Dominion Artistic License: GA Dominion of Arkania

[Sola Sundar]

OBJECTIVE 2: THE JEDI PRAXEUM​

The voice caught me off guard. I hadn't expected anyone to speak, as the presence had been further away. The distraction of approaching others had allowed the one already inside to come closer without being watched. I should have been paying better attention to the immediate. Either way, my gaze in the Force focused almost solely on the one who spoke, examining him and finding him to be rather neutral. Not a Jedi, it seemed, but not a Sith either. Perhaps someone still searching for their place in the galaxy.

"There are always others along the path," I said as the stranger moved on again.

Those who were approaching had reached the entrance to the place. I could feel four of them. These appeared to be Jedi, which meant I had nothing to fear from them, but I didn't really wish to speak with them just yet. I had a mission that needed to be completed and these Jedi would have many questions about myself and the Chantry that would ultimately distract me from my task. Perhaps when I was finished I would speak with them.

They called out to me, and likely to the one who had walked away from me, but I didn't immediately respond. It was obvious they knew someone was there, but I had half a mind to let them think it was only the man. It was an unreasonable expectation, however, as they had likely felt my presence already. Hiding from them now would arouse suspicion and they would try and seek me out. My tattoos glowed in the dark as indecision weighed on me for a short time. Ultimately I decided not to wait for them, but that it might be wise to speak to them such that they knew I was there and meant them no harm.

"I, too, mean you no harm," I said, just loud enough for them to hear, "but I cannot linger to speak with you just now."

With that, I took the stairs that the other had disappeared up. His cryptic message had enticed me into believing he was looking for the same thing as I, which meant that if he found it and had ill intent he could destroy it before I reached it. There was far less chance of that with the Jedi behind me. Following him seemed the best course of action. He may not like that choice, so I was prepared for him to act with aggression, but I did not intend to harm him and continued to maintain a neutral presence, my emotions held fully in check so that they would not betray me.

Something within had drawn him there, as it had drawn I. Might as well find it together.

TAGS: Bastard (Following), Dagon Kaze , Auteme , Aeris Lashiec , Okkeus Dainlei

 

[Bernard]

Objective II
Ripley Kühn

​

"A lot different here than Coruscant, huh?" Ripley asked jokingly. "Can't say I've ever been to a planet covered in ice, though I don't mind it as much as I thought I would."

"You're with the minority with that sentiment. You get used to it, though."

At these temperatures, his breath was plainly visible as he spoke. Over the course of his childhood, he'd become so used to the phenomenon that, upon his first visit off-world to Coruscant's Jedi Temple, he'd been bewildered when his breath didn't cause small clouds of steam to appear. It was nice to have that back.

The doorway was built into the wall in a way that sheltered the duo from the winds and snow. Bernard leaned against the wall next to it, arms crossed, as Ripley went to work on the lock. He kept his hands beneath the marshal's coat, tucked between his upper arms and torso. The cold of Arkania's icy deserts had a way of sinking deeper than one expected. Not even warm mittens could protect idle hands forever.

He glanced over to the other Jedi. He was glad to be back on Arkania, but the circumstances still gnawed at the back of his mind.

"What do you think they're doing in there?"

 

[Takui]

​

He felt it too, even more acutely in the minutes that the darkness began to ebb out of his flesh. When she touched him- the first person to do so after the events on Ziost- the connection between them intensified. Taku slapped her hand away because his entire being reeled when the line between them blurred. He had always felt immense compassion toward others, and he shied away from bonds with other Jedi because of how overwhelming it felt.

It went so far as to allow him clarity about bonds he had nothing to do with, between others. The emotions shared between Maynard and Loske, for one, invaded his psyche with everything else. He felt the despair, but also, the magnanimity of that union.

Now these raw feelings from Xashe were uninhibited, and the calm he found on Arkania sundered. He thought to leave the Core, simply to distance himself from the Order. It felt like he would have to go farther.

But how far?

"Xashe, you need to get someplace warm," he told her, "this planet is dangerous. The cold can kill you in a matter of minutes." Somehow, he felt like she would continue until she found him; but that would fly in the face of his efforts.

The feelings he had only turned from a frigid snowfall to an avalanche when she spoke the words. You didn't even say goodbye to me.

His heart wrenched. Takui was gutted. He hated the idea of hurting anyone, especially not someone who had become one of his closest friends.

"It was never about fault," he told her, "though, I certainly wasn't ready, and I did make mistakes. Because of my infantile understanding of what the Force is, people are dead, and Ziost is worse off than when we got there. The Order has to hold itself accountable, and I have to set an example. A chain is only as strong as its weakest link."

All of that to say, he couldn't agree to see her. He couldn't let her find him, no more than she already had. This threatened the sanctity of the solitude he sought with more poisonous, uncentered thoughts. He was exposed more than he had been on Ziost, especially to Xashe.

