Dark Times - Fading Light

**Act I: DESCENDING INTO DARKNESS**

**"Gimme 20 creds on the kid, he looks scrappy!"**

**"Are you spaced?! The red-head there is going to mop the floor with'm, one arm and all! You're on!"**

The training atrium is a buzz of activity as a pair of Jedi trainees prepare themselves to spar at its center. One is a grey-eyed youth just entering his teen years wielding a blue-bladed lightsaber with a handled that is longer than his arm. The other is a red-haired young woman approaching her middle-teen years. In one hand shield wields a green-bladed lightsaber, while her other hand is oddly missing all the way to her elbow joint. Several other initiates and padawans sit in a circle around the the sandy dueling pit, varying degrees of perspiration coating their foreheads. A mottled collection of Republic personnel and adherents of other force-using paths also gather around the pit, credits changing hands in discreet, and not-so discreet, wagers on the sparring matches.

Both turn to bow and salute to a massive Feeorin Jedi Master, who acknowledges them with nothing more than a simple nod before returning his attention to the maintenance of his meditation garden, a small Ithorian girl potting plants at his side. Behind him in a separate portion of the garden is a tall, shirtless youth who appears to be stacking and arranging large rocks by hand. Sweat drenches the padawans dark skin, and every so often he looks over toward the ensuing sparring match and gives a wry shake of his head before he returns to his rock arranging.

A soldier steps away from the throng of onlookers and approaches the Feeorin, the red-badging on his shoulder showing him to be an officer, and the numerous medals adorning his chest plate show him to be a well decorated one at that. He spares an amused glance for the padawan stacking rocks before he shakes his head and snaps off a crisp salute to the Jedi Master.

**"New orders'll be coming in soon General, I'm going to get the men ready. What'd the kid do?"**

The soldier, a clone by the look of him, inclines his head slightly toward the youth, although he keeps his voice low for the Jedi Master's ears only.

**"Nothing."**

**"Nothing?"**

The clone trooper's brow furrows and he looks back at the youth and then at the Feeorin, his eyebrow quirked in askance.

**"Nothing. Padawan Torendau has some things to work out for himself. This is one of the ways he works them out."**

Frowning, the clone commander takes another look at the padawan, and indeed the youth's bearing and the fervor with which he carries out his exercise would indicate that he is performing the task willingly, rather than as penance.

**"Couldn't he just, ya know..."**

As the soldier trails off, he waggles his fingers, pantomiming the use of the Force. The Jedi Master merely shakes his head and completes the trench that he has been digging, turning to accept a plant from the little Ithorian before gently placing it in the dirt.

**"Won't work anything out that way. Besides, it's good to sweat every so often; over dependence on the Force is a weakness and leads to the dark side."**

The Jedi Master then rises to his feet and dusts his massive hands on he hem of his robe. After giving a few instructions to the young Ithorian, the giant Feeorin moves over towards the sparring ring, the spectators gathered around the ring parting before him. The clone trooper merely shakes his head again and follows after, and when the Jedi Master comes to stand before the two duelists, he folds his arms over his chest and looks each of the fighters directly in the eyes before nodding to himself.

**"Begin!"**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Just a Friendly Sparring Match... Right?**

-Ash Peztar 19

-Adalyn Pallax 11

((**SPECIAL**  Welcome one and all to the introductory post of Dark Times: Fading Light. As you can see, we're starting with a little action here right off the bat! The sabers have been set to training mode, so we're using the stun damage rules here, and we keep going until someone yields or reaches 0 HP (for this exercise, going to 0 means someone has struck a decisive blow and depending on the damage their may be a roll for an injury, at least enduring bruises and soreness) so good luck, game on, and enjoy!))

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-13 06:03:54]*

Ash scowls as he faces Adalyn across the dueling circle, displeased at the prospect of another ignominious defeat at the hands of the older padawan. Since her arrival he's had to accept that even with her self-imposed handicap the older girl is still a superior fighter, and any thoughts he might have had of defeating her to demonstrate his own skill have long since been quashed, temporarily put on hold until he can develop the necessary ability. Not that he doesn't plan to try - he told Adalyn not so long ago that she's his rival, and he won't be happy unless he gives his all.

He recalls the fight after which he made that claim and they had come just a little closer to understanding each other - or possibly by scratching the surface he had only found more mystery underneath. Time would tell. But he's not focusing, and that was the key reason for his previous defeat That, and he let Adalyn get in under his guard.

Steadying his breathing and stilling his body, Ash begins to block out the babble of the crowd, the actions of the other apprentices, even - though this last is harder - the presence of Master Ruhk. Nothing exists other than himself, Adalyn, and the space surrounding them. He sees her in stark relief within his mind, acknowledging her features in a mechanical sort of way: her slender, graceful build - *she moves so fast!*; her long red hair - *uncontrollable, surely, won't it get in the way and get damaged by one of our sabers? And wouldn't I feel guilty if it were my doing?*; her severed arm, hidden beneath her sleeve but evident enough regardless - *she's remembered her training with a regular saber well enough Ash, don't forget that. She still beats you.*; her fine Tapani features - *what's going on behind those eyes?*. The only sound he hears is the crackle and thrum of their lightsaber blades.

He offers a salute, bringing his blade up toward his forehead. Then, mind still clear, body responding perfectly to the clarity of his thoughts, he slips with ease into combat form. His saber rests against his right hip, the long hilt extending diagonally across his lower back, the blade out to the side. His left arm raises upward in Adalyn's direction, palm outstretched. His feet shift outward, planted firmly, ready to stand strong against an initial strike - or launch him forward towards his opponent.

Ash is barely aware when Master Ruhk catches his eyes, but it distracts his mind from playing over the upcoming fight long enough to be made aware of the Feeorian's subsequent nod. The duel has begun.

He begins circling, aware of Adalyn mirroring him opposite. His left hand slips down across his waist to join the right on his weapon's hilt. Then he breaks into a run, charging across the circle, bearing down on her to strike at her right. Only at the last second does he reveal the action as a feint, spinning on his heels and bringing the energy blade around to her left flank. Successful or not, he spins away again, returning his posture to the previous form as he waits for retaliation.

[hrc=silver]1[/hrc]

Attack:

[dice]0[/dice]

```
+2 modifier

```

Damage:

[dice]1[/dice]

-1 modifier

### Alicia *[2011-06-13 09:37:20]*

Adalyn stood waiting for Master Ruhk to give the command for their spar to commence, her gaze coming to rest on the youth that was her opponent. A rivalry had formed between the two of them, well more on Ash’s part than her own. Her part was more a determination to not lose to the younger trainee, proving to him that she had indeed deserved the place by Master Ruhk’s side. Why they both couldn’t be his Padawans only Master Ruhk could say and he wasn’t.

Her saber came down to her side after the salute, an at ease posture until Ruhk gave the command to start. As their Master came to stand at the edge of the ring, she meets the Feeorin’s gaze, her displeasure at having to face her opponent in such a manner plain to see. Absently she takes note of the presence of the Clone officer, but it was hardly a concern just that moment and she ignores his presence. With the command to begin she takes a defensive posture, waiting for the moment she knew would come. From her experience, Ash was always the first to break, his impatience getting the better of him. As they begin to circle each other, her gaze doesn’t leave her grey-eyed opponent, her expression serious.

Her own thoughts begin to clear, finding the place she had trained for years to attain under Master Fillin Ta’s guidance. The flows and ebbs of the Force would guide her, she knew, and if she needed it to she could affect the outcome of the fight like she had so many times during battles with the Separatists. That could wait, though.

She’s not surprised when he finally charges at her, she tries to get out of the way of his full strength put behind the swing before bringing her own saber against him using her speed more than her strength to find her way between the reach of his long-handled saber. Missing the feint she feels the blade of the training saber hit her. While the boy would have the satisfaction of the hit she could already feel her body negating the energy from his attack. Ash didn’t have to wait long for her retaliation, though she tempers it to concentrate on her defense during the early stages of the fight.

[spoiler]**Use the Force - Negate Energy (reaction)** +13 vs damage

[dice]2[/dice]

**Attack** lightsaber +4 (melee defense dodge+3)

[dice]0[/dice]

***damage*** +1

[dice]1[/dice][/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-06-14 01:03:09]*

Although Adalyn is the quicker and more experienced fighter, Ash has the reach and leverage advantage with his long-hafted lightsaber, and as he barrels forward his last minute feint strikes true, leaving a painful weal across Adalyn's left thigh. But the elation of striking the first blow is short lived, as the red-haired Padawan draws upon the Force and absorbs the energy of Ash's training saber and then dissipates it as a benign cloud of heat around her. Through some trick of the ambient light, and the evaporation of the sweat-heavy air around the two, the cloud of heat appears as a red-tinged shimmer that blows away in all directions around the two. Assuming a defensive posture, Adalyn licks a blow out at the retreating initiate, but it serves to do nothing more than ward Ash away as he resets his stance.
"Didja see that?! He hit'er clean and she took it like a nerf-lick! She's cheating!""Must not know many Jedi son; they all cheat! Now throttle-off and get your creds set for when Red here beats the runt and I win!"

Many of the non-Jedi onlookers erupt a brief bout of applause at the display, but a glower from Master Ruhk quickly hushes them to low murmurs. The Jedi Master then returns his attention to the ensuing combat, his face as passive as a particularly *austere* purple slab of granite. When he speaks, the Feeorin's voice contains the steady rumble of an approaching thunderhead; low yet projecting power.

 **"You're not a bull bantha Ash, so don't charge like one; fight to your strengths. And don't look at me that way Padawan Pallax. Your comrades will test you more than any battlefield, and expose to you greater weaknesses. These practices will serve you well... If you should choose to learn from them. Continue!"**

At Master Ruhk's sharp command all fringe conversation breaks off and the atrium is once again thrown into silence, aside from the constant, heavy thudding of stone-against-stone as the Korunnai Padawan behind them all continues his tireless work.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Just a Friendly Sparring Match... Right? Round #2**

-Ash Peztar 19

-Adalyn Pallax 11

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-14 17:10:52]*

Irritation flits across Ash's features as his brilliant maneuver is rendered null by his opponent's use of the Force. A small part of him hopes that Master Ruhk will declare it a foul but he is wise enough not to expect it. The Master will let it slide, despite the fact that as a youngling Ash himself only has rudimentary abilities in the Force and no training in its combat applications. He'll see it as a challenge.

```

```

The odds against him climbing even higher, Ash isn't in the greatest mood to listen to his Master condemn a tactic that actually *worked*. Truthfully he knows he had good reason to strike fast and hard in those initial seconds. Adalyn is the better fighter, and, apparently, is going to be allowed to use her Force powers. No, if he'd waited for her to come to him he'd be fighting a losing battle from the start. Keeping her off-kilter, that's essential. She's gotten used to him making the first attack but didn't expect him to be aware of his own fault, to use any cunning. Not that he has any reason to think that he'll be able to pull off another trick like it now she's wise.

```

```

Still, no harm in trying. And maybe his own meager Force ability can be of some use after all.

```

```

Their blades crash together in a blurred frenzy of blows. Apparently on the defensive, Ash allows himself to be pushed back toward the crowd, withdrawing carefully from the reach of Adalyn's weapon.

```

```

*Fight to my strengths, shall I?* he muses, then leaps back in among the audience. *Let's see her strike me amongst this lot.*

[hrc=silver]1[/hrc]

Move action to Withdraw, Move action to get in amongst the crowd, Swift action to deactivate lightsaber. UtF +5 to Sneak as per the Stealth skill (+8 original modifier, -5 for moving over character speed, +2 for the crowd = final modifier of +5)

### Alicia *[2011-06-14 18:03:53]*

Adalyn probably would have glowered again at the master if she didn’t have better sense and wasn’t focused on her young opponent. She ignored the cheers and admonishments of the crowd for her use of the Force, though the haze surrounding her was harder to ignore as was the weal his saber had left on her. She fought through it all and began pushing him back toward the crowd, he just managed to stay out of her reach. He surprised her as he suddenly moved into the crowd of observing bystanders, using them to shield and hide him.

The act seemed rather cowardly to her, using innocent bystanders, and it made her angry. A Separatist or anyone else wanting to kill a Jedi wasn’t about to let a group of people get in their way to do so. However, she wasn’t a Separatist and he was likely using her concern for the bystanders against her. *Learn from a comrade indeed,* she thought. *I never would have expected him to go hide in the midst of a crowd, and yet… that’s just the sort of tactic someone might use.* Her anger quickly dissipates as she takes that into consideration and begins focusing on her task of extracting him from within the crowd.

Rather than following him into the crowd and risk losing him completely she stops. Standing at the edge of the ring, she gazes over the crowd he had decided to try and hide in, not only her eyes working to detect him, but used the Force and her other senses as well. It would be hard for him to mask the sound and glow of his saber unless he turned it off and those he was using as shields likely would not want to linger.

[spoiler]Move to stay with him as he retreats to the edge of the crowd and to stay with him as much as possible

Swift: Sense Surroundings to ignore cover; UtF +13

Standard to use Notice Target application of Perception to locate him; Perception +8[/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-06-15 22:39:07]*

**"Hey, where's he going?! He can't do that! Can he do that?!?"**

**"Haha, the little exhaust port ran! Pay up Chapper!"**

The sound of Ash's footsteps fades into the crowd as he beats a seeming retreat. Wexal and Depik roll to their sides to allow him to pass, Depik with an overly enthusiastic wave, and when he's fully amidst the throng, it's as if the crowd were some singular entity conspiring to keep the waspish youth concealed.

Adalyn dispels the lingering shimmers of mist, and when she does she finds Ash nowhere in sight. Drawing upon the force, she extends her senses from the center of the dueling ring to encompass the entirety of the atrium, and as she does so free-floating tendrils of light blossom within her mind's eye, each one representing a life force within the immediate area. With them comes the various senses of anger, confusion, and amusement rolling off various members of the crowd, but suddenly her mind sharpens and focuses on one aura in particular: Ash's.

When the Padawan opens her eyes, the spectators appear hazy to her eye while Ash stands out almost fully-defined and in stark relief to the crowd. Here and there the wily initiate uses the force to goose and jostle the onlookers, hoping to divert Adalyn's attention, but he does not quite escape Adalyn's Force-honed perceptions. Wherever Ash moves, Adalyn follows, until the Padawan is at the edge of the dueling ring shadowing Ash's every step. The crowd edges warily away from glow of her lightsaber.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Master Ruhk watches the turn of events with the same implacable expression, although a slight quirk of his brow signals his surprise. A tall figure filters through the crowd behind the Jedi master- the scarred Padawan. In the empty ring beyond the crowd stands a stack of rocks in an impossibly-balanced, one-two-one pattern. It would appear that the Padawan finally worked out whatever it is that he needed to work out.

**"How goes the sparring master?"**

**"Differently, Khol. Differently."**

Khol grunts in amusement, but says nothing more, as he looks into the ring to see just how differently the match was going. He frowns as he sees only Adalyn, but a moments concentration reveals Ash's life force weaving through the crowd, and the Padawan's eyes widen in first surprise, then understanding. Setting his feet, Khol settles in to watch the rest of the spar, his curiosity piqued.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Just a Friendly Sparring Match... Right? Round #3**

-Ash Peztar 19

-Adalyn Pallax 11

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-16 05:28:53]*

*Carefully Ash, carefully.*

The young Jedi trainee pushes his Force ability to its limits as he soothes or disorienting members of the crowd during his passage Each individual requires a slightly different emotional or mental manipulation in order to prevent them giving away his position. He finds the task taxing but not impossible, this sort of Force use being part of the day-to-day experience for a Fallanassi initiate. He has not let those skills go rusty, practicing regularly - wherever and whenever he thinks he can get away with it.

Soon it becomes apparent that his tactic has only partially worked. He's safe from Adalyn, at least until she decides to risk bringing the melee into the crowd. But she clearly knows where he is, stalking him as he moves around the ring.

*Time to shake things up again.*

Ash smiles and gives Adalyn a little wave of acknowledgement with his right hand while his left drops to his utility belt, clicks open a compartment, and takes hold of the object inside.

He waits for a few seconds, standing at ease and apparently in no rush to go anywhere.

Then his hand whips up with remarkable speed and in the blink of an eye a brightly lit halo lamp whizzes toward's Adalyn's face.

[hrc=silver]1[/hrc]

Move action to withdraw halo lamp.

Swift to activate it.

Standard action to Feint (ie. distracting/dazzling her with the halo lamp) as per the Deception skill; +8 (since he isn't rushed or threatened I would argue it's possible to Take 10 on this one? I won't kick up a fuss if you rule otherwise though.) Note that the feint will occur right at the end of the round and if it works will cause Adalyn to be flat-footed in *my* next round so if it works this would need to be accounted for in your posts.

### Alicia *[2011-06-16 10:35:27]*

Adalyn follows Ash’s movements from the edge of the ring, her lightsaber at ease beside her as she gets nearer to the edge. The observing bystanders shy away as she doesso, but that suits her just fine. It allows her to get closer to her young opponent hiding in the midst of the crowd

As he stops she takes the opportunity. *Why go into the crowd, when I can bring him to me?* she asks herself. With the thought, a devilish smile forms; a hint of the young woman she used to be. Drawing on her innate power, she concentrates on his form within the Force intending on picking him up to hover a couple meters above the crowd and bring him back toward the center of the ring, dropping him from the height in the hopes of off balancing him, but not necessarily hurting him in the process.

Moving towards him, she doesn’t intend on letting him near the crowd to hide again. “**Nice move, Peztar,** ” she starts. “**The bystanders are lucky I’m not out to get you at any cost.**” With that she raises her blade, back into a fighting stance.

[spoiler]Standard Use the Force for Move Object +13; raise him up 1 sq and move him up to 5 sq to get him as close to the center of the ring, or at least to the other side of me. I’ll let him fall which will hopefully cause him to go prone.

Move action to get adjacent to him.

This is of course my intention provided I’m not dazzled first. I’ll spend a FP as needed.[/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-06-17 00:48:15]*

**"And if you were?"**

Master Ruhk's voice cuts through the din of the crowd, causing more than a few heads to turn in his direction. Although the volume of his voice has not changed, his question is much sharper and challenging, demanding an answer. His eyes lock onto Adalyn as she continues to shadow Ash, his gaze deep and waiting.

**"The Jedi's first duty is service to the Force. The Force is the essence of every living thing; so by extension the Jedi's first duty is to life itself. What would you do, Padawan Pallax, if 'bystanding' life comes between you, and your objective?"**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Ash chooses the exact moment that Master Ruhk completes his last question to spring into action, a halo lamp appearing in his hand at the flick of his wrist, which he then uses to flash a beam of bright white light directly into Adalyn's eyes. With little time to think, Adalyn seizes the Force and sweeps her hand toward Ash, and then back behind her towards the center of the ring in wild fashion. Several surprised exclamations erupt from the crowd as the dark-haired youth goes hurtling from their midst to skid across the sandy dueling pit to land unceremoniously in its center. Adalyn then staggers flat-footed towards the center of the ring, blinking and scrubbing feverishly to clear the bright, circular after-images from her vision. **(Damage to Ash: 11 pts)**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**"Bit more inventive this time. That lamp trick is new."**

**"Mhmph."**

Master Ruhk doesn't seem overly inclined to agree with Khol, and Khol for his part doesn't press the issue any further. Both continue to stare out over the match, Master Ruhk expecting both learners to answer his questions, while lumbering youth hopes that his friends don't harm one another too badly.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Just a Friendly Sparring Match... Right? Round #4**

-Ash Peztar 19

-Adalyn Pallax 11

((**SPECIAL**  <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> Ash finds himself prone in the center of the ring and with a fresh set of bruises. Adalyn is at melee-range with him, but dazzled (-1 attack and sight-based Perc checks) & flat-footed until after Ash's first attack or beginning of Adalyn's turn.))

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-17 11:37:14]*

Yanked off his feet almost at the same instance he releases the halo lamp - *and thank the Force I was quicker off the mark* - Ash feels the breath escaping from him as the unseen power of Adalyn's ability encloses around his chest and hurls him bodily through the air. He grits his teeth, unwilling to give his opponent or the audience the satisfaction of any kind of exclamation. Something like this hadn't been entirely unexpected anyway, though admittedly he hadn't been prepared for how it would feel.

He sprawls across the hard floor face upward and a thousand points of pain blossom across his shoulders and back causing a grunt of pain despite himself. The youth doesn't let this stop him though, reaching behind himself to plant his hands and push off the floor, flipping agilely to his feat.

To his immense satisfaction Ash discovers that his own tactic was effective: Adalyn moves unsurely toward him, blinking against the after-images caused by his halo lamp.

This is the opportunity he wants, and probably the only opportunity he'll get before the older padawan ends the fight. Determined to claim a small victory on his own terms, he lunges forward, coming in low under her hampered guard, igniting his saber and striking out at the hilt of the training saber in her hands.

[hrc=silver]1[/hrc]

Acrobatics +8 to stand from prone as a swift action.

Swift action to ignite lightsaber.

Standard action to attack Adalyn's lightsaber, +0 vs 10+Adalyn's Reflex -her Dex mod. I'll spend a Force Point if it will help.

### Alicia *[2011-06-17 12:58:35]*

Master’s Ruhk’s voice booms over to her, but she doesn’t have much of an opportunity to answer him as Ash puts her on her guard once more. The light sent her way had blinded her for an instant, the light imprinting in her eyes and obscuring her vision with an array of spots. Instinctively, she raises her right hand to rub at her eyes, but only when nothing happens does she realize her folly. Instead, blinking through the dazzling lights in her vision she makes her way toward her adversary, her lightsaber held out at the ready to meet him. She’s forgotten that Master Ruhk would expect her to answer him, her full concentration going back to the fight.

*I don’t need my vision to fight him*, she thinks to herself, and taking a calming breath she closes her eyes, allowing her other senses and her trust in the Force to take over. As a youngling she had been taught not to trust in her eyes, but in the Force. It was one of the first things a youngling learned upon being given a lightsaber. She hears his saber ignite, a preamble to an attack she knew.

Using her own agility she throws herself forward to roll and come up on Ash’s other side, her saber swinging where her senses tell her Ash will be. It was almost a flamboyant maneuver, but she was tired of playing games.

[spoiler]Move – Tumble application of Acrobatics +10 to move through his square and come up behind him.

Standard – Attack +6 (includes -1 from condition) 2d8+1 stun[/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-06-18 16:36:57]*

Ash rolls onto his shoulders and plants his hands, using the momentum from the maneuver to hand-spring to his feet. As he does, a sensation warns Adalyn through the Force, and she spins with a rising cut that is meant to catch Ash through the collarbone. The dark-haired youth feels the muted heat of the plasma blade wash over his face as it blurs past, singing some hair from the top of his head but leaving his no worse for wear. **(Acrobatics check successful, no AoO)**

The long-handled lightsaber hums to life as Ash pounces like an angry Bha'lir cub, his intent to sunder Adalyn's training saber. Time seems to slow for the two, and all else fades to obscurity as the brilliant blue blade inches towards the hilt of its antagonist. At the last possible moment, Adalyn's vision seems to clear and with the threat looming she releases her grip on her lightsaber with a spinning flourish, and Ash's blade only manages to scourge a blackened furrow through it's metallic finish. **(Rolled a 17 on sunder attempt, miss)**

As Ash goes lunging by, Adalyn collides with his shoulder and attains a grip at the base of his neck with her now-free hand and then uses his entire body like a springboard to push herself up and away from the Initiate in a spinning somersault. The momentum from Ash's attempt on her lightsaber causes the green-bladed saber to go tumbling backwards over the initiates head in the same arc, and when Adalyn lands the lightsaber falls into her outstretched hand. **(Acrobatics check successful, no AoO)**

Spinning desperately, Ash brings his lightsaber around in a whistling two-handed slash, but he is off-balance and in a dire position. Adalyn neatly ducks under the offending swipe and comes up within Ash's guard with a slice that, if these lightsabers were fully focused, would have dissected him from right hip to left shoulder. Every nerve-ending in Ash's body becomes blazing torrent of pain and misfiring synaptic information, leaving him sizzling, slumping, and barely standing in the center of the dueling pit. **(Damage to Ash: 8 pts, -2 on CT)**

**"Hold! This match is concluded."**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Master Ruhk trundles forward, his heavy footsteps leaving deep in impressions in the sandy dueling pit. Padawan Khol trails the massive Feeorin, and from the surrounding throng comes a chorus of cheers, boos, and muttered curses as credits exchange hands.

**"You showed impressive cunning, and improvisation against a more skilled opponent Ash. You played to your strengths and sought to disarm Adalyn; remove the threat, not the man. That was good thinking, and shows that you are progressing."**

The Jedi Master flashes a very rare grin, no more than a slight up-turning at the lips, and the corners of his deep, violet eyes crinkle with amusement. But even though he appears in good spirits, when next he speaks there is durasteel-hard sternness to his tone.

**"But you showed cunning and ingenuity at the possible expense of those innocents surrounding you. Although this is practice, it is certainly not a game, and you risked bystanders for a slight advantage. For this, you will personally repair any damage you may have inflicted on Padawan Pallax's lightsaber, and the resources to do so will come from your own credits. Should you not have enough, you will work until you do."**

He then turns his gaze upon Adalyn. Behind the master, Khol turns a look on Ash that is some small part sympathetic, but mostly barely restrained good-humor.

**"And I still await an answer from you Adalyn. Strength is meaningless without focus and care. I will give you some time to think upon it, but should your answer be unsatisfactory you will work penance until you achieve enlightenment."**

With his lecture complete, Master Ruhk turns and lumbers back over to his garden. The crowd surrounding the dueling pit has begun to disperse, and a trio of Younglings rushes towards Khol, Ash, and Adalyn, each youngling carrying a cup of cold water. Depik offers her cup to Khol, while Wexal and Jyzen offer theirs to Adalyn and Ash respectively. Jyzen takes a moment to fan away the curling tendrils of evaporated sweat rising off of Ash, Depik chatters excitedly about the match and anything else that comes across her mind, and in a few short moments the small Jedi family is standing in the center of the ring by themselves.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-18 17:06:24]*

Despite the pain that consumes his body and the damage to his robes, and despite yet another defeat at the hands of his self-declared rival, Ash is smiling as Ruhk approaches. He knows that he's conducted himself well.

His smile broadens as the Master praises him, but as the sentence falls his expression turns to one of confusion and hurt. He opens his mouth to reply, to explain why Master Ruhk is wrong , but the Feeorian has already began talking to Adalyn. Feeling impotent anger, Ash catches Khol's eye, the padawan gazing at him with sympathy. He shrugs feebly in a poor pretence of calm, then looks away.

Accepting the glass of water from Jyzen, Ash mumbles his thanks, but he doesn't meet the younger boy's eye. In fact he doesn't seem in the mood to mingle with the others and walks away, glass in hand. He moves awkwardly, the shocks of pain as he takes his steps causing him to limp falteringly. Gritting his teeth he carries on, heading resolutely toward his room.

### Alicia *[2011-06-18 19:01:27]*

Her adrenaline continues to course through Adalyn’s body and only her self control stops her from ending the fight completely as Master Ruhk calls the halt. Stepping back, she takes a staggering breath that she didn’t realize she had been holding. As Ruhk lumbers over to them, she gives Ash a salute before clipping her training saber she had claimed to her belt next to her normal use. She had been pleased to discover the weight of this one matched very closely to the saber Ruhk had given her.

She gave Ash a nod, the praise was well deserve as he had indeed fought well if a bit unorthodox and she found herself agreeing with their master as he lectured Ash the dire flaw of his use of it.

It wasn’t long before he turned to her with his own lecture, and she nodded to him. She would indeed reflect on it, but she supposed she would do what she had, locating and isolating her target. She would do what she could to protect the bystanders unless it became apparent they were more at risk for her opponent to be at large. Not answering right away, she decided she would take the time Master Ruhk was providing her and reflect on the quandary.

During her reflection, Master Ruhk had made his way back to his garden and the younglings he fostered clambered up, surrounding she, Khol and Ash. Gratefully she takes the proffered glass of water from the Arconan giving the youngling a rare smile of thanks before taking small sips. It was never good to down water quickly after such an excursion. Half listening to Depik as she talks excitedly, not that the youngling was easy to follow when she got going, Adalyn watched as Ash walked away from the group. Sullen seemed an understatement for the mood he was in now and as he limped away, she felt bad for the wounds she had given him.

Hesitating for a moment, Adalyn soon too excuses herself from the group, following after Ash. Knowing she may not be wanted, she still wanted to attempt the peace offering. She easily catches up to the limping youth and for a long moment she’s quiet. “**I know you don’t want me here, but I’m here regardless. I’d like to help you if you’d let me.**” Looking straight ahead, she gives him a sidelong glance to see his reaction. The offer seemed silly coming from a crippled young woman, who seemed hardly whole.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-18 19:14:57]*

For long seconds Ash doesn't reply, his jaw set. Then deciding he can't ignore her forever, he acknowledges her somewhat mulishly with a reply:

'There's nothing to help with.'

There's another pregnant pause, though before long he speaks up again, the pent up frustration gushing out.

'I knew you wouldn't hurt anybody. That was part of my strategy; everyone was perfectly safe because you wouldn't hurt them to get to me and I took advantage of that. It was a good plan that suited the circumstances and it's not the *same* as a real fight. I wouldn't have done it in a real fight. Master Ruhk was wrong.'

By the end Ash sounds less angry and more disappointed - his hero, in his eyes, has proven himself fallible.

The young lad sighs, and holds out his hand.

'Give me the lightsaber then, I'll go repair it.'

### Alicia *[2011-06-18 19:35:39]*

Adalyn is quiet adding to the pregnant silence while she takes in his rant, her pace matching his limping gait. "Master Ruhk likes to test us. While this was a practice and you believed you knew how I was to react, there's always the possibility that your opponent won't act like you expect. Case in point the stunt you did. I expected you to act like you had in our previous spar, your stunt catching me off guard.

"If you had been wrong those people could have been in danger, and their lives would be your responsibility," she sighs. "Admittably if you had posed a greater threat, I would have sacrificed them to protect others." Slowly she unclips her training saber from her belt. Before she let's him take it however she says, "Let me treat your wounds... I know enough to at least lessen the sting."

***[ Post made via Mobile Device ]***

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-18 19:46:46]*

Ash listens to what Adalyn has to say and, albeit begrudgingly, he has to admit there's some sense in what she says.

'Next time I'll remember that you could turn out to be a raving psychopath then,' he comments with a playful grin.

'I'm fine, really, my dad used to tell me "pain is a lesson to avoid being hit". Besides it'll be a good opportunity to practice that trance technique Master Ruhk showed me. How are your eyes?'

The last question slips out in a tone of genuine concern, after which Ash coughs, arranges his face in a carefully blank expression and faces ahead again.

### Alicia *[2011-06-18 20:14:07]*

"A pshychopath rarely believes she's at fault," Adalyn says, joking back at him. She then let's him have the saber, not forcing the issue in treating his wounds, she was hardly one to talk. Both of them working through the pain in their own way. Unfortunately hers wouldn't heal with meditation alone.

His concern earns him an amused glance. "Still a little blurry," she replies looking straight ahead. She was finding it hard to see in the darker corridors, her eyes taking longer to adjust than usual and she was resisting then urge to rub them. "Some rest will probably put it to rights."

***[ Post made via Mobile Device ]***

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-18 20:51:04]*

Ash takes the weapon in hand and cursorily inspects the damage. He's pleased to see it's mostly superficial; although damaging it had made sense during the duel he would have felt guilty if he'd actually destroyed as wonderful a piece of tech as a lightsaber. Not to mention his relief that repairs shouldn't be too difficult.

He clips the weapon to his belt alongside his own saber while listening to Adalyn's assessment of the condition of your eyes.

'Sorry,' he apologises gruffly, 'I hope you feel better soon.'

### Alicia *[2011-06-18 22:44:42]*

"**Thanks...**" she starts, and stopping she turns to face him. "**I'm sorry too for your injuries. I hope it doesn't take you too long to recover.**" Her head turns toward the direction they had come. "**I'd best go meditate on Master Ruhk's question. He'd probably give me penance for making him wait.**" She shrugs then, looking back at her younger companion. "**Rest well,**" she says after a long moment, and then she turns to head towards her own room.

Opening the door to her room, she glanced into the sparse quarters given to her since she had left the infirmary of the Churunthur where she had spent some time recovering from her injuries after Ruhk had brought her back from the brink of death. The room consisted of her small bed and a desk and chair. An assortment of parts was carefully laid out on the surface of the desk from when she had been inspecting the potential parts for use on her future lightsaber.

After showering and changing into a spare set of clothes she sat on the floor next to her bed, entering the deep trance used for meditation. She reflected on Ruhk's question, knowing full well he would want an answer next she saw him, but her thoughts didn't linger on that quandary as her thoughts became disturbed her own perpetual questions.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-19 07:35:54]*

Ash nods to Adalyn and continues on his way. As he walks he suddenly remembers the glass of water in his hand and takes a gulp, the clear cold liquid soothing the dryness in his throat.

He is definitely calmer now, and in fact the more he thinks about it the more he's inclined to see his "punishment" as a blessing in disguise. Thanks to the excuse of repairing this lightsaber he now has an opportunity to take it apart and take note of the mechanisms inside, giving him plenty of time to start developing the components for his own weapon and even to put some thought to improving the design. When Master Ruhk declares Ash ready to build his own, he *will* be ready.

The young Jedi is actually smiling by the time he reaches his room, a cramped little space with furnishings that can only be described as "crowded". On the right side of the chamber his thin bunk rests flush against the wall, the door to his personal refresher unit adjacent to its foot and at right angles to the entrance. Along the left side of the room are several storage lockers, shelving units, and squeezed into the corner nearest the door a chair and desk where he keeps his tools and works on smaller projects: his workshop. Enough space runs through the centre of the room to walk single file provided a person isn't too broad, and against the far wall this walkway leads to is a tall mirror, the reflection of which, from certain angles, seems to extend the size of the room.

Ash puts the glass down on his desk then changes out of his damaged black and robes and into his spare white set, tossing the discarded clothes messily onto his bunk. He cursorily inspects the damage to himself in the mirror, noting that he's going to have some nasty bruises for a day or two. Concern for himself thus acknowledged it can now be ignored completely, and he promptly sits at his desk and inspects the lightsaber to assess the actual damage. Ash makes use of his bracer computer as he does so, researching materials and costs and making notes and schematics of the device as he takes it apart. He also slots in a blank datacard, in order that he can back up the saved research files and schematics.

[hrc=silver]1[/hrc]

Mechanics +7; I'm guessing I don't really need to roll for these uses of a computer?

### Anazider *[2011-06-20 00:06:06]*

Ash runs a search on his bracer computer, it uplinks to the greater library on the floating Jedi Academy, and a deluge of parts, schematics, and design theories begins to flood across the miniature screen. It doesn't take long for Ash to settle on a list of components to repair the case of the lightsaber, and a design that would make it slightly more durable, although it will cost the young Jedi some choice pieces of his scrap collection. **(100 credits from resources)**

It is little over an hour into the repair, and Ash has become so engrossed in the job that he does not realize that the entry chime to his dorm has beeping for several moments. When he moves to open it he finds Khol looming outside, and the tall Padawan has to duck his head just within the entrance to be able to make eye contact with Ash.

**"Master received new orders: the Chu'unthor will meet with a squadron of MedStar frigates in deep space, and then we'll break off with the taskforce and escort the squadron to New Holstice. We leave at 0500 galactic standard."**

If Ash looks at his chronometer, he will know that to complete his project so that it is ready for the morning he will have to work the rest of the night, leaving him only three-to-four hours of sleep if he is lucky. He also knows that the information Khol just relayed could just have easily been relayed through the comm system, and did not require a personal visit. Which means that Khol wants something, and judging by the way the Korrunai leans against the wall and quirks his eyebrow at Ash, it was likely to talk. Although his face seems flushed a deep bronze (or is that a blush?), he seems genuinely concerned for Ash's well being.

**"You all right?"**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

***Ten minutes before Khol calls at Ash's door...***

Questions race through Adalyn's mind, a myriad of personal quandaries and existential entanglements that rush towards her in the warm void of her meditation, only to slip away into the ether as she seeks to grasp the answers. As her mind's eye draws closer to the answer that she seeks, an enlightenment through the Force, a buzzing of the entry chime at her door pulls her from the verge of understanding and thrusts her fully back into awareness of her small dorm.

When Adalyn goes to answer the door, she finds Khol standing just outside. He has to hunch slightly to make eye-contact with Adalyn through the door, although he doesn't seem so comfortable as to allow himself to lounge in the doorway. For some reason the dark-skinned Padawan appears fidgety, although this is starkly at odds with his normal quiet self-assurance.

**"I, uh... That is to say *we*- the master, you, me, Ash and the Clan- have a new mission... In the m-morning! So make sure to be ready!"**

Flashing a shy smile that quickly turns into a grimace, Khol raises his hands in a placating gesture to ward off any insult.

**"That ain't to say you won't be ready! Because you always are! Haha... Oh by the Force..."**

Khol combs a hand through his braids as he looks down at the floor, setting the cowerie shells at the tips of the braids to clacking and clinking musically. Adalyn realizes that this may be the most she's heard the other Padawan say in perhaps a week or more, and she never seems to hear him this jumbled of tongue or thought with Master Ruhk's other students.

**"You're... All right, aren't you? You and Ash always seem to go at it tougher than you either of you ever do with me. He... he didn't hurt you or anything, did he?"**

The Padawan then looks up and affixes Adalyn with a gaze that is vibrant with concern, and some adolescent murmur of some other emotion. He seems on the verge of launching into some sort of defense, or explanation for Ash, but he anxiously holds back until Adalyn replies. As with many others, his eyes stray to the rolled-up sleeve of Adalyn's missing arm, if only once, but instead of pity or apprehension, there is only the genuine concern.

### Alicia *[2011-06-20 00:37:09]*

A frustrated sigh escapes her lips as the door’s chime penetrates her meditation. Adalyn could swear she had been close to the epiphany she sought, but apparently she hadn’t been quite ready for the revelation.

At first annoyed at the interruption, she’s then surprised to see that it’s Khol standing outside her door. Usually it was a youngling or two, wanting to divulge their latest scheme. Attempting to mask her surprise at seeing him, she couldn’t help but give a small at his stuttering antics, something she couldn’t help to admit she found somewhat cute. She hadn’t yet been able to place whether he was just unused to having girls close to his age around, or whether her peer had a crush on her. Whatever the case, this was the most he had really said to her. They had never really spoken when they’d been set to spar by Ruhk.

Finishing his confabulation, she stands aside motioning for him to come in. He seemed rather uncomfortable looming in the short doorway, though the thought came to her that perhaps he may have been more comfortable outside of it. Once he enters, she moves past him, noting the look he gives her missing arm – she’d noticed many people seemed to stare at it, often with pity. Taking a seat on her bed, she let him take the desk chair.

“**No… he didn’t. My vision has already cleared, though I fear I did him more harm than he did me.**” She cocked her head at him curiously and added, “**Thanks for your concern, Khol. Did you work out what you needed to in Master Ruhk’s garden?**” The last she asked sheepishly, looking down at her feet.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-20 06:52:51]*

Ash listens to the news thoughtfully and does indeed look at the chronometer. He decides to work through the night - along with his wounds this provides the perfect opportunity to attempt the Force trance technique. If successful he should not only recover from the worst of the pain but also have just enough time to emerge from the trance feeling fully rested. Of course if he fails he'll not only be tired but also still in pain, which is bound to make him cranky. The possibility of failure doesn't really concern him though, it not really occurring to him to allow for it.

He smiles at Khol's concern. It's touching really, the older boy endeavouring to fulfil the responsibilities of the brotherly roles that have developed between them.

'I'm over it,' Ash replies jovially, apparently in a much better mood than he had been when he left the duel, 'though I'll have to repurpose some of the parts I was saving for our project. Sorry.'

He looks at the Korunnai, taking note of his flushed features, which causes him to grin wickedly. He has an idea he wasn't the first to receive a visit from the concerned padawan.

'Was *she* all right?' He teases.

### Anazider *[2011-06-20 23:31:59]*

Khol nods and relaxes a bit further as Ash reassures him. He relaxes so much that when the younger Jedi teases him, Khol doesn't appear to notice as his eyes take on a far away look.

**"She's *great*, especially that smile she gets when- "**

Suddenly cutting short with his mouth agape, Khol blinks twice before attempting to cover the momentary lapse in control with a ragged cough. The lumbering Padawan pushes himself away from where he leans as he recovers from the exaggerated cough, and as he runs his gaze around the room he seems to focus on everything else except for Ash's smirking face.

**"Adalyn's fine! Your fine, I'm fine, we're all fine! Everything is fine! Uh, you probably want to get some rest before the mission, I will go."**

Khol moves to beat a hasty retreat from the room, and as he does the overgrown manchild threatens to topple a couple of Ash's neatly stacked shelves. The Korunnai just barely manages to catch the shelves, whether physically or through some trick of the Force. As he sets the last one aright, he nods quickly to Ash and then crosses the threshold out, although he pauses and turns slightly back into the room.

**"You won't tell'er what I said, will you?"**

Although Khol's tone is pleading, there's a distinct undertone that promises swift retribution should word reach Adalyn. While the older Padawan was far removed from being a bully, it was well known that he in fact despised the sort, he was still rather effective at making his displeasure known, and more importantly *felt*. Khol played the part of the surrogate older brother well.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Khol gives the fiber-grown chair a few testing pats, and after finding a position that wouldn't send him crashing through it, the Korunnai reclines slightly. When Adalyn asks him about his training, he once again smiles shyly and rakes his hand through his braids, although this time the gesture serves to move his padawan braid out of his eyes.

**"Master Ruhk says that a Jedi in harmony with the Force can find beauty in all things, even bunch of rocks. I had my doubts, so Master told me to move the rocks around until I found something beautiful."**

He stares down towards the floor, his hands bracing out to either arm of the chair so as to prevent his full weight from being at the chair's center. The darkened youth begins to speak again but hesitates, sneaking a glance up at Adalyn as if he's unsure if he has said too much already, before he lowers his eyes and continues, his padawan braid falling errant again.

**"I've never been good at meditating like I should- I can't seem to get quiet enough to focus. But when I'm moving, or working with my hands, everything seems to make sense, like it all falls into place. Master says he was the same way; its our way of working things out."**

The words almost all come out in a rush, like pressure release blown off the valve, but from Khol it's a steady, ponderous flow, as if he is working out his thoughts with each sentence. At the end he sneaks another glance at Adalyn, and regardless of her response Khol looks stricken, as if he's said a great deal more than he had intended to say. He quickly rises to his feet, the small fiber-grown chair groaning with the sudden movement, and Khol moves with a care greater than even his considerable height would require as he begins to make his way to the door.

**"I'm sorry, that probably all sounded really spacebrained. You probably want to rest before the mission, I should go. I'll go."**

### Alicia *[2011-06-21 00:53:25]*

Adalyn listens to what Khol has to say, the first time he’d put full, non stuttering sentences together directed at her. Remembering the impossibly balanced rock structure he had left, she could see how it could be beautiful, a work of art. She looks up at him, glad that for once he’s able to hold a conversation and that he’d decided to open up to her. For a moment, she was jealous of his ability to find harmony within himself, his questions answered. Lately, they remained just out of her grasp. Her own inner turmoil often left her feeling dissatisfied after her meditations.

She looks up as she hears the groan of the chair as he rises. As he begins to move carefully toward the door, it’s easy for her to reach out, grabbing him by the wrist with her left hand before he’s able to leave her completely. “**Khol…**” she starts, the sentence forming before she really knew what she wanted to say. Looking up she catches his gaze. “**Thanks for coming by. It means a lot to me…**” Realizing she was still holding onto his wrist, she let’s go and looks away for a moment.

“**I saw the rock sculpture... It did turn out beautifully,** ” she says, blushing slightly before looking down again. Quickly she tries to cover the exhibition and hope the darkened room prevents him from seeing.

Clearing her throat slightly and looking over at him once more she asks, “**You said we had a mission, but you didn’t give specifics. What time are we heading out?** ”

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-21 07:58:12]*

'I promise not to say a word,' Ash replies, raising his hand to his heart. Then as Khol walks off he bursts out laughing.

*Well well.*

Shaking his head, he returns his attention to the repairs of the lightsaber and completes the repairs.

Finally finished in the small hours of the morning, Ash sits on his mattress cross-legged and slows his breathing, focusing internally and attempting to apply Master Ruhk's lessons and enter into a recuperative Force trance.

Failing that, of course, he'll just go to bed and get what little rest he can.

