Jedi Expedition: Part 2 - Pursuit

Nykon watched the bulkhead seal again behind Truger and Will Alas boys, I'd rather be on your shuttle then here. he thought reluctantly.

Nykon Graves was a Jedi Wander, a Jedi Weapon''s Master, in his mind he was the last Jedi to place in command of a ship and crew the size of the Hilt. Thankfully they crew knew their jobs, and knew them well. Bream Darklighter would prove himself, Nykon knew it instinctively. The young Jedi was a little rough around the edges, but Nykon decided that if the Force had changed his path in life he might as well embrace the change. He could think of no more fitting thing for him to do with his time on the Hilt then train Bream in the ways of the Weapon's Master. It'd been too long since he'd had an Apprentice. And one of the benefits of being a Weapon's Master is that they always started with trained Knights. Bream was well trained enough. But he seemed to have that vacant luck of those who went through life succeeding without trying. He was competent enough, but he missed the little things in life, and it showed to Nykon. He would surprise Bream later with a sparring match and inform him of his new regimen. Bream had Mastered single handed saber combat, so Nykon was going to branch Bream into something more fitting with the nature of the Jedi mission.

If Bream was going to be Nykon's number two, then Nykon wanted him to have a few tricks up his sleeve. Never hurts Nykon Thought.

Bream continued to drone on and on about some engineering need, or medical supply transfer, Nykon wasn't sure. He had stopped listening some time ago, when he was thinking about surprising Bream.

No time like the...

PRESENT! Nykon yelled at Bream as he sprung across the table and into the younger Knight. Bream was taken completely off guard, and sprawled across the floor as Nykon continued to turn his dive into a forward roll. Midway through his roll his right hand reached out and pushed off the floor as his left hand reached behind him and unsecured one of his lightsabers from it's back holster. He landed on his feet with the blade unlit but at the ready. Bream's look of confusion was echoed with his Force aura.

Master Graves? Darklighters' voice trailed off.

It's time your training began Bream. Graves said smiling. Bream's confusion mounted in the Force and Nykon's smile seemed to turn predatory.

But Master. I am a Jedi Knight. I already am trained. Bream replied. We've got more important things right now them worrying about my training sir.

You're a competent Jedi Knight Bream, but you can be so much more. I need you to be. In the days and even months ahead I will depend on you more you might think. And you must be able to lead in I fail. I'd like to train you in more combat forms and new Force techniques. In our spare time of course- nothing that will interrupt ships functions. He stopped waiting for Bream to respond.

Sir...I-I'd be honored sir. I'll admit, I'm nervous. But I have faith that you see more in me then I see in myself.

Nykon laughed, Bream, you're going to do great things one day. I've foreseen it.

Bream lit-up at that, You have? he asked in awe.

No Bream it was to get you to loosen up, which will be lesson one. Expect the unexpected; stay loose. Nykon swung the blade at Bream and hit the table in stead. The blade bounced off the table top and ricocheted off the wall. Only then did Bream put things together. Nykon had his lightsaber set to a training setting. The move could have proved deadly had Bream thought to turn his own blade against Master Graves. But then it was also a sign that Master Graves had that much control. Bream wanted that kind of control. He'd happily accept Master Graves offer. He had a feeling he'd learn many things under the Jedi Master's tutelage. He'd already learned a few things. And the most important one was that life moved at hyperspeed.

He called on the Force and brought his own blade up taking a moment to dial the blade's setting to it's training function,

Bream and Nykon sparred for at least two hours, and in that first training session Bream's form had improved greatly just by mimicking Master Graves many changes in style. Bream had proved to be a most eager student, and they were both soon sweating heavily and breathing hard.

But both men were smiling. And glowing in the Force.
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-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast

Will and Truger headed straight for the armory. Upon arrival Will was pleased to see the rest of the squad already there inspecting blasters and carefully selecting the one in the best condition. Good, they're already in the mindset of this as a serious operation, not something to be taken lightly

The heavy weapons specialist had selected a heafty assault gun. Perhaps not the most latest in blaster technology Will granted but it was a tried and true model which had seen modifications to keep it on par with more modern weaponry. Truger selected a modern blaster rifle, one of the newer models designed for maximize portability while having minimal impact on range, an ideal choice for Sullust's cave systems. To that Truger added a scope that had night vision capability. Will and the two Guardians selected blaster carbines for themselves. Will opted to add a reflex sight to his carbine though the two Guardians seemed content to use their blasters without scopes. They rightly know that their job will be using their sabers not blasters if things heat up so they won't be using the blasters except to provide covering fire and that doesn't require great aim to do properly. The medic selected a repeating pistol, a nice compact weapon that would provide a great volume of fire without compromising his ability to perform his primary role as medic. All of them also gathered a bandolier to carry extra clips.

With the exception of our medic the rest of us will also be carrying a bandolier of extra ammo for the repeating blaster. Each is to carry an extra 300 rounds for the repeater. Get whatever else equipment you need or any final personal preperations, but do it fast. I want the squad assembled on the hanger deck in fifteen minutes Will slung his blaster carbine onto his shoulder and left the armory to grab the his personal equipment from his quarters and spend a few minutes in solitary meditation to center himself for the mission ahead.
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Hal Darrun's 24 years hadn't been anything to brag about. At least Lord Reaver of the Sith didn't think so as he rummaged around in the Jedi's mind. Hal was now locked away in a prison of Reaver's own making, and the Sith Spirit now had complete control of the young Jedi.

