Star Wars: Episode VIII: The New Threat

[Angelus]

Alic wiped the perspiration off his forehead as he continued to run through the jungle. He had been told to take a break from his eternal struggle or it would tear him apart. He sighed when he had been told that as he thought he had been making progress. As he moved further through the jungle he wondered what was going to happen to him and if he was going to become what he wanted most in his life- peace, tranquility and to be a Jedi Knight.

All of a sudden he felt a presence moving towards him and came to a stop and took out his lightsaber in one smooth move. He flicked his switch to activate it and sighed when the red blade came to life. He had made the lightsaber when he became a Sith Lord and Colian had told him to keep it to remind him of what he had become and what he would become if he slipped into the dark side again. He then saw movement off to his right and moved in that direction, wondering what it was that was after him.

He switched off his lightsaber and started to run harder, trying to catch up. Suddenly he noticed a person standing there and moved ever closer slowly. He wanted to activate his lightsaber but there was some part of him that told him not to- to wait to see who it was. Suddenly the person began to run again and Alic began to run after him, wondering who this person was.

Alic then noticed something- the faster that he ran the faster the other person moved until Alic realized one thing, this person had Jedi speed. Alic stopped and watched as the person continued to move away from him. He knew that this person was a jedi and he did not want to hunt him down- this was like what he did in his former life. It was a life that he didn't want anymore so he put his lightsaber away and began to turn around until he felt the person behind him.

As soon as he turned around the first thing that he noticed was that the person was holding an activated blue lightsaber in his right hand.
"You shouldn't have put your lightsaber away," the person said before he cut down at Alic with his lightsaber.
As Alic jumped away he said, "I do not wish to fight you. You are a Jedi and I do not wish to destroy you."
Without saying another word the Jedi began attacking and Alic jumped around, trying his hardest to avoid the lightsaber. He knew that he could bring out his lightsaber and fight the jedi but he fought against himself to not do so, if he did it would mean that he was falling back into his old ways.

Suddenly he fell to the ground and looked at the jedi who had his lightsaber still in his hand. He looked up at the jedi and said, "What do you want from me. Do you wish to kill me?"

"No my young student. I wanted to help you."

Alic's eyes windened- student?!
"Master, why are you doing this. Why did you attack me?"

"Alic, this was not an attack but merely a test. If this had been an attack you would have been severly injured by now. I know most of your power is going into your fight. No my young student- I wanted to see if you would fall into your old ways and if you had activated your lightsaber then you would have. You have done well this day Alic. Now follow me, we have alot more to do this day."

 

[Paendragon]

Luke

He strafed another TIE with blaster fire, overloading its shields. Before him the stars spun and tilted, as his Master used all of his skill to keep them alive.

They had led two more strafing runs against the Star Destroyer, but were losing too many ships in the assaults. To put it plainly, they were outgunned. Not for the first time did he wish Admiral Thandor were here, or even a captain with a capital ship of his own. Anything to help even the odds. As it was, they were fighting a losing battle. Again.

Far too may battles against the Empire had gone this way. Far too many for his liking. And they kept coming. Something had definitely changed with them. They were organised, much more so than in the past.

His thoughts wandered back to the Sith he had met on Cloud City...

"Wake up, down there!" Tynan's voice came blaring over the comm.

"I'm sorry Master!" He raked another TIE with fire.

"Don't be sorry, just pay attention..."

Luke winced, and looked for another target. "We're not going to last long out here, Master..."

"I've already transmitted to General Beegas, but we're still waiting on our men on in the city."

Luke knew what that meant. Marius was still down there, which meant Tynan wasn't leaving. His Master had forged a strange type of bond with the Jedi Knight. Even upon achieving the title of Master that bond had not changed. Luke thought he understood why. Marius had saved his Masters life at the end of the battle with Darth Vaine. He had sworn he would return the favor.

Of course the two had saved eachother several times since then - a common occuurance with Jedi - but the bond showed no sign of lessening. Which led Luke to the second conclusion. Tynan, who had never had a friend beyond his old Master, had found one in the most unlikely of places at the time. And now he would guard that friendship with his life.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

