Judgement in the Stars

[Jayce Vitulas]

​

Region: Outer Rim​

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Sector: Ablajeck Sector​

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System: Xal System​

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Location: Docking Station Z22F​

​

The dock was busier than usual today. Ships were coming in and jetting off before anyone had time to speak. The sound of pilots cursing and engines igniting brought a special smile to Jimmy's face. He liked working in this sector, it was quiet. Not the dock itself, that was noisy as hell, but the sector never had any trouble. People came and went, with no fuss. Well, that was a lie. People complained all the time but they were always on their way and Jimmy knew everyone. It was a tight knit place. Rovarc the rancor herder, Sully the smuggler and even Betty the... You know. Just a few of the faces Jimmy took notice of. Even though things ran smoothly here, sometimes he would run off to the command deck just to look at the open galaxy. It was the highest point on the station and had windows that surrounded it. It was beautiful to him. The stars, the nearby planets and every cruiser that docked. He checked the engines every three hours just to make sure the establishment was running at full capacity.

A new ship was arriving to the post today. Jimmy set up a conference room just for a special person. The man was an old friend and Jimmy wanted to make him as comfortable as possible. The gentleman's name was Jayce Vitalus. Jimmy was excited to see his old friend. They rarely spoke unless Jayce was in the sector, which was more common than one would think. Recently, Jayce hasn't visited the post in about four months but Jimmy knew he would be back eventually. He stood ready for the call that Jayce had arrived.

A month had passed since that battle took place on Chalacta, in the Temple of Illumination. The wounds that were inflicted had healed and it was time to meet with Kevros. Two weeks earlier, Jayce had received contact from Kevros' commanding officer, Taric Rageous. The two had been sending messages back and forth the whole month, planning a way to complete Jayce's mission. Taric informed Jayce that Kevros had made a full recovery. This was good. Without Kevros, the plans would be aborted. The Jedi Master, Flynt Ravac, had been searching the galaxy for the two force users. It was either him or them and Jayce would be damned if he was to be killed off by some lousy Republic boot kisser. Everything needed to be planned out correctly in the next few days.

Two weeks ago

"What do we plan to do about the Jedi?"

"We are going to take him out before he can get to us. But first, I need to find out what Kevros found in the temple. I think it has something to do with my vision."

"Mr. Kovani has been meditating for the past few weeks. His situation was critical when we retrieved him from the temple. But he has already made plans to see you."

"Excellent. I'm glad to hear that he is recovering. I wish I stayed and helped but by the time I reached my ship, I was on the verge of collapsing. I slept for three days. It took weeks to get back in connection with the force. Commander Taric, Kevros and all of your men need to meet me at Docking station Z22F. We will be safe there."

"Understood. I will make preparations for two weeks time. See you there Jayce. Be safe. Taric, out."

The plans were set. The Raptor's Claw was coming in on the docking station. The humming of the ship's landing was comforting to Jayce. A long journey had finally ended, for now anyways.

Jimmy was waiting eagerly for Jayce at the entrance of port 0018R.

"Jayce! My friend! It's so nice to see you again. How have you been? Last time we spoke you were talking about a force ability that you wanted to learn." Jimmy was smiling from ear to ear. He loved hearing Jayce's exploration stories.

"I've been better Jim. Got my butt kicked pretty damn hard about a month back. I was so close to aquiring Electric Judgement, but yet again, it was dashed away. But enough about me, how the heck have you been?! I hear you're basically running this place on sweat and grease. They make you the head chief yet?"

"Almost! I got about a week to go before I move into the big office. They finally noticed me Jay. Sorry to hear about your butt kicking. Let's get out of this hanger and go grab some coffee while we wait for your friends."

"You know Jim. You're probably the best friend a guy could ask for."

"Stop it. Just helping out a bud. Nothing you wouldn't do for me." Jimmy smiled and patted Jayce on the back. "You're in my home now. You can rest easy. Oh! Why have you started calling it Electric Judgement?"

Jayce only had a few friends he could rely on. Jimmy was at the top of that list and for good reason. Back in the day, when Jayce abandon his home world, he found himself on this dock. No money, no fuel and no where to go. Jimmy was there to bail him out, he probably got heat for it but Jayce never forgot it and never will. He came back months later and repaid Jimmy for his gratitude. They've been friends ever since.

Later, in Jayce's chambers. The station only had a few rooms available to the public, Jayce was the special exception. He had his own room, perks of being best friends with the man who was soon to be in charge. He started remembering his vision. "66L. What does it mean." Jayce pondered about it till he eventually fell asleep. He awaited Kevros and his men. The battle would soon begin.


[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

The Fury class interceptor slowed as it jerked into submission. Letting go of the controls the pilot allowed for the docking beam to force the ship into the hangar bay. The glossy steel was lit with florescent white. Exceptionally clean, the docking station seemed to be under great care. It was the first docking station that Kevros and his minor crew of subordinates had seen in such pristine condition. The men below the solid metallic ship waved them forward as the pilot turned the afterburners on, hovering until the landing prompt sounded. Stable the interceptor found a complete halt, the sound of the metal legs extending to the hangar floor.

"Great landing Beth, better than the last." Taric said.
"Thanks sir, I've been working on it. I wouldn't want Kevros to jump down my throat like last time."
"Don't worry about him, he still answers to me, remember one thing Beth. Vz-330, Ct-12, and you are my crew." Taric was stern, his voice taking on a military tone.
"Aye' sir."
"Make sure to sign off on the refuel tanks, tell them we want it full. Vz-330 and Ct-12 are going to stay behind with you to watch over the ship, understood?"
"Yes, Officer Taric." Beth's Irish accent slipped out only for a moment as she rose from the pilot chair.

