The Holocron of Je’daii Master Ketu

Task for Apprentice Xuurdjem Natus Rixae Xctal'ix to retrieve the holocron of Je’daii Master Ketu for Master Terrogate

~~\*~~

“Yes… I understand… NO!..it's 500 credits as agreed Nictor, now I can either pay you the credits or pay you a visit in the middle of the night while you sleep but one way or another you WILL tell me…. Ok…. Yes..yes send the coordinates to my personal frequency. Thank you, your payment will be transferred as soon as I confirm the location.. Kill Transmission”.

Once his communication is terminated Terrogate turns on his heels to the house Tollere servant standing near the entrance of his office aboard the Victrix world ship. The thin young green skinned female Twi’lek looks back to the Cathar, stands straight and then looks dead ahead ready to receive her impending instruction.

“Rill, please summon my apprentice Xuurdjem to meet me here within the hour and to come alone. I have a task for him.” the Twi’lek bows and leaves the room quickly to retrieve the apprentice.

\*\*\*\*\*

Rill acknowledges the order with a sharp head nod, bowing before she leaves the office. The Twi'lek briskly traveled through the corridors of the ship and used the elevator to the residential floor. Passing several more corridors that lead through the mess hall and personal living quarters the woman found the commons. Xuurdjem was at home in a corner of the main room having not picked a more private area to stay in. "Apprentice Xuurdjem. Your Master, Knight Terrogate, has sent me with a summons for you to meet him in his office alone."

Xuurdjem was cleaning his weapons when she approached he was going over his sniper rifle. Handling with the greatest of care. One would imagine it used to belong to an important person in his life. Lifting his head to look at Rill, Xuurdjem responds, "Hmm? Oh! That's wonderful!... How do I get there?" With a sigh she explained the directions she used to find him. Smiling in thanks he stood up and threw his weapon over his shoulder and marched on. Excited to begin, the man entered the office alone, kneeling and saying, "Greetings Master. I was told you wished to see me."

\*\*\*\*\*

The Cathar was standing with his back to the apprentice as the large Togruta entered the office, the automated doors marking his appearance with the familiar swoosh sound. The room was crisp and clean with a large steel meeting table and several chairs to one side. The opposite side of the office was a wooden work desk with elaborate golden trimmings and several monitors positioned centrally. A high-backed black leather chair was pulled in and positioned to it's center.

It reeked of military precision and organisation. There was no decoration or hangings on the walls save a single Tollere banner hung in the right corner of the room next the entrance. Opposite the office's entrance though was an enormous viewing window that took the entire breath of the wall top to bottom and left to right, allowing a magnificent view of the wide expanse of space and the planet below.

“Greetings my Apprentice.” said the Cathar who was standing with his back to the entrance, facing the transparent wall of his office and looking out at the planet of Dromund Kaas below them. Turning quickly to face Xuurdjem knight Terrogate motions for his apprentice to rise. “I have summoned you Xuurdjem for you are to begin your second task, one that requires the retrieval of a holocron. A holocron that has been lost for millennia with only rumours and cold trails left behind for those looking to find it. But, as fortune would have it it has now once again re-surfaced.”

Terrogate takes several steps towards his desk and opens a draw, removing a datapad as he spoke.

“For this task you are required to travel to the deep core world of Kalimar at coordinates L-10. You may take the same house Tollere transport TAX-13 you used to travel to the Gallica, or you may travel via another means if you so wish.

The Cathar then turned and moved to his apprentice, handing him the datapad. When you arrive you are to travel to the city of Rhol Yan and meet a human male at the Leaning Rancore Cantina named Norad. You will know this man as he is a.” Terrogate snarls as he spits the words out from behind clenched teeth.. “A Mandalorian..., in white armour” the Knight closes his eyes for a moment and centers himself, and then speaks again but this time more calmly. “He will have more information for you on your task.”

Terrogate takes a step back and eyes his apprentice, hoping the Togruta was up to the task. “If you have any questions my apprentice, now is the time.”

\*\*\*\*\*\*

Xuurdjem stood from his respectful kneel to look his Master in the eyes. His own reflecting confusion at a term used. "What is a holocron, Master? And what planet is that outside?" He was not sure where to study so these terms did not confuse him, but it would surface one of the times he is searching for places his Master needed him to go. The datapad was a very welcome addition to his gear even if only for temporary use.

Thumbing through the information on the datapad Xuurdjem found the information he was looking for. A holocron was a fabricated object made of Dark Side energy containing a wealth of information deposited therein by a Dark Lord. To achieve such a task requires extreme power and focus. To ensure that the information is learned according to the proper practices the Lord's consciousness was imprinted into the holocron.

