Street of Dreams

[Aren D'Shade]

The young woman never was able to resist the call of technology and here on Dorsis she was almost in heaven. A location that was similar to Coruscant and that was a city-planet. Here there were so many places to explore and things to do, but right now all Aren could think of was food.

She was searching for such a place and of course pretty oblivious to what was going on around her. Her headset sat on her ears and Aren nodded to the songs playing as she walked and dreamed of what waited for her. What she did miss were the ruffians following her.

Just before she reached an establishment to get off her feet and food into her belly, they launched their plan. An ion blast hit her and shorted out her headset. Stopping, a net was cast and a stun shot fired at her from two others. Falling to the ground, the girl could only stare as they approached her location...

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]​

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

The galaxy suddenly beckoned to him, since he left Iktotch a pull coming from the force was followed to and fro. Inexplicably he now found himself on Dorsis, though not yet knowing why.....

His fighter hidden from public view, his astromech guarding it steadfast. The Emerallian Jedi apprentice walked almost aimlessly through the busy streets. His robes and armor concealed by his cloak, his features concealed by his hood, and likewise his weapons. Looking to stop and ponder, the padawan shrouded in mystery stopped off at a decent looking restaurant for a drink.

Having enjoyed it more than one should have, he paid discreetly and turned to the door. The Force had beckoned him to this location, yet did not prepare him for the visage he would happen upon. Stopping coldly, he saw a group of men that did not look all that honest as they trapped and surrounded a young woman about his own age. Hesitating only briefly, all he did was take one step forward........

 

[Aren D'Shade]

There were a few issues with attempting to capture this woman. She had some companions and they had been travelling with her. Close but not in her way. All of them were droids of three different kinds and a porg. That little creature was currently in the care of the female droid and she was catching up now that Aren was disabled.

A blaster appeared in the droid's hand and fired wildly in the direction of the thugs. They hadn't been expecting anything of the sort to happen and as they reacted to her a drone like droid buzzed over their heads. Lastly a spider droid came out from under Aren and would attempt to prevent them from carting her off.

The thugs were unaware of the approach of Lan-Dai and such did not react to him. Without thinking very hard, the one holding the ion gun fired it at EL who of course stopped moving and started to teeter on her feet. Coming to a rest, her hand still held that blaster, but could do nothing. The light in her eyes fading as she was disabled.

"C'mon. Shoot the little droid and let's get out of here."

Out of charge, the man h​olding the ion equipped gun shook his head.

"No good."

Knowing the stun shot wasn't going to do any damage to the one closest to Sam (spider droid) went to smack him against the wall of the building next to them.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

The first thing to do was to analyze the situation more thoroughly, and the long-term conclusion was quite unclear. This was how it would remain until an explanation was offered, yet it was not in his nature to stand by and do nothing.

Moving silently, almost as if he were invisible among those who attempted to take the girl away, the man reaching to smack the droid didn't see the mystery padawan, let alone realize that the Emerallian apprentice now held his forearm with and unbreakable grip.

And then he began to squeeze....... Slowly, but firmly

"I am not sure what the problem is, however, it is in your better interest to resolve it without resorting to unnecessary violence..."

This was all the hooded figure uttered as he held the man's arm, keeping him immobile somehow....

 

[Aren D'Shade]

A small whirring noise started coming from the spider droid. He was built to repair ships and had various tools at his disposal. As Lan-Dai started his confrontation with the thug, he started to try and cut his master out from the net she was captured in. The stun was starting to wear off of Aren and her awareness was returning.

Not fully knowing what all had happened, the first thing that came to mind was getting away. That same thought had already happened to thug with the stun gun and he was along gone, leaving his companions behind. Right now the only one left in the area was the one in the grip of Lan-Dai.

"What violence, man? No harm has been done to anybody!"

What he said was true. There hadn't been any harm done.
​
[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Those who would capture the young woman had chosen wisely in fleeing, it had made the apprentice's ordeal all the easier.....

"True.... No harm has been done, yet only due to my intervention............." The low, stoic voice almost booming from under the hood. "Would your friends had acted so prudenly had I not arrived????? Hmmmmm???? "

The voice continued as the grip on the man slightly increased.

"And would you care to explain why the need for a net?"

Ever vigilant was he, somehow believing that this encounter would not be a peaceful as it seemed.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

The thug did make a weak attempt to escape, but the grip on his arm tightened again and he crumpled to his knees.

"Man, we weren't going to hurt her. Let me go."

In the mean time Aren ha​d gotten her feet out and was trying to get rest of the net off over her head. Letting out a grunt, the poor girl ended up knocking Sam off of her and probably looked like a fool twitching on the ground.

"Sell her after we had some fun."

Deciding it best not to​ fight or lie, the thug now on his knees looked up and Lan-Dai and prayed to himself not to be killed.

Hearing what these guys planned to do with her, Aren aimed a kick in the general direction of the thug's rear end.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

While an uncouth reply was expected, the man's answer shook the foudation of that who subdued him. Loosening his grip on the man, but unyielding, the Emerallian simply pulled his captive closer to the incoming kick from his would-be victim.