Taric turned away from the front of the ship and walked to the hull of ship, looking to his two best storm troopers he nodded. Beth rounding the corner as she informed them of their duties. Vz-330 shook his in disapproval. Taric ignored it, he had other matters to take care of. Kevros wasn't the only one with friends and meetings to attend. Quickly walking to the lowering ramp, the sound of mechanics chiseling away at the compartments of their ship caught him off guard. Before he could yell to the mechanic working on the minor damage to the interceptor Kevros appeared in front of him. His tall brooding dark attire always made him nervous, blinking fast he swallowed and waited.

Kevros stepped out into the open hangar, the blinding white making him grimace. Of course the mechanic nearby didn't know what soon came next. Lifting from the ground the mechanic panicked, frightened for his life as he rose higher and higher. Just as soon as he lifted, Kevros closed him palm into a fist. Ready to slam the imbecile to the ground he waited for the approaching authority to arrive in a hurried manner.

"Kevros, we have a room for you. Jayce is waiting for you. Might I ask what the problem is with one of our best mechanics sir?" The young dressed affiliate seemed to be just as nervous as the mechanic still floating in the air, dropping his torch and hammer.
"Beth, doesn't allow people to touch the interceptor we do our own mechanical work, you would be wise to keep your men away." Kevros was cold, the frustration in his voice was insurmountable.
"Kevros we promise to assist you and your crew with all necessities. I'll have all the mechanics and engineers focused on all other ships in the station. Right this way."

Taric was greeted by another man and nodded toward Kevros, each going separate ways.

The young man waved onward as he guided them through the hangar bay doors and into the glistening hallways. Before exiting Kevros released the floating mechanic to the floor. A loud crash echoing throughout as the doors behind him slid closed. Walking by the young affiliate’s side he turned the corner the odd numbers painted on the walls as a new door slid open. a long hallway revealing one lonely door.

"The only door at the end of the hall, Jayce is waiting."

Kevros already knew Jayce was at the end of the hall, the force signature he had felt was clearly his. Grinning under his mask he ignored the young guide, the sliding doors humming as they opened. Angry about the events that transpired a mere two weeks ago still flushed his mind. Nothing, not even good news would take that away. In a way it made him stronger, darker, and above all else more powerful.

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

It happened again. The vision that Jayce had, returned to him while he slept. The manifestation in his mind changed from the last time he seen it. He was still on the star ship, he was still holding the book, but the tome had writing this time. It was blanketed in black leather that was worn by the ages of time. The spine wore platinum rings going from top to bottom. The remaining sides were covered in platinum plates that seemed to have tarnished. What appeared to be a belt buckle sat at the opening. Inside the buckle, it had a clever design, which depicted a tree with a red skyline. Tiny shards of metal fell from the tree's branches, a representation of leaves in a delicate way. Finally, a white rose laid upon it, dying. No one could tell what knowledge was hidden inside the confines but like the saying goes, never judge a book by its cover.

​

Inside was layered in writing, depicting every step to using not only Electric Judgement but also its darkside counterpart, Force Lightning. The words where fuzzy in the vision but some of the text stood out. Jayce was hoping to read as much as he could before it vanished. While turning a page, a piece of paper fell out. The parchment's ink was running, it was the same note as before. 66L. Those accursed numbers and that one letter struck a nerve in Jayce, but there was more now. Below the script, were more words.

"The 66th temple of the Jedi Order. The planet Lahn is home to the last remnants of the forgotten past."

Jayce awoke from his slumber. Sweat poured down his face, it reminded him of his days in the forests of Onderon. He felt the force telling him someone was approaching the dock. It was Kevros' aura. He had finally arrived. Jayce wiped his face and began to get himself cleaned up. He would await for Kevros in the conference room on the upper level. Jayce called Jimmy and told him about the Sith's arrival.

"So your friend has finally arrived?"

"Yeah Jim, please see him to the conference room. Oh by the way, don't make him angry. If he gets annoyed with you, it's very possible that he'll strike you down. Just keep your head and bring him to me."

"Understood. Thank you for the heads up." Jimmy felt a tad nervous now.

Jayce looked to the force. He sat on the bed and hunched over, his hands were neatly folded. The force was swelling with in him. "Please let this book still exist. It's time to see this through." He got up, grabbed his saber and walked out of the room. His mind was clear and his goal was set. Time to find this tome that had escaped his grasp for far too long.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

He stepped in, a man waiting for him at the center of the room. He was short, but seemed aged in his time at the docking station. To his knowledge this was the one man the Jayce had spoken of to Taric.

Jimmy.

"Right this way, Kevros. Jayce awaits you up stairs." Jimmy said pint to the steps.
"Jimmy is it not?" Kevros Asked.
"Yup, I'm the one lucky guy that gets to call this station home, good ol' Z22F."
"Fascinating."
"What is?"
"The fact that you think I care about your pesky lifestyle, I'll find my own way to Jayce."

Kevros wasn't in the mood for upstanding citizens, he had work to do. Better yet, he was having visions of his own. Sparks of red lightning, drawing from the back of his mind. Nightmares had plagued him for an entire week since his escape on Chalacta. Everything pointed to this odd source of energy, distant but there. Images of streaking black leather, bound in book. A tome of sorts that haunted him with needles of pain, a torture like endearment, only when he slept. Pushing Jimmy to the side with little regard to how Jayce would react, he snarled.

