Piercing Light

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

(Former) Drug Factory

"Oh, okay." Blank let out a bemused puff of air and turned his back, ready to walk away as his offer to answer questions was dismissed. As he did Gloopra took action. Lahana narrowed her eyes at him.

"Don't tell me what to do with my weapon, you aren't my master. This man is too dangerous to let go-" She stopped speaking as her senses kicked in. Years of fighting alongside the force even as a mercenary meant her body often made choices on it's own. She threw her green saber, only realizing afterwards that she had done so with the intention of blocking Gloopra's own saber. A quarter second later she realized why, she wanted the blaster shot to strike Blank.

Blank's gloved right hand crackled with purple electricity, he rotated his body and swung with his hand, backhanding the blaster bolt. The sniper bolt was deflected with a spark and the shot was sent soaring straight into a different target, The Twi'lek girl Neb. The wayward shot went straight through her chest, ending her life instantly.

Blank let out a sigh. "Well shit, sorry about that. Force of habit, ya know? That one's on you guys."

Enclave Zeta

"I don't think I got your name young lady." Match said.

"That's Anari Sato, she's a Jedi shadow, which is apparently a position that lets you talk down to your superiors." Gallowin stood up from his desk and walked to the front of it. "You wanted to see how committed we were, huh?" He asked Match. The old man nodded.

"I needed to see for myself who it was we would be working with. At the same time this means there's no going back. Choosing to work with the Republic now makes me an enemy to those that run this planet. We have been complacent for too long. As for what you can do now, hitting the slave market would be a smart decision. There is a club called Neon Glow that would be a good place to start." Match then turned to Vrerr. "Turning some of the less prominent gangs against those in their gliding towers could prove useful, that is if we can make it work. Though I wouldn't be thrilled about giving them any power, frankly they're quite dimwitted."

(Former) Drug Factory

"You bastard!" Lahana charged directly at Blank, swinging her white saber down towards his head. He struck the saber with the palm of his right hand, deflecting it. After experiencing it firsthand she could see that he was not wearing ordinary gloves, but weapons. She pulled her green saber to her free hand and quickly swung it at his right side. Instead of deflecting this blow however, he stepped forward and grabbed her by the wrists. A surge of purple electricity was sent through her body, causing her to drop her lightsabers and fall to her back.

A rumbling came from the ceiling of the warehouse and without warning it was blown open by an explosive. Debris rained down to the ground, and in the midst of it a beam shined on Blank, and in the next second he was gone. In the air was a circular spaceship at least fifty meters in diameter. It resembled a five pronged star with the spaces in between made up of metallic webbing. Before anyone could get a good look at the ship it flew away. While Jayce called the base for support Lahana lay stunned.

She found herself laying on not concrete, but wet soil. She could feel acid rain burning her skin, and the smell of death permeated the air. She opened her eyes to the sight of a dead man, his eyes still wide in horror from his gruesome fate. This wasn't right, she wasn't back here, she left, she left a long time ago. Her senses slowly came back to her and she was back in the warehouse, though the smell and the bodies were still real.

Enclave Zeta

A large garbage truck crashed through the front gate of the base before stopping in the courtyard. Right away the entire base was on alert as a siren blared throughout the complex. A little over two hundred men and women stormed towards the base trying to enter through the ruined gate. A volley of green blaster bolts met the force of gang members, fired from organized Republic soldiers that were more than ready. Panels on the side of the base opened and turrets revealed themselves. The turrets opened fire, thinning out the numbers of the attacking force even more. Even still, tens of them were able to get past the gate and into the base.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@mattmanganon is your post meant to take place directly after mine? Considering it doesn't mention Jaida taking a shot.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

Greengoat's character is a mechanic. We could use a few more Republic soldiers.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

Yeah that's good.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@vancexentan There aren't any others in the warehouse left aside from the team and Blank. Most of unarmed people ran out.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

(Former) Drug Factory

Between the screaming, blaster fire and explosions, Lahana almost didn't hear Gloopra speak to her. Orders, he wanted orders from her? Why? She wasn't the leader here, Jayce was. Why would he want orders from a padawan anyhow, he was doing fine on his own so far. Did her master put him up to this? Clearly she was being tested. An ally in bulky power armor created enough of a distraction to halt the bolts being fired towards her. "Help them, cover the left side, I'll take the right." She sprang up from behind cover and sprinted towards a man hap haphazardly shooting. She ducked under his fire and rose with a slash of her saber, then taking off before the man had time to even touch the ground. She kept moving forward, striking down anyone along the way. If Gloopra did his part along with the others still fighting then the remaining enemies would be forced to move towards the center of the warehouse where there was only minimal cover available. Eventually there were only four people remaining now, and three of them had thrown down their weapons to surrender. The fourth man was...

