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***Akirapryde*** · 06-13-2013, 07:53 PM,

Senni, Life after Death
Stage 9, POW Camp
Aleez III, Free Independent World
Rebel Jedi Stronghold, Outer Rim

Dazed and confused Senni opened her eyes and could not see through the darkness. She didn't know how long it had been since the battle on the roof top. She could see a pair of figures moving through the darkness. There was a loud banging on something metal. One of the figures grabbed her up from the floor and held her arms behind her back. The second figure stepped in front of her and ran his fist in to her gut. She let out a loud groan as he drove his second fist in to her gut once more. The force of both blows demanded that she bend with the impact. It was the figure behind her which held her up to see the third blow crashing across her face. She felt her jaw slam against her skull while her head snapped around like a leaf on the wind. Just as her head was bouncing back the next attack landed sending it the other direction. She felt blood fill her mouth as her attacker focused on her midsection once more. She couldn't tell how long this lasted but it seemed to go on for ever.

When the beating was over, Senni could barely see, her body was in pain and her mind reeling from the attack. As they dragged her, she could see a table with two chairs. There was a Kel Dor Jedi sitting on the other side of the table. He didn't seem to notice her as the two figures dumped her in to the chair across the table from the man. She looked down at her blood dripping down on the clean table. There seemed to be something in the blood. She lowered her head to get a better look at it. After a moment of examination she realized that one of her own teeth had dripped out with the blood from her mouth. She looked up to the Jedi as he was reading his paperwork. The confusion of the situation was beyond her. She tried to move but the two figures held her still. Senni could do nothing but watch the Jedi reading his papers. She tried to focus her eyes but they refused to focus. There was also this haze of red within her vision. She let out a slight cough of blood which splattered on the table. The Jedi looked up from his papers as he closed the file.

“We are finished here. Thank you for your help Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight.” he said as he got up from the table. Senni was stunned by the words. She didn't have much time to consider it as she felt her body jump as it was electrocuted. She let out a scream then the darkness fell over her mind once more.

Dazed and confused Senni opened her eyes and could not see through the darkness. She didn't know how long it had been since the battle on the roof top. She could see a pair of figures moving through the darkness. There was a loud banging on something metal. One of the figures grabbed her up from the floor and held her arms behind her back. The second figure stepped in front of her and ran his fist in to her gut. She let out a loud groan as he drove his second fist in to her gut once more. Her mind cried out in pain as her mouth tried to open and coughed up blood. The brutal attack continued for what seemed like forever. Her head bobbed over and over as they continued to beat her without end. Finally it was over as she teetered between the darkness of unconsciousness and complete mental break down. She felt herself being dragged across the room. There she saw a metal table with a chair on each side of it. There was a Kel Dor Jedi sitting on one side of the table. He looked familiar to her but she couldn't her mental finger on it. The pair of figures dragged her to the table and forced her in to the chair. Her head bobbed as she hit the chair. She saw her blood dripping on to the table. There was a tooth laying there in the blood. It dawned on her that she had seen this before. She looked up at the Jedi reading the papers.

She tried to move by the figures held her down. She tried to focus on the papers but her eyes couldn't focus clearly. She looked up to the Kel Dor and noticed that he was just reading the papers. She coughed a bit, “W.....” she tried to get out, “Who......” she coughed again, “Who are you” she barely managed to get out.

He closed his papers and looked up to her, “I am Jedi Master Sang” he said softly, “Who are you?”

Senni laughed at the question as blood dripped from her mouth, “I am Senni Heartman, Warrior of Azgard.”

He leaned back in his chair, “No, you are mistaken. My papers here say you are Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight.”

Senni tried to lunch up from her chair but the pain and the two figures held her tightly at bay. “I am...”

The Jedi cut her off, “We are finished here.” he said getting up, “thank you for your help Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight.” Senni was stunned by the words. She didn't have much time to consider it as she felt her body jump as it was electrocuted. She let out a scream then the darkness fell over her mind once more.

“What did you say” she heard a voice ask.

Senni looked up from the blood and tooth on the table. She blinked over and over again. She knew that she was saying something. But for the life of her she couldn't remember what she had been saying. Her mind couldn't understand what was going on. She tried to lift her hand only to find them chained to the chair. She looked across the table to see a human Jedi sitting across from her. She recognized the voice but the face didn't make any sense to her. “Y.....ou....are a Kel Dor.....” she said. Her throat was so dry and her voice horsed. “You are Master Sang” she said softly, “I know who you are” her horsed voice could barely manage to get out.

He nodded, “Yes you are correct, we have been talking for hours. I am Master Sang.” he said softly looking up from his papers. “But I am not a Kel Dor as you can tell” he said tilting his head to the side. “You must be confused. I am Rodian.”

Senni tried to focus her eyes on the mans face but she could see clearly. She could see the image coming in to focus but nothing seemed to make sense to her. She saw the Rodian before her speaking. Yet she knew just a few moments ago he was a human. 'Or was he Kel Dor' she thought as she questioned her own memory. She pulled her hands up to the sides of her head, 'damn Jedi and their mind tricks' she cursed.

He closed the papers, “Do you know who you are?”

“I....I am Senni Heartman” she said with less confidence than she wished to expose.

He shook his head, “Clearly you are mistaken once more” the Twi'lek Master said. “We are finished here. Thank you for your help, Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight.” Senni was stunned by the words. She didn't have much time to consider it as she felt her body jump as it was electrocuted. She let out a scream then the darkness fell over her mind once more.

Darkness was removed as she lived through the beatings once more. The pain was intense as the brutal beatings continued. This time she saw who her attackers were. It was a pair of her fellow cadets beating her. She tried to fight back but her body simply refused to offer up any defense to the attacks. Once more she felt herself being dragged over to the table and plopped in a chair. Once more she noticed the large pool of blood and the tooth. She moved her head to see the Kel Dor sitting across from her. She blinked at him, “Sang?” she questioned softly in a horsed voice. He looked up from his papers with nod. Her eyes could barely focus and she was sure that one of them had become swollen shut. Her body had become numb to most of the pain but there were still some parts that signaled the pain from her latest beatings.

“Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight, You don't look so good. Would you like me to summon a healer to look at your wounds?” Jedi Master Sang said softly. He moved the small plate of bread in to her limited view. Since the day she arrived to the prison four days ago, she had not left this room. They had denied her food and barely water. Her will was breaking and he knew it. Just a bit further and this Azgard would spill all that she knew about deployments and more importantly about the secret mixture called Berserker Rage.

Senni looked at the small plate with bread on it. “please” she softly begged for the bread.

Sang moved the plate closer to her, “Tell me something first. Who are you?”

Senni eyed the bread as she laid her head down looking at her. She felt the cold blood on the table from her wounds, “I am...” she said softly looking at the bread while her once shiny blond hair laid in her own blood. “I am Senni Heartman....” she said lifting her head looking at Sang in the eyes. “Proud Azgardian Warrior!”

He just shook his head, “We are finished here. Thank you for your help, Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight.” Senni was ready for what she knew was coming. She didn't know how many times it had happened but she knew it was coming. Her body jump as it was electrocuted. She let out a scream then the darkness fell over her mind once more.

Senni lifted her head up off the table. Her hair was stuck to the dried blood on the table. She lacked the strength to even pull her hair from what held it in place. She looked around to see a number of cloaked figures. She could hear them speaking but couldn't make out what they were saying. She could tell that there was a female voice leading them. A pair of hands reached from behind her and pulled her straight up to the back of the chair. Her hair tugged free from the table as she let out a slight whimper from the pain. Her mouth was dry and her stomach was screaming for nourishment. She tried to look around but the lack of strength was making it hard. Her head just flopped from one side of her shoulders to the other. Her vision was nearly completely gone and there was this odd ringing in her ears. She watched the figures on the other side of the table talking. More out of a lack of will to see anything other than any real interest in what they were doing.

Three of them turned and walked up to the table. Senni could see a forth Jedi with its hood up in the shadows. The three Jedi each lowered their hoods and she could see Sang in the center of them. She hated him with all of her being. He had become the focus of her will to defy them. Her hate ran deeper than her will to survive. Sang waved his hand at her, “You will tell us what we wish to know!”

Senni felt the urge to answer their questions completely. She fought hard against the urge. She knew what he wanted. It was the only reason why she was being questioned. She knew what secret which Sang wanted her to say. She focused her hate back at Sang, “NO!”

The Jedi to the left of Sang stepped forward, “You Will Tell us what we wish to know!”

Senni felt her mind being bullied by the Force driven attack on her will. She could feel the warm blood slowly dripping from her nose as she shoot off the attack with her remaining strength, “NO!” She refused to give in to the attack.

The Jedi to the right of Sang stepped forward and waved his hand at her, “YOU WILL TELL us what we wish to know!”

Senni's mind was under attack like she never imagined before. She could hear them in her mind speaking their command to her will. She focused her hatred at Sang in a last ditch effort to keep them out of her mind. She lacked the will to speak as she shook her head. Her mind was boiling under the attack as she fought back with all her will.

All three Jedi waved their hands at her and in unison they spoke, “YOU WILL TELL us what we wish to know!”

Senni couldn't control the tears from her eyes as they started to fall. She shook her head in a vain attempt to silence the voices deep in her mind. She screamed out in pain as her mind continued to boil under the attack. Her body started to shake as the two guards held her down during the attack. Her hate was simply not enough to block out the invasion on her mind. She shot her head up as she looked to the ceiling and let out a deafening scream of pain. She fell forward and landing once more on the table with a thud.

Sang nodded as he motioned the other two back. “Good, now that we have your attention. Tell me” he said lowering himself to look at her bloody face, “Who are you?”

Senni couldn't see and now could barely hear. She didn't hear all of what he said. She didn't have to. She knew what he wanted to know. She felt the power of the Force and hated it.“I” she said softly. She hated Jedi, “I” she could barely manage speak. She hated Sang “I am.” She hated....“I am Senni Heartman” she finally managed to say with defiance.

Sang shook his head as he turned away from her. “We are finished here. Thank you for your help, Prisoner Zero, Five, Two, Eight, Eight.” Her body jump as it was electrocuted. She let out a scream as the darkness fell over her mind once more. Not before she felt that moment of victory over her captors.

Senni opened her eyes to see the bright sun above her. She could feel the warmth of the breeze on her face. She reached up and touched her face and felt no pain. She saw a tree over her dancing in the breeze. She lifted her body up with her arms and looked around. The smell of spring filled her nose as she saw the grassy field which she was laying on. There was a forest in the distance and it didn't take her long to realize she was on Azgard. She recognized the tall mountains just beyond the capital of her warrior house. She knew this place. She used to come her between training events to rest and relax. She turned and saw Birger walking up. Her head titled to the side as she had a sense that this had happen before.

“Warrior!” Birger said as he walked up. She knew how he loved playing up his higher rank. But she knew better. She knew that during their duel, she let him win. Leadership was not something she craved. She was a warrior and smith. It was enough for her.

She rolled over and stood up, “Yes Senior Cadet” she said with a smile. She knew better and so did he. Though there was something nagging at her. Something in the back of her mind. Something that she was forgetting. Something important had slipped her mind.

“I have a mission for you and your squad” he said in that commanding voice.

She felt a sense of play in her heart, “Oh do you?” She reached back and grabbed her Sister Blades. Ever sense that duel for leadership, she made sure to remind him that she was a better Sword Master than he was. Each time, she handed him his ass. Though she never pushed the victory to a duel for leadership. For her and him it was enough to know that she was better. After all, she knew he was a far better leader than she was. She accepted it.

He waved his hand, “yes I do” he said changing his voice. “You and your squad are being deployed as part of a task force. Ariq will be in command of the task force and he has named you his second.”

She smiled broadly as she heard the orders. She had hoped that they would serve together during their cadet training missions. It was something that she had secretly hoped for. “These are most glorious orders. Thank you Senior Cadet” she said with excitement. She reached down and picked up her blanket and pack. She started to stand and than that feeling as if there was something she was forgetting about. She couldn't put her finger on it but it was there and important. “I will gather my things and report to Ariq for my briefing, Sir” she said as she started to walk away.

“Warrior one more thing!” Birger said loudly causing Senni to stop. The smile on her face was a clear indication of the emotions in her heart. “Can you tell me, who are you?”

Senni turned to face him just as the words came out. Her smile slowly faded as she heard the words out of his mouth. Her eyes went wide as she realized what she had forgotten. Her mouth dropped open as she watched the image of her past slowly fade away. The horror on her face as her mind slipped even deeper in to that dark place that the Jedi named Sang was pushing it. Senni dropped to her knees as the dark cold room replaced the image of her homeworld. She could hear Birger once more, 'Can you tell me, who are you?' Senni looked around more and more hoping to see the place of her memory. A place to hide from the assault taking place on her. Within moments, it was all gone. All that remained was Master Sang in the center of the room where her friend once stood. She shook her head as she looked down. “I am Senni Heartman” she yelled in frustration.

Senni laid in the corner on her side. She couldn't remember how long she had been in this horrible room let alone when they had stripped her of her uniform. She laid their in her underwear curled up in the corner like a child. The cold hard floor did offer her some sense of comfort. Unlike the image of the man she thought she knew so well, the floor she believed was real. She looked over to Birger as he glanced back at her, “Tell them who you are” he pleaded with her. She knew that he was no more real then the countless times they tricked her with those other illusions. Still she interacted with the illusion as she shook her head. 'I, Senni Heartman' she tried to reassure herself. The wounds have all crusted over as part of her sight had returned. Through what was left of her senses, she had witnessed unthinkable horrors that they did to her.

Through their illusions, they made her live out lies. They had at a few times convinced her that she was worlds away from this nightmare. That she was among friends who was helping her over come some horrible nightmare. They twisted her reality over and over, flipped it upside down and made a mockery of it. Senni over and over again fell for the lies and tricks. She tried to resist them but they were simply too powerful. There was a time when she thought she had learned to see through the illusion. However, she ended up finding out that it was just one more trick to deceive her. Near the end, she decided to simply not trust anything. It was the most painful moment since she woke up in this nightmare. She promised herself one thing. It was the one thing that was pulling her through. That she would survive this and come back to burn this world to the ground. Hate fueled her drive for survival, and she had allot of hate to feed off of. Each thing they did to her allowed her to build that much more heat.

They beat her senseless over and over again with a wide range of tools of pain and suffering. They held her down with cloth covering her body while they drenched her with water. The illusions were the most painful to her. So many times she wanted to believe them. So many times she wanted to be anywhere but where she was now. They blasted her with heat, cold, water and air. Forced her to watch others tortured all the while they asked her the same question. “Who are you?” She refused to lie. She refused to give in to their will. They denied her food and limited water. The hunger had become unbearable as well as the stress on her mind. The thing that they did with their hands was the most harsh. There were several times they had to stop and bring in some medical droid because of the affects. What they couldn't know was the affects on her mind. She hated them like no other thing. She hated the idea she couldn't trust her own senses. With a slight twist of her head she saw another shadow of her memory. Leaning against the wall she saw Ariq standing there. The look in his eyes told her what she had to do.

She shook her head as tears fell from her eyes. “Let the battle begin” she tried to sing in a horsed voice while she pulled her body in to a tighter ball. “With swords in the wind” she continued to sing to herself. They wouldn't let her sleep, and there was no way for her to know how long she had been awake in this nightmare. She could feel her will slipping as well as her sanity. “Someone please save me” she pleaded under her breath almost fearful that her guards somewhere in the room would hear her heart sinking deeper in to that dark place that one never returns from. She felt the guards grab her up from the ground. They drug her back to the little metal table where Master Sang was waiting for her. She tried to fight as usual, and they slapped her around as usual. They forced her in to the chair and held her helplessly for the next round of what ever Master Sang wished to do to her. Senni looked down at the large dried blood on the table. She noticed the tooth within the blood and remembered how she lost it. She remembered being beaten ruthlessly for breaking one of the guards' leg. In that moment she remembered how she had broken Birger's leg in a training accident. She and Ariq had helped him off the field. She remembered how she felt about Ariq. How deeply she loved him. She remembered finding out about the baby. How she meant to tell him but then they got called for that fateful mission. She never had a chance to tell him about their baby. 'Our baby' she thought with a smile on her face. In that second the hate washed away as her love for Ariq and their baby replaced that dark emotion. She looked up at Master Sang as he read his papers.

Master Sang looked up from his paper and nodded, “I see you are in higher spirits. For this, I am glad. I am Master Sang. Who are you?”

“I am Senni Heartman, Lover to Ariq Heartman. The death singer. Thor's own daughter. Do what you wish! I shall not break!”

In the hall, the two guards on either side of the thick metal door heard the loud pain filled screams that have become a normal sound from interrogation room number six. They heard the electric sounds dancing as the bluish flashes of light slipped from under the door. The screams continued for over ten full minutes till the screams abruptly ended as the sound of a thud echoed. The flashes and crackling continued for a few more minutes after the screams ended. One of the guards checked his watch and frowned. The other guard held out his hand. The first guard pushed his hand in to his pocket and withdrew a few metal credits. He dropped them in to the waiting hand of the second guard. “A new record for her” said the first guard as the second one nodded his agreement.

***Akirapryde*** · 06-14-2013, 08:50 AM,

Another Place
Darken Tunnels of the The Colony
Temple of Inner Light
Core World of Mearisa
October 1st, 1936

Mearisa was one of the forgotten worlds of the Great Republic. While it didn't sit next to any major space lines, it did sit at the hub of a number of minor lanes that granted access to southern regions of the Core Worlds. It was one of the first worlds conquered by the Varl during the first century after the fall of the Great Republic. It was held in Varl hands till they withdrew from the region in the sixteenth century. The world became infested with pirates shortly there after. By the seventeenth century, Mearisa had become home to nearly fifty different pirate clans or fleets. In an attempt to ensure that Mearisa remained a safe harbor, the combined pirate leaders elected a governing council which brought in the Jedi to ensure the enforcement of the Council's rules and bylaws. By the end of the eighteenth century, Mearisa had become the headquarters of the Jedi Order and a hot spot of trade and ill gotten goods. It is told that if you can't find it on Mearisa, it doesn't exist. Though a warning does come with any journey to Mearisa. 'Watch where you step, less you become something to be sold within one of its vast markets.' With the expansion of the Reich, Mearisa has seen a surge in fat plump targets to raid just across the boarder. These attacks have made many of the pirate clans very wealthy and also have started to attract the attention of the Reich Military.

Mearisa is divided in to three major continents and a large number of islands scattered throughout its two oceans. Shortly after the Great Fall of the Republic, a rouge fleet of ships blasted the smaller of the three Continents leaving it a radioactive wasteland. Thick jungles have reclaimed the largest of the continents. Just over the tree tops low flying ships can make out where once great cities stood. Dangerous wild life have left the region larger unexplored. The last continent hold over seventy percent of the population. With most of the population split between four main cities along the eastern coastline, the western ranges of the second continent like the largest continent has been reclaimed by the jungles. The atmosphere of the world has become thick with pollution that has caused most of its inhabitants to wear breathing masks. The pollution of the world is so thick at times, that it can actually dim the light of the sun during midday. While many inhabitants have complained about the pollution and the large number of ships that keeps coming and going to the twenty plus space ports, the Pirate Council refuses to slow the pace of wealth which is lining their pockets.

Deep below the surface of Mearisa winds long forgotten tunnels part of ancient Temple that predates the Great Republic. Here time has forgotten them as they have become disconnected with the world above. Dark shadows flickered as the small torches along the dim walls cast their light up and down the cold damp stone tunnels. Carved in to the wall in pain staking detail, a history of their culture, a history long forgotten by the Galaxy. The sounds of dripping water could be heard echoing off the walls from a number of origins. Through the shadows a cloaked figure moves carefully down the tunnel. There was a sense of urgency to its pace as it moved passed a group of similarly robed figures. The group took a side step and bowed as the figure walked passed. Its hands were tucked inside the sleeves of the rob to which it wore. The hood pulled all down to nearly conceal its face, only shadowy features of its face can be seen. However everyone knew all to well who this figure was. There was no hiding this fact. The figure moved down the tunnel and side stepped a large bucket that is used to catch one of the sources of dripping water. The bucket is being tended to by a pair of small humanoid children. As the figure started to approach they stood up and bowed as it walked passed. Even as the figure rushed passed, the children held their bow out of respect.

The figured walked toward a interaction of the tunnel and turned left in stride. Within a few feet the figure walked through an opening and paused at the door. It did not walk fully in to the chamber, instead it stopped just a meter passed the entryway and slowly bowed. “Reporting as ordered, Masters” the female voice of the figure said softly and calmly. She didn't see them, but she knew that they were here. They were the Council of the Colony. They were their leaders and most wisest of them all. Here is where she was summoned and here is where she came. The room was shrouded in shadows as a central fire pit filled the room with heat yet little light.

From the shadows a voice called out, “Knight Murl, your findings please” said the high pitched voice of a familiar voice. It was Master Akarin (Vratix), leader of her people.

She bowed once more and this time held the bow till she was done speaking, “Yes Master, the storm is growing on the surface. It is the largest we have ever recorded. Flooding is already being reported in some areas of the colony closer to the surface. However the colonist are reacting to the floods quickly. The preemptive measures we have taken has ensured that the colony will survive this Master.”

Master Akarin let out a set of clicking sounds before continuing, “Thank you Knight Murl. Once more you have proven yourself to be an exceptional leader. We have your efforts to thank in avoiding what could have happened. Go with the memory of what you have learned through this crisis. You are dismissed Knight Murl.”

She bowed her head slowly but didn't move otherwise. “Masters, I wish to address the Council.”

From another shadow in the darkness a new voice filled the air “something troubles you my young friend.” Knight Murl knew this voice well also. It was the voice of Master Scorylance (Frozian), her mentor and friend. He trained her from a child in to becoming the Knight that she is today.

Before she could reply a third voice spoke up, “your former padawan has had issues dealing with her feelings. I can sense how her emotions are at odds within her mind. They are very strong” the voice said coldly. She knew this voice as well, it was the voice of Master Kalor Salaban (Arkanian). He had always been her harshest critic. Though, she had learned more from his criticism than any other member of the Council short of Master Scorylance.

Master Scorylance sighed as he replied, “I sense them as well Master Salaban. However I can also sense that she has been doing well at keeping these feeling well under control.” There was a moment of silence before he continued, “Knight Murl, please speak. What is in your heart?”

Knight Murl took a step forward but was mindful of not moving too far in to the chamber. She lifted her hands to make sure that they were clearly seen, “Masters of the council, I know that I have not earned much faith due to my past poor choices in the past. You have sound reasons to suspect my ability to control my emotions. I will not lie about them for they do run deep. But it is not only mine. Almost every member of the colony knows of the visions. Even some of our youngest are started to experience them. This storm is the omen of more that is to come. During my time working closely with the others I was able to feel their fears, feel their emotions. Masters, fear is growing as the Force is showing us what is to come. This is all that I mean to say, is to report the state of the colony.”

There was a long silence before finally Master Scorylance spoke up once more, “thank you Knight Murl. Your voice has been heard. Please leave the chamber and wait for me. I shall call you when you when we are finished.”

Once more she bow as she started to walk backwards from the chamber as she said, “thank you Masters. I shall await as instructed.”

A silence fell over the chamber as the fire flickered in the center. It was clear that the figured shrouded in the shadows were drawing on the force. The flow of energy was something of wonder to see. Each knew what had been said, and knew the truth of it. There was no arguing or debates worth holding. Each took their time to reflect deeply on the force and feel how it was guiding them. It was a time honored tradition for them. The time passed slowly as no one rushed to bring an end to the silence. Finally a new voice spoke up, “Knight Murl is right. The emotions of the Colony are high.”

Master Salaban spoke up from the shadows once more, “Knight Murl is indeed correct. Even I can sense the emotions running high throughout our tunnels. I know I am hard on her. She is a fine leader, and growing in to a good Master. One day she very well could sit here among us. I know she can do better than she has in the past. I expect more from her. However in this, she used the coming storm to gain a closer insight in to the Colony. She has shown great wisdom, this should be noted.”

Master Akarin spoke up after a short burst of clicks. “Yes, her future is filled with greatness if she chooses to take these paths. IF she can learn to control her impulsive tendencies.” He paused to let forth some more clicks before continuing, “I think we all agree on the fact that the emotions are high. The real question is which direction do we go?”

The forth voice spoke clearly and painfully bluntly, “we lack the ships to evacuate the colony.”

A female voice entered the conversation, “the visions that the Force is showing us is clearly a warning. If what we see is to be an accurate time line of the events. Then we can assume that this storm marks the start and the end of the vision will come in four weeks. If not sooner. If we are to evacuate the colony, we most set in motion a plan.”

“It is clear that evacuation is essential” stated Master Scorylance, “This is clear. If we are to allow ourselves to be caught up in these events, our destruction is assured. The safety of the colony must come before our secrecy.”

“We have remained hidden here since the Great Betrayal over two thousand years ago” cried the forth voice. “It was our founders' desires that we hold on to the teachings of the past and become the protectors of the light. If we are to evacuate, then we must ensure that we protect the teachings of the great Masters. We must ensure that we do not loss who we are in our efforts to save our colony.”

