Star Wars: Return of the Force

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In the life of a Crazy Coot of a Jedi,
Featuring:
A timelord,
Guacamole
and Harold, as the Sock Puppet!​

"Pure sabacc!"

"Idiots array, better luck next time." With a grin the female kiffar swept her hand at the chips and shoved them her way while the other three card players groaned. "So another hand?"

"Have you marked these cards or something, you keep winning?" A male with a large scar across his eye said as he looked suspiciously as she started shuffling and dealing the cards again.

"Would I do that?" She asked innocently and snickered as all three replied at the sime time with a loud. 'Yes!'

"We've been on this rock a while now, I mean not that putting a fight to the clankers is a bad thing... and the whole heroic liberating a world thing but we are meant to get off this world at some point? Thrall was coming back, right?" A third younger looking Kiffar said, he'd seem to be in his late teens but time fighting a guerrilla war had matured him from the look in his eyes.

"Eh the old man never abandons us, neither will Thrall. He'll come you'll see and when he does he will bring-" The alarm cut off any other conversation as the four kiffar cursed and sprang out of their seats knocking over their makeshift table spilling its contents over the floor as they ran to the sensor equipment. "What do we got!?"

"Incoming ship, grid 18 by 5. It's just one ship."

"Clanker scout?"

"I... no it's using the backdoor in the weather control station... and it's headed to one of the designated spots the old man gave us that Thrall knows about."

"Well I'll be... someone wake up the old man and get a speeder out there to pick up whoever it is... if it's Thrall, lets hope he brought guacamole because we've been out of that for two months."

A hour later the Arrow-23 speeder came to a halt at the clearing in the forest that had been designated months ago by Tohkran and Thrall for a meeting point if it was required. The two kiffar at the controls looking out of the window with confused looks. "Say... is it me... or does that spaceship look like a giant blue box?"

His partner looked at him and then slowly reached for a flask and pocketed it. "Ok, you are off the moonshine, that ship is nothing like a blue box, it looks old though. Maybe a smuggler." He turned on the speakers. "Occupants of unknown vessel, reveal yourself and state your intent."

Londred appeared at the exit hatch of the ship and looked down at the speeder. "Pizza delivery for a Mr Beard Face." She replied with a smile.

A hatch popped open and the sober Kiffar stood up, looking at Londred, "Huh, you know the password, guess Thrall did send you." He scratched his cheek, "Right the old man, beard face, would like to see you I suppose. If you can fly low you can park your ship at the base or I can take you to him in the speeder."

"Fly low? Do I look like an honest trader to you?" Londred said with an indignant tone and her hands on her hips... and a hint of a grin at the corners of her mouth.

"Ma'am, if I were still with the guardians back home I'd have arrested you on sight just to be sure." He climbed out of the cockpit walked over and threw up a data crystal. "Contains the location of the base, will delete all data and coordinates of it once you arrive there. Security reasons, you understand. Since you'll probably get there before we do, just say the password to the sentries and they know you are more than ok. Oh, do you also have guacamole?"

Londred tilted her head for a moment in thought, tapping the crytal against her chin as she did so. she then turned back into the ship and shouted "Piper, we have any guacamole!" Silence reigned for a about 60 seconds before another young female voice called back. "Hell if I know. You can look in the fridge if you want to try and find some, I'm not going in there again this week."

The kiffar looked crestfallen. "Maybe some curry then? Hell anything better than proteine bars will do."

"I'm sure we have something you you feel like braving the fridge." Londred answered with a shrug. "See you back at the base then." She then said as she went back into the ship and the hatch closed.

A few moments later it opened again and londred stuck her head out. "I could give you boys a lift."

"Eh? You can? Sure I guess." He shrugged, "Don't really see any room for you to take the speeder aboard though."

"Oh ye of little faith." She answered with a smile as she closed the hatch again, as it was closing the two kiffar would hear a partial sentence. "Piper, deploy the tract..." A few moments passed and a hatch on the underside of the ship opened up and a large squarish looking barrel mounted on a turret emerged before pointing towards the speeder. it occured to the kiffar still standing between the two vehicles that getting back in the speeder was both the best idea and possibly a terrible one as a sort of wheezing, groaning noise started coming from the ships engines.

As the lone kiffar who had gotten out hurried back inside, sitting beside his passed out comrade, he realized that only Thrall would send a crazy person like that to them. "better warn ahead not to open fire, somehow I figure that would annoy this woman..."

The ship lifted off and captured the speeder in a tractor beam, pulling them relatively close to the lower hullas the ship rotated to the coordinates in the crystal. Accelereation was suprisingly slow, possibly due to the speeder and more imprtantly its occupants being unlikely to survive a hard burn, but also becuase londred didn't particularly want to alert, quite obviously, to anyone watching the area with sensors that she was there. by the time they reached the base however several tree branches were poking out of the speeders engines and the fore windshield was cracked.

As soon as they 'landed' the hatch of the speeder opened and out came a kiffar, hurling up the contents of his stomach violently, a voice from behind him in the speeder speaking up. "You are definitely off the moonshine..."

A small crowd of Kiffar, Barabel and a lone Trianii were looking on as a Kiffar squad leader stepped forwards, looking at the speeder. "Well, it isn't as if we are low on supplies and parts or anything fighting a guerrilla war and that every combat capable vehicle counts...." He said dryly.

It took Londred a few moments more to set down, the engines making their odd wheezing, groaning noise again before a thud was heard and the engines went silent. A few moments later the hatch opened and Londred appeared in the doorway, she winced as she looked at the speeders condition. but otherwise did not appear fussed by it. in the crook of her arm was a small resealable container which che cradled as she climbed down the ladder for her ship and approached the kiffar squad leader. "They did tell me to fly low." She said with a light shrug before she held out the container as a sort of peace offering. "They also said you were out of guacamole, took me a little while to find it."

The squad looked at the contain and with trembling hands reached for it and opened it to verify its contents, when he did he closed the lid and turned around, holding it above his head as he did so. "MY FRIENDS! WE HAVE GUACAMOLE! WE FEAST TONIGHT!"

And there was much rejoice.

After most of the cheering had come down and the container was passed down to a Trianii crying openly in relief before he hurried off to the mess the Kiffar squad leader turned back. "So, Thrall send you?"

"Is that normal around here?" Piper said from the ships hatch. "Becuase that is downright odd in most places."

Londred laughed at the commend and replied to the squad leader. "Don't mind her, she has a habit of speaking without engaging the manners she's been taught." She then turned to Piper and gestured for the girl to get down and to join her before turning back to the kiffar. "Thrall did in fact contract me to stop by. He has a message for Master Tohkran concerning the upcoming liberation effort he has been putting together in the Jedi's absence."

"I see." He glanced at the young woman with rather wild hair. "Around here, any diversion from the battles we fought and will fight in the near future is welcome. Keeps us sane." He paused, "Well most of us." He turned around and gestured, "Please follow me, major Londo Moxla." The kiffar added as they began to walk, as if introducing himself hadn't occurred to him. "I will show you to the old man, or beard face. Have you met him before?"

"Many years ago now, he was just a kid actually." Londred replied with a coyish smile. as the two women followed the Kiffar

The major paused and turned to regard Londred for a moment with a frown, "I see... interesting. Well I..." They reached a door and he scratched his beard. "I don't know if I should say 'expect him to be a different man' or maybe you've known him to be like this all along." He shrugged and knocked, a voice answered after a moment of waiting.

"Yes?"

"Tohkran, the occupants of that ship we detected have arrived, apparently one of them is a old friend of yours, may they enter?" There was silence but then a hint of a muffled voice, which sounded like it was having a one-way conversation.

"Yes they may."

The major sighed and opened the door, gesturing them in. "I will be waiting outside."

Inside appeared to be spartanly furnished, a simple bed on one end and a desk with a chair on the other, the chair turning around as its occupant looked at his guests. "Welcome, in name of myself and my good friend Harold I welcome you to my sky palace in the land of rainbows and unicorns. Harold say hello." He revealed his hand, covered by a sock which had two buttons and some different coloured stitches sown onto it making it appear to have a face as he began moving his hand as if it could speak. "Who are you, state your business before the emperor of marshmellows!"

"I brought a banana." Londred said as she held out the yellow fruit.

Tohkran looked at the fruit then made his head turn and his hand so it would seem he and the sock puppet locked stares for a moment and then he laughed, peeling the sock puppet off and tossed it on the desk as he stood up and approached Londred, his cybernetic leg making him walk stiffly as he embraced her. "It is good to see you, sorry about that. I could not resist, I actually thought you were Thrall and had prepared that scene for him. A shame, I'd have loved to see his reaction to it." He pulled back and looked her over, blinking. "Huh, you really do not seem to have aged a day. I mean that is your choice of course, but still surprising."

Pipers jaw practically hit the floor at Tohkrans comment. "H.. He knows?"

"Of course, you're not unique in that knowledge Piper." Londred replied to the girl before turning back to Tohkran. "You on the other hand look like you have a foot in the grave by comparison. Is this what happens when noone is around to look after you then?"

He laughed again, "So it would seem." He tapped his leg with his can, the metal being heard clearly. "Lost this on Cathar due to a oversized bug. And the rest, well age somewhat and maybe being fighting a rather gruelling series of battles on this world." He then looked Londreds friend, "And I see you have a new... companion I believe you called them?" He extended a hand, "Tohkran, jedi master. Forgive my rather... crazy introduction earlier but I have a odd sense of humour, if you have met Thrall, blame him he influenced me."

"I wouldn't entirely blame Thrall, you were always a little off as I recall, its what made you fun to be with." Londred replied as she pealed the Banana. "You should try out doing Thralls antics, the results really are fun." she added taking a long bite of the Banana.

Chuckling he gestured to the bed as he moved back to the chair and sat down, "My apologies for a lack of chairs, but must make do with what we have. As for me out doing Thrall... and deny him the satisfaction of making me grumble at his antics? Ah well I shall give it some thought." He picked up 'Harold' and threw him into a nearby basked, which had other sock puppets in it. "So I must admit while it is nice to see you again, I never expected you to come by, how come?"

"Funny story, I hadn't expected to hear from you either. So imagine my suprise when out of the blue I get a call about a job offer with your old contact signature." She answered as she perched on the desk and Piper went to the basket of sock puppets, curious about the number of them for some reason. "Of course it was Thrall calling I discovered when I showed up at the coordinates. your Hutt friend wanted someone out of Kessel, apprently whatever information your contact file on me has convinced thrall i might be able to help."

Tohkran rose his eyebrows, "Thrall took on a job to spring someone from Kessel... from Hoddo? Huh... I would believe it more if someone told me Thrall used the opportunity of my absence to kill Hoddo by bombing his palace from orbit. Wonders do happen." Meanwhile Piper would find out there were about a dozen sock puppets and she could swear some of them glared at her. Tohkran was i nthought for a moment, "Well knowing you the job was a resounding success with your usual flair and everything. Curious though, I assume this kessel job was somewhat recent and here you are, asked by Thrall again to contact me? As I recall you hardly sticked around in or near the same spot twice in such a short timeframe."

"About a month ago maybe, I did the job and went on my way again. After Thrall offered me a more perminent position on your behalf." Londred said with a grin. "After that i got a call about another little smuggling job, this one. asked me to bring you word that he's been working on an invasion plan to liberate your beardyness. His words, not mine."

Tohkran let out a amused snort, "Yep you've met him, that's for sure. BUt that is excellent news, we've all split up into various camps and bases, to evade getting al lcaught out in the open. But if a liberation is coming we might have to change tactics." He mused and then blinked, looking very confused. "Wait, Thrall offered you a permanent position? And you accepted? You?"

"Course I didn't. As you said, I never did stick around one place for too long a time. I told him the offer would need to come from you." She answered. "Also, Thrall doesn't know."

Tohkran merely rose a eyebrow, "Still secretive about that, ah well." He stood up abruptly and stretched a little, "Hmmn, shall we go for a walk, it has been a while since anyone new came by. If you'd like you can stay for dinner, both of you, I heard the kitchens are in a uproar because you brought guacamole, preparing a feast from what I gathered in response of that." He then paused again, "And the offer has to come from me? That might imply you have a certain degree of interest in accepting. Or at least that is what it sounds like to me."

"As I said, you were fun to be with. Besides you already know my secret and don't make any sort of fuss about it." Londred replied as she offered her hand for Tohkran to 'escort her'.

He made a crook of his arm upon taking her hand and escorted her out, pausing to look at the major on guard. "Ah Londo, vizier Harold demands a bath, take him and the others to the laundry and bathe them in our most exquisite fragrances!"

The major rolled his eyes and went inside to retrieve the laundry basked, looking oddly at Piper who was studying its contents.

Outside Tohkran was doing his best to contain his amusement, shaking his head as he regarded Londred. "Ah, why would I make a fuss about it? It never occurred to me I should have." He said as they began walking, hearing the major curse behind them as he walked off with the basket. "Remind me to tell the chefs to prepare something special for the good major, I do believe my teasing of him is wearing him down somewhat. Speaking of fun, do tell me how that thing went with Kessel, as you can imagine word form beyond this place, world and system is hard to come by."

"Kessel was rather fun actually. Your Hutt, Hoddor was it? Anyway he wanted someone he knew out of the mines there, so Thrall contacted me and offered to pay if I could get him down there and break the guy out." Londred replied to the question. "He seemed to be of the opinion that i did that sort of thing all the time for some reason, you know it was even my first trip to kessel, never did acquire a taste for running spice in my time. Thrall seemed worried when I told him that while we were navigating past the minefield thats been set up around kessel recently." she added with a grin.

"Ah I do recall hearing about Kessel being under new ownership... who apparently places minefields around there? Someone is taking prisoner security a bit too serious." He shook his head and then chuckled again, "Even so, you haven't told me everything. Thrall offering a job to you must mean you did the task rather well, better than he expected at least." He traced through his beard as they entered the mess hall in which a large gathering was looking in on the kitchens at whatever the cooks were preparing while Tohkran took a seat, cursing softly as he slapped his leg. "Piece of jawa junk, best grade cybernetics he said. Poodoo. Hmpf." He blinked and chuckled, "Sorry, the leg gives me issues now and again."

"Well? Come now, have you ever known me to do less than spectacularly?" Londred replied with feinted hurt. "Thrall went looking for a bounty hunter the Hutt had mentioned was there and on the payroll. I told him to make a distraction 'so that I could get the prisoner out during the chaos'. Didn't have the heart to tell him to just sit tight and wait, poor thing would have shed all over my ship. So I distracted him from his worries instead."

Tohkran laughed at the mental image, snickering briefly before his face fell somewhat and he seemed concerned for a moment. "Is Thrall... doing fine? I admit to feeling, guilty, at times. Basically abandoning him and everyone else and putting him in charge without preparing him. With what you just said, how is he holding up?"

"Stress eating has become a habit I think. I told him he'd be the size of a hutt if he kept it up when he asked me to come down here." Londred answered "He really is quite the easy mark actually, aided by the fact that he seems to be somewhat infatuated with me." She added without the usual cheer she put on, it only faded for a moment however before she resumed with the story of kessel. "As I was saying though, while thrall was being distracted by distractions, I was infiltrating the prison, which as you know is something of a natural talent for me. I foud the wardens office and swiped a lovely old vintage liquor in the process. took about 30 minutes all up to get in find the prisoner ad the booze then get out again without tripping any alarms. Contacted Thrall when I got back to the ship and wouldn't you know it, he hadn't even arranged for my distraction yet."

He was just taking a sip from a glass of water someone was kind enough to give him as they settled down. Which he coughed and spluttered out. Still coughing and heaving as he got his breath back, "Wait, wait... go back to the bit that he is infatuated with you. Thrall, infatuated with anyone. How... why..." He blinked rapidly.

"I'm honestly not really sure, Maybe he has my manner confused with flirting. He wouldn't be the first." Londred replied with a sigh. "I mean Im all for abit of fun here and there but as you know, I don't hang around people for long unless I trust them enough to let them know the real me."

"So I know," he chuckled, "I do have a urge to tease him when we see each other again with this knowledge now that I have heard it." He smiled and chuckled, "Well the way I earned your trust was rather... unique. Seeing as you were just a job at the time, getting you out of a prison on charges of public indecency, jaywalking, destruction of government property and threatening a Kiffar Guardian General with a screwdriver? You still haven't told me that story... or how you got a Hutt of all beings as your companion for a time who asked me to spring you out of there." He looked thoughtful for a second. "I actually never considered asking you to stay on before, because you semed to be such a free, wandering soul. But if you are actually interested, yes I could use you on my team." He chuckled and glanced at Piper, "And your current companion of course." He blinked and studied Piper more closely. "Say... that deck of cards in your vest pocket, are those Maracks?"

"Big guy isn't as observant as he likes to think." Piper replied with a shrug. "Besides he left with my sarong."

Tohkran shook his head, amused and looked back at Londred. "Well glad to hear that Marack is still having fun playing cards at least."

"I noticed that you don't seem to have anyone with my skillset. Thrall wouldn't have needed to call me in if you did." She replied, deliberately avoiding a direct answer. "And for the record younger Hutts can be fun too... until they start following their parents and get fat and cant move to save thier lives at least."

He nods, "I respect Hoddo to a degree and even might see him as a friend. As long as he does not pursue some of the more... extreme sources of income his kind likes to profit from. Then we have no problems," He shrugged, "And yes I do lack someone of your skillset I suppose, and you said to thrall the offer had to come from me?" He seemed to think for a moment and then shook his head, "Hmmn, yes I could see the benefits of having you sign on with my people and assist us more in the near future. But at the same time I would not want to tie you down, seeing as you do love to wander." He tapped his lips and shrugged again, "Well I will not be asking you to sign up, what I would ask is if perhaps we can establish a more frequent line of communication. If we need the help of one with your skillset, and you are in the area and are interested. That we can contact you more easily, instead of relying on decades old communication means."

"You are one of the few people who do not need to ask." Londred replied. " How about we have a probationary period, where I reserve the option to leave if my 'wandering spirit' gets restless."

"That sounds agreeable... would you prefer if the, ah I do not like the words but for lack of better, 'chain of command' only goes through me to you, leaving Thrall out of it?" He paused, "at least for the time being, maybe this is just a crush he has and needs to flush it out."

"Under the circumstances that would likely be best." Londred replied.

He nods, "Well then. I will be looking forwards to this probationary period, your first mission. You'll be forced to listen to a 'old' man tell you a boring tale of how he and another jedi he met, ventured into a series of caves on the world of Cathar, facing off against oversized bugs that have a fondness for my legs." He smirked and as he began to tell, others joined in to listen as someone suddenly placed a large bowl of tortilla chips on the table with a smaller bowl of guacamole dip beside it.

And there was much rejoice with at the end a nodding sock puppet from the shadows who looked on and saw all was right.

TOHKRAN LIVES!

Morale rises as news about impending Liberation of Antar IV is delivered by Londred and Piper.

Crazy old Jedi takes up sock puppets as advisors.

Londred and Piper join forces (on a probationary period) with crazy jedi master.

Guacomole and Tortilla chips!

Rejoice!

More of this next time, next episode on 'Star Wars, Tales of Harold.'
 
____________________________________
Darth Lena,
Shadow's Regret in orbit over Athiss.
____________________________________​

The Shadow's Regret had arrived within the Loro Babis system and was in orbit above the world of Athiss, Lena and her disciples were gearing up to take a shuttle down to the surface at the tomb's coordinates but were waiting on the results of a scan of the surface. When the report came Lena asked for a secondary scan to make certain there was no glitch in the system and again a same report was given.

She looked Verat in the eyes, the skeletal Givin looked surprised but she wanted to hear him say it again. "The ruins, the tomb itself, they do not show up on scanners at all?"

"Correct, after the second scan yielded no results I took the liberty to send down a scout craft to check by visual." As if on cue a fighter flew slowly into the hangar and landed, landing gear extending as it touched down beside the launching bay where Lena and her party were preparing themselves. "Here she comes now." Verat said and gestured as the cockpit opened and Emile pulled off her helmet and stepped out of the starfighter, down the ladder that was rolled forwards. The female human Coruscanti native stopped at a respectable distance and saluted both Verat and Lena, the former who nodded. "Report."

"Well I'd say the scanners on this tub might be broken but, I went down there and sure enough. There are ruins down there. Don't ask me if one of them has or is a tomb, I'm no archaeologist or architect. And my ship could make no readings either, I also tried to just make a simple image with the camera. Well. That went odd too." She said and produced a datapad she had uploaded all data her flight supposedly gathered, a image was displayed of a dense forest. "There's a forest alright, but I saw by visual also ruins and such. But they simply don't show up at all on this image I took of the area."

Verat turned to regard Lena who looked troubled but determined still and the Givin let out a sigh. "This not natural, I would like you to reconsider going down there with only your apprentices and take some regular armed forces with you. I can ask Bodhicai to gear up and get some men ready within a hour."

She considered it and then shook her head, "Your concern is noted Verat. But I still believe it is best that when investigating a sith tomb, I should only take sith with me." She offered a smile. "I shall be fine, undetectable ruins or not." She gestured for the pilot to leave and when Emile walked away she leaned in to Verat. "One of my duplicates is still in my chambers. I will be in contact with her periodically." Her ships captain sighed but did not pursue the matter, bowing as he made his leave from the sith and her apprentices as they boarded the vessel. Her Kel Dor apprentice, Thoorn taking the controls as he left the hangar and guided the craft down, descending towards the planets surface.

____________________________________
Later within the ruins on the surface.
____________________________________​

She looked out, reaching out to trace a hand over the overgrown wall, feeling the plants and decay of the ages under her touch. Well the ruins were indeed no illusion, but scanners could not detect it. She turned as she heard cursing, watching Idoht shaking a small handheld scanner and then threw it away. Even their regular equipment became useless upon entering the ruins, forcing them to return to their shuttle and actually write down the coordinates and map that would lead them to the tomb located on this world on a physical copy. Grom and Kwilnae were quick to consider the potential danger and tested their lightsabers within the ruins. The blades working fine strangely but equipment like scanners, datapads and even communicators seemed to go haywire and shut itself off.

Walking over to the frustrated Quarren she picked up the scanner and handed it back to him, "It might not work here right now but outside it would still work, no reason to just throw it away." Before Idoht could make a retort a shout came from somewhere ahead and the scattered apprentices and Lena converged on the person calling them. Seeing Hannah at a elaborately carved entrance with a series of runes above it.

The Miraluka gestured, "I believe this is the entrance mistress. At least if our map is correct, I admit it is rather hard without technology to aid us but it is a nice change of pace." She said with a smile.

Idoht and Thoorn grumbled while Grom, Kwilnae and Azai merely smiled or chuckled. Lena just stepped forwards palcing a hand on Hannah's shoulder, "Well done. Let's see if this is indeed what we were looking for." She murmured as she looked up at the runes, trying to decipher them. It took her some time, long enough for her apprentices to make a makeshift camp and waited for Lena to tell them what she had learned.

She came to sit among them as Grom and Kwilnae finished roasting some native animal they had tracked and hunted down, she nodded in thanks when a bowl of food was offered to her and between bites she began to explain what she had found out. "The runes are sith in origin. And they roughly translate to: 'Here lies Vodal Kressh, the Lord of Heart and Eye, who dared fight for the empire against the tyrant.' From that i gather this sith rebelled against the reigning sith emperor of that time period, but apparently did so in name of the empire."

Hannah was the first to ask a question, "Anything in the runes that might warn us of what we might find within?"

Lena smiled ruefully, "No and we go in at first light, so sleep while you can, for tomorrow we will be entering that tomb and see what lies within."

Lena was assailed by nightmares as she slept, visions of horror assailed her which felt like it came from a well of madness. Voices speaking to her in whispers that she barely heard or understood, promising wealth, power, everything she could ever hope to achieve but at the same time other whispers told her she was damned, that she would fail and die a meaningless death.

She woke up soaked in sweat, noticing the others were also awake and seemed to have had a similar sleeping experience. None seemed to want to speak about what they dreamed about and neither did Lena, who looked at the entrance to the tomb with a hint of nervousness now. Something inside there had caused them to dream like that, of that she was certain and she felt a hint of fear. Her apprentices were looking at her, waiting for her on what to do. She looked them all in the eye and with what she hoped looked like determination and not at all looking afraid she walked forwards and began descending the stairs upon crossing the threshold of the entrance. The others following her.

The place was dark, walls crumbling and dust flying off in cloud puffs as they walked over the floor that might not have had anyone trespassing in thousands of years. It did not take them long to ignite their lightsabers for a source of light. The corridor they were walking through was straight with no side passages at first, then they came upon two ante-chambers to the sides which seemed to have once contained shrines of some kind. When they entered either to investigate Lena and everyone else was assailed by a sense of darkness, speaking of unnatural rites and rituals performed here that had even Lena back away with a shudder. "Sith magic... alchemy..." She muttered as the feeling felt vaguely familiar of some of the matters Andrea experimented with.

Azai was leading the way at some point and suddenly as she placed her foot down for a next step there was a click and a section of the ceiling crumbled and spikes descended faster than the eye could follow. Azai was caught by surprise, falling backwards and next came her scream as spikes had impaled her legs and chest, one of them must have pierced her lung as she coughed up blood.

Lena acted without thinking, rushing forwards with her lightsaber and began cutting at the spikes which were thankfully not resistant to lightsaber blades, cutting the impaled form of her apprentice loose as the Dathomiri began to shake and tremble going into shock. "Help me remove the spikes! Now!" She shouted at her apprentices as they began pulling the cut spikes out as quickly as they could. Lena grabbing hold of Azai and channeling her power into her, trying to keep her from dying and mending her broken form, grimacing at the damage she found internally but not giving up.

Her apprentices backed away as Lena holding the limp form of Azai was suddenly cloaked in lightning leaping forth from the sith and into Azai, pouring in power and a will to life and heal. Lena did not knew how long she was at it but when she stopped she slumped over, exhausted but let out a sigh of relief when she noticed Azai breathing, looking near death still but her pierced lung and other internal damage that might kill her was healed. The Dathomiri was still unconscious however. Grom hurried to her side and helped Lena to her feet, "Mistress, is she..?"

She shuddered, taking a deep breath. "She lives, for now. Thoorn, take her to the shuttle and bring her to the ship. Once you have done that, return and stay at the camp for us. The rest of us will continue." She watched as the Kel Dor scooped up Azai and lifted her up with a grunt and began slowly walking back to the exit. Lena watched the others, "We were not careful and one of us paid the price, I need rest. Grom, Kwilnae, Idoht. Start cutting a path through those spikes while I meditate. Hannah meditate with me, the Noghri and Quarren apprentices went to work while Hannah sat down opposite Lena who reached out, placing a hand on Hannah's chest and with a nudge of the force drained Hannah to recover her strength. Making her apprentice shudder for a moment but the strength was willingly given and then both of them meditated to recover.

Once a path was cut through the spikes and Lena felt recovered, making sure Hannah was as well she addressed the apprentices that remained, "It seems this tomb has defenses still. I should have realized there might have been traps and that we should look out for such defenses. We need to be extra careful now, but we will continue."

Kwilnae looked ahead at the deeper darkness they were about to venture in, "Is that wise. What can possibly be down here that will be worthwhile to us, to you?"

Lena smiled, but without any amusement. "Because the sith of old had a habit of concealing powerful artifacts and wealth in their tombs. So we will delve deeper and see what we can find. And we find nothing then we at least have had the experience of running through a trap filled tomb that will add to our experience." She gestured, 'Grom, Kwilnae, if you two can take the lead, perhaps your senses are sharper than Azai's in detecting traps.

The next two hours they ventured deeper, the corridor curved at times and after a while Hannah realized that they were moving in a downwards spiral, venturing deeper under the surface. They found signs of traps that been sprung, or which simply triggered from the years of decay and neglect. The two noghri leading also found pressure plates and crackes in the floor, walls and ceiling that might have been traps which the party marked and then carefully stepped over or around as they continued. One time Gro mtriggered a trap but was fast enough to jump back as a blade contraption moved out of the walls and sliced at the air where he had been a moment before, which then stopped with a groan and became stuck, causing them to cut it apart before they could continue.

They stopped when something at the end of the corridor changed, there was a light source ahead. Something was in the distance casting off a purplish hue. Everyone looking at Lena, "Well I do believe we are getting somewhere. We move forwards, cautiously still. There might still be traps here." As they continued, not five minutes after she said that, there was another click from behind Lena and a curse from Idoht as the ground started to shake under their feet.

Grom leaped forwards, Hannah at the rear with Idoht ran forwards as fast as she could while blocks of stone fell in her wake and Lena also managed to make a running leap just as the ground started to give away and drop down a dark pit. Idoht fell, unable to run or leap to safety but reached for his whip and lashed out, wrapping itself around a piece of floor sticking out at the edge and hanged on.

Kwilnae let out a snarl and started falling, letting out a cry of rage and despair. Lena reached out with the force trying to grab hold on the flailing Noghri and managed to hold onto him at the edge of her vision, right before he would plummet into the darkness. She levitated the Noghri up and deposited him on the other side. From the direction they had come from, "Help Idoht!" She shouted once she released him and watched the Noghri grab hold of the whip and started heaving and pulling till Idoht could reach up and clamber up himself.

Lena looked at Grom and Hannah on their side of the chasm and then back at Idoht and Kwilnae on the other side. "Well it seems we have split the party." Lena said dryly.

"Shall we attempt to leap over it? Or perhaps we can use the force to levitate us to the other side, like how you pulled me to this side?" Kwilnae shouted at the edge of the chasm on their side.

Lena shook her head and replied in the negative. "No! I almost felt my control slipping dragging you up. I rather not risk my strength and energy if it may result in both of you falling to your deaths regardless. Whats done is done, we three will continue. The two of you, head back to the surface and see if Thoorn has returned to the camp. Wait for us there, if we are not back in two days, head back to the ship and see what happened to my force duplicate." The two apprentices on the other side exchanged glances and seemed about to protest. "I gave you my orders, I expect you to follow them." She said, her tone brooking no argument or hesitation on their part. They did not look happy but turned around and obeyed her in the end as they started journeying back the way they had came.

Lena sighed and shook her head, "Well. Hannah, Grom... let's stay close and hope we don't encounter another trap, or something worse." Grom let out a wry chuckle while the miraluka swallowed nervously. "Let's find out what is creating that light." Lena murmured as she decided to take the lead of the trio and walked towards the light.

The light was coming from a entrance at the end of the corridor and as they walked in they came out in a large, tall hall. Dark pillars of black marble in the center supporting the ceiling and lining the walls were standing sarcophagi with statues of various nightmarish looking creatures, some Lena recognized as Tuk'ata but more she did not recognize. At the far end of the hall was a single large sarcophagus with two statues of odd mutated looking rancors standing a eternal watch and in front of it on a dais was a statue of a giant male figure dressed in ancient looking clothing holding out his arm with a hand pointing down at the entrance they came through. Upon a longer inspection the statue was adorned with gold jewelry, and the extended arm had a gauntlet of some kind with a purple gem in the palm.

The light came from torches set at various points in the walls and pillars with purple and blue flames and all three of them noticed that this hall, the tomb, was devoid of any dust or signs of age and decay. It looked as if it was only recently constructed.

Lena looked on in wonder and took one more step and the whispers began, sending a shiver down her spine when she recognized them from her nightmares before they ventured into the tomb. None of them promised power and wealth right now however, the tone seemed to be angry and sadistic and that was just the beginning as forms of solidified shadow emerged from the standing sarcophagi holding ancient looking swords and as one turned towards the intruders and marched towards them with purpose, their forms radiating the pure essence of the dark side taken solid form.

"Sith spectres!" Lena shouted with a mixture of fear and shock as she brandished her blade, standing together with Hannah who also looked stunned while grom leaped towards the nearest spectre and lashed out at it with his blade. Shocked when the lightsaber simply went through it without causing any apparent damage. The spectre retaliated with a swipe of its own blade, which seemed to be solid enough as it cut into the shocked Noghri apprentice, making him bleed fro ma deep gash in his arm.

Again the Noghri lashed out, and again it seemed he would have struck the spectre but it seemed to pass through it without harm once again. "Lightsabers are useless against them!" Grom shouted, eyes wide.

Lena and Hannah lashed out with force powers, Lena with a lance of force destruction at a spectre that was nearby while Hannah unleashed a force storm at a group of three spectres close together. The results of using their powers had a more immediate effect. The lance of destruction ripped into the spectre Lena had hurled it at and a gaping hole appeared in his side and a part of his arm also disintegrated, but it still came forwards. Hannah unleashed a enormous storm of lightning from her fingertips, one spectre shifting out of its path while the other two were caught and let out piercing wails before they disintegrated and vanished into the ether. "They can be harmed by force powers!" Lena replied, knowing full well that Grom had no such skill in the force.

The spectres closed in still, they were slow but moved with purpose, the one engaged with grom lashing out once more and mostly out of desperation the Noghri tried to block the shadow sword with his blade and was surprised when his lightsaber encountered solid mass as it blocked the spectres sword.

The spectre which Lena had hit with a lance of force destruction attacked her with his blade, tendrils of smoke waving out from the holes in its shadow form. She was unable to dodge or parry and the sword slashed at her shoulder, cutting deep as she had forgotten to put up a bubble of protection around herself, making her cry out as she retaliated with a force drain at the spectre. It seemed to succeed as she latched on the damaged spectre, making it squirm and scream but then it froze, the facial features obscured by shadow suddenly smiled showing a razorsharp teeth as the dark side essence it was made out of sucked into Lena and she screamed out in horror as she felt a alien entity trying to take over her mind and body.

There were more spectres still, Grom stood in a defensive posture trying to maximize his potential to dodge or parry incoming strikes from the spectre engaged with him. Hannah looked nervously at Lena who seemed to wail and flail her hands at something she could not see. But six more spectres were advancing and she lashed out at three more which were close together with another force storm, one was disintegrated and two had parts of their shadow form ripped out.

Grom again successfully parried a sith spectre blade but was forced a step back from the force of it.

The others seemed to deem the Noghri not a threat as they converged on the lightning hurling Miraluka and the wailing Lena who was clawing at her face. As she felt the alien mind trying to destroy her from within, fighting it off desperately and suddenly feeling assistance from a unexpected source. Two more minds fought off the alien entity with her, Lena's force clones. They had minds of their own and had sensed the attack on the real Lena and had entered meditative states to contact her and help her ward off the alien force trying to take over. With the two fragments of her mind helping her Lena managed to purge the dark side essence from her and not a moment too soon as she looked around, blinking rapidly as all she saw were blurry shapes and once her eyes came into focus she saw Hannah desperately fending off two spectres, blasting a third into nothingness with a blast of lightning.

Grom nearby let out a cry as one of his arms was cleaved off with a mighty swing from the sith spectre engaged with him, cutting the arm off just below the elbow and leaving the Noghri defenseless as the hand that was attached to it was holding his lightsaber.

At the same time two spectres were converging on Lena herself. She ignored the two spectres going towards her for a moment as she lashed out with a lance of destruction at the spectre who cut of Grom's arm and felt a rush of power when she saw it impact the shadow form and watched it let out a piercing wail before it vanished. Then the spectres were on her and she narrowly dodged the strike of one of the blades. Hannah had less luck, she managed to dodge one but the other spectre stabbed the Miraluka in the chest with its shadow sith blade.

Lena needed to escape away from the spectres harassing her and summoned illusionary forms of herself stepping right out of her true body to obscure her and engage the spectres. Watching as four illusionary clones went to distract the spectres, she knew that it would not fool them for long but she needed to help her apprentices. Watching Hannah flail with her blade in one hand and lightning from her other but neither were effective as the blade simply went through them and they evaded the lightning.

The two spectres that had engaged with Lena stabbed into two of the clones, their blades sliding through nothing. Hannah was again stabbed this time in the leg and she was dropped to the ground with the two spectres hovering over her. Grom nearby was on the ground crawling to his arm and picking it up, looking at it oddly as if not recognizing it as blood dripped down from the wound in his leg and his new stump.

Lena screamed, rage finally made manifest as her calm demeanor and battle mind fractured and she lashed out with a lance of force destruction at the two spectres hovering over Hannah hoping to destroy them both and was rewarded as both forms looming over the prone Miraluka burst apart. Lena's elation was short lived as the two spectres ignored the last two illusionary Lenas and went directly after the one they had witnessed and sensed using the force.

Lena watched them come and stood in front of Hannah's prone form and Grom, determined to protect her apprentices as she snarled, ignoring the blood running down her left shoulder and she briefly focused on creating a bubble of protection around herself. Which she did just in time as the spectres slashed at her, one missing badly but the other impacting on the protection bubble, warding the blade off.

She lashed out with another blast of destruction, disintegrated half of one spectre, including it's blade but it remained. The one with the blade attacked which Lena barely parried with her lightsaber and the one that was only half of it was before clawed at her with a arm and sank its shadowy clawed hand into her ribcage and seemed to grab a piece of her essence making her scream as a cold spread throughout her body.

Hannah woke up, briefly passed out from her head hitting the floor with her fall earlier and saw her mistress fighting two remaining spectres, blasting with lightning at the partially disintegrated one and finished the job, leaving Lena to desperately lash out with a lance of force destruction at the remaining spectre and couldn't help but snarl sadistically as she heard it wail out in a piercing scream as it vanished before her eyes.

That last use of her force destruction also made her feel empty as she fell to her knees, breathing hard to recover with Hannah nearby looking worse for wear with her wounds. Grom seemed to have passed out from blood loss and Lena managed to get to the Noghris side, stopping the bleeding and patching his wounds with makeshift bandages from their clothes, a moment later doing the same for Hannah and then herself, the Miraluka passing out shortly after. She saw black spots before her eyes as she felt extremely tired from the ordeal they had just been through when she noticed the spectre hovering close by.

The only thing that stayed her hand was that this spectre seemed to have a more solid form and its features were not warped in darkness or shadow. It looked to be a sith pureblood and she noticed that this spectre had a vague resemblance to the statue on the dais. It just silently observed her and she after a moment decided to speak. "What do you want."

The spectre grinned, showing predatory teeth. "To observe. To see. And in the end, to Judge." Lena was taken aback, in her head it sounded like his words were galactic basic but what she heard actually was the language of the sith, but somehow the spectre was translating it directly into her mind. The spectre gestured to the passed out Hannah and Grom. "You could have spared yourself from harm by sacrificing these two, you did not, why. Are you not Sith? Are you not determined to have power." The spectre laughed and continued in a mocking tongue. "Or are you just weak that you need them to save you."

Lena blinked and then smiled, "I am sith and I am far from weak. I do not have a desire to hoard power and keep it to myself. My apprentices, my allies, are stronger working together than fighting alone. Alone I fail, together we prevail."

The spectre hovered closer and seemed to peer in her mind, laughing softly at whatever it is that it saw in there. "Is that so? Is that why you kidnapped two children strong in the force? Why you helped your ally, a rival, with helping enlarge his army? Why you did not strike down the woman who took you in and taught you the sith ways and yet kept knowledge from you that would have given you more power?"

She kept smiling, "Why strike them down when they can help me? If you seek to make me hunt down and kill these other sith I have met and made alliances with to make me more powerful you waste your breath. The sith have the means and will to change the galaxy for the better and thats what I aim to do, and I know that alone it will be difficult to do so I will make sure that my alliances remain intact. So begone from my sight for I have no interest in hoarding power for myself. If I learn new powers that make me stronger, so be it. But I will not be a leech who sucks it out of the fallen corpses of those I call allies."

The spectre laughed again and looked at her solemnly. "We have more in common than you think, even if you are a mewling whelp compared to what the sith were capable of in my age. I was named in life Ludo Kressh, lord of the Sith. And I too wanted the sith to thrive and survive together. I failed and died in my attempt to accomplish that. In you I see a similar drive and I approve. Lady Lena of the Sith." Before she could react the spectre reached out, placing it's ghostly palm on her forehead and she felt a cold course through her body but also a scorching heat that made her cry out. "I brand you with my mark and grant you a inkling of my power. Know that I have chosen you as my heir, chosen by a ancient lord of the sith. You will either rise to greatness... or die without anyone knowing your name." He laughed, his voice mocking once more. "Perhaps at the hands of those you call allies..."