She could see through his eyes in dreams. What could she observe of his thoughts? He would never forgive himself if she were infected by the same toxins that seeped into him. This clarity would tear a Jedi apart.

"I took the Barash vow," he said. "I wasn't supposed to tell anyone where I was going, or why. I was supposed to leave, and think. Thats why I'm here now. Don't worry about me, Xashe- find shelter, focus on your training. The Order needs Jedi like you, with integrity. People to keep it honest."

Xashe Tistya

 

[Adhira Chandra]

LOCATION: 500 Republica Ballroom, Coruscant
OBJECTIVE: Objective I - Cutthroat Politics
ALLIES: Aerarii Tithe

​

Adhira had been averse to ethical issues and the potential to undermind humans that came from cloning. The fact that she was in attendance at the extravagant ballroom at all was a testament to how deeply the Arkanians had sunk their diamond-studded hooks into the Alliance. Almost every Senator was in attendance, whether they openly agree with cloning or openly opposed it, making for quite the glittering assemblage. For her part, the Chancellor had been held captive for several minutes by some of Arkania's well-groomed leadership, searching for an escape when she heard just the thing getting mumbled somewhere behind her.​

​

In a sweep of her ruby embroidered cloak, a massive garment which weighed so much it nearly broke the sound barrier every time she moved, the politician turned and trained her venomous dark eyes on none other than Aerarii Tithe , the handsome young snake she'd chosen to serve beside her on the podium. "Aeraaaariiii," the syllables were exaggerated playfully in greeting as she extended a hand in his direction that made it clear he was now her getaway vehicle. Which was fitting as she'd just overheard him use her for the same thing. "I was just telling our Arkanian friends about your galaxy-renowned negotiation skills - I mean, that performance on Tiss'Sharl was... masterful," her eyebrow raised in the hope he would join the game long enough to pry them both free.​

​

"I mean, just look at him, he could talk a bantha into a nap, couldn't he?" The old woman might have pushed it too far as she winked suggestively at his rear end and made a motion for Tithe to turn. Honestly, at this point, she was desperate but glad it was working. The Arkanians were all laughing and nodding in agreement when she managed to gently nudge the Vice-Chancellor in a direction opposite them and led him off a few paces out of ear shot.​

​

"One more clone cost analysis placard, and I swear, I would have paid for my own assassination," she hissed at Aerarii, grabbing a drink from a nearby waiter and chugging it. "Where the hell have you been all night? Not hyperventilating in a storage closet again I hope?" The Chancellor could not help but chortle into her drink.​

​

​

 

[Suri Vullen]

H U N T
Aaris Kolden | Arash Garshasp ​

The ranger chuckled as she rose from her position around the firepit. The commando was a new acquaintance, but a welcome one. He had proven himself different than those who would look down on her branch, and for that, Suri was thankful. It we easy enough to bond with brethren, but outside of that, the corellian often felt alone. It wasn't something that bothered her deeply, but company was still welcome.

"Understatement of the century." She retorted, adjusting one of her various packs. "You ready for this? Arkanian dragons aren't for the faint of heart." She teased.

She had never seen one herself, but most hunters heard the tales and dreamed. Few were willing to face the harsh conditions of the planet, and those who did were often unsuccessful nonetheless.

"Heard one of the other guys spotted droppings near the river. We could take the other side, see if it moved farther out with our scent."

 

[Vexander Graves]

The Garden of the Gods - Jedi Praxeum
Equipment: Jedi Shadow Robes | Cyan Blade |
Bastard | Dagon Kaze | Auteme | Aeris Lashiec | Okkeus Dainlei

After traveling through the snow a great distance, finally the Jedi managed to get to what he thought was the Jedi Enclave or Arca Jeth... his goal for today's mission. Surprisingly for him, there were others inside dwelling within the Enclave and most likely trying to find the same knowledge and information that he was trying to get... based on the mission details, he hoped that they were Jedi... and through the Force he could feel that they some of them had a clear and luminius alignment... but some other were not as bright.

Not giving any room for chance, the Jedi Shadow just proceeded to throw a veil through the Force around him... cloacking his presence... his appearance... his sound. He has been practicing more and more and he was finally achieving the same level that he had prior to his self-imposed exile in Dressel.

Walking with care, focusing on each of his steps, Vexander navigated himself inside... however; just by the entrance, he noticed a trio of Jedi... they seemed to be members of the NJO... the bright signatures he felt some meters away from the Enclave... now that he was closer and almost on top of them, he felt convenient and even advantageous for him to join them up and carry on with the search with all of them instead of keeping himself hidden.

He left a few words escape his mouth and pass through the sound barrier that shielded his footsteps with Force Concealment technique "This place is haunted..." he whispered... he then waited a few moments for them to turn to his general direction and then he released his technique materializing in front of them "...but we are Jedi, and we will not be frightened that easily" the man smiled broadly.

