Star Wars: Episode VIII: The New Threat

[Orlanth]

A long time ago, in a galaxy
far, far away. . . .

STAR WARS

Episode VIII

The New Threat

The Jedi order has split in two. Two different beliefs, but the same purpose. Under Luke Skywalker’s vision of the new Jedi order, Jedi Master Fran’Tok leads his small Jedi order, to regain full control of Coruscant.

The Jedi Order, on Yavin IV, who have not heard from D’Rack in 6 years, is plaing on bringing back to Republic. Facing trouble with systems not wanting to go back into a Republic, because of what happened with Palpatine.

Mean while, an enemy slowly reveals itself on the horizon. Will the two Jedi Orders unite to overcome the new enemy, or die one by one at the hands of The New Threat…

Any one is welcome to join, post at the OOC thread (by clicking here) and we will give you all the key points you need to know...

Only require knowledge of Star Wars.

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'Tok

The sun started to rise up from the horizon, the great shadows from the massive building hiding the lower levels of Coruscant from light.

D’Rack was wide awake, looking out of the window in the cambors of the Jedi Temple. Tra, was behind him, waiting…

“Tra,” D’Rack’s voice sounded so loud, since the room was so quite. “Master Skywlker would be proud of what we have done.”

“Yes, Master.” Tra said as he slowly made a step closer to the window. “But, it’s a shame the Order on Yavin IV didn’t want, or believe in changing ways.”

“Yes, things would be tenfold better. But, thing’s don’t always go our way.” Looking back at Tra. “But focus my young Padwan. Our main onjective at the moment is to retake control of Coruscant.” D’Rack looks back out of the window. “Then we will start the next step.”

“But Master, wont the Order on Yavin IV know of us once we retake full control of Coruscant?”

“My very young Padwan, they already know of this Order. They have felt it with the force.”

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Padwan Tra Shin

The day wore on; it was around 3 in the afternoon when sun light no longer reached the mid-levels of Coruscant. Though it was like day down there, from all the lights, and such, it was as the Sun never set.

“Captain, prepare the shuttle.” Tra, the young Vurk had been assigned the task of ending a fight in sector 4 B of level 88 of area 134. “Commander, where are the troops? Master Fran’Tok would like his to be done before the Sun has completely set.” Tra, looked back over his shoulder to see the number of 8 Storm Troopers on their way to the Shuttle. “Hey, hurry it up!”

“Sir, yes sir!” Called out the Storm Troopers as they hurried aboard the shuttle.

A large fight had broken out, between the Rodians and the Ithorians over as mall owner-ship problem. At first, it seemed to be the normal old fight between two rival shop owners.
But, it wasn’t long before the argument broke out to a mini-war, and weapons were being used. D’Rack, thought it best to send his Padwan learner to deal with things, in order of a test to see how he solves the problem.

“Sir, you’re not needed; this is a job for local security, surly you have more important business to attend to?”

“Commander, Master Fran’Tok ordered me to deal with this. I don’t disobey orders either, like it or not, you’re stuck with me.” Tra felt like an idiot, the Commander was right, but ”Why did D’Rack order me to do this?” The young Vurk could hardly understand.”Time for questions later, now I focus on the task at hand.” “Captain, take us to Sector 4 B, ASAP!”

“Sir, yes sir!”

 

[Quiet_Cool]

