Star Wars KOTOR III: Sword of Revan Volume II (IC)

[FenixZero]

Four thousand years before the battle of Naboo and the Clone Wars, the Jedi Revan and Malak, heroes of the Mandalorian War (a bloody conflict instigated by an unidentified group within the Unknown Regions known only as the "True Sith"), fell to the dark side and founded a new Sith Empire. Using the ancient Rakatan Star Forge factory, they built a massive war fleet and began attacking the Old Republic. Thus began the second Sith War, later called the Jedi Civil War (and, still later, the War of the Star Forge), a conflict that proved even more devastating than Exar Kun's war as more Jedi fell to the dark side, were killed in battle, or were murderered by Sith Assassins.

Revan was the greatest military genius the Jedi had ever seen. It was through her cunning alone that the Mandalorian Wars had been won, as the Old Republic soon discovered. During the Mandalorian Wars, Revan and Malak had discovered a mysterious force called the so-called True Sith in the Unknown Regions, and were therefore careful to preserve the Republic's shipyards to use against this threat once they had conquered the galaxy.

After an attempted coup by Malak, however, Revan's mind was destroyed and she was captured by the Jedi. She was re-trained in their ways and sent against his traitorous apprentice. Taking up the mantle of Dark Lord, Malak redoubled his empire's offenses against the Old Republic, no longer caring about preserving his enemy's resources. Following a long and arduous quest for the five Star Maps that would lead her to the Sith's stronghold, the new Revan led a frontal assault on the Star Forge. She battled her way through the Forge's droid army and legions of Sith and Dark Jedi. After redeeming Malak's apprentice, Bastila Shan, she slew Malak herself in a final confrontation between the two old friends, allowing the Old Republic to destroy the Star Forge and win the day.

Sadness grew, as Revan told her fellows that she must go to destroy the Sith threat once and for all, leaving no whereabouts of where he went.

Despite this great victory won for the Old Republic by Revan, the galaxy soon grew even darker. Barely a hundred Jedi remained after the Jedi Civil War, and those who did soon found their ranks thinning at an alarming rate. Everywhere Jedi congregated, they were murdered, struck down by an invisible enemy who, incredibly enough, was somehow attacking them through the Force itself. Darth Nihilus, the Lord of Hunger, and Darth Sion, Lord of Pain, were students of Revan's former Jedi Master, Kreia (now a Sith called Darth Traya, Lady of Betrayal), had begun a shadow war against the surviving Jedi. Despite their incredible powers, they did not believe themselves strong enough to defeat the Jedi in the same kind of open warfare employed by Revan and Malak. (Revan herself had disappeared into the Unknown Regions a year after the destruction of the Star Forge, hoping to put an end to the ever-present threat posed by the mysterious True Sith, and has not been heard from since.)

Five years after Malak's defeat on the Star Forge, a Jedi exile who had served Revan as a general during the Mandalorian Wars returned from the Outer Rim to find the Jedi Order virtually extinct. Thought to be the last of the Jedi by Nihilus and Sion, the exile was hunted mercilessly by Sith Assassins from planet to planet as the "last of the Jedi" tracked down the surviving members of the Jedi Council. In the end, the Council was killed, but the exile managed to turn the tide against the shadow Sith, killing Nihilus, Sion, and Traya in battle, thereby ending their Jedi purge and giving the Jedi Order a chance to rebuild.

Twenty years have now passed and the Jedi Order has been reborn. The training center on Dantooine has been rebuilt, and the students of the Exile along with the few remaining masters have reformed the Council and have trained a whole new generation of Jedi Knights. The Republic has undergone a period of dramatic military and economic build-up, finally resembling it's power and authority before the rise of Exar Kun and the Jedi Civil War.

But now there seems to be a new threat looming on the horizon...

Beginning with the unexplained disappearance of Republic convoys to the Outer Rim, all vanished without a trace. Deemed to be the work of bandits and pirates, they were ignored. Now armed revolutions have begun to occur, entire systems have begun to descend into civil wars forcing the Republic and the Jedi Order to spread itself thin in an attempt to maintain peace.

But as the troubles grow, the Jedi Council has begun to see a deeper connection. Terrible dreams plague the minds of the Masters. A dark and ominous shadow grows in the Force, as if the Force itself were becoming somehow infected.

