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(8.2) Gathering the Hunters
(8.2) Gathering the Hunters
Jedi-Ranger Destroyer Justice (Former Azgardian Destroyer Vengeance)
Fondor Shipyards
Colonial World of Fondor
Azgardian Space
December 9th, 1938
During the final hours for the battle of Lorta some two thousand years ago, the Azgardian Destroyer fell from the skies over Lorta surrounded by a fireball. She hit a massive man-made island in a rural section of the world and vanished from history. Just over three months ago, the Vengeance arose up from its grave. She was taken first to the orbital shipyards above Lorta for some minor repairs than she made the long journey back to Azgardian space for further repairs. As part of a duel between Master Heartman and Warrior House Fury, the original owners of the Vengeance, Master Heartman won the right to retain the great warship. Three months later, the ship's repairs are completed and the Vengeance is once more ready for battle. Fitted with the very best technology that the Azgards could offer, the ship was light years ahead of any other ship in her class or of the Cruiser classes. It was time for the Vengeance to be reborn within its new owner ship, as a Jedi starship.
With the repairs to the Vengeance completed, it was only fitting that both Jedi Master Heartman and Jedi Master Y'drit to return to Azgard space to rechristen the ship with a new name. It was Master Heartman who ensured that the ship didn't go back to House Fury. It was Lorta where the ship was found and as a gift to the New Jedi Order, the sitting King of Lorta, King Makaw Y'drit also Master Y'drit gifted the ship to the New Jedi Order. A fitting gesture after the Jedi had vested so much in helping to bring the social unrest between humans and non-humans under control. While not completely eliminated, it has started to improve. So much that the Lorta Parliament supported their King's offer to the New Jedi Order. During a grand ceremony on Lorta before tens of thousands, guest speakers gave speech after speech of what the new Jedi ship meant to the region as a whole. It was with a cast of a bottle by Jedi Master Heartman that the Vengeance became, the Jedi-Ranger ship or JRS Justice. With that, the crowds cheered the new level of hope within the Region. While the JRS Justice might have been the main event, it was the announcement by Jedi Master Heartman to open up the Jedi's first official Temple on Lorta.
The ceremony was as much a political move by the newly formed Jedi Council as well as logical move by the Jedi Order. It would be the first major step the Jedi would take towards re-entering the Galactic stage. For Lorta, this meant a new forms of income via tourist and from students coming to study the Force. The Jedi have no real allies outside of a very few Independent worlds and the massively powerful Azgardian Warrior Houses. For the Jedi to have lasting influence, it must learn to stand on its own without aid or support from its allies. The agreement to open up a Temple on Lorta would give the Jedi a place to recruit from as well as open up areas for training that didn't expose Imaginous to outsiders. For King Makaw, this Temple meant helping ease some of the social tensions that Lorta was experiencing. For the Lorta Parliament, it would offer Lorta an ability to show its regional influence by supporting the New Jedi Order. Being the first world to have an official Temple brought with it its own prestige. However for all parties involved, it was a risk that could easily end disastrously.
While the ceremony might be over, the Justice was not completely ready for its first mission. Long before the images of the mighty ship's rechristening left the media on Lorta, she returned to Fondor for last minute additions. These additions were those that were militarily sensitive and would only be shared with the Jedi and no one else. The Justice was also fitted with ten fighters, landing craft as well as the last remaining members of her crew. Though the crew was not up to the numbers required to man the ship fully, each member had been personally vetted by Ranger Sheridan. It was by Rose's demand that the ship be manned by Rangers and only Rangers. She didn't want the Justice becoming tied in to a dispute over ownership as she had seen in the past. Each Ranger had to give up all other loyalties and swear a loyalty to the New Jedi Order before they could take up the title Ranger. She made sure that her crew would receive as much training as possible as the ship neared the completion of its repairs. A service that the Azgardians were not happy with providing. However, Rose made it happen nonetheless. Such feats were starting to become common with the new leader of the Rangers.
Rose read over the reports since the mission to Cyout. She had not been able to be apart of that mission as her own mission led her deep in to Reich territory to meet with a group of resistance fighters against the Reich leadership. That mission was a sounding success as she learned that the Reich Emperor had indeed been killed by the Union Navy during its short lived Coup against the Reich leadership. It was a master stroke of political skill that the Reich Estates General managed to keep the Reich from falling apart and forced the Union Navy from Reich space. What was gained from that meeting was a vital information that the Reich was facing a new Terror Weapon that the Republic was planning to use against them. A weapon that would only go to solidify the support of the average Reich citizen behind the Estates General and against the Republic. It was of no surprise that Rose found out that it was Xan Zall who had supported the ultra secret Shark Program.