Darkness overtook her as the combined pain of searing heat on her forehead and cold burning throughout her body was too much for her take and she passed out.

She woke up later, with the last rays of the setting sun warming her cheek, confused she slowly looked around, hearing and then seeing Grom and Hannah groaning on the ground near her. They were back in the ruins on the surface from what it looked like. Hearing something clink she looked down at her right arm and saw she was wearing the gauntlet that had been on the statue in the tomb. The purple gem in the palm was touching the skin of her hand and it felt warm, as she peered at it she saw something swirling from within and actually sensed the force, its raw power, contained within the gem and she suddenly felt a little invigorated as she tapped into the power contained within the gem by accident.

She heard something scrape over stone from behind her and turned around, reaching for her lightsaber but stopped, seeing a pair of Noghri staring at her. One of them turned back, "Found her!" And they rushed to her side. "Injured, mistress?" One asked while the other checked over the two apprentices. What happened next was that Lena and the wounded apprentices were guided to the edge of the ruins were a large area had been cleared by what seemed to be a small bombardment from orbit with several ships touched down on the surface and a bustle of activity of her troops scurrying about. She was brought before Verat and a number of medical personal from her flagship who tended to her injuries.

Lena snapped out of her daze and looked at Verat who was just finishing telling a pilot to take the two wounded apprentices on a shuttle back to the ship in orbit. "Verat... why are you down here?"

The givin turned sharply around, "My lady. To look for you of course. Your duplicate vanished before my eyes with a scream. Ko'Chul has also reported in moments ago that your duplicate traveling with her has vanished at the same time. Thoorn had returned to the surface after delivering Azai and then later reported in that Idoht and Kwilnae had left the tomb after having been split off from your party. So I made the decision to land down some troops and scour the tomb with as much manpower as I could muster to see what had befallen you. We had been about to enter when suddenly the Noghri claimed to 'smell' you in the ruins. So we decided to comb the ruins instead. That's where we found you, Grom and Hannah." He tilted his head, "How did you get up here on the surface?"

Lena winced, she had tried to shrug and the cut in her shoulder was hurting her and also earned her a glare of the medic tending to it. "I do not know Verat, but I thank you for your loyalty in coming down here to find me."

The medic interrupted, "We have cleaned and dressed your injuries as best we could. The burns on your forehead we could not treat, it almost seems you have been branded."

Lena snapped her head around and then touched her forehead, feeling something that had not been there before, "Someone bring me a mirror, now!" A mirror was quickly provided and she stared into it, tracing over the new markings on her forehead, she had a mark that appeared to be resemble two curved blades, mirrored opposite of each other, looking part burned right into her skin and yet also as if it was naturally formed. "So he did mark me." She murmured, trailing off as she recalled the sith spectre speaking to her and telling her it would mark her. She vaguely heard the medic that they could do a skin transplant to restore her forehead but she quickly quelled that suggestion. "No, I will keep it." The medic and Verat exchanged glances but it was not questioned. "For now, take me back to my ship, I need to rest and I prefer to do it in my own chambers."

____________________________________
Back aboard the Shadow's Regret.
____________________________________​

Lena traced slowly over the markings on her forehead, exploring them as she stared into the mirror in her quarters. This would be getting some used to whenever she stared into a mirror, she then turned to look at the Sith amulet gauntlet she had placed on a cabinet nearby, still sensing the power within it. She had not find riches but a artifact like that and this mark she had received might be riches enough to some. She smiled as she could imagine two specifically who would hold such things to the highest regard.

Smiling she considered other matters, looking on with a concerned frown at the report about the medical status of Azai, Grom and Hannah. Azai would recover in time, she had been secured in a bacta tank to heal fully from her impalement. Hannah would also recover with some rest and minor bacta treatments. Grom was in a medically induced coma and was being fitted for a cybernetic replacement for the arm he had lost. Her own injuries would also recover with time, the bacta patches and painkillers currently coursing through her system doing a efficient task of making her not feel the pain she should actually be experiencing.

Ko'Chul had reported in that she would return to Lena's side with Jahzeera Natallis soon and she was looking forward to meeting the former Black Watch operative face to face with her real self and not a duplicate. She felt the painkillers were making her sluggish, she would need to lie down soon and rest. But first she wanted to authorize construction plans of some new holdings. Once approved and send to Verat to verify the hiring of crews and settling of the necessary permits she laid down and closed her eyes to let sleep catch her, hoping that no dreams or nightmares would disturb her.
 
Azazel looks at the fidgety hologram of Loremaster Kwinton as he wringles his bony hands that were undoubtedly clammy as ever. She was growing impatient with the man on her trip back to the Tapani space, which so far had gone without incidence. Of course she had sent the man to the darksider cult upon Bpfssh so long ago now, it seemed, but he had little to show in the way of success so far. No, now he prattled on, saying he made great progress with nothing to show for it... While also having already lent out his services to the Bpfsshi without even so much as consulting her. It was infuriating that he would do such a thing, and the look she him, it only made the Loremaster squirm more and dab sweat from his brow. Still, she supposed that there was some use in him doing so and it might ingratiate them further with the Bpfasshi cult. So with that in mind, she permitted him to continue his studies with them and offer his services.

Turning away, Azazel sighed out, rubbing her jaw. Xen had been taking on such duties of late but he was no longer with her. He had taken his XOS 83 just the day before and taken off to head the spies out in the field in order to find Traiserus – to find her children. She takes a deep breath and draws her robes closer about herself and leaves the bridge. She would just have to deal with the tedious tasks until he, or Andrea, found the information they needed.

As if catching onto her thoughts, an ensign clomps loudly after her. She stares at him. A Mandalorian. The armour gave him away as such, but she was struggling to remember what his actual species was. Something far less common in the galaxy, certainly, and she was unsure how he came to be a Mandalorian. She saw it befitting he came into her outfit, though. He clears his throat and holds out a datapad, "Xen left this for your perusal and consent." She nods and takes it and scans over the information. He wanted to break ground on a new tank factory and a small shipyard on Tallaan as well as take on a fence. She drums her fingers along the datapad as she looks over the charts he drew up over the allocation of funds, including the funds that had gone already into Ravens and Starscreamers this month. Internally she was sobbing at how they bled money, but she knew it was necessary. Reluctant but resigned, she presses her thumb to the pad for her digital signature.

As she walks down the halls, she takes a turn and finds herself walking on the way to the biodeck where the xenobiological chambers, rancor pen and hydroponic bay was. Her feet falter as she hears a lullaby being sung, its lilting notes filtering through the doors of the rancor cage. She scowls, half a mind to immolate whoever thought to do such a thing on her ship right now.

Azazel peers through the partway opened door and takes in the sight before her. She knew the woman. She had been at the battle at Mandalore upon the rancor. They had called her Sylri and after the battle she had been brought to her personal attention. She had won the respect of everyone for her fierce display and the handling of such a creature. Now, she wondered where the vicious battlebeast had gone. It cooed as she rubbed over its belly, continuing to sing her soothing song. The sith stumbles forward. The rancor starts and Sylri calms it once more with soft words and a gentle touch. Azazel looks at her with large eyes, "I... I've never seen a rancor like that. You must have a real way with them."

Sylri flushes lightly and shakes her head, "Oh no, Flopsy is really a big sweetheart underneath it all... And he just turns to pudding when you rub his belly, too." She smiles and looks back at Azazel, "It's just like those pups of yours. They look meaner than they are."

Azazel considers it and nods, "That is true... Have you seen the Ravens with their Tuk'ata? I don't know how many times I have told them not to feed them scraps from under the table." She crosses her arms, "I guess I should leave you two be."

Sylri continues to smile, "If you wish. We will likely be here later if you wish to find us again."

---

Tannus' breath rattles through his respirator as he glowers upon Aria, gripping his lightsaber tighter. "You embarrass yourself with this display, child. Again. Better. Strike me."

Aria huffs, quivering as her muscles strain to hold her upright as the training session wears on. She tries to push at Tannus with the force but her efforts do nothing but blow his cloak back. She earns a scoff from him, which earns a spike of rage from her. It was enough for her to go on, as she lurches forward to try and strike him with the lightsaber.

A laser knife slips out, unsheathed by Tannus' will of the force even as he lazily jumps back to dodge her attack. He casts out the laser knife and the weapon strikes out along her back, searing a long gash and earning a howl of agony from her. Tannus' eyes alight with glee even as the dagger hops back and into his hand and he turns it off, sheathing it and his his lightsaber.

Aria hisses out through clenched teeth, "You bastard... You cheat..."

"There is no cheating in battle," the light in his eyes had faded, there was no amusement now, "You left yourself exposed. You let yourself rise to anger and fell into an assault that left yourself open and weak. Pick yourself up and get to the medbay."

---

Azazel arrives at Gustav's estate in one of her Ram light support crafts, Bezol at the helm. She remains silent as they approach, wary of any sign of hostility or change since her last visit as she instructs her pilot to radio them in. In her company Kitt, Janii, Rei'Ki and Gustav's niece, Zarra. As her comm line makes a connection she speaks clearly, "This is Azazel. We've some matters to talk of, my friend."

"Well, well. Lady Azazel, you have interesting timing. Welcome back." The voice belonged to the woman standing at the head of the table. She was dressed in a nobles gown in green and red. Her arms were bare, her left looking normal but her right was at first glance the most exquisite and artistic piece of cybernetics any of Azazels party had ever seen. It appeared to be made out of complete silver with gold images of dragons, the hand ending not in normal human fingers but claws that looked both elegant and deadly sharp. Lady Braghda Hejaran smiled, one of her eyes also clearly a cybernetic with a reptillian pupil.

The sith takes in the woman's now whole, albeit modified appearance in stride. Kitt, however, sucks in a breath of awe and mutters aloud, "I thought they were kidding when they called you the Dragon Lady." Azazel gives her a piercing look before striding forward, trying to hide her trembling with so many questions she needed to ask. How she wished to grab Braghda and shake her to ask all she knew. She struggled to keep her cool veneer, though, instead raising her chin, "Thank you. It is good to see you in better sorts than before. Me, and mine, apologize for the condition you were left in." She casts a glance to Janii, who places her cybernetic arm to her chest and bows deeply. A grim expression was on the cyborg's face seeing first hand some of the damage wrought thanks to her former lord's ally. "Why exactly is my timing so interesting?"

Braghda smiled still as she waved her hand over some controls and the holographic projector came to life, showing the upper body of lord Jehemath. "I assume you recognize my cousin, who has 'inherited' my position after my accident in which I died." She paused, knowing she was being dramatic as she showed a feral smile before she continued. "We were just planning his assassination." She announced and then looked at Azazel and her party, a amused glance towards the young Echani.

A ripple of anger flares through Azazel at the sight of Jehemath. He was the start of all of this and if not for him… She snaps back after a second, realizing there were purple flames dancing over her skin. She clenches her jaw, "I see. I would see the cur dead, as well… But unless you can tell me where to find Traiserus, I would not have him dead yet." Rei'Ki coughs and purposely takes a few steps, noticing a distinct burning scent coming from Azazel's clothing, even if it was a touch more flame retardant. Kitt shuffles awkwardly and looks to Braghda with a hopeful expression.

Gustav looked on with wide eyes at the purple flames while Braghda looked curious, gesturing to a number of alarmed figures dressed similar to Zarra to stand down as they were drawing weapons believing she was about to be attacked. "Part of the mission is to obtain any data about his associates, allies and accomplices. But the main objective, is to see him dead so I can come out and resume my rightful position and start purging the ranks openly. It will carry its own set of risks naturally but it will be worth it." She paused, "You seem rather agitated however, more than I remember." At this point Zarra broke off from the others, hurrying to the Dragon Lady's side and murmured something rapidly in her ear, that made Braghda widen her human eye and she looked shocked for a moment, her face softening somewhat as she looked back at Azazel. "Ah... I understand now. I understand why you might... want to interrogate him or take him alive... but he needs to die... and in a specific way, as if he died by a accident."

Her brow furrows as she glares but she nods with a sigh, "Yes, of course… But you will give me any information you receive." Azazel's teeth gnash as she works past her anger, staring at Jehemath. She had come for something else besides information, which it appeared Braghda did not have. "Another matter I came to discuss with you…" The Dark Lady looks at the Tapani noble, "I've recently been to Mandalore and acquired the loyalty of a Mandalorian clan… I extend to you their services, in order to offer protection to you and those still loyal to the Mecrossa Order."

Some of the people still sitting at the table, other nobles from the look of them, exchanged glances at this news and lady Braghda, inclined her head. "Mandalorians you say... I, yes, thank you we can most certainly use their services." A number of the people dressed like Zarra seemed to be thinking the opposite which the noble noticed. "Not that the assassins of our order are not capable, but their talents lie in more... covert areas after all. The Mandalorian warriors can serve a more public role. Yes that could be very useful." She looked at Azazel, "You offer the services of this clan without asking for some type of payment?

She straightens herself and looks over the table at those present. How many of these nobles had their own secret channels of information, she wondered. She swallows and raises her head, "I demand none, but I ask of you all, if you have any information on the Lord Traiserus to offer up… Or if you would be so kindly as to make available to me any information networks or spy channels you might be able to afford at this time, it would be most appreciated… I understand you will attempt to glean information from Jehemath, but I worry it may not be enough and time might be of the essence for me."

Before Braghda could reply one of the nobles at the table spoke up, "Pardon me for speaking out of turn perhaps." Braghda was glaring at the young man but he ignored her. "But you as a sith, you may have ways to get information out of individuals that leave no trace, no sign of violence."

"Lord Bohren, what are you getting at with this." Braghda asked with a hint of curiousity but mostly annoyance.

"Plausible deniability, many in the Order have yet to declare who they wish to side with. If we eliminate Jehemath, even by making it look like a accident, then we still have a risk that you would be a suspect in his death when you return to the public eye and it might risk the loyalty of some of our allies and those undecided." He gestured to Azazel, "She is technically not a member of our order, a associate yes, but not a member and one who would have reason to kill Jehemath. If she does so while still trying to minimise risk of making it a public spectacle with news outlets all over the 'grissly murder' of a Tapani noble. Then our allies might even respect a outsider willing to seek revenge on someone who harmed a associate of hers. So yes, what I am suggesting is that lady Azazel here deals with our Jehemath problem. It will help us and perhaps she will get the information she wants."

Braghda did not reply, merely looking at Azazel with a raised eyebrow as she lightly tapped her talons on the table.

She raises her brows and considers it, "I can do this…" She leans forward, "Lord Bohren was it? Indeed, I am not without my talents." Azazel flashes her teeth in a fierce smile, "And continue to insult me by continuing to consider me so far removed from the Order as to call me an associate. Please." She looks around the room, "Are you even all aware of the severity of the situation? Of what I have dealt with since Jehemath's attempt on Lady Braghda's life?" She raises her chin. "That there is another Sith, by the name of Traiserus who is a noble of this sector with three children. One of which I have met by the name of Marcus who dared attack the Sith homeworld thanks to the information I shared with you? His resources are great, his talent in the force is great, and Jehemath is merely one of his dogs." She peels her lips back into a snarl, "My involvement with this Order has brought me against this Traiserus more than once and it has brought the well-being of my family at risk." She glowers at the table, "So you can very well stop pretending like I am an outsider to this."

All of the nobles looked shocked, even Gustav who exchanged glances with Braghda who also looked a mixture of confusion and shock before she seemed to get over her moment of stunned silence. "Azazel, what do you mean there is a sith among the Tapani nobility working with Jehemath? You have not mentioned this before at all. We discussed that Jehemath had indeed shared the location of Korriban and that you and your... ally... on that world would deal with it but this, this might change everything. What do you know of this Traiserus and his son?"

She takes a deep breath and clenches her fists, "I met him at the winter retreat where you had supposedly had met your retreat. I was intending to investigate Jehemath's involvement in all that myself… It was there I encountered Traiserus. To commemorate our meeting, I burned half his body severely. It was there I learned he was not only in league with Jehemath but his superior… I was not able to finish the job as it happened he was very well acquainted with the masters of the resort. Janii, however, after learning of the involvement of her master in recent affairs, assisted us in leaving that place before all of their security could crash in upon us." She rubs her jaw, "His son, who introduced himself as Marcus, I met at Korriban. Daddy issues, I think he would betray Traiserus, given the chance. He commanded three cruisers from afar as they attacked me and… my ally." She begins working with her wristlink to draw up the information, "We can provide the schematics on the cruiser and a visual image to show you what they look like, if it happens to help. They were manufactured in the Tallaan system, as it were."

After studying the iamges of the ships one of the nobles spoke up again, speaking softly. "Those ships, various nobles have been constructing them lately for their homeworld defense fleets... all of those nobles are associated with Jehemath, or perhaps more accurately with this sith."

Bohren frowned, "It is a start, Traiserus really doesn't mean anything to us... maybe it is his sith name? I believe you sith took a new name upon naming yourselves Darths, or somesuch?" He shrugged and thought for a moment. "It might be easier to find out who this Traiserus is if we find out who the son is, finding a nobles son with the name Marcus should be easier."

Braghda nodded, "Bohren you will pursue that lead then. Amanda, investigate more about these ships... and whatever else they may be building up which they could use against us." She turned back to Azazel, "You said he had three children? What do you know about the other two?"

Azazel shakes her head, "Not much. My sources had little to tell. He has a daughter, who is like his personal assassin, and then another son who is like his groundskeeper or steward or somesuch." The sith crosses her arms, a little ease coming to her now that there seemed to be some progress coming.

"We can put our resources at work into discovering more about this 'Traiserus' with what you have provided. And despite lord Bohrens out of line statements, he might have a good point that it would help us, us both, if you were to deal with Jehemath. What say you?" Braghda asked.

She offers a vicious smile, "Consider it done." It would be a challenge to restrain herself some… but a challenge would be good.

The next few hours were filled with planning and a exchange of information. Jehemath was currently on a estate on the world of Estaph, supposedly on a vacation with his mistress, lady Bellona, when her name is mentioned Janii perks up and tightens her cybernetic hand in a fist, only noticable by Azazel and lady Braghda. No detailed groundplan was available of the estate but what they did know was that the reactors powering the estate onsite were of a kind that if they were deliberately overloaded and any engineering staff was prevented from fixing it the whole estate could be blown sky high in a tragic accident killing most, if not everyone inside. Braghda looked at Azazel, "You are free to find your own way in, but... my advice would be to infiltrate it without raising many alarms... and without cutting people to pieces with your lightsabers. Afterwards there will be extensive investigations and even if finding pieces of guards and what not could be attributed to the explosion such clean cuts from your sabers through the bones might raise questions among those who know better. If you locate Jehemath or Bellona you are free to extract any information you can but leave no physical mark on them and make sure they die in the blast."

She smirked, "And make sure you don't perish in the blast yourself. From what I understand of our saboteur experts you would have a limited window to escape once the overload is triggered."

Azazel looks to Kitt, "You will have to give me a refresher course on your martial style before we go in." She nods to Braghda, "Thank you for your help. I will deal with this swift as possible…" She looks to Janii with a raised brow, questioning.

***

Janii's face was the same unreadable mask as it always was but Azazel could feel the tension that radiated from the cyborg. The Sith, after arriving back upon her vessel, had sent away the other and was now alone with the guard woman. "So what was it that struck a nerve with you? And don't pretend that nothing did."

She remains silent for a moment, metal gears whirring as she shifts her arm. "I would like to say I am irrationally prejudices against Estaph, but you would not buy that, I assume." Her eyelids shutter before she exhales, "Lady Bellona, she was the wife of my master. The one whom I suspect arranged an accident for him."

"That undoubtedly did so, considering her place upon Jehemath's arm," Azazel corrects, a sour taste in her mouth, "You can see her involvement here. You knew it was expected. That was why you joined."

Janii tenses, though that damnable face remained passive. "I know, but that does not mean seeing and hearing further evidence of it is not upsetting."

Azazel sighs, "I feel for you, Janii. Your position is not an easy one. Though, if you are going to be with me on this, you need to wake up and acknowledge these people are the scum of the galaxy and monstrous at that. To feel anything over them is-"

She is cut off with a scowl and the bright glare of lights embedded in cybernetics. Azazel just shakes her head and begins walking away, leaving Janii wondering how Azazel could speak of scum and monsters.
 
Darth Andrea, Dark Rebirth
At the edge of the Ruuria System​


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After the chained despair and the liberated CIS SIV had landed on the Dark Rebirth medical crash teams rushed in and took Andrea straight towards the medical bay. Their prisoners were looked over briefly, tended to and put in the detention block and Reneva had ordered the ship to leave at once, heading to the Ruuria system were they would meet up with Hadzuska on the Dagger and wait for a Republic representative of the Republic SIS.​
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The crew for one glad to be meeting up with Hadzuska who would have seniority in this matter...​
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"I ask again... HOW WAS THIS ALLOWED TO HAPPEN!" Hadzuska snarled, gesturing at the unconscious floating form of Andrea in a bacta tank, the best medical staff present monitoring her condition at all times winced but did not dare to ask the sith disciple to leave as she looked enraged at Trizz and Talon.​
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Talon looked nervously at the bacta tank and back at Hadzuska, "We had not anticipated the prowess of the overseer to be that severe." She gestured to her own arm which was set in a cask and numerous bacta patches. "He managed to get in a rather severe blow in at Andrea at the end before she managed to neutralize him."​
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Hadzuska frowned, staring back at the bacta tank and continued in a whisper. "Rhak-skuri tried to kill her, now she is weakened. This is not a time to appear weak, there is blood in the water and whatever sharks that have been lurking in the depths might try to capitalize on this." She pointed at Trizz, "I want round the clock security outside the medical bay and here inside. Nobody is cleared to see her except for us that bear the mark of the hand."​
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Trizz shrugged, "Sure thing, only the good little girls club can see her, got it."​
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Hadzuska was preparing a angry retort when her comm chimed, glaring at Trizz she answered, "What?" She listened for a moment and frowned, looking at Trizz and Talon. "One of the prisoners, Whilem, wishes to see Andrea. What is that about?"​
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Trizz and Talon exchanged glances and Trizz answered, "Underseer of the facility, had some stomach problems, sone of some general or somesuch." She shrugged.​
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Hadzuska frowned, 'Great. Guess I will have to deal with this, Talon with me." She snapped and walked out to head to the detention block with Talon in tow.​
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When the pair arrived the guards directed them to the right cell where they found Whilem, thankfully in a clean set of clothing and looking little worse for his present situation as he sat on the edge of the bed waiting. He raised an eyebrow upon seeing them. "Who are you. I was requesting to speak with the woman from the planet, the boss... or was she just a lacky as well?" he said with a definite air of authority in his tone.​
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Hadzuska exchanged glances with Talon, snorted and rolled her eyes as she crossed her arms. "She has important matters occupying her time. You can deal with me or nobody at all, got it. Now what do you want."​
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"Very well." Whilem said as he stood and moved towards the front of the cell. "I wish to negotiate my release back to my family."​
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Hadzuska again exchanged glances with Talon, this time with a look of 'can this guy be for real?' She looked back at the portly man, "And why should my... employer... be interested in that?"​
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"Why are most employers interested in anything, credits of course." Whilem replied. "My family is also not without their influence, My father is quite a high ranking general."​
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"Right... credits and influence from a high ranking general with the CIS... who will be oh so happy with us if we sell him back his son who we captured after destroying a black ops CIS facility."​
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"This is not my first ransom negotiation." Whilem replied. "Now from what I saw between the hanger, the medbay and this cell I know that whoever you people are you're not bad off. How much do you think your employer might pay to retrieve her child under the same circumstances."​
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"Knowing my employer she would pay whatever ransom, get her child back and then proceed to hunt down and kill everyone involved in capturing her child." Hadzuska replied deadpan.​
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"Having met the woman I believe you." Whilem said quite honestly. "My father is not that vengeful however. To him I would be more trouble in his enemies hands than what it would likely cost to get me back."​
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"I see, still don't see why turning you back to your daddy is better for us than handing you to the reppies. We'd risk antagonizing them if we do this."​
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"Why even tell them you had me in the first place, what they don't know cant get you in trouble."​
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Hadzuska was about to reply again when Talon spoke up, "You did not inform her about the security turrets, when she asked what measures the were in the facility." Hadzuska closed her mouth and looked at Talon, who had balled her free fist, and then looked back at their prisoner.​
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"I saw what you people did to the barracks, they shouldn't have given you any trouble." Whilem replied. "Besides she asked about personel and security forces and I gave you the exact number of organicstaff and droids remaining in the facility." Whilem added defensively. "You also hadn't triggered the lockdown at the time so the turrets were deactivated, my access card allowed you to get through that room unharmed."​
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Hadzuska just held up a hand, "We are done talking. Your fate lies in my employers hands with this little bit of trivia." And she walked away, Talon glaring at the occupant in the cell before she followed.​
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*------------------------*
Delivering good and getting paid.
*------------------------*​
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The freighter landed quietly, Hadzuska stood with Talon and Khanna and watched the craft settle down and then for several moments more as the boarding ramp lowered and two figured walked down, wearing nondescript clothing, appearing to be smugglers as they approached. "You got the goods? We need to hurry or we miss our window."​
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Hadzuska smirked, seeming amused. "Assuming you have payment."​
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"Yes, yes. We got... hang on. You don't look like the one we were supposed to meet." Hands were inching towards holsters as the two shared glances.​
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She rolled her eyes, "Andrea is in a bacta tank, want me to take you there so you can look at her unconscious form?" The two shared another glance and seemed to relax, making her snort. "Didn't think so." She snapped her fingers and from the side some staff approached with repulsor stretches while she handed a box with a series of data crystals. "These contain the entire mainframe database worth of data of all CIS black ops and covert operations in the Corporate Sector." The first repulsor sled stopped with the crate that had been obtained with power packs and she gestured to it. "Experimental power packs."​
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She motioned the next repulsor sled to approach, the cyborg overseer glared with silent hatred at everyone, unable to do anything else with his arms and legs cut off. "This one was the overseer in charge of the facility. He's the reason you are talking to me and not the woman you were expecting. Also hence the precautions taken with his arms and legs."​
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The leading man let out a whistle, "Well, well. The data would be invaluable already, overseer is a nice icing on the cake there, if that is who I think it is. Those power packs, eh the boys and girls in R&D will love them I suppose. Do you want money or a owed favour for turning in old cyber here?"​
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"Money will be fine, but we are not finished." She motioned the last sled to come over, it was a bit more elaborate than the others as it had a medic hovering nearby, monitoring a dripfeed attached to the occupant.​
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At the sight the two Republic SIS operatives recoiled, "What in the... the Cyborg... understandable, but what? Why... what happened to this man, who is he anyway." They stared at the portly human male, he appeared to be unconscious, breathing shallowly. And both his legs were severed.​
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Hadzuska smiled coldly, "He got off lightly. My mistress had apparently threatened with cutting off his legs if he lied to her. He lied by omission. I decided to give him the kindness of letting it happen in a medical bay with staff nearby to monitor him and make sure he wouldn't die from the shock. He was the underseer of the facility, son of some general or whatever. When he comes to and notices his legs are gone, feel free to use the threat that he has for more appendages still that can be cut off if he lies to you."​
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Wordlessly they just gestured for everything and everyone to be taken aboard their ship and after some counting they handed a suitcase with numerous credit chits to Hadzuska and quickly went back to their ship and lifted off as fast as they could. The Twi'lek handed the suitcase to Khanna, deposit this in the vault." The dathomiri scoffed at the menial task but did not object, taking the case and walked off, Talon in tow.​
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Leaving Hadzuska who noticed a figure standing nearby who had watched from a distance, she approached him. "You are the head technician they found there?"​
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The man turned to regard her, speaking in a monotone like she had been told he would. "Yes. That I am."​
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"I was told of the promise made to you. I am heading to the Wheel next so you will be coming with me while this ship heads elsewhere." She said, slightly amused with how he talked.​
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"Perfectly fine. I will look forward to it. If you would excuse me." And he inclined his head before walking off.​
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Hadzuska watched him go and shook her head, "Andrea picks up the strangest people..."​
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Yavin 4
Cha'alla's Dungeon Run​

The Raek dropped out of Hyperspace near the gas giant of Yavin and soon powered its engines on a course for the 4th​ moon. The helm officer had the coordinates of the ruin loaded up and assumed a geosynchronous orbit above the site while Granna signalled the jedi that they had arrived. Cha'alla came back over the internal comms a short time later.

"Thankyou Granna, we will be taking one of the bomber craft down to the surface. Whatever is down there the three of us should be able to handle it. Try and keep a watch on us from up here though an should anything happen let me know."
Granna shook her head and replied. "I am well aware of my role on this errand, I was hoping to put this new vessel though its paces but things have been rather uneventful."
"Perhaps we can find something to test her on the return trip." Cha'alla said in response.
"Perhaps." Granna replied, "And tell that Kel'dor he's not to go bringing back and non-sentient friends. We're not equipped to keep animals on this ship."
A soft laugh issued through the comms before Cha'alla replied. "I'll make sure he is aware." she said before closing the channel.

Within ten minutes the three jedi had launched from the Raeks small hanger bay and were landing at the closest clearing to the ruin that they could find. Touching down safely the trio emerged from the bomber and got their barrings.

The forests were thick and the sound of animal life filled the air. Howling filled the air occasionally and the cloying scent of plants in flower filled the air. Night had begun to fall however and the lighting was falling off, but the Temple was where the explorers said it was, lit up by a pair of lit fire bowls out the front.

The trio moved through the forest towards the massive structure while keeping their senses alert for any potential predators in the trees that might decide they looked like an appealing snack. Cha'alla also took a moment to check that the commlink with the ship was being relayed through the bomber properly to keep them in contact with Granna in orbit.

Cha'alla couldn't sense anything overly out of place while she performed the radio check, though it was fully established properly and there should be no difficulties communication. Clezo and Hal could however sense the forest was full of predators of various types. Additionally, they sensed danger from the temple ahead of them.

"The lit fires would indicate these ruins are inhabited." Cha'alla mentioned as the three of them got closer.
"I'm not sure whoever is there is going to be pleased to have visitors." Clezo said from beside her, "I feel a danger coming from that temple." he added a moment later.
"As do I." Hal said from behind the two of them. "Perhaps we should conceal ourselves in case whoever is in there is hostile."
Cha'alla nodded and the three of then drew on he force to hide their presences as they continued forward.

As they closed on the temple they could all feel it in the force, the temple itself seemed to be aware. The fires weren't lit because it was inhabited, though they couldn't rule it out, the force seemed to have lit it because they approached.
"Or maybe the fires mean something else is aware of us." Cha'alla said quietly as they climbed the stairs of the temple ruin. None of them voiced an opinion otherwise as it seemed they had all sensed the same thing. "Be mindful, both of you." She added almost unnecessarily.

The statues gazes seemed to follow them as they mounted the vast plinth the Temple was erected upon. The statues were of the ancient Massassi who once inhabited the world, and the fire bowls flanked a cavity that lead down into the Temple bowels. Faint light could be seen emanating up the stairs and a wild howling echoed out from within.

"I've got a bad feeling about this." Clezo said as the three approached the entrance to the temple ruin. The entrance was, predictably, a stone passageway into the depths of the temple, the cold stone wet with the rains of the previous days and various mold growing on the stones. "Tread lightly." Ch'alla said as the started to descend the stairs into the temple proper.

As they began the descent down the stairs the howling got louder and a large lizard-like creature was howling some sort of dirge that was painful to the ears.

"Hal." Cha'alla said as she motioned the kel'dor forward to use his particular affinities to try and quiet the beast. Hal reached out with the force to try and calm the lizard-like creature and have it stop howling. The beast quieted for a moment, in that moment all three could hear more of them howling that painful dirge before it resumed its howling.

Suddenly Hal found himself being bitten by a small, almost entirely translucent snake, he only spotted it because of a glint of light as it sank it's fangs into his calf disgorging its venom into his bloodstream.

"Damn." Hal said, his tone already sounding drowsy as Cha'alla stepped up to him quickly, probing him with the force to assess the venom so she could counteract it. Clezo also stepped forward but he reached out with the force to take hold of the snake and remove it from Hal's leg and prevent it from biting anyone else.

Cha'alla had little difficulty counteracting the venom, discovering that it was a non-lethal poison. But enough to knock someone out without difficulty. Clezo had more difficulty trying to pluck the translucent snake from Hal's leg however. It thrashed in his grip and Clezo lost it, the snake vanishing into a crack in the wall.

"Well at least its gone now." Clezo said with a small half hearted laugh. "How bad was it? He then asked. Cha'alla opened her eyes again having cleared the venom from Hal's system and looked around again. The sound from the lizard like beast was still going and quite a distraction.
"Non-lethal, he would have slept it off given the chance." She replied to her padawan. She then reached out her hand and sent bolts of emerald lightning into the howling lizard in order to subdue and quiet it. The howler ... howls more... under the bolt and flees the chamber deeper into the temple.

Cha'alla shook her head. "Let us continue, I doubt concealing ourselves is doing anything to the creatures in here judging by the way that snake attacked. Just keep alert, I would rather we not disturb this place too much." She said before leading the way deeper into the temple.

Moving into the corridor it divides into a T corridor. Ahead of them were words in the ancient Sith language. One of the sentences, that seemed to indicate 'left' included an ideogram of a meditating figure, to the side that seemed to indicate right was an ideogram of what could only be described as a man in the throes of passion.

"This temple appears to be of Massassi origin, a subspecies of the sith race." Cha'alla said as she studied the ideograms for a moment. "These images share a similarity with the code of the sith. The first line 'Peace is a lie, there is only passion.' the meditating man is peace while the second one seems quite obvious." She added. "That in mind I doubt going left will have us find anything pleasant." she concluded as she turned to lead them right.

It was hard to say whether the decision was the right one, but no booby traps had attempted to kill them as they proceeded up the hall. Coming to another junction the passage to the left bore no ideogram, the stone door immediately in front bore the symbol of a man flexing muscles as the door to the right bore the ideogram of an open book.

"Ignorance, yet knowledge." Cha'alla said as she looked at the door with the book. Maybe the sith code was not the only guide at work here she considered, despite the temples origin. "The next line of the code reads 'through passion, I gain strength.' Assuming my guess was correct, Mr Muscles there should be out next turn." she said to the other two. "Be aware, I would expect there to be some sort of test on the other side of that door." She said as she moved forward to open it.

The chamber was thick with the scent of animals as the stone door hissed open as Cha'alla approached it. She felt something judging her before allowing her through. Large cracks in the walls revealed where a number of Howlers had gotten through into the chamber, but they appeared... warped... and very very angry.

"Id say this is a test." clezo said as he wrapped himself in a protective bubble of the force and drew his sabre, moving into the room a little to give himself a bit of space. Cha'alla did likewise and readied her sabre as well, though like Clezo did not move to strike right away, instead taking a more defensive stance. Hal followed suit and drew his sabre, though he had not mastered the trick of protecting his person with the force as the other two had.

The howlers charged in with their cruel howling their claws and roar painful to hear but fortunately the three force users managed to keep the vicious claws from reaching flesh, Hal actually managing to decapitate his attacker with a defensive stroke.

Clezo took a half step back from the creature as he lashed out his his blade, its curved hilt turning the otherwise basic strike into something a little more refined that tended to put most of those he spared with a little on edge. Cha'alla sighed as she struck back at the howler facing her. Nothing fancy in her strikes just basic blows designed to be efficient, using the long hilt to leverage a wide swing, while Hal stepped in to assist her.

As Cha'alla bisected the Howler horizontally Clezo's blade cut off the corner of the table he was near as the Howler attacking him ... bit into the separated section. "Don't mind me. I've got this." Clezo said to Hal and Cha'alla as he tried again to defeat the creature. This time the Howler was slain by Clezo's lightsaber, though it wasn't as refined a stroke as Cha'alla and Hal's
"So you do." Cha'alla said as the beast dropped to the stone floor. "The question is, Now what?"

As the last Howler was defeated their skin returned to normal and their blood began to pool on the floor. Now that they had a chance to really examine the chamber. The stone shelving held nothing of real value, it looked like it might have been looted before, or the owners stripped out anything of value before abandoning it. The Statues radiated danger and a large pile of bones were marked by teeth and claw marks. Presumably those who had failed the test.

"I don't much like he look of those statues." Hal commented as the three of them turned to them. They were the only obvious items left in the room with any sort of purpose, what that purpose was however could have been anything.
"We're running on guesses and assumptions here though." Cha'alla said as she moved towards the right statue. "We need to know something of what we're dealing with." She added a she reached out to touch the statue and 'read' it using psychometry.

Cha'alla snatched her hand away as if burned, she had sensed the black purpose of the statue. Had they attempted to come in through the other door a powerful blast of lightning would have ripped out in reaction to their presence attempting to fry them.

"It seems my assumptions were on track so far." She said to the others as she fought off the chill that ran through her from the statue. "If we do not chose the option that corresponds to the sith code we will end up in far more immediate strife it would seem."
"If we need to follow the code of the sith to find whatever artifacts the explorers thought were down here is it really worth it?" Clezo asked as he kept his sabre in hand, still on his guard.
"We have no idea what the artifacts are, some sith may have locked up jedi relics here or they may have dark purpose, either way whatever it is is probably better off in our hands than potentially winding up in the hands of a darksider." Cha'alla replied as she started leading the way to the unmarked door, making certain to go out the door they had come in so as not to risk setting off the statues.

The stone passage extended a short distance before coming to another junction. A Crystal Snake was almost invisible against the floor, but a chance flicker of light revealed it's presence there.

"Care for another set of puncture marks, Hal?" Clezo said with a grin.
"Remind me to have one-eye give you a lovebite when we return to the Pandorum" Hal replied dryly. "Her fangs are much larger." He then reached out to the snakes mind with a simple suggestion to 'be elsewhere'. The snake hissed at him sarcastically before diving into one of the holes in the wall.

"We keep moving for now." Cha'alla said as she took the lead and moved deeper into the temple.
As the group moved up they found themselves confronted with another pair of doors, the one ahead would look like a web, or perhaps forked lightning, the other was defaced and cracked.

"Through strength, I gain power" Cha'alla said softly as she looked at the two doors. Was the icon in front of them a web or lightning. The door on the right has clearly been damaged deliberately though, the question was why. To hide what the icon had been or to make things easier on those that followed. The later did not sound like the sith way however. Rather than choose a door right away Cha'alla stepped towards the defaced icon and placed a hand on it, summoning the force to see if she could read anything from it. Whatever had happened to the icon seemed to be too far in the past to read anything from it unfortunately. Gritting her teeth for a moment Cha'alla decided to take a chance and wrapped a bubble of the force around herself before opening the defaced door.

Faced with a statue the words assaulted Cha'alla's mind. Serenity is falsehood! And flame gushed from within the statues mouth washing over Cha'alla only the force protecting her. But the flames weren't dying down or showing any sign of stopping.
Very well then. Cha'alla thought as she raised her hand and sent lightning into the statue.It seemed to earth out on the stone of the statue however and did nothing noticable to stop the flames.
"To hell with it." she said as she stepped forward and ignited her sabre and struck at the statue in an effort to disable it.
The lightsabre stroke did little to the statue. But the flame cut out leaving Cha'alla with a singed sleeve, a reminder that it could have gone much worse.

"Alright, fires stopped apparently, use the other door we don't want to risk setting it off again." Cha'alla called out behind her, to the other two who promptly moved up and opened the other door.

Show your power! Resounded into their minds as they passed through, a pair of large spikes launched from the wall. Clezo's reactions were excellent plucking it from the air with the force. Hal was not so fortunate, reacting too slowly to stop the spear headed for him from punching into his thigh.

Hal stumbled at the impact before pulling the spear out quickly to avoid it limiting his movement in case more were about to come his way. While Clezo acted swiftly and on impulse turned the spear he had caught around and sent it sailing through the air back to the wall where it had come from. Cha'alla moved toward the other door with her sabre still ignited on the chance she could assist in further attacks were imminent.

No further attacks seemed imminent, and even the two Howlers in the room appeared to have little interest in further conflict. Cha'alla simply waved the two of them to follow her as she spotted a stairway on the other side of the room and headed for it since it was the only visible exit aside from the way they had come.

