and the new. He will remain with his chosen instruments to confront us or flee."
"Are you sure."
"Reasonably so. The Force is my ally."
"What if he runs?"
"I can sense his presence. He is not running."
"Great," said Retan. He picked up a blaster rifle. It was a Czerka B-17, a sturdy model devoid of any fancy bells and whistles. A poor choice for close quarters where rapid fire might make all the difference or engaging a foe with heavy armour, but a decent all around rifle. "I guess its too late to back out now."
"Tell me why is your order attacking Jedi?"
"We aren't," he replied.
"Members of your order were involved in attacks on us in Baronna. Ambushes."
"I no nothing of these things."
"Then sleep," Vann said. She rose from his limp form. "It appears the masters choose not to inform the students. Let us proceed and see if we can unravel this mystery."
They climbed the stairs, weapons in hand. Before them was a great columned hall, cold and and foreboding. The ceiling was ten meters high and the hall was twice that wide. It curved gently, forming one part of a great arc.
"These guys sure like circles don't they?" said Sulos Retan.
"They are symbolic. Higher circles of mastery and deeper mysteries," said Vann.
"Which way?" asked Retan.
"Left, I think," said Vann. The Jedi Master lead them away from the stairs. The sound of booted feet on stone echoed toward them.
"Company," said Retan. He held up his blaster and moved towards a pillar.
"That might be a good idea," Vann said. She ignited her lightsaber and stood near a pillar. Retan looked over towards Sithe and found him missing.
They came around the bend. The wore clothing and armour in the same style as the zhutaks, but bore blaster rifles. "Bantha poodu," muttered Retan and he leveled his blaster.
Blazing red bolts smashed fist sized holes in the column Sulos was hiding behind. Vann deflected a fusillade of bolts and thrust out her hand, sending two zhutaks flying. Fire concentrated on the Jedi Master and she retreated behind the nearby column.
Retan peaked out and fired back, driving a pair to cover but hitting no one. Vann darted around the other side and pulled a blaster rifle out of a zhutak's hands. She slammed another one hard against a pillar with the Force. He slid limply to the floor as the Jedi Master parried mor ebolts and dodged towards a closer pillar.
Stone chips from near hits opened cuts on Sulos Retan's face. He crouched behind the pillar as more fire slammed into it. "I could use some help here."
"They've had training," said Vann. "They'll find the weak points of my defence given just a little time and they're prepared to resist the Force. There's a limit to how many I can affect at once."
"Just great."
Sithe walked around the side of a pillar at a brisk but unhurried pace. The Force was with him, shrouding him from the perceptions of others. Before him was one of the zhutaks, who had his flank to him and was busy firing down the hall. The padawan ignited his sabers.
An ordinary man would not have noticed, but these warriors had Force training. The added danger was enough. He turned towards Sithe. A lightsaber cut his rifle in two while another decapitated him. His body tumbled to the floor.
The closest two opened fire and Sithe's saber's hummed as he deflected incoming fire. Vann emerged from behind her pillar and sent two zhutak's sprawling as she moved forward to the next pillar and deflected incoming fire. Sulos peaked around his ravaged pillar and fired off a volley of blaster bolts. One took a zhutak in the side, uncovered by armour plate, and another high on the left side of the chest. The warrior fell.
Sithe deflected bolts as he advanced on the two zhutaks. They took a step back and then another. One of the standing zhutaks was flung hard against a pillar. Sithe heard bone crack. Another one fell to blaster bolts. and then he was upon the closest one. Sithe sliced through the rifle and then ran him through the neck. The zhutak fell and out of the corner of his eye he saw his master strike down another with her lightsaber.
The other threw down his blaster rifle and drew a lightsaber. A red blade ignited and he unleashed a powerful, downward stroke. Sithe took the strike on his right hand blade and redirected it to the side. Sithe ran him through the chest.
The last two zhutak's were flung against pillars and pinned there, hanging two meters in the air. "Enough of this," Vann commanded. "You are beaten." She slammed them down on the floor hard enough to break bone. Retan winced.
"Ouch. If that's Jedi mercy, I'll pass."
"We cannot rely on their word. They have sworn a higher obedience. We cannot trust them behind us. Broken bones will heal given time. I know you would have no scruples about shooting them."
"Point. What now?"
"The master has sent his students to stop us and they have failed, both the seasoned and the new. He will remain with his chosen instruments to confront us or flee."
"Are you sure."
"Reasonably so. The Force is my ally."
"What if he runs?"
"I can sense his presence. He is not running."
"Great," said Retan. He picked up a blaster rifle. It was a Czerka B-17, a sturdy model devoid of any fancy bells and whistles. A poor choice for close quarters where rapid fire might make all the difference or engaging a foe with heavy armour, but a decent all around rifle. "I guess its too late to back out now."
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The students straightened to full attention as they saw the kalresh approach. There were six of them and they had yet to reach the rank of zhutak, possessing merely finely honed martial skills and rudimentary Force skills. They were at various different stages of lightsaber training, although all of them were masters of the sword.
Kalresh Zareigo gave them a brief once over. "Follow me," he ordered. "Leave your training blades behind." He walked across the training room floor and approached a locker. It opened with a wave of his hand. "Take a blade," he ordered, "and prepare yourself for battle."
Vann lead her party up another immense set of stairs. At the end was a balcony about ten meters wide that wrapped completely around the side of shaft that descended into the mountain's core. In the center of the shaft was a mammoth column that ran the length of the shaft. Connecting the column to the balcony was a twenty meter long bridge.
Armoured doors in the side of the column slid open. A man wearing dark body armour inset with large metal plates and a blank battle mask lead six others in dark jumpsuits forward. All of them held crimson bladed light sabers. "Kill the others," the kalresh said as he unfastened his cloak and let it fall. "Leave the woman to me."
