Jungle Fever (SSC Dominion of Felucia)

[Valiens Nantaris]

[member="Naamah Aesham"]
2/20
[member="Naamah Aesham"]

Fortunately, Nantaris was able to be a little distracted by a flash below in the jungle as they came in to land.
“Explosion, sir. Scans indicate now deceased rancor.”
“Someone’s started the party early. Set us down in that nearby clearing and bring out the turrets. We’ll make this our starting point. We’ll head to the native settlement and enlist their aid, then organise the hunt from the air.”
He looked back at his command crew. “Scindia, hold the clearing. Myr, come with me and bring the droid to translate. We’ll cut through the jungle to the village.”

They came in to land and the Rangers took cover, setting up shielded automatic blaster cannons and portable barricades to hold the position.

 

[Jsc]

Women of the Past
Splinter in the Mind's Eye - p3

As [member="Matsu Ike"] had said, Karen had caught up with the group just in time to hear [member="Abaigeal E'ron"] ask what had happened here. Indeed, even as [member="Rasu Gan"] stood silent as the grave, there were more questions than answers.

"Interesting."

Karen scoffed without so much surprise. Go figure. Do all Force Visions lead one to such graveyards? Perhaps. But what connection did this unholy site have to a Jedi Master? Surly she did not die here, on Felucia? Nah. That couldn't be it. What were these women looking for?

Roberts remained quiet and began to tromp around the parameter. Looking not so much for clues to the past, but for clues about more present predators. She came to stop at the far end of the clearing and nodded.

"This place is old and the creatures here avoid it with great pleasure. I see no signs of recent animal activity and there are no traces of a nest nearby. Though, what creatures inhabit this planet are alien to me. Be they birds, or men, or subterranean slime. ...No. I suggest we not linger any longer than we have to. For our own sake."

Birds departed from the trees above and Karen cocked her mask skyward. Mm. Graveyards indeed. She had a bad feeling about this.

 

[Naamah Aesham]

(4)
[member="Valiens Nantaris"]


And so the hulking corpse had crashed to the ground, throwing up mud and rocks. The smoke cleared and Naamah looked up from her rifle. Looking through her scope, she scanned for dangers, then picked up the shatter rifle and slowly walked towards the fallen rancor. Huge sections of the beast's head and some of its stomach had been blown away.


As for his meal, well, there was nothing left of the poor cultist since he'd been blown to pieces. He'd presumably been mercifully killed by the rancor's claws before the explosives detonated. She spared his remains a dispassionate glance, then turned her attention to the beast's carcasse. Slinging the sniper rifle over her shoulder, she took the lightsabre from her belt and ignited it.


A crimson beam of energy sprang to life with a snap-hiss and she applied it quickly to cleanly slice off the beast's front paw, which she then picked up. That done she made her way to the village. After all, it was hunting season and there was a bounty on dead rancors. In the far distance, she could see a ship descending from the sky, unloading troops and equipment. The brunette lofted a brow, but then shrugged, looking indifferent as she approached the improvised barricades shielding the village, holding the rancor's paw like a trophy. In her wake, vultures and burying beetles fell upon the rancor carrion, eager for the feast it would provide them. The jungle had only been briefly disturbed by the flash of violence, and continued as normal.

 

[George O Rourke]

[member="Kal'n Drasco"]

Objective: Guide Felucian Warriors to the Lightside.
2/20

As George made his way towards the stronghold he could feel the presence of the force warriors ahead of him. He paused as he could see the entrance. He waited, scouting out seeing how many were guarding the entrance along with how many were coming and going. George placed the hood of his robe over his headtails, nearly eliminating his face from view.

As he watched the entrance hidden from view within shrubs and bushed he felt another presence coming from behind him. He quietly moved around flanking the force user. George hadn't dove too deep into the identity of that force user who had approached him. Instead he made his way up into the trees and waited, view the path he took for the stalker. As George laid eyes on the subject a sudden familiarity crossed his face. It was an old friend, a fellow Jedi and Padawan of the Silver Jedi. He gently dropped from a branch and landed almost directly in front of him. "Kal'n its has been far too long." George said quietly but excitedly. It had been some time since he had seen Kal'n. It was if suddenly he had disappeared, into the nothing. Although this could have been due to George's increasingly busy schedule.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Objective: Discover the ruins of the Republic and Confederacy Clone Wars conflict
Post: 2

While [member="Valae Kitra"] and [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] got acquainted, Thurion received a message from [member="Rayliav'enci"] on his comms. "Roger, thanks for letting us know. We'll try and keep from singeing those lekku of yours," he responded with a chuckle. "Happy hunting, Heavenshield out." Returning to his son and padawan no doubt engaged in merry conversation, Thurion placed a hand upon their shoulders to get their attention. "Valae has only just begun her training, Théo. Saber lessons comes later, once you're more attuned to the Force," he spoke, the latter part aimed at the young woman. "While we're here, I would like you to focus on your surroundings. Try to feel the Force in every drop of water, in every flower petal."