 

[Ripley Kühn]

O B J E C T I V E II
Bernard ​

Ripley's brow furrowed at the question.

"No clue, honestly. The reports couldn't have been vaguer. Immoral cloning operations? Aren't all cloning operations supposed to be immoral? Maybe they're making super soldiers or something." Ripley shrugged, still unsure.

She reached out to the force around her, willing it to touch the circuits inside of the lock. The dark energy sent a shiver down her side as it answered her call. A second later, the scanner flashed green, the door automatic door next to it sliding open. Rising to stand once more, she approached the threshold, before turning back to Bernard and beckoning him.

"Whatever it is, we're about to find out."

 

[Tom Kovack]

Objective 2: Garden of the Gods
Gear: SIB-14 Stun/Ion Pistol | Environmental Bastion Armor

After being led to the ruins of the abandoned Jedi Praxeum by an old man smothered in furs, Tom found himself standing before the snow-swathed ruins. He blinked, seeing white flakes caught in his eyelashes, then turned to his escort. "Are you sure this is it?"

"Yes! You think I would trick you? You're one of the GA people, aren't you?"

"Part time." Tom scanned the entrance. He had expected something more... grand, he supposed. Ancient. Tasteful. This looked ageless, all stone and rounded windows, but it was hardly a marvel of architecture. Not that the Arkanians were known for their architecture. "Okay, I'll go check it out. Thanks. Uh... can you wait here for me?"

"Only so long as the blizzard doesn't get too bad," the old man replied. "After that, your best bet is to stay inside and wait it out with your supplies."

Tom sighed. The thought of getting stuck in another ice cave was about as appealing as... well, as dying. He shivered despite his suit blocking out the extreme cold, then took a few steps forward into the praxeum.

He was looking for the other Jedi, though it was for personal reasons. Some of the things he'd heard about this place were... troubling. He thought he might find someone here. Someone he had been searching for since long before he ever involved himself with the Jedi...

Auteme Dagon Kaze Sola Sundar Aeris Lashiec Okkeus Dainlei Bastard Vexander Graves or Ripley Kühn & Bernard​

 

[Dorsk 156]

Location: 500 Republica
Objective One: Cutthroat Politics
Tags: Adhira Chandra Aerarii Tithe | GA Senators & Representatives​

- 4 hours before -


Dorsk 156 had arrived earlier than everyone else. He had met with the Arkanian Delegation a couple days prior. There, Dorsk agreed to help support them with their cause of getting Arkania excluded from the Alliance's cloning ban. After all, Khomm was the only world exempt from the ban as of now. Though he was new to the Senate, having any allies in politics, no matter how influential, is still massively important. Dorsk also wanted to officially introduce himself to the Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, as even though he had been on Coruscant for a week or two as of now, he had not had the chance to properly meet her and the infamous Aargauun. He arrived early and spoke with the Arkanians about they should approach this gala. Dorsk could provide only basic information, but enough to put on a meaningful and purposeful display. It was technically being held for a long dead Arkanian artist, but doubtfully any that were to attend would know anything about him. The Gala could determine if the Arkanians would be able to keep one of their most long standing practices, Cloning.







- Present, during the Gala -


The party was in full swing. Drinks were all around and many people seemed to be enjoying the fruits of Arkanian hospitality.

Dorsk stood there, being asked numerous questions by the Gala's organizer, Forran Treth, a secretary of the Arkanian delegation. Dorsk had regretted requesting that Treth be allowed to attend the Gala. The only reason why is because he was helpful in getting the Khommite to meet with the Arkanian Reps. For the last 20 minutes, he was caught up with the talkative Arkanian Offshoot.

"Have you been to Ord Mantell, I haven't been myself, but I hear they have the most spectacular berries, uhhh, I forgot what they are called, anyway as I was sayin....."

"Hold on". He put up his hand to silence the man for a moment.

"What is it Senator?".

"The Chancellor". Dorsk could see the Chancellor standing in the distance, talking in a group of people.

"So what, so as I was beginning to say, I hear that......where are you going?".

Dorsk, without acknowledging Treth at all, began to walk towards the Chancellor who was currently with the heads of the Arkanian Delegation, including Arlok Adasca, a member of the most prestigious noble house on Arkania, The House of Adasca. Wearing his formal senatorial garb, Dorsk made his way through the large crowd of Senators. Representatives, Trade Secretaries, Powerful Coruscanti Socialites, among many other types of guests. He had nearly made his way to them when he almost bumped into the Senator from Duro, but was able to catch himself before he made contact. He had made his way there, but didn't immediately join the group. He grabbed a shot of whiskey off a tray as a waitress brought it by.

"Thank you", he said to the Twi'lek waitress as he set down the empty class on her tray and she began to walk away.

