Post by Ragsmire on Dec 19, 2010 6:26:02 GMT -5
Bothawui, Fey'starn.
The vessel known facetiously has the Ms’ Thing gradually came to a landing on the out cost of the small fishing village call Fey'starn with little to no effort on the pilot’s part, that pilot was of course Khris Cada’s droid companion Charles. The custom built LOM-series protocol droid had distinct characteristics that has caused more then a few droid enthusiast to stop and take a few extra moments admiring the out side of the box thinking of whomever his designer was, and some even asked who built the droid.
While he would have liked to say Master Khris did, simply to get the aficionados off his case, that would be a lie. Khris had never taken a great liking to droids since his childhood, for one reason or the other, and therefore never really had the urge to own one, and definitely never construct one. Received has a wedding gift for Master Khris and his former wife Mistress Secret Revealed during their ceremony Charles sort have just fell into the family he now knew, unsure of how or why.
Now stepping out of the DeepWater-class light freighter only paces behind the two and their young child, master Ben, Charles new assignment since the master’s transformation into a functioning grownup shifted from watching him, to watching his son. To say it was an easier primary function would be an understatement, when Charles put the statistic of how many times he dragged Master Khris from a bar, or had to make patchy second hand repairs on the Ms Thing could never be counted by a human processor. Lost in the calculations Charles’ attention was brought forthright when he caught Master Khris’ voice.
“Charlie, what are ya doing? Get over here.” Standing a vast distance further then they had been Charles located the trio several yards north-east of his position slowly entering the village. Nodding to show he recognized Master Khris’ request Charles pulled his processor from the databank and cleared the distance separating him from the others within moments. Moving to the front of the group to address an issue he had spoken with Master Khris about only momentarily Charles began to broach the topic again now.
“Master do you think we could have my combat capabilities upgraded while were here?” Grunting with a sidewards glance Khris wrapped one large cloaked arm around Charles, whom had become like a brother toward the human by this point. Cracking his classic corellian smile Khris attempted to drop the idea, without sounding like he was outright shooting it down.
“Listen pal, that was a joke back on Nar shaddaa, your not meant to be fighting, that’s why i’m here. Now if i should get hurt or something...well we still have Secret.” Khris notably shifted his gaze off Charles and locked it onto a small figure behind the two before he removed his arm and began to speak again, only now addressing the child behind them.
“However i’d never get hurt, Cuz like you said buddy i’m a superhero!” Turning to watch Khris Charles saw him pick up young Ben and spin the child around holding him at a distance and gradually bringing him into a hug. After he finished reassuring the young master, whom Charles could only presume had grown concerned once Khris began to speak of injury befalling him, He turned his focus back on Charles.
“Now lets drop it for now, hun? Maybe continue this talk when Ben is sleeping.” Capable of a number of facial expressions thanks to his special design Charles pondered if he as showing signs of what human refer to has sadness. Granting a earnest nod in response Charles fell behind the others as Khris carried Ben on his shoulders while continuing a conversation with Secret, something about the growing conflict between the major galactic parties and his views on it.
Drev'starn, Intergalactic trade mission building, Penthouse.
The city moved with its own thump, its own rhythm, every few moments she could feel the heart of Drev’starn pulse again rushing another wave of blood through its vital systems, not the liver, kidney, or any other organ a organic of any species would have, but its own complex network of critical space ports, Military instillation's, hotels, restaurants, and more. At times Drev'starn seemed like a little coruscant, old coruscant, with a beatiful blue sky, friendly citizens, and clean air.
If anything it was almost better then Coruscant, Bothan’s knew what they were doing when it came to constructing a city. Luscious green parks and gardens fluttered not just the city but the planet. Seemingly untouched by the on going war between the Federation, the empire, and the mandalorians Bothawui seemed like a lost paradise stuck in the middle of all the fighting. Has she admired the truly gorgeous the sudden appearance of the shuttle owned by one Polus Quadus caught the spacer’s keen eye has it began landing at the base of the building.
The very Bothan she’d been waiting on, the former fed finally could gather the information she’d been hired to retrieve and move on. Polus had been in the bothan spy network since he was a child, growing up in the widely recognized greatest information network around the galaxy he knew of next to every figure in the galaxy, Rather he realized it or not. The Bothan exchanged several words in a obviously casual atmosphere with a few of the dock workers before starting toward the Intergalactic trade mission building with his assistant no more then a step behind him.
Moving away from the Transparisteel window the young woman took a seat on Polus’ entirely synthetic Bantha hide couch to await him comfortably from this point forward. twenty minutes later the blast door slid open revealing the large powerful form of Polus Quadus. The bothan’s rich black fur had been bushed back in the usual eloquent manner he choose to portray himself in, the single white line running up his spine to the single streak of white easily notable in his forehead remained the sole distinctive characteristic that Polus’ fur sported.
Why who do we have here, Paige Esperer!” Polus recited happily upon catching his first sight of the cyborg. Moving forward he offered one large right hand which Paige gladly rose to accept. excusing his adherent from the room Polus took up a chair opposite of Paige before continuing.
“Its always a wonder to see you, Paige, you know that.” The bothan offered the compliment as soon as he had poor himself a glass of tea, and offered Paige one, to which she began to politely decline “I really shouldn’t Ambassador, I wont have the time to finish it.” Raising a furrowed eyebrow at the notion Polus insisted.
“Nonsense. You simply must have a cup, i imported the tea straight from Mon cal.” Now her turn to raise a eyebrow Paige inspected the Tea momentarily looking over the color and the aruma of it, and finally offering. “So its calamarian C-tea?” Polus allowed a single nod before pouring her a cup and handing it to her directly.
“Now then, what are you here for?”
Drev'starn, trade mission building, lobby.
After hours of watching and waiting for his arrival the lookout finally sighted Polus Quadus, The bothan ambassader was said to be key to the up coming commission, and the immediate future of the syndicate of shadows, not to be confused with the short live shadow syndicate. Gag Umus, the rodian spy whom had been tasked with staking out the location for the last post, quickly reached for his comm-link to signal the others so has to begin the affair.
“The hath hound has entered his pin.” Gag Muttered into the Comm link now pressed to his blue lips. While he did attempt to make it look none conspicuous the Rodian had failed pretty badly at it, and had it not been for the many Bothan’s whom had more important business to attend to then some tourist, he might have been called out on it. After several tense moments of waiting for a reply Gag heard the cool tone of his superior over the crackling of the frequency.
“Excellent, Gag, keep an eye on our friend, i shall be there shortly.” Nodding furiously Gag realized that the boss hadn’t got the confirmation after several seconds of the visual acknowledgement, one to hastily remedy his mishaps Gag pressed the Comm link toward his mouth again replying.
“Of course, sir, of course.” After his confirmation the line went dead has the boss cut the frequency, has part of the instructions from that day earlier Gag presumed, limited communications. Fumbling the device back into its pouch on his belt, gag quickly threw his eyes back into the surrounding crowd of Bothans to pick out Polus. After scanning the harry beast for for only a few seconds Gag spotted that sleek black fur and knew it had to be the man he was looking for.
Fey'starn.
Fifteen minutes after they had arrived in the village proper Young master Ben had mentioned being hungry, and after a short debate between master Khris and mistress Secret, the two had decided on a restaurant suggested in the end by Charles. A wonderfully small Bothan eating establishment on the river front, “Hugor’s bar and grill” Promised fun for the whole family, and according to what Charles could dig up on the spot, had some of the best deals in town.
The group were seated at a table with Charles taking a position to the left of it with young master Ben. Secret and Khris took spots opposite them and within minutes a waiter appeared to take drink orders. Zoning out for the most part, considering Charles didn’t drink anyway, his processors again turned onto the combat upgrades he’d asked master Khris about, however this time it was not to analyze the boost in combat effectiveness he’d have, but instead the reason why he wanted it in the first place?
Was it that Charles feared master Khris couldn’t protect his newly formed family and the droid simply wanted to assist with that goal? surely not he would think considering the fact that Mistress Secret would fight every bit has hard, if not more furiously, then Master Khris to protect young Ben. so what then, did he now have concerns of fitting in with the trio? Secret had shown herself to be an amazing cook, able to keep house, and even retain Master Khris’ attention therefore preventing him from straying back to his old ways.
So then that had to be, Charles realized he feared deactivation due to a lack of essentiality that would lead to the joined decision to shut down his core processing units, which would thereby lead to a prominent state of standby mode. While he couldn’t quite calculate in its entirety what the would mean, Charles knew it had to be on par with what humans knew has “Death” That would, however, mean that ultimately what he was seeking was more from his “Life.” And to further that life he wanted to thus increase his list of capabilities.
More from life...he’d stumbled by the phrase a few different times since his initial activation but never quite understood what it meant, however now that he had begun to scrutinize the definition of his own “Life” Charles thought he’d acquired an insight into the psyche of most organic beings. They had the instinctual desire to live the most of their lives while they could before their inevitable deactivation. However Charles did not fact such a time boundary, it was entirely possible to remain active for hundreds, if not thousands, of years for a droid which would mean his worries were unfounded were they not?
His attention had been pulled back to the table where Masters Khris and Secret were seemingly trying to convince young Ben to eat, the young master having got the fact that since Charles did not eat nor did he have too. In an attempt to placate Ben Secret began a counter argument, one which was untrue in every word.
Charlie eats, he’s just shy abouts it and prefers to do so alone.” Secret offered stretching an arm across the table to direct Ben’s attention to Charle’s center body of mass, what would be a stomach.
“If he didn’t eat then why would he have a belly?” The question did stop Ben in his track has he tried to think of a reason to explain it. For several long seconds the five year old seemed to be contemplating some of life’s mysterious for himself, however contrary to that rogue notion his retort was ever so suited to a five year old.
“That’s only there for show!” Moving to quickly back up his mother’s claim Charles jumped into the exchange offering the truth behind the situation. “I’m afraid your mom is right master Ben, i do in fact eat. At night, a while after your bedtime i’m sorry to say” Ben pouted but did seem to accept the answer, or maybe it was just his real hunger getting the best of him.
Secret often continued with the order, of which the waiter had done his job and waited out the discussion the entire time. Ordering herself the Salar while Khris requested a Corellian spicebread sandwich stuffed with Nerf sausage, Ben ordering the children’s version of his father’s meal. Charles simply returned to his day dreaming taking a moment to acknowledge Secret, whom had mouthed the words “Thank you” to him while Ben was distracted by one of his Father’s bloated tales of adventure.
Drev'starn, trade mission building, Penthouse.
“I need your help finding someone.” Paige declared with a certain tone of urgency that arose with the level of importance the favor clearly had attached to it. Polus expression hardened once she breathed the words but he did not seem pessimistic regarding the chances of locating this person. Taking a moment to inhale and collect his thoughts Polus finally responded to the declaration.
“And who would this person be, may i ask?” pondered the large Bothan, understandably considering the fact that to his best knowledge Paige had no relative whom might be in trouble and need her assistance, and to that point she didn’t even know if she had relatives, which may be all the more reason she felt this needed to be done.
“I don’t know the girl in question, not personally, i learned from a reliable contact that she escaped from Bonadan the same day i did. Its been a long time since then, and i need to find her. According to the source she popped up on Nar shaddaa recently, however given the planet’s knack for loosing people in the stream i know that basic foot work alone wouldn’t be enough to find her.” The elaboration made the logic behind Esperer’s recent actions abundantly clear to Polus, whom had known Paige since she they meet at Naboo nearly a year ago.
“Alright then, i’ll see what can be done.” Polus ensured granting one large nod before returning his attention on the tea gazing his deep hazel eyes into the dark pool of liquid Polus did address the subject again, not shifting his vision from the tea cup. “Might i however inquiry as to why your so interested in finding this young woman?” Having just set a Datalog full of information that could be dug up on the table Paige looked up to face Polus, taking a moment to certify the rather simply reason herself.
