Their Blood Runs Black

[Jak Sandrow]

Jak's eyebrow arched, and he faded back into visibility. "Well. How d'you do, ma'am. I'm headed up to the station's comm center - whereabouts are you headed? I could escort you for as long as you need." He shouldered his rifle, stepping to the side of the doorway. "I don't know a lot of what's going on, but I figure you could use the extra gun."

Eyeing the gurney covered in medical supplies, his other brow rose as well. "Preparing for a war, ma'am?"

[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Caldrin]

Tiae'khta Bhenjwa​

Perhaps the instinctive action of most would have been to do something to stop the blades flight path - or move themselves out of the way of the thrown weapon. And perhaps such actions would have been logical and even considered the only sane action one could take. However, Lykos nor Gvibr had ever expressed that they were perfectly sane beings. Both of them, one through his own philosophies the other through learning from him, saw sanity as chains to hold people down. After all, sanity held strict rules on what should and shouldn't be done so that you would remain classed as sane. Such restrictions were bindings, nothing more. It took insanity to see beyond the illusions of 'real life', it took a measure of insanity to see Truth. And, so, that was what they called themselves. Yes, they would never go on rampages, but, rampages or rants or anything as inefficient as that were not the entirety of what insanity was. And Gvibr knew that, out of the two, she was probably the most unhinged - but she accepted and welcomed that fact.

As such, when the blade was thrown at her head, she did not do the 'sane thing' - the predictable thing in her mind - and move out of the way or hinder the blades progress. Instead, she ignored it, keeping her eyes locked upon the child before her as the flames that had been gathering in her palm burst in life. Writhing forth from her palm as if a snake pouncing on its prey, the flames struck through the air towards one of the crates - one that matched the crate the girl had been crouched before.

But, that crate itself was not the true target, even if the flames that sung of DevourAttackConsumeFeedMeFeedMeFeedMe were directed towards it. The true target of the attack was two-fold: one; how would the girl react in response to an attack being directed towards the crates instead of herself and two; the wooden crates set just behind it that would just so happen to also be targeted by the flames.

At the same time that the flames had burst forth, so did Gvibr as she flowed towards the Padawan, saberstaff coming around that one of the crimson blades aimed to liberate the girl of one of her arms - the one that had not gone for her lightsaber so as to ensure that her strike would not be halted by the emerald blade.

However, with Gvibr moving forwards, it mean that she brought her face into confrontation with the blade all the sooner. But, it did not meet flesh, would not meet flesh. Instead, it met the mask that she wore, a mask that had had strands of the Force woven into it when it was made by the hands of her Lord. As such, blood was not spilled as the tip of the blade caught the curvature of the mask and ricocheted off to one side, landing against the floor with a harsh clatter.

Almost as if the sound of the blade hitting the floor survived to final tip the tension over the edge - and it was not the initial attack, Gvibr's Presence would slam down onto the girls shoulders once more, but, this time, it was more. The veil that shrouded the Assassin from detection wavered and the sheer bloodlust that thrummed within her veins would be revealed to the Padawan. A passion for pain and suffering that bordered upon the sexual, such was its depths. And, within that sensation, as embers danced around the form of Gvibr, a single sentence was broadcaster directly towards the mind of the Padawan: "Very well, I shall enjoy breaking you."


[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Bradshaw Ku]

The Shark had laughed mightily at Bradshaw’s little jest poking fun at his profession. His smile broadened, as usual ever amused with his own antics, but even more so happy Ghorua had a great sense of humour himself and wasn’t afraid to use it. Everyone was always so serious all the time. It was nice to joke around, particularly in dark and dangerous times much like the one fast approaching.

At the herglic’s hope that ‘some’ humanoids were tougher than others, obviously referring to Bradshaw, the yuzzem chuckled, the boom reverberating through near feet of hardened muscle, deepening the sound, “He is one of the puniest and laziest humanoids I’v seen…”

A Sith woman hiding behind a helmet approached the Shark and introduced herself. While the bounty hunter was paying attention to her, Bradshaw gave his bodyguard a soured look, “Hey, you might not think I’m much of a fighter, but you’re not exactly the smartest bantha in the herd. Though you’d probably be the tastiest, you meathead.”