He was still was hesitant. The Chancellor was talking with the Arkanians, with their back to Dorsk. He then saw the Vice Chancellor walk up near them and the Chancellor asking him to join them. He wasn't sure what was going as she turned to him and led him off a bit. He couldn't make out what they were saying, but she was probably berating him for something.

As she drifted away a tad, one of the Arkanians turned around to look throughout the room. It was Arlok Adasca. They had actually got along rather well when Dorsk met with the delegation the other day. Arlok had a keen mind, even for an Arkanian, which was saying something. He might have been the 3rd son of his father, the current reigning Lord Adasca, but he was still just as important then his brothers.

As Arlok turned, he saw Dorsk immediately. The Arkanians were supremely arrogant. If Dorsk wasn't the Senator of the only planet that was allowed to clone with the GA, he doubted that they would have never agreed to meet him, let alone speak with him if they had seen him regardless. Perhaps their alliance, had shown how desperate the Arkanians were at this point. Dorsk understood why, but he would use this new "accordance" with them to his advantage as well. Arlok, despite still being as arrogant as his kin, was a bit more tolerant than his Arkanian brethren. That could be because he was a bit younger than the rest of the Arkanian Representatives and had traveled extensively when he became an adult. However, he was not to be underestimated, and Dorsk knew it. Arkanians typically genetically modified themselves and their bodies to make them "more". Indeed it did. The minds of enhanced Arkanians are unparalleled.

Arlok spotted Dorsk and called for him to join the him and the rest of the Arkanians. Being from an Icy world, high sources of light were detrimental to their sight. Luckily, Dorsk had the decorators install a few more lights in the ballroom, but to dim all the lights slightly. Because of this, the Arkanians were able to see naturally without their blinders, which they wore off of their homeworld when in systems with hot and bright suns.

"Ah Senator Dorsk!" "Come join us", said the pure blooded Arkanian as he gestured for him to walk over. Dorsk made his way quickly over to Arlok. Dorsk was not surprised why the Arkanians treated him such respect. To his knowledge, he was one of the only pro-cloning allies they had.

"So Senator, are you enjoying yourself tonight?", said the Arkanian noble as he patted his hand once on Dorsk's shoulder.

"Yes I am, Lord Arlok". "Quite a party you put together".

"Bah, no need for such deference". "Representative Arlok will do fine".

One of the other Arkanians spoke, with a clear cut line, probably rehearsed, "So, Senator, you are the 156th model of the Dorsk clone line, are you not?"

"Yes, I am indeed, however not the most famous". "Dorsk 81 holds that distinction".

The Arkanians tilted their heads back in acknowledge, slowly, mostly likely prowling their sharp minds for any information on Dorsk 81 to hopefully extend the conversation.

As Dorsk 156 stood between the several representatives, he could now see clearly, the Chancellor and her deputy, engaged in conversation.

When the Chancellor would eventually return to the gathered group, he would finally introduce himself.

"Madame Chancellor, Allow me to officially introduce myself", "I am Senator Dorsk 156 of the sovereign system of Khomm". He took a quick deep breath that he hoped no one would notice. "It is an honor to finally meet you". Dorsk now bowed his head and shoulders to show his respect and deference. As he bowed, he offered his hand, in gesture to take hers to politely kiss it, to show his admiration. He would soon turn to greet the Vice Chancellor afterwards.

 

[Seto Du Couteau]

Seto Du Couteau, Senator of Empress Teta
Location: Coruscant, 500 Republica Ballroom
Objective One: Cutthroat Politics
Action: Dancing, Moving around, Listening
Interactions: Open
Attire

​

Seto had often wondered if he would tire himself of balls and galas, parties and such extravagant events. He walked past a group of laughing senators and thought to himself that such of being worn out by galas was doubtful. A trait he must have acquired, to acclimate himself with how draining much of the social legwork one intended to find themselves embroiled if they intended to make full use of such events like the one being hosted by the Arkanian Cloners. ​

​

The low rumble of hundreds, if not near thousands of voices that filled the ballroom brought Seto a sense of normalcy. His ears perked up as he listened for either disgruntled Senate Aides or perhaps some inflammatory gossip. Granted, the day was rather young so the alcohol levels were rather low for the moment. I’m sure that’ll change soon enough. Seto’s smile turned into a wicked grin as he spotted some familiar looking Staffers that were staring at their drinks with near obsession. ​

​

The whole reason for the Gala was to suggest to the Senate to allow Arkania a much wider berth to their cloning practices. Less regulation, if more so to avoid the banning of cloning technology, and more or less a laissez-faire approach to Cloning and to the Arkanian Cloning Companies. Seto hardly found the practice abhorrent, in fact he had even advocated it once before, but he had less things to worry about back then. For the moment he held a more bearish approach to his vote on whether there should be tighter restrictions on Cloning. ​

​

Quickly Seto replenished the Staffer’s drink when he finally approached the man, and within moments the man began to lament the heavy workload he had been tasked with. Research, and more research of finding scientists from Arkania, including amassing charts of the publicly traded companies on Arkania. Seto thanked the man with another drink, or three, before gracefully flowing between more crowds and couples. ​