Mandalorians were very devout members of a warriors creed. Though confused about the animosity he sensed from Knight Terrogate Xuurdjem did not question it as to not be rude. Furthermore Xuurdjem hoped that it would not cause friction between himself and his Master if he and Norad were to become warbonded. It would be useful to have such a skilled comrad, even if it meant owing them a favor.

He knew The Way. He had spent time with a couple throughout the years on Tatooine. Though it was mostly due to his family acting as guides for uncertain travelers. Never show your face. Protect the foundlings. Less rules as they were a creed to live by. Much honor resides in their hearts. "My apologies. You have given me the information about the holocron here…," he points to the datapad. "Though behind you is a magnificent and wondrous planet. I cannot seem to navigate this device to a satisfactory level yet, but I will figure that out after toying with it on my ride."

This mission was intimidating to say the least however with the help he would be offered planet side it should not be too hard. The only issue was trying to get the Mandalorian to join him for added help. Something carrying this much weight must be attracting a lot of attention and Xuurdjem was not the sharpest one on one. He was trained and raised to be a leader, but leaders must endure their own hardships alone. To be impartial in assessing one' s own abilities helps to teach others their limits without seeming to have none of your own.

"Master, who's holocron am I after? I am well aware of the reach the Empire has… I must first say that it is an honor to be tasked with such a monumental assignment for you must know my true potential without me seeing it. Second… My apologies for this… This mission seems out of reach. Why am I plagued with doubt Sir." With that Xuurdjem hung his head in disgrace. Was it his past that haunted him? Or the simple concept of failure that caused such worry?

\*\*\*\*\*\*

Terrogate stands with his legs slightly apart and arms folded in behind his back as his Apprentice responds to the tasked mission, the Knights traditional robes hanging loosely on his large frame.

“A holocron is a device combined of both the force and machine created and used by both the Jedi and Sith since the dawn of the very first order.. When we were both one and the same. It is used most commonly to store the personal teachings of the Master or Lord who created it, so that knowledge may be passed down after their death.” Terrogate then turns his head and looks to the planet below where their ship orbited.

“The questions I assumed would be about the mission Xuurdjem, but I will indulge you this once”.

The Cathar spoke as his apprentice looked over the data pad “The planet you see below us is Dromund Kaas, my apprentice. It is the beating heart of the Greater Sith Empire as it has been for well over five millennia. Since the days of the God Emperor Vitiate it is where the majority of the Empire's governance and major resources are pooled from. Many of the Dark council members over the eons have made this planet below us their home and personal base of operations” he explained, nodding in approval but not bothering to look at the red skinned Togruta as the apprentice voices his willingness to learn to use the datapad during his mission.

“In Kaas City you will find the flea market” Terrogate continued  “The iron forge, the infamous Kaas City Cantina, the formal fighting arena among other things as well as the several Ministries that form the spine of the Empress’s government. It also is home to the largest spaceport in the system. I would encourage you to find yourself some employment if you wish to become more well known among the populace and earn some credits to spend”. The Cathar wasn’t only talking about physical currency, having met several Knights, Lords and Ladies of the Empire during his apprenticeship down on Dromund Kaas had opened several doors for him to progress his studies beyond what his own Master Deleritas had been teaching him at the time.

"Master, who's holocron am I after?” the apprentice asked and the Iron Knight turned around to face his apprentice, meeting his gaze, the warrior's furry ‘lion’ like face not giving away any emotion.

“I am well aware of the reach the Empire has…” continued the apprentice not waiting to hear the answer to his question “I must first say that it is an honor to be tasked with such a monumental assignment for you must know my true potential without me seeing it. Second… My apologies for this… This mission seems out of reach. Why am I plagued with doubt Sir."

“The holocron in question is that of an ancient Master named Ketu, the name will not be familiar to you the same as it is unfamiliar to most in the Empire” he said glaring into the Togrutas eyes.. “And I have chosen this task for you because I believe you are capable of completing it and because opportunity has afforded it to be so. But... that is of no consequence.” said the Cathar sternly, stepping closer to his apprentice. “You will complete this task because that is what I demand of you. Whether you believe you can or not doesn't concern me Iron apprentice Xuurdjem..”

The large muscular knight stood straight arms now by his sides, his eyes a fiery red again as his new apprentice lowered his eyes and hung his head shamefully..

“Raise your head apprentice..” said the Cathar in his deep growl of a voice. “You, Iron apprentice Xuurdjem Xctal’ix will complete this task for several reasons.. firstly because you carry the name and prestige of a great and powerful house with you, one that has a reputation for delivering and following orders without hesitation. Secondly because you are my chosen apprentice and your successes and failures reflect on my own reputation. Thirdly because I see in you great potential Xuurdjem.” The Cathar Knight still spoke in a deep and even voice as he replied to his apprentices admission of self doubt.