He had managed to remain hidden so far. But from what he'd heard from passersby, the Jedi were onto him. They knew something had came up from Hoth with the expedition, they just weren't sure what. Whether it was a spell or some sorcery, or a Sith Lord himself, rumors went as far as to a Sith Spirit.
How close you are young Jedi... Reaver thought

Reaver had managed to learn quite a few things, like that the Jedi were sending a team after Modero. The pretender Sith had taken the Jedi's companion, the Mandalorian female. Reaver reached into Hals mind again. Not Mandalorian... Jedi! Perhaps Modero isn't as imbecilic as I'd first thought.

Few things in the universe drew the attention of the Sith like when two rivals joined. A Jedi Mandalorian was something that the Sith had feared for centuries. Reaver knew all too well the dangers of Force using Mandalorians. In this endeavor he hoped the Jedi succeeded. The last thing he would want is for Modero to possess this Jedi in some form or fashion. If he turned her she would be most powerful indeed. At least at the moment the JEDI didn't know the level of risk Reaver himself posed. If he could find a way to move bodies... to possess the Mandalorian Jedi... No. He thought fiercely, I must keep as far from Modero as possible. He would only undo all that I've done so far. No wish the Jedi luck in their hunt will I, and no more. If the Jedi succeed Modero will be dead and the Mandalorian Jedi will be coming back to me. I'll take her then. In the mean time I must do what I can to divert attention to Modero, and the planets surface.

Reaver reached into the Force, felt his hold on the Dark Side; it's hold over the ship. He relaxed his grip a little at a time. Not too much, just enough to give any Jedi reaching out in the Force for him, the sense that the "darkness" they were searching for had left the ship with the shuttle. He decided he'd try to fool the Jedi into thinking he'd fled to the planets surface.

Just then a door opened up the hallway, and Nykon Graves and Bream Darklighter stepped out. The two had clearly been sparring, and Nykon cast a glance at Hal. Reaver did everything in his power to keep Hal's body walking a nice casual pace, as if nothing strange or untoward was occurring.

Nykon's gaze followed Hal. Reaver foolishly made eye contact, and Graves released a predatory smile. "Hal! It's good to see you out and about again. I trust you're feeling better? Nykon's question seemed to hang in the air.

Does he know... Reaver thought for a split second and immediately flooded the feeling with thoughts of embarrassment. Nykon would feel only confusion then the embarrassment. If he didn't know, Nykon would figure nothing was wrong. Reaver hoped the Force was still with him.

Bream didn't seem to pay Hal too much attention, his data pad held his gaze. Nykon was looking at Hal expectantly. When it grew clear that Hal wasn't feeling like talking, Nykon seemed to get the hint, "Well if you need anything Hal; you know where to find Myself or Bream?"

Reaver answered in Hal;s voice "Yes sir, thank you Master Graves. I'll be fine. Nothing a few days rest won't cure."

Nykon reached out and clasped Hal's shoulder, "Right you are my boy! Right you are." then turned and walked into the turbolift with Bream right beside him; still consulting his data pad.

---

As the doors closed on the turbolift, Nykon Graves couldn't shake the feeling he'd had when he touched Hal Darrun's shoulder.

He felt so cold, so hollow.

Not at all how he'd felt on Hoth. But then again, Hal had suffered a lot on Hoth that would leave any Jedi feeling cold and hollow, Nykon figured.

"Bridge" he said as he punched in the command key.

Nykon felt apprehension about the upcoming events, and it was starting to spill over into his senses. He was starting to feel like his sense was off a bit from all the darkness on Hoth. As if all the Jedi had indeed been stained a little from their time on the ice planet. One thing Nykon was glad for; that they wouldn't be returning to that ice cold den of evil. And good riddance; Nykon hated deep cold environments. He'd take a tropical one any day of the week.
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-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast

The hanger bay was colder than the rest of the ship, more noticeable now that he wasn't equipped for Hoth's frozen temperatures and was dressed for Sullust's much warmer climate. Outside the hanger bay Will could see the blue of hyperspace, transfixing and maddening at the same time if looked at for too long.

Attention Attention. Arrival at Sullust two minutes. Rescue One prep for departure.

Most of the squad was already on board, they were just waiting for Truger and the medic who had gone to retrieve some medical supplies that had been overlooked. On the one hand that might be seen as a bad omen, on the other it shows that the medic really knows his stuff...you've got to to know that a standard pain killer can mix with Sullust's atmo to produce a lethal toxin.

Having nothing better to do while he waited Will adjusted his black leather half-finger gloves again. Out of the corner of his eye he saw the access doors to the hanger open, Truger and the medic each carrying a box of the replacement pain killers. Silently boarding the shuttle the boxes were secured before Truger and the medic took their seats and strapped in. Will punched the button to raise the ramp and then took his own seat near the cockpit. The cockpit door was open so Will had an off-center view of the activities within.

Rescue One acknowledges. Initiating launch.