​

“True substance in variety, Is it honour you seek? Acquire it all the same; as some to their immortal flame, trophies they erect in their name.” Seto quietly spoke. His piercing blue eyes scanned the Gala, all the while his grin tugged the corners of his lips. ​

​

|| Aerarii Tithe | Adhira Chandra | Dorsk 156 ||

 

[Ashalin Pelagia]

500 Republica Ballroom, Coruscant
Objective I - Politics
Those Nearby: Adhira Chandra Aerarii Tithe Dorsk 156
​

Not even a whole day on Coruscant, she hadn't even sat a single session of the Senate yet, not even having time for her and the small retinue that came with her to unpack their luggage at the rented apatments the Pelagon government maintained, before an invitation arrived for the new Senator. This Jarael Institute was hosting a gala about some artists or other, but a quick search through some more... obscure databases revealed more. They were an outreach program for the Arkanians, and with the negotiations her assistant had quickly briefed her on about Arkanian membership as she was hurriedly put into a dress more suited for a Senate party, she could see it was a more thinly veiled attempt to lobby to avoid the Alliance's cloning ban.

"Doesn't seem much different from Tapani politics," her assistant remarked.

"Not true," Ashalin remarked, glancing through the datapad more. She wanted to be prepared for all of this, she needed to know everything going on in the Alliance's political body. It would be astronomically important for her mission and her client, but she allowed a faint smile as she continued saying, "I don't have mother floating around disapprovingly."

​

Garbed in the black and white colors of her House, she could say that the Arkanians at least knew how to wine and dine the social elite. Maybe it was because of their superior attitudes or maybe they were just desperate to not lose a major cornerstone of their planetary economy. Could be both, she thought, even as she laughed at a joke from some Adasca BioMechanical representative. The relieved look that passed, ever so quickly, on his face indicated the latter to her.

All of their big bioengineering corporations and cloning firms were present, along with government officials and she had spotted at least three Arkanians that looked to be economic advisers, ready to present numbers and data to show how it would be such a terrible burden for their planet if they were unable to pursue their number one industry.

"You understand better than many about how devastating it might be, considering your planet's history," an Arkanian said, cutting in to her conversation. Definitely one of their economic advisers, but the man knew his history.

"Of course, it took decades to recover from the Cleansing and then the Gulag and all sorts of other events," she nodded. "Pelagon knows difficulty and how to rebuild from it."

"Perhaps you would be willing to help Arkania avoid a similar fate?" the adviser asked, glancing over at a rep for Arkanian Micro. She followed his gaze, and with an easy smile, she allowed herself to be steered towards the representative. She could see the Chancellor, the Vice Chancellor, and what her notes said was the Senator for Khomm. He would be a strong ally for the Arkanians, to be sure.

 

[Xashe Tistya]

F R I E N D S H I P
Tags: Takui ​

Xashe shook her head once more, unable to fully understand. It all seemed wrong. Snow began to fall around her, small flakes appearing in her hair and on the ground.

"A barash vow? Takui, you don't deserve to be punished. If you messed up, then you just have to learn from it. You're a padawan- no one can expect you to know everything yet. You're sure not going to learn more away from the order, away from those who can teach and guide you."

Her deperate gaze fell from him once more, finding the window instead. A glowing neon sign came off the building across the street. Her expression shifted to one of determination.

"I'm going to help you, whether you want it or not. This isn't right."

Blue eyes locked onto him for a moment before, before her form shifted back to the street she had left. The mirialan looked around wildly and broke into a brisk walk.

 

[Annasari]

OBJ I
SENATOR OF JAKKU | MEMBER OF THE COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS
Maou
​

Annasari sat a a table far away from the action. Her gaze followed those on the dance floor, their warm bodies moving in flow with the rhythm. The arkanians really had pulled out every stop to impress their guests. The hybrid's expression shifted to one of contempt. No flashy party could ever make her forget the look on her mother's face the first time she had asked about her father. No details had been given until she was old enough to understand the concept of abandonment, the shame her father felt that she even existed. The arrogance of it had astounded her. Her young mind couldn't understand how anyone could see another as lesser because of something like genetics. It was an uncontrollable factor, one that did not define a person's competence.

"Ma'am?"

The waiter broke her out of thought. She looked up, a smile that did not reach her eyes planted on her face.

"Yes?"

"Refill?"

She nodded, falling back into thought as he took up the menial task.
​

 

[Takui]

​

"Why don't you get it?" he asked, guilty that she was taking everything so badly. He could feel her conflict. It was a dagger in his heart the same as so many other things, impossible to stop. He visibly doubled over, clutching his chest. "It isn't about punishment, it's about doing the right thing. I got bailed out on Xa Fel, but I even told Ryv I didn't think what I was doing was wrong. And he didn't say it was, either, Xashe-"

Takui looked up, imploring. "There's no good destination at the end of the path I've been on. There's been no accountability, and until this decision was made, no one was calling any of it to question. The New Jedi Order has been skirting a bad path, and now they're running headlong down it. Or at least, I was. I can't speak for anyone else. That's not my place."