“But lastly, and prehaps most importantly for you my young apprentice.... you will travel to Kalimahr and complete this mission because if you do not, and you return without the Holocron.. I will have them flay the flesh from your bones.” His words were like venom as he spoke, and they seemed to echo, rumbeling off the walls of the chamber.

This was the way of it in the Empire. This was what it meant for an Acolyte or Neophyte to receive an apprenticeship and to pull themselves out from obscurity, there was opportunity for greatness, but it came at a high cost. You either fought tooth and nail, listened, learned and gave it everything you had and then some for a chance to progress to knighthood and beyond.. or you would die trying. There was no going back once you took the vow.

“Now.. is there anything else my apprentice before you begin your preparations?” His voice returning to a more casual tone.

\*\*\*\*\*

His Master afforded him the information asked for though it was obvious of the displeasure his Master felt when curiosity struck. It was not wise to stray from the subject at hand. This he should have learned already from his Father. A hardened warrior who was always focused on the task at hand. Xuurdjem's admiration grew for his Master though he didn't believe it was possible.

A complete description of the holocron and Dromuund Kaas was afforded to the apprentice. Even laced his information with tips to help advance his career and where he could get new gear. "Raise your head apprentice." Xuurdjem was now looking at an aggravated Sith Knight. It was not a good decision to allow his curiosity to be so bold. 'Focus on the task…' Dreada called from the back of his mind. Calmly the Knight explained his views of the apprentice giving him pride within. However Knight Terrogate grew more cross with his apprentice, giving him a condition to this mission. Succeed or die.

Somehow… Though the intimidation of his Master's aura was intense and vibrant it bolstered his confidence. 'He is right. It didn't matter if I could see it. He does.' Xuurdjem was asked again if there were further questions. This time he said ,"No, Sir. I am ready to prepare for my hunt."

\*\*\*\*\*\*

“Good then you are dismissed, may the force guide you to victory.” And with that Terrogate turned his attention back to the view of the planet below them concluding the meeting.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

Task 2- THE RETRIEVAL MISSION

Kalimahr, the once Deep Core central trading hub and jewel of the Tython system, now holds stagnant and rotting from within. The centuries of conflict and changing system rule first by the Jedi, the Sith and then back again Jedi only to be left abandoned has left the system in a vacuum. One void of prosperity and lawfulness for the everyday sentient inhabitants.

One would say to take a trip to the planet would be like taking a walk back in time, and the city of Rhol Yan was no different to that of all the major cities on Kalimahr. Worn down, corrupted, it's citizens that were lucky to have businesses or lines of legitimate trade were forced to pay hefty fees to street gangs for “protection” or face the consequences by those who failed to get their cut of the profits.

Although still the largest city on the planet, the beating heart of the Jewel of Tython had all but the faintest hint of a pulse left.

The streets were brown with dirt and effluent, the very air seemed to assault the senses to just short of unbearable. The buildings were outdated and poorly maintained, their architecture surpassed now by more than a thousand years of technology and progress in many other of the civilized core inhabited worlds. And all around in the passing crowd was the overwhelming sense of utter, hopeless despair. Enveloping the very city in a desperate, dark cloud of depression.

Down on the surface at the Leaning Rancore Cantina, just several slum blocks away from the main port a Mandolorian named Norad sits in a poorly lit, smokey booth playing cards with a suspicious looking Rodian. Waiting for an agent of the sith house Tollere to meet with him.

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

And the agent would come from across the galaxy in a TAX-13 piloted by a B-1 pilot droid, all the way from Dromuund Kaas deep in Sith territory. The ship was a little sluggish, but that was to be expected from a transport ship. "How much longer?" Xuurdjem asked the pilot from the back. "Another hour, Sir." The droid answered in its monotone voice. Xuurdjem resigned himself to cleaning and prepping his weapons and armor until the droid reported that they had landed on a platform just outside of Rhol Yan.

Xuurdjem was excited to see a wonderful new place full of adventure and amazement, but that's not what he saw when the gate lowered. The smell alone almost staggered him as it reminded him of rotting bantha in the desert heat. This place wasn't as bad as home temperature, though you couldn't call it a cool day even with the light breeze. The buildings looked as though they were built cycles upon cycles ago. The people were so worn down and grimy he could barely tell what he was looking at as he passed them by on the street.

His hood being up didn't lessen the conspicuous look he carried being the cleanest on the streets, maybe even the entire planet. He talked to no one along the route displayed on the datapad in his left hand. His right stayed on his RSK-44 like a rogue gunslinger. 'Who built this and how long ago?' He wondered checking the datapad to find out their age was ancient. 'So many live in nothing but tumultuous conditions so that others may live the happiest lives.'

