Private Nothing Beside Remains

[Jacen Nimdok]

It was dawn on Odessen. As the nocturnal predators retreated to their dens, the daytime wildlife, particularly birds, started up a noisy chorus to signal the rising sun. It was shaping up to be a pleasant autumn morning, with clear skies and cool temperatures.

Parked in a forest clearing was a rented ship, the boarding ramp extended amid tall grasses that waved gently in the breeze. Nimdok stood at the bottom of the ramp holding a datapad. He looked a little worse for wear—the last several weeks had been less than kind to the archaeologist, who appeared tired and uncharacteristically reserved.

He surveyed his crew, which was twice the size of the one which had come along during the doomed first expedition to the planet earlier that year. Some were familiar faces, while others were strangers to him. While most of them were petty mercenaries rather than scholars, the combat-averse Nimdok was happy with all the protection he could get.

Normally he would have made a lengthy speech at the beginning of the mission, but since he felt like that would be retreading old ground, he decided to keep things short. Well, short for Nimdok was still a few paragraphs long.

“Good morning. Thank you for joining me.” As he spoke, he put away his datapad and focused his full attention on the crew members gathering in the clearing. “I hope you all read the mission debriefing I sent you, but just to be sure no one is confused, allow me to outline our goal here.”

He pointed to the east. “The ruins of the old Alliance base are over there, at the base of a cliff. It’s all overgrown now, or else we would’ve landed closer to the compound. We'll have to cut our way inside. There are certain… files which I believe are contained within the base’s central computer. They are of historical value and must be retrieved intact so that the information they contain can be preserved and studied.”

Sighing, he pinched the bridge of his nose as if plagued by a painful—and frustrating—memory.

“The last time I visited this planet, we were accosted by the Sith. They managed to stop us from entering any of the ruins, and we had no choice but to leave empty handed. I’m not sure what it is they’re after, but they may still be here, guarding their quarry. If any of you can use the Force, feel free—because I certainly can't.”

Finley Dawson Riley Reese Lucien Dooku Aselia Verd Ravenous Zlova Rue Elise Ike​

 

[Ivan Stadd]

48 Hours Ago , Byss
Salient Interstellar Headquarters

Garm Ki-Sapen was there in his office looking at the Cityscape below when he’d received a message from Marlon Sularen, his boss from another lifetime. Marlon Sularen was once known as Maracel Yorkell II , the head of the Imperial Directorate in which had collapsed due to the treachery of it’s senior officers whom left the Directorate after a schism had occurred between Maracel and the Sith Lord known as Credius Nargath one of the main Corporate Backers of the Directorate.

Garm Ki-Sapen had remained loyal to Maracel Yorkell II who had now changed his identity to Marlon Sularen and joined the New Imperial Order though he stuck with his old agenda ordering Garm Ki-Sapen formerly known as James Cerensp to the Deep Core and tasking him in creating a Private Military Corporation now known as Salient Interstellar intending to expand his reach to as far as the Colonies.

Soon a hologram of Marlon Sularen would appear with the New Imperial Commander greeting his old comrade.

“Greetings Sapen. I hope your new job as a Private Military Contractor has gone well”
“Yes sir everything is calm here in the Deep Core. We have yet to interact with the Galactic Alliance though we’ll have our chance soon”
“Well make sure to not make the same mistake i did make sure this Corporations does not get too much attention as the Early Directorate did.”
“I’ll make sure of it sir. So why did you call me i assume it’s something more important then simply the status of our corporation”
“Yes my agents have caught wind of an Expedition on Odessen in the Unknown Regions. According to the Guy Leading the Expedition they had been turned down by the Sith. However he also mentioned historical records and files related to the ancient Eternal Alliance and perhaps other Galactic Governments secrets that have yet to be uncovered.”
“Seems interesting but why have Salient involved?”
“Because i want access to those secrets. If the Sith occupied the area and forced the first Expedition to withdraw then there has to be something important , something that can propel my career as an New Imperial Admiral forward. I need you to get a sizable task force and assist Nimdok , the guy who led the previous expedition and is still leading the new one and once you get to the base computer’s database you know what to do.”
“Indeed I do. When do I leave?”
“Effective Immediately”

---

---

Present Day
Odessen


The Odessen Expedition was to be Salient Interstellar's first mission involving offensive military force. As per Marlon’s orders , Garm Ki-Sapen had brought a sizable Fleet composed of 1 Praetor-II Class Battlecruiser , 2 Praetorian-Class Star Destroyers and 5 Pellaeon-III Star Destroyers with him so that he could accomplish his mission at-ease and without any sort of major opposition.

