Let's just say I knew your brother.

[Vora Kaar]

D A N T O O I N E

Pulling on my glove, I flexed my hand to make sure it was on completely. The leather and metal fix snug on my hand and wrist. Even down my arm a little to provide some protection about three fourths up my forearm. I liked wearing my new form of power. It greatly increased my powers. I was meeting with a man who was the brother of an old friend.

Nikias had passed to a man who wanted to hunt him. Nikias passed on to the force. This other individual, [member="Akhilleus"], was now King of their Home planet. I wanted to learn more about this man, his culture, and his people. But first, I wanted to meet him on an even, and solid ground. One that would not be in the favor of one or the other. I dressed how I normally would. My leather jacket, simple and clean t-shirt, nice jeans, and a set of my favorite military boots. Of course I was still carrying my lightsaber. Otherwise, I was devoid of weaponry. I hoped that this man would understand why I still carried, what was in some cultures to be, my life.

Sitting on my speeder, The Star was high in the sky. Beating down upon my black clothing, and my dark blue hair. Hopefully he would get the message. I even remembered what I sent him.

-------------------------------------------------------------

Your Benevolence,

I am wanting to contact you for many reasons. My condolences for the death in your family, My sympathy for the life the man lead, to learn more of where this man came from, and most of all, to meet his brother and to become acquaintances, or allies. I do not know of the traditions of the Makrosia, and do not wish to step on toes. If you will meet me on Dantooine at the coordinates provided, I hope that we can come to terms with what has transpired, and possibly find a better outcome for the both of us.

Sincerely,
Ventus

-------------------------------------------------------------

Breathing in a little bit, it was about time. Hopefully I would be seeing him soon, and we could talk, or even make something from my friend's death.

 

[Akhilleus]

“Hmm, Master why are we coming to this planet again?” Dee-five asked his vocalator whirring as it drew up information on the planet Dantooine as had been ordered by Akhilleus. Sighing Akhilleus stood up as he finished dawning the Doom Bringer armor to hide his appearance. He had no clue whether this was a trap set up to capture him by some Sith but Akhilleus planned to be ready in case it was.

“Like I told you the last three times we’re going because the message was supposedly from someone who knew my brother. Honestly I never heard of someone named Ventus, which is why I’m going prepared.” Checking himself once over to ensure he was properly equipped Akhilleus nodded. “What did you find out about the planet Dee-five?”

“It seems to have once been the home to a jedi enclave in the past. But that was quite a while ago. The Jedi enclave had been attacked when that group of devious sycophants known as the Primeval were on the lose.”

“Well we don’t have to worry about them. Keep the engines warm, may need to make a quick escape.” Stepping up to the loading ramp Akhilleus activated it letting the first rays of light from Dantooine shine into the ship. It shined off the freshly polished armor and Akhilleus was certain that if the armor wasn’t environmentally controlled the heat may end up being oppressive. There in the distance was a speeder and upon it sat a young looking man. Not too many years younger than Akhilleus but still younger.

Feet crunching into the dew covered grass Akhilleus walked over to this supposed Ventus. The helmet altered the Hellyni’s voice making it sound more like he was speaking through a respirator. “You must be Ventus? Why did you contact me? My brother never mentioned a Ventus during our talks.” He didn’t know if this Ventus was using an alias or it was his real name, but beneath the visor Akhilleus’ eyes narrowed.

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

I waited for a moment more when I could see a man walking out of the spaceport. He was clad completely in armor. In all honesty, I expected it. Either him in armor, or having various people with him to back him up. That was fine with me. I didn't want to scare the man. So I didn't wear mine out of good faith. As he walked closer, I stood up from the vehicle. My arms down at my sides. HIs voice was clear and concise. Not one to beat around the bush at the moment. A smile crept at my face.

"Ventus was a name of my own choosing to hide my identity from others who may have seen our conversation on the holonet. Forgive me for the confusion."

I bowed my head a little just as a courtesy, as well as him being royalty, I should show my respect to his position. Once I lifted my head, I continued to talk.

"I am not sure if your brother spoke of me, Zephyr Carrick, however we were on the same side for a time when I had to leave for a calling to my own people. My father started to teach Nikias a little in Telekinesis before both he and I drifted from the Silver Jedi."

