Public And then there were two

[Laphisto]

Location: Raxus Prime – The Junk World
Ship: The Conquests Agenda
Time: Late Afternoon, Orange Haze Over the Wreckage

The swirling maelstrom of hyperspace peeled away, revealing the desolate, rust-colored orb of Raxus Prime. A world forgotten by most—choked in the remains of the galaxy's discarded technology, war relics, and centuries-old secrets. Its surface was a vast, polluted wasteland of towering scrap heaps, broken droid husks, and toxic rivers of molten metal. The air was thick with smoke and ash, creating a perpetual orange haze that swallowed the dying sun. The Conquest's Agenda pierced through the clouds of smog, its hull groaning as it descended into the dense atmosphere. Inside the cockpit, Laphisto sat rigid in the pilot's chair, his amber eyes locked on the planet below. His claws drummed an uneven rhythm on the console—half from anticipation, half from unease.

The message had come through an encrypted channel, out of the blue. A Mandalorian contact from the Bounty Hunters' Guild—someone Laphisto hadn't seen in years—had reached out with information that seemed impossible. "Your kind… one of them. Alive. I saw it with my own eyes. Black market slave ring. They're selling it off tomorrow on Raxus Prime." It had been seven thousand years since he'd seen another of his species—long enough for hope to die, leaving only the bitter ashes of memory. He'd believed them extinct, but he never truly knew how or why. The truth had always eluded him, buried deep in the shadows of history.

The Conquest's Agenda settled onto a rusted landing platform that creaked under its weight. Smoke hissed through the cracks, swirling around the landing gear. Laphisto stood, His lightsaber was mag locked to his utility belt, and he gave a small sigh as The ramp extended with a hollow clang. revealing the decaying world outside. The stench hit him first—a pungent mix of burning metal, oil, and rot. Even for someone who had seen the worst the galaxy had to offer, Raxus Prime was a wound that refused to heal. Near the edge of the platform stood the Mandalorian, his armor scorched and battered from countless battles. A rusted T-visored helmet reflected the orange light, and a large blaster rested against his hip. Laphisto recognized him immediately.

"Gon Fol," Laphisto called out, his voice carrying over the groan of distant machinery.

The Mandalorian turned, his helmet tilting slightly in greeting. "Didn't think you'd get here this fast."

"Not something I could ignore," Laphisto replied, descending the ramp.

There was a history between them—complicated, tense at times, but not without its strange moments of respect. Gon Fol had once been sent to hunt Jacen Law, Laphisto's apprentice at the time, but the Mandalorian hadn't taken the kill shot when he had the chance. Years later, Gon had tipped Laphisto off about a different bounty—one that had Laphisto himself in the crosshairs—buying him precious time to evade the worst of it. They stood a few paces apart, the air between them heavy with unspoken memories.

Gon's helmet turned slightly. "So… how's the kid?"

The question landed like a punch to the chest, but Laphisto kept his composure.

"Jacen Law," Gon continued, his voice casual but not unkind. "Last time I saw him, I was supposed to bring him in. Didn't. Figured he'd still be giving you hell by now."

Laphisto's throat tightened. He chose his words carefully. "He's gone."

Gon's head tilted. "Gone? You mean—"

"Disappeared during a skirmish with Dusate pirates a few years back," Laphisto cut in, his voice low but steady. "We were tracking one of their raiding fleets near the Outer Rim. Jacen was leading a strike team. The battle turned into a mess—pirates scattered, ships exploded, and then... nothing. His signal vanished. No wreckage. No distress beacon. Just… gone."

Gon Fol was quiet for a beat longer than usual. "Damn. I didn't know. I figured... well, after that last run-in, I thought he'd pull through."

Laphisto's jaw clenched. "I thought so too."

There was an awkward pause before Gon spoke again, his voice softer beneath the metallic filter of his vocoder. "I never got why there was a bounty on him in the first place. The kid didn't seem like the type to make enemies like that."

"He wasn't," Laphisto said, the bitterness creeping in. "But someone wanted him taken in—or taken out. I still don't know who put the bounty out."The unspoken question hung between them—whether Jacen's disappearance had anything to do with that bounty. Neither of them voiced it.

Gon shifted the subject. "You still carrying that bounty on your own head?"

Laphisto shook his head amrs crossed over his chest "Not since you warned me. You saved me a lot of trouble when you sent that message."