Vann stretched out her hand and unleashed a wave of Force power. The kalresh blocked the wave and smashed back. Vann and Sithe, weathered the wave, but Sulos was knocked back. "Run," said Vann. "This is beyond you." The K'llan Merkash charged, the kalresh at their head.
Sithe blocked the rush of one of the students and slid to the side, using him as a barrier against the rest. One moved to flank him on the other side and Sithe's left hand blade flashed, cutting the student in half just above the waist. Four of the five survivors converged on the Padawan. The last pursued Retan down the stairs.
Vann parried the kalresh's powerful overhand blow and lashed out with a low horizontal cut. The kalresh leapt back onto the bride to avoid the blow and then counter attacked with a flurry of powerful, overhand blows that drove Vann back. The Jedi parried frantically and then counter attacked with a series of swift slashes. The kalresh parried easily and retook the offence, hammering her with swift, powerful blows.
Vann parried the blows and gave ground. The kalresh was using a form highly remenescent of the aggressive and offensive Shien style and he had both the physical strength and Force skills to make full use of it. She parried and moved into the defensive Soresu style and then switched to the Makashi quick dueling style to
Sithe fell back, ceding ground to his attackers. His lightsabers moved frantically, constantly parrying and occasionally feinting. None of the students were his equal with a lightsaber and he saw the holes in their defences, but going for a killing stroke would mean leaving himself open to at least one blade. So he retreated, blades flashing, and tried to make that single, perfect moment when he could strike and live happen.
Sulos Retan fell back as the K'llan Merkash student advanced. Blaster bolts from the rifle were parried and and smashed into the walls in sprays of sparks and stone chips. The student smiled and advanced. "Pray to whatever gods you follow offworlder. Your time has ended."
"Yeah?" said Retan and as he lowered the muzzle of the blaster rifle and cranked the dial to full. The stairs under the student's feet exploded when it was struck, causing him to tumble forward. He caught himself as he fell and leapt to his feat, moving his lightsaber up to guard. Too late. He fell back to the steps, a smoking hole in his chest. "Guess I have a little more time." He bounded up the stairs.
Vann was holding her own, trading blows with the Kalresh. Sithe wasn't doing nearly so well, being driven back by four guys with lightsabers. That pretty much settled who he was going to try and shoot first. He waited a moment for Sithe to move back out of the way and fired.
The bolt hit a student in the arm and he dropped the lightsaber and spun. Sulos then shot him in the chest. He toppled as Sithe threw himself into the melee.
The distraction provided by Sulos's attack had given Sithe his moment. He parry-lunged and ran through the student on his left and moved up and to the side of the dying student, using him as a shield against the other student's attacks. The spun to face him as he moved around the falling body.
Sithe parried the closest student with his right hand saber and cut him in half with the left. As the body fell in two different halves Sith raised his left hand blade to parry the stroke of the surviving student. Sithe's right hand blade hit the right collar bone and came out beneath the left armpit. The last of Sithe's opponents fell.
The kalresh drove Vann back and then to her knees. The Jedi Master slammed him in the legs with a Force push, overcoming his defences. The kalresh was knocked back four meters and fell on his butt. Vann sprung up faster that he did and adopted the powerful Shien form, hammering him with a hail of powerful blows.
He raised his lightsaber to ward off her blows and drew upon the Force to leap to his feet, only to find out the the last blow was a feint. Vann's saber thrust in low and pierced his hip, which was not protected by armour plate. He screamed and fell, lashing out with his saber to keep her at bay.
Vann stepped back and assessed the rest of the battle. Sithe was standing over the bodies of the K'llan Merkash he had slain. Sulos was holding up his blaster rifle. "Sorry," he said. "I tried to stay back but they wouldn't cooperate."
Vann smiled faintly. "Perhaps I should have warned them instead."
Sithe approached. "Their leader I presume."
"So it appears," said Vann, "but as skilled as he was I doubt that he is their grandmaster." She turned to him. "A kalresh, I presume?"
"You will get nothing from me offworlder," he hissed. "I will die before betraying my order."
"Your order is helping assassins murder people who are not your enemy. That is hardly the great and noble order that your ancestors revered. Regain your honor. Turn away from this dark path."
"Death first," he replied and flipped his saber around. The blade cut through the floor of the balcony and half way through his skull. The blade died and then the corpse jerked and lay still
"So much for that idea," said Sulos.
Kalresh Zareigo gave them a brief once over. "Follow me," he ordered. "Leave your training blades behind." He walked across the training room floor and approached a locker. It opened with a wave of his hand. "Take a blade," he ordered, "and prepare yourself for battle."
Vann lead her party up another immense set of stairs. At the end was a balcony about ten meters wide that wrapped completely around the side of shaft that descended into the mountain's core. In the center of the shaft was a mammoth column that ran the length of the shaft. Connecting the column to the balcony was a twenty meter long bridge.
Armoured doors in the side of the column slid open. A man wearing dark body armour inset with large metal plates and a blank battle mask lead six others in dark jumpsuits forward. All of them held crimson bladed light sabers. "Kill the others," the kalresh said as he unfastened his cloak and let it fall. "Leave the woman to me."
Vann stretched out her hand and unleashed a wave of Force power. The kalresh blocked the wave and smashed back. Vann and Sithe, weathered the wave, but Sulos was knocked back. "Run," said Vann. "This is beyond you." The K'llan Merkash charged, the kalresh at their head.
Sithe blocked the rush of one of the students and slid to the side, using him as a barrier against the rest. One moved to flank him on the other side and Sithe's left hand blade flashed, cutting the student in half just above the waist. Four of the five survivors converged on the Padawan. The last pursued Retan down the stairs.
