Scoundrels and Sabers: IC

[Danceria]

[quote="Altegonnia";p="29836480"]

Darth Drathen

Aboard the Imperial Medical Transport, the Asphodel, in entering the orbit of Ord Mantell

---

"Well... it would appear Lord Victus has beat us here..." A female Bith in plain and pristine robes would comment. The ship was obviously controlled by the Silent Brotherhood, one of the few factions of the Sith devoted to protecting the Empire overall, rather than overturning it. The Bith turned to face the calm Trandoshan who sat cross-legged on the floor of the bridge, as both medical droids and crewmembers meandered carefully around him. Behind him were two astromech droids, the aforementioned Bith, and an agitated Muun male who spoke. "I don't understand why we are here of all places..." the Muun inquired "Our negotiations on Ithor have allowed us to send supplies to the Resistance and to combat the plague, and there will be other Sith Lords and Imperial leaders who'll take on the task of Ord Mantell, why are we not en route to Ord Biniir?"

Silence hung in the air, as the Sith chuckled softly, an eerie cross between a growl and a whisper. "For someone who is the leader of the "Silent Brotherhood", he has yet to master the art of secrecy..." the Trandoshan stood up, towering over nearly all present on deck. "As for why I'm here Mr. Zind, to put in language you might understand, I am doing an advertising campaign on behalf of the Empire to the nonaligned inhabitants of Ord Mantell. I need not stress to you this planet's strategic importance." The Bith nodded in understanding. It was a habit of Lord Drathen to disguise more humanitarian means under the guise of professionalism and duty, for he had a mind to turn seemingly un-Sith activities of mercy and co-operation with non-Force sensitives into something profitable and influential to both himself and the Empire. Another inhale, and Drathen observed the presences in the Force on the planet "Victus, three Jedi...Three Knights and a Padawan...another Jedi is en route. One more Sith..." he announced to the bridge. And an interesting Sith on the crossroads of his journey through the Force...

A few moments later, he summoned a holomap showing a Jedi Consular Field Hospital, east of the Republic held Fort Garnik. "We land there under the flag of truce, supply them with credits and means to isolate the plague and counteract it." The astromech warbled in concern "Don't worry Beeper." Drathen assured him with a smile "The War is over, and we must see to it that the Sith retains its power not only by war, but in peace as well." he explained. "Bring her down commander."

---

The medical transports descended onto the field nearby, bearing the Sith Imperial Insignia, and opening their ramps. First and foremost, medical droids whirred and unloaded medical supplies and material to construct facilities. Following close by are doctors and nurses, all non-human such as Duros, Twi'leks, Zabrak and more, each carrying more datapads and supplies, interacting with the Republic staff there. Last but not least, a muscular and lithe Trandoshan wearing robes that bore the Sith Creed in Arubesh, fashionably sown into, alongside a Bith female and a Muun male, and an Astromech. "I do hope this humanitarian effort is not exclusive to Jedi and the Republic." the Sith Lord bowed in introduction "I am Lord Drathen of the Sith Empire, at your service."

[Futrellia]

Jedi Guardian Bralan Kan
Fort Garnik, East Exit
Ord Mantell


As i talked with a old friend, who was inconveniently holding up, i felt something strange. Something i had not felt in a while. A focusing of dark force energy entered my mind. I had to halt my sentence and close my eyes, focusing fully on this new feeling.

I knew it was Sith, but it took me a moment to fully focus on it. The presence was more than i could ignore now. With my eyes still closed, i spoke to Shadow.

"Shadow, i'm sure you can feel this too. Two Sith Lords, i know it. The Sith are here now. Enough talk. I must get to Masters Starlight and Antilles, they will need my help. Are you with me?"

I feared i already knew the answer to that question. I felt that he wanted to help me, but after abandoning the Jedi Order, i had no clue what he was to do. He would either remember the bonds and friendships he made as a Jedi, or he would default to the Bounty hunter he had become, and choose life over duty. It made no difference to me. With the war over, i had no doubt Jedi and Sith would attempt to not face off, but being here, arriving very coincidentally, i couldn't ignore the possibility that the Sith had something to do with this plague. And if that were true, i feared it would be enough to set the Republic to war once more with the Empire. It's something i would not want to be in the middle of, but innocent life would be caught in the middle, and that is something i won't be able to ignore.

I turned to walk away, taking a few steps and turning slightly, awaiting for Rogue Shadow's response.

[The Shadow Republik]

Shadow had been enjoying enjoyingto a old friend but he had an uneasy feeling while they talked but then his suspicion was confirmed when Bralan said "Shadow, i'm sure you can feel this too. Two Sith Lords, i know it. The Sith are here now. Enough talk. I must get to Masters Starlight and Antilles, they will need my help. Are you with me?"

Shadow was a bit conflicted as he had wanted to avoid contact with Cira but swell he did not winter to die so shadow said Don't worry i will help not just because it is the right thing to do but i hate the Sith as they represent the reasons I left the order to be a bounty hunter also I want Cira to survive because if my memory serves me right she wasent the best at combat. So we should get a move on"
After Shadow said that he began following Bralan and put on his helmet which created a compleat darkness till the HHADturned on and gave him the strategic advantage. As they walked shadow asked " what do you intend on doing against these Sith? As the form we are best at is most suited for fighting against blasters."