Master Scorylance offered his wisdom once more, "should the destruction of the colony come to be. All that has been done here will be lost anyway. We all knew that at one point the colony would have to move. That this place was never meant to be our permanent home. And yet here we are still. I see these visions of more proof that we must begin to look beyond our underworld home to find a new home that will house our colony.”

The female voice spoke once more, “we must also consider the dangers of relocating the colony. As stated, we have no ships to leave this world. Should we move the colony from here, they will surely fall victims to the greed and darkness that thrives on this cursed world. We have been able to remain hidden on this world for two millennia despite the efforts of our ancient enemies. I sense we are trapped between two horrible positions. However I am sure within the visions there is a sense of hope.”

“Yes I agree” Master Akarin said softly, “being trapped does appear to be our place currently. The Force offers much more than just hope. If one is willing to see beyond the limitations of one's own sight. I feel we have a plan yet to be heard?”

“Yes I have considered a plan” Master Scorylance said softly. “Knight Murl has shown great potential to lead. Her faith in the force has far exceed her mistakes early on. I agree she is not yet ready to take her place here among us. However she is ready to take the tests to be granted the title of Master. She has far proven her self ready for these tests and I can think of no better test than placing the lives of the colony above her own. If we send her from the colony, I have a strong feeling that she will discover the answer that is currently alluding us. Two nights ago, she confided in me of a vision she had. I feel that this vision might be the secret to the colony's salvation.”

The female voice offered her opinion, “if we are to place the colony's fate in Knight Murl's hands than we all must be sure that this is the wisest course of action. I see no reason that we should not trust Knight Murl on such a mission. I too feel that she is ready for the tests to become Master. I feel that this mission will define her tests and her successes.”

Master Salaban spoke up clearly and boldly, “I have watched Knight Murl grow from a stubborn and over egger teen in to the powerful Knight she has become. Knight Murl has proven time and time again that her ability to coup and understand is her strongest trait. Even if it has been from her own mistakes. She has my vote as well.”

Within moments the rest of the chamber offered up their votes as well to support the plan and to show confidence in the young Knight that they were placing their faith in. Master Akarin finally spoke up “I believe that Knight Murl is indeed a very gifted and talented Knight. However she still needs training if she is to become the Master she was meant to be. Training that I am sure that she will encounter along her journeys during this mission. She has always been one of setting her own direction and path along side ours. While her path is not ours, it has always been true to the light within her heart. Maybe through this mission to which the Force has laid out for her, this training will come to be.”

“There is something else Master Akarin” Master Scorylance said softly. “Knight Murl has also informed me that she has been visited by a Force Spirit. I believe that it is the same Spirit that has guided this Council from time to time in our past. I see this as one more sign that she is coming of age.”

There were clicks heard before Master Akarin spoke up, “I agree. Give her your mission and let her face her tests to become a Master. The rest of us will leave you in private. We must make ourselves available to the rest of the colony. Helping calm the emotions of the colony should be our focus now. If we all are to survive, we will have to survive together or not at all. We must help those who look up to us and help them find peace during these troubled times. May the Force be with you Master Scorylance, and with Knight Murl.”

Master Scorylance nodded slowly as the others started to get up and leave the chamber, “Thank you Master Akarin.”

Another Time
City of Disperes
Core World of Mearisa
October 1st, 1936

The bright lights of the city made it clearly visible from space as its skyscrapers reached in to the havens. Some were so high that they reached up right in to the clouds. Disperes was one of the most active cities on Mearisa. Here the planetary Government was seated as well as each of the major pirate clans held their own spaceports. Disperes, like all of Mearisa was a place of no conflict between the clans. While on paper this was a sound idea, in practice it did not serve to well. The city was quickly divided up in to sections and each section was governed and policed by the clan which control it. Depending on the clan depended on the level of involvement in controlling crime within their section. Generally, throughout the city, the Jedi have been left to maintain law and order with brutal efficiency. The only laws they uphold are those few spelled out by the treaty signed by the clans themselves as well as collecting taxes for their services. Mearisa is a place that only the truly brave or stupid come to visit. Here is a place where anyone could disappear, rather intentional or otherwise.

The thick haze from arriving and departing ships caused smog throughout the city and surrounding areas. There are days when the smog is bearable then there are days where the very sun is dimmed by the smog. Even on the best of days, the smog can still be see and even tasted at some lower levels of the city. Tonight, the thick smog mixed with the lights of the city casts an eerie orange glow over the city. Deep within city rested one of many large areas where the local crowds are entertained by what ever happened to be going on within the area. The largest spectacle ever seen in the areas was a month long set of gladiatorial matches in the eighteenth century. De'Denutirn Clan had captured an entire troop transport of soldiers from the Varl Empire heading to reclaim this very world. The Clan had the would be invaders fight in a series of blood matches to the death. It was a show of strength and bold disregard for the once all powerful Varl Empire. The fouled attack marked the end of fear regarding a Varl return to the world. Tonight, once more the area finds its self filled as locals scream out to be entertained. Like all other nights and days, locals come here to see the suffering of others while escaping their own personal suffering. In this area, ran by the Jedi Order, the crowds have never been disappointed. Here for top billing, one can see a number of combatants battle to the death. Despite the smog tainted rain, the crowds have come and are expecting their nightly show of horrors and suffering.

Tonight, they are cheering so loudly that their voices are carrying like a wave over the area. “Blood! Blood! Blood” is the chants from the crowds as the first battle is being lined up. The rain an hour ago has made the sandy area in to a wide mud pool. As the drums sound followed by trumpets, two groups of creatures make their way from opposite sides of the area. Each group is carrying a large wooden boxes as the crowd's chants go wild with cheers, their blood thirst is about to be quenched. Despite the mud, both groups walked on towards the center of the area. While they made their long march towards the center, a third door opened and group of beings walked in to the area. Their outfits only meant one thing. They were the hosts of the area and the world's protectors. They were Jedi, and here they were loved by the locals. The local leader and hero, a Togruta, of the group need no introduction as the crowds started to chant his name, “Dyani! Dyani!” He answered their chants with a few bold shows of his lightsaber and combat skill. The result gained cheers from the crowds as they continued to walk towards the center of the area. The groups carrying the large boxes stopped short of the center as the Jedi proceeded in to the center of the area. The crowds were still cheering as Dyani rose his hands up and soaked in their cheers. He gave them a moment before waving his hands lower causing the crowds to lower their cheers as well.

From inside one of the boxes, Vikers could see crowds yelling and cheering. He couldn't understand them but knew that this was a bad place. He could sense the darkness around him and the fear and pain of others. It drew a tear from his eye, not for his own fate but for those he could feel. "Please, I don't want to be here. Let me go" he pleaded with the creatures around the box. He already knew that no one here spoke his language, but had to try. His life was turned in to this horrible nightmare last week when their ship was attacked by pirates. Before that, it was his idea of a wedding gift to the woman he loved to take them on a journey back to their historical homeworld. He had saved up nearly three years to afford the trip. Secured visas through the Reich Government and bought tickets for the month long trip. It was going to be the trip of a lifetime for them. A chance to explore their culture and their own racial history. It was going to help them connect with who they were and help them build a life together afterwards. It was what they had both wanted for as long as he knew her. Now, he wished he had never boarded that ship.

Once they crossed in to Reich Space they thought the worse of the journey was over. Their ship had linked up with a Reich escort ship and all seemed to be going well. The morning before they were to reach their destination, both ships fell under attack by a group of pirate ships. The escort was destroyed and their ship had been boarded. Vikers and his newlywed wife were taken from their ship along with many others. Their belongings stolen from them as the pirates took as much loot as they could fit in to their holds. The passengers had begged for mercy only to find that none of the pirates spoke their language or cared. Though, many thought that it wouldn't have mattered if they had. The pirates left their cruise ship burning in space as they headed off to some unknown place. Vikers would come to think of this world of the Hell the Priest had warned them about. The first night of their captivity, members of the pirate crew came to their holding cells. They took many of the women along with Vikers' wife away. Vikers could feel the cries and suffering of the women while they were repeatedly raped. It would be the last time he had seen his wife. The next morning they came to this horrible world.

It was as if he had awoken from one nightmare in to another. He and the other males were pulled from the hold of the pirate ship and placed in shackles and chains. They were dragged from the ship on some flesh march through the streets to a strange kind of market. Once at the market, they were paraded around as strange creatures looked them over. Some were bought for metal coins while others were traded for goods by the pirates. Vikers knew that the man who came to him was a Jedi. He didn't know why but the man singled Vikers out. He was taken from the market by the Jedi and led away. Vikers tried to explain that there had been a mistake and that they had money back home and could buy their own freedom. Vikers did everything he could to communicate with the Jedi. He knew that they served for a fee and knew that if anyone could get them out of here it would be one of them. His hopes fell as the man didn't respond to Vikers at all. There was simply no communicating with any of them. Vikers was forced in to a box and locked inside it.

During his stay in the box, there was no food and very little water given. Vikers was so hungry, so worried for the safety of his wife. He missed her and hoped that somehow she had gotten away. He tried to make himself believe that somehow she was okay but for some reason his heart knew better. With each passing day, his heart sank deeper and his mind did what it could to hold on. He had been living in his little box since they brought him to this world. He couldn't remember how long ago it was when they stripped him of his clothes and blasted water while he was still in his box to clean him off. However once wet, the cool damp air took its toll on him. He felt the fever growing already and the coughing came. Now they brought him inside his little box to this loud place. Vikers knew that he was in some kind of area and could hear someone speaking over loud speakers. 'Am I to be sold now' he questioned himself. "Please let me go" once he pleaded to one of the creatures who only kicked the box.

One of the creatures next to him reached through the wide spaces between the boards and grabbed Vikers' right arm. It pulled his arm outside the box and pinned Vikers to one side. "Owe" He yelled as they pinned him harshly. He felt as they secured something to his arm as their were cheers echoing in the area. “OWE!” he yelled as the pain got much worse. They let his arm go and Vikers pulled it back. He was confused at the strange glove like thing now pinned through his arm. There were thin spikes along the outer part of the glove and little metal plates over the fingers. He could see the creatures beginning to rush away from the box. Without warning the sides of the box fell away as the top was flung off it. For the first time in over a week, he could finally stand up. The light was blinding and Vikers used his left arm to shield his eyes. He slowly stood up and looked around trying to get an idea of what was going on. He heard strange noises but his eyes couldn't adjust to the lights very well. He could see another figure before him but the sound of the crowd was simply too loud to make out anything else. His eyes just adjusted in time to see the man was dressed just like him with the same kind of weapon on his arm. The man was rushing towards him as Vikers was trying to figure out what was going on.

The man leaped forward at Vikers and knocked him down just as a massive shadow flew over head. Vikers saw what was about to have attacked him. It was some kind of massive snake like creature. From what Vikers could tell it had no eyes and its scales were a brownish color. What surprised Vikers the most was that he could sense the creature's anger for him. As well as sense that the creature could sense him as well. There were two of them in the area moving about reading themselves for their next attack. Vikers saw that there were others in the area as well. Six men total were rushing trying to get away from the large snake like creatures. The one who had saved Vikers life leaped back to his feet and pulled Vikers with him. They ran as the creature moved up behind them. It was fast but they could keep ahead of it as long as they ran. The man pulling Vikers along took notice of a opened box and reached his arm towards it. Vikers eyes opened wide as he saw the man toss the large box without touching it at the snake creature. Vikers had known that he and his wife were special. No one else on their world had possessed gifts like them before. He looked around to see that the others were gifted as well. He was even more confused by what was going on.

Vikers looked behind him to see the creature had vanished. The man turned around also to look for the creature. He moved slowly looking at the ground as Vikers watched him curiously. The man glanced up for a moment at Vikers then back to the ground. “Nuketa” he said pointing at the ground. It didn't take Vikers long to realize what was going on. He too started to look at the ground for any sign of the coming attack. The crowds were cheering so loudly that he could barely hear the man next to him. Than without warning the mud under their feet exploded upwards as the large creature pushed through. The force of the blast blew both men over twenty meters away from each other. The creature turned towards the man who helped Vikers and shot its large head forward while opening its mouth. The high pitched scream from the creature was deafening. However it was the think spray of something which hit the man sent him flaying about on the ground. Vikers' hearing was all but gone but he knew that the man was in pain. He moved to flank the creature as to get a clear path to aide the man. The creature had other plans.

With lighting fast reflexes, it lunged at Vikers and bit him on the upper left side of his body. Without letting go, it flipped its body over Vikers sending him flipping along with the creature. Vikers rolled within the creature as coils of the creature's body circled around him. Before he knew it, the coils had entrapped Vikers as the head let go and vanished from sight. He could hear the creature's heartbeat as he felt the coils moving tighter around. Vikers fought hard to try and free himself from the coils only to find as he moved the coils grew tighter. The heartbeat grew louder in Vikers' ears as he felt the coils tightening around him. He could no longer hear the crowds as the sound the heartbeat grew even louder. Through the top of the coils, Vikers could make something out. It was the stands and a group of Jedi. They were watching the scene unfold from their own viewing platform. But what drew his attention was who he felt over there. He could see in shackles, the woman he loved. His wife was standing behind one of the Jedi in chains. 'She had survived the pirates' he thought as the sound of the heartbeat grew even louder. His vision slowly coated with red as he tried to make out more of the scene. He wanted to make sure that she was unharmed. 'I love you, Gashi' he thought as the sounds of bone cracking echoed in his ears. 'Please great spirits watch over and protect her' was the last thought he had.

***Akirapryde*** · 06-14-2013, 08:06 PM,

(5.12) Another Time, Another Place (Part Two)

Another Place
Darken Tunnels of the Inner Light
The Colony
Core World of Mearisa
October 1st, 1936

“Master, you wished to speak to me?” Knight Murl said softly as she walked back in to the chamber once more. Her hood still pulled down over her face, her hands still hidden from sight. Her shoulders slightly rolled forward allowing her head to become bowed in a show of reverence. She stood just within the chamber motionless and silent as she watched her former Master. There was a time before where she was unable to even hold still for a moment much less the time it took for others to recognize her. She didn't look up till she was spoken too. It was their way of ensuring order in their society. It was a hard habit for her to learn and master.

“Yes, yes my friend” he said as he walked forward from the shadows while carrying a tray. On top of the tray rested five rectangle wooden boxes. Each were decorated with symbols, colors, carvings and small metal bands. “I have watched you grow from a baby in to the woman you have become” he explained while sitting in the dirt by the small fire. “Come” he said softly, “join me by the fire” he added as he motioned the place next to him.

“Yes Master” she said softly as she moved to join him by the fire. Her moves were deliberate to continue to hide herself under her robes. The act was more from habit than in any attempt to deceive her former Master. He had already learned who and what she was. Unlike most he had looked passed her appearance to see her heart. For that simple thing she respected him. For everything else he did for her, she loved him like her own father. Knight Murl couldn't help but notice the boxes. The markings on them seemed familiar, as if she should know them. But she couldn't place their meanings of the top of her head. Once more, it was another puzzle that she would have to wait as it unfolded.

He smiled as he watched her sit down while he placed the tray between them. “Do you remember the Polas Flowers that I love so much” he asked softly and calmly. His eyes rose up to greet her own as the question sank in.

She nodded to the question, “how can I forget that day Master. It was the day that you told me, I passed my trails and proven my self to become a padawan.” She paused as if to remember the details of that day in her history, “you asked me, why the Polas Flowers were your favorite. I told you that I didn't know the answer to your question. When I asked you for the answer, you only said that a day would come when I would understand and would not need to seek the answer. I recall you saying that this day would not come till I was ready.”

He smiled and nodded once more, “and did that satisfy your curiosity?”

She looked down in shame, “no Master. I tried to get the answer from you anyway.”

“And? Did you get any closer to the understanding you were seeking?”

She sighed heavily, “No Master. When that failed I tried to spy on you, and get the answer in other ways.”

“Did you find your answer” he asked her softly as if allowing her to relive the situation that occurred years ago.

Looking up, “no Master, I still do not know why they are your favorite. After a while I gave up and just figured you liked them. I accepted that when the time was right you would tell me.”

He nodded, “how long did it take you to figure this out?”

“Too long Master. I should have trusted you from the beginning and waited for the answer when the time is right” she explained. Her head was lowered, this time, out of the understanding of the mistake so long ago.

Once more he nodded, “the reason why I am asking about this, is because your greatest weakness is your inability to wait, listen, feel, and sense the moment. That was, until recently. I have noticed a great change in you my former Padawan. As you grew, you had to face great hardships. The abandonment by your mother and being ostracized from your own people within our colony” he said while motioning to her hood, “for only the reasons of your birth. Your father, a wise man unto his own, was the only one of your people who accepted you and raised you. Forced to live as an outsider deep within these tunnels has given you a greater opportunity to grow and learn.”

He paused because of the nature of the next few thoughts to which he had to speak about, “that was till the murder of your father just after I accepted you as a Padawan. I recall how his death affected you. Some worried that the conflict within your heart over who you are and what others saw in you would lead you down the wrong path. The look in your eyes as you found the man who murdered your father gave even me reason to fear your future. Within your future there is such great potential for darkness through the pain you have suffered. However, you had managed to not only stay true to the light but turned your hardships in to another strength. I watched you yield to that man and forgive him for what he did. You had his life in your hands and could have easily took your revenge on him. Instead you lowered your weapon and uttered those words which filled me with such pride. Under this and so much more adversity you thrived and grew beyond all expectations.” He paused as he noticed the sparkle of understanding in her expression. “I see, you are starting to have a better understanding of what I am saying right here and now.”

She nodded slowly, “adversity, Master” she paused as she pulled her gloved hand from her sleeve and placed it upon her chin hidden in the shadows of her hood. “The Polas Flower grows only in the most toxic tunnels deep within the Colony. Yet despite this, it grows in to a glowing colorful thing of beauty.” He nodded as she continued, “you said back then that the flower and I shared something in common. At the time, I thought that it was that we share violence and death. The fact that it was an ambushing carnivore and my skills as a warrior. Now I don't,” she paused just for a moment to correct herself, “I know its not that at all. Its the adversity of our growth is what we share in common. Not violence and death.”

He smiled, “Knight Murl, you have cast aside all adversities and become something that few in the colony thought possible of you. Many only saw what darkness you could become while you had other intentions for yourself. You have become a Jedi Knight, Protector of the Light. Now you stand on the eve of becoming a Jedi Master in to your own right. You have come all this way through so much hardship, you never once looked back at other paths. By taking what hardships had been forced upon you and reshaping it in to your strengths, you carved out your own future. Even now, you are being guided by the Force through one of its spirits. This is just another sign that you are on the right path.” She nodded, “what does this spirit tell you.”

She paused for a moment before answering, “She has told me allot of my family, those who came long before the Great Betrayal. She told me of who they were and how they affected our Order's history. She told me that if the colony is to survive, it must not become involved in what is unfolding here on this world. I was told that the last part of my training to become a Master will be at the hands of a past Master. She said when I find this Master that he will choose me to complete my training. She also said that I should never loss sight of the moment and trust in my senses.”

“Much wisdom are in these things” he stated as he nodded. “Knowing who we are and who our ancestors are, is as important as knowing where we are going. If a course is to be correctly plotted in your life you must know where you are, where you have been and than plot your course accordingly. Learning from the mistakes and success of the past will help plot this course. I feel that your training is rapidly approaching. Your training will come much like your life has been. Through your strengths turned from your weaknesses. Trust in the Force and you will learn all that you need. Like my question of the flower, this answer will come when you are ready to fully understand it. As for the safety of the colony and the visions of our future, do you remember the poems of Michone?” He looked at her with a great sense of pride in what she had become. There was so much she could have done, but choose to remain within the path of the light.

She nodded, “yes, I remember the poems. Written about two children of a Grand Master. One was foretold to become the savor of the Order while the other was foretold to be the destroyer of it.”

“Yes, very good. Each became what they were foretold they would be. Now let me ask you this question, did they have a choice in becoming these things?”

“Master? It was seen in visions by the greatest of our seers. Their future was foretold, this is what they would be. The fact that they did became what they were foretold to be, shows that their future was correctly seen." She looked a bit confused and shocked at the way the conversation was going. However there was something he was getting at and she knew to bide her time and she would learn more.

He shook his head, “many feel that the future as seen through the Force is set in stone. This is not the truth of the future or the vision. The future is fluid like the waters of a great ocean. The Force shows us glimpses of the possible future if actions are not taken to avoid it. Or actions taken to ensure that this vision does does become the future. We hold the ability to do with what we have been shown. In the Force we have a great ally to help us become who we wish to become. No single person is locked in to the future that is seen in a vision. This is what many fail to understand about seeing the future through the Force. It is clouded and hard to clearly make out details because so much can still affect it” he explained softly. He leaned back in to a better position as he paused for a moment before continuing.

“Long ago, there was a great and disastrous war within our Order. This war happened because many saw it unfolding through visions and many others refused to understand that the actions that we take can change what could happen tomorrow.” He paused a moment again, “This war didn't have to happen, but it was brought in to being because too few people tried to stop it. Like this war, your future was seen and it was a dark future. Unlike this war, many fought hard to save you from this future. None had as much impact on your future as your own actions. The siblings spoken of in the Michone poems did not have to become what was shown in their visions. They each focused hard on avoiding the darker future of the vision. This became a driving goal of both. In the end, one became frustrate and gave in to fear. In that moment, both fulfilled the vision and each suffered greatly for it. In the final act, one betrayed the other and the Order. The poems talk about the finest hours of many and the sad losses suffered by the Order. The last of the poems ask the reader, would you become the savor or the destroyer if you have the choice? The final lines of these poems speak heavily on the moment. When given the choice, if we loss sight of who we are in the moment and fail to heed the warnings of the future then we are doomed to become the destroyer. Always be mindful of the moment, Knight Murl. Follow your heart and trust in the Force and listen to its teachings, heed its warnings as seen through the visions. Do these things and you will always remain on the light side of the Force. However my friend, remember that the Dark Side will always tempt you to the wrong path.”

He paused once more and picked up the tray and looked down at the small boxes. “Long ago, these items were once known through out the Galaxy as a symbol of peace and order. Those who welded them commanded great respect and honor. Like most things, these too became another form of attachments.” He opened up the boxes to expose five lightsabers. It was clear that each was special in its own right. “These are all that remains of the original Founding Masters of our Order. Each one was crafted by one of them. Through the same traditions that you have learned, part of their life force has been imbued within the crystals that is the heart of these items. During the Jedi War, weapons like these brought much suffering on both sides and became symbols unto themselves. During the Great Betrayal, these symbols along with others became a driving attachment that led so many young Jedi down the wrong path. With the coming of our Order, the Founding Masters decided to cast aside the tradition of crafting these weapons of war. Instead the focus on understanding the Force and strict non-attachment philosophies were followed. However with your mission at hand, I as well as the Council feel, that you will need assistance in the dangerous tasks before you.”

“Master, they look a lot like the training sticks. Why” she asked carefully.

He nodded, “We cast aside the tradition of keeping and making these symbols. However these devices are as much part of who we are as they are part of our history. And while we may not follow the path of war like the Order before us, we do understand that the light must be ready to stop the darkness when the time comes” he explained as he examined the lightsabers, “It is what we do with things like these that defines who we are. Not what we have or use. The tools that we use to follow the Force should never become symbols of what we are” he explained while he set the tray down before her. “Now, do not seek the future. I want you to meditate on each one of these lightsabers. Feel them, sense the life within them. Which one of these calls upon your heart, Knight Murl” he said as he waved his hand over the five lightsabers.

She nodded as she pulled her legs in and took up a more relaxed position to meditate. She closed her mind to all thoughts and focused her heart and mind on the five lightsabers before her. Each one had their own History. It was almost as if each one had its own personality. She could hear the echoes of the past in each one. Still her mind remained clear, her emotions calm as she felt the Force washing over her. After hours of taking her time to feel the life force around her and within the five lightsabers she finally opened her eyes slowly. Her gaze fell upon her former Master, “That one” she said pointing to the one at the left end. “I am sure of that one. Can you tell me more about it” she asked almost confused. She was unsure of why it had to be that one but she just sensed it was the one meant for her.

He nodded, “a curious choice that you have made” he said softly as he picked it up and rolled it over in his hands. “I can tell much about this item, but something tells me that too will come to you in time.” He handed over the lightsaber to her. “Take care and guard it well” he said softly as he put the others away.

She nodded her understanding, “Master can I ask you something?”

“Yes my friend”

She looked at the lightsaber as she examined it, “Does the Force have a conscious?”

He looked up at her as his head tilted at the question, “I believe it does. However on the level that we may not be able to understand completely. I have felt the Force move in ways that could only truly be explained if it had a conscious. I also believe that the Dark side of the Force has its own conscious as well. This is why I have taught you to always be mindful of the moment and never loss yourself in what you desire or see in the future. The Force will guide you as long as you are preceptive to it.”

She once more nodded, “Thank you Master” she said as she smiled.

“I have done nothing. It was your effort that made everything possible.”

Shaking her head, “yes Master. Still, thank you.” She knew all too well that he along with a few others that had faith in her. When her father was murdered, he saved her from her self. He had done more than she ever dreamed.

“You are welcome. Now, you know what has to be done. May the Force be with you, my friend.”