He leaned down to pluck a small flower off the ground. "Every living thing in this vast universe carries a connection to the Force. It is what is referred to as the 'Living Force'. When our bodies wither away and die our life's energy becomes one with the Living Force, adding to its wisdom to aid future generations of Jedi." Thurion leaned back down and returned the flower to its original state with some use of the Force, effectively stitching the stalk back together so it may resuming feeding upon the good earth. "Every lifeform is therefore sacred in its own way. It is worth mentioning, however, that not all Jedi share this belief. There are many philosophies out there, and who are we to dictate which ones are true or not?" It was a retorical question and as such he did not expect an answer, instead placing a hand upon his son's full head of hair. "Now then, I guess we better get going before Théo here becomes bored with listening to his old man, eh boy?"

The party of three moved out, with the squads of Rangers spreading out to secure their surroundings as they journeyed. A scouting party was sent out in the direction they were going to make sure the road was safe. All around them were all sorts of outlandish birds and creatures, in every colour imaginable. Their presence on Felucia didn't seem to bother the wildlife too much. As the party happened upon a clearing, a massive Clone Wars-era Republic capital ship came into view. It was completely overgrown by plantlife, with half of it sunken into the ground. "This is the reason we're here today," he told Valae and Théo with a smile.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Objective: Discovery and stuff

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Kitra"]

(7)

"I am not sure about being very skilled but I have some", Theo smiled at Valae, "and I will help where I can. Hey if you are new around here then you have not seen much of Voss yet? If not I could show you some of the more interesting places". He leaned closer to her so father could not hear, "More interesting then the boring old Academy classes".

Then Papa did his thing, speaking of the living force which Theo knew of considering it is very much the families belief. One of Theo's stronger skills is being aware of his surroundings and the living force, that lesson taught to him from the age of three by his mentor and master, Nina Tann. With each passing day he grows stronger and sometimes experiences all manner of spooky with visions of past and future. This 'talent' as he calls it, is not even known to his father and mother, only Nina has this knowledge.

Theo watched his father replace the petal to the plant, his head tilted to the side as he sensed the power within his father in his use of the force. One day I will be as strong as my Papa. The man he admires and loves so much. "How did you do that?", he asked his father in a whisper, with genuine interest and a want to learn more and maybe he would show Theo one day.

"Naw it is okay Papa, I don't find you boring", he replied giving a playful nudge to his side. And so the three move off into the surrounding area full of exotic planets and wildlife, Theo's eyes did not know where to look first, there was already so much to see and he noticed some tracks leading off deeper into the thick undergrowth. The tracks looked to have been made by ground creatures that had trodden a path and cut into the earth. He had to wonder where it would lead? to a den or watering hole? By the look of the tracks, the creature was not large but maybe traveled with company.

"This is the reason we're here today,"

Theo turned back to see what father was talking about and his mouth widened in surprise. "Wow, that is one big ship!". Theo's feet did the rest, and he began to move closer. Around them the Rangers bustled, scouting the area and some on watch it seemed. "Can we go inside Papa?".

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Objective: Discover the ruins of the Republic and Confederacy Clone Wars conflict
Post: 3/20
[member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]

The padawan listened to her master’s instructions and gave a nod to mark that she understood. Valae had only recently begun to practice meditating, but she was pleased that she was making progress. So far, she had been able to feel the force within her, but had not yet had much success with sensing it in her surrounds. This would be the perfect chance to practice. “Yes, Master.” Valae smiled. “I will try my best.”

Valae looked at the flower grasped between Thurion’s fingers, and she let her senses reach out. The energy within the flower was fading ever so slightly, now that it had been separated from its stem. However, the next moment Thurion placed the flower back into place and mended the wound with the force. She watched in awe as the flower returned to its former state, as if nothing had happened. Valae looked to Theo and smiled, she was sure that both son and padawan shared similar aspirations.

Now it was back to the task at hand. Valae walked along with Thurion and Theo, pausing every now and then to admire the surroundings. She kept her senses alert and reached out as far as she could with the force. In such surroundings, it was easy to get caught up in the flora and fauna, but she always made sure to keep up with her master. This place was wild, and Valae was finding it easier to feel the energy of the life around her. It was as if everything around her had a faint aura, and if she concentrated hard enough she could touch it.