Garm Ki-Sapen ordered his fleet to a nearby system leaving all of his ships there on stand-by while he and a small contingent of men would join up with the expedition headed by Nimdok. On the morning of the expedition , the members of the expeditions were briefed by Nimdok on what they were after and on the obstacles they would meet. As Nimdok briefed them , he had mentioned the Sith and how they were supposedly guarding the area. If Nimdok was after certain files from the base’s central computer and a bunch of Sith were guarding the area then the ancient base had to have some sort of vital information that the Sith wanted , that in the eyes of Garm was the only explanation. The Sith were either looking for something or were hiding something and some members of the Expedition probably knew it and even perhaps were here cause of their presence.

Once Nimdok finished speaking , Garm took a look to the other members of the expedition. He had arrived at the last minute and therefore did not have time to gather information on them to determine the reasoning for why they were here and what they wanted. He knew that some of these members could be here due to the simple presence of the Sith or perhaps the valuable unknown data in the Central Computer. But this was a huge base with plenty of surprises some that might be even more valuable to the data in that Central Computer. But for now their focus was on that Computer but one thing was for sure. In every archaeological expedition you will always discover something unexpected. With that Garm and his men prepped their weapons and looked at the east towards the Old Base ready to face what was awaiting them , ready to complete their mission at all Costs.

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova's lekku gently swayed from side to side as she strode down the ramp from the transport that had carried them here. While not any sort of formal venture, the Twi'lek still wore the Obsidian-type Strike Armor | Phase II armor. It wasn't that she anticipated serious trouble; she simply didn't trust a karking one of the people she'd shared transport with or the one running the show. Her golden gaze fell promptly to the weary man that stood prepared to greet them.

As this man spoke he pointed to the East. Rue turned her head to look in that direction. Seemed like some run down mess of a base held some information, and he wanted it. Messed up and unchanging as the galaxy seemed to be, Zlova had to give the old inventors props -- they knew how to build computers to last. In fact, most things in the galaxy could weather the passage of time shockingly well. No shortage in things to build or repair, so why cut corners, right?

Historical value. Studied. Humble pursuits of a humble man? Didn't much matter to her, really. Might be interesting to take a look at this data herself, but unlike some others the Twi'lek wasn't here to get rich quick. If she wanted credits she could bend a sentient's mind until they signed away their life and that of their children. Why she'd come was her own business... though she wondered what was so important to this Nimdok he would return and risk encountering the Sith once more.

With a bark of a laugh, Rue's gaze swung back from the horizon and to the man leading the expedition. "If there's nothing else, let's be off." A rapid string of pops sounded as the Twi'lek rolled her knuckles in the palm of her other hand. "We're not going to find anything standing here." If there was a vehicle nearby, she'd head for it; otherwise, the tattooed woman would set off in the direction the man indicated.

Tag: Jacen Nimdok | Finley Dawson | Riley Reese | Lucien Dooku | Aselia Verd | Ravenous | Elise Ike

 

[Elise Ike]

Elise gave a small casual waves to the familiar members as she walked off the ramp into the heavily vegetated wilderness again. Their group this time around hopefully being more suited to dealing with a rouge Dark Jedi, but perhaps they went a little overboard. Yes Ravenous was a strong fighter, but a whole military detachment? Then there was the Twi'lek CIS armor of sorts who had been giving everyone on the shuttle shifty looks. It was a little concerning and thought Elise didn't think the women would try anything overt she opted to keep a eye on said women just to be safe.

Contuing to walk forward she stood just off to the side from Nimdok, eyes surveying the so called destination, remembering the path they tried to take last time. Hopefully those bodies had been taken care of by the wild life plants, last thing she wanted was one of the new members on this mission standing in a half decayed corpse and whining about it. "I do hope things go much smoother Nimdok, I was rather disappointed last time, it will be interesting to see you work in the field".

After the two's recent meeting together to talk about her professions Elise, though not fully friendly with the man had come to respect him and their field of study. Herself falling in step behind the archaeologist leaving Zlova to take the lead and face what ever dangers laid withing the jungle like forrest in front of them.

Zlova Rue Jacen Nimdok @Gram Ki-Sapan Lucien Dooku Aselia Verd Ravenous

 

[Riley Reese]

Riley came to a stop at the bottom of the ramp just as Nimdok began his speech. She hadn't been here for the first expedition, but it didn't sound like it ended on a good note. That's why Nimdok said they were going to be more careful, more focused this time. As he spoke, Riley's cybernetic eyes focused on something else, the rest of the crew. There was no mistaking the first one as a military man, the way he held himself to the small contingent of men who followed him. The Twi'lek was a different story, she couldn't quite get a feel for her or any reason the woman would be here. The last person her eyes landed on was the woman who was talking to Nimdok, a colleague or friend perhaps?

