Private The S'krrr Incident

[Ran Serys]

A low mechanical drone could be heard across the starship. The sound of a hyperdrive being powered down was unmistakable. The Jade Kilit had come out of hyperspace just a stone’s throw away from the planet S’krrr. Ran Serys, Jedi Knight and leader of this particular archaeological expedition, observed entry into the planet’s atmosphere from the bridge. The crew, a mix of Jedi explorers, professional archaeologists, and scientists were engaged in a variety of tasks from flying the ship, coordinating communication with the S’krrr on the ground, and preparing for the moment they touched down. They had a crew of fourteen which wasn’t a large number, but certainly enough to get the operation running.

“The S’krrr say we’re cleared for landing, Master Serys.” One of the Jedi pilots announced. “Excellent. Let’s not keep them waiting long.” Ran replied. “They say they’ve arranged a guide from a nearby settlement. Ly’Ssik is the name. They’ll be meeting us at the given coordinates.” The pilot relayed. “Understood. Take us down and meet us on deck three once landing protocols are completed.” She waited for his confirmation then made a beeline for the ship’s intercom. “Crew of the Jade Kilit and accompanying vessels. We are meeting on deck three for a last minute debriefing. Everyone, make your way there now. We will begin shortly.” She announced.

After a handful of minutes, most of the team had made their way into the centrally located crew lounge. The stragglers would be those from the accompanying vessels that were docked or tethered to the Jade Kilit. Once everyone was accounted for Ran began her address. “Okay crew. I won’t waste words. We all have our roles and we all know what's expected of us. Do your job and do it well, and keep a clear line of communication. This is a dangerous work site. More dangerous than maybe some of you are prepared for. The presence of the dark side is strong here. Steel yourself against it. Don’t drop your guard and please protect each other from any danger ahead. Science Team, set up your equipment and get to work. Staging and Security teams will establish a bulkhead around the site to keep equipment and personnel safe. Exploratory Team, you are with me. I'd like to see you all now before our guide gets here.” Ran finished.

As the other teams disembarked and began their work, Ran and the exploratory team stayed behind. At the center of the lounge the only beings left were the Grand Master of the New Jedi Order Valery Noble , the Archaeologist Doctor Gill Klam , and Historian Kole Eckttor . Ran was happy to have a familiar face and friend along with her on the expedition. She trusted and respected Valery more than anyone, but to have the Grand Master at their side showed just how concerning this expedition might’ve been. The Doctor and Kole Eckttor came highly recommended as professionals in their fields, but they were unknown factors to Ran. Her instincts told her they were capable enough and would only benefit the group.

“Let’s dispense with the pleasantries and introductions. We are all aware of each other. We’ve all had correspondence and have shared at least one meal during this journey. I wanted to pull this team aside because I have concerns and I want input. My concern is what I’m feeling. We haven’t touched water and I can feel the shroud of the Dark Side. It’s touch is stronger than I anticipated.” She locked eyes with Valery. Ran knew she could feel it too. “I fear whatever is down there, in the underwater temple-” She paused looking for the words. “It will either be a harrowing experience or we will come in contact with something brutal and horrifyingly twisted.” She grimaced. “Now I could be wrong. The future is difficult to know, but are you two ready for the possible danger?” Ran directed the question at the two scholars. She was looking for some assurance of capability or, at the very least, a grave understanding of the situation.

 

[Doctor Gill Klam]

Doctor Klem smiled reassuring and made a gesture of approval, while she checked her gadgets, scan equipment and miniature prowler droids built into her modified Aquasuit.

The Zeltron archaeologist missed her droid for a site with paranormal activity, but for such environment an ancient Xim battle droid was simply not built.
So she had to rely on her equipment and skills ... and a screen of religious fanatics with paranormal and paramilitary training. It had to be enough.

Gill Klem was prepared for the good old square layer scanning, documenting structures and artifacts, systematically disintegrate debris from findings and to catalogize the excavation site, but who did she want to fool?
In the end, she would be the scout, disarming traps, slicing old computers, destroying ancient structures and run for her life, when the Jedi would open an old crypt and release some ancient horror. She could write pulp fiction about it (and actually did so under a pseudonym)

The archaeologist packed a folded squib battering ram and a sonic blaster.
She was not sure how much of the structure was underwater and did not want to use a dangerous plasma torch or explosives. The doctor had to be creative.
To the Jedi she said: "May the force be with us!" The religious types loved such prayers, but you had to be careful to use the right one. Nothing would be more cringe as to say that to a Sith employer!