The program was centered on the construction of large fighter sized unmanned missiles that were tipped with powerful implosion devices. From what Rose saw, she could only compare these weapons to the weapons of mass destruction called Planet Busters from the days of the Old Republic. The missiles were piloted by droids and had hyperspace engines as well as some of the fastest sublight engines available. What bothered Rose the most was that these weapons were going to be targeted at both military and civilian targets. If the Shark Program was allowed to move forward, it would shift public opinion within the Reich and across the Independent Worlds against the Republic. More importantly, the lost of innocent lives would be unimaginable. The resistance groups within the Reich had learned of the Shark Program through their own spy networks. They knew that the program would only turn their own supporters against their fight to over throw the Estates General and solidify opposition to the Republic. However the resistance within the Reich had no ability to stop the Terror Program, which was why they reached out to the Countess Sanna Dystra. Rose's alter ego within the realm of spies.
Rose read the mission reports from Cyout as she attempted to put her mind back in to the game. The mission had started out with a strong successes as Sha, Angel and Mace had preformed a highly successful reconnaissance of the world. Then it seemed to go south from there. Rose was beside herself as she read the reports of strife between Angel and Sha. She knew that Angel and Sha had their differences before but to see that the two had actually become hostile towards each other seemed out of ordinary. She wondered why Makaw had not done anything to ease the tensions between to the two. It was if forces outside of the groups control were leading the two towards conflict. As Rose continued to reread the mission reports, she read how Sha and Angel came to blows over something that Rose admitted she couldn't understand. 'How could it have come to this' Rose thought. But what Rose hated was that the mission reports were so one sided. After the mission to Cyout, Sha had been placed in custody by Angel. Which it confused Rose, the charges were of attempted murder of Angel. She saw reports from Makaw and Dia that supported the charges but nothing from Sha. This is where the story got very confusing for Rose.
While in custody aboard the Marauder, Sha was under guard by the Marines within the brig. It was clear that she had help in escaping. However her help was not prefect, as a few Marines had attempted to prevent this escape. The battle was short lived and ended with five marines dead. During the confusion, Sha was able to gain access to the ships archives and literally remove herself from all records. It was a move that Rose read in to as an attempt to sever Sha from the group once and for all. Once Sha was finished with the ships archives, she kidnapped two techs and forced them to pilot her in a stolen assault shuttle from the Marauder. The Sabbat were able to recover the stolen shuttle and the bodies of the two techs. It was clear that Sha was working her way back towards the Tingel Arm regions of the Galaxy. Sha was wanted for the murders of seven people and the attempted murder of Angel. Still, Rose's questions were all unanswered. She wanted so badly to know Sha's side of the story and if Sha was framed she wanted to prove her friend's innocents.
Rose sat in her briefing room with a look of sadness on her face as Senni and Birgr walked it. It was a complete surprise when she heard that Senni had joined Birgr when they came aboard. She has only asked for the help of Birgr and his elite Immortals for this mission to bring Sha back. Still, having Senni in the meeting would be a pleasant surprise. The two had become very close secret lovers over the months. While in Azgardian culture homosexuality was seen the worst crime against nature, Senni's and Rose's love continued to grow in secret. Rose felt that Senni was the one that she could truly turn to on such a hard mission. She wondered why her secret lover would come on such a mission. Rose knew that while she understood Senni better than most, there were still parts of Senni's heart that were blocked even from her. Time would explain this turn of events for Rose and she trusted her lover. Still her concerns were more centered on Birgr. She knew the mighty Azgardian warrior well. He was not one to take a back seat for anyone. His rivalry with their own leader, Warlord Fiolla Heartman was well known and largely misunderstood. Rose knew from Senni that Birgr and Talon, Warlord Fiolla's nickname, were close friends. She hand picked him to lead her elite bodyguard unit called the Black Dragons while allowing him to retain his position of leading the Immortals. Which was highly unusual but her next move was just never heard of. She allowed him to retain both prestigious posts while also ascending to the level of House Warlord.