Once the kick had landed, the mystery figure looked down upon his temporary prisoner, to the young woman, and back again. Sighing faintly, the hooded man simply shook his head while raising his free hand in an open palm stance, finally revealing a part of his armor in the process.

Between a flick of the wrist that held the man in place, and a swift motion that brought his raised hand downwards into the man's abdomen as the open palm closed into a fist, the man was only allowed to begin a scream as his arm was broken before the fist reaching his abdomen knocked the wind out of him.

Before collapsing, the almost kidnapper could faintly hear more words from his cryptic preventer.....

"How is this for some fun???"

With that he finally released the man from his grasp, and then turned to face her, she whom he had unexpectedly rescued from rape and slavery.....

 

[Aren D'Shade]

With the wind knocked out of him and his arm broken, but released, the thug did his best to make his escape. If allowed to get away, he would do that and fade into the alley.

What Lan-Dai could see of Aren was her legs, the rest of her was still pretty much obscured by the netting used to capture her. EL was coming out of her ionization and approaching them. The blaster now aimed at Lan-Dai.

"Get away from my mistress, uncouth savage."

Of course the droid did ​know he had been the actually stop the kidnapping, but she did not fire the blaster.

"EL, he stopped the attack..."

With that the netting ca​me off the girl along with her headset which she dug out and placed around her neck. Standing up, she motioned to her companions to stop and stop irritating this man.

"Thank you. I'm Aren D'Shade. That's EL, Sam, Red and Skeeter."

At each name she pointed at who was mentioned and that was that.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Fortunately for the man, he was not deemed worthy of further neutralizing, as such he was allowed to run away in his shame and defeat. Turning to face the girl, he was ready to take a step towards her when suddenly he sensed a blaster being aimed at him. Raising an eyebrow within his hood, the mood was difused by the young woman herself.

The coast seemed clear enough, yet one could never tell. His eyes never left the girl as she rose, looking only through peripheral vision to the others she introduced after herself.

Nodding in approval, the Emerallian asked a single question..

"Are you alright?"

 

[Aren D'Shade]

When he asked if she was alright, Aren did a quick through in her mind of what happened and nodded.

"Yes, I'm fine. A bit shaken up. I guess I should learn not to listen to my music all the time, but it just so addictive."

While it did not excuse ​what happened, it was the excuse she had.

"What are you going to do to me?"

Nothing was ever free and his rescue while timed perfectly with the attack lead her think he was after something from her.
​
[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Relieved to see that she wasn't greatly harmed, and that she was at least back on her feet, the hooded padawan raised an eyebrow at the would be excuse she offered. While shocked that someone would actually reach that level of distraction in a place such as this one, it was not beyond a level of understanding.

However, her next question caused him to rear his head back slightly in shock. The thought of her apprehension towards someone who had just saved her from being caught, raped, and then sold off to a worse fate was disturbing, yet not without plausible foundation.

"I mean you no harm, I assure you....."

His voice while still dark and stoic was also sincere.

"I ask nothing of you, other than the hope of your well being....... and perhaps your greater attention towards your surroundings"

 

[Aren D'Shade]

It seemed to be a common question she asked. What are you going to do to me?​

When he replied, he seemed surprised by it so she believed him. He said he meant no harm and just hoped she was fine. She shrugged when he suggested she pay better attention to her surroundings. While it was true, she didn't want to all the time. This was the first time something like this had happened to her.

"How did you hold him like that?"

She was also curious about his name what he looked like, but wasn't going to ask either one. One question she did want answered though...

"Why are you hooded?"

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Seeing her at ease at his answer, he simpy nodded in approval. Her reaction at his request for her to be more aware caused him to restrain a small chuckle, successfully. Aren's question piqued his interest, and he replied without giving too many details.

"It's all in knowing about anatomy........ and the proper training of course...."

Hopefully such a response was enough to clarify, yet not enough to delve further as he thought it best to keep certain aspects of himself to himself for the time being.

"In case an episode such as this one happens, one would think it best to conceal as much as possible so as not to give any clues to follow..."

Her question was well-founded, yet he did not feel completely out of danger as the possibility of Aren's would-be kidnappers returning was still one to take seriously.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

"That makes sense. Maybe I should learn about organics than droids."

At that EL made what could only sound like a noise of offense, but she did not comment.

She hadn't thought of a need to hide, but maybe she would. Then again with her ability to slice into pretty much anything kept her from being seen by cameras or surveillance devices. It was also how she got her droid companions except for EL. Aren had built her.

"But you do good, it makes more sense them to hide their faces."

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]​

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

The remark about learning more of organics and the droid's reaction was cause for yet another chuckle, which was again kept at bay successfully. His own droid would have reacted in a similarly noteworthy fashion.

"Perhaps....." He began. "Yet those who do otherwise will at some point seek impediment......" He had not yet finished the word when he sensed the approach of an entourage. The same men who had attempted to kidnap Aren had returned, this time they brought more of them, they were 16 strong now.