These are some among the Council who believe that the dark forces that first started the Mandalorian Wars have finally returned to finish what they started so many years ago.

To combat this threat, a small detachment of Jedi and Republic troops have assembled in secret on the world of Manaan, to travel beyond the Outer Rim in a desperate attempt to locate the Prodigal Knight Revan, and bring her back to save the Republic once more.
------
((this post was long winded when I first wrote it and it's still long winded. But here it is none the less. Here's to second tries!))

 

[FenixZero]

A thick and heavy rain beat down relentlessly upon the dazzling white surface of the colossal dome that was Ahto City's Hanger B. Within the cavernous hanger, the chorus of noise made by the storm outside was drowned by the hissing steam and the chaotic sounds of astromech droids going about their business. Dominating the center of the hanger was large vessel, it's powerful engines connected to numerous power couplings that siphoned energy into the ship.

Surrounded by jets of steam and the electric hum, Delken Brom paced anxiously before the ship. The Jedi had been waiting for several hours after their arrival from the Dantooine Enclave. Folding his arms across his chest, Delken spun on his heel continuing to move back in forth. He was trying to be patient, to heed the words of his masters at the Enclave but how was he supposed to keep still? It had been 2 weeks ago that he'd found out...

Half shrouded by a veil the color of drying blood obscuring the upper half of her face, leaving the full pout of her lips exposed. The woman knelt comfortably on the smooth stone floors of her meditation chamber, a voice like a blade rising from those dark, wine colored lips.

"You will travel to Manaan where you will assemble with the other members of this team. The Jedi Council has placed you and your brother-in-arms Ramza as the joint commanders, and with you go our hopes."

"I understand Master Marr" Delken replied calmly. Visas Marr had been a student of the Jedi Exile who had personally served under the legendary Knight Revan and had been a great mentor to Delken during his time as a Padawan, personally tutoring the young Corellian in his lightsaber training.

"Do not say you understand so quickly young Jedi" Visas spoke again, "The Council is still not in agreement as to the nature of this new threat. Dark dreams and visions are all we know and some of the Masters who will not believe that the threat is even real until they have seen more. But we have not forgotten the horrors that have befallen our galaxy when the Jedi chose to do nothing.

To this end, you and Ramzu will become our instruments to bring back the mightiest Jedi of our age."

"Revan" Delken breathed with reverence at the mention of the Prodigal Knight.

"Your mission must remain a secret at all costs Delken. May the Force be with you"


"Where are they?" Delken finally complained to Ramza.

OOC: Okay people, for your opening posts just put yourself on Manaan to meet the ship with whatever backstory you'd like. As you've all probably guess this is starting from scratch.

 

[Armphid]

Ramza Orlandau threw himself backward just in time to avoid a crushing ax kick, going into a series of handsprings to put distance between him and his assailant. The figure was slightly shorter than he, garbed in robes of grey and white, a hood pulled over it's face. The attacker's movements were graceful and precise, no weapon in the gloved hands. It rose, assuming a stance known only to the Echani and their students.

The morning wind rushed in over the open garden. From outsite the academy, the sounds of the creatures of Dantooine as they greeted the sun echoed faintly. Ramza hadn't felt anything in the Force, a flicker of shadow his only warning before his foe attacked. He'd only just returned to the Jedi Enclave after a visit to his homeworld, a grave mission awaiting him. He was back only to leave again. Of course, he had to survive this first.

Ramza's feet glided apart, settling into a similar stance, the small smile still on his pale features. He suddenly bolted forward, hands flashing out in a series of quick, testing blows. The grey robed enemy danced through the blows, hammering the young knight with a shoulder check. Ramza went with the motion, grabbing the loose folds of the gray clock and rolling onto his back, heaving with his legs to throw his opponent into the nearby garden wall.

The combatants rose, moving at the same instant to attack one another again. Fists moving faster than many sentients could perceive were dodged and turned aside as they moved together in a dance of war that was as beautiful as a rainbow and as deadly as an avalanche. The two broke apart suddenly, sweat on Ramza's forehead, the shoulders of both heaving.