A Space Station, orbiting Bespin

"General Beegas," Leroy Calrissian's voice came through the communications unit.
Beegas watched the battle for the main hangar from several hundred feet away, positioned at his command post on the bridge of the station, disappointed to be forced by his recent promotion from the action of the battlefield to safe ground. It was a comfort to know that his second in command, Calrissian, was on the battlefield in his place.
A good man, Leroy is, Beegas thought before switching on the comm-unit.
"Report?" He requested.
He thought he could see Leroy on the screen, a familair figure among several armed soldiers, rebel fighters. No way to be sure. The view on the screen before him showed most of the hangar, and that included several rebel soldiers, perhaps as many as fifty, at that exact moment, though many more waited outside the hangar to relieve those who've already fought long and hard.
The hangar was the dead center of the station, and whoever managed to control the eithty by forty meter hangar essentially controlled the entire station; that hangar not only gave them the capability of landing more reinforcements faster, but also allowed them to land and replenish thier fighters in the atmosphere around the station.If they controlled the atmosphere, Imperials would be incapable of launching vessels from Cloud City. Bespin would be under rebels control again. But there was more to the battle than just that, Beegas knew. Much more. In fact, the rebels had little use for Bespin as an outpost, especally one taken by force and therefore known of to any Imperials who might wish to attack rebel forces.
They were here for another reason altogether. And this was accentuated by how closely the Yavin Jedi Council had been paying attention to the outcome and by how insistant they were to make this battle a reality. His guess, there was a Sith on board.
"We're taking a lot of casualties, sir. But we're still holding our position. But according to our sensors, another vessel is coming in, intending to land here in this hangar."
Were they nuts? Landing in that hangar?
Reinforcements no doubt, but they'd lost contact with the support they were recieving from the A- and B-Wing squads that he could see swarming around the station on another screen, this one showing the batle to keep the TIE fighters from bringing the entire station down or allowing the Imperials to land reinforcements. Apparently, one reinforcements vessel had gotten through.
"Vessel class?" He inquired.
"It appears to be an Imperial Landing Craft, sir," Leroy responded. "It might not matter here sir, but in the past, we have been known to recieve our own in such vessels. rarely, but possible. Either way, the vessel seems to have gotten past our own support fighters without any harm."
He thought for a moment, but there was little to think about. If they were his reinforcements, which was possible, though not likely, he had to let them land. He couldn't open fire on a vessel that might hold thier own troops.
On the other side of the communications unit, Leroy Calrissian waited for a response. Around him, his men fired at the nearest Storm Trooper, hoping to land a hit. Most of both his men and the Storm Troopers were hidden behind storage cannisters and crates that theyd drug into the hangar for protectin. Only the very center of the hangar was open, and a large enough space was there for the Imperial Landing Craft to set down.
The fighting eased as the vessel came into view, the cieling opening to allow it entrance. They looked up, strainin gthier necks, and soon, everyone had ceased to fire, and all weapons were pointed at the vessel.
"Let it land," Beegas said. "If it isn't ours, immediately retreat to the smaler hangars and evacuate the station."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

In the Hangar

The vessel lowered slowly, apparently having taken some damage at some point as it emmitted steam and white smoke from a few places beneath. The opening in the cieling sealed closed again behind it. Both steam and smoke became more abundant as it neared the floor and set down, the vessel being nearly hidden by it.
They knew only by the sounds that the hatches was opening and the ramps, one facing either side of the hangar, were being lowered to allow those inside to exit.
No movement at first; total silence, then three figures, details entirely hidden stepped out onto the platform facing the Imperials. They were still, the Imperials eyeing them curiosly, then three lightsabers ignited almost in unison.
"Jedi!" One trooper shouted, then things began to heat up...

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

"I don't understand why we weren't asked to lead the fight on Bespin. We know the layout better than anyone... with the exception of Raine Duvall, and Marius."

Tynan looked away from the viewscreen, and glanced sharply at his student. "There are other assignments and needs for Jedi, Luke. We are here in an advisory capacity, and to stand in reserve in case we are needed. Master Duvall knows this, and has not voiced displeasure at being held back from this initial conflict. You shouldn't either."

Luke had reddened slightly at the emphasis Tynan had put on the word Master, and Tynan knew the reminder had been driven home. Respect for the Jedi Masters was imperative for a Padawan. Especially his Padawan.

They sat in the Talon near the space station command center. In truth, Tynan would have preferred to be down there, near his friend. He owed the man a debt... Marius had saved his life eight years ago. And given him the avenue to save his soul as well. It was a debt that could never be paid back, and one that the holder refused to even acknowledge.

"If we are needed, we will know of it," Jedi Master Tynan said.

Luke grunted in reply, causing Tynan to look at him again.

"Sorry, Master."

Tynan nodded.

They sat in silence for awhile, before Luke spoke up.

"Have you given any thought to what Master Duu'Raan has asked of you?"

"Yes. I don't believe I'll accept."

Master Duu'raan had taken over the training of the young Jedi at Yavin after the death of Master Basaal. He had offered Tynan a post at the Academy when Tynan had achieved the title of Jedi Master. The ancient Jedi Master had believed that Tynan's years of brushing between the Light and Dark side would be invaluable in training the next generation of Jedi Knights.

"Why not, Master?"

Tynan shrugged. "There are other things I must do first... other paths I must follow. Perhaps someday."

And his most important path, was training the young man who sat beside him. Luke was 18 years old, know, and his power had grown exponentially as Tynan knew it would. Someday soon, it would surpass his own. And by that time, he must let go of the anger and pain he kept buried inside of himself, or see it destroy him, and many others along with him.

A warning light flashed on the console, and Luke hit the scanner. "More enemy TIEs coming in, Master."

"Blast, where are they coming from?"

"Talon, this is Rebel Base..."

"I see them, base," Tynan answered. "We'll keep them off your troops."

"Eagles, this is the Talon, follow our lead, and stay together," Luke transmitted.

