The Ren: Expedition to Lothal - The Crystal Quest

[Jamie Pyne]

Her heart skipped half a beat, startled by the voice of [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] as she spun around to see the dark skinned man standing a few feet away. It took a few seconds of squinting, adjusting her focus with the meager bits of light the crystals gave off to recognize the man. "Aerion?" What an odd place to find the other Jedi. "What in the stars are you doing down here? I haven't seen you since..." She paused, thinking how long it had been since the last time she had actually seen him. "Since you reminded me that I'm nothing more than a rich priss that doesn't understand fighting." She may still have been a bit sour over that whole situation. Then again, judging by the words he had just chosen, it seemed like little had changed since then with respect to his attitude. Perhaps he was making an innocent joke, but it still felt more like a subtle insult from the past.

"I slipped." She said, not waiting for a response to her previous question, as if feeling the need to defend herself for falling her way into the cave. "Someone crept up behind me and I was surprised, and slipped."

That likely didn't paint her grace in any better of a light, but it was the honest truth, and she was well known for being quite clumsy. It was hard for her to deny that kind of accusation.

"I'm okay though, thanks for asking."

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Perth Levov"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"]

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Lothal, Great Plains​

Status: En Route to Mountain Range​

--- --- ---​

​

As the rest of their group started up their collection of speeders Castor couldn't resist the urge to crank on the accelerator at full force. Surging forward, a rush of adrenaline coursed through the Disciple's veins. Grinning as his speeder was brought to full speed he zig-zagged across the open plain, just because they had work to do didn't mean he couldn't enjoy it. Casting up dirt and rock as he cut to the left and then back to the right he almost let out a laugh, his fingers gripping the handlebars tightly. He continued this way for several minutes, all the while heading in the general direction of the mountains they'd passed over on their initial entry. Slowing down slightly he looked back over his shoulder as the long grass of the plains shot past, ensuring the rest of their group was still in tow. Satisfied as his eyes caught a flash of light a ways back he cut back to the left about 45 degrees, locking in a bearing towards the foothills.

Tucking in his body low to the speeder bike, he increased his speed once more. He felt a strange sense of urgency, scratching at the edges of his mind like a yawn that just wouldn't come. Pushing it to the back of his mind he nimbly dodged a large rock jutting out of the earth. The terrain had grown much rockier the farther they progressed and the mountains now loomed directly overhead. It reminded him of the mountains on Skye, the jagged rock formations cutting into the sky. The landscape here was beautiful really, not nearly as inhospitable as the heights of the Canaitith Mountain Range though Castor imagined they held their own perils. As they began to approach the foothills he brought his speeder to a brief halt. He could feel it, the Force was stronger here. They were beginning to approach the caves. With a quick kick of his foot he brought the speeder back into motion, rocketing towards the base of one of the larger mountains. Raising a hand to his ear, he spoke, the micro-earbud comm device activating. Each one of their number had been given one, now it was time to see who'd remembered theirs.

::Comm Check. We're approaching the first of the caves. I suggest we leave the speeders here and continue the rest of the way on foot. ::

As he continued speeding towards their initial stopping point, he checked the terrain scanner mounted on the hull of his speeder-bike. The terrain was becoming increasingly mottled with patches of dry rock, elevation steadily increasing as the cadre of speeders progressed. Slowing his speed as he began weaving through small clusters of rock Castor pulled around a small outcropping, letting his engine drop to an idle. From here they would have a short hike, 2km at most to where the mouth of the first cave entrance was. This would be a more or less secure space to store their speeders, away from prying eyes and and in a relatively defensible position, the rocks creating a natural barricade. Waiting for the others, he killed his speeder's engines, the high pitched hum slowly fading as the subtle creaks and groans of cooling metal sounded. Swinging his leg back over the speeder and stretching his legs, he stood, awaiting the others' arrival, one eye watching the mouth of the cave.

​

Spoiler

Ren​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Anor Ren"]​

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Greifen Ren"]​

[member="Iroatas"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Misha Ren"]​

[member="Thresh Sken"] | [member="Perth Levov"]​

[member="Soleil Ishtar"] | [member="Darren Onyx"]​

[member="Morrison Jericho"] | [member="Kaz Praxon"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And our Resident Sith [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Other​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

​

​

 

[Samka Derith]

A playful smirk crept over Samka's face as she trailed after the elder Knight. Isla Ashen did have a sense of humour after all, it may be stunted but it was there.

"Now, I know nothing about bikes so you'll have to pick our transport," Sam had to take a quick jog while talking to bring herself alongside her new 'sibling'. Did taller people really have to take such long strides?

She regretted letting Isla choose almost immediately. The red head had picked out a model which looked older than every member of their expedition added together. Most of the paint had been scratched off, none of the parts looked original and smudges of dirt and oil speckled across the vehicle's underside.