“Because i was lucky, Seek found me took me in and helped me figure out what to do, but that doesn’t mean she had the same fortune, and i should repay the good luck i’ve receive.” Polus continued with his all knowing nod while listening, and taking into consideration, what Paige had to say. However regardless of what she had said the Bothan felt that her desire to assist this perfect stranger was due to something much deeper then Paige was letting on.
“Are you sure that’s the only reason?” He asked with a nonchalant way about his words. Glancing away she contemplated her own motives, perhaps there was the desire to seek a bond with another person, Paige half believed her emotions were artificial and craved a true connection to another being, perhaps this was her attempting to accomplish just that. However opting against voicing that ideal Paige instead gave a brisk head shake to indicate that nothing came to mind, and while Polus seemed to still have lingering thoughts on the matter but he too kept those to himself.
Drev'starn, trade mission building, lobby.
Both of the large blast doors slid open has a troop of twenty to thirty people rushed in clad in all black. Quickly the fact became more then clear, they weren’t here to discuss modern business and the prospects of opening trade routes to any number of systems as one of the aggressors, a female Twi'lek judging from what could be discerned simply from the extended chest and brain tail hanging behind her slender frame, slipped behind the security counter dispatching the armed guards and clerks alike with clod efficiency.
Immediately kicking in the door to the security center she continued her rampage knocking two more guards unconscious, one with a swift upper kick delivered to his jaw, and another with an undeniably impressive act of acrobatics first jumping off the nearby desk spinning around to catch his head with her elbow and between her hip then flipping him several feet into the air until he hit the ground hard. The last man in the room however was out of reach for any of her fancy moves and therefore a simple blaster bolt to the chest would be his permanent demise.
Stepping in front of a row of holo monitors she removed several hard dives from the computer and deactivated the remaining cameras in the building before swiftly snapping back into the other room, but not before pounding one of the waking guard’s skull into the ground on her way out. Quickly moving into the adjourning room she popped the electronic hard dives into a nanowave over sitting on the counter and turned it on for several minutes allow the devices to cook and fray any still image or type it caught of them.
While she handled things in the back several other troopers clad in a similar attire, black heavy clothes with gas mask covering their face, moved quickly to intercept anyone attempting to call for help on their commlinks, or flee. Swiftly one of the apparent robbers jumped on a desk and fired into the air giving the denizens in the room one chance to comply without hostile aggression.
“Nobody fucking move, get on the mother fucking floor! Don’t try any shit and we won’t have to fucking shoot you! My friends here are going to circle the room taking any and all electronics, give them up nicely and you wont get fucking hurt, understand!” While the mention of getting on the floor seemed unneeded considering the rounds fired into the air seemed like more then enough convincing, the soldier had to fallow a script.
Close to everyone in the room did as was ordered, except for one though guy whom was quickly taken down a notch when Vesica knocks his footing out from under him and slammed his face against the floor until he was a bloody mess, at which point she continued to until at last Bovis stepped in stopping her, and the message that any other potential heroes had only the same fate awaiting them became more then abundantly obvious. It only took minutes to do it, but the ground floor lobby was under control, however long it felt. Has the large man Bovis removed his huge cloak the fact that he was a wookie suddenly became obvious, before having looked only to be a large human the fact was now clear.
Moving into the security center where the quick as lightning Twi'lek Levitas had been overseeing things Bovis gave a low mumble to get her attention before speaking up, asking why Obscurum would hire people like them, sane people, and then someone like her?
“He brought together a group of individuals whom he saw capable of completing the required conditions set before him.” She answered plainly hitting a few switches to overload a computer terminal on the third floor, thus knocking out an entire room of secondary security units. After that was done Levitas gave the signal to commence the secondary phase, and indicated to Obscurum that it was clear to enter the building.
Instantly She witnessed him emerge from the shadow of a nearby building, clearly in sight of the exterior security cameras yet totally imperceptible. Heading toward the building one noticed a moment later the appearance of several black HAVw A6 Juggernaut transport from which even more soldiers burst forth from and hastily set up a perimeter around the building. Turning her attention back to Obscurum, Levitas realized she couldn’t find him on the monitor. And had lost complete track of until she heard his voice from directly behind her.
“What’s the situation?”
Orbiting Nal hutta, Victory II-Class Star Destroyer Inferno, bridge.
“What are we looking at?” The young captain said stepping on deco with one hand raised to suppress anyone from calling officer on deck, however regardless of his gesture the announcement still rang throughout the bridge. Zander Kross turned to face the young hotshot who shouted it with a quizzical look.
“I had made certain it would be clear no introduction was necessary, what did you think this meant?” He repeated the hand gesture, a seldom waving off with one hand held high in the air. However regardless of what Kross said the bridge remained locked in place with a salute. Giving up after a moment Zander returned it, to no avail. Instead of continuing to make himself look like a fool the old tone of Colin Quinn choked in behind him.
“They’re not saluting you, boy.” Snapping to attention Zander spun around to face Colin with a grin. He must have followed just behind him. Quinn returned the salute and got things moving again on deck, walking with Zander another several feet until they reached a nice spot to gaze out the transparisteel view port, on the way Zander continued the conversation.
“What are you doing on the deck, Colin?” The question came with the fact that Quinn generally remained in his chambers, especially during small time recon operations like this one. However now he carried a sly step in his walk and a questionable grin across his aged features.
“We’ve got us an actually assignment, boyo. Seems a distress signal was picked up coming from the Bothawui space, and we’re closest. So we are headed there.” Zander accepted the Colonel’s word, it was not hard considered he’d been like a father to him for several years. However the realization did strike Kross after turning his back on Colin.
“How did you hear about this distress signal before i did, I’ve been on and off the bridge all day, while you’ve been reading in you quarters for most of it?”
*Lets just say i have my ways, Kid.”
Bothawui, Fey'starn, hours later.
Laying in a large empty field under the cover of various clouds forming shapes that appeared different to whomever might attempt and decipher their hidden code, Charles was again put on kiddie patrol having to venture outside with young Ben for his enjoyment. Khris and Secret remained inside the farm house they’d taken residence in for the duration of the trip. The young master quickly wore himself out from playing darth Revan and the star forge adventures and now laid back and watched the sky with Charles, surely his only worry being when dinner was. For Charles however his processors still weighted heavy with the idea of fulfilling a more significant rule in the lives of Khris and Secret, or just making a greater difference in general before he was permanently deactivated.
Fortunately for the droid however the sudden jump to attention of Ben pulled his processor off the subject and back into the now. “What’s the matter Young master Ben?” Charles inquired has Ben lifted his noise to the wind almost like he smelled troubled in the air. After a moment his large brown eyes fell upon the droid has he replied.
“I think Daddy is upset.” Charles now rose propping his arm beneath him for stability has he gazed at Ben wondrously. He opened his mouth to ask however before the words could be uttered Ben started back toward the house his little legs running at full speed. Opting to fallow Charles lifted himself from the ground and made quick pace to catch up with Ben, who was still halfway to the house which was another good thirty meters in front of them.
Reaching the door several seconds later Ben threw it open and ran directly for his mothers arms as it appeared the feeling he got only intensified since the initial mention of it. Secret stood at the other end of the room with Khris between her and Charle sitting on a stole focused without another care on the planet on the holo-screen before him. On it was the image of what Charles databank registered Intergalactic trade mission building. On the screen stood a tale dark haired Serrocoan woman, well endowed to say the least. She was briefing the viewers on the situation that was unfolding behind her.
“This is Suki Usotsuki reporting live from just outside the Intergalactic trade mission. over the last several hours a hostage situation has begun to unfold with all Major roads to the building blocked by A6 Juggernaut transports which to not belong to local state or government powers. While attempts have been made to contact the group, or individual inside to seek demands and attempt to learn what the terrorist what have been made none have been successful. That is why we come to you now live and exclusively from the scene of the action to get a glimpse at what is happening, keeping in mind that local authorities have advised against approach due to an incident earlier today.”
The holocam began to move closer to the building has Khris mutter some profanity under his breath about the warning probably being in good nature, and there for a clear reason. Remaking at one point that the woman was a complete air head who’s breast were bigger then her brain, and at the end of the rant he received a harsh strike across the back of his head has Secret reminded him of Ben’s presence. Khris began to apologize and explain how grownups could use and say hateful things like that, however Charles quickly silenced them pointing their attention back at the screen, remaking that something was happening.
“The building seems-wait what’s this? someone is coming out of the trade mission!” The blast door slid to a open at a crawling pace has the slim but powerful build of what, at first glance, Charles took to be a human male exited through the door. If one had a keen ear they could hear the camera man questioning rather or not they should stay out in the open, to which Suki told him to shut it and keep recording. The building behind him was completely dark one could tell, not even flashlights shone in the dark. He turned around waving a hand across the opening of the door it fallowing a moment later.
“An audience, how excellent.” The voice was not that of Suki Usotsuki, nor her camera man, but instead the man whom stood at the top of the stairs leading into the trade mission. He reversed his stance now facing forward again staring into the Camera, two perfectly round dark circular shapes taking the steed of his eyes. Taking a few carefully paced steps until reaching the very brim of the stairs the figure finally addressed the camera crew.
“Let this serve as a warning to anyone else foolish enough to dare try and interfere with us.” He remained perfectly calm throughout the sentence and took a moment to gaze emotionless down at the two before fabricating a single exaggerated facial expression, veins forming around his eye as he exerted some amount of concentration on one member of the party. The result was a stomach turning splat as red filled the area around the female reporter and the camera fell to the ground.
A woman’s scream could be heard as the holocamera hit the ground and toppled sideways the picture still managing a shot at the man standing tall atop the stairway as if a god. The Serrocoan woman dropped to her knees as she could be heard weeping. The shadowy man placed a single foot down the first step before making a lightning fast moment that the eye couldn’t even follow. A moment later the shoot was hear as shouts began ringing out from the courtyard across the building, however the camera remained focused on the entry into the Intergalactic trade mission.
Gunfire could be made out moments later as the force wielder lifted both hands into the air, with it several smaller speeders picking up, along with the camera and other small objects. Now spinning in circles only bits and pieces of the following could be made out by Khris, Secret, and Charles, Ben having been sent to his room moments earlier. The man slowly extended both hands forward, the various objects he’d amassed flying after them in unison. The cries and screams that singled their anguish and eventual death were all that could be heard after the initial impact, which the Holocamera seemed to have survived, however now the picture was only that of a fallen troopers helmet.
After what seemed like the longest minutes of their lives the sounds of battle finally stopped and only the chilling beat of footsteps could still be made out. Gradually they grew louder and louder until the camera lens shuffled about and found its focus on the face of the dark force wielder. His sun glasses had made their way from his face now revealing two burning red irises. They were unmistakable eyes, and like a hundred thousand pounds of duracrate the revaluation struck Khris hard.
“As i said, i would not encourage anymore reporters, or solders, from entering a ten block radius of the Trade center...Otherwise the hostages might face misfortune.” The feed cut out after he ushered the last word leaving the news station to further elaborate on the situation at hand. a click signaled the end of the holomonitor all together as Secret set the remote down on the table and moved to Khris’ left side, having apparently sensed his jolt of shock, and recognition.
“Was that who i thought it was?” She asked gingerly placing a hand on his back and shoulder. Khris slapped his hand into his face, considering the odds it appeared. After a few minutes Khris finally came to his conclusion looking up to face Secret.