As they passed through a curtain of vines, Valae’s dark eyes took in the large clearing that stretched out in front of them. The shape of a large ship came into view, overtaken by the surrounding plants and made to be part of the landscape. Valae perked her brows when Theo asked if they could venture inside, she too was looking forward to exploring. She was curious to find out what articles from history had survived.

 

[Krux Mullarus]

Location: Alien forest? Felucia looks the same everywhere
Objective: 3 - Search for Jedi Relics
Allies: Probably [member="Valae Kitra"] / [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] / [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]
Enemies: The fact that everyone will (probably) think i'm Sith
Post 1/20

Patriot broke the atmosphere of Felucia, on which Krux could already sense many powerful lightsided presences. Is this a good thing? He was a Jedi now, not to mention the Padawan of one of the Sanctum's most renowned Silver Shadows who trusts him enough to guide the troubled Ex-Sith down the path of the Jedi, but to be honest, Krux Mullarus' aura in the Force was still freshly turned, and would still reek of the Dark Side despite his new ideologies. With the many powerful Jedi on Felucia's surface, they might sense the presence of the Dark Side with his descent into the atmosphere, and to make matters worse, some who had met him on a certain Toola Operation might immediately recognize the unique presence.

Really, all Krux wanted from Felucia was to investigate some of the ruins from the Clone Wars and discover some relics left behind by Jedi who fought alongside Aayla Secura. Most interested in lightsabers, he wasn't picky. Anything that possessed an aura of Light would make for a peaceful, enlightening meditation session. Still, he was working on building a new lightsaber, so that was his main purpose. It would be his first big leap down the Path of the Light Side.

His starship, Patriot, touched down in the alien forest, and from the moment he stepped off of the loading ramp, he shook his head. I'm going to get lost so fast... Regardless, he adjusted his white Jedi Robes and placed his mask over his face, still afraid to show it to anyone he didn't fully trust. Along with his aura being tainted with the Dark side still, his face still had not been healed of the Dark Side corruption. His eyes were still their lovely dark blue/indigo color, but faint cracks could still be seen from his most recent possession of the Dark Side, in which a battle with his old Sith Master had nearly killed him and had him slaughter far too many imperials who never saw it coming than he would like to admit to anyone he didn't trust.

Trust, trust, trust. You're a broken holorecording, Krux.

He began to scout the surrounding area, reaching out with the Force to sense anything nearby. It was easy to feel the presence of the Heavenshields nearby, and hopefully they were occupied with something else, because Krux didn't want to be mistaken for an enemy and attacked by a group of Jedi he considered allies now. They aren't Nubica or Connor, so hopefully they still understand what the hell i've been going through lately...

His search led him all over the forest, and he still had trouble finding anything that felt Jedi-like. Plenty of old skeletal remains of soldiers, but no Jedi from what Krux had seen yet.

​Remember, your eyes can deceive you. Look with the Force.

Mullarus fell to his knees and lowered his masked face, closing his eyes and beginning to meditate. While he could use Force Sight, which he was an avid practitioner of, meditation would also calm him down and probably make him feel less Dark to those around him. He took a deep breath and focused, looking outward for anything that felt...Light.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

Come away, O human child!
To the waters and the wild
With a faery, hand in hand,
For the world's more full of weeping than you can understand.​

William Butler Yeats​

The Year of Blood, part II (prior chapter here)
Objective 1: Defend Local Communities (apprehension and arrest of Dace Terrix)
Post 1 of 20

His head slammed against the durasteel bulkhead.

Stars danced in front of his eyes, a dark abyss calling at him from his peripheral vision as the young Pantoran began to black out. Pain seared through what remained of his consciousness, as the hand pressing him into the metal came away and was replaced by a fist. Then another.

Through fluttering, swelling eyelids, the bloodied youth could see the torn, tattered bodies of two Antarian Rangers on the ground.

And laughter.

Unreasoned, babbling laughter as one hit after another pushed him closer and closer to the edge of darkness. So he let himself. Slip into the cold, unforgiving, familiar embrace of darkness. Falling into shadow...

There is no scream of rage. Twisting away from the bloodied section of wall, the child was no longer the boy he wished to be, but the monster he had been. The Dark Side flowed freely through him. A knife hand snaked up, knocking aside the incoming punch as the young Pantoran ducked low and sent the flat of his palm driving up into the man's solar plexus. As the man doubled over, a backflip powered a solid wheelhouse kick straight to the jaw.

The sound of bone breaking resonated somewhere past the distant gaze of the tweenage assassin.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~​

V O S S
48 Hours Earlier

Today seemed the culmination of everything he never knew he wanted, and thought he could never have.

Dressed in Sasori attire, the robes and colors of a Silver Jedi. A lightsaber at his side, of his own choosing. A crystal that he had searched for. A blade of azure, not crimson. The weapon of a Jedi, meant to be wielded as a guardian -- not a tool of murder.