He took a deep breath. The air burned as it made its way to his lungs. The corruption burned away in Asmundr's radiance, but it's lingering effects remained with him. Such was the potency of the Force.

"I asked for direction, I looked for guidance, but they want their war. They can have it," he told her, "but I need to find answers for myself. That's why I took this vow. I need to learn more about the Force, and about myself. I need a clarity I don't think I've ever had."

It was painful to speak those words. Xashe and Takui had seen the world differently, but never to this degree. He was far more reckless, and always subscribed to the belief that the Darkness was irredeemable and Sith were incorrigible. To hear himself stray from it at all...

Taku felt solemn sadness descending. He exhaled, closed his eyes, and began to concentrate. "I've been training myself to block things out," he changed the subject, albeit poorly. "All those things on Ziost that took me over... I can't let that happen again," his voice was weak, and he could no longer bear to look at her.

"I want to get better," he told her. "I want to be better."

Xashe Tistya

 

[Aaris Kolden]

OBJECTIVE THREE: HUNT
Tags: Suri Vullen Arash Garshasp

Aaris chuckled at the rangers comment about the hunt not being for the faint of heart. He stepped onto the coals with his foot, snuffing out the last remnants of flame.

"That's cute." He responded. "Neither am I, kid."

He slung his spear across his back, nodding at her idea to start at the other side of the river.

"Sounds like a plan. I need to fill up my canteen, so the river sounds like a great start." He patted the tin jug that hung from his belt, making a clanking noise against his metal armor.

As they walked in the direction of the river, Aaris felt like it was probably the appropriate thing to do to attempt some form of small talk with the ranger.

"So..." He said, clearing his throat. "...Rangers huh?" He was horrible at small talk... at talking, actually, in general. Anything that wasn't directly connected to a mission left Aaris often at a loss for words. So mostly, he spoke about things related to the military... or to war.

"...I've known some great men and women in the rangers... Good bunch... for the most part."

He looked up towards the river, hoping she would begin to talk soon so that he could listen to whatever she had to say... He was much better at the whole listening thing. He actually felt a sense of fear and tension when engaging in conversation with people... which is hilarious, because in battle, he rarely experienced such tension.

 

[Kalie Alverez]

OBJECTIVE TWO: THE GARDEN OF THE GODS
MISSION CODENAME: FOUR FINGER DISCOUNT
DESIGNATION: UNDERCOVER
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET
ACTIVE AGENT: KALIE ALVEREZ
LOCATION: ARKANIAN LABRATORIES
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: COPY TOP SECRET DATA FROM ARKANIAN SCIENTISTS UNDETECTED
COVER ALIAS: TRISH - SENATE DELEGATE

"Hiiiiiii!" Kalie squealed as she waved quickly at one of the Arkanian scientists as he was walking briskly back towards The lab. The man, recognizing her voice, quickly looked over his shoulder and saw the pretty delegate approaching him with a big smile on her face. He turned slightly red in his cheeks as he turned and gave her a smile,

"Trish! ah..Good to see you!" He exclaimed with en edge of embarrassment in his voice.

She ran up to the scientist and gave him an intimate squeeze, causing the man to look around to see if anyone was observing them.

"Ah! haha!" He exclaimed, pulling her slightly away from his body and resting his hand upon her shoulder. "I thought the senate was already in session?"

She nodded, "Yes! but some of the senators are still on the fence." She gave an inquisitive and thoughtful look into the scientists eyes. "I'm almost done forming a strong presentation that will help us to fight for your case effectively in the senate! I'm leaving today..." She looked down, a hint of sadness filling her face, "It happened so quickly... But..." She looked back up at him, hope in her eyes, "You mentioned last time we met that you would give me your research..." The scientist blushed deeply, turning and laughing nervously.

"Ahh, haha! Yes I did! Anything to help you... ah... the senate... fight for our cause. Follow me." He took her by the hand and walked her briskly towards the labs, heading for his office.

"Perfect!" She exclaimed, a hint of relief quickly washed over her face, "This will help us so much!"

 

[Bernard]

OBJECTIVE II
Ripley Kühn ​

"No clue, honestly. The reports couldn't have been vaguer. Immoral cloning operations? Aren't all cloning operations supposed to be immoral? Maybe they're making super soldiers or something." Ripley shrugged, still unsure.

He hmd in response.

Arkanians had a propensity for the megalomaniacal. If their history of ruthless pragmatism was anything to go by, this cloning operation had a high chance of being some biotech corpo's bid for power, and corpos usually had good credits to pay mercenaries.