His hand gripped at the rail of the steps, the ledge like metal planks giving him enough support till he reached the top. Kevros stopped for an instant, the hazy image of 66L sticking his mind. Almost like a bond tethering to his own energy. Ever since he had been cut from Ashin's Ravening blade he had been experiencing odd inhibitions. The thought of the old wound made him even angrier at the thought of Flynt. The Temple of Illumination had proven dangerous, even with such trepidation that transpired. Kevros found himself a new development in learning a particular force power. The clues he had found within his own nightmares called to him. The force alluring him to a new source of power.

Collecting himself, he stepped inside the angular room, a large window showing off the vast emptiness of space. The tiny stars glinting back at them in the gap of blackness. Flicking his cloak to the side in annoyance he spotted Jayce. The force colliding with fate, a bond unnaturally created.

"Next time greet me yourself, I don't take kindly to acts of neglect." Kevros really didn't mean to sound rude, it was just a bad day. "So, have you been having them too?"

Kevros side stepped till he reached the counter in the wall, opening the shelf he grabbed a glass and poured the nearby liquid. Pushing it to the other end for Jayce to drink, he waited.

In truth Kevros already knew the answer, Jayce and Kevros had been connected through the force, in some weird way. The worst part of it was the images still lingering in his mind, streaks of red stretching from his nightmares to now. Lighting flashed in his conscious mind, caused him to lose grip of the bottle. Before shattering to pieces he quickly snatched it with his other hand. The purple liquid inside swishing around like a whirlpool.

Breathing in deeply he waited for Jayce.

One thing left him puzzled,

66L? Red lightning?

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

Jayce grabbed the violet Ithorian Wine. Taking a sip, he quickly cleared his throat.

"Yep. They started after Ravac subdued me with his Electric Judgement. I scrambled to put the pieces together. In the dream, I was holding a book. There was only one page, leaking ink. Inside it read, 66L. It taunted me. I had no idea what it meant. Last night, I had the vision again but this time, I saw the book. Small fractions of the pages became clear. At the end I saw what it all meant. 66L was finally clear to me."

Jayce looked to Kevros. He stared at that haunting, golden mask. "I know where we need to go."






[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros placed the bottled down. His hood grazed the side of his mask. It was a nuisance for now, his arms rose to the top of his head, grabbing at the black cloth. Slipping it down on to his shoulders, long black hair falling to his back. Listening intently he turned to Jayce.

"Electric Judgement? I thought you were seeking another power?" Kevros paused. "A book? Was it bound by black leather and metal bindings?"

Kevros became more inquisitive as Jayce talked. The idea that Jayce was having a different sort of vision with the same clouded images as him, made little to no sense, another side effect of the Ravening's power. Wondering if he saw the red lightning like him, he was informed of something better. Where to go..

"Jayce ,if what you say is true, I also crave for something in that book. I fear for both our sake the man in my nightmares is to blame. We must take it from him, claiming it as our own. Well....where are we headed?"

Kevros wasn't surprised Jayce had more to add, his nightmarish visions showed him several things, but nothing of a location. Jayce was the missing piece to the puzzle.

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

"Ah, yes well. In the manifestation, the book's intro read, "This memoir is the embodiment of the force. In this, I will explain how I came to learn the powers of Force Lightning and how I adapted it to make Electric Judgement. Who ever reads these series of notes and life experiences will gain the knowledge of both abilities. Jedi be warned. The council does not approve of the darkside's corruption." I remember it like I saw it two minutes ago."

Jayce looked away from Kevros and moved to the window. A battalion of ships raced off into the black sky. The suns of different galaxies painted their way. He took a deep breath and took another sip of his imported wine. Swallowing and placing the glass on the table next to him, he spoke once more.

"66L, refers to a planet. The 66 is in conjuncture with a multitude of Jedi Temples. The book we seek is in the 66th Jedi Temple, on the planet of Lahn. That is where the L comes into all of this. Those two numbers and that one damn letter haunted my dreams for over a month now. If the tome is not on that planet, I fear I will go mad. We must journey to that planet and grab that book."

Jayce looked back to Kevros. "You have had these premonitions too? Explain to me what you saw."





[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

"Lahn, the tropical world in the outer rim?"

Kevros asked, knowing all too well of its enticing tourists attractions. Beaches were littered on the surface of Lahn, even worse for Kevros, the heat. The idea of sweating made him frown slightly before chiming in on what Jayce wanted.

"A man. Tall and built carrying a staff. The jewel in the center seemed to glow with a mystic purple, I've never felt anything like it. Surely it wasn't the force, rather a form of unexplained magic. It had no alignment with the force. I could not see his face, but he pointed at me, a streak of red escaping his fingertips. It was lightning, red with a swirling forms of branching out tendrils. Much like your electric judgement."

Kevros moved to the table and looked down at the parchment, the thin lines showing an odd blueprint. The blue drawing showed him an invention of sorts, mainly for the docking station. Ignoring it he added one more thing.

"One last thing, Jayce." He hesitated. "I saw us both die...."

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

"One last thing, Jayce." He hesitated "I saw us both die...."

Jayce stared at Kevros, almost in disbelief. "Hm." Jayce thought to himself, then repeated what was going through his head. "A man often meets his destiny, on the path he takes to avoid it. If we back down now or try to play it safe, we might die anyways."

Jayce looked around the room. He recollected the times where he was on the brink of death and came back to this very room. He loved it. The assortment of furniture was his little slice of heaven. The wide varity of drinks that Jimmy would bring him. The delicious food, cooked to perfection every time. All of this was his reason to go on this adventure. If he survived and came back, he would remember that feeling of love again. It was his sanctuary.

"This man that kills us. He might be the key to all of this. If he is as powerful as your dream has demonstrated to you, I have a feeling that he is the owner of that book. Instead of our usual approach, I think we should learn from this man."