The next chamber had no door and only revealed a large stone edifice. A number of beasts were present within and the lightly lit chamber radiated energy of the dark side. But there were no obvious riddles or traps. Cha'alla moved into the room with the others behind her, her sabre still ignited. The dangers of this temple were becoming quickly apparent and she did not wish to take too many chances from here on out

The beasts looked agitated as they moved into the room. Now they could see the structure more clearly, they saw a running trough flowing with red liquid that simply radiated dark side energy filling some sort of pool at the end.

"I don't like this." Hal said as they moved through the room, watching for signs of aggression from the beasts and also watching the walls for more concealed mechanisms. Clezo on the other hand couldn't take his eyes off the pool at the end of the room. As Clezo got closer he could see a bowl near the pool, at it's base was inscribed a figure standing with a lightsabre in one hand, a severed head held by the hair in the other and a dripping bowl above his head in a symbolic manner.
"I think we're supposed to kill the creatures." Clezo said as he gestures to the pictogram on the bowl.
"Not if we don't need to." Cha'alla replied. "Hal, this one is looking rather jumpy, at least try to calm it please." she then said prompting Hal to reach out to the creature in the force.

The Howler howls its stunning howl as it leaps for Hal's face scratching several deep cuts into the face but fortunately just avoiding his breathing apparatus. Hal could sense, through the pain of the cuts, that the beast was not going to relent as the other Howlers moved in to attack. The Howler that decided to charge Clezo misjudged its jump and smashed face-first into the aqueduct surprising itself in the process... the Howler that charged Cha'alla slashing her chest.

"It seems we have little choice in the matter." Clezo said as he stepped forward and struck at the howler attacking his master. Cha'alla also retaliated against the creature while Hal tried to fend off the one attacking him.

The two Howlers were slain easily by the three lightsabers lashing out. The other Howler, shaking off it's surprise leapt again for Clezo, the Padawan managing to keep its claws from his flesh before Cha'alla killed it with a backstroke. Though slain, the door remained closed. Clezo however was left certain that he'd misinterpreted the meaning of the pictogram.

"Seems there's more to it than killing the beasts, lets have a closer look at that bowl." Cha'alla said as she moved to examine it. "I really hope this is it." Cha'alla said as she interpreted the pictogram. She picked up the bowl scooped it into the pool and then poured the contents over her head. Other than feeling rather silly nothing spectacular happened. It appeared to require a bit more... dedication...

"This place is getting tiresome." Cha'alla said with a sigh after nothing happened. She turned to face the door at the end of the room and decided that if it wasn't going to open itself she would remove it. As such she started trying to cut a way through with her sabre. The door seemed intent on resisting the lightsabre blade, though Cha'alla made a small amount of headway, now and again the blade would flicker off for moments before coming back on and resuming the cutting. Whatever the door was made from was made to resist attempts to do what Cha'alla was doing right now.

"Give me a hand with this." Cha'alla said to the others as she kept at it. "I'm done jumping through hoops in a manner that goes against our teachings." She added with a tone of determination.

It took a long time to cut through, and with whatever it was forcing the lightsabres to flicker now and again their power sources were being drained more than was typical. Finally a piece of the door fell out into the corridor leaving enough room to allow them through.

Cha'alla lead the way through the gap and into the next corridor, seeing an other beast in front of them she stretched out her hand and zaped a bolt of green lightning into the floor next to it. The Howler looked Cha'alla in the eye and howled its stunning howl in response. Cha'alla closed her eyes for a moments and breathed deep. when she opened them again she let lose a second bolt of green lightning at the beast, tempering the voltage in a deliberate attempt to startle but not kill the creature.

The beast yelps and scampers off down the corridor straight ahead. Once they had advanced further down they would see the corridor forked in all four directions including the one they had come from, three of the corridors were unmarked. The last however was blocked not by a door, but by a nest of chains.

"Through Victory my Chains are broken." Cha'alla recited. She lashed out at the chains with her sabre. The chains are severed cleanly, and oddly, coldly. Now nothing stood between them and proceeding down the passage into the next room.
"That was rather more simple than I expected it to be." Cha'alla said as she moved into the next chamber. The room was occupied by a pair of Howlers and the glint revealed another Crystal snake. But of more interest was the art on the walls. Complex frecoes depicting Sith Victories and various scenes of battle. But whatever else once lay in here had either been destroyed by age or the wildlife.
"Keep moving, we only strike if they do." Cha'alla said as she motioned for the other two to remain on guard and follow her. The beasts were growing more and more agitated, but hadn't struck out ... yet... The three continued moving down the corridor on the other side of the room, careful not to provoke the howlers as the moved on to the next room.

Moving on they found themselves descending a stairwell into a well lit expansive chamber, scorch marks and bones littered the floor. To the right was a collapsed passage meanwhile to the left there was an open passage.

The Frescoes were more vivid in here. Showing Massassi warriors cutting down all sorts of beasts.
"The Sith do like their battle art don't they." Clezo said aloud.
"Well plain stone would have been somewhat boring after a while." Hal commented as he looked around. "We go left then?"
"I don't see that we have much option at this point." Cha'alla replied. "We go left." she added as she started leading the way again.

As they emerge from the winding corridor they find themselves in a wide open chamber, the signs of battle here are highlighted by the presence of a very fresh corpse, next to it a lightsabre lay powerless the words 'Death lay this way' etched into the floor.

Cha'alla reached out with the force, called the sabre to her hand and hit the activation stud. while not foolproof checking the colour might give them a clue as to who the corpse had been. A sense of great fear and death suffused it. Flashes of warriors in red accentuated by incredible pain. The hiss of a lightsabre. Screams of the master.
"We are evidently not alone down here." Cha'alla said as she opened her eyes. "And I don't mean more beasts. Warriors in red, clearly skilled. Stay alert." the other two nodded and followed her lead.

Moving on they could sense a rising wave of dark side energy, in a short T corridor to the right lava was visible in a pit below and the frescoes were more lively than before. Ahead the lighting was dark and the stench of death over ages was rich in the air. A crackling of energy was audible in the sepulchre-like environment. With little to recommend going right the trio moved forward into the next room.

Within the chamber the three could see red-skinned aliens suspended in a purple energy field, each wore armour and carried ancient weapons. Their heads followed the arrivals. Cha'alla, Hal and Clezo would notices six pits, each full of various detritus, skeletons, rotting bodies, native animals. "You come to a sacred place." The most ostentatiously dressed remarked. "A guidestone to ancient heritage."

"It's been more like a cruel set of obstacles designed to force entrants to act a certain way." Cha'alla replied. "What is the point of it?"

The purple field flicked off depositing the three on the ground. The two warriors at the rear moved out sideways. "Why. It is to test worthiness of course." The priest suddenly flicked his staff forwards mirrored by the other two, discs leaping out at the Jedi with skilled direction.

The disc aimed at Hal missed through a misjudgement on the Massassi's part, while Clezo swatted aside the one aimed for him. Cha'alla however it seems was caught flat, or perhaps the Priests skill was too high. The disc cut through her protections, but the power held enough to prevent it touching her skin.

Cha'alla took here eyes off the preist for a moment as she checked the other two, seeing that they were now springing to take on the warriors that had attacked them. Hal by leaping at his opponent, ignited sabre slashing down, while Clezo had cloaked himself in the force in order to vanish from view presumably so he could close on his attacker unawares. Refocusing her attention on the preist Cha'alla also called on the force and leaped at the man, striking out with her sabre.

Hal wounded the Massassi he'd charged as it tried to parry with its Lanvarok but was too slow to do so, the same could not be said of the Massassi priest who blocked the lightsabre. The last Massassi tried to sense where Clezo was.

Hal wounded the Massassi he'd charged as it tried to parry with its Lanvarok but was too slow to do so, the same could not be said of the Massassi priest who blocked the lightsabre. The last Massassi tried to sense where Clezo was. Failing that he moved in to attack Cha'alla supporting the Warrior Priest as his compatriot moved to strike down Hal with this Lanvarok's heavy head. The Priest meanwhile swung once more at Cha'alla, but she could sense that he was putting the force itself behind the blow.

Hal manages to keep the Lanvarok from touching him apparently matched for skill with the Massassi. Cha'alla meanwhile was having issues fighting both at once and the Lanvarok left a long, but shallow, gash on her forearm.

"You want worthy. Let me show you a trick my master taught me." Cha'alla said after gasping in pain at the gash. Cyphor had an odd view of the Code of the Jedi following the original wording as opposed to the one commonly accepted by most jedi she had met. His interpretation allowed allowed some... flexibility from the traditional teachings, though he also admitted it was a more dangerous path to walk. Using the pain of the injury as a focal point Cha'alla reached for the force, drew it to her and concentrated it around herself before unleashing it in a powerful telekinetic explosion.

Clezo noticed what Cha'alla was doing and for now kept his distance while Hal, unfamiliar with the technique continued fighting his opponent. Cha'alla just hoped he was out of range of the effect.

Hal and the Massassi warrior continue to prove to be an even match for one another while Cha'alla's burst annihilated the Massassi warrior facing her. Unfortunately the Priest stood there untroubled. She almost felt the power bend around him. "You're not the only one who knows a few tricks." He lashed out with his Lanvarok. The remaining Warrior doing the same against Hal. Once more the priest gashes Cha'alla with the Lanvarok's blade, and Hal finds himself on the defensive, though the Lanvarok blade didn't land.

Clezo, seeing Cha'alla defeat the second warrior with her blast moved further down the room in order to assist her while keeping his concealment up. Hal somewhat out of his element for his particular skillset continued his exchange with the warrior. Cha'alla struck out at the priest with her sabre, not willing to risk overdoing it with the force at this point.

Cha'alla managed to strike the Warrior Priest his protection flashing bright before bursting and losing several fingers. Meanwhile the Massassi attacking Hal parries the blow effortlessly removing several of Hal's fingers with the backswing. The two attacked the Jedi once more, Hal was definitely on the defensive as the Lanvarok marked his flesh once more, this time a gash over the face. Cha'alla was in even more dire straits, Cha'alla's right hand was nearly cleaved into two separate pieces by the Priest's Lanvarok blade only the Lightsabre held in it preventing worse damage. But the hand was still nearly unusable now.

Unable to effectively wield her blade Cha'a''a struck out with lightning at the priest while Clezo moved around behind him and struck at him with his own blade. Hal, needing a break as he recovered from losing his fingers flung out his hand and used the force to push at his opponent to put some distance between them.

The push from Hal was rather weak as the Warrior Priest absorbed the Lightning, he turned before Clezo's blade could land and turned it with his Lanvarok. "You join us again little one. Time for you to learn the hardest lesson of all. Loss."

The Priest struck out with an all out assault against Cha'alla as the other Massassi took the opportunity to take his breath as well. "You fight well masked one." It said respectfully.
Cha'alla managed to sway back out of the vicious assault from the Lanvarok, but it was a close thing.

This needed to end quickly before things got even more out of hand, Cha'alla thought as she called on the force again, this time focusing on the priest, his heartbeat, breathing. Focusing on slowing them, effectively trying to put the Massassi into a force induced trance. She considered that even if it did not subdue him, slowing him might enable Clezo to land an effective blow.
Hal on the other hand settled into a defensive stance, ready for the warriors to renew his attacks.

Cha'alla failed to effect the priest much, but concentrated on teaching Clezo "loss" he failed to notice when the little Jedi planted his lightsabre through his heart. The other Warrior roared in anger before aging centuries in a moment collapsing to the ground in a pile of dust leaving only his equipment behind. A fate shared by the other Massassi's corpse. Only the Priest remained truly intact as a corpse, and even it was aging rapidly. With that a statue at the back of the chamber began screeching forwards revealing a hidden passageway.

With the crisis at an end all three of them took a moment to breath before Clezo stepped before Cha'alla and took her mangled hand. He focused on the force, putting as much of the skill he had learned over his apprenticship to Cha'alla into the healing he attempted. As much as he tried, it seemed that all he could manage was to arrest any further damage to Cha'alla. The best he could manage now was to bind it up and move on. The sooner they returned the sooner proper medical aid could be sought.

"It will have to do for now, when we return to the ship I can put myself into a trance and repair the damage myself." Cha'alla counselled her padawan. "Lets see where these stairs lead for the time being." She added as she once again took the lead. The trio descended the stairs and came upon a new chamber. At the base of them they found themselves facing a star-map with a location marked quite clearly, though the text was unreadable, the location was easily memorised. And it's significance was not lost either owing to the exceptionally preserved artwork around it. The artwork appeared to show the migration of the Massassi to Yavin 4, indicating the planet in the star map was their homeworld.

Behind them on a pedestal sat a chest made of stone. Cha'alla made careful note of the information on the star map before the trio approached the chest. "Whatever artefacts down here worth securing are likely in here." Hal said motioning to the chest with his good hand.
"Most likely yes." Cha'alla replied as she used the force to lift the lid on the chest.

As the lid raised a number of highly valuable looking artefacts were there along with a small handful of lightsabre crystals. However, at the same time a rumbling could be heard. It didn't take a genius to realise the final 'trap' had been sprung, it was time to grab what they could and run for it.

"Clezo, go ahead, we'll catch up." Cha'all said as Hal pulled a cloth sack from his belt ad held it open while Cha'alla started lifting the contents of the chest into the bag. Clezo took off down the passageway ahead of them, guessing it to be an escape tunnel or back entrance or some such. Either way going back the way they had come would take too long to get out before the temple fell down around them.

The wall levered open as the stairs recessed into the ground leaving a gleaming boulder to roll out of the opening now. Already it had some momentum on it.

Clezo cleared the first pit with mere centimetres to spare, and cleared the second effortlessly now he had some momentum as Hal and Cha'alla managed to flee ahead of the boulder using their force abilities to keep ahead of it. Emerging from the tunnel back into daylight as the Boulder slams into the exit shutting it tight, a stone door ramming down over the exit behind them. Listening carefully they could all hear the temple's final trap resetting itself.

Pausing again to catch their breath now that they were out of danger Hal made a cursory look into the bag they had scooped the contents of the chest into. There were a number of old objects that seemed to have no special function but would probably sell to a collector for a tidy profit. The crystals were a different matter however, at last a couple of them seemed to resonate with the dark side. "This may be something of a mixed bag in terms of usefulness." Hal said. "Pardon the pun." He added a moment later.

"We can figure that out after we return to the ship." Cha'alla said as she started heading for the H-6 they had used to reach the planet. Clezo and Hal both nodded and followed her lead. Within half an hour the trio were back aboard the Raek and Granna had set a course for home. Hal's severed fingers were looked at and patched up for now, there was little they could do with the lack of facilities aboard the Raek however. Something Too noted down to rectify both on-board the Raek and in the design plans when they returned to dock. In the meantime Cha'alla retired to her quarters and put herself into a healing trance to repair the damage to her hand by the time they returned.

Dungeon run through a Massassi Temple on Yavin 4.
A leg is pierced, hands are maimed and Clezo show's why he's the badass of the group.
A map and a number of trinkets including several rare lightsabre crystals are found.
 
Kuryi Gabriel Saros
Following Leads on the Wheel.​

Kuryi took a seat in the lounge of his office aboard The Art of Battle and secured the room. He then dimmed the lights and dialled up the holocomm in the lounge table and contacted his superior in the Black Sun, Kalen Merci. It had been a while since the two of them had spoken, but the encounter with the Jawa left question Kuryi wanted answers to.

After a moment of waiting the encryption key chimed that a secure link was established and a holographic representation of a man in his late thirties appeared, one of his eyes a cybernetic that seemed to zoom in at Kuryi for a moment. "Well, well... Kuryi Gabriel Saros, been a while. How interesting that you called... I actually recently received a angry message concerning you, at the Wheel are you?"

Kuryi chuckled softly for a moment before replying. "Excellent, then you clearly know why I've contacted you. Who is he and why didn't I get told about him before I stumbled into his shop myself?"

Kalen rolled his good eye while the cybernetic stayed fixed on Kuryi, "If you dealt with him you have discovered Q's rather 'unique' personality. He's a bastard, but a bastard I and some other in the Syndicate want to remain friends with because he does premium grade custom work for us with some matters. He also doesn't want his shop to be advertised, but apparently the sneaky bugger got a file of my contacts and figured I had send you, he even blamed me for sending you to him."

"Apparently I asked a few questions I should have already known answers to. I imagine I've been severely overcharged for the work as a result. I do hope he takes pride enough in his work that I won't get a rusted out astromech at the end of all this." Kuryi replied.

Kalen let out a amused snort reaching for a glass somewhere on his end and took a sip, "Wouldn't surprise me. That little guy has a twisted sense of humour... you brought me into trouble Saros, I value my partnership with you and him both, don't make me regret it. Even though you are an underboss. Why were you even there to begin with?"

"I had other business on The Wheel, Concerning Elvarston actually. My contact has apparently dealt with the Jawa before in his public business and suggested I wait for them to make contact with me there." Kuryi leaned back in the seat and smiled. "It was a costly day for me, but worth it I think."

At this the corellian perked up, "Ah you found out more about him? I am sorry to say I found nothing... I either encounter closed doors and sealed lips... and in two cases bodies of people who were wanting to sell information to me about the thorn in your side."

"With what my contact has given me I can take Elvarston's operations apart piece by piece." Kuryi replied. "Actually it gives me a chance to take Elvarston apart piece by piece as well." Kuryi added after a moment of silence.

Kalen leaned back in his chair and chuckled, "I would pay good money to see that happen."

"I'll be sure to send you an invitation." Kuryi replied. "I do hope I have not caused you too much trouble with Q, I don't suppose there are any rules I should follow when I show up there next to take delivery of my new droid?"

"Make sure you compliment him for his work, even if he did a shoddy job for it or did something else as petty revenge to it. Sadistic little bastard can hold a grudge, he sold a former partner of mine a assassin droid and he kept snubbing him because he was a jawa. So the jawa promised his custom assassin droid would be able to kill a 100 people at once, well it did once the explosives rigged in his chest piece detonated, killing my old partner and 99 others, including the target my partner had specified. Another who annoyed him asked for a 'sweet, kickass droid'. Q provided a mouse droid which dispensed candy and shocked him at irregular times." Kalen shrugged, "He has a odd sense of humour."

Kuryi laughed at that. "I find myself liking him more after hearing that actually. I was actually considering asking for more work, assuming he doesn't try to swindle me. Do you happen to know if he's ever worked on droid starfighters?"

"Can't say I do. Most of the things I, or those I send to him or I know also visit him from the Syndicate came for custom droids, maybe some 'gadgets' if you know what I mean. But vehicles or fighters with a droid brain? No clue... do know the little bastard can get his hands on some rare equipment, but he will sell it at a ridiculous sum. He once had a hypermatter generator, when I didn't want to meet his price he just sold it off to someone else a day later."

"Interesting to know." Kuryi answered thoughtfully. "I suppose I shall see what happens when I pick up the droid. I don't suppose you told him that I knew nothing of him before he revealed himself and dropped your name?"

Kalen looked at Kuryi with a bit of a glare now, "Of course not, I would have but you apparently informed him I knew all about sending you to him. So instead he blamed me for not informing you on the proper protocols. If I at that point had said I had not send you to him in any way... well I wouldn't like to think about what he might do with that twisted mind of his."

"You know I'm ambitious, Kalen. You saw it early and have been using it to your own advantage since." Kuryi said in a flat tone. "My bluff worked in this case, well it didn't get me shot at least. I do not know if this encounter will gain me a sharp knife or a blunt spoon. I do appreciate your forbearance in the matter though." Kuryi added as his tone lifted. He then leaned back and grinned at Kalen. "Care to make a wager on my odds of living if I tell him that he made the mistake of revealing himself?"

"Depends will all your assets go to me in the event of your death?" Kalen said casually with a amused smile.
"You might have to contend with my officers for that prize." Kuryi added with a soft laugh.

"Eh that seems fair." He chuckled and then shook his head, "But yes, better not say that at all, he might cut me, you or anyone else from the syndicate off and as I said, some of his clientele do value his work a great deal." He paused and then continued, "Assuming his work isn't programmed to kill us if we annoyed him."

"Should he deliver on his end of the deal I will happily join that list of clientele and honour the arrangement the Syndicate has with him." Kuryi answered honestly. "Should he stiff me, well I shall consider it a lesson learned. I would rather not make enemies of those with considerably more power than myself. At least, not yet." Kuryi added before standing up and offering Kalens holographic form a slight bow. "If you will excuse me now though, Elvarston apparently has a small operation on the wheel itself and I intend to use it to verify my contacts information."

Kalen nodded, "I have my own dealings to deal with, I wish you safe journeys Kuryi... oh and Saros, don't use my name again to imply I send you to someone. Even if the opposing party assumes I did." With that Kalen signed off.

* - * - * - * - *​

A short time later Kuryi found himself aboard one of his Ness class shuttles, making another trip over to the Wheel. With him was Myra and Poratin, as before he also had Cujo with him. Their target was the Fence Kuryi's rival financed aboard the Wheel, as yet Kuryi was not entirely sure what to do with the man. His main focus would be to verify that he worked for Elvarston in the first place, after that, well he'd play it by ear.

The man was using a luxury goods store as the front for his operations, the store, named "Finbar's Extravagant Curios", was near the Grand Casino. And upon docking Kuryi and his people headed directly there with Cujo once again keeping hidden. Having little more than a picture of the man identifying him as a Nimbanel and his name meant Kuryi didn't want to simply walk in and start asking questions.

Attempting to look relatively unobtrusive the trio watched the shop for a while, trying to make out any security they could short of going inside. After observing for a mere 30 minutes all they saw of the store was how a protocol droid, it's design making it appear as if it was wearing a luxurious tuxedo. Opened the door and the Nimbanel owner, Finibar, escorted a customer, shook the customers hand and then went back inside on his own while the droid closed the door behind him and Finibar seemed to go over store inventory.

"Much as I would like to be prepared for anything we might find in there, If we wait to long we run the risk of being discovered beforehand." Kuryi said to Myra and Poratin. "I'm confident in both your abilities so follow my lead and keep your eyes open." He then added before he started moving towards the shop. The droid saw them approach and seeing they were intent on entering the store, bowed while opening the door and spoke. "Welcome to Finbar's Extravagant Curios."
"Thankyou." Kuryi replied with a nod to the droid before leading his people inside.

Once all had gained entrance and the droid detected no others about to enter the shop closed the door and resumed its position, watching both the street outside and the area before the counter. Several displays with jewellery, holo-art, paintings, sculptures and other related items were scattered around the shop. With at the far end a counter with some more glass displays showing a fine collection of rings, necklaces and bracelets. The Nimbanel, Finbar, behind the counter bowed. "Welcome, welcome. New customers I see, how may I help you. Ah." He smiled as he gestured to Myra, "A lovely necklace for the lady perhaps? Or maybe horn decorations for the Devaronian? I do have some authentic horn adornments from Devaron itself." He said looking at Poratin before he turned to Kuryi. "Hmmn, I am afraid I do not have much related to echani, however!" He smiled and bend down, revealing a box he swiped a small layer of dust off and opened it, showing a small dais and then pressed a button, activating the holographic projector showing a hologram art object. Showing a echani male in a combat stance. "I do have a genuine portrait of Yusanis, Echani General renowned for his battles during the old Mandalorian Wars of 4000 years ago if that might interest you good sir."

Kuryi waved Myra and Poratin to look around while he moved towards the counter, tapping his leg with two fingers, twice, lightly. A simple trained signal for Cujo to stay close and not go wandering off. "The General was a brilliant tactician," Kuryi said as he came to stand before the counter. "I am afraid that is not why I am here to see you today however." Kuryi said as he held up a small token with the seal of the Black Sun on it.

The Nimbanel looked at it, got out a appraisal tool and studied it some more. "Huh, interesting design... but I am afraid not worth much. At least I assume you wish to sell this?"
"That specifically, no." Kuryi said as he took the token back. "Let us say it represents something I do wish to sell that only someone of your position can move." Kuryi added, trying once more to be discrete.

Finbar blinked rapidly, "Excuse me?" Then he seemed to get a knowing look, "Ah you must have made a appointment with my droid in a period I was away from my store?" He looked at the droid. "Did these people make a arrangement for a special purchase?"

The droid turned, bowed and in a elegant voice replied. "No noble master, these individuals have entered the store for the first time, according to my memory banks."

The Nimbanel scratched his chin, "Huh, ah no matter. You wish to sell... jewellery? If that item you held up is any indication?"

Kuryi raised an eyebrow and turned around to face Myra and Poratin. "Am I being too subtle?" he asked them.
"He seems genuine." Myra replied.
"We got eyes on us." Poratin added.
"Alright then, Myra" Kuryi said as he stepped away from the counter to give Myra a clear line of sight to the Nimbanel. "Stasis if you please."
Myra acted quickly on the order, reaching out her hand and drawing on the force to put Finbar into a force induced stasis. A thin film of blueish purple energy sprang up around the Nimbanel as he froze in place.
"Camera's?" Kuryi then asked of Poratin.
"Three of the statues and the droid has a sophisticated recording system built into its optical sensors." Poratin replied as he gestured to the indicated statues. Kuryi nodded and turned to the droid, holding up the token again.
"Do you recognise this symbol, more importantly do you know what it represents?" he asked the droid.

It zoomed in at the black sun token and then at Kuryi, and past Kuryi at Finbar. "You are not supposed to be here." It said as he looked back to Kuryi.
"Finally someone that knows what is going on." Kuryi said "Very well then, since the information I was given seems to be somewhat lacking, Why should I not be here?"

"Business hours are at 20:00 till 04:00 one when master Finbar is asleep, now I have to eliminate him and arrange another business to take over this storefront." It stated, with a strange hint of annoyance in its voice which was quite uncommon with most droids.

"I wouldn't worry about that too much, All he's going to remember is an odd customer coming in, asking some odd questions and then leaving again. In that state he's not going to be aware of this conversation." Kuryi said to the droid. "Now to avoid further misunderstandings, am I to assume you are the one in control of this fencing operation or is they're yet another wizard behind the curtain?"

The chest of the droids lifted up and slid apart, revealing the droids 'stomach' which held a throne of some kind with numerous tiny screens facing it that at a glance showed captured images from the recording devices Kuryi and the others had noticed as well as some of cameras that must be located elsewhere. On the throne a small figure that looked like a many, bristly-legged snail seemed to look up and let out a snort, amplified by the droids speakers. "Well you obviously aren't here for the usual or Finbar's wares and you seem to have a itchy trigger finger. Here I am, whadda ya want?"

Kuryi frowned for a moment and blinked a few times, this was not what he had expected at all. He Pinched the bridge of his nose for a moment before recovering his poise and continuing. "Information." Kuryi said. "Lets start with a simple one. Do you happen to know who you work for?"

It snorted, "For myself big guy, I work for myself. Asking the wrong question there. On second, let me check something." The snail turned, looking at some screens and Kuryi thought for a split second he saw his face. "Aha, Saros, Saros outfit, well that makes sense. You asked the wrong question biggun, shoulda asked me who I pay protection money to. Devaronian, slick one, better dressed than the one you got there... say do you know that your companion there is wanted back on Devaron for robbing a bank?"

"Quite aware." Kuryi replied. "I thank you for confirming your connection to Elvarston though." He added with a respectful nod to the... snail... "Should we be expecting the results of that protection money anything soon?"

The droid reached out, turning a sign on the door from open to closed. "Three Nikto, a human and a big Houk. The Nikto will come through the front door as if they are customers, followed by the human and Houk who get through the back door and will burst in from there." It gestured to a door behind the counter. "In... about four minutes, maybe two since I cut the video feed signal to the outside the moment you froze Finnie there." The chest plates slid back in place, sealing the droid back up. Followed by the windows suddenly darkening, allowing those inside to still look out but anyone out there would be unable to look in.

"Well, I suppose you're about to see that Elvarston's protection is not all its cracked up to be." Kuryi said as he gestured for Poratin and Myra to cover the front. He then snapped his fingers twice and pointed a bit off to the side of the door behind the counter, "Smaller one." He said before pulling the deathhammer from its holster and checking the charge level.
"Of course for you this is all win-win isn't it. So long as you're alive at the end of it. Should Elvarstons thugs win you get to hand me over to him for a nice fat bonus. Should I and my people win then you know his protection was inadequate." Kuryi said to the fence. "On an unrelated note that droid chassis wasn't built by Q was it?"

There came no reply but Myra sensed something coming from the occupant that vaguely resembled something like mirth. Three Nikto appeared in the crowd, headed straight towards the store.

"Myra, Hide yourself. Strike as soon as the door is closed again. Poratin, you've been with me long enough to know what to do." Kuryi said as he became aware of the Nikto. Putting the Deathhammer back in its holster for the moment he pulled the crushgaunts from an inside pocket of his duster and slipped them on, flexing his fingers for a moment before drawing the deathhammer again and waiting.

As the Nikto got closer the droid moved to open it and bowed like it had when Kuryi entered. "Welcome to Finbar's Extravagant Curios." It said as before and the three Nikto got in silently, and then all hell broke loose as the droid closed the door again.

The lead Nikto seemed to be grinning maliciously as it reached for something before its eyes widened when Kuryi brought up his blast and shot him in the chest, making him stagger back into his comrades who also flailed and staggered to the side, making one narrowly miss the blaster bolt send by Poratin and Myra's lightsaber tasted only air as a result of that too.

Kuryi fired on the nikto again, as did Poratin after he and Myra recovered themselves from the missed strikes, she too striking out with her sabre a second time. Kuryi heard a growl from the back of the store and shouted a command back over his shoulder to Cujo "Wait. the smaller one."

The wounded Nikto dropped to the ground as Kuryi's second blastershot snuffed his life out, the Nikto beside him also keeled over as Poratin's shot punched through his eye and brain. The remaining Nikto screamed, not so much for watching his two comrades die but because his left hand was cut off by the jedi girl.

Panicking he fired at the Jedi but the shot went wild, hitting one of the statues against the wall behind her.

The door behind the counter was thrown open and through it came a Houk wielding two oversized blasters and a human with a carbine. The latter who suddenly screamed as Cujo decloaked mid-pounce towards the human and brought him down, tearing his throat out messily and killing him.

The houk turned around, looking wide-eyed at the creature but recovered and squeezed the triggers, one pistol whined and had a alarm rune blinking rapidly in response to this while the other blaster let loose several bolts but only one impacted on the beast, making it whine and stagger atop the human corpse.

"Finish that one," Kuryi said to Poratin and Myra, referring to the remaining Nikto before he turned and aimed his blaster at the Houk. "Hey ugly. Over here." He called out before firing.

The Nikto was backing away and frantically dodging and weaving to evade the glowing blade. Helped by the fact Myra had to duck aside, narrowly missing Poratin's blaster bolt that almost hit her.

Kuryi got the Houk's attention as the blasterbolt scored a fleshwound, that and the fact the nightstalker vanished before the houks eyes. With a menacing growl it turned around and aimed its functioning blaster at the Echani and fired while the Nikto did the same, frantically trying to keep the blade wielding maniac off him. The shot impacted on Kuryi's chest, only barely penetrating the armour for some damage just as his second shot hit the Houk in the cheek which earned him a loud howl of rage.

"When you two are done playing around back there I could use a hand." Kuryi said over his shoulder to Poratin and Myra. After his previous near disastrous shot Poratin decided to heed his bosses words and turned to fire on the Houk instead this time, leaving the Nikto for Myra to deal with. In a moment of self-disappointment Kuryi recalled that he had a personal energy shield for a reason as he felt the sting of the blaster bolt as the last of its energy managed to scorch his skin even through the armour. He would need to get the duster repaired too now he thought as he flicked the shield on and fired off a quick shot at the Houk again.

Myra cut down the Nikto who gasped and looked up at her, with the lightsaber blade stabbed through his chest before he sank down to the ground after she pulled the blade out.

Kuryi's shot went wide but Poratin's hit the Houk who let out another grunt but was still standing as he aimed and fired several bolts. One hitting the Devaronian who staggered back, the blaster bolt hitting several compared to regular blasters while Kuryi managed to dodge both bolts, the second glancing off his shields but doing next to no damage to its integrity.

Poratin winced in pain at the impact but resolved to recover his footing and fire back at the Houk regardless. Hearing the last Nikto expire behind him, Kuryi dropped his blaster and called over his shoulder again as he prepared to charge the Houk. "Myra, with me." He said before charging with his crushgaunts at the ready.

The houk growled and reached for a rather large hammer of some kind as Poratin shot him in the arm, making him stagger and unbalanced as Kuryi closed in and crushed and tore open some of his arteries. The houk falling to his knees while reaching for the gaping wound and then fell over. Myra widened her eyes, unable to halt her charge but skidding to a halt and then let out a shout as the houk fell on top of her and brought her down to the ground with him on top.

As the fight appeared to be over the voice of the droid came from behind Kuryi, "Well. That was amusing."

"I'm sure it was." Kuryi replied somewhat dryly. "Poratin, give Myra a hand," He said before snapping his fingers and calling to Cujo. The Nighthunter dropped its concealment and came to stand before Kuryi, a little bit unsteady on its feet and the wound was still bleeding. "I don't suppose there are any bacta patches around here?" Kuryi asked the fence.

"Under the counter, right side." The droid head was looking all over the place and a strange sounding curse came over and his voice was annoyed. "Do you know how much this will take to clean... can you do whatever you did to Finnie again, he fingers just twitched."

"Myra." Kuryi said as he saw that with Poratins help she had managed to wriggle out from under the Houk. The woman simply nodded and reached out with the force to keep the shopkeeper frozen and blissfully unaware of the carnage in his store. Kuryi meanwhile fetched a bacta patch and applied it to Cujo's wound, a little time to rest and heal and the Nighthunter would be fine.
"So then." He said to the fence. "Now what do you do?"

The droid was waving its hand before Finbars eyes for a few moments before turning towards Kuryi. "Inject Finnie here with the concoction I use when I want him to sleep early, pay a ludicrous amount of credits to a cleaning company to clean up this mess and waiting for a offer I suppose."

"I will cover the cost of the cleaning." Kuryi said in an even tone. "How long do you think before Elvarston finds out about this little incident?" he then asked.

"No need to bother, the bounty on the Houk will cover the cost, never liked him. Called me shorty." He giggled maliciously, "As for how long, eh I can fake him being alive and still delivering reports indefinitely. Now then, how much are you offering. Assuming you aren't going to kill me after all this of course, though I would like to see you try."

"To keep Elvarston in the dark about this for the time being and accept my patronage, I'll give you 500,000 credits up front." Kuryi replied in the same even tone as before.

"I accept, on the condition that I can hire my own security this time instead of the schmucks he saddled me up with." As he spoke the droid retrieved a injector from a compartment in its arms and used it on the Nimbanel. "I also will have to keep paying Elvarston my dues till you deal with him, since I assume that is the logical conclusion you are heading for."

"It is." Kuryi answered. "And you are certainly free to select your own security if that is your wish."

"Good. Now get out of my shop. I have cleaning to arrange and a tale to concoct to make sure Finnie forgets whatever he saw" The fence replied tersely while approaching the stores network access terminal.
Kuryi nodded as he gestured for the other two to leave and tapping his leg twice to have Cujo heel again. "It has been interesting doing business with you... Mr... ?" Kuryi said before trainling off questioningly.

"Just call me Nurks. Out." The fence answered without even looking in Kuryi's direction. Kuryi smiled at the fences back, likely witnessed by the camera's around the room Kuryi thought with a little mirth. Another small nod towards the fence and Kuryi left the store with Cujo once more hidden from view and following closely.

* - * - * - * - *​

Kuryi had returned to The Art of Battle after meeting Nurks, Cujo was seen to properly by the medical trained aboard ship and Kuryi was advised that the beast should rest for a few days so as not to aggravate the injury. He had not ordered the vessel to leave right away, however he had sent Eahn in a Ness drop shuttle to Pindar with a handful of enforcers for security and two and a half million credits. While the information about the Fence had been misleading it had not been factually incorrect, considering the source the information had been gathered by Kuryi considered that a reasonable enough oversight, though he would need to do some of his own research on the rest of the information he had received before acting directly on them. Regardless, Lady Lena was owed the remainder of their deal with a little extra. While Nurks would not be contributing to Kuryi's wealth until Elvarston was dealt with, Kuryi suspected he would be far from the only asset of Elvarstons to turn, with some luck others would not have as high a price tag however.

Kuryi had then asked Poratin to search the Wheels local net for potential business Kuryi might be able to buy into. He administered Annamar already, He was starting to build up a presence on Nar Shaddaa, that made the Wheel a logical next step to spread his outfits influence in the galaxy.

A day later Kuryi returned to the wheel and so far two Cantinas and a Chemical Processing Plant had joined the public portfolio of Saros Incorporated. On the somewhat less public side he had secured an unregistered docking bay and a Black Market Medical Clinic, the former he figured could assist his newly turned Fence in his business.

Kuryi made contact with Nurks again afterwards, this time during 'proper' business hours and informed him that he would soon be able to move his goods through the port if he desired. The Fence had noticed Kuryi's buyouts as well it seemed and had given him a tip that Poratin had not found on the local net. The Crimson Casino was on the market after its owner got in over his head in gambling debts, he was looking to liquidate the casino in order to keep his limbs, he was also in something of a hurry to do so it seemed, Nurks had heard there was a Wookiee involved.

Now Kuryi was on the way to the Casino to meet with the owner. Ahmbra and Poratin accompanied him, he did not expect any trouble this time, but just the same it seemed prudent to have people with him.

As Kuryi and company headed to the Crimson Casino they could see it was definitely not being sold because it was not gaining any customers as there was a line to enter with some security bouncers keeping watch. A separate, smaller entrance to the side of the main entrance seemed to be reserved for VIP guests as Kuryi observed a Twi'lek flanked by a pair of Nikto enter after showing a pass of some kind

mce-anchorKuryi nodded to the VIP entrance and lead his people to the door he approached one of the bouncers keeping watch there and introduced himself. "Good evening, I am Kuryi Saros, I have an appointment with the owner. I was told I am expected." He said simply in a somewhat affable tone.

The bouncers looked at each other and then nodded. A human one answering, "Ah yes. 'Lord' Harriman expects you, follow me please." He gestured for the trio to follow him as they went inside. Within the Casino was a teeming mass of people located at various games of chance scattered around the place. There seemed to be several floors of this and in the centre a grand hall with a rotunda that was three hundred meters wide and had several large repulsorlift platforms that could dock at the various levels to allow people on which seemed to hold the big stakes games seeing as the Twi'lek, Kuryi had spotted before got onto such a platform.

The bouncer led Kuryi and his party to a private elevator and ushered them in before selecting the 'penthouse office'. The doors closed and up they went, with a rather boring music tune being broadcasted, after a moment the bouncer seemed to have decided something from his body language as he suddenly stopped the elevator and turned to Kuryi. "Will you be offering a bid on the place?"

"That was my intention in coming here." Kuryi replied. "I'm looking to expand my business and the present owners situation presents a fine opportunity to do so." He added before raising an eyebrow questioningly. "Or is there something going on here that I am not aware of?" he then asked.

The human blinked and nodded, "Ah no. Not really. We, that is the staff, are just concerned. We know that the current owner has... well made some problematic decisions. And finding employment on this station is somewhat hard to come by. I think I can speak for all of us if I wonder if you will keep us on the payroll if you do make the bid."

Kuryi smiled knowingly in response. "The Crimson Casino is profitable yes. Judging by the line at the door and the number of people I saw on the main floors. The regulars would also be familiar with the current staff and the service they provide is likely half the reason the regulars chose the Crimson over other casinos on the Wheel." Kuryi said with a warm tone. "I see little reason to make sweeping alterations to the status-quo when business appears to be doing well as is."

Kuryi could notice the relief in the bouncer's body language while he otherwise tried to appear composed and neutral, merely nodding lightly. "That is good to hear. My apologies for disrupting the elevator." He said and hurriedly resumed the elevator ride. After a moment he spoke up again, "He has had three offers so far but those three were only willing to pay by transfer or after he signed the release. He is running out of time with his debtors, so if you have the credits in cash, he might accept your offer over the others."

With that said the elevator stopped and the doors opened, the bouncer stepping out and gesturing at a desk opposite the elevator doors were a nervous looking human was looking over some papers and looked up. "Kuryi Saros, you wished to see him right away." The bouncer said with a nod and retreated back into the elevator and vanished from view.