He stared back at me, grinning, bearing his teeth, trying to look menacing but not managing. He'd seen how easily he'd been forced into the defensive, and now his doubts were beginning to surface. He'd stick it out, it seemed, at least for now.
And I didn't plan on giving him much time to escape.
"Ahhh, I do like them young," he said.
"And what did you say your name was?" I asked, but my voice sounded different in my own ears.
"Darth Blaze," he returned. "Not that you'll live to repeat it. Well, Raven might get the opportunity to say it for me a few times..."
I'll crush him, I thought again, grinning in my own right, then advanced on him, swinging directly at him, not bothering to go high or low, or to plan any strategy. I just pounded away at him, forcing him to twist and turn to get a better angle given the force I drove in at him with.
He backstepped, moving steadily toward the back wall and the doorway that waited there.
I paid no attention, just kept pounding away at his defenses, driving him back.
"And she'll taste so sweet," he added, but his voice was unsteady.
He'd gotten a rhythm in his defense, blocking with fairly good measure, but knowing each blow would be just like the last. He would cave when he reached the wall, I knew, but in the moment, with anger surging through me, somehow finding symbiance with the rest of me, I wanted to end it.
I struck hard one last time, swinging right to left, then quickly turned, sweeping low, causing him weapon to drop. Once my blade struck his, I swung upward, this attack needing little strength at all to execute.
The blade moved upward, just above his guard, and slashed into his side, a superficial wound, but one deep enough to cause him to recoil, losing his saber and his balance in the process.
He struck the ground on his uninjured side, holding onto where the blood would have seeped out, had the warm blade of the saber not sealed it on contact.
I stepped closer, raising my saber above my head, planning on ending it, right then and there.
I took in a deep breath, energy srging through me as I inhaled. Pride swelling within me as I gripped the handle tighter. I could feel a smile growing on my lips, and looking down, i saw the look on the man's face, not fear, or hatred as I'd expected, but surprise.
I froze.
Was I...enjoying this?
I was about to kill, and I was gaining pleasure from it.
I took in another breath, held it for a moment, then switched off the saber and lowered my arms, my body relaxing, anger wearing off. The Dark Side, all too close to carrying me away, in a matter of seconds.
"You've been given a second chance," I stated, knowing that i couldn't finish him in the state I was in. Rest and meditation, then I'd be my old self again. But just then, it was too much of a risk, especially considering how easily he'd been defeated. I could wait.
"Use it wisely, for when we meet again..." I added. I reached out, pulling his lightsaber to me. "And I'm taking this with me."
I turned and headed back toward where Moedwyn had fallen, mindful of his presence behind me.When she came into view, I glanced back.
Darth Blaze, as he called himself, was gone from sight, through the doorway most likely."What...?" She asked.
"I won," I said, realizing just then the real truth in this. "But he's escaped regardless. I explain later."
SHe nodded, reaching up, requesting help. "Raven said we're in the path of a Star Destroyer, imperial reinforcements coming to destroy the station all together, no doubt. We have to go. Tynan and some of the others are attempting to slow it's arrival, but time is limited nonetheless."
Instead of helping her to her feet, I reached beneath her and lifted her into my arms.
"This should be faster," I said, and we were off.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Mogo

I set the Owl down, centering it well-enough and dropping the ramp.
I headed dwon the ramp, wondering if there was any way I could help. Not normally something I would do, but if I could do something to get myself out of here faster...
Orin was behind me a moment later.
"Hey, Can we...?"
"Captain Mogo?"
I turned to see a fairly young black man standing behind me, his uniformed adorned to show at least a fair bit of success in battle.
"Calrissian?"
The man nodded.
"Anything we can do??
He shook his head. "When the Jedi arrive, get them out of here. And fast."
I nodded.
Not even a minute passed before he spoke again.
"There they are!" he said pointing. A man carried a woman, her older than him, but both still appearing youthful. A young girl was moving toward them, seeming at least fairly happy to see them. On her hips was a lightsaber.
"Marius," the girl began, keeping her composure, regardles of her obvious pleasure to see him. "Is she alright?"
"She will be," he replied.
"Jedi Lane," Calrissian shouted, waving for them to come his way. When they were closer, he explained. "General Beegas has arranged this transport. If you'll hurry onboard, they're ready for takeoff."
The man nodded, then carried the woman closer. As he did, I recognized him from somewhere, but where was still eluding me. Oh,well, I thought, as they moved up the ramp. Not the right time to wonder.
"Let's get out of here," Orin muttered, and I agreed.
Once in the cockpit, I got settled and lifted the Owl off the landing pad.
"Hold on, everyone," I stated over the comm link.
I took the Owl into space, leaving the safe feeling of the station behind and braving the space battle above. Ships buzzed around us like swarms of angry bees.
"Straight through the middle," I muttered. Why beat around the bush? We needed out, and any less direct path would take us longer.
"The middle?" Josie asked.
"Yep, sweetheart," I returned, "Right up the middle."I headed out, moving directly toward the Star Destroyer in route. If it fired, I could get out of the way, and the enemy would be moving out of its way, so we'd have less interference.
Around us other ships were leaving the station. Over the open channel, I heard a man's voice announce: "Station evacuated. Retreat in full force. I repeat, retreat in full force, scatter to avoid effective tracking by the enemy."

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

"Station evacuated. Retreat in full force. I repeat, retreat in full force, scatter to avoid effective tracking by the enemy." That was the call that came over the comm.

"Alright Eagles, we've got rear guard," Tynan said. "Keep the TIEs off all friendlies backs, Understood?"

He heard the squad click their comm units in acknowledgement.

"I see the Owl, Master. They're headed our way."

"Good. Lets give them some cover."

He brought the ship into a tight spiral, and Luke opened fire from the bow gunnerry, spraying every enemy ship in their path. This was were the Talon was at its most effective... laying waste to enemy fighters.

"We've got your rear, Spotted Owl," Luke called out.

"We've got my own rear, Talon." It was, surprisingly, a female voice who answered. As if for emphasis, the gunner blasted a TIE out of the sky.

"Now, now, children..." Mogo's voice cut through the comm, as usual dripping with sarcasm. "I don't care who shoots them, so long as they're dead."

Tynan smiled to himself, but didn't join in the banter. Mogo was more Luke's friend than his, and they seemed to enjoy needling each other.

"This child could pick your teeth with a lightsaber," Luke responded, laughing. "You little..."