Will saw the hanger bay shift as the pilots manuevered the shuttle to face the hanger bay exit. Slowly moving forward the shuttle passed through the magnetic shield and into space. Ahead was the planet Sullust and somewhere on or in the planet was Jayda and her mysterious Sith captor. Will rolled up the sleeves on his armor's body glove to just above the elbow, no longer needing its small layer of warmth against the cold of the hanger. Here we go...
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Nykon Graves walked through the open door of the lift, Will's voice carried over the din of the bridge. Rescue One acknowledges. Initiating launch. A moment later the shuttle crossed the viewport and moved to enter Sullust's atmosphere. Nykon wished the team luck. If everything went to plan Rescue One would be returning shortly. But Nykon understood the reality of a mission of this scale- the odds of finding Jayda within the first few hours were slim. He hoped the Force was on their side.
_________________

-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast

Except for the hum of the engines the transport was silent as it approached Sullust, each lost in their own thoughts or meditating.

Check out that junker off to starboard, 2 o'clock. The co-pilot broke the silence. Will entered the cockpit to get a better look and could see a large bulk freighter, years of rust and scrapes covering the hull. In all respects looking like thousands of other freighters operated by freelance pilots except for the odd art on the bow of the ship. A red lightning bolt against against a patchwork of red, yellow and blue stars. Not that it was uncommon for spacers to put fanciful artwork on their ship, sometimes mimicking the nose art of military fighters. However, what made these bizarre artwork stand out was that unlike the rest of the ship great pains had been taken to keep the paint fresh so the design boldly announced the ship's presence. Very odd, such art is almost always as poorly maintained as the rest of the ship...and there's something about that design...something about it that's familiar

Steer clear of the junker, something about it doesn't seem right...But keep it on your scopes, I want to know where it touches down

Yes sir

Will returned to his seat and checked his carbine. A few minutes later the ship began to rock as it passed through the atmo

This is Rescue One, on priority mission for the Jedi Order. Requesting all landing data of all shuttles still in port transmitting Republic IFF within the last 24 hours. Transmitting Jedi Order authorization and priority landing code now The pilot stated and clicked a few buttons.

Code received Rescue One, transmitting requested data. A voice crackled over the speakers

Data received, standby for docking assignment request

Will moved into the cockpit and peered over the pilot's shoulders at the IFF data.

Got the location of the shuttle. Landing instructions? The pilot looked up at Will

Get us a dock 2 klicks from her location

The co-pilot nodded and keyed the comm. This is Rescue One, transmitting docking assignment request

Request received Rescue One, transmitting coordinates fitting your specifications

Acknowledged, beginning landing procedure. Rescue One out

Will returned to the shuttle's main compartment

3 minutes to touch down, check your gear and get ready to move.
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Jayda ran back up to the cockpit and began engaging the security systems. As a final precaution, she set the Dead Man control, a system she'd only used one other time in her Jedi career. Were her suit to detect at any time that she had departed from amongst the living, it would immediately seal and return to it's port of call. In this case, the Saber's Hilt. If the Sith was aboard and tried to override it, well...it was his funeral.

Casting around once more for the Dark Man's presence, Jayda departed the ship, sealed the boarding ramp, and quickly headed for the busiest area of the Spaceport. It was time to find some additional firepower, perhaps even additional transport. She'd see what could be found at the nearest Cantina. Hopefully some decent beings among all the scum and villainy.
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"It's not about the legacy you leave, it's about the life you live." ~Mara Jade Skywalker

As soon as the shuttle entered Sullust's atmosphere Nykon Graves felt a premonition in the Force. A feeling of dread, of an almost ancient evil washed over him. He tried to trace it to its source but couldn't. He had no idea if the feeling came from the planet below, or the Saber's Hilt herself.

He turned and saw Bream Darklighter looking back at him with a profound look of worry on his face.

"Did you just feel... Nykon stopped his sentence mid way. He looked around the bridge. Every Jedi had the same look of worry of fear on their faces. Nykon would have chastised every one of them had he not been a part of the horrific mission the trip to Hoth had turned into. No, these Jedi have been to hell and back, and are not taking anything lightly. Nykon thought.

Turning back to Bream, Nykon addressed the crew, "Alright Jedi, let's not kid ourselves that something isn't going on here. Any ideas? Are any of you feeling anything more direct? From either the planet or the ship?"

The Jedi each cast glances around the bridge, but none spoke up.

"As I feared. Nykon said. A couple Jedi turned their heads at Nykon's use of the word fear. He caught their worry and continued, "We're going to need to be on our toes. I want everyone scanning the Force for leads. Anything. And I mean anything you think might be something, and I don't care how small; you come to me. We need to discover if the team we just sent to the surface is heading into a trap, or if we need to be more focused on the ship. We've still not figured out what has been causing the disruptions on the ship, or the Force on the ship."

A Padawan working with a passive scanner looked up, Sir? What's wrong with the Force? Or the ship?"

Nykon started to answer when Bream cut him off, "We recently discovered some force at work on the ship. We even think it may have played a part in the recent conflict with Trix.'

Nykon did speak up at the name of the Bothan, "How is Trix's transport coming?

"Everything is well under way sir. We even have Rep Gordon loaded and secure, he'll have a team with him, and Trix and his band of mutineers have a contingent of Jedi Guardians to make sure nothing untoward occurs on the ride back to Coruscant. They should be departing soon."

Nykon closed his eyes and force himself not to smile. For once things might be looking better... but then there was that sense of dread....