[hrc=silver]1[/hrc]

Use the Force +8

### Anazider *[2011-06-22 01:59:57]*

Khol nods firmly, Ash's word always having been good enough for him, and then he departs in a hurry. Ash is able to return to his work, and after many hours he finally reseals the casing to the training lightsaber, his work complete. The scoring has been completely repaired, and now the overall design of the lightsaber is slightly more sturdy, assuring that his previous strategy against Adalyn will likely not work a second time. **(+1 to DR)**

With his work finished, and the remaining hours until he must be awake quickly fading, Ash settles in the middle of his to meditate. At first the shifting-nature of the bed and the cross-legged position almost unbalances him, but soon he has attained a trance-like state, the Force enveloping and flowing through him more fully and taking away his aches and weariness. Ash meditates peacefully, awash in the ebb and flow of the galaxy, until the it is time to make ready for the mission.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

The gangly Korunnai could likely have drug the diminutive Adalyn all around the ship, but the grip she places on Khol's wrist stops him more surely than the most powerful tractor beam. Adalyn briefly feels the muscles of Khol's arm tense, a reflexive reaction to the grab, and beneath her hand she can feel the rough edges of a deep scar. When she looks into his eyes, there is a brief flash of an almost feral anger, and perhaps fear, but it all-but instantly evaporates when Adalyn thanks Khol and compliments his sculpture.

**"I-It was j-just a stack of rocks... But th-thank you."**

Khol then attempts turns away from Adalyn with the excruciatingly obvious fake cough imaginable, all in an attempt to hide the ferocity of his blush. He does this almost all the way to the door, but when Adalyn asks about the mission he turns around slowly, the look on his face confused as if he had forgotten the original pretense for why he had come to her room in the first place. Suddenly, his eyes go wide and he shakes his head as if to clear himself from a daze.

**"0500 Galactic Standard- escort duty for a MedStar squadron on its way to New Holstice. Probably take on more med supplies and troopers when we get there."**

Khol looks down at his feet, and when Adalyn catches a glimpse of his face she finds the picture of thoughtfulness and solemnity looking back at her. Many of those onboard the *Chu'unthor II* that weren't truly familiar with the lumbering youth thought him to be slow-witted, or simple, but such quick judgments completely obscures the truth: Khol liked to ponder, and plan everything through before acting, moving thoroughly to the heart of a matter rather than be concerned with the tangle of its details.

**"Master Ruhk likes to challenge you; make you question what's at the core of you, to better yourself. If you can honestly answer why you want to be a Jedi, for yourself, you can answer any question he'll give you. I hope that helps, if you're still looking for answers. Rest well."**

With one last bow, Khol departs and leaves Adalyn to her own reflections as the night ticks away.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

The night passes without further interruption, and when Ash and Adalyn awake they find a message waiting on the comm units in their rooms, indicating that they are to meet in launch bay A42 for their mission. After necessary grooming and change of dress, it doesn't take long to negotiate the familiar maze of hallways of the floating Jedi Academy to access bay A-42.

Bay A42 was the largest of the *Chu'unthor's* docking bays, cavernous enough to house multiple shuttles, fighters, and personal craft, as well as a pair of Consular-class cruisers. All around the docking bay is a vibrant mass of activity, with platoons of clone troopers marshaling to transports, parties of dignitaries arriving for meetings onboard the academy, and the constant coming-and-going of Jedi and other Force users. As Adalyn and Ash filters through the the ever-shifting conglomeration of sentients, they find themselves receiving bows, waves, salutes, and bits of small talk, all threatening to try and keep them from making the start of their mission on time. All are well-meaning, but there is always some extra bit of anecdote, joke, or lesson that begs to keep them from finding Master Ruhk.

When finally they do find the towering Feeorin, he stands speaking with a naval officer in front of one of the the Consular-class cruisers. Idling behind him near the boarding ramp are Janders, Howler, and Switch, and flanking Master Ruhk is Khol. The three ARC troopers salute in perfect precision, and Khol gives a slight wave. Both he and Master Ruhk appear to be wearing battle armor; Khol's is modified clone trooper armor with the markings of a Jedi Commander, while Ruhk's is more archaic and hand-crafted in appearance. Judging by the number of nicks and blast-scarring adorning each, both sets of armor have been put to extensive use.

Master Ruhk waves Adalyn and Ash over, and as they approach they recognize the naval officer as Captain Yothku, the Kadas'sa'Nikto commander of the *Chu'unthor's* spacefaring operations and its contingent of veteran Republic personnel. Captain Yothku gives his thin-lipped approximation of a brilliant smile when he notices the two young Jedi, and when Ash and Adalyn have joined the small group, Master Ruhk opens his mouth to speak before he is suddenly interrupted by a loud banging and a spluttered litany of curses in Dug. Just as suddenly, Clan Zakkeg goes sprinting right through the middle of Master Ruhk's gathering, then between the three ARC troopers and up the boarding ramp, with Buthbo tripping and squeaking the whole way and Wexal shrieking before they disappear into the cruisers depths.

**"We ain't do nothin', honest!"**

Staring after the younglings for a long moment, Master Ruhk merely harumphs and shakes his head before returning his attention to the others.

**"We'll take the *Aegis*, since we'll need the additional cargo space for the two Mobile Surgical Units we're picking up. When we arrive, I will deal with the paperwork while you,"** as he says this, the Jedi Master indicates Khol, Adalyn, then Ash, **"will go to meet with the commander of the Rimsoo unit, and then bring him and his personnel back to the ship. Questions?"**

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-22 08:25:50]*

Ash stirs from his Force trance feeling adequately rested, if not completely on form: a little pain and some stiffness remains to remind him of yesterday’s duel. He rises, dresses, and equips himself with no preamble and is soon leaving his quarters behind him, Adalyn’s lightsaber clipped to his utility belt.

He passes as fluidly as possible through the hanger bay, greeting those who acknowledge him cordially and carefully masking his impatience. In reality he just wants to get going: while the mission may well be a blue milk run (and he feels it must be or Master Ruhk would never take the younglings), it is still good to feel he’s to be part of *something* and he’s eager to start as soon as possible.

Upon arrival at the ramp of the *Aegis*, he bows to Master Ruhk and Captain Yothku, returns the salute of the commandos, and nods in greeting to Khol and Adalyn, to the latter of which he mutely passes her lightsaber. The weapon is not only repaired but has also had its casing entirely replaced with a more durable material which nevertheless retains an equivalent weight and balance to its original design. She sees that it will be even harder now to damage the weapon, a peculiar consideration from the young man who had attempted to do so in the first place and might reasonably be expected to attempt it again.

When the proceedings are interrupted by an unexpected clamour Ash isn’t surprised when the younglings of Clan Zakkeg fly by and onto the vessel, and aside from a raised eyebrow and the barest twitch of a smirk he doesn’t react.

‘I have no questions,’ he answers Ruhk’s question, ‘provided Khol has already been given the necessary information.’

He naturally assumes that the senior padawan is to take charge of their task.

### Alicia *[2011-06-22 12:22:31]*

The look in his eyes almost makes her shy away for a moment, and the feel of his rough, scarred skin beneath hers sparks a moment of curiosity and worry. Then his expression changes and he becomes his normal tongue tied self. Looking down she doesn’t see his own blush as he heads for the door, though his coughing fit causes her to look up and then away as he turns to answer her question. Glancing over at the chronometer she realizes she has the rest of the evening to herself. It could be a long night.

Khol’s statement as he departs leaves Adalyn so speechless she barely got in a ‘good night’ before he disappeared completely, the door closing behind him. Adalyn’s thoughts continue to race as she changes for bed. The task requiring a great deal more focus than it once would have required - the fingers of her left hand stumble over buttons and knots in her feeble attempts. She still isn’t use to dressing with one hand and since she has an early morning, she doesn’t bother to remove all of her clothing, just falling into the bed half dressed in her undershirt, pants and boots.

Sleep was hardly going to come easily so she didn’t try, instead slipping into the Force Trance. *Answer for myself why I want to be a Jedi... Is it really so simple?* Khol had told her something she had already known – Master Ruhk’s habit of pushing and testing his young charges – but was the answers she had been seeking as easy as validating her reasoning for being a Jedi?

At the core, this was really the only life Adalyn knew how to lead. She had been a young child, weaned and walking, curious about her surroundings when her parents had sent her to the temple, hoping under the protection of the Jedi their three children would find sanctuary from their enemies. During her young life she had been groomed for the inevitable choice of joining the ranks of the Jedi Order. The choice validated when, unlike her sisters, she had been chosen to be apprenticed by a Jedi Master.

Her only taste of what her life would have been like came a couple years into her apprenticeship. Master Ta, believing it important the young Jedi knew where she came from, traveled to the Pelagon the capital of the House she had been born into. At first she was ostracized, her Tapani peers judging her worthiness based upon the state of her clothing, but after some encouragement from Master Ta she was able to ingratiate herself into their good graces. From them she learned the finer points of Tapani life, most of them the hard way as she made one faux pas after another. In the end, she found her peers to be egocentric, using their hereditary position for their own means rather than the good of the Tapani people.

Once, a young Adalyn had been told that the power a Jedi possessed came with the greater responsibility of using it to protect those who didn’t. With the power came the hard lesson that to use it for the wrong reasons, a great price would have to be paid. While she had never quite understood the lesson as a child, the words had been instilled in her. Now that she was older, she was learning how severe the consequences could be. The momentous lesson having occurred just a few mere months ago. Not for the first time she asks herself, *Why have I survived? Why did he save me?* While she had wanted to live, there was the moments as she felt her men and her master join the Force she had been prepared to join them, her own life force slipping away. Only the process had been stopped by the revitalizing energy and determination of Master Ruhk.

*Why?* A pain in her hand brought her out of her trance, her nails of her remaining hand having dug into her fist drawing blood. Curling into a ball she wept, not caring if it was out of self pity or grief or even a combination of the two. The phantom pain in her right limb increases, driving the tears on. She had cried in those first days too, when she thought she had been alone and she had slept from the exhaustion of it until Master Ruhk had dragged her out of bed.

When the chronometer goes off, she sits up with a start, not realizing she had cried herself to sleep. In the mirror, the puffiness of her eyes betrays her and no amount of cold water she splashes on them seems to help. Running out of time she puts on the remainder of her clothes and makes her way to the hanger bay.

With a false cheer and barely masked impatience she makes it through the crowd to Master Ruhk’s side, meeting up with Ash and Khol. She gives the Commandos a polite nod of acknowledgement, but then, for a moment, she’s taken aback at the sight of Khol in the modified clone armor, the sight of it drawing forth unbidden memories of the last time she had worn such a set. She looks away quickly; glad she has something else to concentrate on as first Clan Zakkeg bounds their way through the hanger bay onto the cruiser – their antics for once not cheering her – and then as Master Ruhk gives them the basics of their mission. From the sounds of it, it is to be a milk run and she is glad of it.

“**No, Master,**” she echoes.

### Anazider *[2011-06-22 23:36:48]*

From behind Master Ruhk, Khol gives Ash a sly smile, or as sly a smile as he can manage with so earnest a face. The Jedi Master, possibly sensing Khol's amusement and Ash's assumption, grunts to himself and shakes his head slightly.

**"Khol has the details, but *you* are doing the talking. It seems these days that part of a Jedi's duty is knowing how to deal with people with a high sense of superiority, and it's about time you started learning firsthand. We'll use this as a test of how far you've come in your training- and how much further you may have to go."**

Master Ruhk's voice is its same rumbling baritone, and yet that last sentence carries a good deal of implicit weight to it. Captain Yothku offers the young Jedi a sympathetic smile for having to deal with Republic bureaucrats before he pulls an antique chronometer from a neatly-pressed pocket, and turns back to the Jedi Master.

**"We will be arriving at the jump point within the hour Master Ruhk."**

**"Good. Go and get situated, and make sure the younglings haven't broken anything- I'll deal with them in a moment. I have a few more things to discuss with the Captain, and then I will join you."**

After summarily dismissing the three, Master Ruhk turns and walks a few steps away with Captain Yothku where they converse in bowed silence. When Khol, Ash, and Adalyn move to board the Aegis, Janders gives Ash an approving nod, Switch claps him roughly on the shoulder in congratulations, and Howler launches into a story about some exhaust port politician, as the clone describes him, that the squad had to rescue on Malastare.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-23 06:39:55]*

'Adalyn and I are doing the talking?' Ash asks, then seeing Khol's attempt at a sly smile broaden he adds, '*I* am doing the talking?'

He falls silent, processing this, then a smile spreads on his lips. He isn't slow to note the significance of the phrase "it's about time you started learning first hand". *A test is it? Very interesting.*

Ash also can’t fail to note the implication when Master Ruhk refrains from grouping him with the "other" younglings. He feels certain that what he had assumed was a blue milk run is actually the turning point which he has long hoped for. Providing that he acquits himself well of course.

Grinning at the clone commandos who seem to take the same interpretation of events as himself, Ash finds the possibility suddenly becoming real in his mind thanks to this implicit confirmation from the soldiers. He is surprised to note that the concept is intimidating. If only he'd woken up this morning *knowing* it would be the day that changed his life!

Following Khol up the ramp and trying to not freak out about the sudden pressure of the mission, he makes certain the younglings are behaving themselves well (at least by their own standards) then claims a seat and straps himself into the crash netting.

He sits in silence, playing through hypothetical scenarios in his head and trying to work out the optimal responses for these fantasy situations. He also tries to remember every scrap of etiquette he ever had cause to learn, and it turns out that there hasn't been a lot. Deciding that he’ll just have to rely on his common sense and intelligence to get him through, Ash settles back and awaits take-off.

### Alicia *[2011-06-23 10:53:13]*

Relief floods through the young woman as she takes her place beside Ruhk and her two peers, no one taking notice of the signs of the night of self pity. As Master Ruhk explains the importance of the mission, particularly to Ash, she takes a slow calming breath hiding it in with her normal breathing.

Adalyn’s relief turns into pleasure for Ash. At last the young man was going to get the opportunity he believed had been lost when she had arrived. Unfortunately he was going to have to deal with self important bureaucrats who would probably not make it easy for him. As she follows Khol and Ash onto the ship, she considers giving the young man some tips she had learned during her time with the young nobles of the Tapani – no one was filled with more self importance than they, after all.

Deciding to wait till his high from this most important of news to settle before offering her advice, she takes her seat near the enthused young Jedi. As she straps in, she can practically see the wheels turning. Deciding now was probably as good as any time she finishes securing herself before offering her aid. “**Ash,**" she starts, but then she has to grimace as the buckle proves more difficult to snap with one hand. Using a quick application of the Force she's gets the satisfying click. "**I spent nearly a year with the Tapani, I’d be happy to give you whatever help you need to prepare.**”

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-23 12:24:27]*

Ash is broken from his reverie when Adalyn sits beside him and offers her assistance. He silently considers her proposal for a few moments, then nods.

*It’s true this definitely isn’t my area of expertise,* he tells himself, *I should really hear what she has to say.*

‘Please,’ he admits, ‘that would be very helpful of you.’

The young man seems more friendly to Adalyn than usual – perhaps the knowledge that all going well he will soon be made a padawan has reduced the sting he had been feeling.

### Alicia *[2011-06-23 13:03:35]*

Pleased he's accepting her offer help, she eases more comfortably into her seat collecting her thoughts before she offers some key advice.

"First impression is important to them. If you get off on the wrong foot, they may be less likely to take you seriously. Its best to approach them with respect and confidence. They may see you as inferior or they may afford you some respect on the account of your training as a Jedi. The fact you're young may hamper you as they may feel slighted that they are having to go through a supposedly inexperienced and low ranking representative if they were under the impression it was Master Ruhk who would be greeting them." She pauses a moment to make sure he's following. "But as long as you remember that you're Master Ruhk's voice during the dealings and conduct yourself accordingly you will bring honor to the both of you." She gives him a reassuring smile, remembering the first time she had to deal with bureaucrats.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-23 14:44:48]*

'I don't know a lot about honour,' Ash grumbles in response, staring at Adalyn.

Suddenly he sits a straighter in his seat, his belt and crash webbing stretching to accommodate the movement.

'How should I greet them?' he asks, 'do I bow? Offer my hand? What do I *say*? Should I know their names already?'

It seems Ash is beginning to realise just how complicated things might be for him.

'This is no blue milk run,' he laments, 'it's going to be a bloodbath.'

### Alicia *[2011-06-23 16:04:58]*

Adalyn can't help but to laugh at his lamentation. "Only of you insult them and they follow the custom of dueling." She decides not to mention what generally occurred when a Tapani aristocrat was offended.

"When you present yourself, you should bow. Shaking hands is a sign of equality where a bow is a sign of respect. The depth of the bow tends to be important. You don't want to bow too low that you set yourself as inferior but not slight so as not to offend. Knowing who you are addressing tends to be important as you can determine how much deference they will anticipate by their title."

She pauses allowing the information to soak in. "If you aren't introduced by the bureaucrat's associates then you will need to present yourself. This is when knowing who you are addressing is important." With another pause she considers the best universal introduction which he could use on a variety of persons. "For example you could say, It's a pleasure m'lord - or m'lady - to be at your service. I am Ash." She quirks her eyebrow at him hoping she's not throwing too much at him.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-23 16:43:17]*

'"My lord"', Ash responds in frank disbelief, 'you've got to be kidding me?'

The idea of abasing himself to someone based purely on their self-declared rank rather than any actual merit they possess irks him - in his mind it's just another form of bullying and he's had quite enough of being bullied for one lifetime. He can see no difference between "I'm bigger and stronger than you so do what I want" and "I'm wealthier and from a better lineage than you so do what I want".

His distaste for the idea is extremely apparent by his expression.

'I can't do it,' he states firmly. 'Someone who deserves their title like Master Ruhk is one thing, but I don't know these people and I don't see why I should respect them more than anyone else who *didn't* happen to be born into a privileged family.'

### Anazider *[2011-06-24 00:29:54]*

The Consular-cruiser's interior retains some of its stately elegance as a former courier for diplomats, but most of the cruiser's interior has been refitted for the purposes of warfare. Where once a grand dining table sat, now stands a large holoboard surrounded by innumerable charts and graphs detailing troop movements and battle reports. Just within the salon pod and aligned along a corridor leading to the flight cabin are several rows of passenger seats, much like a troop carrier, and indeed each one is situated with it's on crash harness and survival kit in case of an emergency landing.

As Adalyn, Ash, and Khol enter they find the younglings already strapped in and chattering incessantly about their latest caper, what Master Ruhk is going to do to them, and most importantly, the mission. Clan Zakkeg has only been allowed on a small handful of trips outside of the Chu'unthor before this one, and never on an actual mission, so excitement and enthusiasm inherent in their conversation is infectious. They each take a brief moment to acknowledge the other Jedi, the three ARC troopers, and any other personnel that board the ship, before they are once again engrossed in their own little world.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Khol listens intently after they are all settled into their seats and Ash and Adalyn begin to discuss the mission. At first the Korunnai maintains an impassive facade in a fair imitation of Master Ruhk, but as Adalyn's advice continues, and Ash's responses become continually more dour, Khol's mouth slides into a quiet frown. When Ash makes his final statement on respect, Khol steeples his fingers together and rests his chin on them, interjecting before Adalyn has a chance to respond.

**"Adalyn's advice is... *valuable*,"** Khol gives his fellow Padawan a too-quick nod of acknowledgement before he continues, **"But it may not be as applicable to this situation as it would be to others."**

After the quick outburst, Khol sits silent for a moment as he gathers his thoughts. When he is ready he nods slightly to himself, as if confirming an idea, before continuing.

**"Think on what Master has said: We will be meeting the commander of a Mobile Surgical Unit. That would mean they are either a combat medic, or a doctor that has served with soldiers on the frontlines. That sounds like someone who has earned their title, and likely by saving lives in extreme situations."**

Khol quirks an eyebrow at Ash as he judges the effect his words have on the younger Jedi, and then he inclines his head a centimeter to the right, the Korunnai equivalent of a shrug. As he does so, his Padawan braid swings errant across his face, and he scoops it over an ear before he speaks again.

**"I would say that you don't have to respect'm any more, or any less, than anyone else but you would do well in respecting him, *period*. Show them who you truly are, and that who you truly are *means* something, and you will be respected and followed in return."**

Just as Khol completes his profundity, the crew of the *Aegis* boards the cruiser and makes their way into flight cabin, while several clone gunners take their positions in the gunnery wells around the ship. More republic personnel, and even a few Jedi that will be transferring to New Holstice upon the ship's arrival, also board the ship, and then lastly Master Ruhk. He is truly an imposing figure, massive and clad in armor and billowing robes, and when he enters the cabin the youngling's excitable conversation immediately fades to guilty silence. The feeorin master grunts quietly to himself as he notices how quiet his young wards have become, and as he lumbers through the aisles of seats he comes to sit quietly next to the youngling clan, causing their guilty fidgeting to increase.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

A slight tremor accompanied by the sudden feeling of a rapid deceleration is all the indication given that the *Chu'unthor* has exited from hyperspace. Running lights blossom into illumination all around the Aegis, and with another lurch and the roaring sound of power thruster engines igniting, the Consular-cruiser takes off from the A42 flight deck and enters the inky loneliness of space. If looking out of a viewport from the *Aegis*, those onboard would see a scurrying swarm of escort fighters, personal transports, and support ships surrounding the *Chu'unthor II*, while to the fore is the MedStar squadron that the Aegis was sent to defend.

The medical squadron consists of five *MedStar*-class frigates, with two *Pelta*-class frigates and a half-dozen V-wing fighters for escort. Judging by the amount of blast scoring marking each frigate, the squadron had seen a heavy skirmish on their way to the jump point, and it is a likely bet that the squadron had started with more than just the six starfighters that patrols it now. As the Aegis moves into position at the point of the scrabbling fleet, a squadron of ARC-170 starfighters breaks off from the swarm surrounding the floating Jedi Academy, and assumes combat space patrol around the entirety of the newly formed fleet, bolstering its defenses further.

**"We'll be travelling as fast as the slowest cruiser, so we will be adding an additional hour or two onto our travel time. Everyone get as comfortable as they can, and we will alert you when we are due for arrival, or if any trouble starts."**

The voice of the ship's captain blares around the small compartment, and then clicks off with a hiss from the intercom. The stars stretch and distend, then swirl together all around as the *Aegis* gracefully leaps into hyperspace, the rest of the squadron soon following suit.

### Alicia *[2011-06-24 01:24:03]*

Taking pause at Ash’s outburst, Khol easily interjects. As he takes his time in placating their young friend, Adalyn’s thoughts begin to wander. Khol is right of course that not all of her advice would be needed, though she doubts the full lesson would hurt in the long run, but as he mentions the MedStar cruisers her thoughts divert from their task at hand.

Adalyn takes on a far away look as she leans forward, her chin cupped in her knee rested left arm. *That’s right… It’s going to be a medical convoy.* Ever since the start of the war, whenever she was on a medical ship she always sought after her older sister. The idea that her sister might coincidentally be stationed on any of the ships she encountered was silly to her afterwards, but it was a hope she never seemed to squash in the end.

“**I wonder…**” is all she gets out as the other passengers begin to arrive. Sitting up straight and proper in her own chair as Master Ruhk arrives, she becomes distracted by the guilty demeanor of the younglings. *What have they been up to?* she thinks with a frown. As the voice of the captain sounds overhead and with the promise of an extended wait till their mission proper would start, she tries to settle back into her seat the urge to daydream again becoming increasingly hard to deny.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-24 06:56:53]*

When Khol interrupts, Ash is wise enough to listen. The older padawan speaks rarely but his words are usually worth listening to.

'That makes sense,' he agrees thoughtfully. In truth it isn't so much the title "lord" he objects to in any case, it's the word "my" preceding it, implying that the speaker is somehow subservient. Upon thinking it through Ash believes he can select his words carefully enough to avoid a terrible diplomatic faux pas and remain true to his own principles.

As Master Ruhk settles down by the younglings Ash turns his attention on the Feeorian.

*It's just like him to set such an important test within a field that I have no experience with, he just loves to take us out of our comfort zones.* Ash thinks, then suddenly remembers a catchphrase that was often mouthed among the Midnight Prowlers when someone acted in a way that exemplified or even caricatured their typical behaviour:

'Classic Ruhk,' he mutters to himself, then more vocally: 'all right, I think I can do this. Just be polite and respectful. I can do that. Probably.'

### Anazider *[2011-06-25 19:13:50]*

**"You will do well."**

Khol graces Ash with one of his rare smiles, bolstering the youth's confidence. The Padawan then retreats into silence once more, only moving to spare a nod for Master Ruhk and the others as the Cruiser begins to fill up. After the Aegis makes the jump to lightspeed, Khol leaves his seat to inspect the holoboard, and this prompts others to rise and inspect whichever portion of the cruiser they find most interesting.

During the course of the trip, Clan Zakkeg's latest escapade comes to light after a bit of interrogation by Master Ruhk: They had played a prank on the Dug smuggler, Rongis. Rongis smuggles goods out of Separtist-controlled territories for the Jedi, and has a reputation for accepting the most dangerous of missions. It is also well known that Rongis charges exorbitant prices for his smuggled goods, but having little desire for money and access to the Repbulic's bottomless coffers, many of those onboard the Chu'unthor grudgingly pay for the smuggler's exotic wares.

But Clan Zakkeg had had enough, especially after Rongis cheated another youngling clan out of a box of candied Bofa fruit. Buthbo synthesized a stink bomb from several of the plants in her garden, Depik reprogrammed a pair of DUM-series pit droids to spray the Dug, and Jyzen and Wexal made off with the candies and distributed them to other younglings before high-tailing it through the launch bay and onto the *Aegis*. Even Master Ruhk has a difficult time containing his mirth at the story, but as penance the Jedi master apprehends all of the candied fruits, and promises that the younglings will work for Rongis until their debt is repaid.

From there on, the journey through hyperspace is relatively serene, shared in companionable talks, training, and constant news streaming in from the various warfronts. Although several hours pass, to the passengers of the *Aegis* it is only a passing epoch in time, and before long a brief chiming sounds around the many halls of the cruiser to signal the emergence from hyperspace.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

As the cruiser enters the system, they are welcomed by a Republic defense fleet. The MedStar frigates and the fighter cover break formation, each headed for their own destination on or around the planet, while the Aegis makes its way to the New Holstice capital of Memorial. The cruiser glides through opalescent cloud cover as it passes through the planet's atmosphere, and as the last cloud passes, the entirety of the world opens below the Aegis, and a flock of some colorful native bird honks by in startled greeting. New Holstice is the very model of picturesque tranquility, with rolling hills, grassy plains, and crystal-clear lakes fed by bountiful waterfalls.

A slight bump rocks the *Aegis* as it makes its landing, and its passengers soon begin the disembarking process when given the all clear by the captain. First out of their seats are the Zakkeg's, but they are quickly corralled by Master Ruhk. After everyone has gathered their belongings and the flight crew completes their landing checkdown, the boarding ramp to the cruiser lowers, and a pleasant breeze of warm, moisture-heavy air enters the cabin and washers over the Jedi. The other passengers exit first, followed by the ARC troopers who secure the foot of the ramp with a soldier's conditioned precision. Folding his hands within the billows of his robes, Master Ruhk marches down the ramp, his heavy footfalls thudding with ever step, while the Zakkeg's trail after him. Khol, Adalyn, and ash bring up the rear, and as they all reach the bottom of the ramp, Master Ruhk turns to lock gazes with each of his students as he imparts his instructions.

**"Youngling's stay with, and obey, the Padawan's- I mean it Jyzen, *no* schemes or adventures,"** Master Ruhk speaks with steely authority, and Jyzen stands at full attention as his name is mentioned. The Feeorian stares at the younglings for a long moment, to make sure that his word sink in, before he turns his attention to the three older Jedi.

 **"I would recommend you take them to the memory moth crystal at the center of the city, that should keep them occupied and it is something that every Jedi should see. It is near to where you will meet with Captain Elarc Vel, the commander of the Rimsu units we'll be taking with us."** The Jedi Master then turns to focus solely on Ash, his violet-eyed gaze penetrating and bracing.

**"Remember: Agile mind, peaceful hand, and above all else, trust in the Force. My comm channel will be open if need be."**

Master Ruhk then turns without another word and walks towards what appears to be the local command center. Captain Janders salutes the family of Jedi, Lieutenant Howler gives Ash a brotherly punch in the shoulder, and Switch gives the dark-haired youth a wink before all three move to flank the Feeorin. That leaves Khol, Adalyn, and Ash alone with Clan Zakkeg at the base of the boarding ramp, the bustling city of Memorial spreading out before them.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-26 16:21:07]*

Ash bows to Master Ruhk and grins as Howler and Switch offer him their goodwill in their own ways.

'I will not fail you,' he resolves aloud, then turns round to face the younglings.

'It's rare that we get an opportunity for a trip like this,' he tells them, 'so let's not give Master Ruhk any reason to regret trusting us okay? We're all on our best behaviour.'

He deliberately says "we", hoping that by associating with them his instructions may have some more impact on the Zakkeg clan.

'Pair up: Jyzen and Depik, Wexal and Buthbo. Stick close to your partner and look out for them just in case something does go wrong. Nothing should though so long as nobody wanders too far from the group,' he adds, 'Khol is the easiest to spot, so keep him in your sight at all times. if you lose sight of him you've wandered too far - comm Khol, Adalyn, or myself and we'll come find you.'

Of course Ash realises that strictly speaking he's not one of the padawans the younglings have been ordered to obey, nor has supervising them been strictly stated to be a part of his responsibility on this mission, however he is very determined for everything to go smoothly and he imagines Khol won't contradict what he's said. He looks at the Korunnai to read his expression.

'How long do we have until the meeting?' he asks, 'Is there time enough for us all to see the crystal or should I head straight to the meeting once we reach the city centre?'

### Alicia *[2011-06-26 18:07:05]*

Growing tired of sitting, Adalyn follows Khol to the holoboard the projection showing an array of troop movements and the war fronts. Things had grown dire since she’d last look at the reports. She stood there, looking over the different systems she had her master had once helped to defend, feeling useless for several long moments. Now she had a different mission, though what exactly that was she wasn’t sure yet. Her interest sated, she turns from the board, giving Khol a shy smile before heading off to find something to eat. She had skipped breakfast after all.

As the ship drops out of lightspeed, Adalyn wakes from her light trance, follows the others to the bottom of the ramp, and listens to Ruhk give his instructions to the younglings and then to his padawans. She is pleased to realize he had included Ash in the latter instructions and wonders if Ash had picked up on it. With a bow as Master Ruhk leaves she makes sure she has everything and then glances at the younglings, wondering how long it would be before they came up with a scheme most likely against them.

With Ash putting them in pairs and looking to the Korunnai for affirmation to his plan, she speaks up. “**It might be best under the circumstances for the two of us split responsibility so you don’t have to worry about looking after them, Ash. You’ll have Captain Vel to worry about, after all.**”

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-28 18:55:05]*

Ash nods in agreement with Adalyn's observation.

'Thank you,' he observes, 'I was hoping Khol and yourself could take charge of the youngling's expedition. If that's the case I'll focus on my meeting.

The young Jedi trainee sounds grateful for Adalyn's intervention, despite his apparent self-assurance. He leans in toward Adalyn and murmurs quietly:

'Just keep Jyzen occupied okay? He's the one that stirs up the others. Wexal is the worst confederate which is why I split them up, but all of them can be led to distraction by Jyzen if you let them.'

### Anazider *[2011-06-29 00:20:17]*

**"We'll be expected within the hour; Master Ruhk likes to keep a *brisk* schedule with these sorts."**

Khol hands Ash a datapad with the scheduled appointment, a personnel roster, and an overlay map. The medical facility where Ash is to meet Captain Vel is marked in the northeast corner of a plaza, with the memory moth crystal memorial a short walk away at the center of the plaza.

**"We should have plenty of time before the pre-fab units are loaded onto the ship, so long as we don't stay too long. Hate for Master Ruhk to have to come after us."**

The padawan flashes a knowing half-grin, and when Ash pairs the younglings he earns an approving nod from Khol. Four sets of eyes cut towards Ash, almost in perfect unison, with the meanest whose side are you on? glare that he has likely ever seen. This earns a hearty chuckle from Khol, who then taps first Jyzen on the head with a knuckle, then Depik, as a means of choosing them to follow him. Turning their glares on Khol, the two younglings rub gingerly at the sore spots, but they move to flank the towering Korun without question.

 **"Good idea Adalyn, yet..."** Khol turns a serious, yet concerned glance on Ash.

**"Are you sure you don't want us there for support? These officials can be... *trying* at times, no matter the respect they've earned."** As he talks, Khol begins to walk away from the cruiser and motions for the others to follow.

The mid-morning crowd in the streets of Memorial are bustling, but pleasantly so, and the small family of Jedi are able to negotiate the avenues with relative ease. Street hawkers of nearly every species peddle their wares, and a constant stream of medical speeders flit about to and from the countless number of hospitals, labs, and spaceports that are interwoven throughout the city. The buildings are all of modest, functional designs from a variety of wars, but two things predominant among them: one, the cleanliness of the surroundings. Not a scrap of litter or ounce of unregulated mold mars Memorial's clinical pristinity.

Second is the tall crystal spire at the heart of the city. From where the young Jedi currently stand, they can only catch glimpse of the spire's tip from over the peaks and eaves of nearby buildings, but what they do see appears to coruscate with an inner light. And above all of their physical senses are the feelings that wash over them through the Force; a gently uplifting melancholy, like the wistful remembrance of a departed friend or the reflective yearning for days gone past.

### simplyscribed *[2011-06-29 06:20:31]*

Ash flicks through the datapad, familiarising himself with the details of the appointment. This provides him with a perfect means to ignore the betrayed glares of his erstwhile comrades. Running a cable from his own datapad bracer to the portable unit, he transfers the information to his own hardware before handing the unit back to Khol.

'I'd like at least one of you to be there,' Ash admits as he falls into step beside the tall Korunnai, setting a brisk pace to keep up with the padawan's long stride, 'but I don't see that we have a choice? We can't exactly take the whole group along to the meeting, can we? It wouldn't give the greatest impression.'

He lets out a small sigh of resignation and shrugs, accepting the circumstances for what they are.

'I'll just have to do the best I can. Don't worry, I promise not to let them get to me.'

'Besides,' he adds with a grin, flashing a look back at Jyzen and Depik, 'I'm more worried about the trouble *you'll* be getting into.'

'Between this rabble,' Ash says quietly with a smirk, his words intended for Khol alone, 'you might find yourself needing to play the hero. Just don't bumble it because Adalyn's here.'

As he makes his joke Ash lightly punches Khol on the arm, laughing, then nimbly steps out of reach before the Korunnai can think to punch him back.

### Alicia *[2011-06-29 17:05:12]*

Adalyn gives Ash a reassuring smile at his observation concerning the younglings’ mischief causing habits. “**Don’t worry, Khol and I can manage,**” she whispers back conspiratorially, turning to the duo remaining after Khol had begun to walk off. With a bob of her head she motions for them to come along. In the process of keeping an eye on her small group of younglings she takes a good look around, partially marveling at the clinical cleanliness of the city. They were either dedicated, extremely proud in their city or just plain ataxophobic.

“**We can decide once the time comes whether one of us can be afforded to go with you,**” she says, absently still looking around and catching sight of their destination over the top of the prestine skyscape. As the feelings from the spire wash over her, she finds that her pace has slowed almost to halt.

With a shake of her head to clear the numerous thoughts from her mind, she picks up her pace to catch up to her the others. Coming from behind she doesn’t catch what it was Ash says to Khol, though he apparently said something he expected some retaliation. Shaking her head, she wonders who was more likely to get into trouble - the Zakkeg clan or Ash.

### Anazider *[2011-07-02 15:32:18]*

**"What?! Hey- "**

Khol's go wide in surprise after Ash's joke, and the Padawan darts a nervous glance in Adalyn's direction before he reaches for Ash in an effort to keep the other boy silent. But Ash anticipates Khol's actions and neatly dances away, leaving the Korunnai youth grasping at air. The younglings all burst into triumphant fits of giggling, having seen Khol so greatly off-balance, and Khol for his part clears his throat with the worst faux-cough anyone has ever heard before he continues to lead everyone towards the crystal spire.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

As the Jedi draw closer to the city's center, the feelings emanating from the crystal spire grow stronger, until at last they are standing before the tall structure and enveloped completely in an aura of gentle tranquility. The crystal spans over ten meters in height and appears to twist and undulate towards the New Holstice sky all its own, but upon closer inspection the spire is in a solid state and the warping sensation is an optical illusion of the light within the crystal. A low hum permeates the area surrounding the crystal, like the low whisper of countless songs being sung in concert, and a deeper look at the crystal reveals that its light is not intrinsic but rather the byproduct of thousands upon thousands of colorful butterflies fluttering within its depths. The butterflies shine with their own luminescence, and as they fly their light refracts around the crystal and upwards, blending together in a pure white light.

An ever-changing crowd of onlookers surrounds the memory moth spire. Most stand at a comfortable distance gazing at the spire, or basking in its presence while amicably chatting to one another. But several groups idle much closer to the spire, mostly consisting of Jedi or other traditions, either sitting on the well-manicured lawn surrounding the crystal or even directly touching it. Jedi stand at four evenly-spaced crystal podiums surrounding the spire, and each wears the Ansata-marked robes of a Jedi Historian. Within each podium are more of the colorful butterflies perched upon curling tree branches, but these butterflies do not appear to be as brilliant as those within the crystal.

Approaching from the south, the crystal podium nearest to the young group of Jedi is manned by a matronly-looking Twi'lek of advancing years. Khol leads everyone the crowd to the base of a stairway winds past the historian and up to the crystal, and as the Twi'lek spies the tall youth she gives all of the young Jedi a grandmotherly smile before she continues her lecture.

**"The memory moth crystal stands as a memorial for every Jedi that has ever been slain since the inception of the order. Once a name is whispered to a memory moth, and a memory dwelt upon while holding one, that moth will sing that one name for the rest of eternity."**

The Twi'lek historian looks around the assembled gathering, and when her gaze sweeps over Khol, Adalyn, Ash and the Zakkkegs, she smiles again and her next words seem to be particularly for them.

 **"When those sensitive to the Force touch the spire, they may clearly hear the song of any name that they focus upon and access the moth's shared memory. Upon touching the spire, if you should not hear the name that you seek, come to me and I shall provide you with memory moth's so that you may honor those that have been lost."**

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-02 16:24:39]*

Ash listens to the Twi'lek's words in amazement, unable to believe that the massive crystal ahead of him is comprised of millons of singing moths. It doesn't seem credible, and yet isn't the Galaxy vast and filled with many amazing things?

In truth, despite Ash's advanced maturity for his age he has had very little exposure to the wonders of the Galaxy. Since leaving his isolated home all he's really known is pain, anger, and injustice.

Stepping forward he reaches out to touch the smooth structure, then slumps forward to rest his forehead against the cool crystal.

*Dad* is his first thought before he angrily reprimands himself: *idiot! He was never a Jedi! Not even an Adept! No one you know is remembered here.*

Unless...

Hadn't his father's friend, the man named Regus Lim, been accused of being a Jedi by the very people who killed both him and Daru?

Unbidden, recollections of that terrible night come back to Ash and it's as if he never left, that all along he's still been that horrified crying child huddled in a corner, watching as Lim tries to explain that he is no Jedi, holding his hands out in meek supplication, and is rewarded with a vibrobayonet to his stomach. Unable to look away though he wants to so desperately Ash witnesses his father springing into action, his san-ni staff swinging with lethal elegance and causing havoc amongst the soldiers closest to him.

Ash remembers the echoing shrieks of multiple blaster bolts, the smell of scorched ozone and of burned flesh. He remembers the clatter of the san-ni staff falling to the floor followed by a muffled thud caused by a larger dead weight. Daru. With his own screams ringing in his ears Ash lets out a whimper and sheds a tear, the small liquid crystal sliding down the side of its larger singing brother.

*He can't have been a Jedi. He should have been able to defend us. He can't have been!* Ash thinks angrily, but he has to know. He has to.

Squeezing his eyes shut, pressing against the crystal with enough force to leave a red mark upon his forehead, he focuses on the name of a man who may or may not have been a Jedi. Who may or may not have been missed enough to merit a memory moth.

He isn't sure he wants a response. He isn't sure what it will mean, or what he'll do.

He only knows that even if he doesn't want to know, there's no turning back, not here. Not now. He *has* to know.

*Regus Lim.*

### Alicia *[2011-07-02 17:11:21]*

Adalyn listens to the matronly Twi’lek Jedi Historian as she gives her lecture, the last bit seemingly to be directed at their small group. She bites her bottom lip as she glances toward the spire. There was only one name known to her, but she was unsure whether she could handle the emotions such an act would bring forth. Standing back for a long moment she watches as first Ash and then others proceed to the Moth Spire, touching its surface.

Finally she takes one step and then another until she’s within reach. Hesitantly she reaches out with the only hand remaining to her, her fingertips and then her palm coming to rest on the stone pillar housing the eternal memory moths. For a long moment she stands there, staring at the glowing, fluttering butterflies within and lets the serenity of the place wash over her.

*Is there someone who would have taken the time to memorialized Master Fillin*, she wonders. Her eyes close as her mind’s eye pictures the tall Whipid master as she had last seen him. He had seemed resplendent in the variation of the Jedi Battle armor he donned, the black of his fur clashing with the trampled white snow around them. He hadn’t needed a cloak in the chill, his fur protecting him from the elements.

Taking a deep breath, she whispers the only name which mattered: *Fillin Ta*

### Anazider *[2011-07-04 00:15:54]*

**"The nature of the memory moth's immortality is a tightly guarded secret of the force. For countless millennium, scientists have studied memory moth biology in hopes of finding the key to the memory moth's eternal life, but the more that is found the more questions remain. It is known that so long as a single cell of a memory moth exists, an entire memory moth can be reconstituted from it. And each moth born in this manner has carries with it the genetic memory of it's predecessor. Some think that..."**

The Jedi Historian drones on in the background, getting into the meat of her well-practiced lecture, as Ash and Adalyn stand touching the crystal spire. When Adalyn regains her senses, she sees Khol standing near Ash with his hand on the shoulder of the younger Jedi, his face tear-streaked. To Adalyn's eye, a brilliant blue aura surrounds Ash, the brightness of it in the Force almost enough to make Adalyn shield her eyes, but suddenly the aura erupts into blue motes and then vanishes. A memory moth, the same color as the aura that had just vanished from around Ash, perches on the youth's head.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Ash has no idea how long he has been kneeling with his head pressed against the crystal spire, but when he comes to he finds Khol's massive hand gripping his shoulder and a blue memory moth perched on his head.

**"Are you okay Ash? When I saw how deeply you were drawing on the Force and... and the tears, I-"**

Khol cuts off with a shake of his head and then says no more, allowing the thought to trail away. His face is a picture of concern, and his doesn't leave Ash's shoulder, but the Padawan does look down at the chronometer on his commlink, then back up to Ash with a slight frown.

**"You've been kneeling like that for the better part of an hour; if you don't hurry you will be late for the meeting with Captain Vel. Do you ne- do you want us to come with you?"**

The Korun tries to give as reassuring a smile as he can, and on Khol's bluff, earnest face it truly is heartening. Behind him, Depik and Buthbo sit with their legs crossed and their hands pressed against the spire, while Jyzen and Wexal busy themselves with trying to catch memory moths with their bare hands.

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-04 04:28:38]*

Ash slumps away from the crystal, heedless of the tears still flooding his eyes. He is dimly aware of a strong hand falling on his shoulder and he looks up at Khol.

The Korunnai is saying something but Ash isn't really listening, still trying to make sense of what he's just seen. Only when the older padawan looks at his watch do certain synapses start firing in Ash's brain and he leaps up like a startled animal.

'I'm late,' he murmurs while violently rubbing at his wet face with a sleeve of his robe, 'I have to go.'

'I'll be fine,' he adds stubbornly, a trace of his normal personality already arising to wall off the vulnerability he has unwittingly exposed.

Ash walks away, straightening his disarrayed robes as he goes and making an obvious effort to compose his features.

He takes a quick look at his databracer to remind him of the arranged location for the meeting then heads straight there, walking fast and with long strides as though to distance himself from the others as soon as he's able.

### Alicia *[2011-07-04 10:34:21]*

Adalyn’s gaze follows the memory moth’s passage for a long moment, even after it disappears into the multitudes. The Force had heard her call, but not in the way she had expected.

Drawing back, she let’s her hand fall to her side. As she looks around, she’s startled to see the state Ash is in, his experience with the butterflies having significantly affecting the youth. Light on her feet, she moves to join the two. For a long while Ash seemed to be in a daze, not aware that Khol was even speaking to him, before jumping up.

“**Ash**,” she starts, knowing he was going to need all the encouragement he could get at this point. “**May the Force be with you.**”

Watching as he ran off, a part of her was glad that he had decided he could do it on his own, or at least wasn’t taking her with him. “**He’ll make us proud,**” she says to Khol, before looking up at the Korunnai and giving him a true, yet shy smile. She feels invigorated, more than she has since her master’s death.

“**I hope that you’ll forgive me if I leave you alone with the younglings awhile yet...**” she stops, looking back toward the historian and the tree of waiting memory moths. “**There’s still something I need to do.**”

*There is no emotion, there is peace.*

### Anazider *[2011-07-04 22:07:59]*

Khol's hand is left hanging in the air as Ash leaps to his feet and dashes away in a hurry. The Korunnai's countenance is all deeply concerned frowns and confused furrowing of his brow, but when he turns to discuss the matter with Adalyn he is left with even greater confusion as the other Padawan mutters a hasty apology and then is off for the historian's lectern. Exhaling a slow, calming sigh, Khol shrugs to himself and then goes to coral Jyzen and Wexal, who appear on the verge of plotting something devious, while Depik and Buthbo continue to sit near the crystal- Depik chatters idly about everything she had seen, while Squeaks listens graciously while weaving a necklace from long grass.