Equipment:

Aquasuit

Aquasuits were a type of suit made for underwater operation by non-aquatic species, allowing the user to go hundreds of meters beneath the ocean surface. The suits were pressurized, yet flexible and airtight due to the natural memory of the used materials. The user's natural senses are enhanced...

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Vision-plus scanner

Vision-plus scanners were small devices that were worn over a person's eyes to improve their vision in dark or foggy environments. Star Wars: Republic Commando (First appearance)

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Vibroknife

A vibroknife, or vibro-knife, was a blade that used an internal generator to make the blade vibrate. These vibrations could make even a glancing blow into a huge, gruesome slash, thus making it a far more effective weapon in close combat, or as a tool. These small weapons were openly used by all...

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Squib battering ram

The Squib battering ram was a tool used for breaking through obstructions. The chassis rested on the user's shoulder, ending in a large, flat plate. After placing the ram end against an obstacle, the user switched the machine on. Pulses of energy then weakened the obstruction molecularly, and it...

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Computer slicing kit

A computer slicing kit or slicer kit was a personal tool kit used by slicers to assist them in slicing computer systems. Han Solo and the Corporate Sector Sourcebook Gamemaster Toolkit: Live-Action Adventures

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Prowler 1000 exploration droid

The Prowler 1000 exploration droid, also known as the Prowler 1000 seeker droid, Arakyd seeker droid, or simply the Prowler 1000, was a compact probe droid deployed during the Clone Wars by the soldiers of the Republic. Created by Arakyd Industries, the small, repulsor-driven seeker droid...

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[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Weapons: Lightsaber

Throughout the flight, Valery had been absent from most operations and meetings. She had requested her quiet role before departure, but for a specific purpose. The Dark Side was strong where they were going, and she knew the team would need her senses to be focused. So, she had spent her time meditating, hoping the Force would reach out to her with answers. Or, at least, that it would confirm this feeling that troubled her mind.

Something quite terrible was waiting for them down below.

After they had touched down and the first crews began their work, Valery was summoned by the leader of the expedition. Ran Serys had been away for quite some time, so it was good to see her back in action. She took initiative and had no trouble leading these missions, even with other experienced Jedi and scientists being there with her. Her plan was laid out clearly, decisively, and Valery found herself in agreement rather quickly.

"I share your concerns, Knight Serys." She glanced at the others in the group and offered a sympathetic smile, "The Dark Side is an insidious thing. No matter your training, if you're not able to feel its presence, it can and will sneak up on you. I propose that our scientists always remain in the presence of at least one Jedi. Not just for protection against physical threats, but especially as protection against what can't be seen."

Ran Serys Doctor Gill Klam Kole Eckttor ​

 

[Kole Eckttor]

The aging historian looked out upon the rest of the group for the final debriefing.

It was unfortunate that the group was skipping past the pleasantries of the expedition. While yes, S'krrr was quite a dangerous planet and the necessary safety discussions needed to be held, there is always still a moment for the group to become more familiar with one another. It was common for historians and archeologists to share tales of their previous adventures before diving headfirst into a new one. This was done between all people, young and old. Tradition, if you will. But he realized that he was the oldest one here by quite a few decades, so the crew was not as akin to the ways of the historian.

Nevertheless, Kole prepared his gear all the same as he listened to Knight Serys, Doctor Klam, and Master Valery speak.

"While I have seen my fair share of Dark Sided anomalies on my exploration, I do have to agree with Master Valery. It would be unwise for myself and Doctor Klam to become separated from the Jedi. No matter how many years of experience we may have under our belts."

Turning back towards the green Jedi, the elder offered a light smile. The warning was fair, but almost unneeded for Kole.

"If I were not ready to face danger, Knight Serys, then I would have become a librarian. Let us commence with this."