Vann parried the kalresh's powerful overhand blow and lashed out with a low horizontal cut. The kalresh leapt back onto the bride to avoid the blow and then counter attacked with a flurry of powerful, overhand blows that drove Vann back. The Jedi parried frantically and then counter attacked with a series of swift slashes. The kalresh parried easily and retook the offence, hammering her with swift, powerful blows.
Vann parried the blows and gave ground. The kalresh was using a form highly remenescent of the aggressive and offensive Shien style and he had both the physical strength and Force skills to make full use of it. She parried and moved into the defensive Soresu style and then switched to the Makashi quick dueling style to
Sithe fell back, ceding ground to his attackers. His lightsabers moved frantically, constantly parrying and occasionally feinting. None of the students were his equal with a lightsaber and he saw the holes in their defences, but going for a killing stroke would mean leaving himself open to at least one blade. So he retreated, blades flashing, and tried to make that single, perfect moment when he could strike and live happen.
Sulos Retan fell back as the K'llan Merkash student advanced. Blaster bolts from the rifle were parried and and smashed into the walls in sprays of sparks and stone chips. The student smiled and advanced. "Pray to whatever gods you follow offworlder. Your time has ended."
"Yeah?" said Retan and as he lowered the muzzle of the blaster rifle and cranked the dial to full. The stairs under the student's feet exploded when it was struck, causing him to tumble forward. He caught himself as he fell and leapt to his feat, moving his lightsaber up to guard. Too late. He fell back to the steps, a smoking hole in his chest. "Guess I have a little more time." He bounded up the stairs.
Vann was holding her own, trading blows with the Kalresh. Sithe wasn't doing nearly so well, being driven back by four guys with lightsabers. That pretty much settled who he was going to try and shoot first. He waited a moment for Sithe to move back out of the way and fired.
The bolt hit a student in the arm and he dropped the lightsaber and spun. Sulos then shot him in the chest. He toppled as Sithe threw himself into the melee.
The distraction provided by Sulos's attack had given Sithe his moment. He parry-lunged and ran through the student on his left and moved up and to the side of the dying student, using him as a shield against the other student's attacks. The spun to face him as he moved around the falling body.
Sithe parried the closest student with his right hand saber and cut him in half with the left. As the body fell in two different halves Sith raised his left hand blade to parry the stroke of the surviving student. Sithe's right hand blade hit the right collar bone and came out beneath the left armpit. The last of Sithe's opponents fell.
The kalresh drove Vann back and then to her knees. The Jedi Master slammed him in the legs with a Force push, overcoming his defences. The kalresh was knocked back four meters and fell on his butt. Vann sprung up faster that he did and adopted the powerful Shien form, hammering him with a hail of powerful blows.
He raised his lightsaber to ward off her blows and drew upon the Force to leap to his feet, only to find out the the last blow was a feint. Vann's saber thrust in low and pierced his hip, which was not protected by armour plate. He screamed and fell, lashing out with his saber to keep her at bay.
Vann stepped back and assessed the rest of the battle. Sithe was standing over the bodies of the K'llan Merkash he had slain. Sulos was holding up his blaster rifle. "Sorry," he said. "I tried to stay back but they wouldn't cooperate."
Vann smiled faintly. "Perhaps I should have warned them instead."
Sithe approached. "Their leader I presume."
"So it appears," said Vann, "but as skilled as he was I doubt that he is their grandmaster." She turned to him. "A kalresh, I presume?"
"You will get nothing from me offworlder," he hissed. "I will die before betraying my order."
"Your order is helping assassins murder people who are not your enemy. That is hardly the great and noble order that your ancestors revered. Regain your honor. Turn away from this dark path."
"Death first," he replied and flipped his saber around. The blade cut through the floor of the balcony and half way through his skull. The blade died and then the corpse jerked and lay still
"So much for that idea," said Sulos.
Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2006-12-29 09:42pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Excellent Prismatic Spray. For when you absolutely, positively must kill a motherfucker. Accept no substitutions. Contact a magician of the later Aeons for details. Some conditions may apply.
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Vann put down the micro tool, replacing it carefully amongst the others at the workbench. She could clearly hear Sulos Retan's footfalls as he entered the tidy workroom. "Been up and down this spire and there's no droids aside from a few basic maintenance models. The arsenal's pretty threadbare. The blasters aren't military models and the rest of the stuff is lightsabers and martial arts poodu."
"I'm not surprised," said Vann. She straightened up. "This place has been made into a training facility. The K'llan Merkash are involved with the assassins but I doubt they are anything more than hirelings."
"Really?" he said. "What makes you so sure?"
"There are no automated defences or guardians within this facility. I find it unlikely that a warrior cult focused on personal prowess to that degree would rely on assassin droids to make the kill."
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense," said Retan. "So how are they involved?"
"I'm not sure of the extent yet," said Vann, "but I think they act as spotters. Using the Force to find us so the assassin droids can go for the kill."
"You think that's the extent of it?" asked Retan. "One of them jumped up pretty quick to take on your slice and dice boy."
"Yes," she said. "There is that. It could simply be blood lust and a desire to prove himself causing him to stray from the plan."
"You don't sound convinced."
"Whatever his reason, the truth is that the K'llan Merkash have joined with some other faction to attack the Jedi. But with who or why and what that has to do with the troubles on the Outer Rim eludes me."
--------------------------------------------------------------
In outer edge of the Renix system, a great golden barge coasted through space escorted by six dart like corvettes. The barge was massive and rectangular, a relic from an earlier era. Long barrelled double turrets lined the top and the bottom of the kilometer long behemoth. Smaller anti-fighter guns, shield generators, and instrument clusters studded the heavily armoured length.
The escorts were one hundred meters long and the same golden color as the barge. The ships had short wings and several clusters of short barrelled quad antifighter guns and as well as a double barrelled turbolaser turret on the top and the bottom and a cluster of turbolaser barrels on either side of the nose. The corvettes kept pace with the larger vessel they were escorting.