"Let me know when the shuttle has departed, and I want a full briefing in 2 hours. Bream I expect you to have a team ready with possibilities for this disturbance we're all feeling. Cause mark my words; I've got a bad feeling about this."
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-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast

The manuvering jets hissed as the pilots landed the ship.

Thu-Thump!

The ship had barely finished distributing its weight on its landing gear before Will had lowered the boarding ramp and, blaster raised, made his way down with the rest of the squad close behind. The landing area was empty, the air hot in his lungs. After the cold of Hoth and deep space the heat was a mix between a welcome change and bordering on uncomfortable.

Transmitting Jayda's shuttle location to your datapad now. The pilot's voice crackled over the comlink

Will pulled out his datapad and brought up the map to orient himself. He then linked the datapad into the squad's network so all map data squad member positions would be available. Looking up the ramp of the shuttle he saw the co-pilot come down, blaster pistol strapped on. Will nodded for the co-pilot to fall in with the rest. On the off chance the shuttle is empty we need to send it back up to the Hilt and deprive the Sith of easy transportation off this rock

Jayda's shuttle is in that direction. I'll take point. You Will pointed to one of the Guardians will be next, then Truger, followed by you, you, you, and you Will addressed the medic, the co-pilot, heavy weapons and remaining Guardian in turn. Keep a 10 meters interval between each of you. Alright lets move out

Will advanced into the tunnels of Sullust at a fast walk, scanning ahead with both his natural and Force senses, blaster at the ready.
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Reaver had been hard at work throughout the night. He'd managed to gain access to many things in the last hour especially. He was currently wandering the Saber's Hilt, touching various structures calling on the Force and enduing the power of the dark side into various locations. Leaving a trail of the dark side throughout the ship that should lead any Jedi trying to seek him out astray.

Earlier he'd found a hypo in one of the conference rooms. He'd been seeking out chemicals all night to add to the contents he discovered in the hypo. Alchemy being a favored hobby of Reavers. He quickly set to work on a compound that would temporarily inhibit use of the Force. But Reaver had long ago learned he could over power the effects of the chemical with the dark side. It required a lot of mastery of the dark side, but when one was as old as Reaver one had a reserve of hate that knew no depth.

Reaver would need a few more chemicals to complete his concoction but he had that all mapped out. He'd have plenty of time to secure those after he finished his current task. Setting phase 2 of his plan into motion he entered the engineering room. It wouldn't take him too long to sabotage the ships hyperdrive. But it would take him precious time to program the desired destination into the nav-comp. The malfunction would make the ship jump to hyperspace at random, building up to the jump. The destination would seem random to the bridge crew, Reaver had just seen to that. The final destination would be known only to Reaver.

The foolish Jedi wouldn't know what hit them....
_________________

-Bring on your thousands, one at a time or all in a rush. I don't give a damn. None shall pass.
-
-To become a Jedi, it is not the Force one must learn to control but oneself.
-
-Podcasts: Star Wars Beyond the Films, The Star Wars Report, & EUCast

Will glided like a wraith from shadow to shadow, guiding the squad through the tunnels. He was careful to avoid the main tunnels and except for the odd drunk or shady character the tunnels were unoccupied. Not that anyone rememberd that Will or the squad had ever been there after Will had wiped their mind with Force Haze.

Rescue One to Kelvar the pilot's crackled in Will's earpiece. Will crouched down and heald up his fist at a right angle, silently motioning the squad to stop.

Kelvar go ahead Will whispered

That shuttle we saw on the way in has landed. Its 2 klicks north of your position not too far from a spaceport which intel says is a hub for smuggling and other illegal activities on this sector of the planet. I've been listening in on the local security force band which is piping reports of a hit on the local gang that ran the spaceport.

So worst case scenario that shuttle is carrying enforcers to bust the heads of whoever is trying to muscle in. Truger quietly chimed in over the comlink

Keep me informed if things heat up Rescue One. I don't want to walk into a firefight unprepared if the spaceport gets turned into a Outer Rim holodrama. Will whispered

Roger that Rescue One out

A reenactment of A Fistfull of Credits eh Will? Truger's hushed voice crackled over the comlink with a hint of amusement.

Frak I hope not Truger Will whispered back, grimacing at the thought.

Slowly rising into a half crouch Will motioned the squad forward, silently resuming their trek through the gloom of the tunnels.
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After what seemed like long enough, Jayda extracted herself from the shadows surrounding her observation post. The Fistful of Credits didn't seem like a cantina true to its name, at least not as far as its clients were concerned. But it seemed like the type of place she was looking for. She'd been observing the place for long enough to assume there were no characters within that she wanted to avoid more than there were characters she might want to meet. Backup was needed, and transportation wouldn't be so bad either. This seemed like the place to acquire both.

Double-checking her surroundings, Jayda checked the seal on her helmet. The aroma in cantinas was never one she found pleasant. Shaking off any uncertainties, she strode purposely forward. One thing she knew about this type of crowd, you needed to look like you were sure of yourself. A bit of arrogance was a must. Uncertainty would only get you mugged, at best.

Shoulders set at a comfortable, self-assured pose, she pushed into the Cantina and strode confidently to the bar. Ordering a Whyren's Reserve (and paying handsomely for it), she made her way to a table in the corner, intently studying the patrons as she went. With a single sweep of the room, she eliminated 75% of the customers as potentials.