Adjust the bandage that encircled his left hand, the boy was waiting outside of the chambers of the Silver Council. Once upon a time, he'd imagined he would wait judgment from them. Instead, he answered their summons. After time on Voss, the Primeval boy had found some place among the very people his religion stood in opposition to.

As the doors to the chambered open, the blue-skinned boy found himself ushered inside of an audience with the Jedi Masters. Which, he was just realizing that the room was a circle. So... who was he supposed to bow to? Awkwardly then, the youth made a kind of gangly gesture at the waist -- as though he were trying to face two very different directions at the same time.

He really knew nothing of this Jedi stuff.

But he was learning. And they were being patient.

"The Coalition is moving to help the people of Felucia," one of the masters uttered. No sooner had the boy turned to face that one, than a different one spoke.

"We will be assisting in these efforts."

"To that end..." Yep. Different master. Different direction. How did Jedi stand before the Council and not look like they were just spinning in circles? "...we have chosen to allow you to undertake an assignment for this Council."

"I am honored to accept," the boy intoned, with a bow toward the last person to speak. See? Much easier to focus on one person.

"You have not even heard the terms, Young Chiyo."

Another master. "There is a man in custody on Felucia," the master offered, without elaboration. Only a name. "Dace Terrix."

The part of the boy's mind that still functioned like an agent immediately questioned what a common criminal could do or have done to be so singularly interesting to the collective brain-trust of the Jedi Order? But, his not to ask why...

"Two Antarian Rangers will accompany you. Bring this man to us."

Bowing again, the boy kept his head ducked down as he said, "If Nogras' wills it, the Starmaker's light will show me favor as I travel."

To journey as a Jedi Knight. Not as a Sith. Not as an assassin.

This was a moment that would change everything.

...unnoticed, a single drop of blood slipped from the folds of the bandage around his hand. The material had grown dark, as through being consumed. The color of the blood that dropped upon the floor was not red, but a befouled shade that was almost black.

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Objective: Discover the ruins of the Republic and Confederacy Clone Wars conflict
Post: 3

"Magic," he whispered back to his son with a wink.

Approaching the ancient Republic vessel, a natural entrance had been formed at one of the three rear engines after it was torn off in the crash. A thick layer of vines were in their way, which Thurion proceeded to cut down using his lightsaber in one swift strike before clipping the hilt back onto his belt. "Sergeant, I want your squads to form a perimeter around the crashsite. Last thing we need is a Rancor sneaking up on us," he spoke, looking to [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] with a smile. As the Rangers moved to secure the area surrounding the crashed ship, the three Jedi stepped inside the largely hollowed-out might of the Old Republic. Support beams bent and broken were all that kept the ship from collapsing in on itself, but if they'd managed to stand the test of time they would not collapse this day.

"This ship is almost a thousand years old," Thurion marvelled while placing his palm upon a rusted metal beam. "Would you say this is Salvager-Heaven, Val?" he asked her with a smirk. "Alright you two, go on - explore away! Just be careful not to break anything." He made an overexaggerated shooing gesture using both arms and chuckling when they would run off. In the meantime, Thurion would observe the two while still doing some exploring of his own. Too good an opportunity to pass up!

[member="Valae Kitra"]​

 

[Krux Mullarus]

Location: Alien forest
Objective: 3 - Search for Jedi Relics
Allies: Probably [member="Valae Kitra"] / [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] / [member="Théodred Heavenshield"]
Enemies: *Insert something snarky and funny*
Post 2/20

Mullarus could find nothing. He was out of practice of what 'Light' felt like. There were a few little stings of the Dark Side around, which Krux felt were the natives who seemed to embrace the Dark Side of the Force.

Right. I remember the conflicts that happened here from Sith Holocrons. Galen Marek. Shaak Ti. The natives force-sensitivity.

Before leaving the Sith, back when he was still an ambitious little apprentice, he liked reading and watching different historical holocrons. Galen Marek happened to be one of his favorite characters from the past. If it weren't for his fascination with the Sith Apprentice gone rogue, perhaps he never would have discovered his grandfather's deception, never met Setzi Lunelle, and probably wouldnt even be here as a Jedi.

The only pings of the Light Side he could feel nearby came from the Silver Grandmaster and his company. They appeared to be moving into a downed Republic starship.

Well...if he's going there, there must be something to find there. Let's just...try not to get too close. Our eventual meeting is inevitable. He's a friend of Connor's, and will no doubt learn of my turning eventually. Let's just wait and let that play out naturally. My aura remains tainted with innocent blood and Darkness. I don't want to frighten them and make them feel they are being watched by an agent of the Sith.