Five bone-white vessels emerged from hyperspace behind them. They were shaped like curved ees and mounted five double turbolaser turrets on their dorsal surfaces and another five on their ventral surfaces. Four arrowhead fighters detached themselves from each and flew towards the golden ships.
The corvettes turned towards their attackers as the barge turned to starboard to bring its guns to bear. The fighters darted forward, ten heading towards one corvette and another ten at another. Blue bolts from antifighter mounts began to streak towards the zig-zagging fighters. Bolts zipped past the fighters and several took hits on their shields.
Two fighters disappeared in fiery explosions as the swift little ships closed to attack range. Thirty six anti-ship missiles launched from beneath their wings, burning their way through space towards their targets. Another fighter disintegrated in a ball of fire as did a dozen missiles as point defence cannons blew them apart. Two corvettes took a dozen missiles each. Brilliant explosions marked the missile impacts.
Three more fighters were blown to fire and scrap by the corvettes fire as the larger attack ships closed. More missiles flew and the two injured corvettes were blown apart, one blasted in half the other being completely destroyed by a reactor hit. The attack ships began to engage the surviving corvettes with their turbolasers. Emerald bolts flashed through space and hammered shields. Blue bolts from the barges heavy guns and began to batter the attack ships.
Two corvettes died quickly under the flail of the attack ships guns, their shields collapsing and flaming holes were blasted in their hulls. The fighters zoomed past the corvettes to pour fire into barge. The corvettes' guns pounded the attack ships, but they didn't have enough firepower to quickly overcome the larger ships' shields.
The golden barge, on the other hand, had more guns than the corvettes and they were harder hitting as well. Multiple hits tore down the shields on one attack ship and the surviving corvettes tore into it the shieldless sectors. Flame jetted from hull breaches and power failed all over the ship.
Three of the surviving attack ships closed on the barge, firing as they came. The fourth swept the wounded corvettes from the void, blasting through weakened shields and pouring fire into their hulls until they exploded. Large missiles launched from the bellies and center bar of the attack ships. More than half of them were destroyed by the barge's point defence guns and the rest hammered the barge's shields. Turbolaser fire added to the punishment the barge was taking.
The barge's main reactor when into emergency shutdown, crippling the barge's maneuvering ability and shields. The turbolasers, with their own power generators, were able to operate independently. Swooping fighters and the guns of the attack ships systematically blew the gun emplacements apart. The fighters and the attack ships closed for the kill.
"I'm not surprised," said Vann. She straightened up. "This place has been made into a training facility. The K'llan Merkash are involved with the assassins but I doubt they are anything more than hirelings."
"Really?" he said. "What makes you so sure?"
"There are no automated defences or guardians within this facility. I find it unlikely that a warrior cult focused on personal prowess to that degree would rely on assassin droids to make the kill."
"Yeah, I guess that makes sense," said Retan. "So how are they involved?"
"I'm not sure of the extent yet," said Vann, "but I think they act as spotters. Using the Force to find us so the assassin droids can go for the kill."
"You think that's the extent of it?" asked Retan. "One of them jumped up pretty quick to take on your slice and dice boy."
"Yes," she said. "There is that. It could simply be blood lust and a desire to prove himself causing him to stray from the plan."
"You don't sound convinced."
"Whatever his reason, the truth is that the K'llan Merkash have joined with some other faction to attack the Jedi. But with who or why and what that has to do with the troubles on the Outer Rim eludes me."
--------------------------------------------------------------
In outer edge of the Renix system, a great golden barge coasted through space escorted by six dart like corvettes. The barge was massive and rectangular, a relic from an earlier era. Long barrelled double turrets lined the top and the bottom of the kilometer long behemoth. Smaller anti-fighter guns, shield generators, and instrument clusters studded the heavily armoured length.
The escorts were one hundred meters long and the same golden color as the barge. The ships had short wings and several clusters of short barrelled quad antifighter guns and as well as a double barrelled turbolaser turret on the top and the bottom and a cluster of turbolaser barrels on either side of the nose. The corvettes kept pace with the larger vessel they were escorting.
Five bone-white vessels emerged from hyperspace behind them. They were shaped like curved ees and mounted five double turbolaser turrets on their dorsal surfaces and another five on their ventral surfaces. Four arrowhead fighters detached themselves from each and flew towards the golden ships.
The corvettes turned towards their attackers as the barge turned to starboard to bring its guns to bear. The fighters darted forward, ten heading towards one corvette and another ten at another. Blue bolts from antifighter mounts began to streak towards the zig-zagging fighters. Bolts zipped past the fighters and several took hits on their shields.
Two fighters disappeared in fiery explosions as the swift little ships closed to attack range. Thirty six anti-ship missiles launched from beneath their wings, burning their way through space towards their targets. Another fighter disintegrated in a ball of fire as did a dozen missiles as point defence cannons blew them apart. Two corvettes took a dozen missiles each. Brilliant explosions marked the missile impacts.
Three more fighters were blown to fire and scrap by the corvettes fire as the larger attack ships closed. More missiles flew and the two injured corvettes were blown apart, one blasted in half the other being completely destroyed by a reactor hit. The attack ships began to engage the surviving corvettes with their turbolasers. Emerald bolts flashed through space and hammered shields. Blue bolts from the barges heavy guns and began to batter the attack ships.
Two corvettes died quickly under the flail of the attack ships guns, their shields collapsing and flaming holes were blasted in their hulls. The fighters zoomed past the corvettes to pour fire into barge. The corvettes' guns pounded the attack ships, but they didn't have enough firepower to quickly overcome the larger ships' shields.