The smile had left my face by now. Once more, I leaned up against the speeder. Folding my arms over my chest.

"I understand you with armor, or even having guards. However, I want to point out that I am an honorable man. That may mean little to you, but I come in good faith, and do not wish harm on you. In fact, I can take you to my estate if you would like a place to sit down, and a drink."

[member="Akhilleus"],

 

[Akhilleus]

Why does everyone bow?! I am not my brother! I was not meant to lead. I shouldn’t be the one standing here or in the position of power. These thoughts had been running rampant in Akhilleus’ head for quite some time. He truly didn’t feel as though he deserved any of the recognition that he got. Simply due to being a king and Nikias’ brother. The realization made by many either brought them closer to Akhilleus or made them want to hunt him. While the Hellyni knew about the adventures, more aptly misadventures Nikias had been on what had he done to bring such people to befriend or hate him? Had some things been hidden? Safely trapped behind the impenetrable mental barriers Akhilleus was glad the armor covered up his appearance. Both hands crossing over his chest he waited for Ventus’ explanation.

Finally, a sound that may have been recognition left the helmeted individual. “Aw yes, he did mention you. The Carrick clan as he called you bunch. He held much respect for your father for the short lesson he had. I should probably thank him as well. Those same lessons were passed on to me.” Inclining his head with a show of genuine respect. Not wanting to leave the wrong impression Akhilleus thought it best to mention that he had heard of Zephyr. “My brother mentioned you once or twice, mostly that you were… Hyperactive.” Was that the political word for it? Well it would have to do.

Someone of Akhilleus influence probably should travel with the royal guards of MAkrosia, but it was easier for him to go about revenge alone. He would end up doing things that the guards nor his uncle would look kindly upon. Akhilleus had already done much and those were just the first steps. “The armor is less to shield myself from you but those that wish to do me harm, and to hide my true identity. There are still enemies of my brother out there, probably even watching now… So we may go to your homestead but I not recommend it. Instead we can discuss the true reason you called me here. I’m sure it was more than to just to get to know the brother of an old friend? Perhaps needing my assistance?” Akhilleus was no psychic, it was just his way of thinking. Someone always wanted something whether they admitted it or not.

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

The Carrick clan huh? Considering that Nikias lived in a world with clans, and knew that my family was of the Mandalorian culture, it suited itself. I might have to actually make a Carrick Clan that I could call on. Considering my family was powerful within the force anyways, it wouldn't hurt to have more people with the Mandalorians, or with the Silver Jedi. I smiled a little at that thought. As the man continued with a bow, and thanked my father for the teachings he had received from his time with his brother, as well as saying he mentioned me being hyperactive. Chuckling a little at it, I waited for him to continue, and state he wore the armor to protect his own identity. Including the potential people who wanted to harm him. Understandable.

"Me being hyperactive was a while ago. I was new to the Galaxy at large."

Standing up from the side of the speeder, I opened the door with a lift of my hand. The speeder looked a lot like the old police air speeders back when the Republic was still alive. Moving towards the pilot seat, I spoke as I sat down.

​"If you feel that a singular place such as a home is not fruitful enough, then shall we stay mobile? As for having a secondary motive, Yes."

I reached behind the seat, pulling out a rather large metal collar. Placing it around my neck as I continued.

"I have reports of a man from your culture who is going on a serial killing spree. To stop this, I wanted to learn more about your culture at large, and see if anything from that perspective may have caused him to... fall into this state."

I reached over to the console and flipped a switch. The red and blue lights turned on. THe sirens weren't going off though.

"I also think you might be interested in why this is happening as well."

[member="Akhilleus"],

 

[Akhilleus]

“Aw yes, new to the galaxy. I know what you mean, a bit all too well.” Akhilleus himself was still new to the galaxy much like Nikias had been. Their culture was separated from the rest of the galaxy for their own protection, how would the Sith have reacted if they knew about a species that nearly every member was a force sensitive with an above average force power and had complete mental immunity? Akhilleus knew, they would come to dominate it, to enslave his people. The world had enough war on its own, it didn’t need the Sith’s assistance of being drug into another.