The self styled lord stood up with a nervous, hopeful smile. "Ah yes, yes. Please, please. Sit down and make yourself comfortable, drinks? Cigarros? Spice?" He gestured to a small cabinet and tray with offered goods.

Kuryi poured a glass of water from the tray and took a seat while Poratin and Ahmbra remained near the door. "Let us cut to the chase shall we, you don't appear like you truly have the time for all the pleasantries and small talk." Kuryi said in a neutral tone.

Harriman sat down and used a hankerchief to swab the sweat from his brow. "I... yes, this is true. You did come because you are interested in buying the Casino, yes?" He smiled and coughed. "You see I have to return home due to some... family problems and I won't be able to return or keep running the place by other means. And well, you walked in so you obviously saw this place is running a very profitable business, so this is no scam or anything." Kuryi didn't needed to be a echani to see the man was lying about family problems, he was obviously nervous and running haggard with worry.

"Is that what you told the last three potential buyers?" Kuryi asked with a smile. "I don't suppose you did any sort of checking up on me before agreeing to see me did you?" Kuryi added as he leaned back in the seat and crossed his legs, quite relaxed about the whole situation. "We'll even if you did here's something you likely didn't learn. I used to run as an enforcer for the Hutts on Nar Shaddaa in my younger days, as a result I'm quite familiar with the look of men who have nasty debts hanging over them."

The human seemed to sink into his chair and recoiled when Kuryi mentioned he was once a enforcer but relaxed when it seemed he did not come here in that role and was actually a buyer. He nervously swallowed before he spoke up again. "I... ah... yeah no I did not. I frankly am not even sure how you heard I was selling the place. But, uhm, if we are aware what we are here about then... heh. I am happy to sell you this place for 3.2 million." He said with a hopeful tone.

"To whom do you owe your debt?" Kuryi asked as he swirled the water in the glass briefly, deliberately avoiding discussing the cost for now.
Harriman coughed nervously again, tapping his fingers on the desk. "Ehm, several people actually. All separate debts but together quite the sum."
"In my experience gambling to pay off gambling debts rarely works out well." Kuryi replied in a flat tone. "Anyone of particular importance among them?" He then asked.

He looked at the ceiling, not looking at Kuryi. "Ehm... two prominent ones I guess who I owe a million each... a hutt named Zier Besadii... and uhm... Antone Zann..."

"Zann huh, he comes to the Crimson or you went elsewhere to lose money to him?" Kuryi asked plainly, though he wanted to laugh at the mention of Zier, that was one debt Kuryi suspected he could clear for the man.

He shook his head, "Ah no I was on Nar Shaddaa for business... and... well... I had a sure-way system to win but... I still claim the croupiers cheated... I just didn't knew the tournament was hosted by some of Antone Zann's business ventures." He swallowed nervously again. "That is a man you pay your debts to or... unpleasant things happen to you."

"I have thankfully not had the misfortune to cross the man so far, I have heard plenty of tales of course." Kuryi replied. "So outside of the Hutt and Zann what does your debt amount to?" Kuryi said as he took out the small computer that had gotten so much work already this trip the the wheel and started transferring credits to blank chits to the total value of one million credits.

Harriman bit his lip and sighed, deciding honesty might be the better route. "Outside those two... One million for the other debts... I wanted two hundred thousand on top of that to start over for myself."

"I see." Kuryi replied as he took a sip of the water, thinking for a moment. "Do you have a Hypercomm terminal in here?"
He blinked and looking a bit confused gestured to a setup behind his desk against the wall.
"May I?" Kuryi said as he rose and approached the hypercom.

"Uhm sure I guess." Harriman said and got up, walking to the hypercomm terminal and unlocked it for Kuryi to use. "Are you going to call your bank?" Harriman asked, seeming to go for hope with this course of events.

Kuryi chuckled at the question and linked his computer to the hypercom as he set the call destination to Fondor, more specifically the direct line to Zier's palace on the world. He then waited for the line to connect him in silence.

After a moment a line was established and a small hologram appeared of a chadra-fan. Who started to speak in accented basic. "You have reached the palace of Zier Besadii."
Kuryi raised an eyebrow at the little chadra-fan. "Clearly I have the right number, I was expecting Korunna to answer however." Kuryi said.

The Chadra-Fan blinked rapidly. "Korunna has... moved on. I am his replacement. Tutti Frutti." He paused as if daring Kuryi to laugh but continued. "Who are you and why do you seek a audience with the great Zier Besadii?"

"Kuryi Gabriel Saros, I wish to speak with Zeir about a debt owed to him by another." Kuryi replied simply, there was no need to embellish after all.
The Chadra-Fan blinked again and then hurriedly bowed. "Ah forgive me master Saros, I have yet to fully memorise names and appearances of my masters contacts and associates. I shall see if he can see you now."

The hologram vanished and Kuryi had to wait for about ten minutes before the holographic projector activated again, this time the corpulent form and mass of a Hutt had taken its place, letting out a booming laugh. "Well, well... Kuryi Gabriel Saros. And here I thought you only contacted me to ask about people in the Tapani Sector." The Hutt laughed again as if recalling a joke and then frowned, looking past Kuryi. "Do my eyes deceive or do I see a certain human who owes me a million credits or equal value in spice!" He looked back at Kuryi, "Interesting to see you with him, are you taking up your old job perhaps?"

"Harriman is actually selling off assets to cover his debts. I came looking to buy and was amused to learn you were one on his larger debt holders." Kuryi answered. "I thought the two of us might discuss the release of his debt in the interests of mutual profits. Harriman has something I want and I have several ventures soon to begin outside the free trade region of the Tapani sector that you could stand to benefit from."

The hutt reached out of view for something, coming back into view with a bowl of some kind and reached into it. Something wriggled and let out a shrill scream before he dropped it in his open mouth and swallowed it whole, thinking on what Kuryi had said. "You are aware that worthless gambler over there owes me a million, I did say that, right?"

Behind Kuryi he could hear Harriman mutter. "It was supposed to be a fool-proof system... that Bim said it was..."
"He told me as much yes." Kuryi replied without hesitation.
"Hrmmn... I like you Kuryi, I like you a lot... but if I release debts like that others might get funny ideas.... a Hutt does not extend credit." He slipped another wriggling creature in his mouth and was silent. "However, because I like you. I am willing to settle for half a million and your aid in arranging something in the Tapani sector."

"You are shrewd as always Zier." Kuryi answered. "I'll have the half million debt transferred to you presently from my accounts to avoid any potential delays." He added as he motioned for Poratin to contact The Art of Battle and authorise the transfer to be made.

"Ho, ho, ho. I will be looking forward to see those credits on my accounts, if that was all, I need to purchase a new repulsor sled. And Harriman." The Hutt growled, "If you grace any of my establishments, I will make sure you will never leave." And with that he ended the call.

Kuryi smiled and turned from the console to look at Harriman. "So, 2.1 million will suffice then?" he asked, though his tone suggested there was little actual question in it.

Harriman swallowed and seemed about to argue for more but, bit his tongue before he said something stupid and just nodded as he looked at the credit chits Kuryi had been preparing. "I, yes, yes I agree to your offer." As he quickly rummaged over his desk and provided a official contract to transfer ownership and hurriedly signed it.

"Excellent." Kuryi said as he handed off the contract to Poratin and finished preparing the credit chits. "Now I would suggest, for your good health you pay those debts quickly and don't gamble the remainder away. However if you do feel inclined to do so I'd appreciate you doing so here so that the credits go back into my pockets." He added with a very ordinary looking smile as he handed over the 2.1 million credits.

Harriman looked at the pile of credit chits, licked his lips nervously and then shook his head, closing his eyes. "I... no I will resist the temptation... pay off my debtors, get a shuttle to take me far away from here and start over. That's what I'm going to do." He said as he started to empty the desk of his belongings. It seemed that Harriman had sold much already trying to cover his debts and it only tool him a short while to gather his personal effects into a small box and hurry out the door of the office leaving Kuryi alone with his people.

Kuryi looked at the Garishly ornate chair that Harriman had been seated in shook his head. "Poratin make a note to have this outlandish piece of furniture removed and a more functional one put in its place." He said as he stood over the desk and called up the employee files. Scanning through the list he narrowed the list to the senior management personnel and committed the names and faces to memory before speaking to Ahmbrah. "Go down to the entrance and speak with the bouncer that escorted us. Ask him to gather the senior management staff and have them, and himself, report here in an hour." Ahmbrah nodded and left the office without a word.

An hour later the senior management staff of the Crimson casino stood around the office while Kuryi, having eschewed the chair, perched on the front edge of the desk. "It has come to my attention that many of the staff were fearful that a change of ownership would also see a change of the employee roster." Kuryi began somewhat informally. "I would like to put those fears to rest." He added to a visible lifting of tension in the room.

"Harrimans personal problems aside I've seen nothing in the Crimsons financial reports to suggest the staff have been anything but diligent in their duties. What's more the regular clientele are familiar with you and the staff under you. That sort of relationship is an important part of the Crimsons success. As such I would prefer to keep the status-quo." Again the staff in the room eased at the news
"Head Manager Joan, any changes I do wish to make as time goes on I will coordinate through you."
"Thankyou, Mr Saros" Joan replied accompanied with a bow from the waist from the quite capable looking young woman. Kuryi had done a double-take when he was reading her personnel sheet, her age was only mid-twenties, yet her resume and list of accomplishments while working at the Crimson bespoke the competence of someone with many years of experience. Her age aside she got results and that was what counted.

"Very well, I believe you all have jobs to do that I am keeping you from, dismissed." Kuryi said with a smile. To a one the staff bowed as Joan had done, something Kuryi wasn't particularly sure he should stop after his talk of maintaining the status-quo. He saw one in particular turn to leave however and raised his hand a moment. "Doorman Jaxn, stay a moment please." The bouncer hesitated a moment before returning to the room where Kuryi offered him to take a seat, which he did, if somewhat awkwardly after another moment of hesitation.

"I appreciate your candidness when you showed us up here. Few would have the guts to ask that question of a potential new employer. Your information on the previous offers also turned out to be of help." Kuryi said as he took a seat across from Jaxn.
"Thankyou, sir." Jaxn replied, still not entirely sure where Kuryi was going with this.
"You've shown a measure of loyalty Jaxn, not just to me but to your fellow employees. That is a good quality to have and I have a task for you to undertake because of it. Feel free to share it with the other doormen as well, it is not a task I would expect you to undertake alone." Kuryi continued as he then reached for a datapad on the desk and handed it to Jaxn. "On that datapad are the names and facial profiles of three individuals, A Wookiee, a Twi'lek and a Devaronian. Should any of them enter the Crimson for any reason I wish to be notified at once, if I am here or not is irrelevant, wherever I happen to be I wish to know immediately."
"Yes, sir, immediately." Jaxn answered, not wishing to question the why.
"Consider them to be dangerous should they enter. I will be posting a unit of my own personal security on the premises on the chance that something may come up that you and your fellow security guards cannot handle." Kuryi said in conclusion.
"I'll keep that in mind sir." Jaxn replied simply.
"Alright, back to work then, I won't hold you up any longer." Kuryi said. Jaxn stood quickly and headed for the door, leaving Kuryi alone with Ahmbrah and Poratin.

"Ahmbra, Return to the ship and bring back 10 of the Twi'lek courtesans, they should fit right in. Poratin, Find somewhere suitable here to house them." Kuryi said after the door had closed. His two officers moved to carry out his orders before Kuryi turned back to them as they reached the door. "And Poratin. The chair." Poratin grinned before snapping off a lazy salute and exiting the office. Kuryi could hear chuckling as the two of them walked away.

Kuryi Chats with Kalen Merci, his contact within the Syndicate.
Kuryi investigates the Fence of Elvarston that Lena's Provided intel had indicated.
Some thugs die and Cujo proves he's a badass.
Kuryi then coes on to buy up several businesses both legal and criminal onboard the Wheel, including the landmark Crimson Casino.
 
Jedi Academy
Cathar
​
Sephora looked over the latest stack of scrolls and books in the library that Anzu had returned with, the Mrlssi had been invaluable since joining them at the academy months ago, the library was bursting with works from all over the galaxy about the jedi and their teachings, wars, power struggles, jedi who had fallen, even some works the author probably hoped long forgotten about, those Sephora thought were probably best left alone.

"Another successful run Anzu, I look forward to reading through them"

The bird-man barely acknowledges his master as he orders the rest of his crew to start piling up books and scrolls to be archived.
The twi'lek smiled and turned to see a few of her own crewmen entering the library and making their way toward her.

"Report?"

"My lady, there is a cathar woman awaiting your presence in the conference room, She asked specifically for you my lady, She claims to have candidates for academy training"

"Take me to her right away"

---- a few short moments later----

As Sephora entered the conference room she noticed a young cathar woman already seated at the table, on either side of her was a cathar child, one boy and one girl, she could feel they were both force sensitive as soon as she neared the room, they were promising candidates.

The woman rose to her feet and bowed as the jedi neared them.
"Hello, my lady"

"Sit please, my name is Sephora" She smiled as she took the seat across from the woman and two children. "Now, how may we help you?"

Sephora was curious, the academy was new but they had very few students, and none who had presented themselves as candidates.. until now.

"My name is Shei, this is Rian" She says while indicating to the girl
"and this is Joff" indicating the boy.

"We have a small settlement not too far from your academy, we hear things, comes and goings from up here every now and then, you are spoken highly of among your men.."
She trails off slowly as refreshments arrived, the serving droid poured Sephora and Shei a drink before taking its leave. Shei continued after thanking her host.

"These children, they are not mine, but their parents have entrusted me with their care, we have known about their gifts for a long time, but only now has someone arrived who can train them, help them to understand their gifts and teach them the right way to use them, we have heard the rumours that spread the galaxy... they are good children, they need to be trained by good people"

Sephora could see he fear in the woman's eyes, rumours of the sith were everywhere, the woman was right, if they are not trained properly, not given the right lessons... the thoughts were unsettling.. but her thoughts were straying from the point, she nodded her head and smiled encouragingly at the children before turning her attention back to Shei.

"It is clear the children have potential, I can feel that, but they also seem to be frightened" She turns to the boy; Joff, who at the mention of fear puffed himself up slightly next to Shei.

"I'm not scared of anything" he mumbles to nobody in particular.

"I am sure you're not young one" she turns her attention back towards Shei
"perhaps you would like to spend a few days on the compound with the children? See the grounds and facilities for yourself while we arrange their enrolment"

Sheis face changed almost immediately, a look of relief mixed with confusion. "So simple? I thought there would be more too it"

Shaking her head and laughing softly Sephora replied "We are still in the early stages of development within the academy, and I will not turn away two potential students"

Rian whispered something in Sheis ear which made the woman smile.
"She's thanking you, give her some time and she will open up, she's a very bright girl, just not good with change and new people"

"You are very welcome young lady" Sephora smiled at the girl, she opened a comlink and requested that Shei and the children be shown to the dormitory and given a tour of the academy, a few moments later their escorts arrived, thanking the jedi once more Shei took the children and followed her escorts out.


----- Hours later -----
Jedi Academy
Conference room

Sephora had called a meet between her padawan and lieutenants, she had decided it was time to move things along with the academy, and to once again branch out, they had spent far too long sitting around.

Ashleigh and Markus arrived first, Sephora could hear their bickering before they entered the room.

"Markus give that back!" Markus' laughter can be heard.

"Dont think I won't give you a reason for a new mod on another appendage if you do not give me my book back!"

"Ohh you promise baby?"

The door to the conference room opened and a red faced Ashleigh stomped her way backwards through the door followed by a rather proud and amused Markus.

"You are an infuriating human being Markus Tremour!"

Trying to stifle a giggle of her own, Sephora held up her hands motioning for them both to sit.

"Now now children, what did he do this time Ash?"

Ashleigh threw up her arms in frustration. "He won't give me my book back, Anzu gave it to me to.. study"

Markus burst out laughing again and threw the book down in front of Ashleigh, front cover facing upwards. "What exactly are you studying petal?"

Sephora recognised one of the books she had passed over earlier 'The Anzat Diaries'

oh dear Ashleigh was all she could think to herself.

Ashleigh grabbed the book and quickly stuffed it into a satchel she had placed beside her when she sat down. "Shut... up"

Markus raised his hands as if to say what'd he do? But kept his grin as he sat down and blew Ashleigh a kiss, which she immediately scoffed at.

At that moment Anzu, Rsh'aal and Nulaan walked in and took their seats, followed soon after by Emily. Refreshments arrived and Sephora had managed to calm Ashleigh down somewhat, a few small threats to Markus and she seemed herself again.

"I had a woman visit the academy today, a young cathar with two children, both of which are force sensitive, they will be enrolling here at the academy. This is a big step for us here, but we need more students, more allies, but we need to be smart about it, the jedi are not as accepted as we once were, we must never forget the bounty on all of us" She glances at Rsh'aal "Dathomir is not far from here, we already have allies there, we are already known there.. Rsh'aal, Emily, Nulaan, Anzu, I want you 4 to travel to Dathomir, it is possible we may find some recruits amongst our allies, and perhaps some assistance in gathering new allies"

Anzu puffed his feathers up "We will be requiring my ship I assume my lady"

"Yes, I will require Rsh'aal to return however, before you move on, She is needed elsewhere"

Rsh'aal gave her lady an inquisitive look "What may that be my lady?"

"I have recently received word from our ally Master Cyphor, He and out fellow jedi are gathering in Keween System, to plan the liberation of Antar IV, I will however, be remaining here on cathar, do what I can for their people, build our name here for the academy for a while. Markus, you and Ashleigh will travel to the Keween System on my behalf, Rsh'aal will meet you at Antar IV at a later date"

"Leave it to me my lady, nothing excites me more than meetings with a bunch of Jedis and their padawan" Markus grinned

"and of course I get to spend some more quality time with my little petal over there" He motions towards Ashleigh who rolls her eyes before speaking.

"Do we know any more details my lady?" she asks ignoring Markus.

"At this stage no, Cyphor was very brief with his message, report to me once we know details, keep me informed as you go" She turns toward her padawan who had remained quietly listening.

"I trust you both to report to me of your progress frequently also, You both have a very important job here"

Nulaan nodded his head toward his master "Yes master, We will not disappoint you"

Emily seemed a little less self assured "Would I not be of more help to you here master?"

Sephora smiled at her padawan, Emily had great potential, but no confidence in herself, which has kept her behind in her training. This mission may be exactly what she needed, or at least, that's what Sephora hoped.

"You are more needed elsewhere now Emily, I have faith in you, and you will not be alone, This is your mission, not mine, you will be fine"

Nulaan gave his friend and encouraging smile and patted her back "I got your back"

Emily smiled shyly and nodded her head.

Sephora rose to her feet and motioned for her companions to do the same "Go and make any necessary preparations, you will be departing within 24 hours"

Each of her companions left, discussing various points of their missions and plans amongst each other, Sephora left the conference room and made her way to her quarters, she would make her own preparations after some much needed rest, perhaps she would start at the settlement not far that Shei mentioned to her previously.


-Sephora has built the jedi academy and is beginning to take students.

-Emily, Nulaan, Rsh'aal and Anzu have made plans to travel to Dathomir in the hopes of finding potential students and allies for the jedi.

-Markus and Ashleigh are travelling to the jedi meet in the Keween System to assist with Antar IV on Sephoras behalf.

-Sephora is remaining on cathar to see what she can do the local populace and spread good word of the jedi academy.
 
Randon Triangle,
Free Trade Gambit & Angellus Sanctimonia
Aboard the Free Trade Gambit.​



Ba'al and Neia watched on a screen how the occupant of the cell aboard Neia's vessel, dressed in the pilot jumpsuit they found him in as he sat in the middle of the chamber in the lotus position with his eyes closed, breathing steadily. Upon retrieving the pilot he was treated briefly to a visit to the medical bay, where it appeared to be he was a human male, in his early twenties and rather attractive looking, at least compared to human standards. A weapon and knife had been confiscated of unfamiliar design but the weapon seemed to be a normal blaster but from no known galactic manufacturer. After medical had cleared him he had been transferred to the detention block aboard the Free Trade Gambit and now the jedi and pirate queen had to decide what to do with their prisoner.

Neia studied the prisoner for a while and then back at Ba'al. "If I didn't knew any better, he seems to be meditating like you sometimes do. Maybe to keep himself composed and calm? I've had prisoners who paced the walls or banged at the cell doors demanding to be seen or heard. But he upon waking up from the medical drug cocktail just... sits there. And so far we can't find any clue where he is from. His ship is unknown, his weapons are of unknown manufacture..." She shrugged and shook her head. "Must admit that it both fascinates and disturbs me."

"Perhaps, but to much of the galaxy, those of my ilk are but a child's tale... They turn a blind eye to that which does not belong to it anymore... So I wonder, perhaps, the story he might have to tell." She folds her arms into her robe and stares on, "He may be meditating, but I do not think it serves to meet the same ends. I think he prepares himself to be interrogated, or worse, and remains calm to not supply any information."

"That makes sense." She crossed her arms and then smiled, "And yes jedi and sith are a childrens bedtime story now. I admit I didn't believe most of it until I met Mirelle and she joined my crew." She nodded to the screen with the meditating prisoner. "Perhaps he has been told some of the same tales, maybe that will be a interesting way to start the interrogation? That a jedi, a myth or fable come to life. Will be overseeing his interrogation?"

"As good a plan as any." She gestures Neia to take the lead, "After you."

She smiles and nodded, taking the lead while calling to make some arrangements. A moment later the cell door with their prisoner would be opened and a number of her people walked in, two who brought in a table and then three more who placed three chairs before they all filed out and she and Ba'al entered. Through this all the prisoner had not moved or watched what was happening. Neia exchanged glances with Ba'al and turned back to the prisoner. "Hello, my name is Neia and you are aboard my vessel. I was hoping we could have a conversation." She placed a decanter with water and some glasses on the table. "Would you care to sit and have a drink perhaps?"

The prisoner blinked open his eyes, looking at Neia and Ba'al, his gaze lingering upon the Nautolan with a curious expression before his face returned to a more neutral mask and he closed his eyes once more and seemed to ignore the two women.

As she reaches out and deems that he has no talent in the force, she nods inwardly. "You have been doing that since you woke up. Some would think you were as dedicated as the Jedi in your meditations. Do you emulate them? Or are you perhaps daydreaming in there, hmm?"

At the mention of jedi his perfectly controlled face suddenly twitched and he opened his eyes again to stare at Ba'al. Narrowing and then widening his eyes as they fell on the lightsabers on her belt, it seemed the sight of them triggered a emotional response and Ba'al could detect surprise and then anger from the man before he calmed down and closed his eyes again, concentrating more than he was before on his meditation.

Neia blinked, looking from the prisoner to Ba'al. Not sure what was going on but apparently Ba'al had a impact on him.

She raises her brows, "Ah, seen one of those before, then. Or at least know what it is." She crosses her arms, "You ought to know our schtick then. The whole fight the good fight across the galaxy. Which poses quite the problem when we run into situations like these. People are getting hurt, and its because of those you were working with."

At the mention of 'fight the good fight' Ba'al could feel a small wave of anger, resentment and a hint of amusement as if he knew something she did not. But still he did not speak or open his eyes.

Neia glanced at the man, sucking on the inside of one of her cheeks before she spoke up. "A lot of good people have gone missing in this region. Traders, smugglers, passenger freighters. The people you were with seem to be responsible and we'd like to know why. You don't seem to be ordinary pirates. Sure they take good and rob people but I actually got reports that sometimes goods are missing but other times there are just wrecks with goods largely intact, or damaged."

The man showed a inkling of a smirk but then resumed his neutral facade.

She pauses for a moment seeing that smirk before tapping her commlink, "This is Ba'alkyri. I would like Novae sent my way." She looks to Neia and shrugs, "It's worth a shot."

Neia stifled a giggle. "Perhaps, but it might also be cruel."

It would take some time, but eventually they would hear muffled yelps of protest coming from the hall., one could almost make out the words, 'Help! Help! I'm being repressed!' It would seem they had found Casa Nova. In a matter of moments, the door to the room serving for interrogation comes open and a rather miffed looking firedancer holding Casa Nova by the scruff of his neck before throwing him in. As the Bimm skids across the floor and to a halt before Ba'al, Neia and the prisoner, the Echani departs grumbling about the little shik had copped a feel in his resisting. Casa Nova grunts and pushes himself up and sniffs, indignified and straightens his coat, though his shirt was not tucked in and he looked in great disarray. "Okay, okay. You got me here, babe. What was it, now, because I have a lovely Twi'lek on Neia's crew to get back to."

Ba'al looks taken aback for a moment before nodding to the prisoner, "Mind helping us figure out what this one knows."

Casa Nova raises a brow and strokes over his furry mustache, "And he won't talk to you guys? What makes you think he'll talk to me?"

Ba'al shrugs, "You have a certain way with people."

Casa Nova looks taken aback by this nose, before ushering Ba'al closer, "No. I have a way with women."

"Well what's the difference? Just try that."

Casa Nova snorts and mutters under his breath, "What's the difference she asks. A whole leg, that's what." Before he draws back and looks at the man, looking him over. He wasn't the ugliest mug, but... He looks back at Ba'al with a pleading look. She gestures him on and with a grimace turning back, which he quickly softens and forces into a smile, he approaches the prisoner, placing a hand on his shoulder and cocking his hip, "Hey there... buddy. Now, you look like a real.... uh, sweet guy. You know, you were probably one of those boys shooting at me earlier and... If I had known they looked as good as you, blast me to bits, I wouldn't have shot back." Inside his soul cries out in horror at his words, he could hear the cries of women all over the galaxy in dismay at this turn of events. How could he sink so low. How.

The prisoner opened his eyes and blinked in confusion, recoiling a little and everyone in the cell could see the look on his face which basically could be translated to. 'What kind of interrogation is this!?' It seemed they had succeeded disrupting his meditation and calm exterior appearance at last.

She quickly turned around so the prisoner wouldn't see her nearly laugh out loud as she tried to compose herself and stop herself from snickering.

Seeing that sort of reaction, a flicker of mischievousness lights in his eyes and Casa Nova chuckles, "Oho, shy guy. That's alright. Casa Nova knows how to treat them." His grin spreads just a bit wider as he reaches out and tiptoes his fingers over the prisoner's chest, "These nice ladies would really like to know what have to say, but I don't know, I'd like to keep you all to myself. In here. With just me. Wouldn't that be fun?" He moves in closer, rubbing over his chest, before popping his mouth open in an 'o,' "Someone works out."

The prisoner swallowed nervously and looked from the rather aggressive Bimm to the two women and opened his mouth and then closed it, steeling himself for what might come next.

Without glancing back, Casa Nova says his silent prayers as he says, "If you wouldn't mind giving us some privacy, girls..." He leans in to whisper into the prisoner's ear, the whiskers of his mustache ticking over it, "Don't worry, hunk. I don't bite... much."

While Ba'al's face was smooth, on the inside she was roaring with laughter. Part of her worries just how far the Bimm would take this as she gestures for Neia to join her to depart, doing so slowly to give the prisoner every chance to give in. All while Casa Nova was screaming internally, fold fold fold fold fold fold, in desperation, sickened by his own performance.

"I'll talk! ILL TALK!" Came the shouts just before the two women would close the door behind them.

Casa Nova draws back and pretends to pout as they come back into the room. He hisses to the girls as they pass, "No one hears about this," before he goes to the corner. Ba'al nods to Neia, "I do believe you have the floor."

She nodded back, amused and smirked a little as she glanced at Casa Nova, secretly delighted at this, perhaps considering it payback for the trouble he causes on his visits with Ba'al to her station. She addressed the prisoner, "let's start off simple. What is your name and who are you with."

The man looked nervously and perhaps a bit disgusted at Casa Nova before looking back to Neia. "You and your masters have despicable interrogation techniques, that's for sure. It's true what they say they are despicable and rotten to the core."

He blurted out instead, his face a angry mask now instead of the horrified look he had gotten when Casa Nova suggested he needed to be alone with him.

Neia blinked, confused and turned at Ba'al and then back at the prisoner. "Masters? I think you are mistaken. I am Neia Kahleesi and I am very much my own master and not in the service or employ of anyone but myself. So is my partner here." She gestured to Ba'al. "Who are these 'masters' you think I serve?"

"Our masters? Whatever do you mean by..." Ba'al shudders inwardly, "Are you talking about the Sith?" She frowns and glares at Casa Nova who was about to make threatening kissy faces at the man, putting a hand up to stop him. "I can see your confusion, they might be forceusers as well, but they are of the darkside. They bring nothing but misfortune wherever they walk." Ba'al shakes her head.

The man turned to Ba'al with a sneer as he once again regarded the lightsabers at her waist. "Sith? Those fairy tales? Fine jest, jedi." He said with vehemence and then snorts. "I do not speak of fairy tales, I know they are insidious, corrupt and bloated. But even they should respect the articles of war." He glanced away at a nearby wall and then closed his eyes. "Squadron leader Hodrin, serial 56-234A."

Looking confused she turned to Ba'al. "Did we just walk into a Republic or CIS black ops operation?" She thought for a moment. "No wait, both their transports have also been harassed and gone missing in this region. It makes no sense."

Ba'al shakes her head and grasps her lightsabers, holding them up before setting them on the far back table and aside. She moves over to the restrained prisoner and undoes his restraints, "We've gotten off on the wrong foot here, Hodrin." She mutters as she touches her fingertips to his chafed wrists and channels the force, healing them. "You're a Squadron leader. I am sorry for the losses. I know you must have known many of those men very well..."

The man blinked and recoiled as he felt a tingling at his wrists but did not put up a fight when his wrists felt better, pulling them away and rubbing them lightly. "I did." He said simply, looking suspiciously at the jedi. "You have tried the stick...." He glances disgusted at Casa Nova. "And this is the carrot, yes?" He snorts.

She pauses before taking off her facemask, revealing the light scarring beneath as she shakes her head, smiling, "No... Truly, Hodrin, I do not wish you harm." She offers her hand out to him, "Please, stand. Stretch your legs a moment, I know how one's body can ache after some time in meditation... But please, I see you feel you are in the path of right. I have no doubts in my mind you are not a bad man, and perhaps what you have to say may be something to sway our minds. Yet as of right now, my duty demands I do what I can to stave off the loss of life. You understand this, don't you?"

Hodrin looked at the offered hand and slapped it away. "Tell that to the jedi who nearly wiped out my ancestors over 4000 years ago." He then proceeded to say something the others could not understand, he was not speaking in galactic basic or any known language the three of them knew or heard before as he went on and backed away.

Neia walked forwards and placed a hand on Ba'al's shoulder, murmuring. "Maybe you better leave?" She bit the inside of her cheek, "Seems your very presence aggrevates him."

Ba'al rubs the back of her hand, "I have trouble believing it... That... That does not sound like any jedi I know." She grimaces, "Surely, this is another case of mistaken identity, much as how the sith made exiles of us..." She shakes her head, deeply troubled before looking back at Hodrin, before reluctantly withdrawing, taking her lightsabers with her.

Casa Nova waits for a moment before he scratches his chin, "I got business to attend to, babe." He walks with a skip in his step and as he exits the door he lets out a swooning, "Vettes, my love, your rugged rogue comes!"

Hodrin was still talking in his own tongue when Ba'al left, glaring at Neia and then closing his eyes, shutting her out of his existence as he went back to meditation. It seems that for now he has said everything he wanted to say and would not cooperate.

Neia frowned, crossing her arms. "You are wrong about us, about her. I hope you can and will see that in time so we can talk. I have no interest in interrogating or torturing you. I simply want answers of what's going on in this region." She paused and falterred a little. "I serve no masters of any kind I simply am looking for lost friends in this region, to find out what happened to them." She sighed, "You do not wish to talk now apparently, that's fine. I will come by later and see if we are both in a better mood." She turned to leave, pausing do you need anything? Food, water?"

He did not say anything and as Neia turned to actually leave he spoke up, softly. "Leave the lights on, please. It reminds me of home.... no dark, thank you." He muttered.

She frowned, but looked curiously. "Very well, the lights shall remain on in your cell." With that she left, contemplating things as she went to look for Ba'al. Smiling a bit enigmatically. "Well... that could have gone better? We learned some things however, maybe the start of more understanding of whats going on here."

She rubs over her face, sighing out softly, "It could have..." She rubs over her jaw, "4000 years ago... Perhaps we can find something... Our loremasters, perhaps... Or maybe within my holocrons, though it might be unlikely..."

Neia nods, "Well I had a recorder on along with the video feed, can share the language perhaps with some of my contacts and see if they know where he is from, maybe that will help unravel this too." Sheh esitated briefly and then seemed to decide to just go with it and embraced Ba'al. "Don't let his words get to you. What he said, that jedi nearly decimated his race. It must be a lie or some kind of misunderstanding."

She draws her arms about Neia and shakes her head, "Yet, what if it is true... Either the order has committed a great atrocity... Or they were a great darkness that needed be subdued for the good of the whole..."

Neia nods. "I think that for now it's best we had back to my station, look up our contacts and see what they know and then resume our conversation with the prisoner." She looked back towards the cell. "One thing for sure this whole 'Randon Triangle' is more than just some mysterious raiders or pirates."

"It sounds like a plan." She pauses and looks horrified, "Vette and Casa Nova?"

Neia suddenly snickered, "Guess something happened when they were both on Vette's ship?" She shook her head and chuckled. "I am interested to see how that goes."

"How good is the security on Casa Nova's cell, exactly? And is it blasterproof? I believe he might need it, with his habits..." She pauses before getting a slight smirk, "You said you had that whole thing recorded, though?..."

She chuckled and nods."I have, want a copy so we can watch Casa Nova's antics again?"

"Definitely... You know, if your casino business ever goes belly-up, I'm sure there's enough people in this galaxy who would pay good credits to see Novae like that," she smiles and shakes her head.
 
Up in Flames: A Tale of Azazel
The Tapani Sector
​
The invitation to stay upon Gustav's estate had been well-met. It was far better than to arrange private transport once more to her ship, wasting time she could be spending on the planning phase. It had led to some decisions that led both her and Kitt in some protest. Even now, she could see the traumatized image of the Echani, drawing back from a mirror as she saw her hair dyed a deep auburn and Xen altering her cybernetic eyes to be less noticeable and a shade of blue. Herself. She raises her hand to touch the hair cropped up to her ears in what Hakkri had raved as the cutest little pixie cut. He had painstakingly bleached it, applied something to tan her skin as if she had been on some resort, and now she was wearing hazel contacts. She did not look like the dark lady. Her brow furrows as she clenches her fist. It would serve to ensure Jehemath did not recognize her. She should be capable to welcome onto his estate as some noble, or at least as some agent posed as one. She could already imagine her Vera Terrik disguise slipping into place. The very one she had used to gain access to Gustav's estate the first time might just work again on Jehemath.

Still, she felt light as she walked into the breakfast nook. What she saw forced her to a stop and made her brows shoot straight up. The Dragon Lady stood before her spreading some dark honey over dark, nearly black, toast. Azazel opens her mouth before shaking her head and moving to the cabinets, her nose telling her it was there. Hot chocolate. When she found the liquid gold, she made herself a steaming cup and sat with the noblewoman before having egg on toast.

Braghda looked taken aback for a moment at the woman joining her at the table and seemed about to alert the Gustav house guards as the palm of her cybernetic palm opened slightly showing a barrel when she narrowed her eyes and then blinked. "Lady Azazel?"

"Indeed. So put away your toy," she takes a sip of her drink and chuckles. "If it has even you uncertain, I am quite sure it will have that fool of a nephew of yours fooled."

The metal plate in the palm of her cybernetic claw returned to its place and she picked up her piece of toast and took a bite, taking in Azazel's new appearance and then chuckled, shaking her head as she smiled. "Well I will admit that I was not expecting this at all. I doubt Jehemath will recognize you." She snorts, "Assuming he even bothered to remember your face." She looked to the side and retrieved a data pad and placed it on the table, gently pushing it towards Azazel. "Just stick this pad in a dataport of the terminal overseeing the estates power generators and the virus contained on the pad will deliver the program that will make them overload. According to the slicer who made it, you only have about fifteen, to twenty minutes to clear out of there once triggered however. Just beyond the estate's walls should be safe for you."

Azazel takes hold of the data pad and nods. "Very well, it will be a simple enough matter. I fully expect him to invite me in." She wrinkles her nose, "It pains me it will be too easy, but alas."

Braghda glanced at Azazel with her reptilian cybernetic eye. "WHat is your plan exactly to gain entry to the estate? Besides your rather, flawless, make-over?"

Azazel shakes her head, "I have no doubt Traiserus has put people into his employ to attempt to not only gain information but to further his power. That includes making deals with other organizations, I am sure. I plan to pose as one of the Syndicate in this instance..." She pauses, "Of course this adds weight, we are not talking about some lowly smugglers or spies, but a large and dangerous criminal organization. It would also add to my next claim... That the one I apparently made a deal with, saw fit that I would contact Jehemath when I found the information they sought. A man such as himself would not want to so easily lay himself bare to the Syndicare, lest he do something to cross them even by accident, I'm sure... And a cur like Traiserus, it is bound to happen." She steeples her fingers, "So, I offer up some information, I've 'discovered connections here and here.' Perhaps fluff it up a bit about contacts, not exact details, but enough to make it sound like I've done some research. Get him to trust me and let me close." She smirks and shakes her head, "To which I use my own talents to tear the information I actually seek from him as my Ravens, as a special operations team seek access to ensure nothing goes wrong, run the program to overload the generators and do extraction as need be..."

Braghda listened, reaching for a piece of fruit nearby and slowly peeled the skin off with her claw, considering Azazel's plan, when she was finished she nodded slowly. "Perhaps it might work, perhaps not. You should perhaps know that the Order, and the noble houses themselves, have actually worked real hard to keep the presence of this criminal alliance, the Syndicate you are referring to, out of the Tapani Sector. I am actually curious you mentioning them, you have dealings with them perhaps?" She shakes her head, "No matter, it is not my business to know. Your plan might still work, if this Traiserus is indeed a sith he might seek to ally himself with groups he knows the Mecrossa Order and the other Tapani nobles wish to keep out. But then again he might not, just letting you know."

"I have little care for criminals, but if there name will suit me for this purpose, I will use it," Azazel stands. "It is good that this sector strives to keep their presence out, though. I hope that it will continue. Of course, many find little room for standards when they find themselves in a struggle for power, I am afraid." She smiles bitterly before draining the last of her hot chocolate. "If we are finished here. I ought gather my crew and see to any last minute preparations before we depart. Hakkri said something about finding me a smart looking business skirt and jacket combo." She gives a small shrug.

Braghda laughed softly, "Well I wish you, and your fashion specialist, the best of luck." She paused, "be careful however, my cousin may be a fool most of the time... he has a habit of surrounding himself with pasties who are more than capable to do his bidding for him."

Azazel looks at Braghda for a long moment, "I am sith, but most importantly, I am the mother whose cubs who have been stolen from her. I am the most formidable thing in the galaxy right about now. But very well. I will be... Careful."

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

The journey was uneventful and one jump away from the system Azazel put her plan into motion, chartering a regular passenger vessel that she would use to land at the estate were lord Jehemath is supposedly staying while her strike team would follow later and make their way through the sewers, waiting for their Dark Lady's signal to burst through the sewer access and accomplish their mission.

When she was hailed by the estate and announced herself as Vera Terrik, representing an organization who had established contact with a associate of lord Jehemath, bearing information that might earn the good lord some favour if he relays it. After a moment of silence she got word from the traffic controller of the estate claiming, the following. "Ah, we have only been recently informed you would come, much faster than expected. You are cleared to land."

Azazel exchanges a look with Kitt as the vessel makes its way to the landing pad and sets down. It was apparent that they were not turning back now, if anything this made it more resolute in her mind to go forward. Either there was a new player in the field, or there was a traitor in their midst. She looks grim faced to consider that someone in Braghda's circle had turned on her, but it only reasserted her thought that she needed to take the Order in her fist and shape it as she saw fit, under her rule alone. As they exit and go to the front gate, though, bare of any protection save their disguises and steely expressions, she wonders what reception they would meet... That of open armed 'allies' or a trap.