Heavily sighing, the Togruta walked into the Leaning Rancore Cantina. His eyes fixed on no one for longer than a fraction of a second while he marched by. Eyes drawn to him by some magnetic force, the Mandalorian sat in a corner near the back. Xuurdjem wasn't very worried about being shot from behind with his shield back there. He approached the two playing Pazaak, but did not freely take a seat. Such actions could be considered rude and offensive. "Greetings Norad, from House Tollere." Xuurdjem's voice was firm yet low as not to announce it to the entire cantina. "May I take a seat?"

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

The Rodian looks up to the apprentice suspiciously and instantly looks back at Norad with anger in his eyes, his green hand moving to grasp the blaster that was sitting casually on the booth next to a small pile of credits. “What is this Norad!? You trying to chea...”

Norad drops his cards with lightning reflexes and raises his hands, palms facing forwards, one towards Xuurdjem and the other at the Rodian.. “Easy Fedo.. I'm not trying to cheat you….” said the Mandalorian through his helmet's voice synthesizer before the green skinned Rodian could finish his sentence, his gaze going from the hooded Togruta to the Rodian and back again. “Lets just all take it easy… Do I look like a sith to you?” he asked, the question seemed aimed at both men…

“YOU LOOK DEAD!” said the Roadian and before he could lift his blaster off the table a dart shot out from the Mando’s left gauntlet and struck Fedo in the neck, instantly slumping the now unconscious Rodian face first onto the table. His hand still touching the blaster. No one even seemed to notice the commotion in the Cantina aside from a few glancing eyes that quickly went back to their own drinks and games of chance.

“He’ll be fine…” said Norad who had lowered his hands and begun scooping up the credits on the booths table top. “How about you order us a round and then we can discuss business….. Friend.” said the white armoured Mandalorian. Nodding over to the bar and then back to the empty seat next to the unconscious Fedo.

\*\*\*\*\*

Xuurdjem didn't move an inch until the chaos came to a still. When the mando called him friend it brought back memories of when he was called a foundling in front of his parents and how they adopted the term. Xuurdjem held up his left hand to show nonaggression as he stepped onto the booth seat with his right foot. "I was given this to protect myself until i didn't need it anymore. Once I found someone who knew The Way I was to give it back. I have no credits." He pulls the vibroknife from his boot with care. Almost as if he was afraid to break it or disgrace the blade Xuurdjem nestledit in his palm and held it out to the mandalorian.

Xuurdjem's eyes held the sorrow of how he received it. He was eight. He'd seen his family fight and die for years and during this one attack Xuurdjem didn't just panic and hide. Unlike every other time he found a broken rifle on the ground and ran after the enemy. When the battle was over he'd beaten a man's head in with the stock. Weeping over what he had done a man put his hand on his shoulder. It was a mandalorian who handed him the knife and told him, 'May it help you with more than protecting yourself one day.' Xuurdjem added to his statement further. "Maybe this will do."

\*\*\*\*\*

For a moment Norad didn't even seem to notice the Togrutas words, that was until the apprentice mentioned he didn't have any credits. Norad then stopped from collecting the remaining credits from the tabletop and looked to Xuurdjem with an inquisitive tilt of his head. The tall red skinned Togruta had now pulled a knife out from his boot and held it in his hand. “Maybe this will do?” said Xuurdjem.

The White armoured Mandalorian sat still for a moment looking at the blade. Studying it. Before finally breaking the silence and continuing to pull the remaining wagers off the table and into a pouch on his utility belt, all except for fifteen credits. “So, I see you've come across a member of Clan Awaud.” he said as he raised his hand and motioned twice towards the bartender. “You don't see many of those guys around these days.” he added.

“Sit. I'll get the drinks” Norad said and waited for the apprentice to sit down at the booth, not motioning to take the knife at all. Surprisingly quickly a curvy Bothan service maid comes over and places two Corellian ales on the table for the two males. Norad slips her the fifteen credits and she turns her head looking to the unconscious Fredo then giving Xuurdjem a wink before pocketing ten of the credits and walking off back over to the bar.

Norad held both drinks, one in each hand and extended the ale in his right hand towards the apprentice stopping half way across the tabletop and keeping the left hand with the other ale close to himself. “The blade will get you a drink friend. And perhaps later you can fill me in the details of how you came to have it in your possession.. But right now, only the correct answer to my question will get you the information you seek” said the Mandalorian. “How old is the oldest Tollere Lieutenant?”

This was clearly a security test to make sure the red skinned male was indeed the apprentice Nictor had told him to meet.