Glancing around at the other speeders, Sam briefly considered saying she could take her own after all. Then she remembered that legally, she couldn't. Nor did she have the slightest bit of experience with these machines. Just push a button and go, was that right? Perhaps not.

Her face clearly dejected, Sam trudged over to the seat Isla had patted behind her. "You couldn't have chosen anything a little less... drab?" Sam did note that at least it held a few bags on the sides to carry their bounty back afterwards as she lifted her leg over the seat. Or at least tried to.

"Oh," the fabric of her skirt resisted her. She tried to rope her leg over a second time with the same result. "Erm." Only on the third time did she realise her position and angle were coming frighteningly close to exposing herself in a very public place. With a frustrated sigh, the girl plopped down in a sidesaddle position, tugging the cruel, offending clothing down as best she could. Thankfully most of the rest of their group had gone on already. "Not a word to the others. I have a reputation to maintain," she hissed to Isla as the bike's engine roared into life.

Realising there was no form of safety for her, Sam instinctively wrapped both her arms around the elder woman's waist rather tighter than intended. She supposed it had been some months since her last major humiliation. The universe had cursed her to endure such things. Still if this was the worst thing their intrusion on Alliance space would bring, she would take it.

[member="Castor Ren"] [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Perth Levov"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] @Siriwook @D'vok Windroamer [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Zark"]​

 

[Darth Veles]

They were a pack of hungry Tuk’ata, scouting Lothal’s desolate wilds and approaching their helpless prey, all the while avoiding the planet’s militant guardians and their vigilant gaze. It excited him. Not the driving itself, but knowing he shouldn’t be on this planet. Every mistake could reveal his presence, cost him his life. This concept strongly reminded the slippery assassin of his usual line of work. Infiltration, assassination; pursuing kyber crystals on a planet infested with Jedi sent the very same excited shivers down his spine, resulting in similar sensations he always received when creeping through enemy outposts. Veles wondered if the Ren felt the same, given their purpose almost perfectly mirrored his own.

Driving straight from point A to point B, the Sith lord needed not to change the bike’s general direction unless obstacles stood in his way and threatened advancement – in which case he abandoned the perfectly straight line, going around what blocked his way without ever straying too far. Leaning onto the speeder, thus decreasing the drag of his body, he opened the throttle and felt the air’s fury increased. Angrily lashing against his fleshy form in defiance, the wind tried to steal the Darth’s cape and play with it, only succeeding at removing the hood from his head for the remainder of the ride. Nothing else dared to interrupt the journey aside from a beep originating inside his ear, signalling a one of them wished to share a word. Hearing the message out, Veles’ webbed claw found the small device as well.

“Understood,” Veles responded and made a mental note the knights of Ren apparently needed more training in telepathy.

Fluently decelerating, killing the speed so much the black hood was allowed to slide onto his head again without fearing repercussions, Veles could enjoy sightseeing for the last few minutes. After the speed crawled down to snail pace and was guided to the first stop, everything suddenly felt unnaturally silent and smelled fresh. Veles dismounted and stood still, only the two large, pleasantly orange eyes spied on their new surroundings. Both searing orbs settled upon the cave’s entrance that matched the colour of his cloak, a menacing sight for many, strangely calming for him. Even this far, he felt a cold draft leaving the cave’s gaping maw, biting into his moist skin through the heavy robe. Plenty of hiding space in the cavern system turned that area into a perfect spot for an ambush, prompting Veles into adjusting his cybernetic eye’s vision accordingly so nothing stood a chance of escaping his attention.
​

Spoiler

[member="Siriwook"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Castor Ren"] [member="Brennan Cabrol"] @D'vok Windroamer [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] [member="Thyra Sunborne"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Samka Derith"] [member="Zark"] [member="Perth Levov"] [member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Tiland Kortun"] [member="Aela Talith"]

​

 

[WolfMortum]

[member="Isla Ashen"] paired with [member="Samka Derith"] were the last of them to fire their jets and send their transport screaming off across the fields. Brennan found a moment of silence, one that conveyed a certain sense of awe in the groups leaving him. He had waited until he were behind them all before his hands gripped the handlebars of the swoop, his feet kicking down against the clutch and gear levers just shy of the pads that the heels of his boots had been planted to firmly against. Lowering his head, his eyes squinted before the speeder too flared up in all the power of it's engine and all the lack of burden in having next to nothing to stop him from falling or protecting him in the case of a collision, that lack of protection for himself sent the bike into a weightless launch carrying behind it a cloud of dust that would line his six and follow him all the way to their intended destination.