He's not going to like this at all.



[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros wasn't worried about the dying part, everyone eventually did. Looking to Jayce his words rang true.

"A man often meets his destiny, on the path he takes to avoid it. If we back down now or try to play it safe, we might die anyways."

Kevros snickered under his mask and nodded his head. Jayce assumed the man that killed them was the man that had the tome. This was false, Kevros didn't know who killed them. He had a nasty idea of who, but it wasn't something he wanted to share. The thought of learning from the individual they sought for such power seemed like a fresh approach. Kevros was never blind to new ideas. Rubbing his hands together he contemplated Jayce's proposal.

"How do you expect to have him teach us? My walks of life are more than likely darker than his, even worse there's a chance that Flynt is connected to all this. What if he is a Jedi, the last thing I need is walking into an ambush. I don't mind the idea, I just think we need to be smart about it."

Kevros looked to the window, the sight of the great beyond made him curious. A familiar ship approaching in the distance. His emerald eyes widened, almost surprised at the sight of it.

A republic ship, a symbol of the cause painted blue on the side. Kevros watched as it slipped into a docking bay.

They were out of time.

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

One month ago

The battle in the Temple of Illumination was over. Master Ravac's crew slowly put themselves back together. The ship was lifting off the battle scarred ruins.

"Commander Varus. Can you track that ship?" Flynt was displeased with his squad. Out of a hundred missions, this one failed.

"No sir, they have already jumped into hyperspace." Varus said with a lump in his throat.

"You disappoint me Varus." Flynt walked over to Valara's broken body. Her long upward cut that left her in two, made Flynt infuriated. He was so close to getting her back, he loved her like she was his own. This pain he felt, was like a lightsaber being plunged into his heart. Flynt had never said those words to Varus. They ran over a hundred missions together and not once did he complain about anything. "I'm sorry Varus. I let my emotions get the better of me." Varus saluted and then bowed. He left Flynt alone with Valara's body.

"Sir, the council is on the transmission for you." Kale was fearful of what would happen once Flynt explained the situation to the Jedi. He could lose his chair, which would only add more fuel to the fire.

Tears dripping from his eyes, Flynt looked to Kale. "Thank you, Kale. I will accept this mission's failure as my own." Flynt walked over to the transmission room. He pushed the gleaming sapphire button and a hologram of the council appeared. An hour passed. Flynt finally left the room, distraught.

"More bad news?" Jeremy snickered.

Flynt's eyes glared on Jeremy and lightly force pushed him across the room. "I am not to be trifled with right now. Got it?"

In agony, Jeremy looked at Flynt with disdain. He nodded begrudgingly.

"We are going to find these two Sith before they destroy anymore lives. If we don't, it will be the end of all of us." The council told Flynt about a dark presence looming in the distance. The oldest of the members had a vision that told of a Sith killing him. If he did not stop the two men who escaped, they would inspire an old friend of his to teach them. Through that tutelage it would awaken the darkside within his friend. Master Monarch was the key to all of this.



[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

The pit of his stomach churned with doubt, if the ship carried Jedi Master Flynt, preparation would have to be made. Not only that, Kevros would have to prepare himself for what was to come. He knew his crew would soon arrive, the thought of them getting caught by Flynt made him worry. Kevros actually liked his small crew of Slackjaws. Even if they were humans. He slowly started to realize that humans unlike his homeworld were becoming more valuable by the days. It made him question his own morals, but there was no time for that, or Jayce's reply. The force rippled through him like water, the feeling was all too familiar.

Flynt.

Reaching with his mind, Kevros contacted his crew. Like a hive they were all connected, a force bond strong enough to telepathically alert them.

<<Beth, Vz-330, CT-12 and Taric I need you to get your hides over here, now! The Jedi is here. Bring everything we've got. He'll have company.>>

With the message sent he ran for the exit. The stairs shook as he stomped his way down. Pointing to Jimmy he yelled.

"I need you and your men to shut down the station!"
"Kevros, Sir, that's crazy, I can't just...." Jimmy was interrupted.
"Now! Cut the power to all units, south of resident bay B-24!"

Pushing a long table over he moved it with the force and slid it back for cover. A small plate flew through the air as he continued to shift objects around the room. Quickly moving to the sliding doors of the hallway he originally came from, he rushed through. The wide open hull of the station was filled with a multitude of people. Clamoring through the vast amount of people, Kevros turned to find a few interesting characters. Each cleaning a larger gun than the other.

"Would you all be interested in making some credits?" The odd bunch nodded.
"How much we talking, what we dealin' with?" The Ithorian spit as he talked.
"Name your price, when the job is done the credits will be there, I need you to stop anyone from entering that hallway." Kevros motioned to the door to B-24.
"Sure thing, my crew has your back." The Ithorian grunted as he rustled up his men and made their way over.
"One exception, tell your men only me and my crew are allowed through those doors."
"Got it boss."

Kevros nodded to them, mercenaries were always easy to make deals with. Only they didn't know what they were up against. Looking to the holonet screen he shook his head, the power still hadn't been cut off. He couldn't worry about it, he needed to get his crew. Rounding the corner he found Beth, Vz-330 and CT- 12 running with excessive gear and ammunition for Tarics slugthrower.

Kevros stopped, the force pulsing with the lightside, Flynt was close.

"Kevros, sir! We left the ship and came as soon as we heard. Where do you need us?" Beth asked.
"B-24, where's Taric?"
"He told us he would be here."
"Very well, let's move."

Kevros couldn't wait for Taric, time was against them all.