Behind their ship, a dozen ships came to life. It was a motley group from the looks of it, but all those ships were modified light cruisers, or better. With the manuverability of a fighter, but with the added firepower only a light cruiser could hold.

Tynan hit the accelerator, and the Talon shot forward toward the enemy.

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Darth Azraiel

The body dropped at my feet, like the rest of the garbage littering the alleyway. Now I had the information that had drawn me to Coruscant in the first place, Zorba the Hutt’s lair. I left the rodian where he lay, a twisted wreckage of blood and bone. Undoubtedly questions would be asked when he was found, but by then I would be far away from here. I made my way out into the main walkway and found a cab with a human driver. Droids record who ride with them, but men, they can be made to forget.
“ Take me to sector 4 B of level 88 in area 134, and make it quick.”

Soon I would be in the lair of the beast, and soon I would taste the vengance I craved.

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Master D'Rack Fran'Tok

"Sara," D'Rack said turning hishead to Sare. "I have a task for you" They continued to walk along the great hall way of the Jedi temple. "One of great importances."

"Yes Master, what is it?"

"You know of the peaciful race, the Ithorians on Ithor?"

"Yes, they live on 'floating cities' which float over the planet... 2 of the continents of Ithor have never been touched, only 3 continents were developed."

"Yes, they love their planet, a peaciful race... Yet the Ithorians here on Coruscant seem to be fight with otherr aces a lot... Which is uncommon for the Ithorians." D'Rack looked around. "I suspect something on Ithor."

"Ithor? Sith? But you do know how the Ithorians did not welcome Palpatine stationed Imperial troops there? The ithorians would never alow Sith or Imperial control, noteven Jedi control."

"I know, but something has upset them." D'Rack looked at Sare again. "I want you to go to Ithor and invedstergate. Travil as a refuge, don't use registered transport."

"Yes master, i will find the problem." Sara bowed.

"May the force be with you."

"And may it be with you master."

 

[Angelus]

Alic and Colian

Alic stood there with his eyes closed, trying to concentrate on what Colian had asked him to do. The persperation was streaming down his face as he fought with the forces that were raging within him. He could feel the dark and light side running throughout him, threatening to destroy him. He wanted to scream out but Colian had told him not to as that was a sign that he was giving up and if he gave up then he wasn't meant to be a Jedi and had to leave. He focused all of the his power onto the light side of himself but he found the more that he did so the stronger the dark side became until it threatened to overwhelm him, its call was that appealing.
His eyes then shot open and the first thing he heard was Colian's voice, "What's wrong. Why did you give up?"

"It's too strong master. The dark side is too strong within me. I can hear it calling to me and all I want to do is sink into it, to give into it."

Colian sighed and shook his head, "Alic, this you can never do. Remember what you did when you fell into the dark side. What did you do?"

"I can not describe what I did. I do not wish to remember it."

Colian walked forward and looked at Alic, "You must remember Alic, you must always remember. If you remember what happened you will not be doomed to repeat it. Now close your eyes again and remember what you did, use that you feed your light side.... use that you help you."

"I will try master."

Colian moved back and sat down, watching as Alic closed his eyes again to fight the war that waged within him and hoped that he would win.

 

[ARaynes]

Floating along Corisant Decima watched below at Tholin. He dropped bodies here and there. She smiled to see him avenging her, for she knew that in her heart he was her pet, now and for always.

But now was the time she had waited for for so long. Now she would show herself to him. But first she would have to find a worthy donor.

She floated, looking from woman to woman. "Not worthy." she would say to some. "Too ....uh." she would say about others. It seemed she would never find a worthy body to hold her spirit.

She turned yet another corner, feeling that no one would ever pass her test. That was until she saw this woman. She had legs that seemed to go on forever. Her hair was raven black, and fell down below her delicious ass curves. She couldn't see the eyes due to sunglasses, but she was a cookie indead.

"She looks almost as good as I once did." Decima thought to herself. "Almost."

She followed the girl for a little while. Just because her body was worthy didn't mean her mind was. Decima needed a sign.

As if right on cue a bum came out of no where. "Spare some change?" he asked reaching up to grab one of the girls nice legs.

She looked at him, and pushed him away, her heel coming up to right under the bum's chin. "Touch me like that again, freak, and your balls will be your change."

Decima would have squeeled with delight had she had a voicebox. "Time to get you, my pretty." She thought to herself.

She followed the girl home, all the way through the streets and up to her own beutiful pad. It was kept nice and tidey. The furniture was all black, not a speck of dust on anything. "I could live here." Decima said.

She waited, for she had waited this long, why rush a job you can do well. She watched as the girl got ready for bed. Her body was flawless, just as Decima expected.