The gray robe shook it's head, then raised it's right arm. There was a distinctive snap-hiss, and the scent of ozone as a blue-white tongue of energy erupted from end of the metal cylinder it held. Ramza reached to his side, pulling a similar tube in his right hand, save that this one was more compact, and had metal curved about it to form a basket around the hand. In the basket was a trigger, much like that of a blaster. He pulled the trigger, and a moment later a scintillating emerald blade cut into the air, humming as he held it steady.

The two leaped toward one another, the crack of energy on energy splitting the morning calm as the blades clashed. Ramza's blade shifted slightly in elegant grace, deflecting the crushing strikes of his foe, then flicking forward to lash at the enemy's limbs, forcing it to give ground or parry. Turning with sudden speed, it struck Ramza's saber with terrific force, the jet haired fighter staggering back. The attacker was on him in an instant, blue blade hammering at his saber, driving him further back. Ramza continued to give ground, then as he raised his weapon to block a heavy blow, the emeald blade vanished. Expecting to meet resistence, the gray robe stretched out just a little too far, as Ramza snapped the blade back on, swing down and halting it just as it singed the fabric above his foe's elbows.

The two stayed frozen in that pose for long, tense seconds, the very air seeming to hold its' breath awaiting the next move. Then the blue saber died, Ramza's blade hissing into stillness as well. They both stood, Ramza bowing to the gray robed warrior, "You were too easy on me, Master." "But I am pleased to see you too."

There was another chuckle, louder this time. Gloved hands drew back the hood, revealing the face of a human woman in her 40's, her features still carrying a dignified beauty. Her hair had always been white, but where it was once short, it now fell to her jawline. "I thought your time on Alderaan might make you soft, young Jedi." "I'm glad to see I was wrong."

Ramza shook his head, "My people are warriors, Master, much as yours." "Though I will admit I spent less time in arms that I anticipated." He shrugged, "Politics seem to have mellowed considerably from my youth, I only had to participate in one duel."

"Peace is returning to the galaxy, my young apprentice." Master Brianna, once called Handmaiden, smiled, "if only for a little while." "You should cherish it, such moments are fleeting in the life of a Jedi."

"Of course, Master." Ramza hooked his lightsaber back in place on his belt. "I take it word of the mission that Delken and I have been given has reached you?"

Master Brianna regarded him for a long moment. "Walk with me, young Jedi." The two began to walk away from the muttering and still confused crowd that had gathered, toward the landing pad. "I fear this will lead you into great temptation, Ramza." "You and Revan have much in common."

Ramza nodded, "But I am not Revan." "I know how Revan's story has unfolded, and the folly of the path she took." He hesitated a moment, then continued, "I also have the benefit of your tutelage, Master." "Unlike many Jedi, I know that my emotions can be a strength, not a weakness." "I know the temptation that I will face, and that I can fall to it." "I'm not arrogant enough to think otherwise."

His master quirked one eyebrow, "That remains to be seen." She sighed, "I have faith in you, young one, but remember than emotion can be a strength, but shold never be allowed to dominate you." She favored him with a rare smile, "Nor should you seek to solve every problem with your arm and saber."

Ramza felt a bit chagrined at that. He did have a tendency to prefer force to stealth or guile. "I know, Master." "I have been trying to improve on that score." "I am certain Delken will be able to help me keep my blade at peace until it is truly needed."

"He will help, but remember when in doubt, to listen to the Force." She laid a hand of surprising strength on his shoulder, "All the answers lie there, and it will not lead you astray."

"Where are they?"

Ramza heard Delken's words, yet he did not answer immediately. While his red-haired friend paced, Ramza sat on the edge of the hanger, his legs crossed and his eyes closed. Hazel orbs slowly opened, a ghost of a smile flickering across his features, an expression at odds with the scar on his cheek. "Patience, Delken." "They are where they need to be, and will be here soon enough."

Ramza stood, the ponytail of black spiky hair ruffled by the sea breeze, as was the hem of the sleeveless coat he wore. "This journey is going to be a very violent one, Delken." "You should enjoy peaceful moments like this." "I don't expect there will be very many." His lightsaber was belted at his waist, opposite a well-maintained blaster pistol. The saber was the only indication he was Jedi, much like Delken, Ramza did not wear the traditional robes of the Order.