Ran Serys | Doctor Gill Klam | Valery Noble​

 

[Doctor Gill Klam]

"The repeating of the obvious to the unenlightened is bolstering their faith in our guidance. The Jedi consular has to be a good Nerf herder. About the handling of the uneducated masses by Jedi master Poomp Uppysh, page 145", Doctor Gill quoted to explain the Jedi behavior to Cole Eckttor.
The doctor added:
"By the way, Pryramid vs. Cube - Style in religious propaganda in the Galactic Civil War Era was a great essay, Mr. Eckttor. It was still required reading at the University of Rurik a few years ago."

To the Jedi, she said as she was ready and had double-checked her equipment: "Lead the way, Master and Knight Jedi!"

Ran Serys Valery Noble Kole Eckttor

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran nodded at the confirmations of the Doctor and Historian, and at the advice Master Noble had given. "We are in agreement." She said to the Grand Master. "Should we get separated, stick to one of us." She said to the others.

With a final chance to suit up, Ran threw on an aquasuit while a face mask equipped with a rebreather covered her face. A utility belt hung from her hips and her lightsaber hung openly from a clip on it. She picked up a small propulsion tank and strapped it to her back before descending down the landing ramp of the Jade Kilit and meeting the guide.

"Welcome, Jedi." Said the guide, as they eyed Ran's lightsaber. Their voice was deep, warbled and layered. Ran wondered if the S'krrr had multiple throats. "Thank you. Ly'Ssik, I presume?" Ran questioned.

"Correct, Jedi. Correct. I am Ly'Ssik. You are?"

"Ran Serys." She extended her hand for a shake. The S'krrr did not take it. Instead he turned away and began walking in the direction of the murky swamp at the northwest edge of the surveyor encampment that was actively being erect. Ran followed.

"Ran Serys, Jedi. You will take care of my people's swamp? Unawake what has been awoken?"

"I will. We will." She gestured to her cohorts.

The guide looked skeptical, at least as much as Ran could gather from his insectoid features. "My people already tried. Multiple times we've tried and failed. What makes you think you can solve this problem?"

Ran gave him a plain look. "Experience and the Force."

His wings twitched and pincers gnashed. "Your force. I know one S'krrr to be born with it. There is a hatchling in my village. It makes things float with its mind. Compels others to give it attention when it is in need. It unsettles my people. We've decided as a village, in addition to what my world's people give you, the hatchling will be a reward for your people, Jedi. Do what you will with it. My people do not want it. It is abnormal." Ran grimaced at hearing those final words. Simultaneously Ran looked to Val, it was a look of confoundment, and accepted S'krrr's terms.

The guide continued on toward the swamp. They paused at the water's edge. They picked up some mud. Smelled it? Tasted it? Ran couldn't tell. The guide whipped the mud back onto the ground. And looked across the swamp. "What has caught your eye, Ly'Ssik?" Ran asked.

OOC: Feel free to write with Ly'Ssik. They are not my NPC. They are our NPC.

Valery Noble | Doctor Gill Klam | Kole Eckttor​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Weapons: Lightsaber

After gearing up herself, Valery joined Ran and moved down the ramp. She wasn't yet familiar with the others on their expedition, but she felt certain that they'd have a chance to get to know each other along the way. First, though, they were meeting with the locals to get a better understanding of what was waiting for them.

A local who refused to shake Ran's hand.

Valery couldn't help but quietly chuckle, soft enough that it wouldn't be picked up by the locals, but Ran probably heard it. She then followed after her friend and listened to what was being shared. A look of mutual concern followed when the conversation shifted to the Force, and how one of their wasn't normal for having a connection., but Valery decided not to speak up.

They couldn't cause friction now.

"I have a strange feeling," Valery began as her mind shifted into the Force. "We should be careful in the swamps. Every danger is well-hidden here."

Ran Serys Doctor Gill Klam Kole Eckttor​

 

[Kole Eckttor]

A light smile and nod of appreciation was given to the Doctor as they his paper on the Galactic Civil War.

Kole knew that his work still circulated many classrooms across the galaxy, but it did warm his heart to hear that people were finding value out of his writings. Makes all of the late nights and revisions worth it in the end.