[Futrellia]

Bralan Kan
Fort Garnik, East Exit
En-route to the Field Hospital

I was relieved to hear that Xavier was helping. I had wanted to see how he fought once more. Perhaps his styles changed while he was away. I watched as Shadow approached me and past me up, making a rather funny comment about Starlight's combat abilities. I knew it wasn't true. Being a Jedi Master, she wouldn't have lived that far if she didn't have a superior knowledge in Lightsaber combat, but then again, i had never dueled or seen her in battle. I take that back. We may have had a short sparring session when we were but Padawans, but my memory can't seem to remember it very well. Must have lasted only a few seconds.

I had lowered my head and let out a chuckle, shaking my head in comedic disapproval while turning back to look at the Fort. I had hoped that the Fort would stand up against an Imperial attack, if there were to be one. I then realized that my hood had blown off in the wind sometime during my exchange with Shadow, resulting in my hair sagging down from the water. If i had one true curse it was being born with pure Kiffar hair. It was something i would have to deal with later. I raised my hood upon my head once more, and turned to walk to Shadow. His question about Lightsaber combat had confused me. He believed that Form Five was only for blaster defense.

"My dear old friend, by the sound of that question, i can see you haven't faced much lightsaber-wielding combatants? Shien is very good for Blaster defense but there is also Djem So, which specializes solely on Lightsaber defense. That is what we are both good at, as well. I let out a bit of a chuckle as we both left the walled perimeter of the Fort, eyeing the speeders laying under a rocking tent meant to keep them as dry as possible.

"Perhaps you should return to the Temple and become a Padawan? We would have a grand time." I said letting out another laugh as i activated the speeder, it's hover functions enabling, allowing me to board the speeder and begin revving it's engines.

We would then set off along the path, on our way to the Temple, where we would find Masters Starlight and Antilles, as well as a Padawan. I would hope that if anything were to happen, the Padawan would be able to handle it.

[Pantorrum]

Master Kyrax Kitomo
Arriving over Ord Mantell
On board the Redeemer

Kitomo had just arrived on the bridge as the ship exited hyperspace. It had been a brief 2 hour jump from Coruscaunt, time which seemed to inch by slower and slower the closer they got. He had calmed himself, though, reflecting back to his early teachings. Meditation had been the mainstay for him these past few years, and it had aided him on this trip. It allowed him to reflect on the situation at their destination, and it helped him reassure himself that Cira was fine. But, another thought had risen in his mind. As if the Force itself had made an attempt to warn him about the girl he had watched for so long.

It was something he had tried to shake off, but couldn't ignore. Not this, at least. He had realized that all these years, in his quest to keep her safe, he had become attached. Attachment was forbidden, and he almost couldn't accept the idea of having become so. Attachment leads to the darkside, that was what his Master had always said. And Kitomo knew it was true. Regardless of that, he did have more than legitimate enough reason to be here. This planet was in serious trouble, from a disease and a separatist movement. Sure Cira had been a reason he had come, but he would have to put that on the back burner of his mind. He could think about his attachment some other time, but it was prudent that he keep his mind in there here and now.

As the ship began its descent over the Republic Fort, Kitomo suddenly got a sharp thought that jutted into his mind. He sensed something, something out of the ordinary. A dark presence, two actually. Both unmistakably a Sith. A pari that, for whatever reason, had taken interest in the Republic efforts on Ord Mantell. Regardless of why he was here, though, Kitomo knew it was a violation of the Treaty of Coruscant. And he knew it because Kitomo had helped make the treaty. But regardless of the protocol or treaty violation, Sith would not be here if not to start trouble. Cira, the humanitarian workers, and the soldiers- they were all in danger.

He turned to the Captain.
"Captain, set us down inside the Fort, right away! We aren't alone on this planet. They're here, and I don't know why, but we need to make sure these people are safe." The Captain nodded as he pulled slightly up on a lever and the ship began a faster descent. It came into contact with the ground, a rough bump jarring the passengers. The Captain turned to his Jedi friend after recovering from the bump.
"Separatists? Are we under attack?" The bewildered Captain was about ready to order the crew to battle stations, but Kitomo placed a calming hand on his shoulder.

"No, Captain. Sith. Now, unload the supplies, and head back to orbit. Notify me immediately if any unexpected ships arrive in the system. Waste no time, you aren't safe here." With that, Kitomo turned and began walking steadily toward the rear ramp. It was just descending toward the ground, but he hadn't the time to wait. He leaped off, landing smoothly on the ground and kept walking without a break from the fall. He quickly made his way to the Major in command of the base, and with a rather rushed tone, he began to speak. Of course, he had to get the formalities out of the way first.

"I am Master Kyrax Kitomo, senior member of the Council of Reconciliation. I'm here to provide additional medical supplies." He paused, looking around and closing his eyes for a moment as he took a long pause. He could sense the Sith, some distance from here. He couldn't know what they were doing, but whomever they were, the Force was strong with them. They posed more of a threat by the minute. It was concerning, in large part because Ord Mantell was a world that, Kitomo thought, would be of little importance to the Empire. But never the less, they were here. "Major, another Jedi arrived some time again. A Jedi Knight by the name of Cira Starlight. Where is she now?"