The golden barge, on the other hand, had more guns than the corvettes and they were harder hitting as well. Multiple hits tore down the shields on one attack ship and the surviving corvettes tore into it the shieldless sectors. Flame jetted from hull breaches and power failed all over the ship.
Three of the surviving attack ships closed on the barge, firing as they came. The fourth swept the wounded corvettes from the void, blasting through weakened shields and pouring fire into their hulls until they exploded. Large missiles launched from the bellies and center bar of the attack ships. More than half of them were destroyed by the barge's point defence guns and the rest hammered the barge's shields. Turbolaser fire added to the punishment the barge was taking.
The barge's main reactor when into emergency shutdown, crippling the barge's maneuvering ability and shields. The turbolasers, with their own power generators, were able to operate independently. Swooping fighters and the guns of the attack ships systematically blew the gun emplacements apart. The fighters and the attack ships closed for the kill.
Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2006-12-29 09:40pm, edited 1 time in total.
The Excellent Prismatic Spray. For when you absolutely, positively must kill a motherfucker. Accept no substitutions. Contact a magician of the later Aeons for details. Some conditions may apply.
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*snickers* Yeah... a corvette a meter long. Or even two meters.Imperial Overlord wrote:It appears the "hundred" got dropped from the corvette's length. Corrected.
Me: Nope, that's why I have you around to tell me.
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Dartala Lyenne extended her arms, allowing her servants to finish putting on her outer mantle of gold shot samite. Diamond flowers with platinum stems were inserted into her hair and other servants finished painting her face in an elaborate patterns of bone white and blood red. A gold and lapis lazuli sceptre was slipped into her gloved right hand and a golden sextant into her left, ancient and powerful symbols of her mighty clan. She inspected her reflection in the mirror.
"We are ready. Let the Jedi know he may meet with us in the audience chamber." Her servants dressed in immaculate white and her guards, a coterie of men in gold trimmed, white powered plate armour with gold face visors, formed around her and joined her in the formal procession through the ship's golden halls. The doors to the audience chamber slid open and she walked to the golden throne at the far end of the room and sat down carefully. The black leather cushions shifted under her, contouring themselves to her body for maximum comfort. She crossed her arms, still holding the ritual sceptre and sextant, and waited for the Jedi to arrive.
The Master Ars Ungal was an olive skinned Cerean male. His elongated skull housing his dual brains was smaller than average for a Cerean, which went well with his compact physique. "Secondus," the Jedi Master began, "thank you for agreeing to see me." He made no mention of the time he had to wait.
"Lyenne has always held the Jedi Order in high esteem. Your contributions to civilization in this part of the galaxy have not been forgotten."
"Lyenne has long been a most responsible body," said Master Ars Ungal. "During this time of unrest, its wise and judicious leadership is needed more than ever."
"What does the Jedi Order wish from Lyenne?"
"This talk of law breaking and separatism is most troubling," said Ars Ungal. "As a influential and respected body, if Lyenne were to speak in favor of addressing complaints through the Senate and the Republic's legal bodies it could prevent considerable violence and suffering."
"Many of the people of the Outer Rim have little faith in the Core World dominated Senate and its legal bodies ability to rectify injustices. Many, in fact, blame the Senate for their misfortunes. Lyenne does not permit falsehoods from being published in any form, but it also does not restrict an individual's right to an opinion."
"Surely neither Lyenne nor the Outer Rim will profit from civil war or the turmoil and displacement of succession. Isn't it wiser to hold off on such drastic measures until all reasonable political avenues have failed? Already reform measures are being debated in the Senate. Surely it is far too early to speak of leaving the Republic?"
"Lyenne agrees with your assessment."
"Why not say so publicly? You could forestall much suffering by doing so and it would only enhance Lyenne's reputation as noble institution?"
"I will bring your proposal before the Primus and-" The whoop of an alarm cut off her words. "We are under attack!" she said incredulously.
"Surely no pirate would be foolish enough to attack a Lyenne war barge. They wouldn't even have the firepower to engage your corvettes."
"What are you saying Master Jedi?"
"This is an assassination attempt."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Smoke billowed from a reactor room into the main engine compartment. "What in the name of my sainted ancestors is going on in there?" yelled a enviro suited engineer. "The readings are straight red lights."
Alarms were whooping repeatedly. The calm voice of the ship's main computer spoke over them. "Emergency main power shut down. Reactor three is off line. Main coolant lines are ruptured and main power transmission trunk severed. All emergency damage control personnel to their stations."
"We've lost main power!" another engineer shouted. "We're on emergency back up now."
"How did that happen? Our shields were still holding!" A humanoid droid emerged from the smoke. "You there, droid! What's the status of reactor three's compartment?"
"Relieved Satisfaction: I won't be taking orders from you meatbags anymore." The droid produced a snub nosed blaster pistol and shot both men in the chest. The fell lifelessly to the ground.
The assassin droid stepped over the bodies and activated his com link. "Smug Assurance: Main power is now offline. Boarding actions may commence when ready."
"Annoyed Impatience: It's about time. We wish to begin terminating the life functions of meatbags as soon as possible."
As the fighters and attack ships outside finished picking off the barge's still operation guns, the slim arrow shaped ships docked with several airlocks while one of the E shaped attack ships mated with barge via a boarding tube. Lethal HK-55 assassin droids began to enter the ship en masse.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Alarms blared through the audience chamber. "Main power is now off line. Main power is now off line. Warning. Warning. Unauthorized use of airlocks six, seven, twelve, and eighteen. Boarding alert. Boarding alert."
"Secondus," said Master Ungal. "The only reason they haven't blown us apart is because they wish to capture a prize and I can think of none as valuable as you are. You must flee."
"A Lyenne does not abandon her people. Ever."
"My lady," said the leader of her guard cadre. "We are sworn to you. We must deny the enemy his prize. You must flee."