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The Twi'lek Historian completes the remainder of her lecture before answering questions or attending to those that would like a memory moth. When it is Adalyn's turn, the elderly Jedi smiles and places an age-worn hand on the center of her podium. After a moment's concentration, she withdraws her hand and fluttering in her palm is a memory moth with wings of a deep saffron.

**"Once you hold the moth within the palm of your hand, open yourself to the Force and dwell upon the memory of those that have been lost. Speak their name while holding the memory, and they both shall be imprinted upon the moth, whereby it shall glow with remembrance forever more."**

Lifting her hand aloft, the memory moth dances within her palm before taking to the air. When Adalyn raises her own hand, the memory moth swoops from the and lands delicately in the young Jedi's palm, the feel of the insects gossamer crochets tickling her fingertips.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**"Good morning sentients, I'm Andarla Zek and headlining your 0900 galactic standard newshour is the reported death of Hnhr'roov, a Wookie shipjacker connected to theft of a prototype yacht from Baudo Shipyards. As we broke the story to you earlier this cycle, Hnhr'roov had bargained a reduced sentence in exchange for further information regarding the mysterious criminal organization known only as 'The Wire'..."**

The sounds of the mid-morning marketplace stream by Ash as he dashes through the streets, idle market-goers leaping out of the boy's path as they spot him rushing their way. The medical facility is not that far distant from the crystal spire at the heart of the city, but the winding nature of the streets and the increasing number of citizens and speeders filling the avenues seems to impede the young Jedi at every turn. More than one muffled apology is offered as he proceeds, and more than one accidental disaster is averted through a judicious use of the Force, but after many a close call Ash finally arrives at his destination.

The medical facility is a large pre-fab building that sits at the corner of a curving intersection. Composed of practical angles, the building's profile screams function over form, and if the ease by which the numerous medical speeders stream into and out of the facility is any indication, it performs its duties admirably. A tall security gate surrounds the building, and as Ash passes through it he finds himself on a large, neatly manicured lawn that leads to the front of the building. No square-centimeter of the lawn goes unused, another testament to the building's practicality, and toward the rear of the lawn sits a row of massive duracrete cubes; the pre-fab RIMSU units, still fully packaged. With a few polite inquiries, Ash pointed towards the RIMSU units, and the medical personnel standing in front of them.

**"Captain Vel, we still have not received our supply of cortical stim units, and Major Donrell says- "**

**"I don't give two flaming karks what Major Donrell says! You tell that perverted old bastard that he... "**

What follows is a melodic stream of expletives and improbable threats the likes of which could even burn the wax out of Ash's old street-urchin ears. Captain Vel wears the white lab coat of a doctor, but from what Ash can see the captain also sports a crisp officers coat underneath, and interestingly enough her trousers are decorated with a double-class Corellian bloodstripe. Although when Captain Vel turns around and finds Ash standing there, the young Jedi is confronted with quite possibly the most beautiful woman he has ever laid eyes upon.

 **"Well, you want somethin' kid or you enjoyin' the free show?"**

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-05 07:00:58]*

Ash has never really understood the phrase "took my breath away" until this point, but when the foul-mouthed woman turns to face him he finds himself stunned. By her looks sure, but in equal part in sheer amazement that such depraved curses could fall from her perfect lips.

It's enough of a shock to bring him back to the present, which is good. Up until this moment he had still been dwelling on his experience at the crystal.

At Captain Vel's attention he straightens up and assumes as professional a manner as he can muster.

'My name is Ash Peztar, and I represent Jedi Master Ruhk. It's a pleasure to meet you Captain Vel.'

He smiles - thanks to her beauty this expression comes naturally, given his mood he'd feared it would be forced - and bows in respectful greeting.

'Are you nearly ready? May I assist with anything?'﻿

### Alicia *[2011-07-05 18:29:03]*

Leaving the now confused Khol to roundup the troublemakers, Adalyn waits as patiently as she could manage for the matronly Jedi Historian to finish and get to her. At last the saffron colored butterfly rested in her palm. The weight of the creature was non-existent and the only sign of its presence was the slight tickling of her palm.

Drawing away from the lectern, out of the way, she looks down at the moth. *Such a tiny creature for such an amazing task. This tiny creature was to hold a final memory of Master Fillin for eternity,* she marveled.

She realized she now had a great responsibility to provide a memory of her late master which would serve as a proper memorial for the man and Jedi he was.

Moving slowly, Adalyn makes her way toward the spire, taking a seat on the soft grass around it's perimeter. She closes her eyes, concentrating on her task at hand, the butterfly balancing lightly in her hand. Unsure how long she sits there, sorting through the years of memories she'd shared with Fillin she finally settles on one which feels the most right. Her head bows as unbidden true tears of mourning caome to her, but she holds fast to the memory. Opening herself to the Force, she concentrates and lets the name flow from her mind with the memory. *Fillin Ta*

### Anazider *[2011-07-05 23:47:49]*

Captain Vel folds her arms across her chest and shifts her weight into an impatient stance when Ash begins his introduction. As the young Jedi continues, Captain Vel's lips scrounge up into a sneer that is near a snarl by the time Ash finishes, and when he does the Captain waves a dismissive hand in his direction and turns away.

**"Great! So the big sithspittin' Jedi General sends one of his brats to get me! Well ain't that about a- hey!"**

In two swift strides the Captain leaves Ash where he stands and is across part of the lawn, verbally pouncing upon what appears to be a rather low-ranking supply officer. Ash is only able to catch bits and pieces of the very, very one-sided conversation, but part of it ends with, **"I bet your mother knows how to find a kriffin' torque..."**. Near the end of the tirade, Captain Vel has both hands on the collar of the hapless quartermaster, and she is shaking with gusto. At last she releases the poor man, who skitters away as quickly as the physical laws of this universe allow. Finally, she storms back over to Ash and looms over him. Given the view, this is not an entirely bad thing for the youth.

**"You wanna know how you can *assist* me?! ASSIST ME!! You can help me by making everyone else not an idiot! You can help me by finding me two Starshine Surprises and a Zeltron grav-ball player to drink them off of! But if we're talking in karkin' realities here, you can help me by meditatin' in a corner, or whatever the kriff it is you do at Jedi baby daycare, and staying the fark out of my way! I'll be ready when I'm Forcefrickinsithspittinnerfkriffin-the-fark READY!!!"**

And with that the woman marches away from Ash like he no longer exists and finds someone else to terrorize. Many of the medical personnel gathered around smile and shake their heads like they're use to the blonde demon's antics, but she has the rest of the republic personnel in the area constantly looking over their shoulders. The few healthy troopers in the area give the young Jedi wry grins or barking fits of laughter before acknowledging new orders over their commlinks and marching towards the hospital's entrance, intent on their next mission.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

*Fillin... Ta...*

The memory moth whispers the name of the slain Jedi Master, and when Adalyn extends her hand to free the butterfly, it flares with a brilliant light the color of a dusk-shrouded sun, fading behind gossamer clouds. It continues to sing the name, each trill fading on a gentle breeze only to be added to the eternal song serenading the memorial. Before long, the memory moth flutters through the crystal to perch on a curling tree contained therein, and no matter where Adalyn looks Master Fillin Ta's memory seems to shine brightest.

Adalyn feels a comforting pat on the shoulder and when she looks up she finds the Historian's hand on her shoulder, a lifetime of selfless compassion reflected in the Twi'lek's wizened, blue face. When the elderly Jedi feels that Adalyn is sufficiently comforted, she turns back to her podium to start her lecture anew as more spectators come in and the clone trooper guard rotation changes. Even as many sit dwelling upon the past, life on New Holstice continues to march towards its inevitable horizon...

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

***"Citizens of the civilized galaxy, on this day we mark a transition. For a thousand years, the Republic stood as the crowning achievement of civilized beings. But there were those who would set us against one another, and we took up arms to defend our way of life against the Separatists. In so doing, we never suspected that the greatest threat came from within..."***

Chancellor Palaptine's shrill voice echoes around the city's center from a multitude of holoprojectors, and it booms from loudspeakers strategically placed around the medical facility's courtyard. Every eye and ear turns towards the Chancellor's cloaked, holographic form, and with his every word it as if a second ticks away from some unseen clock, each moment in time striking a resonant note in the hearts and souls of sentients the galaxy-over.

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-06 06:19:39]*

Ash physically bends away from the Captain's verbal onslaught like a reed battered by a storm. What had been amusing directed at others was infinitely less so when the full fury of it is being vented at him. It's enough to take the joy out of the view.

'I could easily acquire you two starshine surprises, but the Zeltron may prove difficult,' he begins dryly, but trails off as Vel storms off across the lawn to ruin somebody else's day.

'What the kriff was that about?' the young Jedi wonders aloud to the amusement of the nearby medics and soldiers.

Before he can decide on his next course of action, Ash is distracted by the news feed suddenly airing throughout the city. He recognises Supreme Chancellor Palpatine immediately, but as the holoprojection's message begins taking form he feels a chill travel down his spine.

*A threat within? I've got a bad feeling about this.*

Something doesn't seem right. In fact he has the nagging sensation that something is very wrong. Ash has been a Jedi initiate long enough to trust in his instincts.

He continues to watch the broadcast, unaware that he is holding his breath and unconsciously grasping for his lightsaber hilt.

### Alicia *[2011-07-06 08:20:29]*

For a long moment Adalyn watches the moth in melancholy ambivalence.

In a way, she felt as if she was saying goodbye - something up until now she had been unable to do. A weight had been lifted from her heart as the memory moth flitted from her hand to join the eternal chorus - singing her master’s name. Her guilt at surviving had driven her to wallow in despair. Ash had been right– strange it was to admit. Her master wouldn’t want her punish herself. There was no reason to. While she may continue to mourn his death, she would do so by remembering and honoring that which he had taught her.

Her eyes close - *There is no emotion, there is peace* - then she looks up as the matronly Jedi Historian places a comforting hand on her shoulder. The touch was reassuring in its compassion and the young Jedi managed a smile of appreciation before returning to her own thoughts. *I’ve been selfish* she realizes. *And ignorant, unfaithful to what Master Fillin tried to teach me.* Instead of trying to work out the emotions raging in her she had dwelled on them, fuelling the pain and anxiety. She had stumbled and rather than picking herself up, she had fallen.

With a heavy sigh, her eyes close once more, her thoughts focusing on the tenets, the Jedi Code taught to her since she could remember.

*There is no death, there is the Force.* Looking up at the memory moth, shining brilliantly for her, she realizes the literal truth of the tenet embodied in the small creature. While she knows the Jedi mean something differently for those words, right before her she sees a creature imbued by the Force to carry an aspect, a memory, of her master for eternity.

As the speech begins, the sound of it booming across the grounds of the memorial, the sense of foreboding with it causes her to snap to attention. *Have there always been this many guards stationed?* At first she thinks maybe they expect a riot of some sort as a result of the speech, but the feelings she has through the Force are hard to ignore.

Through her life she has been told to trust in this feeling and so she jumps to her feet, seeks out her companions and hurries to their side. The urge to flee was strong. So much so that the words the Chancellor utter become almost indistinguishable. Activating her hands free com link she hopes she can get to Ash in time. "Ash... Meet with us. Now!" she says into the comm her urgency severe.

 “**We need to go,**” she says to the towering Khol, as quietly as her urgency allows.

Her gaze passes over the crowd. *Should I warn them, but warn them of what? All I sense is some impending doom.* Not knowing what to do, she seeks out the best way for their small family to escape from whatever is to come.

### Anazider *[2011-07-06 21:42:44]*

**"They've affixed vibrobayonets... You do that if you expect a close quarter fight, not for guard duty or a riot..."**

Khol stands at a promontory near the crystal spire, overlooking the influx of clone troopers while almost the entire crowd turns to view the Supreme Chancellor's announcement. His frown is dark and his eyes troubled, and when Adalyn comes to him with her plea, the look of desperation in her eyes is all he needs to move without questioning.

**"Time to go Zakkegs! Stay between me and Adalyn, and move quickly."**

Depik and Squeaks share a nervous glance, but the steel in the Korunnai's voice is enough to make the younglings leap to their feet and fall in line. Gone is the confused and awkward teenager of just a few moments ago; Khol has become the battlefield commander, one forged in the fires of the Clone Wars. When Adalyn brackets the youngling clan at the rear, Khol begins to make his way through the lawn and down the stairs near the Jedi Historian, his considerable height and the thunderhead scowl he wears causing people to quickly move out of his path.

**"Younglings keep together, and no matter what happens you get to Master Ruhk and the ship. Understood?"**

Speaking in a low tone, Khol passes the order over his shoulder to Adalyn and the Zakkeg's, but when he turns his head for confirmation his eyes are for Jyzen. The Korun's voice has become quieter, and almost monotone, but when he turns to look over his shoulder or scan the continually-increasing number of clone troopers in city's center, Adalyn notices a frighteningly dangerous look in Khol's eyes; one similar to the look he gave her when she grabbed his arm, what seems like ages ago...

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

***"The Jedi, and some within our own Senate, had conspired to create the shadow of Separatism using one of their own as the enemy's leader. They had hoped to grind the Republic into ruin. But the hatred in their hearts could not be hidden forever. At last, there came a day when our enemies showed their true natures..."***

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**"Oh, you think you're funny, you little nerfherder?! Well let me tell you something, I- "**

Captain Vel shouts and wags a finger in Ash's direction as she rampages back across the courtyard to rebut the young Jedi's joke, although she can't help a wry smirk as she goes. As she leans down to eye level with Ash, and prepares to skewer him in the chest with the same finger, she cuts off mid tirade and turns to regard the nearest holoprojector as if seeing it for the first time. When the Supreme Chancellor reveals the Jedi's plot to overthrow the government, the blonde bombshell turns wide eyes of an impossible blue on Ash, as if he had suddenly sprouted a second head.

A second head that speaks Wookie.

**"Well fark me, kid... "**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

***"The Jedi hoped to unleash their destructive power against the Republic by assassinating the head of government and usurping control of the clone army. But the aims of would-be tyrants were valiantly opposed by those without elitist, dangerous powers. Our loyal clone troopers contained the insurrection within the Jedi Temple and quelled uprisings on a thousand worlds..."***

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

The Jedi Historian raises an aged hand to her face, covering her mouth at the horror of the Chancellor's proclamation. As Adalyn passes by the Twi'lek, the matronly woman turns to caution the younger Jedi, but her words of wisdom shall remain forever unheard as a blaster bolt parts her Ansata robing at the breast.

All around the Jedi, the song of the memory moths becomes discordant and rises to an almost deafening pitch. But as the chaos in the song grows what is heard is not the whispers of the immortal butterflies, but the screams of the betrayed and dying. Young and old, infirm or hale, armed or peaceful, it does not matter; across the galaxy the Jedi are being exterminated, and every death seems to reverberate in the Force. Wexal, Jyzen, and Buthbo raise their hands to their ears in an attempt to shield themselves from the screams that echo only in their minds, while Depik hugs her arms to herself and falls to her knees, tears streaming from her eyes. Khol holds a hand to his chest over his heart, while in his other hand he tightly grips his lightsaber.

More blaster fire screeches through the park, and the shouts that fill the area surrounding the crystal memorial are all too real. The blaster shot that silences the ancient Historian punctures a neat hole through the crystal spire, striking the nesting tree within it and starting a small fire. Several other wayward bolts join it, and soon the crystal memorial is alight with a wholly different kind of fire, smoke billowing through the multiple holes now perforating it. The brilliant lights of the memory moths flare and then are consumed in flame or drowned in dark grey smoke, and only a small handful of the butterflies manage to escape.

**"By order of the Supreme Chancellor you Jedi are under arrest for treason and conspiracy to overthrow the Republic! Failure to submit to arrest will be met with lethal force!"**

A squad of six clone troopers surrounds the small Jedi family, three in front before Khol and three behind in front of Adalyn, all with their blaster rifles trained. The terror and fury in the city is almost tangible, but from the clone troopers the only feelings the Jedi can sense is the cold, incomparable certainty that comes from following orders without question.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

The chill running down Ash's spine spreads to his entire body as the Chancellor's speech continues. It is almost enough to set the young Jedi's teeth to chattering, and it is accompanied by a borderline inability to draw breath, like the breathlessness one would experience after a perfect punch to the solar plexus. Ash barely has the willpower to not fall to his knees, but he is left visibly shaken. Captain Vel steps forward to catch the youth, a healer's impulse or some other emotion driving her, but she freezes again as she catches sight of something just over Ash's shoulder.

**"By order of the Supreme Chancellor you Jedi are under arrest for treason and conspiracy to overthrow the Republic! Failure to submit to arrest will be met with lethal force!"**

When Ash turns around, he finds the muzzles of three blaster rifles staring him in the face. Late morning sunlight glints off of the perfect white of the clone trooper's armor and the enameled black of their visors, and the commands coming through the speakers on their helmets contain not a trace of hatred or pity. Suddenly, Ash feels a sharp tug at his shoulder and then just as suddenly he finds himself being pulled behind none-other-than Captain Vel herself. The captain raises a hand to word off the three troopers, and with the way that the sun highlights her hair, to Ash Elarc Vel looks positively angelic.

**"Now you hold just one Force-forsaken minute there soldier! I don't know what the kriff Ol' Palpy there is talkin' about, but this is still a farkin' kid, Jedi or not, and I'm not going to just- "**

A rifle-butt to the head causes Captain Vel's argument to end with a sharp click of her jaw, and the rabid Corellian woman lands in a groaning heap at Ash's feet. The clone trooper that struck the captain trains his blaster rifle on her prone form, while the other two stay leveled on Ash.

**"In accordance with contingency order 66, any Republic personnel and/or citizens found aiding and abetting any Jedi are to be arrested and charged with treason and conspiracy to overthrow the Republic! Submit now, or face execution!"**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

***"The remaining Jedi will be hunted down and defeated! Any collaborators will suffer the same fate. These have been trying times, but we have passed the test. The attempt on my life has left me scarred and deformed, but I assure you my resolve has never been stronger. The war is over. The Separatists have been defeated, and the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. We stand on the threshold of a new beginning. In order to ensure our security and continuing stability, the Republic will be reorganized into the first Galactic Empire, for a safe and secure society, which I assure you will last for ten thousand years!"***

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Darkness Fall: Escape from Memorial! Round #1**

-Adalyn Pallax - 24

-Clone Troopers (memory moth memorial) - 19

-Clone Troopers (medical facility) - 10

-Ash Peztar - 9

-Khol Torendau - 8

-Clan Zakkeg - 3

((**SPECIAL** <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> Ash, Khol, and the Younglings are a persistent -1 on the CT due to the lingering effects of the death convulsion, but get to make DC20 Will saves at the beginning of each round to overcome it. Adalyn is fine and as a result gets a surprise round when the Clone Troopers first arrive, in addition to her opening round actions.

Three clones are two squares away from Adalyn, and another three are two squares from Khol, and they have one square of space between each trooper. Adalyn and Khol are adjacent to Clan Zakkeg on opposite sides, and the Zakkeg's count as a medium-sized squad with a +1 to reflex defense so long as they are adjacent either to Khol or to Adalyn.

Ash is behind and adjacent to Captain Elarc Vel, who is prone. One clone trooper is adjacent with Captain Vel with his blaster rifle trained on her, while the other two clone troopers flank the first with a space between the two of them, all three together forming a V.

Any questions, comments, and or concerns, let me have them. Lets let the Dark Times roll people! <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_cool.gif alt=:cool: title=:cool: /> ))

### Alicia *[2011-07-07 11:52:28]*

Adalyn follows behind Khol, taking up the rear as he leads the Younglings out of the plaza. As Palpatine’s speech continues on, she’s glad he hadn’t questioned her. What had been a wonderful day, a supposed milk run, was turning into a nightmare. When Khol looks back at her she catches the hardened, dangerous look of his eyes and a shiver runs down her spine.

Her gaze meets the Jedi Historian’s who moments ago had been comforting her in the supposed safety of the memorial plaza. Before the matronly Twi’lek could speak to them, she was shot down.

The cry in the Force was almost deafening as her Jedi brethren are cut down without prejudice, betrayed by those they had fought beside the last three years. For a moment, Adalyn’s vision flashes white, but then fighting through the pain her determination wins through. She knew loss, she knew pain, and she was beginning to accept it all. If she didn’t fight then the small family she had been brought into would perish.

Adalyn wasn’t going to fail them.

As the clone trooper surround them, blocking their way forward and their way back, and spoke the orders, Adalyn calls on the Force willing the clone trooper to lift from the ground to be thrown into his closest comrade. Drawing her saber, the cool metal of the hilt brought her complete focus to the task at hand.

With her innate ability combined with the skilled training of her Master, Fillin Ta, she focuses on her companions coordinating and giving them hope while at the same time baffling their opponents. The ability she had once used to aid those clones which had been her allies in battle was now turned against them.

In a smooth motion she draws her lightsaber and charges at the third clone trooper before her. Her green blade a haze as it cuts through the air.

[spoiler]**Surprise Round**

UtF Move Object +13; pick up one and slam him into one of his comrades closest to him

**Round 1**

 ***Swift:***  Activate Battle Meditation using a FP. Allies gain +1 attack bonus, enemies -1 attack until end of encounter

 ***Move:***  Draw and activate lightsaber

 ***Standard:***  Charge third Stormtrooper - lightsaber +10 (includes +2 charge, +1 bonus) damage 2d8+1; -2 Reflex[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-07 12:47:53]*

Before Ash can reply to Adalyn's clipped warning he is interrupted by the Supreme Chancellor's continued speech. The young Jedi is filled with a sensation of such profound shock by Palpatine's words that he very nearly collapses under the weight of the feeling. He has never felt worse. That is to say, he has never felt worse except for a few seconds later when he is overcome by loss and agony as thousands of jedi lives are abruptly ended in a brutal fashion that sends ripples through the Force that can be felt even at the farthest reaches of the Galaxy.

*So many! So many!*

The pre-teen screams his agony, his anger, and his terror out to the skies, staggering a step backward as though struck by a physical blow. Ash is dimly aware of Captain Vel rushing forward in an attempt to support him, and of the clone troopers stepping forward to arrest him. His expression as he looks up into the blaster rifle muzzles is very nearly feral, no doubt confirming in the minds of the soldiers the madness of the Jedi and the necessity of their recent orders.

He growls in the back of his throat, fingers clutching for his lightsaber hilt, but is suddenly swept around to a place of temporary security by Captain Vel.

Surprised and filled with gratitude at her bravery, he is able to subdue his animalistic rage somewhat and think about the consequences of his actions.

*You're on your own again Ash, just like before. Don't run like you did then. Think smart this time!*

And yet his anger flares again when his angelic (if oddly foul-mouthed) rescuer is knocked down by a sharp blow from a clone trooper's rifle butt. This time he keeps his fury in check, but Ash realises he can't just escape, not if it means leaving Vel to take the heat for aiding him.

He takes advantage of the momentary distraction to draw his lightsaber and ignite it in a fluid motion. The steady thrum of the blade is comforting.

'Hey, you barvy droyk-for-balls,' Ash spits at the clone trooper still training his weapon at the fallen medical officer, 'I'm the one you want. Right here.'

Bravely or foolhardily depending on one’s point of view, he gracefully leaps over the prone form of Vel in order to give the clone troopers something more pressing to concern themselves over than an execution shot.

'I'm sorry Adalyn,' he says into his comm with an air of finality, 'get the younglings to safety.'

Move action to draw/ignite lightsaber.

Move action to tumble adjacent and to the right of the lead trooper in an attempt to avoid his AoO (shouldn’t provoke from the one at the back as advancing into his threat area not moving through it). Acrobatics +8

Swift action to use comlink.

### Anazider *[2011-07-07 22:59:04]*

With her purpose clear in her mind, Adalyn draws deeply upon the Force and focuses on the energy emanating from the Clone Troopers and their tributary to the flow of life. Drawing upon the raw emotion and vibrancy profligate in the surrounding area, the Padawan uses the Force to slightly alter the course of fate itself, and as she does so the Clone Troopers become more dull in reflex and skill, while her companions find their battle acumen enhanced.

Maintaining her channel to the Force, Adalyn grasps the life essence surrounding the center-most clone in front of her and uses it to hoist the trooper into the air. When the clone trooper is at a dangerous height above the ground, Adalyn uses her grip on the Force to violently hurl the clone at the trooper to his left, both landing in a loud clamor of plastoid armor and the very-audible snapping of bone. The clone trooper she initially hurls lays with his helmet twisted at an unusual angle, while his brother-in-arms now finds himself with the ability to touch the heels of his feet with the back of his head. Both are very, very dead. **(UtF: 27. 6d6 damage for 30)**

**"They're resisting- Open fire! Open fire!"**

The clone trooper in front of Adalyn shouts orders to his comrades before raising his blaster rifle to unleash a torrent of red-flavored death on the Padawan. Adalyn evades the blaster bolts, seeming always one step ahead of the trooper's aim, until she is completely within his guard and slashing at his knees. A seasoned combat veteran himself, the trooper rolls away at the last second, suffering a glancing blow to his leg, but undoubtedly still in the fight. **(1d20+10 = 23 attack, 7 damage)**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**"Why you smarmy little- "**

**"Look alive corporal, here he comes!"**

Ash's foul-mouthed ploy works, as he feels a spike of anger coming from the trooper looming over Captain Vel which is promptly accompanied by a wildly errant blaster bolt. With an agility that only the young possess, Ash leaps over the fiery doctor and then turns the jump into a hand-spring to the right of the lead trooper, which causes a second blaster bolt to go scorching through the space he had previously occupied. **(1d20+8 = 21, acrobatics check successful)**

The young Jedi is able to evade another blaster bolt, but a fourth shot scores a sizzling furrow along his cheek that briefly bleeds before the heat of the blaster fire cauterizes it. The trooper that scores the glancing shot moves to surround Ash, and the dark-haired youth lashes out with his long-handled lightsaber but only manages to scratches a snaking black wound on the troopers armor. Now surrounded on three sides with only his back exposed, the clone troopers don't seem intent on allowing Ash to escape. **(7 damage to Ash)**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Khol shakes his head against the lingering pain of the death convulsion, and when he looks up his eyes are clear and full of menace. The Korunnai lets loose a terrible roar, like the roar of a wounded Nexu, and after igniting his lightsaber he charges the lead clone trooper. The trooper raises his blaster rifle in a terminal effort to defend himself, but Khol cleaves through the weapon in a slash that takes the blade of his lightsaber from the crown of the clones helmet through its armpit, leaving the man a smoldering wreck.

Spinning at an almost inhuman rate, Khol brings his lightsaber up in a crossing slash to deflect a blaster bolt harmlessly into the sky. But the concentration required for this feat leaves the Padawan open to fire from his flank, and Khol finds himself unable to parry the blaster bolt that lances painfully through his thigh. The Korun's leg buckles painfully around the wound and he falls to one knee, his lightsaber weaving warding circles around himself.

**"Khol!"**

**"Stay back!"**

Khol's shouted order is ignored as first Jyzen, and then the rest of the Zakkegs charge the clone trooper that shot the Korun. The leaping, twirling, and shouting of the younglings would seem almost like something out of the Corusca Circus, if not for by the end of their flurry the clone trooper they attack is left staggering and barely able to stand under his own power. Although their training lightsabers are made to stun only, a stunned opponent in a real battle is almost as good as dead.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

***"Under the Empire's New Order, our most cherished beliefs will be safeguarded. We will defend our ideals by force of arms. We will give no ground to our enemies and will stand together against attacks from within or without. Let the enemies of the Empire take heed: those who challenge Imperial resolve will be crushed!"***

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Darkness Fall: Escape from Memorial! Round #2**

-Adalyn Pallax - 24

-Clone Troopers (memory moth memorial) - 19

-Clone Troopers (medical facility) - 10

-Ash Peztar - 9

-Khol Torendau - 8

-Clan Zakkeg - 3

((**SPECIAL** <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> Adalyn is at melee range with the remaining clone trooper on her side, she having killed the other two, while Khol is between the two remaining clone troopers on his side. The Zakkeg's are adjacent to Khol again, and at melee range with the clone trooper that shot Khol. Both Khol and Ash are no longer effected by the death convulsion, but Khol is now a persistent -1 on the CT due to his injury. Ash is now surrounded on three sides at melee range, with only the space to his back directly open for a retreat, but he did get the clone troopers to focus on him rather than Captain Vel! ))

### Alicia *[2011-07-08 19:05:58]*

A part of her registers Ash's message, and inwardly Adalyn curses - he was on his own. There was little hope they would be meeting up anytime soon with the hospital being in the opposite direction on their ultimate destination - Master Ruhk.

With the lead clone trooper having dodged out of the way of the brunt of her attack, Adalyn pushes forward looking to finish it before moving to help Khol and the Younglings who had gone to his defense in a flurry of blue Amd green training sabers. Her own green saber comes down on the trooper once more, her full intention in ending this quickly before anyone else got hurt.

Their lives were at stake.

Her mind moving ahead, she intends on moving to intercept the last untouched trooper, hoping to draw his attention away from her wounded fellow Padawan.

[spoiler]**Swift**

**Standard** attack same clone; lightsaber +8 damage 2d8+1;

**Move** Provided my attack hits, move to become adjacent with the untouched clone trooper[/spoiler]

***[ Post made via Mobile Device ]***

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-09 16:55:56]*

Ash grits his teeth against the painful searing of his cheek. That, he thinks, is going to sting like a bitch later.

It also serves as a bitter reminder that he is no Jedi Master able to fight off armies, and that jumping directly in front of three armed soldiers is now top of the long list of unwise an unthinking actions he has perpetrated in his short but eventful lifetime. Nor is he a good enough fighter to be able to quickly dispatch three clone troopers highly trained in melee combat and wearing thick plasteel armour with only a low-powered training saber. The only saving grace of the plan is that it succeeded in its intended effect, ensuring the safety of Captain Vel.

*Captain Vel! She's carrying a pistol!* Ash thinks in a moment of epiphany, realising instantly that the weapon will be a damned sight more useful to him right now than his training saber.

Switching to a one-handed grip, he continues to dodge the clone's blaster fire, striking out often to prevent them from being able to do much more than fire snap shots. Reaching behind him with his other hand he clears his mind and focuses on the sidearm holstered at Vel's hip, willing the holster's clasp to slip free and the weapon to soar into his hand.

He doesn't believe he can fail: something about the plan just seems right. He has never been able to tell with complete certainty whether such feelings are the result of his Force training or simply his overconfidence, but they have never failed him on the few occasions he has felt them before.

Trusting in the Force to guide him, Ash opens fire the moment the pistol lands in his palm.

UtF +8 to move light object; DP to make use of the ranged attack unleashed ability. Obviously this post assumes the success of the move light object - if that fails please assume Ash uses his standard action to make an attack and I'll edit the post to reflect when I get a chance.

### Anazider *[2011-07-09 19:13:33]*

The clone trooper facing Adalyn grips the stock and barrel of his blaster rifle, then lets loose a warcry as he viciously lunges at the slight Padawan. A memory brief drifts across Adalyn's thoughts, of a spar not too long ago and Ash's desperate charge in an effort to beat her for the first time. Adalyn uses the clone trooper's momentum against him to neatly spin away and behind the soldier, like a leaf dancing on the wind, and as she twirls the Padawan inverts her one-handed grip on her lightsaber and stabs behind herself. The lightsaber pierces through the clone's spine and out through his heart, and when Adalyn withdraws her lightsaber the clone trooper collapses in a boneless heap, quite dead. **(1d20+8 = 17, 14 damage)**

Adalyn then skirts around the battle to come up behind the undamaged clone trooper, but his focus is solely on the injured Khol. The clone is intent on bringing the lumbering Korunnai down, as the trooper knows that the fight has become suddenly more desperate, but when he unleashes another hail of blaster fire on the padawan, Khol manages to deflect every bolt.

**"Down!"**

Without looking, Khol sweeps his lightsaber in a blurring arc behind himself and Clan Zakkeg ducks in perfect coordination as the blade of the saber whizzes over their heads to disperse a rain of blaster fire. Khol leaves the uninjured clone trooper at his back to dash at the one that attempts to fire on the younglings, and when the Padawan reaches the unfortunate soldier his lightsaber hums in an overwhelming staccato of slashes and thrusts. Already barely able to lift his blaster rifle after the attack of the Zakkegs, the clone trooper does all he can to evade and ward off the lightsaber, at last sacrificing his blaster rifle in a shower of blue and red sparks that leaves the weapon cleaved in twine. But this also leaves the trooper with his guard down, and the tremendous hooking punch that Khol lands smashes through the trooper's helmet and sends the clone tumbling backwards end-over-end and through the windshield of a landspeeder parked nearby.

Jyzen prepares to lead the Zakkegs in a charge against the remaining clone trooper, but an outstretched hand from Khol halts them in their tracks. The lone trooper takes a cautious step back, but then sets his stance, preparing to square-off against every single one of the Jedi, even if it costs him his life.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

The trio of clone troopers surround Ash in a classic Dantooinian firing squad, blaster rifles raised and at the ready. As they open fire, the Force is with the young Padawan as one of the clone troopers finds that his blaster rifle jams and rather inconveniently disperses the entirety of it's charge. His comrades duck to avoid the uncontrolled torrent of blaster fire, and this has the added benefit of causing their shots to also go awry, leaving Ash at the center relatively unscathed. **(1 on attack, negative effect rolled)**

As Ash calls upon the Force, weaving it around the Captain's sidearm in an effort to telekinetically pull it towards himself. The youth's confidence rises to new heights, but sinks to a new low as the blaster begins skitter across the lawn and stops as if it were caught on something.

That something just so happens to be Captain Vel's hand. The Captain's hand rises as quick as a striking viper, and from her back she fires three shots in rapid succession. An eerie silence descends on the area surrounding Ash's desperate fight, then suddenly it is broken by the clattering collapse of all three clone troopers, each one sporting a smoking blaster hole right between the eyes. Captain Vel manages to give Ash a roguish wink before her head slumps back to the grass. **(Rolled 20 on attack, 26 damage each)**

**"Karkin' rude bastards! Help me up kid, we gotta get you out of here and I think that sonuvabarv gave me a concussion..."**

Captain Vel shakily moves her hand to the side of her head, where she finds a rapidly-swelling knot and a small trickle of blood. Each probing touch causes the Captain to wince or groan, and it does appear that she is having trouble with her balance, which makes recent gunslinging all the more brilliant. When finally helped to her feet, Captain Vel is still a bit woozy and has trouble walking straight under hown power, requiring her to lean heavily on Ash. For the youth, this may not be that great a burden.

**"Welp! Looks like my career is about finished- wasn't really cut out for the army anyway. C'mon kid, facility's got a private spaceport for bigshots and emergency care speeders. We get there, we can vapor trail it out of this dump and figure out what the kriff is going on!"**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**Darkness Falls: Escape from Memorial! Round #3**

-Adalyn Pallax - 24

-Clone Troopers (memory moth memorial) - 19

-Khol Torendau - 8

-Clan Zakkeg - 3

((**SPECIAL** <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> Elarc Vel to the rescue! I rolled init for Captain Vel and she went just after Adalyn, so Ash doesn't spend his DP. In fact, he receives a +2 to damage for the next 24 hours, since Elarc used one of her own. Adalyn is adjacent to and behind the remaining Clone trooper, while Khol and Clan Zakkeg are about two squares away. ))

### Alicia *[2011-07-09 23:03:52]*

Determination fuels the young woman as she flanks the lone, remaining trooper. She and Khol are in no position to take a captive - not that she believes the trooper would submit. They are now fugitives, and while the troopers were only doing what they were ordered to, she can't show mercy.

Not if they are to survive.

Hesitating only for a moment, she raises her lightsaber to continue her assault - the glow of her green blade casting an eerily green cast to her green face. Charging forward her eyes betray the sorrow of the inevitable.

[spoiler]**Standard** attack clone;  lightsaber +10 (includes +2 flank bonus) damage 2d8+1;[/spoiler]

***[ Post made via Mobile Device ]***

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-12 12:41:36]*

Ash is flabbergasted when his plan fails thanks to the intervention of Captain Vel, superb as her own efforts may have been. Still, what matters is the results and those are undeniable.

'Impressive gunplay, lady,' he acknowledges as he hoists her up and allows her to drape an arm across his shoulders.

The youth considers her suggestions and has to bite back his initial thought, which is to get back to the others and to Master Ruhk.

They have every bit as much chance to escape as him. A better one, really. He can always find them later once everyone is safely away, and Vel is right. The nearest and easiest escape route is the correct one.

'Sure, let's go,' he agrees. Acting as a support, he allows her to direct them while taking on the burden of her weight.

As they walk on, he alternately attempts to comm Khol and Adalyn in order to explain to them his situation. He wonders while he does so how they and the younglings are faring, but won't allow himself to believe any of them have come to harm.

### Anazider *[2011-07-12 23:52:56]*

Adalyn and Khol prowl around the clone trooper between them. The young Tapani moves with the fluid grace of a dancer, while the towering Korun stalks with the lethal sureness of a predator. But the clone trooper is no stranger to battle himself; impressed with the memories of a ruthless warrior, and the survivor of half a dozen major battles, the clone sets his stance and then quickly rolls away when he feels Adalyn pressing the attack behind him. **(1d20+10 = 18, 7 damage)**

The trooper comes up firing, Khol still his target, but every crimson lance that issues from the clone's blaster rifle is either turned aside or evaded by the Korunnai. Khol lopes forward with deliberate, purposeful strides and when he is within the troopers guard the clone brings the butt of rifle down in a two furious two-handed chop meant to brain the Padawan. Raising his left arm, Khol blocks the chop at the clone's wrists, then brings his lightsaber up in a vicious lunge that takes the trooper through the chest and off his feet. In one fluid motion, Khol spins and slams the clone trooper, the blue-bladed lightsaber acting like a giant dissecting needle as it pins the clone to the ground.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

[imgal=right]http://www.adventurers-atlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/peacefulcity900.jpg[/imgal]

A pregnant silence follows the death of the last clone trooper, even as the cacophonous sounds of battle and subjugation surround the young Jedi. The streets of Memorial are thick with fighting and the constant traffic of patrol speeders and hover ambulances, but as of yet no one appears to be advancing on their position. The younglings of Clan Zakkeg turn wide, imploring eyes on the dead men at Khol's feet, then on Khol himself, but the Korunnai averts his gaze and moves to pull his lightsaber put of the impaled trooper as an excuse to not look at anyone. Depik is weeping openly, while Wexal and Buthbo do their best to console her, although they are not doing a very good job of managing their emotions themselves.

**"Khol, what... What are we going to do?"**

Jyzen steps up behind Khol as he asks his question, although the look he gives Adalyn asks the same of her. The sandy-haired Zabrak holds his training saber as if half of him wants to throw it in a gutter and afterburn in the opposite direction, while the other half wants to run screaming into the nearest platoon of stormtroopers, to exact a toll for every Jedi lost this day. To his credit, Jyzen does neither and instead stands firm, giving the other younglings some measure of courage while they all look to Adalyn and Khol for guidance.

**"We get Ash, we get to Master Ruhk, and then we get back to the *Chu'unthor*. Master and the Council will know what to do... "**

Khol's voice is an emotionless monotone, although there is an undercurrent of barely-muted pain and cold-fury bubbling just beneath the surface that sounds distinct to Adalyn and the younglings. The Korun leans heavily to his left, favoring his wounded right leg, although the look he gives the company of clone troopers gathering in front of the medical facility is a promise that he will tear through them all to get to Ash. With the number of wounded Jedi, Jedi healers, and MedCorps gathered at the facility, it is quickly becoming one of the major flashpoints of the battle, and one look at the Adalyn and the Zakkegs is enough to cool Khol's intensity, if only by a slight amount.

**"No -I mean- yes, we gotta do all that, but what are *we* going to do Khol? You heard what they said! They're going to kill- "**

**"One pebble at a time moves a rockslide Jyzen, s'what Master always says. I don't know what we're going to do, but we have to survive to do it. That means taking things as they come, one at a time."**

The emotionless drone to Khol's voice is gone, replaced with a dreadful weariness that shouldn't belong to a young man of fifteen years. Jyzen looks up at Khol to give further voice to his fears, but upon seeing the pained strain on the Korunnai's face, the youngling closes his mouth and merely shrugs. This earns a brotherly grip of the shoulder from Khol, and at that same moment Ash's communique comes through, further brightening what little morale remains.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

[imgal=right]http://www.adventurers-atlas.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/10/spynethq900.jpg[/imgal]

Ash and Captain Vel stand at the eye of one of many storms gathering around the large courtyard, although no other attackers appear to immediately notice them. The Captain directs Ash towards one of the facility's many emergency exits by regaling him with tales of how she uses it to sneak drinks between operations. Even with a dazed and endlessly-blabbering amazon draped over his shoulders, Ash manages to navigate the chaos of the courtyard without attracting attention, and when he and Captain Vel close the door to the service entrance behind them, it is a certified miracle of the Force that they arrive mostly unscathed.

**"H-hey kid... Hey... Lift's at the center of this floor. Takes you to the garage uptop..."**

It's obvious that Captain Vel is having difficulty maintaining her concentration and when next she attempts to speak, instead of her usual verbal vomit, actual vomit comes up, which she noisily deposits on the ground and around Ash's boots. The pungent smell of regurgitated alcohol fills the dimly-lit hall in front of the exit, while the beautiful captain is busy spitting and scrubbing her mouth with her lab coat to rid herself of the taste.

**"Knew that was karkin' comin'. Don't, uh... Don't let me nod off here kid. Kriffin' bad to go spacey the way I feel. Kriff me for leaving my bag in my office!"**

A sudden realization comes to Ash: Captain Vel has been mumbling nonstop in an effort to keep herself awake. As her attention continues to wane, and her eyes blink in an uneven fashion, it is becoming readily apparent that she is quickly losing this battle. A long corridor leads from the service exit to the interior of the medical facilty, and the fading sounds of blaster fire can be heard not too far away.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

((**SPECIAL** => All right folks, here are some maps to tide us over until my formatted digital copies arrive (same maps, but I'll be able to augment (bug Alicia) those to better reflect positioning) and I'll explain things a bit: Ash and Elarc start in the upper left-hand corner of their map, and the turbolift to the garage is in the center. The Captain is doing a bit worst than she was before, but a) the blaster fire sounds fairly close, and b) Ash doesn't know his way around this floor of the hospital, aside from that the turbolifts are at the center. Ash is still slightly injured.

The effects of Adalyn's battle meditation continues to last, as this encounter isn't entirely over, but you are currently outside of combat rounds. Khol's leg is somewhat badly injured, but he's the only one and he seems to be handling it well. Khol, Adalyn, and the younglings are occupying the ground space between the two statues to the south of the memory moth crystal (the blue fountain thingie). Continuing to head south takes you back the way you came, and is the most direct route to the *Aegis*, but it also appears filled with some of the heavier fighting. Taking the roads east or west will likely take you back to the ship, but will also take longer and may require some detours. Heading north takes you past the medical facility where Ash is, and also the largest concentration of Clone troopers that you can see.

Questions/comments/concerns, let me have them. Oh, one more thing: 300xp to everyone for surviving the initial encounter. Good work people, but it only gets more *interesting* from here. <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_cool.gif alt=:cool: title=:cool: /> ))

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-13 02:59:40]*

Getting through to Khol, Ash feels a momentary lightness that transcends the deep suffering he feels.

'Khol, I'm okay,' he says as quietly as possible, 'but there are soldiers everywhere. I can't talk long, Captain Vel knows an escape route but she's barely conscious. Don't come for me, you understand? It's not worth risking everyone else's lives for. Get the younglings and Adalyn to safety, Captain and Vel and I will get out another way. We can find each other later. And Khol? If I... If I don't find you again for a while, tell Adalyn I'm sorry for the way I treated her. I think that's important.'

Upon closing the comms link he finds himself very nearly drenched in foul-smelling vomit. He nudges Elarc gently with his elbow.

'Don't you fall asleep on me lady,' the youth orders, 'I still need you operating under your own steam. We're almost there okay? Think I have an idea to keep us safe, if I can pull it off... But you have to be quiet. I'll keep pinching you or something. Don't go to sleep.'

OOC: I would like, if possible, to extend the Use of Force Cloak to apply to Vel also. Perhaps a DP to emulate an Unleashed ability? If this fails Ash will just try to be as stealthy as possible with the burden of Vel on his shoulders (Stealth +8)

### Alicia *[2011-07-13 11:17:32]*

Adalyn doesn’t move at first as the last of their adversaries is slain. The finality of it as Khol removed his own lightsaber from the trooper was almost overwhelming. Extinguishing her blade, she clips it to her belt and bends down to inspect their equipment hoping they're carrying medpacs at the very least. She had a feeling they would need them. As Jyzen begins questioning the point of it to the equally overwhelmed Khol, she approaches the distraught younglings.