[Dernland]

Hoth System

The Captain solemly turned to greet four haggard faces staring blankly around sloppy salutes. "Good, you're here." He said, his voice troubled. "Our techs have just finished decoding the Imperial transmissions and it isn't good. Apparently this station is more than just a listening post, it's a staging point for a possible attack." I tensed suddenly, all feelings of tiredness and discontent fleeing my mind. An attack? Now?. The others seemed to have similar reactions, though some of the bridge crews were sporting looks of horror. The Captain continued. "However, there was never any confirmation of an attack or invasion. It's possible that this was just a leftover piece from before the war. Nevertheless, we are sending this to Republic high command along with a full report. You're dis-" He was suddenly cut off by a series of shouts followed by the ship's klaxon blaring.

"Sir, three Imperial warships just exited hyperspace. They're on an intercept course and have weapons armed." One of the Ensigns shouted from his station.

"Take evasive action!" The Captain shouted, rushing over to the command console and resuming his control of the ship. He turned for a moment to address the Marines. "Prepare to repel boarders." By this point soldier's instinct had taken hold, whatever good it would have done. Pistol armed and in hand, I dashed for the door. Before I reached it I heard shouting from one of the consoles and a shout of Brace!. The entire ship rocked and I was thrown against the still opening blast door.

*****

I tried to stand but found that I could barely see, much less move my arms. My face was pressed against cool, hard metal but my arms were pinned underneath something. My bleary mind tried to comprehend what had happened. My eyes began to clear, though my head rang like the morning after leave on Nar-Shaddaa. I shifted my weight with a groan. Whatever had fallen on me wasn't particularly heavy and my armor had taken most of the fall, but the angle was bad. Someone seemed to have noticed my efforts and I felt the weight slide from my back and a pair of arms lift me to my feet. Looking round, I was barely able to make out the limp form of Lieutenant Dannvers. I turned to one of my rescuers, a member of the bridge crew, and got a report of the casualties. Six bridge crew were dead or severely wounded, while reports were coming in from all over the ship. Decks five and six had completely vented into space, carrying with them over half of the marine contingent, including my entire squad.

The bridge itself was a complete wreck. A few consoles had exploded, taking anyone near with them and several more were on fire. As a matter of fact, a quite a lot of the bridge was on fire. At the center of it all was the Captain, or what was left of him. A piece of shrapnel was embedded in his abdomen and his face was severely burned. He reached out a weak hand to me, beckoning me to come closer.

"I'm done Sergeant." He said slowly, his voice was soft and weary, not to mention interrupted by periodic coughs and spurts of blood. With his free hand he passed me a small datapad. Weakly, he closed my hand around it tightly "This has everything we learned from the station. Troop movements, battle-plans, names-" His eyes fluttered, head lolling sideways for a moment before he regained control with a pained grunt. "Abandon ship, get this to the Republic. Go. Go.Go." His voice faded, eyes finally closing. I crouched there for a moment, holding the dead man's hand. This man, someone that I have served with for over a year, was gone. I felt tears welling up in my eyes, and it wasn't helped by the thick, black smoke that had begun to fill the air.

The ship shook violently as another volley tore through our hull. I released the Captain's hand and activated the intercom on the table nearby. "All hands, abandon ship! I repeat, all hand, abandon ship!" I shouted, activating the intercom's repeat function. I gave my dead fellows one last mournful glance and ran towards the bridge escape pods. I entered the pod bay at a full sprint, barely pausing to check whether the pod I chose had been launched or not before throwing myself inside. Other crew-members were running for pods, desperate to evacuate. I beckoned to a lost looking crew-member, desperately shouting for them to run. It was too late, the ship was already shearing apart. The poor man was sucked into the cold void of space, a final scream permanently frozen on his face. I closed the hatch quickly and slammed the launch key. The acceleration threw me against the seat, throwing the metal from the Typhon's twisted carcass. I watched other pods race towards the white ball of ice below and prepared myself for a whole new adventure.

[Danceria]

Darth Drathen
Ord Mantell, Bright Jewel System, Bright Jewel Sector
Outside of Fort Garnik landing area

---

Drathen knew what was going on, and he made his aura no secret. The presence of a Sith stuck out to a Jedi like a sore thumb, and likewise, the narrow minded Jedi were eager to jump to conclusions. He sighed, The Jedi, who claim to be in balance of the Force, cannot handle someone who thinks differently than them... the Trandoshan thought demurely. At least he could oversee the construction of the decontamination areas, as soon as they could isolate the virus, they would create a vaccine or a treatment-

"Milord, we have intercepted a transmission from a "Master Kyrax Kitomo", of the "Council of Reconciliation". A Jedi who wishes to provide additional medical supplies."

The intonation of the medical droid revealed that the simple errand of supplying and vaccinating a planet naturally had political undertones. Especially when a Jedi Council member and overseer of the Treaty of Coruscant was in orbit. Everyone seemed to think Ord Mantell was a vacation spot or something...