"I will not-"
"In war Lyenne must deny its enemy's victory. You must serve Lyenne by escaping. Go."
"Melrus-"
"Go."
"Please," said Master Ungal as he gently pulled her away.
"We will form the rear guard," said Melrus. "If the Force favors us, we will escape with her. There are suitable ships in the landing bay. We must go quickly."
She nodded. "If someone who knows the ship could lead the way," Ungal said.
"Risa, Hess, take point. Get us there quick. Tonva, stay with the Secondus. The rest of you, back with me," ordered Melrus.
"We are ready. Let the Jedi know he may meet with us in the audience chamber." Her servants dressed in immaculate white and her guards, a coterie of men in gold trimmed, white powered plate armour with gold face visors, formed around her and joined her in the formal procession through the ship's golden halls. The doors to the audience chamber slid open and she walked to the golden throne at the far end of the room and sat down carefully. The black leather cushions shifted under her, contouring themselves to her body for maximum comfort. She crossed her arms, still holding the ritual sceptre and sextant, and waited for the Jedi to arrive.
The Master Ars Ungal was an olive skinned Cerean male. His elongated skull housing his dual brains was smaller than average for a Cerean, which went well with his compact physique. "Secondus," the Jedi Master began, "thank you for agreeing to see me." He made no mention of the time he had to wait.
"Lyenne has always held the Jedi Order in high esteem. Your contributions to civilization in this part of the galaxy have not been forgotten."
"Lyenne has long been a most responsible body," said Master Ars Ungal. "During this time of unrest, its wise and judicious leadership is needed more than ever."
"What does the Jedi Order wish from Lyenne?"
"This talk of law breaking and separatism is most troubling," said Ars Ungal. "As a influential and respected body, if Lyenne were to speak in favor of addressing complaints through the Senate and the Republic's legal bodies it could prevent considerable violence and suffering."
"Many of the people of the Outer Rim have little faith in the Core World dominated Senate and its legal bodies ability to rectify injustices. Many, in fact, blame the Senate for their misfortunes. Lyenne does not permit falsehoods from being published in any form, but it also does not restrict an individual's right to an opinion."
"Surely neither Lyenne nor the Outer Rim will profit from civil war or the turmoil and displacement of succession. Isn't it wiser to hold off on such drastic measures until all reasonable political avenues have failed? Already reform measures are being debated in the Senate. Surely it is far too early to speak of leaving the Republic?"
"Lyenne agrees with your assessment."
"Why not say so publicly? You could forestall much suffering by doing so and it would only enhance Lyenne's reputation as noble institution?"
"I will bring your proposal before the Primus and-" The whoop of an alarm cut off her words. "We are under attack!" she said incredulously.
"Surely no pirate would be foolish enough to attack a Lyenne war barge. They wouldn't even have the firepower to engage your corvettes."
"What are you saying Master Jedi?"
"This is an assassination attempt."
-----------------------------------------------------------
Smoke billowed from a reactor room into the main engine compartment. "What in the name of my sainted ancestors is going on in there?" yelled a enviro suited engineer. "The readings are straight red lights."
Alarms were whooping repeatedly. The calm voice of the ship's main computer spoke over them. "Emergency main power shut down. Reactor three is off line. Main coolant lines are ruptured and main power transmission trunk severed. All emergency damage control personnel to their stations."
"We've lost main power!" another engineer shouted. "We're on emergency back up now."
"How did that happen? Our shields were still holding!" A humanoid droid emerged from the smoke. "You there, droid! What's the status of reactor three's compartment?"
"Relieved Satisfaction: I won't be taking orders from you meatbags anymore." The droid produced a snub nosed blaster pistol and shot both men in the chest. The fell lifelessly to the ground.
The assassin droid stepped over the bodies and activated his com link. "Smug Assurance: Main power is now offline. Boarding actions may commence when ready."
"Annoyed Impatience: It's about time. We wish to begin terminating the life functions of meatbags as soon as possible."
As the fighters and attack ships outside finished picking off the barge's still operation guns, the slim arrow shaped ships docked with several airlocks while one of the E shaped attack ships mated with barge via a boarding tube. Lethal HK-55 assassin droids began to enter the ship en masse.
-------------------------------------------------------------
Alarms blared through the audience chamber. "Main power is now off line. Main power is now off line. Warning. Warning. Unauthorized use of airlocks six, seven, twelve, and eighteen. Boarding alert. Boarding alert."
"Secondus," said Master Ungal. "The only reason they haven't blown us apart is because they wish to capture a prize and I can think of none as valuable as you are. You must flee."
"A Lyenne does not abandon her people. Ever."
"My lady," said the leader of her guard cadre. "We are sworn to you. We must deny the enemy his prize. You must flee."
"I will not-"
"In war Lyenne must deny its enemy's victory. You must serve Lyenne by escaping. Go."
"Melrus-"
"Go."
"Please," said Master Ungal as he gently pulled her away.
"We will form the rear guard," said Melrus. "If the Force favors us, we will escape with her. There are suitable ships in the landing bay. We must go quickly."
She nodded. "If someone who knows the ship could lead the way," Ungal said.
"Risa, Hess, take point. Get us there quick. Tonva, stay with the Secondus. The rest of you, back with me," ordered Melrus.
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Imperial Overlord
- Emperor's Hand
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- Joined: 2004-08-19 04:30am
- Location: The Tower at Charm
HK-55 droids, armoured in grey durasteel and carrying high powered assault blaster rifles, entered the ship. Attached to their backs or carried in armoured compartments were a grenades, flechette sprayers, flame projectors, and more exotic weapons. Smoke projectors bounced out of the air locks in front of them, obscuring their arrival. The best sensor and targeting packages that money could buy allowed the assassin droids to easily penetrate the smoke.