As they approached the main gate a series of guards stood at attention, watching them approach. They had visible weapons but had not drawn them or aimed at them, the officer in charge walked forwards and stopped the duo, looking them over with a look of someone just doing his job. "Halt, which one of you is Vera Terrik?"

"That would be me," she says trying to sound like someone who has a very busy schedule and does not take to being held up very kindly. "And the hold up is?" She arches a brow.

The officer looked her up and down and frowns. "Well... Ma'am... we were only told this morning that a... heh, 'representative' of the Syndicate might show up one of these days or weeks... and that he would be male... and a Echani." He looked pointedly at 'Vera'. "You appear to be neither male or Echani."

Azazel barks out in laughter and looks to Kitt, "I told you your choice in partners would come back to haunt you. This is the third time." She shakes her head. "You are referring to my partner here. Do you not see the Echani features?" She shakes her head, "Poor girl started dying her hair just so people wouldn't mistake other Echanis for her."

Kitt gets a dangerous glint in her eyes as she looks at the officer, "If you want I should prove my heritage, we could go for a spar. I promise, our skills are not exaggerated."

The officer just smiled, "Interesting, as I understood the Echani was supposed to be in charge, but you are?" He shrugged, "As for a test, the Echani battle arts are well known, except for maybe the advanced movements." He looked pointedly at Kitt, who briefly noticed a familiar movement in the mans motions, the 'Sun and Stars' starting move, a rather advanced one meant to catch someone unaware.

Kitt shifts her weight and flows fluidly, her hand flowing forward and the flat of her palm smashing along his nose, breaking it. "Like I would not recognize the Sun and Stars position," she says in a monotone, resuming a neutral position and looking dispassionately at the group. "You should be dead, I could have jammed your nasal bone into your brain... Quit wasting our time. You knew the Syndicate was coming, that an Echani would be present and you understand we are not people to be trifled with. These games do not amuse me." She draws an arm about Azazel, "Now, if you are done. My partner and I are ready to pass."

The other guards brought up their weapons, cursing and ready to fire if not for the officer letting out a bellow and then snarled. "Well you are a nasty one alright." He curses in Hutt, Azazel recognizing a fair number of the words that would even make Hutts blush if they had the ability. "Wait in the hall a valet will come for you." He gestured behind him as he reached for a cloth holding his nose with it as he glared at Kitt.

As they entered the hall they witnessed a patrol further up moving about while a window at the far end showed a small open garden dominated largely by a fountain. A woman in noble garb tending to the flowers.

Azazel took note of the woman and she felt a grim sensation. It was perhaps a good thing the sewer entrance was on the other side of the estate. It was her guess this was the widow of Janii's old master. A momentary whim to scorch her with fire passed through her, but she suppressed it well enough as Kitt squeezed her shoulder, picking up on the subtle signs. So, instead, they continued to follow, hoping to simply to be brought to Jehemath.

Within moments a man dressed in the livery of a servant, much to something Azazel has witnessed at Gustav or Braghda's estate, he bowed. "If you would follow me." He led them further inside the estate, away from the guards and lady Bellona. Encountering several more guards on the way standing at corners of the house, looking bored but standing at attention when the strangers passed through. Reaching a more luxurious looking part of the estate and knocked on one of the doors. "Yes?" Came a rather nasal voice, arrogance almost literally dripping from the syllables.

"My lord, your visitor."

"Ah, yes, yes. Send them in, send them in."

The valet opened the door and within was lord Jehemath looking at some screen with a black robed gentleman standing nearby who looked up, glancing at the two newcomers. He shook his head and blinked when he looked at Azazel but ignored he as he started frowning as he looked at Kitt and narrowed his gaze at her.

Jehemath meanwhile turned around, "Ah, the Syndicate? How curious, I was told one of you might come... but literally hours after receiving the message was not what I expected."

Kitt scoffs, "You are ridiculous. You had the woman's name and have been unable to sniff her out? When she has been tampering in your business? Her power base is in Tapani Space, your own backyard. Of course it did not take us long." She crosses her arms in front of her arms and uses the moment for some sleight of hand, tapping her wristlink to send static over the line to signal the spec ops team to start. "You... Sith," she nods at the robed man, "Are all alike, all over the place causing scenes and it sticks out like a sore thumb for anyone who bothers to look... And she, and her allies, have been making many scenes."

Jehemath blinked, looking confused while the man with him stiffened and reached a hand in the sleeve of his robe. Jehemath opened and closed his mouth. "Excuse me?" He blinked stupidly. "What in the blazes are you talking about!? I was told I am to help coordinate your efforts and help you provide contacts for your little... organization or outfit whatever it was, Sangos something. Who is this she you are blabbing about."

He glared, "I must say I do not like your tone, first I hear you break the nose of one of my guards and now you address me in this rude manner? Apologize or begone from my sight! I am far more refined than your kind. And I expect to be treated with the respect I am due."

Azazel gives a flutter of a signal as they see robed man going for his presumed lightsaber. Kitt lurches forward, first going to punch into and break his sternum as Azazel slides into a position Kitt taught her in order to grapple Jehemath. As soon as she got ahold of him, she would tear through his mind with her memory walking ability to see what he knew of Traiserus, her children, and this new syndicate affiliate. They were wasting time and the spec ops team would be on their way to the generator.

The presumed sith is caugh unawares and Kitt managed to slap and pull his hand away before he could grab a firm hold of his lightsaber hidden within the sleeve. He was still very capable and ready to retaliate however.

Jehemath let out a girlish scream and jumped back against the terminal he was standing before to evade Azazel attempt to grab him.

"ASSASSINS!" Jehemath screamed with a high pitched voice as he scrambled away with wide, fearful eyes while the sith disciple scowled and reacted instinctively to force push Kitt away from him and into Azazel.

Kitt tumbles out of the path of the burst of force energy and takes another go at the sith as Azazel curses at Jehemath's loudness and dives to tackle him to the floor and follow through with stealing his memories. Things were never so simple.

The sith disciple cursed and growled as the disguised Echani grabbed his wrist and squeezed, a audible crack hearing as she crushed or dislocated some of the bones in there. Again he reacted by instinct and tried to let loose a blast of lightning at her.

Azazel meanwhile tackled Jehemath perfectly and reached out with her mind at Jehemaths. And found his mind reeling with fear, shock and confusion, creating up barriers she had to break through, or use for her purposes.

From outside the valet was heard shouting for help.

Kitt bounds out of the way of the lightning, for a moment thinking she might not make it, but her instincts saved her. She goes to sweep the legs out from under the sith and land a blow should he hit the ground. All the while, Azazel tries to turn the fear inwards on the noble and use it to rip open the barriers of his mind and lay him bare for her probing.

The lightning flies far from hitting the Echani and instead hits the guard, frying him to a crispy bit. Kitt cusses over that last arm causing so much trouble as it throws lightning and goes to snap the bones inside. Azazel was blind to the on-goings and tries to ply deeper. These weren't anything... She needed something solid... "Tell me, who is the Sith Lord Traiserus really... Where can I find him," she snarls under her breath. Her fingertips begin to heat up as she seethes.

The sith coughed up blood as at first Kitt breaks his other arm and then punched him in the stomach, he was still clinging to life however and closed his eyes as suddenly the lightsaber in his sleeve ignited, cutting through his arm but flew clear as it stabbed at Kitt.

Another guard walked in, this one having his blaster out and took one glance and fired off a wild shot.

Azazel meanwhile tried to dig deeper, and either Jehemath did not know Traiserus's true identity or he, or Traiserus, had implanted measures to keep him from revealing anything consciously. Something did trigger however, fleeting images of conversation Jehemath had with agents. Talks about investigating his benefactor, his pale face as he received the heads of his agents on a platter with a note written in a delicate hand to keep to his own business and keep to the agreement.

The scene changed, Jehemath sobbing in a corner as an older woman who faintly looked like Braghda, but older was yelling at him that he should clean his room but that he didn't wanna. The old woman transformed into a chocolate pudding and swallowed him whole, teeth appearing and started biting and tearing into him as a new layer of images appeared to Azazel. A gentleman's club, laughter, conversation, deals being made between various nobles' sons and then a laughing young man with a smirk. A young man Azazel had seen before when he led a force of ships to Korriban and announced himself, introducing himself as Traiserus's son. The image faded, buried.

Azazel feels a touch disturbed by Jehemath's apparent fear of both Braghda and who she assumes is his mother, but it explained to a degree his fixation on married women. It could be some strange complex he has with these two female figures he was trying to fix. He finger nails start to bite in as she tries one final vicious push. Kitt, though, who had let out a short yelp of pain, now faced two opponents, and tries to busy each of them with her flying attack as she copes with the pain.

The guard made no sound as kitt slammed his head against the doorway with a sickening crunch and he just slumped to the ground while she was already moving and grabbed the force user in a chokehold and began to squeeze, till the man stopped struggling and died, but not before feebly spitting blood at her face before all life passed from his eyes.

Within the confines of Jehemaths mind, rooting for answers Azazel realised just how twisted this Tapani noble was as she was now sitting in on a scene, watching the boy he once was cackling to himself as he apparently used a hot brand on a pet of some kind he had tied up, making it yelp and whine. The scene changed and now it was the adult Jehemath tied down as a human sized pet branded him in sadistic revenge as claws suddenly appeared tearing Jehemath's stomach open and rats gnawed and clawed their way out of his body.

A club, nobles wandering about, a plaque on the wall that reads 'The Counts Hunting Lodge'. Jehemath talking to a man Azazel recognized, Marcus, son of Traiserus, flashing the man a smile while it was clear from the way he looked at Jehemath he was repulsed by the man. "-all will be well. You are to take a brief vacation while things settle down. Matters are set in motion that will make things much easier. You will get word in time from my father, a new business partner. From the Syndicate."

"Those thugs!? I thought we did not allow their kind-"

"They have their uses, this man impressed my father on Nar Shaddaa apparently. You will help him, more details will follow as a possible meeting will be set up. Expect a message one of these days. Now enjoy your drink." He made to leave and Jehemath reached out grabbing his arm to speak up but Marcus's eyes changed fro mblue to the yellow and crimson corrupted eyes of a sith as he scowled. "Touch me again and I will kill you." The hand quickly let go. "Now that's a good pet, you can be trained after all."

And the scene vanished. Outside Kitt realizing her attackers were dealt with could hear the valet screaming for help and the hurried footsteps of booted feet approached.

The Echani takes a breath with the death of the Sith. Three men dead and the floor was quickly growing to be field for footing. Still, she quickly searches for any sign of a personal shield upon the persons of the fallen before ducking to the edge of the door, ready to pounce the guards when they came to the door investigating. Where the spec ops team was, she had no idea.

A guard rushed in, widening his eyes before Kitt tripped him and proceeded to kick and crush his throat, noticing the patrol looking at her with drawn weapon as they rushed to the scene.

The next scene Azazel watched was rather odd she saw herself, or at least a version of herself that seemed to be soem sort of fantasy version of herself smiling at Jehemath as she crawled down and vanished under the covers, eliciting a delightful groan from the lord. Until he started screaming as animal growls came from under the covers and the sound of flesh tearing and being ripped apart.

"She is dead?" Jehemath asked, trembling with excitement. "She is truly dead and it's all mine now!?"

"She is, according to your little saboteur anyway. He apparently used enough explosives to blow the entire line of wagons of the train at the ski resort. Not exactly subtle, is he?" Traiserus said dryly.

Jehemath laughed madly, "I don't care! The bitch is dead and I finally have what is rightfully mine! I cannot thank you enough lord Voorniss-"

He was cut off by a slap and a angry scowl. "Never call me that, the walls have ears and I intend to remain a obscure and reclusive lord."

"I, how dare you! You are talking to the new leader of the Mecrossa-"

He was slapped again, "And I put you in that seat of power, I can take it away too. Now you enjoy your public displays of power but never forget who holds your strings." Jehemath grabbed his throat as he choked for a moment as Traiserus stood up and went for the door. "Enjoy it for as long as you are useful... and not annoy me."

Meanwhile... in the sewers...

Their journey had been lengthy but they had finally arrived, at least according to the map and navigational data they had gathered. Rei'ki nodded and gestured to a sealed sewer access hatch that must be the waste chute when she froze. Feeling a presence in the force that was not her mistress not far above her and from the way it felt, this presence sensed her too and was getting close.

Rei'Ki curses under her breath but ignites her saber. She should have cloaked her presence in the force much as her mistress had, but none the less… She makes a sharp command to the Ravens and each ready their heavy blaster. With that, the sith unceremoniously began carving into the hatch.

Kitt, back in the chamber, ducks back and has to slow the racing of her heart back down as yet more guards come, "Azazel, we need to go."

The Sith's lips draw back into a snarl as she drives through Jehemath's mind, "I am close, child. A little longer…" Already the temperature of her flesh was raising to convection in preparation for him she would kill him as soon as he released what she needed.

Carving through the hatch proved to be equal to using a hot knife to cut through butter and when a opening was formed the more bearable smells of a kitchen assailed their senses, right before she saw a small circular object fall down that looked rather close to a grenade. One of the ravens shouting a warning before they all tried to get down, most submerging themselves under the water as the grenade detonated. Rei'ki and three of the ravens were not so lucky, but the force protection and the shields took the brunt of the damage, the shields of the three ravens depleted by the close blast while the water cushioned it for the others who came up, spluttering and cursing as water had gone through their filters.

Kitt meanwhile heard the guards murmur but not approach, not after they had witnessed how she had dealt with the one who had gone ahead of them.

Azazel tried to dig deeper but all she stumbled across was more torture scenes she was creating in his mind but leading not to any more information. She could sense that either Jehemath was resisting all of a sudden, or his mind was unraveling, going insane from the mental strain she was putting him through.

Kitt curses and crouches down, fumbling to see if there were grenades upon the corpses to chuck around the corner at the guards. Azazel, however, hisses with rage as he hand moves to Jehemath's throat. She lets her hold of his mind slip as she reaches for the force to superheat her flesh, intent on scalding his flesh to constrict his throat and leave him suffocating.

Rei'ki flicks sewer sledge from her herself with a muttered, "Lovely," and wraps herself in protection once more. She looks to the Ravens before she nods. In silent agreement almost, they all shroud themselves in stealth in order to head up through the ruined hatch and dispatch the enemy.

Jehemath lets out a series of scream, eyes opening wide as he looked at Azazel with a plea before his flesh burned away and his eyes popped from the heat and all that was left was a burned out husk. As Azazel too ka step back from her work she could sense the presence of more force users, two of them very close, coming from either side of the corridor outside the room. Kitt looked up holding up two grenades while the fallen lightsaber lifted up to land in Azazel's palm.

Rei'ki was leading the way quickly but as quietly as she could ascending through the hatch when a guard appeared holding another grenade in the opening who blinked oddly at seeing water dripping down the ladder somehow before a sudden force push from Rei'ki hurled him back out of view with a scream and a women cursing as the grenade detonated.

The Dathomiri woman calls over her intercom clear so that Janii might join them as she assumes her stealth once more and continues to lead the stealth team towards the generators.

Azazel quickly formulates a plan as she wraps a bubble of force protection about herself. "Kitt, throw your grenade, then run first, just ahead of me, down the right passage where we will encounter a sith. I will protect our back from blasterfire and the other approaching sith." Kitt is about to protest, but grits her teeth and nods, throwing the first grenade and tucking the other away as she makes her dash. Azazel puts herself directly behind Kitt to shield her prone body with her own.

"Kitt, back," Azazel instructs. The Echani nods and without hesitation grabs out her grenade and tosses it as Azazel releases a torrent of wave of force to push them back.

Rei'ki, though, finds herself in a moment of conflict internally. Finally, she curses herself and the softness of Lydavis and how she might act and how Azazel might take an opportunity in even a moment like this and strides forward, lowering her concealment and bringing her lightsaber up to the disciple. "Stop. Don't move. Think. Soon, no one of this place is going to be living. You have a chance to be one of those lucky people. You have a simple question ahead of you and that is to consider who your master ought be. You have a chance now to follow a great woman now, all you need do is seize the chance and renounce your former master."

It might have been the force wave but the grenade wildly bounced off at a wall and then bounced off in the corner before it detonated while the force wave itself just made the robes of the sith disciple flutter as if hit by a breeze as she ignited her lightsaber and charged at Azazel while the guards opened fire at Kitt.

As the Ravens and Janii moved ahead Rei'ki held her saber at the female sith's throat who looked up at her, blinking as her head seemed to clear and she realized what predicament she was in, laughing ruefully. "A interesting proposition, but I must decline... I would not turn on my master, neither would you I wager. I make a counter proposal, I assume those two women who entered are with your group, I suggest you hurry to their side. I am not the only on in this estate of my kind, I promise I will slip away through that sewer there and not attack you... if you do intend to kill me, I will fight back instead, costing you valuable time, time you might not want to lose."

Kitt kept her face a mask as the blasters struck her but otherwise charged ahead to engage the Sith, "Azazel, the gunmen." Azazel nods and uses the force to bound over top of the opposing Sith and land a little ways away facing the gunmen, She gnashes her teeth and summons a torrent of fire to unleash her wrath upon them.

The spec ops were making excellent progress in the meanwhile. Janii had taken the lead of the Ravens to head to the generator room while Rei'Ki was facing the disciple. Now, she glared upon the woman before drawing her weapon away, "You follow a man steeped in treachery and vileness. He is most sinister. I do not blame you for being led astray, a man who appears to be strong and knowledgeable brings many into their fold. He will come to his fall, though. When that happens, I hope you choose right that time." With that, she departs, swiftly charging to Azazel's aide.

The sith warrior woman cursed as Azazel leaped away with her lightsaber hitting nothing but air, snorting in contempt as she jumped back as the lithe echani girl charged her. "Pathetic."

Not so pathetic was Azazel who unleashed her fury and anger in the form of flames, burnign the trio of unfortunate guards.

Janii reached the generators and walked to a terminal while the Ravens secured the area. Rei'Ki ran past them and almost right into a guard who was looking nervously to a corridor to the south when Rei'ki charged past and tried to quickly behead them, both the Dathomiri and guard rather surprised when the blade missed.

The sith woman misses her swing at Kitt and the Echani retaliates by striking out with her fists in rapid succession as Azazel turns about and attacks the Sith with her lightsaber. The man who attacked Rei'ki would have struck the Dathomiri had her lightsaber not gone up and cut his carbine in two. With that, she lashes out him with the speed only one intune with the force can muster.

The guard looked at the cut halves of his carbine and then back at the Dathomiri as she stabs him in the chest, his eyes wide as he murmured a last word. "Rosebud..." Before he slumped back as Rei'ki pulled her blade back.

Kitt and Azazel meanwhile managed to land a series of hits on the sith woman they were engaged with, but she was still standing and growling menacingly as she raised her hand and let loose a storm of lightning around herself.

The force storm hits everything it seems except for Kitt and Azazel. Azazel seems to smirk to herself, some inner reassurance that she was truly chosen by the Sith gods and the one true Sith'ari given in this moment as she and Kitt close in once more for the kill. Rei'Ki continues to follow her sense of force presences to where she felt Azazel was probably. Janii meanwhile was plugging in the code to blow the place sky-high, giving a warning over the commlinks, "Engaging meltdown sequence. 15 minutes and counting."

Kitt ducked and weaved the lightning arcs and then grabbed hold of the enemy force user, immobilizing her so that Azazel could use her borrowed lightsaber to stab her through the chest. The woman froze, letting out a sole grunt and laughed. "You don't know.... what will come... you will run... but he will find you." She said with a feral smile before she collapsed to the ground. The running of booted feet and angry voices came from the corridor they had gone through.

Meanwhile Rei'ki ran into another guard who did a quick potshot at her but missed by a wide margin.

Azazel picks up the second saber and was feeling a bit less naked in spite of the absence of her armour. She looks to Kitt, concern flickers in her eyes at the terrible wounds she had sustained. It was lucky she had not taken worse and was still in fighting condition. "You're doing great, we'll get out of this." Kitt offers a flicker of a smile but steels herself as they head out the door, Azazel ready to turn and unleash fire upon any guards and Kitt prepared to follow that up and take any left standing.

Azazel's other followers were busying themselves. Rei'Ki's face was a fierce visage as she attacked the foolish guard who attacked her. Janii, however, took instruction of the Ravens well. Rei'Ki had obviously gone, sensing something wrong with Azazel which meant extraction. She would have been cutting a path to her, but they would need a path to stay clear so they would get out in time. So with that in mind, she divides the Ravens, three to remain outside the generator room to keep the halls clear of hostiles as she and the other two would go to ensure the way to the kitchen and the sewer entrance was still clear.

Azazel and Kitt walked just around the corridor and witnessed Rei'ki cutting a guard in half, his last words sounding both sad and as if he couldn't believe he died. "I was five days off my retirement..."

At that point behind them four guards appeared, one spotting them and pointing. "THE INTRUDERS!"

On her way to the sewer entrance Janii came face to face with two guards, their clothes and boots wet and muddy from the grounds outside and their eyes widening when they walked into a trio of intruders and fired quick shots.

One missing Janii completely and hitting the wall behind her while his fellow guard managed to hit the Raven, but the shield absorbed the blast.

Azazel draws Kitt up and in front of her protectively and growls, "Move, now." Rei'Ki blinks in confusion at the display but otherwise moves with them as they whip back around the corner… To see Ravens waiting for them. Azazel makes a silent gesture and the Ravens she could see that were unengaged draw their flame rifles, pointing them down the halls as the trip pass behind their defensive line.

Janii personally takes up her blaster rifle and mercilessly lets loose upon the guards. For a flicker of a moment, she considers that they might be good people, just like her. Then, she thinks how they were agents of a man who likely helped the woman kill her master. The Ravens calmly turn their heavy blaster pistols upon the guards and pull the triggers. However, even over the rip of blasterfire, Janii and the Ravens all heard it. A sound resembling the activating of a ship's engines, or perhaps the building of the generators to blow. The cyborg was quite certain it was engines, though. Her cold cyberneticly restored face twitches as she hisses, "Belladona…"

A torrent of blaster fire went the two guards way who quickly stepped out to the sides of the door, the barrage of fire missing them as they popped back out to open fire, their hits knocking off a layer of Janii's shielding while the raven whose shield was down grunted in annoyance as his armour was scored with a hit.

As the others advanced they heard the bubbling of chemicals and whoosh of fire, followed by screams as the first unfortunate guards that rounded the corner walked right into two purple flame bursts.

As the whoosh of flames die down, Azazel whistles sharply for the Ravens to follow as she heads towards the kitchen and where Janii was fighting. She lobs fire at the attackers as three of the two Ravens and Janii unload their blasters, the third hall lookout adding his blasterfire to the mix.

With all manner of blaster fire, and actual fire, thrown their way the two guards stood no chance and died, without being certain what actually killed them.

Azazel and Rei'ki sensed him before they could hear him. Another sith disciple with two lightsabers ignited and a number of guards just rounded the corner of the passage way behind them. The enemy sith looked a bit singed as if he had been caught at the edge of a grenade blast.

Meanwhile the timer on Janii's watch kept going for when the generators would blow.

Azazel turns about with the presence of the force and her lips peel back, her hand reaching out before clenching, to crush the disciple with the force. The ravens, seeing her turn about, many holster their sidearms and fluidly bring their magrifles to bear, aiming down the sights at the new targets and firing. "Janii, Rei'Ki, take Kitt out of here," Azazel snaps. Rei'Ki stares at Azazel dumbly before placing her hand on the Echani's shoulder and guiding her towards the sewer entrance, Janii thumping her fist to her chest in salute and farewull to Azazel before following with a, "Hurry, time is running scarce."

THree of the guards fell down with blaster holes in their heads or chests. A man wearing a similar uniform to the guard in charge had a shield flare as a hit impacted upon him. The force user cursed loudly and tried to break free as the remaining two guards fired.

With a snarl the force user broke free from the force grip and tumbled to the ground, getting to his feet while the guard and officer manage to strip the shields of two of the Ravens.

Azazel hurls balls of fire down the hall at the sith as the ravens ready another round of fire. Rei'Ki holds her arm out before Kitt and Janii as she stares at the sewer entrance, reaching out to sense if the disciple she encountered earlier was as treacherous as her master and was staying back, waiting to ambush them.

The sith disciple is hurled back as a ball of fire hits him in the stomach ,setting him ablaze while blaster shots impacted on him and the two guards, taking all three of them down.

At the sewer entrance Rei'Ki could not sense the presence of the force user of before.

With the enemy dispatched, Azazel, surrounded by her Ravens, moves to catch up with her officers. Rei'Ki, though still suspicious, nods for them to advance.

The party went inside the sewers and made a run for it, the water slowing them down some but not enough to break their pace and then several minutes before Janii's estimated 15 minute mark the sound of a muffled explosion came from behind them. The sewer tunnel shook violently and there was rumbling from behind them as if the way they had come from had collapsed.

They slow to a stop and the group remains silent for a time, taking their first real moment to breathe. Janii, though, fails to relax as she stares back the way she came, face cast with dark shadows and red glowing light from her implants. "A ship had cast off from the estate before it blew. It likely carried Belladona." She turns to face Azazel, "You allowed her to escape, but there is still a chance to bring her to pay for this. You have the resources to leak stories that she is a 'black widow' killer, enticing noblemen to her bed and then killing them for their wealth. It has been not too long since the death of my master, it might still be fresh enough in the minds of others and the way things went about here, if they investigated truly, it might cast suspicion if it was well and truly an accident. Let her take the fall, so that she might pay for the crimes she has committed."

Azazel slips her two new trophy lightsabers into her belt and furrows her brow, "A fair enough idea. It will be done… Perhaps Braghda might even be of assistance with that. Well enough, I need speak to her about what I have discovered here today…" She looks to Kitt who was looking pale even for an Echani. Her wounds and the prolonged fighting was having its toll upon her. Azazel reaches out with concern and touches her arm, channeling the force to sustain her til she could see a medic to patch her up. "Let's get to the ship and get back to the Dagda. We'll head back to debrief Braghda."

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

Kitt sits in her bed, nursing a cup of sweet juices from a planet she could not quite remember. She just liked it and someone must have remembered it as it was left at her bedside for when she awoke. The Echani was still sore and bactapatches were stuck on under bandages. The medic was shocked she had taken a blow from a lightsaber without losing something vital in the process. That was what she remembered before passing out. That and the watchful eyes of the Sith Mistress who did not leave until the head medic, flustered and always so full of himself shooed her off. It always astounded her that the medic pushed around even Azazel, but she supposed he had patched her up more than once.

How long she was consigned to rest, she was not sure, but she was already growing anxious. Sparring matches was one of the few things that kept her sane, but she would probably be forbidden until she was in a better condition. She was unsure how she would stand being on this ship with her. Perhaps she ought request to join one of the other teams for the time-being and keep some distance. Her thoughts drift lazily to Trizz and her gaze drifts lazily across the empty room, it was unlikely Azazel would be breaking to see Andrea anytime soon and the medic was a respite of sorts. It was odd they had not heard from Andrea since the loss of the twins, even stranger that Azazel had not even made mention of it, but perhaps it showed something about their true natures.

Her hand smooths over her sheets as she considers how Andrea could abandon Azazel in such a time and how Gra'tua was still so ingrained in mandalorian politics in spite of his missing children. Only Azazel seemed to have really risen to the occasion as far as she could see, but then, did that speak of something about her? The more she saw of the Sith, the less she saw Azazel as one of them. She sighs and rubs her eyes, resigning herself that she really should not try and understand how the mind of a Sith operates. A knock comes to her door, though, and draws her attention.

"Ah, come in," she calls, not bothering to get up. If it was any of the medical staff, they would show her the wrath of a thousand suns for it, she was sure. A blonde woman steps through and Kitt looks puzzled for a moment before she recognizes the facial features. Azazel's current appearance was still taking her some getting used to. It made her look a lot softer and approachable, though. She worried that the Sith would be upset to hear something like that. "Oh, I didn't expect you," in the back of her mind, she adds, because you never really visit us, normally.

Azazel closes the door behind her and engages the lock so they would not be bothered. She moves and sits on the edge of the bed, looking down at the battered Echani before reaching out and brushing back her still auburn hair, "How are you doing, little bird?"

Her eyes close at the gentle touch, "I'm fine, Azazel… I'm made of sterner stuff than that, you should know that by now." Her hand, cautiously shifts and cups over Azazel's, a smile spreading.

"Yes, yes… A tough little bird," Azazel's face looks troubled for a moment as she squeezes Kitt's hand softly. "You stood by me today in a most dangerous situation. Why do you follow me into these things?"

She furrows her brow and opens her eyes to look at Azazel, her thoughts reel for a moment before she goes with the easiest and acceptable answer. "You expect loyalty of us all. You deserve that loyalty."

The Sith gives a long, hard gaze, "You were a child of a Jedi creche. You were taken by my Sith disciples, whom without provocation, attacked and killed people you know. I fostered you into a weapon for my own uses. Now I put your life into danger, oft times in the past situations where you had no right to be in, and I give you no thanks. I show little care. What reason could you have to stand your ground against so many at once, alone, even as you suffer injuries, for me?"

Their gazes meet as Kitt remains silent, mulling over her answer. "You aren't those followers, and even as some falter, you've inspired others to greater feats… As for what you've done to me… You took me in, you treated me like more than some blind washout brat. You fostered my potential, after you gave me a gift beyond what anyone else has ever done. You might throw me into tough places, but that is because you treat me no differently than anyone else… and those times you do show you care, you've shown you care greatly. But I'm here for you for so much more than that, and I've told you why already."

Azazel looks at Kitt with her brow furrowed, questioning and fails to respond. The Echani sighs, pushing herself up with a soft grunt and cups Azazel's cheek, "I told you. I love you…" She leans in and presses her lips to Azazel's. The Sith tenses but does not draw away, and, eventually, returns the gesture. As they pull apart, the younger girl looks flushed but quickly murmurs, "I'm sorry, I know, I shouldn't and you don't believe me when I say that. I'll stop. I just had to do that, because… I would regret it one of these days when I end up getting myself killed if I never did anything."

The Sith purses her lips before getting a small smirk on her lips, "I won't tell Andrea or the man I am wed by Mandalorian traditions about this… Or even that Zabrak I know you spend all your time with when we visit Andrea, the one who cares so much about you…" Her expression falters and her look becomes softer as she stares at Kitt, "But if you truly care anything for me, little bird, you will stop throwing yourself so carelessly to the wind for me. You would not die to show your love, but live."

Kitt blinks in a daze at her words but nods, "Alright." She begins to settle back into bed, feeling a bit drained by all the excitement before a question comes to her, "And… what about this?..."

She leans over her junior and draws the blankets up over her as she kisses her brow, "Do not worry of it. Rest now."

As Azazel begins to rise to leave, Kitt lightly grabs her wrist, "Stay. Please. At least for now. I hate sleeping in a room alone… There were always the other crechelings… And then Trizz…" She bites her lip and looks uncertain for speaking out.

The Dark Lady settles back beside her and suggests, "We could have your room moved to the barracks. You would be able to sleep in a room with some others, if you'd like."

Kitt shivers at the idea, thinking of the fanatic light more than a few had in their eyes. She did not know but a handful of the mass of Azazel's followers and it felt for good reason. "No, I think… I'm fine."

Azazel gets settled, laying against her side and chuckles, "I thought as much…" The Sith tenderly strokes through Kitt's hair as she settles against her, falling silent and reaching out with the force to turn the lights down.

Kitt grasps a small handful of her robes as she nuzzles into her and closes her eyes once more, "Thank you…" She was cozy here, close enough to smell how Azazel smelled of cinnamon spices. She could feel herself starting to drift off.

Silence meets her for a beat. Then another. Finally Azazel murmurs, "You really are hopeless."

Kitt smiles softly, a lazy chuckle rolling from her lips as she drowsily mumbles, "I know another woman just as bad."

She snorts in amusement, "Sleep."

Kitt's breathing begins to steady as she drifts ever closer to unconsciousness before she slurs, "Azazel?"

"Hmm?"

"We're going to get them back, I promise."[/hr]
 
Darth Andrea, Dark Rebirth
At the edge of the Ruuria System, Andrea currently occupied Throne Room...​


"Now then... now that Darth Talon stopped trying to choke you with her bare hands. Please, explain with what you meant by 'not able to cater to all her medical needs?' Hmmn?" Darth Khanna calmly asked of the gasping and spluttering medical orderly who had probably been 'volunteered' by the rest of the medical department to carry the news.

Once he had his breath back, looking terrified at Talon who had lightning dancing around her fingertips he looked solely at Khanna and spoke quickly. "As I said, we can heal her over time but, well, the condition she arrived in, with normal individuals we would need, some more... in depth procedures and supplies to get her back to full health."

Khanna sighed, "The whole mess with those blasted children of those two sith, Rhak-skuri, Hadzuska about to leave and now this.... so we need to find... what exactly?"

"Well the procedures we could use to speed up her recovery, are not exactly legal."

She sighed, "On Dathomir things were so easy, very well. You can go now." He had just left or the comms bleeped. "What in the darkest pits is going on now!"

Talon gestured as she listened to a voice on her comms. "Incoming message, on a special reserved channel."

Khanna rolled her eyes, "Right send it through."

It took a moment for the message to connect and the holo-imager to spring to life and display the image of Kuryi Gabriel Saros reclining almost lazily in a large office chair. "Greetings." He began before he raised an eyebrow curiously. "You are not the lady Andrea, I do not believe we've met." he said matter of factly and let the unspoken question of who Khanna was linger.

"We have not, who are you." She looked the holo image over and licked her lips. "Huh, well a specimen like you would be highly sought after back home."

Talon stepped forward and gestured. "He is Kuryi Gabriel Saros, a... business associate of the mistress."

Khanna rose a eyebrow. "Ah yes, I have heard about you but never had the pleasure of a introduction. Lady Khanna." She said, "Mistress Andrea is currently unavailable, floating as she is in a bacta near death and all that." She just smirked at Talon's warning glare and annoyed hiss.

"A shame that, I had hoped to set up a face to face with her for some information I have learned on an individual she asked me to look into." Kuryi replied.

"Well anything you can tell her you can tell me, what kind of business associate are you anyway?" Khanna asked rather blatantly and got another annoyed hiss from Talon at whom she just looked with a amused raised eyebrow.

The Twi'lek bodyguard looked about to snap at when she looked thoughtful, "Actually, he has certain... criminal contacts."

Khanna looked back, "Is that so? Well maybe you can set up a face to face with Andrea after all, her recover will take a long time, unless... we resort to less than legal medical procedures. Would you know about someone offering those kind of services?"

Kuryi smiled in response. "I know of a few teams that will conduct such work, In fact I own the facilities in which they operate. How close might you be to The Wheel?"

Khanna and Talon exchanged glances. "Rather close actually, we can be on our way there momentarily."

"Excellent, If you wish to send her medical file ahead i can have the staff prepare for her arrival ahead of time." Kuryi said simply as he called up a file on the terminal off screen. "For an associate such as the Lady Andrea I'm sure I can manage the 'discount' rate." he then added with another smile.

Khanna snorts while Talon glared, "I can see why the mistress works with you. I will send you the file our medical staff says she needs, no need to give you a full file about her biology and whatnot. It's something she rather keep to herself."

"Entirely understandable, she is somewhat unique these days." Kuryi said as he leaned the chair forward a little more and set to work on the file out of view with a little more effort. "Send your approximate ETA along with the file, I'll arrange to clear a secluded landing zone for you as well. No need to make the Ladys condition public by landing in the public docking bays."

"Well you are a gentleman who thinks of everything, now don't you. Perhaps we shall meet on the Wheel then." She just smirked. "You will have the necessary information within a few moments. A delight to have met you."

"It pays to protect peoples privacy in my line of work, and im aware the Lady values hers greately." Kuryi replied. " Contact the Crimson Casinos administration centre when you arrive, I or one of my leiutenants will be awaiting the contact."

"Oh will do, we should be there shortly we are in the vicinity of the Wheel after all." She grinned and winked and ended the call, turning to Talon. "So why did nobody else tell me Andrea had a cute associate like that? He looks good enough to eat."

Talon just rolled her eyes, sighed and went to go after the medical staff to compile a list of what they required.


*---------------------------------------------*
Later that day
*---------------------------------------------*​

Khanna rubbed her eyes, she was now joined by Hadzuska who contemplated what she had been told about Kuryi offering the services of the medical staff and equipment to patch Andrea up. "So any opinion on that?"

Hadzuska chuckled, "As good a plan as any, he has the contacts and is offering them for us to use then let's take the offer. I for one would be much more happier if Andrea was around to give the orders than leaving us up to it." She bit the inside of her cheek. "On that note however, there is someone else we need to call..." She trailed off as both Talon and Khanna suddenly shouted 'NOT IT!' and looked at both of them with a amused look. "Cowards, well then." She chuckled and walked to thee hypercomm terminal in the throne room and tried contacting Azazel, "Let's hope she is in a somewhat good mood..."

Azazel looked well rested, if her hair was a bit in a sprite-like disarray as she came to answer the hypercomms, having quietly slipped away from the Echani's side as soon as she heard a line from Andrea was being patched in. As the communication was established and the image of Hadzuska appears before her, though, what was a rather elated expression quickly dies. Suspicion draws across her face and she suddenly wonders if all was well between her and Andrea, still. "You... Are not Andrea. Hello, Hadzuska."

Hadzuska inclined her head, "Indeed I am not Andrea, my apologies for disturbing you lady Azazel but there has been a... complication you should be made aware off. Lady Andrea has suffered a number of severe injuries during a recent encounter we have had and is currently in a medically induced coma aboard the Dark Rebirth. However we are aiming to get her to facilities to have her recover as fast as possible."

Her expression goes grim and her stomach twists into knots as she stares at the disciple, "And who is to blame for this?" She grips the edges of the panel, "And why are all of you apparently still well while your Mistress is comatose?" She clenches her jaw, scowling at the hologram.

Hadzuska snarled a little, showing her filed teeth before she calmed down. "I for one was not there when it happened, I was still on my way to reunite with my mistress so please reel in your anger lady Azazel, I experienced it myself already. As for who is to blame a cyborg apparently had enhancements strong enough to punch through her ribcage. We already dealt with the manner by cutting off his arms and legs and have him send off to those who might inflict further harm on him."

"Well at least some of you could do something right," she snaps. She takes her hands from the panel, stepping back and running her hands over her face, taking a deep breath. "I don't need this..." she mutters into her hands before looking at Hadzuska once more, "Are you taking care of her? What are your plans?"

"As I said we have made arrangement to get her the care she needs to get back to her feet in no time. I just imagined you would like to be updated of her current state. And that she left specific instructions that any and all contacts we have are to located your... enemy in the Tapani sector and, or locate your children."

Azazel slams her fist on the panel, "Haar'chak! You tell me things without saying a thing, is this a thing I am to always expect of Andrea and her followers? To always be held in the dark and fed shab?" She spits, "Promises, promises, always promises.Yet, she ran off to do her own thing and is now in a coma for it!"

Hadzuska frowned, "Yes, to ensure the continuedl oyalty of her contacts deep within the Republic ranks, which I am asked to use in the search for your children. If that is a roblem I will happily inform lady Andrea of that once she has recovered. As for me not saying everything, my lady Azazel do you think you are the only who is worried for our mistress, to use a certain expression, without her we are running around like headless chickens and rather frantic of getting our head back together to tell us what to do."

Azazel works her jaw, running her hand back through her hair before sighing. "I don't know how much good it will do. I'm all but certain the culprit was a Sith. I would say a Mandalorian, but children are all but sacred to them and to do such a thing... In the manner it was done... It would brand them the most vile of hut'uun." She bites her lip, "Valar is a fool for trusting Lena so dear. Jacoiba and Lena both are capable of this..." She pauses a beat, "Voorniss. That is a name I have discovered Traiserus had gone under. He also had established a Syndicate contact. A male, Echani. From what we were told, his name was supposed to be Sangos or something like that... It just proves to mean he has contacts that can find out more about any of us and reach farther than we thought... So... Be careful. Take care of Andrea, please."

Hadzuska made herself look concerned and contemplative, not wishing to show any other emotion at the moment at learning this new bit of information. "I see, I shall update our searches and investigations with this new information. And yes we will take care of Andrea. As for Lena... I know her from the brief time she was Andrea's apprentice before she took her own path. I am not certain she is capable, she always seemed to prefer to... stand in someone's shadow."