“Thank you Master, and may the Force be with you as well” she said as she slowly stood up. There was a metallic clicking sound as she put the lightsaber on her belt. She looked around the chamber once more before turning and walking out without saying another word.

Another Time
City of Disperes
Core World of Mearisa
September 24th, 1936

The crowds cheered loudly as she turned and looked away. Her chains made a slight sound that hid her whimper. She could feel the loss in her heart as well as within the force. She promised herself that she wouldn't turn away, that she would give honor to his death. However the pain in her heart was too much for her to bare. The horrible sight was nothing short of barbaric to her. The fact that others cheered so loudly at the death of another being made the whole situation that much more painful. The tug on her collar and chain brought her eyes forward once more. She looked down to the man who held the chain as he waved his glass at her and yelled for a refill. She looked down and took the glass trying to hold back the tears and grief in her heart. She walked over to the table to refill the drink as her chains jingled with each of her steps. Just over a week ago, she had been the happiest person in her village. So much back then seemed so wonderful and her future seemed so bright.

They had set out on a trip of a life time to visit their ancestral homeworld. There were so many firsts for her. She had never seen a Generation Ship before. The Captain and its crew were so very nice to them. They even were allowed to stay up with the rest of the crew as no one else spoke their language. It was so big and there were so many passengers on board. It was the first time both of them had left their homeworld. But now she just prayed that one day she would be able to return home someday. The vile things these horrible creatures did to her gave her nightmares. The first week of being in their control, she thought that they would have simply killed her like they did the others. For some reason she was kept alive and given to the creature that held her chain now. Not all was dark for her. She had a secret worth keeping. What they didn't know was that through the power of the force she was able to understand their languages. They laughed at her culture and appearance as they called her 'Their Sweet Little Savage'. They didn't know she could understand every word they said. She didn't yet know how this would help her, but she knew it would. Her eyes may have been looking at the ground, but their little savage was preparing to strike at the right time.

The lift doors hissed open and a large NeDor flanked by four other creatures walked on to the observation platform. The others turned as the sound of the doors caught their attention. They seemed happy to see the NeDor as each rose from their chairs to greet him. She watched and listened carefully to their conversation while keeping her eyes down. 'Let them think me a savage. Soon enough, this savage will strike and cut your heart out.' She thought as she looked at the man that controlled her chain while she prepared his next drink.

“Grand Master! Welcome home.” Master Creel said as he leaped up from his chair. Took the chain of his new slave and set it inside a hook then walked over to great their leader. It didn't take him long to see the missing limb. “My god, Master, what happened?”

The Grand Master nodded at the greeting and lifted his arm, “the prophecy happened.”

“Master Nur'Ang? What do you mean?” One of the other Masters said confused.

Master Creel watched the other Masters as they gathered around. To everyone else, their Grand Master was known as Master Nur'Ang, to him, he was Smad Murl, Grand Master and trusted friend. He knew about the prophecy all too well. But he hadn't put much stock in it before. He didn't like the idea of some vision seen hundreds of years ago dictating his life today. He just remained silent and for the time being listened.

The Grand Master nodded, “with a house divided, ancient enemies will ally. When blades cross only one leader of the house shall be left standing. And blah blah blah” He explained looking around as if checking for someone. He knew the rest of the prophecy and felt the others didn't need to know the rest at the moment. Till today, he never spoke of the prophecy in such company. As he looked around, he remembered why that was.

“I am a bit confused, can you explain Grand Master” another Master of their twisted Order said.

Anger filled Nur'Ang as he lunged his stump at the confused Master. Through the force the Grand Master lifted the man off the ground as he choked him “where is Salaft” he shouted. He simply didn't have time to explain all the little details of the prophecy and he surely wasn't about to give any of them ammo to use against him later.

“Grand Master PLEASE” cried on one of the other Masters while a second one tried to hold the suspended master who was choking.

“Master Salaft is off world Grand Master. She left two days ago with the Coobe Clan. They are raiding a Reich colony and won't return for two more days.” Master Creel said as he stepped forward and placed his hand on Nur'Ang's arm, “Please Grand Master explain what has happened.” Master Salaft was Master Murl's lover and the mother of their child. A secret that no one else in the Order knew. One that Master Creel was in trusted with.

The Grand Master dropped the man then turned to walk over to the large bar. He shoved the small slave girl out of the way and sending her tripping over a nearby chair, “The Guardians have returned to the Galaxy. It would appear that I have a distant relative still alive. I had thought that my grand father, father and I had killed the last of the Murls” he said as he reached for a crystal bottle and started to open it. “For hundreds of years, we had set out to cleans the galaxy of any Murl blood. If they wouldn't serve us, they were put to death. It would appear that I missed one.” He poured himself a glass full of the gold liquid as he thought of the next steps that had to be taken.

Master Creel followed the Grand Master to the bar and allowed him to speak. Once he saw an opening he spoke up, “Guardians?” He said in alarm. “That's not possible, their race died out two thousand years ago. There is nothing left of them.”

“WHO DO YOU THINK DID THIS!” The Grand Master yelled spinning and thrusting his stump at Master Creel who stepped back from the limb. “Two thousand years ago, one of my ancestors looked in to our future. He saw how our house was divided. He saw that we would build a Jedi Order that would not be challenged till the Guardians returned. He saw that the Guardians return would come under the leadership of Murl Blood! Our house divided would clash once more. Only one would survive. It was foretold that Murl Blood will bring our Order down.” He walked forward finishing his drink and tossing the glass at the slave girl behind him, “And I mean to ensure that this doesn't happen.”

“Okay, let say you are correct Grand Master. What do we do” Master Creel questioned. He glanced at the others. The Guardians have been nothing more than bed time stories told to kids. Still even as a bed time story, they held a dark place in the hearts of the galaxy. They commanded fear on a level that no Jedi could hope to achieve. Personally he actually doubted that they had ever existed at all. The thought of a single entire world providing the ruthless and heartless military of the Great Republic was almost laughable. Still, if Smad believed it, than so would he.

The Grand Master turned and looked at the Master on his knees. He had just fully recovered from being choked, “You, go from this world. Contact the bounty hunter guilds. Tell them all that the Jedi Order will pay twenty thousand slaves for the head of this NeDor" he said coldly while holding up a photo image of Swip. “I believe her name is Swip Murl and she WILL die!” He tossed the photo to the man as he got up. He looked at the photo and then nodded before he rushed for the lift. The Grand Master turned back towards Master Creel as he waved the others forward to the Bar. “Sibling rivalry is about to get bloody once more.” he said as he walked to the bar once more. He shoved the slave girl further out of the way as she was attempting to move on her own. “I swear it, she will be dead long before she can fulfill her own destiny” he said coldly as he filled another glass with gold liquid. He looked at the other Masters with a determined look on his face, “Tell me about the evacuation plan.”

Master Creel nodded as he motioned for a glass to fill his own drink. As Master Creel started to explain what was going on, the Grand Master pulled out some paper and started to write. “The last of those selected will be leaving tonight. The Reich has given us their assurances that we will be notified when they are one hour from launching their attack. Currently, we have some two hundred expendable Jedi working the streets and keeping order here. The Planetary leadership asked me last week of the rumors of a pending attack. As you have instructed, I told him that we have heard no such rumors. But if it does come, the Jedi would not allow it and would help defend the world at all costs. The later statement pretty much dismissed any fears they had before. I am sure that the planetary leadership is completely unaware of our withdraw from the world. The Reich is still pushing us to get the Code Matrix.”

The Grand Master nodded, “Yeah, its not bad enough that they will have an assured victory served up to them on a silver plater. They want the access codes to shut down the planetary defense gird to ensure a completely one sided victory” he said coldly as he wrote his note. “Tell our Reich contacts that once we get the code we will hand it over to them. We need two or three more days to get our hands on it. No more than three days. Tell them they have my word on it.” He finished writing his letter, “Notify all Masters, They must be ready to withdrew at a moments notice.” He turned to one of his Masters, “take our fastest ship and head to the Dorin Empire. Go to the Sages on Dorin and give them this letter.”

The Grand Master handed the note over as the Master took it and placed it in his pack without looking at it. “Master won't it be faster to send it via code?”

The Grand Master shook his head, “No, something of this nature is too sensitive to be sent through the church. Deliver it by hand to the Sages personally. You can expect some resistance to your request. But trust me, they will see you. No one else is to see that letter but them. Is this clear?”

He checked the pack to ensure it was closed and locked then nodded, “Yes Grand Master. I shall leave at once.”

The Master took off for the lifts as the man before him. It was clear that the mood of the meeting was changing. The Grand Master looked around to the rest of his leadership council. He nodded, “The Galaxy has reached crossroads once more. If we fail, than we allow the corruption of the weak to come back in to power. For centuries my family has worked and slaved to ensure that the Galaxy is a place where the weak serve the strong and the strong rule as they wish! IF we do not stop our dear little Swip Murl, our Galaxy shall come to an end. We must stop her at all costs.” He explained and ended with a pounding of the bar top. He looked over his leaders with a nod. “Return to your units and prepare to leave this doomed world. Make no hint to the planetary leadership of our actions. Let them think that we are ready to stand by and die with them. They dug their own graves. Time for them to rest in them. Everyone, leave us.” he said then raised his hand, “Master Creel, stay here.”

They waited for the rest to leave before the Grand Master began speaking once more. Neither creature took notice to the slave girl cleaning behind the bar. She meant nothing to them and they treated her as such. “Master Creel I have a special mission for you.” he said pulling out a scroll, and passed it over to his friend, “Something that no one knows. My father told me of a legend about the fall of the Great Republic.” Master Creel examined the very old scroll. It was clearly something of great value. “Just as all things were falling apart. The Church sent out thousands of missions to recover as much information as they could. They wanted to hoard this information for themselves. I need you to head for the world of Baklid VI. The Church has a vast database there.” he pulled out a small vile with some blood at the bottom of it from his pack, “That scroll will lead you to the database. I need this sample tested against that database. I have to know who this Guardian really is” he explained as he handed over the vile to his friend.

“Master? How could she be in this database” Master Creel asked.

“I heard a rumor that that can't possible be true. Just trust me on this” the Grand Master said as he leaned in and rested his only hand on the forearm of Master Creel.

He nodded, “I must tend to some things here before I leave, but I shall head out first thing in the morning Master Murl.”

The Grand Master nodded and leaned back against the Bar and took another drink. There was a smile on his face as he focused on the flow of the Force around him. He could feel his future unfolding around him. He knew in his heart that they will stop Swip from undoing all that he and his family had built. 'She must be stopped' he thought coldly as he took another sip of his drink. He could not allow the prophecy to come true. He could not allow her to survive. It was clear she wouldn't serve. That much was true when she sent that assassin after him. He nodded as he thought, 'if you will not serve, you shall die!'

***Akirapryde*** · 06-15-2013, 08:36 AM,

Too young a hero
Proviwtion Mountains
Core World of Mearisa
September 24th, 1936

The Proviwtion Mountains crisscrossed the western and central regions of the continent and at one time had been such a place of beauty and wonder. Now its brown white cap and frosted tree tops hide dangers and suffering that have become normal in a galaxy without the Great Republic. The low hanging clouds gave the area an eerie greenish brown glow as the morning sun attempted to pierce the thick smog filled atmosphere. The sounds of a gun fire in the distance told the story of some long forgotten struggle. Long ago, a slave revolt occurred on Mearisa. The Jedi were called in by the pirate government to crush the revolt. In five short weeks, the revolt had all but been crushed. Those slaves who had escaped the Jedi fled in to the mountains and continued to fight against impossible odds. Many years later, most on Mearisa had all but forgotten about the revolt or those still fighting to bring an end to the pirate rule on the world. Every once the war gets close enough for some to take notice, but they simply choose to ignore it. So the war continues as a loud explosion is heard in the distance as long range artillery is fired from their bases near Disperes and strikes targets within the mountain range. A pair of jets flying just high enough to clear the tree tops soared over the peaks of the ridge as they moved in to the mountain range. The pair of fighters moved in unison as they lined up on their attack runs.

The led fighter fired off four missiles in rapid succession. Once the last missile had fired from under the wing, the fighter turned and pulled up. It didn't wait for the conformation of the strikes. The second fighter followed the flight path of the fighter before it. The side of the mountain ridge exploded with so much force that boulders as large as the fighters were tossed in to the air. The second fighter took its turn to fire now. Two missiles shot out from under its wings in a simultaneous firing. Just as the first fighter did, the second one turned and pulled up hard. Two long flames shot out from the afterburners of each fighter as they rocketed for the safety of the ridge line. Behind them the two missiles hit the side of the mountain. There was hardly any explosion this time. Instead, the air around the mountain turned to a yellowish haze as poison gas hung low in the trees. The sounds of gun fire slowly started to trail off as the yellowish cloud of death moved lower and lower down the mountain face. Soon only the sounds of the departing jets are all that could be heard echoing off the walls and faces of the mountains.

The sound of the two jets passing overhead echoed throughout the mountainous region as the six camouflaged figures inched from the brush. Their mud covered faces looked up as their eyes searched the skies around them. The two jets were clearly moving too fast to see the group, but they were not going to take any chances. Slowly they moved back on to the path that they were walking prior to the jets being heard. They took their time moving on to the path as the leader, a Togruta, nodded as he made a bird like sound. The group took a more relaxed state as they started to come closer and gathered. When they had heard the jets just a few moments before, they had all darted in separate directions in hopes of making a harder target to the jets. Soon, they started to smile as the sounds of the jets died off in the distance. They didn't know why the jets were here, but the group did know enough to know that the jets meant trouble and the explosions meant someone had been killed. But they were alive and for the moment that was enough for them.

Most wore some kind of camouflager clothing that had shown signs of being torn, patched and blood stains from past owners. Some of the uniforms didn't fit very well and were tied or otherwise fastened to ensure a slightly better fit. It was clear that this small group was some kind of rage tag local combat team. Small metal grenades hung from their mismatched gear and had been covered with torn cloth to ensure that they would make little sound as the group walked through the mud filled forest. All of them had some sort of backpack on their backs. Each had at least one secondary weapon and all carried a military style assault rifle of some type as a primary weapon. Their gear was clearly worn and heavily reused. Only two wore some sort of head protection while the others only relied on their hats with fresh leaves tucked in to them. One of them smiled as others laughed over their luck for not being spotted by the jets.

Once more sounds filled the small mountain pass as an explosion echoed off the rock faces. Once more the group vanished from sight in a rush. All that could be seen was greenish brownish flashes as they each dove for cover. Longer than the time for the echoes to subside the group remained hidden from sight. Only when the safety of the team had been assured did the bird call go out again. This time much more carefully they moved from their cover and took their place back on the path. A female Twi'lek, who's age couldn't be more than fourteen walked forward to the Togruta male leader. “That was closer. Maybe two or three clicks from here.” She was Aalya and her long rifle with powerful scope tagged her for the group sharpshooter. The wound on her left head tail told all who saw her that she had been a fighter for some time. The spark of childhood that should have been in her eyes, lost to her long ago. For her, fighting had become a way of life. It was the same for the rest of them as well.

When two or more racial groups are forced to live together, the language barrier becomes a obstacle that has to be over come for all to survive. The individuals learn to mix their languages to find a common grounds to communication on. During the days of the Great Republic, many scholars called this form of communication, coding. For this group, it was a matter of survival learned from birth. A spoken language that mixed multiple languages together. A human male and female walked up as the two male rodians kept watch along the path. The human male, Zeckle, spoke up, “it was close but we have pushed too far as it is. We should turn back” he said softly and quietly. The two humans were clearly younger than the Twi'lek, as were the two rodians. Like Aalya, Zeckle learned early on that it had to be kill or be killed by the enemy. There was never a childhood for him. Unlike Aalya who was born free in the mountains, Zeckle was born a slave and liberated just a few years ago. Despite his young age, his baptism of fire came the week he was liberated. Ever since that day, he had never been without some kind of weapon.

The Togruta, Leer, nodded as he turned and took a knee. The rest followed suit. “I know we have pushed far, but we were sent to find food. The shortage is growing worse by the day. What choice do we really have” he explained with an ending question of the fact of their mission. He was the oldest of the group being only a few months older than the Aalya. Like Aalya, he was born free high in the mountains. His family could trace their heritage directly back to the first revolt two generations past. Trained from birth to fight and survive in these mountains, he is a natural mountain warrior. “We have to push forward more. One more day searching then we will return home. Okay” he asked of his team.

Zeckle nodded, “our newbs are not up for this long patrol” he said motioning back to the rodians. While they were barely older than him, it was clear they lacked the experience the other four had. Only being liberated just a few weeks ago, this was their first real mission. They had some level of basic training but nothing could have prepared them for such a long first mission.

Kitalia, The human female, nodded, “we would have been better off leaving them back home.” she said coldly and bluntly. The two Rodians had been replacements for the two members of their group who had been killed during their last mission. Her words echoed heavily in the hearts of the other three. Like Zeckle, she too was a liberated slave as well. She was born free but enslaved at such a young age that she didn't remember ever being free before. Her eyes radiated the hate and pain that she held on to deep within her heart. There was one thing she hated more than Jedi, it was what her former Jedi Master turned her in to. The lower half of her face was covered with torn green pants leg. Her face had been brutally scared by her former Master after she had served his soup improperly. Now as a free person, she covered that scare and the horrors of her life under his collar. Sadly, those scares are clearly heard in her voice, “The fact that they are still alive is as much a measure of luck as it is our skill to keep them alive. They are dead weight to us.”

Leer nodded, “we didn't have a choice Kit” he said using her nickname within the group, “and you know it. We still don't have a choice.” It was clear that she didn't like the statement but she knew enough to keep her mouth shut. “Look,” he start as he pulled out their old map, “there is a city just over that ridge. We should be able to find some food there. There has to be something useful for us there. Already we mapped out five new mine fields. So this patrol has been pretty successful already. Luck is with us guys. What do you say? One more day” he pleaded his team for just a bit more time. He knew the suffering back home. The hungry of others weighed heavily on his heart.

The three others look to each other and nodded to each other. Aalya spoke up, “okay one more day, then we turn back.” They were never a dictatorship, so command decisions were made by talking and listening. Aalya was respected within the group and if she trusted the plan the other two would normally follow suite regardless of their own feelings about it.

Leer smiled as he nodded, “agreed” he said putting his map away, “tomorrow, we start for home.”

Aalya slowly rose followed by the others. She turned to the two rodians and made a bird call different than the other two. They looked to her and nodded as they turned to the bushes. They spoke softly to the two pack animals as they lured them from the bushes. While it is clear they are pack animals, their backs were bare of any load. It showed the nature of the group's mission and their current failure to gather food. Despite the new information that they found to map, the single goal was to find food. It was a goal that Leer was starting to fear he might not be able to achieve. So much was resting on them, and so many depended on them not to fail. Slowly the group continued their march through the mountains and over the ridge. With the raising sun before them, the pushed forward. Further from home, and deeper in to danger.

During lunch, Leer made the following Journal Entry:

Quote:'Sept. 24: We decided to push one more day further. How can we return empty handed while so many are starving. So many fields we found, left barren by the Jedi. So many sources of water are toxic because of them. We have to find food or everyone back home will suffer even more. There is so much suffering, it seems that that is all we are now. Last night, Aalya asked if we would ever see a galaxy with no Jedi. Kitalia prayed that the last one would die by her hand. Have we gone so far to become just like them? Has hate turned us to no better than they are? Still I look at Kitalia and all I see is her hate for those monsters. I am worried about her. I don't believe our newbs care much for her. They were arguing with her about how she had killed a Jedi soldier. Sometimes she does worry me. When we get home, I will talk to her and try to help her once more. I have to save her from her own hate. Has hate become our real enemy?'

After a long hard forced march the group reached a small city and started to search it. They had hoped to find much needed food and supplies for those back home. However, all they found was an abandoned ghost town. The buildings had to have been abandoned in a since of haste due to so many things left behind. However, it was clear that others had searched the area already. Nothing useful was left. Still they split up in to two groups of three and searched the dirty broken community that once thrived here. Their despair rose as they reunited empty handed. The only useful information they did uncover was a few more mine fields. With the sun hovering low in the distant horizon, they turned to search the eastern side of the town. As they crossed what seemed to be some kind of junkyard, they saw a large truck on its side. The front of the truck was burning and there were a number of areas that had been damaged by blasts that could only be from mines. The body half laying out the back told them that it was a Jedi Transport. They each took to a hiding spot where they could see the truck and react to a Jedi attack.

Leer was worried of an ambush but then something caught his eyes. Next to the body out of the back of the truck was a case of cans. The truck carried food and supplies for some Jedi Unit in the area. He smiled as realized their find. He gave a soft bird call and watched the two Rodians turn to look at him. He pointed to the three story red building behind them. There were a few windows that they could use to cover him and the others. He gave them a set of hand signals explaining his plan to them. They each nodded their understanding of the plan and started to move back from their hiding place. He watched them move for the building carefully making sure to cover them. Once they were inside, he turned to Aalya, who was already look to him. He gave her some hand gestures as well explaining what he wanted her to do. She nodded as she put her long rifle away and drew out a shotgun. Leer looked back to the building when he heard two soft bird calls. He saw the two barrels that belonged to the Rodians taking aim. He turned to Kitalia and Zeckle. They were both watching him now. He motioned for them to move up the side of the truck together. They slowly rose from their positions and took the lead as Aalya followed them. Leer got up and started to head for the lower section of the truck.

As the four started to reach the truck, Aalya broke off from Kitalia and Zeckle. She walked for the rear entrance of the truck's cargo area. With a flip of a switch, a long dagger flipped out from under the shotgun and fixed like a bayonet. Aalya poked the body in the back making sure he was dead before entering the cargo area. Leer nodded to the two humans and Aalya as he continued to walk down the underside of the tipped over truck. The damage was clearly done by mines. He paused and pulled out his goggles. He let out a bird call as he took a knee. He knew that only anti-vehicle mines could have done this kind of damage, so the risk to his team was minor. Still he was not going to take any chances. He put the goggles on and searched the area. The ground lit up with little red disk like devices just under the surface of the ground. He heard Kitalia report back with her own bird call. It confirmed what he was seeing. The dirt road was heavily mined with anti-vehicle mines. It made sense, the road led from the town to the mountains. He could see the anti personal mines further up the road and along either side of the road. The truck didn't get far in to the field before hitting one. He gave the caution call as he continued to move forward.

It was a large cargo truck with eight massive tires. While Leer had seen a large variety of Jedi vehicles and crafts, he had never seen such a large truck before. However the weapon points along the sides and heavy armor told him that it was a good thing. Taking down such a heavily armored truck would have been impossible for his little team. They had only one rocket between them and he wasn't sure it could have dealt enough damage to stop this massive truck let along flip it on its side. He reached the mid section of the truck and saw a burned body laying nearly ten meters away from the truck. The body laid about the ground like a man size rag doll tossed down by some angry child. Leer closed his eyes as his head hung low. Two months ago, he had found himself trapped in a brutal life or death hand to hand combat with a Jedi foot soldier. They both fought hard to survive the battle. Leer finally won by running his combat knife in to the side of his enemy. Before that battle, Leer was a lot like Kitalia. He was filled with the same level of hate and anger for the Jedi as she held on to. But in that moment of death, Leer looked in to the eyes of the man he had just killed. Just moments before, the Balosar had been trying to take Leer's own life. Now, Leer felt the man's last breath on his face. Leer set there with the body for what seemed like hours just looking in to the eyes of death. That day, Leer change and let go of his hate, he let go of his anger. In that moment of death and life, Leer changed. He began to look at the war in a totally new light and started to have a deeper understanding of the real cost it held over them. He wanted to find another way to end this war. He wanted to bring peace to his people even if the Jedi wouldn't allow it. Leer opened his eyes as he heard Kitalia's bird call sound out. 'She found a survivor!' he thought to himself as he moved towards the front of the truck with a renewed haste.

As he made his way around the front of the truck, he saw Kitalia aiming her weapon at what could only be the Jedi Commander of the truck. He saw Zeckle checking two other bodies and Aalya moving up from the rear of the truck. Leer smiled as he knew they owned the truck now. He relaxed his posture as walked up to the Jedi. He saw the Jedi's laser blade in two pieces just out of reach of their prisoner. “So lets see what we have here” he said with confidence. He knew that they could learn some valuable information from their new prisoner.

“Don't get your hopes up” Kitalia said coldly while she never lowered her aim on the Jedi.

He didn't understand her comment till Leer walked up and saw that the Jedi was clearly not just any Jedi. He knew his hopes of breaking the prisoner were over as the identity of the Jedi became clear. While they didn't know his name, they new his race. He was a Ne'Dor Jedi! Leer knew that there were many Ne'Dors within the Jedi. They were the noble elite of the murdering band. Normally they would just call the shots from their fortifications and let other races or slave warriors do the dying. While he knew that the Ne'Dor most likely wouldn't talk, he knew that there was some reason why he was out here. “Check the cab of the truck” he told Zeckle. Leer sighed knowing the struggle he was going to be facing while attempting to get anything from the Jedi. With rumors of the Ne'Dor's powers rocketing back from his memory, Leer approached with great caution. He took a knee in front of the Jedi and switched his language to a broken form of basic, “You, name Jedi” he asked. Leer could tell that the Jedi was in allot of pain. Its legs had been broken, with a few deep wounds along his midsection and legs. From the looks of it, the Jedi crawled from the front of the truck to where he was now. The Jedi was just just resting against the top of the truck.