His Swoop did not struggle in gaining on the two, as slim as he was from years being starved of nourishment and only having been with the First Order for a couple of weeks now, he hindered the bike none and coming up on their far right, he eased off the acceleration to keep an even keel alongside them; his eyes forward and never once glancing to the women. Truthfully he held no experience with them, woman that was. He had admired one once during his years under the Jedi but as the Sith were known for, they were made a victim of in similar taste as he had been only they had been killed whereas he had been claimed. These days, it wasn't something that crossed his mind often and around the First Order, eyeing a Knight of Ren in such a way, he figured would only serve to get him killed. Furthermore, the notion of a good thing in life just didn't seem so realistic anymore; with what happiness he might have had being stolen from him, so much so to lose that part of himself that proved himself an individual from all others, there just wasn't a need for lust anymore when expecting that nothing good would come of possessing something that mattered. Material ownership or relationships, they all seemed to have an end date and usually were all cut short by the appraisal and potential gain of another stronger than he were. It was there, in that statement that his admiration came back into the mix of things, the chain of command, the strength to lead; beyond anyone to his knowledge, the Supreme Leader succeeded in such a concept ten fold in comparison to his own life. An aspiration perhaps though again, not a very realistic one. Considering all things, Brennan had truly yet to find something he knew how to enjoy anymore. Everything else was simply what it was. Tangible existence.

The Comm-unit in his right ear sounded, [member="Castor Ren"]'s voice coming through over the mic and causing Brennan's gaze to lower slightly, his mind paying more attention to the voice than where he was headed yet the environment for the most part remained flat as the three eventually made their way to where the others had arrived. "En-route" he responded very simply to convey their participation, speaking not in the place of his superiors but earnestly for the sake of the one leading the party. Whether or not Castor Ren would actually recognize the one behind the voice was another story, Brennan had rarely uttered a word in their presence over the days and nights transitioning from the lowly life of a nobody to a Disciple of Ren. It would only be a matter of a minute or two before they had caught up and his words would no longer likely be required to fulfill their goal of being on the world.

Spoiler

The First Order: [member="Castor Ren"] [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="Samka Derith"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Perth Levov"]

Galactic Alliance: [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Thyra Sunborne"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] [member="D'vok Windroamer"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Tanomas Graf"]

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Kyrel with one twist of his cybernetic wrist the swoop accelerated out of the hanger. He quickly followed Castor from behind looking back he saw others like Veles follow. Excitement poured through him as he knew their mission was about to begin. The swoop packed quite a punch zooming quickly through the countryside and through the grasslands. He had not encountered any obstacles so far as the terrain was concerned. As the swoop entered from the grasslands upwards into the magnificent mountains he could have sworn he saw a couple of curious Loth cats as well but payed no attention within a mere blink of the eye they disappeared. Along the path there was nothing but snow mixed in with dirt the loud hum of the swoop was all that could be heard. Despite the ancient relic for a speeder it held along the rugged slopes quite well. Finally after what felt like almost an hour he could make a clear distinction of a cave mouth up ahead. He decelerated slowly before completely coming to a full stop when Castor stopped his own speeder bike.

The mechanical monstrosity painfully got out of his swoop. There was a gentle cold breeze in the air,his cape flowed freely with every step. He reached out with the force. What he felt was absolutely exhilarating. The force was all over the cave and he could swore that the crystals that were inside were calling to him. It was nothing like he had ever seen or experienced before it was as if he was flowing on a river of power that was connected in a delicate and systematic way. Was this what it felt like to be in the presence of a Crystal cave,and this was only the entrance who knew how strong it was from the inside. Either way the Disciple of Ren was very eager to go inside.

He stood there awaiting patiently with the group. As he waited for the others to arrive he touched the force,and grew increasingly excited. The Jedi were either close or weren't very far,and from what he could tell didn't even sense them. Kyrel mentally laughed thinking of how foolish and idle the Jedi were that they couldn't even sense the Dark Side inside one of what they considered to be a sacred place. Regardless of what they could sense all Kyrel really wanted was to kill them or at least install fear into them even if it was just one.


Snapping out of his thinking he said aloud inquisitively to no one but himself. "What is our next course of action? Should we go in individually or in groups?" His metallic baritone echoed through the mountain top voicing the question of what the next part of their hunt would include.


[member="Castor Ren"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="Samka Derith"] [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Perth Levov"]

[member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Thyra Sunborne"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] @D'vok Windroamer [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Tanomas Graf"]

 

[Aerion Ivelisse]

Suppose he should've expected that, though he didn't seem particularly fazed. A rich priss that didn't know anything about combat, yes, that was true. Apparently he should've amended that to a rich priss who didn't know how to balance, but how would that help their case? Glancing back up the way that she had fallen down, it took him a moment to realize that there was another person approaching, but he hardly paid it any mind.