\*\*\*\*\*\*

7967. Xuurdjem sat as he was given permission to as the number ran through his head. There were questions he has about how this Mandalorian knew about the House and to be able to ask a specific question like that. It was possible that this man is an affiliate of the Empire. While he thought Xuurdjem didn't notice the woman bring the drinks. Snapping himself out of it the Togruta accepted the mug offered to him. The answer… "Seven. Nine. Six. Seven. Is the the code." Xuurdjem did not raise his voice above comfortably audible. Such information isn't common knowledge and he wanted to keep it that way.

\*\*\*\*\*\*

Norad waits a moment as the numbers compute into his helmet's internal systems and eventually prove a positive match for the sequence Nictor had provided him, the individual digits turning from red to green on the helmet's computerised internal visor indicating the security approval.

“It seems you are the one I was sent to meet..” said the Mandalorian as he then pulled back the mug of ale in his right hand and handed the ale in his left to the apprentice. “As promised, a drink” he added throwing the mug in his right hand carelessly against the lower section of wall next to them and out of the view of others seated nearby. The fuming, burning smell of caustic acid was instantly noticeable along with light popping the sounds of bubbling paint as the acid quickly burned its way down to the duracrete.

“Ok friend, now for the information” Norad continued, his synthesised voice sounding very nonchalant as he got right down to business.” The item you are to retrieve will be sold off to the highest bidder at the auction house across the road”. Norad quickly checks his chronometer as he discusses the details to the Ironborn apprentice. “The auction starts in approximately 4 hours and the item you are interested in is the last of 3 categories. Each category is designated an hour each and bidders are by invite only and will be served food and beverage during the evening. The categories for auction are Firstly exotic beasts, then slaves and then finally items.”

The Mandalorian takes a breath, he knew this was a lot of information to take in but he had been assured by Nictor that the apprentice was quite skilled. Not that it mattered if he was or wasn't, Norad was here for one purpose.. Give the intel, get paid, and pay back that damn debt before it gets him onto Zorbo the Hutts bounty list..

“The slaves are due to be transported into the building in the next hour” he continued, the beasts have been already delivered this morning by members of the Black Hand and the items as far as I know are already locked in the vault at the building's internal security post.”

Norad looks around to see no one is paying any attention two them then extends his right gauntlet. After pushing a sequence of buttons on its side panel with his left hand, he pulls up a holo image of the auction building across the street. The image spins slowly projected just above his forearm.

“There are several entrances, and all guarded to some degree” he explains. “The guests and bidders will come in through the main front entrance where external security is minimal, but internal security is high.

The slaves will enter via the same entrance the beasts did down the left side ally  leading to the lockup cages and the catering will enter via the rear door leading to the kitchens. Both have half a dozen guards at the external doors. But not much if anything inside.” Norad then points to a room at the Center of the building “and that is the central security room where they lockup the items before the auction and then afterwards if the winning bidder requests to pay for later delivery services.” He then turns off the holo image on his gauntlet. “And around here… most do.” He added placing both hands on the table indicating the end of his recognisance debriefing.

\*\*\*\*\*

It seemed like the Mando was about to leave after the information was transferred. Xuurdjem paused him by holding up a hand defensively. "I could use some support on this one. If you help me I'll give you the vibroknife and indulge your curiosity as to how I got it." Xuurdjem had faced situations similar to this, but he'd not done it alone. Maybe this was a test to jeopardize his life to see how much value Xuurdjem places on it. Either way he'd bring that holocron back to his Master… even if he had to kill all who stood in his way.

\*\*\*\*\*\*

Norad pauses a moment before he stands and listens to Xuurdjem. His eyes look down to the Mandalorian blade as he weighs up the benefits vs the risk of the Togrutas offer. The blade was easily worth 300 credits to the right buyer, possibly even double that if he found an actual clan Awaud member.. However unlikely that was. The sad fact of the matter was he was now a slave to the credits he owed, and so his answer was not one of choice so much as necessity. “Fine, I'll help you.” Norad said, “but I’ll need payment up front,” he added, reaching out his right hand to take the vibroblade. “So.. you have a plan in mind?”

\*\*\*\*\*\*

The plan: Take out the guards near the back door. Get to the security office. Silence the guards. Grab the holocron. Get out. Simple yet much could go wrong at any time. Folding his hands Xuurdjem explained. "We need to knock out the guards in the back and hide their bodies. We enter wearing their clothes and head for the security office. Once there I have to convince them to let me have it or we fight them and take it. Then leave." It wasn't fool proof, but it'll work. "There are other options… for instance. Obviously you will not use their clothing as a disguise so you could sit back around the corner from the kitchen. I go to the office alone and you cover me while I grab the target."