With a nod, the Sith Lord picked up the communicator. "Greetings Master Kitomo, my hypothesis was correct. This plague seems to be either more dangerous than I thought, or Ord Mantell is the new vacation spot." he chuckled "Tell the rest of the Jedi that they need not fear my presence, nor am I violating the Treaty of Coruscant. In fact, I'm following it to the letter! Perhaps the five of us could meet over a cup of Gav, Coffine, or tea and we can plan together like civilized beings. I've heard there was a lovely cantina nearby, I'll be there if you wish to discuss how we'll help the Mantellians." A diplomatic offer, showing that he is willing to negotiate in a semi-casual location, but per to his suggestion, he still retained the "dominance" or rather the knowledge of the base. Social Theory was such a fun subject to study, and practical too. Now to explain the unusual structure a few klicks west of the Fort "I'm ordering my entourage to construct a detoxification station and a field lab to study this virus and hopefully create a vaccine. You might have seen it during your landing, checkups begin at 1300hrs, so make sure you're antibodied to prevent further contamination. Never hurts to be too careful when dealing with contaminants. I hope to see you at the...Avilatan Rest cantina. Until then, good day." with a click of the comnlink, the Sith Lord returned to the dull whir of machines making temporary structures devoted to humanitarian aid.

[Nuxipal]

Nyxera T'vesh
Aboard the Justice

Stunned with what Crix was suggesting that they do, Nyxera has to speak up. "Sending in troops will alert the Republic. If we are to get this right, we can't have an invasion force landing on the planet and plant a Sith Flag. Not only will it anger the Republic, it will anger the Hutts. Which will result in an alliance against the Sith Empire." She looked around, "If Admiral Crix feels he needs to use his ship and troops, once we are planetside we can always notify him when one of the shipments leaves port and he can intercept and jam its transmissions to board and capture its cargo. This way, if we can't get hold of the entire operation, we still get enough Isotope-5 to power the Sovereign."

She looks to Abessa, "I would like to discuss matters with your negotiator. I'm not a skilled negotiator, nor am I particularly gifted with mind altering powers, but I can still read surface thoughts of most sentient beings. I would like to see how well I can send messages to him through the force to try and help him with the negotiations. As for your combat teams, I suppose before we go into battle together we need to have some kind of training session so that we understand the capabilities of our allies that much better."

[Sulania]

Sinya Koyi
Padawan to Jedi Knight Cira Starlight
Ord Mantell

A doctor... Sinya had a hard time believing that one, given how far he was from the field hospital and given how undermanned said hospital is, but she went along with it for now. "To find a small scout group, send 3 people including a Jedi. Makes sense to me, a small group can move through the forest much faster than a platoon." She said, avoiding to mention the lack of an actual security force at the hospital. If he was truly a doctor here for the disease, he would have been at the camp, and would have known how small their forces actually were. Sinya looked around, giving a side glance to the hidden soldier in the brush before returning it to the man before her. "Pardon us for our caution, but we must check you."

She then looked to Private Ju'un, who simply responded with "Yes, ma'am." and proceeded to move towards the supposed doctor to check him for weapons or suspicious material. All the while, Private Quell laid in cover, his rifle trained on the man ready to shoot if necessary.

"Just for caution, Dr. Mc'anto. Can never be too careful." She said as she eyed the man, her lightsaber ready in case a combat situation arose.


Rahasia Tiralle
Agent of the Republic
Coruscant; SIS Interrogation Room 11b

"Perfect." She said, getting up from her chair, leaving the container of water for the man's use. "I'll organize for your movement to more appropriate housing, and with some time..." She paused for a moment and let out a semi-comedic sigh "and paperwork, and definitely no shortage of arguing, we should be all-set in getting you a place in our ranks." She finished as she approached the door. She knew her superiors would be happy with getting the information in the holodisk, and acquiring this man as an asset, though the counter-espionage agents won't be too happy with accepting an Imp into one of our most secretive branches. Luckily for her, she can out-yell Agent Corga if she has to.

She was about ready to leave the room before stopping herself, her thoughts on what to do next broken by the turncoat's statement on her file in Imperial Intelligence. She didn't know what would be in there, how much they knew about her, and how much they knew that could potentially hurt her place in SIS. If her superiors found out that she arguably had a claim to a title in the Empire's little pet House on Alderaan, who knows what they would attempt to do with it. The only positive end would be that the Imps would want it quiet just as much as the Thul's did, but the turncoat had no loyalties to the Empire or their desired goals. "Quick question..." She said, solemnly looking back at the former Imperial. "How much does the Empire know about me?"

[Ism]

Captain Ponda Mada
Ord Mantell
Descending on Seperatist Base

The shuttlecrafts soared through the skies of Ord Mantell, approaching a Seperatist research facility. Within the cabin of the lead shuttle it was a tense situation, waiting to see if the codes SIS provided were valid, if they would get the shuttle safely into the facility, or ensure their destruction by anti-air batteries. There was a tense quiet among the normally rambunctious pirates, lasting for what seemed to be hours. Finally, there was relief as a call came in over the radio: "Shuttle Terminus you are approved for approach. A party shall meet you at landing pad 3. Fort Celron out." Sighs of reliefs and cheers flooded the cabin, though Ponda did not join in, nor did the T7 dorind that joined their party, instead the pirate captain glowered at his men. "Shut up you fools. We still have to take control of this fort, secured by battle-hardened seperatist soldiers, and then search for any evidence of seperatist involvement with the plague. All before seperatist reinforcements arrive. Cheer when we're celebrating back on the Renegade. For now, keep focused. We've a job to do."

Moments later...