With that thought, Krux nodded and adjusted his hood and mask, beginning to trek toward the ruined starship the two Heavenshields and the third presence he didnt recognize had found.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Objective: Discovery and stuff


[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Krux Mullarus"]

(8)

Papa's attempt at humour, geez! Théo rolled his eyes when told to be careful not to break anything. The old carcass of the ship was more likely to break them, at any given moment which of course was all part of the fun! When father shooed them away, Théo grinned and pointed at his own chest as if to inquire Me? go? his eyes widened with jest to add to it and even turned his head to see if father had meant someone else.

But Théo was not going to wait for a second confirmation, he looked to Valae and smiled, but did not know what she had in mind or if she liked exploring, "Well, I know when we are not wanted", he joked making sure his father could hear him. "Shall we go and take a look around?". He would leave the decision hers, as he turned to start his wanderings through the ship.

There was still some daylight bleeding in from outside to give them visibility but that would not last the further they walked into the belly of the carcass. Théo, ignited the white blade of his saber to assist once the darkness encroached around them. To be honest, the idea was appealing at first, to wander the ship and see the old stuff, his mind went to thoughts of Norah, she would have loved this place, but in due time it started to bore Théo. More and more broken pieces of metal, some old blasters, a few rooms that did not seem to be anything of importance and soon the mystique of the past was lost on him.

From time to time, the ship would offer him a release with broken holes in the side leading out to the great outdoors, some small others very large probably created from explosions and plenty of room for creatures to enter and make the ship a home. It was on approach to one of these holes that Théo spotted a person walking alone, close by. He looked odd, well he felt odd. Théo sensed the darkness around the man, it was like that in which he would feel from his friend Boo. As Théo is no stranger to this sensation, heaven knows his now extended family is laced with the stuff, but there is no malice in the man. "Hello out there!", he yelled hoping to get [member="Krux Mullarus"] attention.

"You lost?".

Set back in the darkness of the ship, a set of beady eyes opened as the creature was disturbed by Théo's shouting, a Rancor had awoken from it's den, now the ship. The Rangers may have scouted the area for them, but they had forgotten to check the ship.

 

[Krux Mullarus]

Location: By the downed Republic Starship
Objective: 3 - Search for Jedi Relics
Allies: @Valae Kitra / @Thurion Heavenshield / @Théodred Heavenshield
Enemies: Rancor!
Post 3/20

Mullarus began his hike through the alien forest, taking in all of the living Force around him. The thousands- no, millions of different plant, animal, and insect species that inhabited Felucia was breathtaking. Mullarus had never felt something so naturally strong since Dagobah. Felucia seemed to live and breathe just like that swamp world did. Krux suddenly felt that the air was...delicious to breathe in. He found himself removing his mask from his face so that he could take deeper, clearer breaths. It was like ecstasy. For a few minutes, Mullarus had started to forget about all of the stressful parts of life. How the woman of his dreams was probably sleeping with the monster who turned her into a witch, how that monster was making him out to the entire One Sith as either dead or an enemy of the Empire, how he had given up his prosperous life as a Sith and decided to take a different path with the Jedi and start all over again...

No...this feels fantastic.

As quickly as he had removed it, a distant voice made Mullarus nearly jump out of his boots and strap the mask back on around his head and pull his white hood over it. Now following the sound, Mullarus' indigo eyes found a small boy standing near the wreckage.

"You lost?!"

Krux heaved a sigh of relief. Just a child. Yet, no ordinary child. Just like the eldorai padawan of Nubica back on Lothal, this boy felt...branded by a more powerful Jedi. Again, he couldn't really tell whom, but this boy was certainly a student to a brighter master. Krux waved at the boy, a bit relieved that he wasn't assuming he was Sith like some other Jedi on Voss.

Unfortunately, all stress suddenly returned to Krux as he spotted a pair of strange eyes behind the boy. He thought maybe he was just seeing things for a moment.

Until he started trudging out of the shadows of the downed ship toward the boy.

Krux's heart skipped about four beats as he yelled from behind his mask, his eyes widening, "MOVE, BOY!" Krux immediately reached for the lightsaber on his belt, but realized he didn't have one. Oh, come on, of all times to be unarmed!

No! I am not unarmed...I have the Force!

Krux leapt through the air between the boy and the rancor, going to forcefully Force Push [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] away from it. Of course, he found the beast would instantly turn it's attention to him, in which he would grit his teeth. "Hutt's slime, your breath is horrible..." he would murmur. The rancor roared. Krux felt immense fear run through him, but he couldn't cower now, there was a kid here! If he ran away, the beast would attack him! This time, Krux had to stay. No choice. He didn't know what it felt like to be a father, but he knew how it felt to be protective of others. The fact that he used to be Sith changed nothing. He was a defender then, and he would be one now!