Placing a calming hand on Depik’s shoulder, she looks at them in turn. “**We need to be strong and not give into the despair,**” she starts, enveloping them tighter within her Force influence. For once she wishes she had Vivian’s gift to calm the mind, but Adalyn is just going to have to do the best she can. Her gaze proceeds to the wounded Khol – in his state it was unlikely they could go far unnoticed. They were going to need to take the effort to blend in if they were going to pass through the city.

“**We should keep moving, find some place safe to rest and regroup before we make our way onwards.** ” For a moment she questions whether their master was even still alive. The sense of loss had been so overwhelming; so indistinguishable it would be hard to know whether they had felt his passing.

Her thoughts are interrupted as her commlink goes off and her heart is lightened by the sound of Ash’s voice. “**Ash… Thank the Force,**”she says in a near whisper. A tightening in her throat keeps her from proceeding, but she’s saved the effort to speak as he goes on to update them. As the channel closes once more, the elation that he had survived fills her.

“**The sooner we get moving the sooner we’ll find ourselves reunited.** ” *But which way?* Taking a look south, while direct, she quickly realizes it wouldn’t be their best route considering their state. With a look to the east and west, she opens herself to the Force, letting it guide her like she had been taught.

[spoiler]Search Your Feelings, UTF +13 to discover if one direction has a more favorable outcome than the other. Mainly I want to be able to find someplace to hide for long enough to get our bearings and give Khol some first aid.[/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-07-18 02:25:15]*

Khol stares mutely at his commlink after Ash's transmission ends, his expression unreadable. He turns to give one last, forlorn look at the medical facility before shaking his head and returning his full attention to the prospect of their escape. The padawan closes his eyes as he opens himself to the Force, but several moments later his eyes flutter open and he looks confused and disappointed.

"No insight through the Force. Something hides the answer- there is too much fear and pain in the moment."

In her rummaging for supplies, Adalyn finds three medpacs, one power pack, and one day's worth of hard rations. The fighting has become more intense, perhaps a rising action leading to an eventual climax, and the patrols around their area have become more frequent, but as of yet the group is still unnoticed. As Khol stares towards the southern road, his jaw clenches and his look becomes direly grim. The tall youth extinguishes his lightsaber, but keeps it in his hand, as he begins to carefully head in that direction towards the ship and Master Ruhk.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**"Ah kriff, now I think my retinas are detaching."**

Captain Vel passes her free hand over her eyes as Ash begins to half-carry her down the hallway, but the captain is in fact not suffering from further symptoms; Ash has surrounded them both in an obscuring Force shroud. The area immediately surrounding the padawan and the surgeon appears darker to their eyes, as if glimpsed through dark, translucent linen and even ambient sound has become more muted.

As they round the corner, Ash and Captain Vel find the interior of the hospital in shambles. Blaster wounds and long scorch marks Ash can identify as lightsaber gouges mar the walls, while the broken bodies of wounded Jedi and clone troopers litter the floor. Scattered around this lobby area are multiple hover-gurneys, most vacant although a scant few have dead or dying patients still clinging to them in some fashion. At the center of the lobby is the turbolift, it's doors wide open and its interior vacant, and four clone troopers secure it at every corner. As of the moment, they appear completely unaware of Ash's and Captain Vel's presence, but judging by the number of boot prints dotting the pristine floor, a greater number of soldiers cannot be too far away.

**"No! We healed you! I saved your lif- "**

Even through the Force cloak, Ash can clearly hear the pain and incredulity in the statement before it is abruptly silenced by the report of a blaster rifle. The voice, alien and heavily accented, comes down from a nearby stairway, and is accompanied by the sounds of booted feet marching, and anguished sobbing.

((**SPECIAL** <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> Sorry for the lateness folks, I've rewritten it so many times to try and include so much that I've finally settled upon this for simplicity's sake, and to get back on track. Now! Down to business:

Alicia's already added the newfound goods to her sheet. Khol is about to leave the relative safety of your current position to head south towards the starport, but has not yet. With the amount of blaster fire raining around the area, Khol, Adalyn, and the younglings are subject to a random possible chance of being hit by blaster fire until they reach another safe area. Having an ignited lightsaber out mitigates this somewhat, but it also draws more attention and the greater possibility of being caught by a patrol.

Ash is just in front of the small stairwell to the west of the turbolift, and there is a clone trooper stationed at each corner around the lift. Due to the use of the destiny point, he and Captain Vel have a)total concealment and b)+10 to stealth, although they are both hampered somewhat by the captain's debilitation. Maintaining Cloak is a standard action, but Ash does not have to make a new UtF check because of the destiny point and can sustain until end of the encounter. From their current position, it will take one move action to get inside of the lift, and a swift to activate, but both Captain Vel and Ash will have to make a new Stealth check upon approach.))

### Alicia *[2011-07-18 15:24:22]*

Adalyn takes a moment to take a deep breath as the onslaught of fear and hatred is opened to her once more, nearly taking over her senses completely. “**I feel it too...**” she starts her eyes closed as her Force imbued talents allow her to see what her eyes cannot. “**But I can also see a light at the end, at the space port… Master Ruhk is waiting for us.** ” Her eyes open with the last thought and there’s a small smile there, but her expression quickly changes as she spots Khol start on his way down the direct path and also the most dangerous.

Moving to jump into his path, she does her best to avoid grabbing a hold of him. “**Khol… No… We can’t go that way.**” Looking down the southern route she could almost still see the light that was emanating from the space port, like a beacon lighting a sailor’s way home. Only this way was full of rocks which would surely drown them. Her gaze turns back to Khol and then the younglings. Maybe if it had been just she and Khol they could’ve risked it, but it wasn’t just their lives.

“**This way,**” she declares moving toward the eastern route, gathering up the Younglings as she passed. She couldn’t ignore the feeling of apprehension she had felt, but whatever they would face down this path was probably better than the greater risk of being in another fight. Opening her senses once more, she stays on guard for any approaching patrols which would ruin their escape, her hand lingering over the hilt of her lightsaber clipped at her waist.

[spoiler]Sense Surroundings UTF +12; Perception +8[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-18 17:27:41]*

'Hush,' Ash reprimands Elarc, not even aware as he does so how much their roles have reversed since their initial meeting only scant minutes ago, 'you're fine. Well, no worse. It's me, I'm hiding us.'

As they turn the corner and face the guarded turbolift, Ash momentarily draws back despite the protection offered by their immersion in the White Current. It is at this moment that he hears a useless appeal from some not so distant location and the sound of gunfire, presumably a healer gunned down in cold blood. One of many innocent victims of this crime. Hearing continued weeping and realising there are others it takes all of Ash's willpower not to rush off in a madcap rescue attempt. He realises if he does so he will only doom himself and Vel.

Grinding his teeth, he eyes the guards warily. If it were just him he'd be confident about making it, but with Vel in the state she's in...

It has to be risked.

'Right,' he tells her quietly, 'listen to me. This is important if you want to live. They won't see us but they could still detect us with other senses. So make no sounds and move as stealthily as you can. We can take it as slow as you need to-' here he pauses momentarily, wondering how long it will be before a patrol passes, then quickly brushes the thought aside in favour of encouraging Elarc,'-so don't worry. Where the floor is dirty step in the existing boot prints, both our feet are small enough that we shouldn't leave an obvious trail if we do that. Does the elevator have an access code?'

Once furnished with that information or an answer in the negative, Ash leads Elarc out across the hall toward the lift, confident in his powers but less confident in the combined stealthiness of himself and his attractive though vomit-speckled and incredibly woozy burden.

Standard: maintain cloak; move: get to lift, Stealth +20/+19 factoring in Condition penalty (I am happy to spend a FP if necessary though I strongly suspect it won't be Ash that causes any problems given his modifier!); Swift: activate lift

### Anazider *[2011-07-23 01:09:39]*

**"Whaat? Oh..."**

Captain Vel takes Ash's admonishment with little reply, further showing to what state her condition has degraded. The captain reaches just within the collar of her jacket and fishes out and access card on a corded lanyard, and as Ash carries her across the hospital's lobby, she holds the card in a tight fist, as if the grip will keep her senses in the present.

**"You hear something Dusty?"'**

**"Jus' the same Gex. Remember: we're jus' followin' orders, s'what the best troopers do."**

**"Not that ya dumb mynock, I mean... "**

Ash crosses the lobby at a slow, yet steady pace, and Captain Vel has enough sense to keep her peace, although her eyelids are now beginning to droop heavily. The two clone troopers ahead of him continue their discussion about what they may, or may not, have heard, but do not appear cognizant to the fact that a Jedi and would-be traitor are walking right between them. But just as the padawan gets he and his unlikely ward across the threshold of the turbolift, Captain Vel stumbles and falls to her knees, wrenching Ash around the neck and threatening to send them both sprawling. The lurching sensation is enough to further upset the captain's stomach, and the sounds of her dry heaving are such that even Ash's powers in the Force are not enough to muffle them. **(Captain Vel rolls a 1 on stealth)**

**"Hey, what the slag!"**

**"It's comin' from the lift; gotta be some Jedi trick, get in there!"**

One of the clone troopers raises his blaster rifle and begins to step foot into the lift car, while the other calls for backup. Captain Vel's concussed state quite possibly saves both of their lives, as torrent of blaster fire scorches the back of the turbolift at chest height, where she and Ash had both stood mere seconds before. Ash desperately activates the lift car and directs it towards the top level, but the lift's doors meet the resistance of the clone troopers arms, and slowly begin to slide back open. Half-crawling and half-sliding across the turbolift floor, the vivacious doctor slams a hand against the emergency close button while she also feebly attempts to insert her security card into the offered slot.

The safety sensors within the lift car trigger, and the car refuses to move while its doors are obstructed. The clone trooper's arms are effectively trapped, although his blaster rifle waivers menacingly in the air, and just beyond the doors Ash can hear the booted footfalls of several more troopers approaching the front of the lift.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Khol halts in his tracks as Adalyn leaps into his path to stop him, and as she relays the warning she has received through the Force, the Korun's frown becomes even more grim. He nods quickly, and then alters course to take the eastern road, lightsaber in hand.

The pristine serenity of Memorial has quickly deteriorated into a blaster-scorched war zone. Landspeeders lay burning and twister along side of the roads, and inert bodies sprawl everywhere, like carelessly-flung ragdolls. Not all of the bodies in the streets belong to Jedi, though; it would appear that some of the Republic's citizens have not fully invested in the Chancellor's, now Emperor's, rhetoric, and have paid the ultimate price for their compassion. With Adalyn's senses and Khol's defensive acumen, the two padawans are able to avoid stumbling upon a pair of patrols, while also deflecting any stray blaster fire.

The road that Adalyn has selected appears to curve further eastward before eventually drifting back south, and as the family of Jedi continue, they find themselves traveling through a residential area. Most of the buildings in this area appear to be cheap prefabrication, although well maintained, and likely belong to Memorial's more working-class citizens. An eerie calm cloaks this area, although blaster fire still rings in the near distance, and it would appear that the fighting was lightest in this part of the city. The Younglings have mostly managed to compose themselves, although Jyzen mimics Khol in keeping his diminutive training lightsaber in his hand at all times. Khol's limp appears to have improved, but with the stoic mask that the he is wearing it is difficult to tell if this is due to a lessening of pain or sheer determination on the Korunnai's part.

Thirty meters ahead of the Jedi, the road bends into a blind turn and as they pass the opening an alley, a series of faint clicks and buzzes echo from within the alley's depths. Wexal startles at the sound and pauses, and when the youngling turns toward the alley the sounds grow slightly louder and more distinct. Not too long after a female Arconan appears from the shadows enveloping the alley, and she beckons quickly for the Jedi to follow her.

**"She says that we are friend of the Jedi, and wants us to follow them. She says there are many soldiers around, and more will return any moment."**

A deeper look into the alley shows that the Arconan is not alone; several other Arconan men and women also linger in the shadows away from the entrance. They all wear the heavy duty clothing of laborers, and by the few beams of sunlight that manage to pierce the darkness in the alley, it is apparent that more than one of the Arconan have the gold-tinted eyes of salt addicts. The eyes of the female that first beckoned to the Jedi are flecked with gold, although they mostly retain their verdant coloring. She beckons once more rapidly and then disappears back into the alley, and judging by the posture of the other Arconans it would appear that they are all extremely nervous.

Wexal looks to Khol and Adalyn for guidance. As of the moment, there are no signs of any advancing patrols, and the streets remain deserted.

**Darkness Falls: Escape from Memorial! Round #4**

-Ash Peztar - 17

-Clone Troopers (medical facility) - 16

-Captain Elarc Vel - 7

((**Special** <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> Something I forgot: For Ash's use of the Destiny Point, he and Captain Vel gain a +2 to attack for the next 24 hours, so factor this into your stats please. Ash and Elarc are staring down the muzzle of a blaster rifle, and the clone trooper is squeezing his trigger although he counts as pinned, as per the Pin feat.

Khol, Adalyn, and the Zakkegs are about fifteen meters (10 squares) from the opening from the alley, and thirty meters from where the alley makes a blind turn back towards the spaceport. They detect no clone troopers through the force, and in total there appears to be six Arconan laborers in the alley.

Questions, comments, and/or concerns, let me hear them.))

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-23 09:09:00]*

Reacting fast, Ash frees himself from Vel's grip. Ignoring the pain he now feels around his neck, the young Jedi drops his Force cloak and instead focuses on the blaster rifle pointed into through the lift doors, intending to wrench it free from the clone trooper's grip with the Force and fling it harmlessly into a corner of the turbolift. In the same instant Ash ignites the lightsaber, the distinctive thrum of the blade no doubt audible to the pinned trooper.Regardless of the success of his attempt to disarm the soldier, Ash holds the energy blade just above the man's arm as though it were an executioner's axe ready to drop.

'I suggest you remove your arm before I'm forced to remove it permanently,' he informs the clone coolly. Ash is glad that the soldier has no way of knowing that his saber is only capable of non-lethal attacks, although he expects if he's forced to use it he can still cause some real damage. As he has found out in many training duels, non-lethal does not equate to pain free.

Move action to "Move Light Object" +7 - Once again I am prepared to spend a Force Point if it'll help (I realise there is a Force Disarm power for this kind of thing but figured it's worth a shot, and even if he has no chance mechanically Ash would probably try anyway); Swift action to ignite lightsaber; Readying a standard action to attack the clone trooper if he takes any course of action other than withdrawing his arm - after applying all current modifiers, attack +1, damage 2d10+1.

### Alicia *[2011-07-23 12:18:00]*

There’s something to be said about being on the run after those who had trusted the most turns around and begins to exterminate the people they had been working with through life and death situations for the last few years; one learns how to distrust. All she has is her trust in the Force and her small family standing with her and the hope Master Ruhk will continue waiting for them.

While Wexal looks between his two elders for guidance, Adalyn herself is torn between her own sudden mistrust of others and her want to find some temporary sanctuary. It’s not hard to believe the woman’s words. While the fighting had reached a high here, no doubt patrols would make their way through looking for stragglers and on these deserted streets they would surely draw attention.

Taking a step toward the alley she keeps alert not wanting to be caught by surprise should in the end the woman has nefarious motives. She looks them over as she draws closer for any sign of weapons which might be used against them.

[spoiler]Sense Surroundings UTF +12; Perception +8[/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-07-27 01:09:20]*

Ash's cool tone is met by a muffled curse, but the blaster rifle wavering haphazardly in the air through the small gap in the turbolift doors begins a slow retreat. With less than half of the barrel in view, the clone trooper releases his grip on the blaster rifle and the weapon is left dangling, trapped by the gently-crushing pressure of the sliding turbolift doors.

**"Farkin' hell kid, can't believe that work- "**

Captain Vel aborts an expletive laden congratulations as an evenly-spaced beeping sound echoes inside the lift car. The sound comes from outside of the turbolift, and sounds somewhat distant, although the beeping is gradually getting closer and becoming more rapid. Oddly, Ash notes that the clone troopers are no longer gathered around the exterior of the lift and the clamor of approaching reinforcements has all but ceased. All is quiet except for the beeping noise, and as it draws closer Captain Vel grows more and more pale, quite the feat considering her already-sickness bleached pallor.

**"oohhh kriff. Kriff me with a rusty spanner kid, pull the blaster out of the door! Pull the karkin' blaster out right now!!"**

With renewed vigor, the good doctor jams her security card in the slot on the lift's terminal and begins to alternately punch the buttons for the hospital's garage level and the door's emergency closing as if her life depended upon it. Ash, perhaps taking a queue from the captain's urgency, draws deeply upon the Force and pulls upon the blaster rifle obstructing the door, hurling it towards the back of the lift car where it clatters and then begins to rapidly discharge the entirety of its power pack, forcing the unlikely companions to duck for cover unless they find themselves randomly perforated. **(UtF 1d20+8 = 28)**

Something *tinks* softly against the turbolift's doors as they slide shut and then rebounds. A pleasant chime accompanies the closing of the lift doors, but just as the car begins it ascent a deafening explosion rocks the turbolift, throwing Captain Vel and Ash from their feet and bouncing them all around the lift car and into one another. The front of the lift crumples dangerously inward and tongues of flame snake under and through gaps in the viciously warped sliding doors, but it is a testament to the turbolift's crafters that the doors and the lift's exterior shields its occupants from the worst of the blast.

The lift car shudders and then takes a stomach-churning plunge downward a few floors, providing Ash and Vel with a few seconds of weightlessness before gravity rather rudely reasserts itself. This last collision is enough to briefly rob Ash of consciousness, but before he succumbs the last sensations he experiences are a stuttering ascension, and the foul-mouthed mutterings of an *incredibly* soft cushion. **(12 damage to Ash)**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Through her Force-honed perception, Adalyn detects that several of the Arconans gathered in the alley bear blaster pistols, while the others wield makeshift weapons. Except for the lead female, each of the Arconans appears intensely nervous, and as Adalyn approaches a whispered murmur of clicks and chitters passes amongst the laborers. Khol watches anxiously, the grip on his lightsaber tightening, but when the Arconans fail to leap in ambush he quickly checks the road once more and then ushers the younglings into the alleyway.

As Adalyn draws closer, her senses expand to further encompass the buildings standing to either side of the alley, and a series of life forms garners her attention just on the other side of the door that the Arconans stand gathered around. The life forms are very similar to the Arconans, but much smaller, and a brief scrutinizing glance through the Force reveals to the Padawan that the lifeforms are indeed Arconan children; the adults must be gathered outside in the alley as protection against the fierce conflict plaguing the city.

The lead female Arconan beckons rapidly one more time, and then she produces a keycard from within her heavy overcoat and uses it to unlock the door and motions for everyone to get inside. Half of the other Arconans file in ahead of the Jedi with little prompting, while the other half bracket the Jedi family with the lead female locking the door behind them all. The interior of the small room in which Adalyn, Khol, and the younglings find themselves is dark, except for several sets of blinking, green-tinted eyes staring back at them, and the lack of light makes it difficult to gather numbers or to become oriented with direction.

**"Jedi save us. Save us from *salt*,"** the words rolls clumsily off of the tongue of the lead female from somewhere behind the Jedi, and as she continues it is apparent that she is moving around the group and deeper into their location.

**"Nest R'hshal remembers! *Jedi* save us, we save *Jedi*!"**

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

A shower of sparks from above and the stinging sensation of blood and sweat in his eyes rouses Ash from his light doze. The cabin of the turbolift barely illuminated, owing to the destruction of most of the lighting during the lift car's frightful journey. From what the padawan can see, the turbolift appears canted at a not-regulation angle, and the lift's doors are fused together wherever they are not scorched with holes and twisted metal furrows. Sunlight and dust motes filter through some of the improvised openings, while others peer into the seemingly-endless darkness of the turbolift shaft below.

**"Lay ther... n'longer kid... gonna start chargin' ya... "**

When Ash lifts his head to look around, he will soon realize that it had previously rested upon a bountiful portion of the doctor's anatomy. It may be the padawan's imagination, or perhaps his head wound, but if he didn't know any better he might think that the Captain had an arm protectively draped around his shoulders as he wakes. An arm that feebly attempts to shove him aside when Ash begins to stir. The Captain is a mess of bloody streaks and sweat-soaked blonde curls, but the smirk she gives the young Jedi is no less sardonic or challenging.

### simplyscribed *[2011-07-27 07:15:10]*

Ash lets out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding.

'I honestly wasn't sure it would work either,' the young human admits, turning to face Elarc with a relieved expression as he switches off his lightsaber.

An insistent beeping begins somewhere outside the lift, getting louder and closer by the split second. Ash doesn't recognise it at first, but Captain Vel's panic triggers a rush of memory, recalling to him an old holovid he'd seen as a child: a war movie.

*Grenade*, he realises with sudden chill clarity.

With more power than he intends Ash yanks the blaster free, and as it rips forth from the door the lift slams shut. Whether as a result of pressure applied through the Force, a damaged firing mechanism, or a snagged trigger, the rifle discharges its entire power pack while flying through the lift. Ash yelps and throws himself in front of Elarc though it it turns out to be an uneccessary if heroic gesture: all of the bolts, by some twist of fortune, miss the pair of them. The weapon clatters, spent, against the rear of the metal frame.

The turbolift doors slam shut just in time and subsequent to a musical chime the lift begins its descent. Ash is in the middle of a relieved sigh when a powerful explosion rocks the lift and as it plunges downward he is thrown free of the floor. Knocked off its axis and tearing against the walls of the shaft, the screeching, crumpled frame comes to an abrupt halt that throws Ash bodily against one wall. He is vaguely aware that he bounces and lands on something else, mercifully softer. But his mind is blank, his vision fading...

He wakes later - *Hours? Seconds?* - with a pounding headache, blinking furiously as he tries to make sense of where he is.

When Elarc speaks to him the memories come back in a torrent amidst other thoughts and sensations he is quite incapable of making sense of right now: *wherewhypainsoftdangersweethelpsafepanicnoamIfineisVelbytheForceAdalynKholdamnitwhywhywhywhywhypleasewhy*. In a moment of pure panic Ash leaps to his feet. Or tries to at least - the very effort of standing so fast causes him to slump dizzily back to his knees with a groan.

'What now?' he croaks, gazing at Elarc with the beginnings of some real fear evident in his expression. Weak and wounded as they both are, trapped in the elevator shaft, some of the cool confidence he had tried so hard to project is stripped away.

Even as he asks for help, for her to take charge, Ash feels shamed. *This is not how a Jedi should act.*

Once more, slower this time, he gets to his feet. Moving carefully around the lift so as not to disturb what may be a fragile balance, he begins inspecting for possible exit routes. As he passes the blaster rifle he checks to see if it is still serviceable - finding it in perfect working order despite the enormous strain recently exerted on it by both the lift doors, and himself, Ash quicky replaces the power pack with the spare form his utility belt. He sheathes his lightsaber and keeps the firearm in hand. Doing so makes him feel strange and un-Jedi-like as though it were some kind of betrayal, but he recognises that in his condition he is no shape to get into another melee. If he has to fight it had better be at a distance and from behind cover.

If necessary: Acrobatics +7, Perception +6

### Alicia *[2011-07-29 13:59:17]*

Adalyn blinks as the enter the dark room, hoping her eyes adjust and relaying on her other senses. Her head turns as their leader locks the door behind them and then circles around as she speaks. Relief floods through Adalyn as her initial fears are proved false. She had taken a gambit after all hoping they truly wished to help and as a return for the good deeds of the Jedi who came before no less.

“**Thank you,**” she manages to say into the darkness, nearly whispering and then repeats herself louder. “**We don’t wish to inconvenience you longer than necessary, but we could use a place to rest and treat our wounded. After that we can be on our way.**” *They might even know a safe way to the spaceport*, she thought, but that could come later.

Glancing around again, the nervousness of the nest was palpable. She had seen the bodies of those she suspected had tried to stand up for the Jedi on the way; it was a death sentence to be helping them. “**We don’t want to be putting you in any danger.**”

### Anazider *[2011-08-08 02:19:46]*

A light blossoms from somewhere in the cramped room, and then another, and soon dim illumination reveals the rough details of a wide basement that has been converted into a living area for the fair-sized Arconan nest. At least eight Arconan children come into view, most of an age with Wexal and the other younglings, although a few look like they may be as old as Ash judging by height and development. Several cots, beds, and sleeping palettes line the far walls, and from their current vantage point the Jedi can see that a few are occupied by the slumbering wounded. Judging by freshness of the bandages, most of the injuries are new and were likely caused in the initial ambush of the Jedi.

When Adalyn begins to speak, the lead female and several of the other Arconans focus their attention on her, but it is obvious that they have some difficulty with Galactic Basic. After the padawan completes her request, the lead female turns her attention on Wexal and after a brief exchange in their native tongue the lead female Arconan nods an assent, and Wexal translates for everyone's benefit.

**"She says that we do not know what is going on, or why, but we know that the Jedi are good and we owe them much. You may rest, and we will keep watch. When all are ready, we will find a way to make sense of what has happened here."**

Perhaps it is nerves or the familiarity of his native tongue, but it would appear that Wexal has fallen back into the Arconan speaking convention of referring to himself as 'we', and he doesn't seem to notice it. The head Arconan nods appreciatively of the youngling's skill with Basic, and most of the other Arconans nod in agreement, although there are a few dissenting frowns and stares. It would seem that not all are happy about this arrangement and the possible added danger of harboring Jedi, but for the moment all appear to be following the females lead, and if there are any Arconans more vehemently opposed they have yet to fully display it in front of Adalyn, Khol, and the younglings.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Ash is able to stand without disturbing the turbolift's precarious balance, although the quickly amassing clusters of cuts and bruises all over his body ache in furious protest. Captain Vel's head drops back to the lift floor when the young Jedi stirs, and she appears to be making a great effort to keep her eyes open. The dust in the turbolift has mostly settled, and sparks still shower down from busted lights and dangling control panels overhead. It does not take any greater effort for Ash to make a circuit around the confines of the lift car, but his careful steps make sure to not further disturb the injured captain, or possibly alert anyone near the turbolift's exterior.

The roof of the hospital is mostly flat landing strip, and used for the reception of emergency patients which are then taken to the trauma ward on the floor below. Through one of the tears in the lift's sheet metal towards the rear of the car, Ash can see several small landing pads, likely reserved for the hospital's administrators or more high-maintenance doctors. Only three of the landing pads have ships and they do not appear to be particularly guarded, but without knowing which ship belongs to the Captain, Ash is unable to pick out an easily travailed route.

**"What the kriff was that?!"**

**"I don't know mate, but the lift caught Skipper pretty good; he's out cold."**

Standing about five meters from the lift doors are a trio of clone troopers, although only two are conscious and they both look as if they've recently picked themselves up off the ground. One of the two troopers left standing crouches over his fallen comrade, while the other keeps his blaster rifle trained on the turbolift, although Ash can tell by the clone's posture that he is particularly on edge. The lift doors were blow inward by the blast on the first floor and although they are barely hanging to their supports, they currently afford Captain Vel and the young Jedi some measure of obscuring cover. One of the holes at the back of the lift could possibly serve as an escape route for Ash with some squeezing on his part, or for both he and the Captain if the hole were made bigger.

**"I'm not gettin' anything from Sarge or the guys on the first floor, should we go down to investigate?"**

**"Probably best to stand pat here and await further orders. Dropship suppose to be inbound with another two squads; after they arrive we can go down and report in if we've not heard anythin' else."**

((**SPECIAL** => Ash is not quite in combat rounds yet since what he does will decide whether or not there is a fight. The clone troopers are currently three squares from the front of the lift door, and the landing pads are over a dozen squares to the rear. I will post a map if ever I find one that fits what I want, but otherwise game on!))

### simplyscribed *[2011-08-22 04:24:44]*

Ash groans quietly as he peers out at the two clone troopers. They represent another significant barrier to escape, but he must do something soon before the dropship arrives or he and Vel will be doomed.

Thinking of the woman, Ash's eyes are drawn to her and he pales with concern. So close to her ship, she looks near-incapacitated. With his abilities he may be able to use stealth to approach and enter the vessel - always assuming he can work out which one is hers - but there's no way the Captain can make it with him in her condition.

There's so little time, but he realises at least some of it must be spent attempting to patch the Captain up. Desperately Ash wishes he knew the advanced technique of vitality transferance, but he knows better than to attempt such a potentially dangerous discipline untrained.

Instead he returns to Vel's side, digging around in his utility belt for the 8-2A medical bundle stored within. Designed to complement a Jedi's natural healing ability, the bundle is stripped down from a normal kit and may be less effective in treating a regular person. Vel's own kit would probably be better suited, but Ash is unwilling to risk using treatments that he knows nothing about anymore than he could chance on healing the Captain using the Force.

With the basic tools and rudimentary knowledge he possesses, the young almost-padawan does the best he can to patch his ally up and revivify her. As Ash does so his mind races to come up with an escape plan. He smiles grimly as a thought occurs to him. Though vaguely abhorrent, it might just be effective and right now that's all that matters. He can feel bad about it later. If it works.

'Come on Captain,' Ash mutters as he administers his final treatment in the form of a stimstick, 'I'd feel better about the laserbrained thing I'm about to do if I had your help.'

Treat Injury +2... (fingers crossed! Once again, happy to spend a FP if necessary).

### Alicia *[2011-08-24 12:27:10]*

Squinting through the glowing illumination, Adalyn looks around at the basement as Wexel translates her words to the nest’s matron. Her attention comes back to the youngling as he likewise passes on the matron’s words. With a smile and a bow of thanks she turns for the nearest set of unoccupied cots and draws their small family together by them.

```
“**We should see to your wounds now Khol,**” she says with a look to Khol that argument was out of the question, she pulls from her belt one of the acquired medpacs and offers it to the young Ithorian. “**Buthbo, would you help me please.**”

```

Her gaze goes to the other younglings and she gives them a small reassuring smile. “**You should get some rest while you can.** ”

[spoiler]Treat Injury +8 to either assist or to be assisted[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2011-08-26 12:35:01]*

***When Ash touches Captain Vel to administer the stimstick a sudden weariness washes over him, causing him to pause. The fatigue is accompanied by a host of emotions, many bubbling up from within the youth and amplified by Ash's connection to the Force.***

***The whole kriffin' thing was unfair. Master Ruhk had finally given him some responsibility, and the whole thing blew up in his face. He may lose his family again this day, and this woman who has gone out of her way to save his life may yet lose hers!******...But Ash has the power to fix it all. If he would just draw upon the Force fully, he could heal Captain Vel and himself and then go Khol, Adalyn, and the younglings! Master Ruhk would forgive him this failure and use of the Force for all the good it would do! He just needs to use his true potential...***

Ash almost screams at the injustice of it all as he stares down at Vel through the beginnings of tears. His desire to defy everything, to make things right, almost overwhelms him. He can do it - he can do anything! He's a Jedi! A Fallanassi! Nothing and no one can stop him from achieving whatever he puts his mind to!

***As these ideas race across Ash's thoughts, a blue flash catches his attention from the corner of his eye, and when he turns his head he finds a cerulean memory moth resting on his shoulder. The great weariness he feels doesn't abate any, but as the moth alights Ash feels more fortified, as if no matter what may come he will endure. If he were to call upon the Force, it would respond to his need and heal the Captain. He need only to endure...***

Ash understands now. He has the power to revive his fallen ally, and a choice to make. A barrier has lifted within his mind and he has never so clearly understood the beauty of the Light... nor the lure of the Dark. He debates with himself over which path can serve him better now. Whether giving himself to his raw emotions is justifiable given the extreme situation, or whether to take the safer path. He realises that the greater part of his instinct is drawing to the Dark, which worries him but causes him to wonder - he has always trusted his instinct before.

Yet he suddenly realises there's a third voice fighting to be heard. Ash realises dimly that the voice is also himself.

*'You can't choose either - you don't know what you're doing! You've never trained to do this. You don't mess with the Force, you just don't. It's not a game. You could KILL her. You could kill yourself!'*

*'I wouldn't!'*

*'You* might*. Want to take the chance?'*

No, he realises. He doesn't want to take that chance. Captain Vel deserves better than to be the victim of his ego.

And he should know better than to rely on the Force. Certainly it is a part of him, as he is a part of it. But in the end the Force is as much a crutch as a tool. Hasn't he always tried to rely only on his own merit? Why should he risk everything now, when he already has a plan?

***The stimstick in Ash's hand begins to look rather small, but as he glances at it the young Jedi remembers one of Master Ruhk's lessons:***

***"The Force provides life, but we provide meaning. Those that do for themselves find the greatest reward."***

Yes, it was true. And Ash had never needed that lesson before - he had possessed that particular wisdom for years. He won't forget it now.

His plan will just have to work, that's all.

Jaw set, eyes grim, lips drawn thin, Ash applies the stimstick to Captain Vel's neck.

### Anazider *[2011-09-11 19:55:38]*

A pregnant silence follows Ash's application of the stimpak, then it is suddenly shattered by a sharp intake of break as Captain Vel sits full upright and shoves the young Jedi near half across the tilted lift car. Her eyes are wide and darting, and as she locks onto Ash their is a great deal more clarity in them than moment's before. Reaching up to her neck, the doctor removes the stim injector, looks at it and then tosses it aside.

**"What the fark kid, are you *trying*** *to kill me? You could've exploded my kriffin' heart with too much adrenaline! You could've..."[/b]*

*The captain trails off as she looks at her hands and then runs a brief diagnosis of herself. Grunting, she shakes her head in wonder before having to catch herself as a bout of dizziness takes her.*

***"Looks like the stimulant is battling the worst of my concussion symptoms, but if we make it out of here alive tomorrow is [i]definitely*** **going to suck Hutt."**

Seeming to notice Ash's battered state for the first time, Captain Vel straggles to her knees and crawls over to give the youth a quick once over. She tears strips from her lab coat, and using a canteen from her belt she begins to clean and dress Ash's wounds, moving with a surprising tenderness and alacrity given her tough nature. When she's done, Captain Vel takes a pill from her another pocket on her utility belt and hands it to Ash along with the canteen. **(Rolled a 20 on the heal, Ash is restored to full and moves +1 on the CT)**

**"Adrenal tab- not nearly as potent as a stimpak but it'll do for a scrawny nerf like you. I wish we could've got my gear from my office kid; bought it after cleaning out Colonel Shachedi in a game of strip-Sabacc. I got more on my ship though; what's our situation?"**

With her lab coat shredded, Captain Vel sheds it and underneath she wears a sharp officer's uniform, although the quality of the fabric and the way the cut of the uniform emphasizes the Corellian's physique is more than likely not to regulation. The sidearm blaster the captain draws is replete with chrome and electrum details, but the laser-sight mounted along its slide and the scoring around the muzzle show that the weapon is a great deal more than decoration. In Elarc Vel's hands, it looks downright lethal.

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Khol does not object when Adalyn recommends rest and tending to his wounds- indeed it isn't until Buthbo comes over and aids Adalyn in patching his leg that the Korunnai's attention focuses with his start. His look is grim and determined, and even Adalyn's proximity doesn't elicit much further response. When finally he makes eye contact with her and the younglings, and opens his mouth to respond, a bright blinking light at his hip catches his attention. Khol snatches the commlink from his belt and flips the channel open, although he does not speak he merely listens for a response. Static fills the air, but enough audio gets through the interference to make out the voice of Captain Janders and Sergeant Switch.

**"Direct link online, sir! \*\*\*bbbrrzzttt\*\*\* Commander, can you hear me? Pl- \*\*\*bbrrzzttt\*\*\* -spond if you copy, over!"**

Vaulting to his feet, Khol ignores the sharp throbbing in his thigh as he nearly bowls Adalyn and Buthbo over. He gathers the younglings around and then motions everyone in the cramped room to silence as he responds.

**"Khol here Captain, although you're starting to breakup? What's your status, does Master Ruhk have any idea what in the Force is going on?"**

**"Order came down from the chancellor himself! Our bro- \*\*\*bbrrzzttt\*\*\* -hers started firin' on the Gen \*\*\*bbbrrzzttt\*\*\* -and others, started to cut them down. -tried to stop them, but \*\*\*bbbrrzzttt\*\*\* -on us too!"**

The com-feed is briefly disrupted as the sounds of explosions and blaster fire sound through the link. Khol's eyes shut tightly, and pained expression creases his forehead as he waits in agonized patience, but soon the link splutters and resumes transmission.

**"What about Master Ruhk; where is he? Did you all make it back to the ship in time?"**

**"Genral Ruhk- \*\*\*bbbrrrzzzttt\*\*\* -holding the docking bay. Handful of other Jedi are- \*\*\*bbbrrrzzztttt\*\*\* -in', but fadin' fast. Howler's- \*\*\*bbbbrrzzzttt\*\*\* -but alive, don't know how long he can hold. General said hold for survivors; hold for you, but- \*\*\*bbbrrrzzzttt\*\*\* -much longer. Wait... Are those?! Focus on the heavy squad! Focus on the- \*\*\*bbbrrrzzztttt\*\*\*"**

Another explosion sounds through the commlink, but this time the communication feed terminates with an air of finality. Khol stands staring at the commlink while the younglings look on both Padawans with fearful gazes. Suddenly, the Korrun's hand flexes and is accompanied by the groaning protest of plastic and wiring as the small commlink crumples.

**"We must go. Now."**

The words are spoken in an icy monotone, and the air surrounding the young Jedi becomes almost palpably colder. He sweeps his gaze over the small basement for any sign of another exit, and wherever his eyes land on a cluster of Arconans they seem to reflexively recoil. Only the younglings and the lead female Arconan seem unafraid of the towering Korun, and when Khol speaks Jyzen rallies the other three around him. The female Arconan moves to impede Khol, raising her hands in a placating fashion, but as she does Adalyn can almost feel a darkness gathering in Khol, like clouds gathering into a thunderhead just before the storm breaks. The younglings seem oblivious to the danger; in fact they seem almost swept up in Khol's burgeoning fervor, and Adalyn feels that she may be on the verge of some tipping point, if she does not act soon.

### simplyscribed *[2011-09-12 19:34:48]*

Flung across the elevator, Ash lies there for a moment staring upward at the twisted wreckage of the ceiling. Somehow, he finds this very funny and begins to chuckle quietly.

```

```

'Shhhh,' he reprimands Captain Vel as she explodes at him, putting his finger to his lips and trying hard to contain real and hysterical cackling. He groans as his bruised body is wracked by the juddering threat of the impending belly-laugh. 'Soldiers outside.'

```

```

He calms visibly as Vel treats him, accepting and swallowing the offered pill.

'We don't have much time,' Ash explains, 'backup's coming. I'm going to sneak out there, lure them to the edge of the roof, then... take them out of the equation.'

```

```

The young Jedi sits up, grimacing.

```

```

'Chances are I can only get one though, so I need you ready to take the other out. We'll have to be quick, because we don't know how long we have to do it, get you out of this elevator, and get the hell out of here before the reinforcements arrive.'

Ash rises to his feet and approaches the hole, calming his breathing.

'Remember,' he says, 'be ready to take a shot. You'll know when's the right time. Either it'll be obvious or I'll screw up and it'll still be obvious.'

As quietly as possible he clambers through, then once on the other side slips into the White Current.

Picking a portion of the roof visible from the hole he just left Ash slowly and steadily approaches the edge, careful to maintain his cloak. Stopping at the edge he crouches down. From among his possessions he withdraws a hooked liquid cable dispenser.

Pointing the device straight down, Ash activates it, sending the hook crashing heavily to the rooftop. Having made this attention grabbing noise Ash quickly grabs the hook and latches it to the side of the roof, pushing the now exposed and coiling syntherope off the side so that it will look like someone is still ascending.

Even as the soldiers (hopefully) hurry to his position, Ash, still immersed in the White Current, takes a few short steps back to avoid either of them blundering into him. As soon as one (or both) of them is near the edge, he throws aside his cloak in favour of a quick push to send whichever (or both) of them plummeting from the rooftop.

He fervently hopes that if one (or both!) of the soldiers survive his little trap, that Captain Vel will realise that's her signal to fire. She should, he reflects, she's a smart lady.

Either way, his own first action in a worst case scenario is to quickly draw and ignite his lightsaber.

OOC: Obviously this is way more than one round's worth but I figure we don't really enter combat rounds unless he's caught. So all of that is obviously conditional, dependant on not being interrupted, caught, or anything similar. Let's see... Stealth +8, though that's before using Force Cloak which he'll do as soon as he's through the gap. Use the Force +8. As per the previous posts, happy to spend a FP at any time one is required to see this thing through. Would suck to fail at this point.

### Alicia *[2011-09-21 12:22:11]*

As the conversation unfolds, determination begins to envelop her only to be replaced by growing apprehension as she feels Khol’s own rise of emotions; not all of them positive. A growing fear he may even lash out at the matronly Arconan moves her into action as Adalyn tries to quickly place herself between the woman and the towering young Jedi.

“**Khol.** ” She starts sharply in an attempt to get his attention. “**You need to calm down. Rushing in will only serve to get us killed. What help to Master Ruhk would that be?** ” Standing her ground against him, she hopes her words and actions serve to at least temper the raging storm for the moment.

Motioning for Wexel to join her, she turns her back on her Jedi peer, trusting he had enough sense not to lash out with her back turned. “**We can’t stay any longer. Do you know of a back way to the spaceport?**”

[spoiler]Persuasion +13 for use on Khol to appeal to his better sense and if needed for the Matron to convince her it's time we were gone.[/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2011-10-22 23:56:07]*

The jagged edges of the ruptured turbolift car pull and scratch at Ash as he squeezes through an opening, but makes it through he does and relatively unscathed. It takes little effort for the nimble youth to attain a good ambush point, and when he casts his grappling hook it rebounds loudly off of the duracrete bricks of the hospital's roof.

**"Hey, you hear somethin'?"**

**"Yeah 'did. Best to check it out; Skipper ain't goin' anywhere and we've still got a good view of the rest of the landing..."**

Heavy footfalls crunch grit and debris as the pair of troopers march towards Ash's position. Just as they come into view Ash submerges himself in the White Current, and all the world around him takes on washed-out tones. With each approaching step the blood pulses louder in the young Jedi's ears, and only a greater intuition holds the youth in place as the hapless clone troopers tromp warily into the ambush.

**"How the... Looks like we've got a runner!"**

**"Must've climbed through one've the holes in the lift! Blasted quiet lil' bugger; ground command come in, it looks like we've got- AAAAHHHH!!"**

**"What the kriff- LookouAAAAHHH!"**

Ash springs from hiding and throws all of the muscle he can manage into the back of the reporting clone trooper, knocking him perilously off balance. The clone flails wildly, clobbering his comrade in arms in the helmet before tumbling over the side. Off-balance, the remaining trooper spins dizzily towards the edge of the roof before beginning a slow, clumsy tumble over, but just at the last moment the clone manages to catch hold of Ash's collar and drag him along for the ride!

...It is a very near thing, but Ash manages to cling to the edge of the rooftop by his fingertips. His body bounces off of the side of the hospital with a dull smack that forces the air from his longs, although the collision serves to jar the clone trooper at his collar loose. Below him, Ash hears the grotesque clatter of plastoid armor meeting pavement and shattering bone, while frantic demand for a report screeches through the clone troopers commlink before fading into a electronic-splutter.

And so Ash dangles, his strength ebbing and the sweat of his hands making attaining a better grip near impossible. From seemingly nowhere, an azure memory moth- in fact *the same*azure memory moth- alights on the youth's nose, and it takes every last ounce of Ash's concentration to not sneeze himself into an early grave.

*...This is what happens to heroes kid. They never show this part in the holovids, eh?*

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

Khol looms over Adalyn, visibly seething but not taking a single step forward. Wexal looks tentatively from Khol to Adalyn, but with the other Padawan's defiance the fervor that Khol seemed to have ignited quickly evaporates. The Arconan youngling scrabbles from behind the towering Koruun and goes to speak with matron of the Arconan nest, who stands with her people looking with grim apprehension at the collection of Jedi youth. When Wexal relays Adalyn's question, a quick conversation in the Arconan's clicking, chittering language ensues before the matron gives a decisive nod.

**"We know of a way. We detect heat very well, so Republic hire us to service thermal transfer pipes underground. We will take you through service tunnels."**

The tension of the situation has caused Wexal to fall back into speaking in the collective form, although he doesn't seem to notice. When everyone signals their readiness, the Arconan matron and a half-dozen Arconans armed with blasters and heavy maintenance tools lead the Jedi back into the alley. After a brief surveillance of the area, a pair of the Arconans move to open a service grate and when the entrance is clear they wave everyone inside. The service tunnels are cramped, dark, and sweltering, but the Arconans are flawless guides and it is not long before the Jedi are scaling a service ladder to climb through another grate.

Once they emerge it takes several moments for the eye to adjust to the abundance of sunlight after so long in the dark. Glancing around, the Jedi find themselves in another alley similar to the one they previously left, but the sounds of an intense firefight and the roar of repulsorlift engines echoes in the near distance. The Arconan Matron signals for the other Arconans to fallback into the service grate, and once they are all safely inside she moves to address the Jedi.