Ponda strolled down the shuttle ramp and onto the landing pad, quickly taking in his situation. There was nearly a dozen seperatists waiting for them, with half as many snipers trained on him and his men. It was nice to feel welcome. The commander of the fort moved forward, and as it became clear he was in a sorry state, his uniform was dirty and wrinkled, his eyes were red and had a look of despair to them to boot. He reached the pirates, and gave them all a thorough looking over, before turning to Ponda. "You in charge of this lot?" He asked, his voice a cold monotone.
"Aye sir, that I am. We have quite a bit to-"

"You think I'm a fool do you? A blind womprat could tell you aren't seperatists. So how about you tell me who you really are, before my men massacre you?" At this Ponda dropped his civil facade, and went straight for the kill. "I am Ponda Mada, Captain of the Renegade and Leader of the Bloodhounds. And, I am the one who has your family, Commander, who will die slowly and painfully if you don't do exactly what I tell you to do, when I tell you to do it." The commander's eyes widened at that, his face contorting into an ugly, red glare, staring right into Ponda's eyes. After a few moments of stunned silence, he spat out a question, "Why should I believe you?" Ponda smiled, knowing he had the man in his grip, before bringing his comm unit up, and activating a message from the man's wife, explaining her situation aboard the Renegade. The anger on the commander's face gave way to grief and terror as the message played and ended. "W-what do you want?" He asked, tears in his eyes, his lips quivering and his cheeks growing red. "Let's start with a drink commander, as I was saying before you oh so rudely interrupted, we have much to discuss."

[The Shadow Republik]

Ord mantle

Though Shadow had faced few lightsaber wielders in the 4 years since leaving the Jedi order he had practiced a lot so he said " Well about 2 years ago I did face a sith warrior who was overseeing a slave operation we fought to a draw with standard combat but I finished him off with a shot from my blaster. Also I get plenty of training done in my free time.

Once they were on their way shadow began to think of a way to exactly explain why he left. After awhile shadow decided to tell the truth if they asked why he left. Soon they were nearing the field hospital so shadow called Bralan and said "lets stash the speeders here and walk the rest. Also I have a question how many Jedi did they send here exactly?"

The question was genuine as shadow felt another Jedi arrive as they had left the base. He also found it weird that there were so many Jedi on one planet with their severely diminished numbers.

[Futrellia]

Ord mantle

Though Shadow had faced few lightsaber wielders he had practiced a lot so he said " Well about 2 years ago I did face a sith warrior who was overseeing a slave operation we fought to a draw with standard combat but I finished him off with a shot from my blaster. Also I get plenty of training done in my free time.

Once they ere on their way shadow began to think of a way to exactly explain why he left. After awhile shadow decided to tell the truth if they asked why he left. Soon they were nearing the field hospital so shadow called Bralan and said "lets starch the speeders here and walk the rest. Also I have a question how many Jedi did they send here exactly?"

The question was genuine as shadow felt another Jedi arrive as they had left the base. He also found it weird that there were so many Jedi on one planet with their severely diminished numbers.

Bralan Kan - Jedi Guardian
Halfway to Field Hospital
Ord Mantell

I could hear Shadow's faint voice on the comlink, attempting to say something. I lowered one hand off of the steering column and turned the volume up, holding it up to my mouth.

"This matter is urgent. We can't risk wasting any time by walking the rest of the way there. We need to keep going on the speeders! And to answer your second question, i had expected there to only be Me, Cira and her Padawan, which is why i came here, to assist. Then i land and find out Master Antilles arrived as well. Now i believe i sense another Jedi here, a Master. I'm beginning to wonder what good i might be here, but if the Sith are here as well, we may need as many Jedi here as we can muster. I can see the camp from here. Just a bit further." I said as i could see the tops of the tents over the horizon. There i would link up with the rest of the Jedi, and see if we can get to the bottom of this illness.

[Eraus]

Derrik Ajex
Ord Mantell
Good thing that Doctor stuff didn't work....or I might have been taken to a hospital to actually heal somebody...Now time to pull the Identity I was given by the ISS
"No no no. Kind Padawan" Derrik said as he took a few steps back "I can't let you do that. You see I have a mission to do. One that requests I don't harm those I don't need to." He said with a smile "But rest assured my mission is in the best interest of the Republic." Derrik said as he stepped back " If I tell you who I truly am and my mission can I trust that you won't imprison or kill me?" He said to the Padawan " My name is Ajex Mc'anto....I ain't a doctor. I do the opposite of what those great people do. They heal, I harm." Ajex said. "I can tell you can sense I'm connected with the Force which means if you truly are a capable Jedi you can tell that I am not of the Dark Side. Yet I am not of the Light side either. That's the perk of being a Merc" He said as he tossed her his Dossier which contained information about him being a merc which included him being wanted dead by the Empire for multiply counts of assassination and murder. "We can't all be Light my dear Padawan....No matter how much one tries" He said with false sorrow.

I am Sith yet I am Light, I am light but I am dark...I'm a monster yet I am kind, I'm a killer yet I care for others...What am I truly? He thought as he channeled his power but hoped that he would not have to fight the Padawan as he could sense the force was strong in her. "What made you a jedi?" He asked remembering how he really never had the chance to be anything but a sith.

[Sulania]

Sinya Koyi
Padawan to Jedi Knight Cira Starlight
Ord Mantell

The Twi'lek was hardly surprised by the falsification, and no more surprised to learn he was Force Sensitive. It was something she could sense quite well, but he was right that she couldn't sense the presence of the Dark Side about him. "I won't imprison you..." She responded, at least so long as he was not doing harm. She listened to him mention he was Merc, catching the dossier in-air with the Force, levitating it into her hand and began skimming the contents. She couldn't pinpoint his actual sincerity, something such as detecting the lies or truths beyond her own intuition were not her strong suit. If he was truly nothing but a merc, there was nothing to hold him up about. There were plenty of Force Sensitives in the galaxy, some non-aligned and even entirely separate orders like the Jal Shey and the Matukai. If he was working with the Republic, then there we go.