The girl lay in her bed, closing her eyes when Decima moved in. "Wee one, but I am in need of your body." She said, as she slowly choked out the the girls spirit. "Get out get out whereever you are." She laughed a sadistic laugh that would chill most people to the bone.

"A little rest," she spoke her first words outloud in years. "Then to find my Tholin."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Raven

Calm, he'd said. Remain calm, and remember what I taught you.
"Yes, Master."
Relax your body and your mind. Trust your skills to do thier part. Do not allow your thoughts to hinder them.
"Yes, Master."
Raven, look at me. I'd glanced up at him, eyeing his sparkling blue eyes. Especially those negative thoughts that do so much harm. You mustn't doubt yourself. You must trust not only those with you, Moedwyn and I, but also yourself.
I nodded then before repeating, "Yes, Master."
He'd smiled then, and tweeked my nose, a gesture I was growing too old for, but one that relaxed me as it returned us to days when things, even training, were not so serious.
"Calm," I repeated, knowing it to be the most important factor.
He smiled again and nodded, then stood and turned to face Jedi Arakken and nodded again. The vessel was entering the hangar then, and the three of us stood, him to my right and her my left, and waited.
Now, as the steam and smoke left us hidden from our enemies, I stood patiently, not letting my mind be cluttered by any thoughts.
Patience truly is a virtue, I learned long ago. It would pay off, and so would hard work and concentration. It seemed to me that, of all the things Marius taught me, those two things were the most important.
Ignite.
The word appeared in my mind and I obeyed, knowing it to be his doing.
Three lightsabers, all coming to life at once amid the steam and smoke, then the shouts in return.
"Jedi!"
The reinforcements rushed up behind us, meeting us on the ramp a second later as blaster rounds come in full force toward the vessel. Deflection was an easy lesson, but to deflect so many so fast...I was surprised that I managed not to be killed in the opening moments of the battle.
Once the reinforcements were there, the enemy was distracted some, our troops already stationed in the hangar stepping up to help us.
In a matter of seconds, we were moving, me following Marius' lead and Moedwyn close behind me.
We were out in the hangar, our troops filing out and forming a line, laying low to the ground and shooting up toward the storm troopers that lined the wall.
Marius took a few quick steps, then leapt, the Force helping him in gaining additional height and landing behind the nearst of the barricades the enemy hid behind.
Three storm troopers, turning to fire at him, all taken down in what appeared to me to be a second's time.
I leatp after him, following his lead, but landing near only one trooper. The man turned to me, almost stopping when he realized my size and age (and gender i wonder?). I attacked before he could respond, cutting hi down and turning to face the nearest enemy, defensive now, but ready to move forward.
Jedi Arakken landed to my right, slashing down one trooper, then another, then advancing to meet whatever troopers were nearest.
Time to improvise. I followed her lead, attacking whoever was closest and taking them down.
The surprise factor alone had them offguard, and our troops came rushing in behind us, wiping out those that had left themselves open to any attack.
In a matter of seconds, the battle for the hangar had ended, the doors leading to the hall beyond the hangar opening the the Troopers attempting to file out to safety.
The rebels blasted at them from behind taking down as many as they could, following them through the open doors into the hall to finish them in thier retreat.
"Our objective," Moedwyn reminded.
"I know," Marius agreed.
"Raven, I want you to speak with the soldiers here and find out who's in charge here. Tell him to contact General Beegas and prepare to evacuate," he instructed.
Evacuate? I thought.
I bowed, saying "Yes, Master."
With that, they followed the rebel troops in pursuit of the Storm Troopers.

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

The Talon shot through space, blasting any enemy ships it came into contact with. The rest of the squadron followed suit. The TIEs hadn't expected to be challenged so soon, and were unprepared for the assault. The fight was as one-sided as they come.

"All clear," came Lukes voice over the intercom. He sat in the bow gunnerry seat.

Tynan relayed the message to the base, and turned the ship back toward the planet. He was tempted to reach out with the Force to see what he could feel, but decided against it. Even if he would be able to sense the Sith from this distance it would be foolish to do so. The Sith would no doubt be able to sense him just as well, and that might change his plans, knowing that there were more than 3 Jedi in the area.

"I dislike all this waiting," Luke said, over the intercom.

"Patience. Center yourself."

Tynan felt the tremor in the Force as the Padawan performed the calming technique.

"Good," Tynan said. "Center your thoughts on the present, not on your wants and desires. That way leads to the Dark Side. Our task is an important one, as well, Luke."

"I know Master. It's just.... difficult."