His pale face was serious as he gazed out over the blue waters. He was tall, almost 2 meters, with an agile build of hard muscle. He glanced back at Delken, "Do you feel it?" "Like this whole world is holding its breath." He looked out at the water again. "Something is going to happen."

 

[FenixZero]

More backstory flashbacks

"Do you feel it?" "Like this whole world is holding its breath." "Something is going to happen."

Delken's face was crossed by a frown for only a moment at Ramza's urging of patience. He knew Ramza was right, that the pair need only to wait and allow their missing companions to finally join them but something within the young Jedi refused to quiet. Taking a step foreword, standing at Ramza's side Delken forced a deep breath into his lungs and allowed his mind to be drawn into the rhythmic drone of the rain on the hanger.

Covered by a nearly endless sea with only a handful of surface settlements to allow offworlders a place to do business among the Selkath, one could see Manaan as empty. But the Force was so strong here it was deafening at times. Untold millions of aquatic creatures made their homes beneath Manaan's rolling waves, swimming, mating and consuming each other, each a strand in the grand web of the galaxy. Drawing the crisp-sea air into his lungs, Delken could not help but feel his breathing slow, regaining the composure and calm the Jedi were so famous for.

Delken had always thought himself the calmer between himself and Ramza but the margin was a small one. The Corellian temper wasn't something easily ignored, even for a Jedi, but Delken had befitted greatly from Master Marr. The blind Jedi had spent years as an assassin, the unseen hand of a Sith lord of terrible power and had passed her knowledge of patience, stealth and precise control onto her student.

A blade of searing molten orange crashed against one of vibrant electric blue, sending out showers of sparks as the training room filled with the thick acidic smell of ozone. Delken's lungs burned savagely, unable to draw enough breath to keep his aching limbs moving, his will and the Force the only things keeping him on his feet.

The Corellian was utterly unable to match his mentor blade for blade, managing to barely hold his own as he attempted to batter down her defenses. But the lithe figure, clothed in black and scarlet used her blade like an unbreakable shield, neutralizing his forceful blows with gentle resistance and hammering his defense with sudden explosions of power and force. At every minute she seemed both fluid and solid, moving constantly and yet stable.

"No immovable roots, no stirring of dust. Only the Force. This is the essence of Djem So, the way of the Krayt Dragon" Her honeyed voice dripped from her lips as she pressed the assault again, forcing her disciple back once more

A sudden wind assaulted Delken's face, catching his hair and making it dance erratically around his face.

"Not just this world Ramza. I felt it on Dantooine as well. Do you think the Masters are right? Do you think the Republic really is at risk again?"

 

[Armphid]

A sudden wind assaulted Delken's face, catching his hair and making it dance erratically around his face.

"Not just this world Ramza. I felt it on Dantooine as well. Do you think the Masters are right? Do you think the Republic really is at risk again?"

"I'm sure of it." Ramza crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes pondering the distant horizon. "I tend to think of life as a series of stories." "All stories tend to ahve three acts." "The Star Forge was the first, The Exile and Sith the second, and this...I think this is the last act." "Of course, I also may have read too many plays."

He chuckled, turning to look at his friend. "It would be nice to be wrong though." "This one time, anyway." "But I don't think I am."

"Either way, we'll find out." "As Master Brianna would say, we should watch for the knives in the shadows, not the shadows of the future."

 

[OPositive]

Resk Dingar / Utar Efson

Outside of Hangar B, Resk Dingar stood on platform's edge. The waves far below were hypnotizing, an endless expanse of rhythmic ebb and flow. Though he'd stepped out initially to admire the seascape and breathe fresh air for the last time in what might be a very long while, uncertainty made it hard to enjoy the moment. His particular role in this mission was still unclear to him. Of what importance could any Republic soldier be in the midst of the Jedi? It was hard to pretend a trooper could match a Jedi knight.


Perhaps the Jedi simply needed a few trustworthy grunts to make their lives easier. On a mission of this importance, not any just any crew could be taken on. The fact that it was he who was chosen bewildered Resk even moreso. It seemed as though the situation was beyond his understanding entirely.

So he would do what he'd always done: trust in his superiors.