“It’s gotta be him. I thought, i hoped, he had died. Seems i was wrong.” Charles moved in closer, uncertain who it was they were talking about. A former acquaintance of Master Khris was the person in the video? That didn’t seem probable, Khris, while having a few unsavory friends, wouldn’t be a known associate of someone who appeared to be a Sith. Secret seemed to know who he was talking about as well, asking only one question, and not the first one Charles thought of.
“So what do you want to do?” While he may not have seen it, Charles noticed the tender look of concern Secret had glossed across his features, the look indicated, the droid could tell, that this was a hard topic for Khris.
“I, no we, have to handle him, its partially my fault he’s like this and i am one of few people who could hope to deal with him on Bothawui right now, maybe if the jedi were nearby i could leave it to them. But it doesn’t seem that way.”
Drev'starn, trade mission building.
Hours had passed within the building with the two at the top floor having gone uninterrupted while Polus conducted his search. An express of anxiety flooded his features along with a hint of fear. Paige couldn’t place why he seemed worried, and more then that, so jittery. She rose, crossing the room in only a few steps, to take up a position next to him. Just as she was going to ask him what was concerning him Polus burst fourth as he called out the success of his search.
“I’ve found her!” Paige got to her feet only an instant later as he handed her the Datapad and watch as she carried it back to her original position returning to her seat, Polus, too, took back his spot at the end of the couch as he witnessed her eyes scan the data displayed before her. After several moments of memorizing it all Paige pulled out her own Datapad, regardless of if she actually needed it or not, and copied the files over, which consisted of several police reports, a few holo-vids, her name, photo, and background up until she disappeared, and an assortment of other information.
“Thank you. Polus, you have no idea how much this-”
Suddenly a loud crash interrupted the conversation between the cyborg, and the bothan, just as Paige began to get to her feet in order to return the device. The blast door, which led into the room, had been blow open as two armed invaders matched through the opening blasters raised high. Immediately Paige reacted to the forward assault almost as instantly as it came jumping to her feet and pulling one of the two weapons she had on her at the time out ready to fire.
Between the dust and swell of confusion that raised from the initial charge one could hardly see or hear anything, one of the armed men was shouting something aloud, not exactly to his partner, but to serve as a warning to any would be heroes. Instead of giving them a chance to take herself and Polus, and probably group them with any more potential Captives, She flipped out from behind the large plush chair and snapped off two blast, one striking each center mass.
The two quickly fell, each with a thud and a gasp of surprise as Paige rose to her feet to check the bodies. Stepping over to them she placed her two forefingers on the nick of each, though aliens they still would have a pulse. Which, after a moment of searching, was still there. The stun blast had worked. Paige quickly peeked her head out of the large hole in the door checking down both sides of the hallway for anymore intruders; all clear.
“Who are these fiends?” Polus began to ask as she stepped back inside. Paige shuffled through their pockets briefly trying to glean a clue for herself before allowing an answer to the question. After a few moments of searching with no results she finally stood back to her full height and replied. “I dunno, but i intend to find out.”
Paige wrapped both arms around one of them heaving him up and propping him against a wall before repeating the process with the next. She gave Polus a sideways glance as the need to search the room rose. “We need to find something to tie them with, help me look.” Staggering in his seat slightly at the request Polus jumped too it quickly making his way across the room and digging around a storage closet emerging a few moments later with rope.
Paige didn’t bother to ask why it was there, instead she simply got to work on tying the too down. A few moments later after she had finished with that Paige got to her feet and started out the blast door. “Where are you headed?” Polus inquired before she had stepped out of the doorway. Paige shifted slightly. “To find out who, or what, we’re up against, keep watch over those two, i know your more then capable of handing yourself Polus.” The Bothan gave her a silent nod and allowed Paige to be on her way.
Slipping through the doorway and down the hall was no problem for someone of her skill set, however this assignment would have to be one of stealth considering the lack of solid knowledge on the enemy, right now all she knew was that they were low level thugs, and had at the very least Duros and Rodian members considering the last two. Paige traversed the corridor with caution checking over corner and looking over her shoulder more then a few times to insure someone didn’t step out of another of the rooms. Considering how these were the penthouses reserved for high ranking members of the Trade mission it was obvious that it was probably the last, though possibly the most important target for the gangsters.
Assuming they came from the guard floor up it would also explain why the building seemed to be on lock down, as Paige went down in floors so did signs of life. That was until she hit the medium of the building, its exact center. Where several Male and Female Bothans, for the most part, were strung around the room blind folded and cuffed. A few guards were scattered across the large conference hall keeping taps on their prisoners. Shadows could be seen moving around in a nearby room with windows, the control center for whatever would normally be presented here apparently.
Paige noticed that odd fact that all of these guards were also aliens, a large wookie, two Gamorreans, a Trandoshan, and a Twi'lek female. perhaps it was some alliance of species for the oppression they’d face from the empire, however this would be the wrong target to strike back at the imperials, enclave or Neo Empire. The Twi’lek and wookie seemed to be in a heated debate in the corner of the room, about what it would be impossible to tell. Paige crept back out of the room from the same elevated position she had entered from and continued down the stairs until reaching the bottom floor.
More guards along with a larger number of prisoners, perhaps indicating that those upstairs were of higher important then the commoners who would come in and out at any time and just happened to get caught up in the hostage situation. And yet again Paige took note that all the armed guards were alien, perhaps this was some stand against Speciesism, the specific target this time being the Bothan species?
“Look, an intruder!” The alarmed voice sounded out from behind Paige, two Aliens, a Twi'lek, and a Rodian, drew the attention toward Paige, who was easily identified not being an alien. Her fist instinct was to run, and she followed her gut. Paige pulled her blaster out fired two shots at the pair down the hall as she headed toward them, both missed but hitting them wasn’t the point. While in the process of dodging Paige moved close enough to lay both out bare handed before heading back to the stairwell, with footsteps behind her.
Bothawui space, Victory II-Class Star Destroyer Inferno, Bridge.
The ship snapped back into real space in an instant without so much as a creek forward, something Zander had always thought there should be, it didn’t feel right without one. Immediately the technicians on deck scrambled to reestablish the ship’s systems one at a time. Gradually the shut down phase ended and everything was back up to snuff. Zander hadn’t bothered asking for a channel to the planet until then, but once he heard they were all green the order was issued an instant later.
“Sir, i’ve patched a line with the Drev’starn security force, standing by for you.” Zander marched across the deck quick taking the headpiece in hand and wrapping it around both ears positioning the mic over his mouth. The Comms officer counted down the seconds until he was through with his hand, five, four, three, two. “This is Zander Kross with the Sith Enclave, what’s the situation on the ground?” his voice carried a edged tone to it, however that was only from nerves not trying to look cool, The voice on the other end popped in through static the sketchy noise mingling with his voice.
“What’s the Enclave doing in the mid-rim, i thought you lot were held up in the deep core?” The clearly Bothan voice was deep and powerful, it nearly sounded like he was ready to strangle him through the channel. “Lets just say we’ve been held up. Now tell me what’s going on down there?” Zander could make out a dry cough before the Bothan responded.
“We’ve got a hostage crisis from the look of things, so far no demands have been made and the only contact we’ve had thus far was through a hostile attack, by what we thought was a Sith.” A ever so slight accusing tone could be detected by Zander even through the static of the line, but the mention of a sith did puzzle the captain. He gazed unfocused toward the main entryway contemplating who it could be when he caught sight of Colin shuffling in and put the headset down moving toward him at a rushed pace.
“Colin-” He was interrupted by the Colonel’s snap tone before he could continue. “Colonel, or Quinn in public, boy, how many times do i have to tell ya?” He reminded moving passed Zander forcing him to walked on his left wing. Waving off the mistake Kross continued. “Right, right, next time i’ll get it. Until then do you know if Lord Malum sent someone to Bothawui?” Colin seemed surprised, albeit mildly, at the news as well, and he was who decided to stick with Malum, which put Zander under the assumption he had an idea at what kind of plans he had.
“No, none that i know of. I take it there is a Sith on the planet then?” Zander nodded before heading back to the mic, on the line the Bothan chief was requesting to know what had happened to him, Zander cut in without regard to his wonderment. “Sorry about that, bad connection. Listen beam us a set of coordinate we’ll send relief.” Zander received a confirmation from the Bothan and within moments got his LZ. “Ready a landing party, Kappa-class shuttle fully loaded, and make sure there’s room for me and Quinn.” He ordered a female officer standing behind him before picking up and meeting with Colin again.
“So tell me why, why are we trying to help the Bothans?” His inquiry was spoken in a hushed tone as he stepped within a few feet of Colin. The Colonel shifted around a moment starring at Bothawui hanging in the blackness of space without any assistance before finally working up an answer. “Because maybe if we help the people with the greatest intelligence network in the galaxy then they’ll return the favor?”
Zander couldn’t argue with that logic, though he didn’t know if it would actually work out that way. “Plus i like the fish.” Colin added methought with a joking smile.
Bothawui, Ms Thing, Headed for Drev'starn.
Charlie gazed onward as Khris and Secret suited up for battle, Secret was clad in her usual attire when attending a mission, all black nearly skin tight leather jumpsuit, generally black for the shake that it was best for blending in at night. The only other thing she carried was her lightsaber, hanging from her utility belt as it should be. Khris on the other hand didn’t change what he had on so much as he rearranged them, A simple black T-shirt with pants, what he always wore, only he threw on his green Core-sec jacket and blaster holster along with grabbing his master’s lightsaber, having yet to reconstruct one of his own, and odds were he never would.
The pair had been discussing a strategy for getting in, stopping the robbery, or whatever it was, saving the hostages, and getting back out without casualty. Ideas ranged from dropping in from the roof, to approaching from underground and making their way up. However in the end the decision came to landing on street level a few blocks away from the trade center and approaching on foot.
The immediate ten blocks around the building had been evacuation and quarantined by the Bothawuian military police, which would mean to not be shot down Khris would have to address a commanding officer and tell them he was a Jedi knight, Something he hated doing considering it was a lie. The ship, which was on auto-pilot Charles knew for a fact, came to a gradually stop at the boarder established by the Bothan military. The primary outpost for the crisis it was the best place to get the go ahead.
Charles was excited to get out and do something, find some meaning for his existence, and for that reason was the first one in line at the hatch waiting for the ship to completely touch down before opening it, however once the quiet thud rang about the interior he was forced to wait further as Khris and Secret returned from insuring young master Ben was asleep in his room, something Charles had assured them of much earlier.
“Alright lets go, pal.” He announced nodding toward the door as Charles hit the control panel cracking the seal and gradually opened the old hatch. As the natural light flooded in from the full moon high in the sky slowly the base could be viewed fully. Men and woman working frantically to set up supplies, ensure the had the consumables needed to wait this out, and switching posts as the time arrived.
The trio stepped down with what Charles would consider grace, however a few stumbles on his master’s part ruined the moment for the droid. Secret closed the hatch before they continued onward entering the bases primary hub with a few sideways glances from the troopers. Voices could be heard as soon as they entered, however they were not addressing the new arrivals. Instead a rather young looking male human officer stood with his commander, an older gentlemen with wrinkles that foretold of his experience and grayed hair to show he survived some scary shit, or had children that drove him to them.
“We will handle this supposed ‘Sith’ on our own, conclude any operations you have going on and pull any men you may or may not have on the field back, that is an order.” The younger officer seemed brash and at the end of his patience, demanding things from a proud race of people like Bothans was not the way to deal with them. “Don’t listen to the boy, he’s a little hot under the collar. Just know that if you should see the need for it, we have additional men and firepower ready to assist you however possible.” The older man said cutting in stopping the argument from further escalating. “We’ll be in our shuttle should you need us.” He said finishing the conversation before pulling his comrade out of the room, treating Secret, Khris, and Charles to a warm smile on his way passed.