Lahana blinked, then narrowing her eyes at the man draped in a black robe. Had he been standing in the middle of the room the entire time? She hadn't even noticed his presence. Jayce moved from behind a smoldering machine damaged by blaster fire and walked up to the four men. "And here I thought all of you scumbags would be unreasonable, now how about we have a nice drive down to- oh come on!" he raised his rifle as one of the men pulled a pistol from his back, he grabbed the robed man and pointed the gun at his head. Lahana could have sworn she saw the robed man let out a sigh from under his hood.

"You're gonna let me outta here, I-I'm gonna walk out the back an-" The man suddenly stopped yelling his demands, his body shook as he dropped the gun and held his hands to his throat. The robed man grabbed the gun and stuck it in the man's mouth, then raising him from the floor. At the same time the other two men were locked in place as they grasped at their necks, desperate for air. Both of their necks simultaneously bent at an unnatural angle with a sickening crack and they fell to the floor lifeless.

"Now that was just rude, what if you had accidentally pulled the trigger? That can happen sometimes you know, I read an article about it." The robed man did just that, causing a bolt to sear through the man's skull. The gun was let go, causing the man to crumple to the floor as smoke poured from the back of his head. "Yesh, see, it'd have been really bad if that had happened to me..." The robed man let out a yawn as he looked over the three men's bodies. "I really hate it when the boss is right..." He mumbled to himself in a tired voice.

He turned towards Jayce and pulled back his hood, revealing a young human man. He had no particularly interesting features, he had short black hair, an unassuming face you'd easily miss in a crowd, and light tan skin. Well, there was one thing of note about him, something Lahana noticed. His eyes looked tired, just like hers. "Oh uh, sorry about that. I uhh..." He looked up and to his left at nothing in particular and was silent for a few awkward moments. "Feared for my life? Yeah, that's it."

"Sir, this man is a je- no, a force user. We need to be careful." Lahana spoke to Jayce, keeping her eyes on the man as he nonchalantly waved to the others in the room.

"I can... see that." Jayce said, keeping his rifle raised. "I'm going to have to ask you answer some questions." He said.

"Sure." The man responded. "My job here is kinda moot at this point. Oh, I'm Blank by the way. Welcome to Gamorria."

Enclave Zeta (Republic Base)

Match was taken aback by the sudden entrance of Anari. Commander Gallowin only raised a brow and Kale leaned back as if amused. Match took in what the woman said, assuming her to be a Jedi based on the door seemingly opening on it's own. He looked back to one of his guards and let out a short laugh. "I like this one." He said, nodding his head towards her. He looked back to her and met her eyes. "You are not wrong Jedi, The way I arrived was not the most subtle. However, would you believe me if I said it did not matter in the slightest how I came here?"

His expression turned more serious, and he addressed not only her but the others as well. "I may have eyes here and there in this city, but the ones that truly run this planet... It is as if the sun and moons are their eyes. I only stand before you right now because they allow it. They are well aware of me and my people's desire for order and peace. By coming here I have made it clear that we will no longer simply wish for order, but are taking action." He looked to the Senator. "I do not know how things were on your world, but I assure you the loss of life was guaranteed the moment I stepped out of my home. We are ready for war, what I need to know from you is, are you prepared for what it will take to win this war?"

(Former) Drug Factory

"Well, Blank, thanks for the warm welcome, but do know why we are here? You don't seem shocked to see us. And what the hell are you doing here?" Jayce said, lowing his rifle.

Blank scratched his head in thought for a moment. "You mean why you all are here in this warehouse, or why you're here on this planet? Well, you're in this warehouse because some of these idiots don't know how to keep their mouths shut... That and I'm assuming the smoke pouring out of the roof was kind of a giveaway. And uhh, you're on this planet to 'bring it to order.' Whatever that means." He let out another yawn and checked a digital screen on his wrist. "As for what I'm doing here, the boss said it was important I come here, didn't say why. It's usually someone much lower on the ladder that comes to pick up product. I can see why now though. He's gonna want a report on your abilities, shame there isn't much to say."