Before he could think to not as it was a Dark Side power, Mullarus reacted quickly and began to hurl waves of Force Lightning at the monster. He felt rage began to control his actions, and he closed his eyes, focusing on not doing that. He had no choice but to use his Dark Side powers for the time being. He knew no Jedi powers that could bring down a rancor.

The Lightning seemed to not help much. The beast grabbed at Mullarus, forcing the Jedi student to stop and reach both hands across his chest to put his most useful force ability, a universal power, Force Grip, to grab the hand coming down at him and hold it above him. "G-Get out of here, kid! GO!"

 

[Aika Kawakami]

Sorry for the long Wait on my posts. Work tied me up a bit...

Objective: Locate [member="Sochi Ru"]'s Dwelling
[member="Matsu Ike"] [member="Abaigeal E'ron"] [member="Rasu Gan"] [member="Karen Roberts"]
(6/20)

Silent as the wind in the night, Aika stood as the others continued to speak among themselves. It was unlike her, but at the moment it was the best she could do to keep herself in check. For the first in quite the while, emotions seemed to get the better of her. Why was it that she seemed to lack control, of all things?

I'm bored...
Shut your mouth. This has nothing to do with you.
And it doesn't have anything to do with you, either.
It has everything to do with me! I can't explain it, but....
In other words, we're wasting time? Guess I'm just along for the ride, then.

Collecting her thoughts, and fighting with herself as well, Aika followed in behind the rest of the group. Her steps, however, slowing before those of the others. Back and forth her head turned, eyes falling upon each of the fallen bodies that painted the area. Each one of them told a part of a story, as if fitting together in a puzzle. Her senses quickly found themselves overwhelmed. Something was far from right with the situation. Something about the way they were sprawled over the ground, the way they had been slain, it was familiar. Not in the way of something one would have seen, but in the sensation it left flowing through her veins.

Her eyes jumped to Rasu as she remain crouched to the ground. Her glance found its way to the other soon after, a soft sigh following. "Abaigeal, Karen, Matsu, and especially you Rasu... I do suggest you prepare yourselves. This was no ordinary circumstance. Surely, you can feel it... Whatever we run into, or find out....it's a pretty safe bet none of us are prepared for it. This place is dark, with little light to be seen."

There was no telling what it meant exactly. But, as Aika spoke, the area seemed to be shrouded in darkness. Whatever had happened, it left a scar. One that, for one reason or another, could be felt by them all. Or, by most, at least.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Objective: Discover the ruins of the Republic and Confederacy Clone Wars conflict
Post: 4/20
[member="Thurion Heavenshield"], [member="Théodred Heavenshield"], [member="Krux Mullarus"]

“I don’t think I’d ever have the heart to salvage ruins that are a thousand years old.” Valae said, completely awestruck. She knew that there were several salvagers back home that would not hesitate to tear into such a site. As the ruins had been here this long, it didn’t seem right to think of disturbing them… but a little exploring never hurt! When Thurion told them not to break anything, she flushed slightly. Had her master discovered what many others already knew about Valae? Perhaps word got around when one happened to be a bit clumsy, but she was determined to not make scene here.

“Yes, let’s go!” She smiled at Théo and followed him into the ship. Her eyes narrowed slightly as they went in, squinting in the space lit only by slivers of outside light. Valae was quiet as they went along, peeking in a few rooms, and occasionally pausing to view evidence of the old crew. Valae was busy taking in a section of the ship with a large hole, and she marveled at the plant life that was beginning to snake its way inside. Her head turned as she heard Théo calling out to someone, and she looked into the distance and saw the figure of a man.

A bit of shadow moved in the corner of her vision, it was nothing, right? Her eyes grew wide when she saw a darkened shape rising up, waking from slumber. “T-Théo!” She stammered and moved to the boy’s side. Valae let out a startled cry as the mysterious stranger shouted, and her frantic hands searched for her blaster. Once she found the weapon beneath her robes she raised it, aiming at the Rancor with shaking hands. She watched as the man began to attack the beast, and felt the fear bubbling up when it didn’t seem to be working. Valae took a few steps backwards and felt her heel catch on a piece of metal.

She fell onto her back, her finger squeezed the trigger and accidentally fired off a shot. Valae watched with horror as the blaster bolt grazed the creature’s shoulder, only serving to make it angry. It had been a wonder that she had missed [member="Krux Mullarus"].

“Oh, no…” Valae whispered from the ground. She had made a huge mistake.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Objective: All hell breaks loose ..

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Krux Mullarus"]

(9)

"MOVE, BOY!"