Regardless of whether or not she was going to wait for him to give an answer to her original question, he wasn't going to answer it. "Perhaps I should amend it to 'Rich Jedi Priss,' that doesn't know anything about combat." His left hand opened and closed, as if he were imagining his lightsabre hilt in his palm. She hadn't mentioned being a Jedi the first time they had met, but seeing as she was in the Crystal Caves on Lothal, there wasn't much need to ask the question as to whether she was force sensitive or not. Not that he would've asked to confirm it anyway, he wasn't that much of a talker.

And then she went along to further worsen the situation with her last statement. "Fine enough to get up on your own," he said drily, which most certainly translated to being perfectly fine in his own mind. Sure, he could've been a Jedi Knight, but he didn't waste time in that polite small talk. If there was danger, he dealt with it. If there were injuries, he dealt with them, or rather, assigned a medic to handle them. There was none of that 'are you okay?' time wasting.

He sniffed.

Then, he turned his head to @D'vok Windroamer. A pointed lightsabre in [member="Jamie Pyne"]'s direction. An apparent threat. Danger, not to him, not yet anyway, so he reacted.

His right hand raised, almost lazily and with it came the sensations of motor functions ceasing for the being, likely before he could further threaten the blonde. But he continued on speaking as if nothing had happened, light blue orbs hardening for a moment.

"Glad to see you're still alive," he said, which probably translated to being the nicest thing he ever said to, well, anyone. Sure, he could hold grudges, but back then on Naboo, not only had she succeeded in shutting him up, she had also given him something to think about.

[member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Castor Ren"], [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Samka Derith"], [member="Isla Ashen"], [member="Perth Levov"], [member="Taeli Raaf"], [member="Aela Talith"], [member="Brennan Cabrol"], @Desmon C'artyom

 

[Jamie Pyne]

"I know the things I need to know. Some of us have obligations to our homes that we can't simply run from." Jamie had a good enough memory to recall the story he had divulged to her about his father fleeing Tython with him to Naboo to avoid the Sith invaders. Tython was now, of course, released from the Sith, their back having been broken by the Galactic Alliance and in-fighting between their own dark lords. She rolled her eyes towards him, the light from the crystals dancing off the shifting orbs. "I see you've become quite the symbol of the Jedi. Your master must be proud of the lack of compassion and empathy you possess towards others. Yeah, I'm fine enough to get up on my own, I only fear the day should ever come where I do need your help."

The momentary shift to what felt like backhanded concern for her overall well being was enough to give the blonde pause and change her expression to one of suspicious doubt as to whether or not he had intended to sound genuinely happy to see her in good health. "Are you being serio--" Her words were cut off by D'vok's sudden interruption and call to freeze.

Jamie turned her head from Aerion to the newest arrival, hearing [member="D'vok Windroamer"]'s voice, though she made no immediate movements, whereas Aerion moved to manipulate the Force to prevent the man from moving further. The order for her to halt followed by an accusation of being Sith bewildered her. "Sith?" She repeated in question form. "You're mistaken I'm afraid." The blonde turned to address the man that had somehow managed to sneak up on both her and the other Jedi from elsewhere in the cave. "I am no Sith. And, despite my personal opinions of the man next to me, neither is he." Jamie took another step closer to D'vok, trying to get a better look at the man's face. "My name is Jamie Pyne, member of the royal council to King Matteo of Naboo. Why would you believe us to be Sith, on a Jedi world inside of a Jedi crystal cave?"

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Perth Levov"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"]​

 

[Perth Levov]

Perth saw travel as a necessary evil. She took no delight in flying space ships or riding speeders or even their more thrilling cousins, speeder-bikes. The latter she was riding now and despite their significant speed and manoeuvrability, she saw it as nothing more than a means to an end. Its greatest asset, to her, was its speed, meaning she could spend the least amount of time travelling and the maximum amount of time doing.

Ahead she saw where the speeders had been parked up. Most were hidden from view from any passing traffic – it was only because she was looking for them specifically that she noticed them.

So she added hers to the pile and walked briskly to catch up with the group that she sensed through the Force were up ahead.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla merely shrugged at Samka’s obvious disapproval of the speeder she had chosen. Yes, it was drab… she would at least admit to that. But, looks were deceiving. If anyone understood that notion, she figured it would be the young woman that looked so out of place.

“It’ll do.” She said, a slightly defensive edge in her tone.

The flame-haired woman tapped her foot on the ground, ready to take follow after the others, but it seemed that Samka was having… issues. Turning in the seat, she glanced behind to see that Samka was having a bit of a wardrobe mishap. She stifled a chuckle, and cleared her throat in an attempt to mask the sound. But a grin remained on her lips.

“As you wish.” Isla replied to Samka’s request to keep her reputation unblemished.