Azazel looks at Hadzuska, "She may not like to make a spectacle of herself, but she is capable of deception, which seems to be what everyone forgets. Worse yet, I don't think any single one of us knows what truly motivates her. The rest of us are clear enough. Andrea has her sith projects, Valar is a Mando man, Jacoiba is... all about screwing over the Jedi. For all I know, this is her exactly revenge after nigh a year and a half for my shooting her ship."
Tempest: exacting revenge*

Hadzuska pursed her lips, "Well then, what are sith without their intrigue. I however need permission from my mistress to investigate our... fellow sith. BUt I shall do what I can and when Andrea recovers, do you have a request she contact you at once?"

"If it suits her. I will answer if I do not find myself indisposed of," Azazel shrugs. She snaps and continues, "Ah, yes, and if you would pass on to that Zabrak medic... Trizz, was her name? Kitt misses her company and wishes her well. She would say something herself, but she is currently sleeping. Resting her injuries and all. We have had our own daring adventures, after all."

Hadzuska bowed, "I shall pass the message along, as I understand it Trizz is currently tending to Andrea's injuries." SHe paused and inclined her head in a final greeting. "May your enemies fall before you lady Azazel, I shall contact you if there are further updates of any kind."

"See that you do."

Hadzuska ended the link and let out a breath she was holding, tapping her hip. "Well that went better than expected."

"Shouldn't we have told her about the assassination attempt by one of our own on Andrea?" Talon ventured with a frown.

"And appear weak or give her more reason to doubt us to keep her safe? No thanks, I am more concerned about what she said about this Syndicate contact, sounded awfully familiar." They all shared a look and before the other two could offer a opinion she just shook her head. "That is up to lady Andrea to decide, for now we proceed as planned and will meet Kuryi and see what he can do for our mistress."
 
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The Turn of the Month
A GM post​

In a dark room filled with the haze of expensive cigars and lit only by the light of holoprojectors and a a few vid screens sat a man with a long reach. The screens and holoprojectors displayed a myriad of information ranging from simple data reports to manifests and everything in between. He paid particular attention to a holoprojector near the centre of the collection of displays, on it ran news clips from the recent month, a highlight reel of sorts.

The first that cycled through the rotation was a CIS based news report from as recent as a few days past.

***
"Slim Jimbuck Tuberson of the CIS Inquirer! And we bring you glorious news today, the Republic unable to properly reinforce due to safety concerns of the 'Randon triangle.'" The anchor sneers the words to his public, "Have fled like the cowards and morally corrupt toadies they are from our glorious liberation of Kashyyyk to aid the beleaguered Wookiees to join us in working for a shining bright future for all who choose independence from the corrupt, placid republic! Instead now they join us in our mines and positions where they know their strength and endurance will help bring the downfall of the republic that kept them in chains for so long. We have this from the newest Wookiee in the CIS who serves now loyally as a liasion."

"Waaargaaarghhhh!" A brown-furred, immaculately groomed wookiee replied to the camera, the shock collar almost invisible beneath his fur.

"There you have it folks! And down with the republic to you too buddy!" Jimbuck said lightly punching the wookiee on the shoulder, the footage cutting out a mere moment before showing the wookiee trying to strangle the reporter with the chains kept just out of camera-view.
***

The man flicked a dial on his armrest and the projection changed to a republic sourced channel with a report from the Corporate Sector.

***
"Today saw the first of the the Republics aide efforts to the refugees flooding the corporate sector arrive in the hands of those that have so callously been abandoned since the CIS pulled its aide efforts from the region after a handful of their operations were attacked by a pirate force approximately one week ago. " Said a reporter who was clearly sponsored to report on republic military matters, his tone was sombre and to the point and the most telling of all was the compact blaster on his hip.

"Accompanying the relief supplies were 4 Acclamator II cruisers and a dozen Arquitens light cruisers to deter further pirate attacks on refugee centres and to hunt down the group responsible. Republic forces are of course cooperating fully with Corporate Sector authorities in the matter of security for the relief sites."
***

The report was brief and the man smiled, considerable more had happened there than was let on in the news, though the news service was likely unaware of it. Off to the side on a smaller vid screen a commercial from the holonet for a new CEC freighter design scrolled by, it was only a modification of an existing design, but marketed as new as CEC so often did, the man paid it no mind and flicked to the next report on the central holoprojector.

***
A human woman looked up and smiled at the holographic capturing device as she inclined her head in greeting and began to speak. "Hello and good evening, citizens of the Tapani Sector. We start tonight's broadcast with a number of sad tidings." She paused and the background changed to that of a seemingly cordoned off area by law enforcement figures in a urban area, a burned out building which seemed to be a rather luxurious restaurant before the fire. "Harrin Voorniss, lord protector of the Cauper System has died in a tragic fire in his favourite restaurant with a number of his retainers and associates who were gathered for a meeting. Initial DNA samples do indicate that he was among those of the fallen but burned beyond recognition." A archive image appeared of the gaunt looking lord protector while the news caster continued. "We all grieve for the people under his protection at the loss of their lord protector, lord Voorniss left behind two sons and a daughter but it is yet unclear if either of them will take up the title."

"In other news, a estate has been destroyed in a explosion at the-"
***

The holographic image winked out of existence as light entered the room from the doorway behind the man and a young twi'lek woman entered wearing little and carrying with a tray holding a heavily encrypted datapad.

"Thankyou my dear." The man said as he took the data pad and waved the woman off. She left and the room once again turned dark as the man studied the datapad.
 
Cyphors Minions
Returning from Yavin IV aboard the Raek
Outer edge of the Ketaris system​

The Raek dropped from Hyperspace at the outer edge of the Ketaris system in order to recalculate Hyperspace trajectories for the final leg back to Yexn we'Be Cbetabin. Granna stood on the command deck of the bridge level overseeing her crew as they made the preparations.
"Asteroid field nearby Commander." one of the crewmen on sensors spoke up.
"Keep an eye on it." Granna answered simply, this was just a routine stop to get their bearings afterall and the system had not seen much fighting so far in the war.

Granna would pick it up almost immediately emerging from the Asteroid field. A pair of Acclamator II class Assault ships. Accelerating at military thrust and weapons powered. They emerged from hiding places in the asteroid field and Granna was sure there was more. A hidden republic task force?

Their comms were closed and both of them launched torpedoes as soon as they were clear of the asteroid field.

"Shields to full, bring weapons online and load torpedo tubes." Granna ordered as the alert klaxon sounded. "Have bomber crews report to the hanger and prepare to launch. Laser cannons to point defence duty. And helm, put us on an intercept course." Granna continued as Too can hurrying onto the bridge.

The Raek's gunners did their duty with an almost lazy diligence gunning down the torpedo salvo without any difficulty. The Acclamators were closing at Granna now had a clear sensor image of a dozen or more earlier acclamators definitely hidden in the field. Waiting for Venators before mounting a surprise assault? Regardless the attacking Acclamators would even now be reloading their launchers as their turbolasers began to engage the Raek. One of them actually failed to land even a single turbolaser bolt, and of the other less than half its shots were connecting with the Raek.

"Shields status?" Granna asked of the crew as she approached the tactical display near the centre of the command deck.
"Holding steady... I knew they would!" Too said excitedly from the crew pits where he had scrambled to get a better read on the systems.
"Have the turbolaser crews open fire on target Aurek." Granna said as she used the tactical display to mark the two Acclamators and Aurek and Besh. "Torpedo's on same target, one volley then reload and hold fire." she ordered as she continued to watch the display. "Are the bombers ready to launch yet?" She then asked a moment later.
"They are commander" the crewman monitoring the flight deck answered.
"Then by all means have them launch and start an attack run on Target Besh." Granna said with a malicious smile.

The turbolaser fire from the Raek was poor so far, a complacent crew, the same could not be said of those manning the torpedoes. The entire starboard side of the first Acclamator was blown out into the void, it's shields collapsing, Granna would notice that, while it was skilled fire, the Acclamator's own defensive fire was exceptionally poor. The second Acclamator continued firing on the Raek and launched another salvo of torpedoes as the Bombers made their run on it, it's shields being pushed hard.

"Someone remind me to schedule firing drills when we make it out of here." Granna muttered aloud as she observed the gunnery crews perfomance. "Helm, keep us on the starboard side of Aurek. Turbolasers remain on target. Torpedo's prepare to target Besh. Have the bombers target the torpedo launch tubes as their priority."

The torpedoes in the void were taken out by near perfect point defence from the Raek as it's turbolasers systematically tore apart the crippled Acclamator. The other continued their advances as the bombers struggled to make the dent on the launchers while the shields were still up. And now the Acclamators turbolaser fire was starting to find their range.

Granna watched as the tactical image of Aurek flickered and faded "Alright, all fire on Besh. Launch torpedoes. Turbolasers fire as soon as they have a target lock. Remind the gunnery crews we have our own out there, try to avoid hitting them." She ordered while Too continued to move from station to station, watching the battles progress by reading the systems status readouts for the Raek.

It seems both vessels had found their strides. The Acclamator launched torpedoes and it's own turbolaser fire was almost a hundred percent accurate, though the Raek's accuracy was not as great, its firepower was greater than that the Acclamator could put out. The Raeks shields were down to about 24% when the Acclamator's shields dropped and the Bombers managed to cripple the Acclamators torpedo launchers.

"Lets finish this before he drops our shields." Granna ordered, the crew taking the unspoken directives in mind and continued to pour firepower down upon the Acclamator in an unrelenting barrage.

Once more the Raek eliminates the incoming fire, this time before it had even crossed a ships-length from the firing vessels. The gunnery crews remarking that they seemed to practically aim themselves. The bombers struck again now the shields were down blasting significant chunks out of the Acclamators hull. Though it's own fire remained accurate and brought the Raek's shields down to a mighty 3% it began to align itself dead on for the Raek. It's engines flaring to life. Heavily damaged and facing destruction it seems it's Captain has elected to try and make it mutual.

"Evasive! Shunt reserve power to the engines, have the bombers target their engines to arrest their acceleration." Granna ordered as the collision alarm sounded and she grabbed hold of the tac display table in case the ship didn't get out of the way in time.

It seems the unexpected move simply couldn't be counted on threw the Raek's crew all together, the bombers failed to disable its engines and the turbolasers were too desperate to hit their target.

The impact however was a lot less effective than planned as the evasive maneuvres as it struck at an oblique angle. The shields of the Raek collapsed hard and a turbolaser battery annihilated by the impact, the damage to the Acclamator was much worse, thanks to it's lesser armour. But it was still flight-worthy.... if you fudged the numbers badly enough.

"Move is to a safe distance and resume fire." Granna ordered. "I'd rather we didn't accidentally hit the reactor and blow us both to dust." She added a moment later as if talking to herself.

The weapons fire from the Raek recovered from their surprise and the Acclamator drifted just a bit too long, the Turbolaser fire tearing it to pieces without any real effort. The bombers blowing it to pieces when it was at a safe distance.

"Recover the bombers, Damage repair teams to critically effected area's. Sensors, keep an eye on the others in the asteroid field." Granna ordered while she reconfigured the tactical display to patch through the comm systems. "Contact the Luckrehulk in system, tell them we have a priority message conceringing an imminent Republic assault."

As communications connected Granna faced a droid commander. "This is the CIS Cargo Ship VHTS-49248-X, How may we help you?"

"Granna Val of the Moss Industries frigate Raek. It is how I can help you that has prompted me to contact you. There are at present at least twelve Republic Acclamator vessels laying in wait in the asteroid field at the edge of the system. We were just attacked by two class II Acclamators who tried in vain to keep the small fleet a secret. I believe they are waiting for heavier support before launching a surprise invasion of the system." Granna said to the droid.

Its eyes flashed for a minute. "We request you broadcast the sensor data." It fails to pause its transmission as it turns and orders the droids at the helm to break orbit. Grana nodded to the crew on sensors to send through the data they had collected. It was some minutes as they reviewed the data. "We thankyou for your support. We're transmitting a 'small gratuity' to you now."

"Appreciated Commander, Raek out." Granna replied as she indicated the comms team to close the channel.
"Thats a million credits..." Too said from in the crew pits where he was looking over the gratuity the droid had sent them. "Not a bad test of the Raek was it," Too continued excitedly. "The PD system is phenomenal and no major flaws in the other systems. We even held up under a ramming attack!"

"Don't get too excited Too, we'll need to replace an entire turbolaser battery thanks to that ram and we avoided a direct collision, that's why we're still here." Granna pointed out.

"Details, details. If the hull was flimsy as that Acclamator we wouldn't have survived even that." To replied, still in high spirits. "I'll be in engineering seeing what I can do about the damage we took before we get back to port." he then announced as he climbed out of the crew pits and heaved for the lift at the rear of the bridge.

Granna shook her head slowly for a moment before returning her attention to the crew. "Helm resume previous heading. Lets get home shall we." she said and the crew jumped to obey the order. Minutes later the Raek was jumping to hyperspace and leaving the Ketaris system behind them.

The Raek faces down two Acclamator cruisers and survives her first battle.
100sp reward
1 turbolaser battery in need of replacing.
The Raeks maiden battle earns the Norr class design a trait!
Precognitive PD: Your gunners swear that your point-defence computers seem to almost know where missile or torpedo fire is going to go before it is even fired. In addition to a passive bonus to PD fire, the point defence will automatically succeed at eliminating a quarter of missile or torpedo fire directed at the Norr class. This last part only benefits the Norr class itself, and doesn't intercept missiles or torpedoes aimed at other craft.
 
Tales of the New Sith,
Darth Lena Chronicles, Phindar System.​

"We have translated back into realspace and have arrived in the Phindar System." Came the voice over her wrist commlink, she gently tapped the device twice as acknowledgement that she had heard it and then looked back up at the mirror, looking at her new visage. The scar over her eye, a memento of encountering a Bothan jedi was still gone, other scars, wounds and marks she had gathered over the years had vanished from her body, the only thing remaining the mark of the sith ghost on her forehead.

Lena slowly reached out and traced over it, she had done so before, many times in fact, over the course of their return journey to her facilities at Phindar and still she was wary of it. She did not feel different and actually missed some of the scars she had gathered but not that bad that she wanted to inflict them back on herself. She turned and looked at the small, newly raised pedestal with the sith amulet lying upon it, even from here she could sense some of it's power. It actually felt like it was leeching power from her, but not in a parasitic way. It felt almost as if it was storing power in itself and gave her a boost when worn.

Her commlink buzzed again and with a frown she accepted the hail. "This is Lena, there is other news?"

The voice on the other line was apologetic, "My apologies, but the Night Owl is requesting permission to come aboard, Ko'Chul asked if you wished to see her and your new hire."

"Ah of course, yes. Send them up to my quarters when the Night Owl has landed and Ko'Chul has finished her administrations to her craft. I will also like to gather all new data that might have been collected while we were gone." She received a affirmative and walked to a nearby wall terminal and sat down, watching as information started to appear on the screen and several information packages were received. Most of it was updates of the latest recruits and craft ready for shipping to their new locations and she dismissed most of those. She frowned as she gazed at report concerning the Botajef system, or more precisely it's shipyards. It seemed both the Confederacy and the Republic were trying real hard to convince those in control of the shipyards to start producing military equipment and ships for their side. Which would compromise the neutrality of the system and their current civilian and other non-military contracts with both sides.

She tapped her fingers on the side of the terminal, drumming them in a rapid rhythm as she considered her options, she rather did not want to see any interference from either side in that particular system and decided to see if she had any pull with her contacts to make both sides back off.

Some time later Ko'Chul and Jahzeera entered her chambers, Lena turning giving them a signal to remain silent as she turned back and resumed speaking after letting her visitors in. "So as I was saying Crassus, I would appreciate it if you could see that the Republic backs down from their plans to try and pressure the Botajef officials in charge of the shipyards to produce war materials."

The hologram of Crassus clacked his tongue and frowned, "That may be difficult, if we back off the Separatists might swoop in and-"

"No need to worry, I am actually trying to persuade both sides here. I am a neutral contractor remember, I wish to see the neutrality of Botajef ensured, that is all." Lena replied, cutting him off and smiled, "So please, if you think you owe me any favours, see if you can do this for me and I will see if my contacts within the CIS can do the same. And see it like this, if the CIS force Botajef to make war ships the Republic can swoop in and 'liberate' it. Always good for public relations, correct?" She neglected to mention she had said something very similar to her contact in the office of the Confedracy of System's chancellor.

"Hmmn, you have a point I suppose, I'll see what I can do. But I make no promises." With that they said their goodbyes and she stepped away from the terminal and regarded her visitors.

Ko'Chul inclined her head in a respectful nod and gestured to the black armoured Jahzeera Natallis who had her arms crossed and was regarding the sith with a intent look and then spoke up before Lena could even open her mouth. "So, you the real one?" At this Ko'Chul seemed to become wary and glance at the human woman's face and then at the blaster holster at her hip.

Lena blinked and allowed herself a brief chuckle as she looked at Jahzeera with a amused look. "Yes, I am the real one. I have been briefed about your encounter with... my other me. Do you wish to shoot me?"

The other woman shrugged, raising a eyebrow at the Noghri and showed that her hands were nowhere near her holster. "Eh, not at the moment I suppose. Just hope that you can hold up to your fancy words, well your clone's gah the whole clone thing is confusing, whatever you, she, it said to me to convince me."

Lena just smiled, "I believe you will make sure I won't. But on that I have a first task for you, I hope you have become well acquainted with Ko'Chul here because she will be coming with you. You are familiar with a world called Myrkr? Or at least some of it's native animal fauna?"

Jahzeera rose a brow and nodded, "I am."

"I want you to go there and oversee operations to train my people stationed there and lead them into capturing and taming, or domesticating some of the animals, in particular the lizard creatures that negate force powers and the canine species that hunt force presences. See it as a guarantee that you can use against me perhaps if you wish to think of it like that. Also there are two babies there, force sensitive ones and must be protected at all costs. Acquiring those animals is key to that, can I trust you with this task?"

Jahzeera looked from Lena to Ko'Chul and then shrugged, "Eh sure. I am not that good with kids though, so if you were looking for a nanny I might not be the best hire."

She shook her head, still amused. "Just want these children to be protected and I need several of the animals, the Ysalamiri in particular, before I move them to a more safer location."

"Well you are the boss I suppose, consider it done." Ko'Chul already left and Jahzeera frowned, "Ah so we are leaving already? Alright then." Shaking her head she sighed and walked after the Noghri, "Not even time to rest my laurels and take a breather after the trip from the Wheel." Were her last words before the door closed behind her and the departing Noghri.

A flashing indicator on her terminator made Lena pause in what she was going to do next, "No rest for the wicked it seems." She murmured, curious as she went to the terminal. A private message was coming in on one of the channels reserved for certain contacts of hers, upon accepting the call she looked at the faces of the two explorers she had send out some time back, she let out a sigh. "Please tell me you haven't called because you are out of cheese crackers again." The two of them looked at each other, smiled nervously but also seemed excited about something. "Or was there another reason why you contacted me?"

"We hit the big one!" Screamed one of them and seemed to bounce up and down in his seat.

She just raised a eyebrow, looking to the other explorer for a explanation.

He beamed, "Well... we are out of cheese crackers, but that is not important at the moment. We decided to continue on unlike last time when we ran out... and we found it, a system that seems to suit your needs ideally. Resource rich asteroids with all kinds of minerals and metals, a gas giant ideal for mining and harvesting gas. There is a life-capable planet even, pre-spaceflight industry race seems to inhabit the world from what scans we could make the planet itself seems to also be resource rich."

She blinked rapidly, sitting down as the news sunk in. "That sounds... exactly what I wanted you to find... what is the catch. This seems to be too good to be true."

The two explorers exchanged glances and the overly excited one answered her, seeming to have calmed down now. "Well.... there is the matter of a ion trail we have discovered which might, might I say, be from a spaceship traveling through. But could also be something else, we don't know. We just figured to scan and map what we could head back and patch into the nearest HoloNet array to send word to you of what we found."

As he was explaining that Lena noticed the datafile of their scans and gave them a brief look, seeing that on the surface their words matched the report of what they found. "I see, no need to sell me more on the matter. I believe you both and you have earned a bonus, I will wire a million credits to your account. I'd like to ask you both to return to the system and, try to keep low but also keep a watch if this ion trail you discovered was just a one-time fluke or if the system is frequently visited by another vessel. You provided a hyperspace route and location of the system I assume? Ah yes here it is... good I will be coming there personally."

Lena uses her contacts with both the CIS and Republic to try and make both sides back down from trying to infringe upon Botajef's neutrality to make the shipyards located within the Botajef system to start producing war material.

KoÇhul and Jahzeera are briefed and send on their next mission to the facility on Myrkr.

A system for her purposes has been discovered by her explorers, paying them a bonus of 100 SP for their accomplishment and plans to journey there herself with her flagship as soon as possible.
 
In the tale of a Sith and his minions,
Valar Gra'tua aboard Beskar Station.​


The Mandalorian sith lord walked in, looking over the five kneeling figures, their hands bound behind their backs, tattered and ripped armour indicating they were mando'ade. He gave them only a brief glance before turning to Kashiir standing nearby, overseeing a number of warriors still in full armour with blasters aimed at the kneeling figures. "So, these are the last?"

Kashiir frowned, clearly not liking this particular detail but then sighed, "Yes, my lord. These ones are the last who held positions that linked them to the security of the station level on which the medical bay is situated when lady Azazel gave birth-" Kashiir just stopped as Valar ignited his saber and walked forwards, decapitating each of the bound captives and then turned his saber off and headed to the exit. "Well or we can just do that and be done with it I suppose..." With a sigh the Chiss followed after his sworn master.

*---------------------------------------------------------------*
On the surface of Concordia...
*---------------------------------------------------------------*​

Canderous had his helmet in the crook of one of his arms while he had his eyes closed, pinched the bridge of his nose and shook his head. "So, tell me again. What happened here?"

The cantina owner harrumphed and gestured to the broken window and busted lock of the front door. "As I told you... and now for the fifth time. I came here with my morning crew, went out to run a errand and when I got back, I see my window got smashed, lock is busted open. So I thought burglary, went in... no sign of my bartender or cook I had left behind to prepare today's opening. Signs of some struggle and all my cash left in the tiller. They took my cook and bartender and that's all they took."

Sighing Canderous looked at the newcomer to the circle, Sanjida who also had her helmet off and seemed desperate not to laugh. Seeing no help from that direction he turned back to the owner. "Well, I suppose that is a.... worthwhile complaint that the local officer of the watch couldn't handle. We'll look into this."

The owner snorted, "You better, you clan Gra'tua lot are supposed to keep us safe and now I got some looney kidnapping my bartender and cook, how am I supposed to open up now?" He waved his hands, 'Eh that is rhetorical, just do your job or whatever, I have to put up a notice that I'm hiring." With that the owner walked back inside his cantina, stepping over broken glass, muttering to himself.

Putting his helmet back on he sighed again, "Well, rookie. Let's see if we can solve this case, the alor likes his people to be content and not deal with weird poodoo like this."

She also put her helmet back on and picked up her rifle, "Wish you'd stop calling me that."

"Well you are new to the clan, so I'm calling you rookie. Now let's hit the streets and see what we can find out about this weird kidnapping."

*---------------------------------------------------------------*
Hangar bays of Beskar Station.
*---------------------------------------------------------------*​

Several hundred armoured feet marched over the deck, entering various ships and shuttles. Several squadrons worth of new craft, just off the production line, also prepared to depart the hangar bays. From near the side, at one of the forcefield screens that allows vessels to travel through but kept atmosphere inside the station, stood Valar with Kashiir. Watching how the troops moved about and the various ships getting ready.

"It is a wondrous sight." Valar murmured as he watched warriors bearing his clan symbol moving around.

"Perhaps but the logistics of preparing empty barracks to billet the new recruits is a nightmare." Kashiir said beside him while busy tapping over a datapad.

Valar just laughed, smirking inside his helmet as he watched Kashiir, "Hence why I delegated that to you, now hush and turn around, you can't deny this is not a magnificent sight to behold." The sith said as he turned around and gestured to space beyond the station, as Kashiir turned around they were just in time to watch as the last docking clamps on the nearby large shipyard dock detached, freeing the vessel contained within and it's engines came alive, moving the vessel forwards and away from the yard.

Valar just gestured to it, "The Kyramla Verd, the first of it's class and with it comes the power to make my dreams reality... and enact vengeance on whoever took my children." He balled one of his hands into a fist as if crushing something.

"Yes, a fine ship, on paper my lord. But if it will actually perform to our expectations is yet to be determined." At the sudden snap of Valar's turn he quickly continued, "That said my lord. I believe there might be a opportunity to provide your new ship a shakedown cruise." He tapped something on his datapad and handed it to the sith lord.

After a moment of reading his head snapped back up, "Kashiir... why do you have a episode of Hutts in Love on this datapad?"

The Chiss blinked and looked flustered for a moment before he took on a neutral expression, "I suggest my lord reads further down the list, that is part of a transmission we intercepted for some extra funds, along with that episode... perhaps you could bargain with lady Azazel with that. I meant more the intercepted data of the next report."

Valar resumed reading and after a moment spoke up, "So, house Ordo is sending transmissions to a point in deep space within the Mandalore sector. Well that can't be good indeed." He considered matters for a moment. "It seems odd that they are planning something again, after the defeat they suffered.... even with that nonsense that it was a rogue Ordo warlord who went in the cahoots with the CIS. Prepare the Kandosii Naast and the Kyramla Verd, both ships shall investigate this, in fact I want to use Bo's new toy as well. She can scout ahead and see what is located at these coordinates the Ordo are sending data traffic to. Make it happen."

The chiss inclined his head, "By your command. My lord. I will arrange some other matters, the building of new ships, finally restoring some of the destroyed systems on the Wrath of Heaven and whatever else you and your clan needs."

Valar nodded slowly, "Good. Now I have some other matters to attend to. For one to contact Azazel and see if she learned anything about our children... since our efforts are lacking thus far." He clenched his fists again and stormed off to his chambers.

*---------------------------------------------------------------*
Valar's private quarters..
*---------------------------------------------------------------*​

He paced back and forth before his private communications terminal for some time before he just scowled, removing his helmet with Revan's mask, placing it on a nearby pedestal for it and tried contacting Azazel on the frequency he had gotten from her. "Cyare, are you there?"

Azazel composes herself, in a disarray from the news brought on about Andrea and weariness finally catching up with her after so much. "I am, Valar. You look well." She raises a brow, "You are well, right?"

He smiled and reached out at the hologram of Azazel that had appeared once she had established contact. Then frowned as he took in her appearance and what she had said. "I am, save for the fact that whoever took our children still eludes my best efforts to track them down." He growled, "I acquired some Kubaz but so far they are a disappointment." He then studied Azazel more closely, a hint of worry appearing on his features. "Are you well? You seem to appear exhausted."

She rubs over her face and takes a deep breath, "Well, Xen has had little success either... I also saw to the disposal of Jehemath, which had us facing several sith. Learned that Traiserus' name is Voornis..." She works her jaw and draws her robes more snug about herself, "I've also learned Andrea is in a coma in a bactatank."

Valar blinked rapidly, "I... Andrea in a coma? I know for a personal fact that woman is almost impossible to kill, to be put in that state, quite the accomplishment by whoever did it." If it was possible his voice held both admiration as shock in it. "She survived worse, I am sure she will recover from this." He added as the rest of her words sunk in. "Jehemath, the one in league with Traiserus, who is really called Voornis? I see you made some progress at least. More than I did." He gritted his teeth and frowned. "Any signs it was this Traiserus that kidnapped our children? Because I actually just got some reports that clan Ordo over here is massing for another possible attack, they have been rather active in the wake of the kidnapping. Them going after our children reeks of cowardice however so I am not certain it is them on that part..." He suddenly smashed his fist into a nearby object sending it crashing to the ground. "WHY COULD THOSE HUT'UUN RESPONSIBLE NOT JUST HAVE FACED US OPENLY!" He screamed feeling the rage he had been keeping at bay building up again.

Azazel watches his outburst and sighs, "I do not know, my love." She waves her hand, "Honestly, I do not think its a Mandalorian. Ordo might be cowardly, but this..." She shakes her head, disgusted.

He breathed in deeply, closing his eyes and used a few meditative techniques to calm down, for the moment at least. As he opened his eyes again he felt a bit more in balance of his humors and looked back at Azazel. "I know but... gah, I just don't know anymore." He growled and started clenching his fists again. "I have been contemplating again to contact Lena... see if she can assist us. Or are you still of opinion that we can trust nobody else but each other... and Andrea who is of such great help at the moment lying in a coma."

She balls her fist and stares at his hologram, brow set in a frown. "I am fairly sure that if they are to blame, they will simply lie and keep us away from our children."

He crossed his arms, "Perhaps, perhaps not. Of Jacoiba I would not know, hell I don't even know if she is still alive or not with these long times of silence she likes to keep. Lena however, she helped me before." He looked down and grumbled, "I actually still owe her for some assistance she provided in the past. So I doubt she would be behind this, I have no reason to trust Andrea but for your word, seeing her history with attempting kidnapping of children." He gritted his teeth and snorted, "Sometimes I wonder why we bothered entering a alliance with other sith if we cannot rely upon another.... and I am saying that knowing full well I don't really trust Jacoiba and to some extent Andrea..."

Azazel gnashes her teeth, "If you are so insistent that Lena can be trusted, fine! I mean, what has she really done?" She laughs, "She spent money to buy you some pretty things and then was there to let you risk your life against the taung and reap benefits of it. But yes, we can afford to trust her for those reasons."

He snorted, "Her actions speak of trust." He then paused and blinked as he considered something. "If you are wary of her... perhaps we should contact her right now and ask for her help... and have us both see her reaction to this news."

She clenches her jaw, "Very well." She raises her wristlink and summons Kitt. "Let us talk to her. We were going to have to sooner or later."

He nodded and tried establishing contact with Lena once Azazel's Kitt arrived.

Lena was sitting in her chambers, wearing just a simple robe as she was about to turn in for the day and rest when the chime sounded of a incoming request for communication. Curious she approached, noticing from the attached information that it was coming from Valar. She sat down, composing herself for a moment before she accepted the call. Smiling at his hologram when it materialized but then raised a eyebrow when another hologram appeared of Azazel. Slowly she bowed to both sith holograms and decided to sit back a little straighter, making sure the holographic projector caught her face and transmitted it clearly to the others. Making it impossible not to notice the sudden disappearance of her scar across her left eye and the new and only mark on her forehead of two curved scimitars branded on her skin. "This is a surprise, Valar, Azazel. What can I do for you both?"

Her eyes narrow as she takes in the change to Lena's appearance, her fingers tapping on the panel. She trusted Kitt was paying close attention, but still... She waves her hand towards Valar, "Not what you can do for me, Lena. This is Valar."

She let out a chuckle, "Yes I can see that is Valar." She turned her attention to the male sith and rose her eyebrows.

Valar blinked, confused. "What is it with Andrea and now you changing your appearance... is this a woman thing?" He looked at Azazel's hologram as if asking her she was going to be next, then he recalled her veins glowing when she gets mad since she got her fire powers and was answered in that regard. "Nevermind." He turned back to Lena, narrowing his eyes. "We have a... problem, if you had not heard. Azazel was pregnant, with our children. But at the day of their birth, they were stolen from us. We were hoping that perhaps you could help us find who took them, so we can deliver vengeance and get out children back."

Lena had half expected this but was surprised both of them were contacting her, she did not hide her surprise in fact thinking better of showing it. "Someone took your children... I.... I am sorry to hear that, I know how you must feel. You told me yourself how the Mando'ade treat their offspring." She turned to Azazel and nodded to her, "Of course whatever resources I may have are at both of your dispossal in this time of need, I believe you both are aware that I am one of the strongest advocates of keeping our alliance together and therefore I will be more than ready to serve you both. How can I help?"

Azazel scoffs at Lena's comment that she knew how they must feel. "Of course, I'm sure that's what you say." She shakes her head, "Valar trusts you. I have my doubts, still. Why should I trust you?"

Lena looked back and forth between the two sith, settling back on Azazel as she addressed her. "A good question I suppose, but that is why I offer my assistance. I have some contacts here and there and a intelligence network in several sectors. If you have any leads I am willing to have my people look into them."

Valar frowned but kept silent for now, this was more about Azazel getting to trust Lena like he did after all and so far he saw no sign that Lena might have been involved.

Kitt's brows raise at Lena's words. She shifts forward and taps the sith's shoulder. Azazel raises her brow and nods slowly, "Good to know just how much you care for our plight, Lena, and the level to which we can count on you in our time of need."

She nodded slowly, "As a sign of trust, I am actually going to be unable to be contacted for a while. I am investigating something in the Unknown Regions, way beyond the established HoloNet relays. But if it is acceptable I am willing to loan the services of my chief lieutenant I have of my intelligence operations who can coordinate my contacts and networks to one of you?"
Valar gave Azazel a glance as if to say to her, 'see she is willing to help us'. "I admit I may need the most help since my own.... espionage services are lacking but Azazel is closer on the heels of the most likely suspect, so up to her who your lieutenant can go to."

Kitt looses a gasp of shock and steps forward, whispering into Azazel's ear her suspicions that the lieutenant was actually an assassin that would take out Azazel or Valar the first chance they got. Azazel stiffens, "No, Lena, I think those sort of services are really not necessary. Ni'durraa." She looks to Valar, "You're a fool if you trust her."

She blinked a few times, "Have I done something to offend you lady Azazel?"

He looked disturbed at Azazel and then at Lena, shaking his head. "It is not you. She has a distrust for all since our children have been taken. I will accept your offer of the loan of your lieutenant. I wish to be more useful in hunting down whoever took our children."

"Maybe if she wasn't telling lies and making moves against us, I would not have reason to distrust her still," she snaps.

He frowned and looked at Azazel, "What proof do you have of this?"

Lena stood up, leaning on the holo projector and looked at Azazel, "Might I ask what lies I have said? And moving against you two? What have I to gain with that."

"That you would help us, to start. And isn't that the question, Lena. What do you have to gain? What game are you playing here?" her eyes fail to leave the other female sith as she answers Valar, "You know I have my echani and they have talents in reading body language..."

"So you are reading my body language?" She shook her head, "Over a holo-call? And that is your proof." She snorts. "If that is what you trust over my word then my efforts of keeping the alliance strong are a wasted effort."

He opened his mouth, closing it as Lena spoke and frowned. "She has a point riduur. I know of the Echani and their talents... but I would not call that reason enough to distrust her. It seems her offer of loaning her lieutenant might be the real deal. If it is not then she send one of her own t the wolves."

"You want to know something, Valar. Maybe there's a reason why investigating Traiserus has turned up nothing of our children. Why, when I was ripping apart his lackey's mind and went in under cover, I found out about their syndicate connection, places of importance and his real name. Yet, I found nothing about him having broke into an enemy stronghold and abducting two children with potential for the force? Maybe its because they know nothing about it, Valar."

"If I may?" Lena spoke up quietly, her mind in turmoil as she tried to keep her composure. "Azazel, let your echani look at me now." She looked for the hologram of Azazel's attendant and looked her in the eyes. "I do not have Azazel and Valars children."

Kitt furrows her brow and looks to Azazel, shrugging, "I think she could be telling the truth... The holocall could be messing with me, though." Azazel shakes her head, "I grow weary of this. Valar, do what you want." She ends her connection.

Groaned and rubbed his forehead. "Well.... hmmn, Lena your help would be appreciated, send your lieutenant to my station here in the Mandalore system. I have some forgiveness to ask I suppose." With that he also cuts off the connection. He hoped Azazel was still monitoring the channel as he send a new message.
I will keep a close eye on this lieutenant of Lena, the first sign that she is trying to fool me, fool us. You can have her for questioning in whatever way you see fit.... this message also includes the newest episode of Hutts in Love before it airs next week. Please forgive me for being a thickheaded fool.

He sighed as he stepped away from the console, "That could have gone better.... was Azazel right however.... Better have Kashiir make preparations to take a close watch on our visitor when he or she arrives."

A cantina on Concordia is burglarized, no credits have been stolen. The cook and bartender however are kidnapped, Canderous and Sanjida are on the case.

A new ship is launched and prepared for a shakedown cruise.

A holo-conference call happens between Valar, Azazel and Lena.
 
In the life of a Crazy Coot of a Jedi,
Featuring:
A timelord,
Harold, as the Sock Puppet!
Thrall,
And Various Others.​

Tohkran groaned as he opened his eyes, frowning and then blinked rapidly as a blurry outline of a face stared accusingly back at him. "Harold, not now. I drank way too much last night." He muttered as he looked away from the accusing stare of the sock poppet propped on his pillow, glaring at him. "Don't look at me like that, or it's the hamper for you!" He said as he got up, turning to wave a threatening and warning finger at the judgmental piece of fabric before he started to get dressed.

"You know you aren't really comforting me that you are not loony as a bin if you talk to a sock like that."

Tohkran froze, a robe half over his head. "Who is there." He paused, the voice was familiar and he tried a small burst of force healing to clear his head of the pounding headache he was suffering from. "Wait... Londred? What are you doing in my room." He finished putting on his robe and turned around, witnessing the aforementioned individual peeling a banana while sitting in the only chair of his room.

"Well you said come by my room by morning, it's the afternoon and I got tired of standing, piece of banana?" At Tohkran's blinking uncomprehending gaze she shrugged and tossed a piece of fruit in her mouth. "Well you did drank a lot last night, didn't knew you could honestly. Ah well, now then it's best me and piper are off and meet up with Thrall, deliver your well wishes and all that. Oh and I suppose mention that I might took on a job within your organization but not under him. As much to his regret as I can imagine."

Tohkran blinked again and then groaned, rubbing his cheek and through his beard. "Ah yes now I recall. Yes I suppose it's best you head off and meet up with Thrall, tell him that if there is a liberation effort in the works it will hopefully happen soon. We are running out of supplies here even though we are hitting the droids hard."

"Will do." She finished up her banana, putting the peel in a pocket and was standing up to leave. "I will not get involved in the fighting of course, you know how I am." With a wave she left to find Piper who was no doubt trying to hustle some of Tohkran's guards with Maracks deck of cards.

Tohkran frowned and watched her leave, staring at the closed door for a moment. "oh yes, I know full well how you are." He turned to Harold who looked thoughtful as well, "Yes. If she were to get involved in the fighting, none of the enemy would walk away in one piece...."


*---------------------------------------------------------------*
Meanwhile back in the Bestine System..
*---------------------------------------------------------------*​


"Whoever said that the launch of a new starship is supposed to be a joyous occasion and cause for celebration has never deal with the logistics of assigning crew, materials, supplies and what else to said new starship." Thrall muttered, "I wonder if anyone else has the same grievances." He looked off in the distance and then shrugged, looking at Meilyan and Goddor who were assisting him. "Luckily most of it's done already but what about the VSF's?"
Meilyan looked up from some dataslates concerning food supplies and frowned, "Excuse me?"

"The Venom Special Forces, we only have fifteen at the moment, ten for the Scythe and five for the defense platform. Are we training more or not?" Thrall asked now looking at Goddor.

The Rodian knight was frowning and looked up thoughtfully, "We are but I have to say Thrall. This... militarization of Tohkran's... our assets. I am not sure I am comfortable with this direction." He looked at Meilyan, the Mon Calamari jedi knight seemed to agree with him and both looked back at Thrall.

He looked back at them both and sighed, "Do you both think that I enjoy this? I don't but with the escalations this war brings to the known galaxy... and more importantly beard face stuck on a world controlled by the CIS, it is required. The Republic won't go in and save him, we have to. And to do that we need some muscle and if that means building warships and training troops then that is what we do. I mean neither of you came up with a different plan to get beard face off Antar IV and rescue the inhabitants from their forced slavery by the droid armies garrisoned on their world by the seppies."

The Sluissi looked to both jedi and saw they offered no comment, he snorted. "It might not what we want but we have to. So yeah we build warships and we train soldiers, but it is for a noble purpose. That is what matters."