Bernard removed one of the blasters from his coat holsters, just as the console blinked green. Neat trick, he thought.

"Whatever it is, we're about to find out," Ripley said.

The door opened with a characteristic whoosh and revealed a straight corridor that branched off into two perpendicular paths. The hallway was a sterile, rectangular corridor, entirely barren of decoration or any identifying information. It was unmistakable that this place was designed by and for Arkanians. There was barely any light in the hallway. Only the soft glow of small wall panels kept the corridor from being plunged into pitch-blackness.

"I'll take point," Bernard whispered.

He raised the blaster and stepped inside. The shift from an overwhelming amount of light in the visible spectrum to the majority infrared hallway required a moment for him to adjust. Once he attuned to the lighting shift, he continued down the corridor.

Hallway after hallway stood empty, the occasional doors signed with irrelevant markers. Whatever the Arkanians were doing was hidden deeper inside the compound.

Bernard was starting to get a bad feeling about this.

 

[Kenth Berik]

Location: Arkania
Objective: Garden of the Gods | Kidnap Arkanian Scientists
Tags: Rackham | Open
Squad Strength: 16/16

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
"Power, Strength, Loyalty."​

Kenth was sat at his desk going through recent training reports when his aide walked in. "Sir. Encrypted communication addressed to you." The commodore raised his eyebrow as she spoke. Perhaps another mission he thought as the aide placed the datapad on his desk. Kenth grabbed his code cylinder and plugged it into the datapad and in an instant the message was unencrypted. "So, Arkania eh?" he said while reading through.

Once finished he unplugged his code cylinder and walked out to the bridge where he immediately began barking out orders. "Sub Lieutenant Dreyvar, send an encrypted message to the the Enforcer, inform the Director Admiral we shall complete his mission." the man nodded and got with his task while Kenth withdrew a holocommunicator from his pocket. From the communicator stood a masked man in a black officer uniform which lacked any form of insignia. "Captain. I'm in need of your ship and men. Report to the fleet for tasking." The man offered a silent nod before Kenth ended the communication.

Out of hyperspace the Viconna appeared and the commodore proceeded to make an about turn and walked off the bridge and towards docking bay 1. A small retinue of balaclava wearing crewmen welcomed Kenth aboard the craft, each wearing an insignialess uniform. Once on the bridge Kenth himself removed any patches and donned his own black balaclava and nodded to the Captain. "Set a course for Arkania. Our employer requires some of their scientists." "Yes sir." the captain said and the helmsmen sent the craft barreling towards Arkania.

As the ship entered the system the captain spoke once more. "We are a go for Omega Black. Activate the Stygium Cloaking Device." and like clockwork the bridge crew got to work. The ships lights dimmed as the device was activated. The captain turned to Vaun and nodded. "Very well. I shall oversee the retrieval of the scientists personally. If we are jeopardised launch the QRF." he said before exiting the bridge and heading to the Viconna's hanger. A platoon of soldiers stood before three Aurora Class Stealth Ships, each adoring winter warfare gear although not that of the Adjudicators. Kenth gave their commanding officer a nod who proceeded to bark orders for them to board their ship.

In complete silence the three stealth ships exited the Viconna and nipped their way to Arkania's surface. It was a silent ride although Kenth got the sense the troopers were chatting amongst themselves in their internal comms. Kenth suddenly felt a loud thump as the craft touched down. The troops funneled out of the ships ramp and Kenth pulled up behind them, withdrawing his pistol. "Sir, scans show an abandoned Jedi complex nearby." a trooper said but Kenth shook his head. "Not our objective we move on the Arkanian facility 2 clicks east of here. Inform the other fire teams to converge there." he said and the trooper nodded. The commodore proceeded to begin marching off to his objective.

 

[Kalie Alverez]

OBJECTIVE TWO: THE GARDEN OF THE GODS
MISSION CODENAME: FOUR FINGER DISCOUNT
DESIGNATION: UNDERCOVER
CLASSIFICATION: TOP SECRET
ACTIVE AGENT: KALIE ALVEREZ
LOCATION: ARKANIAN LABRATORIES
PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: COPY TOP SECRET DATA FROM ARKANIAN SCIENTISTS UNDETECTED
COVER ALIAS: TRISH - SENATE DELEGATE

Kenth Berik Ripley Kühn Bernard
​

"So..." Kalie said, sliding her finger across his desk, her eyes taking in every minute detail of her surroundings, "...will you come visit me in Coruscant?" She observed multiple terminals and access ports in the office along with secured vaults behind the desk. She knew she wouldn't have much time... and she needed a lot of luck and a lot of things to work perfectly in order to pull this stunt off without getting caught and without raising dangerous suspicion against the Alliance. The countdown had already begun at this point, and she was mentally counting down the seconds in her head.