“Hmm mobile is for the best.” Chinning his helmet com Akhilleus radioed back to Dee-five. “I’m going for a ride; you can power down. You’re free to do as you wish in my absence. But force help me if I come back to you and another ship full of Gizka’s I will turn you to slag.” Part of the tone had been serious the other half jokingly. The last time they had landed some merchant had pawned off a crateful of Gizka’s that Dee-five ended up letting lose and in a matter of days Akhilleus could barely walk through the vessel.

The collar was something knew to Akhilleus, maybe some new type of fashion that he didn’t know about. Of course he wouldn’t he was new to the galaxy. Hopping in the passenger’s seat he had to adjust the seat to be comfortable in the heavy armor. It even rocked when he entered. “IF there is such a being lose on this planet we must ensure he dies on this day.” Thinking back Akhilleus knew that there was nothing from his own culture that could’ve turned out a serial killer like that. On Hora all such beings were sent out to war or to one of Hora’s moons where they were forced to survive the wilderness. Very few did. “What are your theories as to why this is happening besides possibly my culture which I can assure you has nothing to do with it.”

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

The man joined me in the vehicle. His tone was now even. Not quite so high strung to that of earlier when he was facing unknowns. Still he was now, but it seemed he felt a little more trusting to me now that I was being more open to him. Once he got in and closed the airspeeder, I lifted us up as he began to mention that it was not of their culture. I smirked a little. The force picked up a datapad that was now handed to the King. It floated in front of him to grab.

"This here is the files on this killing spree. In the files you will find the deaths of all men. No women."

Continuing to drive and focusing on getting us to the last crimescene, I wanted for the man to see what was happening for himself.

"Every one of those men you see, died by a lightsaber with one of your goddess' names scrawled over their foreheads. Eratē is how I believe you say her name. She is your Goddess of Family, and Marriage. I believe that these killings are in an act of hate crimes against these men. From what I can tell from any prior connections between these men, is that they all are bisexual or homosexual in their actions."

Looking at him for a moment, I then returned my vision back to the driving.

"I am sorry to say sir, but I think it is about your culture."

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Reaching up Akhilleus plucked the datapad out the air with his own invisible grip holding it up before the visor. Chewing over the information provided and looking over the case studies of the bodies it made no sense. IF it had been someone from his culture than they had completely went insane. The Gods and Goddesses were simply beings from the worlds past that are thought of as heroes of a sort. They weren’t meant to be worshipped in the way that this person was doing. Looking at one of the bodies with the words etched into its forehead Akhilleus simply scoffed. Someone had taken their beliefs to far or had misinterpreted their meaning. It was truly a shame, but the same way one saw differences in the force it was the same with religion. There were always religious fanatics but Erate was more for woman. Now if it had been a woman committing the crimes it would’ve been more understandable.

“This has nothing to do with my culture. Homosexuality has been openly accepted since the beginning. The relationships even more so. On my world such things mean little, as long as one can experience pleasure or love they will take it. Such is the way of my people. This… This is something that never happens at least not for such a reason. Not even the gods are worshipped on my world Of course as with any religion there will always be fanatics.” Sighing Akhilleus deactivated the datapad. IT wasn’t the sight of the bodies that had gotten to him it was the welling rage that someone could end up exposing his homeworld. Now he had to go in cleaning it up. The man would not be allowed to talk to authorities.

“There will be another reason for these attacks… I assure you.” Akhilleus said a hint of finality in his voice. He would no longer listen to someone insinuate that his culture is what had to do with these murders especially when Homosexuality and Bisexuality was a common thing. The species was hedonistic by nature and didn’t care for gender differences. “If anything they were possibly a way to draw other Hellyni to the planet. Those that leave the planet know the creed. To cause such an incident will bring the hammer of justice down on them.”

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

I could hear the frustration in his voice. I had no clue how closely these people practiced their religions, nor how much they thrived on the idea of a faith that was against specific social types of the galaxy. Much like how the Imperials within the empire were against most species, and stated that Near-humans were better, and if you were a human, you were the "prime species." I had no clue. Hence why I asked him to come here, and because I knew if he wanted something quiet, it would stay that way.