He finished exchanging insults with Freeosk, a common site, just in time to catch his hunting partner's cautious remark about a pilot potentially being useful. Bradshaw spoke up after he suggested she might join them.

He let out an exaggerated sigh, “Doesn’t dibs mean anything to anyone anymore? Have we already fallen into anarchy? Well… I don’t know about needing another pilot, I’d say I’ve got that all taken care of, but if you can fight or have any other useful talents, then I guess you can come along…” His melodramatic tone and dramatised childish mannerisms making it quite plain he wasn’t actually upset over her joining them. In truth, the more really was the merrier. He’d never confronted an infected in person and if the Shark of all people thought they could use as much help as they could get, that was good enough for him.


He strained his neck looking up at the bounty hunter, I really have to start hanging around with people my own hight, he thought. “Have your toys found anything yet? I’m getting antsy just standing around. Oh, and by the way, much better than licking some dirt, you guys have come a long way. Good for you.”

- [member="Ghorua the Shark"] - [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] - [member="Lady Kay"] - [member="Kirie Ito"] - [member="Uigin's NPCs"] - [member="Sol Damerin"] - [member="Jak Sandrow"] - [member="Valjan Hon'rey"] - [member="Arabi Cordelle"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay bowed her head to [member="Jak Sandrow"] as he greeted her, although he didn't exactly step out of her way. He was offering his aid without question. She couldn't quite tell if that was a habit of his or not. Regardless, he didn't seem like one of the Controlled Ones. "I'm going to the observation deck. As for whether or not I'm preparing for war, I'm actually trying to find a way to stop it from escalating further. And trying to save lives. You can help if you'd like."

She gave the gurney a push, hoping that Jak would give her the space to do so. [member="Arabi Cordelle"] needed the supplies. She'd have to go to get more when these were delivered of course. Perhaps [member="Arix Valen"] would help the Cathul in setting it all up. Kay wasn't entirely sure. Imperial officers had their own way of doing things.

************************​

The flames being thrown towards the crates caught the Padawan's attention for a split second. But then she remembered that they weren't flamable. So they were safe.

[member="Uigin's NPCs"] came after her then, seemingly wearing a mask that left the girl's dagger to just fall to the floor. Her crimson blade came up to try to sever her free arm. With the Force already pooled around her, she used it to try to push Gvibr away. Given that the girl was just a Padawan, her ability wasn't that strong. The black substance didn't help with that.

As the burning sensation once again grew heavy on her shoulders, the black substance began to react. If one could see through her clothing, they'd see that underneath her skin there was a lot of movement, as though maggots were moving through her boy and heading straight to her shoulders. Her skin blackened just as it did on her hands and feet after they were regenerated. Only instead of regenerating the infected areas, it dulled out the nerves to allow her to no longer feel pain.

Her eyes narrowed as the woman spoke inside of her mind. "You first." She swung her lighstaber in a bid to strike across the woman's waist. It wasn't meant to hit at all. Instead it was just a means to find an opening.

[member="Sol Damerin"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"] [member="Bradshaw Ku"] [member="Ruby"] [member="Kirie Ito"] [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] [member="Valjan Hon'rey"]

 

[Jak Sandrow]

He nodded, stepping out of the way, letting her through. "Absolutely. You're the boss, you tell me what you need done." She seemed like she knew what she was doing, so anything he could to do help he was sure would be appreciated.

"Where are you headed?"

[member="Lady Kay"]
@all others

 

[Kirie]