Cybernetic eyes looked away from the others and turned towards the direction of the ruins. She had been a guard on a few expeditions, but none that might involve Sith. Riley wasn't thrilled at the thought of having to confront such a foe. Her prosthetic fingers drummed her carbine for a moment as she thought on how to be prepared for such an enemy before pushing the thought from her mind. Whatever this data held, she hoped it was worth the risk they might be taking.


Jacen Nimdok Elise Ike Zlova Rue Garm Ki-Sapan Lucien Dooku Aselia Verd Ravenous

 

[Ravenous]

A tan blanket was wrapped around Ravenous as he sat atop the hangar of the flora encased Eternal Alliance Base a scorching hot cup of coffee in his hands. The early morning breeze of Odessen was a scant mercy for his troubled soul as his eyes tracked a rapidly approaching transport...The same one from 3 months ago.

God. Damnit.

He had tried to ignore the pressing feeling of dread as the Force had called him back to this desolate world and all its dangers, But it was to no avail not when it reached out to him from his private quarters and not when his anger spiked at the presence of a group he knew all too well. Were they honestly foolish enough to try this again? No, they couldn't be...He had stopped Jacen Nimdok and his thugs once before. What changed? What changed to compel these people to return to Odessen even with the knowledge of his presence? Maybe it was greed. Maybe it could have even been the same call that dragged him away from his operations on Kriselist, there was no telling what could have brought them here but that was irrelevant either way. They have returned so he would simply chase them off once more, It didn't matter what they were here for Ravenous had no intention of giving it to them.

"Arizelva." He called out towards a female Togruta in his vicinity. "The hell do you want?" She snapped a nasty scowl contorting her face. "Don't address me in that tone. I'll kill you. Then I will replace you with someone I find equally as beautiful." He said plainly.

"Threaten to kill me then call me beautiful? I can't seem to figure you out Ravenous...So what do you need?"

"Tell Logan to lock down the Alliance base and tell him to expect A long-winded old man, The duke of Sereno, A Mandalorian, A Sith chick with beautiful black hair and some others I am unfamiliar with."

A puzzled Arizelva did a double-take as she desperately tried to question the Dark Lord. "You-Did I just...You want me to...WHAT?!"

"Don't ask just do." Ravenous hissed slightly annoyed.

A still bewildered Arizelva hadn't even replied before Ravenous rose from his seated position and tossed his cup towards her spilling to coffee all over her skin.

"WHAT THE KARK RAVENOUS?!" She screeched in agony as the hot coffee burned away at her skin. "That should wake you up. Now watch my blanket I'll be wanting it back."

With that final remark, the Dark Jedi was off and heading towards the expedition at inhuman velocity. He made no attempt to conceal his movements, he didn't even try to flank his adversaries instead he headed straight for them. Before he was Playful and vindictive now he had conviction and bloodlust.

Elise Ike | Riley Reese | Zlova Rue | Garm Ki-Sapan | Lucien Dooku | Aselia Verd

 

[Jacen Nimdok]

Nimdok has some inkling of who Garm Ki-Sapan was working for and why he and his detachment of men had arranged (on short notice, no less) to accompany them. He was less aware of just how deep the rabbit hole went. For now, he was tolerant of the somewhat overblown militaristic presence, but if they caused unnecessary trouble or imposed harsh demands on the others, he would be less lenient.

Standing off to the side was Riley Reese , a mercenary with prominent cybernetic modifications—particularly her eerie artificial eyes, which with their vibrant green color reminded him of an arthropod. Her purpose there was clear, however—she was part of the armed escort, and her only desire was payment and perhaps a good word for her services.

Zlova Rue was harder to figure out. A beautiful Twi’lek woman with scarlet skin covered in intricate black tattoos, she had a cold, gruff demeanor that didn’t match her warm coloring. A delicate viper—or perhaps just a viper with an elaborate paint job.

The sudden presence of Elise Ike at his side roused mixed feelings in the archaeologist. Their last meeting had left him with a sour taste in his mouth—and a lingering attraction that refused to go away no matter how hard he tried to stamp it out. He’d managed to avoid her for much of the voyage, keeping their interactions constrained to pleasantries and the occasional intellectual conversation. But the sound of her voice always made his skin crawl, a sensation that was not totally unpleasant...

Forget it, Nimdok, a voice in his head warned. She’s only after the artifacts anyway.

“Right—if there are no questions, I suppose we had better get going,” he said, clearing his throat.

He had indeed brought along several speeder bikes, intending to cover the distance as quickly as possible. Zlova was already heading for the vehicles, and Nimdok had just taken a step toward them himself, when the sound of snapping twigs and whipped branches reached his pointed ears. He halted, turned in the direction of the approaching threat, and sighed.