Lahana grit her teeth. "Sir, we can't let him escape, and capturing him alive will probably be impossible." She said. She drew her second saber, igniting the white and black speckled weapon.

"I'm afraid you're right." Jayce said, aiming his rifle once more.

"Now hold on, don't you have anymore questions for me? How about you guys?" Blank motioned to the group surrounding him.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

@vancexentan whichever position he feels he would be more effective in. Either in the scaffolding above providing precise fire support or below on the ground in the thick of it.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

As Jayce guided people into the transport vehicle Lahana stopped as a cathar man addressed her. She turned and looked at him, there was a cold glare coming from her eyes. A subtle pressure came from her, which would make it feel as if a small weight had been placed on those around her. "You talk pretty confidently for someone coming from a place of ignorance. The Jedi code as a citizen would know it hasn't been used in decades, and as for my master..." The pressure intensified for a moment. however she realized what she was doing and ceased it entirely. She was taught better than that. "I owe him my life, I would be nothing if it weren't for him. I call him master because that's what he is, a master Jedi." She shook her head and walked for the transport. As she placed a foot inside Gloopra asked her a question. "No, he isn't." She seemed to be saying it more to herself, as if what was about to happen only then set in.

The ride to the apparent drug den was a quick one, funnily enough the large armored vehicle didn't stand out much. Local gangs and the well off were often seen traveling in similar fashion. They stopped a block away from the target location. "Alright." Jayce addressed those that had decided to come, standing at the back of the vehicle. Using a device on his wrist that was connected to a small aerial drone he pulled up a holographic display of the structure. It showed a building 3 stories tall, though there was only one actual ground floor. The second floor was composed of scaffolding that gave access to large steaming machinery which was used to process all manner of synthetic drugs. On the ground floor blurred blue humanoid forms could be seen about. Ten of them were at long tables, seemingly handling their products, with two others instructing them. Scattered around were forty others that could be seen holding blaster rifles and pistols. There was one last form that seemed to be talking to four of the armed guards.

"We've caught them in the middle of a deal it looks like. Those handling the drugs may be hostile but they don't appear to be armed, the forty that are packing heat are our primary targets. Those that can provide long range supporting fire, I want you to take positioning here." He pointed to an alley on the left side of the building where piping could be used to enter a few windows and reach the scaffolding on the second floor. "Those of you that want to go in loud, we're entering through the front with a blast charge. It should disorient some of them, but don't count on it making you completely safe as we enter, It looks like their weapons are of pretty decent quality. The crates and machinery by the entrance should make for decent cover. You all got that? Good, let's move out.

Jayce picked up a blaster rifle and opened the back of the transport. Lahana didn't have any blasters on her, she was mediocre with them anyway so she followed Jayce to the front of the factory. The street was oddly sparse, and now that she thought about it, it was strange that no one was guarding the door. Jayce placed a circular device on the door which stuck like a magnet to the metal surface. After giving the long range team time to get into position he activated the device, which blew open the door with a concussive force, and flashbanged those inside. The metal door flew into one of the guards facing the hooded buyer knocking him out cold. and all at once they began yelling and firing. Those that had been handling the drugs scrambled for the exit in the back, some of them frantically shoving pills and powders into their pockets. Yellow and red blaster bolts flew towards them, Lahana drew her green lightsaber and began deflecting shots back at attackers. One shot flew back into a man's head, ending him there. A single purple blaster shot came towards her, she deflected it like the rest, but felt a noticeable mass to it. She ran behind cover of a crate, parts of which exploded and splintered as shots came her way. She cut through one man that decided to try and flank them, and ducked back into cover.

Three down, that's thirty seven to go.

Meanwhile at the Republic base a man guarded by five armed individuals had arrived. They were stopped by the gate and checked for anything suspicious. After a tense exchange between them and a shaky Fufuro they were allowed to come inside with their weapons, though eyes would be on them the entire time. An elderly man entered Gallowin's office, three of his men standing outside the door and two others just behind him. He seemed to be in his early sixties, and had what appeared to be a cybernetic band around his bald head.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us sir... I never actually got your name?" The Commander spoke, holding out his hand.