The Jedi just shook its head, then Kitalia spoke up, “These monsters are trained not to talk. Might as well let me have some fun with it.” The tone in her voice was more than enough to explain what she meant by fun. It bothered Leer, allot.

Leer shook his head as Aalya walked up. He hated the way Kitalia didn't see them for what they were. Living breathing, caring beings. 'The cycle of hate has to stop' he thought as he turned to Kitalia. “Lets try first” he said softly to her in their language. He then turned back to the Jedi while pulling out his canteen. He did everything in his power to soften his voice as he tried to remember the word he wanted to say in basic. “Water” he said unsure if it was the right word expressing what he desired to say. Leer took a sip of his own water to show that it was not poisoned.

The Jedi nodded as he reached up and took the water. None of them had seen a Ne'Dor before but all had heard so many stories about them. The rumors told of how Ne'Dors were so dangerous and capable of such horrors. Leer knew in his heart that they had to be like him. That some had to have felt that it was a time to end the hate, end the killing and end the war. He trusted his heart as he let the canteen go. He watched the Jedi lift up its breath mask and take in some water. Leer could hear the pain of the Jedi as he drunk the water. Leer felt petty for the wounded enemy and turned his eyes away from him while he drank the water. As he looked away he saw something glowing from the Jedi's weapon. It was a bluish stone pulsating as it slowly moved from the weapon on its own. Leer couldn't help but watch it. He had never seen anything like it before. The stone seemed to flash as if it was alive. Aalya took her eyes off the Jedi as the stone slowly lifted up off the ground. “Its beautiful” she said softly as it hovered just off the ground.

What they never saw was the eyes of the Jedi, hidden behind its goggles. He also was watching the stone for other reasons. He was using the last of his will to preform the simple trick and pushing his own life force in to the Force Crystal to cause it to pulsate. He needed a distraction long enough to get his hands on the weapon just out of his reach. These pathetic rebel slaves could never be allowed to claim a Ne'Dor prisoner of war. He cursed his foolishness that allowed his lightsaber to be sundered and taken from him. He would not make the same mistake again. He inched his hand closer to the weapon of the Togruta in front of him. He watched the crystal hover and dance as the two humans were now watching it also. He had it dancing for them while he caused it to flash. From their reaction, he could tell that none of them had ever encountered a true Jedi Master before. It would be the last mistake that they ever made. He was about to make them all pay for their arrogance with their lives. The weapon was just in his reach as his will was starting to fade. The distraction had done its job. The Jedi flung its hand to the weapon and grabbed it.

Leer felt the Jedi pull on his weapon. Leer anything but stupid, he knew the stories of Jedi Masters and was not about to fight and loss that battle. He dove to the side giving Kitalia a clear and clean shot on the Jedi. Even the Jedi was surprised to see how fast the young teen reacted to the change in the situation. Kitalia's heavy assault rifle took aim and reported so loudly that it rung in everyone's ears. The sound of metal impacting metal echoed just after her rifle fired. The Jedi through up its hands just fast enough to cause Kitalia to hold her next shot. The Jedi could see the Force surging through her. 'she is Force Sensitive' he thought to himself as he made sure not to allow her another reason to fire again. His eyes glanced at the hole next to his head. It was large enough for his thumb to easily pass through. He was not sure if she missed or hit where she was aiming at. He was not about to test his luck or the Force once more.

Leer saw Zeckle and Aalya take aim at the Jedi as well now. He might not like Kitalia's view of the war or the Jedi. But he knew he could always trust her to have his back. He nodded to her as she aimed at the Jedi's head. “He's yours. Make him talk” he said coldly in their language while he recovered his weapon and canteen.

Kitalia nodded as she lowered her rifle. “Hold him please” she said as she slung her weapon and walked forward. Leer held the Jedi tightly. Kitalia pulled out a modified grapple launcher as she approached the Jedi. Leer knew what was coming but he needed this Jedi to talk. She grabbed the Jedi's left hand and stretched it out while forcing it up to the roof of the truck. She drove the launcher in to his palm and pulled the trigger. A loud discharge of air made a loud roaring sound off the truck as the metal spike ripped through his hand and in to the truck. His hand was effectively locked to that place on the truck as his blood started to drip from the fresh wound. The Jedi let out a loud cry of pain. She nodded to Leer as she took the right hand and repeated what she did with the left hand. “When I am done with him, he will tell you all that he knows. Then, I will let him die!”

Leer got up and walked away. “I don't care, just find out why he is out here.” he lied, he did care. The echoes of the cries of pain filled his memory already. He hated the idea of this but he didn't know of a better way to achieve what he needed to do. The Jedi was too dangerous to take back home with them. They didn't have time to wait the Jedi out. He was limited in his options and hated it. He motioned Aalya over to him as he walked away. The Jedi screamed out louder as Kitalia started to do her thing. Leer shook it off as he turned to her Aalya. “What did you find?”

“The back is filled with all kinds of food and supplies. Enough to feed everyone back home for at least a month maybe even two. You did it. We completed our mission” she explained as she patted him on the back.

He felt horrible as the sounds of the Jedi screaming seemed to be all that he could hear. He surely didn't feel proud of completing anything. He tried to shake it off, “Get the kids and load up the pack animals. I want to get out of here as soon as possible. Stay near the rear of the truck and away from the mine field at the front.” She nodded then spun and walked away sharply. He heard her call for the Rodians as the Jedi screamed some more. He turned to see Kitalia using that special energy gift she has. Her hands glowed blue as she shocked the Ne'Dor's head. He screamed out in pain as her energy leaped over his head while smoke slowly rose up from his head. He waved Zeckle over and waited for the human to approach. Leer watched with a pathetic look on his face. He wanted to stop what was going on but couldn't. Part of his heart demanded that he do something to stop what was happening.

“I think this is what they were doing. Look at what I found” Zeckle said showing a map in a plastic cover. “See this must be some new unit near the lake to the north of here” he explained pointing to a point on the map.

Leer smiled as he looked at the map, “Kit, stop!” he ordered as he examined the map. He had his excuse to stop Kitalia. It wasn't all that he was sure the Jedi was hiding but it was enough to stop what was going on.

“Sir?” Kitalia said confused.

Leer walked up to the Jedi and dropped to a knee once more, “talk don't? Don't need it” he explained in broken Basic while waving the map and packet. The Jedi looked down as if a sense of surrender. Leer then changed back to their own language, “The stupid bastard.” he smacked the Jedi on the head with the map and packet. “They were on the wrong road!” He said with a smile “They were lost!” He could spare the Jedi life without looking like he had grown soft. Hopefully, he could show Kitalia that torture was no longer needed. The map alone was worth it all. He got up and turned to Kitalia, “Leave him for his own to find or not. He will live or die not by our hands” he ordered.

She nodded, “Yes Sir.” The disappoint was high, she wanted the Jedi to die. She wanted to be the one to kill him. She wanted all of them to die. She watched Leer walk away as her smile grew. She could easily kill the Jedi and Leer could not stop her. The thought crossed her mind as she gripped her knife. She held it ready to ram it in to the Jedi. But something came over her. She hated the Jedi but Leer was like a brother to her. She shook her head and changed her mind. At least she could make his life a bit more miserable. She turned her head back to the Jedi who was now watching her. Kitalia pushed her finger in to one of his wounds and soak it in his blood. He groaned in pain as she looked in to his eyes. She reached over his hand and wrote 'Let all Jedi DIE alone and broken like this one.' After she was done writing her little message, she leaned back and removed the cover over her face. Taking a deep breath she removed her breath mask exposing her face. Her nose had been forcible and cruelly removed with some kind of dull bladed weapon. The scared marks indicated that a saw of some kind had been used to slowly cut her nose off. “See me” she said in broken basic while she drew out her combat knife once more, “see you! I now!” She started to pry off the breath mask of the Ne'Dor with her knife. He started to cough as his breath mask was removed. She nodded as she continued to remove his goggles as well. “Suffer! You suffer like others” she said in broken basic. She slowly stood up as she replaced her own breath mask, but not before spitting on the Jedi.

Holding his goggles and breath mask in her hand she turned and walked away. She could have never known that she was condemning the Ne'Dor to a slow painful death. She only figured that he would suffer from the smog filled atmosphere that his kind caused. Killing the Jedi was not her intention, she trusted and respected Leer too much to betray his wishes like that. Her lack of knowing about the Ne'Dor didn't save her from the path she was already on. In her heart, her lack of respect for the life form she was causing to suffer cause it to darken just a bit more. It was a result of her hate and anger that she still held on to. It was just one more form of attachment that came with dark results. She saw Leer standing by the rear of the Truck watching the kids loading up the pack animals. He looked at her with an expression on his face. She rose her hands, “I promise, I left him alive. Suffering just like they make us suffer but still alive.”

Leer nodded, “Fine. Hopefully they got a distress call out before we showed up. Take Zeckle gather up all the weapons and other equipment. Go to the woods over there and bury them. We will come back for them later. For now, I want to get as much food back home as possible” he ordered. He watched her turn and walk away. “Oh, also, lets lighten the packs. Anything we can live without bury them as well. I mean to pick this truck clean in two hours.” She nodded then continued to follow the order.

Stripping the truck took over two hours, but in the end all that was left was just the truck. What they couldn't take with them was buried in six different locations. Each burial site was nearly five feet deep. The team knew that they had little time to get this job done, so they worked hard and fast. Sometimes they all worked on digging other times they switched out. When they were done, not one of the burial sites could be identified for what it really was. On Leer's map, he made sure to map out each with great care and precision. They were covered in dirt and sweat as they gathered around the Jedi one last time. The light of the day had barely dipped behind the mountains. Leer looked down at the creature before him. The other bodies had been picked clean of anything usable. However the Jedi was left just as he was found, fully clothed. For them, wearing the robes of a Jedi was very bad luck. Kitalia stepped forward and lifted her boot up and slammed it down on the bluish crystal. It shattered under the impact, “no tricks” she said in broken basic, “die for you!”

Leer shook his head in disgust for her comment. The Jedi must of misunderstood Leer's action as he lunged as far as his pinned hands would allow. He screamed at Leer in his alien language. It seemed hateful and full of resentment. “Lets leave him for his own to find” Leer said to his team and turned and walked away. The team followed Leer with the pack animals fully loaded. Not one of them looked back at the screaming Jedi. The truck vanished from their site and soon the alien cries for help would become lost on the wind. They moved back west back in to the woods and the safety of the mountains. With the setting sun behind them and the full moon before them, the small team of teens made a good pace away from the small town and the prisoner they left behind. They walked for another three hours till they were sure that they could not be followed or surprised when they made camp.

It had been a long day and everyone was eager to rest. Leer wanted to push deeper in to the night but he knew his team needed the rest. He smiled to his team as they built a small camp fire and set up their bed rolls. Normally they would be using tents but because they needed to make room for the food, for the next three days, they will be sleeping under the stars. He was proud of what they had managed to do. Earlier, he had held up a can of baked beans and decreed that “Tonight, we shall eat like Kings and Queens!” The spirits of his team were well soundly lifted as each wore smiles and filled the camp with laughter. It was only a can of baked beans between six of them. But for the past three days, they have been eating only what they could find. Mostly roots and small berries. It was only a can of baked beans, however tonight, it would be a feast among them. He looked to his journal once more as he wrote his last entry,

Quote:'today started out as a bleak day. We found a Jedi transport filled with food. It is more than enough to keep those back home alive through the winter. More importantly, Kitalia had a chance to kill a Jedi. I gave her an order to let him live. She had a chance to kill him while my back was turned, she didn't. I know she is still holding on to the hate that burns in side her. But I really think that its not too late for her. I know that I can save her from the fire which rages in her heart. I have to save her. If not me, who would? Yes, today was a very good day for us all.'

The Zeckle called out that the feast was ready. Leer smiled as he put his journal in his pack with all his maps and got up. He let the others get their food first while he waited. He noticed that Kitalia was sitting a lone at the edge of the camp. Leer pulled his cup out when it was his turn and grabbed a second cup full. He thanked Zeckle for cooking the feast and then turned to join Kitalia. He walked up behind her, “Mind if I join you Kit?”

She nodded, “Sure, boss”

“Here I got you some” he said offering the small cup of steaming beans for her to take. She didn't. “Listen, you are going to need your strength if you are going to make it back home” he explained. He took a bite of his own, “And hell, your boy Zeckle can really cook. He tossed some Elcia Root in with them. The flavors are really good together” he pushed the cup on her once more. She reluctantly took it this time. “I really think that Zeckle might be on to something with this latest creation” he said than paused as he realized her mind was else where. “Thinking about that Jedi?”

She nodded, “Their all scum. You should have let me kill him” she said taking a bite from the beans. She didn't want to admit it in this conversation, but they were good. “They all deserve to die. Slowly and painfully. Nothing good has ever come from them” she explained. Leer knew enough of her history to understand where the hate comes from. Her world had been betrayed by the Jedi. Her people had been enslaved for profit and her world's riches looted.

Leer nodded, “they are all scum. But I am starting to think that fighting and killing is not the answer. Listen, you looked in to his eyes. You saw his soul. Don't let your hate cloud what you saw. He was a living being just like you are. He has a soul just like you do. A soul that can be saved” he tried to explain softly as he guided her face so he could see her eyes. “His soul can be saved, just like yours can.” Leer was not as wise as others back home but he knew that she would listen to him much better than anyone else. He had to reach her.

A tear dripped down from her eye as she listened, “I don't know if I can be saved any more. I keep wanting to do better but I feel this tugging on me. Bidding me to do these horrible things. Leer, am I too broken to be fixed?” she asked as more tears flowed from her eyes.

Leer shook his head as he pulled her in to his arms, “the Lord can fix anything, even you. You just have to trust in Him and free your heart from all this hate.” He felt her arms rap around him tightly. He actually felt for the first time that she could be saved from her own hate. He let her bury hear face in his neck while he held her. With the fire burning and crackling behind him, he held her tightly as he assured himself, 'we will fix you, I promise.'

***Akirapryde*** · 06-15-2013, 07:12 PM,

Alone to face herself
Frozen Forests of Darven Province
Socialist People's Republic of Fra
Mid Rim World of Fra
September 24th, 1936

Now that emotions have over run Angel's ability to control them, her tears washed down her face as she ran through the night. The sounds of the thick snow crushing under her feet was her only assurance that she was still moving forward. Her eyes and vision clouded by the pain of her heart. She didn't care where she was going, she just wanted to get away. Angel had felt love before, and the sense of loss. She knew about its dangers of attachments and understood what could happen. Ever since she was a little girl, she only had two dreams. Be a Jedi, and be a mother along side a man she loved. She even had the order worked out. She would focus on being a Jedi till the time was right and then marry the man she loved and give him a child. Now, she was asked to choose between her only two dreams and the sense of unfairness seemed so overwhelming to her. 'How can I choose' she thought as she tried to put her shattered heart and divided mind back together.

She ran as hard as she could with her eyes half closed and her mind racing. Without warning, she stumbled over something causing her to loss her balance. With her mind so clouded and distracted she couldn't call upon the force to prevent the fall. Maybe deep within her heart she secretly welcomed the fall after everything that has happened already. With a crunchy thud, she landed face first in to the deep snow. Her body started to shiver as the cold snow came in contact with her flesh. She pushed herself up from the snow and looked around. In the moonlight, she was able to see tall wooden structures with small items tied to them. She slowly got up as she looked more closely at the structures. She could feel the force moving through the area. She knew that she was in a area that the lightside was focused on. She saw on top of the structures, she could see bodies in their final resting place. She started to back up a bit not wishing to disturb the site. She let out a heavy sigh as she found a spot that over looked the site. She carefully lowered herself back to the snow, “Why Visst. Why make me choose. Have I not been loyal and followed your wisdom before. Why make me choose between these two things” she said softly as attempted to center herself.

Angel didn't know what she should do anymore. On one hand, she was Jedi. It was something that she worked so hard for. She undergone so many challenges to be where she was at this point. The hardest was turning on Daz and letting him continue down the path of darkness alone. On the other hand, she was Azgardian. It was her birthright to have a husband and children. Never before had any other Azgardian Jedi been forced to make such a choose. 'So why do I?' she thought as she attempted to work things out in her mind. She just sat there for a while as her mind and heart battle each other. The thought of secretly dating Birgr passed through her mind, she remember that her own master's relationship had not been completely open. It was an idea, but she respected Visst too much to betray him like that. It was simply dishonorable to be so deceitful. Looking over at a small pile of snow, she thrust her fist in to it hoping to relieve the frustration she was holding back on. What should have been a soft release of tense turned painful in that moment. She let out a loud, “Ouch!” as she pulled her bloody hand back. She used her other hand to uncover the large rock that had been hidden by the snow. “Figures!” she cursed as she tended to her hand.

“That must have hurt” the voice nearly caused her to leap from her very skin. “You should always be careful of what lays just below the surface of the snow. Sometimes its just harmless, other times it can be very painful” the male voice said calmly. She turned to see a elderly man dressed in animal skins and walked with a wooden cane. Realizing he must have startled her, he continued, “Do not fear young one, I am Saifa. These are lands of my people. I tend to them” he said with respect motioning to the wooden structures.

Caught by surprise, Angel thought for an moment that she might be trespassing. “I am Angel. I hope I am not trespassing by being here” she said softly with a smile while trying to hide her confusion and the raging emotions just under the surface of her mind.

He walked up to her with a smile across his very bearded and hairy face. “I knew when your space craft landed, that you were here. You are welcomed by my people. You are not trespassing” he explained softly.

For a moment, Angel thought that maybe he was a rebel. She soon dismissed this thought as he simply doesn't meet anything she would suspect a rebel would be. She also noticed that he carried no visible weapons. It seemed to set her at ease a bit. “How long have you and your people been here?” she asked him. It was very hard to think of what she wanted to say since her mind was distracted.

He motioned to join her and waited for her to nod her approval. Once she nodded, he took a seat next to her, “We have been here for as long as I can remember.” he motioned to her hand, “Do you mind?” he asked and started to look at her hand, “Ah, you managed to break it.” The pain across her face seemed to prove this fact. He pulled out a clothe and started to wrap her hand.

Angel held out her broken hand as he started to wrap it. “Thank you, so much for your kindness” she said. She thought for a moment what she wanted to say. “That sounds like an long time” was the best she could come up with.

“I am sure it is” he said with a smile. “However what is time compared to the universe” he questioned, “I waited for the love of my life till she was very old and on her death bed. I remember that night like it was yesterday” he explained. Then motioned to one of the structures, “That is her over there” he said. “It was the most happiest night of my life. I wouldn't have traded it for anything else.”

Angel looked at the structures and saw a whole bunch of them. The one that he motioned for had flowers all over it. It was clearly cared for with great love and devotion. “I know that feeling” she said with the sadness she felt in her heart.

Looking up for her hand he nodded, “you are in great pain over something close to your heart? Why not share it. When we let pain out in voice, we manage to lessen the suffering of our heart.”

Angel thinks it over for a moment. She remembers the last time she volunteer to much information. It was the first time she meet Visst. Echoes of the past fill her memory, 'We are hunters!' She shook her head as hindsight made her seem to much more foolish than she had realized at the time. She knew she had to be careful in what she said this time. “Lets just say I have to make an choice between a man I love and being who I am” she tried to explain without giving out too much.

“Ah, I see” he said nodding while still working on her hand. “The choice between love and self” he said softly. She winced in pain, “Oh I am sorry too tight” he said then continued, “As I said, I know the pain you have now. But you must not let the pain of the moment poison the hope of tomorrow. You do not know what tomorrow brings. Maybe tomorrow the choices will change and you can have the man you love. Maybe not, but you don't know. But you must be careful of wasting your life away dreaming of something that may or may not come.” He smiled as he looked up to her eyes, “you are a young and lovely woman. You have the same kind of eyes as my beloved. So filled with desire of adventure. If we waste our lives waiting for what may or may not happen, just like in this case, you will forsake the man you love without knowing it.”

Angel ponders the words he said as she watched him bandage her hand “Which would be the right choose to make? I don't want to forsake the man I love” she asked softy.

“Why do you have to choose between forsaking the man you love and who you are” he asked her calmly.

She looked down, “Its um complicated. But the bottom line is that I am not suppose to have emotions or attachments. I love him with all my heart but I am um, well lets say my career is also very important to me.”

He smiled as he looked up at her once more. There was something in his eyes as he spoke, “To love someone doesn't mean you have to become attached to them. I sense this is what you are fearing. Am I correct?” She nodded then he continued, “Emotions like love are so very powerful. I can see where your situation can become rather tricky. I think you might be miss understanding what is going on.”

She tilted her head to the side, “What are you talking about? I know what is going on. I have to choose between the man I love and being...um...My career.”

He shook his head, “no you don't understand. Hear me out. Emotions are natural for us all. We love, we built friendships, we feel sadness, we have anger, we sense fear, we even hate. All emotions are part of who we are. You can not master the conquest of emotions. They are not something that is meant to be overcome. We must not become driven by our emotions, little one, we must learn to face our emotions. Like in this case, you must learn to face your love and not be driven by it. Only by facing them, you will learn to deal with them. Once you learn to deal with it, then, Love and other emotions will not be able to take away your peace” he said then smiled through his beard, “or in this case, cause you to break your hand. Have love child, do not deny this from yourself. But do not become overwhelmed and driven by it or any other emotions. Learn to control and deal with them. Do you understand” he asked as he returned to her hand.

Angel eyes went wide. What she was hearing was something right out of many of the Jedi books she had read regarding emotions. Well kind of, there was something different about it. She nodded, “I understand this, but this does not change my situation. I can not have attachments. How can one have love and other emotions without becoming attached? What wisdom do you have for this” she asked.

He nodded to her, “I have many wisdom to share. It is why you came here. To seek out the wisdom that I have to offer. It is the reason why I am here. To give you this wisdom that you seek.” his comments sounded more like riddles than any great wisdom. He continued, “In our lives, we must learn to master our attachments and learn just like emotions not to become driven by them. I take it that your career, as you say, requires loyalty above all things. Am I corrected?”

She nodded, “To a sense, but I think I see where you are going.”

He nodded as he finished up the last bandage on her hand, “Love does not have to come with attachments. We put that in to the relationship. But it does not have to be like that” he explained then motioned to one of the wooden structures, “I loved her. For so long I loved her yet we never formed our bounds till she was on her death bed. I have loved many women in my life. Only on her death bed did we allow those bounds to grow and blossom. Did she love me before that. Yes, she did. Did I love her? With all my heart. Yet, to ensure that we were not distracted we did not allow the bounds to entangle us. Attachments can become a distraction. Throughout our lives we form attachments rather we desire them or not. We build friendships, loyalties to governments and allies, and to our families. These are some of the most basic forms of attachments.”

As he continued to speak of attachments, she started to follow what he was saying. There was truth in what he said. Angel could see where Visst was coming from and why he made his choice. Visst didn't ask her to not love Birgr, he asked her to not become attached to him. She remembered one of the more loosely followed rules of the Order regarding attachments. Jedi were forbidden from taking a political appointment or to accept gifts. They were taught that their loyalty was to be to the Jedi Order, and to nothing else. She remembered how she and Daz had violated their loyalties to the Order because of Daz's choices. She was starting to understand what Visst was talking about. She also thought about Visst's own attachment to Daz through friendship, how many times had Visst allowed that attachment to govern Visst's own actions. She nodded as the man paused, “I think I understand now.” She paused gathering her thoughts, “its all about self-discipline and facing my emotion.” Then is snapped in her mind, “Oh my god!” she said as she realized why she had shown Visst a reason to suspect her lack of control and self-discipline. “When my sister asked me who I was first, um, I choose my family over my career.” She looked down as a tear fell, “its not fair. Why can't I be both.”

He looked at her taking a moment away from her wounded hand, “IF I am understanding this right. I would guess that the reason why you can't be both is sometimes a situation will come where the ideals of each will be at odds with each other.”

If she thought her emotional roller coasters was over, she was sadly mistaken. She could feel the dip as her heart rocketed down once more, “Oh, trust me, you don't know the half of that. What if I choose my career and they, my family, turns on me. I want to be part of my family. They will turn on me.”

“No child, they won't” he said as he returned to inspect his work. “Listen, I know something about family bonds. And I can see the love you hold in your family. But it would seen to me that being in your career is something that means a great deal to you. They will always be part of your family. No matter what happens, family will always be there.”

Angel wiped her eyes as it dawned on her. The love she held for her sister was so strong and so deep. Her desire to uphold honor among her own people was also strong. These as well as, her desire to be both Azgardian Warrior and Jedi had led her right in to another form of attachment. She nodded as she thought as she thought about all of her little attachments. Part of her just wanted to get up and walk away. Another part wanted to deny what she was learning. Based on what Visst had told her before, she had already planned to leave the Order once Visst no longer needed her. Her passion for Birgr burned inside her and she felt that if she served Visst long enough to rebuild the Order, she could leave with a clear conscious. So choosing a side now meant causing her little plan problems. However in her heart she could clearly see how these attachments were driving her actions now. 'How can I prove to Visst I can handle an emotionally charged love with Birgr when I am driven by my attachments now' she thought to herself. She nodded, “Talking about one hard pill to sallow.”