Turning with the rest of the group, the old man donned a dive suit as well. It had been quite some time since he had worn one of these. To his knowledge, the last time was when he was on Dantooine exploring the wreckage of New Imperial Order maritime vessels. What a marvel of technology those were. But reminiscing was not what he needed to do now. Kole watched the interaction between Knight Serys and Ly'Ssik. It was clear that even across centuries of peacekeeping across the galaxy, there were those that still did not agree with the Jedi's ways. Maybe there is some more research that could be done in later time.

Suddenly, the group came to a halt. Their guide bent over and observed mud, clearly sensing something off. Kole looked out through the trees. Pulling out a pocket set of binoculars, he looked into the distance. A thermal reading appeared. Far, but closing in.

"Master Jedi, I must inform you that a large creature has appeared on my thermal scan, and it is moving in quite fast. Shall we prepare for a defensive action?"

Ran Serys | Valery Noble | Doctor Gill Klam ​

 

[Doctor Gill Klam]

The funny intermezzo with the indigenous guide refusing to take the hand and the Jedi not understanding the local customs was turning sad as the fate of a local paranormal mutant was told. At least the S'krr did not kill the being out of superstition, but would send it to the Jedi to become another child warrior in their crusade against their splinter sect.
Sad story told a Million times over the Millennia again and again. Perhaps at some distant day the people would grow up and leave the witches and religious warrior mumbo jumbo behind to accept paranormal people as equal, not better or worse than others.

At the same time Kole Eckttor mentioned the contact of his scanner, Gill's own scanner picked up the signal too. She dashed to firm ground at a sturdy swamp plant and drew her sonic rifle. The compact weapon unfolds in her hand.
"Too big for a Drog! Be careful! Stand on firm ground! It could be the descendant of old guardian abominations!"

She scanned the swampy environment with a phalanx of sensors. There would be no surprise attack. The biological constructs of the force using sects of Ancient times were notorious for their ability to fool the paranormal senses of Jedi. But few old techniques could fool science.

She prepared herself to send sonic waves into the water to deter or injure a possible attacker, should the martial artists with their glorified blowtorches fail.

Ran Serys Valery Noble Kole Eckttor

 

[Ran Serys]

Ly'Ssik froze. His eyes went wide. Ran saw the hint of a shadow moving in the murky swamp. In an instant Ran and Ly'Ssik were splashed with swamp water as a head and elongated neck shot out from the muck. A beast with an unhinged jaw reached for Ly'Ssik's head. Ran moved without thinking, her instincts for survival and the preservation of life kicked in. She wrapped her arm around the S'krrr guide and pulled him tight. She jumped backwards with aid of the force and pulled her blaster with her off hand. As she and Ly'Ssik skidded backward on the swamp floor, the head kept coming with teeth ready to rip its prey. Ran aimed and fired at its eye, choosing to blind the creature as opposed to killing it.

pew! pew!

Two blaster bolts let loose. One went wide and the other found its mark. The rest of the exploratory crew were on top of things. Valery's senses were correct, and Kole and the Doctor's technology accurate, but everything moved so fast. Ran rolled away and pushed the S'krrr to safety with the aid of the force. Her saber flew from her belt to her dominant hand and ignited.

"I'd say defensive action is more than warranted, Mr. Ecktorr!" Ran yelled as the beast reared up and roared in pain. The loss of its left eyeball would be a blow not soon forgotten. With two thuds and a clutch of the ground the swamp creature readied itself for another attack. It was vengeful and charged after Ran but it'd have to get through the other three explorers first. In this moment Ran could see the beast for what it was. A dragonsnake larger than normal, and about double the size of its contemporaries. This one was also sharper, and deadlier. There was no doubt in her mind about its differences. It had been mutated and affected by the dark side energies permeating the swamp. Ran pitied the beast, because in a way it was like her, like she used to be.

Valery Noble Kole Eckttor Doctor Gill Klam​

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Weapons: Lightsaber

Valery felt it, too. Something big was rapidly approaching, but her senses could not determine what it was. She hadn't encountered it before, but it felt threatening. Luckily, the scientists within the group knew it meant trouble, and Doctor Gill Klam in particular took a quick defensive stance. On solid ground, she drew a weapon and awaited the beast.

Valery responded in kind, as the hilt of her lightsaber slipped into her hand.