“Here we go again.”

Marching over to one of Garm’s men, he pulled the weapon out of the startled soldier’s hands, swung it around, and fired several shots in the direction of Ravenous , hoping to slow the speeding Sith down, if nothing else. Normally he wouldn’t resort to such force, but given their previous dealings with this particular individual, as far as he was concerned all bets were off.

Lucien Dooku Aselia Verd Finley Dawson

 

[Zlova Rue]

Rue had just lain a hand on one of the speeders intent on being its pilot when an all too familiar sense washed over her. Something strong in the Force approached. Her golden eyes turned in the direction of this creature while Nimdok sought the ownership of a weapon.

As their intrepid leader sought to assail Ravenous with a most ineffective means, the Twi'lek lifted her hand from the speeder. As she turned, her hand slid to the small of her back to draw out one of the bent sabers kept there. With a slow roll of one shoulder than the other, the red woman moved to meet the man Nimdok found so unbearable.

With a smile on her lips, Zlova sashayed forth. "Hello there, Lover." The purple blade of her saber slid forth toward the ground. It swept vertically up before her before being sent back down and to the side once more. A polite salute to someone about to engage in a duel. Not so much because the Twi'lek recognized his skill or knew who he was; more that she simply enjoyed pantomiming needless gestures. A demonstration of her respect for her opponent -- or the lack thereof. Perhaps afterward she would find a kernel of respect if they still drew breath. A worthwhile reward anyone should seek.

"Please tell me you're here to dance." It would disappoint Rue to learn Ravenous had come to talk. What was there to talk about? This merry band of misfits had come before, faced this man before, and now they were back. Nimdok hadn't even tried appealing to the man -- apparently their last interaction had been quite memorable. "I could use a good partner." Equally disappointing would be if this Dark Jedi proved to be less of a threat than Nimdok had made out. They felt stronger than some Apprentice or loud-mouthed Knight at least. She had great hopes for him -- that he would die well.

Tag: Jacen Nimdok | Finley Dawson | Riley Reese | Lucien Dooku | Aselia Verd | Ravenous | Elise Ike

 

[Elise Ike]

Elise didn't really react to Nimdoks less then friendly attitude towards her, their time in between the two expedition revealing some unsettling information about each other. By far her own revealed identity to the archaeologist being much more concerning then what she gained in return during their time together, but she also felt something different. There didn't seem to be fear from him despite her powers, no, it felt as if Jacen Nimdok was avoiding her for different reasons all together.

Before any chance came to ask said question a familer sensation and smell stuck her, the women's hand going down to the saber that rested just under her jacket, but she waited. No need to reveal herself unless necessary, their were plenty of military personal around to hopefully fend off the dark jedi master who called this place his home. Even Nimdok took the lead, taking a blaster from one of the escorts and firing it upon the approaching figure, stupid if anything but at the very least would get him to stop... hopefully.

Though where a blaster bolt would probably fail Zlova Rue would stand a better chance, already poised to engage in a duel, from the looks of things the Twi'lek possibly being a user of form 2 saber combat. This would be an interesting match, but she kept on alter in case she was needed, Ravenous was a powerful and deceptive person from what little she knew. No counting out the possibility of some elaborate trap of other factors that could meddle in the duel to come.

 

[Ravenous]

Like the pure manifestation of darkness he was, Ravenous relentlessly charged his quarry at speeds only comparable to that of a wild beast. Golden light pierced the slits of his mask emanating corrupted yet pure energy where his eyes should be. Before he was even 50 feet of the group he was assailed by an assortment of blaster fire, evidently Jacen Nimdok had hopes of killing him before he had the opportunity to cause trouble...Not a chance. Contrary to what the others might think of this attempt to end his life Ravenous actually commended Nimdok for his quick thinking and unsurprising logical output. When the body begins to move at such an intense speed your vision blurs and it takes an absurd amount of energy just to keep moving forward any typical user of his modified Force Velocity can pretty much forget about starting and stopping easily.

...If only they were dealing with a typical Dark Jedi.

Using the Force Ravenous took hold of the energy propelling his momentum and held it in place. Just as a blaster bolt came barreling at his forehead Ravenous bent the energy to his will and launched it into the air evading the volley and giving him a large scope of the area around him. A multitude of speeders, A military contingent, Elise Ike , Some hot red chick, some kid with cybernetic enhancements...Oh, you have GOT to be kidding me...It seems Nimdok's crew has made a fatal error on their part. Like an angel of death, he levitated above ground nonchalantly approaching the group before him.

"Trying to kill me early on was a wise move on your part. I've said this before but I will say it again for our newest companions, I am Ravenous. Wooer of women, Master of villainy, and the omega of your existence. So good to see you again!" Before he could continue his warm welcome Zlova Rue approached him with an ignited saber. Purple like his and...Ah, she was beckoning him! A fellow swordsman it appears.