[attachment=0]Dantooine Settlement.jpg[/attachment]

**"You follow path," She points north and then towards the west, "It will take you to starport. We can go no further; we remember all that Jedi have done for us, but we must protect nest first."**

Looking each Jedi in the eye, the Arconan Matron appears to be searching for understanding and confirmation. When she has it, she offers the Jedi a sad bow and a few parting words for Wexal before disappearing into the service grate, which locks soundly behind her. Then once again the young family of Jedi are left all alone, with the sounds of battle looming just beyond them.

((SPECIAL <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_arrow.gif alt==&gt; title=arrow right /> It is a DC 15 Climb check for Ash to hoist himself up and over the ledge. Failing the check by 5 or less results in no change, while failing by greater than 5 results in a slip in the DC increasing to 20. Failing the DC 20 check would be... ill advised.

Khol, Adalyn, and the younglings start on the map just in the center, in front of the speeder bikes.))

### Alicia *[2011-10-23 18:29:13]*

Blinking frantically in the sunlight, the young Jedi shields her gaze momentarily to focus on the Arconan matron. The matron’s reluctance to help any further doesn’t come as a surprise, already her nest had helped more than Adayln would have expected. It was certainly too dangerous for them to proceed any further. With a deep bow of thanks Adalyn offers the only thing she can for their help - her gratitude. “**May the Force be with you,**” she says as the matron closes the hatch to the tunnels.

It’s with grim determination she turns to her friends, their destination in sight, but still such a long way to go. The sounds of the not so distant battle a reminder of the haste that was required. With her eyes finally adjusted to the sunlight she casts a look around. The most direct route would be to move the damaged speeders out of the way, but who knew what sort of attention that would draw. Casting her gaze up, her attention was drawn to the roof of the nearest building of the port authority.

“**What do you think, Khol? Want to take a look? I can lift you onto the roof.**” Tracking around the buildings would take time, but if they were going to head into an ambush it wouldn’t be worth it.

### simplyscribed *[2011-10-24 16:40:15]*

Ash grins despite himself even as he strains to maintain his grip.

"I wasn't even expecting that to *work*, so I'm doing well," he tells the memory moth, reaching out to the syntherope dangling just a short distance away from him.

"Surviving is an optional extra," he adds, clutching at the rope in an attempt to get a good grip.

((OOC: I know I'm getting very repetitive, but as usual I'm prepared to pay a Force Point. :P))

### simplyscribed *[2012-02-22 16:59:30]*

Somehow, some way, Ash finds the strength to haul himself back onto the edge of the roof, where he rolls onto his back and tries to catch his breath. The memory moth flutters around him then alights momentarily on his heaving chest.

*Good going, kid. Don't quit now.*

The glittering creature is shaken loose again as Ash comes heavily to his feet, and this time it settles on his shoulder. Apparently it's going nowhere, bonded as it is to the young very-nearly-a-padawan by the memories he has shared.

"Captain Vel," he calls, stumbling over to the elevator shaft on feet that feel like lead, "stand back, I'm going to widen the hole."

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

It seems like the Force is with them for the time being - Khol, Adalyn, and the subdued younglings manage to avoid any patrols on their way back to the landing pad thanks to a combination of caution, subterfuge, and luck. Yet fortune is finite as are all things, and theirs finally seems to run out.

A frantic firefight is taking place at their destination, where Atiniir Squad, Master Ruhk, and a small number of Jedi are pinned down by heavy fire as they hold the landing pad for other survivors to reach them. The road between the padawans and their Master is surprisingly clear, a weak point in the circle of death. Yet advancing from their position of cover behind a truck would make them clear targets for the snipers firing down from atop the port authority buildings around the pad. They are excellent shots: moments after your arrival a blaster bolt gets past the blurring lightsaber of a young Nautolan padawan, dropping him to the floor. Crying out in anguish a Cerean Knight who is presumably his Master leaps over the padawan's body to protect him from further shots while another padawan tries to drag his body back to the shuttle.

The younglings are fearful and verging on panic, and they look to you to take control and save them from this horror.

### Alicia *[2012-02-23 12:00:37]*

A pit forms in the young woman’s stomach as she looks upon the scene. *So close... we’re so close, yet so far away.* It takes what seems like a long moment before she clear the horror off her features and turn to the younglings with a look of calm. “**It’s alright.. once we get there this will all be over. We’re almost there,**” she puts in as much confidence as she can, even though at the moment she may not be entirely convincing herself it was ultimately important the younglings didn’t know it.

Turning to Khol, she motions him aside, but speaks loud enough that the younglings nearby can hear them. “**I have a plan, but we have to act quickly. Take Depik and get the truck hot-wired, the rest of us are going to look for a crate to use as cover.**”

### Anazider *[2012-02-23 15:41:58]*

Khol takes a lurching step towards the firefight before Adalyn's voice brings him up short. He clutches his lightsaber so tightly in his right hand that his knuckles audibly crack, and the sense of barely-constrained fury and urgency comes from him in almost-palpable waves. When the Nautolan padawan is struck down, it takes every remaining shred of Khol's restraint to keep him from charging to the Cerean master's aid. Instead, he curtly gestures for Depik to follow him toward the front of the speeder truck and once there he expends some small amount of pent up aggression in violently "teasing" open the door.

**((Let me know if you'd like a roll for that last bit))**

### Alicia *[2012-02-23 23:40:01]*

Adalyn watches the Korunnai for a moment, worried that he wasn’t going to listen and charge in after all, an act which would be detrimental to their immediate survival. If Khol charged the younglings would probably follow them and in the end the snipers would take them down one by one with Khol and Adalyn nearly helpless to defend them. While her idea would take more time, it meant better odds of survival; particularly for the younglings. Turning away from Khol and the truck, leaving the task to her counterpart, she draws in the others and makes a quick dash for the array of large cargo crates. Reaching out with the Force she tries to gather which ones might seem like the most likely of candidates wasting only a few moments at each crate before moving on. With any which are promising she makes quick work of the locks with her lightsaber trying to keep the door as intact as possible.

[spoiler]I guess either use Sense Surroundings (UTF +13) with Perception +8 or Search Feelings (UTF +13) to help cut down on having to open and examine each crate.[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-02-24 04:57:23]*

Khol pulls on the truck's door and the magnetic lock simply gives, the Khorunnai unconsciously calling upon the Force to aid him in his anger.

Dimly, he is aware of the teachings instilled in him by Master Ruhk: continuing as he is is dangerous. Yet the theory and the practice are such wildly different things, and no lessons or any amount of meditation could have prepared him for something like this.

Without prompting Depik crawls up into the cab, seeming to understand what is required.

Adalyn manages to keep control of her feelings better than the other padawan, and gives herself over to the Force. There are several large storage crates on the truck's flatbed, big enough to contain both her and the remaining Zakkegs, albeit in a very cramped fashion, and assuming one were completely empty.

She has a good feeling about a crate at the rear of the truck. She discovers that there is no cause to use her lightsaber: for whatever reason the box is both unlocked and unoccupied.

### Alicia *[2012-02-24 11:25:11]*

Glancing into the crate, Adalyn grabs a glow rod from her belt and tosses the activated light source inside. “**Alright, come on now. This is going to be our ride home.**” Helping the younglings inside a part of her is counting the moments ticking by. Every moment they delayed another of the ship’s defenders was getting shot down. *Too long... Not much longer. Hold on.* She pleas silently.

“**Get as close to the back as you can. That’s it, you’re doing great!**” she says, hoping some encouragement would lighten their spirits. She can’t show them how concerned she is, they're frightened enough already. With all of the Zakkegs in the crate, she makes her way to the front to see how Dejak and Khol are coming.

### Anazider *[2012-02-26 11:06:42]*

Khol slides into the driver seat, although he gives Depik enough room to access the electronics under the dashboard.

**"After you get this thing running get up here, keep your head down, and stay small. You won't have time to crawl into the back once we get rolling."**

He wasn't an ace pilot by an measure, Atiniir squad and the survivors of the Battle of Jabiim would certainly attest to that, but he did know the controls. And, as he wryly thought to himself, it won't take much skill or flare to do what they were intending on doing.

**"Everyone hang on tight... We'll be home soon."**

It surprises him how steady his voice sounds in comparison to the maelstrom of emotion surging through him. Khol may have spoken those words as a rally for the others, but internally he makes a vow to himself; He would see them home- ALL of them home- no matter what it takes. Once Adalyn is in the cab and everyone is secure, the young Korun opens the throttle all the way and makes for the cruiser. For home.

### simplyscribed *[2012-02-26 12:08:43]*

Having freed Captain Vel from the elevator Ash helps her across to the starship, then turns to watch the skies as she punches in an access code.

His vigilance is fortunate. Even as the hatch opens he catches sight of a gunship approaching fast from over the rooftops.

"Their reinforcements are coming," he says tensely, "hurry!"

He pushes Elarc inside and follows her in, watching the gunship get rapidly larger while he waits for the hatch to close and the Captain makes her way through the ship to the cockpit.

It is, he realises, going to be a very close thing.

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

Depik squeaks excitedly as she succeeds in bypassing the repulsortruck's ignition safeties, then scrambles up into the passenger side seat while Khol guns it. Adalyn has just gotten inside the crate with the younglings, who huddle close in the dark once it is closed behind them. Such is the size and weight of the crates that they remain in place even as the truck throttles toward the landing pad and while it is certainly not a smooth ride the box's occupants are at no great risk of dashing themselves against the sides.

Khol is dazzled as blaster fire ignites around the truck, soldiers on both sides of the battle opening up on the vehicle assuming it is some ploy by the opposition. Then there is a moment of calm as no one fires at all, unsure now whether the truck's driver is an enemy or ally. He sees Master Ruhk's eyes widen in recognition as the truck approaches, and the Jedi Master shouts something to his allies. Atiniir Squad open fire again, strafing the surrounding buildings to keep the enemy busy. Taking advantage of the distraction, the Cerean Jedi stoops to help pull her padawan into cover - and incidentally out of the way of the speeding truck.

As the truck approaches the shuttle Khol breaks hard and pulls the wheel to the left, the truck turning sharply and coming to an abrupt stop sideways, its bulk now providing additional cover for the defenders. The younglings yelp in pain as they and Adalyn are thrown sideways, knocking the crate open and spilling out, but at least they are on the side of the flatbed nearest the shuttle.

### Anazider *[2012-02-27 22:23:50]*

Khol ducks as low as his lumbering frame allows him to, as blaster fire riddles the speeder truck with scorched pockmarks. After he interposes the vehicle in the middle of the firing line, he reaches over Depik and shoves the passenger-side door open. The Korunnai wastes no time in scooping the diminutive Rodian up as he half-crawls-half-shimmies his way out of the truck, using his wider body as a shield against the blaster fire.

Once outside of the truck, and firmly shielded from blaster fire by the vehicle, Khol sets Depik down then moves to unload everyone else from the truck's rear. He still clutches his inactive lightsaber in his offhand, but with his prodigious strength still manages the task of unloading the Zakkegs and Adalyn one-handed and with little trouble.

**"We move as one; heads down and as fast as your legs go! Adalyn'll lead, I'll pull up the rear, and no matter what happens to us you four don't stop until you're on the ship with Master Ruhk! Everyone hear me?"**

The elder padawan takes a moment to look each youngling in the eye until he receives affirming nods from everyone. At last he settles on Adalyn, but then quickly looks away as another flurry of emotions washes over him, threatening to damage whatever calm he has remaining. Khol then ignites his lightsaber, the azure blade snap-hissing to life as he prepares himself for the task at hand.

*Whatever it takes, no matter the cost...*

### Alicia *[2012-02-27 23:17:54]*

The young Jedi bracers herself within the small confines of the crate, preparing herself for the rough ride she knows is inevitable as Khol pilots the truck toward the landing pad. As the truck takes blaster fire, she winces. Trapped within the confines of the crate they had only the metal of the constructs between them and death. That is, if Khol’s driving didn’t kill them first. *Calm.. must stay calm.*

Having taking position near the entrance of the crate she’s the first to come crashing out as Khol’s breaking turn maneuver dislodges them from their impromptu sanctuary of the cargo crate. She is dazed for a moment during which she tries to determine if she’s broken anything. With only some bruising, she hauls herself to her feet and turns to the closet of the younglings helping them to their feet looking them over for any serious injuries. “**Come on now, to your feet. Almost there!**” she says over the near overwhelming din of blaster fire. She’s grateful when Khol shows up helping her to collect the Zakkegs. There was just one final stretch; getting into the ship itself. *Just a bit further.* As the Korunnai meets her gaze, she can not only see but sense the tumultuous feelings in them before he looks away. Something inside of her is drawn to the surface and it too takes all her self control to maintain her persona of calm.

Drawing her own blade, the emerald blade flashes to life in her grasp and she makes ready to lead the way, preparing herself for the worst as she makes the dash toward the ship and safety.

### simplyscribed *[2012-02-29 08:56:28]*

The younglings continue to show nerve beyond their years, though they are anything but calm. They take their cues from Adalyn and Khol, striving to emulate the outer poise of the older padawans who are right now their very real heroes.

Now outside the relative safety of the truck, the padawans quickly realise despite the cover of the vehicle their position is not paritcularly safe. Fire is coming at the defenders from all sides. The Jedi rush forward to block incoming fire, deflecting it away from the new arrivals, while Atiniir Squad continue to hunker down behind crates and barrels, sporadically popping up from behind cover to pepper enemy positions with suppression fire.

Master Ruhk joins them by the truck, and his relief to see them all well is palpable.

"Hurry," he insists while gesturing behind him at the open door of the shuttle, "get the younglings on board."

The Feeorin catches Khol's eye, and his padawan sees the deep despair and fatigue he feels mirrored in the Jedi Master's expression. Ruhk doesn't ask after Ash. He knows why the youth is absent, and that there is nothing to be done. He also knows who is responsible.

Ushered along by their Master, Adalyn, Khol, and the younglings rush across the distance toward the shuttle. The other Jedi fall back around them. Suddenly Adalyn pauses in her retreat, experiencing a certain sense of impending danger. She spins around, her gaze drawn instinctively to a rooftop behind them. She is not the only one. Behind them, Ruhk has also turned to face the threat.

A squad of clone troopers rises from cover behind the rooftop's parapet, bringing rocket launchers to bear. They fire almost in unison, a salvo of the missiles shrieking towards the Jedi.

Adalyn's reaction is immediate and instinctive, reaching out with the Force to turn the deadly incendiaries aside. Between her and Ruhk, almost every rocket is redirected, and the first everyone who wasn't so quick to react knows about them is a series of explosions coming from the surrounding buildings. Yet one rocket find a target on the landing pad: it rips into the cab of the flatbed, and the truck is thrown into the air, billowing flames. The force of the explosion knocks Adalyn from her feet, and everyone shields their eyes against the sudden flare. There is an almighty crash and screech as the truck hits the ground and skids across the stone, followed by the sound of several smaller explosions as various of its advanced systems are consumed.

Even as their sight and hearing are overwhelmed by the adjacent explosion, Ruhk's padawans hear his voice in their mind, relaying a message both rushed and pained.

*Get to Bespin! The encl-*

His message is cut off in the middle, and it is soon clear why. Master Ruhk sprawls on the ground, legs crushed under the overturned flatbed, flesh burnt and his clothes still on fire. His lightsaber has fallen a few metres away, switched off automatically by the dead man's switch.

### Anazider *[2012-03-03 14:30:08]*

**"Get on the ship and go to Bespin..."**

Khol's voice is barely more than a harsh whisper and as he begins to stride away from the boarding ramp to where Master Ruhk lays pinned, it is almost as if a dark haze trails in his wake. Those sensitive to the Force near the young Korun feel a dreadful rage rolling off of him in waves. As he doggedly marches towards his fallen master, the padawan comes under fire from the entrenched clone trooper squads. He deflects and and evades as many blaster bolts as he can; those he can't leave sizzling blisters all over his body, but he ignores the pain.

*Save them all... Whatever it takes... No matter the cost...*

The mantra runs through his thoughts over and over again as he draws ever closer to Master Ruhk's prone form. Red strands of light cross his vision, whether it was the after image of blaster fire or due to his injuries he doesn't know and doesn't care; yet as he blinks the strands still linger, and they appear to somehow connect the troopers together. From trooper-to-trooper, building-to-squad, and from assaulting army to the cruiser behind him, everything was interconnected. But at some points the strands were much more significantly; innately he knows that if he strikes the focal points and break the ties, he will sever the clone troopers connections to his family.

*Break the strands... Whatever it takes... No matter the cost...*

He had never had a great affinity for telekinesis, but with his current mindset he feels a resurgence in the force. Khol extends a hand towards the smoldering truck bed crushing his master, and with a simple gesture the remnants of the vehicle lifts into the air. A flick of the wrist sends it hurtling at the rooftop where the rockets had launched, where it collides with tremendous force. He looks down his master, the Feeorin's chest barely heaving, and the sight fills him with an even more terrible strength.

*I can save them- No, I will save them! All I have to do is break the strands! Whatever it takes... No matter the cost...*

**((Swift Action: Dark Rage UtF +12))**

**((Move Action: Move up to Master Ruhk's Position))

((Destiny Point: Gain Move Object))

((Standard Action: Move Object to lift truck bed and throw it at entrenched, rocket-wielding clone troopers))

((Darkside Score increased by 2))**

### Alicia *[2012-03-03 18:40:33]*

Stunned by the force of the blast, Adalyn is slow to get up from where she has fallen. The air knocked out of her, she gasps and only when she’s recovered enough does she sit up. It takes a longer moment for her to process the macabre scene around her and Master Ruhk’s final message. Shock keeps her rooted in place, her eyes remaining on her teacher’s still form. *He’s gone... No, he can’t be.* While she wants to deny it, she knows the truth.

Khol’s dulled words bring her out of her shock and she stands as quickly as she’s able. Her body objecting from the abuse it’s been taking. Adalyn follows behind Khol obstinately, knowing full well her actions would probably rise his ire further. Someone had to stand up to him and make him see the stupidity in his actions. “**Don’t be an idiot,** she says following behind, defending herself the best she can. Not as skilled in her deflection with a lightsaber she uses her learned ability to negate and absorb the blaster energy as it hits her body. “**Master Ruhk wouldn’t want you to die here and Force help me I won’t let you either!**”

She stops, standing over the burnt shell that had been her teacher. The burning truck had become his funeral pyre, they would have to leave him where he had fallen. Glancing on his lightsaber hilt, she draws it to her with the Force, the hilt sliding lightly across the paracrete to her. What Khol does next distracts her from effort to recover their fallen master's lightsaber. While she had felt the anger radiating off of him, it hadn't been a new occurance though before he hadn't necessarily acted on it. Now, however, she could sens the anger coming off him in palpable waves and could feel him using it to severe the burning wreckage into pieces before using the Force to hurl it toward the source of the missiles. She visibly winces as she feels him draw on the dark side.

"**Khol, please...**" she shouts. "**Let's get out of here. We can all leave together!**"

[spoiler]If possible I’ll use Fight defensively to keep from getting hit, which means I’ll probably end up moving more slowly, but get the +10 dodge bonus. I’ll save Negate Energy for after I’ve been hit a couple times, and on a high damage roll use the FP to absorb it assuming it’s not horrendously high DC.[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-03 21:46:31]*

Despite the distance between them Ash can somehow feel the anger overwhelming his Korunnai friend and adoptive brother as though he were there with him, and he halts in his journey to the cockpit, clutching at his head.

"No, no, no!" he screams, tears born of frustration at his own impotence springing to his eyes. "What's happening, Khol, what are you doing?"

"What happened kid?" Vel shouts fearfully back from her position in the cockpit, but she doesn't dare go back to check on him even when she hears no response. There's simply no time.

The transport rises sharply, wobbling inelegantly due to Vel's haste to bring it up. The sublight drives screech agonisingly as the medic tries to draw from the ship its top speeds without wasting time on a gradual acceleration. She is not inexperienced at desperate maneuvers, and knowledgeable about their potential risks, so she knows better than to push it too far past its limitations. The ship survives Vel's rough handling, though its ion engines may now be in desperate need of a check-up.

The Captain has earned a few more seconds of respite but the gunship closes fast, blasters opening fire as it comes within extreme range. Vel immediately executes evasive maneuvers.

"Kid!" she cries, and risks diverting her attention for a split-second to look wildly over her shoulder, "I need you to strap in!"

Once again there is no reply. Ash *cannot* reply: stunned by the furious emotional flood, and unprepared for the sharp evasive movements, he was thrown from his feet headfirst into the protruding corner of an access hatchway. Out cold, he lies on the hard metal floor with blood slowly welling from a gash on his forehead.

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

So consumed is he by his emotions Khol unwittingly gives himself over to the Dark Side, and his rage is such that he seems to phyiscally project a dark miasma.

The rational part of his mind cannot draw him back, drowned out by the violence and the horror. By the sight of Master Ruhk. By the screams and cries of the younglings, forced to watch their beloved Master burn.

It is too much.

Roaring like an animal, Khol draws on the limitless potential of the Dark Side, and he marvels at the power, at the wonderful way it feels as it courses through him. He throws his arms upwards, and the repulsortruck is scooped into the air as though weightless and flung hard towards the troopers on the parapet. The vehicle crashes against the rooftop, the soldiers disappearing beneath it, and the violent impact causes the already ruined shell to crumple.

As Adalyn tries to reason with the other padawan, she steps over the body of her Master. Her eyes are drawn morbidly to his charred body, and she gasps in surprise.

Although barely perceptible, his chest rises and falls. Somehow, after all that punishment, he's still alive! Master Ruhk is a Feeorin of advancing age, and that makes him a tough old kriffer. For how long though? His clothes are still aflame, and his burns and crushed limbs require immediate and serious medical attention of a kind not available right now. There might be some decent medical supplies on the *Aegis*, enough to keep Ruhk alive until they can get him into a bacta tank. But there's no time to lose, and she is faced with a terrible choice. Will she try to bring Khol back from the brink of the Dark Side and risk the death of her Master, or will she save her Master's life and risk losing Khol?

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

Khol has earned an exploit - "Discovered the tantalising strength of his Dark Side while crushing a squad of clones responsible for the maiming of Master Ruhk" (for the next 24 IC hours, Cliff may optionally choose to improve any Use the Force roll by +4, but doing so will automatically incur a Dark Side Point each time in addition to any Dark Side Points that are otherwise earned by the action.

Since I don't have edit rights, please edit this in yourself.

### Alicia *[2012-03-04 19:37:43]*

Adalyn doesn’t think, but reacts as she drops to her master’s side her lightsaber disengaging before she drops it to the paracrete beside her. “**He’s alive! Master Ruhk is alive!**” She repeats the words over and over hoping Kohl will hear them and snap out of it as she struggles for a a moment to remove her cloak. “**Khol, he’s alive!**” she shouts a final time using the fabric to put out the remaining blaze and cover the burnt flesh. “**You have to help me! He’ll die if we don’t get him to the ship.**”

The young woman risks looking up at her fellow padawan, but she’s forced to avert her eyes. She has to act now before she loses everything. Jumping to her feet she grabs Khol’s outstretched hand, prepared for the violent outburst the act would bring. Readying her innate ability with the Force she prepares to lash out him, to stop him with a burst capable of overloading his senses. “**You have to snap out of it! We can still save him!**” she pleads, her voice breaking with the accumulation of emotions roiling inside her.

[spoiler]So... I have no idea if you’re going to let me do all of this but what the hey, you never declared full rounds <img src={SMILIES\_PATH}/icon\_lol.gif alt=:lol: title=:lol: /> Anyways, here’s the actions:

Drop to kneee

drop lightsaber

remove cloak

Stand

move to Khol

**Initiative** +5

[dice]1[/dice]

Ready action to use Force Stun should he prove hostile to me

**Force Stun (Use the Force)** +13

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]

### Anazider *[2012-03-07 23:18:11]*

Fresh tears brim the Korun's eyes. He had endured much in the Crucible's slave pits, but none that had prepared him for the raw emotion he now feels. Khol takes one firm step away from Adalyn and Master Ruhk, and then another, stopping a few meters just in front of them. The padawan begins to weave his lightsaber blade in slow, yet intricate patterns around himself and with each passing moment the weave becomes faster, the pattern more intense, until it appears almost an oblate azure sphere surrounds him.

**"Take Master Ruhk, head for the ship, and don't look back! I will buy you time... "**

Khol's voice is a harsh monotone, and he doesn't so much as look back to see if Adalyn is doing as he beckons. Through the Force, a crimson lattice overlays his vision with each lifeform, object, and space forming a node within the pattern. Where his gaze lands on a node his vision sharpens and he gains some fractured understanding of the focal point's significance: a dead officer leads to a disorganized and routed command; a toppled building blocks access to the spaceport; a surprise attack on an anti-vehicle squad rounding the avenue secures the *Aegis*'s escape...

The moment Khol's eyes land on the anti-vehicle clone trooper squad, an almost-feral snarl rips forth from his lips and before anyone can react, the Korun is sprinting across the blaster scorched expanse with Force-borne speed. The snarl sounds almost alien to his ears, and drudges up memories he had long buried, but rather than shy away from the feelings he immerses himself in them and uses the emotion to gain the strength he now needs safeguard his family.

*They hurt Master Ruhk! They took Ash and killed the others! If you don't stop them they'll take Adalyn, and the younglings, and everything else from you, just like before! Break the strands, no matter the cost... No matter the cost... No matter the cost...*

**"...Goodbye Adalyn."**

He knew that voice; it was his own, truly himself, and it felt good to hear it before what was likely to be his end. Khol has few precious moments to contemplate before he sets upon the troopers, and his world turns all to pain, rage, and purpose.

**((Destiny Point: Use Surge UtF + 12 + 4 (1 Darkside Points gained))**

**((Move: Jump into crowd of stormtroopers + Surge results))

((Standard: Become the Grim Reaper + Power Attack))**

### Alicia *[2012-03-08 16:43:28]*

“**I didn’t mean that kind of help,**” Adalyn remarks as Khol turns away from her, moving away purposefully from them; his blade becoming a blue hazed barrier. Before she can stop him he’s bounded away and she’s left to follow his wishes begrudgingly. Moving back to Master Ruhk’s side, she first grabs hers then Ruhk’s lightsaber, clipping them to her belt to keep her hand free.

Knowing she’d be unable to carry or even drag the injured master’s bulk, the young Jedi focuses on his form, lifting the Feeorin with the aid of the Force. Moving with him she makes all haste back to the ship, while still maintaining her concentration.

[spoiler]**Move Object (UTF)** +13 (Maintain)

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-21 18:55:59]*

Adalyn lifts Master Ruhk's body with the Force as gently as she can, but even this most painless of levitations causes a moan of agony to escape from the Feoorin's burnt lips. She hurries to the ramp of the cruiser, up which the handful of Jedi survivors are already retreating, one young twi'lek padawan herding the Zakkeg Clan ahead of her.

Last come Atiniir Squad, Sergeant Switch stoically carrying a wounded Lieutenant Howler as Captain Janders fires controlled burst shots through the fire and smoke at distant clone troopers.

She has hardly stepped foot on the ramp when it slowly begins to rise, and by the time she reaches the top it is past the horizontal plane and rapidly closing. She turns to look for Khol, but the tortured young man is nowhere to be found. All Adalyn sees is a burning, broken glimpse of the planet, and an absence where her two fellow padawans should be. If there were any mercy in the Galaxy they would be there, appearing by some miracle out of the chaos just in time to take off with her. Just in time to stay with her. To stay safe. But the Galaxy is not that kind.

The cruiser judders as the engines ignite, and Adalyn quickly grasps hold of the nearest secured object to keep her feet steady as the ship hurriedly takes off.

Behind her Janders plucks Master Ruhk from the air with surprising gentility and follows Switch and Howler to the cruiser's small medical station. It was never designed for the long-term treatment of the kind of injuries the Master has sustained, but the Force willing the supplies available should keep him stable for now and reduce his pain. His own innate Force talent should aid his recovery also.

Adalyn finds the Zakkeg Clan strapping in with the other passengers, and with little left to do she joins them. The younglings are openly crying, even Jyzen, and she cannot blame them. Nor does she know how to comfort them.

As the cruiser rises above the city, gunships scramble to intercept it, but the airspeeders are too far away and have no hope of catching the powerful starship in time to prevent it escaping.

Neither is it the only ship escaping. As Adalyn peers out of a port she catches a glimpse of a transport in the distance, climbing steeply as it exits through the planet's atmosphere, leaving the gunship tailing it helplessly behind. The sight fills her with a temporary sense of relief, knowing that there are others who are not yet lost. Yet her relief for the unknown people aboard that ship is short-lived. Her worries are more immediate - they aren't safe yet.

What terrifies her most of all is that with the Chancellor - no, the selfproclaimed *Emperor* - declaring them war criminals and fugitives, it is likely that none of them will be truly safe ever again.

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

END OF ACT 1.

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-26 20:06:55]*

*"We've received reports of a rogue Jedi engaging in terrorist acts against the Empire. While we're not unsympathetic to his goals, we're concerned that his violent and overt approach will cause the Empire to strike back even harder against us. Worse, they won't find us - they'll find untrained Force-sensitives who can't defend themselves."*

The holographic recording of Djinn Altis repeats his message once again as Adalyn watches it for the umpteenth time.

*"Our agents have tracked this rogue down to Cypher's Shadowport, where we believe he lays low and takes mercenary jobs between attacks. Adalyn, it falls to you to locate this Jedi. At the very least he must be persuaded to stop his attacks, but ideally we would like you to recruit him. Provided he has not given himself over to the Dark Side."*

It is an unusual mission for her. She is used to locating untrained Force-sensitives, not rogue Jedi. What makes it more unsettling is the worry that terrorist attacks against the Empire sounds like something Khol might do. The chances are infinitesimal of course. But then, a part of her hopes that it is Khol so they can be reunited, no matter the circumstances.

"We have clearance to dock," Kikrin interrupts her thoughts, the verpine pilot looking around at the two women sharing the cockpit, "we will land shortly."

"Are you feeling okay Adalyn?" Alaris asks, the perceptive twi'lek gazing shrewdly at the young Jedi.

### Alicia *[2012-03-27 09:51:03]*

Adalyn didn’t need to hear the recording anymore to know what it said; having watched it so many times even Master Djinn’s face had been ingrained in her memory. The message had been an honor in and of itself. It wasn’t often one received a personal message from the head of the Altisian Order, let alone a mission. Over the last couple years she had numerous correspondences with Masters Plett and Camas coordinating their efforts in her self-appointed mission to help escaping Force users. While she felt a sense of duty and took pride in her work, she did have her ulterior motives. One day she hoped it would bring her closer to reuniting with her friends.

As her thoughts shift to Khol and Ash, her worry comes to the surface. Something must have shown on her expression and clicking the holo recording off she does her best to school her expression. Giving Alaris a reassuring smile the young Jedi waves away her concern, “**Nothing I can’t handle. Eager to get this over with.**” A part of her doesn't dare admit the hope that maybe, just maybe Khol was behind it. The fear growing that if he had lost himself to the dark forces she had sensed in him when they had parted she may have truly lost him.

Looking out the viewport Adalyn gazes out at their destination. “**What do we know about the shadowport?**” she asks to draw her companions attention away from her growing unease.

[spoiler]Though untrained I'd like to attempt my own:

**Knowledge** +4

I'd like to take 10 or even 20 if possible.[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-27 14:58:38]*

Adalyn is familiar with the brief that came with Master Djinn's message, and it is this information that Alaris immediately reels off from memory. The distraction tactic has apparently worked.

"Like others of its kind, Cypher's Shadowport was formed by smugglers, pirates, and other criminals who forged a community outside govermental jurisdiction where they have the freedom to engage in the kind of activities frowned on in civilised space. We can expect to encounter the open trade of drugs, black market goods, and possibly even slaves. Cypher's Shadowport is also famous in certain circles for its gladiatorial arena. Apparently they are quite brutal, and while killing is not strictly allowed accidental deaths occur all too often. Cypher is an actual person but he remains quite illusive. To be in charge of a shadowport he must have influential ties, but nobody seems to know who's backing him. The population of the shadowport is at least five thousand but it's impossible to get an exact number because of all the coming and going."

"As for this rogue Jedi," she adds as a final note, "we don't think he's connected with Cypher but we can't be sure exactly what sort of activities he's involved in. It's possible he's only at the shadowport to hide, it's a better place than most."

### Alicia *[2012-03-27 17:04:47]*

Adalyn nods in her agreement to Alaris’s assessment of the rogue Jedi’s reason for being on the station. If she was alone and needed a place to hide, she might have tried to make her way to someplace like this. Here where there were outlaws living together with a common purpose to remain apart from the Empire. Perfect place for a terrorist to hide and even get his supplies, and because it was a port there was always transportation.

Leaning against the arm rest of her chair, she lets her chin fall into her left hand as she contemplates their plan of action. On a station of over five thousand outlaws who probably wouldn’t take kindly to strangers asking questions they were going to have to tread lightly. For a moment she debated reaching out with the Force to help her, letting it guide her to the rogue Jedi, but a part of her was apprehensive about letting him know she was there before she could even trace him through menial means.

Not only was she going to have dodge detection by the rogue but hope she doesn’t draw any other unwanted attention either. All of this and more crosses her thoughts as she waits for the *N'kidix* to finish docking.

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-27 18:48:44]*

The YT-100 descends onto a vacant landing pad with more grace than its appearance would belie. At a push of a button Kikrin releases the landing struts and brings his vessel to a gentle stop.

"Looks like we have a greeting party," Alaris observes, staring out of the cockpit at group of armed aliens approaching the transport.

Kikrin clicks quietly, a gesture the others recognise as indifference.

"They are here to collect the docking fee. Places like this, they like payment up front."

The Verpine joins the women as they walk through the ship, taking a blaster rifle from a rack by the ramp. Alaris, already carrying her equipment, presses the release and the ramp descends.

The group waiting at the bottom comprises of a trio of Gran, a burly Trandoshan, and a Devaronian male. Despite his demonic looks the latter is the least physically threatening of the group and it's no surprise when he turns out to be spokesperson.

"Welcome to Cypher's Shadowport," he says, "we represent the port authority. Are you here for business or for pleasure?"

"I have no cargo to trade," Kikrin replies, "just these two passengers."

The Devaronian nods.

"There's just the matter of your docking and refueling fees."

"Of course," says Kikrin, "I will be happy to discuss it with you. May my passengers go about their business?"

The Devaronian grins widely and reveals his sharpened teeth, throwing his arm around Kikrin's shoulders.

"I see no reason to keep them."

The pair walk away, the Devaronian guiding Kikrin towards his office. His guards linger a while longer, treating the girls to some exceptionally unfriendly expressions, then peel away and leave them be.

Alaris watches their friend go with concern, but moments later the Twi'lek is all business as she turns to Adalyn.

"Our agent lost track of the target not far from here. Apparently he went into a cantina called the Greasy Gear and somehow slipped out unseen. That seems the place to start."

### Alicia *[2012-03-27 22:47:44]*

Adalyn watches Kikrin walk off with the Devaronian dock keeper as well, but she knew he probably wouldn’t have done so unless he believed it necessary or if he couldn’t handle himself. Knowing he would either stay with the ship or meet up with them later she turns her attention back to Alaris.

Nodding her agreement, she starts heading toward the exit. “**Greasy Gear it is. Hopefully we can make use of any other details the agent sent us, before we start arousing suspicions.**” While not drawing heavily on the Force, she keeps her attention sharp, using its influence to heighten her senses.

[spoiler]Going to be continually making Perception checks to keep aware of the surroundings, using Sense Surroundings to augment it.

Take 10 on both: UTF 24; Perception 20.[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-28 04:29:40]*

Cypher's Shadowport might be a wretched hive of scum and villainy, but it is surprisingly well organised and maintained. In amongst the myriad people thronging its streets a small army of repair droids work to keep the place operational while cleaning droids tirelessly sweep surfaces clean of litter, spills, and... is that a scorch mark?

Alaris' intel proves accurate and the Greasy Gear is not far at all from the landing pad. Nor is it particularly difficult to spot, sporting a giant holographic sign of a rotating gear dripping grease.

Inside, the cantina proves less well kept than the shadowport proper. Whoever owns it is clearly less interested in hygiene. Or replacing broken bulbs. In the dim, flickering light ominous figures in dark clothing loom all around, and it is suddenly all too easy to remember the nature of the station and the people who dwell there.

Serving droids weave their way through the bustle, bringing drink orders back and forth from the bar at the far end of the room where a Quarren chats conspiritorially with a pair of cloaked customers.

### Alicia *[2012-03-28 10:35:25]*

Glad for the muted, dark color of her cloak, Adalyn could only hope that in the dim light her red hair wouldn’t attract attention as they entered the cantina. In an effort to hide it, she draws her hood up. With a glance around, her gaze falls on the two cloaked beings and with a sideways glance to Alaris she begins heading in further toward the back of the cantina to the bar.

Taking an available table near the three conspiratorial figures she uses the excuse of signaling one of the droids to get a better look at the cloaked figures and attempt to overhear what they may be talking about.

[spoiler]**Deception** +10 - to hide my true intentions of checking out the two cloaked customers

[dice]0[/dice]

**UtF: Sense Surroundings** +14

Take 10 for **24**

**Perception** +10

[dice]1[/dice]

I'll spend a FP if that will help me[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-29 04:54:39]*

The trio seem to be bartering the price of a spice shipment, and while they are talking quietly and being careful not to give away any details that might lead any of the other criminals in the bar to their bounty, they seem heedless of the fact they might be overheard. After all, spice is business as usual at the Shadowport.

Eventually a price is agreed, to be paid "in the usual way", and the cloaked duo walk away from the bar. As they pass Adalyn's table she sees the taller of the two is a grim-faced Thakwaash and the other a near-human with a cybernetic eye.

In the meantime one of the serving droids has made its way over and taken drinks orders for herself and her companion. Alaris seems completely at ease in the cantina, but Adalyn knows her well enough to see that she is as alert for danger as ever. If anything happens, she can rely on Ranger Odula to react quickly.

The Quarren bustles about behind the bar mixing drinks for the droids to deliver. Now he isn't distracted by conversation the orders are completed with much more efficiency and it isn't long before the droid is back at the table with the girls' orders.

Alaris takes a sip of her beer and then asks: "any ideas?"

### Alicia *[2012-03-29 09:06:52]*

It’s perhaps a testament to the variety of missions Adalyn has been on that she manages to mimic her companion’s countenance. Sipping her own beer, she takes another look around the cantina, continually being wary of her surroundings particularly in this den of outlaws. Not knowing where to start other than their current location, or who to start with they were left with limited options.

“**Well**,” she starts, drawing it out. “**We can hope our good friend realizes we’re here… or I can attempt to locate our new friend through *other* means. The best course might be to just be patient and wait.**” The last she points out with a slight shrug of her shoulders.

[spoiler]I'd like to make continual Perception checks:

**UTF: Sense Surroundings** +14

Take 10 for total of 24

**Perception** +10

Take 10 or 20 for total of 20 or 30.[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-29 10:36:53]*

Alaris settles back in her chair, swilling her beer around in the glass. She sits mostly in silence, occasionally speaking up to make polite conversation. About twenty minutes after their drinks arrive Kikrin comms to let them know the fees are all settled, and he'll stay with the ship until called for.

Slightly less than an hour later Adalyn suddenly registers a discrepancy at the edge of her senses, a feeling that she recognises as the touch of the Force. It disappears almost as soon as she detects it as though being actively hidden, but it is enough to know there is another Force-sensitive in the cantina. Looking up she sees a human female in a burgundy dress has just entered. In spite of the dim lighting she wears dark glasses and doesn't seem in a hurry to take them off.

The woman advances toward the bar, where she orders an Alderaanian Sunrise. When she has the drink in hand she turns and moves without hesitation to Adalyn's table, taking a seat without asking.

"Hello Adalyn, Alaris," the lady greets them, "where's Kikrin?"

Adalyn's Twi'lek companion shifts in her seat to face the newcomer and raises a painted eyebrow at the stranger's apparent knowledge of the team. She says nothing however, waiting for Adalyn to take the lead.

### Alicia *[2012-03-29 12:45:31]*

The touch of the Force is enough to have the young Jedi on edge and it’s only the appearance of the strange woman that the feeling abates, however only slightly. Adalyn’s instincts told her this was the agent who had passed on the intel concerning the rogue Jedi. Not knowing who this woman was she decided to still play this cautiously.

“**Keeping watch of the ship.**” Taking her time she sips at the last dregs of her beer, having nursed it to the Quarren barkeep’s consternation for the past hour. “**I’m glad you decided to show yourself. How did you know it would be us?**”

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-29 17:18:17]*

"I make it a point to know as much as I can about everyone I can," the woman replies, adding: "especially when they're people I might meet on a job. I Once I heard that the *N'kidix* had docked I assumed it was you here. After all, it's Kikrin's ship."

Her painted lips twitch upward in a smile, and she leans forward as she introduces herself.

 "I'm Layni. Good to meet you."

### Alicia *[2012-03-29 19:05:31]*

With a nod, Adalyn affirms Layni’s reasoning. “**Pleasure,**” the young Jedi responds and after finishing off her beer, leans forward as well. “**Pleasantries aside, you know why we’re here.** ” While they spoke she decides to test her theory and careful reaches out in the Force encompassing the small space around them to affirm whether it was Layni she felt on the edge of her senses.

[spoiler]**UtF: Sense Force** +14

Take 10 for 24 total

If I reach anyone other than Layni she will attempt to conceal her presence.

**UtF: Sense Force** +14

[dice]1[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-03-30 05:04:49]*

As Adalyn begins probing with the Force Layni hisses "stop that" at her, which is confirmation of her suspicions in and of itself. Not only is Layni Force-sensitive but she has control enough of her innate powers to detect Adalyn's attempt.

"Save it for when you have to," the agent advises, "you never know who is watching."

Ranger Odula glances between them, not sensing what has just taken place but knowing enough to comprehend the gist.

"She is right Adalyn," the twi'lek agrees, "until we've exhausted any leads Layni can give us there's no sense in taking unnecessary risks."

Layni takes a petite sip of her cocktail, relaxing back into her chair.

"If you must have an explanation, then here it is," she explains, "I'm a Miraluka. If you know anything about my species you will know that I do possess the talents you suspect me of."

Pointing to her dark glasses, she adds: "you will also know that I'm incapable of giving you a good physical description of your target as I don't see the way you do. I can tell you that he is male, and around 2 metres in height. He wore a bulky cloak and a wide-brimmed hat. As for details like colour, that is beyond the limitations of my senses."

"Since he disappeared in here the first time I've been spending a lot of time here, ingratiating myself with the owner. Turns out this guy comes in here every now and then, mostly to meet people. Possibly employers or co-conspirators. There's one person he meets who's a regular here. A Kubaz by the name of Thatrik. Keep him under observation, and you may eventually find your man."

### Alicia *[2012-03-30 11:07:49]*

Hardly put off by Layni’s warnings, the young Jedi ceases her attempt to sense the agent. The outburst revealed itself to be a good sign making it unnecessary. As Layni continues to explain the pieces begin to fall together. There had been a great many Miraluka who served as teachers and administrators in the Order. Her thoughts are interrupted as the agent proceeds into her report and she’s hardly surprised by the lack of news in regards to who he is. A bulky cloak and the hat were the perfect cover to throw off any cursory glances and anyone looking at him too intently he probably would have noticed.

At the mention of the Kubaz, Adalyn takes a moment to see if he is present in the cantina before turning her attention bake to the agent. “**When was the last time our man was here?**”

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-01 06:57:22]*

The Miraluka sets her glass down while replying: "not since that first time, but the Kubaz has been coming in often lately. I think he's waiting for someone to show - maybe our man, maybe not."

Reaching up casually with her right hand, Layni brushes some stray hair behind her ear then casually touches the arm of her shades as though adjusting how they sit on her face. Moments later she reaches out to Adalyn.

"Do you have any idea who it might be?" she asks conversationally, touching the young Jedi's hand. When their fingers part a micro datachip is sitting in Adalyn's palm.

"Everything I have on Thatrik," she murmurs.

### Alicia *[2012-04-01 12:14:51]*

Drawing her hand away, the young woman doesn’t give the chip a second glance. Attempting to keep her features neutral she tries to not let the torrent of thoughts show in her expression as she goes over what she knows of the rogue. With each clue she got closer to suspecting it might be Khol. How tall had he been when she last saw him and still growing. She has to remind herself while uncommon men could be so tall.

“**No**,” she replies simply to the question. “**Only suspicions and I rather not suppose.**” With a nod she thanks Layni for the information. “**Would you like us to keep you apprised?**” With a glance over at her Twi'lek companion she gives a nod indicating they would be leaving soon.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-02 18:53:03]*

"You can contact me if you need me," Layni replies quietly, "call me if you think you've found wherever he's hiding. After all, he won't be able to hide from me."

Leaving the rest of her cocktail untouched the Miraluka pushes back her chair and rises to her feet. Alaris stands too and shakes the other woman's hand. Then the twi'lek leans across the table toward Adalyn as Layni leaves the cantina.