He looked up from the bandaged hand, “Sometimes, learning to let go of attachments are the hardest thing we can ever learn” he said. “There you go” he said showing her, her hand “all better now. I would suggest having someone check the bandages at least once a week. Give it a few weeks and you will be all heal up.”

She looked at her hand without even thinking about it. It was clear to her all of the attachments that Jedi before fell in to. It wasn't just her, it was all Jedi. If the Order is to have any hope of overcoming the mistakes of the past, they have to learn to let go of all attachments. For her, she can no longer try to be both Azgardian Warrior and Jedi. She must choose one or the other. No more trying to be both. She would have to speak with Visst as well. She would have to tell him that he was right. Then it dawned on her, she would have to speak to Talon. 'I was wrong sister. I am Azgardian by birth. But I am and will always be Jedi, by choice' she thought of the conversation which she will have with Talon. With her choice made, she nodded “Thank you, Saifa” she said as she stood up.

He smiled and nodded as he also stood up next to her “you are welcome child.”

Angel turned and started to walk back but realized that she was lost in the frozen woods, 'duh!' She laughed, “Um how do I get back to my um...”

“Ship?” he finished her statement as she continued to laugh. He pointed “That way child.”

Angel turned and started to walk back to the camp site. Her mind filled with so much of what she had learned. She found herself thinking of the choices that she will have to make in the very near future. So many attachments, so much to face. As the burial site vanished behind the trees as she walked, she found herself wondering of what other attachments she might have over looked. There were changes coming ahead of her, and ahead of the Jedi. She knew in her heart that they were the right choices to make. She only worried if she had the courage and strength to follow through with them. There were so many things she had to think about on her way back to the camp site. She would love Birgr but her heart and mind must be focused on who she was. Attachments had to come to an end if the Jedi had any hope for the future. She truly felt for the first time that there was hope for the future after all.

As he watched her smiled and waved at her. She walked in to the forest and he lowered his hand and turned to walk back towards the burial structures. A wolf howled in the distance as the clouds moved from in front of the moon. The area once more became illuminated in the pale light of the moon. The trees rustled as a northern wind blew as he lifted his hood up over his head. The wind blew causing the upper layer of snow to kick up around him and follow the wind. The wolf howled once more as the wind continued to blow. The snow slowly became mixed with small bits of blueish gas like vapor that seemed to flow from him on the wind. He smiled and lifted his head to the moon as the wind continued to blow against his back. The fur of his clothing started to shift as the wind took hold of it and more of that blueish gas like vapor flowed off of him and on to the wind. More and more blue mixed with the snow as he walked through the wooden structures. Within moments all that remained was the turning snow on the wind and the howling of the wolf in the distance. The wind died down finally letting the snow settle back down once more. All that remained was old wooden structures of a long lost culture which died out on Fra centuries ago. Off in the distance a lone wolf continues to howl at the moon as it slips once more behind the clouds.

***Akirapryde*** · 06-16-2013, 08:28 AM,

(5.15) The Sabbat
Capital City, Stephinopulous
Democratic Republic of Fra
Mid Rim World of Fra
September 24th, 1936

The Spaceport of Fra had become one of the busiest locations on Fra over the past three days. Ever since the Battle of Stepinopulous was won thanks to the involvement of the Reich, a massive amount of attention had been directed at Fra. The Reich promised increased trade with worlds in the same region and they were able to deliver on that promise. Already, Reich warships were arriving sending even the most brave pirate Captain fleeing the region. This opened up the region to a new found freedom to expand trade routes without fear of pirates. What many didn't suspect, all this new found trade was playing in to the Reich's larger plot for the region. However, today, a transport was bringing a new visitor to the world of Fra. A Reich civilian transport just fired its landing thrusters for the finally time as the weight of the ship settled on to its landing struts. Within seconds a landing gangway lowered and passengers started to depart the ship. Many of them were hired by the Reich military to help build more modern facilities to support larger ships. However, one passenger was not a normally scheduled passenger. He stood atop of the gangway looking out over the surrounding world.

The air here was much cooler and had more moisture than he was used too. He held his hand over his eyes to shield them as he walked down the gang way of the ship a bit. He paused once more allowing other passengers to move past him. He could see the Reich soldiers across the spaceport. 'The rumors were true' he thought disappointedly. He had hoped that the rumors of what was going on here had been over exaggerated. The fact that there were Reich military in charge would not hinder his mission greatly, but he really didn't want to be so overt in his presences. He didn't show any outward sign of the change in his thought on the situation. 'This shall complicate things' he added to his previous thought. With a nod, he lowered his hand and continued down the gangway. He followed the other passengers towards what appeared to be some kind of check point that had been set up by Reich Soldiers. He knew what was coming as he reached in to his pocket and instead of grabbing the falsified documents, he pulled his actually ones. The mission here was too important to be fumbled just as it was about to begin. He got in line behind a group of workers and waited his turn.

He noticed the three members of the Reich Psi-Police pacing along the check points. He didn't know them personally but he knew their abilities and understood how they worked. 'This shall play in to my plan. Maybe I can turn it to my favor' his thought crossed his mind as he moved closer to the front of the line. With his focus on the Force steady, he cloaked himself from the Force and blocked out the deeper parts of his mind. It was a common defense for dealing with Psi-Police and part of his over all plan to ensure that his mission here would be caring out without threat. Clearing his mind of any thought that might cause them to probe him deeper he moved up one more place towards the front. He had dealt with the Psi-Police before and knew all of their tricks. Cause fear within a suspect and that suspect would make a mistake. Fear was their most useful weapon in finding threats to the Empire. Without fear their were completely worthless and forced to employ lesser useful tricks. He was a master of emotions and could turn his emotions on and off at will, mask them and even display emotions that had nothing to do with his own feelings. He walked up to the check point and lowered the hood on his cloak. “Papers please” the young soldier said. It didn't matter how polite the soldier was, the submachine gun under his arm and the two machine gun towers aimed at them told a different story.

“Yes, of course” he replied with a heavy core world accent. He handed his papers and Reich identification over with black gloved hand. The soldier noted the accent and paid close attention to the papers. The behavior of the soldier told him that the Council of Free Worlds were conducting operations here. 'bubbling fools' he thought of the Council and their misguided attempts to usurp the Reich. It was not that he was against their goals. He knew that if one wanted to truly oppose the Reich, they had to go all in. The Council has never gone all in against the Reich and so they loss each time.

The soldier carefully handed the documents with unsteady hands, “Might I ask why you are here on Fra, Count Paqurn.” The clear change in the man's voice and behavior was noted by Count Paqurn and also the Psi-Police. The soldier couldn't see one of the Psi-Police walking up behind him.

“But of course you may ask anything to further your duties, Oberschütze” Count Paqurn said addressing the young soldier by rank while looking him in the eyes. Count Paqurn knew the importance of treating people with respect regardless of their station within the Reich and how to use this as a means to ensure smooth conversations. “The Royal Court has invited my family to invest on this God forsaken world. Just maybe we can bring economic fortune and proper social behavior to these lowly people.” It was a lie but they had no chance of detecting it or proving it was not true. The Royal Court was many things, forth coming with information was not one of them. “I hear this unit is under the command of Field Marshal Erich Von Kessler. Please inform him that a member of the Royal Court has paid his command a visit. In the mean time, I have arranged my on logging” he explained.

The soldier turned to the side as the Psi-Police officer walked up, “did I over hear correctly that you are Count Paqurn?” Count Paqurn nodded, “Field Marshal Kessler has been replaced by Field Marshal Bausch just yesterday.” The Psi officer moved in closer to try to unsettle Count Paqurn. The move was fruitless. “It is strange that you would have come so far from the Royal Courts of Vandor to this little world” he said with a hint of accusation in his voice that didn't go unnoticed by Count Paqurn. Once more it was another attempt to raise the fear level. Once more it was a fruitless effort. Motioning to a large tent, “I would like to have a moment to speak with you. In private Count.”

Count Paqurn could feel the Psi Officer probing his thoughts and pushing against the layers of fog the Count had created in his own mind. The Count smiled as the thought crossed his mind, 'the game of chess has begun.' The Count knew that at the time his thoughts were safe, “you did hear correctly” he said looking at the man's rank “Captain.” Count Paqurn received the documents from the soldier and placed them in his breast pocket. Still the Count knew how to control the situation and knew how to turn the Psi Officer's attempts against him. “Yes we may speak privately” he glanced over his should and saw a steward carrying his one piece of luggage. “My ground transport should be waiting over there” he said looking at the parking area and saw his transport. “Ah there it is. Get my bag and follow along Captain.” It was rude and insulting to treat the Officer like that in front of the soldiers. However it was exactly how a member of the royal court is expected to act and he was Psi-Police and they were army. Count Paqurn started to walk past the check and towards a parking area.

The Captain looked disgusted at the demand and the Count only smiled as he walked away knowing that the other soldiers were watching him. The soldiers around the Captain shrugged their shoulders as the steward walked up with the suitcase. He held it out for the Captain to take as the Captain looked between the Count and the steward. With a disgraced look on his face the Captain snapped it up, “Royal SOB. The is why I joined the Psi-Police was to put people like that back in their place” he snubbed to the soldiers with the suitcase in tow. The soldiers really didn't have a position in the conversation and preferred to remain out of it. The soldiers knew all too well how the nobility classes acted and behaved. Snobbish and arrogant, just like this guy. They also knew that Psi-Police were just as snobbish and arrogant. They returned to their duties as the captain walked away.

Count Paqurn walked up to a waiting black ground vehicle with heavily tinted windows. The driver, a female woman, dress in a black and white drivers uniform held the back door open for him. Her appearance was well timed and her demeanor showed her skill at her task. Count Paqurn saw the fake emotions on her face and could easily read what she wanted others to see. “Count Paqurn! Just wait one minute now!” the Captain called out from behind. The other two Psi-Police were coming up to join in the situation.

The three were now trying to unify their efforts to dig deeper in to his mind. He carefully allowed them to reach parts of his mind that would give them nothing to work off of. It was a delaying attempt and it was working. The three of them had little real hope of breaking his mental barriers, after all, he was a master of his emotions and thoughts. “Good Captain, you asked to speak with me in private. What more private a place than my car.” He smiled as the probes pushed harder against his mental illusions. The Captain tossed the suitcase down, “put the bag in the trunk" Count Paqurn softly commanded the driver.

She nodded and moved for the bag without saying a word while the Captain spoke. “I am not your steward! You WILL submit to our questionings” he said taking a harsher tone while holding up his fist.

The Count nodded with a pleasant look on his face and watched the anger in the Captain raise, “dear Captain. You and your man have treated me with such hospitality. Your kindness and helping me with my bag. I shall make sure I shall mention this to the Emperor the next time I find myself in his company” Once more, it was a lie that they had no hope of detecting. Count Paqurn had no intention of informing the Emperor of his trip to Fra. However, that was for other reasons than this slight exchange of personalities. His mission here had nothing to do with the Reich or the Emperor. He allowed the thoughts of his mind to deflect their probes once more.

All three changed their stances on that note as the Captain stuttered, “the Emperor is coming here?” The tone of terror was clear in the man voice.

By mastering your own emotions, it becomes so much easier to manipulate the emotions of others. Mastering emotions is the first stage in controlling a situation. Once you have the ability to control it, you can ensure that violence will never come to be. In this case, the idea of the Emperor coming here was enough to break their focus and stop their probes. “Of course not. The Emperor would never soil his feet on such a lowly world. This was why I am here.” He stepped forward with his final bluff, “now you asked to speak with me. If you still feel this is necessary, get in. I shall gladly answer any and all of your questions.” he said while motioning for the open door. “Or other wise stop wasting my time, Captain. I have much to achieve with very little time.” The look in Count Paqurn's eyes told the determination of his actions. What they didn't know was their combined probing of his mind had weakened his blocks. If he didn't stop them, they would be able to read his thoughts.

The Captain backed up a bit after realizing just who they were dealing with. “Um no Sir. That will not be necessary. Please forgive the delay Sir.”

The gamble paid off as the Count nodded, “So be it” he said stepping forward. The other two officers backed up while the Captain attempted to stand his ground in an unsteady stance. Count Paqurn reached in to his pocket and pulled out a small paper. “Here is where I am staying. Inform your commanders that I am here and I will expect them to visit me. We have much to discuses before my visit is over.” He handed the paper over and turned to walk towards the car. “Considering how much of my time you have already wasted, tell them I shall receive them for breakfast tomorrow morning. Not before! You may explain to them why they must wait, Captain.” He said slipping in to the car. The driver closed the door behind him then walked to the driver's door and got in.

Count Paqurn looked through the heavily tinted window to see that the three Psi-Officers were looking worried over the command given to them. He watched them vanish as the vehicle pulled away. He slumped in to his seat as he brought both hands up to his temples and rubbed them. The Reich soldiers had already started to work on smoothing out the road as part of a Reich modernization to the spaceport. “That was close Master” the Driver said softly as she drove the car.

“Before the Psi-Police were created this was so much easier. These Psi-Police are becoming more and more intrusive.” he explained as he attempted to relieve the pain in his mind. His voice was flat and devoid of emotion nor did his face give any hint that he felt any. “Yes it was, my young apprentice” He said softly as he removed his gloves and cloak.

“Are you sure it was wise to invite them to visit you? I thought you didn't want anyone to know that you were here. I am a bit confused” she said.

“They would already suspect me once I arrived. By inviting them pushes them off balance and forces them to act outside their comfort zones. You have to remember the Reich military operates off of being the predator. Not the invited guests. By showing them all that I have to offer before they demand it will cause them to second guess their intuitions. Their actions will not be as fluid as normal. This will allow me to do what I must here before they become a nuisance to my mission. Now report your findings." He said getting more comfortable in the back seat.

She didn't take her eyes off the road as she answered his command, “I made contact with Bishop aboard the Narshana under the cover given to me. I posed as a love interest and he reciprocated the cover. However there was a Knight Rose aboard” she started to explain but he cut her off.

“Are you sure it was a Knight Rose” Count Paqurn asked

“Yes Master, I am sure. Bishop also found out that it was through a contact he had within the Church aboard the ship. Sadly just after our second meeting and before I was able to retrieve the Ucenjak, Bishop was found dead. I have little proof, but I am sure the Knight Rose killed him. I don't know how but he did. Bishop and I never talked of the Ucenjak so I am thought he might still have it. I broke in to Bishop's cabin shortly after his death only to find that the Ucenjak was no where to be found. I do not know where it is. I don't think that the Knight Rose got his hands on it either. To my surprise, he the Knight Rose, got off of the Narshana aboard the same shuttle I did. On our trip to here, he talked to me in depth regarding loss and finding peace in his God. I did my best to maintain my cover and I am certain that my cover is still intact. Upon arrival here, I was able verify that the group you are seeking were here. They made contact with the Field Marshal, the local Church, the King, and Rebel commanders” she explained.

“I see our new friends have been very busy” he commented then allowed her to continue.

“Yes Master, they were very busy. I tried three times to make contact with them as per your request, but each time the Church had intervened. I do not believe that the Church is aware of my activities here. However, I am sure that something is going on between the group and the Church. There was a major battle two days ago in which the group took an active role in. They seemed to have taken to support the Reich during the battle than departed off world. I have not heard if they returned or not. I believe they might have had some impact on the Field Marshal. I snuck on to the Reich base the night before the battle and overheard the Field Marshal talking about having second thoughts about some book and bad choices. I was able to discover after the conversation that the Field Marshal was talking with a Priest. I believe that the Church is becoming interested in our new friends. I witnessed their leader having a secret meeting with the Knight Rose a few days before they left world. I don't think the meeting went the way the Church expect it. The day after they left, I saw the Knight Rose investigating their campsite. He had brought with him a large number of hired mercs. I suspect that the Church might be planning to assassinate their leader or kill all of them. I will know more tonight. I have a meeting with a member of the mercs that the Knight Rose hired. My contact is expected to meet a working girl so I shouldn't have much trouble getting information out of him.”

Her briefing was very detailed and everything that he expected from her. She had been one of his most promising apprentices to date. The Force had lead him to her homeworld only months after her birth. It didn't take much to convince the poor couple to allow him to take their new born daughter under the promise of a better life. His original plans had been to raise her as his own daughter, however the owner of her parents ruined those plans. The lowly Lord had learned of Count Paqurn's coming adoption and demanded payment for the new born. Once her origin of poverty had been exposed, Count Paqurn's only choice was to raise her as a servant within his household. Still it was a vast improvement over her previous conditions. As he raised and trained her in the ways of the Force, her skill and talents became clear. She was surprisingly gifted in her ability to understand and master the skills and traditions of the Force. Her development had become a since of great hope for their organization. Count Paqurn nodded, “its a good thing that they left then. If the Church has unleashed a Knight Rose on to their trail than their lives are truly in danger.” He reached forward and picked up a bottle of water, “I must seek guidance from the Force if we are to have any hope in finding out where our visitors have gone.” He took a drink of water while thinking of what is to come. “With the Church on the move like this, it is even more important that we find our friends before the Church does.” He took another drink from the bottle, “I want you to be careful...”

She cut him off. “I shall Master. You know me” she started to say but he cut her off as well.

“No, listen to me. You have never faced a Knight Rose. You must remain focused and clear your mind. These men and women are extremely dangerous. The first meeting was without a doubt to size you up.” He leaned back against the chair as she spoke to him about her plan. There was very good reason to be concerned over further actions. He had no feelings or attachments to her, however the loss of another member in such a short period of time would not help the organization. More over, she had an important mission to complete. If Bishop didn't have the Ucenjak then maybe his contact on this world did. She needed to focus her efforts more wisely and be more careful when dealing with the Knight Rose.

“Master with all due respect I do not think he is aware of who I am. I truly believe my cover is still intact” She explained.

He nodded, “Do not become attached to your gifts” he choose not to continue the debate any further. “Listen to the wisdom of the Force and be careful” he said finally.

She nodded understanding that the conversation was over. “Yes Master. I shall.” The vehicle drove on and the two seat in silence. After a few moments past, she spoke up once more. “I have managed to remain under their radar so far. Please Master, trust in me. You trained me well. This is my first mission on my own. I can handle this. I know that I must remain in the shadows and don't get in a tangle with the Church” she explained.

He nodded, “I do trust in you. And you are correct, I must allow you to handle this. I will conduct my mission and allow you to fulfill yours. Keep me advised as to your actions tonight and the developments. Tomorrow, I have set up for a military driver to take me to the Reich Base. However, I want you to report in, no later than ten. This will give me time to enjoy breakfast. I will need you back on your mission. Your help is greatly needed, but you must locate the Ucenjak.”

Once more she nodded, “Yes Master.”

The night had been occupied by hours of searching through the Force as to the location of the visitors. Finding them became harder than he was used to. He accepted this was the will of the Force and didn't let it occupy his mind. However there were his own concerns which didn't help his already clouded sight through the Force. There were so many plots in motion throughout the Galaxy which were intertwined. So much suffering could be felt through the Force. So much for his organization to attempt to do on their own. All of these thoughts clouded his thoughts and weighed heavily on him. However right at the top of it all, the report by his Apprentice regarding the Knight Rose. He had only ever dealt with two Knight Roses in his life time. Each time his organization didn't fair very well. The Church held them in reserve for a very good reason. There had to be something larger at work that would cause the Church to unleash one of their most deadly Holy Warriors. After hours of meditation he finally managed to clear his mind and center his thoughts where they needed to be. He wasn't able to locate the visitors but he did uncover a name, Mearisa. The name presented more questions than it answered. He could feel the Force guiding him to his next destination. 'Of all places, why go there. Unless the Force guided you there' he thought as he readied for bed.

A night of restful sleep followed by a hearty breakfast was just what the doctor order after such a long and grueling spaceflight. Field Marshal Bausch had been an old family friend and was pleased to share breakfast with Count Paqurn. He was pleased to find out that their mutual friend Field Marshal Kessler had ordered back to the Reich to lead the next series of invasions. They were able to talk freely about their suspicions regarding the Church's involvement in local Jedi activities. Count Paqurn made sure to drop the rumor of a secret Church operation on world. The Field Marshal confirmed the rumor by informing him about a special group of clergy which had arrived just before the final battle. Reich spies had seen one of these clergy meeting with a one armed NeDor Jedi. Though the conversation was unknown. From what the spy saw, the Jedi was very upset while pointing at his missing arm. Count Paqurn asked if there had been anything that the Field Marshal thought the Emperor should know about the world or anything else going on. The Field Marshal told him plenty of comments but nothing that raised flags. The lack of information was just as important as well. It meant that Kessler had not ordered a manhunt for the Visitors.

Over all, the breakfast meeting was enlightening about a great many things. He had personally suspected the Church of working at least on some level with the Jedi. However to find out that one of their divine assassins had been in contact with a Jedi bothered him. This only reinforced his concerns from yesterday. He made a mental note to recall his apprentice as soon as he could contact her. The Field Marshal was also polite enough to share loss information about the over all goals of the Reich in the region and their movements through here. It would seem that the Reich is after something vastly different than what many, including Count Paqurn, had suspected. This was not about gaining influence or territory. Count Paqurn made another mental note to look in to this after his mission was complete. As the hours ticked by during the morning, Count Paqurn found himself thinking more and more about the tardiness of his apprentice. Being late without some kind of heads up or contact was simply not her. Then the call came at the door.

“Excuse me Count Paqurn” the Field Marshal said as an aid whispered something in his ear. He got up from the table and walked out on to the balcony to speak with his aid. In a few short moments returned to the table, “My friend, I fear something tragic has occurred to your servant. If you would, please let us go to the scene.”

Count Paqurn allowed just enough emotion to show sadness. “Oh, what happened to her” he said getting up from the table. He didn't feel anything from the comment. He suspected what could have happened and knew the probability of her demise already. Still, knowing all of this, he felt nothing of it. The emotions that showed were all completely fake and only meant for those around him. He learned a long time ago that showing fake emotions were better than showing none. Becoming a Master of emotions meant learning to fake them just as well as learning to suppress them to a point of nonexistence.

“Dear friend” the Field Marshal said resting a hand on the shoulder of Count Paqurn. “I fear she has been attacked and murdered.” The Field Marshal said as the two men walked towards the door. The aid followed close behind them.

The drive to the scene was completely silent on the Count's part. The Field Marshal had asked some question regarding her and why she had been out on her own. However, Count Paqurn he just ignored the questions as he meditated on the situation at hand. His mind focused on controlling his emotions and taking in all of the facts that he already knew. The Church had assassinated Bishop just before the assassin arriving here. She had followed him and he marked her from their ship. Rather her cover had been blown or not didn't matter. He most likely marked her because she had been seen with Bishop. The Knight Rose had to have found out that she was meeting one of his mercs and was attempting to hide something. It was the only logical conclusion to this event. She had been trained to remain in the shadows and not draw attention to herself. She would not have placed herself in a situation that she couldn't control. She had to have been set up by her contact. She was on to something regarding the Church and this world. But what that something was, was still a mystery. He would have to figure that out when the time allows for it. Her murder will have to wait till his mission is over. With that thought, 'I will find who murdered you' he promised himself.

As Count Paqurn and the Field Marshal walked up, he could tell the scene was staged just by looking at it and taking in to facts what is already known. 'This was the work of a professional assassin. A Knight Rose' he thought as he slowly walked around the scene. The lead Reich investigator was talking about their theories of what happened and how she died. 'You are mistaken and a fool not to see it' he thought as he nodded and acted like he was listening. Her body laid on the ground behind a dumpster positioned to support the staging. Her shirt ripped open and her chest was exposed as her shirt had been pushed up to her waist. It all was set up to suggest sexual assault. The bruises across her face and upper body would go to support this deduction. The lead investigator was talking about the attacker being one man. Most likely a gang banger. 'Well half right' he pondered in his own mind. He knew her training and knew that the take down had to be by surprise and highly skilled. As they continued to walk the scene, the Count even suspected that the Reich Military investigators would find traces of semen on or in her body. Count Paqurn walked the scene very carefully. 'Masterful' he thought as he looked over the details of the staging. He doubted that the investigation would go much further than this day. She was after all, merely a servant caught on the wrong side of town by some evil man. 'No they would never dig much deeper than what they see now' he added.

He slowly dropped to a knee next to her head. He carefully removed a glove from his and and touched the side of her head. In that moment he could see flashes of what happened. She had been set up by her local contact. The man apologized to her just before she was attacked from behind. She never saw her attacker's face but he spoke softly in to her ear. “The Lord Said, 'let the light of my love cast forth the shadows of suffering.' May the Lord our Father have mercy on your soul.” Count Paqurn heard in his mind. He felt the pain in his own neck as the attack started. He could barely make out the tiny mark on her next concealed by a nasty bruise even though he knew right where to look. He knew that poison didn't kill her. It only allowed her to be beaten and then shot. Her death would be slow and enduring. He could see her looking at the man who set her up. The look in his eyes told the story that he was not a willing member of the murder or the set up. It was the last clue he needed from the scene.