Meilyan hesitantly opened her mouth but then the door was busted open and a Kiffar hurriedly came in, glancing around the room and headed for Thrall when he noticed him putting down a datapad in front of the Sluissi. "We just got some sensor data from our satellite in orbit. First we thought it was a glitch but then made the satellite adjust it's arrays and spotted what looked like a CIS infiltration craft, headed straight to the yards on the planet that are producing Republic frigates." The Kiffar said hurriedly, breathing hard after he had his say.

Thrall blinked and glanced at the datapad, seeing the readings about the possible CIS craft and frowned. "I see. Well then we better do something about that, won't we? He turned and accessed the comm terminal, trying to raise the facilities the CIS craft was headed towards while also trying to raise planetary law enforcement agencies at the same time.

The comm signal to the facility was flooded with the familiar static of a jammer when Thrall tried to raise them, the attempt to raise the authorities however did for a connection and an audio only reply came through. "Sector 035 Bestine Security, Please state the nature of your emergency."

"Ah, I was afraid I could not reach anyone. This is administrator Thrall of the Hanzadi Corporation. My people have detected a possible CIS infiltration craft headed to the facilities currently producing Republic frigates. The facilities in question are unreachable, i believe they might be jammed. I suspect they might plan acts of sabotage, transmitting and sharing data we have now." He added as he send forward copies of the data the Kiffar had shown him.

The line was silent for a few moments as the officer on the other end looked over the data that had been sent. "The Security Bureau appreciate your assistance in this matter, Our units will respond as soon as they are available." the officer responded.

Thrall nods to himself, "I am currently arranging security for our own facilities and our satellite is following track of the vessel and whatever it may be up to. I can have it's data be send to you in real-time so you can watch the progress as well and react accordingly. If you need assistance I have a number of security personal I can spare."

"That won't be necessary. We will handle this accordingly." Came the reply before the line cut off.

Thrall looked at Meilyan and Goddor who looked anxiously back at him, he then shrugged. "Seems all we can do is monitor the satellite and see what happens." Meilyan nodded but Goddor went on the comms giving the order to launch interceptor squadrons in case the CIS vessel tried to make a getaway. With that done all they could do was watch the monitors as the satellite provided data. It did not take long for security forces to arrive and when they did a few explosions went off at the construction holds and vehicle bays, followed by a firefight and the nothing, the moment stretched that nothing seemed to be going on anymore that Thrall almost wanted to send down some teams when movement was once again registered and with the satellite zooming it showed the security forces dragging out bound captives and a small cheers came from the three of them watching. "Well seems they got them, that will be a public disgrace for the CIS..."
 
Bapyr
A minion of Kuryi
Annamar Control
​

Bapyr sat watching two holoimages, one an image of his boss, Kuryi, presently aboard the wheel. The other of Te-ru aboard her newly launched flagship SBC-01. She had yet to give it a name. In the grand scheme of things, Te-ru held as much power in the Saros outfit as Bapyr himself did, both of them being just a step behind Kuryi himself. Kuryi had just spent the past twenty minutes bringing the pair of them up to date on his activities on the wheel of late and informed them that he would be remaining there for a short while longer.

"I do in the mean time have tasks for the two of you." Kuryi said as he activated a third holoprojector for data display in front of both of them. "Te-ru. Take a survey team, and Gris, to the coordinates listed here, I want a full report on the feasibility of setting up an operation there and the likelyhood that we can keep the operation hidden."

Te-ru's hologram nodded in acknowledgement but said nothing. Perhaps she had at long last learned against speaking up when Kuryi had his mind set on something, Bapyr pondered before Kuryi turned his attention on the Duros.

"You are going to Bothawui, take Cazador with you." Kuryi said flatly. "Find Elvarstons Mistress, secure her by whatever means and then see what use she may be to us against Elvarston." He then added as another small data package came down the comms to Bapyrs terminal.

"I'll get it done." Bapyr replied with a nod of his own head.

"Do try to be discrete, I would rather not ruin chances of further business on Bothawui in the future." Kuryi said in passive tone. "I have guests arriving soon that I need prepare for. You both have your assignments, get to it." He then said before closing the link. Kuryi's holoimage flickered, vanished and was followed soon after by Te-ru's doing the same.

Bapyr leaned back in the chair for a moment and stretched, Cazador was a competent officer and the two of them worked well together. His bounty hunter past should prove useful for their task, though he would have to remind him to limit any use of explosives. Sorting out a ride was a simple matter, the Solace was in orbit so Bapyr sent a short message asking them to send down an AIAT/i for his and Cazadors use, and issued orders for a squad of crimson commandos from the shadowports barracks to join them at the control centres landing pad. Bapyr intended to leave as soon as supplies and men could be gathered.


Kuryi and Andrea
A Confronting Collaboration
The Wheel.​

The deck shuddered and Hadzuska looked out of the viewport, nodding in satisfaction her own corvette left hyperspace at roughly the same time as the Dark Rebirth did. "Well there is the Wheel." She said as she looked ahead and saw the space station, gradually becomign bigger as they approached it. "Is lady Andrea secured for transport?" She asked, a number of confirmations came that a portable bacta tank was rigged and medical staff stood on standby. "Then we are off, Talon, Khanna you are with me." She walked off with the two other sith walking behind her after a shared, worried glance.

Moments later the shuttle landed in the docking bay specified in Kuryi's latest message and landed, powering down as it's boarding ramp lowered. Hadzuska the first walking down it and looking around.

Kuryi stood to one side of the bay, flanked by Iella on one side and an elder man who had the look of a long experienced doctor about him even in casual atire. Besides the three of them the spacious converted cargo bay was completely deserted. As his guests disembarked Kuryi stepped foward a few paces, Iella and the Doctor remaining where they were as he awaited the partys approach.

Hadzuska saw Kuryi and approached, Khanna walking down the ramp after her, gesturing to those still inside. When she got down the ramp and started after Hadzuska the others came down. Trizz and a number of medical staff surrounding a bacta tank on a stretcher while Talon followed behind them.

Hadzuska nodded to Kuryi when they were close, but before she could speak Khanna spoke up. "Ah the cute one came to meet us himself, such a delight." She smirked.

Hadzuska rolled her eyes, "So it appears Khanna. Kuryi, thanks for your assistance with this."

Kuryi nodded his head to Hadzuska. "A friend in need is a friend indeed" Kuryi said before he turned and gestured to the doctor. "The Doctor has assembled his 'specialist' team at the clinic. The sooner we can get your mistress there the sooner they can get her back to doing what she does best, well they can at least get her healthy enough to yell at people. The rest may need some time still."

Hadzuska smiled, "Get her to yell at people would be already a improvement." She looked back at Trizz who walked forwards the Zabrak looking concerned. "Something wrong?"

Trizz tapped the side of the bacta tank, "These things aren't made to be long without being rigged into a main power line, hope that clinic is nearby because we gotta go and do this, now."

"Certainly" Kuryi said as he turned and headed back towards the Doctor and Iella. "Doctor if you would lead the way." The Doctor and Iella turned for the door and began moving while Kuryi tabbed his ear once. "Poratin, clear the records of our passage from the few security sensors we pass would you." The Devaronian answered an affirmative audible only to Kuryi before the Echani turned back to the others. "Shall we." He said as he gestured to the door.

Hadzuska wasted no more precious time with words and just nodded as Trizz started pushing the modified stretcher with Andrea's bacta tank after Kuryi's people.

Kuryi fell in at the head of the small group while the Doctor and Iella stayed several paces ahead as they lead the way through empty corridors. The path did seem like a bit of a detour, though this was out of necessity as to avoid the more populated areas of the wheel between the party and the clinic. After about seven minutes however they arrived at a bulkhead that appeared much like the rest of the corridor they stood in, except that the doctor had opened a small access panel and was inputting a code on a small keypad hidden inside. With a small chime the code was accepted and the bulkhead opposite the access panel started sliding to either side revealing a darkened room lit only by soft blue light s around the outside walls near the ceiling. "The rear 'service entrance'." The Doctor said as he stood up and crossed the corridor to enter the room. Iella and Kuryi followed after with Iella going ahead through a second smaller door into what was likely the main operating theatre.

Once they were all inside Trizz went to the doctor in charge, "I will be present at all times and stages of any procedures lady Andrea will be put through." She didn't voice it as a question or a request.

Hadzuska just shook her head and looked to Kuryi, "I suppose you have a area nearby in which we can look into the operating scene but not stand in the way of things?"

The Doctor stared back unblinkingly at Trizz before asking a rhetorical question. "How many cross species transplantation procedures have you performed little girl." Kuryi gave the Doctor a sidelong look and the man shook his head a moment before speaking again. "If you must stay, then follow basic surgical procedures and change into a pair of scrubs, then stay out of the way and let my team work." The Doctor added gruffly before turning to enter a side antechamber that had a couple of lockers and several piles of sterile clothing.

Kuryi gestured for Hadzuska and the others to follow him to the observation room which had been decked out as a rather ostentatious lounge. the viewing window was blacked out until kuryi crossed the floor and activated a small panel on the frame that turned the window transparent. "Feel free to make yourselves comfortable for now. I understand the procedure is likely to take a number of hours." Kuryi said

Trizz muttered and shook her head as she went for some scrubs after the resident medical stuff. "How many times have you been present when a female human decided to do a complete species biological makeup change." She muttered to herself.

Khanna smirked as she stood nearby Kuryi, "So much time to spend with the present company then, such a delight."

Talon stared while Hadzuska sighed and rubbed her eyes after closing them, "Khanna, this isn't your homeworld."

Khanna smirked, "Oh I know, around here the men fight back, now that's a delight."

"This is also business." Kuryi replied as he turned to face Khanna, "If you wish to pursue your Carnal appetites however I do have several talented twi'leks trained in such arts on retainer." He then said as he raised an eyebrow at the Dathomiri woman.

Khanna laughed, "Oh I am fine with the present company." She smirked, "Besides I don't see the appeal in Twi'leks."

Both Talon and Hadzuska looked at her and then shook their heads, seemingly more concerned with what was going on in the operating theatre beyond the observation window. Talon spoke up for the first time since arrival, "Will she fully recover after this?"

Kuryi looked to Talon at her question before turning to watch the theatre himself. "She could have fully recovered by sitting in that tank for another month I'm told." He replied, "Of course she'd have been unconscious the entire time." He tapped the panel near the frame again a few times and a holographic medical readout overlaid the glass with a simulated rundown of the procedure based on the information they had been sent on Andrea's condition. "The procedure will bring her back to functionality within 12 hours, she'll be sore no doubt and will need to refrain from exerting herself for a time but she will be conscious and about as healthy as anyone who has just had major surgery can expect to be."

The hours ticked on and the group was mostly silent as the Doctor and his team did their work with Trizz standing off to the side of the room where she could watch but not interfere. Kuryi left the observation lounge several times to take private communiques over the duration, not even batting an eye at the deathgrip talon kept on her sabre. Kuryi knew the Doctors reputation, it had been part of the reason he had purchased the clinic in the first place. He was quite competent, if a bit rough on manners.

As the procedure came to an end the doctor raised the dosage of anti-rejection drugs and steroids flowing into Andrea as well as a time release sedative to make sure she stayed under while the drugs and her bodies natural healing went to work before she awoke and started putting them to the test.

Hadzuska blinked, groaning a little as she felt stiff all over, had she fallen asleep in one of the observation chairs? She looked around, seeing Talon and Khanna also asleep, something had woken her up though. Her eyes widened when she realised what it was as she juped up from her seat and pressed closer to the window, looking at the medical bed which Andrea had been strapped onto. "She starting to wake! I can feel her!" She said excitedly, rousing the others.

In the operating theatre Andrea fluttered her eyes open and graoned, blinking. Why did she sound muffled? She felt lethargic, exhausted almost and as her eyes focused she saw all sorts of equipment around her... but it did not appear to be her ships medical bay. "Where... where am I..." She croaked.

Trizz appeared into view, "Hiya boss, now don't be alarmed or start hurling lightning around. We are at the Wheel, one of your buddy's places, Kuryi, Echani. Remember him?" She blinked and tilted her head, "Hmmn, good question actually, remember me boss? You owe me 2000 credits."

Andrea blinked and snorted, coughing in response. "I owe you nothing, you silly Zabrak."

"Ah excellent, you are ok. I'll let the others know although they are probably trying to enter this place already... now where are those stims, need another dose or I'm gonna fall down."

The Doctor approached from the antechamber with a diagnostic tool in hand and rather unceremoniously prodded Andrea a few times with the device, not particularly gentle but not hard enough to incite further injury.

Trizz rubbed her eyes tiredly, "Well doc, what's the verdict. She still going to be a pain in the ass?" She chuckled at Andrea's glare in her direction and the doctors. "Oy, no lightning, this is for your benefit."

"Minimal internal scar tissue... incisions closing up as per projections. This was not brain surgery child, however much of a pain in your bottom she was she will likely remain that way." The doctor said with disinterest as he checked off the readings on the device and adjusted the IV regulators dosages.

Andrea blinked and looked around. "Where am I again?"

"As I said before, The Wheel. Kuryi has apparently set up shop here on some degree and was kind enough to loan us his facility and the services of his medical staff. Like grumpy face over here."

"I see." She blinked, "I assume our host is nearby then?"

"Probably, maybe fending off Khanna." She just shrugged at Andrea's look. "That Dathomiri witch is weird."

"Actually I took her falling sleep as a chance to retrieve something." Kuryi's voice came from the 'service entrance' access the group had used on arrival. A moment later he appeared in the doorway with Eahn behind him carrying an opaque cylinder of some size. "Hello Andrea." He added as he approached the bed. "We have things to discuss you and I."

She blinked and laughed briefly, shuddering and groaning with pain. "Ah it hurts to laugh, good to know. Sorry I was reminded of a not too distant event of some... colleagues of mine who also started 'discussing' things when one of them was weak and bedridden, but please. Continue, what is it we have to discuss?"

"You asked me to come to you with information on a 'Lord Darkhen'. My networks did some digging and several weeks ago I discovered he would be on Nar Shaddaa. I chose to follow the lead myself rather than forward it on." Kuryi said before pausing to gauge Andrea's reaction.

She just raised a eyebrow but otherwise remained silent.

Behind the observation window the three disciples exchanged glances.

Kuryi pulled a small remote divice out of his pocket and pressed a button, a vid-screen hanging from the ceiling near the foot of the bed lowered and began showing a news report from the Tapani Sector about the death of one Harrin Voorniss. Including a picture of the man. Kuryi let it run for a moment before pulling a light sabre from inside his jacket and handing it to Andrea.

She blinked a few times as the news report got through to her and then glanced at the lightsaber. "Wait... he is dead?" She asked, confused and blinking rapidly. "This isn't some drug induced fever hallucination, is it?"

"It is no hallucination." Kuryi replied. "His death is however an elaborate hoax." he then added before taking a breath and continuing. "When I followed the lead to Nar Shaddaa this Darkhen was already planning to fake his death. I caught up to him at a clinic not unlike this one and he was frankly more dead than you were when they brought you in." Kuryi hit the button on the remote and the screen once again retracted towards the ceiling. "I had two options when I found him. Kill him on the spot, which did cross my mind a number of times. Or speak to him. I chose the later."

Andrea held a hand up, "One moment... I assume they can hear me in that observation room Trizzi mentioned my disciples were in?" She didn't wait for a answer, "Stow away those lightsabers, I will hear what he has to say."

On the other side three women sheepishly looked at each other and deactivated their drawn lightsabers and hooked them back to their belts before they started to cut into the observation window.

Andrea grunted, "You have my attention, please continue."

"He also had his daughter with him, judging by the condition one of my agents was found in she is an assassain of considerable talent. You also mentioned he had sons, If I had killed him there and then one of his children would have picked up the reigns and then come for revenge on those that caused their fathers death don't you think. 'First rule of warfare: Know your enemy'." Kuryi said. "I struck a deal with Darkhen, one I have little interest in truly honouring, though it serves as a means to an end. I let him live, traded him that lizard as well actually. I was to convince you of his true death when this news report aired and through you your associate who he seems particularly eager to kill, in return he was to assist me in breaking into the Tapani sectors criminal underworld and he agreed to leave your holdings in particular alone, though I suspect he had little intention of keeping up that part of the bargain."

Andrea blinekd again and looked at Trizz, "Pinch me I think I'm still- Auch! Oy." She glared at a smirking Trizz who pulled her hand back. "Funny you didn't hesitate to do that..." She snorted and looked back at Kuryi. "I see, well your plan, whatever it is, seems to be going swimmingly thus far then. What is your endgame with this?"

"You're not a woman to do things by half measures. Had I simply killed him someone else would have taken control and you and your associate may have gained a momentary advantage but ultimately have been further from your goal. I put myself on the inside, so to speak. you and your associate can play dumb and believe the news report in public, but remain wary and on guard privately. Darkhen will likely pass control to one of his sons in public while he recovers himself. My plan was to gather what I could as an 'ally' so that you and your associate may strike hard enough to bring him and his followers low in short order instead of having them go to ground and pop back up as a thorn in your side later, when you take off the head."

"Yes, I'd rather want to avoid 'cut off one head and two more shall rise' scenario." She groaned and laid back down on the bed, "There is a small complication, yes we need to find out where Traiserus... Voorniss, whatever his name is, is located as well as his offspring. The complication however, he might have... two baby children, twins, somewhere. Those need to be located as well. Not to be killed, they need to be rescued." She closed her eyes with a groan. "What was in that drug cocktail I feel weak and pathetic."

"Oh isn't that your natural state boss?"

"Remind me again why I have you in my employ..."

"Because nobody else you trust with a needle around you, at least when you are conscious."

"Babies? What have you been up to Andrea." Kuryi said with a slight grin. "I understand however, if he has these children then it would be doubly important to feel out his organisation."

She snorts, "It is really of no concern to you, let's just say that these twins have been kidnapped and I aim to return them to their parents. Alive and whole."

"Feel free to keep your reasons to yourself then." Kuryi answered. "If I might have that sabre back, I have a different gift for you out of all this." he then said as he gestured for Eahn to step forward with the cylinder.

She picked the saber and studied it for a moment before handing it back to Kuryi, "Quite the blade, I will give the bastard that." She eyed the cylinder, "What do you have for me then?"

Kuryi touched a button on top of the cylinder and the casing went from opaque to transparent, revealing the severed arm floating inside of it. "You or someone in your employ are clearly a talented geneticist, what do you think you might be able to do with the arm of Lord Darkhen. It was to be the proof of his death, but I'm sure you can find a better use."

Andrea's eyes widened, "If the DNA is intact still... I can indeed work with that." She looked at Kuryi, "I, why thank you. For assisting in my recovery and this... this I can most certainly work with. I also hate to owe debts, anything you wish in return?"

"A little more trust perhaps." Kuryi answered. "You play all your cards close to the vest. You've asked for my help once since the hunt for Ziro and even then you withheld information. This associate of yours, the one Darkhen truly seems to be against, I know she is female and sith, and even those details I only learned from Darkhen himself." he added as he stowed the sabre back inside his jacket. "From the moment we started this partnership on Tattooine, trust has been the foundation it was built on. That trust has been a mostly one way hyperlane however. I've made little secret of my own dealings, and I've kept your confidences. A little give and take would be appreciated as I put myself and my operations at risk ferreting out this Darkhens organisation in the Tapani sector."

Andrea raised a eyebrow at Kuryi's little tirade and chuckled, "So you are asking me... to trust you more, by betraying the trust my associates have in me and tell you about them?"

"I am not asking you to betray anyone." Kuryi answered levelly. "I know they exist, I know you know them, and I know they will benefit if I handle my side of this right. You could quite easily facilitate a meeting and let the woman decide for herself without betraying any confidences they have with you." He added.

She blinked and then laughed, groaning in pain again as she touched her sides. "Jeesh, don't you have any painkillers in that drug cocktail. Ah, amusing. So you wish to meet my associates? Or at least the two involved in this debacle. Perhaps, if they want. Though one of them doesn't have a high opinion of Echani."

"Rule 8: Never let prejudice get in the way of business." Kuryi answered. "Which reminds me to start observing Rule 9 again, that's not relevant however. Point is I learned long ago to deal with people who may or may not like me."

She waved a tired hand, "Eh I can see if they want a meeting... which might be problematic, I actually kept your existence a secret for the most part."

"I'm not the only one in the dark then, regardless, there is nothing untoward about our association, and likely no particular reason to reveal my existence beyond 'a contact' until now. So I'm sure you'll have little issues with it." Kuryi answered before he belatedly gestured to the Doctor to release the locks on the theatre doors, the crisis point was well and truly past afterall.

"Tell me Kuryi, how would you feel if you are a individual of some specific type who has been hunted down to a mere handful with a later large bounty on your head in some sectors of space still. Wanting to keep your identity and your abilities a secret and then get told someone without your abilities wishes to meet you?" She shrugged, "Eh I can ask, will be up to them if they want to meet. Might also be just the drugs making me say it."

At that point the door was unlocked and Hadzuska, Khanna and Talon barged in, showing relief that Andrea seemed to be truly recovering. Andrea nodded to them and looked back to Kuryi, "Are we going to discuss more or can I perhaps be transported back to my ship.... assuming it is nearby. And discuss some matters with my people, I am rather anxious to hear what happened after I received my injuries."

"You should be well enough to travel sedately, nothing remotely strenuous or you may reopen some arteries, that rodian lung won't react well to being filled with blood." The doctor said said from the antechamber where he was changing back into his casual attire.

Kuryi nodded at the doctors words. "We have the sensitive information completed, encrypted comms should be sufficient from here, though I would still suggest you refrain from any communication where you imply Darkhen is still alive for now. Iella will show you back to your shuttle when you are ready. I would suggest some clothing first though." Kuryi said before he turned to leave.
"And Andrea, consider that I have not once tried to turn in you or your people for the bounty in two years, despite having the perfect means to do so after Coruscant. Just tell your fellows that if they question it."

"EH I will but we are a paranoid bunch.... did that guy just said Rodian lung?"
 
Darth Andrea, Dark Rebirth
Hyperspace Transit away from the Wheel...​

She traced faintly over the healing surgery scars with a frown, "A rodian lung... huh... well, I have to fix that in due time I suppose." Andrea murmured to herself, making a mental note that apparently Rodian were good organ donors for her new sith pureblood body and that she might have to make a little storage of easy to supply organs if something like this happened again. For now though she had something more important to do, having been briefed how her disciples had last spoken with Azazel she felt it prudent to contact her at once so here she was before he hypercom terminal, standing ontop of the holographic projector that would transmit her image the moment Azazel accepted her now pending call.

Receiving the signal from Andrea's vessel once more, the dark lady finds dread passing through her. Last she heard, Andrea was comatose from her injuries, perhaps now they were to tell her she had passed. Azazel steels herself with a deep breath and answers the holocomm call. Relief floods her as Andrea's visage flickers to life before her and she smiles faintly, affection in her voice as she chides, "Idiot... Running off and nearly getting yourself nearly killed like that... And I was not even there to save you."

She grinned and let out a purr, "My, my. So you do care about me, aww." She smiled, "My people took me to a associate who has access to some, shall we say, not technically legal medical practices? They fixed me right up, don't ask me how I am rather flummoxed about that myself." She made a little twirl, "See I am completely whole. And meeting this associate has had some rather interesting results, first off however. My people mentioned you had a run-in with one of Traiserus's flunkies? How did that go?" She then showed a rather mischievous smile, "Because I might have some news to add on that."

Azazel folds her arms over her chest and looks away, lip curling up in disgust as she remembers the events. "I killed one of the hutuun responsible for the usurpation of my order. I learned some useful information from his mind about Traiserus... Voorniss... But not what I truly desire to know. Yet, while the location of my children is yet unknown, I have learned of leads to follow as well that he has sought an alliance with the Syndicate."

She nods slowly as Azazel says the last bit. "Yes, something about a man named Saros perhaps?" She chuckled briefly, amused how Azazel seems to prefer Mandalorian words, but unconcerned about that as she had been before.

Azazel raises her brows, the name unfamiliar, yet similar to what the cur had said. "Yes, something like that..." Azazel moves a hand to run through hair but finds it awkward with the shortened length. A frown tugs at her lips. "Is there something you know?"

She nods slowly, "That man is the very associate who helped me recover." She held up her hands to forestall any comments Azazel might be about to make and continued, "Allow me to explain." She took a breath, "I asked this associate to assist me into looking into this traiserus, on our, your behalf. He actually managed to track him down and meet the man, under the guise of making a deal for his own benefit and further his own riches. At that meeting it became clear to my associate that you had weakened Traiserus greatly, he was on Nar Shaddaa to find some means to recover his health somehow. Now as my associate explained, he could have killed him right there and then. But that would mean his children would still be around, cut off one head and more shall rise. So he made a deal, if you apparently follow the news broadcasts in the Tapani sector you will soon see a report about the 'death' of Traiserus, this is a ruse. He arranged this with my associate who was supposed to inform me that Traiserus was death and make us stop looking for him. Traiserus is in fact alive and now he believes himself secure while we know the truth. Further more..." She trailed off as she went to retrieve a item. "I have this." And she said this with extreme delight as she showed a transparent casing for biological samples and showed off a half burned arm. "Courtesy of my associate, 'proof' that he had killed Traiserus. Your tapani rival's arm and with it I can possibly concoct some... shall we say specific DNA targeted poisons, diseases, plagues that when released will eliminate your tapani sith problem, family line and all."

Her gaze fixes upon the severed arm as she contemplates what Andrea just suggested. "It is... A cowardly way... Yet, these monsters have threatened my young and may even be responsible for their abduction... Such creatures do not deserve to die an honourable death."

She nods, "Oh I know it might be considered cowardly, but it is a way to kill your opponents, without harming your children, if they truly have them. But you know me, I am not that good in a straight up fight." She smirked, "as is evidenced with my recent condition a few days ago. I prefer to strike with the force or from a angle. I can work on something at my lab on Korriban, I however have to make a detour. It seems Jabba the Hutt has asked for my presence." She curled up her lip in distaste, the Hutt was a influential player but Hutts were not her favourite species.

She nods slowly, "It is a fair plan... Ah, Jabba the Hutt? What business have you with the Hutt?"

She shrugged, "I have no idea, he summons me without saying what for. Hutts are annoyingly cryptic like that, always a hidden agenda that will reveal itself right before they are supposed to pay up." She snorts.

She knits her brows together but nods, "I see... Do be careful, though...."

She laughs softly, snickering a moment before she replied. "I always do around Hutts, you do watch me show still?" She paused and clacked her tongue, "Anyway, back on topic. My associate... ahs requested a desire to meet, well my fellow sith. He is aware what I am, I believe i told you I was at Anaxes at some point? This Saros helped me there and we have had a profitable partnership since then but now he has expressed a desire to meet with my other sith contacts. If you are interested."

Azazel purses her lips, "I suppose it would do to have Huttese contacts..."

She laughed out loud again, "Oh no, no, no. This Saros is a Echani, male. Not a Hutt. And he is a Syndicate player or at least associates with them to some degree." She crossed her arms and clacks her tongue again. "I told him I'd bring it up, I mostly kept his existence a secret because... well our kind needs to be careful, but I trust him." She smirked, "I'd love to be there if he and Gra'tua meet however, as I recall Echani and Mandalorians don't mix well."

She nods, fingers rapping along her arm. "I see. Then go have an in with the Syndicate would undoubtedly probe beneficial...'

"Would you like me to arrange a meeting at some point or would you prefer me to give you the contact details I have to reach him so you can speak and meet with him in person?" She asked in response.

Azazel chuckles, "Perhaps... After all, Kitt and I get on well enough... But is she really Echani and I Mandalorian."

She smiled, "I shall transmit you the requirements to contact Gabriel Himself then, if that is your wish. Otherwise I will help arrange a meeting after I have done my business with Jabba the Hutt." She smiled softly and reached out to caress the cheek of the holographic representation of Azazel. "I shall do my best to hurry this along and put my full effort on getting your children back my love." She then paused and smirked, "Also... I must say, this new look of yours. I must say I rather like it." And with that said she cut the link.

She went to a nearby chair and sat down upon it with a sigh, rubbing her eyes and then cupped her chin looking on in contemplative thought for a moment as she sorted her thoughts. Hadzuska had opted to stay behind on the Wheel, looking into some matters of her own choosing. Andrea had no issues with that. Hadzuska was a most loyal disciple and one of the oldest in her service... the oldest however was still a problem.

She hovered her hand over a series of controls and pressed some of them, activating a screen that showed security footage of a cell within her private sanctum on her ship. A female Togruta staring defiantly and with hate up at the camera while a number of guards with blasters at the ready surrounded her cell. "My dear Rhak-Skuri... what am I going to do with you...." She trailed off as a thought occurred to her and she suddenly smiled widely as thought turned into a idea and she positively purred as she studied the defiant image of her would-be murderer. "Oh I know exactly what I am going to do with you, your service to me will continue. I promise you that my dear." She chuckled and cut the feed, a project for a later date...

*------------------------------------------------------*
Training Decks
*------------------------------------------------------*​

The training decks were quite populous today but only a few were actively training, most were actually spectators at the training zone reserved for the sith disciples, one one end of the zone stood Talon. Lightsaber in hand but not ignited in a defensive posture while on the other end stood Reave, her double-bladed lightsaber ignited but in a more relaxed position. She seemed not ready to exchange blows with her Twi'lek sparring partner but that might be because in front of her was a mixed squad of sun guard soldiers and dathomiri nightsisters with Karis among them as well.

At the sound of a chime all of them sprang into action, Talon jumped back, fading from view as she concentrated on her concealment abilities. While Reave addressed Karis, speaking rapidly; "Sun guard suppressive fire in that area where she was, blanket the area if you can. Karis you and the Dathomiri advance and find her!"

Low yield blaster shots from the Sun Guard weaponry started to be unleashed as they fired at and around the area Talon had been at while Karis and three Dathomiri advanced holding melee weaponry at the ready. Talon reappeared in a flash, lightsaber ignited and with a few swift movements deflect two of the shots back at their owners, making them only stagger but enough to eliminate them for the purposes of this training exercise as they lied down with a annoyed grunt. Reave meanwhile pointed at the area, "Rapid fire that position, now!" She shouted as Talon seemed to vanish from sight again just before a torrent of blaster fire rained down upon that area.

One of the Dathomiri paused and lashed out to the left, seemingly at empty air before Talon quickly ignited her blade once more and parried the blade by cutting part of it off, followed by a jab where she deactivated her blade at the last moment, but it was enough to eliminate another combatant. Bringing up a bubble of protection just in time as several blasts almost took her out. Gritting her teeth she jumped back as Karis's halberd came down hard, the Dathomiri grinning savagely, the reflection of two other Dathomiri on her blade the only warning Talon had she was being snuck upon as she whirled around and lashed out with a blast of lightning at the two warriors, catching both of them in the blast as they shuddered and twitched at the brief contact. Retreating quickly as several orderlies already rushed forwards to deal with the wounds on the sidelines of the combat zone.

Once more Talon managed to vanish but not before the use of another bubble of protection against another swing of Karis's halberd. The Dathomiri leader looking warily around herself as she raised her blade, ready to react at a moment's notice. Which she was not required to do as it seems Talon had found the gap she needed, with everyone concentrated on where she was last and with the number of people she had already eliminated she managed to slip through and reappeared right before Reave, quickly striking the two sun guard in front of her before igniting her blade and held it at Reave's throat, a triumphant smirk on her face. "And you are dead."

A shudder went through her at the sudden blast impact on her back, losing grip on her blade which turned off as she lost grip on the activation stud and turned around, glaring at Karis who had dropped her halberd and was holding her blaster rifle, shrugging the Dathomiri spoke up; "Sure you took out the leader but that doesn't mean the troops lay down their arms. There endeth the lesson." She slipped the band of her blaster back over her shoulder and picked up her halberd, walking up to the two sith disciples as on the side several audience members exchanged credit chits, a large amount obtained by grinning dathomiri nightsisters who seemed to have seen this outcome coming.

Karis looked at both of them and just nodded slowly, "You both improved immensely, Reave you seem more comfortable ordering soldiers. I wager Talon her had a bit of difficulty creating a gap to get through to you." At that the Twi'lek grudgingly nodded her agreement. "And Talon, you fended off fourteen warriors to get through to your target, a impressive accomplishment, next time... just hide yourself after striking down the target next time. You seemed to think this battle exercise was over after you 'eliminated' Reave."

"But all in all, a impressive performance of all of you." Came the voice of Andrea, the sea of onlookers parting to let her through. Surprised the three of them and everyone else stood at attention quickly as their mistress and liege approached. "Yes well done... and something the entire ship got to see because someone apparently sliced the security firewalls and broadcasted the entire thing to every terminal aboard the ship capable of viewing it."

"Wait, that worked!?" Trizz stood at the front of the crowd, blinking rapidly as she stared at her tools. "Huh thought that was a bust, eh guess it worked."

Andrea levelled a unreadable look at the Zabrak and sighed, "So it was you... well report it in please, you are the one who caused, you can restore said firewalls you rather bluntly took down and put them back in place." The glare she was giving Trizz spoke of a untold promise that if she didn't fix this she would be in a world of hurt and without a reply, which was rather unusual for the Zabrak, Trizz quickly scurried off. Andrea then looked around, "Well what are you all looking at? Get back to training!"
 
Tales of the New Sith,
Darth Lena Chronicles, Phindar System.​


The medical bay of the Shadow's Regret was a clean and almost pristine environment, at least when it was not during battle conditions with bodies, blood and other filth ever present. But now was not a time of battle or conflict and only a few beds were occupied, strangely all current patients were force disciples in service of Lena, recovering still from their troubles and the perils they faced in a sith tomb.

One such disciple, Hannah, traced over her bandages idly, she was recovering well. Or so she was told by the medical staff in Lena's employ. She walked past Grom who was being outfitted with a cybernetic replacement for the lower arm he had lost at the hands of a sith spectral blade. He had first asked for a clone limb as replacement but according to the chief physician in charge that particular method of 'treatment' was not possible according to the tests performed. So grudgingly he had accepted the use of a cybernetic replacement instead. She kept watching till they started to test the new attachments reactions by prodding and poking it.

Continue walking she got past the recovery beds and reached the more critical injured section and observed Azai floating in a bacta tank with numerous puncture wounds where spikes from a ancient trap had pierced and impaled her form. The Dathomiri was recovering but it would take time for her wounds to full heal and she be able to be out in the field once again.

Hannah sighed as she saw a orderly approaching her, a mixture of irritation and fear due to her position showing on the face of the medic, probably trying to make her go back to her bed and rest more. She just gestured she would be along shortly and began walking back, one last look at Azai's form, floating in bacta and then looked away, what was their mistress up to now?

*

Lena looked at the screen, authorizing the matters required to get started on the construction of several new industrial plants on the moon of Phindar, the news of the construction seem to have been welcomed by the local populace by the job openings the running of all five plants will require. With that settled she turned around and clapped her hands together. "It's time again." She said to the chamber, it was spartan in appearance. Pillars, floor, walls and ceiling were made of black marble with a trio of dais in a circular fashion around a center stage, almost like a altar of some kind.

Currently two of the dais were occupied by bound figures who struggled feebly at their bonds but were unable to break free. Medical equipment was hooked on to the figures, from appearances it seemed that the equipment was meant to keep comatose patients alive for a extended period.

Lena walked to the center stage and lied down upon it, closing her eyes and breathing steadily as she meditated and began to channel her power to begin the process of molding and creating force phantoms of herself. It was not really required but part of her, after having such extended periods of having duplicates of herself which at the same time were part of her and yet acted on their own... missed not having them around. And for the days ahead she really needed to be in multiple places at the same time.

She might have been lying concentrating for a few minutes or a few hours but she sensed... something was wrong. The slow build-up of dark side energies to bind and tether to the sacrifices was flawed, not as controlled as she would like. Some of the tendrils of energies were spiking out of control and as she concentrated on those strands others formed and went out of control, soon enough her carefully build up sphere of energies began to unravel rapidly and she opened her eyes wide.

"Oh no...." She murmured and then screamed as the dark side energies made manifest in a dark miasma cloud of lightning and smokey tendrils of darkness exploded out of control.

We see how the wounded minors of Lena fare after the tomb hunt.

Lena approves of the construction of several new holdings.

Lena's attempt at creating new force phantoms... meets with unexpected results O.o
 
Ilum: Thanrogar and Co​



Thanrogar watched as the stars swirled in the forward viewer before the helmsman reverted the ship to realspace, the Polaris emerging a safe distance from Ilum. "Ok Gentlemen, give me the big picture, what have we got out there?"

The Rodian at the sensors closest to Thanrogar answered, "A rather impressive system, 7 orbital planets and 74 planetoids and moons." He frowned, "Sensors also detect faint traces of signs that ships have been passing through here. No telling how recent or long ago this was however."

"Accelerate towards the fifth planet, keep all sensors active. Broadcast the Jedi Code in the storage bank towards the planet." Thanrogar turned to another of the bridge officers, a Wookiee whose name was a challange even for Than. "Launch two squadrons of Aureks to form our CAP and launch two squadrons of Star Sabres as scouts, they're to check out the fifth planets orbit in advance. Keep six Squadrons of Aureks and six of Star Sabres as alert squadrons to launch immediately on hostile reception." Thanrogar ordered.

Sera had once more found an excuse to be on the bridge and was watching the operations quietly, if leaning over a console in a manner most men, Thanrogar included, found enormously distracting.

As they made their approach to the fifth planet of Ilum they encountered no other ships or resistance. Thanrogar looking expectingly at the operator at the comms who was staring distractedly at the ammount of cleavage Sera was showing leaning over his console. A harumph from his boss snapping him out of it briefly to quickly report that there was no answer or other reply to the jedi codes they were broadcasting.

The rodian at the comms reported that they were now in scanning range of the planet and just as he said that there was a sound from the console and he studied the results. "We have contact, there is a facility of some kind near where you told us the temple was, sir. It seems they are trying to hide themselves, there was a lot of heat readings as if various and large machinery and equipment was being used but they must have stopped operating all of a sudden."

Than sat back curious at this turn of events. "Tight-beam broadcast this message." He said and waited until he nodded that it was open. "I am Thanrogar. Master of the Jedi Order. Pay attention to your optical scanners and you will notice that I am in command of the Inexpugnable Class Dreadnought Polaris and am approaching orbit. If you are Jedi, please open communications channels. If you mean no harm please open channels. If you do not do so I will have to presume you are hostile and take measures to secure the purity of this world and security of this region." He said and nodded to the comms officer who was to wait for a reply. But the microphone was now off.

"Launch the alert squadrons. Arm all batteries and shields to full power. Caution is warranted." Thanrogar ordered.

After a moment of waiting and the comms officer asking to be replaced by a wookiee who had no interest in Sera's assets due to the lack of furr turned and spoke up. <"Message coming through.">

The speakers came alive near Tharongars position on the bridge and a rather incredulous sounding voice came over. "Jedi order... funny joke, if they arent fairy tales then your kind disbanded centuries ago. This site has been claimed by the Contello Combine, we purchased the mining rights at great cost so go threaten someone else." The voice paused. "And whats an Inexpugnable class dreadnought, sounds like someone got arrogant at naming their class of ships, you know I knew a tale once of a ship that was supposedly indestructable, guess what happened, it crashed into a ice comet."

"Return message." Thanrogar said plainly. "Well then, if you're legitimate then you'll have no issue with an inspection." Thanrogar turned, "Prepare one of the Heavy Lifters, also prepare a Defender Corvette." He turned back. "Please bear in mind that this is not a request. As far as I see it you are squatting on a world considered to be important to the Jedi Order."

The voice came back, "You what!? Who the hell do you think you are. You claim to be aprt of some hocus pocus religion that may or may not have existed... this world is not situated on any charts and we have bought the mining rights, you have no jurisdiction here and your presence is disturbing our operation. As far as I can tell you are some pirate, we may be miners but we will defend ourselves."

Thanrogar's response was prefaced by a sigh. "And I consider the possibility of YOU being pirates equally strong. And should you want to engage in hostilities it will be YOU who fires first. And I who fires last. The world of Ilum is situated on charts, very very old ones belonging to the Jedi Order. And as I said, I am Thanrogar, A Master of the Jedi Order."