"Well that's not very nice!", Théo shouted back. Geez offer someone some help and ...

RAAWWWRRRRRRRRRRRR

A smelly heavy wind pushed forward Théo's hair around his face, something hit the back of his head hot and sticky, he turned to face Valae only to see her stand there eye wide and with a large dollop of spittle sliding down her hair.

He turned around slowly to come face to face with a rather large knee, at least he thought it was a knee. Théo's head lifted slowly as he looked up, inch by inch taking in the vastness of the very anger Rancor only meters away from him.

"Great Odiir's big hairy arse, that is big!", grand papa is a bad influence on Théo. Before Théo could tell Valae to run or anything he suddenly felt himself flying through the air, right between the legs of the Rancor. The man that would be known as Krux, Force pushed him out of danger, well that was the intention and it kinda work. Théo landed on his back with a thud, but by now his body was getting used to this what with Master [member="Jericho"]'s training lessons and all and so he scrambled to his feet looking for Valae. He did not fancy telling his father, his padawan had been eaten by a Rancor, so Théo ran over to her now laying on her back.

"You alright?", he asked trying to pull her up off the ground at the same time as trying to see what the new comer was faring. Not too well it seemed, but by now the Rangers had arrived hearing the roar of the beastie and lined up behind Krux and open fired. The bolts from their rifles, hit the skin of the Rancor and did wonders for the situation. The Rancor roared again even more irritated then before.

"Stop shooting! Don't kill it!", Théo yelled out, after all the Rancor had a right to live as well, this is his or her home they have entered. Besides it is a creature of the force and all that stuff. "Stand down!".

As soon as he was sure Valae was back on her feet and unhurt, Théo had determined what to do. Running to the side of the Rancor, now distracted by Krux, Théo force jumped up onto it's back. Grabbing hold with both hands as best he could he began to climb his way to it's head. The Rangers stopped firing when they saw this, looking at each other not sure how to proceed. When the Rancor realised there was a small child on it's back, it rared up trying to shake him off, at least Krux was free of it's attention. However, Théo clung on for dear life, swaying uncontrollably with the beasts violent movement.

One day Théo will learn to be careful of what he wishes for. However, he had a plan...

 

[Rasu Gan]

Objective: Locate remnants of Sochi Ru
6/20
[member="Sochi Ru"] - [member="Matsu Ike"] - [member="Abaigeal E'ron"] - [member="Aika Kawakami"] - [member="Karen Roberts"]

All around her, the evidence of Sochi's corruption was apparent. Her friend had committed a terrible act and now Rasu was to suffer for it. While this bond between the pair had brought them to a fragment of her past, she now saw that this gift was also a curse. The Shi'ido's memories and emotions melded with that of the Togruta's. As she gazed at the havoc, she felt a sickening pleasure in the carnage, sensing pride in the Jedi's actions. She felt herself shudder, concerned for her thoughts. Was her mind to break now as well?

"This is obviously Sochi's doing." she murmured, her throat feeling hoarse and rough as the moisture in her mouth had seemed to vanish. "The question we must ask ourselves is what brought her to commit such an act? Was she forced into such a predicament and killed for her own defense? Had she been seeking the deaths of innocents?" These were the questions she left her companions to ponder over.

Alright Sochi, what else do you have to show me? she thought, separating herself from the group to sit herself down upon a smooth, blood-stained rock. As she felt herself slip away into deep meditation, she let out a deep sigh, relieving herself of the emotions that had strangled her. Once more she closed herself off from the physical world, reaching out for the bond between herself and the fallen Jedi Master. The link that she now loathed was now the groups only chance of discovering the truth.

 

[Audren Sykes]

Objective: Defend Local Communities
Post: 3/20

The woman led Audren to an office of all things. The wall held a case where a blaster would be displayed, it stood open as she set her weapon on a desk that was very clearly hers.

"Don't worry about Mynos, he'll cool off in a bit. He lost his son during one of the first attacks, and one of his best friends on this one. All of us have lost someone."

"I'm sorry."

"Not your fault, the Coalition showed up remarkably quickly. Now the question is 'how can you help us'?"

As she spoke, the woman field stripped her weapon. The power pack was removed and charge checked, then pieces taken apart. Her hands moved quickly, efficient and effective. When no defects or issues were found, she cleaned it and performed basic maintenance. Clearly this lady wasn't unfamiliar with her weapon, despite also being in charge of a small community. Commendable. For his part, Audren simply slid his weapon around on its sling until it was across his back rather than riding at his hip.

"Coalition forces are heading to the various communities we're aware of in order to help directly. Emergency supplies are coming in behind us, weapons and medical supplies and power generators, among other things. Other teams are working to identify the source of the problem and head it off. What's your situation here?"