Isla looked down as Samka’s arms wrapped about her waist, a hold that was a bit tighter than she had expected. She shook it off. Really though, she didn’t want the younger knight to go bouncing off the back of the seat – even if it might have been a bit funny. Her stony expression returned. After all, they were not here for recreation. She placed a pair of goggles over her eyes, and tossed a pair over her shoulder to Samka. A finger tapped her earpiece, and they were off.

The ride was fairly pleasant, even with the added company of Samka. Her emerald eyes took in the surroundings, but instead of sightseeing, she watched the group up ahead. Bowing her head down slightly, she increased their speed to ensure that they did not fall too far behind. The speeder’s engine protested minimally, but there was a light drift of smoke trailing behind them now. When the rocky formations of the caves came into view, she heard Castor’s voice over the comm.

She glanced back to Samka, offered a slight nod to signal that they were close, and veered to the side where the others were parking their speeders. Once they arrived, she killed the engine and slid from the seat. For the moment, it seemed that they were hidden from view. It would give them a moment to re-group before advancing.

Spoiler

Ren friends: [member="Castor Ren"], [member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Samka Derith"], [member="Brennan Cabrol"], [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Perth Levov"]


Not Ren: [member="Tanomas Graf"], [member="Tiland Kortun"], [member="Aela Talith"], [member="Desmond C'artyom"], [member="Jamie Pyne"], [member="Siriwook"]

 

[Desmond C'artyom]

It was just like Darbo to keep some sort of tracker on his speeders. He was right to do so too. Speeder thieves could easily dismantle the tracker though. Luckily for Des the merchants apparently didn't know how to disable theirs. A little disconcerting considering they were suppose to be spice smugglers. Maybe they were innocent Des thought..

He walked through the docking bay port until he found his X-wing. A sleek craft with a touch of Chiss too it. He had painted it all black and its side was adorned with a rally girl. He called it The Krayt Dragon’s Pearl and for those who didn't know, the name was on the sides in big blue letters. It seemed a fitting name after The Krayt blew up on Artisia.

He climbed into the cockpit and was greeted by a series of beeps and whirs. His ships Isotope 5 engines roared to life and he was immediately pushed back into his seat by the g-force. He plugged the transponder into his navigator and a holographic map guided him to the merchant's location. He set down far enough away so that his ship wouldn't be noticed and hiked the short distance to the mouth of the cave. He activated his cloak as he watched the merchants dismount.

He couldn't stop the constant nagging in the back of his mind. Had I been wrong? Are they really just merchants? He hailed the docks on his comms “How goes the search of that shuttle 6LOMM?” He asked the droid.

“We found something peculiar indeed sir, it would appear they are Jedi,” Des’s face lost all of its blue hue as he realized how obvious it had been.

“Order the men off that shuttle now!” He shouted, his voice catching in his throat. Of course they were Jedi! The young one was probably a Padawan. The swords made a lot more sense too. Embarrassed by his actions Des decided to apologize to the masters in person and possibly help with their quest… What a fool he had been.

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Perth Levov"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"]

 

[D'vok Windroamer]

D'vok's face suddenly turned to shame.
"Oh, kark. Really?"
D'vok immediately shut off his saber, and face-palmed.
"That's the second karking time this week. Sorry about that. My mind's been messing with me later, telling me things that aren't true. Again, I apologize. D'vok Windroamer, Jedi in training, at your service."
D'vok took an apologetic look as he extended his hand to the woman.

 

[Samka Derith]

Once the engines were cut, Sam promptly untangled herself from Isla and hopped off their transport. She immediately snapped the uncomfortable goggles from her head and stuffed them into a bag strapped to the side of the speeder. She gave a small 'tsk' under her breath seeing a few dust marks and stains from the ride and instinctively ran a hand through her hair in an attempt to tidy it up somewhat.

Once one of the newest disciples, Cabrol, had parked up, she marched forward to take charge and instruct the group. But the moment her mouth opened, she faltered. She could sense something. They weren't secure here, not as much as they seemed. If they were being observed, having a group like this taking orders from a teenager would be suspicious, only within Force using organisations like theirs could ones of her age advance so quick. Instead she phrased her words as simple concern anyone would give to friends, "Be careful everyone, caves can be dangerous places," and looked at each of their motley crew in turn with a meaningful spark in her eyes.

The mountain had the stench of the light side of the Force. A disarming, tranquil aura no doubt made to lure one into a false sense of security before a stab in the back, such was the way of the light in her experience. Not everyone who walked on the light was hopeless, there were a few who had earned her respect, but so many were lost to its weak ideals. The Jedi had held this world for too long, even the the landscape was beginning to fall to their ideology.

Falling back behind the other Knight in this expedition, Isla was her 'protector' after all, Sam spoke quietly to her. "In and out as quickly as possible. I don't think we're alone."