He was cut off as the ship was wrenched backward sharply. Tynan checked the readouts and cursed.

"Master?" Luke's voice. Calm and unconcerned. He had indeed come far.

"The Destroyer grabbed us." His mind raced to find an answer to their dillemma. "Luke, take the other gunners and get to the escape pods."

"What about you?"

"I'll stay aboard. Unless the Talon keeps fighting, they'll know we've jetisoned." Of course they were probably watching for just an occuurance, but he had another plan in mind to distract them. "Mogo, come get them."

"I'm not leaving you," Luke said. "Forget it."

"Luke, there's no time to argue..."

"Ram it, Tynan," Mogo's voice cut through the comm.

Tynan was, surprisingly for him, startled. How had the Toydarian guessed his plan? Ramming the big ship was the only way he could think of to get the pods away cleanly...

"Not until the pods are away," Tynan said, dropping all pretense. "When you see me hit the ship, lock onto the pods and do a short jump. It'll be a bumpy ride, but the pods are equipped with quantum armor, inertial dampeners, and tracking devices. You'll be able to yank them far enough away from here that you'll be able to pick them up afterward..."

"The Universe save us from Jedi nobility," Mogo muttered over the comm. "I don't mean for you to die either, but there's no time to explain. Luke, remember the Kessel run? Head straight at her!"

Tynan frowned, but nonetheless did what the Toydarian wanted. He turned the ship straight for the Destroyer and accelerated. The acceleration, plus the tractor beam, made the ship jump forward at an incredible rate.

Then Luke released their remaining load of proton torpedos. The torps leapt away from the ship, and were caught in the tractor beam, propelled toward the ship.

Sudden'y, the beam cut off, and Tynan cut the ship sharply away from the destroyer, coming around underneath it, and on the other side.

Luke howled in triumph, and Tyna grinned.

"We're away, Talon!" Mogo called out, and then the Owl disapppeared into hyperspace.

"So are we," Tynan replied, and sent the ship after them.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Caiben Raille

Mos Eisley, Tatooine

"Now remember, Caiben," Balle insisted. "We're here for peaceful reasons, not to fight."
"Yes Master," I returned.
"We'll be in and out, and quickly."
I nodded this time, not saying anything.
He led the way, and I followed him into the small tavern. Various creatures stood around, a few talking but many silent. All were drinking. Balle walked up to the barkeep and cleared his throat. The barkeep eyed him for a moment, then held up one finger, signifying that we wait, then filled up a mug for a customer and took his time returning. The jedi had lost much of the respect they once commanded in the Galaxy. It made sense, as we were capable of doing little to help most of the peoples who occupied the Galaxy.
When he returned, he gave us the once over, then went back to cleaning his mug, if cleaning was the appropriate word. Mostly, he was just wiping them dry and placing them back on his rack.
"What do you need?" he asked, not even looking at us.
"We're looking for someone," balle returned.
"You don't say," he replied.
"His name is Respito," Balle finished.
The man stopped, then turned to look at Balle, his attention full, glass and rag both still in his hand.
"Respito, huh?" The bartender said, pretending to think. The gig was up though, and he knew it. "Don't know if I've ever heard that name before."
The little conversatoin in the place had ceased. The eyes of the patrons were now on us.
"I belive he is quite well-known in these areas," Balle insisted. "And I hear he has recently been in here. Any assistance you, or any of your patrons could provide would be greatly appreciated."
"And just how appreciated?" A voice said, from nearby.
I glanced over to see a Dug had joined in the conversation. It moved quickly up to us, mug of some drink or other in hand, and a companion moved up next to him, a Nikto. Niether looked to be particularly friendly. I turned to face them as they neared, eyeing the Nikto specifically, almost daring him to advance to far.
He stopped, but his eyes never faltered on mine, nor did I sense any fear.
"Our gratitude would be all we can offer, for now that is," Balle returned.
"Gratitude," the Dug said, then spit near Balle's feet. "gratitude means nothing here. Credits, now that's a different story."
I fought the urge to draw my blade and strike the little creature down for spitting at my master, but Balle remained calm.
"Again, gratitude is all, but that is for now, perhaps later..."
The Dug took a chug of its drink and turned away. The Nikto stood sternly, not wanting to back down just yet.
"Come," the Dug insisted, and the Nikto obliged, keeping his eyes on mine for a few seconds. I smiled as he backed away and returned to its former seat.
Balle looked to me for a moment, eyebrows raised, as if to ask 'Made a new friend have we?', then he turned to the barkeep again.
Balle had grown impatient already, but I knew that impatience would take quite some time to wear on him. He turned to the bartender, who looked him square in the eye, clearly not wanting to tell, but knowing it best to.
"I am sorry you could not be of help," Balle said, bowing his head slightly. "Perhaps we will find answers elsewhere."
He turned and walked out. Surprised, I glanced around the tavern, knowing that Respito's whereabouts were at least known of by these...thugs.
"Caiben," balle insisted. He'd stopped at the door, waiting for me.
"Yes, Master," I conceded, and followed him out. Once outside, the door closed, I turned to him and asked, my voice showing my irritation, "Why are we leaving, Master? They know where he is!"
"The bartender wants to tell," Balle agreed. "As might some of the patrons, but passing such information in a public place, especially given the nature of it and its concern to Respito, is dangerous business in places such as these. I'll wait and speak wiht him later, when the place is less crowded, and therefore safer."
I nodded, looking down apologetically.
"You, on the other hand, will wait until the Dug and his compaion leave. You will follow them carefully."
"Yes, Master," I replied, pleased to be trusted to be on my own for once. Balle felt that I was a bit too unpredictable, and too quick to draw my saber instead of handling things with caution and politics. Often, he was right, but sometimes it seemed to was taking the less violent route to sta out of trouble.
"If all apears harmless, return here. If not, contact me, and we'll investigate further," he finished.
I nodded, smiling.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