"It's getting closer..." she muttered, eyes focused on the source of what she felt. Then a moment of silence. Valery frowned, tightened her grip on the hilt of her weapon, and waited. A shadow moved in the murky swamp, but before she could part her lips to speak, it made a sudden appearance, showering Ran and their guide in dirty water. Valery responded swiftly, and jumped back to create some distance.

She knew Ran and the doctor were armed, and she did not wish to stand between them and the creature when they opened fire. Several shots rang out, one of which struck target and partially blinded the beast.

"Keep the guide protected!" Valery exclaimed, as the abnormally huge monster moved towards her friend. With a few quick steps and a Force-augmented jump, Valery got atop the creature and briefly stood still to find her balance. She wanted to direct it away from the others, so her violet blade ignited and swept across its skin to draw attention.

Ran Serys Doctor Gill Klam Kole Eckttor​

 

[Kole Eckttor]

Kole dove into the mud to escape the charging beast.

The long tail of the creature swung wildly in rage as the group dispersed. Much like Knight Serys, the old man could tell that this creature was a Dragonsnake. But unlike the one's he had read of in historical documents, this one was much larger. From his best guess, this creature was the alpha of the swamp, thus explaining its increased size. Perhaps the expedition had stumbled into its territory. That is why the beast was so angry. Or maybe its young were nearby?

Unfortunately, this was not the time for answering those questions. Right now, it was a matter of if they survived this attack or not. Staying low and moving behind a nearby tree, Kole gazed upon the Dragonsnake as it flung about, filled with rage. He watched as the two Jedi quickly drew their weapons, engaging. Time for the historian to do the same. Pulling out his blaster pistol, he aimed for the mouth in hopes to hit the sensitive tissue within. Firing off a volley of shots, he watched as two made contact. Success!

Though the victory was shot lived. It was not until he fired his pistol that he realized Master Valery had already climbed onto the creature, trying to subdue it. The blasts would have only made the creature angrier. He yelled out in hopes to trying and help the Jedi.

"Pierce the lower neck inward with your saber! It should kill the beast!"

Ran Serys | Valery Noble | Doctor Gill Klam ​

 

[Doctor Gill Klam]

Kole was distracting the abnormal mutated creature, the Jedi jumped on it, the guide was protected and Gill was completely ignored. Splendid!
Good thinking of the historian to guide the slasher Jedi to the weak points, but it may not be enough.

Time to weaken the muscles that hold the armor plates in place to help the Jedi filleting the overgrown snake!

She took carefully aim and shot sonic blasts into the uprearing monster. Like waves in the oceans, the flesh of the creature rippled and the molecular coherence of the cells was weakened. Should the Jedi strike now, it would be an explosion of gore.

Ran Serys Valery Noble Kole Eckttor

 

[Ran Serys]

As she rolled to her feet, Ran readied herself. She took the first step to re-engage the twisted creature but Valery's exclamation cut through her adrenaline. The Grandmaster was right. Ran couldn't leave Ly'Ssik's side. He was frozen. But why? They'd come to figure out in time but for the moment Ran stood planted over the S'krrr and waited until he regained his wits.

Ran shook the S'krrr where he laid. "Ly'Ssik! Ly'Ssik!" She yelled at him but he did not respond, he did not react. Ran turned her head as Kole aimed a series of shots into the Dragonsnake's screaming maw. She saw Valery riding the nape of the creature's neck, lightsaber blade out, and trying to steer the beast away like some sort of beast rider. The Doctor's weapon let loose a sonic pulse that made contact with the dragonsnake. Its scales and skin seemed to shimmer and shiver in response, which only made the dragonsnake angrier. It tried, to the best of its ability, to swing Valery off its back before throwing its head forward and trying to take a bite out of the Doctor.

"Ly'Ssik!" She yelled again before putting her hand against his thorax. No heartbeats, or at least none that she could feel. She put her hand to his mouth and found no breath. She examined his wings. They were still, too still. He was like a statue, or more precisely a corpse.