“What was that all about?” He whispered to Secret leaning closer in to insure the question didn’t go any further. “I dunno.” She answered with the same hushed tone before the tone advanced to speak with the brown haired Bothan police commander. Both took his hand and gave it a hardy shake before anything was discussed.
“Now listen, Shar.” Secret began, deciding it best she did the talking. “We’re both Jedi knights, and we know what’s going on right now. So hear me out please.” Khris cringed at the jedi knight line but seemed to make it through alright, as Shar gestured for her to continue. “We want to maybe map out the situation, decide on what can be done, then relay it back to you.” His features seemed to furrow at the suggestion as he rose to his feet calmly.
“And how do you plan to relay this information?” Khris looked stomped when Shar turned his attention on him to answer the question. A slow gown rose from his gut as he contemplated an answer, Secret looked about ready to cut in until the Bothan raised a hand still waiting for Khris to answer the question. Charles looked in with a strange sensation of joy at watching his master squirm before a idea crossed his circuitry. “Why, me of course!” He proclaimed like it was the plan all along, And Khris jumped on the bandwagon.
“Ah, yeah, yes, totally. My droid here can transmit audio files, and you could probably replay whatever he sees.” The Bothan seemed satisfied with the answer, but choose to still give the droid a brief inspection. Afterward he was sure and gave the two their military sanction as hoped. “Quick thinking there, hotshot.” Khris said wrapping an arm around Charles as the three walked out of the building.
“Maybe if you remembered our datapads we wouldn’t of had to have him save you.” Secret insisted as she stepped through the blast door back into the night. Before another word could be spoken the two noticed their unfortunate situation. Dark troopers were lined up single file in a circle around the entrance waiting for them. “I’m afraid i can’t let a pair of jedi slip by, its my duty to apprehend you.” The voice couldn’t be put to a face, but it did sound familiar.
Khris and Secret snapped their sabers on adding a splash of silver and gold from each into the darkness. The steady hiss from each hummed a quiet tune which mixed with their panicked heartbeat and hastened breathing to form a symphony of distrait sounds until the young officer from before emerged from his troop’s line.
“What do you want with us?” Secret asked across the slow hum of the saber and the slowly beating drops of rain sparking off both sabers now and again forming pockets of steam. “I am with the Enclave, and Lord Malum would definitely want to talk with a pair of jedi knights.” He lifted a hand as a precursor to his gesture to fire. Khris concentrated his gaze on Zander.
“Make your move...” The former knight whispered to himself waiting to spring into action.
“Set for stun, Malum will surely want them alive.” The majority of troops could be heard flicking the weapons into none lethal mode just as Zander began to drop his hand. “Hold your fire!” The old man from before barked across the base as he closed in. “What are you doing, boy? They barely want us here as it is, and you go starting fights.” He said addressing Zander before looking at Khris and Secret issuing the troops a command. “Put your guns down, let them be.”
“What!?” The kid shouted demanding a further explanation. He moved in on Colin as if making a threatening motion but the ploy afforded no reaction from the Senior commander. “Get back to the shuttle, all of ya. And you, boy, you and i are going to have a chat about you behavior.” The soldiers slowly, and unassuredly, lowered their weapons and moved on following the footsteps of the two officers to their ship. Snapping their blade off Khris and Secret looked at each other bewildered.
“Looks like we dodged a close one.” He said with an obvious sign of relief before grabbing Secret’s hand. “Now, c’mon lets get this show on the road.” Charles followed in line keeping a quick pace with Khris as the three made their way back to the Ms. Thing.
Drev'starn, trade mission building.
Shots rang out from across the vast corridor from opposite ends as the plunderers amassed at one end of it, and Paige sealed herself in one of the rooms down the hallway. The blast door remained partially opened after a strain blaster bolt struck the exterior control panel, to compensate she staked whatever blaster resistant pieces of furniture she could locate in the room against the opened area, leaving just enough room to peek her hand out and fire off a shot now and again.
The situation quickly grew bleak, the fact was obvious, she only had one gun, and only a few more energy cells, there would be no why she’d last theses guys outs. And apparently they had sealed most, if not all, the windows shut much earlier, using high grade durasteel plating with an equally high quality of power drills. Plus taking into account the possibility that they had explosives of their own, or concocted a strategy to storm in before she ran out, meant that any time between now and, given the amount of cells she had, an hour from now, they could capture her.
While there was a remote possibility the chances of Polus actually following after her, and if he did, taking a chance were slim. He was an odds player, and those odds would be stacked high against him now. Paige withheld firing for now, waiting just until they would peek their heads out and try to advance under the assumption that she’d ran out. One of them took the bait, after what she assumed was much silent deliberation amongst his comrades. A rodian gradually stepped down the hallway blaster raised. Paige tried to wait for him to approach as closely as possibly to the blast door so another would show, but no dice.
A single shot blared itself into his forehead after he’d reach around three meters of the blast door, to far to reach out and snatch the blaster from his hand. A string of surprised gasp made there way down the passage from the Rodian’s fall. A few Rodian phases found a way to Paige’s ear here and there, mostly concerning the trick they’d fallen for, and how it couldn’t happen again. The exchanging fire died down quite a bit by now with the enemy choosing accurate blast to what could be weak points in the defense against a bombardment.
Days of uncertainty seemed to pass by while she waited in the room, however after checking her Cronus only the hour she’d given herself did. She had fallen to her last power cell, with was better then expected, however it seemed they now had a final plan to end it all. Paige could tell just be sneaking a eye between the blast door and the opening that a major move was about to be made. Standing in the center of the group of Rodian’s, apparently the primary foot soldiers, was a tall Twi’lek woman.
After exchanging in a quick discourse with the group she set her sights on the nearly sealed blast door at the end of the hall. Apparently she issued a warning to her comrades to move out of the way as she started down the hallway, a tactic Paige knew had to be a diversion, or perhaps a ploy to draw away her attention from a secondary assault. However still coming half way down the passage an yet no moment from any angle except for her steady approach.
Perhaps the Twi’lek was a force user and could easily bush aside a bolt with her powers, direction that stray attack back at its source. Under most situation’s Paige wouldn’t tempt fate, however she had confidence that she could pop a shot or two off without getting struck by the back bolt. Angling the weapon around the door whilst keeping any body parts from vision Paige fired three times, no cling or stark to indicate it had be returned, and no blast seconds later to confirm that.
Risking a peek Paige was surprised to see that all three shots skimmed by her, with just inches to spare as well, Did she dodge them? There were scorch marks on both walls to her flanks which would have suggested the bolts’ angle was tampered with. Before Paige could put more thought into it the twi’lek rushed forward moments before Paige had the opportunity to squeeze off another round. Reaching the blast door in an instant and launching her foot into the opening Paige was peeking out of the attack connected and lunged Paige’s body scrambling across the room, Colliding with the wall at the end of it.
As the initial surprise rolled off of her, Paige gradually rose to her feet gazing now, with blurred vision, at the not quite sealed blast door as two blue fingers inched around it and began to heave and pull it open, with prime success at that. No way could a normal Twl’lek have this much strength and speed, was she using stimpaks? Or perhaps she too had genetic enhancements, ether way the proof was evident in her. It only took a few more seconds to pry open the door, Paige having taken that time to swab the trail of blood running from her nose and forehead away.
The door flung open with a burst of energy, as the clamorous noise of scraping metal on metal reverberated from the base of the door and through the general area, running the length of the hall, the sound stopped with the crash of the blast door into its housing unit within the wall. In the mist of the excessive noise Paige dashed forward jumping mid-step and landing a solid blow in the Twi’lek’s midsection. The attack sent her in a tumble roll half way down the passage with a disappointingly silent stop.
The guards behind her lifted their blasters and readied to fire, the only thing which prevented them from doing so was the unexpected signal from the Twi’lek on the ground, she had managed to raise he right arm with two fingers halting the fire before gradually following her arm the Alien rose revealing a skin tight dark blue attire which closely resembled her skin color giving the illusion she was nude. Lowering her hand she gradually crouched down into her fighting position, no words needing to be exchanged it seemed. Paige on the other hand wanted answer.
“Who are you people, and what do you plan on doing here?” Her forced inquiry was met only with hostile aggression as Levitas bolted toward her baring a pair of short daggers as a agile slash consumed the space Paige he been occupying only a moment prior. She was unrealistically fast, and as evident from before, strong to match. She ran a finger along the hilt of Incendie keeping an eye on the Twi’lek’s next move.
Drev'starn, trade mission building, Security center.
“It appears we have company, Bovis, Secure the area, i do not want another bug infesting my plan.” The dark furred wookie granted him a gaze with a twitch of surprise in it, before speaking that obvious thought aloud. Obscurum was able to translate his language of grunts, roars, and general menacing sounds into basic and returned a simply answer.
“She can handle the intruder, you just concern yourself with what i tell you to.” The wookie retorted with a powerful roar with the basic phrasing of it returning to become an insult, one which took a stab at his leadership position, questioning rather or not he had the perspicacity to see this to the end. Suddenly his body appeared to disintegrate into shadows as he fell into the ground like a ghost. Before Bovis could locate him again Obscurum reappeared in front of his very eyes, now only inches away. He launched his left hand forward gripping the neck of the wookie and powering him down as the beast fell to its knees.
“I’m uncertain what aspect of my appearance leads you to the conclusion that i am foolish, or weak, or perhaps you carry your species reputation for ripping human limbs off as i free pass, But do not take that train of thought with my, animal! I could crush you in an instant, you insignificant parasite!” He increased the pressure around the wookies neck to the point that one could hear muscles giving way, and skin stretching. After a moment longer of the punishment Obscurum released his hold over the beast, Bovis dropping to the floor with a loud thud as the leader returned his view to the monitor depicting Paige and Levitas’ battle.
“Now you’ve made me miss the start of it, off with you, and if i should hear you speak out of line again do not expect me to be so lenient.” Several intense hacking sounds drifted from behind him as Obscurum bask in the feeling of excitement as the combat from the view-screen washed over him. On it, Levitas was pushing the attack, quickly summoning her two favorite toys to her hands and making an upward cut at the intruders jaw in an attempt to end it early.
Rather the evasion was skill on her part or Levitas following orders was unclear, however he got the feeling that this woman held more potential then he had originally projected. Levitas latched out once more, both blades going high, only this time instead of another quick step the cyborg choose to employ her own weapon, and oh such a magnificent one it was at that, he pondered if it were hand forged or not...no use in wondering, he’d get a chance to see for himself.
Catching both Sai by their prongs the cyborg now appeared to be in control of the situation, not even Levitas, with all her strength, could risk removing one for a undefended strike at her abdomen, the woman would simply press the attack at that exact point she removed one, and that could result in Levitas’ own defeat. It was for all intents and purposes a stalemate at that instant, however this one did not have the tendency to last. The cyborg sprang both legs into the air again striking Levitas center-mass, and again propelling her back, perhaps Esperer’s enhancements truly were superior to Levitas’ own.
The situation quickly turned from bad to worse as she continued with the attack, at this rate Levitas, one of his best overall subordinates, would be slain in combat without a chance to realize her true potential. He would have to intervene. Calling upon the souls trapped in the void, and again steeping himself in darkness, the man called fourth a perfect replicate before the Cyborg.
Witnessing it all from his monitor Obscurum saw his shadow clone lift one hand and project a single, massively immense and deeply corrupt, wave of force energy, it launching her back into the room she had made her stand, into the wall, and nearly through it. The clone turned to gaze upon the shocked figure of Levitas, whom had fallen to one knee aspiring toward forgiveness.
“Clean up here, bring her, alive, and collect her weapon.” Levitas was allowed a few more words of conciliation before he evaporated once again.