Rose wanted this mission to be that of the Rangers and the Jedi. Not another victory in a long list of victories by the legendary heroic Birgr Heartman. Sha had to be brought back to justice by the Rangers to answer for her crimes before the Jedi. This was a critical time for both the New Jedi Order and the Rangers themselves. But she also knew that Sha was very dangerous and could easily slip away or worse yet kill Rose's entire time. Rose had no illusions of what could happen. Sha had murdered former friends that she had fought side by side with before. While it stabbed at Rose's heart, she held no faith in her long friendship with Sha that Sha would treat her any different. That was why Rose needed Birgr's Immortals. Sha couldn't get away, that was the message given to the Jedi by the Republic Senate. To ensure success, Rose asked for help from the only person she knew that could best Sha hands down, the Azgardians!
As the two took their sits, Rose couldn't help but notice their armor or weapons. Each were wearing their traditional Azgardian body armor while carrying their helmets. Rose noticed that Senni's Armor differed from Birgr's in both appearance and design. Her's seemed to have more of a flexiable appearance to it. While Birgr's armor was jet black and appeared to have the grayish lines of scales across it. Birgr's armor was unique to those of the Elite Black Dragons. For Azgardian's and generally Sha, they never took off their weapons or armor. It was something that she found so strange to be that insecure with one's own protection to wear armor at all times. Rose saw this as a weakness rather than any measure of strength or pride. It was a trait that Rose hardly found all that appealing with Lut Sha, the groups former military leader turned traitor and murderer. Rose also noticed the look of annoyance on Birgr's face. She knew that he never liked her since the very first time that they met. After all Rose was a spy and Azgardians with their high sense of honor and loyalty hated the concepts of spies and spying. Birgr had once commented that he hated Rose even more because she was such a 'damn good spy'. A comment that to this day, Rose holds dearly as a compliment by the powerful warrior.
"Thank you for coming on such short notice Warlord Birgr" Rose said as she motioned to some bottled drinks on her desk, "Are you thirsty?" Still even with their friendship as limited as it was, Rose hated dealing with Azgardians when they were all business. The stuffiness of the room seemed to rise once the pair walked in to her little office. Captain Ogon, who was seen as an honorary Azgardian was suppose to be here to help bridge the gap was called away at the last minute to deal with the Shark Program Crisis. She was all on her own with this one. Senni remained silent as the Senior Advisor and equally legendary Azgardian Warrior shifted in her chair. Ever since the events during the Azgardian Coup of November 3rd, 1937 (Intermission 7.1 Into the Inferno), Senni had secured Galactic fame. Her actions during the Coup had been broad casted across the entire Galaxy for some unknown reasons. But those actions had tagged her as one of the best Sword-Masters within the Galaxy. Now this legendary couldn't seem to find comfort in her own chair. Common with Azgardian ships, Rose's office was originally fitted with harden chairs that were designed for those wearing full armor. Rose hated the chairs and had them removed. She replaced with more comfortable chairs that fit her personal tastes. Rose watched Senni for any clue as to why she was here. If Birgr knew, he was not giving any sign. 'Curse Azgardians and their poker faces' Rose thought.
Birgr shook his head as he rested his helmet on Rose's desk, "No thank you Rose. Do you like your new ship?" he asked as he made an attempted at being polite. His voice dripped with his displeasure of the group's leading Spy. His eyes were narrow as he seemed to estimate the methods of cutting Rose down should she show her dishonorable occupation. Still, his efforts of being polite were noticed. Even if for an Azgardian.
It was clear to Rose that Senni had to have coached Birgr prior to the meeting. Two weeks ago, when she was twisting the Azgardian leadership's arm for more supplies and new training, he almost took her head off with that hand ax of his. Rose smiled as she noticed the ax on his hip, "Yes, it is a glorious ship and will serve the Jedi Order with pride and honor. House Heartman has our deepest thanks for all that has been offered." Rose noticed Senni watching closely as the two strange allies spoke. For someone though, Senni, who is normally so out spoken, was silent. Rose wondered what was going on in Senni's mind. "I am sure you want to know why Warlord Talon sent you and your tro...."
Birgr cut her off, "Warlord Fiolla." The tone in Birgr's voice warned Rose of his level of aggravation.