"Consider us even," Gon replied. "That bounty was high. Could've set me up for life if I'd cashed in."

"But you didn't."

"Like I said, even."

Laphisto's gaze hardened again, bringing them back to the present. "You said you saw one of my kind?"

Gon nodded, the momentary levity gone. "Yeah. Deep in the junk fields. Slaver ring's using an old Separatist foundry—heavily fortified, mercs, droids, the usual. I saw them moving the cargo in—your kin was in a cage. Drugged up, collared, but still breathing."

Laphisto's claws flexed beneath his cloak. "Who's behind it?"

"Hard to say. Could be Sith, could be corporate types. Someone's paying a lot for rare stock like that. You're not the only one interested."

Gon handed him a small datachip. "This'll get you past the outer perimeter. Won't take you far, but it's a start."

Laphisto took it, sliding the chip into his belt pouch. "I owe you for this."

The Mandalorian tilted his head. "You already paid it back when you let me walk after that Jacen job. Figured I'd return the favor."

A beat passed before Gon shifted the conversation again, a hint of frustration in his tone. "By the way... I'm still trying to find the Tracyn. Been chasing dead leads for months now. Hutt cartels, Sith relic hunters, even some of the old guilds—they all point in different directions. Got anything I should know?"

Laphisto allowed himself a flicker of amusement, his amber eyes gleaming beneath his hood. "You can stop looking."

Gon's helmet tilted. "What?"

"I already found it," Laphisto replied simply.

For a moment, there was only the sound of distant machinery grinding and the groaning winds of Raxus Prime.

"You're kidding," Gon finally muttered through his vocoder.

"I'm not."

A low chuckle escaped the Mandalorian. "Of course you did. Spent a few years hunting for it and you just... find it."

Laphisto offered a rare, faint smirk. "You know how it goes."

"Yeah," Gon sighed, shaking his helmet. "You always did have the worst luck... and somehow, the best."

"Don't worry, I still owe you that basilisk droid,"

The air grew heavier again, the weight of the coming confrontation looming over them.

" I'm going after the slavers tonight," Laphisto said. "I won't wait for the auction."

"Didn't think you would." Gon hesitated before stepping back. "Be careful down there. Raxus swallows people who don't pay attention."

Laphisto inclined his head. "I've been swallowed by worse." With that, he turned away, descending into the labyrinth of scrap and rusted metal. The wind howled through the debris, at long last he could safely say, one of his kind still drew breath. For the first time in millennia, hope sparked within him. And Laphisto would not let that flame be extinguished.


Monsoon

 

[Monsoon]

It had been a long time since the young dragon had been locked up at the hands of his captors. the days turned into weeks, the weeks into months, and the months into years. it had been so long he ever found peace and solace since the day of his capture. those memories had long since become a distant memory, it was like an eternal dream that he was dreaming every day, but instead of peace, it was a nightmare that he was living over and over again. the screams of the people he once knew, or had known rung within his head. The captor was rentles in their methods to keep those who fought back, or screams to be slienced because it was deemed as "bad for business". the constant wallowing of the other creatures that were captured wasn't allowing the captors to think as they went along with their deals. The Dragonkin had to deal with as he watched the friends he made within his time there be dragged away from his cell. a scream for help and it was gone just like that. But today the young dragonkin had enough, as he sat there within the confines of his rusted cell, tented with the brownish gold and what seemed to be a rusted liquids which could be only considered as blood, atleast he hoped was blood, a small whisper came from another cell.
"psst..."
At first, the dragonkin did not notice the sound as he was drifting in his thoughts. thinking of anything to escape this madness, and confinement he was trapped in for years.
"pssssssssst!!!..." There it was again that same sound with a erieely same tempo, but somehow louder than the last.. it soon caught the attention of the young blue dragon that made his ears flicker at the sound, which caused him to turn a bit peering into the looming darkness from across him. As he stared deep into the abyss a croaky voice made itself known.
"you dragon..."

"what do you.." before the young dragon could finish his sentence the ancient voice interrupted him almost instantly.

" I had a dream.. "

"thats nice but what does that have to do with any-.."

" it was a never ending dream...a dream of peace.. a savior.. a leader...and even a companion.. came to our aid.." The dragon could only furrow his brow at the very voice that spoke to him. it caused a bit of uneasiness about where this could go. As a matter of fact that isn't the right thing to think about, due to the fact of who this figure was. there weren't any new creatures or species the traders brought in, and this presence didn't cause alarm to the other residing slaves. it was like it was coming into his mind. had he gone mad?