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

Watching Kevros run out of the room, Jayce was puzzled. He turned to the window to see what exactly the Sith was looking at. You have got to be kidding me. Master Ravac's Republic Frigate was entering the docking station. Jayce knew it was Ravac, the force was screaming in his head. He suddenly turned and started to sprint after Kevros. Jimmy was approaching the room. The two men slammed into each other. Recuperating from the fall Jimmy looked at Jayce and spoke.

"Jayce. What is your friend going on about? He wants me to shut down the station! I will lose my position before I even get it!" Jimmy looked rustled.

"Do it Jim! I know it seems crazy but there is a man who just boarded your post. If Kevros thinks that is what we need to do, do it." Jayce didn't want to yell at Jimmy but this is the only way.

"Are you crazy? Jay listen to me. This is insane."

"Jim. Please. I'm asking you as my best friend. Please."

Jayce looked sternly at his friend. With a deep sigh, Jimmy took out his command key. He walked over to the computer that was hanging on the archway of the room. He plugged in the key and a prompt opened up. Text was racing down the screen. At the very bottom in big red lettering, Emergency Shutdown. Jimmy look to Jayce. The Dark Jedi looked back at him and nodded. The port commander to be, pressed the enter key.

Code Required

Jimmy spoke into the black box. "First Class Jim Renix, Commander of Docking Port Z22F."

Accepted

Looking to his buddy. "I might not be in my office yet, but this is the first thing they give you control of."

Jayce starred at Jimmy with appreciation. "Thank you. Like I said before, you're the best friend a guy could ask for."

The Dark Jedi reached for his lightsaber hilt, gave it a twirl and ignited it. The red crimson beams bursted from the hilt. "Now. Prepare for battle." It was time to get off this station, hopefully without facing Ravac.

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros had met his match more times than he could count. This wasn't abnormal, being chased by a Jedi Master and his crew of misfit Republic troopers. Everything seemed to keep spiraling back into Flynt's undesired favor. The force wasn't to blame, something worse was in control.

Karma.

Since the Temple of Illumination, the world was against Kevros' and Jayce's choice in killing Valara. Then again, if they hadn't they might both be dead. Gripping at his side he felt a sudden sting, a memory of what once was. The bruise was still there, purple, and forming a ring of green. A nasty side effect from the alchemic remedy to speed up his process of health. A few more days and the bruise would dissipate. He shrugged it off as Beth ran passed him, ahead of her were his loyal stormtroopers, who Kevros had given his own names.

For Vz-330 it was Vize.
For CT-12 it was Cid

Kevros slowed down as he watched his crew continue forward, the force telling him of the danger. The elliptic light that flashed in his mind showed Flynt and his troopers in the nearest hallway. Beth, Vize, and Cid all turning down the empty hallway. The silence of the station hum made Kevros nervous, the lights finally swallowing them in darkness. Turning the corner he found his crew waiting for him, they knew something was wrong.

"Sir the lights, they just went out." Vize said.
"Emergency lights should pop on in about.....Now!" Beth became excited, her tone reaching a high pitch.
"They won't come on, I had someone cut the power to half the station. Careful, I sense a powerful energy ahead." Kevros informed them.
"You did what?" Cid said, unclear of the general plan.
"You have a plan right sir?"
"Of course, kill them." Kevros ended.

His head inching forward at the sight of five silhouettes in the distance. Shrouded in darkness, Kevros knew who they were. Fighting them here and now was a risky move. They needed to reach the central sliding door of the hallway, forcing him and his crew to fight their way through if needed.

The pitch black slowly became a visible grey, everyone's eyes slowly adjusting to the power outage.

A voice blared from the other end.

"There will be no getting away this time...." Flynt paused. "Sith!" Flynt's voice turned to a cold, cruel tone.

Each group stayed silent, motionless, and waiting.

A Standoff of integrity and discipline for the ages.

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

Kevros' hired mercenaries were watching the entrance to residential bay B-24. Jayce walked out his quarters with Jimmy following behind. Jayce looked at the mercenaries with questioning eyes.

"Who are you?"

"We were hired by a strange man to watch this corridor. His orders were to not allow passage in."

"Good. Follow me."

Jayce took off with a mighty force sprint. Running. Always running. Everyday of his life was a constant struggle for survival. His mother taught him the ways of the force, she was the reason he was as strong as he was. The force cried out to Jayce, leading him to Kevros. Another presence was in the distance. The Lightside was encompassing this person. Master Flynt Ravac. Noticing everyone falling behind, he reduced his speed.

"What's the plan now Jay?" Jimmy was losing breath talking while he finally caught up to Jayce.

"I need you to get your security team ready. We need you and your men's help. Just get ready. If the fighting gets too crazy, run." Jayce's voice was cold, emotionless.

"I won't leave you man. I will fight if you need me."

Jayce looked at Jimmy, surprised. It was the first time a non-force user stuck his neck out for someone, at least for the Dark Jedi. Smiling, he turned his head back to the path ahead. The light was growing stronger with every step. The lights were out. Darkness was filling every crevice that wasn't B-24. Jimmy turned on his flashlight that was strapped to his jacket. It was bright enough to illuminate each hallway they ran down. Turning the corner, Jayce saw Kevros and his men. Blocking the path ahead, was Master Ravac.

Jayce's lightsaber hummed in the quiet hallway. "Welcome to the party Ravac. It's nice to see you here." His grin was a con. Jayce was scared.

"Ah. There is my friend from the temple. How did you like Electric Judgement? Shocking, wasn't it?"

"Cute. This time will be different."

Laughing. "Okay then, how about I just give you a duel? See if your saber skills are better than your electrical resistance?"