Tynan smiled. "I know. Believe me, I know."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

I felt a little uncomfortable leaving my padawan behind like that, but this needed to be done, and she wasn't ready for what lay ahead this day. The evacuation would have to be swift. The Sith would send reinforcements, and tose reinforcements might be a matter of minutes away.
Even with those fighters that had come with us taking over things outside the station, the Imperials could outnumber and destroy our escape routes before we took care of things here.
As the rebel forces chased the Storm Troopers toward the mid-sized hangars ahead, I slowed, reaching out with the Force to find where the darkness was.
Moedwyn waited patiently, deflecting whatever stray blaster bolts found thier way toward us.
"This way," I said, pointing down a long corridor toward where the smaller command hangar was.
"Certain?"
I nodded, already moving in that direction. She followed, keeping her eyes open behind us in case of a surprise attack.
As we grew closer, I felt the creature we were in search of very near, but not as strong as I'd expected.
A new Sith?
I wondered.

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Darth Azraiel

Looking down from my perch overhead, I watched the guards wander in and out of the shop. I stopped counting at 10, one obviously ex-imperial by his bearing, and the way the others reacted to him. It didn’t matter; they were all dead men, along with anyone who stood between me and my target. After a few moments, four of the guards moved back indoors, leaving me only six enemies to go through. Time to move.
From three stories up I jumped, landing in the middle of the startled guards. Crimson blades flashed through the guardsmen, and all but one never even got off a shot, and the one lived only long enough to close the heavy blast doors.
That irritated me.
Gathering my rage, I reached my hand out toward the doors and ripped them from the walls and threw them across the street. I quickly moved inside, as that much power probably had every Jedi with a hint of talent now aware that a Sith was on Coruscant, and that he was a powerful one at that.
I ran down the corridor, intent on finding my prey. Hired thugs came at me, and I brushed them aside like the gnats they were, heads and other body parts littering the hallways. Eventually, I reached the heart of Zorba’s lair; a large circular chamber dominated by the bloated slug himself, and strangely empty.
“So, Assassin, you have finally come for me. I knew this day would arrive, and now here you are, about to make me a very rich person indeed.” Were Zorba’s words upon my arrival.

“ You are mistaken, you bloated worm, I have finally come for the vengeance I have craved for long years. You will taste my fury, then you shall die.
“ I think not Dark Blade, for I have my own protection from one such as you. Behold the instrument of your death, and my glory.”

A figure stepped out from behind the Hutt’s dais, and moved between Zorba and me. He looked human, and young, under 30. Then he reached to his belt, and ignited a yellow-bladed lightsaber, bringing it to the ready position. He also must have dropped his shield on the force, for I could feel his connection with the Dark Side, and knew that somehow Zorba had done a rare thing, he had corrupted a Jedi and made him his own.
I looked at the young Jedi, and readied my saber. “ You can leave now and save your life, or stay and die like the filth behind you.”
The Jedi’s answer was obvious when he closed with me to attack. There was no turning back now, by the end of this one of us was going to be dead, and I planned to be the live one.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Raven

"Find a way to re-establish communications. Now that we control the majority of the base, can another receiving device be put in place?" I asked.
The man nodded. "I think we can arrange that, but the signal might only be strong enough to recieve messages."
"Will it take long?"
Leroy Calrissian shook his head. "No," he replied. "Only a matter of seconds, if the men aren't already working on it. The reciever was placed in a good positio, but the side of the station it was positioned on had been taken over by the Imperials. Now..."
I nodded. "Excellent. Inform General Beegas that we are to retreat."
"What?"
"A retreat is in order," I stated, matter-of-factly.
He just looked at me, but he was still questioning me with his eyes.
I shrugged. "It was to my surprise as well, but Marius has informed me that we are to retreat."
He wasn't happy, but he switched on his internal communications device and reported the news to Beegas, who returned, "Just like I thought."
"You...?" Calrissian began, then thought better of saying whatever he was thinking in front of me. "What retreat formation, sir?"
I allowed them to talk, sharing informatio, and tried to reach out with the Force and find Marius and Moedwyn, hoping I could get an idea of how things were going. My saber skills were coming along quite well according to Marius, but the Force was still an obstacle for me. I felt nothing.
Frustrated, I shook my head and growled under my breath.
Patience...
I relaxed my shoulders, sighing.
"The retreat has been ordered, and communications should be set up shortly," Calrissian informed me.
I nodded. "Excellent."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Mogo