"Sgt. Utar Efson, reporting for duty, sir." The growling voice tore Resk from his dour thoughts. Saluting behind him, dressed in a black jumpsuit and orange armor nearly identical to his own (It was obvious Resk put more spit and polish into gear), stood the other half of the Republic's contribution to the Void Strider's crew. He was tall and dark, but 'handsome' depended on what species you were. His flat, wide nostriled nose stretched across half of his face. Resk couldn't help but think of an squid's tentacles when he saw the proboscis sprouting from either of Utar's cheeks. The prehensile extensions that made the Anzati such an unwelcome race drifted aimlessly through the air.

Resk frowned. He didn't care to play the role of leader.

"At ease, soldier. This could be a long trip and the formalities are going to get a little old." Utar dropped his hand from his forehead, but neither man visibly relaxed. "I'll save the speeches for the politians. You were briefed on this mission, were you not? Let's present you to the men in charge and get you settled in."

Utar had just begun to follow Resk into the hangar when the Corellian paused to look over his shoulder.

"Do something about those suckers, Utar. You'll be unsettling the crew as it is."

Without sound, the proboscises curled into themselves and slipped into small fissures along the Anzati's jawline. It was like they'd never existed.

--------

"Knight Ramza, Knight Delken, this is 2nd Lt. Utar Efson. He comes to us with a distinguished and ... long... record."

"Master Jedi. Sirs." Again, the new arrival's voice was lacking enthusiasm, but his salute was as sharp and crisp as could be. "I'm told it's a priviledge to be working so closely with the Jedi." The ambiguous wording earned Utar a glare from Resk. It seemed he'd have words for the soldier once relieved of the Force-users' presence.

 

[lil_squirter]

Never do things go as planned.

"Revered One-"

"Drop the unnecessary and useless titles, what's wrong with the ship?"

"Yes, M'lady. The power coupling has shifted polarity, light speed will be impossible until it is fixed."

"This is a vexing problem Commander, see to it as quickly as you can."

"Of course M'Lady Cari."

The Happen representative was not pleased with this news, this venture had been cursed from the moment she was pushed into the assignment. Some of the planets under the Consortium wanted to branch off and be free but the heavy hand of Hapes would not allow it. They needed outside help, intervention of the Great Republic. The news of that great governing body had reached even their sheltered planets, and they were inspired by it. Of course the Republics relations with the jedi did make things awkward. Those zealot monks had all but killed the male populace of most of the Consortium worlds. Pirates or not they were wiped out in a mission to cleanse the area. At least that was how it appeared to those affected by it.

Eelsa Cari, born to the warrior women of Terephon, had no love for the force wielders. She respected the power of any true warrior but saw the religious sorceress as a blight more then a blessing. The ways of steel in your hand and training of your own flesh were far more honorable in battle then those magic tricks of Jedi. Long silver robes glistened as she made her way back to her chambers, if they were unable to fix the coupling they'd be forced to call in aid. This near the Cluster it was possible Happens would answer, then the three years spent arranging this mission would be futile.

The tall azure haired woman knelt once she reached her quarters. She needed to clear her mind, to meditate and perhaps focus more clearly on her options. She had been chosen for both her abilities in combat and her knack for diplomacy. Though she could easily be called abrasive no one could argue her methods or logic. She was not necessarily a woman people wanted to have around them socially aside from her physical appearance, but she was one they admitted to needing when something had to be done.

She released herself to the dark, robes falling away from her body to a shining silver pool around her. Light from a rainbow gem radiated soft flowing and ebbing colors over her pale skin. Soft violet eyes rolled back into her head, the world around her falling away to let her commune with the clarity of her unemotional core. It was necessary to make this meeting happen, but above all else the lives on this ship were not expendable. Each and every one rested on her shoulders, freedom from the Cluster would do little good if it cost so many lives. She knew what had to be done.

The process for returning from deep meditation was a prolonged and delicate one, unless you were pulled out by repeated call bells from the ships captain. Eelsa exhaled a deep sigh and slipped her robes back on, slowly pulling herself to her feet and thumbing the com button.

"Yes?"

"We have partial power but..."

"But it is not enough for you to venture further safely."

"Yes M'Lady, I'm afraid that is correct."

"I thought as much. Ready the ship to return to the Cluster."

"And abandon the mission? Lady Cari are you certain?"