"Fine by me."

Ravac used the force to look into Jayce. The light and dark spiraled in harmony within the young force user.

"So I was wrong about you boy. You are not a Sith after all."

Jayce looked at the Jedi, perplexed. "Why would you think I was a Sith?" Jayce held up his saber and pointed at it. "Because of this?"

"No." Ravac reached for his saber. "Because of your brutality on my Apprentice. It doesn't matter. I will end you here and now."

An emerald blade emerged from the Jedi's hilt. Ravac pointed the blade towards the ground, slowly raising it.

"Come. Face your destiny."

[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros knew that Jayce would eventually catch up, slipping himself into the unfortunate situation. The wide hallway was enough for ten people wide. This gave both sides of the conflict equal room to decide how the battle would ensue. Kevros lifted his hand at his men as he waited for Flynt to finish. His crew obliged as they aimed down their sights. An odd calming washed over them, Flynt stepping forward as he challenged Jayce.

Beth Sighed, then held her breath for a better shot, her long blonde hair wrapped in a bun. Her vest was tight, hugging her curves. Her legs were fitted with a jean-like material as she bent to one knee. Her gun propped against her shoulder. Beth could feel the intensity of the situation, sweat pouring from her forehead. Squinting her left Violet eye peered through for the shot, her finger lingering over the trigger. All she needed was the order, patience was her specialty.

Vize wasn't fazed, he'd been in the Bantha Poop before. Everything from swarming Jedi, Sith, Witches and the best snipers in the galaxy. Nothing phased him, in fact the one time he showed an ounce of expression on the battlefield was with a large metal piece of shrapnel in his chest. Even with something like that he trucked on, he would be damned if he met his fate here. Perfectly focused he looked down the hallway to the other four soldiers. The idea of killing the scum that cause Kevros' serious injuries before made him slightly tingle. Like a natural born killer, Vize was ready.

Cid was that one lucky person that happened to escape with his life in the most ridiculous ways. His service in the imperial army taught him one thing, never talk back to your commanding officer. it was the one thing Cid still to this day had a problem with, authority. Taric and Cid would constantly argue. Underneath his stormtrooper gear was a mid-aged human male, dents in his face from an encounter with a Sith. Regardless of it all he was notoriously known as specialist in Slugthrowers. Taric's gun had been placed in his care. Instead of leaving it strapped to his back without use he aimed it steadily forward, the gang of Republic troops staring back.

Taric was unaccounted for, but in his spot still stood Jayce. Flynt clearly had a score to settle, but first it would be the one with blood on his hands. This was fine, only Sith didn't play fair. Kevros' hand slowly fell to his side, the signal for open fire ensued. Lifting a pistol from beth's back utility belt he aimed it forward, his mind pulling the trigger.

***​

A few minutes prior to the Standoff...

Kale stepped in and laughed. "That freaking guy was pissing his pants!"
"He was so drunk the stewardess slipped on his puke and he thought it was one those old slip and slides." Jeremy said, slapping his chest while laughing.
"You guys are the worst, poor guy could barely walk out the bar."
"Shut up Roman!" Kale and Jeremy said simultaneously.
"Alright boys buck up, Flynt's got news. Looks like our little group of rag tag hutts are here."
"Nothing a grenade won't fix, am I Right Jerm?"
"Hell yeah!"
"You two are such cowboys, now tighten up." Commander Varus was done playing childish games. "I need all three of you to be sharp, got it? Enough of those darn stories, I mean it Jerm."
"Yes, Sir."
"Alright now, Flynt will be a few minutes. I need you guys to get the gear you're gonna need for a hell of a time. Roman keep your wits about you, unless you want another balcony to topple on top of you."

Kale and Jeremy laughed, at least now they could. Roman had gone through some serious pain. His concussion left him out of the game for a week. Not only that the poor rookie was getting a mean infection from an open wound. The medical probes did a good job though, stopping the infection before it got serious. Now Roman was good as new, something Kale, Jeremy and Varus were happy to hear about. Strapping up, Flynt approached them, his brown robes waving in the air behind him.

"I registered the ship, here."
Flynt handed Varus a small ID badge.
"What the..."
"It’s a badge, allowing access to....well you know."
"Understood General. On your lead."
"Right, we need to stop them before they can refuel and get off the spaceport dock. I've seen them, running. All of them rushing to toward their hangar. I saw darkness after that, nothing more. My abilities in force foresight are lacking. However, I can feel them, come we must move quickly."

Flynt ran through the long hallway with his troopers, the commander last in line. Geared and gunned, they were ready for a war. Not letting up the continued through the maze of filled corridors. Flynt came to a halt, a large durasteel door, locked, preventing them into the next foyer. Kale pushed him lightly to the side.

"I got this." Kale said.

A long metal pole appeared from his hand, magnetic it stuck to the door. A small inner mechanism lifting to the surface. Buttons blinking as he pressed in the code. A square titanium outlet sticking to the obstruction. A loud hiss came after. Kale tapped hard on the pole as he wedged it nicely against to frame of the metal beams. Stepping back he moved the rest of them to the side.

"Fire in the hole!" Kale yelped in excitement. His thumb clamoring down on the small pen like key to it all. A loud combustion flung the entire metal door backwards like a hurricane threw trees. The snapping sheet metal from inside screeched, smoke clearing as Kale stepped inside. "Told Ya."

The group shuffled in and turned, the lights suddenly losing power. The pitch black causing them to move slowly. Reaching the wide open ended tunnel Flynt felt it.

Kevros....