Coming out from behind them was the man whose arm was broken, instantaneously fuming while he pointed at his malefactor from his point of view, and now theirs.

"...... or Retaliation....."

That last word had just become a fact.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

Not it that it was huge deal to Aren at the time. Just something she would attempt to learn in the future. When the voice of the lead attacker spoke up and finished Lan-Dai's sentence, she let out a small squeak of surprise. However, she noticed something about half these people. They had cybernetic parts. A partial leg, eyes, hands and arms...all sorts of electronics. While this man had rescued her, now was her moment to shine.

As they approached, she reached out with what she called her skill and essentially shorted out the cybernetic parts. Some were now blinded, had their arms stop working and fell to the ground. That left the other half for Lan-Dai to contend with. Hopefully just her action alone gave them room to think though.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

Readyng himself for what may be actual combat, the man in the hood turned to fully face them beneath his hooded cloak. Half of the 16 men that had come were suddenly neutralized seconds after, all of them with cyberneitc prosthetics.

Was this Aren's doing?? He thought for seconds before turning back to the matter at hand. Yes 8 of them were disabled, yet 8 more remained.

"Teach this mystery do-gooder a lesson.......... then take the girl!!!!!" The man with the broken arm cried, obviously shaken and decomposed.

As they began to draw their blasters, somehow one of them closest to the pair found the cloaked man suddenly standing right in front of him, having been 6 to 7 paces away a moment before. Just as quickly he found his blaster hand gripped and twisted, this not only disarmed him but broke his wrist. The man's scream was silenced by a flurry of barely visible punches to the abdomen and an open hand strike to the neck, and all before he could get a shot off.

As the man was about to lapse into unconsciousness, the Emerallian turned to see another one 5 paces away aiming and ready to fire. Not enough time to get to him before he could get a shot off, the hooded apparition simply grabbed his first opponent and threw him into the line of fire. The maneuver worked as the attacker fired right into his comrade's shoulder. The impact was met by a surprise uppercut from the mysterious warrior, inexplicably reaching him in no time.

One more met the floor as 3 of them began to open fire, the remaining men now having his undivided attention. Within seconds, the hooded figure leaped horizontally only 3 feet from the ground, though his cloak never moved from his front. Landing in front of the closest within reach, he once again grabbed his blaster hand, but instead of cracking his wrist, he instead struck the elbow joint with an open palm strike before pulling on his now broken arm forward enough to deliver a chop to his neck. The next one fired at him directly at the torso. Sidestepping in the ick of time, the same momentum was used to poise and deliver a roundhouse kick to his chin. The connecting sound was loud enough, and the man's spiraled fall was fast and hard enough for the others to tremble slightly.

In the confusion and awe of the latest takedown, the hooded figure continued the assault to the 5th man with an open palm clothesline, sending him back several feet. Sensing immediate danger, the hooded figure didn't get the chance to turn around when the 1st man he encountered at the beginning of all this tried to shoot him from behind, yet he missed. That was obviously not his blaster hand, as his other arm was broken.

Walking slowly toward him, beneath the hood and cloak a brief look was given to the other 3 that remained, flinching as his unseen gaze met theirs.

"You should have left when you had the chance..............." was all that was heard from under the hood as the man began to grimace in cowardly horror.

Too scared to aim or shoot straight, it was not hard for him to grab the blaster yet without disarming him. Whimpering, he watched helplessly as the hooded warrior fired at his other 3 comrades with his own hand and blaster. Wounding them only so that they could still be able to walk away, he then once again turned to the would-be leader of the assault. Delivering a simultaneous straight punch to his face, and a heel kick to his knee, effectively breaking his leg, the hooded figure simply threw the man forcefully at the others who were attempting to slink and slither away.

With the assailants gone once more, hopefully for good this time, the hooded figure once again stood straight, and still concealed to any and all within the vicinity.

 

[Aren D'Shade]

The fight passed in what was almost the blink of an eye. It may have been more than that, but to the girl it was so very fast she couldn't keep up. She was luckily on her feet still and picked up Skeeter. Looking at Lan-Dai, she tipped her head in the direction of her original destination.

"I don't it is wise to stay on the street any longer. Do you want something to eat or drink? I was headed there to go that when I got netted and stunned."

Those thugs with the cybernetic parts took the hint and scattered in all directions not wanting to tangle with these two again. If either of them were caught alone again here though, they would pay.
​
By now Aren had grown almost accustomed to him keeping his hood on, but with food or drink, he may need to lower it. Not that she thought of that when she offered to eat with him.

[member="Lan-Dai Navras"]

 

[Lan-Dai Navras]

The danger had now passed, yet who knew if a third wave were to be called upon? Or perhaps a new enemy altogether? One could never tell when on a city planet such as this.

"Could not have said it better myself......." Pausing briefly to survey the surroudings for any further threat. "I had just come from inside this establishment, the drinks here are decent enough...." Gesturing her inwards, the hooded figure followed as she would enter.

"I would be glad to....."