"Match, is my name. And I must thank you for even attempting a diplomatic approach, such a thing is rare on this planet." The man said, speaking with a calm, smooth voice. He took Gallowin's hand in both hands and shook it, before placing them back by his sides.

"Right, So. What would it take for you and your people to cooperate with us in setting up a democratic government?" The commander said.

"What they said about you was true, straight to the point I see. Well... To be honest the Republic hasn't done anything just yet to inspire confidence that you can succeed in taming this world. We expected an armada, yet we only see one ship there in the sky. How do you plan to take down the corruption and evil pervading our home?" Match asked, interlocking his hands behind his back.

"By showing that the Republic is a force to be reckoned with. Organized thugs are just that, thugs. We clip their wings and they'll come tumblin' down to the ground."

"I see." The man pulled out a small screened device, looked at it, then back to Gallowin. "I take it the assault on that infernal drug den is part of that plan?" Gallowin let out a sigh and tapped his forehead in annoyance.

"I knew word of that had gotten around somehow, was that your people?" He asked. Kale raised a hand, intending to speak.

"Perhaps we could use their assistance in gathering intelligence?" The Jedi Master said.

"Perhaps, but I would need to know that it is worth it. I would be placing my community in danger as well. Does anyone else have a say in this matter?" The old man asked those in the room.

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

Lahana looked at the stocky man that approached her. Why did he come up to her? She looked around, slightly confused. People usually talked to her master before her, the braid in her hair essentially telling people not to bother. "Hello..." She said, her expression perhaps more tense and offputting than she intended. She remembered that it was polite to introduce oneself when meeting for the first time, and also to shake hands. It was fine if she only did one of those, she figured. "Wes, I am Lahana Sunset..." What else was she supposed to say to someone? "...I hope our mission goes... well." She looked to her master, however he was now speaking with a woman that had approached. Suddenly, a hologram appeared not too far from her. Her right hand went to one of her lightsabers, and for a split moment she was ready to slice it to pieces. Thankfully her training hadn't been for nothing. She may still be a tad jumpy, but it was better than how she reacted to surprises in the past. She didn't need to introduce herself to the hologram, did she? She just told someone her name and didn't feel like doing it again so soon, and she was pretty sure she couldn't shake hands with it.

"As a matter of fact our journey was very uneventful. I am Kale, and this is my padawan Lahana." Lahana's master motioned to her with his hand, she was still glaring at the hologram.

Meanwhile, the Twi'lek woman who had been waiting for questions, had received none. She had broken out into a cold sweat, and her eyes were darting to various people in the crowd. "M-my name is Fufuro by the way. Haha it's a silly name I know but my parents... Oh no one cares, no one ever cares." She mumbled to herself, hardly speaking loud enough for anyone to hear her. Her head hung low as she walked over the end of the courtyard where a garage door stood. She slowly pressed buttons on a keypad as if each one was her destroyed hopes and dreams. The garage doors opened and a large armored vehicle rolled out. There was a young man standing on the front hood with his hands on his hips and a cocky smile on his face. As the borderline tank came to a stop he stumbled slightly, but righted himself and acted as if nothing happened. He ran a hand through his long blue hair and jumped down from the vehicle.

"What's up everybody! The name's Jayce and I'll be your commanding officer for operation Drug Obliteration." He spoke with a boisterous voice that demanded attention.

"Jayce, that's not the name of the operation, it doesn't even have a name." Fufuro said, closing the garage door.

"If you want in on the action hop in, otherwise you can stay here with the gloomy glass of milk." He pointed behind him at the vehicle with his thumbs, ignoring Fufuro's complaint.

"Hey, I don't look like bantha milk... And someone needs to stay here. A representative of the local communities will be coming, what if some gang attacks? What if they use bombs? W-what if they use a lot of bombs?"

Lahana blinked at the two Republic soldiers, they didn't quite act like the ones she'd seen in the core worlds. She turned to her master. "We're going to the drug den, right?" She asked.

"You will be padawan, I will stay here." He said. Lahana tilted her head in confusion.

"What do you mean, shouldn't you be there with me? You are always with me on assignments."

"Precisely, If you are to be a Jedi Knight you must learn to handle yourself without me. I will not always be around after all." Lahana opened her mouth to speak, but clenched her fists and nodded her head.

"Yes master, I will not let you down."

Star Wars: A Veiled Threat

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