"Oh, no," Orin muttered into the communications headset. He was maneauvering the ship just then, me in the turret bunker.
"What?" I asked. The TIE fighters were whirling around us, and I was firing repeatedly, catching one now and again. They weren't doing much damage though. Since joining up with the rebels, I'd made a few upgrades on the old Spotted Owl. She was stronger now than ever, and still managed to keep her speed and maneuverability. Nothing near as strong as she would need to be to maintain through to the end of this attack, though.
"You're not going to believe this," he returned, equally as helpful.
"Try me," I returned.
"Reinforcements are coming, and I don't mean a few TIE fighters either," he said. "I'm pretty sure that's a Star Destroyer."
I hit one of the TIEs, sending it ablaze off in the direction of the battle we were sent to support. We were scouts, looking out for exactly what we'd just found.
Reinforcements, only we'd found more than just that. We'd found a vessel we couldn't defend against, and it was headed straight for Bespin.
"Contact the command there and let them know what's going on," I responded.
"Oh, goodness," I heard the annoying golden droid exclaim.
"Quiet, 3PO," Orin ordered.
How in space had I gotten stuck with that thing?

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Raven

"Padawan Bosch," Calrissian said. "Communications are up."
I was surprised at how well he was dealing with explaining things to a thirteen-year-old girl.
"Good," I responded.
"Not really," he replied, "But we got them up just in time. Bad news already. There's a star destroyer headed this way. We don't have the defenses to fend it off. We're speeding up evacuation. You should let your freinds know that we need to leave..."
I nodded to him, flicking on the communications link.
"Marius, Moedwyn," I said. "Please respond."

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

Raven's voice, but I didn't reach for the comm. I was halfway through a narrow passageway, Moedwyn in front now, entering a room on the end.
She looked down, standing in the doorway, entirely in the room.
no, I intended to say, warning her about lowering her guard, but it was too late. The purple blade slashed down her side, sending her falling out of sight.
I sprinted to the end, holding my saber out in front of me. He must have senses that there were two of us, as he was out fo sight when I reached her.
"You okay?" I asked.
She groaned slightly, then said, "Yeah. Cut bad, but nothing missing and I'll live. I messed up."
"Followed your instincts. I'll take care of it. Answer the comm."
I crept into the room, taking slow, soft steps, looking for him as each inch of the room came into view.
They had a way of making dramatic entrances. SO far, this Sith was living up to those expectations.
As his form finally became clear, I saw him standing on the opposite side of the room, facing the other way.
The room was fair sized, big enough for the duel to take place. On the opposite side of the room was another doorway.
He had a way of escape, but just then, he showed no signs of taking advantage.
"I suppose you're ready?" I asked.
"The question is: Are you?"

 

[Paendragon]

Lady Charis Du'Thar

She flexed her prosthetic left hand as the planet came into view.

"Launch all squadrons, Captain."

"As you wish, My Lady."

It was exactly as Figgas and Moridin had told her it would be. The space station was relatively open, and it support craft was stretched out to engage the TIEs that had entered the system minutes before.

"My Lady?"

"Yes, Captain?"

"A group of the enemy, mostly light freighters with a few heavy fighters, are moving in to attack."

Charis waved her hand irritatedly. "Deal with them. You are Captain of this vessel for a reason. Don't make me find another."

The captain hesitated before speaking again. "My Lady, I believe that the vessel leading the attack is the Talon.

Lady Du'Thar leaned forward in her command chair. "You are sure?"

"The hull markings match, My Lady, but other than that, I cannot be sure."

Charis eyed her tactical display, and located the ship the Captain spoke of. When she found it, she reached out with the Force toward its real life counterpart. She felt the unmistakable presense of Jedi aboard.

"It's them," she hissed. "I want that ship captured, Captain. Let anyone on board be injured, and you had better jump out the nearest airlock. Am I understood?"

The Captain visibly paled. "Yes, My Lady."

He relayed the orders to the fleet.

 

[Paendragon]

Tynan

"All frieghters, in close on that Destroyer. We've got to distract them for as long as possible. No direct or prolonged concentration of fire. Strafing runs only. Get in, and get out, then regroup for anpother pass."

He waited for the confirming clicks to come from the squad, then took the ship in.

"Ready yourself, Luke," he called through the shipboard comm unit.

"Ready Master."

Suddenly he felt the touch of the Dark Side. It came from the Star Destroyer.

"Master?" Luke called out.

"I felt it," Tynan replied. "It changes nothing. We must hold them off."

"Understood Master."

He brought the ship in on a strafing run, and Luke made his shots count, dooing considerable damage to two turbolaser batteries. But something was wrong.

"Their not shooting at us," Tynan whispered. He had wrapped himself in the Force for the attack, but hadn't needed to dodge anything at all. Well, almost nothing, anyway.

"We shouldn't be complaining Master. We lost one light freighter."