"Of coarse I will." He said as he unlocked one of the safes and rummaged deep into the back of the file cabinet. He took hold of a folder, then looked up at her, giving her a smile and a wink. Since they were not in the hallway and in the security of his own office, he felt more comfortable to openly share his emotions towards her, "You mean a lot to me, you know."

She bit her lip and gave him a sweet smile, "Oh, good! I had hoped that this was more than just a fling for you." He stood up and walked around his desk, placing the folder on the table and placing both hands on her shoulders, looking deep into her eyes. "Yes... you are so much more than a fling." He brought one hand behind her head and brought her closer to him.

3... 2... 1...

The two closed their eyes and where about to kiss when a rumble was heard. The entire facility shook slightly.

They both opened their eyes, staring at each other for a second.

"...What was that?" Kalie asked, looking back towards the direction of the explosion.

"I don't know... might be that power reactor acting up again... I have to go check on our samples, make sure they still have power." He walked over to the door, then turned around briefly, "...Stay right here, I'll be quick."

"Ok." She said as he left the room, heading for the labs. 'Don't be too quick' she thought as her eyes trailed him until he was out of sight. She slid his keys back out into her hand from the pocket that she had snuck them into earlier when they were about to kiss.

As soon as she was in the clear, Kalie dashed over to the access port and pulled out her data pad, plugging it in and beginning a security bypass protocol. As the code began to gain access to the system, she ran over to the vaults and flipped through the keys until all of them were unlocked.

"Common..." She said quietly to herself as she set the first top secret folders onto the desk and began to scan them with a small device. it made a whirring sound as it quickly scanned every single file inside of the folder, making a digital copy of each one and saving it internally. The content she pulled from the servers would likely be very helpful, but the true treasure was hidden inside these physical documents... information, formulas... details too important to be digitalized in any form. Her mark, the scientist, was one of the head scientists here on Arkania, so she knew she was getting the good stuff.

As soon as one folder finished being scanned, she placed it carefully back inside the vault and pulled out the next, repeating the process as quickly as possible. She kept glancing over at the entrance, making sure no-one was passing by outside.

"Common..."

Finally, all the folders were scanned. She reached deep into the vault and pulled out three small data drives. Kalie quickly plugged them into the port on her small scanning device, making duplicate files of everything, then she placed them back inside the vault and locked everything back up.

The explosion had been caused by her little side project from earlier. She knew that one of the reactors had been giving the scientists some problems for a couple of weeks now, and so she had carefully placed a bomb inside the reactor... a true feat in and of itself. The explosion would only destroy the damaged reactor, and since they had redundancies in place, no real damage had been done. And no-one would suspect sabotage... it was perfect... hopefully...

She ran back over to her data pad, which had successfully hacked the server. She was in. She quickly plugged her scanning device in to her data pad and began to make duplicate copies of all of their top secret files. Everything was going as planned.

Someone was coming!

She quickly unplugged the small device that contained everything and shoved it into the front of her panties, then took the data pad and smashed it against her knee, shattering it. She put it back into her small bag and looked up just in time to see Arsik, her favorite scientist, come to the door.

"Everything ok?" She asked innocently as he closed the door behind him.

"Yes, of coarse... except for one thing..." He said, walking slowly towards her. Her eyes widened a little, a stream of anxiety filling her as she feared the worst.

"Oh? Whats that?"

He reached over and pulled her into his arms. The two embraced each other in a passionate kiss. Relief washed over the spy as she quietly slipped his keys back into his white jacket pocket.

 

[Tom Kovack]

Objective 2: Garden of the Gods
Gear: SIB-14 Stun/Ion Pistol | Environmental Bastion Armor

The praxeum was almost totally silent. Even the wailing of the wind outside was muted. Tom’s footsteps seemed as loud as glass shattering, though he tried to tread carefully.

In the distance, he heard voices echoing through the passages, like the ghosts of the students who had once lived and learned here. No, that was foolishness. Foolishness and superstition. What he was hearing was probably the voices of the other Jedi, talking amongst themselves. If anything, he was the ghost to them, hovering just outside their circle.

On the bright side, it was warm, almost hot within the structure. He pulled his hood down, wiping melted snow and the beginnings of perspiration from his face. If he had come here simply to investigate, he would’ve been excited to explore and look through the archives. But his purpose wasn’t one that lent itself to much enthusiasm.

He followed the sounds of voices, figuring he’d be safer among numbers. The hallway stretched on before him, with two directions at the end of it. He’d have to go right to meet up with the others. But what was left?...

A tingling forced him to stop at the crossroads. After pausing a moment, he acted on the impulse which begged (no, demanded) that he go left. He walked for only a few seconds before something struck him over the head, knocking his body to the floor with a muffled thud.

Auteme Dagon Kaze Sola Sundar Aeris Lashiec Okkeus Dainlei Bastard Vexander Graves or Ripley Kühn Bernard Kalie Alverez​