"just tell me who are you? or..what you are?" the young dragon said a bit firmly trying not to get cut off again, his patience was waying thin by the moment. he didn't know if this was some sick joke by the captors by trying to make the captors go crazy so they wouldn't fight back, or keep them in a state of paranoia and confusion so they're easier to manipulate. he'd be damned if they got the best of him. " tell me now! im not gonna be made a fool of!"
......

no response. it seemed the voice had subsided for a moment. god. he only realizes how crazy he looks speaking to himself like this, and what the other slaves must think. but as he looked out some of them where undisturbed still resting and weak from not being fed. maybe his craziness was the last of their concern knowing the situation they were in. But slowly just before he got his barrings.

" young one..follow this dream..become hope.." Before the dragon could rebuttal, a sound of rolling came down the darkness, it had a strange sound of wet but metallic as it crossed the dirt path way that led to monsoons cell. it was a head and a small pistol that had what could be the blood of this persons head, with a small key attached. staring at the sight it caused a since of uneasiness but..he relaized what he had to do next.

 

[Laphisto]

Location: Raxus Prime – The Junk World
Ship: The Conquests Agenda
Time: Late Afternoon, Orange Haze Over the Wreckage


Laphisto pushed through the dirty, ruined streets of Raxus Prime, a low growl rumbling from his throat as he strode forward. With his armor and the confident way he carried himself, he looked no different from the countless hired guns prowling this rusted wasteland. Yet beneath the hardened exterior, memories tugged at him—fragments of a world long gone.

It was hard to imagine that this planet had once been vivid and full of life, a crown jewel of the sector. Lush landscapes, gleaming cities—he remembered it well. That was during the time of the First Great Hyperspace War, when industrialization had only just begun to gnaw at its beauty. He didn't know exactly what had led to the world's collapse, nor did he care. He'd played no hand in its downfall. Still, he couldn't help but mourn what had been lost.

He pushed the thoughts aside, focusing on the task at hand. In his grip, the tracking FOB Gon Fol had given him pulsed softly, its signal guiding him through the maze of debris. He followed it in silence, weaving between towering heaps of rusted starship parts and shattered machinery until the device's light intensified.

He was close.

Laphisto stopped abruptly, ducking behind a pillar of twisted debris—what looked like the remains of an engine compartment. His breathing slowed, his sharp eyes scanning the area. He reached into the Force, allowing it to flow through him. The world around him began to fade, colors draining away until only blackness remained. His eyes shifted, glowing a bright teal blue as the outlines of buildings, debris, and distant figures emerged in shimmering lines of energy.

From this ethereal perspective, he could see a guard rounding the corner of the facility ahead—just as expected.

Laphisto's wings rustled softly as he prepared to move. With a powerful push, he leapt upward, spreading his wings wide as they caught the air and lifted him higher. He soared through the toxic haze, careful to stay out of the guard's line of sight, using the rising columns of smoke and debris as cover.

He assumed the area between him and the building would be laced with trip mines, proximity sensors, or worse. It's what he would have done if he were setting the traps. But in the air, above the kill zone, he had the advantage.

Gliding silently, Laphisto landed on the roof of the old Separatist foundry, crouching low against the corroded metal. The structure groaned beneath his weight, but it held. He crept forward, claws gripping the rusted surface, until he spotted what looked like an access vent—far too small for someone his size.

A low growl rumbled from his chest. He placed a clawed hand against the durasteel frame, feeling its weakness, and let the Force surge through him. A focused pulse of energy rippled across the metal, bending and crushing it inward. With a screech of tearing steel, the vent panel gave way, ripping free and leaving a jagged hole large enough for him to slip through.

That'll get their attention eventually, he thought grimly. But by the time they noticed, he intended to be deep inside.

Without hesitation, Laphisto stepped to the edge of the opening, wings folding tight against his back. Then, with a final glance at the decaying cityscape above, he dropped down into the belly of the beast.

Monsoon

 

[Monsoon]

Monsoon couldn't help but let out a sigh from his parted lips. Despite having the exit key within his grasp, he couldn't help but be filled with an over-looming anxiety due to many scenarios going through his head. he could escape and leave this place behind but would become of the others or he could free anyone but that would be the next plan of action, some of them aren't fighters. As he slowly pondered a moment he took hold of the keys, and gun and played with them through his fingers before he slowly gripped it.