"The mission will continue. Ready one long range ship, I'll be going on alone. See that it is stocked with offerings for the Republic representatives. I'll depart within the hour."

She flicked the switch off before any argument could be made, clarity, was not an easy thing to deal with. Short work was made of packing her things and sending them to the ship. The trip was about to become much less comfortable. The small ship was only designed for two passengers and with that space filled she was only able to hope the trip went smoothly.

Within the hour she was launching, and watching the massive ship vanish behind her. All luxury left in favor of her mission, robes changed for the simple flight suit and warrior garb more common to her people. Ever shifting patterns of blue, purple and gray moved through the material that covered her like a second skin. The suit would camouflage her if necessary, the cloth was something quit singular to her people and she wore it with honor and pride.

The trip would be long, best to try and sleep some. She set the coordinates and a proximity warning she should get too close to anything. She could be alert and awake within moments of it going off. Too bad the sleeping quarters were packed with the gifts of her people. She'd have to make do in the cramped cockpit. Eelsa set the ship on the plotted course and eased herself back to sleep, it was going to be a long journey.

 

[FenixZero]

"I'm sure of it." Ramza crossed his arms over his chest, his eyes pondering the distant horizon. "I tend to think of life as a series of stories." "All stories tend to ahve three acts." "The Star Forge was the first, The Exile and Sith the second, and this...I think this is the last act." "Of course, I also may have read too many plays."

He chuckled, turning to look at his friend. "It would be nice to be wrong though." "This one time, anyway." "But I don't think I am."

"Either way, we'll find out." "As Master Brianna would say, we should watch for the knives in the shadows, not the shadows of the future."

"What is it with you Alderaanians and your plays? I swear, in a few centuries your planet is going to be nothing but...but poets and philosophers" Delken joked. He felt a slight twinge, the smallest of echoes in the Force, causing him to turn. A pair of figures had entered the hanger, both dressed in the orange and black armor of Republic soldiers. One was clearly human, though the other was...something else.

Delken had been born on Corellia and had seen his fair share of lifeforms but most of the young man's life had been spent at the Jedi Temple, seeing only the faces of his fellow Jedi and the Masters. He made a note to learn the other trooper's species. Something felt...strange about him. He didn't seem dangerous, and Delken could sense no malice whatsoever, but for some reason this trooper's presence in the Force was different the most.

"Knight Ramza, Knight Delken, this is 2nd Lt. Utar Efson. He comes to us with a distinguished and ... long... record."

"Master Jedi. Sirs." Again, the new arrival's voice was lacking enthusiasm, but his salute was as sharp and crisp as could be. "I'm told it's a priviledge to be working so closely with the Jedi." The ambiguous wording earned Utar a glare from Resk. It seemed he'd have words for the soldier once relieved of the Force-users' presence.

The young Knight bowed his head to both men smiling warmly. "Thank you gentlemen. You both come highly recommended, we are happy to have you with us on this mission."

The Corellian's voice dropped slightly, "We can talk more once we're on board. I think the sooner we depart the better"

 

[Armphid]

Ramza bowed to the newly arrived soldiers, as well as extending his hand, though only Resk shook it. "It's an honor, gentlemen." So, the Anzati didn't care for Jedi. Interesting, certainly worth knowing given his species...propensities toward brain eating. Ramza looked at the tall alien a moment, studying him. How old was he really? What lives had he lived? It would be good to know. This was a risky mission as it was, having unknowns in their companions wouldn't make their chances of success any better. "The task before us is great, but with your assistance, I feel we can prove equal to it."

The words were not empty platitudes. Whatever they may think of themselves, Ramza would rather have them than other Jedi on this mission. Their skills and outlook would be invaluable.

He paused a moment, curious as to how the lieutenant would take this next part. "On many parts of our journey, we will not be advertising our status as a Republic ship or as Jedi." "I'm sure you can think of the reasons why." "Given that, we should get used to not using titles." "I'm just Ramza."

They did need to get started soon. Time did matter, as much as time ever mattered on a cosmic scale. "Gentlemen, you and Delken can make any last minute preperations." "I am going to go through a final systems check and get our vessal prepared for our voyage." Ramza gestured toward the interior of the floating city. "Enjoy this last bit of the Core while you can, it's all the Outer Rim from here on out."