The man's anger was felt in the force. I could feel his seething of wanting this man dead. Instead of trying to prove that it was of religion, which was not my point, I conceded.

"You have me wrong. I am in the dark with your people, their culture, and their ideals. If this man is going off his chain, and is considered a terrorist by your kind, then they will be the same to us. I am just wanting to clear the air."

Continuing to drive, We were coming up on the crime scene. I could feel a small number of people within the house. Gale was one of them. I could feel her spirit as she was watching them till I got here. Her voice came to my head.

"They are speaking about what they would do to these people if they found one of them here."
"Thanks."

Looking to the man as we sat there for just a moment as I shut off the motor.

"Should anyone say anything about your people, I ask that you keep yourself civil. I know you already have this idea, but I am being the voice of caution. Trust me, I want this solved, and dealt with in a timely fashion. If you want this quiet, then it will stay that way."

After I spoke, the large choker around my neck started to shift and move. Leaves of songsteel plating formed over my head, creating a helmet. Eye Sockets glowing yellow as the HUD inside was activated. It would hide my identity as Ventus, instead of Zephyr Carrick. Opening he door, I swiped my hand, and the other side would open for Akhilleus.

​"Let's see if this fanatic has something new."

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

“Well it is good you just want to clear the air so to say. I am glad I was contacted about this. As you said he is from my planet and culture. As such I think it best if I deal with him.” It was a simple answer from the Hellyni and if not for the voice modulator of the helmet his voice would’ve been dripping with hate. Still there was that slight growl that couldn’t be blocked out. People like the one they were after should’ve never been let off his world. Whoever let him off would pay. Though if it was from one of the other kingdoms there was nothing Akhilleus could do… Yet.

Looking at the unique piece of armor Zephyr had Akhilleus made a sound of approval. He’d possibly have to get one of his own like that one day. The benefits of such a device would certainly outweigh the negatives as you wouldn’t always have to appear to be a walking armory like Akhilleus currently was. He could pass for a Mandalorian if he truly wanted to, and had done so in the past.

“I will remain civil, unless someone attacks me personally. If they do so I can make no promises that their spine won’t be ripped out.” Akhilleus would leave the threat in the air with a chuckle. He didn’t even know if he could do such a thing with the force but if given the chance to try he just may. “Don’t worry I’ll play nice.”

Entering the crime scene Akhilleus would simply follow Zephy’s lead. For some reason while the young man appeared to be younger than Akhilleus the Hellyni had the vague sense that he was the younger one. He hadn’t been to many crime scenes and this would be Akhilleus’ first. Though if there was blood and gore he would be more than fine. It was something Hellyni had to get used to seeing, especially when they had spent their time living in the dungeons with prisoners.


[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

After getting the confirmation that the kingly person would play nice, I smiled under the helmet. if the now me told the past me that at one point, I would have been in the presence of not just one, but two kingly people, and have them as potential allies. I wouldn't believe a word. Even more so with Akhilleus being as tough as he was, it was almost sad that I had to do this to him. I would have loved to see what he would do in the same situation I was in. Either way, as we entered, One of the men looked up and was about to push me out, when one of the contacts I had within the Crime Scene Investigation here on Dantooine came up and stopped the man.

"They're with me. They have been tracking this guy for a while now. Can we get some privacy?"

The two other men in the room with the woman speaking looked at her as though she were crazy. Nodding their heads, they stood up and left, but let their gear stay behind. They still had a job to do. Walking towards the woman, I then looked behind me and indicated the man with me.

"He's searching for this terrorist. You are not to speak of him being here other than him being my associate."

A nod came from her as she then began to speak.

"The body was much like the others. Their 'honor' taken from them. Removed forcefully and is nowhere to be seen. Of course, the symbol of... one of their gods on the man's forehead. Everything is the same, cauterized wounds from jabs in the arms, and feet. As before, likely a lightsaber of some kind. However, the man dropped this."

Reaching into her bag, she likely hid it from the rest of the men here to let me get a head start on this guy. It looked like a charm of some kind. Pendent on a necklace from the small hole in the top. Some kind of glyphs were written on both sides. I had no clue about what they were.