"lets do this." The dragon male would mutter under his breath as he decided what he wanted to do. his conscious would let him leave this people behind. whatever comes from freeing them, and what challenges they are gonna face will have to be dealt with one by one. The male would chuckle to himself before he used the keys and angled his hands to unlock the gate. As the male slowly opened the door, he started gathering the attention of the other slaves, who only could watch as the first sign of freedom came in ages. most of them muster their strength to come to their gate to reach out towards the dragon. the sight of this saddened the dragon which caused him to clutch his gun harder in his grasp.

"please release us!..."

"dont leave us please...!!"

"Take my child with you please.."

Upon hearing more of the despreate requests of these people who had been here for so long varying from different species, and different ages caused him to get a lump. The sight of this was overwhelming because not he could have became like this if stayed here longer, there were so many people's lives stolen from them. including his. This angered the dragon and caused him to speak over the many requests.

" I will be getting you all out of here. im not leaving anyone behind..!" The dragon said firmly. he clutched the gun as he began to slowly going cell by cell of the ones who where alive to release them. as he released one he made sure to keep a keen hearing of guard if they were approaching this way. but luckily it was quiet, abit to quiet but the dragon shook this off and focused on getting these people out of this hell hole. As he rallied, he ordered them to keep close to them as he took charge. it seemed most were hesitant about this, so even reculent to follow. as the dragon took charge of this group he slowly went ahead first to make sure things where clear with each step they took in this unknown era. he could only remember bits and pieces of when the captors originally found him and dragged him down below but that was years ago. it was much more forfeited but now it seems like it was empty. it was strange. As monsoon kept leading them he noticed a few guars speaking to once another. he could only catch a few words of that they said.

" someone has come in the base.... make sure to cover... and find h.."
" roger!"

From what the dragonkin could pick up someone has breached in their base and they trying to find the intruder. this gave the perfect chance for him and the other slaves a chance to escape admist the chaos. but it will not be easy due to maybe more sercuirty so they would have to move carefully from this point on.

 

[Laphisto]

It hadn't even been a full minute after Laphisto dropped into the building before all hell broke loose.

Who could have guessed that the air vent he'd torn clean off would lead directly into the mess hall of the foundry? Certainly not him. The plan—if it could even be called that—had already gone sideways, and what was supposed to be a stealthy rescue mission had turned into a full-on breach and clear.

Perfect.

Maybe if he'd brought Commander Tarian or even Trace Xyston along, they could've kept this quiet. But stealth had never really been his strengththen again how can a seven foot tall armor clad individual even be stealthy?. Laphisto was in a full sprint now, his lightsaber ignited, the teal blue blade cutting a violent path through anything in his way—guards, doors, and bulkheads alike. He didn't know exactly where he was going, but he was determined to find the prisoners—and fast.

A group of guards rounded the corner ahead, blasters raised. Without breaking stride, Laphisto slashed his saber across the durasteel wall beside him in a quick, precise arc, cutting through the metal in jagged lines. With a surge of the Force, he ripped the severed slabs free and hurled them forward. The makeshift shards flew like razor-sharp spikes, impaling the first two guards mid-charge, pinning them to the wall in sprays of blood. The remaining soldiers hesitated just long enough.

Laphisto opened his jaw, a deep growl rumbling in his throat before a jet of flame erupted from his maw, washing down the corridor. The searing fire engulfed the remaining guards, their armor blackening and melting as they screamed. One of them staggered backward, his body ablaze, clawing at his burning uniform while sprinting away, screaming in agony. The hall fell silent, filled only with the hiss of burning metal and the crackle of flames.

From the corner of his eye, Laphisto spotted one of the wounded guards still alive, dragging himself toward a nearby blaster. With a low snarl, Laphisto strode over and grabbed the man by the collar, lifting him with one clawed hand before slamming him hard against the wall. The guard gasped in pain, blood trickling from his mouth, but before he could scream, Laphisto's lightsaber hovered inches from his throat, its heat searing the air.

"Where are the slaves?" Laphisto growled, his voice low, primal, and edged with fury. His glowing teal eyes burned into the man's as he pressed the saber closer, the red blade hissing. "Answer me, and I might let you live to breathe another day."