"We started out with around four hundred full-time residents and a few families who used the place as their supply depot. That's down to three hundred thirty-two residents and only two families, both of which joined us. Without power our defenses aren't great, and our medical capabilities are slim."

"What kind of defenses do you normally operate?"

"Sonic mostly. Passive, both ultra- and infrasonic. Doesn't bother any but the most sensitive among us and keeps most of the nasty ones away. Our three peace officers and volunteers filled in the rest. Not many volunteers left, we're pulling anyone we can that had experience."

"Any active defenses beyond the peace officers?"

"A heavy turret on either end of the settlement. Don't have the power for them, and they'll need heavy maintenance to help at all."

"Got it. Give me a call if you need me, I'll monitor channel five on the local band."

"And you're going..."

"To check the perimeter, get a feel for it."

Even creatures considered nonsentient were typically smart enough to attack places that caused them pain when wandering near. Pain itself was a great equalizer, the language almost all beings understood and respected. It became habit for the creatures to avoid the locations even if it wasn't quite pain itself that triggered that. For attacks to be coming so frequently and have killed nearly a quarter of the population led him to suspect something else was drawing these creatures near. Maybe he could help solve the issue - at least for this place - without having to kill and keep killing.

 

[Naamah Aesham]

(5)


"Killed a rancor. Here's the proof," at that she nonchalantly tossed the beast's frontal paw onto the desk. The militia maintained a sort of collection station where hunters could present grisly trophies of this sort. "Should look nice hanging from a wall." No, she could not keep the snark out.


"You killed this beast alone?" Scepticism was well-justified. It was not uncommon for hunters to claim others' kills. Usually after taking out whoever had really landed the mark.


The brunette's eyes met the militia commander's. "Amazing what you can do with explosives and a high-powered sniper rifle," she indicated the rifle that was slung over her shoulder. For understandable reason, she did not mention the creative bait.


"I see. Who taught you such skills?"


"My mother." Technically it was not quite a lie, but not the full truth either. [member="Mirien Valdier"] was a great many things to her.


"She must be proud, if she raised such a hunter."


No, she'll probably kill me next time we meet. Can't say I blame her, she thought to herself, though she kept her thoughts out of reach. Even with her weakened senses, which were only a sliver of what they had once been, she felt that the man was at least slightly Force-sensitive. "So, where's my payment?"


"Of course, of course, let it not be said we don't pay well. If I were I'd...stay away from the Jungle Felucians. Events have agitated them a lot and they will sense the Dark Taint inside you. Just a warning between hunters. They're a superstitious lot."


"I'll keep it in mind." Voice and stance betrayed utter indifference. She glanced out of the window, seeing Rangers set up defensive positions outside at the edge of the village. "The Cavalry? Bit late. Where are they from?"


The militia officer scoffed derisively. "Sanctum or something like that. Probably will do more harm than good in the long run. Drag us out into their wars, cause us no ends of trouble, but not my call to make."


"Amen to truth, justice and the Jedi way." Credits and skullblade were collected, and Naamah left the room. Stepping into the light of the day outside, she fished a packet out of her jacket pocket, picked out a cigarette and lit up. After clawing her way out of Chaos, getting lung cancer was the least of her worries.


[member="Valiens Nantaris"]

 

[Thurion Heavenshield]

Location: Republic Wreckage
Objective: Find out what all the fuss is about!
Allies: [member="Théodred Heavenshield"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Krux Mullarus"]
Enemies: One mean-ass Rancor
Post: 4

Thurion had felt the approaching darkness in the form of a lone man, and only caught a glimpse of him just as Théo's voice called out to the stranger. He was about to rejoin the others because of this, but an even greater threat came in the form of a huge Rancor having seemingly claimed this wreckage as his home. Hurrying deeper into the crashed ship where he knew to find Valae and his boy, Thurion happened upon a most extraordinary sight when seeing Théo attempting to ride the Rancor rather than escape it, with the stranger present doing his best to help out. A squad of Rangers looked on not knowing how to proceed, and frankly he couldn't blame them. "What in the..."

"Valae," he then noticed her in between all the chaos and rushed to her side. "Are you alright?" Giving her a quick look-over to make sure she wasn't hurt, his attention was then solely focused on the massive beast with poor Théo atop its shoulders. "Théodred! What are you doing!" One of them rare times the boy's full name would be used. He turned to the Rangers present and ordered them to vacate the area; last thing they needed was a bunch of blasterfire on top of it all. Thurion then raised his arms towards the beast, focusing on immobilizing it by putting its limps into stasis to keep it from swatting at Théo. It was difficult due to the enraged nature of the Rancor, but where there's a will there's a way!