The vessel known facetiously has the Ms’ Thing gradually came to a landing on the out cost of the small fishing village call Fey'starn with little to no effort on the pilot’s part, that pilot was of course Khris Cada’s droid companion Charles. The custom built LOM-series protocol droid had distinct characteristics that has caused more then a few droid enthusiast to stop and take a few extra moments admiring the out side of the box thinking of whomever his designer was, and some even asked who built the droid.
While he would have liked to say Master Khris did, simply to get the aficionados off his case, that would be a lie. Khris had never taken a great liking to droids since his childhood, for one reason or the other, and therefore never really had the urge to own one, and definitely never construct one. Received has a wedding gift for Master Khris and his former wife Mistress Secret Revealed during their ceremony Charles sort have just fell into the family he now knew, unsure of how or why.
Now stepping out of the DeepWater-class light freighter only paces behind the two and their young child, master Ben, Charles new assignment since the master’s transformation into a functioning grownup shifted from watching him, to watching his son. To say it was an easier primary function would be an understatement, when Charles put the statistic of how many times he dragged Master Khris from a bar, or had to make patchy second hand repairs on the Ms Thing could never be counted by a human processor. Lost in the calculations Charles’ attention was brought forthright when he caught Master Khris’ voice.
“Charlie, what are ya doing? Get over here.” Standing a vast distance further then they had been Charles located the trio several yards north-east of his position slowly entering the village. Nodding to show he recognized Master Khris’ request Charles pulled his processor from the databank and cleared the distance separating him from the others within moments. Moving to the front of the group to address an issue he had spoken with Master Khris about only momentarily Charles began to broach the topic again now.
“Master do you think we could have my combat capabilities upgraded while were here?” Grunting with a sidewards glance Khris wrapped one large cloaked arm around Charles, whom had become like a brother toward the human by this point. Cracking his classic corellian smile Khris attempted to drop the idea, without sounding like he was outright shooting it down.
“Listen pal, that was a joke back on Nar shaddaa, your not meant to be fighting, that’s why i’m here. Now if i should get hurt or something...well we still have Secret.” Khris notably shifted his gaze off Charles and locked it onto a small figure behind the two before he removed his arm and began to speak again, only now addressing the child behind them.
“However i’d never get hurt, Cuz like you said buddy i’m a superhero!” Turning to watch Khris Charles saw him pick up young Ben and spin the child around holding him at a distance and gradually bringing him into a hug. After he finished reassuring the young master, whom Charles could only presume had grown concerned once Khris began to speak of injury befalling him, He turned his focus back on Charles.
“Now lets drop it for now, hun? Maybe continue this talk when Ben is sleeping.” Capable of a number of facial expressions thanks to his special design Charles pondered if he as showing signs of what human refer to has sadness. Granting a earnest nod in response Charles fell behind the others as Khris carried Ben on his shoulders while continuing a conversation with Secret, something about the growing conflict between the major galactic parties and his views on it.
Drev'starn, Intergalactic trade mission building, Penthouse.
The city moved with its own thump, its own rhythm, every few moments she could feel the heart of Drev’starn pulse again rushing another wave of blood through its vital systems, not the liver, kidney, or any other organ a organic of any species would have, but its own complex network of critical space ports, Military instillation's, hotels, restaurants, and more. At times Drev'starn seemed like a little coruscant, old coruscant, with a beatiful blue sky, friendly citizens, and clean air.
If anything it was almost better then Coruscant, Bothan’s knew what they were doing when it came to constructing a city. Luscious green parks and gardens fluttered not just the city but the planet. Seemingly untouched by the on going war between the Federation, the empire, and the mandalorians Bothawui seemed like a lost paradise stuck in the middle of all the fighting. Has she admired the truly gorgeous the sudden appearance of the shuttle owned by one Polus Quadus caught the spacer’s keen eye has it began landing at the base of the building.
The very Bothan she’d been waiting on, the former fed finally could gather the information she’d been hired to retrieve and move on. Polus had been in the bothan spy network since he was a child, growing up in the widely recognized greatest information network around the galaxy he knew of next to every figure in the galaxy, Rather he realized it or not. The Bothan exchanged several words in a obviously casual atmosphere with a few of the dock workers before starting toward the Intergalactic trade mission building with his assistant no more then a step behind him.
Moving away from the Transparisteel window the young woman took a seat on Polus’ entirely synthetic Bantha hide couch to await him comfortably from this point forward. twenty minutes later the blast door slid open revealing the large powerful form of Polus Quadus. The bothan’s rich black fur had been bushed back in the usual eloquent manner he choose to portray himself in, the single white line running up his spine to the single streak of white easily notable in his forehead remained the sole distinctive characteristic that Polus’ fur sported.
Why who do we have here, Paige Esperer!” Polus recited happily upon catching his first sight of the cyborg. Moving forward he offered one large right hand which Paige gladly rose to accept. excusing his adherent from the room Polus took up a chair opposite of Paige before continuing.
“Its always a wonder to see you, Paige, you know that.” The bothan offered the compliment as soon as he had poor himself a glass of tea, and offered Paige one, to which she began to politely decline “I really shouldn’t Ambassador, I wont have the time to finish it.” Raising a furrowed eyebrow at the notion Polus insisted.
“Nonsense. You simply must have a cup, i imported the tea straight from Mon cal.” Now her turn to raise a eyebrow Paige inspected the Tea momentarily looking over the color and the aruma of it, and finally offering. “So its calamarian C-tea?” Polus allowed a single nod before pouring her a cup and handing it to her directly.
“Now then, what are you here for?”
Drev'starn, trade mission building, lobby.
After hours of watching and waiting for his arrival the lookout finally sighted Polus Quadus, The bothan ambassader was said to be key to the up coming commission, and the immediate future of the syndicate of shadows, not to be confused with the short live shadow syndicate. Gag Umus, the rodian spy whom had been tasked with staking out the location for the last post, quickly reached for his comm-link to signal the others so has to begin the affair.
“The hath hound has entered his pin.” Gag Muttered into the Comm link now pressed to his blue lips. While he did attempt to make it look none conspicuous the Rodian had failed pretty badly at it, and had it not been for the many Bothan’s whom had more important business to attend to then some tourist, he might have been called out on it. After several tense moments of waiting for a reply Gag heard the cool tone of his superior over the crackling of the frequency.
“Excellent, Gag, keep an eye on our friend, i shall be there shortly.” Nodding furiously Gag realized that the boss hadn’t got the confirmation after several seconds of the visual acknowledgement, one to hastily remedy his mishaps Gag pressed the Comm link toward his mouth again replying.
“Of course, sir, of course.” After his confirmation the line went dead has the boss cut the frequency, has part of the instructions from that day earlier Gag presumed, limited communications. Fumbling the device back into its pouch on his belt, gag quickly threw his eyes back into the surrounding crowd of Bothans to pick out Polus. After scanning the harry beast for for only a few seconds Gag spotted that sleek black fur and knew it had to be the man he was looking for.
Fey'starn.
Fifteen minutes after they had arrived in the village proper Young master Ben had mentioned being hungry, and after a short debate between master Khris and mistress Secret, the two had decided on a restaurant suggested in the end by Charles. A wonderfully small Bothan eating establishment on the river front, “Hugor’s bar and grill” Promised fun for the whole family, and according to what Charles could dig up on the spot, had some of the best deals in town.
The group were seated at a table with Charles taking a position to the left of it with young master Ben. Secret and Khris took spots opposite them and within minutes a waiter appeared to take drink orders. Zoning out for the most part, considering Charles didn’t drink anyway, his processors again turned onto the combat upgrades he’d asked master Khris about, however this time it was not to analyze the boost in combat effectiveness he’d have, but instead the reason why he wanted it in the first place?
Was it that Charles feared master Khris couldn’t protect his newly formed family and the droid simply wanted to assist with that goal? surely not he would think considering the fact that Mistress Secret would fight every bit has hard, if not more furiously, then Master Khris to protect young Ben. so what then, did he now have concerns of fitting in with the trio? Secret had shown herself to be an amazing cook, able to keep house, and even retain Master Khris’ attention therefore preventing him from straying back to his old ways.
So then that had to be, Charles realized he feared deactivation due to a lack of essentiality that would lead to the joined decision to shut down his core processing units, which would thereby lead to a prominent state of standby mode. While he couldn’t quite calculate in its entirety what the would mean, Charles knew it had to be on par with what humans knew has “Death” That would, however, mean that ultimately what he was seeking was more from his “Life.” And to further that life he wanted to thus increase his list of capabilities.
More from life...he’d stumbled by the phrase a few different times since his initial activation but never quite understood what it meant, however now that he had begun to scrutinize the definition of his own “Life” Charles thought he’d acquired an insight into the psyche of most organic beings. They had the instinctual desire to live the most of their lives while they could before their inevitable deactivation. However Charles did not fact such a time boundary, it was entirely possible to remain active for hundreds, if not thousands, of years for a droid which would mean his worries were unfounded were they not?
His attention had been pulled back to the table where Masters Khris and Secret were seemingly trying to convince young Ben to eat, the young master having got the fact that since Charles did not eat nor did he have too. In an attempt to placate Ben Secret began a counter argument, one which was untrue in every word.
Charlie eats, he’s just shy abouts it and prefers to do so alone.” Secret offered stretching an arm across the table to direct Ben’s attention to Charle’s center body of mass, what would be a stomach.
“If he didn’t eat then why would he have a belly?” The question did stop Ben in his track has he tried to think of a reason to explain it. For several long seconds the five year old seemed to be contemplating some of life’s mysterious for himself, however contrary to that rogue notion his retort was ever so suited to a five year old.
“That’s only there for show!” Moving to quickly back up his mother’s claim Charles jumped into the exchange offering the truth behind the situation. “I’m afraid your mom is right master Ben, i do in fact eat. At night, a while after your bedtime i’m sorry to say” Ben pouted but did seem to accept the answer, or maybe it was just his real hunger getting the best of him.
Secret often continued with the order, of which the waiter had done his job and waited out the discussion the entire time. Ordering herself the Salar while Khris requested a Corellian spicebread sandwich stuffed with Nerf sausage, Ben ordering the children’s version of his father’s meal. Charles simply returned to his day dreaming taking a moment to acknowledge Secret, whom had mouthed the words “Thank you” to him while Ben was distracted by one of his Father’s bloated tales of adventure.
Drev'starn, trade mission building, Penthouse.
“I need your help finding someone.” Paige declared with a certain tone of urgency that arose with the level of importance the favor clearly had attached to it. Polus expression hardened once she breathed the words but he did not seem pessimistic regarding the chances of locating this person. Taking a moment to inhale and collect his thoughts Polus finally responded to the declaration.
“And who would this person be, may i ask?” pondered the large Bothan, understandably considering the fact that to his best knowledge Paige had no relative whom might be in trouble and need her assistance, and to that point she didn’t even know if she had relatives, which may be all the more reason she felt this needed to be done.
“I don’t know the girl in question, not personally, i learned from a reliable contact that she escaped from Bonadan the same day i did. Its been a long time since then, and i need to find her. According to the source she popped up on Nar shaddaa recently, however given the planet’s knack for loosing people in the stream i know that basic foot work alone wouldn’t be enough to find her.” The elaboration made the logic behind Esperer’s recent actions abundantly clear to Polus, whom had known Paige since she they meet at Naboo nearly a year ago.
“Alright then, i’ll see what can be done.” Polus ensured granting one large nod before returning his attention on the tea gazing his deep hazel eyes into the dark pool of liquid Polus did address the subject again, not shifting his vision from the tea cup. “Might i however inquiry as to why your so interested in finding this young woman?” Having just set a Datalog full of information that could be dug up on the table Paige looked up to face Polus, taking a moment to certify the rather simply reason herself.
