A Jedi Rescue
Risk vs Reward
Approaching the Arkinnea system in hyperspace.

Nikan sat in the cockpit of his fighter craft, they would be dropping out of hyperspace soon and he wanted to be ready to launch at a moments notice if he was needed, of course he hopped it did not come to that getting down to the planets surface without running afoul of the CIS presence in the system was vastly preferable. He flicked a switch on his control board and activated his comms, linking directly to the bridge of the ship. “I'm all prepared down here, just give the word if you need me out there.” He said calmly.
“Alright Nikan,” Cha'allas voice replied over the comm, “We'll be dropping to realspace in a few moments.” She said after a moments pause.

On the bridge Cha'alla sat in the command chair as she watched the crew prepare for the transition from hyperspace. Last report said there had been limited CIS forces in the area but Ba'alkyri had been shot down when she arrived so there was no telling what might be waiting for them, they were about to find out however as she notted the helmsman pull back on the hyperdrive levers and the hyperspace tunnel collapsed into normal stars.

As the Risk vs Reward emerges from hyperspace it'd detect the signatures of 2 Lucrehulks in orbit over major cities with a constant and heavy CAP patrol of Vulture Droids, it seems that at least for the moment, the Risk vs Reward had gone unnoticed in its arrival, though the sensors did pick up that ships were being stopped and searched as they were discovered.

“Steady as she goes.” Cha'alla said to the crew, “Locate the point in Ba'alkyri's distress call and see if we can plot a course there without the CIS noticing us.”

As the Risk vs Reward began it's approach however it was located by a Vulture Droid Squadron on routine patrol which broadcasts the transport's approach towards the planet.

Moments later. "This is Confederacy of Independent Systems Traffic Control. Identify and declare."

“Damn.” Cha'alla said quietly before signalling the comms crewman to send a reply. “This is the Risk vs Reward, independent trading vessel, 17 crew aboard. We're here to pick up a shipment of wooly-nerf livestock for transport to Nar Shaddaa.” She replied while using a jedi mental exercise to remain calm.

The transmission was frozen as suddenly the Risk vs Reward was the subject of an intense scan. "Risk vs Reward. CIS Records match your vessel to that once controlled by Pirate Raiders. Heave to and prepare to be boarded for inspection. Please make sure all your papers are in order."

“Cha'alla?” Nikan said over the internal comms...
“Power down and wait with the crew Nikan, the Risk vs Reward isn't equipped at the best of times to handle what a Lucrehulk can throw at us, even with your piloting.” Cha'alla replied to the young knight before she addressed the bridge crew and the droids. “Cut power to engines, we'll hold and await the inspection team.” She said as the crew jumped to follow the command.

It took nearly an hour for the Risk to reach the top of the inspection queue and finally a vessel found the time to visit them. On reaching the risk vs reward it clamped onto an airlock and waited for the Risk to allow them in.

After being allowed on board eight Droid Commandos would come on board followed by four B2 Super Battle Droids carrying... a booth of all things... and behind them twenty B1's with scanning gear followed.

As the B2's set up the booth a Nemoidian emerged followed by a pair of Butler Droids entering into the Booth. "Please send for the Captain."

Cha'alla wasn't far when the team boarded and she moved quickly to meet the Nemoidian official with too following behind her with the forged documents he had sliced while they waited in queue.
“Greetings, I am the Risk vs Rewards captain, I trust your journey was not too unpleasant.” she said as she approached the Nemoidian.

The Nemoidian looked at Cha'alla. "Yes. Papers Please."

Cha'alla gestured to Too to hand over the datapad with the shipping orders on it kept an open smile on her face.

The Nemoidian took the papers and put them under a scanner. "Droids, commence detailed scan of vessel." He said turning to the papers. "Duration of Stay?"

“No more than a day.” Cha'alla said simply.

"Explain why your vessel was last seen in the hands of pirates." The Nemoidian said pointedly.

“Simple really; Because that's what the previous owners were, Myself and a few others took the vessel about 18 months ago and cleared the pirates out, we refit the vessel for our purposes and are now conducting honest work.” Cha'alla replied with a shrug.

"Identification papers." The Nemoidian responded without giving a clue as to his feelings on the matter.

Cha'alla fish out and handed the Nemoidian an ident card that she had been using in an official capacity for many years.

The Nemoidian looked it over before passing it back. And closing a shutter he could be seen making a transmission to someone on the surface. For a good fifteen minutes they spoke before he opened the shutter again. One of the B1's forced to do the scanning returned with its team.

"Sir. We've scanned the ship. But there is no evidence of anywhere to hold any livestock sir."

"Why do you think the hanger is mostly empty, we're taking on additional supplies in order to accommodate the nerfs, we may have refit the space to function as a hanger but it was a cargo hold originally and it can be used as one again." Cha'alla replied. "Of course your droid wouldn't know that because they have no imagination."

"Droids. Cease recording and transmitting." The Nemoidian said. "Now look here, you're not fooling anyone, these papers are very convincing but this ship just doesn't add up, now bluntly, I hate being here. You hate me being here. We both want to just go about our separate ways..." He pinched his nose. "How about you make me an offer to just,... go away..."

“I see, so all you're really after is a payoff. I wonder what Colonel Hosh might make of that, as I recall he was rising in the ranks quickly after his success on Jabim. But I suppose if you insist I can offer you thirty thousand credits.” Cha'alla replied with a raised eyebrow and a confident look.

The Nemoidian smiled. "Most acceptable." He waits for the transfer before stamping the papers. "Glory to Arstotska." He turns to the droids. "Resume recording and transmitting. Pack it up. This one is perfectly legitimate."

“I thankyou for your patience, may your next inspection be a quick one.” Cha'alla said with a smile and a slight bow of her head. Might as well make all the right moves for whoever was watching the recordings. She kept smiling placidly while the droids packed up to get off the ship. Without further ado the Nemoidian, and the booth, packed up back into their transport which disengaged leaving the Risk to continue on its way unmolested.

Ba'alkyri sighs and leans against a wall, checking her commlink. "Any day now.. Yes..."

Writh crooks his head and frowns, "What was that? Still having trouble hearing."

"Ah, just waiting on Cyphor... Or anyone, really... Still."

Alyssandri shrugs and twiddles her thumbs, "At least we have done alright surviving this place with our skills. And Vitril looks... Better than she did."

Vitril offers a rude gesture in response and lays back against the wall, looking at her severed limb with distaste. Ba'alkyri moves over and checks her over with a frown before shaking her head, "I would have seen you better if I had the capabilities. Perhaps I erred in not contacting Leonis, but he is still far too hateful of late. I understand his pain and loss, but he is too quick to violence."

Chris grunts, rubbing her face and peeling off another bacta patch they had managed to scavange from the wreckage of their ship. "I don't know about the rest of you, but Ba'al had the right idea in the past, thinking the Jedi were too idle. I do not like scrounging the surface for food and water very much. Jedi force skills aside, its been a pain... For some of us much more than others."

Ba'alkyri winces, seeing the heavy scarring on Chris' face and nodding. "I know. Again, this is my fault. We should have come in with more reinforcements. I had not thought it would be so bad, but at least Kreeva found that information."

Alyssandri huffs, "Yes, would not want this entire time to be a complete waste. The bruising across her face was still heavy. The healing had been focused more on those who needed it.

Writh jabs her with the end of his sabrecane. "Enough. You and Ba'alkyri should both see if anyone has arrived. It is getting on in the day. The rest of us will wait here."

Ba'alkyri was already on her feet as Alyssandri rolls her eyes, folding her arms tighter about herself, "It's a waste. They probably are still debating if they can afford to come to our aide." Ba'alkyri merely sighs and begins to take off ahead.

As the two were about halfway to the wreakage of the Baal IX they saw an Action IV freighter fly in low towards the crash site and disapear below the treetops. Presumably their ride had arrived, this was confirmed a few minutes later as a voice came over Ba'alkyri's commlink. "This is your rescue speaking, is that you heading this way on sensors Ba'alkyri?" The voice of a young rodian male with a strong hint of self amusment in his tone said.

Ba'al flushes and answers over the commlink, "Sure enough. Tell me you did not have as many problems getting here as we did, though."

"Well we didn't get shot down for starters." Clazo replied over the commlink, "Would have been quicker if we had, customs lines are boring"

Alyssandri arches a brow, "Customs lines?.." Ba'alkyri shrugs, "Preferable to being here about a week. Do you know what bugs taste like? I apparently do now. Its not very pleasant." Alyssandri chuckles, "I thought they tasted like chicken. Squishier. But chicken." Ba'al makes a sickened expression. "I need you at the Jedi temple, friend. We have someone who... well, doesn't have a leg to stand on, for lack of a better word."

"Well Nikan has the hanger open and is organising the crew to get whats left of your ship on board, We assumed you'd want to take it with you after we found none of you here." Clezo replied

"That would be appreciated, thanks. Maybe we can salvage some of it," she grimaces, looking at the wreckage. "Just need tape... A lot of tape... A lot..."

"I'm sure Too could look at on the way to wherever we're dropping you, I don't think we have that much tape though." Clezo replied with a chuckle. "Come aboard while we get the ship loaded, I'm sure Cha'alla would like to find out what happened to you."

Ba'alkyri covers her commlink and looks at Alyssandri, "Do we tell them the truth?..." Alyssandri muses over it, "If you want to be the laughing stock of the Jedi. Maybe just play it up a little." Ba'al scratches her cheek and nods, "Yaaa. Be right there, Clezo."

When the two arrived the 'salvage' operation was well underway and Too was already running around the wreck trying to figure out how much of a lost cause the vessel was. While Nikan was busy directing the crew Cha'alla stood to one side just watching until she saw the pair approach upon which time she left the enclosure of the freighter and walked towards them.

Alyssandri nudges Ba'alkyri in the side and whispers to her, "Ha, see. They did debate not rescuing you. Not even Cyphor." Ba'al snorts and shoves her away, "Thanks for coming Cha'alla. Was getting worried there."

"It took us a little longer to get here than it might have if we had brough one of cyphors larger vessels, I doubt we'd have gotten here without a fight had we done so however." Cha'alla said with an apologetic smile, "I hope none of you were too hurt in the crash."

"Ah, we got out of the crash alright... After that it got a little sketchy," she ruffles her hair, a bit embarassed. "We're lucky Vitril has done so well. The rest of us though, we got a bit roughed up, but not near as bad."

"After?" Cha'alla inquired.

"There were droids at the temple... A lot of them," she looks down at her still scorched chest plate. "They had very good targetting protocols."

"I hope your troubles were not in vain at least?" Cha'alla asked with a look of concern.

Ba'alkyri nods, "Kreeva managed to find a message left by the Jedi of this enclave. It redirects us to the Vergesso Asteroids. Hopefully the location has not been discovered."

"If you think time might be an issue we could go straight to the asteroids after we finish here?" Cha'alla asked ss the first half of the Baal IX was finally settled in the hanger bay and the crew started working on getting the other half aboard.

Ba'al shakes her head, "Too many are injured and I think we all need a break after this. If you wouldn't mind... I've made enough of a mess of this endeavor, I can't push them to keep going like this."

"That bad huh." Cha'alla said with a raised eyebrow, "Why don't you come up to the bridge and we can prepare to pick up the rest of your friends while the crew finish loading your... uh... ship." She added almost stumbling over the last bit.

Ba'al winces at the awkward comment and nods, gesturing for Alyssandri to go ahead, "Again, thank you." She strides forward and looses a heavy groan as she relaxes into a seat. It was almost enough tension off of her that she could sleep right here. It was certainly better than cold, hard floors with debris and plants all over.

It took another 20 minutes to get the rest of the Baal IX in the hanger and secure enough for liftoff in which time Cha'alla settled Ba'alkyri and Alyssandra in some seats at an auxiliary console near the back of the bridge. Soon the Risk vs Reward was airborne again and heded to the temple ruins to pick up the remainder of Ba'alkyris party.

Ba'al looks at the temple and shudders having to go back in again, "Alright, guess its time to get going. Sandri, would you mind helping me carry Vitril? Writh could use a guide out too. His hearing is a bit impaired now. Chris should be able to carry herself, but she is still pretty rough." She staggers on her way off the ship, wincing from her own healing scrapes.

Withough being asked Cha'alla and Clezo followed them out to assist if need be, a couple of the crew sttod about wting near the ship just in case.

With the assistance of the other jedi, they manage to get the injured on board the ship. Ba'alkyri rubs her face and smiles slightly, ready to get back home. "Finally over..." she looks across at Vitril and grimaces, seeing the sheen of sweat on her better with the lighting. "Do you have any facilities on board so we can look at her injuries more thoroughly?"

"Unfortunately the Risk vs Reward has mostly been refit as a system defence vessel, it wasn't intended for rescue missions, or really much more than patrol duties. So I'm afraid we don't have proper medical facilites beyond the basics." Cha'alla explained, "We can at least make her comfortable in the sleeping quarters and provide some basic meds."

Ba'alkyri nods and gets up to help move her old time friend. "Good, anything should be better than nothing."

Nikans voice sounded over the internal comms a moment later warning the ship was lifting off, with a little luck they would be out of the system in less than ten minutes and on thier way. "Where would you like us to take you?" Cha'alla asked Baa'kyri.

She does a quick estimation in her head, "I think my ship is off on trade routes patrolling still, Neia should be closer. I think if she will have us..." Writh chuckles and adds, "Or charges an arm and a leg... Oh wait.." Ba'al glares at him even though he could not see it, "I think she has the facilities we need." Kreeva picks a leaf from his hair and nods, "And a shower, thank goodness," he mumbles.

"It would take us a few days to get there, though it would take almost as long to get to the Travellers Respite too." Cha'alla considered. "The Kwenn system is likely closer to your own assets of course so it makes sense to head there." She added as she shwoed them to some sleeping quarters. "You get some rest while i get the ship on course." Se turned and started to walk away before calling back over her shoulder. "..And feel free to use the facilities, you don't need to wait till we reach Neia's station to take a shower." She said with a soft laugh and a smile.

_________________________
Kwenn System,
Nova Retreat.
_________________________

"Alarmed observation: Are you certain how to use that spanner!?" The voice of HK-51 seemed somewhat nervous, perhaps even afraid. As Neia walked into the repair bay and leaned against the door threshold, seeing HK-51 prepped up on a workbench with Mochi working on his leg while Maaike had hooked some cables to his chest, tapping away rapidly on her personal computer. "Querry: Maaike Hanu, what are you doing, I feel strange. Clarification: I feel as if my optical sensors are 23.67% better than before."

Maaike let out a snort, "That is because I am uploading a new targeting program for you, which should improve your abilities significantly, you will be able to shoot even better than before." She frowned and shook her head, "I seem unable to delete your assassin pro-"

HK-51 moved so fast that Neia almost didn't register it as the assassin droid kicked Mochi away and then suddenly had one of his robotic hands wrapped around Maaike's neck, glaring into her eyes with his glowing photo-receptors. "Undisguised threat: If you tamper with my assassin protocols in any way or attempt to delete them, I will be forced to end your pitiful meatbag existence."

Neia decided to announce herself, stepping into the room and coughed, her hand on her blaster. "HK, let Maaike go, she was only trying to help you." The droid did not move and she pulled her blaster out. "HK-51, I said let her go. Or I will shoot you, Maaike was only, understandably so, worried that your assassin protocols might cause us troubles if say, the Republic scan you and detect the programming. Assassin droids are illegal in Republic space as you may recall."

HK-51 slowly turned his head but did not let go. "Curious observation: We are not in Republic space, this station is located within Hutt borders. The meatbag slugs at least appreciate fine quality assassin droids."

Sighing Neia patted her blaster against her leg and then slowly, showing HK what she was doing put the blaster back in her holster. "Yes we are, but I am going to send you, along with some others, to the Sarka system, which is located in Republic space, Maaike knew about this and just wanted to make sure there would be no troubles in case of a surprise republic scan if they come in contact with you, that is all."

HK-51 did not move for a while and then finally, almost seeming reluctant to do it, though it was hard to tell with a droid, let go of Maaike's neck who cursed as she took in deep breaths and staggered away from the droid. Mochi meanwhile had gotten up and with trembling hands placed his spanner back in his tool kit. "Well, your leg was successfully re-attached, I guess." He mutters and tidies up the workbench. The assassin droid meanwhile remained silent and then marched out of the room past Neia without as much sparing her a glance.

Once she was certain he was gone she turned back to Maaike and looked at her questioningly. "Ok what was that about, because I was making that up. Maaike? Why were you trying to tamper with his assassin protocols."

The Zabrak slicer was rubbing her sore throat and shrugged looking anywhere but Neia, after a while she let out a groan and looked at the floor. "Just thought it might be smart to look at those protocols and see if I could figure out if they could be altered or removed entirely. How was I supposed to know that he would react that way!" She went through her things and came out with a bottle of water taking some much needed gulps.

Neia meanwhile looked in the direction HK-51 had gone. "I think he sees those protocols as part of his identity, how would you react if someone made a off-hand comment about wiping away part of who and what you are?" Neia kept looking at Maaike who instead of replying looked away, seemingly embarrassed by it all. Shaking her head Neia left the room, now she felt like she needed to watch Maaike and HK-51 so those two wouldn't be trying to kill each other or something.

As she went out the two Dwarf Vornskr reared up their head and got on their feet, padding after her as she walked through the corridors of her station, pausing occasionally to make a chat with some of her people performing the various tasks and duties around her station. Eventually she made her way to the conference, walking in she saw Kiyla leaning back in one of the chairs with her feet propped up on the table while Gaarwarr and Vette were talking quietly, upon her entry their attention turned to her. Bahn and Ginna stopped on each side of Neia and she briefly scratched both of them behind the ears. "Thank you for coming, sorry to get you into service so soon after you got yourself out of the medical bay but I thought you might be getting a little crazy sitting still for so long."

The Twi'lek operative shrugged and grinned. "Well if you do have a mission then you won't hear me complain." She went to one of the seats and like Kiyla propped her feet on the table, placing her hands behind her head and looking hopeful.

She walked to the table and accessed some controls, a hologram of the galaxy came alive, she gestured and they zoomed in, showing her station. "The Nova Retreat, located in the Kwenn System." She smiled and zoomed out and then made a connecting line to another system a few grids over and zoomed in. "The Sarka system, the defiler, Zann's man, gave me information of a potentially rich asteroid field with all kinds of resources, potentially the presence of precious Nova rubies. The problem is that pirates, reportedly a small number are operating in the field in question." She sighed next and pinched her nose, "I asked various assets and contacts of mine to find any information about them. My spies and explorers knew nothing... my contacts on the trade routes and various spacer cantinas in and around the region... well they couldn't report anything because either they are dead or in prison. My smugglers however, well one of them came forward with some interesting information."

She retrieved a data crystal and slotted it in placed on the table, the view changed from the Sarka system to a part of the asteroid field, a green circle around one specific asteroid. "He apparently delivered some goods to the pirates in question, he didn't say what and I didn't ask but he did provide us with the location of their asteroid base. As well as information of what the pirates have, a Starbolt-class Assault Carrier with a, at least at the time when he delivered the goods, a full fighter compliment." She let that sink in and then continued. "It might be considered to some as 'overkill' because I want to send the Free Trade Gambit, Wroshyr Song and you Vette, also HK-51 will be coming along. I prefer you to reach a deal or otherwise negotiate with these pirates but if that is not a option, then you are to take them out and stake a claim on the asteroid field for my business ventures."

Kiyla brushed her lekku over her shoulder, frowning. "I don't get to fire my big gun? Aww."

She couldn't help but chuckle, shaking her head. "Sorry, Vette will be in overall charge, at least at first, I am hoping that she and Gaarwarr can use diplomacy to settle the matter, if that leads nowhere however, then you are in command and are allowed to go aggressively, try to capture the base and ship if it leads to that. That is why HK-51 will be along, he is a assassin droid so he can hunt like no other."

The wookiee grumbled, <"I hope it does not come to that.">

She smiled ruefully. "Neither do I, but if there is no other option then those pirates need to be cleared out, one way or another. You have to agree we would be doing the surrounding space a favour by removing a pirate threat."

The Wookiee jedi leaned forward, staring directly at Neia, speaking slowly, <"Perhaps, but we are doing it so you can stake a claim to a potentially resource rich asteroid field, so for our own gain. Be careful of the path you undertake Neia.">

The Twi'leks had goen quiet and looked at each other with expressions that Neia found difficult to read, she herself was also a bit shocked and surprised and after a moment snapped out of it, frowning as she looked at jedi. "I am aware Gaarwarr, will this mean this assignment is a problem for you to undertake?" The wookiee shook his head still looking thoughtfully at Neia, a bit unnerved by the jedi's stare she looked away and hashed out the final details before concluding the meeting and dismissing them all, she herself heading out quickly to get away from, to her eyes, accusing look of the Wookiee jedi.

She went to the cantina for a drink, that is where two hours later her twin sister found her, elbows over the bar and raising her empty glass, speaking in slurred words for another drink. Her sister stepped forwards and placed her hand over the glass and shook her head at the bartender. "She's had enough."

"Heyyy.... I ssay when I, when I... have had enough, not yyou." Neia replied with a whine. "And I sayyy, yes I say, I want 'nother drink. Yess I do." She pouts and looks at her empty glass, sniffling.

Maia was looking worried as she took the seat next to her sister, wrapping a arm around her shoulders. "Ok, spill it, what is going on. You are definitely not yourself lately, you've been drinking a lot more than you usually do. People are starting to notice and are getting worried, including me."

Neia whined and buried her head in her arms on the bar, "Don wanna talk about it." She muttered. Her twin sister looked down her and with a sigh rolled her eyes before grabbing one of her sister's tentacles and gave it a quick yank. She let out a loud yelp of pain and reared her head back, looking angrily at her sister now, "Was that for!"

"Good, now that I have your attention." Her sister looked grim and serious, clearly not taking no for a answer. "You are going to tell me what's wrong or I will keep yanking your tentacles like when we were kids and this time you can't run to mom and dad, now start talking dammit, I am trying to be supportive and help you because you are clearly in a funk for some reason."

She whimpered and traced over her head, soothing the pain an d looked away, when she looked back Maia was still there, glaring at her. With a whine she rested her head back on her arms on the bar and sighed. "Fineee.... it's... I feel so judged lately..." She bit her lip and whimpered. "I had those people executed in cold blood... they wanted to blow up the station but I could have just let them go, instead I told my people to kill them. I am looking at myself in the mirror lately and I don't recognize me anymore... have I become cold? Heartless? Am I just another cruel business person in Hutt space not caring about who I hurt or drive out to earn a buck?" She whimpered and bit her lip.

Rolling her eyes Maia poked her sisters cheek. "You are not, ok you have had to make some tough decisions lately, anyone in your position has to make some of those eventually. But you did it to protect those in your employ, your friend, your family. That does not make you cruel or heartless. That makes you one of the few who got what it takes to make a tough decision for the greater whole to protect our little community. You are just only realizing that now I am guessing, so all I can say is. Tough, deal with it, the tough decisions won't go away and what will you do? Abandon it all or muddle through this and come back with your head held high because you will know that, despite making a difficult decision, you did what you had to do, to protect all of us."

Blinking she shook her head and looked at her sister oddly. "Since when did you become the reasonable one..." She muttered at which Maia just let out a snort of amusement. Neia smiled and nodded. "Yeah... ok, thanks Maia, you made things a whole lot clearer." She smiled at her sister, who smiled back and didn't break eye contact, after a while Neia's smile faltered and she sighed. "I'm still not allowed to get another drink, am I?"

Chuckling Maia got up and tugged at her sisters arm to also get up. "Nope, going to take you to your quarters so you can take a shower and then straight to bed and sleep it off, come on then." With a last whine Neia allowed herself to be hoisted off and dragged off to her chambers to sleep it off and see what the morning brings.

Korriban,
Sith Academy, still under threat of impending invasion...

She seemed to have the training and exercise facilities to herself, most of the troops who would be performing their drills here would be occupied now with erecting the defenses outside and around the academy grounds Karis thought to herself as she walked on one of the training mats and held her vibro-halber in both hands and started loosening her muscles by making lazy swings and thrusts with the weapon in her hands.

After a moment she sped up and also began to jump making a downwards swipe with the vibro weapons as if trying to spear or slash at a enemy. Getting back to her feet, suddenly thrusting forwards with her weapon to very limit of her reach with the polearm blade, twisting it mid-air and slashed outwards to the right. Next she started to parry the weapons of mental foes, using the haft of her halberd or the blade on the end, jumping back and suddenly raising it above her head before slashing it down to cleave a imaginary foe's head. Followed be another swig at waist level.

She turned around on the heels of her feet, again the halberd raised above her head coming down as if to cleave another persons head but this time she stopped, and just in time, the edge of the blade only inches away from the head of Rhak-Skuri. Karis cocked her head to the side, "I am training." She raised the blade and thumped one end of the haft on the ground, leaning on it as she looked curiously at the Togruta who had disturbed her routine.

Rhak-skuri glanced at the blade and then pulled her hand away from the hilt of her saber, she had been about to draw it and... what, defend herself, or impale the Dathomiri. She ignored it and placed her hand at her hip. "Just want to talk, if that is alright with you."

Karis rose a eyebrow and shrugged, she never had a way with words, preferring silence.

She almost cursed at the Dathomiri, that stare of hers and her almost constant silence made her on edge most of the time, she started pacing lightly, considering her options of what she wanted to say and ask of her. "Andrea has been back for three days and in those days she has not ventured out of her chambers since she went in with Reave and Trizz... and then when Khanna returned she was allowed in, while all others were threatened with death if they tried to enter." She let out a snort, "Ever since she did she has apparently become Andrea's spokesperson. Relaying her orders, or so she claims, to the rest of us. And I was just wondering if you are not as curious as I am to wonder what could possibly occupy our... mistress... at a critical time like this, with a apparent invasion looming on our horizon."

Karis merely started slowly swinging her halberd again, turning to Rhak-skuri and just raising her eyebrow once more.

Again she resisted the urge to curse or growl at the silent Dathomiri commander and took a deep breath before she continued. "I, and others, might be starting to think that our mistress, Andrea, is in fact badly injured in some way and that she should be in the medical bay but that for some reason Reave, Trizz and Khanna are in some kind of conspiracy, preventing lady Andrea from getting the care she needs. So perhaps we ought to remove the obstacles in our path to her chambers and demand to see Andrea and explain why she has abandoned us in our time of need. That or rescue her of course if she is held against her will by those three."

She watched Karis who seemed intent to just swinging that halbers of hers in silence, with a growl of impatience she tapped her foot, "Well? Aren't you concerned? We should do something."

"No." Came the short reply past Karis' lips as she again paused in mid-swing and turned to Rhak-skuri and proceeded to, almost as if making sure that she was paying attention to what Karis was doing, brought her wrist to her face and activated the communication bracelet. "Karis here, have a squad of Sun Guard report to Reave, they have orders to assist her in guarding the entrance to our mistress's personal chambers and to shoot anyone on sight if that is what Reave commands them to do." A acknowledgement came soon after and Karis turned the bracelet off and resumed swinging her weapon.

She was stunned hearing and watching what Karis and then with a huff of indignation turned around and marched away, her fists clenched in quiet rage, she was at the edge of her temper and if she stayed a second longer with the insufferable Dathomiri she would send a blast of force lightning and then cut her apart with her saber. She would find a other way, whatever Andrea was hiding she would find out!

Unbeknownst to Rhak-skuri, Karis had stopped her training to watch the Togruta leave and observed in what state, frowning she activated her bracelet again and as the control center answered her she spoke softly. "Karis here, again. Make that two squads of Sun Guard."

_________________
Several Hours Later,
Outside the Academy Grounds....
_________________

With the drone of engines slowly powering down the customs corvette touched down on the surface of Korriban, a moment later the cargo ramp was lowered and Hadzuska walked out of the ship, the two force twins following in her wake, looking around. ALmsot the entire time from Telerath to this world the two of them had been receiving rudimentary training on how to use the force and practice with training sabers with Hadzuska as their instructor. They were looking around the rather grim and somber surroundings this world offered, "We might have been slaves but the view outside of that world we were imprisoned on was at least more colourful than this place."

"Yeah... but I have to admit she already showed us a lot of things we can do with the force if we learn and if that woman she is talking about can teach us to do all that, you won't hear me complain." Clare's face became a mask of anger as certain memories surfaced, "That power will make sure no filthy slaver imprisons us again and wants to use us for our their own degraded purposes." She snarled as she said this and a nearby small rock suddenly levitated and was hurled off in the distance.

Her sister saw this and approached her, slowly placing a hand on her arm. "It's ok, we aren't in a cell anymore." She blinked and again looked at their somber surroundings and then at the weird giant pyramid structure ahead. "At least I think that is the case?"

Shaking her head, but smiling Hadzuska turned and winked at the two new apprentices. "This isn't a new prison. Instead this place and the woman it contains within, will in fact show you ways to only make sure the both of you remain free." She then frowned and turned back to look at the academy, nothing the presence of several groups of soldiers on the perimeter. "Something is wrong... stay close to me."

The sisters glanced at each other, shrugged and followed Hadzuska closely as they got closer they stared at the warriors in intimidating yellow, sun coloured armour who seemed to watch them intently as they got closer, before Hadzuska could open her mouth to announce herself some of the warriors parted and walking fro mthe throng of warriors came Khanna, flanked by two Tuk'ata. She smiled and bowed her head at the Twi'lek instructor. "Welcome back to Korriban Hadzuska, apologies for the rather... well cold welcome to what should be a joyous reunion and a grand welcome for our new sisters to be."

She turned to the twins in question and smiled, "Welcome, I am Khanna, a disciple of Andrea, like the two of you will be with time and training." The two Tuk'ata sniffed the air and moved towards the girls and sniffed them, one of them going towards Teresa and with a Tuk'ata version of a purr started rubbing his head against her leg. Khanna saw this and chuckled, saying a word in sith to make the sith hounds back away and return to her side. "Since recently official master of hounds and animals in Andrea's service." She then turned back to Hadzuska, "And for the time being, her voice... we have a lot to discuss Hadzuska."

The face of the sith instructor was unreadable but she slowly nodded. "I agree. Andrea's voice, the presence of the troops in force outside, a lot to discuss indeed." She then smiled and gestured to the twins as if nothing was wrong. "But first, let me give the new apprentices a tour of the facilities and show them their rooms."

Khanna chuckled and nodded, "Naturally, but yes. Good to have you back." And then she hugged Hadzuska who had her eyes wide open at this gesture but awkwardly hugged back but then stiffened as Khanna whispered in her eye. "Make sure that Rhak doesn't get into contact with them, Andreas orders." She then let go of Hadzuska and whistled, the Tuk'ata following at her heels as she went ahead inside.

Leaving Hadzuska with a feeling of foreboding as she looked at the pyramid, what has happened since she was away? She ignored it for now and instead turned to the new apprentices. "Follow me please and lets see if we can get the two of you settled inside."

Aboard the Dagda – En Route, Korriban

---

Azazel stumbles out from her holocron chamber rubbing her eyes groggily. Nothing. She was so tired from being unable to sleep now that she had heard not a word whispered. The promises of power alluded her this morning. She steadies herself against a wall and winces, massaging her sore legs. She frowns and leans against the corridor wall and sighs to herself. She was struggling to do things that should come naturally. She was always tired, sick and sore anymore. She was slacking. She should be doing something more meaningful. Unlocking the secrets and developing her own powers. Deep down she knew she was still an amateur with the arts of manipulating fire. Her skills were mediocre at best at times.

She seeps down to the floor and draws her legs up as best she can with a wince as it strains a muscle. She frowns and rests her head back to the cold metal and closes her eyes. Five months. Four more to go. And she was growing fatter by the day. Weaker. The other siths must be looking down at her. Gra'tua was a fine general. Lena was an assassin to reckon with. Andrea and Traiserus had both excelled far beyond her in the force. Even Jacoiba who she knew so little of seemed capable of so much physical prowess and destruction. So what was she good at? Nothing. She sniffles and sits there, feeling sorry for herself.

Kitt pauses, walking by and furrows her brow, backtracking. “I was just looking for you. Reports are in. No go with the spies. The smugglers got a message across to Zarra though. She'll try to be at The Wheel, but apparently she has bounty hunters on her tail sent by.. Jehemath.” She crouches down and looks at Azazel curiously, “Why are you on the floor.”

Azazel huffs and shoos her away. “Just as I thought. I am sure there is someone helping him, that does not wish him found at this moment. Let him gather his allies and strength once more, I am sure. Of course... It was just a lucky cast of the dice we found the information on his planned assault last time.”

Kitt rolls her eyes, “Come on. I want to see if my tweaking my shield did anything. Maybe it can offer a little more protection against you big scary sith. Up.” She lightly nudges Azazel with her toes.

Azazel looses a small whine and tries to get up. She frowns and strains, turning herself a bit and tries to raise herself. “I'm stuck,” she finally sighs in exasperation.