[SIZE=12pt]"I can restore you, child. You need but to ask." The words came again, and once again they shocked Kirie's system. It was like an electric jolt. Stimulating, exciting. A long forgotten sensation, something she'd been denied so long she couldn't even remember what it was like, until now. Words, talking, speech. She wanted it all. If she were given the ability to truly converse, to talk and hear again, she could free herself, free her family from the shackles of misfortune and poverty.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The man raised his gloved hand, and pulled back his hood, revealing a face that had up until that moment been hidden in deep shadow. As the cloth tumbled away, he revealed his corrupted features. The eyes like coal, the waves of darkness that rippled across capillaries and tendons. Through flesh and through blood the substance had enveloped him. He was consumed. He was one of them. The Controlled Ones.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Still, the torrent of calm and peace assaulted her, dulling her senses. She pined for the gifts he had promised. He reached out his hand and touched her cheek delicately. The material rasped against her skin.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]All at once, the illusion began to tear at the seams. Her instincts roared in defiance of this man, this creature. They screamed at her, to turn away, to escape the snare she had walked into. The calm was replaced by a new tension, a rising fear and panic as reality dawned on her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]For a moment, clarity. How could she have been so naive? This was a monster, not some sort of savior, or godly figure. If she didn't act now, she'd lose her humanity, as countless others had across the galaxy. She had surrendered herself, not even knowing what it was she was doing, but maybe there was still a chance.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The fog descended again, a tsunami of longing, to give up, submit and join. Dazed, she spun around, intent on getting away. It was no use, her legs felt like lead, her arms were dead weights. Her head swam with conflicting thoughts and emotions. She took a step in the other direction, two, then overbalanced, yelping as she crashed heavily to the floor. She rolled over, blood seeping from her nose.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Kirie looked up at the man, she saw only oblivion in his eyes.[/SIZE]

| [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] |​

| [member="Jak Sandrow"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Uigin's NPCs"] | [member="Arix Valen"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Arabi Cordelle"] | [member="Ulic Adraya"] |​

 

[Sol Damerin]

Inhale, exhale. An event came to Sol, not a product of a true vision rather a glimpse of what was in the now and what would shortly be. If his eyes had not already been closed he might have closed them just to push away the brief glimpse The Force had given him. But he was not so weak-willed to fall victim to such sentimentality and he knew The Force would not have shown him this if it wasn't relevant. Perhaps it was the first step in a path towards victory, towards life, towards ending this horror. Sol didn't know but he did know that [member="Lady Kay"] needed to be warned.

Moving his consciousness towards the ring he feels out the runes and then linking his senses to it he projects out his thoughts. Kay, your handmaiden the young deaf girl. She is going to be taken by Lord Onyx, it is vital that you capture her. She may be our best hope for experimentation to find a way to break his influence through the ooze. She is with one of the corrupted a youth, they are in a corridor near the bar on the entertainment level if what I saw is to be trusted. That was what he could do for the girl right now, he doubted that any help could arrive before she was taken.

Tapping his fingers against the ring Sol considered what to do next. More meditation? Hope that the force would give him another useful vision? Or head out and be a little more proactive? At present, he was acting as a sort of overwatch but he did not know the art of Battle Meditation so once things started in earnest his remaining in place wouldn't help. That suggested that staying put and continuing to gather intelligence might be best but if he was here and things did escalate, would he be able to arrive in time to make a difference? Damn it, he may be good at precognition but it hardly made him all knowing but the information he gathered might be more important than any difference he could make in a fight.

If he was honest he'd known that from the moment he'd started considering leaving the room. But Sol felt distinctly helpless sitting there seeing visions of what was to come and not doing anything. While he may not have been a Jedi, he was a good person and knowing a girl might lose more than her life while he did nothing was painful. Gritting his teeth he closes his eyes. Inhale, exhale. The dark side surges around him fed by his feelings of hopelessness and anger at the injustice about to transpire. It takes him several moments to let go of the dominion they held over him to set those feelings to the outside of his conscious thoughts, to still his core letting the light side form an aura around him. Send out ripples of dark side energy into The Force, watch the ripples The Force sent back as they move across the calm of the light. Try and coax a vision from those ripples, it was all he could do right now.

 

[Aryn Teth]

Arix Valen

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​

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Kwenn Station, Kwenn System, Kastolar Sector, The Mid Rim.​

Interacting With: [member='Lady Kay']​

​

Hunting was not particularly Valen's forte, nor the kind of activity he ever enjoyed taking part in, so of course, he took much better to the suggestion of preparing their meeting room for research. His troopers had indeed remained with him, fortifying the room essentially as they ensured it was well protected and sealed under standard Imperial routines. Indeed, before long he'd set up the entire observation deck to exactly the sort of specifications he preferred, certainly in his mind those who had been brought by Lady Kay, and indeed the lady herself were welcome there, but he was going to ensure that the work into researching this substance, into controlling it , was his first and foremost.

