Private Aren't you too buff for a stormtrooper?

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

While he couldn't see the smile that she gave him, he could feel the sense of one. The aura that came from a person when they were smiling. It was good. Tarw wanted to have a positive vibe going with the mission. Meant that there would be less mistakes likely to happen. At least that was his view on effective missions.

"The spike will do it's job on time. Issue is whether the Sith coming will shorten the time we have to work with." Tarw stated as he tapped away at the console and started sorting through files, making sure that the spike was doing as it was programmed to do. The files were being transferred and deleted from the database.

Breathing in deeply, "so what is your vibe on this Sith? A Carnifex type problem or an Acolyte one?" One was a massive problem that could risk their lives, the other was something they could get away with. Information would be key here.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

"Likely a Sith Lord," Valery said, her tone not impressed but still focused. She wasn't exactly afraid of handling any Sith, but they didn't want to blow their cover and fighting without a lightsaber wasn't quite as easy either. Hopefully, they could get the spike to work and make it out in time.

But something told her that it wouldn't be so easy.

"I can feel him moving through the facility. He's getting closer," Valery said, her gaze focused on the closed blast doors. Her senses were expanding carefully, able to pick up on changes without revealing she was inside the building herself. It had taken many years to develop the skills as a Jedi Shadow, and now they proved quite useful.

"How much longer?"

Tarw Rhyfelwr ​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

"Well, in that case, chit." Tarw responded when Valery stated it was likely a Sith Lord.

That was a worse case scenario though Valery seemed unconcerned so it was not going to be a big name Sith Lord which was a small glimmer of hope. He continued to work on the files. "Moving around? Hmmm... Sounds like an inspection of that base. Make sure things are running smoothly." Tarw stated as he continued to type away on the console, scouring the files for anything that could be immediately useful, even some information that could assist in deceiving their way out.

"Close. Another minute." He answered, he couldn't rush the process, it was going as fast as the data spike would go. Any faster and there was a risk of it corrupting or failing to do the job thoroughly. He looked back to Valery, "I know you said he couldn't sense you but do you think this Sith would sense you if you were standing right next to them? Just in case we cross paths?" Leaving the facility was going to be tough but be impossible if they caught but some Force sensing.

Hearing a small beep, the spike had finished the job and he pull it out, pocketing the spike securely away. He didn't move to leave, tapping on the console accessing different files, different information and started randomly deleting and editing files there. "In case they catch on that we aren't imperials, better to have a poor attempt as a cover for what we actually did here." He informed Valery, adjusting the mission somewhat but the new situation called for it.

He then stepped away and opened the blast doors, just in time for the Sith Lord with his escort who stood on the other side of the door. Standing to attention, Tarw saluted instinctively. Swallowing his fears of getting caught, he remained calm and collected.

"What are you doing here, commander?" The Sith Lord's voice was soft, liquid.

Tarw lowered his gaze, "there was new information that I needed to submit on Galactic Alliance movement, sir." He responded, hoping they get dismissed quickly. "I need to get back to the mission now though, if that is okay with you sir."

"Go." The Sith Lord ordered, his gaze lingering on the two of them longer than Tarw would have liked but he moved, exiting the room.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

"I don't think we have another minute..." Valery mumbled, already feeling a little more uneasy about the mission. She was typically very patient, but having to wait and rely on someone else wasn't something she enjoyed. Still, she suppressed the way she felt and did her best to focus. "I don't think he'd sense me if he was close either. As long as he doesn't suspect an intruder, he's not going to be focusing on his senses that much."

At least, that seemed most reasonable. Finding someone who hid their presence was possible in close proximity, but it still required a lot of focus.

Having finished the spike, Tarw explained what he was doing, as he continued going through files. It already made her less nervous, knowing the key part of their mission was complete. Now, all that truly remained was to leave without being detected. Without their plan being discovered by the enemy.

Turning away, Valery followed Tarw when he finished up, only to run into the Sith Lord and his guards when the blast doors opened. Much like her partner, Valery stood at attention and raised her hand into a salute. Luckily, she wasn't asked to speak and Tarw seemed to have it covered.

But right as the two were about to leave, the Sith spoke up again.