Kitt blinks before stifling a laugh, reaching an arm out and grasping Azazel's forearm. “Alright, come on. One... Two...” She hefts and with a grunt says, “Three.” Azazel staggers to her feet, near lifted clear up by the small Echani alone. She blinks and tries to catch her balance, using the girl to steady herself. “There. That wasn't so bad.”

“I'd prefer not to need help doing something so stupidly simple, though,” Azazel snorts, straightening out her hair.

Kitt rolls her eyes, arms still on Azazel. “You have a good excuse. Just watch. After this, you'll be a mother to two beautiful children and back to your good old self.”

Azazel grumbles under her breath, “Sure, sure... Of course, their father is still off to gods know where with Lena.” She frowns and rubs over her face, “Of course, just watch, he is going to leave me for her... She's so much more skilled... And look at me, fat as a Jakobeast!”

Kitt furrows her brow before sighing, “You aren't. And if he does, he is an idiot. Come on. Let's get you active. Maybe the endorphins will do you good. Pick you up, get you out of your head. You've been dwelling too much lately.”

---

Azazel staggers and pants, reaching out and grasping the railing. The training saber visibly shakes in her hand before going out and dropping to the ground. She shudders and draws herself over to the waste recepticle, feeling nauseous and faint.

Kitt comes up behind her, dropping her shield and scooping Azazel's hair up in her hands and holding it back if the woman was to get sick. Wrangling the mass of hair finally into one hand, she runs a hand soothingly over Azazel's back. “Going to be okay?”

“No!” she snaps with a sob, feeling the nausea beginning to pass. For once without incidence. Kitt frowns and simply waits there beside her. The moment begins to draw on before Azazel shrugs Kitt away and stands, snapping the practice saber in her hand with a tug of the force. “Come on... Let's keep going...”

Kitt steps back hesitantly. “I don't know... You look like you can use a break... We can stop for now. You can rest, get your feet up. We can always continue later.”

Azazel wipes over her face with her sleeve and shakes her head, “No. We go now. I have to be better. I can't be so weak. What if we encounter Traiserus, hmm? Am I just supposed to roll over and plead for a reprieve so I can cool off? No. He will not stop, he will not hesitate. I hurt his pride. He will not be so easy next time.”

Kitt frowns and draws herself into a pose ready to dash if need be. Azazel like this, she might lash out without intending to... And not in a friendly practice manner. “I thought you said you will let your disciples handle him... Them, myself, Xen. Not barrel in there recklessly and risk yourself and kids. What did your Master say.”

Azazel glowers and strikes out with her hand, flames barreling out and going to envelop Kitt. The Echani was too slow to move. Instead, Azazel watches it wash safely over her form as she raises her arms to protect her face. Her shield was definitely seeming to work. “I am not my master! I could never... Never be that great. I already failed her expectations...” She grimaces and draws her hands to her face, flames flickering along her arms and beginning to burn away the cloth where it touched. “No, no, no... I will let them... But what if it is not enough... What if...” She frowns and swallows, “I don't want any of you to die, I can't let that happen, not like with Aggros...”

Azazel continues in that manner, repeating her failures of late time and time again. How everything went wrong. That she was not good enough. That she was even having to rely upon Gra'tua for help by sending his disciples. She was so swept up in her own self-depreciating cycle downwards she does not notice Kitt close the gap. Or the scorched hands reach up. Not until they brush aside her arms delicately and cup her cheek. Azazel blinks, eyes following along the wrists and the reddened flesh that even now burned with heat against her face. She chokes back a sob and shakes her head.

As she begins to open her mouth to begin anew, Kitt places a finger to her lips and gives her a stern look. “Azazel, shut up for just once in your life.” Shocked, and taken aback, the Sith falls into silence and looks at the officer uncertainly. She should punish her for speaking out against her... But then again, had she not told herself she would be better than that. She swallows and closes her eyes, nodding slightly.

Kitt takes a deep breath of relief and resumes her hands to cupping her cheeks as she murmurs, her tone softer now. “You are not inferior. You are not a failure. You are a strong woman and from what I saw, Traiserus was struggling against you just as much. The only difference was you had, have, have more to lose. So what... You are carrying. Yes, it is effecting you... I have seen it... You aren't sleeping... You are all over the walls... You are not behaving as yourself. But you are not weak.”

Azazel furrows her brow and nods slightly, “Perhaps... I am not... but... Maybe I will feel better... When we reach Korriban... Andrea...”

Kitt growls and draws her hands away in a fit. She lashes out at the air as she turns about and paces. Wheeling back around, “Why?! Why Andrea. She is a horrible woman! She does not respect you. She doesn't respect anyone! She probably just wants to use you and keep you as some pet in her collection!” Kitt, fuming does not relent or give Azazel a word in edge-wise. “She does not care about you or she would not have lied! She would not stir up fights with you so often. She would have spoken plainly to you, and given you reason to trust her.” She clenches her fists, “Don't you get it, Azazel?! There are people here that care about you. That trust you with their lives and have been nothing but honest and true with you! They would die for you. They worship you. Some love you.”

Azazel stands there, aghast and at a loss for words as Kitt strides back, squaring herself off to Azazel and despite her shorter stature almost seemed as if she was to loom over the sith. “So why Andrea... Why go back to her... Why do you give her your love... She can't possibly be what you deserve...”

Azazel frowns, taking a step back, “What is this about... This, coming out of nowhere...”

Kitt's outrage begins to falter as she takes another step forward.. And another... until she stands flush with Azazel and draws her close against herself. Standing on her tiptoes, she presses her lips to Azazel's in an awkward fumble. The sith hesitates. She fails to draw back, or respond. Kitt draws her mouth away, just a fraction and murmurs, “Can't you see what's here, right in front of you... Can't you notice me...”

Azazel still does not respond, apart from a hand raising and lightly touching her own lips. Confusion runs across her face as her brow knits and she stares at the officer... No, Kitt. She swallows and crooks her head ever so slightly. Unsure what she was talking about.

“Gra'tua... he's a nice guy... but he's a man obsessed... And Andrea just cares about herself... What makes her happy... Azazel... I love you... and I have... I used to try and get past it. You are older... You are my commander... And you are a Sith...” Her hands trace over Azazel's lips, alongside the sith's fingers before brushing back her hair and tucking it behind her ear. “You aren't like them, though... I see it time and time again... You can be so gentle and caring...” She loosely drapes her arms about the taller woman's shoulders, looking her in the eyes. “So why let yourself get dragged down by them...”

Azazel's breath begins to quicken and come shallower as she closes her eyes, tears threatening to flow. “Kitt... You're still... still so young... I don't think you know what you're talking about... Andrea is... and Gra'tua... And I'm...”

Kitt cuts her off, brushing her lips over hers once more, a little more certain in herself, “I'm not so young... And I've had a lot of time to think about this... So... What's wrong with me...”

Azazel trembles, beginning to draw away, “Nothing... Nothing at all, little dove.” She takes a deep breath, “But you should not have done that... You... You do not understand my feelings about those two... Or truly how I am.” Azazel frowns and cups Kitt's chin as the Echani begins to tremble and tears threaten the corner of her eyes, “Hush, hush...” Azazel lightly pecks at the corner of her lips. “Do not cry...” She kisses the other side. “This... is not about any flaw of yours... You are strong...” Her lips curl into a smile, “And you are fierce...” She leans in a little closer, “Fearless...” Her eyes stare into the Echani's own wide pair, quivering and cheeks flared red. “And you...” Her lips were barely away from hers before her expression goes cold and she softly squeezes her cheeks together with her hand making her lips pucker. “Are still young.”

“This is but a mere crush, little dove. For someone who has been there for you and showed you care... I am not saying your feelings are not real... Perhaps they truly are genuine... But you are neigh more than child and your heart is fickle and wild with youth.” She releases and draws away, capturing Kitt's arms and inspecting the burns on her hands. She sighs and lightly graces her fingertips over the injuries before shaking her head. “I am sorry for this. I lost myself... Come. We are going to the clinic, now.”

Kitt whimpers and does not follow as Azazel begins to turn to leave. She closes her eyes and begins to feel tears ready to begin pouring. Yet she cannot. She sighs and watches the Sith, even as she turns and stops with realizing Kitt was not following. Thinking Azazel was too far away to hear, she mutters meekly, “But I do love you...”

Azazel crosses her arms and balls her hand, drawing it inwards to herself and tugging Kitt forcibly to her side with the force as she hisses. “If you do, then prove it. Prove to me you aren't some lovesick child and I might reconsider and take you seriously... Until then, though... You will behave yourself and listen to me. And right now...” She lowers her gaze, relaxing and picking a soft reassuring coo to address her, “Right now someone I have watched grow and come to care for has been injured at my hands and I will see it rectified. So come now before I have to drag you... And I would rather not, I really am quite exhausted.”

Adelai Niska
The High Opera; Alderaan

The booth at the upper end of the Opera house was barely occupied. Adelai Niska was seated in the seat he typically reserved when he spared the time to attend to entertainments like this, though rarely was it all entertainment. Events like this also tended to serve as somewhat of a standard business meet. The opera continued on below as Niska patiently listened.

The man sitting next to him was more nervous. Though the Syndicate was not one to shy away from violence, cruelty and torture, it was still less than comforting to be near a man who literally revelled in a 'Solid Reputation' built upon it. "I was asked to see you." The man said and immediately regretted it based on the frown the elderly gentleman gave him. A frown that vanished shortly afterwards.

"I'm sure you were. I doubt you'd be here voluntarily." Niska replied. "Especially since you have no reputation." Niska continued. "You were sent because you are, ultimately, expendable, yes?" Niska said and the man knew it wasn't a real question. And the manner in which the third occupant of the booth hovered cleaning his fingernails with an inactive vibroknife. Crow watched all too bored and the man wondered when the brute might decide to practice on him, unknowing that it was a carefully designed approach to aiding his boss. "But you would not be sent to see me without good reason. What does the good Antone Zann want with me today?"

The man fidgeted more in his seat. "My boss wants you to find a Black Marketeer by the name of Hanris Vaas. He has an operation in the Syvris system, according to our intelligence he has since vanished but he still has people guarding it as far as we know. The honourable Antone Zann has a great respect for your reputation and wishes you to secure him for... due process."

Niska continued to watch the Opera for the next thirty minutes as the man worried in his seat. He could hear his own heartbeats over the music. Sweat ran down his face in rivers as he looked to Niska, then Crow.

As soon as it looked like he was about to overcome his fear and speak Niska spoke. "You may tell your boss that we will find his wayward Black Marketeer and even return him intact to him. Even more co-operative than he might otherwise be." Niska smiled and the man felt his blood run cold as ice. "Mr Crow, please escort this man out, we wouldn't want anything untoward to happen to him."

Crow stood up and sheathed the blade, the representative of Antone hurrying to his feet and outside before Niska's henchman decided he needed to be thrown out.

---

When Crow returned to the booth he saw Niska preparing to leave. "No more business tonight boss?"

"Oh yes. Plenty of business. We are going to see to Mr Zann's needs. I want you to prepare the 'Just Another Customer' and your special killers, we're going to go pay Mr Vaas a visit, through his henchmen first."

In the life of a Jedi & Friends.
The plight of a world...

They weren't followed at all, the resistance well used to the way the droids operated, it gave Tohkran no solace however as he thought about the people who died under his watch. He shook his head, in battle, in war, people died. If he had went in wanting to take everyone out alive then they all would have died anyway. He looked at his hand, seeing it shake and closed his eyes, meditating, trying to calm himself.

"Beard face, Tohkran." He opened his eyes and saw Thrall had approached him in the back of the speeder truck and patted his knee. "Mission success and minimal casualties, what more could we ask for?"

Tohkran sighs, "A swift end to the war?"

The sluissi let out a snort, "So do we all, but that ain't happening, now cheer up, got told we are almost at the base."

The trip, predictably, spent the last couple kilometres underground before emerging once more in the large landing pad that Tohkran had visited before, but now the roof was rising open and a pair of YT series transports had flashed up drives and crews that seemed to be partly celebrating. It seemed that cover was coming up soon a nasty storm.

Thrall looked at the small smuggler fleet, "Well they seem glad we got them that backdoor in the weather station."

Tohkran nods, "Yes." A small smile touched his lips, "We did good, I also hope that Quinlan Voss now is convinced of our intent to help."

It took a short while before Voss showed up but when he did his expression was less than pleased. Something seemed to be troubling the Jedi greatly in fact and the gaggle of people around him talking did little to comfort before, seeing Tohkran and his people, they dispersed ostensibly on other duties.

Tohkran saw him approach and frowned, not needing Thrall to state the obvious as the Sluissi commented dryly. "Trouble be looming."

Shaking his head he gesttured for Thrall to not be so much... himself and nodded to Quinlan Voss, "What's wrong?" He simply asked.

Voss looked deep into Tohkran's eyes as if judging what he saw before he spoke up. "While you and your people were establishing our link to the weather monitoring systems..." He paused for some moments, "We received notice that the southern-most base was destroyed, ... the CIS Governor deployed no less than a hundred droid commandos and managed to eliminate almost every man, woman... and child... who lived there as well as all the equipment stationed there. Close to a thousand people... gone."

Tohkran was stunned silent, Thrall not so much as he let out a string of curses in basic, huttese and his own native language. Tohkran closed his eyes, trying to imagine the mind of such a cruel sentient and merely shuddered. "What can I do to help."

Thrall had his narrowed his eyes, "What the boos is saying, what can we do to help. CIS and their clankers be damned, they won't get away with this."

Voss moved over to a control panel as he signaled Tohkran to follow. Taking a comm-link off the wall he keyed it to the whole base's intercom system.

"Ladies, Gentlemen and Miscellaneous, I have some good news. Our new friend Tohkran has managed to re-establish our connection with the Weather Monitoring systems, we can begin operating our smugglers again. Unfortunately I must temper the good news with bad. Today, the Senamay base was destroyed by the CIS... we have lost almost everyone from that facility, if you had family or friends in that facility, please contact the admin office to see if you're one of the lucky few to have surviving friends or family."

He turned back to Tohkran. "The CIS are running an anti-insurgency facility on the Northern Glaciers. They're running their dropships and commandos from that facility, we..." a tear runs down one cheek, "We don't have the means to take it out and it's protected by a theatre shield preventing an orbital bombardment."

Thrall blinked upon hearing that, "Question... I assume they don't have the shield active if the blockade isn't reporting any hostile ships in the system?"

Voss shook his head. "No, it's active at all times. Any civilian ships that even pass into its engagement envelope are destroyed without question."

"Well that is a waste of power." Thrall muttered and pondered. "Well there goes the idea of just flying over with the cloaked ship and bomb it into oblivion... still could work though."

Tohkran frowned, "What are you cooking up."

"Well... if we can disable the shield... then the Illusion could blow up the base without effort and then make our escape, we overstayed our welcome with our cloaked vessel, the longer we stay the riskier it gets."

Tohkran turned to Voss, "How many troops are present."

"A complete unknown. We do know that the Commando Droids operate out of there, and we believe they have at least a Battalion of other droids, in storage or operation we don't know... but..." Voss paused thinking. "We've also heard they have Kaleesh troops there."

Tohkran shook his head, "For a frontal assault we would need to be able to land our troops on the surface... and I doubt ramming with a shuttle will work again."

"I wish we had any real intelligence to help you with." Voss said plainly, "But they guard that place tightly enough we have failed to get anyone near the place."

Thrall ventured forth a question, "How do they power the shield, do you know that?"

"Electrically would be my first thought." Voss replied sarcastically. "We don't know for certain, but we assume a reactor facility on the base. It's not being delivered by the planetary power grid, we know that much of a certainty."

Thrall snorts and glares at the Kiffar, "That's what I wanted to know, if they were either using geo-thermal energy, their own or tapping in elsewhere. No need to get irritated by it."

Tohkran stepped forwards, "What my friend is trying to say, we understand you are havign a hard time with what is happening and we want to help but. Hoping that you already might have some local intelligence of what to face." He thought. "Though if we have a means to infiltrate with a number of people, sabotage the generator powerign the shields, then we could use my vessel or launched squadrons to destroy the base."

Voss nodded. "If you go with such a plan, be extremely careful, while we don't know the exact specifics, we do know that there are heavy surface to orbit weapons emplaced there, and they're designed to fire on any target in their fire envelope."

Thrall snorts, "Just means to blow up more generators besides the ones powering the shield."

"And were it that easy we would have managed it long ago." Voss gives Thrall a withering stare.

Thrall stares back evenly, "Well we don't have any other option now do we."

One of the more weedy looking maintenance men nearby pipes up suddenly with a squeaky voice. A rodian fellow. "Hey Voss, maybe they could hit the submersible yard?"

Tohrkan rose a eyebrow. "Submersible yard? Why was this not happened sooner."

Thrall snorts, "Because there's a catch, there always is."

Voss turns to the fellow. "Good question." Clearly as surprised as anyone. "What's this about a Submersible Yard?"

"The CIS base near the Capital, took over part of the docks, they've had octopus looking craft moving in and out for weeks." The Rodian replied. "You said you didn't want any of us risking a job in the Capital that was too likely to draw attention, hitting those yards will probably draw lots of attention."

"A diversion..." Tohkran murmured.

"Give the man a prize for stating the obvious." Thrall said and then lapsed into silence, snapping his fingers. "Some of our commandos hit this submersible yard and while we have the CIS running about catching offworld sabotage teams we will infiltrate our primary objective, destroy the generators and mop up the place."

Tohkran looked aghast, "That might mean sacrificing the commandos for the diversion."

Thrall looked at his jedi friend with something that seemed akin to sympathy, perhaps even pity. "Yes, but we are fighting a war, sacrifices need to be made."

Tohkran sighed, closing his eyes and nodded slowly. "You are right. Unfortunately."

The Rodian spoke up more bravely this time. "Well that wasn't really what I was suggesting..." He paused. "The base is on the polar ice-caps, wouldn't a strike team, or more, in a submersible be able to bypass the surface defences and theatre shield both that way?"

Thrall looked from the Rodian and then at the Kiffar. "Why do you have that guy doing maintenance and not planning strategy? He seems smarter than the lot of us." He frowned, "Only problem is, if we do that, steal one of the submersibles, they'd report it and when we arrive at our objective they might already be made aware of the theft and suspect us of being infiltrators."

"Why not blow the whole Ice-pack?" Voss said with sudden inspiration. "Sink the base whole... you..." he pointed at the Rodian, "You're now one of my advisors."

Thrall smirked as he looked at the Rodian, "Congratulations and condolences at the same time." He rubbed his hands gleefully together. "Now that sounds like fun, right how to blow up a ice-pack. Do we have enough explosives... can give you a inventory of what we have... maybe some proton torpedo warheads might even do it."

"Well, now that we will be able to get our smugglers going again,... well their first job is to get a shipment of high-yield Baradium Bombs. But it could be weeks before they get back here. Mostly we're limited to Thermal Detonators and Concussion missiles, our Proton Torpedo stock is..." Voss checked on a datapad in his jacket... "Sithspit... we're down to three torpedoes..."

Thrall snorts, "You got a friendly cloaked ship in orbit with a lot of capital ship and starfighter class torpedoes, I think we got the explosives side covered." Tohkran was silent, he knew it had to be done but part of him loathed to even contemplate this action, Thrall seemed also a bit too eager for his taste to blow the icecaps and potentially kill a untold number of sentients, along with droids. Thrall either did not notice or ignored the look Tohkran was giving him and went through his personal computer. "Yup plenty of Concussion and Proton torpedoes, we also got a stockpile of proton bombs and rockets for our bombers, speaking of which can you use any spare equipment we have ,can have that brought down as well."

"Anything you could spare would be more than welcome." Voss said. "We're practically running on empty. If you hadn't shown up, I don't know if we'd even have lasted out the month. And my fate if they caught me would be less than pretty."

"If I may suggest something you all might have ignored." Tohkran said quietly, continuing when he had their attention. "Blowing the polar ice caps might be all well and good... but what might that mean for the planet, for the people living on it, hmm? We could hurt a lot of innocents by doing this, this would be a rather dark and grim act to do."

"Sea levels would rise, possibly a tidal wave, the coastal cities might get wet... but honestly Tohkran, the lives lost in such an act would surely pale next to those lost if the CIS continues assaulting us..." Voss said. "It may not be pleasant to contemplate collateral damage, but it is war, there will always be some."

Thrall nodded, "I agree, the needs of the many, yada, yada."

Tohkran frowned, "Have you already forgotten what you fight for?" He shook his head, "You are fighting to free this world, free these people, yes. But once they are free, what then? What will happen afterwards when all those that have survived are the ones who send men and women to die in suicide attacks, or the ones who killed the enemy at the expense of civilians. If you want to win a war you need to have the people on your side too. I agree, sacrifices need to made sometimes but none of you even considered the ramifications, or paused to contemplate it, it was just brushed aside as if it was nothing. That is getting too close to the dark side."

Tohkran frowned and then blinked, "Hang on... very well, we blow up the ice caps, but I suggest the following." He looked at Thrall, "I want the Illusion to be moved in position when it blows and want, I can't stress this enough, precision strikes from our concussion missile crews to create counter waves that would cancel the tidal waves that originate from the base destruction, only then would I approve of this plan. Agreed?"

Thrall shrugged, "Fine by me... will need to quickly escape because the blockade will find use sure enough when we do that."

Tohkran nodded and looked at Quinlan. "Well?"

"It's your operation, I have nothing to spare to aid you." Voss said with a shrug. "I wish I did so I didn't end up in this predicament. Can you see any issues with it..." He struggles for the Rodian's name.

"Orbos. And I don't see any issue with it, I'm not sure Concussion missiles would be powerful enough to counter the waves, but I can't be sure it wouldn't work either." The greenskin replied.

Thrall shrugged, "Can also launch some proton torpedoes, it's mostly about the timing however."

They continued to discuss some of the details and plan the raid on the submersible docks to gain the submersibles to get to the ice caps and plant the explosives. Once the plan was made several discreet transports were send back and forth, using the backdoor to the weather station to pick the times the CIS would not be paying attention to bring down the explosives and supplies from the Illusion of Grace and also almost all the troops currently present on the cruiser to aid the resistance for the time to come.

Once all supplies were made goodbyes were said, Tohkran was going to remain behind as agreed to aid the resistance in any way possible while Thrall, Goddor and Marack would head out with the illusion and perhaps acquire assistance from their friends and allies to help liberate Antar IV.

But that was for later and the plan had been set into motion, commandos were send in to the submersible bay, their approach proved to be somewhat problematic as they were discovered when they had just managed to get the release codes for the submersibles but the droids present were no match for the commandos who eliminated the security forces and headed on their way to the polar ice packs to plant the proton torpedoes rigged to explode.

The teams were thankfully not discovered as they planted the explosives at the designated points where they would do the most damage and managed to make a clean getaway before they detonated. Thrall watched as the base collapsed, polar caps collapsing on top of it and then it began to sink into the sea, he could not resist letting out a evil chuckle seeing the clankers get destroyed this way, it did not distract him however and the gunnery crews had their targeting parameters set and fired as the ship decloaked. Their aim was accurate enough and it looked like most of the tidal waves that were generated by the destruction of the base were stopped in their tracks. Thrall quickly ordered a escape vector to be made but the damage had been done.

Tohkran and Quinlan were on the ground and received the word after Thrall had gotten the Illusion out of the system, the CIS governor had upon receiving word of a cloaked vessel in the system requested reinforcements from CIS high command, a request which would be honoured according to Quinlan Vos due to the governor's connections.

That were problems for another day though as Tohkran studied his lightsaber and ignited it, he had stayed behind to help the fight, he just hoped his friends would be able to contact the other jedi, Neia, anyone who would hear their please and send help.

Because this fight had only just started...

Om the life of two sith and their minions.
Are we there yet?

Lena walked slowly through the corridors after her guide, she had transferred over to the Kandosii Naast after their last stopover and was being brought to the medical bay, her mandalorian guide silent the entire way, as they entered the bay soem medical staff looked up but then went back to their duties as they were brought before a observation window, a lone figure was already present there and she recognized him as Gra'tua's Chiss second in command. "Kashiir." She said in greeting and stood beside him, watching through the observation window into the room beyond, looking upon the naked form of her fellow sith lord undergoing surgery. "How is he?"

Kashiir did not look away, his hands clasped together behind his back, "The latest update I received was that the initial procedures were successful, they are currently operating on the deep wound in his leg." He lapsed into silence for a moment and then glanced with one glowing eye to the other sith. "You could also have asked for a update with a simple call, no need to get on a shuttle and get physically here."

She smiled, "Perhaps, but I felt it was only courtesy to come in person to see how Gra'tua was doing. I admit I still do not understand fully why he had to fight that warrior, but I know enough it was some kind of honour duel in accordance to Mandalorian culture. He, and his people, have gone through a lot to help me in this task I merely heard rumours about. I simply feel like I should show my thanks in any way I can to honour the man."

Kashiir now turned fully away from the observation window and looked at Lena inquisitively, frowning. "I see... Perhaps I should let you know lady Lena, but he told me of the... arrangement you two have made to support each other." He left it at that, waiting to see her reaction to those words.

She stiffened but then relaxed, calmly raising a eyebrow. "I see, he must put a lot of trust into you. Since, as I recall, I specifically asked him to keep it a secret, since it might be considered sensitive information."

Kashiir snorted, "As my master knows, he needs me to help him with his grand plan. If I am not aware of every facet of it then he cannot succeed. He knows it, I know it but he knows I am no threat because my loyalty to him is genuine and no force can able to dissuade me otherwise. But as I was saying, I am aware of the arrangement, and I must say I do see the benefits for you, if you do not mind me saying so, your ship, your troops, are not build for a prolonged battle or even war. Hence why you ask my master for aid. And I can see the benefits you can provide my master... but so far I don't see as much of that."

She let out a chuckle, "Do you now? I believe he seemed quite ecstatic when those warriors, those Taung were awakened and became part of his clan. Do not forget that as I stated I provided the information that brought us to Teth. But as you just said, you are apparently his strategist, his advisor who stands on the sidelines to point out the flaws and offer a word of caution if he reaches too far, I have noticed you too. It would be a shame if Gra'tua were to ever lose in some way."

Kashiir kept his gaze locked on the other sith and then replied after a moment of silence had passed between them. "Yes, but you gained a functional, high-grade cloaking device, and from the original briefing, you stated you had no idea if something of worth was present. We could have arrived and only found sand and crumbled masonry." He tilted his head. "You had everything to gain while we had everything to lose." Her narrowed his eyes. "And you do not need to worry my lady, my master won't get ridd off me that easily... nor any of his enemies."

She smiled again, "Well thankfully I am one of his allies and not one of his enemies." She inclined her head, "But I should go, I did however ran into one of your masters disciples on the way here, she asked if we could spar and I accepted, I could use the training and I would love to see how far Gra'tua's disciples have trained themselves." She glanced back through the window one last time and nodded. "Pass my well wishes to your master when he regains consciousness, and Kashiir, it was nice talking to you." She bowed her head once more and walked off, finding her guide to talk to the training deck Latesh had specified for her to go so they could engage in a sparring session.

Kashiir watched her go with narrowed eyes, that one required watching, once again he cursed his master for ignoring the usefulness of spies and other like-minded operatives and vowed to once more try to make his master see that they needed to expand such contacts or falter in their goals. Once Darth Lena had left he turned back around and resumed his vigil of his master undergoing surgery.

It did not take long for the guide to take Lena to the training deck and Latesh was waiting there, practicing swings with the training sabers as she saw Lena enter and saluted her. "Thank you for accepting the invitation lady Lena. But with my master in the medical bay and no other disciples present finding a willing sparring partner to fight a force user like myself is hard to find, at least to give me a equal match."

Lena smiled and reached for the rack with the training sabers, selecting one and gave it a few swings to test its balance, nodding in satisfaction. "Oh I understand and do not mind, it will be refreshing to spar with someone who I am not used to fight. So this will be enlightening for the both of us I hope."

Latesh nodded and activated the training sabers, moving into a guard position. "Shall we begin?" She said with a grin, deciding to wait and see what Lena would do first so she could act accordingly.

Lena smiled and activated her own training saber, moving it in a arc and nodded slowly. "I agree... let's begin." And before the eyes of Gra'tua's disciple something strange happened. Lena took a step forwards... out of herself and then another stepped out of her and another. Five doppelgangers, force illusions were now standing in front of Latesh while the real Lena had also used the force to conceal herself from Latesh's senses so her opponent would not see her and think that the real one was among one of the illusions standing right in front of her.

Latesh blinked, eyes darting back and forth between the five Lenas. "Ok.... I have to admit, that is a neat trick."

"Thank you." Her five doppelgangers said in unison.

Latesh shuddered, "And just a little bit creepy...." She said as she reached out with the force, trying to sense where the real Lena was. For a moment she thought she had found her but her senses felled dulled and she could no longer sense the brief spark of the real Lena. Cursing she raised her sabers to defend herself, but from which one...

Commanding her illusions to encircle Latesh but not engage, because they couldn't do that she approached the disciple from the front and then forced one of her illusions, also in front of Latesh to attack the chiss, hoping that she'd thought that was the real one but would realize it was not so as soon as she went to block and turn around expecting a attack from the side or behind.

Seeing one of the Lenas attack she went to parry but failed, already scrunching up her face as she expected the stinging pain of a electric jolt as the training saber would connect, instead she felt nothing and saw the saber of this Lena pass right through her, alarm she turned around expecting to defend herself from a back attack.

Lena smiled in triumph already as Latesh turned around and she dropped her concealment and made the strike, her training saber making contact with the back of her opponent and delivering a stinging jolt. She then quickly stepped to the side and made all her illusions mirror her stance with the training saber raised.

Latesh let out a yelp of pain and turned around, blinking, there had been five lenas but now there were six!? She had no idea who the real one was and had no force abilities that might give her the answer, instead she did a move that just came to her mind and tried to be a whirled of strikes, striking at all the lenas, hoping the real one revealed herself. Which it did as suddenly one of her blades was stopped by a very real, physical blade.

"Well done." Lena admitted and then counter-attacked, drawing upon the force and tried to drain some of her sparring partners strength. Something Latesh was not expecting at all and as the tendril of dark side energy hit her in the stomach she felt weak instantly and dropped to the ground, her training sabers falling from her hands.

Lena smiled and closed her eyes, cancelling the technique and her doppelgangers vanished, leaving only her. "My thanks to you Latesh, this training session was very enlightening, I will see myself out. I do hope we can do this again in the near future."

All latesh could do was groan and weakly roll over, staring at the ceiling, unable to summon the strength to even get up from the floor as Lena walked away.

Aboard the Dagda - What Ho? Over Yonder a Cry of Distress!

---

Azazel clenches her fists, trying to hold her fire close against her hands and keep from rearing up and roaring to greater heights again. Her power was fluctuating again and she was having troubles keeping control. Taking a deep breath, she gestures Janii onwards, frowning as the fire leaps up from her hand and curls in the air. Janii arches a brow and pauses, recalculating her shield before crouching and taking a slow breath.

One thing Azazel would give Janii, she was fast. Faster than herself. The cyborg goes in, nails outstretched and ready to pierce in a deadly precise strike. Azazel tries to hold onto her fire as she moves to duck aside, even as Janii's cyborg eye follows her, tracking her movement. Azazel reaches out to flip her. However, the cyborg changes her course, going to lash out with her human hand.

Azazel swallows and quickly steps back unsteadily. She narrows her eyes before darting in, going to striking Janii's midsection. The cyborg of course deftly moves aside and gets ready to strike down. That was, until Azazel unleashes her fire in a blast directly forward, shielding her face. A surge of power rushes over her and she suddenly notices new force presences near. Her eyes go wide and she stands up, looking around wildly, trying to pinpoint the source.

The first she noticed, was the training facility in flames. Janii was thrown back against the far wall from the blast and was groaning, her shield only enough to have prevented the effects of the fire before shorting out just at the impact. She heaves herself up, only to duck down under a tarp as an alarm goes off and foam begins to spurt out to kill the flames. Azazel blinks, looking at the destruction she had wrought, still trying to find the source of the two force users.

She closes her eyes, reaching out. If it was an approaching vessel, surely Xen would have alerted her. Perhaps a stowaway, a spy of Traiserus'. Or maybe her mind was playing tricks on her since picking up Gra'tua's disciples. What she finds astounds her, though. Her head drops, foam dripping down from her hair as her hands go to her abdomen. Her eyes widen, a soft laugh bubbling from her lips before coming out in elated giggles, “Its them! By the dark-side...” Tears begin to stream down her cheeks as she sinks down to her knees, still laughing and holding her swollen abdomen. Her fears of her children not possessing the gift were now averted.

From not too far away, Janii pipes up from underneath the tarp still. “What was that about?”