“Because i was lucky, Seek found me took me in and helped me figure out what to do, but that doesn’t mean she had the same fortune, and i should repay the good luck i’ve receive.” Polus continued with his all knowing nod while listening, and taking into consideration, what Paige had to say. However regardless of what she had said the Bothan felt that her desire to assist this perfect stranger was due to something much deeper then Paige was letting on.
“Are you sure that’s the only reason?” He asked with a nonchalant way about his words. Glancing away she contemplated her own motives, perhaps there was the desire to seek a bond with another person, Paige half believed her emotions were artificial and craved a true connection to another being, perhaps this was her attempting to accomplish just that. However opting against voicing that ideal Paige instead gave a brisk head shake to indicate that nothing came to mind, and while Polus seemed to still have lingering thoughts on the matter but he too kept those to himself.
Drev'starn, trade mission building, lobby.
Both of the large blast doors slid open has a troop of twenty to thirty people rushed in clad in all black. Quickly the fact became more then clear, they weren’t here to discuss modern business and the prospects of opening trade routes to any number of systems as one of the aggressors, a female Twi'lek judging from what could be discerned simply from the extended chest and brain tail hanging behind her slender frame, slipped behind the security counter dispatching the armed guards and clerks alike with clod efficiency.
Immediately kicking in the door to the security center she continued her rampage knocking two more guards unconscious, one with a swift upper kick delivered to his jaw, and another with an undeniably impressive act of acrobatics first jumping off the nearby desk spinning around to catch his head with her elbow and between her hip then flipping him several feet into the air until he hit the ground hard. The last man in the room however was out of reach for any of her fancy moves and therefore a simple blaster bolt to the chest would be his permanent demise.
Stepping in front of a row of holo monitors she removed several hard dives from the computer and deactivated the remaining cameras in the building before swiftly snapping back into the other room, but not before pounding one of the waking guard’s skull into the ground on her way out. Quickly moving into the adjourning room she popped the electronic hard dives into a nanowave over sitting on the counter and turned it on for several minutes allow the devices to cook and fray any still image or type it caught of them.
While she handled things in the back several other troopers clad in a similar attire, black heavy clothes with gas mask covering their face, moved quickly to intercept anyone attempting to call for help on their commlinks, or flee. Swiftly one of the apparent robbers jumped on a desk and fired into the air giving the denizens in the room one chance to comply without hostile aggression.
“Nobody fucking move, get on the mother fucking floor! Don’t try any shit and we won’t have to fucking shoot you! My friends here are going to circle the room taking any and all electronics, give them up nicely and you wont get fucking hurt, understand!” While the mention of getting on the floor seemed unneeded considering the rounds fired into the air seemed like more then enough convincing, the soldier had to fallow a script.
Close to everyone in the room did as was ordered, except for one though guy whom was quickly taken down a notch when Vesica knocks his footing out from under him and slammed his face against the floor until he was a bloody mess, at which point she continued to until at last Bovis stepped in stopping her, and the message that any other potential heroes had only the same fate awaiting them became more then abundantly obvious. It only took minutes to do it, but the ground floor lobby was under control, however long it felt. Has the large man Bovis removed his huge cloak the fact that he was a wookie suddenly became obvious, before having looked only to be a large human the fact was now clear.
Moving into the security center where the quick as lightning Twi'lek Levitas had been overseeing things Bovis gave a low mumble to get her attention before speaking up, asking why Obscurum would hire people like them, sane people, and then someone like her?
“He brought together a group of individuals whom he saw capable of completing the required conditions set before him.” She answered plainly hitting a few switches to overload a computer terminal on the third floor, thus knocking out an entire room of secondary security units. After that was done Levitas gave the signal to commence the secondary phase, and indicated to Obscurum that it was clear to enter the building.
Instantly She witnessed him emerge from the shadow of a nearby building, clearly in sight of the exterior security cameras yet totally imperceptible. Heading toward the building one noticed a moment later the appearance of several black HAVw A6 Juggernaut transport from which even more soldiers burst forth from and hastily set up a perimeter around the building. Turning her attention back to Obscurum, Levitas realized she couldn’t find him on the monitor. And had lost complete track of until she heard his voice from directly behind her.
“What’s the situation?”
Orbiting Nal hutta, Victory II-Class Star Destroyer Inferno, bridge.
“What are we looking at?” The young captain said stepping on deco with one hand raised to suppress anyone from calling officer on deck, however regardless of his gesture the announcement still rang throughout the bridge. Zander Kross turned to face the young hotshot who shouted it with a quizzical look.
“I had made certain it would be clear no introduction was necessary, what did you think this meant?” He repeated the hand gesture, a seldom waving off with one hand held high in the air. However regardless of what Kross said the bridge remained locked in place with a salute. Giving up after a moment Zander returned it, to no avail. Instead of continuing to make himself look like a fool the old tone of Colin Quinn choked in behind him.
“They’re not saluting you, boy.” Snapping to attention Zander spun around to face Colin with a grin. He must have followed just behind him. Quinn returned the salute and got things moving again on deck, walking with Zander another several feet until they reached a nice spot to gaze out the transparisteel view port, on the way Zander continued the conversation.
“What are you doing on the deck, Colin?” The question came with the fact that Quinn generally remained in his chambers, especially during small time recon operations like this one. However now he carried a sly step in his walk and a questionable grin across his aged features.
“We’ve got us an actually assignment, boyo. Seems a distress signal was picked up coming from the Bothawui space, and we’re closest. So we are headed there.” Zander accepted the Colonel’s word, it was not hard considered he’d been like a father to him for several years. However the realization did strike Kross after turning his back on Colin.
“How did you hear about this distress signal before i did, I’ve been on and off the bridge all day, while you’ve been reading in you quarters for most of it?”
*Lets just say i have my ways, Kid.”
Bothawui, Fey'starn, hours later.
Laying in a large empty field under the cover of various clouds forming shapes that appeared different to whomever might attempt and decipher their hidden code, Charles was again put on kiddie patrol having to venture outside with young Ben for his enjoyment. Khris and Secret remained inside the farm house they’d taken residence in for the duration of the trip. The young master quickly wore himself out from playing darth Revan and the star forge adventures and now laid back and watched the sky with Charles, surely his only worry being when dinner was. For Charles however his processors still weighted heavy with the idea of fulfilling a more significant rule in the lives of Khris and Secret, or just making a greater difference in general before he was permanently deactivated.
Fortunately for the droid however the sudden jump to attention of Ben pulled his processor off the subject and back into the now. “What’s the matter Young master Ben?” Charles inquired has Ben lifted his noise to the wind almost like he smelled troubled in the air. After a moment his large brown eyes fell upon the droid has he replied.
“I think Daddy is upset.” Charles now rose propping his arm beneath him for stability has he gazed at Ben wondrously. He opened his mouth to ask however before the words could be uttered Ben started back toward the house his little legs running at full speed. Opting to fallow Charles lifted himself from the ground and made quick pace to catch up with Ben, who was still halfway to the house which was another good thirty meters in front of them.
Reaching the door several seconds later Ben threw it open and ran directly for his mothers arms as it appeared the feeling he got only intensified since the initial mention of it. Secret stood at the other end of the room with Khris between her and Charle sitting on a stole focused without another care on the planet on the holo-screen before him. On it was the image of what Charles databank registered Intergalactic trade mission building. On the screen stood a tale dark haired Serrocoan woman, well endowed to say the least. She was briefing the viewers on the situation that was unfolding behind her.
“This is Suki Usotsuki reporting live from just outside the Intergalactic trade mission. over the last several hours a hostage situation has begun to unfold with all Major roads to the building blocked by A6 Juggernaut transports which to not belong to local state or government powers. While attempts have been made to contact the group, or individual inside to seek demands and attempt to learn what the terrorist what have been made none have been successful. That is why we come to you now live and exclusively from the scene of the action to get a glimpse at what is happening, keeping in mind that local authorities have advised against approach due to an incident earlier today.”
The holocam began to move closer to the building has Khris mutter some profanity under his breath about the warning probably being in good nature, and there for a clear reason. Remaking at one point that the woman was a complete air head who’s breast were bigger then her brain, and at the end of the rant he received a harsh strike across the back of his head has Secret reminded him of Ben’s presence. Khris began to apologize and explain how grownups could use and say hateful things like that, however Charles quickly silenced them pointing their attention back at the screen, remaking that something was happening.
“The building seems-wait what’s this? someone is coming out of the trade mission!” The blast door slid to a open at a crawling pace has the slim but powerful build of what, at first glance, Charles took to be a human male exited through the door. If one had a keen ear they could hear the camera man questioning rather or not they should stay out in the open, to which Suki told him to shut it and keep recording. The building behind him was completely dark one could tell, not even flashlights shone in the dark. He turned around waving a hand across the opening of the door it fallowing a moment later.
“An audience, how excellent.” The voice was not that of Suki Usotsuki, nor her camera man, but instead the man whom stood at the top of the stairs leading into the trade mission. He reversed his stance now facing forward again staring into the Camera, two perfectly round dark circular shapes taking the steed of his eyes. Taking a few carefully paced steps until reaching the very brim of the stairs the figure finally addressed the camera crew.
“Let this serve as a warning to anyone else foolish enough to dare try and interfere with us.” He remained perfectly calm throughout the sentence and took a moment to gaze emotionless down at the two before fabricating a single exaggerated facial expression, veins forming around his eye as he exerted some amount of concentration on one member of the party. The result was a stomach turning splat as red filled the area around the female reporter and the camera fell to the ground.
A woman’s scream could be heard as the holocamera hit the ground and toppled sideways the picture still managing a shot at the man standing tall atop the stairway as if a god. The Serrocoan woman dropped to her knees as she could be heard weeping. The shadowy man placed a single foot down the first step before making a lightning fast moment that the eye couldn’t even follow. A moment later the shoot was hear as shouts began ringing out from the courtyard across the building, however the camera remained focused on the entry into the Intergalactic trade mission.
Gunfire could be made out moments later as the force wielder lifted both hands into the air, with it several smaller speeders picking up, along with the camera and other small objects. Now spinning in circles only bits and pieces of the following could be made out by Khris, Secret, and Charles, Ben having been sent to his room moments earlier. The man slowly extended both hands forward, the various objects he’d amassed flying after them in unison. The cries and screams that singled their anguish and eventual death were all that could be heard after the initial impact, which the Holocamera seemed to have survived, however now the picture was only that of a fallen troopers helmet.
After what seemed like the longest minutes of their lives the sounds of battle finally stopped and only the chilling beat of footsteps could still be made out. Gradually they grew louder and louder until the camera lens shuffled about and found its focus on the face of the dark force wielder. His sun glasses had made their way from his face now revealing two burning red irises. They were unmistakable eyes, and like a hundred thousand pounds of duracrate the revaluation struck Khris hard.
“As i said, i would not encourage anymore reporters, or solders, from entering a ten block radius of the Trade center...Otherwise the hostages might face misfortune.” The feed cut out after he ushered the last word leaving the news station to further elaborate on the situation at hand. a click signaled the end of the holomonitor all together as Secret set the remote down on the table and moved to Khris’ left side, having apparently sensed his jolt of shock, and recognition.
“Was that who i thought it was?” She asked gingerly placing a hand on his back and shoulder. Khris slapped his hand into his face, considering the odds it appeared. After a few minutes Khris finally came to his conclusion looking up to face Secret.