"Hello there! No, I am not here to dance no, no I'm here to kill you! That or injure you so bad you live the rest of your life as a mutilated stump. And besides..." The omen of death gracefully descended from the heavens onto the cursed earth. "You look like you'd be an atrocious dancer." Ravenous extended his hand and imposed his will on the trees next to the speeders his pain and rage rotting away at their roots and eating away at their support.

"I, on the other hand, am a master dancer."

Riley Reese | Garm Ki-Sapan | Lucien Dooku | Aselia Verd | Finley Dawson

 

[Jacen Nimdok]

Ravenous ’s biggest asset didn’t lie so much in his powers as in his underhandedness. While the Sith was still giving his villainous monologue, he used the Force to wither the roots of the nearby trees. The air was suddenly filled with the stench of rot and the creaks and groans of strained wood. Deprived of a foundation, the tree trunks began to lean dangerously, their trajectory aimed squarely at the speeders below and the group of people surrounding them.

“Watch out!” Nimdok shouted to the others. Clambering onto the nearest speeder bike, he jolted the vehicle forward, narrowly avoiding a heavy branch as the trees around them were quickly felled. If the others didn’t manage to follow suit, their method of transportation would be crushed.

Some of his more distrustful teammates may have jumped to conclusions the moment he got onto the speeder, specifically that he intended to abandon them all to the mercy of the obnoxious, irritating Ravenous. No, he had no intention of doing that—if he had, he would’ve yelled “Timber!” and then took off into the woods like a deranged forest gnome.

Instead, he turned around, surveying the damage from an acceptable distance. Zlova Rue would be out of range of the falling trees, since she had already approached Ravenous with the intention of provoking him into a duel. From what he knew of Elise Ike - which was to say, her entire life story - she could handle herself without a problem. But when it came to the others, he was less certain of their reaction times and capabilities.

Garm Ki-Sapan Riley Reese Aselia Verd Finley Dawson

 

[Aselia Verd]

Heavy footfalls reverberated from the ramp of the ship, the young mandalorian found herself once again on the surface of Odessen, things were slightly different this time different faces primarily but also, they had significantly more firepower on their side this time. She rolled her shoulders, still slightly stiff from the long flight sitting in a full suit of beskar was not exactly comfortable. Tapping on her left gauntlet she brought her battlefield sensors online and beyond that she reached out through the force relying both on technology and the force to be prepared, they would not be surprised this time.

Nimdok had forgone the speech, in some ways she was slightly disappointed by that but as her face was hidden by a helmet nobody would notice. She had forgone the rifle this time, her sniper rifle was strapped to her back next to her jetpack and on each hip, she wore a single blaster pistol however next to her right blaster hung a lightsaber.

She made her way towards Nimdok as he was preparing the speeders to move out, two things happened at once, her sensors alerted her to rapid movement but before that should could sense it, she drew her blaster only a moment before Nimdok opened fire and she joined him, as her right hand fell to her lightsaber igniting the blade with a hiss a violet light illuminated her as she continued a rapid barrage at Ravenous, she would not have this end the same way again this time he would be the one running home. “Seriously? This guy does not take a hint.” She moved to be slightly behind Zlova as both her sabers snapped to life and she squared off, she probably would fare far better in a fight than she would but, at the same time she was the daughter of the Vicelord she did know a few tricks.

TAG: Jacen Nimdok Riley Reese Finley Dawson Garm Ki-Sapan Zlova Rue Elise Ike Ravenous

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova's golden eyes watched as the man descended from Heaven to grace the mere plebs with his presence. It was painfully obvious where his attention lay; he made no effort to hide it. An outstretched hand and currents of the Force all led back to the speeders. Could she have stopped it? Absolutely. Did she try to? Not at all. In fact, her only reaction to 'Ravenous's' valiant effort was a flick of her unoccupied hand. A flick that sent an unoccupied speeder twenty-feet forward before it resumed its idle hover.

Her head rolled back and to the right just a bit to give indication whom her words were meant for. Their resident Dark Knight, Aselia Verd , had joined the Twi'lek on the field, which ordinarily wouldn't be needed nor desired. However, in that moment it was good to have a sounding board. After all, "Did he just try intimidating me?" The smile had slipped from her lips as her brow knitted together faintly over the bridge of her nose. It wasn't the puzzle she suggested by any means. "Far as psychological warfare goes, I've heard of darker lullabies."