Azazel hesitates, her smile dropping. That was a good point. Her eyes widen, looking at the scorched walls and smothering chemicals. She swallows, eyes going down herself once more. “Oh dear...” she mutters, the realization slowly dawning. She must have accidentally tapped into their own powers. She frowns and shakes her head, “That... cannot mean anything good.”

Janii calls back, “Lady Azazel, is it safe for me to come out. I do not wish my cybernetics to malfunction.”

Azazel wipes away the foam off herself as she looks up, “Seems to be. Would you mind contacting a maintenance crew to clear this up... I fear training will be temporarily suspended until it is done with.”

Azazel's commlink begins to go off and she furrows her brow, raising her hand up, “What?” A soft squeak comes from the other side before she hears two individuals bickering in hushed tones. What she could make out of it appeared that they were in a spat over who would tell the Dark Lady. “Well?”

She hears a thud, something fleshy smacking into something metallic before someone groans out in obvious discomfort, “Lady Azazel, the scanning crew has a report. There is something being picked up on their scanners. It isn't background radiation. Something man-made.”

Azazel furrows her brow, “Is that all you had to sincerely tell me? You're paid for more than that. Get a trace on it and determine what it is.”

A woman's voice grumbles over the link, “You don't pay us, actually...”

Azazel pauses, “What was that?”

“Happy to work for your illustrious cause, Dark Lady.”

The ship was brought closer so the signal could be studied more thoroughly and it finally became clear what it was. The two sensor operators first doing a rock, paper, scissors match to determine who would inform their Dark Lady. The one who lost nervously called her on her private comms again. "Lady Azazel, our scans are complete, it appears to be a distress beacon of Republic origin. Military origin as far as we can tell."

Azazel was already on her way to her room to start getting into gear, after sending a brief message to her followers remaining with her to prepare themselves. “We'll check it out. If nothing else, we find salvage to scrap for a few quick creds. At best, we just happen to be lucky and find someone important who owes us a debt.”

Dropping out of hyperspace and setting a course the Dagda made it's way to the origin of distress beacon. As they neared it and they were now closer to get a better sensor reading it became evident it did not concern on ship, there was enough debris present for more than ten ships. But that's what most of them were, debris.

The origin of the distress beacon however was something that vaguely resembled a Venator-class star destroy, or at least the aft part of it with the bridge was still intact, the entire front section seemed to have been obliterated.

Azazel frowns and looks at the destruction. “Try to establish a communication with the vessel.” The communication officer nods and gets to establishing a feed, muttering over the line, 'This is The Dagda, answering a distress signal in this vicinity. Does anyone read me?'

The communications officer tried everal times but in the end gave up, either the ones who set the beacon all died or the beacon was only automated and their communications were destroyed.

Azazel leans forward over the railing deciding what to do next. “Get the boarding ships ready. We'll check for any survivors and anything of use to salvage. Who knows.”

In the end, Azazel arranges two parties to go over to the ships on DALSC boarding ships. The parties would be split into two, with herself leading one and Xen the other. Each party would consist of 5 Mandalorian Commandos and 10 Mandoa Assault troopers. With herself would be Janii and Rei'Ki. Xen would board with Lydavis and Kitt. Those without armour capable of sealing, like herself, would be in space-suits... Xen's operation would include finding any vital data while her goal was to scout the remains of the vessel for any one or anything of use. With their directives clear, they ship off towards the source of the beacon.

The two shuttles burst forth from the Daghda's belly to the remains of the Venator, selecting the two most easily accesable points to enter the innards of the vessel. Azazel's team had no trouble and easily entered a empty corridor.

Xen however had to order his pilot to vaporize some vacuum frozen corpses of crew and clone troopers before he and his team could get aboard. One of the Mandalorians remarking it had to be a weapon of some power to have caused this to the Venator.

Azazel hesitates in the corridor before picking a direction at random, waving her group onwards. They would search out the bridge first. Rei'Ki from the back remarks, “This doesn't chance to become some holo-horror flick. Not at all. Nope. And no droids, either. Yeah, that'd just be too predictable.”

Xen meanwhile frowns and nods, “Let's hope whatever it is does not come back... And if it does, Ilo can well handle it.” He furrows his brow and starts to look for a working terminal. He would look for the system specs if he could and find any points that would still perhaps be functioning. Reports could be useful to find out what happened here. Or perhaps even tell him any parts of the ship that might still be secure and functioning in such catastrophe.

The only obstacle Azazel and her team found, where the floating corpses of some of the crew and a single astromech droid who seemed intent to fix a bulkhead, the sparks flying from the top of its might indicate it was damaged and futily tried to act out its last command.

Xen found himself a terminal that was flashing red wit ha single message in bold letters. "GENERAL EVACUATION. ALL HANDS ABANDON SHIP."

Xen stops and leans back against the wall, “Found a terminal. Sounds like everyone was sent to evacuate. Chances are, not a soul here. All I've found myself are a lot of floating dead guys. We could keep searching, but chances are this is all a bunch of salvage.”

Azazel answers back, “Just check it out, maybe there's something here. It can't hurt to just look, right?” She finds herself intrigued as she taps the foot of a dead soldier and sends them spiraling, “See if you can head down to engineering.”

Tapping into the terminal Xen finds taht most of the data has been corrupted, since either the computers connected to this terminal are either damage or were in apart of the ship that was torned apart, he did manage to get some schematics that allowed him to guide Azazel in the direction of the bridge however.

Following his directions till she reached a closed blastdoor, the console to the side indicating... there was actual life support still working beyond the blastdoor.

Azazel pauses and gestures for her people to ready their guns as she goes to wrap a protective shield about herself. Without further ado, she simple tries to rap as hard as she can, wondering if they could hear her. Her gaze goes to the console before she begins to try and see if she herself could get a message to whoever was on the other side. If not, she would just have to wait for Xen to make his way over.

A screen flickered to life And a face appeared, wearing a republic naval officers cap, staring wide-eyed at Azazel, a message appeared on the screen. "Rescue?" Azazel would notice a small keypad to perhaps type a response back.

Azazel blinks at the screen before nodding her head, though obscured by a helmet it would be. “Yes. What happened?”

The reply that came was the following. "Stand back." Once Azazel did so a blastdoor behind them was shut instantly, she might think it was a trap but then one of the corpses with them suddenly fell to the floor, gravity was restored and with a sudden pop and the sound of gears it also became noticable that life support had been restored to this part of the corridor as well.

The door opened, revealing two clone troopers with raised blaster rifles and the officer, who seemed relieved but then looked more cautiously. "I am sub-lieutenant Karlssen, who do I owe our thanks for the rescue?"

Azazel's eyes flicker back to her Mandalorian soldiers and she salutes with a fist over her chest and a bow of her head. “Alor Dha'dala of Clan Kurkova,” she answers simply, thankful for the mask over her face. Who knew who in the Republic had a picture of her face since the jailbreak on Kessel. “I am the master of the ships The Dagda and The Aberrancy. How long have you all been trapped here?”

"Mandalorians, thank the stars." The officer murmured, the two clone troopers kept their blasters trained on the rescue party however, although one of them gave the mandalorians a respectful nod. The officer gave a rueful smile, "About a month and a half, we were somewhat cut off from our supply lines when we encountered a deep space CIS patrol. I believe we won... otherwise we would be dead, but clearly no ships of ours remained to rescue us. Our supplies were almost completely dry when we suddenly got the alarm of someone trying to tamper with the blastdoor.... I don't suppose you could give us a ride to the nearest republic or neutral aligned planet?"

Azazel crosses her arms and nods, “One of my officers was boundwards to The Wheel soon. If it pleases you, he will offer you food and lodgings on the trip there and see you to a safe location. You may also utilize the ship's hypercomm capacities have you any time-sensitive information to pass along.” As well as have the lines tapped and thoroughly observed for any useful information.

The officer let out a sigh of relief, then frowned. "Ah, I suppose I should clarify... there are about 90 of us that have survived, will that be a problem?"

Azazel straightens her back and shakes her head no. “It should not be. I have ample capacity on board my vessel. I would ask you mind my crew and allow them to go about their duties uninterrupted while you lodge in the barracks.” She pauses and quickly does the figures in her head, “I have some light support vessels to carry you to The Aberrancy, however, it may take a few round trips. If we must rely upon my boarding crafts alone.”

The officer motioned for the clone troopers to lower their blasters and then extended his hand, "On behalf of the Republic and the surviving crew of the Pride of Valorum, thank you."

Azazel meets his hand and shakes it firmly. “A pleasure to be of assistance to fellow verde.”

It took the better part of two hours to ferry all the survivors aboard the Aberrancy but they managed it without a hitch of trouble, Xen managed to obtain some interesting information, the officer send a encrypted message on a republic military channel, which Xen easily broke without a sweat and learned that the republic patrol had placed a stash of supplies and parts on Maridun for later recovery, this info could be used by themselves to see what was stashed here or perhaps sold to the highest bidder and have them deal with it.

And with that done, Xen took his parting from Azazel. The Dagda, with Janii, Rei'Ki, Hakkri, Ilo and Lydavis aboard went towards the Wheel. Meanwhile, Azazel's anticipation merely grew as she approached closer to Korriban. She hesitates for a moment, considering how close she was to Mandalorian space before going to contact Gra'tua. It would do well to see how he was faring.

Gra'tua frowned as he was being prodded, opening his eyes all he saw was a blurry vision untill it formed into the appearance of Magog who gestured to a screen. "Call coming in, it's your riduur." He blinked and weakly gestured for him to patch it through. No holo-projector, Azazel would clearly see Gra'tua, lying in a medical bay bed, recovering from his last surgery. He did smile however and spoke softly when Azazel's face appeared.

"Su cuy'gar, Azazel. I am sorry I cannot address you properly but I am somewhat... recovering from my ordeal. It was a success however." He winced as he felt some pain and let otu a growl before he shook his head, ignoring the pain. "How are you cyare?"

Her brows shoot up as she jostles her facemask in her hands, “Su cuy'gar, Gra'tua... I am well enough, I think. Anxious...” She looks sidelong, “Feeling stretched thin, perhaps. I have my followers divided all over for various tasks and I am... quite honestly terrified of encountering Traiserus again.” She brushes her hair back and looks at the screen with a faint smile, “Whatever did you do to ensure you cannot be on the holo-projector, hmm? Do I need to talk to Lena about returning you in one piece?”

He chuckled and winced, "Had, don't make me laugh it hurts... I had the unfortunate decision to do a honour duel... and ended up with a sword in my gut that almost pierced my heart. If you are interested.... we encountered a exiled Mandalorian clan... exiled almost four thousand years ago... they are Taung, the first, the first true Mandalorians... and now they have joined my clan." He was unable to keep the emotion, the wonder, contained within his voice as he said it out loud.

Azazel's brows shoot up in shock. Mimicking Xen when shocked, her hands move in a gesture, marking her disbelief. “That is...” The only thing she had comparable was if suddenly she stumbled in on a tribe of living, breathing sith purebloods. She laughs and shakes her head, nervously, “I can understand your excitement and any injury you sustained, then. I am proud for you, your Clan only continues to prosper, cyare.” Her gaze begins to falter again as he hand moves down, wringing at her robes. “I have some news of my own...”

Gra'tua frowns and winces as he tries to sit straighter, "What news, a new adversary?"

Azazel snorts and shakes her head, “Still just the one last we spoke, Gra'tua. However, I have recently discovered our ade are blessed with the force.” Her hand goes back, nervously running her hand through her hair. “What's more... I have found myself tapping into their potential by sheer accident... I fear what could happen if I am to use the force... If I accidentally draw too much...” Her eyes go up to Gra'tua, worry straining the composed expression she had tried to hold.

He blinked. "I... ah... wow." He was quiet for a while before he snapped out of it. "Both of them you say... that is... well that will be interesting to say the least." He coughed, "I do recall... Andrea also seemed more powerful... but yes if it might harm the children... perhaps it is best to try and not to draw upon their power." He showed a brief smile. "It is however... wonderful news Azazel."

She gives a nervous smile, “It is... I had worried they would not... but given circumstances...” She furrows her brow before leaning in, “I suppose it ought be time to try another career line.. Fighting up close appears to be a problem. And the force is out...” She shakes her head, “Blast it all, I will find something to do with myself.” She sighs and looks at Gra'tua, “I assume you are headed to Mandalore with your wonderful news. I am not too far myself.” She hesitates for a moment, feeling a touch guilty, “I am on my way to Korriban, given the planned attack, I had hoped a little more firepower might be of well some assistance to Andrea, given I'm to blame for it.” Her cheeks flush, “Perhaps, when you are well, you might join me there? Aside from it being some time since a Sith meeting... Perhaps the three of us ought talk...”

He smiled and leaned back in the pillows of the bed, "When I am able to I will head straight for Korriban... my ship received damage as well but I have other ships under my command....." He tightened his hand into a fist. "I did make an oath I would also help you hunt down the bastard who tried to kill my cyare and our children." He growled.

She smiles and blows a kiss to him, “Good... I can also prepare Andrea for your arrival then... I always get the feeling she wants to wound you when you are about.” She shakes her head, “Which, is among some of the things that I wish discussed.”

He chuckles, "I see... well, that will be a interesting discussion then... be safe cyare."

“You as well, Gra'tua, and may you have a swift recovery... It would be a shame if you were not feeling up to anything active when you arrive.”

Cyphor Fey'lar
Kashyyyk System
Aboard the Nightclouds Reward

“Coming up on Kashyyyk space.” Hayles voice came over the Rewards internal comms.Cyphor Stood from the chair he had been in as he watched Kalmi practice Niman with a pair of training sabres she had brought along for the purpose. Since her earlier success in grasping the basics of the dual blade style she had taken to practising the feel of two blades whenever time permitted. While Cyphor himself was not prolific in the style he had studied Niman as a form and had enough knowledge to at least guide Kalmi along the path, he smiled as he stood and wondered how long it would be before she chose to modify her current dual blade sabre, or if she would chose to make a new paired set all together.

“So time to get shot at then.” Kalmi said casually as she deactivated the blades and returned them to the cabinet she had been keeping them in on the journey. Kathlyn smiled at Kalmi's remark, a sign that the young Cathar padawan was starting to get more comfortable with the banter that often went along with Cyphors presence.
“Let us hope not, Hayle thinks she might be able to slip down to the surface undetected, depending on the situation in orbit. Considering Kashyyyk is something of a hotspot for the war im not entirely sure if Hayle actually believes herself.” Cyphor replied.
“Well I suppose we can but try then.” Kalmi said with a shrug, “Come Kathlyn, lets get the hunters ready for a rough landing.” At that Cyphor chuckled and headed to the cockpit to see Hayle.

The cockpit door slid open with a soft hiss as he approached and he took a seat next to Hayle. “Kalmi thinks quite highly of your piloting skills.” He said still chuckling a little.
“Is that right, remind me to ask her what happened the last time you tried to teach her to fly.” Hayle said with a roll of her eyes. “For someone with jedi reflexes I'd have at least expected the shuttle to be salvageable.” She added with a chuckle of her own as she recalled the state of the small four person shuttle that Kalmi had tried to pilot a number of years ago. “We're about to drop out of hyperspace.” Hayle said again after a moment of shared mirth, “Lets see what we find.” She added a moment before she pulled the hyperspace lever back and dropped the Nightclouds reward back into realspace.

The moment the Nightclouds Reward dropped out of hyperspace it entered in a region of chaos. Sensor readings were erratic at best but from what Hayle could see through the transparisteel cockpit windows it looked like a bunch of cargo and troop transports heading to the hyperspace jump point being harassed by Vulture and Hyana droid starfighters. Right in front of them was another freighter whose pilot just barely managed to evade the Nightscloud Reward, the Vulture Droid that was behind said freighter was not so lucky as it clipped itself on the Nightclouds Reward's shields and drifted away through space in pieces.

“So much for going in undetected then.” Cyphor said as he started watching the rewards systems and making adjustments where needed while Hayle focused on not running in to anything. “What do you think, make a break for the planet?” Hayle asked as she tried to pilot by sight alone while she tried not to rely on the fragmentary sensor data. “We cant really make much of a difference to either side in this fight and we might be able to slip down in the chaos without anyone paying us much attention.” She added a moment later.
Cyphor considered it for a moment before nodding. The thought of so many dying around him was not a pleasant one, but Hayle was right, in this chaos there was little they could to to effect the outcome regardless, they were but one small freighter after all. “Do it.” He said firmly, walling of his emotions on the subject for now.

Hayle manages to without any real effort navigate her ship through the chaos around them, flying around incoming craft of all sizes and speed towards the planet, but not without gaining some attention, a trio of vulture droids are in pursuit.

“Vultures on our ass.” Hayle said as the sensors flashed up a momentary display of the fighters tailing them moments before several laser bolts flew over the Reward. Hayle flicked the internal comms on and spoke quickly. “Could one of you strapping Cathar get on the turret and remove the pests following us, whichever of you is the best shot preferably. And use the headset when you get to the gunwell.” She flicked the internal comm off and switched the gunwell channel on so they would know when someone got to the turret while Hayle took evasive measures to avoid the vulture droids fire as best she could.

There came a check-in from a Cathar as he reached the turret and started to open fire at the Vultures in pursuit, who wildly went out of their way, spoiling their own weapons fire. Once they were back in pursuit they launched missiles.

“Sithspit!” Hayle exclaimed as she instinctively tried to avoid the missile through her piloting. The Cathar on the turret however concentrated its fire on the starfighters rather than trying to shoot the missiles streaking towards them, hitting those would be hard enough without the manoeuvres Hayle had just started pulling in an effort to lose the missiles.

In her element Hayle performed some stunts to mess with the targeting computers of the missiles she was satisfied to see them explode on her sensors, each missiles exploding in a cloud of tiny machines.

Weapons fire was exchanged again, the Cathar missing soundly but the Vultures scored some hits on the freighter's aft shields. However one of the Vultures flew right through the 'cloud' of tiny machines and the buzz droids started to do what they were programmed to do and cut into one of the vultures that had actually launched them.

“Well that's something you don't see everyday.” Hayle remarked as the sensors showed the vulture droid being cut to ribbons by the buzz droids “I'm sick of running from these bastards.” She then added as she pulled the Reward into a hard turn in order to face the remaining vultures headon.

The Cathar still couldn't shoot a barn in space but Hayle was now just showing off as she blew apart the vultures while the third let out a robotic screech over the comms and was still being cut apart without mercy, but the way to the planet was clear, for the moment.

“Lets get down to the planet before anyone else comes after us.” Cyphor said as hayle blew up the second vulture droid. Hayle quickly brought the Reward back around and once more made a break for the surface towards the village of Kachirho.

On their approach sensor readings told them some interesting information, it looked like the CIS had a small beachhead in place, with even a Trandoshan vessel parked close by, but it seemed their beachead was having some problems, native wildlife were tearing the camp apart, stampeding and charging droids.

Cyphor also felt a strong presence, and shivered, primal hunger, seeped in the dark side and when asked to put it on sensors a image came through. It looked like a rancor but with a thicker hide and spikes everywhere and at the moment the image came through it seemed to stare right up in the air at the freighter before it let out a roar and grabbed a trandoshan and ripped it in two.

“This trip may not have been entirely wise afterall...” Cyphor said as he felt the beast through the force.
“If you tell me you have a bad feeling about this I'll slap you, then maybe shoot you for good measure for dragging me along.” Hayle said with a snort as she checked their distance from the village.
“Then I won't say it.” Cyphor replied with a sombre tone. “Either way I see no need to stop here, the droids are unimportant and the trandoshans are just here to take Wookiees as slaves.”
“You're the boss.” Hayle said as she continued to the wookiee village.

As soon as they got close to the village a transmission was received, in Shyriiwook.
<"Unidentified vessel, state your intent and purpose.">
“At times like this its good to have a wookiee friend.” Cyphor said to hayle with a smile as he understood the transmission. “This is the Freighter Nightclouds Reward, we come to you in peace, seeking information about a rumoured force user in the shadowlands.” Cyphor replied over the comms

It was quiet in response for a moment, then there was a alarm and Hayle could see on the sensors that a number of defence turrets had become active and were targeting the freighter and the voice resumed, Cyphor recognising anger in the tone. <"Vultures are not allowed, leave now.">

“I assure you friend we are not vultures,” Cyphor replied. “The rumours I have heard say this force user follows the jedi ways as I do, I simply with to meet and speak with them.” Cyphor said while motioning to Hayle to hold course though to slow down some.

It was quiet again. <"Land at designated dock, cut your transmission."> The turrets were still aimed at the freighter however, but it seemed they were not going to open fire.

“Remind me to bring Contact Gaarwarr next time I come to Kashyyyk and ask him to accompany me.” Cyphor said to Hayle after the transmission was ended. “Take us in nice and easy, I expect we wont be greeted warmly at first.” He added before getting out of the co-pilots seat and heading for the lounge where the others were gathered. The Cathar that had been on the turret had the grace to look a little sheepish as Cyphor walked in, though Cyphor paid it no mind and chose not to bring up the blood hunters poor aim.

“So. Not crashing.” Kalmi said with a smile.
“Not yet at least,” Cyphor replied before adding more. “Feel free to display your sabres openly here, Wookiees are one of the few races that never lost faith in the jedi when the order was destroyed, we need not hide what we are from them.” Kalmi added and shifted her sabre hilt to her belt rather than where she usually kept it under her clothing while Kathlyn did much the same. “Captain, if you wouldn't mind leaving your heavier weapons behind on the ship for now. Until we enter the shadowlands you will not need them anyway.” Cyphor then said to the leader of the blood hunters, who nodded an affirmative and he and his team removed their weapons until all they had were basic side-arms and a knife.

Cyphor felt the Reward touch down and headed for the boarding ramp with Kalmi and Kathlyn following behind. As the ramp was lowering Hayle appeared from the cockpit. “There's five armed Wookiees out there you know, saw them from the cockpit.” She said as she saw the Blood Hunters coming out of the lounge. Considering this for a moment Cyphor turned to speak with the captain. “Follow us down the ramp captain, you and your team, but stay with the ship for now, there's no need to unnecessarily antagonise the Wookiees.”
“As you wish sir.” The captain replied with a nod.

That settled and the ramp fully lowered Cyphor lead the small group down the ramp and started approaching the waiting Wookiees, making sure his hands were clearly visible and not reaching for a weapon.

The Wookiees did not look pleased and scrutinized every member of the party that came down the ramp when they looked over Kalmi and Kathlyn and saw their sabers they relaxed somewhat and grutned to each other.

One Wookiee stepped forward and bowed his head and started to speak, in galactic basic, with a robotic tone. "Welcome to Kachirho, forgive the hostilities from before... but generally we dont have jedi broadcasting on a open frequency stating who they are or that they are lookign for other force users, we assumed you were bounty hunters." He looked at the group. "You still might for that matter."

“I would normally not announce myself in such a way either, but your towers were preparing to shoot us out of the sky, it seemed the most expedient course of action.” Cyphor replied.

The wookiee turned to Cyphor, studied him and then made a grunt that vaguely sounded like 'bothan, ugh'. "You were asking about a force user on a open channel, while our planet and this entire system are under siege, you expected us to act differently?"

“The Republic and CIS are somewhat occupied at the moment, both in orbit and on the ground it seems, we saw a CIS camp with a Trandoshan vessel being torn apart by the local fauna on our approach.” Cyphor said before shrugging slightly, “Would you have preferred that I lied to your people about my purpose here?”

The Wookiee stared at him, "Not but it is strange to see a Bothan who lacks subtlety, strangely refreshing." At this the other four wookiees laugh. "Be that as it may, you are looking for the Ohrcraahaoac? The Wraith?"

Cyphor let the comment go, he'd accepted long ago that he didn't fit into the perceived nature of his people, in some area's he'd actively worked to not act in accordance to the Bothan way. With a nod he answered the wookiee speaker. “The rumours I heard had no names in them. In fact the rumours were rather lacking in details overall, only that they originated from this village and that the force user followed the Jedi ways.”

"The tales yes, sadly a smuggler overheard some of our people discussing the ohrcraahaoac, they did not knew he could understand our language. Clearly the tales have spread somewhat. The wraith is not from this world, coming down from the stars and tending to its own dealings, occasionally some hunters witness his presence be discovering a slain beast that was stalking their hunting party. This led us to believe he was a jedi because some our most honoured elders recall visiting jedi and we have known others to visit our world from time to time." He gestured to the south, where the CIS beach head was, "You witnessed their base, we believe the Wraith did that too."

“I see.” Cyphor replied as he considered the dark side beast he had seen and felt. “Do any of your people know where the wraith may be basing himself. Or a rough area that we might start our search?”

"The Shadow Lands to the south of here, almost directly next to the beach head the Separatists came and established their base, their Trandoshan allies should have known better. Their slaver parties should remember the ohrcraahaoac."

“Trandoshans are not particularly big on learning it seems.” Cyphor replied. Could one of your people act as a guide for the shadowlands for us maybe? The Cathar I brought with me are able in forested terrain but this is not their world and Kashyyyk's forests are rather unique in the galaxy, as are its dangers.”

"Hmm, this could be done... but we are still not certain what your intentions are towards Wraith. Also since you were the one speaking, may I assume you are the senior jedi, if so, perhaps you can prove yourself in some way?"

“Certainly.” Cyhpor said as he took a couple of steps back. He then used the force to levitate his sabre hilt horizontally before himself and activated the orange blade to its standard length. “I once trained under Master Oren Darmal, alongside a Wookiee by the name of Gaarwarr. He actually has a home in this region I believe. I admit I was half expecting the rumours I was hearing to be him.”

At this the Wookiees shared glances and relaxed completely and their spokesperson let out a chuckle. "I see, a friend of Gaarwarr, huh? No the tales of the Wraith came to be around the period he started to move about in the galaxy, we may not have mentioned it to him because at that time, and perhaps still, it was best to keep jedi protected by also keeping them apart." He let out a grunt and looked up, at the sky and perhaps imagined seeing the space beyond. "Galaxy is a different place now, with the CIS and Republic both fighting for this world, jedi are not safe here. If you require a guide we can provide one."

“I would greatly appreciate that, thank you.” Cyphor replied as he shut down his sabre and returned the hilt to it's clip on his belt. “If there is a way I might repay your kindness, please do not hesitate to ask.”

The Wookiee let out a laugh and gestured to the freighter, "Hiding a army or fleet in there? If not, then helping out a jedi is its own reward."

“Very well.” Cyphor said with a short bow. “Might I ask another favour, some local transport to get us near the beachhead, I don't particularly fancy swimming over there and parking my ship nearby could prove hazardous.”

"That can be arranged." He looked at the party and then gestured to Kathlyn. "No offence to you young one, but you might be a bit young to enter the Kashyyyk Shadowlands."

Kathlyn hesitated for a moment before looking at Cyphor and then Kalmi. “I follow my Master, where she goes, I go.” Kathlyn said sounding more sure of herself with each word. At that Kalmi put a hand on her shoulder and smiled.
“She will be fine, “Cyphor said to the Wookiee. “The force is our ally.”

"The force, your courage and any weapons you bring with you." The Wookiee replied. "We'll arrange for a transport and venture into the shadowlands to see if a Wraith can be found."

***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***---***

A boat was procured and delivered the party to a section of the shore some distance away from the, well now that the native beasts were done with it, CIS encampment. Their guide a wookiee who seemed advanced in years with the streaks of grey and white through his brown fur gestured to the treeline. <"The Shadowlands await, as does Ohrcraahaoac. Do you wish me to lead, I can guide you among it's depths but none know where Ohrcraahaoac resides within.">

“You are more familiar with the terrain than we are friend, we would be grateful to have you lead.” Cyphor replied as the group gathered behind him, some of them looking in the direction of the former CIS encampment. “The force may be able to provide some direction of course.” He added as he focused his mind, hoping to pick up some hint of the 'Wraiths' direction.

Cyphor reached out, sensing the vibrant life of Kashyyyk, someone strong in the force could easily hide here he realised, with so much living beings and matter to hide your presence. Not enough however as he caught a glimpse and as he focussed on it he saw a shining beacon of the force, who either sensed him or felt threatened by something or someone else but Cyphor knew the location of where he felt the presence.

Kalmi too reached out with her senses, her mind touching the minds of the most gently of beings and fierce predators that stalk through Kashyyyk, she too sensed a unique presence, a large focus in the force but it withdrew, what was different however is as that one withdrew she noticed a second one, curious she focussed, she was noticed and unlike the other this presence reacted differently as it sensed it was being watched and it lashed out at her, through the force.

A mental shriek of pain and despair reached her, almost paralysing her with fright but she quickly went back to her training at the hands of Cyphor and calmed herself, breathing deeply and building up mental wards with the force to keep this attack at bay and was successful, albeit perhaps a bit unnerved. As she opened her eyes she felt her hand trembling but she knew where this presence was when he attacked her through the force. And she had the nagging feeling... it also knew where she was...

“Are you ok?” Cyphor asked as he sensed Kalmi recovering from.. something, what he did not know.
“...Yes...” Kalmi replied as she steadied her breathing to a more regular pace. “I do not believe this wraith is the only force user in the shadowlands.” She said trying to keep the creeping apprehension from her voice.
“What did you sense?” Cyphor asked curiously.
“Two distinct presences in the force, one simply withdrew when I noticed it, the other lashed out with the darkside of the force.” She said as she continued to mentally steady herself. “I believe the dark presence is more likely the one responsible for the attack on the CIS. They are to the south-west and much closer than the other presence.” she added as she pointed in the rough direction for emphasis.
“I sensed the distant presence myself, it felt threatened, not by us though, perhaps this darker presence you felt.” Cyphor said.
“I fear the darker presence also knows where I am...” Kalmi added.
“Then I suspect we will be meeting this darker presence sooner rather than never.” Cyphor said before he faced the direction of the distant presence he had felt and addressed the wookiee. “I believe we should head that way friend.” he said as he also gestured in the direction of the first presence.

The Wookiee seemed to frown, he understood basic and had gathered what the jedi had said. <"There are two wraiths?"> He let out a grunt and then turned to the direction Cyphor indicated and nodded slowly. <"The shadowlands await and that is indeed where most of the sightings of the Wraith's presence have been found.">

With that the Wookiee led the way, pausing at the edge of the forest floor and urging the party to the side as a herd of Kashyyyk Bantha stomped out of from the trees to the water to drink, ignoring the party of humanoids. Once the small herd had passed, some of them noting that there were bits of droids stuck under their feet as they moved, the party moved into the treeline, heading towards the shadowlands.

At some points it seemed light became faint as it became more trouble for the rays of the sun to shine through the leaves and branches ahead and at that point their guide stopped and turned. <"We have entered the Shadowlands, be on your guard, there are predators here, even Wookiees fear and respect.">

They kept walking as it grew dark, their eyes adjusting to the low light over time as their guide stopped them so they could do just that and only continued when he asked if they all could now see, or at least as best they could.

Their guide seemed confident and followed a path only he could see, perhaps too confident as he watched all around him but not the way ahead. Cyphor saw it however, a faint outline in the dark, a hint of a obstruction and he stopped but before he could call out, their guide had already walked into it and let out a sudden roar as he felt himself entrapped in a giant webb that had been spun between the roots of some trees on ground level, and as Cyphor looked up he saw this web was only a small part of a very large connected network of webs and with a wookiee inside vibrations were send along it's entire length.

Cyphor reacted quickly by activating his sabre and cutting at the web, the broken strands would likely draw whichever creature spun them quickly, but then their guides struggling was just as likely to do the same. “Weapons ready, Everyone be on guard and remember to watch the trees as well as ground level.” He said to the others.

The guide let out a grunt of thanks but growled as he tried to remove sticky webs from his furr, it would take ages of grooming to get this stuff out of it all! Then they all heard the skittering of something moving up high in the trees, it sounded quite large. Their guide letting out a growl and held his bowcaster at the ready, aiming it above. <"Wyyyschokk! Very dangerous."> He said, a hint of apprehension in his voice. <"Hopefully it is alone...">

Just as he said that a a sound was heard from directly above them and all of them looked up just in time to see a large shape rapidly and somehow in dead silence skitter down and then leap towards the ground, bringing it's target, the padawan Kathlyn down to the ground and screeched with its mandibles as it lunged back to strike and bite down.

Kalmi reacted quickly to protect her padawan, striking out at the giant arachnid with her dual bladed sabre while Cyphor attacked from behind and Hayle snapped off some shots at it from her blaster.

While Cyphor and Hayle badly miss, probably startled by the appearance of a giant spider the size of a small speeder van in the middle of their group, Kalmi however, driven on to protect her padwan lashed out at the spider which shrieked as the lightsaber cut through one of its legs, successfully making it not bite Kathlyn, but instead made the Wyyyschok focus on her instead.

It lashed out with it's front legs as if they were spears but the jedi knight leaped back to evade them and the spider instead stabbed the ground, clacking its mandibles in irritation.