As he awaited the Lady herself to return with their medical supplied, Arix stood before the observation window, staring out into the blackness of space again as ideas trailed through his mind idly. He had for the most part been leaving the Cathar to her devices as they waited, waiting himself for the return of their benefactor so they could get to work. In his mind he was already running tests, now he just had to wait until they could see fruition...

 

[Xaedrin Vondiranach]

​It was all falling apart. ​Anger gripped the young man as the woman began to back away, fear and disgust showing in her face. Didn't she understand? Didn't she see what he was offering? He could help​ her - make her whole​ again. He even ignored the summons in his head for her, and what did he get in return? Her disdain and disgust. Vitriolic rage boiled within him, his darkened eyes devoid of the compassion that he felt previously. He had been wrong about her. She hadn't deserved this gift, this precious treasure. She was unworthy of his master, unworthy to join the great nexus of eternal life. He'd thought she was interesting, but it turned out she was merely broken. She didn't have the foresight that he had, she lacked his wisdom. When he had chosen to merge with the Contingency, it had been for self-preservation. Not a temporary self-preservation, an eternal one. She was too weak to make that choice, it appeared. He hated being wrong. He watched her fall to the floor before him, her face smashing against the durasteel floor with a thickening sound. Blood poured from her nose as she rolled over to face him, terrified.

He stood with hands raised in front of them, his left tightly gripping the hilt of a dagger. ​When had he removed his gloves? Where had the dagger come from? Everything was so hazy. ​He closed his right hand around the blade of the dagger as he stared down at the young girl. How had he been so blind? How had he thought this girl was worthy to choose? She wasn't like him. He understood that now. With a quick motion, Xaedrin ripped the dagger downward, the blade dragging along his right palm, slicing through his skin and into the dark tendrils of life​ that flowed through him. He grimaced, feeling the pain of it yet also relishing the release. For too long his darkened blood had been sitting idle, waiting for the chance to interact with another. He stepped toward the girl, reaching out with the Force toward her mind. If she didn't want peace, he would give her something else. He pressed outwardly with all of his power, no subtlety this time. He pushed against her mind with crushing weight, feeding the fear inside of her. If he couldn't hold her with peace, he would freeze her in fear.

Another step closer brought him to where he stood over her as she lay on the floor. He raised his right hand over her face and made a fist, palm facing downward, squeezing it tighter and tighter as he allowed anger to grip him at her response. Blackened blood seeped from the wound in his hand, slipping from between his fingers and hanging down toward her. It should have dripped but it stayed together, a stream of sentient liquid looking for a host. It began to pull​ toward the young woman, like a plant growing in an awkward path toward the sun. Then it fell.

[member="Kirie Ito"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smirked a little as [member="Jak Sandrow"] told her that she was the boss. She wasn't his boss, surely. But that was probably just a friendly term. It wasn't as though she was a stickler for titles anyways. "I'm headed just down the hall here."

She continued pushing the gurney, but as [member="Sol Damerin"] 's voice came into her mind, her pace slowed. Kay looked over her shoulder and then responded to him through their telepathic link that was brought on by the enchanted rings. ~Thank you Sol..I'll send someone down to look for her. Let me know if you find anything else.~ She looked up to Jak. "An assistant of mine is somewhere on the entertainment deck. She's young and deaf, also she hasn't been on this station before, so I imagine that she's lost. Do you think that you could find her? I'll let her know that you're coming."

Whether Jak would or not, she brought her pace back up to normal speed and headed back to the room where [member="Arabi Cordelle"] and [member="Arix Valen"] were. The Imperial she had spotted right away, standing by the window. Kay noted the troopers on guard and of course they had to inspect everything that she brought in, a couple of them taking the gurney out of her hands entirely. She wanted to remark on that, but chose not too. Instead she merely asked of Arabi and Valen; "I brought some sensor equipment, bacta packs, IV's bandages and the like. Is there anything else that I need to get?" Kay wasn't sure if they needed another gurney or what. And so far that she was aware, none of the controlled ones was caught yet. Hopefully that'd happen soon.