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

Kevros initiated the fight. The slugs of blaster rounds started combing the air. With not much cover, the republic troopers began to back up to the next hallway. Kevros and his men did the same. Jayce and Ravac remained still. Ravac blocked the blaster's fire with his lightsaber when they got too close. Jayce slowly started moving backwards. I need to get Ravac away from here. Give Kevros time. Jayce started to force sprint away. Ravac quickly following him, believing the boy was too scared to fight.

----------------------------------------------------​

The room was dark. The humming of Ravac's lightsaber echoed off the walls. "You can't hide forever boy. I can sense you. Give up now, trade your life for the one you stole. I will grant you quick release." Ravac's words rang through the corridor. Still sitting in the darkness, with his saber lighting the way. "Come out now you miserable coward." A light in the distance came straight for him.

Voom, chhhhh.

Ravac was covered in the glow of his enemy's crimson red lightsaber. "You'll fine that I'm full of surprises." Jayce released himself from Ravac's blade. Clearly, sneak attacks weren't going to work.

"Very smart, using the darkness against me. Futile but admirable never the less." Ravac seemed like he was almost trying to teach Jayce.

"Well. I guess I won't try to trick you any longer." Jayce twirled his saber, and pointed it at the Jedi. "Come, let's not waste anymore time."

The blades collided again. Each swing was increasingly harder to block. The strikes from the jade saber were pushing Jayce to the ends of his strength. The Jedi was a worth opponent for Jayce, Ravac didn't feel the same.

"Yield!" The Jedi swung again and again. "Yield!" The screams were powerful, vibrating off the wide area.

"I will not give up. I will not surrender until you kill me." The young man was relentless with his strikes.

The blades crossed one more time. Bending back and forth, the two man poured all their strength into their blades. Jayce was losing this fight, his only hope was to use the darkside. It might not be enough. "I sense much fear in you boy." Jayce starred into Ravac's eyes. He was enraged. "Stop..calling me.. BOY!" The Jedi flew across the room. Jayce had released the darkside. His hated over such tiny words fueled him. Unfortunately, he lost himself. The harmony of the two sides in Jayce had spun out of control, the dark consumed the light. His irises were a canary yellow.

"So. You finally lost yourself to the corruption." Ravac laughed as he spoke. "The light shall prevail."




[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

The Gun fired, grazing by the charging Jedi. The solid green beam of justice avoided the onslaught of bolts. Deflecting them back toward Kevros and his group of misfit troops. Like a light show in the dark, the vibrant variants of plasma bolts bounced around the hallway. With a few rigid cover spots to the sides of each wall, Kevros slid into cover. Flynt rushing by him as Jayce found his challenger. The bright sparks of electrical conduits lit the passageway for only a moment. This gave Kevros plenty of time to fire another round, this time with his left hand. The trigger pushed back on his finger, and the bolt jolted forward. The streamline of red, aiming fight for Commander Varus.

The Bolt found its mark, the commander on the opposite end of corridor staggered back. Varus' protective gear preventing a fatal wound to his chest. Kevros shook his head as he turned back to the inside wall cover. He could sense the bolts aiming for him, as they flew by, streaks of blue energy melting into the far outlet wall behind them. He needed a bit more time before he could suppress most of the fire. He had studied the art of force absorption, but never tried practicing it. A saber would be inadequate at this point. The hail fire of bolts and physical ammunition flying, was too much to handle for his knowledge of Shien. The only thing that seemed to cross his mind was Force Absorption, capable of suspending the bolts in the air. This would give Beth, Vize and Cid enough time to push an advantage.

The only thing now was how to manifest its power.... And Soon.

***​

​

"He took one in the chest." Roman said as he fired off another few shots, the dark figures across the way running for the side wall covers.
"Crap!" Jeremy's voice grew agitated, beams of red plasma grazing his armor. "Karking thing is jammed. I need another."
"Coming up." Kale said, letting a massive burst of bolts down the hallway. "Here." She tossed another gun through the air, intended for Jeremy.
"Guys watch out!" Varus yelled. A well-aimed incendiary bullet smashed into the floor in front of them. Flames sizziling out before damage was done.
"Holy Kark, this is your favorite gun Kale! You never let anyone use it! Oh baby this custom bad boy is making me wet!" Jeremy fired with excitement.
"Give Flynt more shots, his almost out of harm’s way men. After that, kill the Sith first!"
"Aye' Sir!" Kale, Roman and Jeremy all synchronized their voices, each letting Commander Varus know he was still in charge.

Kale was sure a well-placed grenade would give them time. Only the flurry of dangerous shots forced to back away into the side foyer wall. Things were getting heated, just the way Kale liked it. He always had a good sense of well-placed explosives and when to use them. Looking to his comrades he smiled, nothing beat serving with such men as these. Letting a few more fly, Kale worked out a plan in his mind.

Varus knew the badge Flynt gave him was for access to another hangar bay, where reinforcements were waiting to be let in. This was due to Fylnt's vision, everything seemed to be exactly as he told it. Even the bolt in the chest, except Varus got lucky on that one, another well placed shot like that and he would be dead. Soon the security team would show up. Unfortunately for them, they would be on Jayce's side. All things considered, Varus tagged one, the woman at the far end of cover let out a tiny shriek. The smell of burning flesh forcing a happy grin on commader Varus' face.

"Take that ya filthy hutt!"
"Good shot Sir!" Kale yelled, the sparking wires through the passageway causing loud hissing noises.
"Thanks, don't let up!"
"I think I got a plan sir!"
"Bout time Kale! Let's hear it!"