She had a bad feeling about this.

[member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Castor Ren"] [member="Perth Levov"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

@D'vok Windroamer [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] @Siriwook​

 

[Siriwook]

Siriwook continues chipping at the rock that sheathed the crystal that calls to her. She supposes she should be grateful that the mining rights on this planet were so lax. While getting her supplies for this expedition, she'd had to explain what she needed them for, and the retired miner with a bum knee that needed healing was a very lonely man who liked to talk and Siriwook couldn't just heal him and leave, so she obliged him. He offered to come on the expedition with her, but Siriwook was worried his talking would scare off the animals. Plus, even if his knee was healed, it would be foolish for him to start working in a mine again. So, he just gave her all the advice he could before she left. Siriwook felt grateful for the information, but, she did feel a little uncomfortable when the miner showed her his collection of hunting trophies. She'd excused herself pretty quickly.

"[Almost... there...]" she says to no one in particular.

​

Spoiler

fRenS​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Anor Ren"]​

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Greifen Ren"]​

[member="Iroatas"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Misha Ren"]​

[member="Thresh Sken"] | [member="Perth Levov"]​

[member="Soleil Ishtar"] | [member="Darren Onyx"]​

[member="Morrison Jericho"] | [member="Kaz Praxon"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And Friend of a fRen, [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Non-fRenS​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

​

​

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Lothal, Mountain Range​

Status: Cavern Entrance​

--- --- ---​

​

Castor took a deep breath inward, slowly exhaling. The cool mountain air was a refreshing break from the warm humidity of Virgilia. Pushing himself up from where he'd been leaning against the speeder he watched as the others of their party arrived in short order. Stepping towards the cavern entrance he stretched out his palm, closing his eyes and reflecting inwardly at first. Drawing on the concealed ember of power deep within, Castor reached out with the Force. He could feel them here, it was as if the crystals within the cave were speaking... no.. not speaking: Crying out. He could feel their fear. It brought a smirk to his face, his eyes still closed.

That was the thing about Kyber Crystals, in their natural state they actively resisted those who relied on the Dark Side of the Force. Their fear resonated with the Disciple of Ren, just as they would normally call out to Jedi seeking them, their silent cries of fear were like blood in the water, sharks slowly circling in on their prey. Closing his extended fingers into a fist and lowering his arm his eyes snapped open. The smirk gone, he turned to the others, determination in his eyes.

"I will lead the way here, unless any object?" He reached to his utility belt, retrieving a hand-held glow stick. "Keep a good several meters between each other, no telling what's chosen to occupy these caves, it would be best if we didn't end up stuck because we follow too closely. Reach out through the force, but be careful not to reveal yourself. When you find a crystal of worth, we will halt while it is removed before continuing."

Taking a few steps to the edge of the cavern mouth Castor cracked the glow-stick, a red aura casting shadows on the interior. Moving forward he carefully stepped into the darkness within. The ground was dry here, a quiet whistle of the wind outside filling the air. As his footsteps carried him deeper into the cave the knot in his stomach began to grow, tugging at him. Originally he had felt the presence and attributed it to the crystals themselves but... this was something different entirely. Were there others in these caves? Slowing his progress he once more closed his eyes as the red light played along the walls of the cavern. The cave they'd entered had quickly narrowed, enough space for two to walk side by side though not comfortably. Despite the space he made sure that he wasn't caught next to any of the others, trusting their ability to follow with several meters spread between them.

Grasping out through the Force he could sense they were arriving at a large collection of crystals ahead, and they weren't alone. Farther yet the feeling was amplified. Jedi? In these tunnels? It wasn't outside of the question but it was unfortunate they had chosen the same time to seek crystals as the Ren. The sense of urgency that had been building up on their journey now made itself known again, something wasn't right but Castor didn't know what. Carefully proceeding he unclipped the holster at his waist, holding up the glow stick above his head and off to the side. Fingers gripping the blaster pistol and drew it, pointing the blaster further down the tunnel. Soon they would enter a small cavern and he didn't want to be unprepared.

​

Spoiler

Ren​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Anor Ren"]​

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Greifen Ren"]​

[member="Iroatas"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Misha Ren"]​

[member="Thresh Sken"] | [member="Perth Levov"]​

[member="Soleil Ishtar"] | [member="Darren Onyx"]​

[member="Morrison Jericho"] | [member="Kaz Praxon"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And our Resident Sith [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Other​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | @D'vok Windroamer​

​

​

 

[Darth Veles]

Until the last Ren disappeared into the black night, the master assassin remained a motionless statue lacking in expression, following inside only once none other than him could walk last. Still completely soundless in movement, booted feet gently kissed Lothal’s soil and carried Veles behind the Ren in front of him – a faint, red flare shining some distance away and marking the group’s leader. Aside from the drop in temperature and eerie lack of natural sounds, another characteristic specific to this cave had the Sith lord know of its presence. The kyber crystals shivered upon being touched by the dark signatures singing of oppression and ruthlessness. For now, even though lost in awe, he managed to avoid being noticed by the hundreds, if not thousands of presences, his skill over concealing one’s nature and existence in the Force too great to alert anyone, anything.