"Hold on," he said thoughtfully. "I feel... a strange tremor." He looked at Tarw and Valery, narrowing his corrupted gaze, "Who else has been here, Commander?"

Tarw Rhyfelwr ​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

They were free to leave and a weight was lifted from his chest, they were getting out of here without a problem.

But luck was not on their side in that moment.

He turned around and shook his head, "I have not seen anyone here beside ourselves. We have not been here long, just reporting our findings. It must be someone who came in before us." Tarw spoke clearly and with confidence that did not spring to mind he was lying. His aura in the Force was also giving an air of honesty and openness.

"I must return to my shuttle to continue my mission, sir." Tarw stressed, he wanted to signal to Valery to keep heading to the shuttle, he would remain here if he must but getting Valery back to GA space was a priority, she was too important a symbol in his mind. "I can attempt to find the person of this aura if you request it, though my second should head back so that my squad can continue their work." Tarw kept a calm breathe as he stood still and while he did not know if Valery could read his mind, he was telling her to walk back to the shuttle and he would join her later.

"No. No one leaves this base till I find this aura... Leave and remain in the hangar. I must talk with my men on this hunt." The Sith Lord stated coldly, refusing Tarw's attempts but the soldier listened and walked to the hangar, knowing that now they would have too many eyes on them to flee. As well as anti-aircraft guns targeting them before they could warm up the hyperdrive.

As Tarw walked back to the elevator to wait in the hangar with Valery, he was going through his mind in what they could do. A blatant running away wouldn't work. The longer they remained, the more at risk Valery was in being caught and that would make escaping even more difficult. He looked over to Valery, wondering if she had any ideas on what they could do to get out of here.

There was an idea he had, but it would be dangerous and he had doubts that Valery would agree to it. Unless Valery had a better plan, he was going to need to do it.

"I got a plan. I draw their attention and reveal myself as the spy while the base is focused on me, you get out of here on the shuttle." Him being caught was less an issue than Valery getting caught. He was willing to sacrifice his freedom and reveal all to ensure the Sword was able to get out of here.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

While Tarw did his best to give the Sith Lord a reason for them to leave, he wasn't convinced. In fact, he ordered all personnel to remain within the station until he discovered the source of the aura. He wouldn't, Valery knew. Not without trying to provoke every individual until he reached her by chance. She was simply to good at hiding her presence in the Force, so they'd be stuck here for a long time.

Well, until she was forced to remove her helmet.

Valery followed Tarw away from the Sith and let out a sigh once it was just the two of them. She was trying to think of solutions, but there were little options that didn't involve exposure. Tarw had an idea of his own and it also meant that he'd put himself in danger, only so she could get out.

She didn't like it one bit.

"There has to be another way," Valery said, as she looked around the room. "I could take this Sith out without anybody seeing?" she shrugged — probably not the best plan.

"If I leave you here, they might just execute you."

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

He looked over to her, the idea of taking out the Sith wasn't terrible, it was just nearly impossible to do it without the whole base finding out and being on top of them. However, her concern that he would just be killed made him chuckle, "I'm just a soldier, replaceable and one of many." He looked over to Valery, "you are the Sword of the Jedi, you are irreplaceable and there is only one of you. Don't worry though, I am not planning on dying so soon." He cracked his knuckles and rolled his shoulders slowly.

"I need them to believe they are capturing a Jedi, not a simple soldier." Tarw explained, "that way, they have more reason to believe that I am the presence and a reason to keep me alive. Jedi tend to be valued more than a rookie soldier." He reached into his back pouch and pulled out several simple pieces of junk, slowly slotting them together.

As he did so, Valery would see that he was building a Lightsaber from the junk. It was doing this that his connection to the Force began to return, "not a perfect plan, I admit but gives you time to get the ship running and out of here before they get a chance to fire upon you." Tarw stated firmly, slotting the crystal of his Lightsaber into place and finishing the construction. Pausing he looked at Valery and gave a small smile behind his helmet, hiding his fear and anxiety with a sense of confidence and belief that he could succeed.

"Do you trust me?" He asked, not wishing to jump into his plan without her being ready.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

"You know, telling a Jedi that you're replaceable should get you punched." Valery squinted for a moment, but when he continued with his plan, she sighed and gave up. If he wanted to do this, and if he was absolutely sure about it, she wasn't going to tell him no. It was a good plan and sometimes it was necessary to take these risks.