"How did I become a Jedi?" She repeated to herself. "I was brought to the Order very young, a mere baby. My parents were slaves on one of the conquered worlds by the Empire, forced into service under a Sith Lord. I was found to be Force Sensitive early on, and thus I was slated to be sent to Korriban once of age." She said somberly. "The Sith Lord we were in service to was different, he recognized the brutality of Korriban and above all how much a death sentence it would be for a former enslaved alien. So he organized me to be smuggled into Republic space, found on some planet and taken into the Jedi, who raised me ever since." Her face then turned, to if she was human a red color out of anger. "Then of course, the Empire arrived at Coruscant. I watched as people that raised me, trained me, friends of mine, were cut down coldly by the Sith and as the gleaming towers around us burned. It was on that day that I knew I had to become a Jedi, to bring justice for all those that died on Coruscant that day."

The anger was radiating from her, even the Private, not even Force Sensitive, felt very uncomfortable by the Jedi's sudden change in disposition. Sinya, realizing she was letting her anger get the better of her, regained her composure. Silently reciting the Jedi Code in her mind to bring her emotions under control. "And that's where we are today."

[Eraus]

Derrik Ajex
Ord Mantell
"Well uh....Keep your emotion in check Jedi. That leads your kind down a dark road in which few come back from" He said "So... What do you two plan on doing with me if I ain't getting imprisoned?" He said "I've got a couple of people to kill. Seps are waiting to parish" He said with a smile "I'm joking....Uh anybody got ale?" He said "Maybe the other's who are hidden?" Ajex said testing to see if their were any more.

[The Shadow Republik]

just outside the hospital camp
Ord Mantell

Bralan was right it was quicker to use the speeders to get to the camp and safer as there was a speeder lockup. Shadow cursed at the fact he had be so out of it that he had forgotten that there would be a lockup. After locking up the speeders Shadow walked up to a trooper and said"Hello I am Rogue Shadow I was contracted to bring supplies to this camp but I have more pressing matters to attend to if you would not mind could you get some of the soldiers at the base to send the supplies this way. Thanks. "

After that Shadow started towards the camp which would be a 4 minute walk so shadow asked "is master junski still alive and if he is how is he." Shadow waited for barlans response but he had a bad feeling that he would not like the answer he would receive.

[Danceria]

[quote="Danceria";p="29841879"]

Darth Drathen
Ord Mantell, Bright Jewel System, Bright Jewel Sector
Fort Garnik, Hospital Encampment

---

The Sith lowered his presence just enough not to be noticed by the new Jedi, who announced himself as "Rogue Shadow". He observed the brown haired and blue eyed young Rogue Jedi with black and blue armor conversing with the Republic Trooper who didn't have enough time to explain that right now they would be swimming in supplies and that there was a Sith Lord there.

Drathen chuckled at the Jedi's impulsive behavior, but then puzzled on the "Master Junski" question. Just how many Jedi were deciding to arrive at Ord Mantell? Either the disease was worse than he thought or the Republic was more afraid of a single Sith than they ought to be.

Either way, that wasn't going to stop him from walking over and introducing himself. "I'm afraid I am unaware of this "Master Junski", or whether he's alive or dead." he answered, fully revealing himself in his Sith "glory", which included his robes and unique Dark aura. "But there Master Kitomo is en route as well, perhaps he is the one you are seeking? In either event, this hospital is going to be very well stocked. Hopefully more than enough to combat and cure this disease in a timely manner."

[Ism]

Captain Ponda Mada
Ord Mantell
Seperatist Research Facility: Security Room

"So, commander, this will activate the facility purge yes?" Ponda asked, turning to face the man, who happened to be shooting a decidedly ugly look in his direction. "Yes, pirate, everyone outside this chamber and the one adjacent would be killed by the release of a toxic gas. But it will destroy the samples we have in the lab, our works towards a cure for the plague will be ruined!" He spat, his words dripping with hate. Ponda cocked his head slightly, before turning to face the console. "Like I care about your efforts. The research you have stored on your system will be more than sufficient to please my employer."

The commander was sweating now, fidgeting as well, and his eyes darted about rapidly. "W-wait, wait, we have an experimental vaccine, it could save countless lives! The gas will destroy it, you have to get it first!" The man was sobbing now, having fallen to his knees he was a mess. "Hmm nope, like my idea better. Data it is." There was an audible chirp as he activated the facility purge, and camera feed showed all around the base seperatists began dropping like flies. The commander's weeping grew louder. "You hav-v-v-ve what you want, let my family go! Pl-please!" Ponda ignored the man, instead focusing on the console. "T7, come over here and download the systems databanks, and make it snappy. The rest of you, activate your respiration systems and scour the base for anything that seems valuable. Weapons, armor, stims, supplies and all the other normal salvage, but especially anything involving research. Oh, and commander, I will release your family" he said, turning at the end and in a single fluid motion raising his pistol at the seperatist, before firing a single shot into his chest and continuing "to the highest bidder, of course."

