Private Gravity Snare

[Braze]

TAGS: Corvin Strix

The transport ship shuddered violently, a sudden lurch that ripped through the hull with a bone-rattling screech. Without warning, the familiar hum of hyperspace faded into a sickening silence, leaving only the shrill wail of alarms. Lights flickered erratically as if the ship itself was caught in a death spasm, tumbling back into real space with all the grace of a wounded beast. A powerful pull—the telltale sign of a gravity well—had yanked the vessel out of its hyperlane, and the crew didn't need to guess who was responsible.

Braze felt the shift immediately, his instincts honed by countless battles kicking in. The feeling was suffocating, like a hand clamped around his throat, pressing down on the transport with invisible fingers. The pirates had set their trap well—an interdiction field designed to snatch unsuspecting ships from the flow of hyperspace. He knew the type; ruthless, opportunistic marauders who preyed on the helpless.

A voice crackled through the ship's comms, dripping with the smug satisfaction of a predator closing in on its prey.

"Well, well… seems like you've wandered into the wrong part of space," the pirate captain taunted, his voice cold, mechanical. "We're going to make this real simple. Surrender your cargo and your people, or we'll rip this ship apart and take it ourselves."

Braze clenched his fists, his jade eyes narrowing. The ship was vulnerable, filled with civilians and supplies meant for Prosperity. They wouldn't get away with this—not while he was aboard.

 

[Corvin Strix]

In theory, the journey to the "Prosperity' should have been uneventful, or so Corvin had hoped. Yet, it seemed as though the galaxy had other plans, a suspicion confirmed when the transport ship was abruptly torn from its course.

Corvin had to brace himself quickly to avoid being thrown into the ship's wall by the sudden jolt. A low curse slipped from his lips as the ship shook violently, followed by another under his breath when a voice crackled through the comms, confirming what his instincts had already sensed.

"Pirates, it seems, Glacia," he muttered to the icy-blue Convor perched on his shoulder, the avian ruffling its feathers at the unsettling news.

The situation wasn't ideal. On his way to the 'Prosperity', Corvin had yet to build his own lightsaber, leaving him without a Jedi's most iconic weapon. He sighed inwardly, knowing he'd have to rely on the combat training his mother had drilled into him over the years. It wasn't the first time he'd been forced to fall back on the more direct skills of the Sun Guard.

His attention shifted as he spotted someone else nearby, another Padawan, from the looks of them. Approaching with his usual calm, Corvin offered a dry, almost sarcastic observation, "I take it this isn't the standard routine?"

Braze

 

[Braze]

​

Spoiler

TAGS: Corvin Strix

Gear

Sabers:
Training lightsaber [Normal] |
Gauntlet Shield [Katar + Shield] |
Corsage [Dueling Foil +Gun] |
Calypso [Hand an a half + Board Saber] |
Sentry [Parrying Dagger] |
Requiem [Light Foil] |
Echo [Two handed with Crossguard] |
Resurgence [Two handed with Crossguard] |
Whirlwind [Chin Kama] |
Twilight [Polearm] |
Nightshade [Throwing Knives]
Hot 'n' Heavy Compensator [ War Maul]

Crystals:
Amplification |
Serenity |
Phantom Ghostfire |
Frostheart |
Entropite |
Tiger's Fang |
Mindshatter |
Echos |
Mestare |
Melee: Knife

Ranged:
Fang |
G.O.O. Gun |
Phantom |
Chiru Tranquilizer Rifle|
FFS- Quiver Trigger - Grip / Stock |
FFS- I. S.P.Y. : Scope |
FFS- H.A.R.M. - Shroud

Thowing :
BA-K177 Kamino Saberdarts X15
E.G.G.S. x10 |
Thermal detonator (Class-A thermal detonator) x5 |
G-20 Glop grenade "Impact" x5 |
C-22 fragmentation grenade x5 |
WW-41 CryoBan grenade) X5
Telescopic stun grenade staff
Serenity Flashbang Incense


Equipped Gear:
Neck: Lightveil Circlet | Charms x3 | Amulate |
Chest: Light Armor [Integrated in to armor | Boots | Gauntlets | Mask/Helm | ]
Belt: FFS- Utility Belt
Left Hand: Compass Ring | BCA - Solid State Hologram Tool Band

Other Items:
Survival Kit |
FSP - Besh ( Advanced Force Suppression Drug )
Sil-Alert Stim
Trauma Care Package
Trauma Kit
Trauma Spray
Aspha Serum
TS-N Healing Serum (For those allergic to Bacta)
Reanimation Serum Aurek
PharmaTech BioStamp
PharmaTech DNA Identi-Kit
Bota M9-A2: Berries
FFS-RIP-Cell: Power Cell |
Vixen's Vault |
In the Zone Compact, Mister, and Lipstick|
Essence of Zeltros DUST Compact|
Lekkuphoira|
S.I.N. Devaronian Blood-Poison Nail Polish|
5 Lbs bag of Thermite |

Ships:
Ashwing - Starfighters
Phantomray Stealth Assault Interceptor Fitted with Werlaara Stealth Suite

Warmount:
Dragon Knight

Guardian:
AX-01 Vanguard Mark I
[Character Bio]

"I take it this isn't the standard routine?"