***​

​

Beth let out a cry, the wound formed around her arm. The dark ring around her wrist made her wince. Next to her was Vize. Looking down at her as he shot, he ducked behind cover. Yanking her arm toward him he examined the wound. She would make it, is all that he could be sure of.

"Beth, you'll be fine. Can you still fire?"
"You betcha!" She paused. "I can land pretty well now too!" She screamed as the pistol lifted to the air.

Hell was a form of colors in the darkness, in it were victors and losers...

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]

 

[Jayce Vitulas]

Jayce's rage had gotten the better of him. Thinking of no possible way out of this fight, he used the Darkside to give him power. It betrayed him and took over.

"You see what anger and passion does to a man? It turns him into a beast."

Jayce began to swing his saber erratically. Charring the walls, sparks illuminated the the room. "I will kill you." He was losing control. The once proud Dark Jedi was now an abomination to what he once believed. The Force was harmony between both sides. This act of violence, showed the Jedi what happens when you tamper with the Darkside. That made Jayce even more angry.

The hissing of cut pipes filled the corridor. Ravac was walking around Jayce. The two partook in a dance around each other. It was the same thing that happened in the Temple of Illumination, with Valara. The blades met once more.

Vroom, chhh, wuoom.

The sound of the lighsaber duel could be heard from the next hall. "This is the end of the line. This battle will go on no longer." Ravac seemed to be done playing with the young Dark Jedi. The jade lighsaber was ready for the final showdown. Jayce stared at his saber. Remembering the time at the temple.

"Do you want to know what Valara said to me? Before I killed her that is." This wasn't Jayce, this was the Darkside's influence speaking in his stead. "She begged for her life, said she didn't mean to block my way. I laughed in her face." He was lying. The idea of cutting Valara down plagued him. All he wanted was for her to survive and just give up the book. "She blamed you for why she was there in the first place. It was sad. Couldn't take responsibility for her actions, what a child." Ravac knew what Jayce was trying to do. The Dark Jedi was sloppy with his words. If Valara was really on the verge of death, its because she chose it. She was always like that. Never backing down, never running away to survive another day. It was haunting to Flynt, but he wouldn't let his anger get the better of him like it did his opponent. He was a master, controlling your anger was the only way to not be corrupted.

"You spout lies to con me into losing control. How would that help exactly? If I did turn to the Darkside, you would die faster. Just give up and lay your head at my feet."

"Oh my naive Jedi friend. You are the one who has lost." Jayce ran towards Ravac, lifting his saber over his shoulder. The Jedi looked at Jayce and extended his hand. The rippling of the force sent the young man flying backwards. "Gave up on thinking I see? Good. You are blinded by rage. I have won this fight. Again."

Jayce, still laying on the floor, looked up at Ravac. "Killing me won't bring your precious student back." Blood dripped from his lip.

"There is no death, there is only the Force." Ravac said calmly.

The words rang inside Jayce's head. He remembered saying that to Kevros after killing Valara. It echoed within him.

There is no death, only the force.




[member="Kevros Kovani"]

 

[Orion Darkstar]

Kevros stepped out into the flurry of deadly projectiles. His arms both jerked forward, his mind clear of what was around him. The flashing images of energy washed over him. He remembered the studies from Sinistra. While he wasn't training the ability to force absorb energy around him, he called out to the darkside. The placid image of a pond swept through the conscious state of his effort. As if he was flung into another dimension he saw a copy of himself. It caused the pond to turn red, siphoning the waters energy in one fell swoop. The doppelganger taunted him to try, his mind forcing him to break free of limitation.

Kevros could feel the inner sanctum of darkness deep in the water. Stepping into it he felt a sudden spark of pain and fear. The steps in order to control such emotion was to let it freely take over and use it as power. It was key to the exercise, only now it was life and death. The republic troops all averted their aim at him, Kevros standing still in the hectic hallway of it all. He needed to snap back into reality, but not before he forced himself into controlling a new source of power. Bending over in his alternate world, he reached for the water. His hands forming ripples, the sound of glass shattering. The doppelganger laughed at him, his failure slowly leading to success. Snapping out of his tormented trial of control, the power within, he strained.

The bolts all fired in one calculated spray of hope from the republic troopers. Kevros let loose the constricting weight of the force, he had been holding back. A quick release of pure invisible power shot from both his hands. Kevros' watched as the air pockets around the fired bolts stopped dead in their tracks. His golden mask tilting to the side as he began to shake. It took everything he had to muster the ability. Hunching over he looked at his trembling hands, unaware of what came next. A small metal bullet, squeezed through the suspended bolts in time. Ripping through his shoulder, Kevros was lackadaisically tugged backward. The inner metals of the bullet cut, tore and shaved some of the bone as it reached its exit. Rattled by the immense pain something worse was in store, through the great feat of his own, he provided what Kale needed.

A slowly rolling grenade making its way in between Kevros and Cid.

"Oh Kark!" Cid jumped out of the way fast.

The high pitched chime sounded, it was too late. Bracing for the impact Kevros was sent flying backwards. The tile of the floor flowing through the air with him, he slammed into Flynt. The green blade ready to strike Jayce was sent into the wall. Kevros and Flynt both dragged along till the slammed into the glass window of the central hull. The crowd of sentient beings running as they screamed. Flynt had taken the brunt of the impact, Kevros falling beside him. Blood spitting up from his mouth as the taste of iron reached throat. Spitting he reached for his shoulder. Letting out an infuriated cry at his predicament he crawled away from the Jedi. Shaking still, he tried to reach his feet, to no avail. The images of a sanguine figure stained his mind.

The laughing jesters of the other side played a harmonic tune. Kevros was lost once again.

This was new, very new....

[member="Jayce R. Vitalus"]