“Does this Wyyyschok have any weaknesses?” Cyphor asked as he flicked his sabre to its full dual-phase length and lashed out at the spider again. While Kalmi, now the focus of the creature tried to keep its attention on her. The blood hunters by this stage were reacting as well and aimed at the creature so as not to hit their comrades before opening fire with their blaster rifles. Hayle took a few steps back to be clear of the creatures legs and did much the same.

The Wookiee Guide uttered a quick reply. "<"The eyes!"> He shouted as he aimed his bowcaster at the spiders eyes.

The Wookiee's fire was devastating as the spiders myriad of eyes were just obliterated by the bowcaster, making the feared predator of Kashyyyk let out a screech, blinded and in pain, unable to dodge or evade the blasterbolts that blasted gaping holes in it's body. Followed by Kalmi who cut off two more legs and then ducked as Cyphor leaped over her, landing on the spiders back and then with a mighty thrust speared the blade into the head of the arachnid, it let out a silent screech as it shuddered and spasmed, before collapsing on the ground... and on the padawan who let out a muffled yelp, but at least she was still alive and not frothing at the mouth filled with spider venom.

The Wookiee blinked, this had been too easy and he looked back. <"We need to hurry, there might be more.">

Cyphor and Kalmi quickly worked together to shift the Wyyyschoks carcass off of Kathlyn to free the young padawan from the dead weight while the Blood hunters and Hayle kept a sharp eye out for more spiders. With Kathlyn free Cyphor nodded for the guide to lead on before more did arrive.

They continued on, taking a different route, away from the spider webs when they thought they were away from danger one of the blood hunters looked up and let out a cry of alarm, seeing four large shapes jumping and leaping from the trees in pursuit of the group, more Wyyyschokk who had caught trace of prey and killed a broodmate. Two of them were close enough to leap right at the bloodhunters, giving them scant seconds to decide what to do, dodge out of the way or stand and open fire.

Now fully aware that the eyes were a weak spot the two hunters stood their ground and opened fire, with the Wyyyschoks coming right at them they were unlikely to get such a clear shot again. Their squad mates on the other hand moved to find more defensive' positions from which to shoot the rapidly approaching spiders. Kalmi and Kathlyn stood together with sabres drawn while Cyphor took a slightly more risky prospect and threw his sabre at one of the two leaping spiders, guiding the blade with the force.

With the combined fire of the blood hunters, the guide and Hayle one of the spiders was wrecked with blasterbolts as Cyphor's thrown blade cut it neatly in half. The other spider who had been leaping had miscalculated however and with a tumble landed on it's back, wriggling and bucking it's legs, flailing them around.

Cyphor readjusted the flight path of his sabre as it began to return to him and directed it towards the Wyyyschok on its back while Hayle and the Blood hunters too the same moment of vulnerability on the spiders part to riddle it with blaster bolts. Kalmi and Kathlyn on the other hand kept an eye on the other two approaching spiders in preparation for their attack.

The spider managed to get back to it's footing before Cyphor's saber and the blaster bolts could hit it, even going as far as to sweep the legs of two cathar blood hunters from under them, while the two other spiders leaped, one landing in front of Kalmi and her padawan while the other landed directly behind Hayle.

The two hunters that were knocked to the ground quickly scrambled to get to their feet and out of the open while the other three continued firing on the spider that had righted itself. Hayle on the ther hand dived away from the spider behind her, attempting to tuck and roll so that she could come up shooting a the beast while Cyphor moved to flank it once his sabre returned to his hands. Kalmi and Kathlyn worked in concert to take down the spider before them with Kalmi leading the attack.

The two blood hunters trying to scramble away were not fast enough as the spider arched its back and brought its legs slamming down, impaling the two cathar, one of them still alive as it tried to reach for a weapon before the spider leaned down and bit the cathar's head clean off. It either ignored the blaster shots that hit it's side or most of the fire went wide.

The one in front of Kalmi and Kathlyn was distracted by the jedi knight and clacked it's mandibles lunging at her but failing to hit her while in turn the knight managed to do nothing either. Kathlyn and the Wookiee guide however had more luck, the Wookiee managing to shoots out two of it's eyes while Kathlyn cut apart one of the legs.

Hayle had less luck, she stumbled and fell, the third spider rushing over to her, intending to bite down, ignoring Cyphor who rushed towards it to strike.

Before the spider could do so, it stopped and sharply turned around, Cyphor could sense it too and turned as well, something large was moving over the ground and suddenly appeared around the bend of a tree, a enormous snake, mouth gaping wide open as it lunged, sinking it's fangs in the surprised spider and tore a large part of the arachnid apart. Cyphor however probably had more interest in the figure riding on the giant snake's back, a robed figure, whose head was obscured with a hood but was wielding a green coloured lightsaber.

“Thanks for the assist.” Cyphor called out to the robed figure while he ran to Hayle side and helped her back to her feet, keeping an eye on the heavily wounded spider as he did. “Always someone bigger isn't there.” Hayle said as she checked her blaster. Kalmi, not deterred by her earlier lack of progress pressed on with her attack while Kathlyn attempted to follow through on her previous strike. The remaining Blood Hunters kept up fire on the spider that had killed their squad-mates, aiming for the eyes when they could get a shot.

The figure on the snake saluted with his saber and then seemed to give his riding beast a command and it lunged again, tearing the spider completely apart into several pieces, tossing them away.

Kalmi, Kathlyn and the Wookiee guide meanwhile managed by working together take down the spider attacking them, the guide once more showing remarkable marksmanship by blinding it even more, making it rear up with pain and fright so the jedi knight and padawan could strike in unison and slay it. Leaping back to avoid the spider body crashing down.

The last remaining spider meanwhile slaughtered the bloodhunters, who were lost in some kind of bloodhaze,dropping their blasters and tried to attack it with fang and claw but only allowed the spider to kill them all that quicker. It noticed however that the rest of it's brood were now all dead and it quickly gathered two Cathar corpses and started to skitter up a large Wroshyr tree to escape.

Cyphor held up a hand to halt the others from going after the fleeing spider, there was nothing they could truly do for the dead afterall. He then turned to face the Anakkona and the robed figure on its back. “ It is regrettable you could not have arrived sooner friend. My name is Cyphor Fey'lar, who might you be?”

The figure deactivated his blade and jumped off the giant snake's back, landing with grace, pausing a moment to pat his mounts side as it began gorging itself on the soft, squishy bits of spider flesh it had exposed.

The Wookiee guide looked on in wonder. <"It's Ohrcraahaoac, who managed to tame a Anakkona, impressive."> He bowed in respect to the figure.

Clasping his lightsaber to his belt he reached for the hood covering his head and pulled it away, revealing that he was a Kel Dor. "My name is Hal Craan." He said softly, "My apologies that I did not arrive sooner, when I realised the presence I felt was not my adversary and that I in fact had sensed two new presences I was already on the move, luckily." He gestured to the giant snake, "I have local transportation."

Cyphor could read from Hal's facial features, despite being obscured by cybernetics so he wouldn't go blind or poison himself, that he was relieved. "I must say it is a relief to meet other jedi, I could use your assistance. I am in pursuit of a dark sider with whom I have crossed paths these last several years and who is now here on Kashyyyk."

“I felt them before as well, they struck at me through the force but I was able to protect myself.” Kalmi said as she came up beside Cyphor.
“Alllow me to introduce a student of mine, Kalmi rivers, and her padawan Kathlyn Sandpelt.” Cyphor said as he gestured to the two of them in turn. “And Hayle Nightcloud, a former smuggler I met and befriended some years ago.” He then added.

The Wookiee Guide nodded, <"Chewadick."> And then glared at the off-worlders as if daring them to laugh if they understood his language.

Hal inclined his head just as the Anakkona slithered back and placed it's head beside the Kel-Dor jedi. "It is a genuine pleasure but we should hurry... my adversary crash landed here, as did I, but where my ship was unsalvagable, his only needed a few new components... which I suspect he now has after he forced the locals beasts to attack the cis encampment."

“Your adversary doesn't go by the name Khaelesh does he?” Cyphor asked, hoping the answer would be no, while he had a score to settle with Khaelesh eventually he wanted it to be on his terms.

Hal seemed to frown, shaking his head. "No... he calls himself Devious, and yes I know but he gave that name to himself, I don't know of any Khaelesh, but if you wish to help me... I would appreciate it but we should leave, right now."

“Lead on then, Hal.” Cyphor said as he motioned for the others to be ready to move.

Hal just nodded and got on back of the giant snake, just behind the head and gestured for the others. "Excellent, there is no time to waste however, so I hope none of you have a problem riding my friend here. Don't squeeze too tight, he doesn't like that and grab hold of the edges of some of his scales."

Hayle backed away at the mention of riding the snake, Cyphor looked questioningly at her as she did. “Oh no, you're not getting me on that thing.” She said Glancing at the snake with a somewhat worried expresion.
“Get on.” Cyphor said simply in reply.”
“No.” Hayle said just as simply.
Cyphor pinched the bridge of his nose and his fur rippled in irritation while the rest of the group climbed onto the snake. “Two choices, Hayle; Stay here and wait for more spiders to arrive, or get on the Anakkona, I don't favour the first option myself so if I have to I will use the force to put you on its back myself.” he said as he gave her a pointed look.
“Fine.” Hayle said after a moment as she started foving towards the snake again. “Blast it all, I'm supposed to be the reasonable one.” She said clearly and obviously a bit agrivated. “You know how I hate getting on anything with a mind of its own...” She added in a much quieter voice.
“You'll be fine.” Cyphor said in the same quiet tone as he put a hand on her shoulder before he helped her climb up. With everyone else on the snake Cyphor used the force to propel himself up and did a quick check to see that everyone else was secure before gripping the snake himself and nodding to Hal.

He nodded back and as their Wookiee guide also got on the snake, prodded the Anakkona's sides and murmured something to the giant snake as it swiftly started slithering over the ground, heading straight into the direction where Kalmi had sensed the dark presence before.

They were travelling faster than they would have on foot and their trek was uneventful, they came across a pack of Katarn who lookhungrily at the party on back of the snake but they retreated even so, perhaps the presence of the giant snake the tasty morsels were riding on the deciding factor on that.

Eventually they reached a area where they last sensed the presence of the darksider and Hal requested of Cyphor and his Knight to reach out with their senses to pick up the trail once more. They reached out and both Hal and Kalmi felt a fleeting imprint of a presence.

Cyphor however was more successful, not only did he sense the presence of the darksider, he also felt two more dark presences near him, sensing the same unnatural hunger and rage as when he sensed the dark side corrupted beast at the attack on the CIS camp. They were not far and Cyphor got the impression that Devious had sensed them as well but instead of attacking like he had before he instead seemed intent to further the distance between them.

“He's running, I suspect he realised we outnumber him. Though he has put an obstacle in our path, beasts corrupted by the dark side, I would assume Terentatek based on what I saw and felt at the camp when we arrived but I have never actually faced one so I cannot be certain.” Cyphor said as he hefted his sabre with one hand and prepared to leap from the snake if the occasion called for it, keeping his balance mostly through use of the force.

Hal nods slowly, "I see, I trust your senses, I would agree that it might be a Terentatek, I suspect that is why he came here in the first place. I would suggest going straight through... but we coudl also try to get around the Terentateks but risk having them come on us from behind or outflanking us."

"Going right through then we know right where they are, we also lose little time assuming we get past them fast enough." Cyphor agreed, "Lets do it."

Without further ado Hal urged his mount to continue on their way, the woods became quieter and they even saw some native animals scurry away, as if frightened. The reason for that fear became clear as suddenly the Anakkona reared up and let out a angry hiss. Hal trying to calm it and when he was succesful, the snake returning to normal he turned to Cyphor. "Terentatek straight ahead, best get off." As he got his lightsaber from his belt and readied it.

Most of the group did not need to be told getting off was a good idea, indeed Hayle was already on the ground when Hal had turned to speak to Cyphor. “I'm guessing my Blaster won't be of much use against those things either will it.” She said as she considered what she may be able to do to help out.
“Blasters don't phase Rancors much so I would guess not.” Cyphor replied, “To the best of my knowledge Terentatek are much like a Rancor, except far more dangerous. We need to eliminate them fast if at all possible.”

Chewadick growled and grunted softly, <"If we concentrate our fire we might penetrate it's hide.">

Hal was about to say more but with a bestial roar a gigantic creature burst forth from the underbrush, charging straight at the group.

Before they could react the Terentatek was upon them, charging straight towards the padawan, who probably should stop looking tasty to predators. The Terentatek's claws ripping gashes in her clothes, drawing blood, but also doing something to the Cathar padawan as she reeled from the attack but was in time to leap back to evade the fangs going for her throat. She stumbled though, blinking as her vision got blurry, something was coursing through her veins from the claw wounds... poison.

“Kathlyn!” Kamli exclaimed as the beast finished its attack, She reached out with the force and put a wave of telekenetic energy between the Terentatek and Kathlyn, intending to separate the two via the fastest means at her disposal. Cyphor however did not immediately leap to the attack, he knew there was a second beast out there, though he had lost the sense of it when this one had charged. “Kalmi, this one is yours, any assitance you could provide her would be appreciated Hal.” He said as he scanned the forest with his senses for the second beast.

Hal leaped off his mount and gestured to the Terentatek, letting out a surprisingly accurate snake hissing sound at which the Ankkona reared itself up and approached the Terentatek, intending to immobilise it by wrapping itself around its legs or upper body.

Chewadick roared a challenge and brought his bowcaster to bear.

Hal had problems as he ignited his lightsaber it just fizzled and no blade appeared, cursing softly he began to rapidly press the activation stud to get it to work.

he Anakkona was rebuffed by a swipe from the Terentatek who let out another roar as some of the Wookiee Guide's fire reached it. It ignored it however and wanted to take another step towards Kathlyn but then a force wave blast was summoned in to being by Kalmi, pushing the Terentatek away from the padawan almost making it even lose its footing and with a growl it turned around, looking for something else to tear and bite apart, eyes settling on the Kel Dor jedi.

With a growl and drool dripping down to the ground the Terentatek attacked Hal.

Meanwhile from the side the second Terentatek burst forth, charging straight at Cyphor, but who was expecting it's arrival. Cyphor braced himself for a moment before throwing his sabre at the beasts legs a moment before he leaped upwards intending to land atop the beast, His sabre's path, theoretically would slice into the beasts leg if not sever it outright then arc back up to his hand from behind the beast.

The saber flew true and slashes over the armoured side of the Terentateks leg, making the beast falter in it's charge and before it knew what was happening saw it's prey leap into the air and then felt it landing on it's back, growling it tried to reach at the walking meat and bones to grab it but failed to do so as it frantically tried to claw at Cyphor.

The other Terentatek meanwhile tried to kill Hal but the Kel Dor proved to be slippery, not slippery enough however as it managed to tear a chunk of flesh from his arm and Hal too felt a bit woozy as the venom started to pump through his body.

With the first Terentatek pushed back Kalmi stood over her padawan and ignited the blades of her sabre. “Hayle, help Kathlyn to cover, she is by no means skilled enough for this fight.” She said to the Mirialian smuggler as she prepared to go to Hal's aide.
“...I can...” Kathlyn started protesting as a wave of dizziness came over her, Steadying herself a moment she tried again. “I can fight!” She said with a determined tone, her movements betrayed her however as was obviously suffering more than just pain from the claw wounds Kalmi realised.
“Let me handle this young one, your training has only just begun, you showed some skill with the spiders but this is a whole different beast, leave it to those with more experience.” She finished before charging the Terentatek herself, planning to take out its legs much as Cyphor had in order to limit its mobility.

Hayle moved up to the Padawans side and fired a few shots at the Terentatek, the Cathar girl obviously didn't want to find cover, so Hayle would cover her as best she could herself, the beast had to have somewhere on its force damned hide that wasn't immune to her blaster fire.

Cyphor meanwhile had recovered his sabre from its arc and positioned himself so he could drive the blade down into the beasts brain, theoretically the fastest way to ensure its death. Flicking the blades dual phase switch to give him the full length of his blade he plunged it downwards at the beast.

They were not having much effect on the beasts, Hal reeling from the bite and the poison tried to maintain his focus as he wanted to use the plants around them to trap the beast but he was sluggish and could not concentrate. Kalmi and Hayle had no luck either while Cyphor needed to abort his attack and hold on for dear life as the Terentatek he was on started to trash and shake.

The Anakkona became enraged however, seeing it's friend get bitten and with a hiss wrapped itself around the terentatek and managed to pin it's arms to it's sides and started squeezing and biting, for the moment this Terentatek was restrained.

It was not going to let it though as it tried to break free to use it claws on the giant snake.

Meanwhile the other Terentatek with Cyphor was still intent on trying to claw Cyphor off it's back.

The ensnared Terentatek tried to break free but instead found the giant snake constricting itself tighter, roaring in rage it tried to bite the reptile but even failed to do that.

The Terentatek with Cyphor had more luck, one claw failed but the other managed to grab the Jedi and drag it from his back, claw scraping through his clothes into his side, but it seems Cyphor's physical strength could handle the little amount of venom that entered his body. The Bothan jedi however was now held by the Terentatek, who was bringing it ever so close to it's mouth. Luckily his arm with his lightsaber was not restrained however.

Cyphor saw the opportunity that his precarious position gave him and Waited for the moment he was close enough to get a solid strike inside the Terentateks mouth, if he couldn't strike at the brain from above, well through the mouth worked just as effectively, if not more so.

Kalmi focused on the Terentatek restrained by the Anakkona, With its movement restricted she aimed to leap atop it and try to duplicate the move Cyphor had failed in. Hayle also kept up fire of the restrained beast, doing her best to aim for the ryrs, the mouth, its nose... did it even have a nose?... anything that wasn't protected by its thick hide...

Kathlyn had however decided that she was going to fight afterall, and with Hayle busy trying to place her shots she had stopped watching the padawan who was now moving to attack the Terentatek that held Cyphor.

The restrained Terentak remained this way and let out a roar, just as Kalmi jumped on top and stabbed her saber into it's open mouth, missing the brain but managing, together with Hayle to blind the beasts as one of it's eyes was shot and the other stabbed through with a lightsaber.

Cyphor meanwhile was flailing wildly but the dark side beast reared it's head and mouth back just in time, Kathlyn felt the poison in her system weaken her further and missed her strike. Chewadick had discarded his bowcaster and ran towards Cyphor and with a mighty roar had reached for the arm holding the Jedi and started tugging it down, not allowing the beast to just put the jedi in his mouth.

The Terentatek blinded, now enraged with mad fury was biting and snarling without regard and viciously tore into the Anakkona who shuddered and released the Terentatek, vicious wounds close to it's head, scales ripped off by the dark side beast. But somehow miraculously still alive.

Chewadick... was not so fortunate as he was impaled one the claws of the free claw and then hurled aside against a tree. No longer moving... or breathing. His sacrifice had not been in vain however as he had managed to restrain the arm just in time as the beast also tried to bite a chunk of flesh from Cyphor, the jaws closing on empty air instead of the bothan jedi.

Cyphor was beginning to think the universe was conspiring against him as he just avoided being bitten at the cost of their guides life. Pushing such thoughts aside he instead focused on the living force, its ebb and flow. Letting his mind sync with the force he struck out at the Terentatek again with his sabre, letting the force guide his stroke towards ending the creature.

Kathlyn was still resolved to fight even with the poison sapping her strength however, she moved in on the Terentatek holding Cyphor again and attacked.

Hayle and Kalmi on the other hand were still trying to put down the beast that had just eviscerated the Anakkona. Hayle aiming for the mouth while Kalmi tried again to put her sabre through its brain from her precarious perch atop the Beast.

Cyphor managed to strike a glancing blow but the blade did not penetrate the armour of the beast, neither had Kathlyn's blade any effect and she started to feel a bit woozy as black spots started to appear before her eyes.

Kalmi and Hayled worked in concert, Kalmi slashed at the blinded, enraged beast who reared up, roaring madly as it tried to dislodge her, allowing the smuggler to benefit from a nice targets of a open mouth as she fired several blasts into it. The Terentatek shuddered and started to fall to the ground, Kalmi jumping off it quickly as the beast collapsed, quite dead.

Hal was experiencing vision problems and sluggish feelings as well thanks to the poison but he tried to still be of assistance. Being somewhat succesful by using the force to have some plants nearby quickly wrap itself around the head of the still living Terentatek, it could break through them but it was slower as it roared in irritation, all it wanted was to feed on succulent, force enriched meat!

Enraged it lashed out at Kathlyn, the poison slowing her down, unable to dodge as the claws stabbed into her stomach and then she was hurled away, still breathing but severly injured. The plants around its neck proved to be more sturdy than imagined and all the Terentak snapped its jaws at was air.

“Damnit.” Cyphor muttered as he attempted to slice the beasts hand that held him off at the wrist, he was tired of hanging around and obviously his approach was getting nowhere.

Kalmi on the other hand had to resist the impulse to run to Kathlyns aide, the young padawan would have to wait until this last Terentatek was dead or it could mean death for all of them. Instead she charged for the beast, striking to hamstring it while its mobility was limited to a degree by the vines Hal had manipulated.

Hayle on the other hand simply pivoted and started trying to duplicate her shots from the one that had just fallen, eyes, mouth, anything that was vulnerable.

Cyphor slashed his blade, this digging it past the natural resistant armour and into flesh, with a painful roar it let go of the bothan jedi, only to roar again as Hayle shot out one of it's eyes. More vines appeared, further restraining the Terentatek when Kalmi appeared on the scene. She slashed rapidly, hamstring the creature who let out a whimpered scream and fell forwards as Kalmi jumped on it's back and suddenly felt inspiration, channelling the force almost like she did for a force push or force wave but now more focused and then lashed out, repeatedly, striking at the back of the terentatek's head, somehow channelling a force push to 'stab' through the armour, soften it up finishing the beast with her sabre, killing it.

Both Terentateks were death and they could let otu a sigh of relief, that when they became aware of the sound of someone slowly clapping his hands together, turning around to see a figure, his clothing a little torn up and mired by dirt and leaves. "Well... that was disappointing... do any of you know how long it took to control those two without them trying to kill me?"

“Maybe they decided you would taste rotten.” Cyphor replied sarcastically as he got to his feet. “Do you have any idea how irritating it was to fight them?”

The dark side cocked his head, "For some reason, I don't really care." And reached out with his hands, as if showing he was without weapons and smiled. "I actually think you ought to show me some proper respect... and fear." A wave of dark side emotions suddenly radiated out from the dark sider and all of them felt it's effects, pain, despair, utter terror. The weakened Hal and the Anakkona were out for the count, Kalmi let out a shriek of terror, suddenly seeing images of herself stabbing her own padawan and then Cyphor through their chests and collapses, sobbing. Hayle was raising her blaster already but suddenly froze, sheer panic gripping her heart as time seemed to freeze and she saw the dark sider calmly walk forwards and beheaded Cyphor... Kalmi, Kathlyn... everyone was dying and she could do nothing to stop it.

Cyphor for a moment seemed to succumb but then managed to ward off the mental assault and straightened, no fear or terror gripping his heart. Devious looked disappoint and let out a snort. "Fine, you have some skills. I grant you that..."

“I've faced your kind before.” Cyphor said with a shrug before leaping at the darksider, igniting his sabre in mid-jump to strike.

Devious widened his eyes and with a curse jumped to the side as Cyphor stabbed his saber into the ground and he growled. "I have faced your kind before too." He said with utter hatred as he drew a lightsaber and then let out a wave of the force to hurl the bothan back. But Cyphor's footing saved him and the force wave did absolutely nothing.

Cyphor said nothing and switched to an Ataru stance pressing his apparent advantage as he struck out with a flurry of fast strikes at Devious.

Devious widened his eyes, this bothan was fast as he parried, too fast as the strike was a feint and the bothan jedi slashed a gash in his arm and leg, making him howl with pain as he felt the lightsaber burn and cauterize the wounds inflicted upon him. "You will die, this I swear!" He said and let lightning burst forth from his fingertips of his free hand, but his aim was spoiled due to his wounds and the lightning flew harmlessly over Cyphor's head.

Cyphor again chose not to respond, focusing on the fight and harnessing his feelings, the urge to protect those he cared for, the knowledge that Kathlyn needed treating sooner rather than later and finally that emotion his old master would have scolded him for utilising, anger. The thing his old master had not understood about Cyphor was that he refused to let the anger control him. Like a fire can provide warmth and comfort if controlled, or destroy homes and lives if let to burn freely. Cyphor used the anger as a resource, always mindful that his other, more positive feelings and intentions must remain at the forefront. All this in mind he struck out at the darksider with another series of attacks.

He dodged the first strike and was about to counter with a vicious parry but instead screamed as his hand holding his lightsaber was cut off by the bothan jedi, looking at his stump he let out a scream of utter rage. "ALWAYS YOU FOOLS MEDDLE!" He shouted just as he unleashed a storm of lightning, it hurled the bothan back, some tufts of his furr burning a little with the electrical discharge, Cyphor had minor injuries but he would live, the darksider, looked a bit worse for wear, the storm had been in such a close proximity that he had burned some of his own face with lightning, he let out a shudder and turned, running as fast as he could.

Cyphor stood quickly, suppressing the pain of his injuries as best he could, others had been hurt worse afterall and he was the only one capable of stopping the darksider for now. Reversing his grip on his sabre he cocked it over his shoulder like a spear and threw it, enhancing the trajectory and speed of the throw with the force. Some might claim striking an enemy in the back was cowardly, Cyphor preferred to think of it as a prudent survival tactic.

The saber flew true and impaled Devious in the lower spine, he shouted in agony and fell to the ground, crawling and then screamed again. "My legs! I cant feel my legs!"

Cyphors sabre returned to his hand and the bothan Jedi approached the fallen darksider warily. He had shown himself strong in the force already, and while he was presently unable to run away or indeed fight back physically at all he was far from defenceless. Cyphor focused inward for a moment and elt the force flow through him as he prepared to use his arts to counter any force attacks the downed enemy may try. “Why are you here?” He asked sternly when he was closer, not even sure if Devious could hear him over his own screams.

Devious whimpered and... even seemed to cry, looking up at the Bothan. "You spoiled it... you ruined it, why, all I wanted was something for myself.... I wanted to prove myself.... why!" He let out a blast of lightning but it went nowhere near Cyphor and instead Devious cried more.

“I can understand that drive,” Cyphor replied. “The culture of my people thrives on it.” He elaborated a moment later as he got a good look at the darksider and realised he was but a boy, barely twenty years old by his estimation. “Who was it you hoped to prove yourself to?” He then asked, his voice mellowing to the same tone he had used with his students in the past when trying to offer some comfort during their training.

Devious gritted his teeth and tried to spit at Cyphor's feet but instead only made the spit land on his chin. "Why should I tell you... it is of no purpose anymore."

“If it no longer matters then why not tell me,” Cyphor replied “As is the way of the sith your master has likely abandoned you, you've already been stuck here for months afterall.”

He shudders and looked at Cyphor, empty eyes. "I have no master... I was... I learned... from books... from the voice of the... of the holocron.... he taught me, gave me secrets.... I only wanted... a master. Needed a tribute I thought... or I would never be taken... Terentateks were tribute... all is lost now, you ruined it." The hatred Cyphor sensed directed at his person was immense.

“The Sith are not the only teachers in the galaxy. They also have a nasty habit of turning on each other over time.” Cyphor replied. “Others in the galaxy ask a much lower price to share their knowledge.” Cyphor cocked his head to the side for a moment before speaking again. Besides, if you only learned from books and a holocron who did you hope to offer your tribute too? The sith in my experience don't exactly put out help wanted signs advertising who they are.”

He looked up at Cyphor and cursed at him, "I will never tell you... kill and be done with it... I no longer care."

“I do not kill for the joy of it.” Cyphor replied. “And if you no longer care then you truly have nothing left to lose, Your wounds can be treated, your body healed. Try a different way, take a leap of faith, and you have nothing but gains awaiting you.

He looked up at cyphor.... and... reached out with his hand... and then turned the fingertips towards his own face and unleashed the lightning, screaming one final time, a scream of rage, pain, despair but ultimately utter hatred to defy the jedi who had ruined his plans as he cooked and burned off his own flesh and then... stopped, no longer breathing and no longer even recognisable.

Cyphor sighed heavily, he had hoped the boy might not have been completely lost to the dark side, it seemed that he had been after all. So Syphor went back to the others and woke Kalmi and Hal before suppressing the effects of the darksiders attack on Hayle so that she could snap out of her waking nightmare. Kalmi set about trying to use the force to heal what injuries she could, first herself so that she could focus properly and then moved on to the others. The fight had drained her however an she found there was little she could do for their injuries short of stabilising Kathlyn and preventing her from bleeding out on the forest floor. She even managed to stabilise the Anakona much to Hals gratitude.

The Team stayed mostly silent after Cyphor filled them in on his confrontation with the darksider, most of them felt exhausted and yet they all knew that they still needed to get out of the shadowlands. Hal took the initiative and lead them to Devious' ship, a Republic Nu-class shuttle that had seen better days. The party climbed aboard and searched the shuttle, finding the holocron Devious had spoken about which stayed quite inert before Cyphor locked it away for saftey. They also found several chests filled with credit chits and bonds totalling roughly four million credits.

With the shuttle thorughly searched from top to bottom Cyphor sat at the controls and piloted the shuttle back to Kachirho and everyone buy Cyphor transferred to the Nightclouds Reward. Cyphor meanwhile spoke with the Wookiees, told them of the events that had happened and expressed his remorse that one of their own had died in the process. He also met a smuggler that had arrived in their absence and learned of a hole that the fleets in orbit were not watching with which they could make a clean escape. Thanking the smuggler Cyphor returned to the waiting ships and informed Hayle of the hole. With little purpose to stay planetside and several reasons to make haste to a proper medical facility the two ships lifted off and left Kashyyyk, examining their options they entered hyperspace and headed for the Kwenn system when hayle recived a time delayed message from Cha'alla that she had taken the risk vs reward to Neia Kahlessi's station in the system.

Sarka System,
Asteroid Field Exploration Force

"All I am saying is, if the Coruscant Sharks had won their first game ike they should have then their season wouldn't have gone as disastriously as it did now." Kiyla was saying over the comms.

There was a burst of static and then Vette's voice came over. "You still aren't going to get your credits back, told you it was wrong to bet on that kind of end score."

"Hey at least I am a loyal fan." Kiyla said and huffed. She blinked as some of her crew reported to her and nods, "We are about to leave hyperspace I hear, better strap in, hope it doesn't come to combat but you never know." Vette acknowledge and Kiyla rested comfortably back in her command seat. "Let's see what happens..."

As the hyperspace tunnel collapsed and the starlines receded to plain pinpricks of light the Free Trade Gambits sensors registered alot of rock floating about in front of them, expected considering they were headed for an asteroid field. sensors however registered little beyond the rocks from their present location at the edge of the field.

As the sensors scans back Kiyla grinned, "Don't be fooled according to our information there should be a pirate base around these parts, keep scanning, like for energy signatures, anything that might indicate a presence of their base or that carrier of theirs."

Gaarwarr's voice came over the comms. <"That does not mean we should not be cautious.">

Kiyla chuckled, "Of course, we will remain cautious my friend. No need to worry, now then let's find some pirates."

As the vessels slowly move into the field the sensors still return nothing but asteroid signatures.

"Well guess that was to be expected, take us in and when you do see nthe pirate base, hail them, let's see if they are the talking kind or the marauding type." Kiyla said while tossing her lekku over her shoulder.

When the ships moved deeper into the field sensors on the Gambit finally registered the pirate base located just where the smuggler had said it would be, it appeared to be unguarded as the vessels approached, with the exception of a few laser and turbolaser batteries built into the structure. there was no response to the hails, other than the sensors registering the defense batteries acquiring target locks on the gambit. they did not fire however.

She tapped the communications officer on the shoulder and spoke directly into the receiver herself, "Hello there, look we know you are out there and we know you are pirates. We just want to talk, not looking for a fight, so please pick up the phone because I rather not resort to shooting y'all. This thing is working, right?" The communications officer shrugged and nodded.

A somewhat timid voice comes back over the comms from the asteroid base. "Ahhhh... the Boss isn't here right now... could you come back later..." The line goes quiet for a moment though the comms officer notes they are still receiving. a barely audible question from someone else filters through the comms before the first voice is heard again. "... shutup you idiot i don't want to die here...."

Kiyla stifled a chuckle and grinned, "Oh don't worry I can wait." She drums her fingers on the console. "Soooo.... good living out here?"

"We're on a rock in the middle of nowhere what do you think.... who are you anyway?" Another voice replied, this one far from timid.

"Kiyla Serai, captain of the Free Trade gambit, part of the Kahleesi corperation, came here with a offer for you boys actually."

"Offer... what offer... why would you offer us anything..." The not timid voice said

At that point the sensor officer apparently woke up to the beeping of his console and reported the starbolt class carrier they had been told about was approaching, preceded by twenty four Z-95 headhunter starfighters that were closing rapidly.