Braze shook his head, a glimmer of disbelief crossing his features before he caught sight of the mask—or perhaps a blindfold—now fixed in place. His jaw tightened. "No… this shouldn't be happening," he muttered, frustration seeping into his voice.​

Braze's gaze shifted toward the hatch, his focus narrowing as the tension in the air grew. His lips pressed into a thin line as he made the decision. "I'm Braze," he said calmly, voice steady despite the mounting danger. "And you?"

A few metallic clinks echoed through the dimly lit corridor as he unfastened the peace bindings on his sabers, a methodical motion that spoke of experience. He had already recognized the boy before him as a Jedi, but something felt off. The ship was under siege, and yet it seemed that it was just the two of them here—no other reinforcements, no masters. Braze's senses extended through the Force, probing for something familiar, but found nothing. No hum of Kyber crystals, no flicker of light—nothing. The boy had no lightsaber.

Braze exhaled, his expression softening. He couldn't let him go into this unarmed. With a fluid motion, he withdrew Corsage one of his ornate sabers, its intricate craftsmanship glinting faintly in the low light. Gently, he reached for the other lad's hand, drawing it up and placing the elegant weapon in his palm.

"All you have to do," Braze said, locking eyes with the boy, "is feel it through the Force. It will respond to you. Just let yourself connect with it... and ignite."

He gave the boy's hand a firm yet reassuring squeeze before stepping back, his own sabers still hanging at his side, ready for whatever came through that hatch. They were in this together now.

"Let's see if we can do this peacefully. " ​

The truth gnawed at him. Pirates could be brutal, merciless even, especially when faced with easy prey like a transport ship loaded with noncombatants. Families, workers, civilians—they were all caught in the crossfire, and Braze knew there would be no mercy from the scavengers waiting outside. The thought unsettled him, but there was no time for hesitation. They needed to survive this encounter.

As he approached the hatch, Braze's mind raced, thoughts shifting to those who had shaped his training. What would Ko Vuto do in this situation? His old friend was pragmatic, calm under pressure, always calculating, always focused. Ko would handle the situation with precision, defusing it before the pirates had a chance to board, relying on his instincts and connection to the Force. Braze had always admired that about him—his ability to navigate chaos with unwavering control.

And then there was his master, Jasper Kai'el . Braze could almost hear his mentor's voice in the back of his mind, calm but firm, guiding him. Jasper would likely be preparing for battle, but not in haste. His approach would be strategic, always a step ahead of his enemies. He wouldn't charge blindly into danger. He'd plan—survey the situation, weigh the risks, and execute a response that would leave the pirates regretting their choices.

Braze exhaled sharply, pulling himself back to the present. There wasn't time to dwell on what others might do. He had to act, and fast. He could feel their greedy intent pressing in like the gravity well that had trapped them in the first place.

He could only hope he'd make the right call.

 

[Corvin Strix]

Corvin tilted his head slightly, wondering if he had somehow offended the other Padawan. There was a noticeable hint of frustration in his companion's tone, though Corvin suspected it had more to do with the sudden appearance of the pirates than with him. Pirates, in Corvin's view, were little more than an annoyance.

"Desperation, perhaps?" he suggested, his voice thoughtful.

It wasn’t unheard of for pirates to attack transport ships, but if this particular attack was unexpected, it could indicate something deeper at play. The idea crossed his mind that capturing one of the pirates for interrogation might reveal what had driven them to such an act. His musings trailed off as the other Padawan introduced himself, prompting Corvin to give a slight nod in return.

"I'm Corvin," he offered, his voice dipping slightly in uncertainty.

As the reality of the situation dawned on him, he realized that he and Braze might be the only Force-sensitives aboard the transport. Worse, out of the two, Corvin was likely the least experienced, especially considering he hadn’t even crafted his own lightsaber yet.

That concern was soon addressed as a lightsaber hilt was pressed into his hand. Through his Force Sight, Corvin could sense the intricacy and craftsmanship of the weapon. It felt different from the vibroblade or force pike he was used to wielding, its weight unfamiliar but not unwelcome. Following Braze's instructions, he prepared to ignite the blade.

"And if they refuse to negotiate peacefully?" Corvin asked, his voice calm but laced with a quiet seriousness.

As he spoke, Corvin removed the feathered robes draped over him, revealing the armor beneath. It wasn’t a full set, but the sun-kissed yellow Impervium half-plate was sturdy enough for close combat. His pale fingers traced the armor as he fastened it securely, its presence giving him a small measure of confidence in the face of uncertainty.