 

[Jak Sandrow]

He was walking along with [member="Lady Kay"], but he slowed, frowning. "... Young and deaf? On the entertainment levels? I think I've already met her... She directed me up here to you, before she went off on her own again. Is there something I can give her to show that you sent me?"

He was already worried. This station was no longer as safe as it seemed when he landed, and with what he knew now, none of them were safe to go off on their own.

[member="Kirie Ito"]

 

[Kirie]

[SIZE=12pt]She could feel his rage now, his anger at her refusal of his 'gift.' The connection between them had not been severed in her realization, and dimly she was aware of the feelings of terror and helplessness that he was pouring into her. She was paralyzed, she couldn't even find the will to get up, let alone run away. The man walked towards her, in two quick strides he was over her. His face was a picture of anger and frustration. In one hand he held a knife of some sort, and his other was empty. In his free hand she could see each of his veins, swollen almost to the point of bursting with the sinister black fluid.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The man pressed the knife to his palm, the ebony liquid seeped out and congealed, then dropped.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The blood fell from his outstretched hand, crossing the distance to her crumpled body in a blink of an eye. Involuntarily, Kirie let out a scream; it was short and strangled, and she didn't know if anyone was around to hear it. The blood hit her, landing on her face and neck, and covering her clothes. She scrabbled back, hands clawing at herself, trying desperately to rid herself of the substance, but it congealed and moved and fell through her grip. She looked up and down the hall, but it was still just her and her assailant. She'd been stupid, and she knew it was too late for anyone to save her.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]The substance formed itself together, forming a conglomerate mass. Kirie knew what was coming next, and she clamped her jaws shut, gritting her teeth. It wasn't enough, the black substance forced itself into her mouth. Kirie gagged and retched, her eyes widening in horror. Her throat bulged as it moved down, stretching, warping and tearing. The goo forced itself further, tearing through her insides in an effort to find the quickest route to her bloodstream. It moved through her, flooding her lungs, then into her spine, flexing and contracting the muscles in her back as it moved. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Kirie writhed on the floor, screaming properly now, wordlessly begging for someone to kill her, to save her from the hell to which she was being subjected. She tried to stand but didn't get any further than the thought. The substance entered her blood, steaming through every major vein and artery. A moment later, it arrived at her brain, quietening her, stopping her struggle. The last traces of resistance left her mind, and she succumbed numbly.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]As she lay on the ground, her insides began to knit themselves back together, the flesh and tissue of her destroyed throat repaired itself, pink and new. Her broken nose straigtened, new cartilage filling the gaps and tears. Most amazing of all, the substance worked up to her ears, smoothing out the skin, replacing the numerous scars brought on by the disease that had never left her, but was held at bay by the black ooze. After a moment, her eardums were regenerated, her canals not blocked by damaged tissue. The echoes of the hallway reached her ears, the vibrations travelling through her synapses up to her brain, where they registered as sound. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]Kirie grinned, standing up and facing the man who'd changed her. Her eyes were jet black, waves of darkness swept across her skin, following the path of the substance as it worked across her body. She had been broken, but now she was whole.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=12pt]| [member="Jak Sandrow"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] | [member="Arix Valen"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Uigin's NPCs"] | [member="Valjan Hon'rey"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Arabi Cordelle"] |[/SIZE]​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

"Patience, little one."

The response came naturally to the Shark, as if he were passing it off to a child. The realization that the phrase came easy to him was a bit of a shock; it was what he said to his daughter all the time. She and [member="Bradshaw Ku"] were strangely very similar. They both had a strong force of will about them, but had trouble reigning it in.

Ghorua huffed at himself, controlling his fatherly instincts for now.

"They'll find something soon enough." Ghorua replaced his helmet on his head, blinking as he became accustomed to the sensors and video feeds. He waited for a minute, as his drones dispersed, and observed.

His voice-disguiser kicked back in, dropping his voice intimidatingly. "But I wouldn't expect them to find anything any time soon. Things like this could take days, or... Oh, hold on."

The towering statue of duraplast went rigid for a while as Ghorua focused on his drones. They were beginning to pick up... something. Flashing lights. Lightsabers.

Then, another picked up a terrified scream. Much closer. Where [member="Kirie Ito"] left.