Rose nodded and held up a hand in a sign of surrender, "I am sorry." she said then corrected, "Warlord Fiolla, sent you and your troops here." She paused a moment and pulled her data chip from the drew right in front of her. "The orders from the Council, approved by both the Council of Warlords and the Republic Senate are simple. We are to hunt down Lut Sha, capture her and return her to Jedi custody alive. Thanks to the carbonite facility which was added to the ship last week, we will be securing her in carbonite for the transit. This will ensure that she does not harm anyone or escape again." Rose slipped the data chip over to Birgr for their reading. She knew the Azgardian code in dealing with orders. It was the reason why she phrased the statement the way she did. They will stop at nothing till those orders are carried out. Both Rose and Master Heartman knew this and was the reason why they pushed Master Heartman's sister Warlord Fiolla to assign Birgr to this mission. It would ensure the mission's overall success.
Birgr picked up the datachip and plugged it in to the arm port on his left arm. He scanned the data via a holo-emitter in his hand. "I see the order is signed by Angel herself," he commented as he read the warrant. Rose could read the look in Birgr's eyes and knew that he was thinking the same thing that she was about it. This was a dangerous territory that the Jedi were straying in to. He finally spoke up, "Rose, explain to me how Angel and the Jedi have the authority to issue such a warrant on anyone let alone a non-force user."
Rose leaned forward in her chair as she looked at Birgr. While she did support the Council ruling, she didn't completely agree with it. Rose knew that Lut Sha was a threat and a loose end that needed to be tied up. Rose didn't think that it was something that the Jedi should vesting its energy in to. Sha was as much a threat to the Republic as to the Jedi and so the issue, in Rose's opinion should be handed over to the Republic. To push the jurisdiction of the Jedi like this put the Jedi in the realm of law enforcement and not in defending the Republic. Still Captain Ogon Koo'Lak's opinion was that there was still much corruption within the Senate. It was very possible that Sha might find allies in the Senate who would use the highly skilled independent operator for their own political gains rather than justice. He offered a very strong case in that the Jedi should resolve this issue as it did hit very close to home. With the ruling of if the Jedi should pursue Sha voted on and passed, the next major debate was rather Master Heartman and members of the Council should go after Sha or if someone else should pursue Sha. It was Master Salaban who questioned the wisdom in that the so many members of the Jedi Council go after Sha. This came after Master Heartman and Master Y'drit both suggested leading a mission to capture the wayward criminal.
The question raised to the Council was, If the large numbers of the Jedi Council were to go after Sha, would it attract enemies of the Jedi to support Sha in attempts to understand the nature of the hunt. It was Master Zeborn who suggested that a worse case situation would be created if a large number of Council Members went after Sha and were defeated. This would shake new found support for the New Jedi Order and place its future in question. Master Zeborn suggested that if anyone were to go after Sha, it had to be someone that Sha had never dealt with and that didn't directly represent the Council as a whole. The prevailing wisdom was that Rose would lead the mission to capture Sha. That it would be carried out by Rose's Rangers as to insulate the Jedi from possible failure. If the mission was successful, than it would bolster the support for the Jedi through the success of its Rangers. No other member of the Council would offer direct support for the hunt. On that, Rose was given the mission to capture the suspected criminal. 'Criminal' Rose thought with a hint of bitterness in her mind over the situation. While she wanted to prove the loyalty and ability of her newly formed Rangers. To listen to them speak of Sha in the terms of criminal, grained against Rose's heart. Sha was her friend, loyal ally and leader. 'What could have gone so badly wrong that it had to end like this?' Rose wondered. 'Why Sha' Rose questioned.
Rose took a deep breath and sighed her defeat. Rose supported the Jedi Council without question, but she didn't like this mission. Still Rose would follow her orders and prove her loyalty to the Jedi and the Rangers. Even if that meant bringing her friend in. "The Jedi Council debated this issue for many days Warlord Birgr. Trust me, I was there. If there was another way, it would have been found. But Sha has left the Jedi with no other options. Sha has committed acts of murder against our crews aboard the Marauder. Sha can not be allowed to remain free. Not with what she knows about us, our group, our operations. Not with her current state of mind. She is a threat to our group, the New Jedi Order and to the future of the New Republic. She must be brought back. Alive!"