"Is there anyone else on this transport who can’t defend themselves?" he added, his tone steady as he prepared for what was to come.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Corvin Strix

"If they refuse to negotiate, we'll need to protect the civilians," Braze said calmly, his voice unwavering. His eyes shifted briefly toward the passenger quarters down the corridor. "There are families and workers down there, and they'll be vulnerable. You can either keep an eye on them, make sure they stay safe, or head to the crew and try to stall the pirates. See if they'd be willing to negotiate. Maybe you can suggest giving up some supplies in exchange for them not boarding. Pirates like these—greedy, but they'd rather take what's easy than deal with a fight. We might buy time or even avoid a direct confrontation if they think they're getting what they want."

Braze turned his focus back to the hatch. "Meanwhile, I'll stay here. If things go wrong, if they decide to board anyway, I'll be the first line of defense. I'll hold them off and give the rest of you time to regroup."

His gaze settled on Corvin, offering the younger Padawan a calm but serious look. "Whatever happens, we'll be ready. Trust your instincts. I know you'll make the right call."

 

[Corvin Strix]

As Braze spoke, Corvin's Force sight roamed over his surroundings, making mental notes of doors, hatches, and any objects that could be used to barricade civilians. His focus was on slowing the pirates down, keeping those who couldn't defend themselves safe in case things turned hostile.

He paused, weighing his options. While every instinct told him to confront the pirates head-on, he knew stalling them was the wiser choice to avoid casualties. It wasn't the most satisfying approach, but protecting the civilians took priority. Turning to Braze, he stopped just long enough to offer a few parting words.

"Looks like you won't need it, but... good luck, Braze."

With that, Corvin made his way toward the crew area, ensuring anyone he passed was directed to safety. All the while, he rehearsed the script he'd come up with to buy them time, suppressing his desire to engage in combat.

Upon reaching his destination, he activated the comm link, taking a moment to catch his breath before speaking in a calm, measured tone.

"There's no need for violence. If you'd allow us to continue on peacefully, I'm sure we can negotiate a transfer of some cargo to your ship."

His voice was steady, yet his mind raced, prepared for whatever response came next.

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Corvin Strix

A moment of silence hung over the comm link before a raspy voice, filled with amusement, crackled through.

"Peacefully?" the pirate captain scoffed. "Oh, I like you, kid. Bold, trying to play nice when you're already in the jaws of the beast."

There was a pause, followed by the sound of laughter from the pirate crew.

"Alright, let's make this simple. You drop your shields, transfer the cargo, and maybe—just maybe—we don't blast you and your little friends out of the stars. But don't think for a second we're letting you walk away without paying up."

The pirate's voice dropped lower, turning cold. "Clock's ticking, boy. Make it quick, or things get messy."

 

[Corvin Strix]

The silence that followed felt like it stretched on forever. Corvin waited, tense, for any response from the other end of the comm link. Maybe the pirates had already left, but that didn't seem likely. Pirates never gave up on a target so easily. When the comms finally crackled back to life, the voice on the other end set him on edge. He had to hold himself back from making a snide remark, resisting the urge to antagonize them.

Instead, he quipped lightly, "I'm told I'm a likable person."

It slipped out before he could stop himself, but he forced himself to remain composed, listening closely to their demands. Something about the situation still felt off, like there was more going on beneath the surface. A part of him wanted to charge onto the pirate ship, but he knew that would only cause more chaos and likely put innocent lives at risk. After a brief pause, he responded, voice steady.

"One condition: the transfer has to be done face to face."

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Corvin Strix

The pirate captain's voice crackled over the comms, laced with amusement but carrying a subtle edge of menace. "Face to face, huh? Got guts, kid. I admire that. Too bad guts alone won't save you out here." He paused, clearly enjoying the power he held in this moment. "But sure, why not? Send one of your people over, unarmed. We'll have a nice little chat. Maybe you'll even live to tell the tale."

Laughter echoed again through the comms, but the captain's next words dropped the temperature several degrees. "Just know this: if I see a trick or feel so much as a twitch in the wrong direction, you and your ship are dust. Your choice, boy. Clock's still ticking."

 

[Corvin Strix]

"Not to worry, someone will be there," Corvin said one last time before shutting off the comms. He began making his way back down the short corridor toward the airlock, knowing that while he'd managed to get the pirates to agree to negotiate, the hardest part was still ahead—ensuring the exchange went smoothly.

As he walked, his thoughts wandered to the cargo on board. He could only hope there was something of enough value in the hold to satisfy the pirates. Reaching the airlock once again, he paused to update Braze on the outcome of the negotiations.

"I've convinced the pirates to agree to a peaceful exchange of goods," Corvin explained, "but someone needs to oversee the transfer—unarmed."

Braze

 

[Braze]

TAGS: Corvin Strix

Braze smiled, impressed by Corvin's quick thinking. "That was good work," he said, his voice carrying a note of approval. "Getting them to agree to a negotiation isn't easy, and you managed it."

He glanced toward the hatch, his expression growing more serious, "Now we've got two things to handle," he continued, "Someone needs to protect the civilians, and someone has to keep the pirates talking—stall them, negotiate, anything to avoid a fight."

Braze's gaze returned to Corvin, offering him the choice. "Which role do you feel more confident with?" he asked.

​