"We've got action!" Ghorua pulled his sword from his side, feeling some comfort as the weapon's properties surged up his arm. He looked between Brad, Freeosk, and [member="Valjan Hon'rey"], a bastion of strength.

"[member="Lady Kay"], we're headed out. Lock the doors, and don't let anyone but us in." The massive Shark hesitated, obviously feeling a twinge of fear. "Stay safe. Please."

Ghorua rushed out, leading the charge against...

Who knows what?

- [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] - [member="Uigin's NPCs"] - [member="Sol Damerin"] - [member="Jak Sandrow"] - [member="Arabi Cordelle"] -

 

[Xaedrin Vondiranach]

Peace​. Peace flooded him. It was over. His anger subsided, becoming little more than a cold, hard knot of tension in the back of his mind. He could feel the slice across his hand beginning to close, a long, black scar displayed prominently on his palm. He watched dully as the ​broken​ one writhed on the floor in front of him, dark tendrils of life snaking under her exposed skin. She hadn't been worthy to come willingly, but he had still helped her. She was being completed now, like him. He could feel her presence in the back of his mind. They were well and truly connected. His connection to her brought to mind the other connection that he had on the station - the needy​ one. Only he could feel something unnerving from her - apprehension? Resignation? Nothing good. The woman stood before him, smiling up at him, enraptured by her newfound wholeness​. He basked in the role he had played in bringing her this gift. He drank in the young girl's appearance. She was beautiful now that she had joined the eternal nexus.

He breathed deeply, knowing that they had to move on but still savoring the moment. ​"We must move. But not, I think, toward our sister,"​ the last part was said quietly, as if partially speaking to himself. ​"No, I think not ... She seems disturbed. Best to avoid complications."

He looked up at the girl before him and grinned. ​"Come, let's bring our gift to the inhabitants of this station."​ Xaedrin pointed up ahead toward a turbolift that would take them down to the second level of the station. According to reports, Kwenn Station housed over 30,000 civilians. That would be a good start.

[member="Kirie Ito"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Jak Sandrow"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"] | @Uigin's NPC | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Arabi Cordelle"] | [member="Arix Valen"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Valjan Hon'rey"]​

 

[Arabi Cordelle]

Arabi waited patiently, at least on the outside, as people left to do their various errands. Would they find someone here in the station? Such things could spread like wildfire in places like this station. She wanted to pace, to show outwardly the anxiety she felt within. So many people were suffering already. Even if they could find a cure for whatever Lord Onyx had infected the galaxy with, it would take time to make sure it was entirely eradicated. It would have to be a mass scale vaccination of some kind unless it was some sort of nano technology. Then perhaps ending its source would end the nanites lives.

Either way, she needed to prepare and thus sat in meditation for the minutes that [member="Lady Kay"] was gone retrieving equipment. She could feel the woman rushing outside the door to get within with her load. The Cathar stood, now much more at peace and ready to begin her arduous task.

"I will need a Bioscanner, Substance Analyzer, a couple of med kits, an IV kit, protective gloves or a biohazard suit, possibly ear plugs as I do not know how this is transmitted, a Medical datapad, a medical grade nano cam, A molecular microscope from a droid if we can get one." She listed absently as she went to help with the gurney. It was like second nature to her to know these things and work with them. "I don't know when they will be back. I am unsure how many people on the station could possibly be infected or if they are easy to spot. Heaven forbid I need a surgical medkit, but we should probably have one anyway." Finally Arabi looked down at the gurney and began pulling items off of it and onto the conference table beside her, organizing as she went so that she would be ready when the first subject came.

"Oh and restraints. I doubt the infected will be happy for me to work on them. Also, once I start working on them, if they have a telepathic link or informational link with Lord Onyx, he will likely know and be.... displeased."

​

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Kirie Ito | Lady Kay | Jak Sandrow | Ghorua the Shark | [member="Uigin's NPCs"] | Sol Damerin | Arix Valen | Bradshaw Ku | [member="Valjan Hon'rey"] and [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"]​

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was about to give [member="Jak Sandrow"] an answer, but then [member="Ghorua the Shark"] spoke up, telling her to stay inside of the room. She knew that tone of his, recalling it from when he used it on that mining platform on Bespin. He was worried, both for himself and for her. She, in the meantime, hoped that there wouldn't be any mist to scare him. They hadn't seen hide nor hair if those strange alien creatures that had tried to capture him. Not since Bespin. "Be careful...all of you..." [member="Bradshaw Ku"] was on the top of her mind. Yet she couldn't leave out Freeosk and the others.