The saber in her hand casually whirred as it cut a full vertical circle in the air at Zlova's side. "Lay down your saber," the Twi'lek's voice dropped in pitch and lacked any grace or finese as she intoned, "and allow us to pass or we will be forced to..." A pause and Rue's eyes drifted off to the side for a bit as if in thought. When she resumed, her voice picked up an increasing amount of energy and liveliness once more, "Shatter the vertebrae in your neck where you can live out the remainder of your days staring out of a window, remembering when your hand -- still attached to your withering husk -- would inspire fear in millions. Then, we'll haul you back to your base where we will find those most distraught or enraged at your absence and slowly gut them before your eyes. Assuming you have any pride in those that follow you, of course." Zlova paused for hollow laughter. "I am presuming a great deal about you."

Once more, Rue gave an idle flick and sent the saber whirling at her side. The tattooed eyebrows lifted curious if the man was going to keep attacking everything around her from a distance, or if he'd had enough wordplay. Much as she'd rather slam her saber down upon his with such fury the man knelt on the ground before her, Rue was not a barbarian. This was a duel. Though at this point, perhaps she'd have to skip waiting on him to draw his weapon and simply skip to the part where she cut him in two.

Tag: Jacen Nimdok | Finley Dawson | Riley Reese | Aselia Verd | Ravenous | Elise Ike

 

[Finley Dawson]

What was supposed to be a small catnap turned into something much more as Finley slept through the landing and subsequent introduction by leader of the expedition. Rocket lag from a steady stream of missions had finally caught up to the junior Knight. He may have slept even longer if it wasn't for his little blue BB unit poking his temple with one of its retractable arms.

He looked up at the chittering blue orb groggy and confused for a second, before suddenly snapping upright as he collected his bearings. Silently, he cursed himself as he raised his chronometer up for inspection.

Late.

Very late.

Embarassing, especially among this crew of strangers. First impressions were important, and he was off to a less than a stellar start. He'd just have to try to wow them all the second time around.

Quickly, he gathered up his things, and followed the sounds of voices, his droid in tow. Hopefully they hadn't gotten too far without him.

Zlova Rue Aselia Verd Jacen Nimdok Ravenous Elise Ike Riley Reese Garm Ki-Sapan

 

[Elise Ike]

Elise simply sighed and rolled her eyes as the speeders were destroyed, such a childish way to make his presence known and cause chaos without actually attacking anyone. At this point Ravenous just came off more annoying then anything else, did he really think those actions and words inspired fear? Perhaps it was just a form of gloating, Zlova Rue didn't seem to wait in returning her own round of words, coming off as quite the blood thirsty type.

If circumstances were different she could see the two force users getting along quite well, but wasn't her or now. Ravenous once again not making the first move when it came to any fighting. Elise merely taking a seat on a small rock to the side and whipping out one of the many data pads she had on hand. She was confident their current escort and array of force users could take care of the insane Dark Jedi. No need to get involve and blow her cover until necessary, or if Nimdok asked nicely.

She personally didn't really care if the solider boys or the two women stepping up to fight the annoying boy perished but the exhibition head would probably disagree. "Try not to take too long you three, I'd rather like to get to the ruins before dark"? She hollered to the opposing parties, almost as if she was watching a few children playing around in park on their way to do some shopping.

Aselia Verd Riley Corday Garm Ki-Sapan Finley Dawson

 

[Ravenous]

Ravenous said nothing as Zlova Rue threatened to...Shatter his vertebrae? Heh. Leaning his neck forward the Dark Jedi pulled away part of his armor to access his nape, He knocked on it only to receive the cold metallic clang of metal in return.

"Heh. Good luck with that, In fact, good luck shattering ANY bone inside my body missy! But enough talk, Its time I end this expedition...For good." Tapping a button on the side of his neck Ravenous sent adrenaline coursing through his bloodstream increasing his speed and boosting his strength to inconceivable levels of power and control. Using Force velocity on his already insane energy output the Dark Jedi dashed forward his movements becoming after images and his body turning into a torrent of death and destruction. An indigo blade ignited in the palm of his hand and with it the power of its crystal.

Zlova was using twin blades which meant she was probably using either Jar'Kai or Makashi, As if it mattered there were no possible ways she could best him using any traditional forms of Lightsaber combat, He was using Jirvanijas Irus' a form created and utilized by him solely for the purpose of counteracting other forms of combat. Even better even if he were to teach it to another they would be unable to wield its full power. Irus' requires the combatant to have a massive amount of stamina and as well as inhuman levels of speed and strength, With Force velocity and his spines adrenaline boost in his arsenal Ravenous is not only able to produce this level of power but maintain it at the highest level.

Ravenous could feel the bloodlust in Zlova a deep and yearning thirst for a good fight...Understandable, especially by him. As if he were a stress ball the Dark Jedi bounced off everything insight around Zlova: Trees, rocks, the ground, In some cases even the highly pressurized air created by his speed. Ravenous spun around once more before barreling towards Zlova only to use Force Velocity to launch himself over the Twi'Lek and towards Jacen Nimdok his sights set on severing his head from his neck.