"Tractor beams. They were trying to lock onto us with a tractor beam."

"That doesn't make any sense," Luke said.

"No, it doesn't," Tynan agreed.

And that's what bothered him.

 

[Angelus]

Alic

Alic dropped to the ground, his persperation dripping off his forehead. He raised his head slowly to look at Colian who just stood there with a sad look on his face. He had seen that look so many times that he knew what his master was thinking and Alic was feeling much the same thing- he had to get control of the dark side that raged within him or all he wished to become would be lost forever.

He slowly got to his feet and after taking a few deep breaths said, "Master, why is it that we can not go with the others and help them? I know we would be a benefit to them and help them greatly but why were we left here. Is it because of what I was- is it because of what I have raging within me?"

He watched as Colian walked forward and then put his hand onto Alic's shoulder and said, "I'm afraid that it is Alic. I talked to several of the masters before they left and they told me they could not take us because they knew I would not leave without you and you are a risk to them because you could give into the dark side in the middle of a battle and attack them."

Alic sighed- that was what he feared but he knew that was also his motivation. He had to fight what raged within him, so that he could become a Jedi and gain everyone's trust in him again, however long that took.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Mogo

"Command to Spotted Owl," a voice said over the intercom.
I flipped the switch, barely taking my attention away from the fight going on around me.
A Star Destroyer? And we were supposed to defeat it? This battle was a losing one from the beginning. I just hoped the others got out soon.
"Owl here," I replied.
"Captain Mogo?"
"Yep, what'd'ya'need?"
Orin was manning the lower guns just then, and Josie, the young pilot they sent me to teach the ropes, was manning the upper ones. I was piloting, and taking too much fire in my own opinion.
"You're needed near the station."
"Huh?" I asked, amazed. "Hold on."
I spun the Owl, watching as proton torpedoes buzzed past on either side, then pulled down, driving the Owl into an arc headed toward the outer edge of the battle.
"Why?" I asked then. "The battle's here, and they need all the support they can get."
"The Owl's a freighter, and a fast one. We need every advantage when taking the Jedi and the commanders off the station. A freighter is the best cover we can manage. We have the utmost faith in you and your crew Captain--"
"Yeah," I replied, switching off the comm unit. "Right.""We're outta here, guys," i announced to the others. "We're headed for the station. Get ready..."
"The station?" Orin asked.
"Yeah, we're a rescue team now," I replied. "Ain't that som'thing?"
The battle came into view, and I sat in disbelief.
"Holy, hell," josie said.
"What it young lady," i said. I'd grown used to her, especially given her young age (she couldn't have been more then sixteen years old), and I'd gotten into the habit of treating her like a child, something I couldn't help, eventhough i knew I had no right to it.
"Sorry, pops," she replied, but her humor was gone.
"Don't be scared," i told her. "Orin andme are here, and we're only going straight through, to land in the hangar."
"Okay," she muttered, but her voice was little more than a whisper.
This battle was almost worse than the one we just left, and the number of opposing vessels were definitely higher. I was beginning to see why they wanted a fast ship that can proide cover. A freighter would most likely be dropping supplies or removing rebel soldiers, not hiding commanders and Jedi.
It was still risky. We'd be under fire going in and coming out.
"Hold on, and get the guns ready," i ordered, kicking in some speed now that we were entering the battle. Proton torpedoes bussed past, followed by TIE fighters, which were quickly picked up on by B-Fighters nearby. The order to support us was given.
That was good.
"Fire when ready," I said, then reconsidered. "No, don't fire unless you have to. If we don't fire, they may think we're not battle capable."
"This is gonna be fun..." Orin muttered.
"That's one way of putting it..." Josie returned.

 

[Quiet_Cool]