Ran blinked her eyes. Her mutation activated and her eyes glowed a toxic chemical yellow. She could see in an X-ray-like fashion and what she saw wasn't good. She blinked and saw in the infrared. Ly'Ssik's body was getting colder by the second. She knew at that moment he was dead. His hearts stopped with fear and shock. She closed his eyes before standing up. Another life lost in her presence. The instance was unavoidable. For a brief moment she felt as if death followed her everywhere she went. She steeled herself against that feeling and turned her attention to the crumbling beast that would fall at the hands of one of her comrades.

Valery Noble Kole Eckttor Doctor Gill Klam​

 

[Doctor Gill Klam]

Dr. Klem followed the action of the Jedi in the corner of her eye and with the HUD, of course. What the ...?
The guide was dead? By shock as the scans read. Heart attack. A power of the monster or simply death by superstitious fear?
Anyway!

Some instinct of the cynical archaeologist awoke suddenly. Not on my watch!
The Zeltron shot a barrage of sonic blast at the stupid, bloated abomination and sprinted to the dead S'krr.
"Emergency computer! Mix an adrenaline cocktail for a S'krr hexapod invertebrate with a dual continuous tube! High stimulation!", she ordered to her suit computer.
The Jedi made some ritual or something, certainly rejoicing about "a being one with Force" or similar religious mumbo jumbo. "Stand back! Do something useful! Such as hacking this animal there into pieces!"

The Zeltron was seldom angry about fascinating cultural rituals, but not when a recently deceased could be reanimated.
The poor insect was dead only for seconds, and she was the karking doctor here! (Even if only with a minor in medical class)
She hoped the three others would kill the dumb monster, while she reanimated the guide. It was just a cardiac arrest! Something a broken Med-droid could fix, like a paper cut in a finger!

Ran Serys Valery Noble Kole Eckttor

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Weapons: Lightsaber

Valery liked to think that she was good at planning ahead, but standing on top of an enormous beast had her second-guess herself for a moment. It didn't help that the creature was immensely angered, especially after a few well-placed shots by Kole Eckttor . Valery didn't blame him for shooting, but all her focus was on not being thrown off, flattened or eaten alive. Luckily, he gave her the tip to perhaps bring an end to their problem.

Unable to walk across the beast's body without falling off, Valery launched herself along its spine. She raised her blade, tip pointed down, and thrust it into its lower neck with all of her might.

The hot plasma of her weapon burned through thick skin, muscle, and more, but she did not know its anatomy. Was this going to be a killing blow?

Ran Serys Doctor Gill Klam Kole Eckttor​

 

[Kole Eckttor]

The old man watched as the Grandmaster's blade pierced the back of the Dragonsnake's head.

Screaming in agony, Kole watched as the beast flailed around in a desperate attempt to remove the weapon penetrating its skull. But it was already too late. Within seconds the creature grew still, collapsing into the murky water. The two reptilian eyes rolled into the back of its head as the mouth hung open. The Dragonsnake was dead. Raising his blaster pistol towards the sky, the historian celebrated the victory. Unfortunately, it was short lived.

Turning around, he saw Knight Serys and Doctor Klem huddling around the body of their S'krr guide. The stiffness of the alien let the man know that it might have been too late to save them. But the doctor looked as if they were crafting something. Maybe a medicine to try to revive their companion? Hopefully it would work. Kole silently removed his hat out of respected, knowing that the only thing he could do now was pray to the Force that Ly'Ssik would be alright.

Ran Serys | Valery Noble | Doctor Gill Klam

(Sorry y'all for the late reply. Thought I was all caught up on posts, but guess I was not.)​

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran let the Doctor pass. If they could save Ly'Ssik's life, she wouldn't stop them. She could hear the techno-suit mixing some sort of adrenaline substitute. Ran hoped it would be enough as her focus shifted to Valery and Kole fending off the dragonsnake with a final killing blow. The dragonsnake screeched and labored a final breath before going still. The thud of its massive body hitting the ground was loud and its effects were far reaching. All the sounds of the swamp went silent as a reaction. A moment of silence for its King.

The danger of the moment had settled, but not its intensity. As treatment was administered to Ly'Ssik, Ran hovered over the Doctor's shoulder for a long moment, and then even longer. Ly'Ssik still hadn't moved. Ran wagered he might've become one with the force. She looked at the Doctor and began to rethink the decision to let her treat him. Ly'Ssik was dead and advancements in common technologies could undo that fact, but Ran was never sure if that was okay. Death was a part of the natural world and to challenge it with anything but nature felt like a desecration of it, at least that's how it felt in her mind.