[Second Helghan Empire]

Sith Lord Alisher Erysil, In orbit over Ord Mantell

Lord Erysil stood in the cabin of his ship. He looked out at the planet and contemplated what was happening below. He had been told of the plague and knew of the world being a battlefield during the war. He knew the extent of damage the war had done even to insignificant worlds.

The men and women around him working on the ship and chatting with one another were his personal house forces. They served him and his house and then they served the Empire. Alisher flicked his hand and the nearest officer came forward and saluted him.

"My Lord?"

"I wish for you to gain contact with Darth Drathen, he is somewhere on the planet and I wish to speak with him."

"Yes my lord."

The officer took off to do as asked. As Alisher waited he debated on how best to approach Drathen. If rumors were true Drathen was a far more peaceful and orderly Sith than most. Lord Erysil felt it would be refreshing to work with a like minded individual, and needless to say if Drathen could become a contact of Alisher then perhaps Alisher could use that to increase his own power along side that of Drathen.

[Futrellia]

Jedi Guardian Bralan Kan
Field Hospital, Entrance
Ord Mantell

I rose myself from the speeder, deactivating it as i dismounted. I began walking to where the rest of the Jedi were, watching as Shadow spoke with one of the Republic officers there. I stopped walking and looked around the camp. I immediately felt a presence as soon as i had arrived. An odd presence, though one that i knew wasn't a threat just yet. Hiding was all of it was doing, but i didn't give my body language away to make it seem like i knew. I just continued scanning around, waiting for Shadow to return to me. He did soon later.

I heard him speak of Master Junski, an old friend from my days as a Padawan. I remembered listening to his lectures in the Study Halls of the Temple on Coruscant. At times, they were quite boring, but most of the time, he tried very hard to make them as involving as they could be.

"Last i heard from Master Junski was that he had been deployed to Coruscant on an artifact search and retrieval. Typically those would only last a few days to a month, at the most. It's been six months now since the Order has received any kind of word on him." I said as i continued walking towards through the location, searching for where Starlight and the others would be.

[Dernland]

A Twisted Metal Coffin

I awoke to pain, searing hot pain. My head and eyes burned like fire, throbbing in tandem with a dull, numb pulse coming from my abdomen. The pain was nearly unbearable. Everything around me was blurred and unfocused. A fuzzy white shape lay near my feet and, hoping my addled mind had made the right assumption, reached out for it. My hands tingled with sensation as I moved, they had evidently fallen asleep. My fingers caressed the shape and showed me what my eyes could not. "Helmet" I said, my dry lips cracking with the sudden strain. Slowly, as to not agitate my pain any further, I slipped the object over my head. The HUD activated, though it didn't help my vision all that much. "Medical Report?" My parched lips parted again, heaping more pain onto the pile.

"Minor head trauma. Minor internal bleeding. Major puncture wound, lower right abdomen. Foreign object detected, lower right abdomen. Recommend removal of foreign object before administering Kolto injections." A synthesized voice echoed through my head, triggering the fiery ache burning through my skull. I reached down and felt around my numb wound. There was a large piece of shrapnel embedded there, not very deep, but it was still quite painful and dangerous if untreated. I grasped the piece of jagged metal and pulled. I couldn't see clearly, but I could tell that blood was now flowing freely from the wound. "Administering Kolto." The helmet's voice said, followed by a flood of cool liquid to the numb area of my stomach. The soothing feeling passed, replaced by burning hot pinpricks as the Kolto began it's healing work. I couldn't help but scream as the sheer pain of it all overwhelmed me. My cracked lips bled openly again and my head throbbed like a night at Club Vertica. The pain persisted for what seemed like hours.

At length, the kolto faded and my wound seemed now to be several days old; painful and likely to begin bleeding again when I moved, but safe enough for now. The healing process had also done wonders for my head, with the headache receding and my vision sharpening once again. A quick glance around the compartment revealed that the pod was trashed. Compartments had been thrown open by the impact, spilling their contents all over the floor. The main viewport was cracked, though beyond I could see only packed snow and ice from my impact. I spotted a small box of medical supplies near the front of the craft and slowly lifted my self up. No matter how cautious I tried to be, my freshly sealed wound cracked open once more and began to bleed. No words came to mind for this new pain, I merely grunted along towards the kit and supported myself on the pod's wall. It was only a few steps, but they were some of the most painful. I undid the latches on the case and rummaged inside for a bandage, kolto patches, anything. All I found was a simple pack of gauze and medical wrap, but it would have to do. At any rate, the Kolto infusion that I already got had done most of the heavy lifting.

After patching myself up I searched the cramped space for necessary supplies. My rifle and pistol along with spare ammunition, a survival pack with nearly three weeks full of food rations, a full and luckily insulated water bladder, and finally a cold weather supply supplement. My armor's climate controls could last quite a while, but it was already damaged and who knew how long I would last out there. If worst came to worst, then I would be able to ditch the armor for the thermal gear. Having scavenged everything I could from the wreck, I pulled myself up towards the escape hatch. A small button and a shove was all it took to displace the relatively thin layer of snow that had covered the crash site. I had landed on top of a large glacier and had blasted a sizable hole in the sturdy ice. A small flurry of snow had passed over, but on the horizon I could see dark clouds swirling my way.