Rose paused for a moment as she thought of Birgr's question and nodded, "as for the authority?" Rose stated in terms of a question, "it was a surprise to me when I found out also. It would appear that when Daz created the New Republic, he ensured that some privileges that the Jedi enjoyed during the days of the Old Republic were carried over to the New Republic as well. One such privilege is the Jedi's broad scope in pursuing dark siders. unfortunately, Daz never clearly defined what a dark sider was. Master Heartman asked and the Jedi Council confirmed her findings that Sha was indeed deeply touched by the Dark side. Therefor within this loop hole, Master Heartman send a coded message to the Republic Senate. The Senate, under its Articles called for the formation of a Jedi Oversight Committee, had not fulfilled this requirement. So when the request for the warrant arrived, there was no Committee to debate the issue and vote on it." She lifted her from the datapad she was scanning while explaining Birgr's questions, "It was Captain Koo'Lak's and his daughter Carissa who lobbied key supporters within the Senate to get the warrant voted on and issued by the Senate its self. Thanks to their combined connections, the warrant was voted on and passed." Rose paused for a moment, "Personally I see this as a series of loop holes being exploited rather than justice. Still, I have my orders and now so do you. We will hunt Lut Sha down and bring her back to stand trail for her crimes."
Rose paused for a moment before continuing. Rose hated her statement that she just made. But she also knew her friend, Sha. Sha could seriously harm the Jedi or any member of the group. What Rose didn't know was Sha's state of mind and her reasonings behind her actions. Rose shook the thoughts out of her head, "I know that this is not how we envisioned things, but Sha is dangerous. You two don't need me explaining this. Both of you know what she is capable of. If the Jedi are to have a shot at a successful future, than Sha must be brought to justice. There is no question about this. Master Heartman used this mistake in the Articles of the Republic to make our actions legal. I know that this seems like bending the laws to fit our own agenda. And in some ways, it is. However it will make extraditing Sha from Republic worlds that much easier. Still this doesn't say anything about getting her from non-Republic worlds. That is where you Birgr and your Immortals will come in hand."
For a moment Birgr seemed confused, "wait, okay I understand why you need me and my Immortals but why is Senni here?"
Rose shook her head, "I didn't ask for Senni to join this mission Warlord Birgr."
It was then that Senni decided to speak up, "When Talon told me of this mission and the situation with Sha, I didn't need any further convincing. Sha had this coming since her disgraceful attempt of betraying our group on The Outer Rim World of Lusis Cly back in August." The anger flashed in Senni's eyes as she leaned forward to exposed her reason for being on this mission, "To have her lie about it later as in an attempt to cover up her cowardly actions just proved what a waste of genetic material she really is. The beast is without honor or respect. She is nothing but khalija!" Senni's tone and language spoke of her hatred of the former military leader of the group. In Azgardian, the word khalija is reserved for the most hated of all. It directly translate to, 'a loathsome creature who covers up or hides something.' The last time the word was spoken in public, Talon spoke the word as she beheaded the false leader of Azgard, Warlord Ansfrid, during her coup to return ruleship back to the Warrior Caste. And before that, it was nearly two thousand years ago. Birgr had come short of using the word to describe Rose during a heated exchange. So Rose knew all too well what the word meant in meaning and more importantly in its use. Senni's anger and hatred continued in her words, "Let the fires burn her and leave her afterlife without vision!" Senni's words caught both Rose and Birgr off guard as if it had come from some dark unknown reaches of the galaxy.
Rose watched in shock as Senni spoke. She knew that Senni and Sha had become bitter enemies when Sha dared to call Senni a liar regarding the events of Lusis Cly. A slight that Senni was ordered by Talon to endure till 'the time was right to regain Senni's honor'. Rose recalled looking in to those fateful events which turned an entire Warrior House of Azgard against Lut Sha. Xan had been captured by Angel's group after the upraising on Imaginous. The group had brought him to Lusis Cly so that his supporters wont attempt to free him. While on Lusis Cly, he was being under the watchful eyes of the Azgardians. The group was at odds as his fate was being decided during heated debates. From her own viewing of the holovids at the time, it was clear that Angel wanted badly to attempt to save Xan's spirit from the dark side while Sha wanted to see him executed for his crimes. When it started to appear that Angel was going to get her wishes, Sha took matters in to her own hands. Rose later found out that Talon had been warned by her Priests, who were Force Sensitive, of the coming attempt to end Xan's life by Sha. It was the method that Sha had decided to go with that was the first blow to relations between the Azgardians and the group. Sha was planning to bomb the holding cell where Xan was being guarded by two Azgardian warriors from House Heartman, as well as members of the group.