\*\*\*\*\*\*

“Excellent..well seems you have it all worked out” said Norad, standing and adjusting his helmet slightly.. “I have another plan though..” he said before reaching forwards. And the last thing Apprentice Xuurdjem feels before the world draws black is the sting of a dart that had ejected from the white gauntlet on Norad's left arm and sharply struck the Togruta square in the neck.

………..

[.”..Help… Let's us out…. Help… Please.. Please let us free... Help us.. We have children.”.]

Xuurdjem wakes slowly.. Fully clothed, half sat on the ground inside a caged room, his back slumped against the wall. His weapon was still on him, but his Vibroblade was missing.

To the right of him was another two large cages each with various species of dirty men and women.. Even some children he saw. They looked desperate and poorly clothed, dressed only in there underwear. He could possibly smell them even from there, but was that the people or the air itself?

His cell was empty save for a half dozen bodies lying unconscious, they were also stipped down to only underpants but these ones were considerably cleaner.

To the left of him was another cage, inside it was a lone black Kathar hound. Only young… Possibly a cycle.. Maybe even less. The cage looked a mess as did the other empty ones beside it… But they were totally empty of life.

There were no guards present although if he listened he could hear voices close by.. Lots of voices..  His cage door was closed.

\*\*\*\*\*

The voices called out to his right, his head was groggy, and he was now caged. 'What a way to say you're welcome' Xuurdjem thought as he stood with a heavy body. Dizzy from the effects of the drug he chuckles foolishly and draws the attention of the other prisoners. "Please help… please Sir… help us… help our children…" he stares at the hound across from him, glancing down to see if the ones with him are waking but nothing yet. How much time has passed? His head begins to clear and a frightening realization hits him like a wall of sobriety. The crowd… "The auction started…"

Pulling the shield from his back and fitting it to his left arm securely Xuurdjem did something he hadn't done since his acceptance as an Apprentice. His right hand grips his saber firmly, face drawn tight with anger. Removing it from his belt Xuurdjem ignites the crimson blade to cut the door out of his way. He wanted to save everyone, but there was little time and much to do. 'People don't deserve to live like this…' his Mother's voice reminded him. 'Don't do anything to get yourself killed.' His Father's reply to her. Time was against him. As soon as he made a move for the holocron security would be on him fast. Killing wasn't an option. It was the only option. Their fates rest in his hands. The people, hound, holocron and his very life lay in the balance.

"Why am I always a hero?" He murmurs to himself as he opens the cage and runs to cut the locks on the other three. The hound was first and Xuurdjem wrapped it in his cloak, swiftly tying it around his neck and shoulder. He'd hold onto it near his chest, behind the shield while bolting for the other two. The saber sliced through the locks easily and Xuurdjem ran to the back way to the security office. Freeing the two small cages on his way by, Xuurdjem bursts into a full sprint across the hall turning right at the second door.

Force power(s) used:

Augmentation

\*\*\*\*\*\*\*

The apprentice's saber cuts through the primitive locks on the cages like a hot knife through butter. The slaves escape out behind him thanking him and crying in happiness… In their desperation the slaves split and ran either way of the corridor. Some are coming right up behind him. In the delay it took to rescue the hound and free the slaves, the exotics animals auction had finished. The guests were now eating their meals and as Xuurdjem rounded the corner looking to the security room 5 moderately armed guards were now making their way towards him to collect the slaves for auction.

They looked shocked to see the apprentice with a pup in a sling around his neck, a dozen slaves just becoming visible running up behind him, and a strange looking cylinder in his hand.  “Stop Theif!!” they call out going for their blasters.

Kalimahr was a planet with three moons that was located within the Tython system of the galaxy's Deep Core region,[1] at grid coordinates L-10.[2

Rhol Yan

\*\*\*\*\*

Xuurdjem knows that this is like any fight he's practiced no more than a handful of times, however he didn't have much time and these weren't his friends. Xuurdjem needed the manifest to find which container held the holocron. 'No time.' He thought, running to the security office. Shielding the pup from danger he yelled at the slaves, "Free yourselves from this place. Fight for it!" If any were in the way inside the room leading to the office he'd need to incapacitate them hastily. More were on the way and he didn't know how many.

\*\*\*\*\*

GM UPDATE

“Free yourselves from this place, fight for it!”

The spirited words of the apprentice ignite the slaves and they begin to surge, attacking the guards as they storm the corridor who only managed to get a few blaster shots away before being assaulted, dropping a young slave girl and an old man who was carrying her dead to the ground in the corridor. The blaster shots seemed enough to alert what other security detail was close by as in just a few moments klaxons started to sound throughout the building and the sound of honoured guests feasting was soon replaced with chaotic panic and blaster fire.