As she sat in her chosen booth, Jayda carefully observerd those remaining on her list. Keeping the tilt of her head at an unoffensive angle, seemingly observing no one, she paid particular attention to a pair on the other side of the cantina. Something about them seemed to speak to her. Closing her eyes, she reached out to them with the Force. Carefully she tested the atmosphere that surrounded them. The moment she got too close to the one, however, his mind snapped shut with an intensity she hadn't expected. She smiled in mild surprise. This was definitely the one she was looking for.

Jayda watched intently as he glanced around furtively for the being he knew was watching him. Was he scum? Was he villainy? There was only one way to find out. With a slight grin, she settled back to enjoy her drink, all the while observing this most interesting character.
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"It's not about the legacy you leave, it's about the life you live." ~Mara Jade Skywalker

Several hours ago.

Doc sat, dozing, on the back seat of his 'temporarily' commandeered speeder. It was not a restful sleep. Images flashed in front of his eyes. Dead bodies, mangled and ripped, their faces twisted in final grimaces of pain. Then there was a dark figure. He couldn't see who it was, but he knew he had a lot of shadows in his past to know it was not one he was keen to see. But something seemed odd about this one. His mind started to wake up fully, fought back the nightmare images, to recognise this wasn't a dream. His eyes, still foggy from slumber, alighted on a black clad human. Specifically, the object the black clad human held in his hands. He wielded a long, sleek blade, which glinted cruelly in the overhead light.

'If you wish to kill me,' Doc said calmly, yet hoarsely, for his throat was sore from rough use over the past few days, 'I can assure you it will not be easy. Even in my haggard state.'

The figure said nothing, but merely raised his arm, tensed his muscles, ready to deliver a killer blow. Doc made no move to defend himself, for he had no need to. Before the human could strike, there was the welcoming sound of an igniting lightsabre, and an even more satisfying sound of Jax's yellow blade piercing the attacker's chest, of cutting through his heart, of killing him instantly.

'Because Jedi bodyguards,' he said, pointing at Jax with a languid flourish, 'are so in this season.'

Jax looked around, to make sure no one from the main through-way had seen his deed, but no alarm had been sounded. The human crumpled without a sound, and Jax deactivated his lightsabre, to leave the small underground alley just as quiet and dim as it normally was.

'Is this what you call keeping an eye on things?' Jax demanded angrily.

'I was in the speeder. What more do you want? If someone had come along to steal it, they would have had to either chuck me out, or driven off with me still in it,' Doc said placidly as he stretched tired and aching limbs. 'And when I would have felt the engine start, I would have woken up, and felt the way the driver superbly gunned the engine, and drove off without swerving violently, then I would have known it was not you driving, and act accordingly.

Doc's calmness in the face of death and his own friend's anger only served to fuel Jax's ire more. 'But did he look like he was simply going to drive off? Was he going to chuck you out first? No.' he hissed through gritted teeth. 'He was going to kill you. And what would you have done had I not been here?'

'But you were here, Jax. I knew you would be here. So what's the problem?'

Jax's eyes bulged and his hands shook in the face of the Duro's imperterbility, but his anger simmered down as he felt his friend's calmness, so that it was only fueled by his guilt at almost being too late to save him. Finally, that, too, went. 'I nearly wasn't, Doc.' he said in a quiet voice, as that of a child.

He smiled wanly. 'But you were. Be thankful for that. I am. Who would I mock if I died?'

Jax opened his mouth to say something, but stopped as his brows creased in thought. He turned to look at the dead body at his feet. flicking his hand, the body flipped over, as if it were a marionette, to land on its back. 'He wasn't here to rob us.' Jax said grimly. He pointed to an insignia on his right breast. It was a red lightning bolt against a patchwork of red, yellow and blue stars. 'Look familiar?'

Doc peered down at him. It was vaguely familiar to him, though he couldn't quite recall. He was, for all intents and purposes, still quite hungover. No mean feat for him.

'Remember that group of shabuire torturers we ran into?' Jax hinted.

'Which one? There have been many.' Doc replied glibly, but he remembered. It was hard not to. Still, he couldn't remember that specific one. He remembered some wearing armour, but they had odd red hands, not a lightning bolt.

'In the carvings. At the top. Always at the top. I thought it was just an astronomy thing. It made sense to me that underground pirates would have sky images in their art, but now I know it was this. What could it be?'

'Well, I'm no expert in pirates,' said Doc, who had spent a few years as a pirate himself, 'but it seems to me that it's an insignia.'

'I got that, nerfherder.' Jax growled, 'as denoted by the fact that I called it a kriffing insignia!' this last he shouted. Several passer's-by turned to him, and he stepped in front of the body to hide it from their gazes, but it was dark, and they passed on without stopping.

Doc winced, closed his eyes and rubbed his head to dissipate the headache that had formed at his yell. 'I see someone woke up on the wrong side of a Twi'Lek this morning. Fine.' Doc snapped his eyes open, all keen and alert now, and bent over the body to examine it. 'The ochre dust and sulfuric smell denotes a newcomer to the port. The human parked, stupidly, on the surface, which meant they had something to hide, and had enough money to afford the environmental suits, which means this group of pirates was more than just that one cell. The hair and skin is oddly well coiffed for an Outer Rim dweller, which denotes Inner Rim heritage, the fine features and well looked after skin places the dead body as once being Kuati. The uniform, however, piratical leanings. Though not a lowly spice runner, and not a higher up. A middle being. But one of distinction, and one of speciality. You see the camo webbing, and the lack of shininess?'