Talon sent Senni to talk Sha out of the dishonorable course of action. Rose herself watched the helmet video and knew what happened that fateful day. The exchange was friendly and Senni had commented that Sha appeared to understand that her actions were dishonorable and that everything seemed to be resolved. However to Rose, it was painfully clear that was going on. Sha was only biding her time till she knew that she could act and get away with it. It was a matter of fact that Sha had planned to murder Xan in cold blood as well as his Azgardian guards. Then she proudly stated that she was directly involved in the assassination of Xan on Lorta. Rose had lied to the group to protect Sha from that statement. Rose knew that if she didn't Angel and Makaw would have moved against Sha. So in an attempt to cover for her friend, she forged evidence that protected Sha and concealed her actions. A secret that till this day no one knew, not even Senni.
Later during a social gathering where Angel, Sha, Rose and Senni were all present, Sha denied the whole event on Lusis Cly as never happening. Rose knew from past experiences that the first rule regarding Azgardians was 'Azgardians DON'T lie!' Sha's statement pitted Senni's honor directly against Sha's lie own lie. While Rose looked in to the matter in her own ways, Angel wanted to know the truth of what was being said. This only made matters worse as Angel sent a message to Talon to inquire about the event and question which one was telling the truth. It was then that Sha's final act of dishonor was exposed before all of Azgard. The Warrior House of Heartman swore to avenge Senni's honor. The matter would have been settled months ago had Talon not ordered the Warrior House to bare the dishonor for the best interest of the Galaxy as a whole. Talon stated, "In time, Senni will avenge her own honor. When the time is right. Not right now!" The dye was cast for the hatred in Senni's eyes now. It worried Rose deeply.
"Enough!" Birgr spat at Senni in Azgardian. It did little to prevent Rose from understanding his words. Rose had learned to speak Azgardian last year and understood each and every word he said. However Rose made no sign that she understood the conversation taking place as she pretended to look confused and lost. "I don't know what charm you cast over Talon to get assigned this mission" Birgr said linking Senni's own role as Warrior-Priestess to the situation. It was a little known fact that Senni was Force-Sensitive and highly trained in its use. A fact that Birgr knew perfectly well, though Rose was currently unaware of. "I am still in charge of this mission. Less you wish to measure that heroic legendary combat style of yours against my own. We will follow the orders given to us. This will not turn in to a personal mission for revenge for your honor or anything else."
Senni smiled as she turned to face Birgr directly. In her eyes was the roots of hatred but not for Birgr. The pair had shared too much for her to hate him. No in her eyes she hated Sha like no other. Sha would suffer for the shame and dishonor that was put upon Senni. Senni spoke to Birgr but in basic for Rose to understand as well, "Oh I have no plans to challenge your leadership, Warlord Birgr." She said using his official title which he won during a duel just three weeks ago. While in the past, Senni had always been able to defeat Birgr in personal duels. In fact, he had used her to help prefect some of his own combat skills. Senni was no fool either, she watched Birgr become a very dangerous warrior and combatant over the past few months. She didn't need to challenge him for leadership to have her revenge. "Sha will survive this mission." Senni said to Birgr than turned her eyes to Rose who was watching carefully.
She smiled towards Rose as Senni dropped her hatred of Sha and spoke more softly. "I give you my word. Sha will not die by my blades" Senni paused and nodded back to Birgre, "and I further promise, if I have anything to say about it. Sha will survive to be sealed in carbonite." Senni had more than enough time to do her homework regarding Sha. At first Talon's order to bare the dishonor stung like a arrow through her heart. However the order turned in to a gift as it gave Senni time to prefect her revenge against Sha. Today, Senni knew more about Sha and her background than even Sha knew herself. Senni knew that Sha would see such a fate, as to be sealed in carbonite, as a fate worse than death itself. Senni leaned back in her chair and smiled, "All that I humbly ask, is that I be there to watch Sha being sealed in carbonite. Give me this and I swear my blades to your mission." Senni said as she reached over her back and patted the hilt of her twin Azgardian blades.