Count Paqurn slowly rose up after learning the truth of the attack. Looking around and taking in the last of the details, he pulled his glove back on. 'Masterful' he thought once more. Recovering from the vision of her death was a bit harder for him than he first realized. Death visions were always harder than others. The others around him seemed to give him time to recover before asking anything further. Once is mind was back in check he turned to the lead investigator. He knew that they were being watched by eyes hiding within the shadows. His next actions will cause him to become the next target or not. Her death was tragic indeed, however he still had a mission to complete.

“Count Paqurn, maybe you could explain why your servant was out in this part of town when its known to be an area of high crime” asked the Psi-Capitan from yesterday. There was clearly a change in the tone and the amount of respect offered.

Count Paqurn turned to the Psi Officer “Capitan, I do not know. However it would appear that she paid for that price of her bad judgment” he said softly showing remorse and grief. He looked around and noted where to play the next move, “Captain” he said looking in to the man's eyes, “A few words alone please.”

The Capitan was taken by this statement. He turned to the Field Marshal who nodded. “Yes Count Paqurn” he answered.

“This way please” he said softly motioning near an ally way. The Force showed him that there was something attempting to hide nearby. It had to be the assassin, and time for the finally move in this match. Once they reached a place where he was sure the conversation would be over heard. “Capitan, I would consider this a great favor if you would find who murdered my servant. She was, more than just a driver.”

The Capitan's eyes grew larger then he brought himself back under control, “OH!” he said in shock, “Yes, I shall make it my teams prime mission to find this murderer. No matter where they are hiding” the Capitan said with a sense of pride, “You have my word My Lord Count.”

Count Paqurn nodded, “Thank you. I knew I could trust you and your men. Have the body cremated and delivered to my room. I would like to take her home once my duties here are over.”

The Capitan nodded, “Yes Sir.”

Count Paqurn nodded and turned as he walked from the scene. It was a gamble but he had to know. If her cover had been blown, than the Knight Rose had to know now that he was her Master. Which meant that Count Paqurn would be a likely target as soon as they could strike. It would make the next couple of days very interesting. If her cover was intact, than the Capitan's investigation would keep the Knight Rose occupied long enough for Count Paqurn to complete his mission here and move on to Mearisa.

***Akirapryde*** · 06-16-2013, 03:25 PM,

Out of the Abyss
City of Disperes
Core World of Mearisa
October 2nd, 1936

The half darkened half candle lit bedroom was filled with the young girl's scream of pain and suffering. Echoing just under the screams were the harmonious voices of the four people around the bed chanting. The struggle between light and darkness was not seen by the four but clearly felt by all. In the center of the room was a small bed with a young female Twi'lek thrashing about on the bed. She was dressed in a humble off white nightgown. Her body covered with sweat as her arms flailed about and her legs kicked the bed. At the head of the bed was a older Twi'lek man reading from a book as he chanted. His eyes filled with worry, concern and fear for the girl laying on the bed. Holding his left hand stood a Twi'lek woman reading from book as well. Her face reflected the same emotions as the man her eyes would look at for support in this time of need. At the foot of the bed draped in the robes of the Galactic Church stood a Nautolan. It was clear that the Nautolan Priest was a powerful man within his faith, he was the focal point of the light within the room. He read from a gold bound book with red trim and sprinkling liquid over the girl. Each chant, and each dose of liquid caused the girl's body to react almost violently. To his left stood a younger Nautolan man of faith waving their Holly symbol over girl chanting loudly as the girl screamed out once more. The battle had been joined only moments ago and the two Priests were sure that they could defeat what had taken route in the girl's body. Only one man in the room knew better. Mr Gold!

In the far corner stood the well dressed man known only as Mr. Gold. He stood silently half leaning against the wall and half leaning on his jewel tipped cane. Mr. Gold's head was slightly lowered but his eyes were fixed on the events that were taking place on and around the bed. None of them knew that he was the cause of what was happening to the girl now. He marked her yesterday for what was taking place today. Being the local go to man for the underworld and forgotten, the family turned to him for help. He came to the house in the early morning to check on the girl. He suggested summoning the local Church for help. The family were not completely trusting of the Church, however Mr. Gold had assured them everything would be fine. Now, he stood silently and watched while he hid himself within the Force from the two powerful Light Siders. The battle was much more intense than he had suspected, the mark on the girl fought hard against the powers of the Light while her body was made ready for what was coming. Mr. Gold watched with great amazement as the Nautolan masterfully commanded the Light Side powers despite the extreme tainting of the world itself. 'Fight harder my friend, for your own powers are needed if this is to work.' Mr. Gold thought coldly as the girl screamed out once more in pain. None of them could possible know that they were watching her die a very slow and painful death while a new darker life was returning to this world. He smiled as the girl let out one last scream of pain and he felt its dark presence enter the room. “Welcome home” he mumbled under his breath as the ancient Sith ritual came to its conclusion.

“The demon has grown in power Bishop!” cried the younger priest. He held the Holly Symbol over the girl as her body seemed to come to a rest.

The older Priest didn't look up from his book, “Keep reading Father Tiz” Bishop Losa said as he shook more liquid on the girl, “We must save the girl from this demon.”

All of a sudden young girl's body bent completely upward in the center as her back became like a mighty arch. Her hands pushed her body upward as she screamed out her death cry while her body continued to rise up off the bed supported by her bare feet and hands. The girl's father looked in to the girls face with horror as her eyes shot open and reviled the dark truth of the situation. Her eyes glowered an ominous black as he watched his daughter becoming possessed by a dark presence. Terror filled the older Twi'lek's heart as he dropped the book and stepped back from the bed followed by the female Twi'lek. Both betrayed their true feelings across their face as horror took hold of them. The girl's body dropped back to the bed as Bishop Losa summoned up his own life force and unleashed it on the darkness within the room. It was a futile effort as the darkness had already taken hold within the girl and the tainting of the world now protected it. Mr. Gold watched the battle come to its predetermined conclusion. 'Everything is just as it was meant to be' he thought still holding his smile about his face, 'now we shall raise once more.'

“Demon, I command you in the name of our Lord on High! Leave this CHILD AT ONCE!” Bishop Losa commanded as he readied another powerful force skill. He refused to accept that this battle was over. He was determined to save this young girl's soul as well as her life. “I command you DEMON, LEAVE HER!”

The Girl slowly set up from the bed looking at her arms almost in amazement and oblivious to the statements of Bishop Losa. As his second statement was uttered, she finally turned to him and smiled, “I just got here. Now you want me to leave?” she said continuing to stand up slowly. The darkness of the world filled her completely and the delight in her now normal looking eyes showed her excitement. “You command me!”

She had every intention of completing that statement however, Bishop Losa had other intentions. He leaned back and spread his arms, “I summon thy, the might of Our Lord! Banish this Darkness from thy realm!” he said as a powerful blast of light spread outward from him. Even though this world has been touched throughly by darkness, Bishop Losa still yielded considerable light side powers. He was chosen to lead the Church's efforts on this world to rid it of darkness. For the past ten years, he had made it, his personal mission to cleanse this world of its tainting. It was also his final ruling that under its correct leadership, that cleansing was not possible. That the suffering had to be brought to an end before the efforts could be successful. The effects from the wave of light on Mr. Gold went unnoticed by all. He gritted his teeth in pain as he was caught unprepared for the blast that hit him. His eyes glowered black reviving the true nature of what had taken hold within. With all eyes focused on the girl now standing on the bed, he suffered through the maximum effects of the blast with barely a growl of something beyond the grave. The smoke slowly rose from his fine business suit as the pain from the light based attack subsided. Its affects on him were very noticeable had anyone been watching. Luckily, all eyes were still fixed on the main event in the center of the room.

The girl let out a demonic scream as she rose her hands up against the wave. Hate and anger filled the room as the demon darkness fought against the Light Side of the Force. As the unseen struggle between light and darkness took place, the girl and Bishop Losa locked eyes. Her face filled with the twisted expression of anger and hate while his face showed his attempts to remain focused and calm in light of the demon before him. His faith was unwavering within his traditions. However she was simply more powerful than he was. She tapped the endless source of suffering and darkness within the world and turned it against him. “Long before your Order walked the stars” she said as she lunged her arms forward sending a blast of dark energy back at Bishop Losa. He flew backwards riding the blast wave which hit him, “My Order reigned supreme over all.” she walked towards the foot of the bed drawing upon the force of darkness around her. She could feel her powers surging as the light around her started to diminish.

“Return to hell, Demon!” Father Tiz cried as he moved forward to unleash his own light side attack on her.

Without taking her eyes off of Bishop Losa, who she knew was the real threat, she brought the back of her hand upward towards Father Tiz. As he readied his attack she twisted her hand around to point her palm at him and pushed outward. The test of wills was hardly a test for her. Father Tiz tried to resist the dark power of the Force but in the end, the darkness empowered her beyond his own will. He was lifted up and thrust backwards as he screamed. He landed against the wall near the ceiling with a loud crashing sound. He hit so hard that his body actually dented the wall and bounced him off. As he landed with a loud thud, the mother cried out for the girl's father to do something. The girl noticed that Bishop Losa was not getting up at this moment and turned to face the other threats in the room. 'If you could call them threats' she thought with glee as she saw the Twi'lek girl's mother and father standing together just a meter from the head of the bed.

“I brought you in to this world!” the Twi'lek man said drawing out his twin blasters, “I swear to God I will take you out of it!”

He won the moment, however just as he was taking aim he realized that it was his own daughter. The illusion was all that his heart needed to force his pause. He could not see that his daughter was gone and now something darker stood before him. All he saw was just the little girl whom just yesterday seemed so happy and cheerful over her new necklace that Mr. Gold gave her. He had a chance to end this once and for all. He blinked and in that moment he lost the advantage he had, and their only hope of survival. The girl raised both hands towards them and smiled as darkness filled the room once more. The bluish light cast shadows around the room as crackling sounds echoed. The Twi'lek pair screamed out as the lighting pulsated over their bodies. The girl continued to smile as she lifted them both off the ground through the mere power of her Force driven lighting. It surged as it continued to flow from her hands towards the pair suspended in the air. It was already more than enough to kill the pair, but this was all about suffering. The darkness within the girl wanted them to suffer and feel every bit of their death which was at hand. The bluish glow cast about her face dance as she grinned while she watched them suffer under her powers. she could feel their suffering in every new bolt pulsating over their bodies, still she grinned as the bluish light continued to dance over her face. She would have continued this for longer had it not been for Bishop Losa.

Not fully recovered from his earlier wounds, but still enough to continue to the battle. Holding his symbol of Faith tightly, he called once more upon the Light side, “Darkness shall not exist within the Light!” Another blast of Light surged from him once more. Not as powerful as his first attack, but still able to deal a hefty blow. The blast hit both Mr. Gold and the girl once more. Mr. Gold faired much better this time as he was more prepared for the attack. However the girl wasn't as prepared as much for this attack. She turned her head towards Bishop Losa while her eyes once more revealed the truth of who she really was.

The girl was forced forward towards the head of the bed as the wave of light slammed in to her. The blast broke her concentration and her lighting stopped immediately. The Twi'lek pair fell to the floor, lifeless. The loss of suffering brought even more anger to the girl's face as she turned fully towards Bishop Losa once more. Her growl was so menacing that even the highly experienced Bishop was forced to pause. “I grow tired of you just as I am of your Order!” she said as she reached out with the Force and grabbed him by his neck. He choked as her will shot over his and allowed her power to crush his windpipe. “Do not forget that I still remember what your Order did to us on Dorin. Backstabbing snakes, the whole lot of you!” she said as she walked back towards the foot of the bed. Bishop Losa choked more as he was lifted off the ground by the power of darkness around him. “Do you think that all of you would not be held for what you have done! Did you think we would forget that day!” He choked even more as his eyes bulged. He tried to unleash another wave of light at her, but lacked the strength behind the effort to harm her. “After all that Lord Murl and the rest of us had done for your cause” she said as she lifted her hand and he rose higher in to the air, “YOU WOULD BETRAY US!” She said with pure hate in her eyes. Bishop Losa's head spun around the neck as a snapping sound echoed in the room. His body went limp and head dangled to the side, as the powerful light sider was killed.

The morning seemed nearly prefect in setting if not for the fact of where they were. Ashla softly yet playfully kicked Visst awake. She stood over him with a cup of coffee and a smile on her face. She looked around as the sun was just raising over the hills. The morning clouds hung low in the valley giving the illusion that they were camping along the banks of a lake of clouds basked in golden rays of sunlight. She had taken the opportunity to cook breakfast for the three of them. For the first time in her life, Ashla knew in her heart that she was where she was meant to be. It gave her a great sense of relief and comfort. She owed allot of this to the Jedi Master she now followed. As he woke up she smiled down at him with a broad playful smile, “Thank you”

As the morning started to take hold, Visst knew that he was where they needed to be. The revelations of the night before and the days past gave him great sense of concern and hope. He knew that he needed Master Murl's help if he was to take on his next major challenge. He wasn't completely sure if he would be able to achieve this task alone. Still he was left with a great number of questions and wanted a greater number of answers. Speaking with Master Murl was one task that had to take place soon. As the morning light slowly rose higher in to the sky, Visst set atop of a rock meditating about the events that he had witnessed. His mind keenly focused and his thoughts clear of distractions. He could feel the darkness of the world moving around him. Its tainting was clear, powerful and absolute. It brought back memories of the stories which he read about Korriban and how the Jedi Order of this Galaxy had cleansed it. Like Korriban, this world was tainted entirely. He knew that the cleansing of Korriban took months of cleansing by many powerful Jedi Scholars. He knew that alone he couldn't cleanse the entire world. However, he was sure that with the help of Master Murl and Master Heartman he should be able to cleanse this one area.

It was in that moment he felt a ripple through the Force. In that moment he felt the loss of a powerful light sider within the Force. The death was painful, surrounded by hate and anger and on this world. It caused Visst to loss his focus during his meditation as the loss was felt. Visst looked down in sadness as he couped with the loss. The loss and sensation gave Visst once more a greater resolve to cleanse this world in due time. However it also gave him a greater concern of what is in store for them. As the loss washed over him, Visst slowly recovered his focus and returned to his meditation. He focused on the Force and the light within him. He forced the darkness around him back some and was once more able to clear his thoughts.

Mr. Gold smiled as he moved off the wall once more. His cane echoed in the room as he stepped forward, “Greeting Master Shakka. Welcome to the realm of the living once more.”

The young girl turned to him with disgust in her eyes, “Really Vor'en, a child?” She said looking at the girls body once more. “You could not have found me something a bit more, say, older?” The child's body was hardly anything of what she had wanted in a new vessel. It was not what she was expecting when he summoned here to her new body.

Mr. Gold's smile never faded, “I know how much you love Twi'leks and given the time you gave me, I really didn't have the opportunity to find something more fitting. If you wish, we can do this once more at a later date.”

The girl leaped off the bed, “No, this will do. I guess I shall have to grow in to it. Get me some clothes Vor'en.” she commanded as she walked around the bed, “I want to have a word with this good friar” she said kneeling over to the unconscious Father Tiz.

Mr. Gold nodded, “Yes Master” he said as he turned and started going through the closet and dresser. “Truthfully Master, I have to admit. Your new body mirrors allot of what your own natural beauty was before your passing” he said carefully. Unlike his own new vessel, he choose her for good reason. Yes he had limited time but the girl's body was everything he saw in her before she died. There was a sense of courage and bravery about the girl that Shakka shared. He remembered how she smiled and laugh during training. She was an upper class man, but still he had hoped to earn her love. And together they could build a family. However that all chanced. That was before she fell in love with Lord Murl. His loyalty was and still is for her. He follows Lord Murl only because she does. He would follow her in to the fires of hell and gladly burn for her.

No longer listening to the ramblings of him, she placed her hands on Father Tiz's head, “he will tell me all he knows about this world we woke up to” she said coldly as she spread her fingers across his temples. “Open your mind to me” she commanded as dark powers once more filled the room. She smiled as the time slowly ticked by. “Remarkable” she said as she started to sift through his memories and knowledge. “It would appear that he recently had a meeting with a military power that is planning an attack on this world” she explained. “The attack has been postponed for some reason that they were unaware of.” She shifted her hands a bit, “It would appear that the Jedi of this Galaxy are nothing of what we left them. They have become weak and whores to this highest bidder.” She could feel his intelligence slowly being drained from his mind as she continued to rob him of what he knew. She really could care less about it. However she had a mission to complete. She stopped before he mind would be useless to them. Standing up she turned to Mr. Gold once more, “Did you get the holocron?”

Mr. Gold laid out the last item of clothing that he knew she would wear. “Well, that is a funny story.” He knew her tastes in everything unlike Lord Murl. To Lord Murl, she was a trophy to be displayed. To him, she was someone special. He knew all of her inner most secrets. To her, he was a trusted friend. To him, she was something that he almost dared dreaming of.

She walked around the bed back towards him, “What do you mean a funny story?” she demanded.

He also knew of her temper and what she is capable of doing. “It would appear that a Jedi Master, well not of this whore of an Order, had accrued the Holocron before I could. Though he might have been from this Order.....” he tried to explain.

Rage filled her heart and mind at the report. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN!” She reached out with the force and grabbed him by the throat. “Tell me you killed this Master and retrieved our Holocron!”

As he was lifted off ground he choked, “N.....” fighting for air he struggled, “no....but....I...I..did learn something....” He coughed and choked trying to save his own life. He knew that she would take it in a second without a thought. “p......please.....you have to hear this....”

Stepping forward as she released him from her grip, “Do not test me Vor'en! I am ill tempered as it is already and killing that Priest didn't satisfied my lust for death.” She turned and pulled off the nightgown that the young girl was wearing and started to put on other clothes.

He knew that this anger was not hers. He knew her before that day that anger filled her heart. The day that her village had been massacred by a group of Rangers. The Rangers had learned of her existence and went to collect her. The village elders wanted nothing to do with the war between the Jedi or the Republic. However, they didn't want to hand her or the other gifts children over to the Rangers. A deal was struck with the Jedi that they would be trained in the traditions and allowed to return to the village once the war was over. Angered by the defiance, the Rangers killed everyone in the village. He remembered the day she found out. The joy and love in her eyes seemed to die that day. He held her while she cried. She didn't turn in to what she is now over night. That was Lord Murl's doing. But it was a starting point. “This minion had been doing allot of research for us while we slept. He uncovered the story of a dark monster by the name of Dracula, also known as the Dragon of Blood, a relentless prince of pain. He was crucified by the Church” he explained.

Pulling a shirt over her head, “Yes I am well aware of the story of Prince Saar. He is dead. Watching him burn at the stake was enjoyable if not for that damn earthquake which interrupted the festivities.” she pushed her arms through the shirt, “You are not impressing me, Vor'en. Move on!”

“Yes yes, but there is more Master Shakka” Mr. Gold said softly. He knew all too well than to test her anger. “Well, his beloved, as you know escaped. She ended up leading the broken remains of his Order. It would appear that they survived the purge. The Church had started a private little war to wipe them out. Created a completely devoted sect tasked with killing those students of Prince Saar's school. This sect is called the Knight Roses. Prince Saar's school became known as the Sabbat.”

The child turned with a grin, “So they have survived” she half said and half questioned as she slid the long boot up her bare leg. She then sipped up the side of the boot. “Crushing them once more will bring great joy to Lord Murl and myself.”

“This minion had not been able to uncover if they had actually survived or not. However the memory of the Sabbat have caused the Church to hold great fear. Even the very mention of their name causes the Church to act with swift and decisive actions” Mr. Gold explained. “I am unsure as to way they react this way however it does bring allot to question the motives of the Church and gives us a better view in to the secret war between the Church and the Sabbat. That is, if they are truly the decedents of Prince Saar's school.

She smiled as she stood up from the bed. Now fully clothed and ready to spread her hate and anger, “This is good news. Something that we can use to crush the Church. However we shall deal with this Whore of a Jedi Order first. Lord Murl made his desires clear. His offspring have failed to live up to Lord Murl's name. I have His permission to do what is necessary to set this Order back on the path of strength and power once more.” She half considered telling him of the encounter she had with the Jedi Master in the crypt. However she decided that he simply didn't need to know. After all, he was simply a minion to be used. It was the only reason why Lord Murl tolerated his existence. He was her minion. “Makarov is having some fun with an old toy of his. He shall be returning shortly. Make sure he has a vessel as well. The Crypt is no longer a save haven for us. Everyone needs to be in a vessel as soon as possible. Go fetch Makarov a vessel. I am going to go pay the Jedi a little Visit. There is a Temple on this world. Report back to me with Makarov once this task is completed.”

Mr. Gold nodded, “Yes Master Shakka” he said. While thinking, 'Please, lets leave this world and just disappear. Leave it all behind and start over.' He slowly lowered his head as he nodded, “It shall be done.”

***Akirapryde*** · 06-17-2013, 10:15 AM,

Faith and Trust
City of Disperes
Core World of Mearisa
October 3rd, 1936

Walking down the long hallway, Vistle seemed nearly as upset as he was well dressed. His style always seemed to highlight the most up to date trend of the Core Worlds. With his large hat and stylish Togruta leather boots, he was always flashy. However his mood didn't match his clothes. The events of yesterday seemed nearly impossible to believe. It was as if everything in the galaxy had turned against him on one morning. Before yesterday, he was at the top of his game and he had everyone's respect. He never cared much about the struggle between Light and Dark. For him, it was all about the all mighty credit. Through the wealth of credits that he controlled, he gained so much power. He had connections that many only dreamed of. One such connection was the mysterious Mr. Gold. It didn't matter who you were, if you had dealings with Mr. Gold then you were someone. His profits have been at an all time high thanks to the advice and suggestions from Mr. Gold. All of his dealings and ventures only reflected that he was truly at the top of his game. That all ended yesterday and he should have seen the morning as a bad omen. He should have ran at the first sign of trouble and jumped world.

His morning meeting with Mr. Gold didn't take place as expected. Mr Gold had promised a new venture that would bring Vistle untold wealth and power. Vistle had been excited over the prospect and truly disappointed when Mr. Gold had failed to show at their meeting. It was completely unlike Mr. Gold to stand people up like that. Later that morning, his meeting with Jedi Master Creel didn't happen either. The meeting was another suggestion by Mr. Gold to further build his influence base and prepare Vistle for greater dealings. The meeting was to take the Jedi up on their offer to take over Governance of his section of the city. Mr. Gold had ensured him that Master Creel would be willing to listen and if the offer was pleasant enough, even consider the offer. It was a position that the Jedi had openly refused to consider. Mr. Gold suggested that with the rumors of the coming Reich attack, they might consider it now. Master Creel never showed up for the meeting either. Once more Vistle had been stood up. This was just the top of his problems and the others were going to get even more troubling for him.

The only silver lining was the cash reports of his little golden geese. He had gambled that a midday concert would be as profitable as the night before. He was right, as word spread of the band Sabaton spread the local masses came from far and wide to see them preform. Once more, this had been another suggestion by Mr. Gold. Vislte hated dealing with refugees, specifically those from the Reich. However, Mr. Gold was well, Mr Gold. Vistle took the advice and hired the group. So far, the two days that they had been preforming for him, Vistle had already tripled his investment. The midday concert was simply amazing in terms of credits and the news did cause Vistle to lower his guard at bit. However, that only cause the next blow to really hit home. The Jedi made good on their promise to prevent the bands anti Reich message from getting out. The streets were in open conflict and all eyes from his supporters were now on him. He had no choice but to take a side. He almost sided with the Jedi till he noticed that Master Creel was missing from the battle. Not only that, but a number of other powerful Masters had not joined the battle. He decided to take another gamble and sided with the local mobs against the Jedi. It was a move he later regretted. He lost nearly half of his best street bosses and enforcers. The tide of the battle turned when the NeDor Master Herash showed up. Vistle couldn't do anything but watch as his men were cut down in large numbers. He had thought that Master Herash was off world. It was a costly mistake that would take years to recover from.

With his neighborhood nearly completely in the control of Master Herash's forces, the night turned even worse. It never occurred to him that the Jedi would consider him a threat after the short lived battle in the streets. Twice bounty hunters came to do the Jedi's dirty work. And twice he had to loss more valuable thugs in fighting back the bounty hunters. The Jedi wanted Sabaton badly and now he was on their list as well. None of his contacts were willing to deal with him and some even dared to take advantage of the situation by raiding and attacking his holdings. More of his street enforcers paid with their lives to simply to hold on to his holdings. Fronts after front Master Herash was on a man hunt for him and he couldn't understand why all of the attention now. The Jedi never went after bosses like this before. Mr. Gold had simply vanished from site and was not returning his calls. Vistle couldn't figure any of it out. His only hope was to flee the world and get away from the Jedi till the dust all settled. He had everything set up and was ready to leave in the morning. It was all set up, till Sabaton's leader, Joakim, decided to not show up at the hanger. Vistle's face twisted with anger as he marched down the hallway of the hotel. He was finally going to get those punk refugees on the same sheet of music rather they like it or not.