'Shininess?' Jax mocked. 'You couldn't think of the proper word?'

'I'm hungover. What do you want?'

'Money would be nice.'

'Quiet, you. There is equipment within these pockets. It's basic, so I'd imagine they, too, are specialist. Which leads me to believe this human is a scout. Oh, and it's a male, too.'

Jax made a face. 'Not bad. What's he scouting for?'

'You're the Jedi, you tell me.'

'And you're the genius, as you're so very fond of telling me. But fine.' he stretched out with his senses, attuning his mind and body as one, so that his thoughts went into hyperdrive. 'At a pinch, I'd say he's scouting for the ones who killed his leader.'

'Very good. I came to that conclusion within seconds of spotting him. What brought you to the same conclusion?'

'Because he was not alone.' Jax said. 'His companions have us in their blaster sights at this very moment.'
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I am a Star Wars fan. That doesn't mean that I hate or love Jar Jar. That doesn't mean I hate or love Lucas, or agree or disagree 100% with him. That doesn't mean I prefer the PT over the OT, or vice versa. That doesn't mean I hate the EU, or even love all of it. These are not prerequisites. Being a man is not a prerequisite. Being a geek is not a prerequisite. The only prerequisite is that I love something about Star Wars. I am a Star Wars fan.

Will glanced at the map on his datapad, the screen dimmed to its lowest setting to avoid giving his position away. He'd had it customized with fold up walls around the screen to further decrease the angles from which the light from the screen could be seen from. Not too much further, maybe half a klick, but we'll have to pass within a klick of the spaceport to get there fast. If we're to rescue Jayda before things heat up time is of the essence so its a risk we have to take Will thought as he quickly slipped his datapad back into its case.

It wasn't long before they reached the tunnel on the outskirts of the spaceport. Immediately Will's senses went into high alert.

Truger, something's not right.

I know, where's all the low life?

Will cocked his blaster and slowly advanced forward scanning every side passage or nook large enough for an armed being. With his hearing enhanced through the Force the sound of the rest of the squad's weapon's cocking seemed loud enough to come from a company of troops. As they neared a side ally Will heard the sound of a body getting thrown into a wall. Will held his fist up.

Something's up ahead. Hold here while I scout it out

Got it Will

Creeping forward Will went into Force Cloak. 150 meters ahead was the ally. Peaking around the corner he saw the legs of a humanoid laying out of sight behind a dumpster. Standing above the humanoid was a darkly dressed figure. On the left sleeve was a circular patch with a lightning bolt in the center surrounded by stars of a variety of colors. Nearby lurking in the shadows of the ally were three more, all armed to the teeth - a typical sight of enforcers on the war path. But these enforcers were different and it alarmed Will. It wasn't anything in their clothing or equipment, some degree of standardization wasn't uncommon in thugs who typically worked together. No what disturbed Will was their demeanor, there were distinct tones of military training in their posturing conveying a confidence in their ability to outfight whoever or whatever they might come across in the underworld. Not that ex-military didn't find employment as enforcers, in fact such individuals could be prized by criminal bosses. It was just something about these enforcers felt different, a distinctness conveying they weren't simply enforcers prized for their military background. No there was something else at work but what it was Will didn't know.

P-p-p-please that's all I know I swear! The chakaars headed in the direction of Fistful of Credits. A voice from the behind the dumpster said in coarse basic

The Duros and Human...Mercs or enforcers from another gang? the standing figure growled

I-I don't know. I didn't get a good look for any insignia the first voice said weakly

The dark figure stooped down and Will saw the flash of something metalic. Seconds later Will heard the sound of a blade cutting into flesh accompanied by a wimper from the first individual

That is for your failure to notice insignias. But you at least did notice them, thus you've earned a reward...your life

Th-thank you. The figure got to their feet, clutching their cheek, blood seeping between their fingers, quickly retreated down the ally in the opposite direction.

The dark figure turned and wiped the knife blade on the tunic of one of his companions.

Now see that's how you get things done. Intimidation and pain lad, have those and the world is yours for the taking the figure, obviously the squad leader, addressed the apparently junior member of the group and whose tunic had just served as a cleaning cloth. Low chuckles came from the other members of the squad.

Move out! Time to frak these fierfeking meddlers up so much they wish they'd never heard of Sullust. the squad leader barked in a voice distinctly used to giving orders in military drills.

Will watched the group move away and then held his position for five minutes more to be sure that they weren't doubling back. Satisfied that the path ahead was clear Will hurried back, dropping out of Force Cloak well enough in advance to avoid surprising the rescue squad.

We've got to move and move quickly. It looks like at least some of the enforcers that landed are ex-military and are here with a purpose to turn this place into a war zone in short order if that's what it takes to find their rule breakers.

Truger and the rest of the squad nodded. Resuming his position as point Will led the group forward now in a jog going at the fastest pace possible while still keeping to stealth. Time was against them and Will was determined to rescue Jayda before her Sith captor or a full scale gang war could end her life.
_________________

Several hours ago.