"Raven," I began.
She looked up, confused, wanting to ask, but not doign so in front of the others.
"Master?"
"You've done very well," I stated.
"Hang on," Mogo's voice came through the comm-unit. I gripped the support overhead and felt my body lurch as the Spotted Owl fell out of hyperspace.
"All done," Mogo stated. "You can relax for a second."
The comm-unit switched off, and I let go of the support.
"Come," I stated, waving for Raven to follow me to the bridge. She followed me, and the co-pilot of this vessel and the young girl who'd occupied the compartment we were in followed her.
Once on the bridge, I watched as the Talon seemed to float in space before us.
"What now?" Mogo asked.
We were safely away from the battle, and there were no signs of pursuit, which surprised me, given the way the Star Destroyer had made attempts to obtain the Talon.
And why? I wondered. What did they want with him?
I would have to ask later, maybe he could give me some insight. Might be a long-awaited response to a job he'd completed as a bounty hunter.
"Switch on communications," i said. The Toydarian complied. "Talon, what is your destination?"
"I've got plans to meet up with Admiral Thandor," Tynan responded.
"Headed to the Skywalker?" I asked, but it wasn't truly a question. "We'll head back to Yavin IV, get our next assignment. Moedwyn needs to get back to the children there. We'll see each other soon, I'm sure."
"Gotcha," Tynan replied.
Mogo switched off the comm-link, then turned to me. "Yavin?"
I nodded, "What condition is this ship in?"
"She'll need some work after that battle, but she'll be alright. She can handle another jump without any problems."
I was always weary of freighters, not used to them I suppose, after spending so much time in X-Wings.
"Good," I replied. "Let's get moving."
I turned to Raven, then to Moedwyn, who'd managed to get to the bridge, though carefully. Her hand still held her side, supporting the inury.
"Raven," I began, "Practice your healing skills. See if you can mend Moedwyn's injury."
She bowed her head slightly. "Yes, Master."
"We'll discuss your questions while you do so."
We went into the back again, then held on as Mogo announced our return to hyperspace, now en route to Yavin IV.
Moedwyn lay down then, moving her robes and shirt so as to expose the injury to Raven.
The cut looked nastier than I expected, but it was definitely healable. Raven lay her hands upon it, uncertainly.
"Remember it as I showed you. Recite it within your mind."
She nodded, then closed her eyes.
"My words will make it hard to concentrate," I stated, "Which is why I will be talking. Amid distraction is when concentration is the most difficult..."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Raine