"No leader. No expedition."

Elise Ike | Aselia Verd | Finley Dawson ​

 

[Zlova Rue]

Zlova's lips twitched upward as the man showed off for the group. No 'mere' bones to shatter? Then it would seem the Twi'lek would need to crush his metallic skeleton. Actually that went well with her plans to leave him a helpless, whimpering husk. Mere bones some annoyingly 'helpful' soul might find a way to give him back the ability to move -- as might have already happened in this man's life. The twisted ruins of a metal skeleton, however? Without cutting everything out and regrowing neurons from scratch... If that was the road the man wanted to walk, she'd accommodate it.

Thank the Ancient Sith Lords the verbal sparing match had ended, however. Much fun as the foreplay was, Zlova prefer talking with fists and blades. She loved to dance -- whether that was on a stage or weaving a path of carnage through an enemy host. It was far more honest than anything either of them could say. There were no misunderstanding when it came to one's actions.

Breath slowly slipped over her dark lips as Ravenous readied himself for battle. Rue's right hand kept her blade held out to one side and pointed toward the ground as time crept ever forward. One beat. One tick at a time. The galaxy blazed brilliantly all around them with a million million suns sparkling, shining, burning brightly. Worlds spun and circled in a precarious dance hovering between an endless void and a merciless furnace. The perfect balance, which this humble world shared. Spinning, circling, turning, churning... She could feel it. It all seemed to be so still to the human eye; so serene. A delightful delusion they enjoyed to maintain peace of mind. Hers, however, was not one of peace, and the music never ended.

The Twi'lek's golden eyes slowly veiled themselves as Ravenous spun into motion.

Rustle of cloth and leather alike fluttered in the air stirred up by the man's movements. From one point in space to another he charged. A classic means of trying to keep the enemy from guessing the direction with which they would strike -- or their target. Few could move so fast, however, which could revitalize even classic techniques with strategic value.

There was, however, a problem Ravenous would be forced to contend with. Zlova could 'see' him.

As he launched himself over her head eager to break the spirit of the expedition, the Twi'lek's left hand shot behind her to draw out the second hilt. She rarely started a fight wielding both. Few required it, and despite what might seem apparent more swords were not always better. In this case, however, she would need them to throw Ravenous off his course.

Twin bent hilts were flung across the ground as their Master flew after them. Neither lit until they drew closer to Nimdok himself. The blades erupted and began to whirl forming violet discs that would sweep in from either side at their bloodthirsty opponent. Zlova held no loyalty to the man despite being the 'leader' -- it was merely a matter of pride. Never let the enemy take anything. Of course, Ravenous could ignore her swords and die happy knowing he took one person with him, but Rue thought better of him.

As for Nimdok... long as the man didn't lurch forward Zlova was confident she could keep them from cutting him in half along with Ravenous.

Ravenous wouldn't need to wait long for Rue to arrive to take physical control of her sabers back to engage him personally. Then again, she didn't expect him to loiter in wait. One move at a time.

Tag: Jacen Nimdok | Finley Dawson | Aselia Verd | Ravenous | Elise Ike

 

[Jacen Nimdok]

As the hostility between Rue and Ravenous reached its boiling point, Nimdok was still sitting on his bike at the edge of the clearing, looking rather miserable as he surveyed the crushed speeder bikes.

No one had been injured so far, at least. With her usual blasé attitude, Dr. Dixon had taken a seat on a rock and was looking at something on her datapad, ignoring what was going on in front of her. Meanwhile Aselia was providing backup in the form of blaster fire from behind Zlova, attempting to draw Ravenous’ attention away from the Twi’lek, though it didn’t seem to be making much of a difference to the Sith.

The arrival of a late straggler, who scrambled down the plank of the ship looking like he had just gotten out of bed, drew Nimdok’s attention. It was a young man carrying a droid, apparently oblivious to the mess he was walking into.

The distraction left Nimdok unprepared for Ravenous’ sudden change in trajectory. His ears picked up on the flurry of rapid noise as the Sith bounced around, only to head straight for the archaeologist, apparently intent on decapitating the head of the expedition.

The hapless archaeologist promptly fell off his bike, plopping unceremoniously on the ground. This evasion proved unnecessary; Rue was already in pursuit, now wielding two lightsabers as the duel began in earnest. Even worse, her flourishing sabers were now an obstacle between Nimdok and his speeder.

Nimdok had already legally died once, and he had no interest in doing so again. While the purple sabers whirled, intent on slicing Ravenous to ribbons, the archaeologist flattened himself against the ground, doing his best to avoid winding up as collateral damage.