What happened next was a blue. Doc had a vague sense of movement at each end of the alleyway, and he turned, pulled out his rifle, flicked to automatic fire, aimed and fired all in one swift motion. At the same time, Jax ignited his lightsabre and swung it in great sweeping arcs, to take blaster bolts out of the air and bat them back to their original owners. Neither aimed, they simply laid down fire to keep their attacker's heads down until they managed to jump into the speeder and use its sides for cover. Doc, ever the consummate proffesional, slid far down so that just the top of his head peaked over, so that he could give some semblance of aim to his technique, but Jax was far more reckless He stood in his seat, swinging his saffron blade in dazzling displays, screaming at the top of his voice. 'Here I am! You want me? Take me!'

There was just the one dark uniformed scout who faced off against Doc, and he was able to wing her off hand with a hasty burst from his rifle, which caused the woman to back into her cover, which came in the form of a broken utility droid. Still, she laid her weapon on the droid's flat head and fired blindly. Ducking his head down now and again, he saw her drop something out in the open, and she reached out with her wounded hand to retrieve it. As she did, he took careful aim and, just as she picked it up, he shot her in the shoulder. She let out a loud howl and crumpled to the floor. Still, she was not dead. She heard her yell into the device - a comm unit, he realised. 'There's two of 'em! One Duros and one human! The human is-argh!' her words were cut off by a third shot, this one to her chest. Satisfied that she was, at last, dead, he did a quick scan of the alleyway behind her and, seeing there were no reinforcements, turned to help Jax.

Only to be nearly beheaded by Jax's wild blade. He cursed the small human for his stupidity and jumped out of the speeder to lay on the ground beside it. The remaining two scouts, there was no doubt about it. They stayed to their cover, and when they moved, they moved individually, with one staying put to give cover fire for the other. He guessed that they had military training, and judging by the accurate fire, a lot of it at that. As he watched, Jax took one out with a deflected blaster bolt. He was just about to suggest they advance, when more, a squad of four, appeared at the corner. As they reached their sole comrade, Jax cried, 'grenade!' and jumped off of the speeder, diving for cover. Doc only had time to throw up his arms protectively over his face before it went off. He was not greeted with heat of shrapnel, but a deafening screech and a deep throb nearby that left him dumbstruck. He felt a hand at his collar, and a whisper in his mind, telling him that it was Jax who had a hold of him. He felt himself being dragged backwards at speed, and he opened his eyes to see the new arrivals running forward, their mouths contorted - yelling, he surmised, though he couldn't hear them - wielding great curved halberds of the like he faced in the pirate cave.

Doc fumbled for his rifle and shot wildly at them. None hit, but it was enough to end their charge and sent them diving for cover. He felt his senses return to him enough to realise that he'd been hit with a concussive grenade, but Jax didn't stop until they had passed into a side alley, where he jumped to his feet and, together, they dashed off into the maze of warrens that made up the cities of Sullust.

There was no sign of pursuit, but neither felt safe in stopping until a kilometre fell to their feet. They hunkered down in an alcove on a main through-way, eyes scanning the passer's-by for suspicious behaviour. Apart from odd looks directed at them, there was nothing. As they struggled for breath, Jax turned to Doc and said, 'I don't want to appear like a coward, running to save his skin, but we've got to run and save our skins. They were scouts, and plenty of them, so that must mean there's a larger force on the way. This is too big for just us. We need to go and alert the nearest Republic task force.'

Doc nodded in agreement. 'And what's worse is that they know who to look for. I heard one of them get a transmission out - albeit it was scarce on details. The main force could already be here, or if not, then very close by. I doubt there are many dashing Duros and Human duos here, we'd be easy to spot.'

Jax let out a string of curses at that news. 'What about your old pirate buddy? Can he get us transport?' he referred to the old pirate that Doc had sold the old pirate ship to.

'Who, Mysarrak? No, I don't think it would be a good idea to get him involved. He doesn't like having his place shot to pieces. But,' he conceded, 'maybe if we get into a really tight spot-'

'We're in a tight spot now!'

'-then he'll be our fallback plan.'

Jax snarled, ground his teeth and looked round. 'All right. Let's head to the spaceport. We can find a ride in one of the cantinas there.'

Doc walked out from the nook first, acting as if he were just another run-down civillian on a work break. Jax waited for him to move twenty paces away, and then followed. They made their way in the general direction of the space port. It was slow going, taking hours at their estimation, as the way there required that they walk near to the scene of their earlier action. The place was crawling with police and militia types, who cordoned off the area and were interviewing witnesses. There was no sign of their attackers, but that didn't mean the weren't in the area.

They passed without incident and walked on for a few hundred metres, and Doc scratched behind his right ear - the sign to switch on comms. Jax surreptitiously took two small clips from his belt and put one to his lapel and the other to his ear, which pinged welcomingly. 'We're coming up to the spaceport. We need to stop someone for directions.'

'Agreed.' Jax replied, and picked up his pace to walk directly behind his companion. He should have stayed further away, but it was a dangerous moment, and he couldn't trust that he'd be able to intercept a close quarters attack in time. Doc stopped one man who looked as if he knew where he was going and struck up a conversation as Jax scanned the immediate vicinity.