The image of the old lady in the pale brown cloak, fire dancing around her as she reached out through the flames to me, passed, fading away.
In the darkness of sleep, I stirred, my body twitching lightly, but that was all distant to me.
I hear a voice, a deep familiar voice.
"So much has changed," it states. "The enemy has become stronger, more unified."
The voice is familiar, soothing. And I know it belongs to my Master, Marlik. Darth Figgas, now, though the voice is clearly only Marlik, the true Marlik who no longer existed outside of my conscience.
The Sith, I think, but that feels wrong.
The Empire, I correct, but that feels wrong as well.
"Unified," the voice repeats.
I can see the flames again, but this time, I'm on Yavin IV, and the flames are beurning the school, the children are crying, tears spilling. I can't move, or even speak to them. They are in pain.
"Unified," the voice states again.
"No," I mutter, my voice escaping me into the swamps nearby.
"Many will die," the voice predicts. "Perhaps all those that oppose," Marlik insists.
I sat up, sweating, now fully awake when only a moment ago, I was deeply sleeping. Sweat ran down my temples and dripped onto my shoulders and chest, where sweat had gathered in its own right. I open my eyes, ready to face what might be waiting in front of me.
Only the swamps of Alda were there, lit by the strange glowing birds that flew over head. My body settled some, and I stood, using the bottom of my shirt to wipe the perspiration from my face. The swamps were warm, but not so warm as to cause this reaction. The dreams weren't just dreams, no...they were visions. Warnings. But what did they mean?
I felt I needed t meditate, but it would wait until the tenseness the visions had caused to pass.
"Luke Skywalker is dead," a voice stated, as if it were already in midsentence and hadn't even paused. "Therein lies the tragedy."
"I believe your mourning is about ten years too late, Colme," I replied. I turned to face him, feeling out of place in my les than formal attire. The plain red pilot's pants and red tanktop were hardly appropriate for dealing with a Jedi Master, even one who has long since left us."Oh?" He asked. "Perhaps it is not for Master Skywalker that I mourn."
I raised a questioning eyebrow, awaiting his explanation.
"You're having visions?"
I nodded, disappointed at not recieving my explanation. "It's why I'm here, Colme. And I don't appreciate having to wait so long. I've been here two days, and now you arrive?"
"You expect too much, Raine," he replied. "Impatience is a poor trait. There is more for you to achieve here than you seem to realize. I was giving you time..."
"Time?"
"Yes, time," he replied. His cryptic answers were starting to annoy me. "You are a Jedi Master now, yes?"
I nodded. "A recently acquired honor."
"And a well-earned one," he stated. "You're place in the scheme of things has changed. You're not so much a servant as you once were. You co-exist with the Force, you search out answers, instead of waiting for them to be handed to you."
I shrugged. I hadn't thought much on it.
"But in this case, the Force has found you, seeked your expertise and given you warning."
He was touching down now, and I listened as he continued, my focus fully on him.
"The voice in your mind said the word 'Unity' did it not?" He didn't wait for a reply. "And that is what Master Skywalker once was. unity of the Jedi Order. And now, that which matters most is crumbling. Without unity, what are the Jedi but drifters, and without a solitary council to guide them, with two councils to choose from, as it stands now, they have decisions to make that aren't truly thiers. Taht's where the jedi strength once existed. Simplicity. A council gave you orders, and you didn't question them, but carried them out. It kept minds on the task at hand. But now, you must choose which Council to support, you must choose whether you remain with them or return to the other, or perhaps attempt to start your own Council. Too much control, and not enough discipline. Too much power for those who already possess too much power. In believing they are strong, the Jedi shall grow weak. And new things await on the horizon. Always new threats and new enemies to the Order. And all too often, old friends become new enemies."
He eyed me as he said this, and I knew he meant Marlik. I thought back to the day I realized he was alive, and what I learned of him and his apprentice that day. Darth Vaine was dead, but Figgas still lived. And his legacy was more than close by, what with Alic Lothius still in training on Yavin IV. Yes, friends did become enemies, all too often. Swallowed by the dark side.
"I cannot unify them," I stated.
"No?" He asked.
"No," I replied. "At least not alone, if at all."
"No," he replied. "perhaps not. Not when your own bonds are growing weaker."
I looked down.
"Tynan and Marius have grown close, and you and both are growing more and more distant."
"I have my own obstacles and responsibilities," I replied, not looking up."And you may very well need help," he replied. "Don't be shy to look to those who make you strong, Raine."
"And these visions?" I asked, shifting focus.
"They will become more clear, but you'll have to seek out the answers. I will be here with you, and the Eet-do are here as well. You're always thier welcome guest, Raine..."
I nodded.
"You are not alone..." he stated.
I turned away, and looked out into the swamps.

 

[Angelus]

Alic

Alic stood near the entrance to the temple and looked up at the sky. He could feel the dark side growing stronger and felt it calling to him- to make him what he was again but he knew he couldn't do it again. He had done things in that life that he would never forgive himself for- things that entire planets, no entire systems would never forgive him for. He took a deep breath and called on his inner strength, hoping that it would be enough to block out the call.

He suddenly felt a presence behind him and without even opening his eyes or even turning said, "Master, what are you doing out here. Are you worried about me?"
"Yes, I am Alic. I can feel the dark side growing just like you can but you are more attuned to it than I. You know what it was like to have it as your guiding force."

Alic opened his eyes and dropped his head down to look at the ground in front of him.
"Master, I am not that person anymore. I do not wish to be that person anymore."

"I know Alic. All I can do is help you. This is your fight and your fight alone but I fear that your fight has just begun- it is going to get worse from now on."

Alic turned and looked Colian in the face, surprised to see the weariness in his face.
"What do you mean master. What have you seen in my future."

"Mistrust, anger, hatred. Everything that goes with the dark side. I fear that someone or something wants you back and is going to try everything to get you."

Alic shook his head- he was not going to be a Sith Lord. He was going to be a Jedi.... he had to become a Jedi. To put his soul at peace he had to become a Jedi.

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

They made the second short jump back without any incidents.

"What was all that about Kessel?" Tynan asked Luke through the intercom.

Luke laughed. "Remember two years ago, when I went with Mogo to Kessel to set up that resistance cell?"

"Yeah."

"Well, we ran into a pirate Corvette. They locked onto us with atractor beam, and Mogo used the same tactics we just did. He said that in order for full shields to work through a tractor beam, the beam has to be deactivated. Of course, the odds that a proton torpedo would make it through the remaining deflector shields are slim, but most beam operators won't take the chance. They hope to drop the beam just long enough for the shields to take out the torps, and then reegage in time to relock. It usually works, Mogo says, unless the pilot is really good."

Tynan frowned. "You're going to have to tell me any other little tricks you and Mogo have put together. I don't like being caught off guard."

Luke laughed again. "Whatever you say, Master."

Tynan felt the smile creep across his face, and shook his head. Luke was smart. Pretty soon he would be piloting, and Tynan would be relegated to gunner duty. Soon, but not yet. "We're coming out of lightspeed."

Through the cockpit, starlines reverted back to realspace, and the pride of the New Republic military came into view.

The Skywalker, named for his former master, was the first Super Star Destroyer off the line for the fledgeling New Republic off the recently captured Kuati shipyards. It was painted a gleaming white, instead of the grey that is usually reserved for SSD class ships, so that it practically shined in the blackness of space.