From my vantage point I could see for many kilometers in any direction, showing nothing but ice and snow in every direction. I stood there and took in the beautiful wasteland, trying to think of the perfect words to describe my situation. "Well ... Sithspit."

[The Valyria Empire]

---

Grand Admiral Roan Sho'Lan

---

Roan closed his eyes and nodded. "I have to agree with Nyxera on this one, Admiral. I want to risk as few lives as possible on this mission." Roan then turned around and looked up at Abessa. "While I have seen my fair share of negotiations I'm willing to put my faith in your man. However I will be coming with you, this is my project so I will see it through...even if that means risking my life." Roan concluded as he stood up. "Abessa if it's fine with, please allow Nyxera to speak to your squad, I would also like to speak with them as soon as possible."

Roan wiped the sweat from this brow, the heat from this office was killing him. Didn't help there were four people in this small area. Roan then stepped up next to Crix and Nyxera, "Admiral Crix, I want you and the Maximus to remain in the closest system to the Makeb system. I don't want us crossing into Republic Space unless we have to." Roan straightened himself before resuming, "Abessa and her squad, along with me and Nyxera will go to the planet. There we will engage in negotiations with the Hutts. Should things backfire, Crix will come into the system where he will be our deterrent against the Hutts. Once they see a Harrower class is above them they should be willing to talk. If not, then we will execute them. With that we will take the miners under Imperial care will they will be treated much more fairly under the Hutts. Thus we will have a supply of Isotope-5."

Roan bit his lip, looked down at his feet then back at the others in the room. "If there is any changes you believe should be made, please speak now."

[Spindle]

Sho'lan's Office
Justice
Sovereign Construction Site

Abessa's eyebrows rose under her helmet as Crix gave his suggestion, an amused smile flitting over her face for a moment. Boys and their notions of subtlety. T'vesh spoke up and Abessa grinned to herself. She could have done with someone outside the command structure to smack people upside the head on a number of occasions before now. Like in the Minos Clusterfuck. It would certainly have saved lives, or at least made it easier for the people on the ground who'd had to go up against entrenched forces.

As the ex-Jedi began to speak to her, Abessa turned her head to look at her straight-on. She'd discovered that people who didn't use helmets regularly needed to be stared at to realise that she was actually listening to them and not just blanking them. Nodding to T'vesh's request, she turned again as Sho'lan began to talk again. Tilting her head to one side, she shrugged. She'd have much rather started shooting before they hit the ground, but she imagined that Sho'lan wanted to be somewhat more subtle than that. Which was probably why he was a CO and she wasn't and that was why she couldn't debate his ridiculous desire to go down there and get himself killed.

"Understood." She nodded tersely, "T'vesh, when do you want to speak with my man?"

[Veleaz]

Rahasia Tiralle
Agent of the Republic
Coruscant; SIS Interrogation Room 11b

"Perfect." She said, getting up from her chair, leaving the container of water for the man's use. "I'll organize for your movement to more appropriate housing, and with some time..." She paused for a moment and let out a semi-comedic sigh "and paperwork, and definitely no shortage of arguing, we should be all-set in getting you a place in our ranks." She finished as she approached the door. She knew her superiors would be happy with getting the information in the holodisk, and acquiring this man as an asset, though the counter-espionage agents won't be too happy with accepting an Imp into one of our most secretive branches. Luckily for her, she can out-yell Agent Corga if she has to.

She was about ready to leave the room before stopping herself, her thoughts on what to do next broken by the turncoat's statement on her file in Imperial Intelligence. She didn't know what would be in there, how much they knew about her, and how much they knew that could potentially hurt her place in SIS. If her superiors found out that she arguably had a claim to a title in the Empire's little pet House on Alderaan, who knows what they would attempt to do with it. The only positive end would be that the Imps would want it quiet just as much as the Thul's did, but the turncoat had no loyalties to the Empire or their desired goals. "Quick question..." She said, solemnly looking back at the former Imperial. "How much does the Empire know about me?"

"Who doesn't love paperwork?" I offered in reply before taking the capsule and gulping down a decent amount of water. As my ever so questioning interrogetor began to leave the room, I instinctively kicked my legs up onto the table, put my hands behind my head and leaned back in the chair, in an attempt to get a semblance of comfort in an otherwise difficult place. As I began to get truly comfortable, another question was asked. I made a slight smile before looking over my should "Well now, Ms. Tiralle, I would've thought you realised I like an even playing field, and telling you whats in that file certainly ain't even"

[Nuxipal]

Nyxera T'vesh
Aboard the Justice

Admiral Roan had made his decision, and he was going to personally lead the ground operation for the mission. Which could complicate matters should he get himself captured or killed. However, at the same time, it meant he was in command and not someone else. Abessa seemed, at least on the outside, willing to work with her on this mission. "Whenever you can arrange it. I just need to be sure I can get messages to him telepathically. Assuming the negotiator of this Hutt isn't another Hutt, I should be able to get some kind of idea what they are thinking about. More importantly, I'd still like to have a training session with your squad if we have the time. Doesn't need to take long, but I would like them to be comfortable working alongside me just in case we have to fight our way out."

She particularly wanted to see how they reacted to a Jedi throwing lightning around or using Sith Sorcery. Additionally, she was a master with telekinetic combat and could very easily move large objects around to act as cover for them. Lastly, she needed them to know she was a fair healer, just in case any sith they worked with before didn't have that ability up their sleeve.