His eyes scanned the tall grasses surrounding him. Coupled with the flashing violet light over him, he was more or less screened from view. Would it be possible…?

It was a risk, to be sure, but in this case he believed he could come up with an excuse. His companions were an unruly, self-centered lot for the most part—they probably wouldn’t care enough to ask questions. Pressing his body still lower into the dirt, Nimdok concentrated on making himself smaller, thinner, and invisible...

Leaving behind the borrowed weapon and a slight impression in the flattened undergrowth where Nimdok's body had initially landed, a crystal snake slithered through the grass, darting behind a tree.

There Nimdok reappeared, looking breathless and flustered as if he had hurriedly commando-crawled out from underneath the floating sabers. There were two surviving speeders within reach. Clambering onto one, he made his way over to Dr. Dixon, gesturing for her to climb aboard. He figured the other two members of the crew would take the hint and make use of the second speeder. From what he could tell, they were better off letting Rue and Ravenous continue their "dance" in private.

In the meantime, they had a base to investigate.

Zlova Rue Ravenous Finley Dawson Aselia Verd Elise Ike

 

[Elise Ike]

Crossing her legs and idly watching on Elise found it nice to be not in the way of a saber for once. It was clear to see that Ravenous was indeed a skilled if but rash individual. It took that sort of person to ignore all the legitimate threats in front of him to go after the one person whom probably stood the lest chance against him in a full on fight.

Fortunately Jacen Nimdok would keep his head but in quite a strange fashion, Elise moving her gaze from the to be fight between the dark Jedi and Zlova Rue as she kept watch on the other professor. What she saw was new, and for someone as old as her new was always exciting, the women quickly standing up from her seat as she kept a bead on Nimdok's location.

Even if her line of sigh was blocked she could still sense his presence in the force along with the mans unique scent. Needless to say he was quite the slippery fellow, having moved so far in such a short time. It made Elise eager to once more prod his mind with endless question, a chance she would soon get as the man re-emerged near the speeders, grasping one and quickly making hast towards her.

It didn't take a genius such as herself to know the drill, quickly grasping her gear and flipping onto the back of the speeder as it sped past her. Making so Nimdok didn't need to slow down in their attempt to vacate the skirmish, "gun it, the sooner we are out of here the better"!

 

[Ravenous]

Ravenous' eyes were golden with bloodlust as he barreled towards Jacen Nimdok his ambitions high and his desire to watch this man die even higher. As he came within mere feet from his target Ravenous poured all his hatred and determination into one clean slash intent on cutting this expedition (And its leader) short of a head. Suddenly within his peripherals swirls of purple light spun around at high speeds before coming to a halt in front of Nimdok. Why...Why does every single Lightsaber wielding opponent throw their sabers at him? It's an ineffective cheap trick that only serves to make lacking duelists somewhat more formidable. Party favors were NOTHING against a genuine vector of oblivion.

Using the built-up powered already stored in his arms Ravenous batted away the blade to his left while with his other hand robbed the second blade of its inertia. He needed to end this quickly, a lot of his stamina was getting used up and the battle was only just beginning. Since Nimdok and his team were so adamant about staying on this side of the mortal coil Ravenous would deliver to them the death they yearned for. With Nimdok having ducked below the fumbling Dark Jedi Ravenous reached out with both hands and pushed himself off the ground with such force that he propelled himself into the air and on top of the vessel his enemies had arrived in.

He scanned his surroundings taking inventory of everything that was in it...Nothing of real use. The humming sound of a speeder echoed in Ravenous' ears as one of the few speeders that remained unscathed darted away from the area and deep into the jungle with Nimdok and Elise Ike in tow presumably towards the alliance base.

Let them go Ravenous. Arizelva and the others can handle those two just fine. He thought to himself.

"Its high time I stop proliferating this conflict and bring this duel to its end. You should be honored yet frightened all the same. I am going to unleash the beast inside me, the true darkness behind this mask. He is a hunger that has sailed thousands of worlds into oblivion. He is the enemy of life and the omega of strength. He is the manifestation of death..." In an instant, Ravenous's voice became distorted as if he were screaming as quietly as possible while still tearing through his own eardrums with the noise. "...Ir Tym Uud Tapti' Nuo j'us" Extending both arms forward Ravenous grasped at Zlova Rue 's soul and body trying to rip the very life force from around her, he clenched his hands as though they were around his body but they weren't instead he grasped the whispers inside her mind and soul...He wrapped his hands around her force signature. With a hunger in his eyes Ravenous furiously ate away at her power and soul, Zlova's thoughts, emotions everything that made her herself began to disappear into the void that was Nihilus.