"Talon to Skywalker, this is Jedi Master Tynan returning with the assault fleet from Bespin. I'm transmitting clearance codes."

"Roger, Master Tynan. Codes have been accepted. You are cleared to land in docking port A. Admiral Thandor sends his regards, and asks if you'd like to meet him in his conference room for a debriefing."

"Thank you, advise Admiral Thandor I'll be there soon after docking."

Tynan waited for the acknowledgement from the Destroyer before cutting communications.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

The Spotted Owl settled into place in the main hangar on Yavin IV, and Mogo's voice announced our arrival over the intercomm.
"Gather your things, Raven," I insisted. "We must meet with the Council as soon as possible."
"Yes, Master," she replied, gathering the few items she'd brought along and hurrying toward the exit ramp. As she moved ahead of me, I felt Moedwyn's hand catch my arm and slow me down.
I turned to her, eyebrows raising to question her.
"You're too hard on her," she whispered.
"She's an excellent padawan, and I'll train her to match her abilities. Expectations should not exceed reasonability, nor should expectations exceed her abilities, but her abilities shuld always be tried and tested, forced to thier extremes," I replied. "I expect no less of her than she can manage."
Moedwyn just looked at me for a moment, uncertain, then she said. "She tries very hard..."
"She usually succeeds," I replied. "You and I know she can handle most situations, but she needs to know she can handle them as well. Without confidence, she'll always fail."
"I doubt she fails often," Moedwyn replied, giving up her argument.
I shook my head. "No, she does not. As I said, she's an excellent padawan, and will one day be an excellent Jedi. I believe she will greatly exceed my skills."
"And this will make you proud?"
"I am already proud of her," I responded. "But slowing her training for any reason will only hurt her. And I would do nothing to hurt her."
She nodded. "Perhaps it is wise that you are certain that she is aware of that."
I looked at her for a moment, then nodded. "The children here are truly blessed to have you as a mentor."
"I thank you Jedi Lane," she bowed her head, then made her way to the Academy.
"Master," Raven said, awaiting me near the hangar doors.
"I'm coming, Raven," I responded.
We made our way toward the Jedi temple, a chill coming over me as we came nearer to it. Raven seemed to feel a similar chill, but said nothing. We knew what it meant, like all those who trained in the temple knew.
As we neared the entrance, we saw Alic Lothius and his master standing outside, Alic looking up at the sky. I glanced down at Raven, who eyed the man with a careful look I'd grown used to when the two were near one another. She eyed him, not afraid, I knew. I would have sensed such a feeling in her. And not aggressive, but she was certainly sizing him up, wondering what would be needed to take the man down if he were to return to his old path.
I'd watched him the same way, and I couldn't refuse her the act she was partaking in, especially given the responsibility of such an act would be shouldered by all the Jedi, her included.
"Evening, Master Waris," I stated, moving past them. Raven shifted her glance away from Alic as we passed. Subtlty, I thought, admiring my student's control.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Jedi Master Balle Lister

Caiben had been gone for nearly three hours when the last partons of the tavern exited. I sat silently, confident the darkness hid me from the view of passersby.
I walked directly up to the door and pushed it open. When the bartender saw me enter, his eyes fell to the ground and he said, "I told you, I know nothing of this man you ask of."
I tapped the bar three times with my knuckles. He glanced up at me. It was all the time I needed. i didn't intend to talk him into anything. It would merely waste time.
I waved my fingers before his face and said, in monotone, "You will tell me what I want to know."
"Yes," he replied, suddenly seeming in a daze. "I'll tell you what you want to know.""Where can I find the man named Respito?"
"I don't know exactly where," he replied. "The two thugs in here today are with him, however."
"The dug?"
He nodded.
"And who are they?"
"Just some local thugs, I guess..." He stated. "They arrived when he did. There are several of them, they scout Mos Eisley and Mos Epsa for anyone who might intend harm."
"Do you know who Respito is?"
He shook his head slowly.
"You will remember telling me you know nothing," I instructed.
He nodded, then I waved my hand before him again and he blinked, returning to reality.
"For the last damn time, I don't know the man!" he shouted, suddenly.
"I apologize," I responded, humbly. I stepped backward and out the door. "Forgive my intrusion."
"Just get lost, already!" he shouted, as I closed the door and headed back toward the main street.
If there were more than just the two thugs involved, I might have sent my padawan into a precarious situation. He could handle whatever trouble these thugs might cause, I was certain, but how much more trouble might he cause on his own, and could he handle that? I remembered the way he and the Nikto had eyed one another, and thought it best that I hunt him down.

 

[Paendragon]

Master Duu'Raan

His eyes opened when the Padawan entered, a young Rodian named Doorpa.

"Yessss, Padawan?"

The young boy bowed. "Master Duu'Raan, you asked to be informed when Jedi Lane and Jedi Moedwynn returned. They've just arrived."

"Very well. They'll be headed to the council chamber mossssst likely. I'll meet them. Thank you, Padawan."