At two air locks they encountered ship's security. Rapid bursts of blaster bolts flashed out from the smoke, burning through armour and flesh. Return fire blackened and cratered walls and sent red hot armour chips flying from the HK's bodies. The droids finished gunning down their opposition and forced their way into the ship, killing without pause or mercy.
"How much further?" Ungal asked Hess as they raced down the ship's corridors as the vanguard of Dartala's escort.
"Three decks down," the guard replied. "And maybe another hundred meters."
"We can't use the turbolifts," Ungal said. "Your internal systems are already compromised. They'll undoubtedly be targeted for sabotage."
"Well there are stairs we could use-"
"Take us there." The turned and headed down another corridor that ended with a blast door. Hess typed a code into the controls. Nothing happened. He tried again. Nothing.
"Stand aside," said the Jedi Master. His blue-white blade ignited with hiss. Ars stabbed the blade into the door and held it there. The metal blackened then began to glow a brilliant yellow. Waves of heat poured off the molten metal as the Jedi pushed the saber in to the hilt. The molten metal went white hot. Then Ungal began to slowly cut a hole in the blast door.
The rear guard watched the corridor nervously as the Jedi sliced through the door. The HK from the engineering section came around the corner with a snub nosed blaster pistol in each hand. He fired a burst from each weapon before anyone could react.
One of the lifeguards took two bolts in the breastplate and fell. Another took a tight cluster of three in the chest. Then the rest of the lifeguard opened up. Multiple hits from high powered blaster rifles blazed through its armour and into the assassin droid's innards. Smoke pouring from half a dozen holes, the HK crashed to the deck.
"Hurry it up," yelled Melrus. "We're getting company."
Master Ungal called upon the Force. The cut away section of the blast door fell inward. "Done," he said simply and stepped through. The lifeguard's checked on the fallen. One of them was just stunned and they helped him to his feat. The other was dead, a blackened crater blown in his chest.
The Jedi lead the survivors down the stairs. "Be ready," he said. "They are likely to anticipate this move and attempt an ambush."
Two HK droids covered the bottom of the stairs. "Chiding Admonishment: Remember, the female meatbag is not to be harmed. We are only here to contain them."
"Sarcasm: Thank you for the reminder. My logic circuits have rusted over and I am in dire need of such aid. Oh no, a Jedi. What an unfortunate complication."
Both droids opened up. Ars Ungal's lightsaber was a blur as he deflected blaster bolts into the wall and back at the lethal assassin droids. The lifeguards with him opened fire and blew one of the HKs to pieces. Its' left arm rebounded off the wall. The other retreated around the corner.
Ars Ungal and the lifeguards advanced cautiously. Behind them two HKs caught up to the group. They leaned around the corner of the stairs and opened up with their blaster rifles, gunning down two of the lifeguard. Retaliatory fire flew back at them. The assassin droids pulled back.
"Irritation: These meatbags are well armed and too close to the target to use more effective methods." The armoured cowling over the droids left shoulder had been blown apart by a stray shot.
"Sad Agreement: It is unfortunate that the capture order contra indicates the use of plasma bursts and high explosives." They peaked around the corner and killed another lifeguard and a handmaiden.
"Kyress!" Darlata screamed. Melrus seized her shoulders.
"My lady! We must go!" He shouted to his men, "crawlers!"
Legs unfolded from spheres of high explosives and scuttled up the stairs. A few moments latter there a boom shook the hall.
Malrus pulled his lady away from Kyress's body. "Guard the Secondus!" he shouted. "Master Jedi?"
"Continue to advance. The other droid has fled, undoubtedly to return when under more opportune circumstance."
"Then move faster."
"The chances are high it left booby traps in its wake," said the Jedi Master.
"Then go as fast as you can," said Melrus. The Jedi Master lead them to a n intersection and then down a long corridor that ended in a wide door. It slid open at his touch.
The door opened onto a broad catwalk that wrapped around the perimeter of the the ship's main docking bay. A huge door was at the bottom of the deck and long rows of shuttles and fighters were arrayed around it.
Melrus pointed at a row of large fighters. "The A-18s. Multicrew, tough, fast. Long range recon craft and bombers with hyperdrives. That's what we want." The party spread out in a line as they headed towards the stairs.
Three HKs popped up from behind the nose of shuttles and opened fire. Two lifeguards and two handmaidens fell with smoking holes in their bodies. Another pair of HKs attacked from behind, cutting down another lifeguard and forcing the rearguard to retreat into the docking bay. One of the rear guard fell, shot in the back by an HK.
The lifeguards blew the head off of one HK as the droids killed another one of their number. Realizing his current tactics weren't working, Ars Ungal reached out with the Force. He lifted one droid, telekinetically tore apart its insides and tossed it aside. He repeated the procedure as another lifeguard fell.
For a moment the bay was silent. "Secundus," Melrus said panting, "we must hurry."
"Oh my people," she whispered. Ars Ungal descended to check the floor of the landing bay. The droids couldn't have had much time to arrange sabotage, but they could have brought a host of lethal devices with them.
Another HK came up from the corridor. Melrus and the assassin droid exchanged fire at point blank range. Both fell with smoke rising from their chests.
"Melrus!" Darlata screamed. She pulled off his helmet. Blood leaked from his lips.
"My lady," he said.
"Not now," she said. "There is no one else to hear. The proprieties do not matter. Don't die."
"I'm afraid, my love, that command is beyond me." He choked up blood.
"No!" she screamed. "No!"
Ars Ungal seized her shoulder. "Secondus, we must leave now."
"Melrus!"
"Go," the dying man whispered. "Go."
At two air locks they encountered ship's security. Rapid bursts of blaster bolts flashed out from the smoke, burning through armour and flesh. Return fire blackened and cratered walls and sent red hot armour chips flying from the HK's bodies. The droids finished gunning down their opposition and forced their way into the ship, killing without pause or mercy.