"It seems the kubaz is our only lead right now unless you want to wait around hoping our guy will show," she comments, adding: "I guess we'd better go somewhere private to look at the file. I hope we don't miss him in the meantime."

### Alicia *[2012-04-03 09:53:42]*

Giving the Miraluka agent a small salute in farewell as she leaves, Adalyn waits for the woman to leave. As Layni leans over the table to speak to the young Jedi, she stands and looks toward the door. She had voiced a concern she is considering as well, but she doubts the Twi’lek would like her alternative. “**One of us could remain here, but that hardly seems prudent. We’ll just have to risk it and come back soon,**” she says, dismissing it even as she tells it to Alaris. Splitting up never turns out well, to that she has first experience. Smoothing the folds of her cloak Adalyn pockets the chip. “**Best we head back to the ship.**”

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-03 10:46:05]*

Alaris nods her agreement and waits for Adalyn to rise before leaving the cantina. They are allowed to leave unmolested by the clientele, although Adalyn is perceptive enough to realise that eyes are following them to the door. Whether the intent behind them is lecherous, sinister, or merely curious she cannot say.

Their short journey back to the ship is uneventful and they find Kikrin sitting just inside the open cargo ramp, waiting patiently for their return.

"It went well?" he queries, glancing from one woman to the other.

### Alicia *[2012-04-03 11:58:30]*

On the walk back to the landing pad, she felt unsettled by the glances the two of them had attracted the attention of the patrons. While their intent was still unclear to her, she resolves to be more wary as they come and go from the place. Any one of them could be affiliated with their targets and the last thing they needed was for them to get scared away.

The Verpin is a welcome sight as she boards the ship. "**Well enough,**" Adalyn responds stepping into the cargo hold. Once the ramp has been closed she pulls out the datacard Layni had given her. "**The agent who sent in the initial report found us and gave us some more intel. At least now we have another lead. A Kubaz she says our rogue has been in contact with.**" Not wasting anymore time she uncovers the bracer computer hidden by the sleeve of her cloak and plugs the datacard in.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-03 12:31:50]*

Layni has compiled a small data package about Thatrik, including a camera still which shows what he looks like: short for a kubaz at about 1.5 metres, with a light skin tone that is more green than black. It isn't clear in the picture, but an annotation notes that he is meant to be missing a finger on his right hand.

Like others of his species he is an accomplished spy and his main source of income is as an information broker. It is possible that finding out about the mysterious Jedi might be as simple as paying Thatrik enough money.

He is not known to have any family locally, nor any particularly close friends. His home address is listed, with a note from Layni indicating that he is rumoured to have an excellent security system as well as security guards in his employ. Something of a necessity, considering where he lives and his line of work.

Other information includes known associates and business connections. He seems quite well connected in the Shadowport, with investments in a number of stores and import/export companies. None immediately jumps out as overly interesting or suspicious, but perhaps that's only because they don't know what to look for. However, Layni notes that if it proves necessary threatening one or more of the kubaz' business interests might be a way to get him to cooperate.

Lastly, the Miraluka notes that the only pastime he seems to enjoy outside the privacy of his own home are the gladiatorial matches the shadowport is famous for.

### Alicia *[2012-04-03 13:31:14]*

Adalyn glances over the information frowning at the display as she sorts it into something which would prove useful. If it came down to it, she had some funds she could use to bribe the Kubaz for what they wanted, but it wouldn't hurt to have a backup plan. "**We should scope out his businesses, see what we can learn to our benefit should efforts to 'convince' him to assist us prove fruitless. His home is probably too secure to accomplish anything there, but it won't hurt to take a look if we can avoid arousing suspicion.**" She copies the data to her computer and hands over the chip to the others.

"**Might prove worthwhile to look into the matches to see if it's a viable option for a confrontation.**" Realizing they had a great deal of work to do, they each would have to concentrate on where their strengths laid. She waits for her two companions to voice up where they wanted to start.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-03 17:33:28]*

Kikrin shrugs and makes that clicking noise again.

"It might be hard to damage Thatrik's business concerns," the Verpine says, "we cannot blackmail him by uncovering illegalities, it is a shadowport. We could perhaps sabotage them, but do we want to risk it? He must be clever to be successful in a place such as this, with so many rivals nipping at his heels. If we are caught in hostile action against him there is no plan B. We will be his enemies and our lead will be gone."

Meanwhile Alaris takes the chip, secreting it in a compartment of her utility belt. The Twi'lek listens to Kikrin and nods to herself, lekku writhing absently.

"I want to check out the arena," she says, glancing at Adalyn, her expression thoughtful.

"The Kubaz might be there," she offers as an explanation, "and if not people there must know him."

### Alicia *[2012-04-03 18:46:16]*

Listening intently she realizes the Verpine has a point. It would be hard to blackmail the Kubaz and harder still to disrupt his businesses without making an enemy of him, and above all they needed him to cooperate. That left hoping they could come up with an adequate bribe or be lucky enough to have the Kubaz lead them to the rogue. "**Let's keep our eyes and ears open at least. Maybe something concerning an opponent might present itself to our advantage. Knowledge in any form could tip the scales in our negotiations with Thatrik.**"

Adjusting the sleeve of her cloak, she smooths the fabric out. "**I'll go with you. It would be beneficial to have back up nearby and we both might be able to pursue different avenues.**" With a glance at Kikrin she waits to see if he has any objections to the plan. "**Unless you want to continue keeping the engines hot, a stake out in the cantina might be in order. Sure you could work some magic there.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-04 04:17:21]*

"I was about to suggest I wait at the Greasy Gear," Kikrin agreeably replies.

"I am sure the ship will be safe in our absence, whatever else may happen at shadowports the station staff cannot afford to gain a reputation among captains for being untrustworthy. They and their credits would go elsewhere."

### Alicia *[2012-04-04 10:47:34]*

Nodding in agreement, Adalyn turns toward the ramp not wasting anymore words. They all knew to be careful, to cover their tracks. None of them would have survived this long if they hadn't. She spares a glance over at Alaris to make sure the Twi'lek was ready before pressing the ramp release. Drawing the hood up over her hair once more she sets a leisurely pace toward the gladiatorial arena.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-04 17:37:16]*

Alaris follows and Kikrin is the last out of his ship. The three of them leave the bay together and then the Verpine peels off toward the Greasy Gear.

The arena is not particularly difficult to find; as the Shadowport's premier attraction it is well signposted. When they arrive they find it is quite a spectacle - unlike the areas of the station which they have passed through, which were either brightly lit interior passages or in some rare cases roofed by screens showing scenes of daylit skies, the area above the great coliseum-like structure is exposed to the stars through a dome of glassteel. The arena itself is large, capable of seating at least the entire population of the port with some extra space beside. Based on the sparse crowds it doesn't seem likely it is anywhere near packed today however.

Approaching a gate, Adalyn and Alaris discover there is an entry fee of thirty credits a head. A board nearby lists the scheduled matches and the current odds, in case they want to place any bets before even entering.

### Alicia *[2012-04-05 09:54:25]*

Adalyn is impressed by the sight of the arena itself. The designers had apparently taken great care to make the arena impressive in its own right, the glass dome ceiling rising above them the most impressive display of all. Paying for both of their entry fees, Adalyn makes a point of looking over the scheduled matches, not so much out of an interest in the matches but in the appearance of it. She does however take not of any of the high odds betting assuming those might be the most interesting and would be the most likely to attract the Kubaz.

Making mental notes of what she finds she heads in through the gates.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-08 06:31:55]*

The schedule shows that earlier matches are purely for entertainment purposes: one-off concept battles, grudge matches, fights betweens gladiators and beasts and team battles. These battles do have listed odds, though in most cases the difference between competitors odds is not so substantial to make one seem a sure thing. However in one case, "Bloody Binks" is listed as going up against something called a Szari Dune Beast and the odds do not favour him at all.

Later battles are set up in tournament style, and apart from the initial match-ups odds aren't listed since these will depend on who advances from round to round until one of them faces off against the reigning champion, a gladiator billed as the "Crazed Zakkeg".

The board also provides a local HoloNet address where customers can bet online at their leisure between matches, a helpful convenience since odds will only become available for many of the matches minutes before they occur.

After Adalyn pays she and Alaris find themselves walking through a tunnel into a vast hall under the stands. Here under the arena a crowd mills around concession stands and climb a number of large stairwells to the seats above. Checking their tickets, the girls see that they have assigned seats: Block D, Q186 and Q187 in the First Circle. After that it is a simple matter of following the signposts to their exit.

Topside, they are greeted with the spectacle of the ampitheatre's interior, dozens of concentric rows arranged in three larger Circles, the third of which seems dizzyingly far from the arena floor from where they stand and uncomfortably close to the stars seen through the dome. Nobody is sitting up there today though, in fact so far only the seats of the First Circle are filling up. For the benefit of people sitting further back, a system of large screens has been set up. Some on the walls of the arena itself, others hovering above the stands.

Alaris whistles at the sight of it.

"Whoever built this place sure wanted it to make a statement," comments the Twi'lek, impressed. She looks around her to work out where they are in relation to the rows and points behind them, slightly further up.

"We're standing by J so Q must be this way," the Ranger reasons and leads the way to row Q and along it to their assigned seats where they find themselves sitting by a humanoid in a cloak and mask. In front of them a party of young Rodian males jokes together.

Attached to the seats directly in front are sets of electrobinoculars, just in case an audience member doesn't want to watch the whole thing on the screens. Rental is 5 credits.

### Alicia *[2012-04-09 11:17:25]*

Adalyn is distracted as she walks, the name of the reigning champ reminding her of the Charging Zakkeg clan. It’s been awhile since she’s seen the growing younglings, the apprenticeship under Master Ruhk making them grow up even faster. Thinking of them brings on a pang of homesickness.

The sight of the arena’s interior brings her out of her thoughts. Impressed as well she can’t help but cast glances around at the structure while she follows the Twi’lek to their seats. Adjusting her cloak around her, she takes her seat casting a furtive glance at the masked figure next to them.

Wanting to sate her curiosity, she accesses the local HoloNet on her computer bracer and does a search for the pseudonym “Crazed Zakkeg”. While the search runs she leans in toward her companion. “**It’s going to be hard to find him in this throng. For all we know he has a private booth.**”

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-09 12:17:16]*

"If he has a private booth it might actually be easier," Alaris replies as she pays 5 credits and takes the elctrobinoculars from in front of her.

Searching for the Crazed Zakkeg on the HoloNet Adalyn discovers an official site for the arena on which he has a profile page. Topping off the page is a picture of a large and muscular man in a stylised zakkeg mask, with thumbnails linking to several stills and video clips of him fighting. The page also lists a comprehensive overview of his battle stats. Since his debut this martial artist has had very few losses, explaining why he is the current champion.

At the side of the page is a widget which lists the top five fighters. The Crazed Zakkeg is obviously at the top, but according to this another fighter that goes by the name of Fever is nipping right at his heels. Following them are fighters known as Torrek, Huntress, and Wrath.

### Alicia *[2012-04-09 14:43:33]*

With her curiosity sated, Adalyn puts her computer bracer in standby and pays for the set of electrobinoculars in front of her. Using the matches as an excuse she takes a section of the stands and begins to comb through them looking for the Kubaz. If she finds where the private boxes are she concentrates efforts there, in the hopes Thatrik was there, but doubting he would make an appearance till the bigger matches start.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-09 19:07:38]*

Adalyn has no luck picking Thatrik out from the crowds, but she does locate the private boxes close to the arena floor which are for the most part empty today. The handful of wealthy looking sentients sitting there all seem to know each other - no surprises there, really. They chatter amongst themselves as the battles begin.

Each battle is slightly different, with different environments and conditions imposed on the fighters.

Despite the respectable veneer of the arena and it's professional set-up, the battles prove to be no less violent than underground clubs on civilised worlds. Here there is no law as such, which makes a scene that would otherwise be incredibly illegal merely big business. As the fights go on, participants are seriously injured. The only thing that seems to be against the rules is killing, but leaving an opponent broken and screaming their agony to the jeers of the crowd is fair game.

However, deaths do happen. Szari Dune Beasts don't know the rules after all, and the Gungan warrior Bloody Binks truly had no chance against the great worm-like predator. What he was was doing fighting it, the girls will probably never know, but they won't quickly forget the sight of it erupting from the sand beneath the Gungan to swallow him whole.

After the sand is drained from the arena floor the day's tournament battles begin. The best of the arena's fighters and the most glory hungry compete against each other for the opportunity to take the Crazed Zakkeg's title. Three of the other top fighters are competing: a brutal Trandoshan mercenary named Torrek; Huntress, a female humanoid gunslinger in what looks like a battered beskar'gam; and a bloodthirsty Zabraki who goes by the moniker Wrath. All three are competent, easily passing the early rounds. The number two fighter, Fever, is noticeably absent. Also absent, at least as far as Adalyn is able to tell, is their target. Thatrik has not yet appeared in the VIP boxes, and if he's in the crowd proper it seems unlikely that they'll be able to pick him out from the throng.

### Alicia *[2012-04-10 00:51:45]*

While the fights hold no real interest to the young Jedi. *How barbaric* Her gaze does end up on the field of battle more often than not before she continues her search of the stands. "**It's like searching for a needle,**" she complains idly to herself, and the electrobinoculars fall to her lap as she takes a break from her search. She let's her chin fall into her cybernetic hand as her elbow props up on the arm rest. Taking to watching those near her, she tries to come up with another plan.

Sitting and waiting for the Kubaz to show was getting them no where fast and there wasn't even a guarantee Thatrik would even sit in the VIP section. Just the assumption he was important and wealthy enough to not sit among the common throng.

It came down to the fact the young woman was losing her patience.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-10 04:26:18]*

"Relax Adalyn," her companion gently chides her, "did you think we would solve all our problems in a day and get to go home? This was always a long shot. I admit I didn't think the arena would be this big though."

The Twi'lek puts down her own binoculars and glances over at Adalyn.

"You keep watching," she suggests, "and I'll go and question the staff."

### Alicia *[2012-04-11 00:14:52]*

With a sigh, the young woman follows it with a deep breath regaining her composure. Nodding her agreement she watches the Twi'lek get up and move away from the corner of her eye. After a long moment she gets back to the task at hand of looking for the Kubaz in the VIP booths and then moving onto the almost futile attempt of locating him in the crowd.

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-19 18:40:25]*

While Alaris is absent the battles continue, each becoming more exciting as randomised special rules are put into play. The semi-final match, for instance, is fought with the participants attempting to balance on a network of suspended cables above the arena floor. Falling is a losing condition, and of the two finalists Huntress and Wrath the Zabraki seems at a clear disadvantage, lacking the grace for such a game.

Yet it is he, not Huntress, who makes it through to the final round. When the woman kicks him from his precarious perch, Wrath catches the cable and swings around it into the back of her knees. She hits the ground hard and lies stunned while medics rush to inspect her and Wrath howls his victory to the crowd.

He leaps down amidst the roars and cheers of the crowd as his vanquished foe is removed from the field on a stretcher. After posturing for a minute he too leaves the arena floor.

Then a hush ripples through the crowd as a lone figure emerges from one of the gates. A large, powerful man in a fearsome zakkeg mask.

The crowd remains expectantly silent as Wrath returns wielding a long-handled vibro-axe.

The announcer speaks:

“Wrath advances to the final round and a chance to face our reigning champion, the Crazed Zakkeg! There will be no special rules for the final bout. Victory depends on combat excellence alone. Nothing short of a knock-out will end this match! BEGIN!”

The fight is something to see. Though Wrath's style is all fury and impulse, his boundless energy and his reach weapon make it difficult for the champion to close. And yet the pole-axe is useless against the Crazed Zakkeg, who ducks, weaves, and leaps around it as though he can sense the weapon coming long before a strike lands. When it comes too close to avoid he simply deflects it with well placed unarmed strikes to the handle, taking the opportunity to come in closer to his foe and get under Wrath's guard.

In this way the champion begins to wear the Zabraki down, and in his frustration Wrath becomes even more reckless, his swings wilder, the flaws in his guard more pronounced. When he shows his weakness, the Zakkeg bares his fangs. He comes in under the pole-axe and knocks the weapon aside with a casual strike, his other hand hitting Wrath hard in the solar plexus. As the Zabraki doubles over, the Crazed Zakkeg strikes him hard on the jaw, instantly knocking him out.

The crowd erupt, though there is as much booing as cheering. Clearly many had hoped the Crazed Zakkeg would be toppled from his throne today, and had money riding on it. The victor stands silently throughout it all until the announcer speaks once again:

“Today we are proud to announce a special event. Is there any warrior in the crowd brave enough to face the Crazed Zakkeg?”

This announcement is greeted by a lot of hubbub, then an Ithorian booms out “We want Fever!” with all his throats.

His call is taken up by many. The fact that Fever was absent from the games does not seem to prevent the crowd from wanting the most anticipated match-up. Of course, Fever may not even be in the crowd. And if so, he doesn't seem in a hurry to respond to the public demand.

### Alicia *[2012-04-21 17:55:38]*

The matches leave the young woman on the edge of her seat. While brutal, there was something about them that prevented her from looking away. She never thought such a barbaric sport would interest her so, having witnessed battles first hand it was an entirely different matter to see a facsimile put forth as entertainment. Maybe it was the thrill of experiencing it from the stands, and not being an active participant in the melee. Surely the competitors were willing participants.

As the final match comes to an end and the call for Fever grows louder she takes that opportunity to open her com to Alaris and Kikrin. “**I hope you’re having more fun than I am?**” she asks, using her binoculars to look through the VIP stands once more as she waits for a response.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-21 19:23:01]*

For a while there is no response at all, then after some seconds Alaris finally replies.

*"I wouldn't use the word fun, but I've got some news,"* The Twi'lek reports, *"Thatrik is definitely in the arena. Apparently he always gets his snacks from the same counter and the guy swears he's here today. I also found out that he usually does sit in the VIP stand - likes to make a big fuss about how important he is so pretty much everyone knows. If he's in the arena but not in his usual spot, he might not be here to watch the matches today.*"

### Alicia *[2012-04-21 19:38:58]*

“**Which means he’s likely conducting business behind closed doors,**”Adalyn finishes for the Twi’lek. “**I doubt he'd be far from the kiosk... Let’s meet up; where are you?**” Putting the binoculars away, she gets ready to meet up with her.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-23 14:23:44]*

*"Meet me in the food court, at the bottom of the stairs,"* Alaris suggests before breaking comm contact.

As Adalyn makes her way from her seat the crowd finally relent, Fever is obviously not coming and no other member of the public seems insane enough to take the challenge. The Crazed Zakkeg leaves the arena with no ceremony and there is a sudden surge of movement toward the stairs.

As she finds herself swept up in the crowd, Adalyn is aware of a sudden sense of impending danger but it is too late. A split second later she feels an object pressed against her back and a male voice pitched deliberately low tells her "Keep walking."

### Alicia *[2012-04-23 14:38:48]*

Mentally, Adalyn berates herself for letting her guard down, but outwardly she remains calm. Taking a step forward so does as the man wants, but as she does so she takes a risk and opens herself to form a telepathic connection with Alaris. *Caught* is all she says before breaking the connection, not wanting to risk anything more pronounced. If Alaris was safe then the Twi’lek would find her. If not, then the young Jedi is reassured by the fact the Ranger has a good head on her shoulders. Until then, she will play along with the man. After all a scene here is the last thing she wants and maybe, just maybe this man would lead her to what she does. She just has to get him alone.

Taking her time as she takes a step and then another, she casts a look back to gauge her would be assailant, the action hopefully hiding the activation of her hands free com in her attempt to reestablish her line with Alaris.

[spoiler]**Use the Force (Telepathy)** +14

[dice]0[/dice]

Take 10 on Sense Surroundings, or go ahead and roll for me if I can't. It's not exactly necessary for what I want since technically he's not in cover, but you never know.

**Perception** +10

[dice]1[/dice]

**Deception** +10

[dice]2[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-23 15:08:31]*

Adalyn is physically incapable of bending her neck so far she can see the person standing directly behind her, but she learns a few things: first, he is tall. Second, he is broad shouldered. And third, he's wearing one of the ubiquitous dark cloaks so common in this Force-forsaken station.

"Face forward," her kidnapper advises almost cordially, "and remember sudden movements will not end well. As for anything else you may feel like attempting, or have already attempted... Do not risk it. I know you're wearing a hands-free. Take it off and hold it out so I can see it."

His voice grows quieter, as he continues:

"I expect you doubt me but this is for your own good. Just be silent and sensible for now."

### Alicia *[2012-04-23 15:46:03]*

Holding in her sigh, Adalyn does as instructed reaching up to her ear and removing the device. To outsmart this guy she was going to have to be smarter. Thankfully for her, she estimated to she could absorb a couple shots if it came down to that.

"If you wanted me to be sensible there are other ways to go about it," she says conversationally. Holding the com in her left hand she waits for him to take the next move. "You seem to have the advantage, knowing about me but I know little of you."

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-23 16:09:02]*

Her captor doesn't rise to the bait.

As the crowd emerges in the food court, Adalyn realises she can't see Alaris but at this point that could mean anything. Maybe the Twi'lek is also captured. Maybe she's setting up am ambush. Maybe she plans to sneakily follow them. Maybe she's going to find Kikrin and plan a later rescue. There are too many possibilities to make any assumptions right now.

With no help available she has no choice but to allow the man to lead her out of the arena. Several streets away, when they are no longer in quite such a packed throng with ears all around, he seems more comfortable speaking again.

"You must leave the shadowport," he advises, "or less gentle men than me will come for you."

### Alicia *[2012-04-23 17:46:41]*

"**You know... we were getting along so well, and you want me to leave already?**" the young woman says lightly. "**Why is that?**" If she had attracted this man's attention she guessed she was getting close to what she was looking for. No one threatened another unless they had something to hide.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-23 18:07:17]*

"As of half a galactic standard hour ago when the bounty went out, you're worth more to the scum of this station dead than alive," the stranger informs her, then says something else that sends icy chills through her heart: "your friends are probably already dead."

"I don't want you dead. But certain people are watching me. They no doubt think I'm taking you somewhere quiet to execute you; even here, murder on the street can get you in hot water you know.'

"So here's what we do," the man continues, "we go down the next alley and you bolt. You get the hell back to your ship and you get out of here before anyone has a chance to stop you. I'll make up a story about losing you and take my chances. Deal?"

### Alicia *[2012-04-23 18:36:52]*

The thought her friends may be dead sets Adalyn's heart racing. They hadn't been on the station a day and already they have found more trouble than they were expecting. One thing is for sure, she isn't going to leave her friends when their fate is unknown. That is one mistake she has no intention of repeating. "**I'm not leaving,**" Adalyn says resolutely. "**Not without them. If you want to help me, then help me find them.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-23 18:46:41]*

The pressure of the gun on her back eases as they turn into an alley, just like the man said they would.

"This is where you break free of me," he says, "but whether you go to your ship or elsewhere that's the end of my involvement. I have my own problems."

His tone is not without sympathy however, indicating that the choice not to help does seem to be a hard one.

Free to turn around, Adalyn discovers somewhat to her surprise that her "captor" is the masked humanoid who had been sitting close to Alaris and herself back at the arena. With the mask and cloak combined it is very hard to tell anything about him other than those things that are most obvious and she already knows: the fact he is male for instance, and a confirmation that while he is definitely shorter than Khol his height is still way above average. The pistol in his hand is no longer pointed directly at her.

"Get out of here," he urges, "before they come."

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 00:15:43]*

Released from the threat of his blaster she immediately turns to face him. The surprise lasted only a moment as the familiar facade comes into view. Eerily yet now she could see him in full was the similarities to the one she had come to find; broad shouldered, tall. Under a bulky and a hat, Layni never did get much of a description. It could be anyone.

It doesn’t stop Adalyn though from asking questions: How much had he heard? What does he know?

"**Who put the bounty out? Why help me?**" she asks quickly. There is so much she wants to know, but she doubts she has any time.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 04:24:00]*

"You have no idea how dangerous these people are," the stranger replies, "digging into Thatrik was a mistake. The Wire -"

He stops abruptly, startled by a noise behind him. Though it is impossible to see his expression through his mask, the mystery man's voice is anxious.

"Go! If you won't leave then find somewhere to lie low, change your appearance. Trust *no one*."

Raising his pistol he fires once, the bolt burning past to her left and scorching the wall.

"You ran, I missed. *Go!*"

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 05:22:32]*

Time was out. Taking a step backwards, she prepares herself to run. "Thank you," she says in a low voice before turning on her heel and making a run for it down the alley way. As she draws further from her would be captor turned savior she calls on the Force to speed her movements and to guide her steps to a safe path much like she did years ago when her world had flipped upside down. While he had told her to trust no one, she has to trust herself or she will be completely lost.

Her first order was to find somewhere to hide, recoup before moving on. With only a few days supplies, only the Force trance would help her survive past that. There was also her friends. If they're still alive she would rather know sooner rather than later, which means accessing the shadowport's systems or trying to reach them with the Force. Both options risky.

Shaking her head she settles on a list of priorities: somewhere to hide and then something to disguise herself with.

[spoiler]Not being in rounds I'll just continually use surge moving through back ways when possible. Otherwise, she doesn't have anywhere specific in mind other than somewhere safe.

Consider her using *search your feelings* to mark a safe way, taking 10 for 24 total.

You missed my wonderful idea of trying to use Illusion to fake Adalyn's death but I talked myself out of it.[/spoiler]

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 10:37:14]*

As Adalyn scarpers she hears a shouted conversation from the alley behind her, then three thugs emerge into the road after her, running hard in her direction. The argument in the alley continues before it is interrupted by gunshots followed by a high pitched scream. One of her three pursuers falters and shouts for the others to go on as he turns back.

As fast as they're running, the men on her tail can't keep up with her Force-enhanced speed and after after she puts a few obstacles and sharp turns in their path Adalyn soon leaves them behind.

Her senses tell her that she needs to get out of the public eye, and urged on by her feelings she plunges down another alleyway, which she discovers forks between buildings. When it forks again she realises she has found herself in a part of the station that is more densely built up, where the twists and turns will help her to disappear.

Slowing down, Adalyn begins to walk again as though she has nothing to hide. As she keeps an eye on her surroundings to make sure she keeps her bearings, the young Jedi spots a sign outside an unassuming doorway advertising "Fortunes told, Fates unravelled". She feels drawn to that doorway.

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 11:36:14]*

The scream has her rattled and for a moment she almost turns back. Had someone been shot in her place? Self preservation kicks in, however, and she doesn't stop and soon the young woman is glad to leave the thugs behind her. When she is confident she has lost her pursuers she slows and takes a better look around at her surroundings, glad that once again her faith in the Force hadn't led her astray. Upon spotting the fortune teller's door she stops, and slowly makes her way toward it. With only another moment of hesitation, she lets herself in her senses on full alert.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 12:48:05]*

Adalyn steps through the doorway and down a short, narrow flight of stairs into the dimily lit and heavily perfumed shop interior. She is in a small room, decorated more like a living space than a place of work. Chests, drawers, pictures, and knick-knacks all contrive to make the atmosphere comforting and homely. In the middle of the room, a woman sits at the opposite edge of a hexagonal table. She wears a beautifully patterned crimson robe with tassles that completely cover her eyes.

"Adalyn?" the fortune teller asks, surprised.

Adalyn recognises the voice. It is Layni.

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 15:19:36]*

“**Layni,**” Adalyn says, relief thick in her tone, but then with caution she steps further in. Somehow, they had been found out and until she gets more information she knows she has to be careful. “**I was led here,**” she says simply, and then looking around again adds. “**Nice place.**”

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 17:04:49]*

"Led?" Layni asks, "what's going on Adalyn?"

The Miraluka rises from her chair, her elaborate robe chiming musically as metal adornments at the sleeves jangle against each other.

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 17:13:12]*

"**The Force led me here.**" Adalyn shakes her head, still processing everything that has happened. "**Apparently Thatrik learned we were looking for him. A bounty was put up for us. I'm not sure what's happened to the others.**" Remaining where she is, she watches the Miraluka for her reaction. "**I couldn't leave the port without knowing what's happened to them.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 17:53:02]*

Layni's expression tautens, her painted lips pursing. The Miraluka tilts her head to the side as she thinks.

She doesn't seem particularly upset by the news, but her reaction wasn't entirely unsurprised. She simply seems to be acting the cool, consummate professional.

"Are you being followed?"

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 18:24:04]*

**"I don't believe so,**" the young woman says. "**I've gotten rather apt at escaping pursuit. If they follow me it won't be through normal means.**" Moving further into the room, she finds a chair and collapses into it. Now that she's found a quiet moment she has to fight to push the onslaught of emotions away. While she has escaped the public eye for the time being, there was still the matter of how far she can trust Layni.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 18:46:15]*

Most people would turn to keep looking at the person they are conversing with but it takes several long moments before Layni remembers to do so - a reminder that she doesn't see in the normal way.

"Tell me everything," she says, "from the beginning."

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 18:59:05]*

With a sigh Adalyn starts, "**After our meeting, Alaris and I went back to the ship to go over the information you gave us with Kikrin. Kikrin wanted to go back to the cantina to keep an out for Thatrik and Alaris and I decided to check out the arena see if we could find him there. After awhile of being there with no trace of him Alaris went to see what she could learn. It was soon after that I think the bounty went up. I was going to meet her when a man sitting near us forced me out of the arena with the rest of the throng. Thankfully I was able to escape from him and I found myself here.**" Deciding it was best to leave the true involvement of the stranger out of the story, she goes with what she hopes is the common story her 'captor' would use.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-24 19:16:03]*

"One of you must have given the game away," Layni observes as she begins to pace up and down the room, her robe jingling with every swish of the silky cloth.

"We can do nothing for your friends until we know what actually happened to them," the informant announces, "I will have to make enquiries. Of course it goes without saying you will have to abandon your original objective, it's too dangerous for you here now. And you need a disguise..."

### Alicia *[2012-04-24 19:26:38]*

Agreeing with the Miraluka's assessment Adalyn just simply nods. While she would like to complete her original mission her friends' lives and hers were more important. Anything beyond that would be the will of the Force. "**It's probably a good thing I'm somewhere where masks and obscure clothing are the norm. Shouldn't make a disguise too difficult.**" Glancing up at the Miraluka she braves a smile, though the pit in her stomach prevents her from truly feeling it. "**Thank you, Layni.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-25 06:40:55]*

"Don't thank me yet," Layni replies, "save it for if I manage to get you out of here alive."

The Miraluka walks over to the steps up to the street. Set on the wall near the stairwell is a lock interface, which she uses to lock up shop.

"Come with me," she says, gliding past where Adalyn is sitting toward a door leading into the back of the residence. Beyond is a small hall with several other doorways. Layni goes through the one on the far right, which turns out to be the entrance to a comfortable bedroom. Unlike the front room it is decorated sparsely. The front room is a place of business of course, and is comfortably appointed for the benefit of the customers. For the sighted. Layni hardly needs decorations to look at.

"So, fancy going blonde?" She asks while opening up a large wardrobe full of clothes, accessories, and even wigs.

### Alicia *[2012-04-25 09:40:06]*

Adalyn watches Layni as she moves to lock up the front and then follows when bidden to the back. "**Still, I would likely be taking more drastic measures at this point without your help.**" As she walks she begins to take off her cloak draping it over her arm upon entering the bedroom. "**Blonde huh. Never really thought about it.**" Looking over the Miraluka's shoulder at the full wardrobe she wonders briefly if the other woman was going to get some perverse satisfaction in playing dress up. She shrugs and decides to let the woman help her as she saw best. "**I think I'd dye my hair at this point if it came to it.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-26 03:56:29]*

The Miraluka inclines her head in agreement.

"I was thinking dye would be practical myself," she concurs.

"Of course you can wear a hood without looking too unusual around here, but we need to make you less recognisable in case anyone ever does get a look under it. The obvious options are to change hair colour and possibly length, give you contacts, as well as to change the landscape of your face. We can add scars, or false cybernetics. We should also think up a simple cover story for who this new you is and why you're on the station, just in case it comes up.

### Alicia *[2012-04-26 10:49:30]*

While not enthused about the prospect of making such changes, particularly considering the pride she had in her hair, Adalyn has to admit it would be the only way to make people less likely to recognize her. "**Sometimes simple solutions work best, so let's not go too overboard. Enough to hold up to scrutiny but not so much it won't be hard to maintain particularly if I'm on my own.**" Taking a seat at the edge of the bed she waits for Layni to give her instructions. In the meantime she thinks over a cover. "**How about, Rayn; a buyer for all things exotic, but not exactly legal.**" She pauses a moment to get Layni's reaction to it before asking, "**Layni, do you know of a man about so tall, broad shouldered and wears a mask?**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-26 18:09:58]*

"Well that cover describes about half the people in the shadowport," Layni observes, "so it should do for you."

The Miraluka busies herself digging around in the bottom of the wardrobe for a large box which turns out to be a costume make-up kit while Adalyn enquires after her mysterious saviour.

"I don't know," she replies, "quite a few of the gladiators wear masks to hide their real identities, but I don't know why one would be in the stands. How did his voice sound? If it was raspy he could be an Ubese. But, well, I mean, a man in a mask could literally be anyone. He might not even be a man."

### Alicia *[2012-04-26 18:59:38]*

"**That's true enough I suppose.This particular individual managed to catch me unawares. I doubt our next meeting will turn out so well in my favor.**" Adalyn shrugs. "**I did hear shots and a high pitched scream as I ran away, so something happened after I was out of sight.**"

Watching Layni pull out the box the young woman holds in a sigh. "**Let's get this over with.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-26 19:27:38]*

By the time Layni is done with her, Adalyn is platinum blonde with pale blue eyes and a long ugly scar curves across one cheek.

"People look at a pretty girl and they want to keep looking," she comments as she puts the finishing touches to this particular bit of fakery, "but they see a disfigured girl and they lose interest. Plus when they look that first time, they won't think "this girl has similar features to the one I'm looking for." They'll just see the scar."

"So," the Miraluka asks as she steps back to the wardrobe, "how does Rayn like to dress? I must have *something* appropriate."

Most of the agent's outfits turn out to either be gorgeous and elaborate like her current crimson robes, or else sexy and seductive (she owns more than her share of slinky dresses, for instance). For some reason she also possesses a set of mechanic's overalls.

### Alicia *[2012-04-26 23:56:03]*

Sitting patiently while Layni finishes her artistry, Adalyn tries to think of something other than the massive amount of locks of her own hair that have been collected into a large pile. Adding to the disguise, Adalyn had let Layni cut her hair short, something she normally would never had done, but in light of trying to disappear the young Jedi deemed it necessary. As Layni finishes the scar, Adalyn reaches up to touch to the shortened and dyed strands still not believing she had actually gone through with it.

Standing up, she stretches before following the Miraluka to the wardrobe and looks over the woman's collection of clothing. Looking over the array she tries to determine what might suit her best. While she wanted to remain inconspicuous there was an advantage to drawing some attention. Especially with the facial disguise Layni had so masterfully applied; they would see the scar and nothing more about the face behind it.

Pulling out a revealing top she looks within for a pair of tight pants to go along with it. Though after a moment of consideration it made her wonder how she was going to conceal her lightsaber and her prosthetic. Turning to Layni she raises up her right hand and asks, "**You don't think my prosthetic will give me a way do you?**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-28 02:10:03]*

Layni shrugs dismissively.

"I don't see why - did anyone know about the prosthetic already?" She asks. "I'm guessing you never went out of your way to advertise it. The funny thing about noticeable traits like that is they tend to help hide what would normally be obvious. Same as the scar."

The Miraluka grins.

"I realise my opinion about how you look might not count for a lot but I think you'll be fine. The important thing is to decide who Rayn is and live in her completely."

### Alicia *[2012-04-28 11:46:18]*

Adalyn realizes Layni was right. Whether she could get past this would depend on her ability to not just pretend she was someone else, but be this new person. Her belt and blaster pistol she would reuse, the sight of them common enough, and since they probably didn't take an inventory of her possessions her bracer computer would probably be fine as well. When her fingers wrap around the hilt of the lightsaber, she pauses. The weapon itself could be used as part of her disguise. It's value in some circles was immense and that would be reason enough to want to keep it close. Deciding to ask Layni for a piece of cloth to wrap it in, she sets it aside as well.

Taking the clothing she had found over to the bed she begins to form this new person in her mind as she starts to take of her layers of clothing. With each layer she removes she puts away a bit of Adalyn in her mind for safekeeping. By the time she gets to her underwear she's forgotten about Layni. Dressing in the new clothes, she feels cloaked in the new identity, but there's still a part of her which refuses to let go of herself.

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-29 11:08:13]*

While Adalyn is doing this, Layni bustles around tidying everything up. Soon there is no evidence at all to show that the makeover has taken place and the Miraluka settles herself down on the end of the bed.

"We shouldn't waste any more time," she advises, "so let's decide what to do. We have two agents unaccounted for, presumed either dead or captured. One was at the arena, which will by now be closed for the day. The other was at a cantina, where we can still gain entry. It makes sense to start with Kikrin."

### Alicia *[2012-04-30 14:30:16]*

"**I agree...**" the transformed woman says, holstering her pistol in her leg holster. Claiming a jacket from the wardrobe she puts the wrapped hilt into one of the inside pockets. A part of her is reassured by its presence. "**I'm ready, lets go.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-04-30 18:37:03]*

Before leaving, Layni changes into a burgundy dress, slit up the side to allow ease of movement. She covers her sockets with a cleverly designed visor which looks like a functioning cybernetic modification for visual enhancement.

"This way I'm not the same woman in shades who talked to the human and twi'lek bountyheads here earlier," she comments, "I think being her would be unwise right now, no?"

A short walk later when the pair are in an alley just a few minutes from the Greasy Gear Layni stops Adalyn.

"We should go in separately," the agent suggests. "You make enquiries, pretend like you're interested in the bounties and you heard all three of them were spotted here. That gives you an excuse to be asking awkward questions. I'll just pretend to be a customer and keep my senses tuned. If anyone in the bar reacts suspiciously I'll hopefully catch it."

### Alicia *[2012-04-30 19:05:51]*

Nodding in agreement, Adalyn leaves the alley and makes her way to the Greasy Gear trusting Layni would follow when the Miraluka felt an adequate period has passed. Stepping into the grungy tavern, the young woman heads toward the bar taking in the patrons and making note of any of the ones she recognizes from earlier. While she probably wouldn't approach them directly, they were most likely here when Kilkrin was and that could be useful.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-01 09:41:41]*

From what Adalyn can tell, few if any of the people currently in the cantina were also there when she arrived this morning. Certainly the faces she sees at the tables nearest where she and Alaris had sat are unfamiliar ones. She is unsure about those sitting furthest away in the darkest corners, where she can easily imagine a sentinet might lurk all day conducting their illict business. She hadn't seen these folk earlier, and wouldn't know if they were potential witnesses without making enquiries. The Quarren behind the bar is the same one who was there before. To help deal with the increased business as the day passes, he has been joined by a thin dark-skinned Zabraki girl.

### Alicia *[2012-05-01 10:15:54]*

Adalyn has to push away a tinge of disappointment that she doesn't recognize anyone, and as she walks toward the bar she doesn't give any of the others much more than a cursory glance. Leaning against the bar she waits till she gets the Zabraki girl's attention before ordering a Tattooine sunrise. After paying for the drink she lingers for a moment, stirring the concoction and taking a sip.

She decides on some small talk to break the ice. "**Busy night?**" she asks glancing out at the patrons scattered through the tavern.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-01 11:46:34]*

The Zabraki prepares the Sunrise expertly, sliding the glass across the bar top and taking Adalyn's credits.

"About usual," she replies, "I've seen worse crowds."

A serving droid approaches the bar and relays various orders which the girl turns away to fill.

Meanwhile Layni slips in and finds a place to sit not far from the door. Almost immediately a man approaches her, all smiles and swagger.

### Alicia *[2012-05-01 12:28:35]*

Acknowledging Layni's appearance only with a glance her way, Adalyn notices the drunk man approaching her. The young woman had little doubt Layni could handle the man, and if she was smart would use the man's attention to get information. Resolving to just keep an eye out, she turns back to the Zabraki barkeep. "**I'm looking for someone. Was told he was spotted here earlier.**" She pulls out credits double the amount of the drink she had ordered and taps it on the counter lightly. Once she has the girl's attention she continues, "**A Verpine?**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-01 12:42:06]*

"Yeah, a lot of people been looking for a Verpine," she replies, eyes flicking toward Adalyn as she continues to shake some spirits together.

"You don't look like much of a bounty hunter to be honest lady. I'd steer clear if I were you, you're competing with a couple of naaaasty-ass people."

### Alicia *[2012-05-01 13:36:22]*

Adlayn half shrugs as if she didn't really care what the bartender thinks of her appearance and takes a sip of the mixed drink. "**I heard someone put a bounty out on him, guessing he hasn't been found yet?**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-02 15:10:32]*

"Well now," the Zabraki replies, "I wouldn't know about that. No one gets taken in this bar; we made sure it got a five minute headstart. A lot of people followed though..."

She finishes the drinks and hands them over on a tray to the serving droid, which bumbles away. Then she looks back at Adalyn with hard eyes.

"Some of them came back. Some didn't. I don't know if anyone caught it."

### Alicia *[2012-05-02 15:46:55]*

Acknowledging the news with a nod she leaves the 'tip' on the bar before asking a final question. "**How long ago was it given this head start?**"

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-02 16:06:01]*

The girl looks down at her tip then mutely slides it across the bartop and palms it.

"It was about three hours ago," she says while turning away to get back to business.

Adalyn notes that would be about the same time she was herself taken at the arena.

### Alicia *[2012-05-02 18:13:48]*

With this new information in hand a part of her was hopefull. If Kilkrin had been given a head start it was possible he had gotten away. The fact some returned and others didn't could indicate he had either been caught or had managed to elude them and they had given up the chase. Glancing out among the patrons she checks in on Layni while looking for her next target. Someone inebriated but had the look of someone who might have gone on the chase. Sipping her drink she decides on her next step.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-02 18:29:30]*

Surprisingly Layni is still talking to the swaggering drunk, who is now settled into a chair opposite her.

When looking for potential bounty hunters Adalyn is truly spoiled for choice; most of the bar's clientele are rough sorts and plenty of them carry weapons. Many do so openly, though it's a safe bet that the cloaked characters (of which there are many) are carrying concealed weaponry. In fact, even Layni's admirer is a potential person of interest. Now he is sitting, he has draped his cloak over his chair and he is revealed to wear a bandolier and two pistols.

### Alicia *[2012-05-03 11:32:16]*

Glad to see Layni seems to be handling her admirer, Adalyn turns her attention to the other patrons hiding her interest with sips of her drink. As any one of them could be a potential lead she decides to choose someone at random. With an inebriated target in sight she heads toward the table stopping next to a chair facing her target. She swirls her drink in hand as she gives the man a small smile. "**Mind if I join you?**" she asks, though she doesn't give the man much option as she takes the seat.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-03 12:58:37]*

"Not in particular," he slurs in response as his drunken eyes focus on Adalyn. Those same eyes crease at the corners as the man gives a crooked smile.

"Here on your own?" the fellow enquires, glancing around to check he hasn't just let her hijack the table for a group of friends.

### Alicia *[2012-05-03 13:21:47]*

Adalyn returns the smile and gives the man a salute with her near empty glass. "**I'm a one girl party.**" With a final sip she sets the glass down and leans on the table toward the man. "**Though the party certainly isn't closed.**"

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-03 15:07:53]*

"That so?" the man replies, sitting back in his chair and running a hand through his dark hair.

"What's your name?" he asks, then gestures to her glass with his own, "and what're you drinking?

### Alicia *[2012-05-03 16:09:15]*

With a pleased smile Adalyn absently nudges the glass. "A Tattoine Sunrise. Name is Rayn, and yours?"

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-06 08:41:24]*

"Bau," the man replies, raising his hand into the air and clicking his fingers loudly to get the attention of a passing serving droid.

"The lady would like a Tattoine Sunrise," he tells the robot, "and my usual."

As the droid departs, Bau returns his gaze to Adalyn and asks: "what brings you to my table, Rayn?"

### Alicia *[2012-05-07 18:08:02]*

Glad the man has accepted her at his table, Adalyn continues to lean in toward him folding her arms in front of her on the table. Her hands idle now that she doesn't have a drink to hold. "**Boredom, curiosity,**" she lies. "**Aside from that man over there, you seemed the least grumpy of this lot.**" Nudging her head towards Layni's table she indicates the man who had joined her.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-08 04:52:33]*

"Caz? He's a grumpy frakker most of the time, but he's well in his cups and he won a sabbac pot last night. Reasons enough to make an ass of himself."

Bau stares over at the flirtatious attempts of his peer for a moment longer then turns away with a grunt.

"Don't see why the idiot*s so happy, he was too drunk to even chase that bountyhead earlier."*

### Alicia *[2012-05-08 09:12:37]*

"**A bounty came through here?**" Adalyn asks with genuine curiosity. Finally she'd found her opening. "**You must tell. I love a good story. Did you give chase?**" Leaning forward, she props her head up on her left fist giving the man her apt attention.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-08 16:05:24]*

"You know girl," Bau says suddenly in lieu of replying "you have a familiar face. Maybe I've seen you somewhere before?"