The boy bowed again, and left. Duu'Raan rose to his feet, and positioned his parted cloak around his tail. Since Basaal's death eight years ago, he had taken over his position as, well, there was no real leader at the Academy, not since Master Skywalker had left them, but Duu'Raan was the closest thing to it for the students. And in truth, he enjoyed it. So much so that he had never thought about taking on a Padawan of his own. His last, Doprekka, had been raised to Jedi Knight years ago, and was currebtly away on a mission to his home planet of Kashyyyk.

The Jedi Master left his chambers and made his way toward the Council chamber int the center of the great templ pyramid. he was the first to arrive, which was no surprise... his chambers were the closest to the Council room, after all.

Now, all there was to do was wait.

 

[Paendragon]

Admiral Dar Thandor

He stood on the bridge with his hands folded behind his back. Waiting.

The hardest part of his job, by far, was waitiing. Of having events beyond your control being decided out there, and having nothing you could do alter the course of those events. He had been in on the planning, of course, in some more than others. His position as Commander of the 2nd Fleet guaranteed that. It still didn't make it any easier.

He looked out over the crew. He knew most of the senior staff, having brought them over from as far back as the Solo, but the others were still an unknown to him. It took a great deal more people to man a Super Star Destroyer than the heavy cruiser, or even his last command, a Star Destroyer. The big ship came with the promotion, though. And now here he was.... coordinating simultaneous assaults on Imperial installations along the front. And in command of the largest, newest, and most technically advanced fleet in the New Republic.

"Commander, I'll be in my conference room. You have command until the Captain returns."

"Yes, Admiral."

He turned, crisply, and walked away.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

We left the two standing outside and headed inside the temple. I guessed that most of the Council would not be present, as I knew that Raine and others were off taking care of things in thier own right. The Jedi were far too few in number even to have the Masters in one place, merely contemplating. They were off on missions of thier own, and still, the Galaxy seemed to be out of control beyond our possible repair.
We were too few, far too few, and the threats facing us these days, the Sith in particular, seemed to only decrease our chances of growing. Master Basaal had trained three padawan's of his own before settling in to teach at the Academy, and had still taught for years at the Academy before his death. How many Jedi had grown from just his efforts. Four Jedi personally trained, a padawan or two a piece at least...
Losing one Jedi in battle had a high price in the longrun when it came to the safety and duty of the Jedi Order.
When we entered the Council chamber, I saw Master Duu'Raan waiting our arrival. I smiled, bowing in greeting as my padawan did the same next to me.
"Greetings Master Duu'Raan," we stated, almost in unison.

 

[Paendragon]

Master Duu'Raan

Duu"raan returned the bow.

"Welcome home," he hissed. It wasn't really their home, not in any true sense, but he always called it so. Most of the younger ones spent more of their formative years here, instead of whatever planet they hailed from.

"I trussst all went well?" He knew it did not go as well as had hoped, but the fact remained that all the Jedi who went forth, returned safely.

He waited quietly, while Marius informed him of the events of the mission. The young Jedi was becoming more powerful the older he grew. Raine would be pleased.

 

[Paendragon]

Luke

The Talon docked smoothly with the large ship, and Tynan led the way down the rramp into the docking bay, with Luke following close behind. They had donned their Jedi robes, soon after landing - Tynan's black cloak, making a stark contrast to his dark brown robes, while Luke preferred the sandy brown, with a darker cloak, much like the ones Obi-Wan Kenobi wore in the old holos - and were greeted by techs waiting to service their ship.

Tynan, of course, politely refused service. He hated to let anyone else work on his ship. The Jedi Master believed the pilot/ship bond to be a near mystical thing, something that Luke couldn't pretend to understand. As far as he was concerned, a ship was a tool, much like a lightsaber, with which to get things done. And if someone else could keep the tool in repair while he attended to more important matters, then so be it.

They made their way to the bridge in near silence. It wasn't through any argument - it was just that ... well... Tynan wasn't exactly the most talkative of men. Luke didn't really mind, though. He enjoyed the long silences. It gave him time to reflect on things.

Before long, the bridge doors slid open before them. Captain Tantis greeted them.

"Welcome, Master Jedi."

Luke imitated his Master's bow, but remained silent while his Master spoke.

"Thank you, Captain. Is the ASdmiral available?"

"He's in his conference room," Tantis replied, and gestured toward the rear of the bridge.

Tynan nodded. "Then, if you'll excuse us?"

"Of course."

His Master bowed, again Luke imitated him, and they headed toward the rear of the bridge. Luke could feel the back of his neck tingling, as if the hair were standing on end.

"Some of the crew feel uneasy, Master."

Tynan nodded, and spoke, his voice edged with approval. "Good. I'm glad to see you're aware of your surroundings. Now tell me... why do you think they're uneasy?"

Luke quieted, thinking. Then the answer came to him. "It's us. We make them uneasy."

"Indeed. But why?"

"Because they fear us. Our abilities."

Tynan shook his head. "You see, but you don't see. They don't fear our abilities... not completely. They fear the unknown. There is far too little known about the Jedi. And far too few of us to dispel superstition, and fear."

Luke frowned. "If our allies don't trust us, then is there any hope at all of us ever being accepted?"

Tynan shot him a sharp look. "There is always hope. my Padawan. Always."

They walked on in silence again, until the door to the conference room, opened before them. They entered.