He pinched the bridge of his nose. "And please, do consider this logically. If you are miners and will defend yourselves, then you'll allow my inspection, because that will be how you'll defend your people. Because if you start hostilities, people will die." Thanrogar said plainly.

Suddenly Sera spoke up. "Look Mister, if we were pirates do you REALLY think we'd have started off a broadcast claiming to be members of an ancient religious order? I mean pirates can be pretty crazy, but posing as religious crazies, c'mon. Perhaps you've seen a wookiee shaving too." Sera said in her huskiest voice.

"If you met the man I bought these mining rights from then you would take those words back." The voice responded and then went quiet for several moments. "Six, we allow a party of six to come down and 'inspect' our facilities, which I still find highly unusual and downright illegal."

Sera wonders for a moment if the man was referring to crazy pirates, or if he'd somehow seen a wookiee shaving... but Thanrogar responded plainly. "Agreed. Please note, I will have a couple other ships doing scans for archaeological sites. I will be down there shortly."

Thanrogar cut the channel. He opened a shipwide. "Sera, Dewkabukk, Tarevge, Arriadik, Entrau, Helgrum, report to the Salvaged Salvager, we're going down. Chalmum, keep ready for orders."

With that the group headed for the YT-1350. "Everyone, we're the 'inspection' team, except for you Entrau, I want you to go full concealment, I want you should there be no immediate trouble, to try and sneak looks at anything they don't seem like they want to show us. Everyone else, follow my lead."

As they made their approach they were contacted once more by the same voice. "Right watching your approach, sending some landing coordinates now, hope you dressed up warm... as for archaeological sites, well fine there are some but they were empty, cleared for centuries. Gah, you'll see when you make your approach."

That they did, where Tharongar once recalled seeing the outer facing of the temple, encased in ice was now blasted apart it seems like for over half to make room for machinery and habitation units.

Snow and ice covered everything, the 'landing' zone they were designated was a few hundred meters off to the side and currently occupied by a large vehicle that was dozing away large amounts of snow to make room for the approaching vessel, only just finishing it's task and they were given the all clear to land. A tracked truck waited at the edge for the inspection team as snow whipped around a large figure holding his sides with four arms waiting besides the truck.

Thanrogar and his party had prepared their warm clothing, though Entrau had placed himself so he wouldn't be discovered as the tracked truck arrived.

Than stepped out first, followed predictably closely by Sera, as well as Arriadik, Helgrum and Dewkabukk. Tarevge elected to wait with the Salvaged Salvager in case they decided to try something funny. Thanrogar walked up to the Besalisk. "I'm Thanrogar, sorry for any unpleasantness, i'm sure you would understand if I phrased it as being the equivalent of me arriving and finding a claim-jumper on my claim. Though please if we could get this unpleasantness out of the way, I only wish to insure that you are not pirates, and investigate any of the archaeological sites." He said trying to be diplomatic.

The Besalisk harumphed, "Never should have taken this job, should have stayed with my diner. But no I had to do a old pal a favour and set up his mining operation and start dealing with old hocus pocus religious practicioners." He muttered, "Ah don't mind a old man, get in it's getting blasted cold out here and if those panthers come by we will be in trouble." He gestured to the truck and went into the drivers seat, waiting for everyone to get in before he turned on the engine and made his way to the main camp. After a while he started to make conversation while stealing glances at Tharongar and his crew. "Not much to investigate about the site, again yeah ok we blew half of it up but it was infested with these nasty critters, ever encountered gundarks? Well these things taht were living down there were worse, blaster proof hides and able to crush a houk with their bodies. Something the one who sold us the rights neglected to mention."

"Gorgodons" Thanrogar said as he climbed on. "They like to suffocate or crush their prey, quite capable of living off plants but they like meat better."

"I know someone else who likes meat better." Sera winks at Thanrogar who ignores the blatant innuendo.

"So what did you come here to mine?" Than asked conversationally, though he suspected the word 'adegan crystals' would feature prominently in the reply.

Back on the Salvaged Salvager Entrau watched his watch, he'd wait fifteen before leaving the warmth of the ramshackle craft...
The Besalisk looked over the girl, "Aren't you awfully young to make that kind of comments?" He snorted and shook his head watching his instruments with a frown. "Damned snow gets in everywhere and eh what we mine? Crystals, Adegan, buddy of mine wants to sell them off whoever wants to buy them, they are quite versatile in their application." He said noncommittally.
"He's beginning to sound like the sort of buddy you could do better off without, sells you rights to a planet off standard charts, doesn't warn you about the local wildlife, sounds like he didn't provide proper equipment either..." Thanrogar said as he relaxed. "And if I hear you right, even now you're having significant problems with a Gorgodon population, possibly a nest in your mine." He felt a flutter in his calm at the confirmation that this fellow was here for the Adegan Crystals. "I'd wager he's underpaying you for the crystals too. Given that some centuries ago it's primary use was in Lightsabres, Laser Swords you might know them as."

"Eh, no, no, you got it wrong. Buddy of mine got the rights from another party, I was just there serving the food as my buddy bought the rights from this Weequay fellow... rather talkative for a weequay, would almost not shut up." He shook his head, "Eh we dealt with the infestation, for the most parts, some of the deeper tunnels have them still, which also happen to be the richest in crystals. And underpaying me, sonny I am doing this as a favour to a friend who did one to me a long time back. I owe him and he needed a experienced prospector who has been out on the rim a few times. As for their worth, sure most are worthless, maybe some can be sold to jewelry stores or whatever but some of the rarest ones have other applications. Anyway almost there."

"Perhaps we could help each other out?" Thanrogar said, "After an inspection, perhaps you could come with us to the lower areas, and I might clean out that infestation for you, in exchange for a cut of the higher-quality produce," He smiled, "And first choice of a single stone of my choice."

On the Salvaged Salvager Entrau rapped the bulkhead and wrapped himself in the force, Tarevge opened the ramp far enough for Entrau to slip out into the cold.

The besalisk stopped the truck at one of the larger hab units and turned to look at Tharongar. "Funny, first came by demanding everything and now offering to help with our pest infestation in exchange for a cut? With a fancy name dreadnought in orbit? And you want me to believe you aren't pirates?"

Back at the Salvaged Salvager Entrau walked out in the cold, cursing as the snow whipping around him made him unable to see much but he had a sense where the temple was and headed in that direction and then froze as a trio of sleek, feline-like shapes came into view walking almost right up to him, sniffing the air and whipping their heads around but were unable to detect the presence of the Kel-Dor as they continued moving along.

Thanrogar smiled. "Yes, I need them as replacements for these." As he stepped out of the vehicle he used the force to bring his lightsabres into his hands and ignited the blades, safely keeping them pointed away from anything that might seem threatening." He disengaged the blades and returned them to his belt. "So far I haven't found what I came for. And so far you don't look like the pirates I suspected you might have been." He carefully couched it as past-tense.

Entrau looked at the beasts as they moved past him and mentally let out a sigh of relief before deciding to wait a minute before moving on.

The besalisk whistled, "Ok, ok I am buying your claim of being a jedi." He scratched his many chins. "Gah, lets get inside first, come in, come in." He said as he opened a door and several curses were heard about escaping heat. Upon entering they found themselves in a large common room of sorts, it was heated but clearly not enough as most present still wore warm clothing except two Wookieees who looked interested at some of the newcomers. "Name your poison, we ain't got much but a drink helps, well most of the time." Without askign he grabbed a bottle and poured some glasses, "So you wish to get a cut, what makes you think that dealign with a pest infestation warrants you a cut of the mining operation." He poitned with his galss, "And don't come with that this was a jedi world crap, if there were any here we'd not have started mining, place was abandoned."

Entrau kept still and watched the three creatures eventually wander off.

"Security." Was Thanrogar's response. "Though I only have the one vessel now, I have several smaller vessels, cruisers, under construction along with some frigates, it would be trivial to assign one of those vessels to provide security after we leave, at least once it's complete. Consider, my choice of crystal once the infestation is cleared, our first cut of the mining only once my ship arrives to provide security for you." Than said before indicating he'd have one of whatever his host was. The others declined anything.

Entrau resumed his scouting mission.

"Hmmn... well I don't want to lose more people, they are my responsibility and I need to keep them safe. The wookiees had already offered they wish to hunt them down but those things are even nasty to them. I have to discuss it with my buddy but if you provide protection, not just pest but with a ship from possibly claim jumpers in the future. Well maybe he will be interested in that, I can at least put in a good word for you, which would come along a long way if I also said you dealt with our current infestation."

"That sounds good with me. I'm sure if your Wookiee friends wish to join in the hunt neither Dewkabukk or Arriadik would have any issue with them joining us for the hunt?" He looked at the two and both nodded their assent. "Remember, their only vulnerable spot is the back of the neck." He said aloud.

In response the Wookiee miners went to a wal lcabinet in the unit and opened it to retrieve a bowcaster each along with a ammunitions pouch letting out a affirmative howl. The Besalisk shrugged and got his blaster out, "Seems we go hunting, at least we know if we bag those things that they are edible, if you cook them long enough... hmmn Gorgodon steaks, better save some for my business back home." He seemed to murmur mostly to himself as he gestured for his visitors to follow. "Any of you lot have any fancy 'mystical' hocus pocus abilities that can help us in this hunt?"

Than grinned. "Dewkabukk has some talents for tracking that are somewhat mystical, but yes I have some abilities that could help us bring down our prey. Dawkabukk, can you get anything on the Gorgodons?" He asked her.

Dewkabukk rawred a negative. "Ah well, if you can lead on towards the last place they were sighted?" He invited the Wookiee Miners.

"Good enough, she, that's a she right? I always have difficulties with wookiees and gender. Anyway she and the others can be at the head of the group." At that one of the Wookiee miners made a comment that made the other laugh and Thanrogar could swear his wookiee friends guffawed amused too. "Not telling a Wookiee's sex doesn't mean I can't understand your language!" The Besalisk exclaimed but also looking amused. "And yeah lead the way." He gestured and the Wookiees took the lead, waiting a moment for Dewkabukk to join them as they went deeper into the mining operation.

Meanwhile outside Entrau just got the outside of the larger minign facility into view.

"That's a yes." Than chuckled good naturedly with the Besalisk.

Entrau withdrew a set of Magnoculars and began studying the 'settlement' for anything indicating pirate settlement. Hidden hangars, excessive defences, flags flying skulls and crossbones, peg-legged folk with birds on their shoulder, that sort of thing.
But from what he can see the operation is entirely what they claim to be, a mining operation. There is a ship parked nearby, covered mostly by snow with some cables leading to the facility, which he guesses might provide power to the facility or at least sections of it.

The ship appeared to be poorly armed, at least from this angle, except for a snow-covered point defence weapon. Entrau decided to move around to a different location, but maintaining the same distance from the settlement, to check again. He decided against advancing into the settlement, if Than's instincts didn't tell him something was wrong while he was there, then there was little his sneaking could do but risk whatever agreement he was coming to.

From another angle the vessel looked like a Bulk Freighter, nothing about the ship seemed off, it was pretty much exactly what one would expect from a dubious mining op. Without further ado, Entrau decided to stealthily make his way back to the ship.
Meanwhile in the mine the group had reached into the tunnels and were currently at a intersection with the Wookiee miners looking cautiously around and one of them speaking up. <"Here is where one of the beasts was last sighted."> Gesturing around at five tunnels leading off, not counting the tunnel they had just came from.

Thanrogar knelt down signalling Dewkabukk. "Can you read anything?" He asked her. <"I'll try."> She said as she drew on the force.

<"Nothing in the force..."> She remarked and began searching for tracks instead.

After a moment of studying the ground with the Wookiee Miners it was Dewkabukk first who exclaimed she had found something. There were plenty of trackes but only one tunnel had tracks with deeper imprints, as if the creatures who went in there were carrying all manner of things, most likely prey they had caught.

As she explained this to Thanrogar he nodded. "Ok, ladies, gentlemen, get's be careful." Ariaddik, Dewkabukk, Sera and Than ignited their sabres and prepared what protections they could.

Thanrogar considered. "I'll join you up front," He indicated the wookiee planning to take point. "Helgrum, you take rear with that gentleman, Sera, Dewkabukk, you're in the middle, Arriaddik, I want you to relax back and forth so you can be where you need to be if necessary." Than hoped that Helgrum's force sensitivity would give him advanced warning should there be a rear attack, the Padawans he had to protect so the centre was the most sensible place with Arriaddik filling in the gaps. "Shall we move on?"

The part once divided themselves in what order to move walked ahead, following the tracks Dewkabukk had pointed out. The Ice passage drilled months before by the miners already showing signs of freezing up. Through the ice vague outlines could be seen of what might have actually been walls made by sentient hands, perhaps old ruins of the jedi temple that was housed here so long ago, for Tharongar it was surreal, for him it felt only a short time ago he was last here but in reality it had been several thousands of years. At the head of the group the Wookiee let out a sound that snapped Tharongar out of his memory and they noticed a breach in the tunnel off to the side, where ice had been roughly hewn by claws and not by machinery. Another sign their quarry was not far was that the tunnel seemed to be held together by a strange mixture that acted like mortar and kept the tunnel from collapsing. The Besalisk grunted as he saw it, "Yep, thats where the beasts come from allright. That's their salvia."

Than turned. "Dewkabukk, can you get a reading on this?", the young Wookiee girl coming over to use her Psychometry on it.
Dewkabukk reached out but seemed to touch a part that was 'fresh' and let out a disgusted sound as the still warm and sticky salvia stuck to her furr and she lost her concentration on what she was attempting to do.

Than sighed. "Well... you're going to be walking in it momentarily, and you wookiee's don't wear shoes..." He chuckled. "Well then. Let's see how far down the Cabbit hole this goes."

THe Gorgodon made tunnel opened up in a large cavern, for a moment upon looking up it seemed they were out in the open skies with hundreds of stars but then it became clear the ceiling of this cavern was littered with crystals, it surely distracted the Wookiee on point but Tharongar sensed it before anyone else could, looking up, in the darkness out of the light cascading between the crystals, were two large shapes, slowly moving high on a wall the party would have to move past.

Thanrogar smiled. With an arm raised he moved to ensnare them in a stasis field counting on them falling. The manner of his bearing making it clear there was a danger to the group.

There was a sudden flash and then a sheen of 'static' surrounded the two large shapes, holding them in place, not able to move or utter any sound as their forms were completely held in place.

Than reacted instantly. "Two Gorgodons, up there. Let's take care fo them quickly and permanently." He ordered.

Arriaddik moved in and used force grip to try and pull one of them onto his right Shoto as Helgrum fired his RT-97C Heavy Blaster Rifle at the other. The Padawans sensibly waited as Thanrogar protected them just in case.

The Besalisk and Wookiee miners got over their surprise and looked up at the two shapes and just raised their blasters. "Well... that makes it easy, whatever you are doing to hold them liek that, keep it up. They have a vulnurable spot on the back of the neck." He muttered as he aimed.

The Wookiee's bowcaster fire thudded into the soft spot on the one still clinging to the wall and they prepared to fire once more while the second Gorgodon was being moved a bit erratically as Arriaddik struggled to hold up such a great mass.

Two more blasts joined the first two and it seemed the miners were satisfied the beast was dead from their earlier experience against these ice monsters. The second Gorgoddon was still being whipped around by Arriaddik, making Helgrum miss again and as Tharongar was concentrating he saw one of the claws of the floating Gorgoddon twitch.

Thanrogar diverted his attention to provide additional force valor. Though he was prepared to dive forwards and finish the beast himself if it dropped. Which given Helgrum and Arriaddik's performance, it just might.

And the second beast was killed as the Besalisk's aim proved to be true and Arriaddik managed to kept the monster in one place so that Helgrum could put a few more blasts into it. "Well you can let go, they should be dead." The Besalisk said looking fascinated at the frozen Gorgodons.

Thanrogar made sure everyone was clear from beneath them and allowed the Stasis effect to fail.

"This can't be all of them, and the rest likely know we're here now." Than said. "Be ready."

The beasts fell, no longer being held with the powers of the force. Limp and quite dead, one of the mfalling near a edge and rolled over falling into the chasm. THe Besalisk grunted, "Impressive and no worries kid we know our stuff... there can be as many as 2 more or six more."

Thanrogar extended his senses. Trying to get a sense from the force as to which way the others might be, not an appeal to a talent. But simply a heartfelt appeal to the force to feel those that might be close.

Tharongar gets a vague sense of life east of them and as it happened there were a number of tunnels leading east, three of which were near the spot the two beasts they had killed were lying in ambush.

Than smiled and indicated the three tunnels. "These may lead to their main nest. But be cautious. I will try to hold them next time as well." He said moving into the middle tunnel.

They traversed their chosen tunnel steadily which after a moment started to slope downwards, it was not steep but the ice seemed rather slippery.

Helgrum at the rear engaged the cleats of his boots to grip the ice as they advanced, the others having to rely simply on their force-given abilities and natural balance. Than at the front exerted the force to stiffen their resolve as he advanced.

As the group amde their way down the slope, about halfway down people suddenly started to slip and with a shout came crashing down, tumbling into others until only the Helgrum, two Wookiee miners and Dewkabukk managed to stay upright and hug the wall while everyone else was sliding down. Going rather faster as the slope ended and all of them crashed into a wall and into each other. Tharongar and Arriaddik seemingly fine thank to their bubbles. Arriaddiks having popped upon protecting him while Sera and their Besalisk guide had soem rather bruised and sore ribs. "Well... that was fun." The BEsalisk wheezed.
Than rolled his eyes. "Well, let's go again." As Helgrum, Dewkabukk and the other wookiee miners waited for them.

Coughing and wheezing still the Besalisk got up, using his four arms to steady himself as he got his bearings. "Yeah I suppose we should, gah if only I were back in my prime..." He muttered as they continued down the tunnel, stopping as the tunnel forked off into two directions. The Wookiee miner up front unable to discern any obvious route to take spotting no tracks and letting otu a frustrated howl about it.

Arriaddik called on the force to restore his protections as Dewkabukk once more attempted to get a sense of their direction.
The young wookiee reached out with the force and suddenly got flashes, a sullustian, dressed in miner garb running for his life and looking over his shoulder, missing the large shape appearing from the tunnel to the right and slashing with claws before picking him up and crushing him in a bearhug. The cries of the Sullusian quickly silenced as he got dragged like a limp doll down the right tunnel.

Dewkabukk stood up. <"Is your friend down a Sullustan?"> She asked Thanrogar. He turned to the Besalisk. "It seems a Sullustan friend of yours was dinner...." He looked at Dewkabukk who pointed down the right tunnel. "That way." He said.
The miners gripped their weapons a little tighter and while looking rough the Besalisk seemed to be filled with purpose upon hearing that. "Then let's pay back the bastards by making them into steaks, lead on." He growled.

Advancing through the tunnel it became clear they were on the right trail when once more they encoutnered the hardened saliva of the beasts who sued it to secure tunnels and build their nest.

Than tried to sense how near they would be.

Than sensed and then clearly heard a soft snorting noise followed by a startled sound as if something just smelled something unexpected in its own home.

Than smiled. "They're ahead." He gathered force power into a burst of speed, once he could see the beasts he would lay down a Stasis field again. Arriaddik charged after him Lightsabre Shoto's in hand, once he saw one he would jump and slash it apart.

Helgrum advanced with his Blaster ready. Sera and Dewkabukk were prepared to join in but not rushing after their master.
As they advanced through the tunnel, ahead of anyone else the trio burst into a large open chamber, gorgodon salvia coating every surface and two of the beasts facing them as they were about to investigate, their mouths opening to howl but then froze as the stasis field engulfed them.

The three other beasts in the nest were not affected by this and roared, making the walls seemingly shake as they started bounding down, distracting Arriaddik and Helgrum whose aim were off.

Thanrogar tried to dodge one of the swipes but got hit in the side, his force abilities active preventing any harm, for now.
Helgrums shield blew out from the force of the first blow and then a good chunk of his armour was ripped off from the second, exposing his chest.

Than moved to sever the beast's head aiming for the weak spot with his Sabres as Arriaddik used force grip to try and hold his beast in place while he rammed his Shoto into its brain via the weak spot on the back of its neck. Helgrum used his jetpack to leap into the air and try and land on the beasts back and blast into its weak point from point blank.

Dewkabukk and Sera now moved in both working together to attack one of the frozen beasts.

As Thanragor went with his blades he managed to cut deeply, making his chosen opponent howl and trash about, not quite dead as it roared and clawed at it's back to get the pest off him to get ridd off the pain it suddenly experienced.

Arriaddik managed to hold one of the beast wit hthe force, but it was already straining agaisnt his control, keeping a hold of the beast that had not been in statis by his master like before proved to be a bit more of a challenge as it howled and drooled salivia.
Helgrum managed to get a couple of shots on the thirdm oving Gorgodon which earned him a nasty glare from the creature just as the others rushed onto the scene, the Besalisk cursing as his blaster let otu a series of whines. "Aww come on!" Whiel one of the Wookiee miners got out a Ryyk and charged at the beast struggling against Arriaddiks control and swiped at it, earning a strained howl as it even had to struggle to open its mouth.

Flailing wildly seemed to be working for the creature fighting Thanrogar as the Togruta was forced off it's back and got a claw swipe as he did while jumping out of the way of the first. His force bubble once more aiding him but now it popped, leaving him o nhis own devices.

With howl the held gorgodon swiped at the wookiee jedi fledgling and the miner, missing the first but the second was hurled off his feet into a wall and crumpled with bloody gashes over its torso.

With the flying morsel up in the nest and unable to reach it the third reached for more easier accesible prey and swept at the two newcomers who closed in but he missed one and the other just side-stepped.

Than smiled. An engaged in a cautious assault of the creature, aiming for it's neck where possibly, but mostly intended to protect himself and keep it on the back foot. Arriaddik maintained his grip and kept trying to force his shoto into its brain.

Helgrum meanwhile noticed his target had decided to maul the Padawans and instead fired the micro-missile at it from his right wrist-bracer calling out. "Watch out kids!"

Dewkabukk backed off from the one trying to maul her as did Sera. Both using their Sabres to fend it off.

Thanrogar tried to make it appear that he was protecting himself but suddenly sped forward past the swinging arms of the beast still maddened with pain and with two quick thrusts of his blades put it compeltely out of misery, noticing the two held Gorgodons twitching and moving against his stasis field.

Ariaddik had some trouble but was assisted by the second wookiee miner who let out a howl at seeing it's brother die at the hands of the beast and hacked at it with wild fury wielding his own ryyk blade.

Dewkabukk managed to use a distraction caused by Sera to close in and score a few blows on the third beast as they heard the former bounty hunters gruff voice in warning. Sera jumping back while Dewkabukk made a force enhanced somesault fuelled by her sudden desire to be anywhere but the third gorgodon, who looked up with a confused look at the flame-trailing object hurling towards it before it exploded taking the beast's head with it.

One of the held Gorgodon suddenly reared up and let out it's earlier denied howl.

While the second swiped at Ariaddik and the wookiee, a maddened look in its eyes.

The jedi wookiee managing to twist out of the way while the miner was not so fortunate as he joined his brother in a bloody heap.

Thanrogar took his moments freedom to bring up his Force Defend once more and attempt to Stasis Field the Gorgodons once more as Arriaddik gave up attempting to hold the Gorgodon and instead foccused on shoving both Shoto through it's skull via its weak point.

Sera and Dewkabukk exchanged glances before attempting to force-push the latest woken Gorgodon hoping to keep distance.
Helgrum prepared to open fire on the last stasis'd Gorgodon on full auto with his Blaster.

Ariaddik and his Gorgodon seemed to dance around each other, one nimble and quick with the force while his opponent was lumbering and roared wit heach swipe it tried to land on the wookiee.

Helgrum blasted a few shots into the stasis held beast but received no indication if it did anything, it was nto even able to howl in pain if it could.

Dewkabukk stumbled but Sera had no such problems as she unleashed a powerful force push that send the much larger Gorgodon surprisingly backwards towards a nearby chasm it fell into, desperately trying to find purchase with it's claws but only ripping apart chunks of ice as it fell down the shaft with a howl, followed by a sickening crunch and painful mewling sounds.
The still fighitng Gorgodon tried to crush the wookiee jedi with both his arms but failed, receivign a shoto glancing blow that made it reel back in apin.

Helgrum noticed the one Sera hurled and jet-packed over the chasm to try and see the beast, and if he did unleash a volley of Blaster shots into it. Thanrogar meanwhile went to behead the still-held beast. Meanwhile Sera and Dewkabukk moved to assist Arriaddik, perhaps the beast would be incapable of defending itself properly with three of them assaulting it.

It was suddenly over in seconds, Thanrogar sliced at the one he was still holding in stasis and for a moment nothing happened, then it's head slowly came off, the mouth still frozen as if it was about to howl.

As Arriaddik stabbed both his shoto's through the eyes of the beast he was engaged with and into it's brain, quickly stepping back to prevent himself from being crused while Helgrum flew over the pit, seeing a score of bones and discarded ruined clothing and gear from the Gorgodon's 'dinner' with on top of it the wounded beast who looked up and seemed almost grateful as a series of blasterbolts put it out of its misery.

The Besalisk looked on with wide eyes and with a curse ran over to the Wookiees, checking them. "They are still alive! Anyone have a medkit on them!?"

Sera ran over to one of them. "Let me." She said voice full of compassion. Thanrogar headed over to the other one and both began applying their skills at force healing. Sera seeing it, as she does, as just one more reason they were destined to be together.
THe Wookiee tended by Sera woke up, most of his injuries mending already and it uttered a few words of awed thanks as it got back to his feet, the other was more severly injured but was stabilized thanks to Thanrogar's efforts.

"Beautiful work Sera." Than said bowing slightly. "I'm sorry I couldn't do more for this gentleman."

"He's alive, thats what matters." The Besalisk snorted, glancing at the corpses. "And we dealt with this nest, this would have been a whole lot bloodier if me and my crew had to take care of it on our own, you have my thanks... jedi." He looked back at the corpses, "I can't wait to turn them into steaks. See how they like being put on the menu, bah."

"Well, let's get your friend to a bacta tank." Than said putting a hand on the Besalisk's shoulder. Sera smiled and stuck close to him. Helgrum landed and examined the bodies.

"It's a nest. But I don't see any young." He said plainly.

Climbing out of the hole after that statement and looking around, three of the corpses appeared to be rather bulbous, it seemed the group had managed to kill this family just in time before they spawned more.

Thanrogar also spots a glint near the refuse pile down in the chasm.

Thanrogar heads over to examine the refuse pile as Helgrum.... ensures... the brood won't spawn despite their parents death.
Sera paid attention long enough to suddenly feel the need to vomit.

As Thanrogar climbs down to investigate the glint he came upon preserved corpse in the ice, a kneeling human, dressed in jedi robes it seemed holding a broken lightsaber in his lap with the crystal beside it casting off the glint he had spotted. The jedi was long dead, dark stains on his side and chest it seemed this jedi had encountered the ancestors of these beasts perhaps and failed to get out to heal and just accepted his fate to die alone.

Than moved to examine the crystal in more detail. "I'm sorry the galaxy turned on us so easily. If the Republic we stood with so long had just had more faith, perhaps you would not have met this end."

The dead jedi failed to respond to this and upon closer examination the crystal in his lap appeared to be a fine quality adegan crystal, if Thanrogar were to guess it would actually form a silver blade if fitted into a lightsaber hilt.

Meanwhile the Besalisk had came over. "Jedi, you done gawking down there? Freezing my arms off here, you sure earned those crystals you wanted. Would love to show you what we harvested already, back in the warmth of the main facility if you don't mind."

"Not at all. If you don't mind, i'll send some people back down here later to arrange a proper burial for these people." He bowed to the corpse and headed back inviting the Besalisk to lead the way.

Tracing back their steps the group returned to the mining facility, received with cheering and gratitude by the other miners as they were told the nest harassing their people was dealt with and that their two wookiee comrades were saved thanks to the efforts of their guests.

While Thanrogar's people saw to the recovery and burial of the remains Dex had invited the Togruta jedi in his office and was pouring him a drink. "To your health Thanrogar." He raised his own glass and drank it one go smacking his lips. "Right then, with those beasts dealt we can resume our mining. After you've selected some prized pieces of course, as we agreed upon." He gestured to a crate he had brought up filled with crystals.

"And to your own..." He left it hanging as he had a look at the crate looking for any that responded especially to the force.
Reaching out with the force, three of the crystals positively echoed in the force as he focused on them, plucking them out with a sure hand as he knew exactly where they were within the crate. At a cough he turned to see the Besalisk holding a number of credit chits. "I had actually placed a bounty on the creatures, mostly to inspire my boys to hunt them, it's 100'000 credits total, 70 for the adults and 30 for the wee ones, even if they weren't born yet. And I'll have a talk with my friend, see if he's interested in this protection offer you had, I can't make any promises on that though."

Than nodded respectfully. "I understand friend." He said taking the credit chits, while he'd normally have turned them down, the times had changed.
 
Dragon's Ire & Dark Lady's Fire: A Tale of Azazel
The Tapani Sector​

Azazel takes a deep breath, composing herself as she straightens her robes. The journey to Braghda's had taken longer than anticipated. Perhaps it was the intentions of the flight crew to delay her meeting in order to allow her time to gestate all that had happened since they 'successful' mission to destroy Jehemath's estate. She folds her arms in her sleeves. Rei'Ki had reported an enemy disciple who had failed to be executed and instead escaped. No doubt, to report to her master like a faithful dog. She had let the Dathomiri woman know the full-extent of her wrath. She was now nursing a burn along the right side of her face. It would heal in time, but it would serve as a reminder. There was no room for slip-ups here…

Kitt would be healed now. The Echani was insistent to be at her side when she meets with the Dragon Lady. It eased her stomach some to consider she would have her with her, but there were still butterflies in her gut at the thought of explaining how on one front things were complete, and yet she had only found out that things ran far deeper than they seemed.

The drive to the estate was drawn out and quiet. Azazel peers up occasionally to see the burn-rimmed scowl of Rei'Ki and Kitt staring at her. It unnerved her; was there something wrong with her she could not see? Indeed, she saw she was more pale than normal. Her eyes were dark and sunken with troublesome sleep and she was not as tidy as normal, yet what woman in her right mind would not show signs of weariness after all that had occurred of late. Unsure, she simply casts her gaze out the viewport as their pilot announces their arrival as they approach.

A number of the prisoners have torn aptches that seemed to have been house Mecetti colours while there were also a few that looked liek common mercenaries. Gustav was smiling broadly and bowed, "My lady, welcome to the house Mecetti estate which is currently undergoing it's... transfer back to the rightful owner, my apologies for the mess but it seemed they were reluctant to believe that lord Jehemath would not be returning and that the true house leader was retaking ownership of all house Mecetti assets." He held out his arm for her to take, "May I be so bold as to escort you further in?" Gustav seemed rather excited, thrilled even to be here. Azazel also could see that part of his clothes was torn and he had some banadages around his arm.
She nods and slips her arm through Gustav's, "Even if the blast did not take him, I am certain his mind was in shambles when I was done with him." She nods for Kitt to accompany them. Her straight back and ironed uniform hides well the bacta patches beneath. Azazel smiles to Gustav, so often sincere, it was now forced, "I am glad to see things are in good order for Braghda and yourself. It is a good day and the usurpers all soon will tumble, I am sure."

Gustav chuckled and there was a tremor to his eyes, a slight twitch as he patted her arm and began guiding them to the estate, "Ah well. The timetable was somewhat... forced but when opportunity comes one must seize it my old father used to say and that we did. Braghda was rather adamant that we take this place once word reached us about the explosion, but we also intercepted a transmission about it being a attack so we moved out at once, luckily it seemed Jehamth was not well loved and half the guards stationed here knew where their loyalties mattered and helped us gain entry and deal with those who didn't." He laughed, "i actually took part in the fighting it was exhilirating! That or the painkillers they dosed me with make it look to me it did."

They passed under a great entrance archway, walking through soem corridors as black watch mercenaries and house mercetti guards were walking past with equipment, injured or debris until they reached a great ballroom in which a table was set up along with numerous equipment and before that table, tapping her claw cybernetic on the table was Braghda Hejaren reading a dataslate at a cough of Gustav she turned around and smiled at seeing Azazel.

"My dear." She approached as Gustav untangled himself and stepped aside as the dragon lady took hold of Azazel's shoulders and kissed her cheeks. "So good to see you, we were not sure you survived the blast until we got your message." She gestured to some seats, "Sit, sit, I am most eager to hear from you in person how it went."

The hair on the back of her neck raises as Braghda dared to act so familiar with her. They were cooperating, but it seemed the noblewoman had forgotten just where she stood in comparison to the Sith. She stays her tongue, though, and takes a plush looking seat, crossing her legs and placing her hands upon the armrests, staring across at the Dragon Lady with pursed lips, "Yes, it seems there is much to catch up upon now." The Echani sees Azazel's tense posture and moves to her side, placing one hand on her shoulder. "I suppose I should ask, where would you like me to begin."

Braghda smiled, propping her head on her clawed cybernetic hand, lightly tracing a clawed finger over her lips while she looked at Azazel with her reptile eye, "Perhaps at the part... where you let witnesses escape to alert those not loyal to the true Mecrosa Order and have us rush our timetable?" She said all acid in her tone.

The sith's gaze darts sideways to her disciple who goes rigid in her chair and tries to make herself appear smaller in the presence of the two women. "An error that has been addressed." She scratches idly at the arm of the chair, leaving lines with her manicured nails. "Much to our surprise, Jehemath had a retinue of Sith followers on staff to protect his estate. Voorniss has been quite busy indeed." Her gaze meets reptilian gaze and her lips spread, "We held our own well enough, but my disciple, in her haste to reach me when this was discovered, allowed a disciple of Harrin Voorniss to escape in order to come to my aide without further delay." She flicks a nail idly, "You understand that is the name of the noble who assumes the pseudonym of Traiserus. Yes, it would seem he had an 'accident' of late, if you watch the holonews. Nothing but lies, of course."

Braghda tilted her head, "Perhaps you ought to inform your disciples what 'leave no witnesses' exactly means and so you have seen that report. I was wondering if it was true and if that had been your handiwork. But you claim it is a lie?" She asked, less acid in her tone and now more curious.

Her nose wrinkles and her lips peel back in disgust, "Yes, it was a collaborative effort between Voorniss and his contact with the Syndicate… Which, fortuitously, gave us an advantage in entering the estate and reaching Jehemath, at least." She works her jaw before mentioning, "It would happen, though, that the agent is a friend-of-a-friend. They informed my contact of the deception and their role in things. Voorniss is now down an arm, as it would seem." Her fist clenches, "However, it became apparent to me that his eldest son is a Sith as well…"

"I see..." The House Mercetti noblewoman leaned back and seemed to be lost in thought, "So we should perhaps wipe out the entire family line. Hmmn, who are no doubt up in arms after the 'terrorist' bombing of Jehemath's estate and me rushing to reclaim my rightful position. Though I am happy most of my family remain loyal, except some of my nephews and nieces, I always said my sister needed a firmer hand with her children, ah well. That will be amusing next time when I meet her and I tell her I had to execute all her children." She let out a wry chuckle, "Regardless of the... undesired outcome of your mission, it seemed that Traiserus, Voorniss, has lost his hold on the Mecrosa Order, I have checked in with all outposts, all enclaves and all have retaken their oaths of fealty to me. Granted some leaders were executed by their second in commands who saw more sense but what matters is that the Mecrosa Order is pure again... so our mutual enemy has lost quite a few assets, not counting what he may already have taken for himself or had to begin with however."

Azazel's fist works nervously, nails digging in and out of her palm as her gaze leaves to the floor. She considers letting on what Andrea had informed her. With a sigh, she looks up to Braghda "Then it would seem we have all come to the same conclusion. My ally Sith, she is… quite capable with Sith alchemy. She is capable of developing a manner to destroy them all, assuming we can get close enough." She adjusts in the seat, still uncomfortable with the idea, "It will solve all our problems in one stroke… Well, most."

Braghda raises her one remaining eyebrow, "What do you mean with 'destroy them all'." She gazed at Azazel, "You also seem rather nervous about this."

She avoids Braghda's gaze, "Their whole line would be removed from the galaxy thanks to an engineered disease…" Azazel rubs over her wrists, "I am uneasy with the notion. It is not especially my way. None of this has been. Deception, subterfuge, hiding in the shadows." She shakes her head, "It is a cowards way. Yet, I understand the necessity."

"I... See... A disease you say? A lethal one... listen I am quite happy to see them al ldie but to kill them with a deadly disease... I rather not kill an entire planet or several to get ridd of some individuals.... or are you implying this other sith can make a disease that targets specific people?"

She smirks, "There is much power in the dark side..."

Braghda snorts and rolls her eyes but appeared to be amused, "Fine keep your secrets, I know I keep mine." She raised a finger, "However I do owe you a favour for killing off my idiot nephew. So name it."

Without a moment of hesitation, she raises her chin, "I want the Sith, Lena, dead." She waves her hand back to where she believed Black Watch guards were standing, "You have your new lackeys, an asset acquired for you by Gustav, they should be more than capable."

"Lena? Is this... your sith ally with the disease or is this yet another sith.... tell me again why the galaxy at large believes the sith are extinct while there in fact 2 under every rock?" She let out a amused chuckle, "I need more information than just a name."

She smiles at the joke but shakes her head, "Another sith. She was… supposed to be our ally, but I have reason to believe she has committed treachery against me." She raises her brows, "I will provide you with all the information I have for you to manage this: Known aliases, assets, contacts, even her various talents so you can assure the job is done… right. She is a slippery snake, after all."

As Azazel got into more detail Braghda listened her facial expression remaining neutral for the most part, the only time the neutral expression changed when she mentioned a rather particular force ability that made the reinstated Mecrosa leader raise her remaining eyebrow as she filed that knowledge away. "I see... this sounds... well she has quite a few assets, it will be difficult but... I did say I owed you a favour, I shall send my best people to accomplish this. Reminding them to be certain all of these 'multiple' Lena's are dead before reporting a success." She smirked, "I wonder what she may have done to have you seek a... deceptive, subterfuge way of doing this, because from the way you described it you don't want your other sith friend, or friends, to know about your hand in this? Or am I mistaken?"

Azazel's teeth clench for a moment as she considers Valar's faith in the woman even in these times. Her stomach was in knots thinking of how he always ran off with the woman, oft to his peril, and yet still thanked her. His belief in her, to the point of holding an assassin of hers at his side, and there was still a lack in certainty… "She has stolen something that rightfully is mine." She clenches her hands into fists, images of Gra'tua in her embrace flashing through her head. Then, of Andrea with the whore. Her blood begins to boil and embers begin to snake along her flesh. She had ignored it all long enough.

Bragha blinked and then studied Azazel closely, taken back a moment as Azazel's blood veins glowed through her skin before she seemed to cool down. The dragon lady smirked, "My, my... I have seen this reaction before, I have experienced it myself, I did not knew you were the jealous type lady Azazel." She laughed, "My apologies but that seemed very amusing, I will set things in motion. I do not know how long it will take, does it need to be done quickly or can we take our time by tring to infiltrate her from within and get close to her?"

"I would rather it be done right and proper rather than risk failure with sloppy work. Take all the time you need in order to assure it is done." Behind Azazel, Kitt adjusts herself uncomfortably but remains silent.

"Well that is settled then.. .as for our issues with Traiserus, we await a... disease from your ally for that task then? Or is the disease more a safeguard while we deal with him another way and that course of action results i nfailure?"

Her jaw works slowly, "No… It will be done. Should it fail, and I doubt it will, then I will see to him myself. For now, if he has my children, it is far too great a risk to deal with him personally."

"Then I suppose all we need to do is wait for this disease to be delivered, I assume your friend will contact you?" She stood up from her seat.

Azazel stands as well, "Indeed." She steps forward and enfolds her arms about Braghda. "Do take care in the time we are apart… Ah, and if you need to contact me for any reason, I will have a secure channel set up for us." She offers a semblance of a warm smile as she draws away.

Braghda smiled and returned the embrace before she too pulled back, "I shall keep that in mind, as for you, I wish whoever crosses you meet a most unfortunate fate like Jehemath." She smirked.

Azazel returns the smile, "Oh, rest assured, they will."
 
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