As the sounds of the swamp returned, so did life to Ly'Ssik. He was disoriented, scared, and completely devoid of the somewhat haughty attitude he had presented earlier. He struggled to get to his feet, despite Ran urging him to stay down. "Take it slow, Ly'Ssik. Remain calm."

"I can't. I- I don't." Ran put a hand on the Sk'rrr's shoulder as they struggled for words. "You can. You do. Just take it slow. Calm." She repeated.

"What happened to me?"

"You gave us quite the fright. A dragonsnake tried to kill you and you went down. The Doctor saved your life." Ran danced around telling him he died until he was more relaxed, and then motioned to the doctor.

Ly'Ssik looked to the doctor and then looked past her at the dead dragonsnake. Its jaws was clenched from its final moments of pain. Ly'Ssik winced at the sight. "Th- Th- Thank you, Doctor." He stuttered. "It appears I owe you a debt. A life for a life." The S'krrr said. It looked to Ran as if he was considering the consequences of his words. Ran considered them too. Was he pledging a life debt to the Doctor? Whatever his words meant, they were no longer relevant to their expedition. "Ly'Ssik, are you still able to act as our guide?" Ran changed the topic of conversation. Ly'Ssik confirmed he could but his body told a different story as he walked on jellied legs. His footsteps looked shaky and uncertain.

"It's okay, Ly'Ssik. Give us direction and we will manage on our own." Ran pulled her datapad and handed it to the S'krrr. He didn't seem partial to the idea. Ran looked to the Doctor. "Do you think he is clear enough to come with us? He's just seen death and life in a moment. A harrowing experience to be sure. You made the medicine. You revived him. You make the call. I don't believe he can make it for himself." Ran ordered more than asked. It might've seemed cold but he was the Doctor's responsibility now.

Ran used her communicator and contacted the other members of the expedition. They would study the remains of the dragonsnake, and retrieve and care for Ly'Ssik if he was left behind. While they waited for the others, Ran removed a fang from the dragonsnake for study. When they arrived, Ran was quick to equip her rebreather and enter the swamp. With her datapad and directions at the ready, Ran looked to Valery, Kole, and the Doctor. "Follow me. Let's stay close. It'll be easy to lose sight of each other in this muck."

Valery Noble Kole Eckttor Doctor Gill Klam​

 

[Doctor Gill Klam]

"That's what doctors do!", the Zeltron said to Ly'Ssik. "But I honor your life debt. I hope it would someday become a bond of friendship."
To the Jedi, she answered. "He is robust, as most insect species are, but he is in no condition to endure more stress. His inner biological balance is upset and as a doctor I strongly suggest he stays behind and only points us the way."

Before the proud being could protest, she added: "You will not endanger the life I saved and throw it away. From here the Jedi would find the way alone with the Force. Reach secure areas and wait for us there.
I have spoken, as the Ugnaughts say. I am honored to have an S'krr among my friends now. I would like to hear your windsong in the future. Don't worry about me. The Jedi could mop the swamp floor with even such a monster as this as you see."

She smiled reassuringly and packed her equipment (not after she took samples and scans of the dead beast, of course). It was a promising start. One monster guardian dead, one life saved. Time to do some serious archaeology!

 

[Valery Noble]

​

Outfit: Factory Link
Weapons: Lightsaber

Valery stood atop the fallen beast, breathing heavily with her eyes focused on its corpse. Even though it had tried to kill the whole group, taking a life was an unfortunate thing. This animal didn't attack because it hated them or wished to oppress them — it was a more natural instinct that had driven it to aggression.

But in the end, protecting herself and the others had made this necessary.

"Everybody else okay, too?" Valery asked after hopping back down. Concern for their guide was warranted, but in the chaos of such a fight, they might have sustained injuries too. Wounds that they might have shrugged off until now because of the adrenaline still pumping through their bodies.

She didn't want to risk having anybody else get hurt.

"If we leave our guide, we should absolutely make sure we can find our way back."

Ran Serys Doctor Gill Klam Kole Eckttor
(sorry for the slow post. Complete missed that it was my turn!)​