Birgr was unaware of Sha's fear of carbonite and knew Senni all too well. He knew that the seasoned warrior had something planned, he just didn't know what it was. He also knew that Rose was over all in charge of this mission so the choice was not his to make. He turned to Rose whom seemed equally confused by Senni's words and wishes to join the mission. He shrugged his shoulders as she looked at Rose, "What do you say? Its your mission Rose."
Rose looked at Senni and knew her enough to know that something was up. Senni was a powerful warrior that never seemed to take the moral high road. Still, it would be nice to have Senni around for this mission. Senni's blades were the fastest in all of Azgard and she had only been defeated once in her entire life. This mission was hardly going to be an epic battle like that one had been. For Rose, Senni was known as many things, lover, friend, teacher, and sister-warrior. But this was a side of Senni, Rose had not seen before. Rose would have to use extreme caution while on this mission. "I don't have a problem with you being apart of the mission. I accept your word that you will help and ensure that Sha will survive to be inprisoned. You have my word Senni, you can be there to watch Sha be encased in carbonite. That is assuming that Sha is taken alive."
Senni smiled at the offer, "You have no idea how much taking her alive will mean to me." Senni said coldly. 'Oh Sha, the years will pass for you as the Galaxy and your people forget you ever existed, but not your dishonor. I will ensure that shame that you brought to your people will never be forgotten while your name fades. Your bloodlines will carry your dishonor till the end of time.' Senni thought as she leaned back in her uncomfortable chair.
Birgr nodded but knew that Senni was up to something. He knew that she would never betray her own honor to lie. But he also knew that she was not speaking completely of her heart either. A trait that Senni had learned from her dealings with the group and in general Sha. He made a mental note to watch her carefully on this mission and to speak to Talon about this issue. He turned his eyes back to Rose, "I have noticed that you are running a very thin crew aboard. Care to explain?"
Rose leaned back in her chair and was grateful to the change of subject. "I am. The JRS Justice is the second ship of the Jedi-Ranger fleet. The Marauder will become the flag ship of our fleet. Angel and Makaw have already worked the details out with Captain Marrab about it. The ship has already underwent its rechristening. I believe it was Makaw and his links to the past who suggested the new name of the Marauder. Its new name is the JRS Unending Light. Captain Marrab will be taking the Unending Light in to battle somewhere in the Tingel Arm. I am not sure where, but I know that it is a very critical upcoming battle. Everyone will be tied up with this coming battle. This mission came at such a short notice that we were really unable to put together a long list of names for the assignment. Personally I don't mind, cause the shorter list of names gave me more time to vet them all personally. I wanted to make sure I knew the loyalties of each of my crew members. Birgr, you can trust them to do their jobs without question," Rose assured the powerful Azgardian warrior.
Birgr nodded, "That maybe, but I would rather have an Azgardian crew aboard. They would know the ship's new systems allot better than your crew."
Rose nodded, "Agreed, but this has to be purely a Jedi Operation. You and your Immortals are only to assist us should it get out of control. While my desire is to make this mission a sound showing for the new Rangers. I am not about to risk fumbling this mission because of my personal desires. Plus, I know you and your Immortals. The skills you bring would ensure success."
Birgr nodded, "Okay enough sucking up Rose. Where are we going?"
"Our Sabbat friends have tracked Sha to the expansion world of Myrkr" Rose said smiling. "I know what she is doing there and the fact that we don't have any Force Users among us, Sha's plan is useless against us. She is going to attempt to secure a creature known as Ysalamiri. This little furry, lizard-like tree-dwellers are native to the planet and most known for their ability to repel the Force by creating a Force-neutral bubble. I have memories of my dark sider days and going after these little creatures. I am almost disappointed in Sha's lack of creativity in this move but I don't blame her either. Once I found out that she was heading to this word, I asked that no Force Users be assigned to the mission. This will remove the advantage that these little creatures offer her. That is if she can find them and get them to survive from their natural environment." Rose explained of Sha's intentions and actions. "Before you ask, we will leave once your Immortals are ready to depart."
As both Birgr and Senni listened, Senni took careful note of what Rose said regarding the Ysalamiri. It would have to be something that she would have to over come if she was to ensure her plan would work. Senni made a mental note to further her homework as Birgr nodded, "Good! Let's end this hunt soon so that my Immortals and I can return to what we do best, conducting war!"
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