As Xuurdjem approaches the security room he would find the room empty of guards but there was still lit death sticks and half drunk caff mugs on the work station. There were several security cameras showing the chaos throughout the building and it seemed as though some of the animals had also been let loose and running wild in the main hall. As by who or why was unknown.

There was a large vault and several smaller security cabinets inside the room. Each had coded access panels.

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Xuurdjem rushed to the desk looking for the inventory manifest when he saw it… a slave girl, not even matured yet and an old man were gunned down. Another child. Another… another… rage built up within him. Death was everywhere and he couldn't stop it. His eyes were glued to the monitors until a voice rang in his head. "Or I'll peel the flesh from your bones." His Master's voice rang. "I can't… I can't… Dad help me… make me think like I'm not Mom…" the rage builds and grows like an immovable object. A tumultuous storm of odd thoughts flood his mind and he cannot think straight.

Pounding at his own head with his fist he yells unknowing about his hand on the communicator that is linked to all of the speakers in the building, "Father, save me from what I am about to do. Mother, guide me as I know not what is right. Family of my past… what am I to do?" There's a break in the audio as Xuurdjem breaks. "Is this what you wanted for me?! Is this the life you told me about?! The one of adventure and dreams?! They all need to die! They are animals in human skin unfit to live in this world! How is this balance?! How?! HOW?! RRRRR AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA GGGGHHHH!" Xuurdjem can't take anymore abuse upon his very foundation and it cracks.

'Nothing matters. Nothing makes sense anymore.' Another elderly woman dies. 'Nothing I do will make the difference I expect….' In his defeat he loses himself to rage. Xuurdjem can unmistakably feel the holocron near him. Knows which box and yet he finds himself looking for the manifest as if it would tell him what to do. What action to take. He is only trying to turn a blind eye to what's happening. The screams of men, women, children and the elderly echoed in the small room. 'The children…. The children…' his mind leached at his psyche making it impossible to make the call consciously. He snagged the box containing the holocron and ran as fast as he could from all danger.

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GM UPDATE

As Apprentice Xuurdjem makes his way through the halls on his way to the exit the growling and snarling sounds of beasts attacking the guests, guards and also slaves alike can be heard amongst the screams, warning sounders and blaster fire. On the grounds were bodies of slaves and guards and beasts sporting various wounds. Most were dead or dying, those who had not yet passed howling in pain.

Pressed hard to his shirt under his robe sling the Kathhound pup kicked and scratched from the noise and sensation of being thrown around as the apprentice ran to get out.

As he turned the corner into the corridor where the exit door was located he would see a guard with a blaster raised at the open exit, he wasn't moving and had an odd look of stunned surprise on his face.. In front of the guard were three slave children who had tried to escape the exit but were clearly stopped by the guard at gunpoint.

Behind Xuurdjem, if he listened, was the snarling sound of a beast who had picked up the Kathhounds scent and chased them down the halls, and now closing in rapidly.

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https://youtu.be/QxDHYeHwZKM

Xuurdjem, in his frail state, reacts without thinking. His hand feels like it touches the security guard and his soul sends all it has at him to launch the man through the door to set the children free. A snarl… Xuurdjem turns as a full grown Kath hound stares hun in the face. Lifting the shield to catch the animal his feet slide back from shear momentum built into the attack. His saber still engaged, shuts off as his fist clench and Xuurdjem grabs the shield with both hands as time begins to slow down. The Force saw true his convictions and gave him guidance to his future.

He throws the animal down in front of him. It holds firm. Xuurdjem slowly backs up urging the children to leave through the door. "Go! Run! I'll hold them off!" The Kath launches and he's overtaken….  'The kids….' Young over he sees the beast had already caught one. '§Ωθ¥§¬Гμ~¬^¡¬§¡§.' Everything turns red. Nothing else matters except death of whatever his eye caught. His saber ignites as he stands stoic… "Your deaths will be forgotten…" Xuurdjem slashes from the floor to the air above the hound. He didn't even see the kids anymore. He only needed the box and this pup. That was enough. "Fall!"

Powers Used:

Augmentation - 1

Telekinesis- 1

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GM UPDATE

Xuurdjem sends the guard flying just as it starts to fall forwards, the guard's already lifeless body twists and turns letting off a few rounds mid air before the corpse drops it's weapon as he is thrown backwards out the exit door, landing outside crumbled on its stomach on the gritty alleyway. A silver Mandolorian Awaud clan blade protruding from the back of the guard's skull.