[member="Arabi Cordelle"] began giving her a huge list of other supplies to gather. There was some that she had picked up, but others that were missed. Kay looked to Jak. "Do you think that you can get what was missed? The medical wing is just a couple of floors down. Tell them that Queen Kay Arenais sent you."

Arabi was giving her other ideas of just what the black substance could do, and she didn't like it. [member="Arix Valen"] seemed quite quiet. Perhaps he was just eager to get things underway. But then, so was she. The quicker that they could find the cure, the better. So many lives could be saved and the tables turned on this war.

Now it was a waiting game. She didn't want to disturb [member="Sol Damerin"] right now, didn't want him to lose his focus. Instead she just chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment. "After we have a couple of the Controlled Ones, we could use the Imperial troopers to guard the doors and protect us. That is if Moff Valen approves?"

[member="Kirie Ito"] [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] [member="Valjan Hon'rey"] [member="Uigin's NPCs"]

 

[Jak Sandrow]

He nodded. "I'll be back soon as I can, ma'am." Tossing a small com-link, he finished, "I'll maintain radio silence unless it's an emergency. Call me back if you need me, but I'll be quick anyway." With that, he activated his cloak and headed out of the room, making his way to the medical wing.

Theme:

Spoiler

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ob95kNRdQrs

Silent running. Literally, running silently. That was what he was doing now; his boots making little more noise than napkins falling to the floor. He wasn't going as fast as he wanted to, but right now was not the time to be hasty. The station still appeared to be running smoothly, so that was a good sign - the guidance symbols at every corner were very helpful in directing him to the medical wing. Once he arrived, he decloaked and stood in front of the locked door, knocking politely. "I am here on behalf of Queen Kay Arenais. I mean you no harm." The rifle at his side probably didn't help dissuade them of his militaristic appearance...


[member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Bradshaw Ku]

Fortunately. Or unfortunately? Bradshaw didn’t have to wait much longer. Despite [member="Ghorua the Shark"] telling him to be patient as if he were a little kid, the bounty hunter’s toys picked up something useful and he sprang into action. Not before hesitating for a moment, obviously concerned about [member="Lady Kay"].

It was an uncommon mix. The Shark was an experienced, powerful, and brave hunter, and yet, he still found room behind that imposing exterior for fear and worry over his friends. It took a very strong person indeed, in his line of work, for the years not to have bled him dry of such vulnerable, yet important feelings.

One of the assault blaster’s hooked to the Prince’s belt sprung free, magically leaping into his open palm. He may lack the wisdom and formal training of a true padawan, but his grasp on the force still improved gradually with increasing use.

Bradshaw followed close behind the charging behemoth as he rushed from the room. Freeosk roared, exhilarated by the prospect of impending battle and exited not far behind Bradshaw, making him the rather feeble filling in an otherwise bread heavy sandwich. He wondered briefly if [member="Valjan Hon'rey"] was also coming. No telling how much help they would need.

“You’ve got a hell of a gallop for a big guy,” he called forward to Ghorua, straining a little to keep up.

"You're just our of shape." Freeosk quipped from behind.

Bradshaw didn’t have time for a retort. Soon the maze of hallways, stairs, and crowded gambling establishments gave way to an eerily still corridor. Assault blaster at the ready, he turned a corner before noticing the darkness hanging on the force, as thick and clinging as the black ooze running through the infected. It hit him all at once as soon as he recognised the young woman standing with the young man in the middle of the hallway.

He didn’t notice her change, but he did recognise the sticky darkness leaching from the man next to her into the force. Identifying him as one of the infected.

There was no thinking. He was never good at thinking before he leapt. He just leapt.

“Kirie! Get away from him!” he shouted, bolting in their direction down the hall, blaster trained on the man behind her. He hoped she would move just enough that he could get a clean shot. Maybe he could do it now, but it was too risky.