She just wished they could have avoided it.

"Fine..." Valery said after a moment, choosing to relent. "I wonder why you have the parts to build a lightsaber on you, but I trust you." She chuckled and dipped her head.

This was going to get tense, but they could do it.

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

He chuckled at her comment and shrugged his shoulders, "fair, but we both know the Alliance would want me prioritising your return more than my own." Tarw had to face the Alliance and the senate if he didn't do everything in his power to ensure Valery's return. He smirked when she commented on wondering where he got the parts from.

"When you get back to Coruscant, check the records for my name. Left couple of years ago." He hadn't been far in his time as a Padawan, but Tarw assumed there would be a record of his presence in the Order and the Master he had been under. Especially a mention of that Master releasing him from the Order after his father's death.

Removing his helmet, he was glad to get his full vision once again. "Glad you put your trust in me. I trust you to save my butt after this." He grinned to her, perhaps a little too cavalier about this but he was feeling bold. It was the first time in a long time that he felt his connection to the Force.

It felt empowering once again.

"Give me 5 minutes or so, to get far enough away from this hangar and start causing problems. Then get the hell outta here." He stated before he moved to a bay door back into the lower deck of the base.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

"Alright, cause some trouble but keep yourself in one piece." She admired him for being willing to potentially sacrifice himself, but she had told herself that they'd both be coming home. So, even if she made her escape, she'd be coming back to find him and get his ass back home.

There was no doubt about it in her mind.

"See you soon." Valery kept her helmet on, sighed, and began to walk like she belonged. Tarw said he needed 5 minutes to start causing some chaos, so she'd make sure to already be as close to her escape route as possible. At first, she'd make her escape attempt in her stormtrooper armor, but she was ready to tap into her powers as well.

Whatever it took to get away and make it back for him.

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

Getting into position, he had already caught the attention of several stormtroopers and imperial agents. Running around with a bright Lightsaber, made sure that he stood out. As several soldiers attempted to fire upon Tarw, he used his connection to the Force and dodged several bullets with uncanny speed. His Lightsaber deflecting several bolts, with a blaster pistol in his hand, he shot down several imperials and ensured that the alarm began to ring out around the station. An alert calling out to his location.

It wasn't long till more soldiers and eventually the Sith Lord appeared.

Tarw smirked and twirled the Lightsaber in his hand, "well, think you can handle me?" The confidence and strength in the Force were masking Valery's signature and giving her the best opportunity she had to escape. The Sith Lord laughed at Tarw while igniting his own blood red Lightsaber. It had been a long time since Tarw had used a Lightsaber in combat and even longer since he had used it against another Force User.

"You Jedi lot are always so bold." The Sith snarled as he stepped forward and began his attack on Tarw.

Tarw only wished that Valery was safely getting away at this point since he wasn't too sure how long he would be able to fight the Sith Lord back. The power and speed of his opponent was intense. He slashed and used his blade more like a Mandalorian beskad, not adopting the rusty Lightsaber Forms that he had learned years ago.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

Escape was easy.

As a former Shadow, Valery never struggled to infiltrate or get out of any location or situation, but many of her skills were only useful when she worked alone. Now that she had separated from Tarw, she could keep her Force signature suppressed and slipped into her familiar use of Force Cloak, allowing her to pass through the entire facility unseen. Closed doors or even walls were no obstruction either, as she phased her way through whenever she needed to.

Eventually, without any struggle beyond maintaining those demanding skills, Valery stepped outside and looked over her shoulder. It still bothered her that this was the only way out, but she was certain that she could return the favor.

As long as they kept alive, she'd find him and bust him out.

<I've made it,> Valery communicated telepathically to him — a final signal to let him know that he could surrender and that she would be fine.

Now, it was her turn to make a move.

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

His blade clashed with the Sith Lord's, the only reason Tarw was able to perform any form of resistance and maintain survival was due to the fact that he was Mandalorian by blood and his instincts in melee combat had been honed by the Jedi and by his Mandalorian aunts. It was short lived and several jabs and cuts seared against his flesh and weakened his attacks as well as defences. When he heard that Valery gotten away, he was grateful, he was pouring in sweat from the mixture of pain as well as the exertion from constantly attacking and defending.