He glanced at the group of enforcers behind him as he continued to march down the hallway. Each carried a blaster rifle and equipped with the best he could afford. He turned his head to see another pair of guards standing on either side of the door. Each of the men around him were his most trusted and loyal. Each were worth their weight in credits as well as their military grade weapons. The twelve loyal men represented all that was left of his empire that he built on this world. Master Herash had dismantled the rest in the course of one night. Vistle cursed the Jedi for being so good at what they did. He walked up to the entrance of the condo and nodded to the two guards. Just before walking in he glanced at the other men and motioned them to wait. Once that was done he activated the door and walked through the door way. The doors closed right behind him as the guards took up positions in the hallway. As he walked through the door he sized up the group carefully. He already knew who he could loss and who could remain to keep the band successful.

He smiled as he saw the key members of the band that had become an over night success. He saw Joakim the group's leader and lead vocalist. Sitting next to him was Rikard one of the two guitar players. Across from him set Oskar the other guitar player who seemed to be teaching Ulva, the back up keyboard player, to play the guitar. Sitting at a table was Pär cleaning his bass guitar while next to him set Daniel spinning his sticks. Other side of Daniel set Myhr, the groups lead keyboards and computer guy. There were a few others, like the Twi'lek sisters who sang back up vocals for the group and light and sound men. All of them as well as Ulva had already been written off as far as Vistle was concerned. The group could easily hire another road crew and truthfully the sisters were not all that good. However, Ulva, Vistle just simply hated her. His eyes once more fell upon Joakim as all other eyes were on him "I just heard that you have decided to wait."

Not waiting for an answer Vistle continued, "I just can't believe it." He stormed in to the room looking around at the band. "I spent a lot of credits to ensure you get out of here alive and in the face of your own doom prophesy you choose to wait."

Joakim looked around the room as the other eyes fell to him. A tall man, though none could tell as he was sitting. His face was clear of anger over the words fired at him, though his eyes told another story. Joakim nodded as the others reacted to it. Most members of the large group nodded their support of their leader. He already knew he had their support, he was looking for something else without looking like he was seeking it. He was looking for that nod from Ulva. Her eyes told him all he needed to know. Hold fast and trust in her. He turned back to Vistle, "I know. You spent a lot for us and I am" he paused a moment and once more looked at the other members of the group in a glance, "we are grateful. But we need to wait."

Vistle followed Joakim's glance and knew already what was going on. His own eyes fell upon that small framed little female human that always seemed to undermine his plans. He only knew her for just a few days and really hated her. If not for her, he would have already earned twice as much off the group. The last time she defied his plains, he has considered having her killed. 'Just an accident, that's not necessarily evil. Right' he questioned once more about the plan which he had not completely ruled out yet. After all, she was just a back up keyboard player. 'She is expendable' he added to his own twisted thoughts of her 'accident.' "Listen. Guys! This is silly. If what you said is true" he explained and started to hold up his hands, "and I am sure it is. The Reich is on there way here. Right now! We only have hours to escape." He knew this and had an answer for it. "I know, I know. There is only enough room in my transport for the lead members of the group. The rest will be following in another one of my transports just thirty minutes behind us." It was a lie that he was sure no one them would catch on to.

The plan was prefect and would cut his losses across the board. The leading members of the group were his gold mine waiting to be tapped. The rest of the group were simply dead weight. 'Like trimming off the fat of a Togruta steak' he thought with a smile. 'Hmmmm' he thought as the image sank in, 'mental note, ensure that there are plenty of Togruta steaks for the trip' he paused to put to memory. "Here I have a list of who travels with whom." He explained pulling the list from his pocket. As he did so, he glanced at little miss red hair, green eyed nosy do gooder. He had ensured she was on the second transport. The one that would never leave this world. Spare parts and supplies were needed for such a long trip. He didn't want to spend that much on funding two transports. After all, he had some followers he didn't wish to bring along as well. 'Just trimming the fat' he thought with an evil laughter in his mind and a smile on his face.

Joakim shook his head and waved off the papers without looking or taking them, "its not that we want to leave together. It just that we have reach a point where our paths have departed separately. Vistle, you have been very kind to us. And we have repaid that kindness by making you more than enough credits. Now its time for us to go our separate ways. Please understand." Joakim tried to explain.

Vistle couldn't believe his ears. "Fine, I will get everyone on the first transport." It would mean cutting his most loyal men but it was doable. 'after all, I can always hire more loyal men with my little gold mine' he concluded his thoughts.

Joakim didn't need to look at Ulva to know she was shaking her head while looking down, "Vistle you are missing my point we are staying here for the time being."

"Wait, you said just yesterday morning that the Reich would be here tomorrow or maybe sooner. And now you wish to remain here now. Are they no longer coming?" Vistle tried to trip them up.

Joakim looked in to Vistle's eyes, "oh there coming alright. When they do, it will be like nothing you ever seen before. This world will see warfare like never before."

"And so you wish to remain here for it?" Vistle said as he started to rub his head. "Sounds crazy to me."

"I don't think we will be here for it but I do believe we need to remain here for the time being. Just for a little while longer" Joakim explained while nodding. It wasn't hard for them to have faith. Since the day the Reich invaded their homeworld, faith took on a life of its own. Being a refugee was one thing, living without faith or hope was to give up completely. None of them were willing to allow the Reich to win like that.

Vistle hated to loss nearly as much as he hated to spend his own credits. Luckily, he had a plan in place for just this event. He had figured that Ulva would have interfered in what should have been an easy departure. The plan called for him to send a message to his men in the hallway. They would rush in and secure the room with their weapons on stun. 'wouldn't want to hurt my gold mine' he assured himself. Once the room was secure, they would then secure Joakim, and the lead performers of the group. The rest would be left behind to face their fate when the Reich invasion happens. If there was one thing he knew, it was how to handle people like this. Sure there would be a need for some healing time. However after a few weeks, maybe a month or two, they would be back doing what they love. Creating popular music and making him even more wealthy than he already was. 'I had hoped it wouldn't come to this' he thought as he pulled his comlink from his pocket. The screen flashed signaling it was ready to send the message to his men out in the hallway. 'They brought this on themselves' he added as his thumb hovered over the send button.

All he had to do was press the button and ten heavily armed thugs would rush the room and secure the band. It was a daring plan, but he wanted to protect his investment. All he had to do was press the button on his link. And now for some reason that simple action seemed like the hardest thing he could ever do. He watched his finger hovered over the send button as his mind tried to understand why he simply couldn't do it. Despite all of his plans of earning more money off the band and their success. He could only think about how it simply wasn't worth pressing the button. His mind echoed to just let it go over and over again. 'Its not worth it. Let them to their own fate' echoed in his mind. He returned the link to his pocket as his eyes crossed the room. He saw that little red headed green eyed troubling making staring back at him. That look on her face and her eyes always seemed to creep him out. For what seemed like forever, their eyes were joined. "Fuck it" he finally said as he broke the stare. Shaking his head, "you all want to die. Fine so be it. I am out of here." He turned tossing the papers to the ground, "you guys are simply not worth it." He stormed out the door without saying another word.

As the echoes of Vistle's departure drifted away the group sat in near silence. While there were a few that didn't complete agree with Joakim's choice to turn down the ride, all agreed to follow. It was part of the oath they all gave to each other. Never ending loyalty to each other and the cause. And all other things aside, the cause was more important to each of them than anything else. Each would gladly die for it and none would dare betray it. That one goal that burned in the hearts and mind of each member was to see their homeworld free from Reich control. It was the reason why they were here on this world and why they would continue to move from world to world spreading the truth about the Reich and warning other worlds about what is coming. Their own leaders before the Reich came had ignored the warnings and because of it, hundreds of millions of their people paid the price in just two massive attacks.

Isak finally spoke up in their native language, "so what do we do now?" Isak was the newest member of the group and acted as a back stage hand that worked on the light and sound systems. He was discovered here on Mearisa among a group of refugees. Joakim took an immediate liking to him and brought him in to the fold. Not completely but close enough to cause the others to become concerned about it. "We just pissed off our only ride off this rock. I know, Ulva said we should wait. So what are we waiting for?"

Joakim smiled, "listen you don't understand, Isak. We are not waiting for something or someone. We are waiting simply because she asked us to wait. This is the only reason.”

Isak looked even more confused. He had no problem with blind faith. Normally everything gets explained in time. So he figured after the meeting with Vistle, he would receive the reasons behind their actions. He was not prepared for such an empty reason. "I don't mean to be rude but, why are we trusting her like this?"

Joakim laughed, "I guess its time you should know a bit more of the truth” he said while looking to the others. They each gave different responses through nods or shaking of their heads. Joakim took it all in but made the choice to let Isak in a bit more. “What no one outside this group knows is this. When I left our homeworld during the invasion, I didn't get away as completely as I tell everyone. My shuttle was captured and forced to land. I was sent to FranFalle POW Camp" he said as his head hung low. "It was like nothing you can imagine. The Reich were murdering every alien prisoner they got their evil hands on. I was gifted being human. At the time I saw it more as a curse. I would watch so many taken to their death. I hated the feeling of being so helpless. It was there I met, Rikard and Oskar. Both had been selected to be moved to Housing Block C. It was there where people were being murdered in mass by the Reich. There was great unrest in the camp and many tried to fight back the best way they could. I used this as a reason to speak with the camp commander. I asked him to allow me to build a musical group to help claim my fellow POW's. I used it as an excuse to save Rikard and Oskar from their deaths."

"We then started to work with faction leaders within the camp to try to bring calm to the camp. We all knew that something had to change, that the POW's needed something to inspire them. However none of the faction leaders could come up with any ideas. A few weeks later a group of new prisoners came to the camp with an incredible story” Joakim explained then motioned for Rikard to take over.

He took a drink from his glass and nodded, “What we heard was incredible. The Reich seemed so invincible so for us. This story was like Gods themselves had sent it to us as a sign. A single lone freedom fighter was holding up in the mountains and refused to be captured. The Reich called this warrior, Gastulv" Rikard explain using their native language for the name of Ghost Wolf. "We all had images of this warrior who defied the Reich. So proud, strong and mighty to stand up against the Reich. Many of us wished he had only half of his strength, then we could take the camp and end the killing. Work groups repairing a near by bridge would bring back stories of how this hero was fighting the Reich soldiers in the mountains. We all would look to the mountains just beyond the gates of the camp and wonder if we would ever see him. One morning, the Camp Commander called all POW's to the Central Courtyard for a special trail. It surprised everyone because all resistance had stopped. It had hoped that the Commander would think we had been broken. Truth, we were waiting for our moment to come.” Rikard turned to Oskar, “Your turn.”

Oskar nodded, “Right” he said as he turned to face everyone, “That morning was when we all first saw the hero warrior we all had idolized. A truck brought Gastulv in to the camp. We all felt our hearts sink when the Commander told us who was coming to the camp. The Reich soldiers pulled her from the truck bound. I don't know about the others, but I was in disbelief of what I was seeing. Here was the hero that fought the Reich off for almost two weeks.” he shook his head, “Had the stories been all made up? Had the hero we so looked up to been made up. Then I saw it and I knew the stories were true. The very bow we heard about with feathers on top and a small quiver of hand made arrows. There could be no mistaking it. This young girl, this teenage girl had been the hero we all had heard about. She fought back their best soldiers for almost two weeks deep in the mountains. The Commander decided that it was fitting of her crimes that she be placed on trail. We were forced to watch the trail in the courtyard. The Camp Commander found her guilty of waging war against her own kind in just ten minutes. He had her gage removed and allowed her to beg for her life before he issued his ruling on her. What I heard then filled my heart. She turned and looked at all of us. She called out to us as brothers and sister even though we were mixed races. She questioned why we would not fight. She pointed out that there were so many of us and so few of them. She once more questioned why we don't fight. Her voice was like an angel speaking to us. The Camp Commander only laughed at her attempt to rally us.” he concluded his part of the story and motioned for Joakim to resume.

Joakim nodded and picked up the story, “The Camp Commander did laugh at her and said we were broken and not worth the effort. He did commend her and gave her a sickening speech about mercy as he offered to spared her life. She spat at him in defiance and said that as long as she had a voice she would never be silent. He got angry at her and ordered five of his men hold her down while another cut out out her tongue under his orders while we all watched in horror. The others held a lighter to her wound while the Camp Commander took her tongue and smiled. He said he held her voice now. I tried to look away but I couldn't. I couldn't deny her what was happening nor could I forgive myself for doing nothing.”

Joakim paused as he looked at Uvla. There was a tear running down her cheek. She nodded for him to continue. "I can't tell you what happened next. As I heard her screaming in pain and suffering, my heart started to fill with something. It wasn't hate or anger, though I had more than enough of that to go around. I felt something that I never felt before. I started to feel hope and courage. I looked up at the Camp Commander as he laughed at her. At us. He thought he had broken us. We all had agreed to wait for the right time to act. I looked back at her and saw her still on the ground as a Reich soldier held his boot to her neck. My eyes then looked to her simple bow and arrows next to the truck. I saw what she could did and question why I couldn't do the same. After all, she and I were the same. We all were the same as her. We all were brothers and sisters. Without another thought, I turned to the guard standing next to me and attacked him. I guess everyone else was thinking the same thing, cause the main courtyard turned in to a battlefield that morning. Yes, we lost many, but we won the battle and gave ourselves what we needed most. We won our right to survive. She gave us the courage to stand and fight. That afternoon, we gave birth to something the Reich never had to face before. Rebellion!”

Isak looked to Uvla with shook, “You are Gastulv?!” She only nodded. “So why are you here in the open? You should be hiding!”

Joakim shook his head, “Its her wishes that we use our voices to carry her message to those in the Reich's cross hairs. She doesn't wish to hide from them.”

Isak knew that there was more and he was excited to meet such a hero. “I thought you were just a story told to refugees and survivors to give them hope. To show that not all the heroes died that first day. I never knew you were real.” he finally turned back to Joakim, “So whats the big plan. Wait for the Reich and then start attacking them?”

Joakim smiled, “No. We just wait. She will let us know when the time is right. Got to faith Isak and trust in each other.”

The above story uses the musical group known as Sabaton. You will see that I have used the entire group within this Intermission. I have come to really enjoy their music.

Their Web Site is Sabaton

A sample of their music:

***Akirapryde*** · 06-18-2013, 12:10 AM,

(5.18) Paths Ahead
Generation Ship, Narshana
Passing through the Inner Rim
In Route to the Expansion Regions
October 5th through 12th, 1936

Life aboard the Narshana had settled in to a state of normalcy for the passengers and crew of this massive generation ship. The sher size of the Narshana didn't come completely to light till the rescue operation was over. Being nearly six kilometers long and two kilometers wide at her widest points, the Narshana was a massive ship. In fact the Narshana wasn't just one ship but a number of ships grafted together to create this Generation Ship. According to her Captain, Captain Nakeel, she wasn't even one of the largest of the Generation Ships in operation. The Narshana was actually one of the smaller classed Generation Ships. For all of her size, Visst learned that she was a slow, steady Goliath of a ship moving through the space that she travels. Captain Nakeel took the time to explain to Visst how each Generation Ship has a sector of space which they travel within, called a Gen Zone. Each Gen Zone is nicknamed after the ship that operates within it. The Narshana's Gen Zone is called Nar'Gen Space. Typically, the Gen Zones of two Generation Ships over lap within a inhabited system. These lucky few worlds called, Nexus Worlds, become hubs of interstellar travel and shipping. It is a rare thing when two Generation Ships are within a Nexus World at the same time. Normally when these events accrue, it is a time of great celebration. Some Nexus Worlds have planned great festivals in honor of these rare events.

As a general rule, a Generation Ship is a completely neutral vessel able to slip across battle lines without the slightest of fear of attack. This is not to say that they are free from attack all together no matter where they go. Pirates and Slavers tend to target Generation Ships as slow, easy, fat targets. Almost all worlds would rush to the aid of a Generation Ship under attack. However, Captain Nakeel told Visst of a story near the turn of the century that showed the turning of events. The Generation Ship Lue'Con serviced much of the space within the Core Worlds and the Reich. The Lue'Con was one of the largest Generation Ship to ever sail the stars. It was rumored to be one of the oldest ships as well. As the Lue'Con was making her way outward from the Deep Core, she fell under attack and was destroyed. All souls were lost during the battle. The Reich sent twenty nearby ships to render aid but they arrived too late to save the Lue'Con. Captain Nakeel believes and as he says, “nearly all of the other Generation Ship Captain s also believe” that the Reich had been responsible for the attack. When asked he explains how the Reich had demanded that the Lue'Con hand over its nonhuman passengers just a few weeks before the attack. The Reich had claimed that the nonhuman passengers had been part of a terrorist cell that carried out attacks on the Reich. The Captain refused the demand, then twenty days later she is attacked and destroyed. Captain Nakeel did not believe that one of the most powerful navies in the Galaxy could not respond in time within their own boarders to save the Lue'Con. Now, no Generation Ship enters Reich Space regardless of reason. The Lue'Gen Space remains unserviced. It was a sad story to hear in light of the remarkable culture that could be found on a Generation Ship. Visst found the vast ship beaming with a rich diverse culture all of their own. Something that Daz was coming to terms with as well.

As the Narshana was making her out bound journey in to the Inner Rim, business was as normal. Shortly before the Narshana left the Colonies, the group known as Sabatan left the Narshana. Joakin promised to remain in touch with Master Visst, but they had to keep the voice alive along the boarders of the Reich. The newly freed slave, known as Star-Spirit, also departed the Narshana to return to her homeworld. She left Visst with a open invitation to visit her people any time he wished. The Narshana lumbered through space, her speed was not remarkable. In fact she was nearly two times slower than most capital ships of the Old Republic. It gave Daz much time to meet the diverse aboard. There were so many different cultures and races found that he simply didn't have enough time to meet them all. There were the wealthy Togruta twin sisters from Gathver. Their father owned a powerful shipping company. Daz was surprised to find that each year, the sisters take what they call “The Loop”. For no better reason, they buy passage aboard the Narshana just to ride the entire loop around Nar'Gen Space. Most passengers were on a journey from somewhere or hoping to reach somewhere. He meet people fleeing their past, and others hoping to start a new future somewhere else. Then there were those members of the crew that Daz met. Some had joined willingly. Others were pressed in to service because they owed the ship a debt. Daz couldn't help but recognize the vast population around him. And somehow word had gotten out that he was some kind of leader. Crew and Passengers alike paid him the respect of being a leader.

As the Narshana would enter the system of Gathver, The sisters departed for their homeworld. At the same time a number of smaller ships brought merchants and businessmen. They descended on the large market center next to the main hangers. Within hours, the markets of the Narshana came to life with activity. The markets would do their business and commerce would thrive aboard the Narshana. New passengers also came a board as others would leave the ship for other ships or to land on Gathver. The Narshana never came to a stop as she cruised through the system. A wide range of medium and short range ships came along side the Narshana. The massive cargo holds opened up and transfer cargo started as Malcolm flew over watch. Watching the whole thing unfold seemed like complete chaos. As the Narshana would approach the edge of the Gathver system, the merchants would close up their shops and depart the ship. The ships along side would normally be the last to depart the Narshana. Then right on schedule and at the very edge of the system, the Narshana slipped back in to hyperspace once more. Her vast markets now nothing more than a ghost town. With the only movement from the hand full of droids and other beings cleaning up the mess and getting the Market ready for the next system.

The Captain's daughter and XO of the ship, Commander Teeble would over see the entire operation from beginning to the last cleaning droids action. Daz watched her commanding over the market activities with the eyes of a hawk. She explained to Daz that her job right now was to ensured that no dirty dealings took place. If a merchant was caught cheating someone, they were asked to leave the ship. The loss of this opportunity kept most in line. “Not all, but most” she said with a hint of sadness. Another duty of hers was to ensured that the Narshana collected its share of the profits. These little markets can bring in enough credits to help get the ship through lean times. To Daz's further surprise, the entire event lasted for just nineteen hours. Commander Teeble and her team were awake and alert for the entire event, from start to finish. Daz found a new respect for Commander Teeble as she demonstrated a vast and complete understanding of different cultures, races and their languages. She explained to Daz that these races were the life blood of the Narshana. Without the merchants and passengers the Narshana couldn't earn enough money to maintain the upkeep. The last thing any Generation Ship needs is being known for being unfair in its dealings. “This is why on board a Generation Ship you will find a diverse number of races and species. Because we strive to be more open and fair” she explained.

As Daz continued his tour of the ship, he was amazed with how different sections of the ship were set up. He could see where one culture ended and another begin. There were just so many being on board. Even before his rescue operation, there were four thousand permanent residents who traded services for lodging aboard. These people were considered the crew or service providers of the ship. Of these, not all crewed the ship. Many manned the permanent shops that were aboard, farmed the gardens, worked in a number of the maintenance shops aboard or provided services to the paying passengers, as well as a range of other services to ship, crew and passengers. Beyond the crew and service providers, there were the nearly six thousand paying passengers aboard at any giving time. These passengers ensured that the Narshana had a steady flow of income. Captain Nakeel worked hard to ensure that the Narshana held a good reputation so that she would draw in more passengers. With all the passengers plus the now the added four five hundred new passengers, the over all count aboard the Narshana was nearly fifteen thousand. With all this, there was plenty of room still left aboard.

Daz despite the need to show his break from attachments, Daz kept Swip close by along with Keyel as they went to speak with Priestess Kira. He asked her some pretty straight forward questions regarding destiny and found out that she heavily believed in a predetermined destiny. She felt that it was destiny which allowed for her to become a Priestess of Loki. “If the entire Galaxy were ours to take simply by our force of will, then what place would the Gods of Azgard hold?Such a concept of no destiny is simply silly. We are here in this time because we were meant to be here. Things happen to help further the cause of Good. Not by sher luck or will alone” she explained her view. She also warned that destiny was something that could be easily wasted away should one not take the needed steps to fulfill that destiny. When Daz asked her about her connection to the Force, she admitted that on her world it was viewed as a disease. “Within the Temple on High, not all have the same connection to the Force as I do. Within the Caste, I am not viewed any differently. However outside my Caste, that is a different story. I am pitied and looked down upon by most.” He also asked her about her relationship with her fellow Azgardians. Priestess Kira pointed that she believed that she had a strong relationship with the other members of her group. She also stated, “they have not stopped coming to me in regards to issues of faith.”

Captain Nakeel had put the word out regarding Visst and the exploits of the his group. It didn't take long for other Generation Ships Captains to attempt to learn more about Visst and his group. Some made their wishes to meet with Visst regarding his goals and plans clear. While others, after speaking with Visst just once, pledged their support behind him. If there ever was a chance to rekindle the light of the Republic, it was clear to Visst, now was the time. By weeks end and to Visst's surprise, the Captains of the Generation Ships have asked to meet with him personally to discuss Visst's plans for the future. According to the Captain Nakeel, this would be the only time that more than two Generation Ships ever were in the same system during the same time. As quoted by the Captain, "it would truly be a remarkable sight." Visst had other thoughts regarding the proposed meeting. He promised he would consider the request and reply once he had time to think about it. The drive was surely there for the rebirth of the Republic. However it would take a strong leader to keep pull it all together and more importantly keep it together. It was that sense of leadership which was currently missing from the Galaxy. Visst had a lot to think about.

There was also the issue of the pirates under the command of Captain Nathan. Talon requested that Visst sit down with each of them and 'feel' them out with the Force and ensure they were not a threat. While her concerns were in good reason, they turned out to be unfounded. Visst found great allies within the Council of the Inner Light to help with this task. Each member of the Inner Light Council, after long conversations had earned Visst's respect as Masters and leaders of their group. Though Visst did find some views like those of Master Salaban, who held a over critical view on everything and everyone, was something that he couldn't completely agree with. Their conversations regarding Daz brought renewed light and added salt to Visst's overall actions in dealing with Daz in the past. Even still, Visst could find respect in Master Salaban. This was in contrast of the calm understanding view with Master Scorylance in regards to Daz's actions. He reminded the Council of how missteps in the past could only help strengthen a Jedi's resolve if nurtured and explained properly. Visst saw the balance between the two strongly dominate Masters within the training of Knight Murl.

Visst could see how Master Salaban's drive for perfection in deed and thought honed her skills and Mastery over her weakness'. The kind heart nurturing approach of Master Scorylance help grow her maturely and eased the pains of being rejected by her own family and people. For all that Visst learned about Knight Murl, the murder of her father and when faced with the man who did it. Visst could see much of both Masters within her actions. Standing on the verge of the dark act of vengeance, Knight Murl lowered her lightsaber and forgave the man for the murder. Visst made a mental note to speak with the young Knight regarding the death of her father at a later time to better understand the events. The story of Knight Murl drove home the ideals that the Inner Light held regarding teaching of Padawans. That each Master is a teacher and all lessons should be heeded. From what Visst could tell, during a Padawan's first two years of training they train with one Master. Then they start to become exposed to others and different views regarding training. Then during trails it is how the Padawan uses what they have learned tells the Council where they need to focus the Padawan's future training. While a Padawan grows within the Force and the Order they start to take their trails, they are constantly tested over and over again. Even after they become Knights and Masters, they are still tested. All this ensures that the life long student remains true to the ideal and philosophies of the Order. As Master Scorylance said, “We are students of the Force. Each day should be seen as a new lesson and a new opportunity to test what we learned the day before.”