The Mon Cal Darth admittedly lacked knowledge of the kyber crystals, having yet to claim one in his greedy Sith hands and thoroughly test its properties. Even if the crystal proved to be far inferior to those currently built inside the twin lightsabers, he would still celebrate the discovery, as those who knew how to wield knowledge as a weapon deserved to dominate others. With that in mind, a clear goal to carry him forward, the fiery furnace burning inside his heart received more passion used for bending the Force to his will. Excitement desired to commandeer the perfect body forth at full speed, rush through the cavern and seize its secrets, foiled by his natural caution that ensured both legs moved at moderate pace. The cave’s inner structure found an admirer in his big orange eyes, darting back and forth as the Mon Cal took in every single detail and memorized it, internally drawing a map.

Even without a reliable source of light to cast away the darkest, densest shadows, Veles’ cybernetic gaze washed over the moist, glossy walls, sensing this place pulse with raw power waiting to be studied and used. Slipping deeper into the beautiful mythical place like a dagger sinking through soft tissue, he became aware of move with each step.

There were sentient signatures deeper within, quite possibly Jedi. Alerted to this fact without giving his own participation in sensing others in the Force, his face remained passive, not so his left hand. Slipping under his cloak, the flipper-like appendage unclipped one lightsaber in an unseen motion and seized it firmly beneath the cloth’s black cover, finding comfort in the weapon’s cool, smooth surface and distinctly familiar weight. He did not feel the need to warn his temporary allies – if they desired to follow the dark arts, constant testing and fights for survival were a necessity. Only through strife, blood and pain children grew into men and women.

He knew that all too well.

Spoiler

[member="Siriwook"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Castor Ren"] [member="Brennan Cabrol"] @D'vok Windroamer [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] [member="Thyra Sunborne"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Samka Derith"] [member="Zark"] [member="Perth Levov"] [member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Tiland Kortun"] [member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Siriwook]

As Siriwook chips away, she is again reminded that there are a number of people in the caverns. Nevermind the Force--the air is tickled with the vibrations bouncing off the rocks. No doubt, soon, she'll be able to smell the newcomers. Siriwook wonders if they'll just run away from her like everyone else. She hopes not. Siriwook reflects on her intense feelings of loneliness. The Jedi she's encountered so far haven't been very warm to her. Her own mistress has suggested Siriwook is not suited for a role as an ambassador. Siriwook has her friend Kami and their big little sister, but she doesn't know any other Force users. She remains, as ever, ignorant of the Jedi outside of the stories she remembers from her childhood. And the warnings fed to her from the Voice that speaks to her--what she had once called the Voice of Hope Within, the strange presence in the Force that has followed her throughout her life--that the Jedi will never embrace her. Siriwook shakes off this darkness, as it will make the task too difficult. The stones know what she's feeling. "No, I know what I'm feeling," she reminds herself. She is the stone. The stone is her. The Force is both of them.

She gets the impression that the stone is nearly to the surface--or, rather, the surface, which has been lessened, is nearly to the stone. Siriwook has passed the point of safely using physical tools and must resume her excavation by Force. Siriwook lets out a wookiee laugh at her pun that echoes through the caves. Remembering the effects of the caves on the sounds she makes, she covers her mouth with her hand, stifling the utterance. Her mirth seems to brighten up the crystal, which had been acting more and more strangely, almost as if afraid. Siriwook tries to think hopeful thoughts as she reaches out to the crystal. She likes this feeling. If she can soothe a stone, perhaps she should be an ambassador. Why not?

Siriwook wraps unseen Force-fingers around the stone and gently tugs as she pushes away the surrounding soil. The soil behind the stone which had been carefully moved before begins to pour out of the hole. Siriwook is unconcerned and just holds the crystal in place for a moment. She can be patient--at least outside of food. The stone likes patience. The stone is lucky it's not a stone-fruit. Siriwook laughs again, unconcerned with the noise. The stone is nearly in her hands.