 

[OPositive]

"Thank you, gentlemen. The soldiers of the Republic are ever at your service. Unless you have immediate use for us, I'm sure we can find our quarters."

For the briefest of moments, Resk thought about saluting the Jedi. That certainly wasn't in keeping with the guise they would be taking on the Outer Rim, but the soldier in him couldn't simply walk away from the monks without some sign of respect. He settled for a slight bow, whereas Utar simply turned away and followed his superior inside.

True to Resk's prediction, they had little trouble finding their place aboard the ship. They'd been on enough vessels to have such a feel for them.

They would be sharing a room, with little more than a couple of bunks. While the ship more than likely had room for better accomodations, Resk and Utar would be doing little more than sleeping here. Their waking hours would be spent "on deck," ready for whatever tasks may arise. They didn't need the extra space to meditate, or lounge, or any such thing, and their commanders would not have them getting used to luxuries. They did not, however, account for the soldiers' egos.

The door closed behind them as they settled in, Utar taking the top bunk for himself. They didn't even care to make eye contact as they exchanged words.

"You can jetison the attitude once we're outside the atmosphere, Utar. It's gonna get real old real fast."

"My attitude, sir, is already older than your grandfather. I don't think it's going anywhere."

"You lose it soon or I'll lose it for you. Get your junk in order and meet me on the bridge."

Never a glance between them, Resk left. That's when Utar elected to stare daggers at the door.

 

[Donsehan]

Loran Tamassi

I stepped off the bridge of the ship I was on, it was a rough ride, pirates were battering our shields, it didn't look good. The inertial compensators were overloaded, and fumes were coming out of different parts of the ship. It was dying, I put my palm against the ship "please . . . a little longer" I said hoping that it would hold long enough. I put on my helmet, the black visor and black armor that I wore, a tribute to my grandfather, and family, the symbol of our clan, a red circle with what looked like a bird of prey on the armor's shoulder. My grandfather had also given me the location of the ship I was in. After I split up with Juukan, I found the ship where he told me it would be.

The ship had a sleek design to it, limiting its size to a crew of three, it had decent weapons for a ship of its size, and not much of a cargo hold. Just enough to fit a snubfighter, but that was I guess the point, the ship was made to drop out a snubfighter in case if it was lost. My copilot, was working the numbers for a jump, my main engineer was wounded, and in the sickbay room. It wasn't much even after we installed the kolto tank, but it was enough. I climbed into the turret control cradle, for the size of the ship, it had two dual-cannon turrets, and a few cannons here and there. I hooked in a cord that plugged into a port on my right wrist in my armor. The heads up display transferred to inside my helmet and I targetted one of the pirates.

The shields were dropping fast, our IFF beacon was still working but the ship was becoming sluggish, and the two of the five inertial compensators failed. I just hoped the one in med bay was still working. I spoke "jump when we can Illura, and make it fast." I started pouring fire into the space all around, merely to startle our pursuers, but also to make them dodge, good pilots dodged instinctively when they had fire coming near them. In a larger ship, that wasn't too easy to do, so broadside slug matches were common among capital ships.

Then the rumbling stopped just as I heard a pop from the shields and power to the turret cradle was lost. I jumped out, feeling relieved at not being shrapnel but I wasn't happy. I ran back down to the bridge and Illura looked at me, her helmet off, her short red hair sticking to her sweaty face. I said "timing was good" I said as I pulled my helmet off, unsealing the armored suit. The ship didn't come with EV suits, our armored suits were vacuum capable, that was probably why we always wore our suits when we felt a battle ready to come. I walked over and checked the damage reports "so where'd you fling us to this time?"

I heard her grunt "Manaan" I looked at her my eyes wide "you're kidding right?" she shook her head as she checked the displays "Nope, we're going to be out in about nine hours." I slumped visibly in the chair. "You know they're republic right? They won't help us." She nodded but then said "it's better than a random jump to nowhere," she jibed "besides I was checking for places that we could reach, we'll be out of fuel when we get there, we'll just be able to coast in and land."

I nodded to her "good work Illura." I looked out through the brightness of hyperspace and then got up "well time to start fixing the ship." I said and headed back with a fire extinguisher, and picked up some tools and started working on anything that didn't look right.