What impressed Visst the most was Master Akarin. The aging Jedi Master was clearly reaching the end of his days yet still held to teaching the young Padawans and younglings. However it was regarding a conversation about destiny that caught Visst's ear. "Each one of us has the potential for great evil and great good all at the same time. It is the compass of our heart which speaks of our true core and of our future." The conversation came up during the discussion of the Pirates. A few of them while not bad at heart had their futures a bit clouded by the darkside. It was during these conversations, Visst learned about the history of the Inner Light and how they came to be on such a dark world like Mearisa.

While names were left out, Visst did figure out who played what roles during the final fall of the Jedi. The Rangers had been more prepared for the coming war than had been expected. While the Republic waged war with Azgard, the Rangers disguised as Jedi hit major Temples across the Republic. Once the head of the Order had been smashed the war was much more one sided. By the time Master Preena Tabanne had taken over the Order was on its knees. She managed to craft an alliance with the Crusade and finally beat the Rangers once and for all. While the Rangers were no more, the Crusade had suffered greatly from the war and was more a name than an Order. Tebanne had allowed many former Crusade to seek refuge within the Order. It was this act that drove the final split. Within their new Headquarters on Naboo, the final breath of the Order was taken. Tebanne had been betrayed by a member of her own council and the Jedi disbanded.

To Visst's surprise it was Damaya Weirin and Plo Murl who led the Jedi to Mearisa. Master Arakirn was careful to not revile the name of the Jedi who betrayed the Order. Known only as the betrayer, he pursued Master Murl, Master Weirin along the remaining Jedi across the Galaxy. Finally they were forced down on Mearisa. It was the selfless acts of a few Jedi Master who used their combined powers through illusion to fool the Betrayer and his forces in to thinking the entire group had remained aboard their crippled ship. Master Akarin told of how the survivors watched helpless as their ship and friends were bombed repeatedly till nothing remained of the ship. Once the Betrayer's forces left, the survivors hid themselves within the Force and wondered Mearisa. Master Akarin said of that moment, the Jedi were no more. The Betrayer's Order turned dark and evil. Only Jedi by name, nothing more. After days of wondering, they discovered the temple underground, and the Temple of Inner Light was born. Visst learned that the founders of the Temple of Inner Light believed that it was attachments which drove the final fall of the Jedi. As such, they teach a strict no attachment doctrine. Visst also learned that the Temple had been a mix of both former Jedi and former Crusade living and surviving side by side. Master Weirin was pivotal in bridging the lines during the early years. Their plan was to remain hidden for just a few years. However events changed their plans. The Galaxy continued to fall apart and the Force school that Prince Saar had built had been whipped out by the Church. This meant leaving their new home had become simply too dangerous.

Visst heard the details of the debate which pulled every member of the colony in to. The debate started three years after they first arrived to the under ground Temple. It lasted for weeks. Each colony member was given a chance to speak on the issue. While the drive was great to return to the surface, the realization of what was happening sank in. A small group was selected to venture beyond the gate and explore the world. What they brought back shifted the debate. No longer was there anything to return to. All manner of technology was cast out to ensure they were not detected by the militaries above. It was then, the Inner Light sealed themselves from the darkness above. There was so much about their past Visst wanted to learn. He wanted to learn about how their grew their food, handled justice and so much more. However he had his own pressing issues. At hand was the choice regarding the Pirates.

Visst finally decided to allow the Pirates to remain with the group as long as they allowed the Masters of the Inner Light to help council and guide them. A request that Captain Nathan took well. Talon then took over as she and the other Azgardians started to train a third of the citizens of the Narshana. She created three training groups. One were going to be a standing military of the ship. Those who would give up all other duties to focus on training and defending the ship. The second group would be those who would be called up in times of emergency. Lastly were the children of the Narshana. Talon wanted to mirror the training of her own childhood. After outlining her plan with both Captains and some support from Visst, she was finally allowed to proceed with her plans. Visst was there during her first training and her words still echoed in his mind. "The odds are that within a few months most, if not all, of you will be dead or crippled from combat. I can not nor will I attempt to change this. However the children behind you will learn from your victories and defeats. How you handle yourselves during training is how they will handle themselves. Take this as seriously as possible and they will succeed where you fall."

Talon used the ship it self as her personal trip through hell as she trained her group. Spoonie did offer protest over the high number of training related injuries, though Talon simply dismissed his concerns as she continued to train adult and child alike. Talon even found use for Senni during the training, giving her a place within the Training Cadre. Senni's new role was to teach Talon's new recruits bladed close combat training. Even before the week was over, Talon asked Visst and the Inner Light to help Senni cope with her past. As Visst dove in her her memories, he hated what he saw. The Inner Light Council saw this as just one more reason why the old ways must never be allowed to take route again. During the days ahead, Senni's recovery moved slowly. But it did move forward, and Visst knew that this would take a long time for Senni to be fully recovered.

Visst started to realize that he needed the support of the Inner Light as much as they needed him. He considered asking them to place him through there own trails in hopes of gaining their acceptance of him within their Order. He had to admit, he was drawn in on their use of numerous trails to gage the advancement of a Padawan through training. Then they continue through Knighthood, and even through being a Master. Each member from Master Akarin on down under went trails to ensure that they do not forget what they have learned or fall to darker paths. However something did seem to bother Visst, many of the council members of the Inner Light did not take a keen liking to Daz. It was clear that they were keeping him at arms length. Most importantly, they kept their Padawans and younglings away from the Jedi Master. When asked, Master Akarin answered with, "based on what we do know of him so far. He has shown a lack of control and a disregard for the dangers of attachments. He would have to prove himself to us." Visst couldn't argue but he didn't like the fact.

As the first week slowly came to an end, Visst found Talon in the med-bay. She and Carissa were talking over a set of test results. "So did the procedure work" He asked calmly.

Talon turned with Carissa to face Visst. It was Carissa who spoke up first. "You knew" she stated plainly and clearly. The look of surprise was clearly written across Talon's face. Carissa's face reflected the lack of emotions that was within her. Still there was a hint of confusion on Carissa's face.

He nodded, "it wasn't hard to figure out. Your plan to remove her so called scarlet letter seemed like the only reasonable path that both of you would be on regarding the collection of DNA."

Talon glanced back at Carissa and sighed, “Don't blame her. I gave her an order not to inform any of what she was working on. I accept all responsibility for it.” She looked down in disappointment, "I didn't mean to conceal the fact of my actions. It simply wasn't anyone's...."

He waved his hand, "I understand" he said walking in to the room. "So did it work?"

Carissa nodded, "the biological markers are still there embedded deep within her DNA matrix. However through gene therapy their physical affect are gone."

"Mind if I see?" Visst said nodding,

Talon walked forward and turned to give Visst her back. She dropped to her knees and lowered her head. At the same time she pulled her head to the side. "It is a part of me I want gone. It may be something of how I was made, but it is not who I am" she explained as she finally exposed the back of her neck.

Visst could clearly see her plain bare neck. The bar code that was once part of her DNA was no long there. Being a creation of the Crusade with one mission, to kill Daz Murl. The bar code held the data of who and what she was. Only a copy of the long dead Fiolla Heartman. "It never had any influence over who you were."

Not looking up from the floor, "that may be Master Visst. However it did effect how others saw me. And if Daz had his way, it would effect who I really am. Having it removed will close the debate of who I am."

Visst nodded as she stood back up to face him, "Talon, you are who you are. Who you choose to be. Nothing can change this."

Talon looked down at the small Jedi Master who shielded her from the others. She smiled, "Master Visst, if not for you I would not be here today. Everything you taught me, has helped me grow beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for being part of my life experience."

He nodded, "you asked to see me?"

Talon went back to the table and picked up a folder. "I asked Senni if I could show this to you. I have her permission." She explained while handing him the file. He opened and started to read the medical report. "She well in to her second trimester. Based on the Doctor's opinion, she is reaching the point of no return for the mother. If the unborn baby is not dealt with soon, the mother will parish." Talon explained the details of the medical report. It was very detailed and very clear. Within a few days, the damage to Senni's body would not be reversible. "Visst what I want you to do is talk to her. Make sure that this is in fact what she wants. Make sure she is of sound mind and solid convection."

Visst read over the medical reports very carefully. He was reading the future of Senni's detailed death. During the past week, Senni had opened up to him on levels she never dared opened up with before. She was a brave woman with a heart of gold. But she was still mortal and had always expected her pending death. She spoke highly of her child and had great hopes for him. Visst knew the answer but understood that Talon needed to be sure. It was more or less just ensuring that everything was covered. "I will speak with her."

Talon nodded, "Thank you Master Visst."

Daz found himself walking on to the bridge of the Narshana. It was a place he was finding that he disliked more and more. He couldn't help glancing at the concealed stairwell ahead of him as he was washed over by a sense of coldness right down to his soul. He didn't want to admit that he had made the wrong decision in his dealings with the Force Wraths, however he was feeling as much. He had always saw Destiny as a major player within his life. Even at the time of his birth it was foretold that he was Destine for something much greater than others. He was disappointed with the fact that the Wraths had stolen something from him as priceless as his own Destiny. He had even considered an act of revenge against them by attacked their Force Focal Point. He had believed that destroying the cauldron would have given him back what they stoled from him. It wasn't only an act of revenge. Still he was relieved that he didn't do it. It was another low point in his life and was grateful that Master Visst was there to ensure that he didn't go down that path once more.

Captain Nakeel walked up behind Daz, “you wished to see me Master Murl?”

Daz took his eyes off the concealed passageway as he turned to face the Captain, “Yes captain. I wanted to ask you about the Wraths.”

“They are not very pleased with you. I have been asked not to speak with you regarding them any further” the Captain explained while cutting Daz's statement off.

A look of disappointment crossed Daz's face. “I just wanted to ask you about the pact of your family made with the Force wraiths, how were they were first encountered, and the specifics of your arrangements” Daz tried to explain.

Shaking his head, “Look, I am sorry, but you and your friend have really upset them. I warned you about upsetting them. The answer is no. I will not speak with you about them at any measure. I am sorry.”

Daz knew better than to push the issue any further. “I understand Captain” he said softly as he tried to over come this blockage. “Could you explain to me how other ships weather the Force storms and when they first appeared” Daz asked as he lifted his gaze to the Captain's eyes.

The Captain nodded, “Most people can't see them. Only those like you can see the storms. The rest of us just get to enjoy the effects. So what do they do?” the Captain said softly with a stern look on his face. “Once a storm is detected, they turn and go another way. Avoiding the storm is much better than attempting to weather it.” A grim look crossed his face, “Once you are trapped in a storm, its over. Hope that what ever God you worship smiles on you. Cause you are good as dead within those wretched storms. Even with our friends, we don't sail through them. We just skim the edges” the Captain explained. He looked down for a bit as if trying to remember something, “as for when they first appeared. I couldn't tell you. For as long as I have been alive there had been storms. There are records going back over a thousand years and storms have been recorded.”

***Akirapryde*** · 06-18-2013, 08:55 AM,

In the Eye of Madness
The Imperial Palace
The Second Reich of Humanity
Core World of Vandor III
October 16th, 1936

The Imperial Palace historically has always been a place of paranoia, however the added security seen now is simply beyond reason. Count Paqurn walked passed the roving groups of psychics and the Imperial Palace Guards. He could feel the darkness around him moving through the corridors of the Palace. Unthinkable horrors and evil had spread from these halls by the many Emperors and Empresses that called this vile place home. Visiting this place was only done due to duty, for it was a place that Count Paqurn did not enjoy being. He could not think of a time when this place was ever a place of good but this level of evil and fear was beyond normal even for these dark passageways. He held his emotional and Force defenses up as a group of psychics walked passed. He could feel them probing his thoughts and emotions. To counter their efforts, the Count allowed them to sense calm emotions and his intentions to report to the Emperor as requested. By allowing them to sense what they are looking for kept them from looking deeper at his true intentions of being here.

He caught their eyes as they walked passed him. He considered their service to be very troubling. Prior to Emperor Ganner ascending to the throne, psychics have been considered only a mild interest by the Throne. However once Emperor Ganner took over, their raise to power seemed to occur nearly over night. They have become his most trusted eyes and ears beyond the walls of the Palace. It was their power which bothered the Count the most. They acted outside the scope of the military chain of command and answered directly to the Emperor himself. It wasn't only Count Paqurn that had problems with this. Many Field Marshals had the same concerns regarding a paramilitary group that does not answer to the military. Sadly, while many Field Marshals did have these concerns, only a very few voiced them. Those who did were transferred and never heard from again. It was a strong message to the rest of the military to fall in to step or else.

Count Paqurn walked up to the final door which were opened by a pair of guards. As he got close to the opened doors, he actually had to pause before entering. He could feel the source of the darkness, hate and anger through the Force. It was like nothing else he had ever sensed before. What ever it was, it was reaching out to him and knew that he was coming. Taking in a deep breath and calming his mind, the Count continued as he walked through the door. Looking around he couldn't see the source of the emotions he was sense, but he knew that it was here. He didn't give in to temptation as he kept his mind silent and at a sense of calm. Another odd note was the lacking of the Emperor's personal body guards within the Emperor's private office. This was out of the ordinary as the Emperor made sure that they would never leave his side, even when he slept. The Count nodded as he looked to the Emperor's chair turned away from him. “You have summoned me, my Lord” Count Paqurn said softly and calmly as he bowed respectfully.

“Yes, I have Count” the Emperor said from his chair motioning with his hand as he turned to face the Count. It was clear that the young Emperor was expecting some kind of reaction as he showed off his new suite. He was wearing the flesh of a NeDor as one would wear a normal outfit. The flesh suite moved as the Emperor moved within it. “Do you like my new suite?”

It was moments like this that the Count was very glad that he denied all of his emotions. The Count only looked at the Emperor within the flesh suite, “Um, I do not believe that the color suites your eyes, My Lord.”

The Emperor sighed as he pulled off the head of the flesh suite, “You are never any fun, Count” the young Emperor said as he stood up coming out of the suite. It made a hollow slushy sound as it slide down to the wooden floor of the office. “You should have seen Field Marshal Horis. I thought he was going to have a heart attack right where he was standing.”

“Field Marshal Horis' heart condition is well known My Lord” Count Paqurn said calmly. He could feel the hate and anger within the room moving about the area. He made a point to not follow the being with his eyes. He was unsure if the being detected his own connection to the Force or not. However he was not going to give it a reason to look deeper. It was difficult task to resist the urge to learn more about the being. The Count knew his mission here was much more important than on a foolish mistake, “May I inquire why the suite My Lord.”

The young Emperor laughed as he walked over to the bar within a large bookshelf, “a few weeks ago, the Dorin Alliance sent me a powerful message.”

Paqurn followed, “what kind of message My Lord?” He said with a blank look on his face and all to aware of the being within the room following them.

The Emperor picked up a bottle and pured the clear liquid in to a glass slowly, “They sent an assassin to my Palace. He was waiting for me in the Garden.”

Paqurn was shocked by this news. Never before has any alien set foot within the Palace of the Reich let alone on Vandor III. The operation must have been well planned out and executed with great skill and Mastery. The Count was deeply impressed that they were able to penetrate the Reich Defense Grid to reach orbit. “Surely, this assassin paid for his actions with his life, My Lord?” As the conversation continued, Paqurn searched the bookshelf without betraying his actions. He needed to find Visst's book and one of the logical places for it would be in the bookshelf. However, he didn't see it out in plain sight. This clue told him that if the Emperor did have the book, then the likely hood of the Emperor understanding its real value had increased.

“Thats the thing. He didn't attack me. He made his presence known and then just flew off.” The Emperor said while taking another drink. “I did get a very good look at him though” the Emperor said coldly. “I will never forget his face or how he looked. He was sent by the Dorins to deliver a message to me. A message which I heard loud and clear. Their technology was much higher than ours. They could reach deep within my realm and even in to my own home. Had this assassin not delivered this message, I would have never considered the offer they sent me.” It was clear that the encounter had shaken the Emperor. Count Paqurn knew emotions and knew how to read them. Even though the Emperor was a master of hiding his intentions and emotions, the Count could still read them.

Count Paqurn nodded as he listened, “Offer My Lord?” He carefully moved back and leaned on the back side of the sofa so he could get a better look across the bookshelves. The book had to be somewhere in the bookshelf. It was important to rule out the bookshelves before moving on to other areas to search. He calmly waited as the Emperor continued to speak.

The Emperor shook his head, “this message which came almost a week later and delivered by our Jedi friends was once more a surprise. The offer was in terms of an alliance.” He looked back to his glass and smiled as he reached for a small box. “These have just come in from Froz. I am told that our forces have completely secured it and all resistance has been ended.” he explained as he pulled a small cylinder shaped brown item from it. “Here try one. They are quite remarkable” he said as he offered one for the Count.

Looking down at the box with a sense of sorrow. He could feel the suffering of those who where forced to created them. The echoes of their suffering could be felt as easily as he could smell the items within. It was all the same, where ever the Reich moved in the suffering only increased. He reached in and took one. He didn't want one, but knew he had to portray a good face if he was to remain in good graces. He considered the implications of a Dorin-Reich Alliance. He knew that this would not go well for the rest of the Galaxy. “So you rejected the offer, correct?” He asked as he examined the item.

“Not at all” the Emperor said closing the box and putting it back in its place. He poured another glass full and then returned to his desk. He carefully placed the glass down on the desk, “In fact, I accepted the alliance.” He turned and bent over picking up his Ne Dor flesh suite, “You know the saying, keep your friends close and your enemies even closer” he explained as he walked over to a coat rack. He carefully hung up his flesh suite on a specially designed rack that supported the whole suite while still showing it off. “I even suggested an exchange program. So that we can learn more about their military.” He turned to return to his desk and slowly took his seat, “If they are so advanced as to slip past our most advanced detection stations. Then I want to learn all I can from them. Its that simple. Once we have mastered their technology, I will have no further use for them.

Nodding at the concepts. The Sabbat had given a great sigh of relief because the Dorin Alliance and Second Reich of Humanity had not attempted contact each other. This lack of unity allowed some governments to fight back against either massive empire. If they were join forces it would spell disastrous for other governments caught between the two empires. “It is a very wise move My Lord” the Count said and finally walked over to the Emperor's desk. The book was not in the bookshelf. As he approached the desk, he noticed as the Emperor was moving his files around a file under the others that was labeled 'Top Secret' with the title 'Operation Phoenix'. He couldn't get the details of it but noticed a ship list assigned to the mission. He knew that two of the ships were fast attack corvettes designed for long independent operations. “Despite the assassin My Lord, an alliance between Dorin and Vandor could serve to cause much problems with Free World's Council. And if we can get a hold of their technology which allowed them to drop that assassin in your very backyard. No world would be out of our reach. Once more, you have lead us in to another remarkable move that we can only benefit from.”

The Emperor smiled at the compliment and nodded, “I have to admit, it is hard to lead our people in to greatness.” The ego of the Emperor was seconded only by his drive for power and control over the Galaxy. “Anyway, as for the reason why I summoned you” he explained as he started to put his files away in a drew.

It was in that moment the Count spotted what could only be the book Master Visst was seeking. Paqurn found it odd that the book would be kept in such a place. The drew was a well secured location within the Emperor's desk used only for the most vital of items. It could only mean that the Emperor understood the importance of the book. Visst had to be notified of this development. “My Lord?” Paqurn said waiting for the true reason why he was here. Holding up his defenses against the presence that he was sensing was starting to take its toll on him. The hate and anger was nearly overwhelming as the conversation continued. Still, remaining hidden from it within the Force was as important as discovering the location of the book. Paqurn could feel the creature moving around the room. He was sure that he was being probed by the creature. He made sure to keep his thoughts clear and his defenses up.

“I have an extremely important task for you my trusted friend” the Emperor said coldly.

Count Paqurn nodded, “Yes My Lord.”

The Emperor smiled, “With the upcoming Alliance, and the kick off of our officer exchange program. I have been invited to Dorin.” The Emperor continued as Paqurn knew it was a lie but gave no sign of catching on. “I need a bodyguard that I can trust.” Once more, it was a lie and once more Paqurn caught it. “I will be bringing my own palace guards but I need someone who can follow me through social events, special meetings and media events. I want you to be this guard, my friend.”

Paqurn nodded at the request. He was well known for his personal combat style and battlefield experience. It was not a far reaching request, but still there were the two lies that bothered him deeply. It was a mystery that would have to wait. “You have honored my Household, My Lord. Of course I would gladly accompany you do Dorin. After all, these Ne Dor have a deceitful nature. One can never be too careful around them.” Paqurn could feel that the Emperor had been touched by what ever was in the room. To this there was no doubt in his mind. He knew the Emperor too well. The Emperor would have never considered any pact with an alien race. There has to be more to this and he meant to uncover it. “I only wish my servant was still alive. I know she would have loved to visit Dorin. Her drive for travel and adventure was unmatched” the Count added as to further distract his mind adding once more another layer of defense against the creature within the room.

The Emperor nodded, “Ah yes, I heard about that. It is such a shame when a human falls at the hands of any alien. I heard that our Physics have uncovered much information about it. The man responsible for the Rape and Murder had been caught and questioned.”

The fact that the Emperor used the terms Rape and Murder told the Count that the Emperor didn't know the truth regarding the murder. Which was fine with him. It was batter that the Emperor didn't know anything beyond what everyone else knew. “What will happen to the killer?”

“Oh, he will be question then executed for his crime” the Emperor said softly then smiled. “I do have something for you. Lets just say a thank you gift for all your service to the Throne.”

“My Lord?” the Count questioned.

Reaching over to a button, “I know how you loved your young female servant” he said with an almost sick tone. The Count was well aware of the rumors and did nothing to silence them. “I have found you a more than suitable replacement.” He explained as the door opened up and a young human girl was led in on a chain by a guard who left once she was in the center of the room. While human slavery was outlawed across the Reich. Humans from beyond the colonies were not considered pure Humans and therefor did not deserve complete protection under this law. “She was picked up in Fra. I thought it fitting.” The Reich had never been known for its fair treatment of any race beyond the colonies.

The Count could feel the child's fears. She was not suitable for being brought in to the Sabbat. This fact was clear by her age and emotions. She lacked any real connection to the Force. However he knew if he rejected her, her fate would be far worse. “I am speechless My Lord” he said walking over to her. He carefully walked around her as she started to whimper, “She is a very suitable replacement.” He said as he took the leash that was attached to her collar. “Thank you My Lord” he said softly. “If you will forgive me. I have a long trip to prepare for. Please have your aides inform my Household when and where you wish to depart from” he said bowing as he started to back out of the room. “I...We shall be there.” he concluded. He had to leave the room. He could feel his defenses starting to fail. The truth of the matter was he simply ran out of time.

The Emperor smiled and nodded, “I shall pass the word on to your aides, My Friend” he said as he stood up. “Oh and try not to get this one killed” he added motioned at the new slave girl. The Emperor remained standing as the Count calmly left the office with his new pet. The door had been closed for a few minutes before the Emperor took his seat with a heavy sigh. He was hoping that the report coming would not be what he feared.

Deep within the shadows, the voice echoed softly, “Its not him. He is not your spy.”

The Emperor nodded, “I told you that the Count was one of my most trusted. I trust my life in his hands. He would never betray the Throne. Its not in his family's blood. Regardless, that is all of my staff and aides. Still you have not uncovered the spy which you claimed was within my palace.”

“Make no mistake boy, there is a spy and this spy will cost you the coming war.” the voice said coldly, “Trust me on this, boy. There is a spy. I just have not found him, yet. Was not wrong about the raid.”

The Emperor shook his head, “No you were not wrong about the raid. It would have been a very damning raid had I not moved my forces there. How the Free Worlds Council uncovered that there was a shipyard there, I fear to know.”

“The spy told them where and when to strike” the voice said once more. “For this, I am most sure of.”

“IF you are right, we have to find this spy.” The Emperor said as he opened up his desk and pulled out the book. “I have one more request for you. The Guardians, I need to know if they still exist” he said while he looked through the pages of the book.

“I will have to search through the Force for your answer. Get me to Dorin and I shall do all that you request. And more!” the voice temped, “The Galaxy shall bow down before the Reich and the thousand year prophecy will not come to be. I promise this, as long as you get me to Dorin all your desires shall come true.”

“Oh I will keep my word. I have to know about the Guardians.” He said as he flipped through more pages.

“I will let you know once I have the answer you seek” the voice said then remained silent.

The Emperor didn't care if the creature was there or not. He flipped through the pages of the book and smiled. He pulled out the file named Operation Phoenix and opened it. He read the file in one hand and looked over the book in the other. “Soon, nothing in the galaxy will be able to stop me. I will be the most powerful Ruler alive. Soon, the Free Worlds Council will beg for mercy before my forces.” he said with a cold sense of hate in his voice.

Master,

I have discovered your book. The Emperor does in fact have it locked away in his desk. However there is sometime much more darker going on, on Vandor. I sense a dark presence around the Emperor. I can feel the hate and anger from this creature when it is near. I am sure that it is Sith and very powerful. The Emperor has, under this Sith's influence, agreed to an alliance with the Dorin Empire. A move that for all that I know of the Emperor he would have never done. The Dorin's have sent some kind of assassin/massager to the Emperor's personal garden. The Emperor has seen this act as a sign that the Reich has some how fallen behind the Dorins in technology. He is using this event and revelation to support his decision for the alliance. The Emperor is traveling to Dorin to seal this alliance. I will attempt to gain you more information in the coming days.

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