 

[Arc da Rat]

Jono Te Aricus

Mached V

Three blades clash, white & blue on red. The two combatants circle each other in a grassy clearing surrounded by floating objects. Jono thinks back to when they were setting up this training session. *Kerra still won’t touch Arianna’s blade. In family tradition it is hers. She is the first-born force sensitive of our generation.*

One of the rocks shakes unsteady in the air. He feels his arm go a bit numb, when force of blades comes crashing down. “Jono, you’re not concentrating again. I would not have been able to do that maneuver if you were. Plus one of the rock quivered.” The sound of Kerra’s voice sounds in his head. Before he could start a counter attack, two forms appear between them.

... to be continued ...

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

"...Darth Blaze," I finished. I'd given him an earful, with a little extra personal commentary I knew he expected, but probably could have done without. "I could have beaten him, easily in fact, Master Duu'Raan, but...the Dark Side had tempted me. Far too strongly. I sensed that he posed less of a threat than was worth the risk. Had it been a stronger Sith..."
I shook my head. I was thinking on it far too much, and that was bad. The moment had passed, and my decision had been the right one, even if it was made in a moment of weakness. I had to let it be in the past. But while the battle was over, the Sith still existed, and I'd been certain the draw of the Dark Side was far stronger there than this man, clearly an apprentice, would have generated.
"His style...it was familiar, but I'm not certain where I've seen it before. It's been a while, but..." I looked to Duu'Raan. "Tell me, have we had more defection from the Order?"

 

[Paendragon]

Duu'Raan

"Defeating darknesss with darkenessss iss no victory, Marius. Your choices were made correctly, in the true fashion of a Jedi. Once again, Raine DuVall's training provesss itself in you."

He bowed his serpentine head and closed his eyes in thought. "All Jedi under the direction of thisss council are accounted for. Any new Dark Jedi have not come from Yavin." He had no reason to mention that not all Jedi were under the direction of this council. Marius knew that as well as anybody.

Duu'Raan opened his slitted eyes, and regarded the young Jedi before him. "There has been a great dissturbance in the Force. A great evil risssing. Perhapsss thissss new Sssssith is a part of that."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

I shook my head.
"I don't think so Master," I replied. "I felt a strong presence on the station, and this Sith could not have caused that. Another was on the surface, a far more powerful one. My guess, one of the two we found there so long ago."
I thought to add more, but decided not to. There was nothing I could tell Duu'Raan about that day he hadn't already heard. I would leave him to his thoughts on that matter.
"Has Raine returned?" I asked.
He shook his head. "No. Ssshe'sss on a journey of her own, Marius. And it isss a very persssonal one, asss well asss one for the Jedi. You worry too much about her, Mariusss."
"I know, Master Duu'Raan. But she is my friend," I bowed to him, respectfully. "And of our next assignment?" I asked.
"It'sss been a while since anyone besidesss Raine has visited the Mached sssystem, however recent reportsss from Queen Mennitara of Naboo have indicated that some shipments to and from Endor have been victims of piracy, and that these occurrences have become more and more frequent," he explained. "The pirates in question seem to be taking up hiding in the Mached System, though where is a mystery."
"Any idea who is behind this?" I asked.
He shook his head. "That's what we need from you and your padawan. Go and invessstigate, find the sssource and if at all possible, donot engage the suspectsss in any way. We do not want conflict if it isn't necesssary."
"Yes, Master," I replied. I bowed, and next to me, Raven duplicated the gesture. "We will get on it at once."

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Darth Azraiel

Still breathing heavily, I surveyed my surroundings. The chamber was quiet as the tomb it had become.
* Az, status report*

I hit the comm unit on my wrist. “ Situation under control. You ready for uplink ?”
*Commence when ready*

I quickly located the hutts computer terminal & plugged the remote uplink into it. I then turned to leave, my job done here. Download would remotely detonate the uplink, so I had no reason to stay here.

I sensed him before he turned the corner. Why now did the Jedi decide to show up? I turned to face my new opponent, my depleted lightsaber in my hand.

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Padwan Tra Shin

The door opened. "What is that feeling" It was dark inside, and a odd smell came out.

"I'll go first, You two, stand guard, rest of you follow me." Tra walks in, his eyes adjusting to the darkness. "Be careful, a sence a Sith."

Turning a corner, Tra sees bodies all over the place, the Storm Troopers also get their guns at the ready.

Tra looks up to see a man standing there, with a deactivated double-blade. "Hult! Surrender your weapons, I am to take you to Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'tok."

 

[Orlanth]

OOC: Sorry, double post.

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Darth Azraiel

"Halt! Surrender your weapons, I am to take you to Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'tok."

I didn’t know who this child thought he was, but if he thought I was going to meekly come along with him he was sadly mistaken.
I leapt to the side, drawing Downloads newest toy from the small of my back. The Jedi ignited his saber, & its green blade sprang up to block the three projectiles I fired at him, but the Stormtroopers were not so lucky. Energy arched over their powered armor as the disrupter disks shorted out their armor and locked it in place. In seconds where there were 7, one lone Jedi stood, weapon ready to defend him. The troopers hadn’t gotten off a shot.
“ So, young one, do you wish to discuss your options, or would you rather do this the hard way? I would prefer the discussion, but then again I also have not been challenged in a long while. So the choice is yours, do we dance or talk?”