Before the Sith Lord decided to strike a killing blow against Tarw, he paused and stepped away. He too sensed the disappearance of the familiar presence in Valery. "You deceived me Jedi. Your ploy will be your demise." He growled, throwing a powerful blast of Force Lightning that hit Tarw and wracked his body in severe pain and forced him to collapse on the ground as he convulsed in pain. Tarw held back from screaming, refusing to give that satisfaction to the Sith Lord.

"Saving your Master was foolish, they will return to save you and then I will spring my trap to enslave them, as I will enslave you, boy." This Sith Lord sneered in glee.

Tarw could only grit his teeth in agonising pain. He could not think of anything else as he shocked continuously.

---

It had been a week.

For Tarw it had been a long, excruciating week. Each day there had been pain and mental torture inflicted on him. New creative ways to ensure that Tarw never knew rest or could recover from the pain. He was topless and his underlay trousers were ripped in places as his skin was blackened in places with burn marks from electrical tortures and marks of cuts and incisions were made against his body. He was chained in place and left hanging for the moment. Left with the dark horrific attempts to twist his memories, to warp his emotions and upbringing.

Tarw didn't know how long he had been left here, it felt like months not days at this point and he refused to surrender to the desires of this Sith Lord but he was praying that Valery would turn up any moment. He wasn't sure how much longer he could take hanging like this. There was no way that he could resist nor could he fight his way out of this Sith Lord's dungeon.

He wasn't even sure where he was anymore.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

Valery moved with silent determination through the shadows of the Sith stronghold, her senses sharp and focused. The air was thick with the dark energy of the place, but her resolve was unwavering. She had traced Tarw's presence to this location after days of relentless searching, following the faint echoes of his pain through the Force.

As she approached the entrance, Valery reached out with her mind, brushing against Tarw's tortured consciousness. He was alive, but barely. The Sith Lord had done everything to break him, but Valery could still feel his resilience, his refusal to give in. That would be enough — he wouldn't have to suffer much longer.

She was coming for him.

With a deep breath, Valery slipped back into her use of Force Cloak and breached the entrace by phasing through the walls. The Sith was likely in here, so she knew this was going to be difficult — traps, guards, and the Sith Lord himself would stand in her way — but she had no intention of leaving without Tarw.

He had been willing to sacrifice himself for her, so she'd be doing anything in her power to bring him back.

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

The Sith Lord's personal base was a small but definitely well guarded stronghold. With a large number of soldiers and imperials there to protect and assist the Sith Lord in his operations. The Sith Lord himself was still at the stronghold, though he was housed in his personal lair. The lasting impact that his torture was having on Tarw was making the soldier struggle with what was reality of his memories, did he truly feel love from his father, his mother, his aunts? Or was he merely abandoned to be indoctrinated by the Jedi, or the Mandalorian culture?

There was a rage, a hatred in Tarw that he had thought the Sith Lord attempted to put inside him to corrupt Tarw. But right now he wasn't sure, he just knew it was there. The Sith would boast that there was a secret he held that Tarw was not ready to believe. That he knew something about the death of his father. That there were spies in the Galactic Alliance that served him. That served the Sith. Tarw knew spies were common but he refused to believed his father was killed for being a spy, or killed by a spy.

He knew it was a bounty hunter.... Right?

Tarw just needed to get free. He needed to get away from here. Somewhere far away so he could clear his head. Tugging hard at his chains, he couldn't get free, his strength was lacking as they were barely feeding him enough to stay alive yet alone maintain his strength to fight. He closed his eyes in the bright room and just hoped he would get a sign soon of his rescue.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

Within the facility, Valery had patiently waited for the Sith to leave Tarw alone in his cell. There was still a guard, but he wouldn't be of any concern to the Jedi Master. Ideally, she'd take Tarw out without confronting the Sith, as much as she wished to bring him in for what he had done. But every second wasted was a risk to the soldier's life, so her priority was simple — free Tarw from his restraints and get him out of the facility.

Soon enough, Valery phased into the cell block without revealing herself. The guard was as oblivious as the soldier in captivity and paced around with his rifle held at his waist.