She turned to the sensor officer and nodded her thanks, "Well boys would love to say that, if you would be so kind to tell your returning boss we just want to parlay, but if we any hostile intent I will have to open fire, also launching fighters, just as a precaution, seeing as there are two squadrons of yours out there already, we will launch two as well." She turned and ordered two squadrons of interceptors to be launched.

The two Z-95 squadrons did a close flyby of the Gambits bridge tower each splitting off to a different side before they went right into the tower itself. With the gambit also launching fighters the defence batteries on the asteroid started fracking those at they launched and the Z-95's swung around and headed back towards their parent vessel which was still closing. That no one had opened fire yet was likely just shy of a miracle.

Instead the comms officer reported the base had cut transmission to them and was instead talking to the Starbolt.

Kiyla blinked, looking at the headhunters, "Huh, they can fly, give them that. If they are talking then let them talk, we can wait till we are contacted." She stretched, "Anyone have a deck of cards?"

After a few moments the comms officer reports that the starbolt is hailing and then puts it through without waiting to be told. the image of a rather tall man in his later years with a flamboyant wide brimmed black hat with a long black feather in it and long black locks of hair peeking out from under it. "Well you haven't started shooting my dimwitted lackies... much as Id like to myself from time to time... You've bought yourself my curiosity, miss Kilya was it?" the man said in a eloquent yet rough tone.

She bowed, "Kiyla but most people get that wrong, so don't worry about it." She smiled and gestured outside her viewport to the base and carrier. "Got yourself a nice operation here, have to admit that. I came here on behalf of my boss, Neia Kahleesi, who has brought a offer, would like to ask a question beforehand though, is a pirate's life a good thing for you out here? Gathered from some of your associates on the station, no names, that they might not like sitting on a rock in the middle of nowhere."

"Hardly the middle of nowhere missy, plenty of trade traffic in nearby systems to plunder, the feild makes it tricky to detect our little hidy hole." The man said as his hand strayed to the hilt of a vibroblade at his waist. "Which brings up the question of how you found this place and why you are here at all."

She noticed the way he reached for blade but showed no emotion at that gesture. "My boss has a lot of friends, take that as you will. She has received some information about this field, along with your presence here, from some of those friends." She spread her hands. "Cards on the table, my boss is made aware of potentially resource rich asteroid fields here and wishes to establish some mines, now she would not want to have them raided by pirates. So she wishes to make a simple offer, she would like to stake the mineral claim on this field and start surveys to look for potential mining sites and then, if you are interested, hire you into her organisation, which includes several nice perks, including of which a safe haven in the Kwenn System, the Nova Retreat." She paused, letting that sink in.

"Or, if you have a desire to remain independent, ignore her vessels and potential mines, I imagine if word gets out of 'gold' near this system a gold rush takes place and your earnings only increase from your trade." Again she paused, "Questions?"

"I certainly have no interest in being someone elses lacky." He said with a snear. "And a gold rush would mean more people poking around which would make this field far from a secure hiding place. So no I'm afraid I shall have to acquiesce to your request." He said with a grin and a small flourish "I have a counteroffer for you though. Your boss gives us 75% of the profits from these mines and we'll happily look the other way."

Kiyla frowned, "Ah, I see. Plan B it is." At those words the crew went into action and power went to weapon and shields, the hypermatter reactor flaring bright on any sensor, as well as the planetary ion cannon as the gambit was brought to aim the giant ion cannon straight at the pirate carrier. "All channels broadcast please." Kiyla asked and when she got the nod that was going on she looked directly at the pirate boss but her words were meant for all. "I have a planetary ion cannon mounted on this ship directly pointed at you, to those who said before they had no desire to die here, do not get involved and power down your weapons. Those that do wish to fight, well don't say I didn't warn you about the ion cannon." She hoped that the 'lackeys' aboard the station would stay out of this fight and if this boss could be neutralized something could be salvaged of her offer still.

Meanwhile all squadrons were being launched, not only from the Free Trade Gambit but from the Wroshyr's song. "Gunnery crews, fire any and all ion weapons when ready at the carrier."

The image of the pirate scowled as his similarly ordered his crew to open fire, not placing any restrictions on what weapons were fired however before he addressed Kiyla again. “You have made an enemy today.” then he promptly cut the transmission.

At that point eh sensor officer registered a barrage of four heavy ship to ship grade concussion missiles heading for the Free Trade Gambit from the aft right quarter. Their launch point appeared to be a missile frigate used by the trade federation, of the Lupus class.

The Gambit opened fire at roughly the same time as the pirate carrier did, most of its ion batteries apparently had slow reaction times and were not yet on target when the order to fire came down the line, as a result most of their shots, at least of the ones that fired missed their target. The re-purposed planetary model ion cannon on the other hand hit its mark, if barely. The bolt grazed the right side of the pirate carrier and sent a number of systems into disarray as the ionic energy played havoc with the power systems including those to the engines which send the ship into an impromptu clockwise spin as engines misfired. Few of its barrage of weapons fire penetrated the Gambits shields however which held steady under the suddenly half strength barrage. The four heavy concussion missiles launched from the Lupus on the other hand shot true, impacting on the aft sheilds of the Gambit and making a noticeable drain on that section of shielding.

She shrugged at where the hologram of the pirate boss was, "Well so that was diplomacy, huh ok."

Vette's dry voice came over the comms. "Perhaps the Republic and CIS should use you as a official negotiator and end the clone war."

"Nah they can't afford me, right keep firing with the ion cannons, boarding parties report to your ships, Gaarwarr, go and engage the enemy Lupus frigate. Vette, you and the interceptors engage the headhunters, unless they are standing down or fleeing. Has the pirate base opened fire? They haven't? Good, but keep a eye on them. All starfighters use your ion cannons for strafing runs on the cruiser, I want it completely disabled."

The vultures clashed with the Z-95's and while overwhelming numbers were on their side a few still took hits, their sturdy construction and armour plating taking the brunt of those hits while Vette in the passing shadow took a few hits on the initial pass as she lead the way 2 of the retractable lasers were hit and the retraction mechanism fried along with some damage to the S-foil systems.

The Eagle Starfighters swooped in the like the birds of prey they were named for and their ion cannons tore into the Starbolt carrier disabling more systems as they made their run, their armour and shields holding up to the scattered laser battery fire that raked the squadrons as they passed.

The Lupus and the Wroshyr Song on the other hand were locked in a tight engagement as each fought to damage the other. The Lupus however was having difficulties bringing its primary firepower to bare on the Wroshyr Song. Gaarwarr on the other hand had no such difficulties in bringing his ships ion weapons around to rain down on the lupus and in fairly short order the only functioning system on the lupus was the life support.

The Gambits ion fire was more organised now and the batteries fired on target bringing the majority of the carriers systems offline as well even as the planetary ion cannon failed to discharge as it took its time to recharge its coils.

Kiyla tapped her cheek, "So... all enemy targets disabled? The pirate base hasn't open fire still?" She recieved confirmation on that and nodded. "Ok, have ion cannons remain firing to keep enemy vessels disabled, launch the assault boats with the boarding parties and contact the asteroid base, I want to know where their loyalties lie."

Before the Communications officer could comply the small base opened fire with all guns... though not on the Gambit as might be expected, instead they fired on the Starbolt, their turbolaser and laser batteries while unlikely to harm the vessel under normal conditions ripped into the disabled vessel laying waste to vast swaths of its surface from the fore to the aft before a lucky shot hit the primary reactor, setting off secondary explosions that swiftly consumed the ship.

"Well... I guess I was not the only enemy he had in this system, contact the asteroid base still and ask them to kindly power down their vessels, what is the status of the Lupus frigate?"

The Lupus frigate she was told was under control and still disabled, "Very well, send the boarding parties to the Lupus frigate then, inform HK-51 he can only kill if they don't surrender, and if he somehow doubts they do, he is to refer to the organic boarding party members, if they say they surrender then he can't shoot them. I won't have that assassin droid act on its violent nature when combat can be avoided."

The base powered down its weapons at the 'request' from the Gambit, they'd taken the opportunity to rid themselves of their boss but they had no intention of trying to replace their boss. The sensors officer confirmed that the defence batteries were powered down and that the main hanger had been opened, though it was only large enough to house one or two shuttles.

"Well I think that is as good as it gets as a invitation to get aboard. Recall the squadrons and inform Vette to pick up some Twi'lek Courtesans and get aboard the station to investigate." Vette acknowledged, a little bit bummed her precious vessel, often home, had gotten damage but she complied.

A report came from a dissapointed HK-51 that the crew aboard the lupus frigate had quickly surrendered and seemed to have no objections to serve Neia Kahleesi when asked, Vette also had a interesting tale. Upon boarding the asteroid base they were welcomed by the only crew, the two pirates they had been talking to over the comms, apparently their pirate boss did not treat them so well and seeing a opportunity they decided to open fire to get rid off him. They were willing to join but not on this rock in the middle of nowhere so Kiyla arranged for them to travel back to the Nova retreat with them and they could be given some tasks of the general workings of Neia's homebase. Kiyla was grinning as she headed to the hypercomms station to inform Neia of the good news.

---

Nova Retreat.
Training Chambers.

Exhale, and squeeze. Those three words are what she still remembers to this day since Jantor helped her improve her use with a blaster and she still used them herself to calm down when under fire, now however it was mostly to relax and hope that if she hit that the blaster bolts would impact upon her targets legs. Because she was for a training round shooting at own of her own people, the Zygerrian Kalira. She fired three blasts and then watched anxiously. The shield flared to life and both Neia and Kalira let out a whoop, grinning Neia holstered her blaster. "I think you finally got it."

Kalira smirked, pleased with herself, "Yeah I admit I kinda guessed wrong before when the shield recharges between shots but now I got it, this should make me less prone to get dropped that easily by a lucky or stray blasterbolt."

Smiling Neia nodded, "Quite, want to practice your shooting on me as a moving target now? With my shield on of cou-" She blinked as a buzzing interrupted her and she looked at her comm bracelet and turned it on, the face of one of her people in the control center of the station replied, giving her a short mission summary from Kiyla who had contacted the station. "The pirates she decided to eliminate, their carrier was destroyed, more details on that upon her return, and a asteroid warehouse and lupus missile frigate were taken from the pirates. She has assigned Gaarwarr and the Worshyr Song to remain behind and guard the field."

Neia smiled and nodded to herself, "Contact her if you can and relay my thanks to her, I will be looking forward to talk to her more in-depth about what has transpired with those pirates." The operator confirmed she would and Neia grinned, telling Kalira what had just transpired.

Kalira just grinned, "Remind me that I ask that walking ball of fur that he should get a shower when he returns." Sharing a short laugh they continued their training.

Korriban System,
Korriban Orbit, Dark Rebirth...

Reneve finished reading the report, smiling as she read the last line and walked to the middle of the bridge and then raised her communicator, tapping it so her words would be heard all over the ship. "Crew of the Dark Rebirth, some of you right now probably fear I am going to announce another battle simulation right now. No need to worry I am in fact not announcing a new simulation, I know I have you all running a bit ragged right now but we have reliable intelligence of a impending attack on this system, this world our... mistress... holds dear. And the simulations have paid off, I have the latest reports right here, compared to earlier simulation runs... this ship and it's crew now operate at a 115% efficiency. This result is yours and you all should be proud of it and when whoever dares to attack us shows up, they will regret that decision when this ship and it's crew send them all to the abyss."

She paused, noticing some of the crew grinning at each other, she continued once she caught her breath. "Unless there is a crisis, like the impeding invasion, all crew can relax and enjoy the rewards for your accomplishments with a increased token wage for entertainment purposes, you have all earned them." She smiled and walked back, congratulating some of her command staff aboard the ship and for the first time in forever she felt like she was a accomplished commander worthy of the title of captain in Andrea's service.

But the real test of her command would be in battle she knew... and she had to admit, now she was eager for the invaders to arrive to test her newfound trust in her command capabilities.

_________________
Meanwhile in Andrea's labratory....
_________________

The scream sounded like it came from a wild animal suffering enormously, it's origin was Andrea strapped to a medical table, thrashing wildly as she did not seem able to stop screaming as she violently thrashed against the bonds keeping her down. Trizz cursed and went through her medical supplies for a sedative that would put her back down, this was impossible though, she had given Andrea a sedative that should have lasted for a day only two hours ago.

She had just filled a syringe when she froze, staring at the medical table with shock but at the same time a disturbing sense of curiosity as she watched Andrea's face... her skin had turned a pale kind of red but her facial structure had remained the same but now, before her eyes. It seemed like her skull grew inwards and then... back out, her skull becoming slightly smaller and elongated while her face transformed, boen structures appeared forming bone protrusions on the sides of her face, cheeks and chin. Her skin colour now became a deep crimson while the red streaks in her hair vanished and her long hair actually... receded back into her skull untill she only had a short crop of hair remaining.

Andrea had stopped screaming now, her eyes... her irises yellow now... had receded back into her skull and she was still shaking violently as more of her body seemed to change. What snapped Trizz out of her surprise and shock was the beep of the medical monitoring systems hooked to the sith... they were all flat-lining.

She widened her eyes and rushed to her mistress's side, feeling her pulse... nothing. She cursed and went for a scanner, going over her body which was still thrashing despite the flat-lining, her eyes widened as she looked at the scanner results. "Impossible..." She scanned again but the results remained the same, moving forwards again she held Andrea down and pulled open her robes to look at her stomach and chest area and took a horrified step back. It was moving... her internal organs were moving, transforming... regrowing inside her, suddenly the medical devices stopped flat-lining and it showed a heart rate once more.

She checked for a pulse again and this time felt it, a little bit off, at least for a human, but the sith was no longer a human and for now her having a pulse was good enough for her. Trizz looked mystified at her employer, who seemed calmed down once more, she had no idea what was going on but if she were to guess, lady Andrea had just entered the final stage of her transformation.

Leonis and Company
A Casa Nova Adventure

---

Leonis was busy reassembling his blaster, his feet kicked up on a desk nearby as they patrolled the trade routes along this hyperspace way. It had gotten to be a regular habit of his since Theo's passing. He had chased after the Sith culprit for a time, but somehow they managed to slip away. He still blamed her followers to a large extent. They were so dispirited by her passing they had slacked off and allowed them to get away. He growls to himself at their inability to see priorities. If they had loved his sister as they claimed and were so loyal to her, they would have been right here with him. The only one who had bothered to follow him in this course was the Mandalorian who had hardly known her though. He could not help but feel that in large part, he only enjoyed the thrill of a challenge. Hunting Sith, it had to be one.

Huffing to himself, he slaps the last piece in and peers down the sight. Spic and span, it would serve well in his next fight. He glances side-long at the Mandalorian, Joshua, inspecting his armour. He was a good soldier, to say the least. If nothing else, he might touch down to the Mandalorian homeworld and see if there were any who might join him in the near future. His head aches at the thought, though. He could not remember the last time he had touched ground for more than to investigate rumours, though. He ruffles his mane, looking at the gnarled braids and grimacing. When we the last time he even bathed. When had he last even eaten. His stomach growls at him contemptuously as he sits forward and sighs. Perhaps he would make his way to the mess hall.

“Approaching a ship. Merchant Vessel. Establish communications?”

Leonis perks up at that, “Yeah, patch me through.” His stomach growls and he smacks his gullet in response. “You can wait,” he snaps at it.

“Hello, this is Leonis Kra'avarr of the ship Illusio Decus. We are commencing a patrol along this route and looking for any word of enemies to the Republic. Have you encountered anything strange in your journeys?”

The captain of the other screen looks back at his crew before clearing his throat, “Well about time someone would listen. I tried filing a report with the Republic recently, but they thought I was making a joke!”

Leonis furrows his brow and leans forward, “I am here to listen to your concerns. What word?”

The captain throws his hands up in the air, “On Hok, I encountered this Squib. And do you know what he was doing?! He was waving around some red laser sword willy-nilly.” He leans in, utmost seriousness on his face, “And I assure you, that is not all. This squib is the leader of a cult of force-users. Can you believe it! I barely escaped his sith cult with my life!”

Leonis' ears lay back flat. Perhaps this captain had been hitting the liquor hard lately. “Thank you. Rest assured, I will investigate this incident with the respect it is deemed.”

From behind him, Joshua snorts and peers at him through a mirrored helmet, “You mean none at all, right, Leo?”

Leonis casts him a glare before responding to the captain, “Thank you for your report. May your travels be safe and trade prosperous.” He salutes the captain before having to feed terminated. “Well, pack up. We're going to Hok.”

“What, really? You have got to be joking. It's a Squib. You were looking for some human wench, last I heard,” Joshua huffs.

“Then you will look twice as ridiculous if this turns out to be fact,” Leonis flashes him a toothy grin.

Joshua waves his hand in front of his face, “Leo. Hygiene. I can smell that breath of yours through my filters.”

Leonis crooks his head before breathing into his hand and whiffing curiously. His whiskers all but curled as his face blanches in reaction. “By the lightside of the force, why did no one tell me sooner,” he gags. “I'll be visiting the facilities before we touch down. Joshua, keep her steady in the meantime.”

The journey to the Hok system was uneventful and there seemed to be no trouble establishing a orbit over the planet, the locals used to ships arriving and departing at odd times and schedules to ferry loads of ore and crystals mined on the surface of the world.

Coming out, feeling refreshed and his armour donned and packing his personal arsenal, Leonis stretches and groans, feeling his body protesting after the movement after however long in his commander's chair. He grunts and looks at Joshua, “Possible cult, I'd rather go in heavy.”

Even if Leonis could not see his face, he felt there was an incredulous look being flashed at him before he's told, “You know what... Sure, let's do it. Two platoons. Touch down in two separate groups. Blood hunters as a forward party with yourself in the lead before we hit him with the Cathar heavy units. This can't go bad. Definitely not.”

Leonis looks at him through the helmet, “Of course it can't. Imagine the Squib's face when he's got 90 sem-odd guns pointed at his face.”

Joshua smacks his hand to his helmet before getting the groups ready to launch in two heavy support crafts. The only way this could go any worse is if Leonis wanted to load up the tanks too.

It took a while but the dropships came down on the surface and with much ruckus the troops marched out and assembled, looking fearsome the Cathar came out expecting a fight. As Leonis touched the planet surface he got a report that some of the advance scouts were bringing a local.

A moment later the Bloodhunters, looking a but unnerved, perhaps even shocked brought a local Gran miner before Leonis who did not seem at all surprised at the presence of so many heavily armoured soldiers, his three eyes looked at Leonis and he coughed but then smiled, "So... who is it this time? Pirates? CIS? We are currently under republic control so can't be them... unless Republic high command has forgotten that we were under Republic control? Well either case, welcome, we won't resist, we do prefer to not be made slaves or anything so just tell us what you want and we'll see how we can accommodate you, ok?"

Leonis looks at the smaller man before he removes his helmet and offers out his hand. “Leonis Kra'avarr. I'm currently following the report of a a supposed Squib force-user in this vicinity. If you have any information as to his whereabouts, it would be much appreciated.”

The local blinked all of his three eyestalks and took the offered hand, shaking it. "Squib force-user.... oh... him..." He snorts, "Yeah I remember him came to our settlement with grand tales and a lasersword of some kind he waved around, he actually cleaved two tables and some benches at the local cantina and instead of working off the debt he slept with the cantina owner's wife and then fled to terrorize the market and said he was trying to strike fear into the hearts of criminals with his dark powers when it became apparent there was a pickpocket on the loose."

"Lately he's in a abandoned warehouse in the southern district of the settlement, some of our youth have started worshipping him to learn his 'unimaginable powers'. Lazy bastards, we need them to work in the mines not worship some squib off-worlder." The Gran blinked again and cocked his head. "So... you are not here to invade us?"

Leonis laughs, “Nah. I'd rather not stir trouble with the Republic. If you keep out of our way, it would be for the better, though. I prefer no civilian casualties.” He looks to Joshua, “Lead the Blood Hunters up to set up a perimeter. If the Squib takes to running, use non-lethal force to stop him. This may not be the darksider we were looking to find, but if he has a saber, he probably has quite a tale to tell.” With that, he raises a hand before giving the signal to move forward, “Move out!”

The Gran blinked and hurried up to catch up to Leonis. "Uhm! Excuse me! EXCUSE ME! Hey!" He had looked confused before but now he seemed somewhat mildly annoyed. "Do you have any idea what you've done? We thought we were being invaded or raided, again. So, while I think we all would welcome if you deal with that irritating squib, we won't allow some kind of military force in these number to potentially wreak havoc to our settlement, take a few of your people and that's it, we don't want to have our youth be shot just because they are being idiots. Just get that Squib and get out."

Leonis gives the Gran a confused look before Joshua raises a blaster set on stun. “Allow me.” Leonis reaches out and lowers Joshua's gun for him. “I did say non-lethal force, sir. Even if we did accidentally shoot one of them, they'll be right as rain in a few hours.”

"For divine's sake!": The gran said holding up his arms, "It's just that squib and about two dozen of our most stupidest youth, two nephews and a niece of mine among them! Now unless you are here to invade us, which you apparently aren't then fine, set up a perimeter or whatever but we won't have armed troops to march in our streets." The gran looked scared but defiant.

Leonis huffs and plants his face in his palm. “Best ten marksmen, follow Joshua to set up a perimeter.” He glares at the Gran, “It really does go against my style, but do keep out of my way or I will let him shoot you.” Joshua smirks behind his helmet and pats his gun as he leads ten units forward, turning on his jetpack so he can get roof access himself and coordinate with Leonis who shoves past the gran and goes towards the warehouse.

The Gran leaves but not before Leonis catches his last words, "At least the previous invaders and pirates were polite!"

A perimeter was established and it seems the nefarious squib sith and his cult were unaware of the righteous retribution to befall on them.

Although if the two cult 'guards' at the warehouse entrance were any sign of how well guarded the place was... then Leonis and his people had not much to worry about. There were three Gran... children, roughly, if he were to guess in the age ranges of 8-14, standing guard, wearing oversized black robes that looked somewhat ridiculous on them and they were armed with long sticks.

Leonis strides up to the children and clears his throat, “I ask permission to see the Squib warrior.” He salutes at the children, “You must be his royal guard, and must I say, you are doing an impressive job, young soldiers.”

The three kids seemed to be havign a argument and al lyelepd when Leonis spoke up, scrambling, one tripping over his robes and falling on his face while another accidentally hit the third in the face with his stick and apologised.

Finally all three go to their feet and pointed the sticks to the Cathar intruder. "Halt! Uhm, yes halt!"

They were silent after that and then the oldest turned to the other two. "What were we supposed to say after that..." He turned to Leonis, "Uhm, 1 moment." And he quickly went inside, a moment later there were a few raised words and then the guard stumbled back out. "Remember now!" He waved a piece of paper and started reading from it. "In the event of a intruder...." He blinked and went to one of the other kids. "Can you read that, I think some moisture got on the ink and... oh wait's got it now." He cleared his throat and tried to look fierce and defiant, but then he stumbled and coughed, a little bit embarrassed but apparently it did not deter him as he spoke up in a high pitched voice. "State your name and purpose intruder, or have you come to bring offerings to the great master of the dark arts, he who wields the crimson blade, he who makes females tremble and males whimper in envy. He who is our master.... well have you? Uhm because we are supposed to hit you with our sticks if you did not come for that, and they hurt, a lot."

Leonis looks at the kids, happy his mask hid his expression. He was barely keeping from laughing at the rascals. “Oh mighty followers of the Sith Lord of Hok.” He bows at the waist. “I am the warrior Leonis and I come, offering tribute and my service to your master. But you must let me through, I heard tale of a planned attack on your master.”

One of the kids turned to the older one, "Told you your dad wasn't kidding he was calling the constables from the next town over, we are all going to get grounded." He whined the last part.

"Sssh, we are under the protection of the dark master, remember!" He turned to Leonis and nods, sagely but his hood fell over his eyes and he almsot stumbled again. "I, uhm.. yeah follow me, I guess... oh uhm, leave your weapons here, for they surely are no match anyway for the dark master."

Leonis stifles himself before he can laugh but sure enough leaves his blaster carbine and cortosis staff. At the rate it was going, he would not need more than his fists to clock this dark master.

"Hes got a blaster!" The youth who was afraid to get grounded took a few steps back.

"Oh uhm, well that doesn't change anything, clearly the reputation of our dark master precedes us, see he handed them over willingly!" He smiled, quite pleased with that smart observation he made and then turned around. "Follow me and stay close! Or the other disciples will bring swift retribution on you!"

As they went through the warehosue entrance Leonis had to adjust his eyes a moment at the darkness but when he did he saw several other youths sitting in small groups scattered around, one of the nearest jumped up in surprise and raised his weapon, a spatula at the Cathar, hoping the adult wouldn;t notice his hand shaking.

The youth leading him spread his arms. "Do not worry! He is another supplicant for our dark master! Rejoice that others have seen the light and are willing to follow him!" A cheer came from the youth and the child with the spatula smiled and rushed forwards, hugging Leonis's legs.

The older kid tapped the leg hugger on the shoulder and the young Gran let go, smiling shyly and waved before he hurried back to his group.

His guide continued and brought him to a room whose door was guarded by two other kids who did their best to snap to attention and at the urging of Leonis's guide opened the doors and followed them in.

What waited for them within, was a throne like chair, filled with cushions of all kinda, near the throne were platters filled with fruit and sweets. What captivated Leonis's eyes was the creature sitting on the throne, who blinked as he woke up, rubbing his eyes. "What's going o-" The squib blinked and widened his eyes. "You!?" Casa Nova exclaimed in surprise as he recognized the Cathar.

Leonis' brows shoot up in surprise as he crosses his arms over his barrel-chest. “Really, Novae?” His hand thuds against his forehead before he looks back up, “Do you know what would happen if a real Anti-Force unit showed up at your doorsteps? They don't take these things lightly.” He looks around at the little disciples about him, “And something tells me you've been reading old human novels. Don't tell me you've got them stealing knick-knacks and treats for you.” He couldn't help but wonder if one of the kids was called Oliver.

The Gran youth looked unsure and then pointed their sticks at Leonis. "What is he talking about dark master? Should we start hitting the infidel?"

Casa Nova recovered, placing his hands together and shook his head. "No, my loyal disciples, I will deal with this old.... acquitance of mine.... Myself! Leave us! And do not come in even if you hear screams!" The squib looked at Leonis, "Even if they are my own..."

The three gran looked at each other then one shrugged and started marching out, a second later the other gran followed, leaving Leonis with Casa Nova.

The squib stared intently at the door and when it was certain the Gran had obeyed him he hurried off his throne towards Leonis and jumped, grabbing him by his vest and dragged his upper body down so the Cathar was bending over and Casa Nova could whisper urgently to his face. "Get me out of here! Those kids are crazy!"

Leonis laughs and grabs the Squib by the scruff of his neck, hefting him up. “Well whose fault is that, huh, Novae? Maybe if you weren't flashing around some force-user's toy you probably stole, claiming to be some mighty Sith, this wouldn't have happened.” He crooks his head to the side, “Where did you get the lightsaber, anyways?”

"Taris, some tattoo chick who was enamoured with my charms and didn't saw where my hands were, look that beautifully furred sisters of yours with the amazing smile and delighted scent offered me a job once and I might be inclined to accept her offer now if you can get me away from those zealots!" He snorted, "Almost cut off my paw when I activated it for the first time!"

If his expression could be seen behind the reflective face shield, it would have dropped from thoughtful to hurt. Memories of his late sister flood to the forefront of his mind as he growls and lifts Novae up higher, “You don't have much choice, Novae. You're coming with me and telling me everything about this woman. Anyone who was with her, what she was doing.” He remembered clearly the disciples of the Sith woman. They had repelled them off once, even at the loss of a young Echani from the creche, but they still paid a toll against the man of the trio. He pauses, trying to smooth his ruffled fur as he continues, “And we'll call it community service. I'm sure you've wracked up quite a list of offenses against the Galaxy at large with your affairs since we last met.”

Casa Nova let out a shriek of indignation! "Well I'll be! I expect better treatment when you present me to your sister!"

Leonis' claws begin to dig into Casa's scruff, “She's dead.”

The squib blinked and his face fell, "Ah." For once in his life he looked quite serious and his next words were not some kind of quip or well hidden lie or subturfuge. "My condolences, I did not know." Next he groaned, "Look I would love to come with you, but if I leave those child zealots think I am going against my will and they will attack you, I am many things but I do not like to see kids get hurt... even if they are crazy... I mean it was cute at first, they even brought me offerings and asked me for my wisdom... but then they got a bit too serious and now I'm a prisoner!"

Leonis huffs and sets the Squib down. “I've got it covered.” He walks over to the door and peeks out, “Little disciples of the dark master. Your master is coming with me to plan against the offensive force. He has decided to come with me to my battleship so we might plan our next move against the scum who foolishly think to capture him. Fear not, we will return. But you must keep your village safe! Remain diligent young soldiers!”

Casa Nova blinked and quickly hurried to his side, "Yes! Yes, what he said! In fact, return to your homes, your familes, act like this was all a mistake but you all knwo the truth, you are to be hidden, hiding in plain sight for my return, it may take years, decades even but I will return to those disciples who remain loyal!"

The gran had all gathered outside the door and looked at each other, "Is that truly your wish dark master?" Casa Nova quickly nodded and the Gran children all nodded solemnly. "As the master commands, we will go home and pretend we are just children and while our parents may believe it they will never know we will one day rise up and cast them down!"

The gran let out a cheer but then one of the children spoke up. "Does that mean we also need to go back to school?"

Casa Nova blinked and nodded, "Yes, sad I know, but the illusion of your disguise must be complete, that includes school... oh and chores.... and other things you might not like, but I will return with my trusted acolyte at my side!" He gestured to Leonis, "But now we must leave, come acolyte, take me to my ship!" He blinked, "On second thought, carry me to my ship!" The squib crossed his arms and looked expectingly at Leonis to pick him up and carry him out of the warehouse and to whatever ship the Cathar had waiting.

Leonis' unamusement was clear as could be, even as he heft up the Squib ruffly and holds him over his shoulder, 'accidentally' smacking him into a lamp on the wall. “Whoops. Clumsy me,” he huffs as he carries the squib on his shoulder lack a sack of potatoes. As he goes out the front, he grabs her gear in one hand and gives a wave for his soldiers to move out and return to the ship.

Casa Nova was whining and grumbled, "Please tell me I aren't stuck working with you.... didn't your sister, again my deepest condolences, have any other people, preferably, lovely creatures of feminity, I can work with? I am much more a people person than a.... well warrior. I am a lover, not a fighter."

“Maybe Ba'al would be happy to have you, Novae. But not without a trade. I need a force user on my team, already. They'd have been able to tell from the start it was just some idiot like you,” he grunts. He checks over his shoulder to see he was free from the sight of the kids before dropping Casa Nova roughly to the ground. “You walk from here, runt.”

"Awww... you are definitely no fun." Novae whines and sighs. "And my apologies but all I remember of the woman I stole the lightsaber from... one moment." He reached inside his clothes and came out with the saber hilt, handing it to Leonis. "Was that she was somewhat cute, you see I was hiding from a Herglic who apparently was under the ridiculous notion I had slept with his wife! Imagine me, a small squib, sleeping with a large Herglic female!" He shook his head as if it was a silly idea. "So tell me, this Ba'al, where is she and where can I meet her?"

Leonis removes his helmet, scratching through his hair. “Eh, only had one message from her for awhile yet. Apparently she was heading to the Nova Retreat?” He shrugs and looks over his shoulder as his ships began to load up. “I suppose we could change course and head that way. It's been a bit since I saw how she was faring.”

Leonis kept a hold on the scruff of Casa Nova's jacket and when he returned to his men he noticed the odd looks they were giving him and he looked at his 'prisoner' and was in for quite a surprise, he was still holding the jacket of the squib.... but he was no longer wearing it, a inflatable copy of Casa Nova was wearing the jacket instead, along with a taped on piece of paper that read the following:

'Forgive me for these hastily written words but I feel no desire to travel with you, I have heard of this Nova Retreat and it's wonderful casinos and hospitality to guests. I shall get to my own means of transportation and meet this Ba'al there myself, do not worry, I shall let you hear from me very soon.

PS, my thanks for the credits in your pocket, I shall put them to good use.'

Leonis sighs and tosses the jacket to one of the bloodhunters, “We're heading to the Nova Retreat, boys.”

In the lives of friends of a Jedi...

Somewhere in hyperspace.

"Are you sure this is the right way of doing this?" Goddor asked before he and Marack boarded the Killer Whale, turning to Thrall. "Splitting up seems... I don't know, unwise?"

Thrall scoffed and waved Goddor to get aboard the freighter. "It'll be fine, boss wouldn't want to sour relations with Hoddo and I know the old hutt." He snorts, "Been his slave for some years after all, I'll handle his request while you go to Neia's place and see about arranging meetings with those other jedi. Already contacted her you would be on your way while I head to hutt space and meed to old slimey bastard."