A flash of red saber splits the Kathhound up the middle and the beast lets out a yelp before falling and convulsing several times then collapses, finally dead. The  dead maimed child still in it's jaws. Next to the fallen beast another dead child lay on his back, carbon scorched blasted wounds in the center of the young boy's chest and on his right arm. The child’s dead lifeless eyes staring up at the ceiling. The third remaining child is frozen, the young girl crying uncontrollably at the doorway. Xurrdjem’s exit is now clear.

IC: Norad

“Kriffing hell son!, I thought you Sith were supposed to be good at this kind of thing!?” exclaimed the Mandalorian in all white armour as he made his way over to the guard and knelt down to remove the blade from his skull. “You’ll have both the entire black hand and Zorbo’s Hutt Cartel down here in a microsecond you damn moof milker.”

Looking over to the child the Mandalorian speaks softly to her, “you, child...where is your family?” he asks, the young girl with tears streaming down her face points to the boy laying on his back next to her.

The Mandalorian then makes his way over to the girl and extends his hand to her. “I see, come with me then. I will keep you safe.” he says. She takes his hand cautiously. “You'd best get the hell outta here if you know what's good for you friend.” says the Mandalorian. “I hope our paths do not cross again.”

Norad then picked up the small girl in a hug as she looked over her shoulder to her dead brother for the last time, activating his jetpack Norad rockets them sharply upwards, the two quickly disappearing over the rooftop of the tall building that lined the alleyway.

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Having received word that his apprentice had recently made his way back from Kalimahr aboard TAX-13, Terrogate sent word for the Togruta apprentice to be summoned to his office. Once he had the chance to freshen up first and put on some clean attire of course.

The Cathar knight stands close to the large windowed external wall with his hands behind his back looking down to the planet below. The information in this holocron was something that he had been searching for since he first read about the Masters of old. Finally, it was within his grasp... And as fate would have it, it may also possibly prove an invaluable tool in his apprentice's training.

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A knock came upon Xuurdjem's door. The camera showed who on a screen next to the door inside. It was Ril waving at the camera calling to him. "Xuurdjem! Xuurdjem! You made it back!" Xuurdjem was fresh out of the shower and dressed when she knocked. Drying his hair as he walked over to the door Xuurdjem hit the open button. "Hey Xuurdjem! I'm glad you made it back safe. That thug hasn't been bothering me anymore. Thank you so much…" she stopped when she saw his face, gasping and covering her mouth. Ril was in shock at the dead eyes and pale face she saw. "Thank you for telling me. I'm glad I could help Ril." Xuurdjem's tone reflected the look in his eyes. "I need to give this to my Master. Could you watch my pup for me? His name's Sraug." "Sure…"

Xuurdjem entered, giving himself five steps inward before halting to kneel. Lifting his hands up to present the holocron Xuurdjem spoke. "Master. I have retrieved the holocron as you requested." His voice showed relief and grief but nonetheless satisfied to have completed his mission. "I hope all is to your liking."

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Knight Terrogate turned with a smile at the words of his apprentice who had now entered his official chamber, looking down to the apprentice who had knelt in front of him Terrogate felt a sense of pride. This was not as easy a task as it had sounded, although something still seemed off..

Of course the Cathar was happy to see that his apprentice had succeeded in retrieving the unusually shaped holocron but as the Artifex reached out to take the artifact, he then was able to see clearly his apprentice's face for the first time.. And in barely a moment of the sight his pride and happiness are quickly replaced with concern...

Terrogate furrowed his brow and as he placed his outstretched hand onto the ancient Masters holocron he closed his eyes, probing outwards with the force, pressing against Xuurdjems subconscious mind… Looking to grasp the images and feelings that his apprentice was harboring within..

“Iron apprentice…” said the Cathar, opening his eyes and returning now to the present. “You have been successful in your second task, one more that was considerably more difficult than many others would experience so early in their training....” Terrogate takes the Holocron and his Togruta apprentice to stand once more.

“And for your success I will allow you a total of six prestige, as well as the ownership of the kath hound pup you rescued..”  Terrogate places his hand on the apprentice's shoulder gently. “All actions have consequences my apprentice, but also not everything is in your control…”

The knight moves to his desk at the end edge of the room and removes two glasses and a beaker of whiskey, pouring two drinks.

“I feel your guilt…” he continued as the large warrior passed his apprentice a drink then took a few steps back and drinking it. “You’ve been through much to achieve your goals, and now I would recommend to you to make time to meditate on your actions, and the overall outcome of your mission.

The Cathar knight then turns his back to his apprentice to continue looking out onto the planet below once more.. I will set your next task in one galactic week, in the meantime… If you're looking for a place to meditate, the old Typhojem temple inside the Ventrix’s jungle district has always guided me in such times..

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