“It’s gotta be him. I thought, i hoped, he had died. Seems i was wrong.” Charles moved in closer, uncertain who it was they were talking about. A former acquaintance of Master Khris was the person in the video? That didn’t seem probable, Khris, while having a few unsavory friends, wouldn’t be a known associate of someone who appeared to be a Sith. Secret seemed to know who he was talking about as well, asking only one question, and not the first one Charles thought of.
“So what do you want to do?” While he may not have seen it, Charles noticed the tender look of concern Secret had glossed across his features, the look indicated, the droid could tell, that this was a hard topic for Khris.
“I, no we, have to handle him, its partially my fault he’s like this and i am one of few people who could hope to deal with him on Bothawui right now, maybe if the jedi were nearby i could leave it to them. But it doesn’t seem that way.”
Drev'starn, trade mission building.
Hours had passed within the building with the two at the top floor having gone uninterrupted while Polus conducted his search. An express of anxiety flooded his features along with a hint of fear. Paige couldn’t place why he seemed worried, and more then that, so jittery. She rose, crossing the room in only a few steps, to take up a position next to him. Just as she was going to ask him what was concerning him Polus burst fourth as he called out the success of his search.
“I’ve found her!” Paige got to her feet only an instant later as he handed her the Datapad and watch as she carried it back to her original position returning to her seat, Polus, too, took back his spot at the end of the couch as he witnessed her eyes scan the data displayed before her. After several moments of memorizing it all Paige pulled out her own Datapad, regardless of if she actually needed it or not, and copied the files over, which consisted of several police reports, a few holo-vids, her name, photo, and background up until she disappeared, and an assortment of other information.
“Thank you. Polus, you have no idea how much this-”
Suddenly a loud crash interrupted the conversation between the cyborg, and the bothan, just as Paige began to get to her feet in order to return the device. The blast door, which led into the room, had been blow open as two armed invaders matched through the opening blasters raised high. Immediately Paige reacted to the forward assault almost as instantly as it came jumping to her feet and pulling one of the two weapons she had on her at the time out ready to fire.
Between the dust and swell of confusion that raised from the initial charge one could hardly see or hear anything, one of the armed men was shouting something aloud, not exactly to his partner, but to serve as a warning to any would be heroes. Instead of giving them a chance to take herself and Polus, and probably group them with any more potential Captives, She flipped out from behind the large plush chair and snapped off two blast, one striking each center mass.
The two quickly fell, each with a thud and a gasp of surprise as Paige rose to her feet to check the bodies. Stepping over to them she placed her two forefingers on the nick of each, though aliens they still would have a pulse. Which, after a moment of searching, was still there. The stun blast had worked. Paige quickly peeked her head out of the large hole in the door checking down both sides of the hallway for anymore intruders; all clear.
“Who are these fiends?” Polus began to ask as she stepped back inside. Paige shuffled through their pockets briefly trying to glean a clue for herself before allowing an answer to the question. After a few moments of searching with no results she finally stood back to her full height and replied. “I dunno, but i intend to find out.”
Paige wrapped both arms around one of them heaving him up and propping him against a wall before repeating the process with the next. She gave Polus a sideways glance as the need to search the room rose. “We need to find something to tie them with, help me look.” Staggering in his seat slightly at the request Polus jumped too it quickly making his way across the room and digging around a storage closet emerging a few moments later with rope.
Paige didn’t bother to ask why it was there, instead she simply got to work on tying the too down. A few moments later after she had finished with that Paige got to her feet and started out the blast door. “Where are you headed?” Polus inquired before she had stepped out of the doorway. Paige shifted slightly. “To find out who, or what, we’re up against, keep watch over those two, i know your more then capable of handing yourself Polus.” The Bothan gave her a silent nod and allowed Paige to be on her way.
Slipping through the doorway and down the hall was no problem for someone of her skill set, however this assignment would have to be one of stealth considering the lack of solid knowledge on the enemy, right now all she knew was that they were low level thugs, and had at the very least Duros and Rodian members considering the last two. Paige traversed the corridor with caution checking over corner and looking over her shoulder more then a few times to insure someone didn’t step out of another of the rooms. Considering how these were the penthouses reserved for high ranking members of the Trade mission it was obvious that it was probably the last, though possibly the most important target for the gangsters.
Assuming they came from the guard floor up it would also explain why the building seemed to be on lock down, as Paige went down in floors so did signs of life. That was until she hit the medium of the building, its exact center. Where several Male and Female Bothans, for the most part, were strung around the room blind folded and cuffed. A few guards were scattered across the large conference hall keeping taps on their prisoners. Shadows could be seen moving around in a nearby room with windows, the control center for whatever would normally be presented here apparently.
Paige noticed that odd fact that all of these guards were also aliens, a large wookie, two Gamorreans, a Trandoshan, and a Twi'lek female. perhaps it was some alliance of species for the oppression they’d face from the empire, however this would be the wrong target to strike back at the imperials, enclave or Neo Empire. The Twi’lek and wookie seemed to be in a heated debate in the corner of the room, about what it would be impossible to tell. Paige crept back out of the room from the same elevated position she had entered from and continued down the stairs until reaching the bottom floor.
More guards along with a larger number of prisoners, perhaps indicating that those upstairs were of higher important then the commoners who would come in and out at any time and just happened to get caught up in the hostage situation. And yet again Paige took note that all the armed guards were alien, perhaps this was some stand against Speciesism, the specific target this time being the Bothan species?
“Look, an intruder!” The alarmed voice sounded out from behind Paige, two Aliens, a Twi'lek, and a Rodian, drew the attention toward Paige, who was easily identified not being an alien. Her fist instinct was to run, and she followed her gut. Paige pulled her blaster out fired two shots at the pair down the hall as she headed toward them, both missed but hitting them wasn’t the point. While in the process of dodging Paige moved close enough to lay both out bare handed before heading back to the stairwell, with footsteps behind her.
Bothawui space, Victory II-Class Star Destroyer Inferno, Bridge.
The ship snapped back into real space in an instant without so much as a creek forward, something Zander had always thought there should be, it didn’t feel right without one. Immediately the technicians on deck scrambled to reestablish the ship’s systems one at a time. Gradually the shut down phase ended and everything was back up to snuff. Zander hadn’t bothered asking for a channel to the planet until then, but once he heard they were all green the order was issued an instant later.
“Sir, i’ve patched a line with the Drev’starn security force, standing by for you.” Zander marched across the deck quick taking the headpiece in hand and wrapping it around both ears positioning the mic over his mouth. The Comms officer counted down the seconds until he was through with his hand, five, four, three, two. “This is Zander Kross with the Sith Enclave, what’s the situation on the ground?” his voice carried a edged tone to it, however that was only from nerves not trying to look cool, The voice on the other end popped in through static the sketchy noise mingling with his voice.
“What’s the Enclave doing in the mid-rim, i thought you lot were held up in the deep core?” The clearly Bothan voice was deep and powerful, it nearly sounded like he was ready to strangle him through the channel. “Lets just say we’ve been held up. Now tell me what’s going on down there?” Zander could make out a dry cough before the Bothan responded.
“We’ve got a hostage crisis from the look of things, so far no demands have been made and the only contact we’ve had thus far was through a hostile attack, by what we thought was a Sith.” A ever so slight accusing tone could be detected by Zander even through the static of the line, but the mention of a sith did puzzle the captain. He gazed unfocused toward the main entryway contemplating who it could be when he caught sight of Colin shuffling in and put the headset down moving toward him at a rushed pace.
“Colin-” He was interrupted by the Colonel’s snap tone before he could continue. “Colonel, or Quinn in public, boy, how many times do i have to tell ya?” He reminded moving passed Zander forcing him to walked on his left wing. Waving off the mistake Kross continued. “Right, right, next time i’ll get it. Until then do you know if Lord Malum sent someone to Bothawui?” Colin seemed surprised, albeit mildly, at the news as well, and he was who decided to stick with Malum, which put Zander under the assumption he had an idea at what kind of plans he had.
“No, none that i know of. I take it there is a Sith on the planet then?” Zander nodded before heading back to the mic, on the line the Bothan chief was requesting to know what had happened to him, Zander cut in without regard to his wonderment. “Sorry about that, bad connection. Listen beam us a set of coordinate we’ll send relief.” Zander received a confirmation from the Bothan and within moments got his LZ. “Ready a landing party, Kappa-class shuttle fully loaded, and make sure there’s room for me and Quinn.” He ordered a female officer standing behind him before picking up and meeting with Colin again.
“So tell me why, why are we trying to help the Bothans?” His inquiry was spoken in a hushed tone as he stepped within a few feet of Colin. The Colonel shifted around a moment starring at Bothawui hanging in the blackness of space without any assistance before finally working up an answer. “Because maybe if we help the people with the greatest intelligence network in the galaxy then they’ll return the favor?”
Zander couldn’t argue with that logic, though he didn’t know if it would actually work out that way. “Plus i like the fish.” Colin added methought with a joking smile.
Bothawui, Ms Thing, Headed for Drev'starn.
Charlie gazed onward as Khris and Secret suited up for battle, Secret was clad in her usual attire when attending a mission, all black nearly skin tight leather jumpsuit, generally black for the shake that it was best for blending in at night. The only other thing she carried was her lightsaber, hanging from her utility belt as it should be. Khris on the other hand didn’t change what he had on so much as he rearranged them, A simple black T-shirt with pants, what he always wore, only he threw on his green Core-sec jacket and blaster holster along with grabbing his master’s lightsaber, having yet to reconstruct one of his own, and odds were he never would.
The pair had been discussing a strategy for getting in, stopping the robbery, or whatever it was, saving the hostages, and getting back out without casualty. Ideas ranged from dropping in from the roof, to approaching from underground and making their way up. However in the end the decision came to landing on street level a few blocks away from the trade center and approaching on foot.
The immediate ten blocks around the building had been evacuation and quarantined by the Bothawuian military police, which would mean to not be shot down Khris would have to address a commanding officer and tell them he was a Jedi knight, Something he hated doing considering it was a lie. The ship, which was on auto-pilot Charles knew for a fact, came to a gradually stop at the boarder established by the Bothan military. The primary outpost for the crisis it was the best place to get the go ahead.
Charles was excited to get out and do something, find some meaning for his existence, and for that reason was the first one in line at the hatch waiting for the ship to completely touch down before opening it, however once the quiet thud rang about the interior he was forced to wait further as Khris and Secret returned from insuring young master Ben was asleep in his room, something Charles had assured them of much earlier.
“Alright lets go, pal.” He announced nodding toward the door as Charles hit the control panel cracking the seal and gradually opened the old hatch. As the natural light flooded in from the full moon high in the sky slowly the base could be viewed fully. Men and woman working frantically to set up supplies, ensure the had the consumables needed to wait this out, and switching posts as the time arrived.
The trio stepped down with what Charles would consider grace, however a few stumbles on his master’s part ruined the moment for the droid. Secret closed the hatch before they continued onward entering the bases primary hub with a few sideways glances from the troopers. Voices could be heard as soon as they entered, however they were not addressing the new arrivals. Instead a rather young looking male human officer stood with his commander, an older gentlemen with wrinkles that foretold of his experience and grayed hair to show he survived some scary shit, or had children that drove him to them.
“We will handle this supposed ‘Sith’ on our own, conclude any operations you have going on and pull any men you may or may not have on the field back, that is an order.” The younger officer seemed brash and at the end of his patience, demanding things from a proud race of people like Bothans was not the way to deal with them. “Don’t listen to the boy, he’s a little hot under the collar. Just know that if you should see the need for it, we have additional men and firepower ready to assist you however possible.” The older man said cutting in stopping the argument from further escalating. “We’ll be in our shuttle should you need us.” He said finishing the conversation before pulling his comrade out of the room, treating Secret, Khris, and Charles to a warm smile on his way passed.