Goddor winced, "I don't think Tohkran would approve of you calling him that... you aren't actually going to cause trouble, are you? Like showing up cloaked and then decloak to bombard his place or anything?"

Thrall raised two fingers, "Only in my dreams, I swear I won't do such a thing for real, at least for now."

Shaking his head the Rodian knight got inside and looked out as the ramp was getting raised, saying one last thing. "Don't do anything foolish!"

Thrall was silent and watched the Killer Whale lift off and leave the ships hangar, only then did he speak. "No promises...."

---

Meanwhile, back at the Safe Refuge...

Meilyan had her eyes wide as she hastily parried and blocked the thrusts of Schaduw, the new Defel padawan was quick to learn, especially concerning working with blades, he already had some skill with a vibroblade and he easily caught on the basics of fighting with a lightsaber. What made him more resourceful and challenging in training however she had to admit, was the fact he seemed to like fighting with both his vibroblade and the training saber, one in each hand. Combien that with his natural stealth and he was a perfect ambush and surprise combatant.

She jumped back, smiling as she felt the grass under her feet, there was one thing his training was still lacking however. Using the force she let the grass grow and surge up, enveloping Schaduw and holding him in place, he struggled but his arms were also hold in place and after a moment he let out a bark of laughter. "Well done... almost got you though."

Meilya was smiling but she was also beat, taking a deep breath she nodded. "Yeah, if I hadn't lured you to this area I would have to surrender the bout, you have improved greatly Schaduw. I am sorry if Tohkran isn't here to instruct you like he promised but he wouldn't have gone away if it wasn't urgent."

Schaduw shrugged, "You said so yourself, that he considered you a, what was it, a knight? That and you seem to already be a instructor of sorts together with that droid."

"Huyang." Meilya said, providing the old jedi droids name.

"Yeah that droid, and you seem all there is needed to instruct those younglings, myself and the other padawan, Miri. Were is she anyway? I half expected you to have me train with her."

Meilya gestured to the Akk Dog habitat. "She and the younglings are feeding and maintaining the Akk Dogs, since you were new I decided to spare you from shoveling away their filth and clean up their habitat."

He laughed, "My thanks then, even if you thrashed me with plants in the end."

She smiled, "You did well, I am sure Tohkran will be impressed with your progress when he returns from his errands."

Reunions at the Nova Retreat

---

Ba'alkyri looks over the pilot's shoulder once more before huffing and moving back to the other areas of the seat and taking a seat, bouncing impatiently. She looks left, and then right, beginning to anxiously rap her knuckles against a console's side. Alyssandri arches a brow at her, relaxing back as Ba'al begins to stand to try and peek out the window before the Master calls out, “Are we there yet?”

Nikan had been taking a turn at the helm of the Risk vs Reward for the past few hours of the journey, the last half hour or so he had been host to Ba'alkyri and Alyssandri. "Yes we're there." He replied cheerfully as he watched out the viewport at the hyperspace tunnel that was far from looking like it was closing down and returning them to real-space.

Ba'al sighs in relief before prodding out at Alyss with her foot, “Go wake up Vitril and Writh. They're straight off to the med bay.” Alyssandri gives a challenging look only to be met with a flat expression from Ba'al. The human woman snorts and gets up to see to them. “Think Neia is around?” she asks curiously, shifting so she can watch out the viewport eagerly.

"She owns the station, unless she's busy I imagine there's a good bet she is." Nikan replied as he continued to watch the hyperspace tunnel, more importantly he watched the sensors and hyperdrive gauge that told him they still had fifteen minutes before they exited hyperspace.

Ba'al narrows her eyes for a moment, scrutinizing Nikan. “Aha, spot on. Smart, I see. Cyphor does keep you in his employ for a reason,” she tries to stumble to catch herself after her less than brilliant question.

"Cyphor doesn't employ me." Nikan replied as he rolled his eyes.

Ba'al pauses, pursing her lips. “Right. You just do things for him. Like picking up the occasional stray Jedi.”

Nikan just waved his sabre hilt under Ba'al's nose for a moment without saying anyhting.

Ba'al frowns and takes a step back, “Right, I get the picture. I'll leave you to your piloting. Wouldn't want you to crash, after all. I imagine Neia'd throw a fit about that.”

Meanwhile, Allysandri raps Vitril on her forehead to rudely wake her up. The other Knight sputters and winces in pain, going to swing her feet up before looking at her stump again. “Geeze, is it chow time again already... I still feel full.”

Allysandri shrugs, “We're arriving here in a few. I imagine you might want to be awake and functioning when they cart you off. Maybe get excited about a new leg, even? Or would you prefer we call you stumpy and watch you learn to hop?”

Vitril waves her away, moving to sit up, “Quit being an ass.”

Allysandri snorts and helps Vitril get up and hop back into the room Ba'alkyri was currently residing. Vitril looks out the port and furrows her brow, “Are we there yet? Or is there trouble afoot?”

"No, no trouble at all, your master just happens to be an easy mark." Nikan said with a broad smile. "We'll be there in a few moments." he added still smiling

Vitril snorts and grins, “Oh, so someone else noticed. Good, I have proof now.” With that, the other Knight assisted her with getting settled in a seat and waiting for their arrival.

Nikan turned back to the controls as he watched the hyperdrive count down, pulling the Lever back at the appropriate moment to drop the Action IV frigate out of hyperspace and approach Nova Retreat.

At the station's traffic control center the approach of a Action IV was noticed and one of the operators contacted the vessel, "Risk vs Reward, we detect your approach, welcome to the Nova Retreat, where in it's casinos the odds may forever be in your favour. If you do not care for our casino floors, we have excellent services to any damages you ship might have or refuel your ship. Do you wish to be cleared for docking?"

Ba'al clears her throat, “Think they can patch my ship back together?...”

"That would depend on how many pieces your ship is in now as compared to when we picked you up." Cha'alla said as she entered the cockpit. "Have you been to the hanger bay recently? Too seemed to think he could fix it given enough time in there, it might just be component parts by now."

Nikan meanwhile flicked the comms to respond to the traffic control "We wish to dock thankyou. Is the proprietess on the station? we have some associates of hers aboard that were hoping to speak with her during their stay."

"Director Neia Kahleesi is present, she is a busy woman however, who can I say wants to speak to her?" The operator responded in a friendly voice.

"We can figure that out once we've docked, just knowing she's there is enough." Nikan replied.

The operator seemed unfazed, "Docking bay 7A is cleared for you, please note that any and all weaponry are to be left on your ship or they will be confiscated at our checkpoints, enjoy your stay." A message was send with directions to the docking bay in questions as well as a passcode for some free casino and beverage tokens.

"Sweet, free drinks." Nikan said as the comm channel closed and he piloted the vessel to the designated bay.

"You are still underage." Cha'alla said from behind him before turning to Ba'alkyri. "Neia has several of our kind in her service, I guess we will need to leave our sabres behind."

As Writh stumbles in, he grunts, “That, I do not like. It's my walking stick.” He steps over the outstretched foot of Allysandri as she goes to trip him.

“Not that you need it. We'll respect Neia's wishes.” Ba'al holds her hand out to begin collecting lightsabers and blasters.

There were two Twi'leks standing outside, waiting for the new visitors, smiling and dressed in what could be considered 'skimpy' entertainer clothes, one of them was holding a pad of some kind and was looking at it the moment the new visitors walked into view. The second Twi'lek was walking froward and about to open her mouth to welcome them when her fellow greeter stopped her, staring at the screen of her pad and then at the people walking down, shaking her head and tapped her ear and the hidden communicator underneath became active. "Kali at docking bay 7A, inform Neia we have some of her jedi friends here and some of them look beaten up, requesting medical staff to report to the docking bay at once."

Both the Twi'leks looked rather serious now and approached the group, "Apologies we had not been informed you were aboard, if you could wait here, medical staff and Neia will be here shortly, can we do anything else before they arrive?"

"We have the remains of their ship in our hanger bay." Cha'alla replied, "I don't know just how good Neia's repair facilities are, the ship is in at least two pieces, might just be cheaper to built a new one."

Ba'alkyri nods, helping support Vitril as she staggers, feeling feint at being standing like this. “Yeah, if that's the case, at least we can salvage some of it.” She grunts, moving her free arm out to redirect Writh who was about to walk into a wall without his weapon to guide him and his hearing off.

The other Twi'lek frowned and gestured to Writh. "Does he require medical assistance as well?" She asked just as the doors opened and a pair of floating medical beds were pushed in by Nova Retreat staff wearing medical uniforms, followed by Neia and Maaike. "Ah there's the boss."

Neia nodded to her commandos and approached the jedi, looking them over, noticing that the ones from Ba'al were looking rather beaten up, she gestured to her staff, "Well don't just stand there, they require medical assistance." The medics nodded and came forwards asking questions and bringing one of the beds to Vitril. Neia meanwhile looked from Ba'al to Cha'alla. "Well I would ask what brings you to my station but I can guess, you are safe here in case any trouble is following you?"

"That depends on if you consider Master Cyphor trouble." I got word shortly after we dropped from hyperspace that he was on his way here as well he is travelling on Hayles ship and should be here soon, within a few hours most likely." Cha'alla replied

Ba'al grimaces at the mention of Cyphor before helping Writh to a medical bed. “Aside from Cyphor, I don't think there should be anyone in pursuit. The CIS droids were either disassembled or probably assume us dead.”

Neia blinked and lookeda at the jedi before her, "Has someone organized a Jedi conference again at my station without informing me? I just got off a call from Thrall, the Sluissi friend of Tohkran, saying that one of Tohkran's knights was coming to my station to discuss some urgent matters and perhaps arrange meetings with everyone else." She shook her head, "But this isn't the place to talk, my medical staff wil treat your wounded, we can share a drink and tale in my conference room."

"Very well, lead on." Cha'alla replied with a slight bow of her head

Ba'al smirks and waves a hand, “The force works in mysterious ways... but a drink does sound wonderful after the week I've had.”

Chris makes a whimper behind her and murmurs, “Poor rabbit...”

Neia frowned, CIS and rabbits? They sure had a tale to tell as she led her jedi guests to the conference room and arranged for food and drinks. "Well suppose you should be glad my people recognized you, we've changed our security protocols somewhat after some commandos tried to infiltrator and blow up my station, but my story can wait. I'd rather hear your stories, if you don't mind?"

"I'll let Ba'al take the lead here, we only picked her up really, we actually came here because you have the closest medical facilities we trusted." Cha'alla said as she took a seat.

Ba'al sighs and sits down, letting out a soft noise of comfort after being in the wild and on a cramped ship. “Ah, honestly... I touched down on Arkinnea after digging up some information on Arkinnea looking for a jedi temple supposed to be there. Unfortunately, we hit a snag on the way down. The CIS was apparently investigating the planet and set some scout droids after us. Trying to lose them, Zobis managed to wreck the ship something fierce... by deciding it needed to get intimate with some trees.” She leans forward, accepting a drink as it comes and sipping from it.

“We got off a message to Cyphor right after that, needing a ride, ours was ruined. Thankfully we managed to pull out from that unscathed. Sadly, when we made it to the temple...” She pauses furrowing her brow, “We weren't expecting such a heavy droid force there from the CIS. Apparently they must have scoured the place over looking for something?” She shrugs and drinks harder, “That's when we hit a nasty snag. A couple of them were better armed and we walked right into them. A couple of us took some minor hits, nothing some good force healing didn't help us get over in our week on the ground, but Vitril and Writh got the worst of it. I don't know how. They must have advanced targeting protocols.”

She gestures towards Kreeva who was daintily drinking from some flavoured, carbonated water eagerly. “That one and Writh stumbled upon a damaged message, though. It must have triggered given their talents in the force. It directed us towards the Vergesso Asteroids for the next leg of whatever mystery must be awaiting us.”

Neia nodded slowly, "I see, scouring jedi ruins, huh?" She was about to say more when a hologram activated on the table in front of her, depicting Mochi. "Ah, my station engineer, what can you tell me about that ship of theirs that needs repairs?"

The verpine was eagerly rubbing his hands together, "It can be done, it will cost time and effort but I am looking forward to start repairs and have parts of the vessel reconstructed and installed, it is always a delight to work on something new. Assuming the owners want it to be repaired?" Neia turned to Ba'al and looked at her expectingly.

Ba'al slips off her mask, rubbing over her face and the scars that weaved a web over her features. “Ah, rip out what you can from the old system, but I need to change up the core layout and function. I need a weapons system installed upon it. If we had one back on-world, we probably wouldn't have been in such a mess.”

Again, Chris mutters nearby with a sniffle, “The bunnies never stood a chance... Why, Ba'al?”

Neia looked at Ba'al's companion, if she had eyebrows she would have raised them and then turned back to Ba'al. "Do you need my medical staff to look at Chris? Ah well." She shrugged and then turned to Mochi. "Wait for now, have Ba'al contact you with details of what she wants installed and make it happen, I am paying for it." She saw Mochi shiver with excitement and forestalled him, "Whatever she suggests I pay for it, not you." She shook her head and smiled hearing Mochi let out a sigh.

"Very well... I will look forward to the details she wants done to her ship." With that he ended the call on his side.

Ba'al blushes and ruffles her hair, “No, Chris is fine... Ah, just stumbled upon a talent of mine that... was rather brutally effective to surviving without supplies in a less than friendly environment.” She gives Chris a serious look intending to relay the pact they made to never mention just what happened to the sweet woodland critters.

"Well whatever you decide to do with the remains of your vessel, contact Mochi with the details while you are on the station and I'll handle the costs whatever they may be, though I'm not going to pay millions though, that would be a bit too generous." She grinned, "Anyway, I can offer you places to stay while you are here, because it seems you will be here a while if both Cyphor and one of Tohkrans knights are coming too."

"Cyphor was just at Kashyyyk, I believe he is coming becuase I sent a message after we picked up Ba'alkyri that we were on our way here." Cha'alla said, "I think he may with to speak with Gaarwarr when he arrives as well if the walking carpet is here."

She looks embarrassed for a moment before nodding, “Thank you, Neia. It is too kind of you. If there is any way I could make it up to you, consider it done.” Ba'al offers a small smile over the brim of her glass. She pauses for a moment, setting the drink down, “I accept your hospitality. It would be nice to catch up, aside from all these stories of daring-do and hostile encounters, that is... if you'd like, I mean...” She coughs and looks away, swiveling in her chair to face the counter and looking down, submitting to just being silent to save herself the troubles.

Neia scratched her cheek, "Ah, well Gaarwarr is currently staying at a asteroid field in the Sarka system i just laid a mineral mining claim on to guard it after my expidition evicted some pirates." She then turned to Ba'al and chuckled, "I wouldn't mind exchanging stories, I have to admit, from the stories Gaarwarr told me, the life of a jedi is filled with excitement, wouldn't mind hearing more about that."

She went to check her data she received and nodded slowly, "According to the message from Thrall, Tohkran's knight would arrive in a few days, since Thrall mentioned he wanted to send messages to all of you it might be best you all stay here? Cyphor included when he arrives?"

"That would make the most sense." Cha'alla agreed. "Cyphor will not take much convincing I think."

“So its settled,” Ba'al nods, glancing sidelong at those gathered, “Which, is probably good... Because we got word from Leonis that he is coming here. Expect him to try and recruit you all to join his great Sith hunt.”

Cha'alla raised an eyebrow "Another thing Cyphor may not need much convincing for."

"Sorry I won't be joining any sith hunts or wars unless they are for a good cause, no offense to you jedi but I haven't seen what harm a sith can do to me or my own." Neia shrugged.

Ba'al grimaces, “Of course, Leonis is still single-minded after the events that took away Master Theodis... But he thinks he has found a good lead after the culprits. The lightsaber of one, in fact.” She rubs over her eyes. “He wants one of us to look at it. I am worried what he will find in this chase of his. I fear how it may end.”

Neia grimaces, "Sounds like he just needs to take a break, get him some R&R, possibly a appointment with a counselor to deal with his loss."

"Then at least he's coing to the right place for some R&R." Cha'alla replied, "assuming your facilities are still at the same high standard as last time were were here Neia."

She smiled, "They are and I have plans to actually extend my facilities with a even bigger casino and more luxurious accommodations." She shrugged, "But that is for another time, please, all of you enjoy your stay here and the facilities I have available. You will also be cleared to use my training facilities."

Ba'al shakes her head, “If he stays for a time, perhaps it will do some good.” She moves to her feet and dips at the waist. “My thanks, Cha'alla for the time and assistance you have given me. Neia, your hospitality does not go unnoticed. I repay my debts...” She frowns, nodding to Alysandri, “If you do not mind, we must check upon our compatriots and see that any procedures are going well. There was something in particular we wished addressed for one, as it were.”

Neia stood up, "I'll show you to the medical bay."

"I will see to my own people for now and await Cyphors arrival." Cha'alla said with a bow of her head

Alysandri, who was on her way to standing up simply stops and takes her seat again, Ba'al had it and she was getting tired of being so close to the woman anyhow. Ba'alkyri meanwhile smiles and nods to Neia, “My thanks. I would hate to find myself stumbling about lost.”

She chuckles and went to the door, "I myself get lost from time to time if you can believe, but as the owner it's very easy to contact someone to give me the right directions to familiar grounds." She gestured, "Shall we?"

She exits through the door, waiting for Neia to follow and come to her side before she begins onwards, “I could believe it.” She looks about the interior, “It must be a large enough place. I hardly imagine residing in such a place.” Ba'al crosses her arms, drawing her robes tighter about herself as she walks beside Neia, “You really do not need be so kind. I may not be the sort to highly value worldly things, but I do make sure I can provide for those in my company.”

Neia smiled, shaking her head. "Some call it kind, others may call it earning favours, all of you are my friends and I'd like to help where I can." Grinning she winked at Ba'al. "Doesn't hurt if you ever feel the need to repay the favour of course, as for living here... you get used to it, I used to make a living on a smuggler ship and when I settled down on this station as my base of operations... well not hearing the humming of engines made it difficult to sleep at first, but got used to it."

Ba'al raises her brows, “I'll keep that in mind. Any tips on how to sleep without it would be appreciated, actually.” She pauses, giving Neia an uncertain look. “What sort of favours do you typically ask for? I do not know how much I can help with smuggling operations or casino resorts, but I have my talents.”

Neia smiled and shook her head, "Don't worry about it, if you think you can repay me in some way you'll know and you offer it." She stopped and looked at Ba'al, smiling still, "As for the sleeping without engine noise, it ah... might help if you had some pleasant company to spend some time with before you close your eyes to rest."

Ba'al finds herself flushing, “I think I would like that, do you have any suggestions? I'm afraid I'm all out of pleasant company amongst my friends...” She begins to move her hands nervously, tempted to reach out with the force to try and ascertain better just what Neia might be implying. She refrains, though, feeling that would be wrong of her.

Neia smiles, looking Ba'al over, settling on her face, still smiling. "Am I making you nervous? You seem somewhat bothered?"

Ba'al clears her throat, “A small bit, admittedly. I can try to compose myself better, if it is a trouble?” She fights against biting her lip as she casts her gaze aside, cheeks glowing just a bit more.

Neia smiledand winks, "Oh no trouble, I was thinking it was rather cute actually." She grinned and continued walking, guiding her guest.

Ba'al stumbles in her steps before walking briskly to catch back up. “N-no! We Jedi are not cute,” she corrects quickly, “We are stern and diligent and anything but cute, I'm afraid.” Yet, she has a faint smile upon her lips at the comment.

Neia stopped again and turned to her guest, smiling. "Stern and diligent, huh? Ok fine, prove it." She crossed her arms. "If you claim to be stern and diligent I am sure you can make me feel guilty by just staring at me."

Ba'al purses her lips, stepping forward and gives Neia a serious look, “You should feel bad for calling me cute.” She smirks and jokingly waves a hand in front of Neia's face, “By my mystic Jedi magic, I compel you... Is it working?”

Neia smiled and winked, "No, sorry, still very cute... and you have pretty eyes too."

Ba'al snorts and taps Neia lightly on the nose. “And I thought Writh was the blind amongst us.” She relaxes before looking down at her feet, “Excuse me for this question, but were you and Master Theodis ever... I mean, I could tell she liked you quite a deal, but I do not know if...” She coughs and smiles awkwardly.

Neia blinked, surprised. "Huh... Theo liked me?" She looked away, closing her eyes a moment. "I, ah... actually never knew, I mean, I liked her... and I wondered at times but, well we all know what happened. But no nothing happened, I... wish something did though, hearing that she liked me a quite a deal." She smiled softly.

She looks oddly dejected at that before offering a strained smile, “It... was a shame, yes.” Ba'alkyri looks aside, trying to look for any markings on the wall, “Ah, the medical facility, are we close?”

Neia nods, "We are... but."She stopped again and turned around, standing in front of Ba'al. "Why did you ask that? About if me and Theo ever had gotten close?"

She offers a small shrug, not meeting her gaze, “Trifling passing thought. It matters not.”

"I may not have eyebrows like most other humanoid species but when someone seems to want to avoid eye contact that means they are hiding something. You can tell me." She smiled gently.

Ba'al flushes and looks back, barely drawing her gaze up to meet Neia's. “There may have been tension between Master Theodis and I in the past. Over a particular Nautolan woman. Nothing too serious, but... I still hold respect for the one who allowed me to learn in the right direction, her own... skills, aside.” She straightens herself, attemting to repress the colouration to her cheeks as she continues, “So, it would be improper of me, not only to impose upon my host, but to step forward in the wake of events to act upon anything, I think.”

Neia blinked, confused and stepped forwards, taking hold of the shoulder of the jedi in front of her. "Wait, what? You aren't making much sense... tell me what you mean so I can understand."

She leans in closer, her lips barely from Neia's for the briefest of moments before she withdraws, flustered. “My apologies. I am... Not myself right now. I must need to meditate, to recenter.”

Neia blinked rapidly, did Ba'al just... did she almost? She reached out quickly, stopping her. "I... ah... oh ferglutz, not this time." She said and cupped the cheeks of the jedi and kisses her softly on the lips.

Ba'al hesitates for a moment before returning the kiss, allowing herself to sink closer to Neia. “You're just bound to lead a knight to trouble, aren't you?” she teases nervously, lingering in her proximity with a warm smile.

She smiles softly, "Ah, perhaps. Just... felt like if I didn't do that, a opportunity would escape, like last time. Wasn't going to let that happen... so, uhm... about that suggestion of company, after I lead you to the medical bay... mind if I would be that company?"

The jedi pauses for a moment, acting if she had to seriously think on it. “Oh, I do not know. Do you think you could enjoy my company? I hear I can be quite boring in my downtime, I'm afraid.”

She chuckles, "I think I'll manage, didn't hear a answer in that reply though." She bit her lip.

“Consider it a date, then,” the Diathim purrs out as she dips down, daring another kiss.

Smiling she kisses back, "It's a date."

Mandalore System,
Darths Gra'tua and Lena.

Gra'tua gritted his teeth and ignored the groan that was about to escape his lips, he was finally released from the medical bay just as they reached the Mandalore system, he turned to his guest, Darth Lena. "So what we have discusses these past few days... with you taking advantage of my mental state because I was on sedatives, we are still going ahead with that?"

Lena nodded slowly, "I am still interested in it, assuming you are." She grinned, "Now that your head is clear from sedatives and painkillers."

He let out a snort and winced, glad for his mask hiding his facial features. "I just don't see what you get out of it, you tell me you wish to provide financial support for the acquisition of one, possibly 2 shipyards... and in return you only wish to have one or both of them be available to modify your vessels from time to time?"

She nodded again, slowly this time. "Indeed, that is all I ask, what use is a partnership or alliance if we don't help each other out? I know my strengths and weaknesses Gra'tua, I prefer to be in the shadows, you however, the way you are headed you will get into spotlights sooner or later, so by all means, let it be your name on the deeds of ownership, but help a trusted friend out once in a while, that is all I wish of you."

"Hmm, we have a deal, Kashiir, bring us into the Mandalore system... find out the current owners of any large shipyards in the system and forward the information to myself and Lena."

The Chiss commander nodded, "By your command, my lord."

After a while their options were presented to them and the both of them went over the list, MandalMotors, Mandal Hypernautics and Ani Aranov Construction. After a while Gra'tua gestured to one name, "Let's try our hand MandalMotors, I have trusted my life with their creations and designs for years and I trust their shipyards the most." Lena merely nodded and he turned to Kashiir, "See if we can contact a representative of theirs and ask for a appointment to see us."

A few minutes pass while one of the communications crewmen contacts MandalMotors Tower with the request, a little back and forth and some inspiring drum based hold music later the image of a secretary appears on the holoviewer before Gra'tua.

"Olarom, alor Gra'tua. MandalMotors is always pleased to see a return customer, I understand you wish to make a somewhat less usual purchase at this time?" The secretary said.

He bowed his head, "Olarom." He reached for Revan's mask and removed it, placing to the side so he could speak with his face and head bare. "Indeed I do, I intend to continue purchasing and using MandalMotors services, but for the future safeguards for my clan I wish to expand my already existing holdings of some small shipyards by adding one, possibly two large shipyards." He grinned, "No offense to your fine company but sometimes when my ship gets blown up somewhat in battle it might be best to have a shipyard of my own to immediately start repairs, since with this war I can imagine the orders for new ships you need to service are quite a lot."

"Understandable," The secretary replied. "Hold please." they then said as the holoimage changed to a rotating image of the MandalMotors logo while the secretary contacted their superior. After a few minutes the image of the secretary returned. "Thank you for waiting, I can schedule you an appointment to meet with one of the senior executives tomorrow morning around 10:00 Keldabe time."

Lena raised a brow, say what you want about Mandalorians, at least they did not tarry setting up meetings. She nodded slowly towards Gra'tua.

He smiled and bowed, "That would be most welcome, would it be fine if I bring along a associate of mine who is like a silent partner?"

"I believe that would be Acceptable." The secretary replied with a smile.

"My thanks for your assistance, ret'urcye mhi." Gra'tua said.

"Ret'urcye mhi, alor Gra'tua" The secretary said before the communication ceased.

Gra'tua turned to Lena and then with a groan stood up, "Well that's settled, we have a meeting tomorrow to go to, so before that, I will rest, Kashiir, make sure I will be awake if I am not able so by myself so we can make the appointment at 10:00 Keldabe time." He asked and then went to make his way to his quarters.

She chuckled, "Still recovering I see." She nodded to Kashiir, "I shall make my way back to my ship, but I will be back tomorrow in time for the appointment, would you be so kind to tell me what timezone we are in right now so I can return here before 10 o'clock Keldabe time?" She grinned.

Kashiir rose his eyebrows, "It will be done."

************************
The following day...

The time of the appointment grew near and Gra'tua and Lena made their way to the Capital aboard one of Gra'tua's Kom'rk Transports. They were cleared to land at the MandalMotors private landingstrip and once they emerged from the craft the same secretary they had spoken to previously was there to meet them and escort them to the executive who was presently overseeing design work in the research wing. After going through a brief security check at the entrance, mostly just looking for recording or hacking devices as weapons were ignored for the most part. Most of the viewing windows into the labs were darkened so as not to reveal their interiors but a few showed their contents, one with a stripped down Aka'jor shuttle being worked on by several engineers, another had a fighter that looked much like the M3-A Scyk being worked on. Eventually the were lead into an office overlooking a large hanger with a transport of some kind in it. the Executive stood at the far window watching the engineers below work on the transport.

Smiling he nodded his thanks to the secretary and then turned to the executive, his helmet with mask in the crook of his arm. "Olarom." He simply said in greeting.

Lena followed, looking around, it was fascinating to see how the Mandalorians operated on something like ship construction and maintenance. When the arrived at the office and Gra'tua said his greeting she tried her best to mimic the speech and say the same. "Olarom."

The Executive raised an eyebrow at Lena's clumsy attempt to mimic Gra'tua but said nothing about it. "Olarom, Gra'tua. I am Evast Silas, I understand you met with my clans alor recently."

Gra'tua blinked, "So I have, I am currently host even to Goran Silas, a fine marksman who is helping me become a better warrior. I thank you for meeting me and my silent partner." He glanced at Lena and then turned back to Evast Silas.

Lena bowed, "My apologies if I said that wrong I merely wished to extend my greetings."

"Not especially silent for a silent partner is she." Evast remarked with a smile.

She smiled, "I know where my weaknesses lie, for the most part of this discussion I will defer to alor Gra'tua here, I merely am here to help him and assist him financially."

He grinned, "Not that I am poor, but it is nice to have someone to split the costs with. I assume you have been made aware why we are here?"

"You wish to purchase some of our capital class drydocks, I was made aware." Evast replied as he gestured to a couple of seats across the desk from himself before sitting down as well. "those drydocks are of course highly valuable assets of MandalMotors, they would not come cheap."

Gra'tua took a seat with Lena taking the one next to him and he nodded slowly, "Indeed, I, we, are aware they would not come cheap." He grinned, "And for the record I was not made aware I would be meeting a representative of clan Silas, so I do not ask nor expect any friendly, or animosity in regards of this potential acquisition. But from the sound of it you have at least not send us away already because you are not interested in selling any of the drydocks."

"I was not aware of your dealings with my clan until after the meeting was arranged either." Evast replied. "But you are right, we may have a few drydocks that are slow on turnover at this time. the question becomes what are they worth to you?"

He grinned and rose his eyebrows, "Now that would depend on the value and current state of the drydocks, would it not? I am willing to pay a fair price for them, it will not be said of me that I pay someone for services or in this case drydocks less than they are worth."

"A couple of our facilities are running dated support systems and frankly this slows down their production, recently they were relegated to maintenance duties where their full systems are not critical." Evast said as he flicked a holoprojector on his desk to active and shifted through a few displays until an image one of the drydocks appeared. "Now we could spend a few million credits upgrading them to bring them up to speed, but we presently don't have the contracts to justify the expenditure."

He studied the image and nodded slowly, "Well then, how much would you be asking for those drydocks? If you do have a interest in selling them, I would also pay for the upgrades to be installed to bring them up to speed to current standards and regulations."

"If you were to purchase any what you did with them afterward would be of little concern." Evast aside as he waved away the holoimage. "Of course the war is intensifying from all reports, its possible the company will have more contracts to fill in the near future and upgrading an older dock is cheaper than building a new one." Evast said with a shrug. "Its a 'immediate profit' vs 'potential future gains' sort of situation."

He turned to Lena and briefly conferred with her before turning back to Evast Silad, "Assuming these drydocks have no extra facilities, we are willing to pay a minimum of 12 million credits, hoping that any upgrades needed are included in that price, otherwise we would be willing to pay extra for your company to upgrade the drydocks, naturally."

Evast thought about it for a few moments before he responded. "Would you care to see the facilities themselves?" He asked.

"We would be honoured to." Gra'tua said after receiving a slight nod from Lena.

Evast stood and lead the two over to a small side door that leads down a flight of stairs to the hanger the office overlooked. "This is a new line of transport we've been working on, nothing overly impressive about it, though it was designed by the same team the put the Aka'jor shuttle together, as such the design shares several characteristics such as easy mod-ability." He said as they approached the transport. "Still has a few kinks to work out but this prototype has passed all flight safety checks." he added as he nodded to the head technician and made a few quick hand gestures reminiscent of military code.

Gra'tua spoke for both of them, "I think we are most safe in your hands and whatever craft you have designed." Not as if he would fly into a vessel that was likely to blow up with himself in it after all.

"You give me too much credit, I had no hand in the design of this craft short of giving the approval to build the prototype. I have however come to like the design and its possibilities." Evast replied as he lead them up the wide boarding ramp in the side of the craft that could be equally useful for cargo or troop deployment. The interior was rather spartan but there were rows of back to back seating along the main holds centreline equipped with combat restraints and the cockpit had space for 4, pilot, co-pilot and two generic consoles that could be adapted to many uses. Evast took the pilots seat and fired up the engines as he prepped the ship for orbital decent.

Evast spoke about a few of the development points of the transport as they made the journey into orbit but eventually they cam in sight of the two drydock facilities Evast had mentioned. In the latice framework of one sat a Venator class Star Destroyer undergoing repairs while the second sat empty, it was the second one that Evast set their course for intending to give Gra'tua a close visual inspection of the docks exterior.

"They look well enough, what would it cost to upgrade them to current day standards?"

"Most of the work would be based in the facilities command centres and material storage bays. the computer systems in particular need an overhaul and some of the bays could do with extensive redesign to better make us of the space in them and their access points." Evast said as a maintenance tug drifted past them at a slow speed. "Estimated costs are around 420,000 credits."

Lena was observing quietly and spoke up now, "And how much for the drydocks themselves?"

"I would need to check with our accounts division for the final number but i believe we could part with them for as little as seven million credits." Evast replied confidently.

She blinked. "For both of them? Or 7 million each?"

"Each of course."

She nodded, "Merely making sure, forgive me if I what I say next is a insult but haggling has always been the cornerstone of good business where I am from." She smiled, "Seeing as they need upgrades, perhaps we could convince you to lower the price for your drydocks to 6.2 million credits each, with the 420 thousand credits on top for a total sum of 12.82 million credits?"