​

Spoiler

fRenS​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Anor Ren"]​

[member="Kriel Firin"] | [member="Greifen Ren"]​

[member="Iroatas"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Viktor DuSang"] | [member="Misha Ren"]​

[member="Thresh Sken"] | [member="Perth Levov"]​

[member="Soleil Ishtar"] | [member="Darren Onyx"]​

[member="Morrison Jericho"] | [member="Kaz Praxon"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And Friend of a fRen, [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Non-fRenS​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

​

​

 

[Kyrel Ren]

His suit was well insulated against the frigid cold. He looked around and saw the group that had just parked their speeders as usual he wasn't surprised to see the familiar faces of [member="Isla Ashen"] and [member="Samka Derith"] whom he had seen several times already but didn't openly notice them till now. He than was jarred out of thoughts by [member="Castor Ren"] who spoke about them remaining several feet from each other when venturing inside the depths of the cave. He had no qualms about such matters and decided that it was the best option,who knew what was in the cave. He followed Castor slowly into the opening into the cave leading to it's depths.

As he moved very carefully into the cave his mind began to wonder. He thought of what he had learned of Kyber Crystals when he had scoured the archives devouring knowledge. He had learned that not only were they crystals that powered Lightsabers but throughout the history of the Empire and the First Order the crystals were used as weapons of mass destruction through the use of super weapons such as Starkiller base or the Death Star. These crystals were quite extraordinary if they can pull off feats of such tremendous power.

He snapped himself out of his pondering and looked all around at what he saw. It was incredibly dark all around the glowstick was the only thing illuminating their surroundings. He reached out with the force the crystals from what he could tell were in a mixture of fear and surprisingly excitement as well. He could even feel one call out to him in the midst of it all. He reached out even more and sensed Jedi..How many he could not tell,but he looked forward to it his blood or whatever he had left was pumping with adrenaline.

Despite it being so dark he could see through his photoreceptors which through his display showed an infrared vision giving all sorts of data,from minerals to any metals that were located deep within the rocks. He unhooked his lightsaber from his belt knowing that he preferred the ancient weapon than a blaster. He thought that such weapons were beyond him and besides they were quick and clumsy. He kept on the path making sure to not stick too close to the other Ren,but still keeping on the path of the crystal that was calling to him.


[member="Darth Veles"] [member="Siriwook"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Brennan Cabrol"] [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] [member="Thyra Sunborne"] [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Desmond C'artyom"] [member="Zark"] [member="Perth Levov"] [member="Tanomas Graf"] [member="Tiland Kortun"] [member="Aela Talith"]

 

[Aerion Ivelisse]

Underground.
Crystal Caves.

"Sounds as if you have issues with letting things go," Aerion said to Jamie as he looked behind his shoulder. Something was dancing across the edge of his senses, and his brows furrowed for the briefest of moments, this time his hand actually descending to touch the hilt there. In the following moments, his gaze turned back to the two in front of him as they spoke. Even if [member="Jamie Pyne"] was intent on continually insulting his character, they went through one ear, and out the other.

Something was amiss in the Caves, or would be soon.

It seemed that feeling followed him whenever he was with this blonde girl.

Still, the Colonel was of the mind to still remove his stun cuffs and secure this former threat, just because. Did you need a reason when you were in an authority position? Who knew, but there were still Sith around, and the primary responsibility of the Galactic Alliance Guard was preventing terrorist threats, a thin veil for Aerion's poorly hidden want to erase the aforementioned practitioners of the Dark Side. But, he didn't. In truth, it didn't even seem like this stranger even knew how to use their lightsabre, let alone the Force to their own benefit.

"Well then, D'vok Windroamer, Jedi in training, perhaps you should visit the Jedi Healers here on Lothal. I'm without a doubt they're capable of aiding you with your... problem." he said in a way that suggested he most definitely didn't.

"Don't you have a Master to help you with your... Issues?"

[member="Kyrel Ren"], [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Siriwook"], [member="Brennan Cabrol"], [member="Taeli Raaf"], [member="Desmond C'artyom"], [member="Perth Levov"], @D'vok Windroamer

 

[Tanomas Graf]

The old man sat behind the crates for a good ten minutes, trading blaster fire with the, albeit thinned out, inhabitants of the tavern. His ears were ringing as he spotted a fallen bounty hunter sporting a heavy repeater blaster on his corpse, this was his only chance to clear the air and get the hell out of there. Graf scrambled to a crouch and fast-walked for the corpse, unfortunately getting shot on his leg before he went into the cover. He knew there was no time to nurse his wound, besides it had already cauterized itself, he grabbed the repeater and gave a quick burst of suppressing fire, running out of the tavern as he did.

Tanomas needed to get out of there and quick, before more people who wanted his head on a silver platter for the First Order arrived. A group of people on speeders zoomed passed him and he suddenly had a bright idea. leaping unnaturally fast on a speeder and secured his repeater on it, he activated the engine and sped off, much to the dismay of the bounty hunters who began to fire after him, though it was futile. The wind whipped the old man's trench coat around as he headed out of the town, moving towards the direction where the mountains he was supposed to hike were.

Little did he know that his hiking trip was about to be cut short again.

[member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"]