After a minute, he heard Doc give his thanks and farewells and they went on their way. 'There's a Cantina nearby. Full of spacers, which sounds promising. It's called Fistful Of Credits.'

'I liked that holofilm.' Jax commented. 'Though the romance dialogue could have been done better. Wooden acting...'

Doc whacked him about the head. 'Don't you ever say that about Greego Sluca ever again. That Pantoran is the best director in the galaxy!'

Jax rubbed his head, grinning, as they walked on, and it was then, when they turned into an empty side path, that the scouts made their move. The first they knew of it, was when there were two great explosions of light, sound and dust right in front of them, and the sound of blaster fire to act as an encore. They both dropped and rolled away, purely on instinct. Doc pulled out his blaster rifle and fired blind. Jax went to stand up, but was knocked to the ground by some unknown object that hit him in the back. He let out a yelp, more from surprise than pain, and flung his arm out to send a blast of Force energy. He heard, rather than saw, an attacker fly through the air to land with a thump into the wall. He jumped to his feet and pulled his lightsabre out, but it was knocked from his grasp by another attacker.

Focusing the Force to clear his vision and his mind, he saw Doc about to be set upon by two of the same uniformed scouts wielding deadly looking knives. He flung his arm out again, and the were thrown backwards, and when Doc realised what had happened, he turned and shot them dead as they lay on the ground. For his actions, Jax was hit by the butt-end of a halberd in the stomach, but he recovered quickly enough to block the next hit, and twisted his arm around the wooden shaft and yanked it out of his attacker's hands. He twisted and swung it in a scything arc to decapitate a surprised looking commander, but he didn't stop to relish the small victory. He raised the weapon over his head and threw it at one of the snipers, and the blade sunk to the hilt into his chest. That left just the one scout left, and he was in no mood for running, but, luckily, he wasn't armed, either. Jax slammed him into the wall with the Force, and held him there. He pulled out his short sword as he and Doc approached him.

He was a curious creature. Of a species he was only vaguely familiar with. Red-skinned, horned, with a devilish appearance, his eyes bulged frantically, which made him have an almost berserk appearance. His uniform, if it could be called that, was black and grey and designed to look like any old spacer suit, though he recognised light armour -strong enough to deflect glancing blows and weak shots, but not enough to stop a flying halberd - protecting his vital organs, cammo webbing, with a circular insignia of a similar type he'd seen before, above a group of five hash marks, along with one white dot. There were strange gadgets about his belt, but these he paid no attention to.

'How many more of you are there?' he asked.

'Thousands. We will cover this land with our armies and cool these volcanoes with blood spilt from our victims.'

'Who are you?' Doc enquired politely.

'I am a Knight of Pain. Know this, for you will tremble with fear at its utterance, and when we next come for you, you will give up your weapons and ask for a quick death.'

'That doesn't sound like me at all, mate.'

'Indeed.' piped up Doc. 'He's far too fond of himself for that.

'How is that helping, Doc?'

'Help?' Doc affected a confused look. 'I wasn't aware I had to help.' he turned to their captive. 'How may I help you?'

The Pain scout looked at him incredulously. 'Kill him!' he implored, nodding at Jax.

'Will do.' he turned to Jax and asked politely, 'may I borrow your sword?'

'Certainly.' said Jax, and handed over the weapon. Doc hefted the weapon and, instead of attacking Jax, lunged the weapon into the Pain scout's throat.

'Well, he wasn't being helpful, at any rate...'

Jax retrieved his lightsabre and they both concealed their weapons, and made their way at a dash to the Cantina.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Present

The Fistul of Credits was a peculiar Cantina, to say the least. Filled with spacers of all shape and sizes, it looked like a convention for the galaxy's worst dressed sentients. Jac and Doc walked on nonchalantly, keeping a close eye on the port authorities who were doing sweeps of the area. 'Okay,' said Jax, 'now we just have to find a spacer who looks swarthy, menacing, yet approachable and with nice eyes.'

'Oh, the place is full of them. Take your pick.' said Doc sarcastically.

'Thanks for your permission.' said Jax as he scanned the room, making sure to keep a low profile.

Doc felt an odd buzzing in the back of his mind, and instantly he clamped his brain shut, not allowing anyone to read his mind. He looked around furtively, suddenly aware that they were being watched.

'What's wrong with you? You're acting like Kad Vahzen's on your tail.' said Jax, citing the name of the notorious Duros serial killer who was active just a few years ago, before disappearing. It was not a name to remind any Duros of, and Doc cast his most hate-filled gaze on his friend, and was satisfied to see a shadow of fear cross his features.

'Someone just tried to probe my mind. We're being watched.' Doc said in a low voice, just low enough so that only Jax would hear, keeping his mouth from moving too much.

Jax stiffened. 'Okay.' he said flatly. 'I will go to the bar, to look for some company.' he said, using one of the coded phrases they had worked out on a previous mission. He suited actions to words, and made his way to the bar.
_________________
I am a Star Wars fan. That doesn't mean that I hate or love Jar Jar. That doesn't mean I hate or love Lucas, or agree or disagree 100% with him. That doesn't mean I prefer the PT over the OT, or vice versa. That doesn't mean I hate the EU, or even love all of it. These are not prerequisites. Being a man is not a prerequisite. Being a geek is not a prerequisite. The only prerequisite is that I love something about Star Wars. I am a Star Wars fan.

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