"There are processing fees involved with the sale of such assets as I'm sure you're aware, approvals required, taxes to be paid and a number of other small miscellaneous costs that have a tendency to add up fast, I may be able to come down to a total of thirteen million credits." Evast replied

Lena nodded slowly, "Well we would, if possible, while the legal documents are signed and transferred in the name of alor Gra'tua here, also have our ships be serviced and repaired for battle damages we have sustained while were travelling together, which would add another millions, so I, we are prepared, as I said, if that arrangement is possible, to offer 13.4 million credits."

"I'm afraid your repair costs will need to be factored through the regular channels." Evast said, "Including them as part of the sale of company assets would obviously cause no end of accountancy headaches you understand."

"Fourteen million credits it is." Gra'tua said slowly after hearing Lena and Evast talk back and forth. "Shall we return to set up the documents and sign?"

"Very well," Evast said as he set the transports course back to Mandalore, "Once we land I can contact our accountants and have them draw up the necessary paperwork to be signed." he added.

The return journey was uneventful and several hours later both sith had walked out of the corporate headquarters of Mandalmoters, the papers had been signed and the two drydocks now belonged to clan Gra'tua. As they boarded his craft and both sat down in their seats he finally spoke up, "Are you certain you want me to own both large shipyards?"

Lena shrugged and nodded, "It works better this way for me, trust me." She smiled, "So what is next?"

He frowned, "My ship will be stuck here for repairs but Azazel needs me, last she reported she went to Korriban, to Andrea apparently there was some threat. Something about a invasion of Korriban."

She rose up her eyebrows in surprise. "A invasion? Well that does sound serious. I assume you were thinking of taking one of your other ships, I do not know about their speed but my ship only requires repairs I can do myself at some point, if you need a ride then my Shadow's Regret can take us to Korriban whenever you are ready."

"Hmm, that might be better actually, your ship has hypercomm abilities to stay in touch with my people back here... and with Azazel and Andrea." He nodded, "Very well I accept your offer, let me get some of my inner circle and we'll leave for Korriban together."

In the life of a training Sith

Gra'tua frowned looking carefully down the sight of the blaster pistol in the stance Goran told him to shoot from and fired, missing the target by inches, he let out a soft curse. "I really have the urge to ignite my sabers and cut off that smirk on the targets face." He growled and looked at the target, which his people had drawn a smirking face on. "Their sense of humour since I started training with a blaster needs to be corrected..."

"So correct it by finally learning to shoot straight." Goran remarked as he nudged Gra'tua's foot sharply back into the propper stance.

He let out a grunt and fired... this time the shot went over the target by a far wider margin and he looked at Goran accusingly. And then glared at a pair of sniggering warriors who quickly turned back to their sparing when they noticed their alor looking in their direction.

"You're not going to hit the target looking at others are you." Goran said as he resisted the urge to slap Gra'tua round the back of the head, he was harsh on gra'tua in these sessions, but there were some lines one didn't cross.

He resisted the urge to force choke some of his warriors and returned to the stance and fired, this time he got closer like before and snorted. "Maybe the blaster is faulty... regardless, how has your stay been with my clan so far?" He asked while he aimed down the sight for his next shot.

"Much as I expected, Though on a larger scale than I am used too." Goran replied before snatching the blaster out of Gra'tua's hands, pulling out the power cells, rubbing the contacts for a moment and then replacing it before handing the weapon back to gra'tua. "Teth was something of a surprise."

He nodded his thanks and raised the weapon again to fire, cursing loudly when he missed. "Hmm, yes. Teth was a surprise for us all, living Taung and now they have joined my clan, I admit I am quite pleased with that."

"The forefathers of our culture, it will be interesting to speak with them about our shared past." Goran said speculatively

Gra'tua nodded, pausing briefly to reply. "Quite, from what I gathered they were there, at the golden age of our kind. The great crusades, fighting under Mandalore the Indomitable and then along side the sith under Ulic Qel-Droma. Before their clan was cast out for using cloaking technology, 'unbefit' of the warrior codes, of that tiem at least. Now we are more open so such methods. I shall look forward to fight alongside them and learn more of our past." He aimed and fired again, missing once more but getting closer. "Did one of my men sabotage my blaster..." He wondered out loud.

"And what of your partner?" Goran asked, "how is she baring?"

He allowed himself a smile, lowering his blaster once more. "She is not 'baring' anything yet.... but she is pregnant with twins, our children. It will be good for us, our bonds are only strengthened with the coming of children in our lives." He grinned, "I just hope my firstborn, Kyr'am, who is with your clan will welcome her new siblings."

"And what of her mother? Clearly the same bonds did not form with her birth." Goran remarked as he nodded for Gra'tua to keep trying.

"Her mother was not Mandalorian, and has since then accepted this new arrangement. Also, am I asking you about your personal and private family affairs?" He gritted his teeth as he missed, he had been distracted by a particular memory and glared at Goran.

"I'm not the one trying to gain support to become the Manda'lor. My sister trats my counsel with considerable weight, so I want to know as much about the character of the man who wants hers and by extention our clans support." Goran replied simply, not at all phased by Gra'tua's accusing look

He held Goran's gaze and the nsnorted, "I loved my firstborns mother, part of me loves her still perhaps. But her vision.... saw her with our child, but without me. So first she banished me from her side, I could accept that, but she would not even allow me to see our child. Still I travelled alongside her, fight alongisde her, then I got word she aimed to kill me, to completely eradicate me from my daughter's existence. As you may expect I took offense to that and boarded her ship, fighting my way to our child and, in my eyes, rescued her from whatever 'grand' destiney my first lover had in mind for her, with her pulling our daughters strings from the shadows. I disabled her ship so she could not follow. I guess I had a bit of a soft spot for her still at that time and opted not to kill her." He shrugged.

And then fired once, frowning. "Gah, you!" He pointed at a random warrior, "Hand me your blaster."

"A poor marksman always blames his weapon." Goran remarked as he waved the warrior to return to their own training without handing over their blaster. Gra'tua was technically the student at this point in time afterall, he had made that clear when he asked Goran to train him in the first place. "Enough of this stacko." He then said as he walked to the target and drew his own blaster before taking aim at Gra'tua. "I'm going to count to three, Then I'm going to shoot you, unless of course you can shoot me first... One."

He blinked, so it was going to be one of those training sessions. He raised his blaster, aimed and fired.

The shot missed by a large margin and Goran spoke again. "Two."

He would not be baited into putting forth a bubble of force protection and just tried to aim better, cursing softly.

The blaster bolt impacted squarely against the personal shield running flush with Gorans chestplate, the Aim of course had been to get Gra'tua to focus properly, not get himself injured. "See, you can hit a target afterall." he said placidly.

He let out a chuckle, "So, I'm not a lost cause... yet."

Goran raised an eyebrow and fired his blaster several times at Gra'tua.

He blinked and dropped the blaster, using the force to bring his sabers to his hand igniting them to deflect the blasters harmlessly away from him.

Once he had done so he deactivated one saber, putting it away and reached for the blaster once more firing at Goran and narrowly missed him, looking at his instructor with raised eyebrow. "The lesson here is, never let your guard down?"

"Apparently a lesson you know well." Goran replied.

He nodded slowly, "Far too well, if this training is concluded, Lena expects us on her ship. We are heading for a world where my wife is currently located, perhaps into another battle. We shall see when we get there."

"I suppose you have made some progress, so I will allow it to end this training session." Goran replied and then simply walked off. "Bring your blaster, I will find opportunities to make you train, no slacking off."

Welcome to Korriban: A collab of Siths and Minors

---

Azazel noms another thing of her frozen spiced cocoa as she waits for the pilot to announce there arrival. Nearby, Kitt is working on readjusting her combat armour to her small frame in a fit. More often than not, the diminutive Echani smacks the armour and looses a growl of frustration. Azazel looks at her uncertainly before allowing her gaze to move back ahead. Most of the others had taken off to The Wheel or had been given their own tasks before even leaving Tapani Space. She sniffs and takes another huge glob in her mouth as she looks about. Even Hakkri was no longer with her right now. For the best, really, he would just make this mess with Andrea even worse.

She frowns and tries to sink down into her throne and hide behind her mug. Andrea must still be furious after all she had done to betray her trust. Azazel frowns, feeling her heart continue to sink. Perhaps Andrea would still be furious. She sighs, “Do you think I could go and hide in my chambers now? Just sleep?...”

Kitt huffs, “You've hardly slept the whole way here. What makes you think you'll start now?” She growls and jams a tool against the armour and dents it inward to fit her frame better. The armour had been designed for some of the larger crew.

The pilot pipes up, “Approaching Korriban now, exiting Hyperspace. Establish communication for clearance.”

Azazel winces and draws her mug closer to herself, sipping some of the melted creamy chocolate into her mouth. The crew began to busy as the communication officer duo started doing a new game of Rock-Paper-Scissors to determine the poor sod to talk to Andrea. The woman lost this time and appeared to be ready to clock the other violently over the head before she flushes, seeing Azazel overhead and gets to work establishing the line. “This is The Dagda, requesting permission to land. Please don't blow us up,” she tacks on with a slight plead in her voice.

The Dark Rebirth went to battle stations the second a ship had been identified entering the system and approaching Korriban. Reneva looked at the charts and once identification came through ordered everyone to stand down at the same time that the Dagda contacted them, she herself responded. "This is captain Reneva Shitha of the Dark Rebirth, welcome to Korriban. We have been expecting you, I have orders to request the lady Azazel to get to the surface, a guide will be provided who will take her before Andrea." And that was all she was allowed to say, frowning over the cryptic command she had gotten from Andrea herself before she had herself locked away.

The communications pair look at Azazel with befuddled expressions as Azazel slumps back in her chair after sitting at the edge in anticipation. “This is either going to be very bad... or surprisingly decent.” Kitt snorts and jams the tool against her armor once more before slinging it on. Azazel looks at her in confusion, “What are you doing?”

“Coming with you, of course,” she snaps, not even bothering to look up as she does up the snaps. Azazel rolls her eyes and stands up, going to prepare herself as the ship made to land.

As Azazel finishes up, adjusting her robes carefully, she makes her ways down and out, where Kitt was already waiting in full armour. Azazel crooks a brow at her and the Echani fails to respond, just looking dead-ahead at the approaching guide. Azazel shakes her head and goes up to meet her. “What's going on? Why didn't Andrea come to meet me personally?”

Darth Khanna bowed and was about to utter a welcome to the other sith when she started asking questions rapidly, she closed her mouth and then opened again after a moment to respond to Azazel's questions. "Lady Andrea is somewhat occupied, but she did leave us orders that you were to be taken before her no matter what her current status was." She smiled and gestured, "If you would follow me to her quarters, though I think you know the way, then you can understand the need for this."

"KHANNA!" Came a sudden shout and the Dathomiri disciple stiffened and turned around, Rhak-skuri was marching towards the landing pad, clearly furious. "IS IT TRUE!?" She all but snarled.

Khanna remained calm however, "Is what true?"

The Togruta growled, ignoring Azazel. "I have been requesting a meeting with Andrea for days and no reply but when... she arrives." She glances at Azazel with disdain before turning back to Khanna. "She gets a escort to be brought before Andrea right away!? This is outragious!"

Fire begins to flicker about Azazel's arms and shoulders as she turns upon Rhak-skuri. Kitt, however, was far quicker to react and lurches forward, slamming her elbow into Rhak'skuri's back and setting her into a submission hold, threatening to break an arm. “You will hold your tongue and respect the Lady Azazel.” She applies a little pressure, fury glinting in her eyes that was just now getting a chance of outlet after holding it in the whole journey. “I'm just as upset about this turn of events,” she hisses under her breath to Rhak'skuri alone. “But I'll be damned if some pissant is going to stress Azazel right now.” Her eyes briefly dart to Azazel as the flames were beginning to die out already. Azazel frowns and wraps her arms protectively about herself, worried about her own anger flaring up and causing unnecessary risks.

Rhak-skuri was about to unleash her lightning but stopped as she feld the cold steel of Khanna's lightsabre pike pressed against her forehead. "We are not to question our mistress, she requested to see Azazel right away when she arrived so that is what I am going to do." Rhak-skuri glared but she seemed no longer wanting to fight it. "Good."

Khanna turned back to Azazel, "My apologies for the interuption we are under some stress after lady Andrea locked herself away from us... from most of us. This way please." She began leading Azazel and Kitt through the halls of Korriban Academy, Azazel noting the increased presence of guards and patrols and the six Tuk'ata following in their wake as they reached the corridor leading to Andrea's chambers... and noticed Darth Reave who ignited her saber and the ten Sun guard levelling their blasters.

Khanna raised her hands, "Be at peace, I bring Azazel with me." The Sun Guard turned to Reave who nodded and turned off her lightsaber. "As I said, apologies but we are all acting under strict orders of Andrea herself." They entered the chambers of Andrea, redecorated after the fire.

Khanna went to a panel and pressed a combination she had been shown and a section of the wall slid away, revealing the hidden elevator in Andrea's chambers, she stepped upon it. "If you would follow me... and only you lady Azazel, your bodyguard has to remain here."

Azazel frowns, seeing the secret passageway and begins to step forward. Kitt begins to go to match her stride before Azazel reaches out and blocks her way. “Wait here for now, little bird. You mean well, but I would rather you wait here.” She muses with a slight smile, “Have an escape route for myself ready, just in case. Sound like a plan?”

Kitt frowns and shrugs, moving to sit upon the bed as she glares icily at Khanna. It was unspoken, but definitely there, the suggestion if anything were to happen to the Sith, hell would have no fury greater than her own.

Azazel smiles and shakes her head before moving forward and gesturing for Khanna to activate the elevator down. It does suddenly come to mind, that perhaps this was where Andrea had stumbled off to the morning they had last seen each other.

The six Tuk'ata who had been following them also got on the elevator and travelled down into the hidden depths of the academy, reaching the giant sith alchemy lab Andrea had build for her experiments. As they arrived Khanna gestured, "The Tuk'ata will lead the way, I was told to only bring you here."

As Azazel got off Khanna used the elevator to go back up, one of the sith hounds gently nudged Azazel and took the lead, moving past several alchemical apparatuses and led her deeper into Andrea's private sanctum.

Azazel reaches out and idly brushes over the head of the Tuk'ata that nudged her, eyes going out over the area and scanning it. Workbenches, cages, other alchemical devices. Her lips tug into a frown at the scale of which Andrea had done so much in secrecy. Her imagination begins to run as she considers just what the other Sith had been up to down here that had so pushed away her disciples and left them on edge. A chill runs down her side as she advances.

A loud growl comes from ahead and the Tuk'ata Matriarch Azazel had met before suddenly blocked their path, it sniffed the air, recognizing her scent and moved aside, allowing her to pass.

"Khanna is that you?" Came a voice and Trizz walked into view, putting away some pieces of medical equipment. "You won't believe...." She trailed off, seeing Azazel. "Ah, well. That's awkward, nice timing though." She Gestured behind her. "She seems to be expecting you." She too stepped to the side, allowing Azazel to move past her.

The first thing Azazel saw was the medical table, various medical monitoring devices, which had recently all been in use. Dried up blood on the table and on the ground around it, Andrea's armour lay nearby, empy, discarded.

The rustle of clothes would make Azazel look away and see a figure just finishing putting on black robes.

Horror begins to fuel her and Azazel wheels about, shrouding herself in force protection and lightsabres suddenly flaring to life in her hands, ready to attack as she turns about the figure moving in the robes. Her mind races that she must be too late. Traiserus must have already descended and covertly managed to subvert Andrea's followers and remove her silently. Her eyes wide stare at the figure ready to set it in flames as her heart races. It was too soon, she had meant to have her followers with her for this moment. “Reveal yourself!” she shouts, a terrified croak in her voice as she backpedals. She would take out Khanna first and flee this facility. Kitt could handle some of the warriors, certainly. Or she could flood the chamber they resided within with fires and cook them all, flee over their corpses. Yet, they were in a secluded world and she had no idea how many perhaps the sith had gotten to.

The figure froze and turned, as if to glance at the intruder and then, perhaps unexpectingly to Azazel, began to chuckle, a very familiar chuckle. "Is that any way to greet me? I thought.. during our last conversation, we agreed to talk things out and not resort to violence." Came Andrea's voice, though Azazel should note that it seemed, changed, just a little.But if she reached out with her senses, she could clearly recognize the essence of Andrea pulsing like a beacon of the force before her.

She swallows back her fear and raises a lightsabre pointed at Trizz and the other at the cloaked figure as she takes a step back. Uncertainty floods her. Just what was Traiserus capable of. It could be a trick of the force meant to addle her. The voice was off, it could be a genuine slip-up of his. “Reveal yourself, now,” she hisses, cold fury and honest confusion nesting in the pit of her stomach in a tangled mess. “I have no patience for games.”

She turned around completely, "Well you do seem rather anxious... and shame, I wanted to play a game but fine, now do not be alarmed as I reveal myself, I have been... reborn, Azazel." She said softly as she reached for her hood and removed it, revealing her new features proudly. Her transformation was compelte and without complications.

Her skin was dark red, slight bone protrusions were present at her cheeks, chin and forehead and her eyes were now yellow as she looked at Azazel with a smile. "It's me Azazel, I am changed, reborn... as a genuine pureblood Sith..." She grinned, "I rather hoped this reunion would involve no lightsabers.... unless... we use them like I did on you at the end of our first meeting." She purrs.

Her lightsabers clatter to the floor, going out as she stares at the pureblood, confusion in her eyes. This had to be a mind trick. Her hands go up, working through her hair as she clutches her head and attempts to drive out any influencing forces. There was nothing, though. No tricks. She shudders, looking back up as she takes a step back. Her master had been right to be fearful of her tomb plundering, then. Something had taken hold of Andrea, certainly. “This... This simply cannot be,” she rasps out. First, Gra'tua finding the long thought extinct Taung. And now a pureblood before her very eyes...

Andrea chuckled again, "Well I have to admit it was rather painful to go through... it involved a lot of my power... a intact strain of sith pureblood DNA I gathered from one of the tombs. My knowledge of Sith Alchemy and finally a lt of patience. But I managed it Azazel, I became... I am... a true sith pureblood. Even the Tuk'ata think I am a sith pureblood, my transformation is a success... I wanted you to be the first to see it." She bit her lip. "I... I hope you are not... scared... or disgusted by this?"

Azazel halts her retreat, staring at Andrea. It was there, glimpses of her old appearance at the edges of the transformation. Small gestures completely a part of her lover that she had grown to enjoy seeing. She frowns, uncertainty flaring up once more in wake of her confusion. “It really is you?...”

She snorts, "Do I have to prove it by saying out loud where your most sensitive erogenous zones are?" She purrs again, "Or even better... show it by caressing over them with my actual hands and fingertips..." She grins and then smiles softly, "It really is me Azzie."

She strides forward and sweeps Andrea into a tight hug, kissing her deeply with a whine. “Idiot, don't scare me like that,”she nuzzles against Andrea, frowning as she tries to get comfortable given Andrea's changes and her own distended belly. “I thought Traiserus had gotten here already,” she whimpers, nuzzling in against Andrea's neck.

She purrs again, kissing back and tracing over Azazels back. "As if I would let some pretender take my planet from me." She snorts and smiles, kissing Azazel deeply again, hungrily, not wanting to let go of her lips. She had been afraid they would be fighting, either iwth words or lightsabers but the moment Azazel had closed the gap and kisses her she had felt such joy to be reunited with her lover again. "I am sorry I did not... tell you... but I did not want you to worry..." She bit her lip, "And gotta admit... kinda wanted to surprise you.... with this change of mine... what do you think?"

She reaches up, softly tracing along the spurs of Andrea's face. “It... will take some getting used to...” she leans in and licks along one of the spurs along her cheek. “But... it does suit you...” Her hand shifts, caressing through Andrea's hair. “Everything went alright with this, though?...” she frowns, looking over Andrea's face, “There are no concerns left with it?”

She grinned and kissed Azazel again. "Mmm.... not, no complications whatsoever... the transformation was complete in every way. I did various tests before I went ahead and allowed myself to be changed like this my love. I have done the impossible... I have brought back the sith race...." She shuddered, excitement evident at her accomplishment.

She nods and continues to hold Andrea close. “It seems you and Gra'tua both have been achieving the unimaginable of late... I am... thrilled for you both.” She offers a small smile.

She blinked, not sure what to make of Azazel's words about Gra'tua, instead she caressed over Azazel's body, seemingly not wanting to let go of her, tracing lightly of her swollen belly and smiles. "This not giving you too much trouble I trust though?" She grinned and then smiled softly. "I am thrilled for you too.... and..." She bit her lip and then just kissed Azazel hungrily, grinding against her, hoping that kiss would give Azazel the message how much she had missed her lover and how she regretted her actions that saw them fighting before.

She groans softly and draws away with a slight frown, “It... has... been an experience.” She had no other words to put it. Some moments were wonderful, but others had been outright dreadful. To speak nothing of the issues with the enemy Sith and her newfound need to be careful with her powers. She hides her face against Andrea, drawing in her scent and frowning ever so slightly at the distinct change to it. It would definitely need getting used to.

Andrea bit her lip and grinned, murmuring in Azazel's ear. "My love... it has been a while since we saw each other... and... we parted physically last time in a fight... but we are back now, together... and I am in a new body..." She purrs, "A body that needs to experience all sorts of feelings to see if my transformation truly was successful... so perhaps... we can continue talking in a more... pleasant surroundings of my chambers?"

Azazel flushes, a shiver running down her at that. “I... would very much like that.” She smiles slightly before opening her mouth again, “Oh... But one of my followers was there, so, might have to herd her out... Which could be a task of its own.”

Andrea smiled, taking Azazel's arm in her own and starts walking her back to the elevator, looking at a rather amused looking Trizz. "You are dismissed Trizz, when we get to my chambers, herd the Tuk'ata outside the door and return to your previous duties, speak to none about my transformation." The Zabrak nodded.

A moment later they were back topside in Andrea's chambers, with only Kitt waiting for them.

Kitt abruptly stands up at the sight of them and begins to move forward to wait at Azazel's side before stopping in her tracks. She scrutinizes Andrea, face set in bewilderment as she sees their interlocked arms. “Who...” She frowns, looking between her and Azazel. “Azazel?”

The Sith smiles slightly and shrugs, “She is still Andrea...” She turns to Andrea and brushes her lips against the pureblood's cheek with a smile.

Kitt tenses at the display and casts a hateful leer at Andrea, “I suppose you would be able to tell...”

Andrea chuckles and looks at Azazels Echani pet. "Have I offended you little one? I admit I look different now but I am still myself in mind." She purrs and turns, tracing over Azazel's side and leans in, brushing her lips over her neck. "Definitely still myself..."

Azazel shivers and shifts to whisper in Andrea's ear, “Nothing you have done, love. The little bird is just jealous, it would seem...” Kitt was trembling at the display before her, uncertain to leave Azazel alone with Andrea but more than ready to storm out. She clenches her teeth together and grinds them as she works her hands in and out of fists. “Kitt... Why don't you leave us be for now...”

The Echani freezes, a hurt expression playing over her face for a moment, “But what if something were to happen... In your current state...”

Azazel levels her gaze at Kitt, “Then I am with Andrea and she is more than capable... I have matters to address with her... Alone.”

Andrea showed a mischievous glint in her eyes as she purrs and murmurs in Azazel's ear. "Perhaps she can stay... and watch... hmm?" She licked behind her lovers ear, blatantly in view of the Echani.

Kitt frowns, her enhanced vision fixating on the display before she flushes and shakes her head. “You're going to do what you want to anyways, aren't you?”

Azazel purrs and arches, exposing her neck to Andrea, a faint smirk upon her lips, “I always have... Haven't I?...”

Kitt furrows her brow before turning on her feet, slamming open the door and nearly hitting a guard on the outside. She bangs the door shut, leaving it shuddering in its frame before she sets off racing down the hallway, trying to allow her hair to fall before her eyes to hide her face and the tears streaming down as she went back towards the ship.

Andrea looked at her door after the Echani had left so suddenly and turned to Azazel, "Well... should I be jealous?" She smiles playfully as she went to loosen Azazel's robes.

She presses closer, brushing her lips against Andrea's in a fluttering kiss. “Not at all. She is still but a child... She will learn...” Azazel cups Andrea's cheeks, letting her own robes slip down as she kisses her demandingly. They had been apart too long for her liking.

She let out a brief moan and grinned. "Mmm... I think I would have none other than you have my newfound virginity Azazel.... let's make up... for lost time..."

---

Meanwhile outside Andrea's chambers Trizz was talking to one of the sun guard as Azazel's woman marched out, slamming the door behind her. She blinked and followed, catching up to her. "Oy hold on there." One look at the tear filled face told her enough. "Ah, right, come with me, got a bottle of corellian brandy we can share."

Kitt stops, looking back at Trizz, still holding her glare despite the tears streaming down. “I don't need your pity,” she snuffles out, holding a fist up threateningly.

"Good, because I wasn't offering any pity, I was offering a drink. Now come along." She shrugged. "Or not, up to you." Trizz said simply, looking not impressed at all at the fist waved at her face.

Kitt frowns, letting her hand relax to her side as she follows suit. Maybe Hakkri and Bezol had a point with all their drinking of late. It could not possibly hurt. “Why?” she finally inquires, following after Trizz.

"Because my boss suddenly looks different and I was stuck with her for her transformation for over a week without alcohol and now thats done I want to drink and I don't want to do it alone, besides you look like you could use a stiff drink yourself." Trizz said over her shoulder while leading the Echani to her quarters.

"Name's Trizz by the way."

She mumbles out to Trizz, “You aren't one of those witches, are you?... From Dathomir?...” She follows a little closer, starting to feel curious about the rougher looking Zabrak, “I'm, ah... Kitt.”

She blinked and let out a guffaw. "If you are asking if I'm one of those Zabrak from Dathomir, no I;m not. Just a regular Zabrak from one of the many colonies my species has out there. Just happened to be from one who apparently liked sith tattoos, but I'm a mercenary, well was. Since I got hired by a sith I quite like it here." They reached her quarters and she opened them, ushering Kitt inside, closing the door behind her. "Make yourself comfortable." She said.

A moment later she sat down too and placed two glasses on the table, pouring a generous amount of Corellian brandy in each glass and then handed one to her guest. "Bottoms up, here's to them weird sith we serve and their dramatic idiocy."

She took a generous gulp and let out a happy sound. "That's the stuff..." She glanced at Kitt and grinned, "What about you? Thought I heard milady Azazel was a big mando and I gathered mandos and echani don't really mix, right?"

Kitt peeks over the brim of the cup before taking a small sip and making a face. It did not taste completely pleasant on her palette, but if Trizz could drink it like that, she wasn't going to shy away. “Ah, I think she puts on a show, for Gra'tua. She likes the culture. But its just one of many hobbies of hers...” She muses over that, hobbies was a good way to put many of Azazel's apparent interests. She takes a bigger drink of the brandy, trying to suppress any gagging or faces. “Mmn.. And I don't know if I'm much of an Echani, either. I knew how to fight, some... Its a natural gift, perhaps?... But I don't remember much of my homeworld. I spent much of my time growing up in a creche, before uhm...” She frowns and shuffles uncomfortably, “You don't know what the creches are, do you?”

Trizz frowned, "You mean like a orphanage? A creche of children?"

She frowns, thinking about it. Some of the other kids had been orphans, definitely. But there were some whose families willingly allowed them to join the Jedi. “No... I don't think that fits.” She runs a finger along the rim of the glass, “There were many of us children there. From all over. Most of us had some potential with the force, or at least, seemed to have it. The Jedi had a couple groups of young children to draw potential apprentices from if we showed real talent. They taught us their ways, trained us, gave us places to live...” She shrugs slightly, “It was interesting, but I didn't really excel, being blind and a washout myself. I just sort of took up space.” She laughs and stretches, “Go figure, that when Azazel's disciples crashed Theodis' ship and managed to snag one, anyone, away... It happened to be... well, the useless one.” She shakes her head, gesturing at herself.

Trizz rose her eyebrows at that and leaned over, pouring some more brandy into Kitt's glass. "Useless? So the useless comes along with Azazel to a planet whose owner was last seen fighting with Azazel? Sounds to me you are selling yourself short." She took another gulp from her glass and let out another sigh of bliss. "Sounds more like you are, or are aiming to be, your mistress's top dog, her protector. Me, well it seems Andrea likes me around because of my medical expertise, that and she pays me so I'm not loyal to any of her disciples.

Kitt tests her grip around the glass before taking a long drought, “Difference between then and now, I guess.” She settles her glass down. “So they picked me up and Azazel's disciples were ready to just abandon me who knows where. I couldn't be an apprentice to them. I couldn't be a servant with my condition. And they were just bitter after what Theo did to Tannus. He's down to two cybernetic limbs and a implanted rebreather. She got him bad. They barely got him out.” She snorts and shakes her head, “Serves him right in some regards. He wrecked a happy home and was using force against kids.” She shudders and closes her eyes, “I couldn't see it, but I heard a few of them running at him, then nothing but screams.” She shakes her head, “But, that's old hat. I was there, scared, wondering if they were going to drop me like dead weight. Trying to figure out how I was going to do anything. I had no talents.” She furrows her brow, remembering, “And then Azazel spoke up. She denied them that action and took me on as her own responsibility if her disciples were refusing to take me on. I just remember hating them, all of them so much. These were Sith. Sith. It was all I knew, being brought up to be a Jedi. I had to disdain who they were, what they represented. I had been supposed to fight them...”

"And instead, you joined one of them and started serving her." Trizz finished for her. "Look, if you want the advice of a mercenary like myself. Fuck it all." She took another sipp from the brandy, feeling the pleasant burn down her throat. "You gotta live your life to the fullest, find yourself someone you can bear working for under the circumstances and make the best of it."

Kitt snorts and shakes her head, “Maybe, but here's the deal... I remember being talked at a lot.. It was like some blur of voices, I was... lost. Then.. .There was nothing for awhile. The next thing, I come to. And someone told me to open my eyes. Not just someone, this big bad nasty Sith Master who I reckoned to look like a Hutt in the summer heat. So... Blind girl, just woke up. And I thought someone had a real nasty sense of humor. Like it mattered.” She pauses, and a faint flush comes to her cheeks. “First thing I ever saw. Ever. Was her.” She tinkers with her cup, looking at Trizz uncertainty. “Can you imagine that? A life, of nothing, and then you see an angel before your very eyes. One who just gave you the only gift you've ever received. And, it wasn't some small token.” She laughs, shaking her head, “I must sound ridiculous... But I was... stunned.” Tears start to threaten at the edge of her eyes again. “I wanted to serve her. Right then. To be of any use I could... She never once doubted that I had a place. She started seeing me taught, giving me a purpose, even raised me up into her officer's staff.” She leans forward, “So what could I ever do to repay her?... Or show her how I feel.” She clenches her hand about the glass and it begins to show webs of cracking along its side. “And now, I've been taunted, by her lover... Who...” She frowns, shutting her mouth given her present company. “I'm talking too much...”

She reaches out, tapping Kitt's hand with the bottle that she should relax and pours a little more in her cup. "Don't stop talking on my account, you seem to be needing to talk, so by all means, talk my horns off." She grinned, "If you are afraid I'll tattle on you, stop worrying." She raised her own glass. "Everything that's say or do in here while we drink, stays here."

She flushes and nods, drinking more heavily from the cup now with a faint smile. “Your... employer... Just... Irks me. Everything she does, everything she says. And it just all feels like a crock of lies to me. She uses people, enslaves them, uses them as toys. And yet, Azazel expects that she holds her any differently. But, I just know... No one comes before Andrea to Andrea. From what I've heard, their entire relationship has been built up surrounded with lies and a need to one-up each other.” She shakes her head, “I bared my heart to Azazel, and just now, it was like they were flaunting in my face what they were about to do. Just now... Are doing.” She grimaces and drains the last of what was in the glass. “Azazel wants me to prove myself to her, if I really have these feelings... But haven't I done enough? I threw myself between her and a mad Sith trying to kill her! I've been there for her, constantly, waiting on her during her pregnancy while both Gra'tua and Andrea are off doing whatever they like half-way across the Galaxy...”

She refilled Kitt's glass and nods slowly. "Look, take it from me, sith... any sith... are crazy, so fuck em. Even if you save their lives, they probably will only have eyes for another of their kind." She placed her glass down and moved closer to Kitt, rubbing her leg against hers. "Maybe instead, you should broaden your horizons... and look elsewhere..."

Kitt flushes and looks at Trizz, swallowing slightly, her mind suddenly having to shift gears. “I... uhm... You think so?” She bites her lip, thinking about inching away but staying put.