Marius

He turned to face me, his face still hidden by his cloak. I could feel him eyeing me, studying his opponent.
"Marius Lane," he muttered.
"We've met?" I asked.
He nodded, then pushed back his hood.
I did recognize him, but not in the same way I had Dietre, who'd turned out to be Darth Vaine. And I got the feeling that this one wouldn't be the competition that Vaine'd turned out to be.
Young, and fairly tall, but not entirely familiar.
"Don't remember me?" He asked, detatching his cloak and letting it fall to the floor. "Well, funny. I remember you, and that young padawan of yours, what's her name? Raven?"
My defenses were rising then. I stepped forward, holding my saber up before me. "Enough talk," I insisted. "Let's get on with this."
"A little protective are we?"
I advanced, swinging high, and causing him to spin away, backslashing as he did. An easy parry, and he stepped back, playing defense already.
Young, I thought, realizing my advantage here.
"Raven, yes," he said, returning to his previous train of thought. "I remember Raven. Young, but oh...so ripe!"
Anger surged through me as I advanced this time, swinging low, aiming for his ankles. He parried, spinning away, then jumping overhead and landing behind me.
I turned, blocking a dead-on attack to my head, then using the force to push him away. he fell, striking the ground and sliding a few feet before kipping back up and moving in on me. My defenses weren't set, my mind still set on attacking, and his swing almost caught my upper arm before blocked it, then pushed the blade away and spun, planning on attacking with a backhand swing.
He wasn't there when my blade sliced the air, but was backing up again.
How was he getting away? I wondered, but I couldn't concentrate on the question. Couldn't concentrate on anything just then.
"Yes, cute little Raven," he continued, and anger surged through me at the very mention of her name again. "I think when I've finished with you and this other one, I might find her and give her some tender and loving attention."
He grinned.
Anger was all I felt then, my mind totally cluttered from only a few words. Then, everything was clear, and my body relaxed.
My mind reached out to him, making his expression go slack with what he felt in return.
He's weak, I thought. And I can crush him...

 

[Orlanth]

Jedi Padwan Tra Shin

The S-foils folded up, as the shuttle landed on the platform for 4 B of level 88 of area 134. “Commander,” Tra said as the ramp unfolded. “Move out and gain a secure perimeter, then prepare to move in.”

“Sir, yes sir!”

”What is that… feeling?” Tra thought to himself as he walked down the ramp. ”Nothing is as it seems.” “Commander, be careful! I sense a disturbance.”

Looking out towards the doors which lead inside, they were shut, along with the blast doors! “What the?” Corporal, open those doors.”

“Sir, yes sir!”

Corporal Hicks hurried over and started to punch in keys, as Tra stood back and looked around. ”We’re being watched!”

 

[Abraxas Winterlight]

Darth Azraiel

I parried his first few blows easily, and it was obvious that he was testing me, judging my skill with a saber. I, in turn, pressed my attack, driving him back toward the Hutt’s dais. When his back touched the platform I felt him reach out to the Dark Side, & jumped up as the bolt of Force Lightning lanced out from his outstretched hand & passed under me. I came down with my saber & cut down on his arm, planning to sever it at the forearm and finish this fight. What I didn’t expect was to give him a minor flesh wound as my blade sputtered out when I cut into his armor.
The little bastard had cortosis weave armor on. I leapt back across the room to give myself some time. I still had one blade of my saber working, but the other one would be useless until I replaced the power cell.
I leapt back across the chamber to give myself some room, but my opponent had other ideas. He closed with me instantly, and I was on the defensive.
We fought across the room, myself taking some minor cuts while he was untouched. I tried some blows to his head, but he was expecting me to go for that target & parried them easily. The Hutt’s booming laughter echoed in the background, and it finally pushed me enough, and I let loose of my rage. The Dark Side flowed through me, a torrent of power strengthening my body. I moved in on the jedi & began raining blows down on him, driving him back again toward the Hutt. Furiously raining blows down upon him, I finally knocked his saber aside & cut toward his head, & the little bastard surprised me again by throwing up his arm to block my blade, shorting out my other power cell.
Now things were going to get real interesting.
I ducked under his first strike, and moved back dodging blows as he closed on me. I took a few more superficial cuts, and then he had me back against a wall. With his blade moving to toward my neck, I threw my saber up to block it. It was almost worth loosing both my blades to see the shock in his eyes when the alchemically treated metal of my saber blocked his blade.
I followed with a blow to his chin with my saber, then threw him across the room with the force. He landed hard, loosing his saber and crumpling on the ground in front of Zorba.
I walked up to the crumpled body of my opponent. “ So Zorba, this is your pet Jedi. Pity, I know he was expensive. “ I reached out with the Dark Side & picked him up, raising his body up to eye level with the Hutt, I closed my hand, & the power flowed out from me to him, and crushed him, folding him backwards until his spine snapped. He gave a scream then, and then I felt his essence leave his body, which dropped in front of my prey. I reached out with the force, and his saber leapt to my hand, igniting once it was there. Then Zorba pulled a trick of his own and a force shield sprang up around him.
“You didn’t think I would rely only on a human, did you. Now touch me with your blade, Dark one.”

Zorba started to laugh again then stopped when I reached my arm out toward him. “ You will now die, slug.” I called upon the Dark Side for more power, and it embraced me in its fire. Force Lightning flowed out of my hands and surrounded the force screen, throwing sparks around the dais. Then I reached through the screen & took Zorba in my grip, and crushed him like the worm he was. Blood pooled in the bottom of the platform as his body twitched and cooled. It was done, I had at last avenged my only love’s death.