“What was that all about?” He whispered to Secret leaning closer in to insure the question didn’t go any further. “I dunno.” She answered with the same hushed tone before the tone advanced to speak with the brown haired Bothan police commander. Both took his hand and gave it a hardy shake before anything was discussed.
“Now listen, Shar.” Secret began, deciding it best she did the talking. “We’re both Jedi knights, and we know what’s going on right now. So hear me out please.” Khris cringed at the jedi knight line but seemed to make it through alright, as Shar gestured for her to continue. “We want to maybe map out the situation, decide on what can be done, then relay it back to you.” His features seemed to furrow at the suggestion as he rose to his feet calmly.
“And how do you plan to relay this information?” Khris looked stomped when Shar turned his attention on him to answer the question. A slow gown rose from his gut as he contemplated an answer, Secret looked about ready to cut in until the Bothan raised a hand still waiting for Khris to answer the question. Charles looked in with a strange sensation of joy at watching his master squirm before a idea crossed his circuitry. “Why, me of course!” He proclaimed like it was the plan all along, And Khris jumped on the bandwagon.
“Ah, yeah, yes, totally. My droid here can transmit audio files, and you could probably replay whatever he sees.” The Bothan seemed satisfied with the answer, but choose to still give the droid a brief inspection. Afterward he was sure and gave the two their military sanction as hoped. “Quick thinking there, hotshot.” Khris said wrapping an arm around Charles as the three walked out of the building.
“Maybe if you remembered our datapads we wouldn’t of had to have him save you.” Secret insisted as she stepped through the blast door back into the night. Before another word could be spoken the two noticed their unfortunate situation. Dark troopers were lined up single file in a circle around the entrance waiting for them. “I’m afraid i can’t let a pair of jedi slip by, its my duty to apprehend you.” The voice couldn’t be put to a face, but it did sound familiar.
Khris and Secret snapped their sabers on adding a splash of silver and gold from each into the darkness. The steady hiss from each hummed a quiet tune which mixed with their panicked heartbeat and hastened breathing to form a symphony of distrait sounds until the young officer from before emerged from his troop’s line.
“What do you want with us?” Secret asked across the slow hum of the saber and the slowly beating drops of rain sparking off both sabers now and again forming pockets of steam. “I am with the Enclave, and Lord Malum would definitely want to talk with a pair of jedi knights.” He lifted a hand as a precursor to his gesture to fire. Khris concentrated his gaze on Zander.
“Make your move...” The former knight whispered to himself waiting to spring into action.
“Set for stun, Malum will surely want them alive.” The majority of troops could be heard flicking the weapons into none lethal mode just as Zander began to drop his hand. “Hold your fire!” The old man from before barked across the base as he closed in. “What are you doing, boy? They barely want us here as it is, and you go starting fights.” He said addressing Zander before looking at Khris and Secret issuing the troops a command. “Put your guns down, let them be.”
“What!?” The kid shouted demanding a further explanation. He moved in on Colin as if making a threatening motion but the ploy afforded no reaction from the Senior commander. “Get back to the shuttle, all of ya. And you, boy, you and i are going to have a chat about you behavior.” The soldiers slowly, and unassuredly, lowered their weapons and moved on following the footsteps of the two officers to their ship. Snapping their blade off Khris and Secret looked at each other bewildered.
“Looks like we dodged a close one.” He said with an obvious sign of relief before grabbing Secret’s hand. “Now, c’mon lets get this show on the road.” Charles followed in line keeping a quick pace with Khris as the three made their way back to the Ms. Thing.
Drev'starn, trade mission building.
Shots rang out from across the vast corridor from opposite ends as the plunderers amassed at one end of it, and Paige sealed herself in one of the rooms down the hallway. The blast door remained partially opened after a strain blaster bolt struck the exterior control panel, to compensate she staked whatever blaster resistant pieces of furniture she could locate in the room against the opened area, leaving just enough room to peek her hand out and fire off a shot now and again.
The situation quickly grew bleak, the fact was obvious, she only had one gun, and only a few more energy cells, there would be no why she’d last theses guys outs. And apparently they had sealed most, if not all, the windows shut much earlier, using high grade durasteel plating with an equally high quality of power drills. Plus taking into account the possibility that they had explosives of their own, or concocted a strategy to storm in before she ran out, meant that any time between now and, given the amount of cells she had, an hour from now, they could capture her.
While there was a remote possibility the chances of Polus actually following after her, and if he did, taking a chance were slim. He was an odds player, and those odds would be stacked high against him now. Paige withheld firing for now, waiting just until they would peek their heads out and try to advance under the assumption that she’d ran out. One of them took the bait, after what she assumed was much silent deliberation amongst his comrades. A rodian gradually stepped down the hallway blaster raised. Paige tried to wait for him to approach as closely as possibly to the blast door so another would show, but no dice.
A single shot blared itself into his forehead after he’d reach around three meters of the blast door, to far to reach out and snatch the blaster from his hand. A string of surprised gasp made there way down the passage from the Rodian’s fall. A few Rodian phases found a way to Paige’s ear here and there, mostly concerning the trick they’d fallen for, and how it couldn’t happen again. The exchanging fire died down quite a bit by now with the enemy choosing accurate blast to what could be weak points in the defense against a bombardment.
Days of uncertainty seemed to pass by while she waited in the room, however after checking her Cronus only the hour she’d given herself did. She had fallen to her last power cell, with was better then expected, however it seemed they now had a final plan to end it all. Paige could tell just be sneaking a eye between the blast door and the opening that a major move was about to be made. Standing in the center of the group of Rodian’s, apparently the primary foot soldiers, was a tall Twi’lek woman.
After exchanging in a quick discourse with the group she set her sights on the nearly sealed blast door at the end of the hall. Apparently she issued a warning to her comrades to move out of the way as she started down the hallway, a tactic Paige knew had to be a diversion, or perhaps a ploy to draw away her attention from a secondary assault. However still coming half way down the passage an yet no moment from any angle except for her steady approach.
Perhaps the Twi’lek was a force user and could easily bush aside a bolt with her powers, direction that stray attack back at its source. Under most situation’s Paige wouldn’t tempt fate, however she had confidence that she could pop a shot or two off without getting struck by the back bolt. Angling the weapon around the door whilst keeping any body parts from vision Paige fired three times, no cling or stark to indicate it had be returned, and no blast seconds later to confirm that.
Risking a peek Paige was surprised to see that all three shots skimmed by her, with just inches to spare as well, Did she dodge them? There were scorch marks on both walls to her flanks which would have suggested the bolts’ angle was tampered with. Before Paige could put more thought into it the twi’lek rushed forward moments before Paige had the opportunity to squeeze off another round. Reaching the blast door in an instant and launching her foot into the opening Paige was peeking out of the attack connected and lunged Paige’s body scrambling across the room, Colliding with the wall at the end of it.
As the initial surprise rolled off of her, Paige gradually rose to her feet gazing now, with blurred vision, at the not quite sealed blast door as two blue fingers inched around it and began to heave and pull it open, with prime success at that. No way could a normal Twl’lek have this much strength and speed, was she using stimpaks? Or perhaps she too had genetic enhancements, ether way the proof was evident in her. It only took a few more seconds to pry open the door, Paige having taken that time to swab the trail of blood running from her nose and forehead away.
The door flung open with a burst of energy, as the clamorous noise of scraping metal on metal reverberated from the base of the door and through the general area, running the length of the hall, the sound stopped with the crash of the blast door into its housing unit within the wall. In the mist of the excessive noise Paige dashed forward jumping mid-step and landing a solid blow in the Twi’lek’s midsection. The attack sent her in a tumble roll half way down the passage with a disappointingly silent stop.
The guards behind her lifted their blasters and readied to fire, the only thing which prevented them from doing so was the unexpected signal from the Twi’lek on the ground, she had managed to raise he right arm with two fingers halting the fire before gradually following her arm the Alien rose revealing a skin tight dark blue attire which closely resembled her skin color giving the illusion she was nude. Lowering her hand she gradually crouched down into her fighting position, no words needing to be exchanged it seemed. Paige on the other hand wanted answer.
“Who are you people, and what do you plan on doing here?” Her forced inquiry was met only with hostile aggression as Levitas bolted toward her baring a pair of short daggers as a agile slash consumed the space Paige he been occupying only a moment prior. She was unrealistically fast, and as evident from before, strong to match. She ran a finger along the hilt of Incendie keeping an eye on the Twi’lek’s next move.
Drev'starn, trade mission building, Security center.
“It appears we have company, Bovis, Secure the area, i do not want another bug infesting my plan.” The dark furred wookie granted him a gaze with a twitch of surprise in it, before speaking that obvious thought aloud. Obscurum was able to translate his language of grunts, roars, and general menacing sounds into basic and returned a simply answer.
“She can handle the intruder, you just concern yourself with what i tell you to.” The wookie retorted with a powerful roar with the basic phrasing of it returning to become an insult, one which took a stab at his leadership position, questioning rather or not he had the perspicacity to see this to the end. Suddenly his body appeared to disintegrate into shadows as he fell into the ground like a ghost. Before Bovis could locate him again Obscurum reappeared in front of his very eyes, now only inches away. He launched his left hand forward gripping the neck of the wookie and powering him down as the beast fell to its knees.
“I’m uncertain what aspect of my appearance leads you to the conclusion that i am foolish, or weak, or perhaps you carry your species reputation for ripping human limbs off as i free pass, But do not take that train of thought with my, animal! I could crush you in an instant, you insignificant parasite!” He increased the pressure around the wookies neck to the point that one could hear muscles giving way, and skin stretching. After a moment longer of the punishment Obscurum released his hold over the beast, Bovis dropping to the floor with a loud thud as the leader returned his view to the monitor depicting Paige and Levitas’ battle.
“Now you’ve made me miss the start of it, off with you, and if i should hear you speak out of line again do not expect me to be so lenient.” Several intense hacking sounds drifted from behind him as Obscurum bask in the feeling of excitement as the combat from the view-screen washed over him. On it, Levitas was pushing the attack, quickly summoning her two favorite toys to her hands and making an upward cut at the intruders jaw in an attempt to end it early.
Rather the evasion was skill on her part or Levitas following orders was unclear, however he got the feeling that this woman held more potential then he had originally projected. Levitas latched out once more, both blades going high, only this time instead of another quick step the cyborg choose to employ her own weapon, and oh such a magnificent one it was at that, he pondered if it were hand forged or not...no use in wondering, he’d get a chance to see for himself.
Catching both Sai by their prongs the cyborg now appeared to be in control of the situation, not even Levitas, with all her strength, could risk removing one for a undefended strike at her abdomen, the woman would simply press the attack at that exact point she removed one, and that could result in Levitas’ own defeat. It was for all intents and purposes a stalemate at that instant, however this one did not have the tendency to last. The cyborg sprang both legs into the air again striking Levitas center-mass, and again propelling her back, perhaps Esperer’s enhancements truly were superior to Levitas’ own.
The situation quickly turned from bad to worse as she continued with the attack, at this rate Levitas, one of his best overall subordinates, would be slain in combat without a chance to realize her true potential. He would have to intervene. Calling upon the souls trapped in the void, and again steeping himself in darkness, the man called fourth a perfect replicate before the Cyborg.
Witnessing it all from his monitor Obscurum saw his shadow clone lift one hand and project a single, massively immense and deeply corrupt, wave of force energy, it launching her back into the room she had made her stand, into the wall, and nearly through it. The clone turned to gaze upon the shocked figure of Levitas, whom had fallen to one knee aspiring toward forgiveness.
“Clean up here, bring her, alive, and collect her weapon.” Levitas was allowed a few more words of conciliation before he evaporated once again.