Trizz grinned and nodded slowly, "I think so, yeah... why should you suffer if she doesn't see you, just... find someone else... or several others... who do see you... and approve of what they see." Trizz blatantly looked over Kitt now, letting out a humming sound in appreciation of what she was seeing.

Kitt fumbles setting her drink down, spilling a little as she slips a fraction away from Trizz. “I.. M-maybe you have a point,” she chuckles nervously, eyes wide at the apparent interest in her. She licks lightly over her lips, “You, ah, have a suggestion of who might... might be such a person, don't you...”

Trizz stood up and stood in front of Kitt, slowly extending her hand. "Take my hand and find out." She said, licking her lips.

She swallows and reaches her hand out to Trizz. Her hand misses at first before slipping into the Zabrak's. She offers a shy smile, and without a word, stands up to her feet. The sudden rush takes her by surprise and she finds herself stumbling forward and into Trizz. She barely catches herself using the Zabrak and she looks up with a flush to her cheeks, “S-sorry.”

Trizz grins, "Don't be sorry... you made it easier to do this..." Without warning she presses her lips against the lips of her guest and kisses her. "There... did that feel wrong... if it did.... you can walk out now... if it didn't... then I am going to drag you to my bedroom and get you out of that armour... sounds good?"

She swallows and nods, pressing her lips back awkwardly to Trizz', barely managing to meet her mark. “Sounds... very good,” she mumbles.

"Hoped you would..." Without further ado Trizz dragged the Echani into her room and closed the door.

Kuryi Gabriel Saros
Five Points Outpost, Annamar

Kuryi sat as the end of a long table with most of his seniour inner circle placed around it, at least those that were at Five Points. Above the table was a series of detailed holographic displays detailing the ecenomic situation of the Saros Outfit. the group of them had spend the past several hours giving reports about the area's they were responsible for while Kuryi listened, asked questions and issued further orders. The last Item in the reports was fram Bapyr telling of a starship that had been confiscated from a smuggler unable to pay their debt to the outfit, the rechristened 'Paid Debt' was a medium sized vessel suitable for escort work but capable of opperating alone, a similar role to the Cadillac class cruisers Kuryi had built for his use but less intimidating in armament. For the meantime Kuryi had ordered the vessel remain at Annamar to safeguard Five Points and prevent a second attack, several squadrons of Valentine Interceptors had been ordered from Arami to fill the vessels hanger and a few more squadrons to fill the outposts hanger along with a few M-R Lucchese squadrons to provide some heavier firepower when needed. He should have ordered it done sooner, he had been shortsighted in this instance. The credits obtained from the salvaged remains of the attackers starship was footing the bill, along with a small bonus descretely given from his sponsor in the black sun.

"On to new business then." Kuryi said as he pressed a few keys on the pad in his lap and the holos on the table faded to be replaced by the bust of the man responsible for the earlier attack. "Keller Hudron, apprently he feels threatened by my rise within the Syndicate this last year. Thought he would try and prove to the higherups that I was incompetent and that he apprently knew what he was doing." Kuryi said in a flat and unamused tone. "As it is he stands a little higher in the Syndicate than I do, with this attack I believe it is time to bring him down a few rungs."
"We're returning the favour then boss," Ahamba said, "Do we know where he's based?"
"A few of the operations he runs are known to me, most of them relatively minor though. The man himself has gone into hiding after his failed attack." Kuryi replied. "I want you all to reach out to our contacts, find his more lucrative operations, if we can assume control of them we will, if we cant we will destroy them. Either way I intend to dismantle his foundation in the Syndicate before flushing the man himself out and extracting payment with interest for this attack." Kuryi said as he lit took a drink from the glass of water on the table. "I also wish to increase training at Saya Mountain as well as fleet production at Arami. The Outfit will grow, Keller will be put in his place and we will become a name to be known in the galaxy along side the likes of Zann, Jabba and Xizor."

"Isn't it a little early to be comparing the Outfit to their organisations sir?" Bapyr asked a little hesitently. "Those three have a tendency to take competition seriously."
Kuryi smiled and leaned back in his chair. "A man with a dream will not be denied." He said as he looked at each of them in turn. "We have a goal, and the means to make that dream a reality. I have no intention of quitting before that dream is made manifest." None of the others said anything after that, they knew Kuryi could be driven and was sure of himself, nothing they could say would convince him he might be overreaching with his goal, but then maybe that was why Kuryi lead the Outfit while they followed him. "Well, if that is all there is you all have your tasks to be about, I will be returning to The Art of Battle if you have need to speak with me." He said in conclusion before he stood and left the room.

------------------------------------*------------------------------------------------*---------------------------------------

The Art of Battle, Kuryi's Quarters.

Kuryi paced his quarters aboard The Art of Battle for a time before deciding To make a call he had been considering since the attack on Five Points had been repelled. Approaching his desk her triggered the private comms console inbedded into its surface and placed a call to Andrea on the frequency she had given him when they last spoke. It had been quite a while since then, but then the two of them had rather differing interests for the most part. He registered his name as the forwarding message and waited for a response from the other end.

After a moment the call was answered by Karis, one of the people of Andrea who had met Kuryi, she tilted her head at his holographic image. "Greetings, do you require something? Andrea is, currently occupied for the moment."

"Greetings to you as well Karis, I'm sure the Lady andrea is quite busy, as are we all of course. Still, I require a moment of her time, I have... a request to make of her." Kuryi replied in the same tone he generally used for business equals.
Karis was quiet for a moment. "What kind of request?" She simply asked.
"The kind I must ask directly of Andrea herself." Kuryi replied simply, "I'm sure you understand."

Karis did not smile, "I understand but I am sure you understand that a woman like her when occupied would prefer to be disturbed for a very good reason, so I simply ask for the nature of the request of seeing her. Would you allow yourself to be disturbed from pressing matters if all you heard was that someone wishes to speak to you, even if you know that person to be a... business associate?"

Kuryi smiled as he replied a cold smile that did not touch his eyes. "That would depend on the associate and how much I trusted them. I have not contacted Andrea in near a year, I assure you I would not be contacting her now if it was a trivial matter. If you truely must have a reason, lets say I am in need of some assistance."

Karis rose a eyebrow at that, "I see, well I shall patch yo uthrough." She paused and then seemed to relent on something. "Be forewarned, Andrea might appear changed." With that she began patching him through and her image on his end flickered and vanished.

A few moments later a humanoid alien with slight bone portrusions on her face answered the call and smirked. "Well, well... if it isn't Kuryi. You don't write, you don't call..." Kuryi studied the holoimage for a few moments in silence as he looked for familiar cues before he replied.
"You've had something of a facelift I see, you seem to have a skillful sergeon, Andrea."

She smirked, "I thank you for the compliment, suffice to say this transformation does come with some benefits for my own plans. Either case, good to see I won't need to explain that I am truly me." She leaned back, "Karis informed me you were not rebuffed, so something serious must be going on, a lot of that happening lately I notice. What ails you I wonder?"

"I am Echani, we read body language like most people read aurbesh, the subtlties of yours have not changed." He said with a smile that was warmer than the one he had given Karis." As to what ails me, Iwas attacked, or rather the shadowport I administer on Annamar was attacked. While the attackers were neutralised to a man their employer remains at large." Kuryi said as he cut to the point. "I wish to make an example of him, absorb or dismantle his operatation, reduce him in the eyes of everyone he hopes to gain favour with and then extract the price of this attack from him personally. A sentiment I believe you understand."

She blinked and then nodded slowly. "Oh I can understand, as things stand I am expecting a imminent invasion myself. Not my holdings at kessel if you were wondering, my... private retreat is under threat. From the sound of your words you want my help, I hope you understand with me revealing I am facing a imminent invasion my resources of helping you are somewhat limited but what is your request of me."

"I am merely requesting information, You have contacts both outside and within the Syndicate that I do not." Kuryi replied. Before I can demolish this pest I first need to find his nest, as it is I know of a few lower level operations he runs, but his bigger assets and operations are unknown to me. I had hoped to increase my chances by tapping into your intelligence as well."

Andrea tapped her lip and nodded, "I can send some feelers out if my contacts know who might have attacked and which operations he or she runs. Would take tiem of course but I would contact you if I got anything, or nothing at all."

"I can save you the time on the who. An underboss in the black sun by the name Keller Hudron, He saw my rise in the Sydicate as a threat and tried to eliminate my gains." Kuryi added at Andrea's response. "You mentioned facing an invasion yourself, I am asking something of you, it is only fair to offer something in return. This last year has been profitable for me, I have a small fleet and a competent force of troops at my command. I can send them to assit you if you wish."

She smirked, "Oh I am actually quite confident I can handle what is coming my way, I have other allies already coming to assist me. Though if you do want to help... if you could find out whatever you can about a Tapani noble by the name of Traiserus, especially his whereabouts, I would appreciate it." She shrugged, "But I will send my feelers out to see if they know anything about Keller Hudron."

"I may be able to find something, Tapani is not far from my shadowport, I will certainly let you know if I can find anything of this Traiserus. Is there anything about him I should know?" Kuryi asked in reply.
Andrea frowned, pondering for a moment and then shrugged, "He is like me, take that as you will.... do you still have that annoying lizard?" She was referring to the ysalamiri.
"I do indeed." Kuryi replied with a smile.
"Good to know, I might request to loan him... or rent him, if Traiserus is found." Andrea said slowly. "But I suppose first to see what happens in the next few days, I will contact you as soon as I am able."
"Very well. Good luck with your defense, Andrea, It would be a shame to lose such an associate as yourself." Kuryi replied.
"Aww, why thank you for your concern, I wish you luck with destroying everything the foolish sentient who crossed you owns and holds dear. If you wish him to be eliminated in a painful way then feel free to look me up."
"I may take you up on that." Kuryi replied with a slight bow of his head, "Until next time then." he concluded with his hand poised to terminate the link.
"Until next time, happy hunting and I shall do the same." She finished saying with a purr and terminated the link on her end.

Quiet decended on Kuryi's quarters again as the comms unit shut down. he wondered breifly if he had gotten more than he bargained for with that conversation. But the thought of pitting himself against a force user that would freely fight back quickened his blood. Dispite andrea's word choice he was not about to loan out the Ysalamari he had recovered from Ziro's on Coruscant, where it went, he went. Kuryi smiled to himself as he punched in a few quick summons into his commlink for a few of his officers and cre to meet in the training rooms, he had energy to burn and a good five on one sparing session was just the ticket to discharge it.

Sithy Adventures at The Wheel - Toddlers Edition

Hakkri finishes putting on his lipstick and smacking his lips as Xen details what they were about to do. He dabs the corner with a tissue where it smudges as his gaze drifts over to Lydavis and Rei'ki, sitting in the same chair, one in the lap of the other. He fumes silently for a moment, fixing his hair as he picks up a bit of what Xen said. “The three of you will be going to the Cantina we've scheduled to meet both Zarra and Gra'tua's disciples. Meanwhile, Hakkri and I will split off and—” Hakkri narrows his eyes, getting lost in thought as he checks his mirror again. For a moment he wonders why he still routinely prettied himself. Aggo was gone. Long gone. The vigil for his passing was long over. He sniffles and tilts his head back, fighting back tears to keep from crying.

Lydavis leans over from Rei'Ki's lap and taps Hakkri, “Doing okay? I know you must be sad to see that strapping Republic trooper gone after how diligently he flirted with you, but I'm sure he was a schmuck.”

Hakkri sniffs and offers a small smile, shrugging. Who was he to let on and ruin their lovely time, sobbing still after events long ago. He leans forward and tries to appear interested. It was a shame, he thought he had a new friend in Bezol, but Azazel had played cruel and separated them. It was because he didn't spend girl-time with her anymore. Not that it mattered, seeing how she had a new sap of a woman following her around tirelessly, happy to play lapdog.

Xen snaps his fingers before Hakkri's face. “Hey. I said get ready to load up. You're pilot. We're taking four Mando Commandos with us.”

Hakkri wrinkles his nose before nodding, standing up and clacking off in his high heeled shoes, a feminine sway to his hips. Janii, Rei'Ki and Lydavis were not far behind, going to load upon a separate shuttle.

Hakkri pauses in his steps before holding up a hand. Everyone was about to walk off to go their own ways in preparation before Hakkri turns about and calls back to Xen, waving a manicured hand. “Uh, Xen-boo. How am I piloting a shuttle we don't have, hmm? You're stuck thinking of your little skipper, aren't you?”

Xen pauses, a frown visibly appearing on his brow. “You... have a point. I think, we will have to walk then.”

Hakkri frowns and looks at his heels. “Let me slip into something more comfortable...”

---

The trio of Rei'ki, Lydavis and Janii are walking briskly to the meeting point at the cantina, going throguh one of the many 'back alleys' of the circular station when they heard a whistle from above. Looking up they saw a smirking human twirling a long iron staff in his hand while below, blocking their way forward and back came a total of six thuggish looking people, smirking all.

The one who whistled spoke up, "Hello, hello, what do we have here? Three lovely visitors to the station, I am so sorry but this passage through is a toll-way you see, so if you each can cough up some credits then there will be no problem, allright?"

Rei'Ki and Lydavis look at each other with a smirk and a hint of great elation. Both of them begin lifting a barrier about themselves as Rei'Ki swiftly draws her vibroblade and goes to start leaping up utilizing the force to go after the man up top. Janii, meanwhile, sighs, engaging her shield and whipping out her blaster to start blasting out knees of the thugs. Lydavis herself whips out her dual-lightsabre, failing to ignite it as she strides at the ones down the alley.

Whatever the thugs had been expecting... It was not the trio of women suddenly springing into attack. Rei'ki manages to clear to the staff wielder and cleanly removed his head, which went rolling down to the six below before they could react. As, just at that moment, half of them find themselves crying out in pain as their kneecaps were suddenly removed. The other half could not even utter a cry before Lydavis began slicing them apart with her lightsaber, suddenly ignited that had looked like a seemingly harmless rod just moments before. Janii was already in the process of holstering her blaster when Lydavis began to execute the survivors.

“That was unnecessary,” the cyborg chimes in, irritation hinting in her voice.

Rei'Ki touches back down beside her, sheathing her blade as Lydavis stows her lightsabers away once more. “Actually, it was. We don't need this place crawling already for people reporting force users.”

Janii's eye glows red for a moment before she turns away. Lydavis moves back to Rei'Ki's side, proudly slipping an arm into her lover's as they begin to follow the noble guard.

They reached the cantina without further trouble and upon their arrival noticed two individuals, a Twi'lek and Nautolan wearing a form of Mandalorian armour talking in hushed voice to each other outside.

Rei'Ki, wearing an altered form of Mandalorian armour herself strides forward and calls out, “Olaram,” Rei'Ki nods, offering a faint wave. Lydavis still clinging to her parrots the greeting quietly, brushing off some ash that still hung to her clothes from the deadly blows she dealt out. Janii watches the exchange, a few paces away with moderate intrigue. She notes down in her memory that at least one of the Disciples appeared to mimic their master in altering behavior about particular individuals.

They both stiffened and looked, "Olarom." The Twi'lek said first and then continued. "Talinna of Clan Gra'tua, this is Tihk of the same clan." She said warily, wondering if these were Azazel's people.

Amusement passes over Lydavis' face before she answers back, “We know which clan you come from.” She points at the symbol upon their armours. “Lydavis, but I cannot claim being of the Mandoa persuasion. This is Rei'Ki... We both follow the leader of Clan Kurkova, if that is any ease to you, I hope?.” She offers a wan smile, looking back at the cyborg, “And that is Janii. Excuse her. She is more the silent observer.”

Both of them seemed to relax and nod, "We were expecting your... leader but I suppose she has other things to handle, from what we understand we are to help her and guard her like bodyguards?"

The Nautolan, Tihk, spoke up. "All we were told is to meet up with her and she would give us our orders." He shrugged. "So what's next?"

Rei'Ki ruffles her hair in embarrassment at that. “Well, to be honest, Azazel didn't want to slow her approach to Korriban. She sent us instead to deal with a few things. Which apparently includes picking your lot up.” She nods to the cantina behind him, “Our other task here is to meet up with a woman named Zarra. She was what started this whole mess that would even have Azazel calling for any assistance. We're to actually protect her and try to coerce her to come with us. She might have heat on her tracks, though.”

They looked at each other and both of them shrugged, "Sure. Lead on I guess."

Janii moves up to the Mandalorian's side, “I would run now, if I were you. I had the chance to leave them all behind. I did not listen to my instinct, sadly. Now, I am stuck with them.”

Rei'Ki and Lydavis giggle, prodding each other as they walk through the door, playing a game amongst themselves as they scan the room for Zarra.

As their eyes adjusted to the gloom of the inside of the cantina they noticed a sole figure, sitting with her back to the wall facing the entrance, her hand just reaching up from under the table, where it had been resting on her leg, or a weapon in her lap. She had recognized one of the duo that had walked in and had been informed they were part of the group associated with Azazel, which according to her uncle were allies and she motioned them over.

Rei'Ki appears to sober up as she takes a seat across from Zarra and Lydavis fills in beside her. Janii remains standing, looming beside the table as she watches the entrance much as Zarra had been moments before. “Having trouble?” Rei'Ki asks, her eyes doing one more sweep of the cantina for possible 'issues' to arise.

The two disciples just moved in and went to a different booth, also watching the entrance, they figured that Azazel's people didn't want to draw too much attention to whatever they were discussing with that woman.

Zarra calmly leaned back, looking at the Dathomiri, "I am on the run from a secret organisation which specializes in assassination, more stupid questions?" She looked tired.

Rei'ki raises her brow, obviously finding that a challenge. “Oh, yes. Those shoes are to die for. Where did you get them?” She snorts, looking at Zarra more seriously, “They may be, but remember what happened last we met. It was mercy on my part that even leaves you here today.” She presses her lips together, “I meant more if there was anyone immediately following you. If not, I suggest we get out of here now and head to our ship.”

She rose a eyebrow, "I have faced bounty hunters as of late, luckily I managed to evade, and kill a good number of them each encounter. And I do not know if anyone is on my tracks right now. Also no offense but why should I get on your ship? I am surviving quite well on my own."

Rei'Ki leans forward, resting her hands on the table. “Because you know as well as I do. That going it alone like this, sooner or later, you're going to run yourself too ragged and your number will come up. We're offering a break from all this. Gustav trusts Her, enough to even tell you She is on his side. Your side. And this, this is not going to stop until someone dies. It could be awhile. But until then, we can offer a safe haven. We're good at hiding.” She offers a meaningful look at that, given Zarra would know she was a force user. “Give your uncle some reassurance that you'll be fine. He's got enough on his plate from what I've seen.”

Zarra shook her head, "The main reason I'm running is because of my uncle, if I contact him too much for aid, they might kill him... and find what he is protecting." She said meaningfully.

Lydavis gives a concerned look to Rei'Ki, who simply nods and continues. “All the more reason to join up with our lot. You won't have to ask him for any aid at all. Gustav will be safer. Same with what is so precious even Azazel won't tell us.” Lydavis snorts at that. She had been willing to tell Xen. That guy could scramble his own brain on a whim against torture, though, so point.

She shook her head again, "I did my homework, from what I can tell your boss is, was a former associate of my uncle, so if I am seen with any of her people, my uncle is still in danger."

Rei'Ki furrows her brow. “Look. Our boss already saw your uncle. If he has to, he can bug out. We've got our places we can keep him and his package far from any harm.” She drops her voice low, “Mandalorians. Gifted individuals. Those with resources.” She clenches her fist, “You. And your uncle. Would not be safer anywhere else. We've an entire network. Against this one man... It is not just Her. She already talks with her compatriots. They already plan to end this fiend. No harm will come to them. Or you. I can promise you this... Are you so stubborn to keep on the run like this when every chance risks exposure?...” Her fingers lightly drum over the desk before she continues, “I do not know what you know about my kind... Their kind... but if they catch you... Do not expect a simple death... They will find out everything they want to know... They have their ways...”

Zarra smiled but her eyes remained rather cold as she leaned forwards and whispered to Rei'ki, "Oh I understand... but the longer I am able to keep on the run, the longer they use whatever resources to track me down and not use them on what I am protecting."

Rei'Ki snorts and smirks, “Then join with us and let's give them a show. We already ran into Traiserus... And I promise you... He and Azazel are well acquainted. He already sent off a small fleet after one of our friends. He's in for a nasty surprise...” Her eyes glisten, full expecting the carnage awaiting. “We can give you anything you need to keep him on his toes. And trust me, we want that just as much as you do...” She purrs, “And wouldn't you just love to be there, as much as that one, to see that bastard gets what is coming to him?” she nods towards Janii as an example.

Zarra frowned and looked at Janii, studying her and then suddenly blinked. "You, you were the bodyguard to lord Karlton, weren't you? What landed you in this mess?"

Janii pauses, looking over to Zarra. “Their master blowing up part of my resort and revealing just how deep this rabbit hole started to be.” She looks back at the door. “They are responsible for the death of many, including the lord I was sworn to protect.” If there was any emotion to what she had just revealed, it appeared in neither her voice of face.

She was quiet for a moment and sighed, leaning back, "Do you have soft beds on your ship?"

Janii huffs, “Too soft.”

Rei'Ki and Lydavis chuckle, “If you get your own quarters, definitely.”

She let out another sigh and let her mask drop of being in control. "Fine you convinced me, I'll come along for a while and take a breather... but if I want to leave you let me, deal?"

Janii raises a brow, “Their mistress already made it clear to me, I am allowed to leave whenever it suits me. I assume the same goes for you.”

Rei'Ki nods and reaches out a hand to shake on the agreement.

Zarra took the hand and gave it a brief shake, "Good to know... if you could take me to your ship... I could sleep for a week."

Rei'Ki smiles and gets up, ready to go, offering a small gesture to the Mandalorian two that they were ready to go.

---

Meanwhile, Hakkri, Xen and the four commandos, following the directions given to them by the smuggler reach a, for lack of better wording, chop-shop looking establishment, with various machine and droid parts littered outside. The name of the shop in various dialects on display read as followed, "Crazy Jawa Bargains".

Hakkri looks about the scrapyard and makes a disgusted look as Xen basks in all its glory. “This may just be heaven,” he coos giddily, beginning to tromp up to the store front.

As Xen enters a bell rings and a protocol droid standing behind the counter turns his way, speaking in fluent Kubaz. <"Welcome to Crazy Jawa's Bargains, my master will be with you momentarily.">

Xen perks up at that, leaning in and looking at the droid with genuine intrigue. It could recognize species and speak their dialect?! Exciting!

The droid looked back, <"Can I assist you by requesting information of what you want?">

<”A Hypermatter reactor core,”> he grins childishly, hand fidgeting towards his tools as a desire to see just how this droid worked runs through him.

At that moment a door leading to the backroom behind the counter opened and in walked a small Jawa, asking something to the droid who replied back in the same language. The Jawa turned to his customer and barked something back in it's high pitched voice, the droid translated. <"My master has a hypermatter reactor core for sale indeed, for a small sum of 1 and a half million he is willing to sell it to you.">

<”I would like to negotiate the sum, after inspecting the reactor, of course.”> Xen answers back, stopping his hands and turning to the Jawa. He certainly wished to cover his poor auditory implants right now. They picked up his frequency. Far. Too. Clearly.

The Jawa thought about it for a moment and then began yapping away in his language. <"My master agrees, he does ask that the Mandalorians waiting outside, remain outside. And that the man, female hybrid doesn't seem much of a threat and is allowed to enter."> Meanwhile the jawa had punched a device and started yabbering rapidly into it, a moment later a R2 unit rolled in, stopping besides Xen. <"That R2 unit has the information on the hypermatter you asked for. We can provide equipment to read the data if you have not any yourself.">

Xen draws out his personal computer after calling Hakkri inside. He interfaces with the R2 unit, narrowing his eyes as he goes to scrutinize the data.

It seems to check out, a fully functioning hypermatter reactor, only needing to be installed to have it perform it's function. The Jawa blabbed something and the droid once again translated, <"My master confirms that it works perfectly and smoothly, it fell out of the hangar bay of a lucrehulk and he picked it up so he could sell it to worthy people such as yourself."> The droid was still speaking in Kubaz, either not caring or realizing the newcomer might not know that language.

Xen raises his brow, amused at the notion. It could have very well been the one and the same Azazel ran into. The irony they might have the last laugh... Or it could be the ones that the Republic soldiers had run afoul, perhaps?... He crosses his arms, thinking it over before answering, <”I would pay 70,000 credits for this part. You did say it was a gift. So gift on the savings, no?”>

The jawa let otu a snort and replied. <"For such a prized energy reactor he could not possibly ask less than 1 million and three hundred thousand credits. He plans to provide maintenance for all us droids, of which we are many.">

Xen waves his hand, <”While I would love to see such magnificent droids in their prime condition, my offer is now eighty-five thousand credits. A fair price, I am sure?”>

<"My master replies it would not be a fair price and is willing in his gratitude that one such as yourself who admires good craftsmanship, to buy it at the bargain price of 1.1 million credits.">

He pauses, crossing his arms before leaning in, <”If you would throw in a droid such as your translator and deliver it to my ship, one-million credits.">

The jawa seemed to blink in surprise and babbled quickly. <"My master says if you wish to have me included in this deal he will not go lower than 1.1 million credits.">

Xen muses over it before continuing, <”And you would see goods are delivered to my ship?”>

The Jawa nodded it's hooded head.

Xen outstretches his hand with a grin, <”Then we will call it a deal for 1.1million.”>

The jawa looked at the hand and then hopped on a crate behind the counter and reached over it to shake the hand briefly before returning his slimey, little paw back to his side. The droid translated his next words, <"My soon to be ex-master says he is quite happy with this deal and hopes to see you again.">

Xen sets to start transferring the credits, a childlike expression on his face. If he had a human mouth, he would be grinning ear-to-ear. <”I am most happy with this deal as well.”>

And with that, Xen begins to make his way back to the Aberrancy, one shiny sorta-new protocol droid richer for his troubles, much to the disgust of Hakkri and the confusion of the Mandalorians. They manage to make it back in one piece and the hypermatter reactor made it there in well time. All the while, Xen was already tinkering with his new toy. He wanted the protocol on his PROXYs in order to emulate a wider variety of languages. The possibilities were astounding! They would head to Korriban, as soon as Xen managed to get the orders shouted out at one of Azazel's officers who so rudely interrupted his work. Zarra, with them for the long haul, it would seem.

The friends of a jedi knight...

Illusion of Grace, heading to a hutt meeting.

"We've reached the Carnovia system."

Thrall just nodded, frowning, "Well bring us in and contact Hoddo's palace on the planet, ask him if his Carnovian Eels are still wet, that should indicate who we are affiliated with." He snorted, that pass phrase was set up between beard face and that hutt slime a long time ago, it always reminded him of the slimy eels... he distinctly recalled fixing the freezers of Hoddo's palace after they had failed... the smell of rotting eels still makes him gag.

It took only a moment and they were cleared to land, "Well bring her in." Thrall said after a while and then settled back as the ship approached the ocean world and began it's landing descent on the rather large spaceport, usually reserved for the water whalers or transports for harvested eels.

A moment after the ship was landed Thrall was outside and headed for Hoddo's palace or whatever waiting party he had for them.

As it turned out a squad of four Gluss'sa'Nikto guards awaited them with a small hovering droid at their head which bobbed up and down gently as it spoke. "You are not the jedi, The Great Hoddo asked for the jedi to meet him." the droid chimed out in a melodic tone that had a noticeable air of confusion.

Thrall slithered towards the group, "Correct, beard face, the jedi, sadly could not make it but he send, old Hoddo knows me Fiddo so let's get this over with, shall we?"

"You!" The droid exclaimed suddenly as its memory files finally caught up. "Why would the Master speak to a slave."

"You!" The droid exlaimed suddenly as its memory files finally caught up. "Why would the Master speak to a slave."

"Oy, first I was not a slave, but paying off a debt, Hoddo just treated me as a slave. Second beard face paid off my debt and I was free to enter his service. Now you going to let me in Fiddo or shall I just slither back and see if I care that your master sends you to the scrapheap for not doing your job?"

"Memory files do not confirm that statement, I have no record of you being 'freed'." The droid responded.

Thrall turns around and slithers away, "See ya, have fun at the scrap pile."

"Mr Pontax." A voice called out from the main entrance to Hoddo's Palace. It had come from a Nimban woman that was striding quickly towards the group of guards. "Where are you going?" She asked when she reached the guards and walked up to stand in front of the droid.

He turns around and snorts, crossing his arms. "Going away, came here to do a job at the request of my boss who somehow is friends with your boss, but if doing a job means being insulted by a glorified doorknob I'm out of here. Real smart of Hoddo to have a droid like him at the front to piss off the people he wants to help him, real smart."

"Let us say the mechanical help has been less and less useful since your departure Mr Pontax," She replied with a sigh.

He glared at the droid, "So I see, can I shoot it?"

"I'm afraid Hoddo would likely be displeased at that, why spend credits on a replacement when a memory reset would accomplish much the same." She replied. "Fiddo was right however, Hoddo asked for the Jedi, why is he not here?"

"Fighting in a insurgency, he'd love to have come here but the locals apparently wanted him to stay and have him fight at their side." Thrall just said dryly, leaving it up to her if he was joking or not. "Now I think you can imagine I rather not be here at all but the boss man wanted to help out Hoddo so here I am."

Jeyen shook her head slightly for a moment. "I cannot be sure how pleased Hoddo will be to hear the Jedi did not come himself. Come inside though, I will announce you regardless." She said before she turned and headed for the entrance flanked by two of the nikto guards. "The freezer is malfunctioning again, offering to fix it may put Hoddo in a more receptive mood." She suggested mildly.

He threw up a little when he heard that but swallowed it down, "If you have a gas mask to loan me I will consider it." He muttered, following her in. He would not fix those things to please Hoddo, the torture of the smell of rotting eels he would not wish on any of his servants.

Jeyen lead Thrall through the corridors of the palace and past several floor to ceiling aquariums, housing species that were mostly not native to the ocean world, before they arrived at the main audience chamber and she ushered Thrall inside before stepping up onto Hoddo's platform to stand beside the Hutt. "Thrall Pontax has come in the Jedi's stead Master." She said to Hoddo.

Not caring if his reluctance showed, he bowed and waited for the Hutt to speak.

Perhaps my message did not convey the appropriate level of importance think job holds." Hoddo said as he looked at Thrall. "I expected Tohkran himself some time ago."

Thrall shrugged, "He would have come himself but he is fighting in a insurgency against some oppressors, you know how jedi are from the tales, have a baby cry and they draw their lightsabers to defend it." Thrall said a bit bored, "He send me instead, also with a request but that can wait after I've done the job, assuming you trust me with it." He gestured to Jeyen, "Also heard the freezers have a problem again, can fix that too pro bono while I am here."

Hoddo laughed at that for a while before he settled again. "silly jedi... So Tohkran has given you authority to accept on his behalf, you know he will still be the one to earn my displeasure if you fail?"

"Duly noted, what's the job?" Thrall asked, still with his arms crossed, he was eager to get out of this place.

"I have an associate recently arrested by the republic. This associate is lets say someone i would rather not see rot in a cell for the next however many years." Hoddo said. "The job is simple, bust my associate out and return them to me."

Thrall nodded slowly, "Prison break, huh? Which prison?"

"Why Kessel of course" Hoddo answered with another booming laugh.

He winced, "Last I heard it was now under private control, which means either sloppy security or high grade, got any information on what to expect?"

"Far from sloppy I'm afraid, Jeyen can give you details we have uncovered on the prison itself, mostly floor plans and data that is several years old. I do however have a Bounty hunter on the moon under my employ, he might be of some assistance if you can contact him on arrival, Again Jeyen has the details." Hoddo replied.

He nodded, "Well, then I better think that Jeyen gives me the details while I see about fixing those freezers, wouldn't want to disturb you any further of your no doubt oh so busy schedule Hoddo." And he bowed again.

Hoddo waved a dismissal while Jeyen gestured for Thrall to follow her out of the audience chamber.

He follows and a moment later, a impromptu gas mask on his face as he was fixing the freezers, even with the mask he was gagging and turned to Jeyen who also had a mask of her own in place, "He really needs to buy new ones but I have them fixed, for now, don't count on it for the long run. So besides the floor plans, that by your own admissions are somewhat dated, there is that bounty hunter that frequents the place?"

She nods, "That is all we have and you are without a jedi to assist you."

Thrall snorts, "Beard face might be occupied but there's other jedi, requires me to turn back to the nest though but was going to anyway, don't really have any resources for a prison break, so yeah there's that." They both left the freezer area and Thrall was glad to smell, somewhat, fresh air again. "So yeah I will return to the nest, gather the resources I need for a prison break and do Hoddo's dirty business." The talked some more before Thrall decided it was time to leave and bid his farewell. Leaving with the Illusion of Grace towards Refuge.

---

Summary:
Thrall accepted a job on Tohkran's behalf... to do a prison breakout on Kessel... after a resupply back at the Refuge.