"How much further?" Ungal asked Hess as they raced down the ship's corridors as the vanguard of Dartala's escort.
"Three decks down," the guard replied. "And maybe another hundred meters."
"We can't use the turbolifts," Ungal said. "Your internal systems are already compromised. They'll undoubtedly be targeted for sabotage."
"Well there are stairs we could use-"
"Take us there." The turned and headed down another corridor that ended with a blast door. Hess typed a code into the controls. Nothing happened. He tried again. Nothing.
"Stand aside," said the Jedi Master. His blue-white blade ignited with hiss. Ars stabbed the blade into the door and held it there. The metal blackened then began to glow a brilliant yellow. Waves of heat poured off the molten metal as the Jedi pushed the saber in to the hilt. The molten metal went white hot. Then Ungal began to slowly cut a hole in the blast door.
The rear guard watched the corridor nervously as the Jedi sliced through the door. The HK from the engineering section came around the corner with a snub nosed blaster pistol in each hand. He fired a burst from each weapon before anyone could react.
One of the lifeguards took two bolts in the breastplate and fell. Another took a tight cluster of three in the chest. Then the rest of the lifeguard opened up. Multiple hits from high powered blaster rifles blazed through its armour and into the assassin droid's innards. Smoke pouring from half a dozen holes, the HK crashed to the deck.
"Hurry it up," yelled Melrus. "We're getting company."
Master Ungal called upon the Force. The cut away section of the blast door fell inward. "Done," he said simply and stepped through. The lifeguard's checked on the fallen. One of them was just stunned and they helped him to his feat. The other was dead, a blackened crater blown in his chest.
The Jedi lead the survivors down the stairs. "Be ready," he said. "They are likely to anticipate this move and attempt an ambush."
Two HK droids covered the bottom of the stairs. "Chiding Admonishment: Remember, the female meatbag is not to be harmed. We are only here to contain them."
"Sarcasm: Thank you for the reminder. My logic circuits have rusted over and I am in dire need of such aid. Oh no, a Jedi. What an unfortunate complication."
Both droids opened up. Ars Ungal's lightsaber was a blur as he deflected blaster bolts into the wall and back at the lethal assassin droids. The lifeguards with him opened fire and blew one of the HKs to pieces. Its' left arm rebounded off the wall. The other retreated around the corner.
Ars Ungal and the lifeguards advanced cautiously. Behind them two HKs caught up to the group. They leaned around the corner of the stairs and opened up with their blaster rifles, gunning down two of the lifeguard. Retaliatory fire flew back at them. The assassin droids pulled back.
"Irritation: These meatbags are well armed and too close to the target to use more effective methods." The armoured cowling over the droids left shoulder had been blown apart by a stray shot.
"Sad Agreement: It is unfortunate that the capture order contra indicates the use of plasma bursts and high explosives." They peaked around the corner and killed another lifeguard and a handmaiden.
"Kyress!" Darlata screamed. Melrus seized her shoulders.
"My lady! We must go!" He shouted to his men, "crawlers!"
Legs unfolded from spheres of high explosives and scuttled up the stairs. A few moments latter there a boom shook the hall.
Malrus pulled his lady away from Kyress's body. "Guard the Secondus!" he shouted. "Master Jedi?"
"Continue to advance. The other droid has fled, undoubtedly to return when under more opportune circumstance."
"Then move faster."
"The chances are high it left booby traps in its wake," said the Jedi Master.
"Then go as fast as you can," said Melrus. The Jedi Master lead them to a n intersection and then down a long corridor that ended in a wide door. It slid open at his touch.
The door opened onto a broad catwalk that wrapped around the perimeter of the the ship's main docking bay. A huge door was at the bottom of the deck and long rows of shuttles and fighters were arrayed around it.
Melrus pointed at a row of large fighters. "The A-18s. Multicrew, tough, fast. Long range recon craft and bombers with hyperdrives. That's what we want." The party spread out in a line as they headed towards the stairs.
Three HKs popped up from behind the nose of shuttles and opened fire. Two lifeguards and two handmaidens fell with smoking holes in their bodies. Another pair of HKs attacked from behind, cutting down another lifeguard and forcing the rearguard to retreat into the docking bay. One of the rear guard fell, shot in the back by an HK.
The lifeguards blew the head off of one HK as the droids killed another one of their number. Realizing his current tactics weren't working, Ars Ungal reached out with the Force. He lifted one droid, telekinetically tore apart its insides and tossed it aside. He repeated the procedure as another lifeguard fell.
For a moment the bay was silent. "Secundus," Melrus said panting, "we must hurry."
"Oh my people," she whispered. Ars Ungal descended to check the floor of the landing bay. The droids couldn't have had much time to arrange sabotage, but they could have brought a host of lethal devices with them.
Another HK came up from the corridor. Melrus and the assassin droid exchanged fire at point blank range. Both fell with smoke rising from their chests.
"Melrus!" Darlata screamed. She pulled off his helmet. Blood leaked from his lips.
"My lady," he said.
"Not now," she said. "There is no one else to hear. The proprieties do not matter. Don't die."
"I'm afraid, my love, that command is beyond me." He choked up blood.
"No!" she screamed. "No!"
Ars Ungal seized her shoulder. "Secondus, we must leave now."
"Melrus!"
"Go," the dying man whispered. "Go."
Last edited by Imperial Overlord on 2007-06-05 04:15am, edited 1 time in total.
The Excellent Prismatic Spray. For when you absolutely, positively must kill a motherfucker. Accept no substitutions. Contact a magician of the later Aeons for details. Some conditions may apply.
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Ford Prefect
- Emperor's Hand
- Posts: 8254
- Joined: 2005-05-16 04:08am
- Location: The real number domain