He straightens in his chair, focusing on her and obviously trying to place it. At the same moment, the drinks arrive and he is distracted by his beer for the time being.

((OOC: A very low Deception roll for Adalyn there... He hasn't figured you out just yet, but it was close. I will be rolling periodically and he'll have a slightly easier time of it next time. Best get your questions in quick or try somewhere else before you're rumbled.))

### Alicia *[2012-05-08 16:33:51]*

A pit begins to form in Adalyn's stomach as Bau tries to place where he's seen her. She tries to make her smile unforced and appear as if the man had made some great joke. "**Believe me, if you had met me before we'd be skipping this little meet and greet,**" she says with a slight laugh, leaning back and taking a sip of her drink. *This isn't good. I could mind trick him, but there are witnesses.* While she feels the man would be a good source of information, she wasn’t sure if she wanted to risk getting caught in a bar full of hunters, head start or no. It would also mean her current cover was jeopardized and she’d have to start from scratch again. After all, she couldn’t find her friends if she was caught. *So close, but so far away as well.* If only she could just get the answers she wants out of him before he makes the connection or.. get him away from the tavern.

“**Do you want to get out of here?**” she asks raising a suggestive eyebrow.

[spoiler]**Persuasion** +14

[dice]0[/dice]

I'll gladly spend a FP if that isn't enough[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-08 17:08:03]*

Looking from her to his freshly served drink and back, Bau ponders a moment then pushes his chair backward and gets to his feet.

"You got it," he agrees, smiling, "let's go."

He rounds the table, walking more steadily than his level of drunkenness might have indicated he would, and offers an arm to "Rayn".

### Alicia *[2012-05-08 17:29:21]*

"**Ah, a gentleman. Such a rare breed,**" Adalyn comments with a grin as she sets her drink aside, pleased by the success of her suggestion. Standing she takes the proffered arm. "**I like it!**" While she wasn’t sure what she would do once she got him out of the Greasy Gear, leaving would hopefully be an improvement on her odds of not getting caught.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-08 18:08:19]*

Bau walks with Adalyn out of the Greasy Gear and away down the main thoroughfare, then cuts down an alley.

"It's quicker to get to mine this way," he tells her as they make the turn.

Mere seconds later she gasps in pain as her arm is twisted behind her and before she knows what is happening Bau has her pinned in a strong grip, her face mashed up against a wall.

"I don't normally get this lucky with girls," he comments darkly, "so I asked myself, why would you be so interested in me. And I realised I do know your face, girl."

Moments later Adalyn feels something cold slipping around her neck. Some kind of collar?

((OOC: critical success on his Grapple attack, and he beat Adalyn on the opposed grapple roll 16 to 7. Adalyn is pinned, but she may attempt a new opposed Grapple roll to free herself/attempt something else that doesn't require movement))

### Alicia *[2012-05-08 20:37:06]*

With a grunt of pain as her arm is twisted awkwardly behind her. Naturally, Adalyn brings up her free hand to try and stave off whatever it is he's putting around her neck. The last thing she wanted was a garrote getting a good grip on her. Refocusing her mind, she let's out a haggard breath and draws on her innate ability in the Force, picking up a good sized object from the alley and hurling it at her assailant.

[spoiler]**Use the Force (Move Object)** +14

[dice]0[/dice]

Spending a FP for the increased damage

[dice]1[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-09 17:39:19]*

Even with alcohol in system, Bau's bounty hunter instincts are finely honed. He simply steps aside - not relenting his pressure on Adalyn one bit - and the abandoned crate she had launched at his head smashes into kindling and splinters on the wall next to her. She is struck again with the notion that he wasn't nearly as drunk as his act had implied.

Moments later the thing around her neck closes with a click.

"Well now," Bau hisses, "a Jedi. Isn't *that* something. Even so I wouldn't try any more tricks if I were you. Not unless you like being shocked. Besides, if you behave you'll get to see your insect friend again. Wouldn't that be nice?"

((OOC: Adalyn's UtF roll doesn't exceed Bau's Reflex defense. Regrettably for her, his own "attack" was a lot more successful.))

### Alicia *[2012-05-09 18:08:42]*

A frustrated grunt escape her lips as he ducks the crate she had meant for his head. His retaliation left her dizzy for a moment, long enough for him to finish putting the collar around her neck. This fact only increases her frustration. She'd been caught and it was due to her own carelessness, not only that he now knew she was a much bigger prize being a Jedi and a much more dangerous one if he had sense.

Not ready to test his threat about being shocked she stops resisting, finding it better to bide her time. When it came to it, she would be putting to the test whether she'd be able to negate the energy from the collar with the Force.

His comment about Kilkrin brings her up short. "**He's alive then?**" she asks slowly. *Did Bau manage to capture him as well?* If do then he was her best lead in finding her friend. Even if it meant remaining his captive. Tentatively she draws on the Force, opening a link with Layni she hoped the woman would be open to. Sending her a myriad of images to lead the woman to where they were now she adds the simple command of *follow*.

[spoiler]Telepathy[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-09 18:43:41]*

"Oh yes," Bau responds conversationally, "bounty heads are generally worth more alive than dead."

"Although you may be worth something altogether more," he adds thoughtfully, backing away from her carefully and quick-drawing a pistol.

"Why are you interested in Thatrik anyway? What are the Jedi doing bothering with the likes of him?"

### Alicia *[2012-05-10 01:35:34]*

A flutter of hope passes through her mind as Bau admits Kilkrin was still alive, though he made no mention of Alaris. Her fate would have to remain unknown for the time being. These thoughts are of course overridden by the searing pain in her shoulder from her released arm and as she steps away from the wall she rotates it gauging just how badly Bau had strained it when he had twisted her around. With the pain manageable, she turns slowly to face her captor taking to leaning against the alley wall as she rubs the part of her face that had been smashed to the wall. The longer she delays, the more time Layni would have to catch up.

"**What makes you think I'm a Jedi? Just because one can do 'tricks' doesn't make her one. The galaxy is a large place after all. I doubt a Jedi would have let herself be caught so easily,**" with the final comment she reaches up to indicate the collar, not touching it in the event it might set it off. The time to test it would come soon enough. With a shrug she answers his question. "**As for Thatrik.. I had a business proposition, which I guess I'll won't be delivering now. Shame. I think he would have liked it.**" Even though it was an assumption, who was to say Thatrik wouldn't have seen the bribe to reveal information concerning her rogue Jedi as a good deal.

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-10 04:47:41]*

Bau smirks at Adalyn, amused by her stories. The bounty hunter points right along the alley with his free hand, indicating that she should continue walking in the direction they had been heading after leaving the bar.

"The Jedi were purged easily enough, I hear," he retorts while falling in behind her, "and those that survived have substantial bounties on their heads. To be quite honest I can't be bothered to deliver you to Imperial authorities off the station, but I bet Thatrik will pay a damn sight more for you now. Isn't that funny? You had a business proposition. Now you *are* one."

"So what's your real name, "Rayn"?"

### Alicia *[2012-05-10 11:23:43]*

Eventually Adalyn does move from her place leaned against the wall, and then proceeds slowly back the way they had come to the main drag. For a moment she casts her eyes down the alley, contemplating making a run and taking her chances she could absorb enough of the collar's energy to get away, not to mention any shots Bau sent her way. It is more than likely he has a good shot.

Then there is Kilkrin. While being a captive herself isn't very encouraging, it would get her close enough and once she found her Verpine friend there was always the possibility of escape from there. She would just have to trust in the Force and be smarter. Trust Thatrik would rather keep her alive long enough to manage an escape.

Taking a slow steps she makes her way out of the alley, not the least amused by Bau's words having lived through the purge and knowing the truth of the circumstances in which it occurred. Bau could hardly understand how it felt to sense and even feel hundreds of one's brethren being wiped out in one foul swoop. She walks mutely, letting his words wash over her, though she has an amused thought she may have a better chance of escaping from Imperial custody than Thatrik. assuming of course the Imperial doesn't kill her on the spot.

When he asks her what her name is, she contemplates lying again at least then if she manages to escape he can't track her through it. "**Mara. Mara Pelagius,**" she makes up quickly.

[spoiler]Deception +10

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-10 15:07:28]*

"You sound genuine," Bau admits, "so either you're a good liar or a fool. I doubt it's the latter, eh? You being a Jedi."

Although she can't see him, Adalyn can practically feel his ugly, evil smile. It could be her imagination, but either way it makes her skin crawl.

The bounty hunter doesn't actually take her too far, ordering her to stop at the small worker's entrance to a warehouse no great distance from the port.

He leans forward to rap on the door, and shortly after a slot at roughly eye level slides open with the shadow of someone beyond.

"You again. And you brought a friend. Cute."

"She's the bounty you krellhead. Let me in."

The slot slides shut and the door swings open, revealing a passage beyond lit harshly by strip lamps. Inside is a yellow-scaled Annoo Dat wearing body armour. He gazes at Adalyn with four unfriendly eyes then turns to walk down the corridor. Bau prompts her to follow.

She is led into the warehouse proper, which is crowded with large industrial crates. In amongst these are several cages. Currently none are occupied, though that may soon chance as the Annoo Dat is leading her and Bau right to one of them.

Adalyn's Force senses tell her there are three other people in the near vicinity, though at present she cannot see them.

### Alicia *[2012-05-10 18:30:42]*

"**Believe what you will,**" Adalyn remarks. The man isn't stupid, but neither has he caught her in the lie. For now her true identity is safe, though unfortunately her face isn't. If she is indeed meeting with Thatrik it is possible she could make some sort of deal with him still. It is a slim hope, but right now that is all she has.

Keeping her pace steady, she updates Layni with where she is. Hoping at the very least the Miraluka is following. Ordered to stop, she glances around and gets a good look of her surroundings. With his prompting to enter the warehouse the young Jedi shoots Bau a glare before acquiescing.

As she walks she tries to focus on the others she can't see at the moment, trying to identify them. As they lead her to a cage, she resists a laugh. Metal bars weren't going to be much of an obstacle when she does choose to escape not unless they decided to make them with phrik alloy, which she doubts due to the metal's expense. It was just a question of how many lightsaber wielding captives they managed to get their hands on. When she reaches the cage, she doesn't get in it immediately. It wasn't good form after all to willingly go into a cage and while she has been cooperative so far she thought it was time to show a little dissent.

[spoiler]**UTF Sense Surroundings** +14

Take 10 for a total of 24

**Perception** +10

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-12 13:02:54]*

The three other sentients are lurking a short distance away behind the cover of the stacked crates. They surround her, with one of them crouching atop a crate between the cages and the door. They are calm, and presumably allies of the Anoo Dat. It's a safe bet they're armed and willing to fire on her.

Without any kind of warning the collar around her neck suddenly pulses into life, sending energy crackling through her nervous system. The collar produces an incredibly powerful current, designed as it is to keep the toughest of criminals of any species in check. Even with her ability to negate energy, Adalyn finds herself overwhelmed by the pain that wracks her body. It drives her to her knees as seemingly every muscle in her body twitches.

The Anoo Dat watches her dispassionately, then steps forward to start stripping Adalyn of her possessions. He, Bau, and presumably the three thugs lurking in the shadows all have her covered with blasters.

"Where's the other one anyway?" Bau asks, conversing as though the situation is completely normal. Of course, for him it is.

"Badly injured," the Anoo Dat responds, "it needed medical attention. No good dead."

If she wants to escape, she'll have to act fast. The alternative is to continue playing along, though that would mean surrendering her possessions.

((OOC: Negate Energy attempt - UtF result of 16 is bested by a damage roll of 23. Since it's stun damage, Adalyn takes a -2 Condition penalty as the roll beat her DT but her hit points are only reduced by 11 (half the damage roll).))

### Alicia *[2012-05-12 14:09:47]*

Unbidden a scream of pain escapes her lips, partly out of surprise of the shock and mostly due to the pain. At least now she knew the hunter's threat was hardly idle and next time she would know what to expect. Unfortunately, if she wasn't able to absorb the next one she'd likely be at the hunters' mercy; if they have any. Glancing up she sees the Anoo Dat approaching her intent on taking advantage of her weakened state to relieve her of her weapons. Hearing that Kilkrin wasn't here she quickly came to a decision. So far she'd made it easy for Bau to bring her here, but that was only because of her hope Kilkrin was here as well. Since that wasn't the case she was done playing nice.

With only a moment to react she springs forward, using her acrobatic skill to pass hopefully unmolested by the Anoo Dat at the same instant she sends what strength she can spare toward Bau using the Force to disorient the hunter long enough to prevent him from using the collar against her in this crucial moment. Passing the Anno Dat she uses her momentum to send her into a run past the cages and away from the hunters'. The fact she was heading away from the door didn't escape her notice.

[spoiler]**Acrobatics** +12-2

[dice]0[/dice]

**Force Stun (UtF)** +14-2

[dice]1[/dice]

As it's more than likely going to come up. I'll go ahead and roll a UTF for Obscure for one of the attacks by 1 of the 3 guys. If it succeeds I want them to reroll their attack against the Anno Dat.

**Obscure (UtF)** +14-2 (UTF vs. Will Def for -5 atk. If target misses, you can make them reroll against an adjacent creature also at -5 atk; )

[dice]2[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-13 12:38:40]*

The Anoo dat is surprised by Adalyn's sudden leap into action, and his sluggish attempt to grab at her completely fails to connect as she leaps over his head, twisting in the air to avoid his clawed hands. Bau is just as surprised when she calls upon the Force to overwhelm his senses. The bounty hunter cries out in confusion, falling to his knees much as Adalyn had done mere moments before.

As expected, three blasters are fired almost in unison, their reports echoing loudly in the large warehouse. She is able to obfuscate one of her attackers successfully, and the Anoo dat grunts in surprise as the stun bolt intended for her strikes him instead. He falls to the floor, unconscious. One of the other attacks misses, but the third hits her in the back.

((OOC: Bau is knocked 3 steps down the CT. The Anoo dat is KO'ed. Adalyn takes 5 hp of damage from the stun bolt.))

### Alicia *[2012-05-13 17:16:49]*

Adalyn can't help but to smile as her last minute plan goes off better than expected. Surprise had been key to pulling it off and surprise them she did. Dodging all but a final stun blast she shrugs it off.

Having pulled off her stunt and knowing at least one of her captors was out of commission and Bau having taken the worse for her attack, she reverses her momentum. Charging toward the door, she focuses on the man covering her exit and lifts him. Aiming for Bau she sends the man toward him hoping to take the two obstacles out in one swoop.

Drawing more on the Force she increases her speed, making a bee line for the door.

[spoiler]Initiative +7-2 in the event it's needed

[dice]0[/dice] should be 23

Move Object +14-2 to throw the guy guarding the door at Bau

[dice]1[/dice]

Damage

[dice]3[/dice]

Surge +14-2

[dice]2[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-13 19:33:48]*

The Rodian by the door yells as he is lifted off his perch atop a crate and flung hard across the room. He smacks into Bau, the collision of their bodies a sickening crunch, and they fall in a pile with Rodian on top. As she passes she sees the alien's neck is broken, though she doesn't know whether Bau is alive or dead.

The remaining two thugs fire on her, but she moves too fast and the bolts go wide.

She reaches the exit and rushes along the passage beyond, arriving at the warehouse's entrance and throwing it wide in time to see Layni engaging a pair of Gran. They throw clumsy punches at her which she deftly avoids, flowing around them as she effortlessly slides from one echani form to another. She slams her fingers into the throat of one and he collapses, gurgling horribly. The other lashes out and she grabs his arm, turning his own momentum against him in an over-shoulder throw. He tries to get to his feet, but a kick to his head downs him.

### Alicia *[2012-05-13 22:42:00]*

Impressed Adalyn just stands in the door a moment, letting her body recuperate from being shocked while Layni finished dispatching the Gran. After all, the Miraluka appears to have everything well in hand. "**Nice move. I was wondering if you were coming.**" Opening her senses she reaches around to check her surroundings in the event reinforcements were on their way or there were more goons she hadn't yet detected.

Bolstered by the presence of her backup, she motions for Layni to step in. "**Unless you learned what clinic Kilkrin was taken to, I have unfinished business here. Not to mention, they've learned a bit too much about me. There's two in here which need to be dealt with, hopefully we can question at least one. If not the warehouse's keeper is still alive.**" She isn't intending on staying long, but she could hardly pass up the chance to get information from some very good sources.

[spoiler]Sense Surroundings take 10 for total of 24

**Perception** +10

[dice]0[/dice]

I didn't take -2 off for the CT, though I'm hoping I have enough time to start to recoup from that.[/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 05:46:39]*

"You just can't stop getting yourself into trouble, can you?" Layni asks. Given the evidence it's pretty much a rhetorical question.

The Miraluka stoops to search through the two Gran's clothing, looking for any kind of useful clue and giving Adalyn the time she needs to recuperate. She takes both of their comlinks and, seemingly as an afterthought, also pockets their credit chips.

Meanwhile Adalyn has been expanding her senses as far as they can stretch. She realises with a jolt that those still alive in the warehouse are moving. Not toward the entrance, toward her. Instead two are heading to the far side of the building, possibly to another exit? A third is heading upward toward the roof.

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 09:52:02]*

The rhetorical question causes Adalyn to laugh and in the process painfully pull an already sore muscle. "**Ebb and flow, my friend. You know how the Force works.**" she adds with a slight shrug. Leaving the Miraluka to loot the bodies of the Gran, Adalyn takes in her surroundings. "**They're on the move. Two to the back and the third to the roof.**" Knowing there were two goons still alive and the Anoo Dat was unconscious when she had left the warehouse she mentally tallies them as the ones moving. "**I'll take the one on the roof,**" she decides and looks for a way from the outside to cut the guy off. Failing that she makes a run for it the way she came, back into the warehouse using her Force influenced speed.

[spoiler]Sense Surroundings +14 take 10 for 24

**Perception** +10

[dice]0[/dice]

**Surge** +14 (Since I'll probably be using it here soon anyways.)

[dice]2[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 13:21:42]*

Adalyn cannot see any easy way onto the roof from this side of the building; if there are emergency stairs then they're on one of the other sides. She pauses for a moment to search her feelings, then decides that going left around the building is probably a good idea.

"Oh hell," Layni mumbles as Adalyn bursts into another Force-imbued sprint. Without further ado she runs in the opposite direction.

Adalyn discovers a flight of fire stairs half-way along the building after she turns the first corner. However, the distance between the lowest flight and the ground is about six metres, the ladder that would descend in case of fire being currently raised. Not an insurmountable problem, but an irritation regardless.

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 13:44:01]*

Spotting the emergency stairs, the young Jedi springs forward with grim determination. Using the Force to empower her she takes a running jump, reaching for the suspended ladder above her. No thoughts of failure cross her mind as she leaps into the air, giving herself over completely to the power of the Force.

[spoiler]FP to recover use of Surge for use in the running jump.

**Surge** +14

[dice]0[/dice]

**Athletics (jump)** +3

[dice]1[/dice]

**Athletics (climb)** +3 since I'll probably need to grab hold of the thing.

[dice]3[/dice][/spoiler]

### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 15:42:54]*

The distance to the ladder is difficult even for a Jedi, and Adalyn realises she isn't going to make it. She connects with the warehouse wall and launches herself off from the surface, the second jump giving her the additional height she needs to grab hold of the bottom of the raised ladder. Under her weight it suddenly gives, and she finds herself borne back to the floor as it rattles downward.

She loses valuable seconds climbing the distance back up to the stairs, then sets off up the zig-zagging flights with loudly clanging footsteps.

As she reaches the top she hears a distant cry of alarm from the other end of the warehouse. A male voice - one of the thugs may have just encountered Layni.

She sees the third figure some distance away, running the distance between an open door and the roof's edge, his cloak billowing out behind him. It is Bau. He turns in time to see her rising onto the roof and shoots her one of his leering grins.

Then he does something pretty mad: he jumps from the roof.

Two things happen at once.

One: as Bau falls he turns in the air, a pistol in hand. With a hiss, a length of syntherope attached to a grappling hook flies from the gun and the hook punches through the door of the stairwell behind him. Bau drops out of sight.

Two: the collar around Adalyn's neck crackles into life again, overwhelming her ability to cope once again. Having experienced it before does nothing to diminish the agony the second time around.

((OOC: Adalyn take 13 damage and moves -2 steps down the condition track again.))

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 15:54:11]*

Forced to her knees once more by the searing pain of the collar she doesn't give Bau the satisfaction of hearing a scream of pain this time. Knowing it would be useless to follow the hunter now she remains where she is for a moment recovering from the sudden stress the collar has exerted on her body. She hated that the hunter was out there in full knowledge of her capabilities and now likely has a personal vendetta to capture her or even kill her.

Quickly recovering she makes her way to the door into the warehouse. If Bau escaped it meant the Anoo Dat was likely still unconscious in the building and right now he was her best chance in finding her Verpine friend.

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 16:06:29]*

When Adalyn gets back downstairs to the cages, she hears the sound of a door opening at the back of the warehouse. Investigating, she sees Layni dragging in a limp Iktotchi by his legs.

"You want the other one?" she asks.

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 16:35:39]*

Adalyn can't help but to give the other woman a tired, devious smile. "Put them in the cages see how they like it."

Moving to check on the Anoo Dat she removes his weapons taking all his possessions from his person. Most importantly she looks for some way to remove the collar from around her throat. Finished with her task she too drags him to a cage and deposits him within, though she doesn't close the door ready to administer him to wake more quickly. Wasn't like they had all day.

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 16:49:12]*

"You got it," Layni replies and sets to work.

Adalyn finds that the Anoo dat is carrying a heavy pistol and a set of three vibrodaggers. Unfortunately nothing that she thinks might help with the collar though.

Soon the lizard-like alien is the only one left outside the cages: the iktotchi and a human are locked up together. Layni starts snooping around to see if she can find anything while Adalyn tries to revive the Anoo dat.

Eventually he comes to, and when he realises his situation he hisses and spits.

"Bitch, I will tear your face off!"

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 17:17:16]*

Her pistol in hand she backs up from the cage an amused look on her face as he voices his threat. She makes it a point to show him the pistol was on a lethal setting. "I'd advise against doing anything rash. Unlike your goons I have a good shot," she remarks reminding her prisoner it was one of his own who shot him. Once he's taken her threat to heart she asks, "Where is the Verpine?"

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 17:25:49]*

The creatures looks at her with cold, baleful eyes and shrugs its shoulders.

"There's an office up there," Layni says suddenly, pointing upward at a dark, dusty window high on one wall, "I'll check it out."

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 17:47:17]*

Adalyn nods in response

to Layni's discovery, not taking her eyes off the man. He wasn't speaking now and she wonders if at this point if intimidation would even do anything. There was the option to compel him with the Force and at this point it was likely they would all remember what she had done. To remove them as a threat she would have to kill them and she isn't sure if she is capable of doing it.

Coming to a decision she lowers her blasted ever so slightly. "You will answer my questions," she says using the Force to compel him.

[spoiler]Mind Trick +14

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-14 18:04:27]*

The Anoo dat's four eyes blink sluggishly and become glazed.

"Yes," he says in apparent agreement to Adalyn's statement, "I will."

### Alicia *[2012-05-14 18:20:30]*

Pleased to see positive results, she still keeps her blaster ready. Repeating her earlier question she adds, "How long ago was he moved there?"

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-15 17:24:10]*

"He went to Doc OPae's about an hour ago," the Anoo dat replies helpfully. He still seems none the wiser to the manipulation he is experiencing.

### Alicia *[2012-05-15 18:20:31]*

Adalyn nods growing more pleased with the results. "And where can I find the doc? Will there be a lot of guards there?"

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### simplyscribed *[2012-05-15 19:03:43]*

"Ain't never been," he shrugs, "but it's on Fourteenth where it borders the Nest. I sent two with it."

The Anoo dat's expression is gradually getting less friendly again, the effect of her compulsion unable to make him forget for long that he wants to rip her face off

Adalyn's commlink suddenly buzzes. It is Layni, upstairs in the office.

"Found some cameras, I'm gonna wipe the footage. But we have company. Guy in black armour snooping around outside. He found the Gran."

### Alicia *[2012-05-16 00:52:46]*

Realizing the Anoo Dat was overcoming her compulsion, she backs out the rest of the way and closes the cage behind her making sure it locked. "**Well... it's been fun. Thanks ever so much for your help.**" With a grin she turns away from the cage, watching the entrance to the warehouse grimly.

Into her comlink she responds to Layni's message. "***Let's get out of here. I'll meet you on the way to the roof,****" she says, figuring the office would be nearly on the way to the roof access where Bau had conveniently left an unknown method to escape by; particularly if the guy in black armor has been here before.*

*Giving their caged captives no more than a final glance she makes for the stairs which would take her to the roof.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-05-16 11:47:07]***Adalyn hurries out into the hall and along it to a stairwell which takes her up past the office to the roof. Layni is already up there at the top of the stairs. Extending her senses, Adalyn realises that the black-armoured stranger is now downstairs in the hall.*

*Layni doesn't require any explanation of the escape plan, her Force sight having already shown her the trailing rope caught on the roof's edge. She crosses the distance and slides herself over the edge, starting the descent.

The man below starts up the stairs. Does he know they're there?

### Alicia *[2012-05-16 12:47:36]***Adalyn looks around for something she can use to temporarily barricade the door. Hopefully the armored man was just heading to the office, but there was no reason to not be careful. Last thing she wanted was to encounter another bounty hunter so soon after having escaped. With a mental eye on the unknown making his way up, she finishes her plan and moves to the edge. Urging Layni to speed up, she waits till the other woman is a safe distance down before starting her own descent.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-05-16 18:57:36]***Layni drops the remaining distance and rushes away from the warehouse, headed to the cover of an alley.*

*Adalyn is soon following her. Looking back, she can see a man in a full suit of polished black body armour leaning on the wall at the edge of the warehouse roof watching her go. His right hand makes a fist and he slams it down on the wall in frustration, then turns to go back to the stairs.

### Alicia *[2012-05-16 19:36:16]***Adalyn can't help but get an ominous feeling as she sees the armored figure as she slips into the alley. It seems there were now two hunters who had come close turning in the bounty. Now it was just a matter of getting to Kilkrin before the hunters made their way there first. Catching up to Layni, she can't help but give the other woman a grin. "**Well.. that was fun. I found out where they sent Kilkrin though. Fourteenth bordering the Nest, some doctor called OPae is taking care of him.**" Casting a glance behind she can't help but to make sure they aren't being followed before turning her attention back to Layni.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-05-17 14:28:36]***"OPae?" Layni asks sharply.*

*"I've heard of him. He's - well, he's not really a doctor. Not in the sense that you walk out of his clinic feeling happier and healthier, anyway. We'd better move fast."

 On the other side of the alley, Layni finds a parked speeder. She pauses, extending her Force senses to make sure no one's watching. Once satisfied she hotwires the vehicle with practised ease and they are soon speeding along to OPae's clinic.

The "clinic" turns out to be in the basement of a grimy building. If it weren't for the battered sign out front Adalyn would never have guessed that the unassuming stairs leading down to a grey door were the entry to anything other than somebody's home. In fact, the place reminds her of Layni's foretune telling establishment, and she realises that they aren't actually that far from it. The warren of twisting little roads in which she had lost her pursuit after the arena *is* the Nest.

"How do you want to play it?" Layni asks. "If it's like my place there's no rear entrance."

### Alicia *[2012-05-17 16:19:15]***"**Then we'll have to go in through the front,**" Adalyn remarks looking over the building. She reaches out with her senses to determine if there were going to be more than the expected 4 or 5 sentients within. "**I can draw an illusion, enough to get any guards to open the door. It might even be enough to get Kilkrin out if we play the cards right. I'm more wondering where we're going after this. If Kilkrin is injured we have to be prepared for him not being able to move on his own. And I'd rather not go back to your place just yet,**" she says fingering the collar. The young Jedi wasn't going to put it past Bau to have a tracking device or something installed in the blasted thing. Glancing over at Layni, she waits to see if the Miraluka has an ideas having been here longer than Adalyn has.*

*[spoiler]**Sense Surroundings** +14 take 10 for total **24**

**Perception** +10 take 20 for total **30**[/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-05-18 08:43:19]***"I take your point," Layni responds, "but I don't know anywhere on this forsaken rock that's safer than my place for us right now.*

*"I'd say we should get that collar off you, but I don't fancy finding out what happens when you tamper with it."

The Miraluka hops out of the driver side of the speeder, turning to face the clinic across the road.

"Let's just rescue Kikrin, and worry about what comes after if we get that far."

### Alicia *[2012-05-18 14:21:56]***Following Layni as she gets out of the speeder, Adalyn nods in agreement. "The collar will just have to wait them." Looking at the basement apartment her face takes on an expression of focus,*

*"Let's get this over with. Here's what I'm going to do. I'm going to cast an illusion making us appear to be two of the guys we took out at the warehouse. With luck no one has reported the incident there yet and they'll let us in. We'll have to work fast though as it will only last for about 5 minutes, and if they touch us the act will be up too. It should at least be enough for us to get in the door."**With Layni's approval, Adalyn closes her eyes concentrating on the deception and taking her time to make sure it would be adequate.*

*[spoiler]I'll be editing if the info from the roll changes things. I at least wanted to get this up. Got bored sitting in the waiting room.

Illusion +14 (-1 for huge)

[dice]1[/dice][/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-05-24 18:19:35]***Adalyn's perceptions confirm her suspicions - there are four live beings within the building, though the life signs of one are very faint.*

*She calls upon the Force to shroud herself and Layni in a convincing illusion of the two Gran she witnessed her companion defeat not so long ago. Strictly speaking it is not an illusion, but rather a projection that will pervade the minds of anyone looking at the pair, convincing them that of something that simply isn't true. It fools the mind but not necessarily the senses, they must be careful not to let anyone interact with them too intimately.

"Shall we then?" Layni enquires, stepping toward the steps.

### Alicia *[2012-05-24 20:06:50]***With a nod of her head, Adalyn makes her way too towards the basement 'clinic'. After pausing only a moment to make sure Layni was ready, she knocks on the door. A lie ready to be given to whoever answers. If the door isn't answered quickly then Adalyn checks to see if the door is locked.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-05-25 04:36:44]***Closer to, she realises there is a pinhole camera in the door allowing those inside to see who is without. She's pretty sure her illusion will fool them regardless of distance or means of sight though.*

*"Back again already?" A wheezy voice asks through a built-in speaker. "It's not ready. Not ready *at all*. Distracting me won't speed it up!"

### Alicia *[2012-05-25 11:22:35]***Glad to actually be distracting the man from his task, Adalyn narrows her eyes. "**There's been a development. We're to take it somewhere more secure,**" she lies. At least so far it seemed they hadn't been updated to what had happened at the warehouse or if they had her con was convincing enough.*

*[spoiler]**Deception** +10

[dice]1[/dice][/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-05-27 17:46:16]***"I'm mid-surgery here," the Doc's voice wheezes, "you think I can just pause it and relocate the patient? Hired goons, what the hell are you like."*

*The door slides open.

```

```**"If there's a situation then you'll just have to help secure my surgery won't you? Get in then, quick now."**### Alicia *[2012-05-28 18:40:57]***The doctor Adlayn quickly realizes was going to make things difficult for them, but as he had opened the door for them the young woman was hardly going to let the opportunity pass by. Giving Layni a sideways glance she steps into through the sliding door into the 'clinic'. Looking around quickly, she moves further in to give Layni room to enter as well.*

*The Doc was obviously not going to turn over his patient till he was done, which meant they were probably going to have to take more drastic measures. It also meant they would have to deal with the other guards as well, a fact which didn't worry the young Jedi remembering how ineffectual the other guards had been against just one of them.

"**Doc, how long before you're work is done,**" she asks moving deeper into the apartment and ignoring the other guards for the moment.**### simplyscribed *[2012-05-29 16:06:58]***Inside, the dingy rectangular room has been emptied of everything apart from the trappings of a surgery space: metal tables, cabinets, tools and trays. Not far from the door, two more mercenaries lurk about; one Rodian leaning against the wall, arms crossed, while his Gand companion sits on case that judging by its markings once contained medical supplies. There are also three humanoid droids in the room - two bearing blaster rifles, the third an old model medical droid assisting the doctor with his work.*

*Doc OPae, a Woostoid dressed in scrubs, glances up from his work.

"It takes as long as it takes," he chastises, "another hour or so."

On the table in front of him lies Kikrin's body. The insectoid's body seems to be at least partly cybernetic now. The medical droid is currently sealing an incision in Kikrin's chest, while the Doc picks up a laser scalpel and leans in, aiming the device at the top of his patient's head.

"Now be quiet, this is *very* delicate work."

### Alicia *[2012-06-08 17:51:34]***"**I'm afraid we don't have an hour, doc. We have our orders to move it now,**" Adalyn says interrupting his work. " **Stabilize it now or you won't have a patient when its friends come to get it.**" Making her point she steps in closer eyeing the droids peripherally. Absently, the young woman hopes Layni is ready for things to start getting bad.*

*[spoiler]**Persuasion/Deception** +14/10

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-08 19:43:24]***"You have your orders," the Woostoid replies mildly, glancing up, "and I have mine. You can tell your boss that I don't answer to him. I answer to no one but Cypher. He's asked for the full works so that's what's going to be done. And as you can see I'm not done. I'm finishing what I'm being paid for, not that I have in fact been paid. No no no, I think my patient will just stay right here with me for now. Unless you have a way to make the surgery go faster, or to make the credits clear into my account, I suggest you shut up and let me focus before I accidentally kill this creature."*

*Behind Adalyn and Layni, the Rodian straightens and moves away from the wall, speaking to them in Rodese. He seems calm, though his hand gestures are both expansive and expressive. It would help if either woman had a clue what he's saying.

The interruption dismissed, Doc OPae ignites his laser scalpel and leans in to get to work.

### Alicia *[2012-06-08 21:45:44]***Restraining herself from grinding her teeth in frustration, Adalyn instead uses the mental energy to focus on the Woostoid doctor. Nudging him with the Force she hopes to stun him enough to make himself believe he's feeling a bit ill or less capable of fulfilling the contract right that moment. With the Rodian coming up behind them, she's forced to ignore him but a part of her prepares for what might be an inevitable conflict. If it comes down to it, she prepares herself to lift the doc with the Force and fling the Woostoid at the Rodian.*

*[spoiler]**Force Stun (UtF)** +14

[dice]0[/dice][/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-09 11:18:03]***OPae suddenly moans and swoons, his grip on the laser scalpel loosening as he staggers and clutches for the operating table instead. The whole thing happens as though in slow motion, the surgical instrument dropping agonisingly but inexorably towards the Verpine on the table.*

*In the meantime, the Rodian has grown more agitated as his words are being ignored by the Gran he believes to be his comrade. His Gand colleague has also stood up, sensing something untoward is going on. The Rodian reaches out to grab Adalyn's shoulder as he yammers at her, an action that will break the illusion. Sensing that the time for subtlety is over Layni punches him so hard his jaw clicks and he sprawls on the floor with a yelp of agony.

The Gand goes for his weapon. The two security droids raise their own with a stereo whirr of servomotors. The medical droid scuttles for cover. OPae groans and looks around, bleary-eyed and confused. And pervading the room is the smell of sizzling chitin and flesh.

((OOC: roll initiative.))

### Alicia *[2012-06-09 11:45:45]***With a silent curse, the young Jedi surges forward and quickly locates the laser scalpel hoping it hasn't yet caused any series damage as the smell of burning flesh reaches her senses. Flinging it aside she turns to deal with the combat droids, her focus sharpens as she instinctively draws on her battle honed ability.*

*[spoiler]**Initiative** +7

[dice]1[/dice]

Move to get in reach of the table and another move to pick up the scalpel

Swift to activate Battle Meditation (+1 to atk for allies, -1 to enemies)[/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-11 17:35:51]***The glamour affecting Layni and Adalyn shimmers and fades now that contact has been made. Before anyone else can react Adalyn is already moving, rushing between the slow-reacting security droids and to the opposite end of the surgical table. Her fingers find the handle of the laser scalpel buried in Kikrin's skull and draw it free... too late. The heart rate monitor's regular bips grow ever more rapid and finally merge together in an endless, grating whine.*

*Despite the Woostoid species' reputation for non-violence OPae's face contorts in fury and he takes a clumsy swing at Adalyn, raging at her.

"What did you do!?" he screeches, "what. Did. You. DO!?"

"Jeedai!" the floored Rodian shouts in alarm, the Bocce alternative to "Jedi" recognisable enough even if the rest of his words had seemed pure gobbledygook. He rapidly draws his pistol from its holster at his hip and takes a pot shot at Layni. She moves too quickly, zipping sideways toward the Gand, the bolt shrieking past to scorch the door frame. The Miraluka runs up the wall near him then launches herself from the surface, one knee raised so that it smashes into his face and sends him sprawling to the ground next to his Rodian friend. Layni lands above him in a crouch, her sightless blindfolded face perfectly serene.

The two droids turn and take aim at the closest threat to their master, Adalyn. With her Forced enhanced senses she moves too quickly to be struck by either blaster bolt, but without her lightsaber she is unable to do anything but avoid them. Helpless, flat-lining Kikrin is, it could be said, not nearly so agile. One of the stray bolts hits his chest while the second silences the whining of the heart monitor permanently. The machine sparks and gives off smoke, possibly in danger of catching on fire.

### Alicia *[2012-06-11 18:18:38]***Reacting to the shots being fired at her, she's unable to prevent the bolts aimed for her from hitting the helpless Verpine. She watches in horror as her already critical friend was given a final blow. It was unlikely he would have been able to survive the head trauma, but now even more so the direct hit to his chest. One thing was for sure, she couldn't stand there and do nothing while he died. Calling on the Force as she sends one of the droids to collide with the other, leaving Layni to finish them off. She was already on the move again, rounding on the Woostoid doctor and shoving him if she can toward Kikrin. "**Save him.**"*

*[spoiler]**Move Object** +14

[dice]0[/dice]

**damage**

[dice]1[/dice][/spoiler]**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-11 20:35:07]***"First you kill him, then you say save him," OPae sputters even as his two security droids drop to the floor with a loud clamour, crushed together by the impact, "there is nothing left to save!"*

*Beside him, sparks fly from the damaged heart monitor and it suddenly billows flame, causing the doctor to stumble back in alarm.

The Rodian tries to fire at Layni again but she kicks his arm, knocking it away and causing the bolt to go straight up into the ceiling. The alien then pulls out a comlink, but before he can call for back-up the Miraluka silences him with a blow to the throat.

Somehow though, for some reason, back-up *has* arrived. The sound of several speeders coming to a halt outside the building can be heard.

"It's too late Adalyn, *time to go!*" Layni urgently insists.

### Alicia *[2012-06-11 21:31:05]***Adalyn blinks for a moment in denial over the turn of events. She'd failed him. Kikrin was dead. She'd killed him. The last fact hits her hard, and it's only at Layni's urging that she snaps out of it. Stepping away from the burning heart monitor she kicks it over, letting the flames converge where Kikrin's body lay in the hopes of making it impossible for OPae to experiment further with his corpse. Not wanting to get caught in the flames she hurries past and moving with Layni heads out to face the next problem of what is arriving outside.*

*It would be an easy matter, she realizes, to make a run for it like she has before using the Force to augment her speed. However, she isn't about to leave Layni behind if she can't keep up.

### simplyscribed *[2012-06-12 11:52:07]***Incandescent with rage, OPae screams bloody murder as Adalyn flees the scene, even going so far as to pick up an old-fashioned metal scalpel and fling it at the retreating Jedi. The impromptu weapon embeds itself quivering in the wall by the door, missing her by a scant half-metre.*

*Adalyn emerges up the steps to see two large speeders parked haphazardly across the road outside. Each of them is occupied by armed men, but they differ from the thugs. They wear identical helmets and armour, a uniform, suggesting they belong to a rather more official group. Station security, perhaps?

Both speeders have a manned heavy rifle swivel-mounted at the rear, and these weapons are pointed right at her. The other passengers start disembarking, while a sour-faced human stands up on the front seat of the first speeder, raising himself above all but the soldiers manning the rifles.

"Hands in the air," he shouts, just as Layni comes up the stairs behind Adalyn, "*both of you!*"

Suddenly both speeders launch upward into the air and flip, the men still aboard falling out of the raised vehicles onto the road below. The speeders drop then, crushing the screaming security patrol beneath them.

Beyond the wreckage is a tall man in an enclosing suit of sleek black armour plating. The one who was at the warehouse, Adalyn is sure.

"Don't run away this time," the stranger suggests as he walks toward the women, hands raised in a gesture of calm, "I'm here to help."

The voice seems familiar to Adalyn, and she suddenly realises that despite a change in outfit this is the very same man who engineered her escape from the arena.

((OOC: Adalyn has received an Exploit - "Found a friend in time to lose him again forever. The pain cuts deep but can work to your advantage if you let it. For the remainder of the adventure, you may treat yourself as though 7 levels higher for the purpose of determining how many dice are rolled when you spend a Force Point. Doing so incurs a Dark Side point.&quot<img alt=";)" src="/images/emoticons/emoticon-wink.png" />)

### Alicia *[2012-06-12 13:53:50]***Leaving the basement she had hardly expected the local security forces to have found her first. Though the young woman supposes she's been a thorn to Cypher enough to pull in more official help their timing was less than ideal.*

*As the vehicles rise with Force Adalyn frowns at the armored man. Twice he had saved her from a difficult confrontation, and yet she didn't know why. Shifting away from the entrance to the basement she gives Layni room to move. "**Why?**" she asks simply, repeating the same question she had asked him in the alley way several hours before. "**You've taken a huge risk revealing yourself like this,**" she comments motioning to the carnage he's wrought.

Looking around she realizes lingering about wasn't going to benefit any of them. Destroying the security forces' property was likely going to bring more of them here soon.**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-12 16:11:06]***"Jedi help people," he says, shrugging his plated shoulders. "Certainly they should help old classmates. Besides, you and I have a mutual acquaintance who want to get you safely off the station."*

*Layni passes them, leaping into the driver's seat of her hot-wired speeder. The mysterious armoured man hops into the passenger seat.

"To the port," he says, "we've got a ride waiting."

### Alicia *[2012-06-12 18:38:00]***"Alaris? You found her?" Adalyn asks not sure who else her fellow Jedi would mean. Puzzling it out she gets into the speeder.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-06-12 20:14:46]***"Well no actually," he responds, "it was Khol who rescued Alaris."*

*Reaching up to unclasp his faceless helmet he removes it, revealing a shock of red hair. He turns to look at the girls with a pair of startlingly green eyes.

"And now you've had a moment to digest that, introductions. Name's Veva," he tells them, "though we've met before, Adalyn. Years ago, back at the temple. Before they declared you dead. Never knew you well, but still it was a surprise to see you at the arena. You'll have to fill me in on the how and why of that sometime."

"I'm Layni," the Miraluka shoots at him, "nice to meet you."

### Alicia *[2012-06-12 21:00:07]***For a moment, the shock of hearing those words stops her raging thoughts and all she can hear is the sound of her heart beating. The look would probably be amusing if it wasn't for the tone of her voice. "**Kohl...[b]" she starts barely audible as her brain starts kicking in. "[b]Khol Torendau? He's here?**" It was almost hard to believe. After having looked for him for so long to just have him inadvertently be where she least expected him to be even though a part of her had hoped. She had been hoping for a long time only to be let down time and again. "**That... that bastard.**" The words seemed to shock herself even as she says them, but in all seem to encompass her current thought process. For two years she always wondered what her reunion with her friends would be like and soon she would have her answer. Though she didn't imagine the pain she went through that day on New Holtsice would resurface.*

*Her attention is drawn away as her masked savior removes his helmet. Welcoming the distraction from her thoughts she squints at him. A vague recollection of meeting a red-haired youth back before her mission with Master Ta comes to mind, but it was his eyes that confirms it. It felt like a lifetime ago, had it really only been a few years? "**The Altisian Order took me in, though I'm not sure why they didn't inform the Council of my recovery.**" For a long moment she dwells on the matter but then decides she didn't entirely care. At the time it had been unlikely she would have wanted to return and now... Well the Jedi Order was now essentially gone.

### simplyscribed *[2012-06-13 05:14:01]***"Maybe they thought that it was your choice to make," Veva says wisely, "or your responsibility. It's moot now, anyway. The Jedi Order is shattered. It's good to know there are more survivors though."*

*"But what the hell were you doing coming here? It's not under Imperial control but it's not exactly safe."

### Alicia *[2012-06-13 10:50:07]***Adalyn nods in silent agreement with Veva's reasoning. With a smile she imparts a bit of good news. "**More than you would probably believe, actually. I've been helping to smuggle any survivors or blossoming Force users to safety the last couple years.**" The young Jedi let's it soak in a little bit before going on. "**I was sent here to find a Jedi who's been engaging in activity against the Imperials. We got reports he was using the shadowport as a staging ground. Layni?**" she asks the last part as the pieces begin to click together in her mind. Veva was the right height for Layni's description, had proven to be adapt at disguising himself, and had some association with the underworld here. But if it wasn't him, that meant the one she sought would be Khol or she never found her target.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-06-13 16:16:51]***"Yeah," Layni confirms, "he's definitely the one that started all the trouble."*

*"Woah," objects Veva, turning and locking gaze with Adalyn, "I didn't ask you to come looking for me, and I didn't get you caught. Besides I'm getting you out of it."