"I also have residue from the man's footwear. He wears a size eleven, and they are clearly boots from the tread marks, and the pattern of spread. Likely ones worn for hunting during the season. it can get quite muddy during the monsoon season. if he's wearing these boots, He might be hiding out somewhere towards the old ruins here, or in a cave close to the city, but far enough no one will just happen to cross him."

Taking the amulet from the woman, I nodded. She then started swiping on her datapad, and then spoke as to what she was doing.

"Sending all the files over of places that might be where this man is hiding. From the Mud stains from the other scenes, there's only two places that would make sense. I've already sent them to you, and I will be deleting everything from this datapad before destroying it. Anything else from me?"
"Stall them if you will, but don't stop them. I don't want them to catch onto you."

Giving me a Nod that she would do as such, I then linked arms with her much like Mandalorians would. Leaning my head forward, she then placed her forehead against mine for a moment before I turned around to Akhilleus.

"Anything you want to ask her before we go? We can inspect the necklace in the vehicle on the way there."

[member="Akhilleus"],

 

[Akhilleus]

The crime scene was not as active as Akhilleus thought it would be and it seemed that the local authorities were using an ineffective way of trying to find out who the killer was. With the large concentration of Force Users on Hora those deemed to serve justice were taught the ways of psychometry to better hunt down whoever had committed a crime. Now that was effictient often times the criminal would be caught in mere hours with the longest lasting case in the Makroasian kingdom lasting merely two days. Better than some governments that took upwards of weeks to hunt down a simple killer. How long did Zephyr say this man had been on the loose? And how many victims were there that hadn’t been found by the local law enforcement?

Not saying anything Akhilleus simply crossed his arms and stood behind Zephyr letting the soulless visor glare at the officers. His job was to look like a Mandalorian and act like one. Didn’t they all have that tough person look going on? No matter they were already leaving the group in peace. Akhilleus on the other hand would move about the chambers examining and taking recordings with his helmet. This was for his own personal database as later on when the Hellyni returned he’d wipe all the evidence from this case leaving no traces that it had ever happened. Sadly he wasn’t skilled in the mental aspects of the force and couldn’t simply force the officers to forget everything. Even then they probably hadn’t been on the case from the beginning meaning there were more minds to be wiped if Akhilleus was able to do it. No simply erasing the evidence would suffice.

Looking back, he saw Zephyr take the amulet and do some strange ritual with the woman. Choosing not to question it Akhilleus looked away. The Hellyni probably had cultural differences from the rest of the galaxy as well and it wasn’t his place to judge what they did. “No, there are no questions. I just want to bring this… Terrorist to justice just like you two.” That was all Akhilleus had to say. Anything more would possibly give away his plan to erase all the evidence. Turning on his heel he’d walk out the building back into the dantooine air.

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

The man didn't seem to care for any other questions. The man wanted this done now. I understood. He wanted this cleared out, and hidden away that someone of his species came here and decided to act in such a way. If I found someone of the Mandalorian Crusaders was acting like this, I would want to hide it as well. The only problem I had was what if this man wasn't the only one among them to think this way? I was scared to think there was a cult hidden away somewhere acting much like this terrorist. If that was the case, then I am more than willing to find them and end it.

However, the man was already out of the door and towards our vehicle. Nodding to the woman, we began to leave. Gale was now walking beside me and decided to speak while Akhilleus wasn't really paying all that much attention, and was out of earshot.

"What do you think of him?"
"Tough as nails. However... troubled."
"Same. Keep an eye on him."
"Warranted."
"What of this killer?"
"He's no different than any other one. Needs to be silenced before others rally behind him. The Hellyni people deserve their peace."
"What about the evidence here? How will you explain it going missing or being someone else?"
"Multiple people working together using a symbol to rally others to their cultaic ways."
"I believe this is where I say I have little faith in that."
"Credits are persuasive."

I hadn't quite left the front porch when the conversation ended. Opening my own door, I then activated the HUD systems to show me where the two locations were. Already I knew which one to go to. It was the one to the southern most area. It was closer to the old Jedi ruins. Likely he was there first, or is even there instead. Conveniently, it was on the way to the Cave system.

Taking my seat and firing up the engines, I then handed the necklace to the man in armor. Taking off my own helmet with a little force persuasion, and clinking for its closing process. Taking off south.