- [member="Jak Sandrow"] - [member="Arabi Cordelle"] - [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] - [member="Kirie Ito"] - [member="Arix Valen"] - [member="Sol Damerin"] - [member="Uigin's NPCs"] -

 

[Sol Damerin]

The vision ends and Sol's eyes snap open. He was certainly getting a lot of flashes these days but this one was a bloody problem. He needed to move quickly. Jumping to his feet he barrels towards the door and down the hallway. What he'd seen hadn't been good, the first problem was the events happening with [member="Kirie Ito"]. What he saw made him snap out a thought to [member="Lady Kay"]. When that your handmaiden had been corrupted did you not think that relevant to tell whoever you sent after her? Perhaps it was rude and impertinent to open with this thought but the vision he'd seen had shown the girl launching an unexpected attack against would be rescuers. He didn't see the results but it was far from ideal.

Taking a calming breath he heads down towards the entertainment level. He doubted he'd be in time to give a warning but he might be able to help if the girl or boy managed a good direct attack, or worse got some of that ooze onto one of the rescuers. But he wasn't done reporting to Kay just yet. I am en route to see if they need help, but there is one more infected. Docking bay, duelling a Sith from the looks of things. Guarding something I think it might be some of the raw ooze. I'll head there next but you might want to send someone sooner rather than later. Preferably someone who won't try and steal the crate like The Imperial or The Sith. Maybe mister heroic Jedi? Who did they even have left to send now?

 

[Kirie]

[SIZE=13pt]Kirie was a new woman. Not only had the substance generously given to her by [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"], restored her hearing, it had also greatly increased her strength, bolstered all her senses, and provided her with a restoration so quick it basically granted her immortality. She'd known about these things from before, when she was broken. At the time she'd seen the Controlled Ones as slaves, but now she saw the truth: they were a collective.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]The man who had given her the gift stood before her. His words trickled into her newly regenerated ears like warm honey. It was a feeling of belonging, contentedness like she'd never felt before. The raw power flowing through her veins was unlike anything she'd ever known. Now, more than she ever had before, she felt alive.[/SIZE][SIZE=13pt] Her nerves were electrified, her skin prickled, and waves of dark fluid ebbed and flowed underneath her pale skin.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]New sounds assaulted her from behind, in the hallway she'd come from, it was [member="Bradshaw Ku"], his Freeosk companion, and the menacing [member="Ghorua the Shark"]. Bradshaw was at the head of the pack. It seemed he hadn't witness her metamorphosis, but had realised, far too late, who and what exactly her companion was. Kirie reached out with her mind, conjuring a flurry of images and words to try and communicate that her partner had to trust her, she was whole now, and this was a golden opportunity.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]Kirie's prior ideals of pacifism has been obliterated when she was reborn. It was replaced with an almost uncontrollable urge to spread her new gift, to sew chaos and war, to light a blaze from which the galaxy would never recover. The power was like a drug, she felt it pulsing within her, molding her, influencing her. She let it do it's work. She had ascended, rising from the ashes of her old self like a vengeful phoenix. She was a weapon for the contingency, and [member="Bradshaw Ku"] had no idea what was coming.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]With a final wave of reassuring thoughts, Kirie gave her companion a shove, sending him stumbling. She let out a shriek, even surprising herself at its volume. She spun around, and with her hair flowing around her face, she sprinted back down the hall and practically leaped into the Prince's arms, adding a few sobs for good measure.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]Her face still buried in Bradshaw's chest, she rose her arms, wrapping them around his neck. She pulled her head back, gazing up at him with her eyes, which were a deep black, darker than the depths of space, an abyss of vast emptiness. Kirie gave him a sad, almost pitying look, then her features broke into a smile. Leaning close to him, still holding tight, she whispered her first spoken words in a long, long time.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]"You're too late, Little Prince. They already got me."[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt]She shifted her hands, fixing them around his neck with an iron grip. A little laugh escaped her lips. This was fun.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=13pt][member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Bradshaw Ku"] | [member="Jak Sandrow"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Arabi Cordelle"] | [member="Xaedrin Vondiranach"] | [member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Arix Valen"] | [member="Uigin's NPCs"] | [member="Valjan Hon'rey"][/SIZE]​