The guard coughed violently, struggling against Laphisto's iron grip. "I-I don't know! I swear—"

Laphisto snarled, his talons digging into the man's armor, drawing blood. "Don't lie to me."

"Okay! Okay!" the guard cried, panic overtaking him. "The—slaves are in the lower levels, b-beneath the foundry! Past the main hall—there's an elevator shaft! Heavily guarded—locked down—"

Laphisto's growl deepened, considering. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he deactivated the saber and dropped the guard, letting him crumple to the floor. The man gasped for air, hands clutching at his bleeding side. With a soft snarl, he back handed the man in the mouth before delivering a knee to their face, knocking them unconscious and pushing into a full sprint down the hallway, stepping over the bodies. Now he just had to find the elevator.

Monsoon

 

[Monsoon]

As Monsoon led the slaves throughout the facility, he was trying to keep a level head throughout the ordeal, but it was getting it to him. These people's lives were in his hands, and this moment of escape depended on him. everything was riding on this moment. The dragonkin could only let out a low sigh from his parted lips as he looked back. The different species that cradled against each other, looked at him with hopeful expressions. this caused him to smile, despite the anxiety that filled him up. he realized they were counting on him. he shouldn't just give up due to this feeling he has to try.

As he kept moving forward, he noticed the halls were still silent. It seemed as if it was a ghost town—a once-brimming place brimming with soldiers and slave wranglers just suddenly gone. But as Monsoon's suspicion arose he started to hear a commotion going on from the top floor from screams, and a loud thud. Whatever it was going on up there it was not good. As this was happening the slaves began to panic.

" what is happening?!"

"Stay close to me!!"

"Sir what are we gonna do...?" A small child said as she huddled up close tugging on Monsoon-worn clothing. Monsoon furrowed his brow as a small beads of sweat began to slowly drip down his cheek. he stayed silent for a second as he began to grip the gun. he turned to the rest of the slaves as he before he began to speak firmly.

"Whatever is going on. I will protect you We've made it this far and we have to we will fight for our freedom." Monsoon tried to reassure the slave but this was new to him. he hoped his words reached them. but he wasn't too sure as he watched their eyes stared at him still uneasy before he tired to speak again.

"I know it seems scary but this is what we have to do. they have done so much to us, and this is our chance to escape. during this chaos, we can finally go home, see our families, and live our lives once more. we have to fight. " As he continued to speak he noticed a different shift within the crowd tone. they started to show a bit more hope in this situation, which gave Monsoon more of a relief. he turned from them as he noticed an elevator. it was vacant and it was a prefect way for them to get to the higher floor without causing to much attention to him and the slave. he motions them to follow but keeps a distance while keeping his gun drawn. he approached the elevator carefully, holding his finger on the trigger. once he knew the close was clear, he motioned the salves to all board on the elevator. it was a tight fit but they managed. Being the largest Monsoon tucked himself within their, folding his wing to not only support some of the smaller slaves, but also to keep himself condensed as they rode to the top.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto was snarling some what as he began to back pedal towards the elevator. his saber raised as he deflected blaster bolts back towards the slavers. he was sure if commander tarian was here he would be hearing an ear full about proper tactics and how reckless he was being. and truth be told he was quite reckless for comign here on his own, without any back up, save for the small crew aboard the agenda. and he was begining to regret it. if anything he could have brought Zinayn or Silas Vizsla with him, or even the special operator Trace and his team, hell even Diarch Reign would have been adequate backup though he was sure the diarch had bigger problems than to chase some lothcat trail about his own kin. and to a degree he felt he needed to do this, it was personal and he couldnt waist resources on a personal mission.

as he deflected another bolt into a nearby wall his fist smacked against the elevators button drawing it up from below. Regardless of his choices , he had made them and he would suffer the earful later. he had to find a way to deal with these guards. and quickly. the moment the elevator opened he would backed up into a steel box and they would only come chasing him down or be waiting when he came back up.

looking around him he reached out with the force and tore off a piece of the nearby wall holding it up as a shield to at least give him some time to think. if only he had a slug thrower, a LO-18D would make quick work of things just shoot through the metal and hit the targets on the other side. it was a common tactic employed by the order and it worked wonders, but at least with the wall being held up it gave him time to think. though that time was limited as the elevator slowly drew closer and closer

Monsoon