"Lets find this son of a queen."

[member="Akhilleus"]

 

[Akhilleus]

Akhilleus stopped when he reached the speeder noticing Zeph still standing there, unmoving like a statue. Plotting possibly? Either way it didn’t matter. No reason worrying about what he was doing. If it turned out it was to betray the hellyni he’d take care of it when it happened. Moving to stop something often made the situation far worse, Akhilleus had learned that lesson a while ago. So he hopped into the speeder where he checked his HUD. The Hellyni could’ve tuned the helmet to ease drop on the conversation being held but he avoided doing so upon seeing Zephyr returning.

“You’re finally speaking my language.” Taking the amulet Akhilleus looked over it a thumb rubbing across the symbols embedded into it. He’d never seen such an amulet before. Possibly something from his homeworld for those zealots that took the religion all too seriously. Possibly even made by the person they were hunting. There were too many possibilities for Akhilleus to take anything in about it. “Your friend said there were two locations. You can go to the first and I will take the second. Splitting up will be for the best and if there’s an operation at both a simultaneous attack will leave them scattered and confused and without a way to quickly hide the second operation if there was one.

Plus, it would give Akhilleus a chance to wipe out all evidence that this person or possibly cult ever existed without Zephyr around. It would be a shame if he had to betray the young man but it was necessary. The secrecy of the Hellyni home planet was worth more than nearly any life in the galaxy to Akhilleus. Ghoura the shark had been the first to know how much. The dark jedi had nearly crushed the herglic’s heart when he had been threatened with information having to do with his homeworld.

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]

 

[Vora Kaar]

As I pressed on the pedal at my feet, the speeder roaring forth towards the closest destination. The cave semi close to the Jedi Enclave. Akhilleus mentioned splitting up with it. And now that I thought about this, the man could likely have various items out to warn him of people coming. So if both places were attacked, then he could even possibly be using both. Or they were both conjoined. they were only about a five minute drive apart from one another. However, cave systems can make a beeline for the other entrance. Meaning an otherwise half an hour walk, was now ten minutes.

He could escape. Even more so, I knew this man wanted it secret and kept on the down low. So I wasn't against letting him deal with the man. In fact, if I had find him, I don't know if I should kill him, or hand him over to Akhilleus. Once we came to the first entrance, I popped my neck by twisting it from side to side before exiting the vehicle.

"I am sure you can pilot this yourself."

I then reached back in, flipped a few switches to show a map setup of the other location, and the fastest way to get there.

"Contact me if you find him. If I spot him, I'll do the same."

Adjusting my jacket, my helmet activated once more. Sliding into place as I pulled my lightsaber from the sheath on my right thigh. The metal hand clinking with the jacket of the hilt. I jogged lightly into the cave entrance. Ready to find this bastard.

[member="Akhilleus"],

 

[Akhilleus]

“Of course I can pilot it myself. These are nothing compared to the speeders on my world.” Akhilleus said moving over into the driver’s seat as Zephyr exited the vehicle. It left the Hellyni with enough room to do as he wished, If there were any of these cult heathens hiding within the cave system he was going to they would be buried never to be found again. “Good Luck Zephyr… If you find the mutt before I do… Kill him.” This was obviously not a request as even through the respirator the sense of urgency and seriousness came through perfectly. Akhilleus wanted the Hellyni dead and his body disposed of. Whatever officials questioned would be bribed or killed. It was that simple in his mind.

With a quick look at the map Akhilleus lifted the speeder high into the air and shot off across the wide fields for the cave. He could’ve stayed close to the ground but he had a different plan. The Dark Jedi wasn’t going to go in the cave he was going to destroy it. The mouth of the cave stood open like a gaping maw threatening to engulf all who came near. It was time for that mouth to close.

Parking the speeder above the cave and out of view Akhilleus stood in his seat hands raised before him. Eyes closing the dark jedi reached out to the force calling it to himself. Opening his body to it the force filled his being empowering the Hellyni. What came next would require more than just this amount of power so Akhilleus let it cycle in but not out. Withholding the mythical energy, he continued to draw more in.

[member="Zephyr Carrick"]