A faint tremor in the Force appeared, and a split-second later, a violet blade punctured his back and went straight through his heart. The guard gasped for air one last time before his body hit the floor. Valery was standing behind him, her gaze focused on the body for a moment longer. She was not fond of taking lives, but in this case, she knew she had no choice.

"Tarw," Valery began as she disengaged her weapon, "Are you alright?"

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

As he was dangling from his restraints, he lifted his head when he sensed something familiar entering the room. It was pure luck that he spotted Valery as she entering the room but he did. She quickly and efficiently dispatched the guard before working her way to him. Looking beautiful and heroic, his saviour in his darkest hour. However, Tarw could feel something clawing at the back of his mind, dark thoughts that were planted there by the Sith on exactly what this could be.

What if Valery was a vision? A false dream, an attempt to break his hope by snatching it away.

It seemed unlikely that the Sith Lord would know to use Valery as the one to save him since he hadn't revealed it had been Valery who was with him on the mission. Tarw stumbled and felt how physically weak he was now, placing a hand on Valery's shoulder to stabilize himself. Breathing in deeply, he looked her in the eyes. She seemed real, felt real against his hand.

But there was concern in his eyes still.

"Are...are you real?" Tarw asked, hoping, needing this to be real and an escape from this hell-hole.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

To answer him, Valery raised her hand, and every metal restraint that kept him from leaving snapped into pieces. She smirked, looked over her shoulder, and noted that they hadn't yet been spotted. That was likely going to change as soon as they tried to make their way out, especially with Tarw barely able to move.

But every second of surprise they had, she'd have to take.

"I told you I'd come back," Valery said before she helped him to his feet, "We can talk more later. First, we get you out of here." She briefly let him be to rush over to the door, her eyes peaking out to see if there were droids. Guards and Sith Lords, she could see, but droids could just as easily set off an alarm.

"We're clear, for now, so we should get moving." She looked over her shoulder, her eyes sweeping over him to make sure there weren't any life-threatening injuries.

"Can you walk?"

Tarw Rhyfelwr​

 

[Tarw Rhyfelwr]

Outfit: Casual Attire
Equipment: Blaster rifle, thermal detonators
Tag: Valery Noble

The restraints were removed, it seemed real and he could rub his wrists. This was feeling real and not a dream. Nothing seemed to indicate that the Sith had broken his mind to implant visions of his rescue to truly destroy Tarw. This had to be real, Tarw knew he had to believe in it. There was no way that anyone knew it was Valery who would come back for him and he stumbled to the dead guard as Valery went to the door to check if there were droids patrolling around.

"Well, I'm so relieved that you did that I would kiss you if you weren't married." Tarw joked, demonstrating that he still had his sense of humour. That he hadn't been destroyed, he needed anything he could get to show he wasn't dreaming or being tricked. "Got a plan for getting out of here?" Tarw asked since he wasn't sure how to do that himself since he had only seen this room and nothing else in terms of the layout of the place.

Looting the guard, he grabbed a blaster rifle and electrostaff, giving range offensive as well as some melee offensive if needed.

"Nothing broken or seriously injured." Tarw stated, "but weak. They have been keeping me starved and on the edge of dehydration since I got here." He informed Tarw, taking the steps towards Valery after he donned select armour pieces and the equipment from the guard.

"I'm up for killing every fucker in this place, especially the Sith, if you want to do that." There was anger and a desire for revenge in Tarw's voice as he suggested the idea.

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link

Valery turned away from the door and smiled at his joke, clearly relieved that he hadn't been broken yet. No person in the Galaxy could withstand torture forever — everybody breaks eventually. And with how long he had been stuck here, she had been afraid that she had come to his rescue too late. But that didn't seem to be the case. Either, he had been able to push himself through, or the feelings provoked by this rescue outweighed the pain of his torture.

Either way, she was glad to see him on his feet.

"Well, the plan was more about reaching you," Valery admitted, "I can't sneak you out of here and you're too weak to pull off any stunts. So... we're fighting you out of here." She'd obviously try to avoid a clash for as long as possible, but she saw no way out that didn't involve her tearing down walls and breaking through enemy positions.

"We're taking the easiest route, though," Valery added, choosing not to directly reply to his desire for revenge, "If we're lucky, we won't run into guards until we reach the outer perimeter."

Tarw Rhyfelwr​