### Alicia *[2012-06-13 16:33:32]***Adalyn gives Veva's objections a snort of amusement. "**Don't worry, Veva, I'm very appreciative for what you're doing. Just knowing I found you makes me feel loads better. Means everything wasn't a complete waste. Now if you weren't coming with us, well, then I'd get cross.**"*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-06-13 18:41:00]***Layni glances up, frowning at Adalyn in the rear-view mirror.*

*"We're nearly there," she comments, turning her complete attention back to the road.

As they approach the starport Veva enquires first about his Master, the Chadra-Fan Y'anar. Then he starts listing all the Jedi he ever knew, hoping to hear some good news.

### Alicia *[2012-06-13 19:02:35]***"Thanks, Layni," Adalyn days taking note of Layni's expression. She stares thoughtfully through the windscreen before her reverie is shattered by the list of names Veva throws at her.*

*"I'm afraid I don't know," she responds with a shake of her head. "but if you make a list I can find out for you."**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-14 16:00:30]***As the speeder closes in on the port Veva returns his attention to the route, guiding Layni to docking bay C5 where he says his friend's ship is waiting. The Miraluka pulls the vehicle to a halt and as soon as it stops he vaults over the side and approaches the hangar door. The red-headed Jedi waves at the camera above the door, which slides open almost immediately.*

*Veva gestures for the girls to follow him then steps through the door, where he is almost immediately swept up into a bear hug by a large cream-furred Bothan in possibly the most tasteless outfit in the Galaxy. He wears a sleeveless longcoat of rich green with yellow trimmings unbuttoned over a red shirt (also sleeveless), blue fingerless gloves, plum coloured trousers and turquoise boots. There are no fewer than seven piercings in each ear of varying shapes, sizes and colouration.

“Veva my lad!” he roars, releasing the Jedi and taking a step back, “why is that whenever I see you you bring a girl along. Two this time, I see.”

“Purely coincidence Cap'n, and besides you're really not one to judge.”

The Bothan gives a great belly laugh and slaps Veva on the shoulder.

“Well well, you're right at that, lad.”

The bright fellow turns to the girls and sketches an elaborate bow in the old-fashioned Hapan style, then takes each of their hand's in turn to greet them with a kiss.

“Captain Asryk Benla at your service, dear ladies, it will be my pleasure to welcome you aboard my humble vessel.”

The humble vessel in question sits on the landing pad in the middle of the hangar, directly below the exit tunnel. It is a a heavily modified Kuat Systems *Wayfarer*-class transport with “Second Smile” painted gaudily across the side.

“What about the others?” asks Veva, “are they here?”

“The Besalisk arrived and brought an unexpected guest. Some Twi'lek, said he wouldn't let her take the rap.”

Veva nods.

“Fair enough, the *Smile* can carry one more and he's probably right, Cypher would have questions for her. The rest?”

“Nothing yet,” Benla says, then glances over at the monitor on the inside of the door. “I tell a lie, there are people coming. Lad?”

Veva heads to his friend's side to take a look at the incoming party.

“That's definitely them,” he confirms, “open the door.”

### Anazider *[2012-06-20 00:34:48]***One look at the motley crew gathered in the docking bay, the loudly dressed Bothan in particular, causes Khol's frown to deepen to the point that it threatens to permanently crease his face. When Captain Benla makes a sudden gesture, a dizzying spin of color and tinkling of metallic piercings follows, drawing "oohs" and "aaaws" from the two youngest, and a stunned blink from Garth. Lyra and Ti'an almost unconsciously reach towards the Bothan, as if grasping at a shiny new toy, and Khol quickly steps between his family and the seemingly-random assemblage of humanoids.*

***"Lyra, Ti'an hands in your pockets. ...Is this it Veva? We hidin' in some kind of system-hoppin' carnival?"**

By all appearances, Khol ask's a serious question, and the appraising glance he gives the *Second Smile* and its crew is rudely blunt. Just as the Korunnai's scowl is settling in, his sour mood is interrupted by a shy question from a tiny little voice.

**"They's look real happy Khol! Is'at why the ship gots two smiles?"**

Sweet, innocent, quiet Lyra. Khol splutters for a response while shooting silencing glares at both Alaris as well as Garth, and then buys himself some time by loudly clearing his throat. He gives the docking bay, as well as the spaces beyond, one last sweeping perusal, both with his eyes and with the Force before he settles in to answer the adorable little Lepi.

**"I, uh... I hope they're real happy Lyra. We'll all be really happy once we're away from here!"**

**((UtF + 13: Sense Surroundings (taking 20 (or 10) if at all possible)))**

**((Perception + 10))****### simplyscribed *[2012-06-21 04:56:36]***'Something like that,' Veva acknowledges with a smirk.*

*'Captain Benla, this vision of grumpiness - whom I feel obliged to point out is not female or indeed feminine in any way shape or form - is Khol, and these are the last of the passengers. You ready to go? We should try and get clearance before anything else goes wrong.'

The technicolour Bothan nods agreement, turning toward his ship.

'I'll prepare the crew for launch,' he states, clumping across the hangar to the *Smile*.

Neither Alaris or Khol immediately recognises Adalyn, such is the quality of Layni's disguise.

### Alicia *[2012-06-21 14:24:18]***It’s with amusement Adalyn looks on the Bothan captain of the *Second Smile* as he introduces himself formally; the gesture charming in its aberrance. As he bends over her hand, she can’t help but smile. “**Adalyn Pallax, I hope we haven’t completely ingratiated ourselves,**” she says but her words are lost as the captain turns his attention to the new arrivals appearing on the security camera for the door.*

*The image skewed by the perspective and lens she couldn’t get a clear read on the arrivals, but she could make out Khol’s tall frame, Alaris beside him, and three other shorter figures shadowing them. Younglings? When the doors open and the group steps in her guess is confirmed. The younger children upon seeing the eccentric Captian Benla are immediately mesmerized and she watches as Khol protectively steps between them. Idly she wonders if he is protecting the younglings or Benla himself. The gesture was exactly what she would have expected from. Unbidden, unresolved emotions flood to the surface - old, frustrated anger, and new grief - and for a moment she’s glad neither Alaris nor Khol have seemed to recognize her through the disguise Layni had devised.

Benla takes his leave to prep the ship for departure and as he moves past her, Adalyn moves forward toward Khol’s ragtag family and Alaris. Still unsure of herself with Khol she moves to greet Alaris first. Giving her Twi’lek friend a quick reassuring hug she looks her over for anything more serious than the busted lip. Relief is paired by her suppressed guilt and grief over her failed rescue of Kilkrin *I killed him* she can’t help but thinking in a split moment before she pushes the thoughts away.

 “**Alaris.. l’m so glad you’re safe,**” she waits for the moment of recognition, before giving her friend a half hearted grin. “**Some disguise, huh? Layni is a master.**” Even as she speaks to Alaris her gaze is already going to Khol, searching for any signs of the angry and desperate Padawan on the verge of giving into the Dark Side she had left back on New Holstice. Her gaze falls to the youth and then the two younglings and it softens as her residual doubt and fear ebb away. He was the same. More careworn, battered from two years of unknown tortures, but underneath it all the same.

### simplyscribed *[2012-06-21 20:09:30]***Alaris is surprised momentarily by the hug, but soon realises who it is that has embraced her.*

*'Adalyn,' she says, relieved, returning the hold. After a few moments the Twi'lek steps back, looking between her disguised comrade and Khol. She knows the significance of the reunion.

'Who wants to see the inside of the ship with aunt Alaris?' she asks the children, putting on a big smile and leading Garth toward the ship with the two youngsters in tow. Along the way she takes Veva's arm, dragging him with the group.

The red-headed Jedi catches on a few moments later.

'There's loads of interesting stuff to see kids,' he informs them, 'coming Layni?'

'Er, yes, that sounds fascinating.' The Miraluka replies, falling in with the group as they walk away toward the *Second Smile*. 'Really interesting....'

### Anazider *[2012-06-23 13:02:35]****Adalyn...**

*Khol watches in stunned silence as Alaris embraces the unknown woman, and then takes the others into the ship. He stares as recognition filters in slowly, and then once the revelation sinks in the Korunnai can only manage the first thing that comes to his mind.

**"...Blonde? Why are you blonde?! Did they make you blonde?"**

For whatever reason the ex-padawan is furious over Adalyn's change in hair color, and seems fully prepared to storm off and pummel the "they" that made the woman change.

### Alicia *[2012-06-23 16:34:26]***Thankful of the opportunity Alaris has given them her gaze doesn’t leave Khol and Adalyn watches as Khol slowly begins to register the change in her appearance. At least the more long term change as it was going to take a rather long time to get her hair back to its original appearance. His reaction however causes her to laugh, and she shakes her head as she closes the distance between them.*

*“**You haven’t seen me in two years and complaints over my choice of hair color is the first thing you say to me?**” She manages a final shake of her head and grins up at him. “**I both hoped and dreaded it would be you I would find here...**”**### Anazider *[2012-06-27 16:27:00]***Without warning, Khol sweeps Adalyn up into a crushing embrace while she's still speaking, all but squeezing the life out of her. The Korunnai doesn't seem overly aware that Adalyn's feet are swinging above the ground as he speaks to her.*

***"I told Alaris you shouldn't of come here- come for me. You should've stayed where it was safe and forgot all about me. But even after all of that, and all I've done, I wanted to see you again..."**

A mixture of hurt, and smoldering anger echoes in the ex-padawan's voice. But heard above all else is unrestrained joy. Early on in his separation from Adalyn, Master Ruhk, and the Younglings, the only thing that kept him moving forward was the thought that he had helped them escape. Khol thrived off of the fantasy that they had managed to find a haven somewhere far, far away from the newly formed Empire. Yet in his darker moments, doubts and dark thoughts always crept in at the edges, and eroded away his confidence until sometimes he was left in a near-panic over what he had done, and what may have happened to to his family.

Finding Adalyn again was a balm to a wound he didn't know he had, and it was all he could do to maintain control of himself.

### Alicia *[2012-06-27 21:13:29]***Adalyn lets out a pained gasp as Khol quite literally sweeps her off her feet and into a crushing hug. Her words are interrupted as the air is pushed out of her lungs. Instinctively the young woman draws her arms across his strong shoulders and behind his neck. Even though she’s finding herself lacking in air, her breath just a wheeze, something rises within her whether from his embrace, words or the emotional deluge. As his words draw off she replaces them with a meeting of their lips. It’s only when her head starts to swim that she pushes on his chest. “**Can’t breath,**” she wheezes.*

*### Anazider *[2012-06-28 12:41:25]*****"What?! Oh! Sorry, I jus- "***

*Khol is rather abruptly interrupted when Adalyn kisses him. The would-be giant stands awestruck for the span of a second before he just as quickly sweeps her up into the kiss. Some of the pent-up frustration the Korunnai had been holding onto for all these years ebbs away in that moment, yet when Adalyn pushes away from him he holds her at arms-length, his face flushed and bewildered.****"Wait- huh? You shouldn' of done that- what if Master finds out?! I mean, I liked it- I *really* liked it, but there's so much- and what I did on New Holstice, I just..."***

*Taking a deep breath, Khol exhales in an attempt to stop his rambling and still the rapid beating of his heart. Looking at Adalyn, he notices that he's still holding on to her, and suddenly he pulls his hands back. One hand scratches at his shaved scalp while the other fiddles with a bit of nonsense on his utility belt, as Khol rocks back and forth on his heels.****"We, uh... We need to talk about this. Probly' somewhere a bunch of idiots ain't watchin' us on the ships external dockin' cam."***

*Khol gives a meaningful frown at the transport ship, and the camera in question.

### Alicia *[2012-06-28 16:39:24]***As Khol sets her down and begins to ramble, she keeps a hand on his chest half in an attempt to steady herself while her head continues spinning and as a reassurance Khol wasn’t about to run off again. The kiss had left her head reeling, more so than the lack of air, and his closeness did nothing to help her overcome the emotions brought to the surface.*

*When he pushes her away further releasing his hold on her, his words finally register and Adalyn looks between him and back toward the ship. Her hands drop to her side and not knowing what to do with them she puts them in the pocket of her borrowed jacket. “**We do need to talk,**” she agrees, finding her voice. “**About a great many things.**” At first she doesn't make a move to head towards the ship, but finally she takes a step toward it. "**I know one thing for sure. I'll be glad to get away from here.**"**### simplyscribed *[2012-06-28 17:10:05]***When Khol looks up at the ship he sees that it isn't just the camera he should have worried about. Lyra and Ti'an are watching from the top of the open ramp, somehow returned there despite their "aunt" Alaris' plan to keep them occupied. That somehow no doubt has something to do with Veva, since he is there too and holding the childrens' hands. Lyra seems fascinated while Ti'an looks horrified.*

*'See,' Veva tells them, grinning like a Cheshirii Moon Cat, 'didn't I say there were lots of interesting things to see?'

Just then Alaris appears from behind him, a scowl on her face, and smacks the troublesome fellow round the head then drags him back into the ship with the kids in tow. Khol would be prepared to swear that before she turned away the Twi'lek shot a smirk of her own at him though.

'I'm not sorry!' Veva shouts, laughing, then yelps in pain as out of sight he is again made the victim of Alaris' tough policy on miscreants.

### Anazider *[2012-06-30 11:46:33]*****"...Why you Reek-humping sonuva- "***

*Khol's time spent in the underground fighting circuit has taught him a new appreciation for expletives. An appreciation that he mumbles towards Veva as he angrily storms up the boarding ramp, all but leaving Adalyn forgotten behind him. The look he shoots at the man's back promises retribution, and he moves quickly to rescue his children from Veva's clutches.

### simplyscribed *[2012-07-01 09:32:24]***Khol is soon able to regain charge of his young wards as Veva lets go of their hands of his own volition. He is entirely distracted by the sight of a sleek starfighter nestled away amongst the piles of crates in the *Second Smile*'s storage.*

*'Benla you magnificent bas- er, Bothan!" the young man exclaims, rushing forward to inspect the black, silver-trimmed Delta-7 *Aethersprite*. "You still have my *Raven*!'

He scurries away from Alaris and the kids to check the fighter over, making various musing noises over its condition. Layni and Garth are not present, presumably having moved further into the ship past the storage pod.

The Twi'lek shoots an amused look at Khol and Adalyn as they approach.

'Men and their vehicles, right? Do you think he's ever this excited to see a woman?'

### Anazider *[2012-07-04 16:03:32]***When Ti'an, Lyra, and Garth are back in tow, Khol's anger rapidly abates. He gives Veva one last shake of his head, turning the same exasperated look on Alaris before he steers the children around a bulkhead in search of quarters away from the Bothan and his *colorful* crew. But just as he rounds the corner a sudden thought strikes him, and he hustles back into the cargo bay.*

***"Veva! Have you heard anythin' from Jack? I ain't heard from him since... Our meetin' at the casino..."**

As that realization begins to set in, Khol starts to think back and realizes that the besalisk had been silent throughout their rescue operation.

**"He ain't say nothin' on the comms durin' the whole rescue op. Not like he don't know the scrambled channel; he's the one that gave it to us. Somethin's wrong- I gotta go back and look for him."**

Khol sets down his various belongings and filters through them until he finds the black armor. He then begins to quickly assemble the pieces, his eyes towards the bottom of the boarding ramp and the shadowport beyond.

### simplyscribed *[2012-07-04 17:10:21]***After a few moments Veva seems to acknowledge his fellow Jedi's distress, leaning out of the *Raven*'s cockpit long enough to placate him.*

*"Chill matey, the Captain says he's already here," he informs the Korunnai, "probably already in Wrywin's clutches over in the rec room. Go say hello why don't you?"

### Anazider *[2012-07-11 09:35:21]***Khol lays a blank stare on Veva for an awkward moment before he turns and begins to sheepishly remove the pieces of armor as if nothing at all had happened. When the armored is stowed away and hitched over a shoulder, Khol sighs, and in that sigh the Korunnai releases the last bit of anxiety he had been holding in since Veva and Adalyn turned his world upside-down. They had finally escaped, and for the first time in a long time the ex-padawan is able to keep the promises that not only did he make to the children, but to himself.*

*Holding Lyra and Ti'an by the hands, Khol resumes his wandering around the ship until he happens upon the recreational area, although first he peeks around the corner to make sure the Besalisk and this "Wrywin" are "decent" before he enters.

### simplyscribed *[2012-07-12 14:58:26]***Khol enters the rec room to discover it occupied by a rather motley crew, and in their midst his Besalisk friend. The scarred old rogue is sitting on a couch beside an emerald-skinned S’kytri woman with steel-grey eyes. She has a long braid of coal black hair which drapes across her ample bosom. Her brows, painted lips, and varnished nails are as black as her hair.*

*Across the room from them is a pretty, petite Togruta girl in dirty mechanic's overalls sits between two droids shaped to emulate the forms of Togruta women. The girl is grinning wide, showing her pointed teeth, amused at some anecdote of Jack's.

All five look up when Khol enters, with Jack rumbling a greeting. The S'kytri touches her lips with her fingers, eyes passing over him appraisingly, while the Togrutas glance at him before leaning in to hold a private whispered conversation. Several giggles follow, one of them from a droid.

"You made it, m'boy! Good to see you safe."

### Anazider *[2012-07-15 14:10:22]*****"Didn't hear a word from ya the whole time Jack; started preparin' to go back out there when Veva told me you were back here. What happened to you?"***

*Khol folds his arms across his chest and strikes an imposing figure as he stands in the threshold leading into the recreation room. His glower is slightly ruined only moments later as Lyra and Ti'an go streaking past him to barrel into the rotund besalisk. They give the S'kytri and the Togrutans wide, distrusting glances as the hug Jack tightly.

### simplyscribed *[2012-07-16 09:39:05]***"Kids!" The besalisk roars, sweeping the children up in his arms for a crushing hug.*

*"Sorry m'boy, last thing I heard was Veva's instructions. Then there were, ah, technical difficulties."

"He means he dropped his comm unit in a beer," explains a green-skinned twi'lek girl who emerges from the cockpit. Khol recognises her as Alini, one of Jack's bar staff and his underworld accomplice. She grins, then looks around at the swelling group.

"Getting crowded in here," Alini observes.

The S'kytri shifts from her lounging position, sitting upright. She beckons Alini over and then pats the seat beside her with the same hand. Alini sits, then looks like she regrets it as Wrywin's wing curls around her.

"We have enough crash webbing to get everyone secured to a seat or bunk for a safe take-off. When we're in flight we can set up some spare bunks in storage," the winged co-pilot says. "It won't be ideal but we'll manage."

"Where's Veva?" pipes up the young Togruta girl, looking at Khol. Her droid "sisters" also perk up at the red-head's name. "Is he here?"

### Anazider *[2012-07-17 00:14:56]***Khol quirks an eyebrow at the Togruta "sisters", and shifts his weight to lean against a nearby bulkhead.*

***"Goin' spacey over some piece of junk you got in cargo."** He jerks a thumb over his shoulder as he speaks.

**"...Commlink in the beer again, huh? Whassat, the third or fourth one I fixed for you? Do you wash your hands in bantha butter before you start drinkin'?"**

### Alicia *[2012-07-19 10:37:29]***Their reunion over and forgotten by the Korounai Adalyn follows Khol onto the ship eager to be away from the shadowport. She stops to stand next to Alaris and as Khol reclaims his adopted children and takes them in search of Jack she pulls the Twi'lek ranger aside.

"We should talk," the young Jedi says evenly.*

*Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

### simplyscribed *[2012-07-21 12:39:10]***"What is it?" Alaris asks, "can it wait until I've seen Kikrin?"*

*The seriousness of the moment is momentarily punctured by the passing of a togruta girl and her two droids from the direction of the rec room, the trio rushing into the storage pod and shouting greetings to Veva.

### Alicia *[2012-07-26 22:16:58]***Adalyn frowns and shakes her head as she leads the Twi'lek away from the cacophony made by Veva's companions. The time it takes to move somewhere more quiet puts a pit in her stomach. She has to take a steadying breath to prevent her own grief from coming to the surface. "**Kikrin... Kikrin's dead,**" she spits out, and then before her emotions can get the better of her she continues. "**Layni and I tracked down where he was being kept, but by the time we got there his body was being replaced by cybernetics. There was an accident when I tried to interfere and... he died.**" Sobbing by the time she finishes, her head hangs in grief and guilt over what had happened. Now that things had settled, everything she had been holding in since the mission had gone wrong floods to the surface. Her exhausting getting the better of her, she let's her body slide along the wall till she's crouched on the floor.*

*### simplyscribed *[2012-07-28 16:02:45]***"What?" Alaris gasps when Adalyn reveals Kikrin's fate. By the end of the story she is weeping too. The Twi'lek sits beside her friend and puts her arms around Adalyn. As they cry quietly together the sounds of Veva and the Togrutas conversing happily carry across the cargo pod, the normalcy of it an intrusion in the moment of shared grief.*

*Shortly, the stomping of boots across the cargo pod floor heralds the arrival of Captain Benla. The Bothan sees the two grieving women and falters, opens his mouth to speak. Then, uncharacteristically for the boisterous character, he simply stays silent and walks on past, allowing them their privacy. He exchanges greetings with the group clustered around Veva's fighter as he passes on toward the recreational area.

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

Alini smirks at Khol's joke, shooting him a knowing look.

"I dunno about butter but his diet's bad enough I could imagine greasy fingers being at fault," she says.

The Besalisk harrumphs.

"All's well that ends well m'boy, don't sweat the small stuff."

Captain Benla marches in, looking somewhat subdued.

"We're ready to go Wrywin," he tells his co-pilot, "make sure everyone is secured to a seat or bunk with crash webbing. Take off in ten."

### Alicia *[2012-07-28 16:27:49]***Adalyn returns her friend's comforting embrace with one of her own grateful for her presence. Somehow it made the grief easier to bear. Maybe that was why many placed an emphasis on funerals. They're a way to congregate with others and share a common bond with others.*

*A part of her knew too that she was going to have to let the death of her friend go. It wasn't the Jedi way to hold onto the dead. But for the moment she allows herself to grieve, a pit of guilt for her hand in his death making it harder to accept.**Briefly the young woman notices Benla's entrance and subsequent departure and is glad that the Bothan captain had the sense to leave the two of them be. Slowly she starts to compose herself and finding a clean part on the sleeve of her jacket and wipes her eyes. The time for tears was now over.*

*Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

### Anazider *[2012-08-11 21:03:30]***Khol shares the look with Alini, and then shakes his head at Jack.*

***"I'll take a look at it later. For now, I could use a little rest."**

As if on queue, Khol feels a twinge in his side as the sum total of his wounds make their presence felt. But as a survivor of numerous injuries, the Korunnai knows just how to mask the pain. He gathers his kids and his gear and goes to find a safe, and fairly secluded bunk before takeoff.**### simplyscribed *[2012-08-19 18:44:52]***As everyone is strapping down ready for take-off Benla is talking with the shadowport's Port Authority. Overhead the great hangar doors groan open as he successfully negotiates clearance.*

*A quiet and insistent beeping begins and old Jack digs out another commlink unit that he hasn't yet managed to destroy, accepting the incoming call. He opens his mouth to speak but apparently gets no chance, the person calling talking faster. Jack's expression turns grim.

“Thanks,” he says, “I owe you.”

“I have a few guys working the Port and they just gave me some bad news,” he announces after ending the call, “we have two minutes. Armed pursuit headed this way.”

Veva reacts fast, fingers already moving to unhook his crash webbing.

“Benla!” He roars loud enough for those in the cockpit to hear, “Take off. *Now*!”

“Khol, you and your girl there man the turrets,” the young Jedi advises, already throwing off his own crash webbing and leaping to his feet, “if they're that close behind us we're not getting out of this without a fight.”

The red-head then rushes from the rec room towards the storage pod on an errand of his own, and as he disappears round the corner the *Second Smile*'s sublight engines thrum into life and the vessel begins to ascend.

### Alicia *[2012-08-28 08:40:02]***Silently cursing as she manipulates the straps to the makeshift webbing holding her against what was soon to be a rough take off, Adalyn wonders briefly why Veva would think her capable of using the turrets. There was, however, no time to second guess her fellow Jedi as she rises out of her seat and fights to keep her balance against the acceleration. Not being familiar with the ship, she looks to Khol - with eyes still red - to see if he knows where they are supposed to go. "**Looks like Cypher, or who ever it is after us, doesn't know when to give up.**" she comments in a low tone idly to Khol.*

*### Anazider *[2012-09-09 16:39:51]***Khol quickly unbuckles his crash webbing and, after checking on the children one more time, sprints after Veva. He meets Adalyn in the corridor leading to the cargo bay, but doesn't halt his stride.*

***"I dunno what Benla has on this thing, but these old Wayfarer's use to come with a quad and double blaster. You take the double, I'll go up top with the big gun!"**

Giving Adalyn a gentle shove toward the starboard gunnery well, Khol then takes off for the cannon just above the cockpit. He spares a frown for Veva as the other ex-Jedi is likely making for the storage pod and his old starfighter. Once in the gunnery well, Khol straps in and warms up the cannons, the targeting display flickering to life.

### simplyscribed *[2012-10-25 21:21:34]***As the *Second Smile* rises up into the air, the hangar door slides open and armed mercenaries pour in, wearing masks to protect them against the vacuum that exists in the hangar now that the great airlock doors are open. The first few rush for cover behind various containers, magnetic boots preventing them from being affected by the lack of gravity. A second group come in behind, including a pair lugging in an E-Web behind them.*

*Khol and Adalyn reach the gunnery wells, dropping into the seats. The hangar is filled with the shrieking sound and colourful wash of blaster fire as they strafe the linked weapons and the thugs return fire. The E-Web explodes, taking out the gunnery crew in the blast. One of the mercenaries tosses a grenade, but fortunately Benla has gotten the shields up in time and the incendiary bounces back, forcing the Aqualish to duck behind a storage container to avoid being incinerated by his own grenade.

Above, the large airlock doors begin to close again. The enemy have obviously reached control. Benla only just scrapes the *Smile* through.

The pursuit isn’t over. A squadron of uglies emerges from another hangar, falling into an attack pattern.

Meanwhile, Benla is having a heated argument with Veva over a private channel. The rest of the crew and passengers can hear his side of the conversation through the open channel maintained by Wrywin.

“There’s no way Veva – you can’t be serious – I won’t do it – Garrrrrr, FINE!”

The Bothan captain roars in frustration as the ship’s storage unit opens up, causing a few loose containers to spill out into space. Emerging fast behind them is Veva’s sleek Jedi starfighter, a black shape barely visible in the light generated by its own powerful engines. It lances toward the enemy snubfighters, and their formation breaks and scatters. Soon the Jedi is in a swirling dogfight with them, outnumbered but an extremely talented pilot and holding his own. The enemy have to contend with fire from Adalyn and Khol, who while untrained with starship weapons, have the Force on their side. They each score hits, but between them only account for one of the enemy before the *Second Smile* is out of range.

“Prepare for hyperspace!” the co-pilot Wrywin informs everyone, eliciting shocked responses. No one is louder than the Togruta girl, who shrieks: “*What about Veva*?”

“Blasted idiot is on his own now,” Benla responds angrily, “says the important thing is to get our passengers out safe. It's too late. Nothing more we can do.”

“Ready for hyperspace,” Wrywin repeats sombrely, sounding nothing at all like her usual vivacious self, “in 3… 2… 1…”

[hrc=red]1[/hrc]

END OF ACT 2.

I know this has been a long time coming, my apologies. Act 2 has ended, though you may want to do some roleplay posts to wrap up your character's own responses to the escape.

The characters will now make it back to the Jedi underground, and another short period of time will pass (about six months) before the next Act begins. With Kikrin dead, Adalyn's existing team falls apart during this time. Alaris is reassigned shortly after their return and leaves on another mission. It would do you well to discuss the relationships between your characters during this time, with a particular emphasis on Adalyn's reaction to the emotional rollercoaster of losing Kikrin and finding Khol; and Khol's attempts to adapt and find a place for himself in the new order of things.

Cliff is taking over again for Act 3, so my final duty as GM is to award you 2,000 experience each and some EXPLOITS:

Khol earns the exploit: "Cracked the Cypher" - you may have escaped the Shadowport, but Cypher has promised it's only temporary. You'll fight him when he comes, for the sake of the kids you freed, to ensure their happy future. You gain one free Destiny Point, but it can only be spent to help you beat either the minions of Cypher, or anyone proven to either be allied with him or working in his interests.

Adalyn earns the exploit: "Private Misery" - your mistake with Kikrin haunts you and the fear of making a similar error occasionally cripples you into inaction. Whenever you are faced with a critical situation where you should act but an error may only make things worse, if you roleplay the conflict in your mind to the GM's satisfaction they may award you a Force point. If you delay so long you cannot act in time, you earn a Force point but also a Dark Side Point.

### Alicia *[2012-10-26 04:13:34]***It’s with a mixture of relief and sadness Adalyn watches from the turret as the ship jumps into hyperspace. *Yet another left behind.* The fact Veva was doing this for them, to give them the opportunity to escape, doesn’t elude her. His fate weighs on her. However, she takes heart in the knowledge if anyone could survive, Veva could. The Force would be with him and if there was one thing she still had faith in, it was that.*

*With Veva gone, her task to recruit him had inevitably failed. She hadn’t even been the opportunity to speak to him about the attacks which could have devastating consequences. At least she could reassure Master Altis and the rest of the council Veva had not fallen to the Dark Side and if he could be approached again -keeping hope he would survive this last encounter- he would make an invaluable asset to their cause.

*A cause Kikrin died in upholding. What is it we’re fighting for?* The doubt seeps in for a moment. Her purpose these last couple years are clouded by the grief and guilt brought on by Kikrin’s death. *No… Murder*. The word seemed apt. While she may not have intentionally sought her friend’s death, it was by her actions he had lost his life.

```

```**It was like the Battle of Kristofan all over again. On that fateful day, she had led her squad of troopers into a rout before they had been forced to retreat. While she didn’t know for sure if her decisions had been the deciding factor of their defeat, all she knew was the result. Her master along with their entire force had lost their lives. Had it not been for Master Ruhk pulling her from the brink and restoring her to life she would gladly given herself to the Force. He had given her a second chance at life. Something Kikrin would never have.*

*It’s a long moment before she climbs out of the turret, the time in the small yet relatively secluded space giving her some of the time she needs to pull her thoughts together and dry the inevitable tears she had naively believed she had stopped shedding. All she felt now was a numbness and an ache to sleep so for a while she didn’t have to feel anything. With heavy steps, she heads toward the refresher to clean her face of the last vestiges of her disguise and to hide the tears of self-pity.

### Anazider *[2012-10-29 19:21:34]*****"I'll find you again, Crazed Zakkeg," Cypher promises, "so enjoy your freedom while it lasts."***

*They had one. After years of pain and struggle, violence and self-imposed slavery, they had managed to break free and were on their way to safety. Before the Second Smile had left the hangar, Khol had felt a tinge of something he had not felt in some time: peace.

...And with a single utterance, Cypher had managed to snatch it all away from him again.

So he fought. The Korunnai was out of practice with the freighter's laser cannons, but where he lacked in skill he supplemented with the Force. The blasters rang out again and again, each pull of the trigger shouting defiance at the Cypher's assertion that he would find Khol again and take away his freedom. But as the Uglies explode and Veva makes his gambit to save them, Khol knows that deep down he had only won a reprieve; Cypher would find him again.

A bone-deep weariness settles into Khol as he unbuckles his harness and slides out of the gunnery well, lumbering towards the bunk he shares with the children. He knows what he has to do to keep them safe- keep everyone safe- but it drags at him and threatens to wear him down completely. All he can think to do is to go sit with the children and think, before it is time to do what must be done, and leave again.

### Alicia *[2012-10-30 00:12:01]***Face now cleaned and the cosmetics removed, Adalyn gazes at her reflections for a long moment barely recognizing the figure staring back at her. The weariness she feels is evident and the sharp contrast of her hair change left her feeling as if she stares at a stranger. The blonde, she decides doesn't suit her and would clash tremendously when her red hair starts to grow back. When there is the opportunity she resolves to have Layni dye it again. Maybe black.*

*The thoughts cause her to smile as she realizes how vain this might seem. After everything that had happened, she is worrying about her will look months in the future. Perhaps it was better about worrying about the alternative - things she couldn't control.

With a shake of her head, Adalyn tosses the borrowed jacket over her prosthetic arm. The top revealing more that she was accustomed to including the carefully maintained prosthetic arm. She shrugs off the discomfort and sets her sights for another concern. Standing outside the door to the cabin Khol and his small family has claimed as their own, the young woman finds herself standing there for a long moment debating. Wait for him to seek her out in his own time, or do it now and get it over with? On this small ship, the latter was probably the best.

Knocking softly on the door, Adalyn closes her eyes in an effort to center her mind for the coming encounter.

### Anazider *[2012-11-03 22:11:45]***Khol sits on a bunk with his back against a bulkhead, Lyra and Ti'an dozing in his lap. Garth tinkers on some bit of electronics nearby, as he tended to do after a particularly stressful event. When the knock sounds at the door, Garth moves to answer it but is then stopped by Khol who then disengages himself from the drowsy children before taking the pair of steps to the entrance. As he opens the door, the Korunnai positions his body so that whomever is on the exterior of the bunk has their view shielded from the children within.*

***"Oh, uh... Hi Adalyn. Eh... erm... What's wrong? What's happened?"**

As much as he towers over Adalyn, Khol seems completely off balance in the face of the young woman. The Korunnai shifts from foot to foot in the doorway, seemingly torn between inviting Adalyn in or closing the door so as not to disturb the children.

### Alicia *[2012-11-04 10:28:50]***Adalyn stares up at his imposing stature and while her own slight frame is dwarfed by it, she hardly feels daunted. His sheepish demeanor toward her certainly diminished the effect his stature might impose. The fact he blocked her view into the cabin itself didn't escape her notice.*

*"I was hoping we could have that talk," Adalyn starts. "And... I need your help with a problem." Turning her head to the side she allows him to see the silver glint of the shock collar. Once her point is across she gazes back up at him with an emerald gaze.**The young woman leaves it open as to where the Korunnai wants to proceed.*

*Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

### Anazider *[2012-10-27 19:46:55]******"I'm the Jedi, not them! For Force-sake, Kalag, leave them out of this!"****

*Ash twists and turns in his sleep, caught in the throws of a very lucid dream. The dream was an old memory, one he had thought buried long ago, but ever since he began his nightly 'excursions' the dream became more and more vivid, and occurred in greater frequency. The Force was trying to tell him something, although what that something was had yet to reveal itself.

***"Too scrawny to make good slave. One more piece of street trash!"***

The Gamorrean squealed and left, as it always did each night, leaving Ash with the smoldering remains of his father curled protectively in front of him. Only a few meters away another man, Regus Lim, bled to death from a vibrobayonet wound to the gut. In the dream Ash collapses, too overwhelmed to remain conscious, and as dream-Ash falls, Frost feels his consciousness slowly return to his control. But before it does he hears a familiar voice, not echoing from the past but instead whispering to him in the present:

*I was a lot like you: struggling between what felt good and what was right. Your mom and your old man helped set me straight, and you see where that got'm...*

[hrc=white]2[/hrc]

**"Hey kid, wake the hell up willya?! We've got a job!"**

If Elarc Vel's shouting doesn't jolt Frost awake, her rather rudely opening all of the blinds in his room serves to prod him the rest of the way to consciousness. With one last string of expletives, Vel tromps out of Frost's room and through sleep-bleary eyes the teen sees that the good Captain is dressed in her spacers jacket and scant else. Judging by her jaw-cracking yawns and very un-ladylike bout of scratching, Vel likely woke-up just moments before bursting into Frost's room.

It is just after mid-day and in checking the commlink next to his chronometer, Frost finds that he has a pair of messages waiting from one miss Flareja "Flare" Dil'viv.

### simplyscribed *[2012-10-29 20:16:38]****Caught in the tangles of his bedding, Ash jerks and kicks, an external manifestation of the mental torment that plagues him this night as it has on many others. His lips part in a moan of anguish as his father dies before his eyes once more. The nightmare is always the same and he is always so helpless, even in his own mind.**

**He has not felt this way in a long time, but now he cannot escape it. Almost every night now, it torments him. and worse still this one nightmare is not the end. This horrific vision and the feelings of powerlessness it creates give way, inevitably, to memories of his first weeks on the streets of Corellia after it happened. Alone, lost, and terrified, learning to survive in a harsh world where he knew none of the rules.

The nightmares, predictable as they might be, are no less painful for it. Not when he knows exactly where they lead. Somehow the terror of that knowledge is worse than the memories themselves. It is a place Ash has no wish to go: worse, in some ways, than even the violent, awful memory of his father’s death; in some ways, too, worse than that yawning sense of loss and horror as he felt hundreds of his kind die.**This time though, he is spared by an abrupt waking. But the memory he fears most remains, of course. It will always be there. In the hours of darkness when his subconscious rules, Ash’s greatest sin is never far from the front of his mind.*

[hrc=blue]1[/hrc]

Frost yelps as he spasms into rude wakefulness, jerks upright only to find himself bound awkwardly by his linens, and falls from the bed in a confusion of sheets and limbs.

The source of his current discomfort traipses through his room, ignoring his predicament completely and stepping over him to open the blinds, thoughtlessly adding painful light to the equation. She immediately leaves the room, mouthing off as though *she* were the one inconvenienced right now, with Frost left befuddled behind her. He watches her go through sleepy and light-dazzled eyes.

Only after she’s left does he work out what’s wrong with the scene.

“Put some kriffing pants on!” the teen yells after his guardian, flushing red.

“Kriff!” Frost repeats as he worms his way out from the fabric cocoon, then he says it again a third time, quietly and with undisguised melancholy: “kriff...”

He gets to his feet, dressed only in his boxers, and kicks aside the linens as he goes to the window. The boy stares out at the world beyond: at Corellia.

“Why did it have to be here?” he mutters.

He had argued against Corellia, but Vel was adamant. She had contacts here. She could set up shop. Frost had never explained why he didn’t want to come. Maybe he should have.

And yet, in a way facing up to his past helped a little. Plus his knowledge of Corellia’s street gang culture has certainly helped him fit in and make allies. He has not encountered any Moonlight Prowlers though - they had been based in Tyrena, not Coronet - and for that he was profoundly grateful. And, unlike the Prowlers, the Slice Hounds seem to have no darker force guiding their hand. If only back then he had found them instead, but such wishes do him no good now. Choices were made, albeit many were made for him, and none of them can be taken back. He is who he is and he does what he has to.

Frost turns away from the window and crosses the room to the closet, opening it and digging around for a simple set of spacer’s garb, not unlike the set worn by Vel today. Partly worn by her, at any rate. He finds some clean underwear too.

As he changes into his clothes, Frost looks at himself unflinchingly in the mirror on the back of the closet door. Pausing in buttoning up his shirt, the teen traces the red fang tattoos that mark his affiliation with the Slice Hounds, then touches the helix piercings in his right ear, mirrored also on the left side. The movement of his fingers is tracked by purple eyes partly obscured by long snow-white hair. Even now he can’t quite believe what he has become, but, again, it’s all down to the choices he has made. This is his reality now.

Finally dressed and with his hair tied neatly back, Frost now checks his chronometer. He frowns upon seeing the time displayed and resolves, not for the first time, that he will not allow Vel to drag him down into sharing her bad habits any longer. Spotting that there are messages waiting on his commlink, and who they’re from, Frost smiles and sits on the side of his bed to listen.

### Anazider *[2012-11-03 14:59:38]*****"You put on some pants!?! Don't you tell me to pants, I'll pants when I wanna... Kriffin' kid..."***

*Captain Vel devolves into unintelligible muttering as he slouches her way out of the room, leaving Frost to his thoughts. From his room, the teen hears a loud thud and a muffled bout of cursing as the same end table attacks the good captain while she's en route to her room. Left to his own devices, Frost quickly dresses and when he checks his commlink he finds himself greeted by a blast of wind noise.****"Hhheelllloooooo Frost, time to wake uuupppp!"***

*'Flare' wasn't a fan of wearing a safety helmet when she rode her swoop, it killed the experience or so she claimed, and so Frost hears the sound of honking speeders and shouting passers-by as the young Mirialan whizzes through the streets of Coronet City.****"We're going to *Twosies* around 1300, I'm meeting a guy for a bombad deal on a flow booster! Laast one there eats outa the pickle jar!"***

**Twosies* was the nickname of a bar owned by a retired Gran mercenary name Kab Noek. Kab had lost an eye fighting the Confederacy during the war, and although the official name of the bar was the *Grinning Gundark*, *Twosies* had gained a great deal more traction with the locals. Because of the surprisingly good drinks and sector famous "Smuggler's Pie", most of Coronet City's street gangs considered the bar neutral territory; Kab's still-quite accurate blaster carbine also likely played a large part as well. The 'pickle jar' was a jar of pickled creature parts the Gran had collected from his adventures across the galaxy- patrons that could finish one of the squishy 'delicacies' whole were rewarded with a free bar tab for the night, and a courtesy speeder ride to the local emergency room.

The second message shows as having been left thirty seconds after first:

**"Oh yeah: Drako says heya and how much he looovvesss you!"**

**"No I didn't!"**

The message ends abruptly with a fit of cackling. Frost finds he has little more than half an hour to make it to Twosies, and his best time is twenty minutes. He still doesn't know about whatever mission Elarc was referring to, or where and when it will be, but he has a choice between waiting for Vel, who has likely fallen asleep in her fresher unit if he knows her as well as he does, or rushing to meet his friends.

### simplyscribed *[2012-11-03 15:54:21]***In the end the choice is an easy one.*

*"Got something to do!" Frost yells on his way out of the apartment door, "message me the details, I'll meet you there!"

He has no idea if Vel hears him or not, but figures if she needs him she'll get in touch either way. He doesn't particularly feel like helping her with one of her criminal clients today though, He'd much rather meet Drako and Flareja. Vel is many things to him, but there are some roles she simply can't fill. Today, after yesterday's nightmares, Frost is keen to distract himself by spending time with his friends.

Frost suspects the pickle threat is an idle one, but even so he takes pains to arrive at Twosies as quickly as possible. Though he's picked up some bad habits this last year slacking physically is not one of them. Frost is in good shape, and has no trouble covering at a fast jog those portions of his journey that must be accomplished on foot.

Upon arrival he looks around for any sign of Flare's swoop parked nearby, then either way makes his way into Twosies, giving a friendly greeting to Kab if he's behind the bar today and ordering something non-alcoholic.

### Anazider *[2012-11-10 13:45:32]***Frost does indeed find Flareja's swoop parked in front of Twosies; it's a rather ostentatious thing, with several flamboyantly girly-girl touches, all painted in colors matching the Mirialans complexion. Drako's speeder is nowhere to be seen, and as Frost enters the bar Kab gives him a one-eyed wink and slides something deeply purple and fizzling along the counter so that Frost may pick it up without breaking his stride. For whatever reason, the Gran had taken a liking to Frost and his friends, although he was notoriously tough-skinned when it came to the various other lowlifes that frequented his establishment.*

**Twosies* has a middling crowd for this time of day, so it doesn't take long to find Flareja who waves both of her hands excitedly when she sees Frost in turn. She sits in a secluded booth that could easily sit at least five, and on the table in front of her is a drink similar to the one Frost is holding. A quick negotiation through the maze of tables and serving droids brings Frost to the booth, and Flareja hops to the side to make room for him to sit next to her.

**"There you are land slug! What took you so long, you're slower'n Drako?!"**

The Mirialan laughs at her own jokes, and when she does the little black triangles tattooed around her eyes move together, seeming to form one big triangle. 'Land Slug' is the term of endearment Flare has given to anyone that either doesn't ride swoops, or are slower than she is. At the moment there is still no sign of Drako, whomever Flareja is to meet, nor any communication from Vel.

### simplyscribed *[2012-11-10 14:30:21]***Frost plonks the frothy purple drink down on the table and slides into the booth beside Flareja, greeting his friend with a grin. He takes the Mirialan's ribbing good-naturedly, but not lying down:*

*"One day I'll show you exactly how well I fly," he promises the girl, "and we'll see who's the land slug then."

The challenge comes out of nowhere - he doesn't think he's ever talked about knowing how to pilot craft before. of course, there are plenty of things he hasn't shared with his friends here on Corellia. They aren't idiots, they know he has history - and they probably suspect it's an interesting and varied one, given some of the skills he's shown them over the last year - but they've never pried.

Frost isn't really sure why he's decided to let this particular fact slip now, of all the times Flare has called him a land slug. Perhaps it's because she said he's slower than Drako.

"If I'm slower than Drako, shouldn't he be here?" he asks, shooting her a questioning look and picking up his glass for a sip.*