Star Wars: The Great War IC

[pimpmar]

Myrkyr, dawn.

Jedi Padawan Scarth No'monian paced nervously back and forth. He was rehearsing all of the Jedi calming techniques he had been learning, but they weren't enough. His inner-sense told him that danger was coming, and fast. He looked around the clearing of the dense jungle, wishing for the thousandth time that his master was there.

He, two other Padawans, and about a dozen commandos were awaiting a shuttle from Coruscant. The shuttle made inital contact after coming out of hyperspace, and besides a few minute delay, was making it's descent post-haste. Their Masters had all been beckoned to the compound for an emergency meeting, leaving the three youngsters alone with these strange men.

The shuttle soon became visible through the dense cloud-cover, circled to the landing zone, and started it's final approach. Scarth's Force sensitivity spiked. Another power source was approaching, and fast. Almost as if a moving shadow, a lithe figure slammed into the floor in the middle of the commandos, driving them in all directions. In a cyclone of wind and violence, the soldiers were swept together, and then thrown into the forestry, moving at a speed that crushed them through the thick trunks of the trees. Immedieatly, Scarth could feel their presence leave the physical plain, knowing they had just been killed.

He barely had time to ignite his lightsaber, the blue blade shooting upwards in perfect synch. with the other two, before he was forced to deflect a flying rifle. He looked up, and saw that this shadow was indeed, a man. Or, at least a male, of his species. A blade of crimson seemed to appear from nowhere, and before one of the Padawan's knew what was coming, he was sliced cleanly in half. He was the youngest of the group, at a mere eleven years.

The other two, including Scarth, launched their attack on this enemy, this, demon. Their blue blades worked in conjunction, trying to create angles to impale this creature, but his single blade had more grace and power than the other two combined. The other Jedi, who's name was Nils, or nyls, or something along those lines, went for a fool-hardy slash, was swiftly countered and be-headed, before Scarth could react. Now it was a one on one fight, one of which he had no chance of winning.

The Sith, for that's what he clearly was, silently stalked Scarth. His attacks were probing, but not overly aggressive. He was toying with the young man, backing him into the proverbial corner. The defense grew more desperate, less coordinated. The boy was terrified. This warrior remained totally impassive, invincible.

All of the sudden, Scarth's awareness seemed to explode, as something of sheer terror swept over him. At first, he feared it was the dark side seducing him, but then he realized with horror that it was his master. The warrior swept him to the side with the force, throwing him into the under-brush, as he turned to face the new threat. One Jedi Master, light-saber a bright green, stood to face him. The Zabrak twisted his saber in his hand, grabbing it in a reverse grip, before igniting the second half of his saber, the dual red blades glowing in the relative quiet of the clearing.

The Master shifted his footing slightly, flipping his lightsaber around his arms a few times. "Destinus." He spat. The Zabrak nodded his head in acknowledgement, before attacking. The following duel was furious. A flash of green, dual blades of crimson, moving with picture-perfect percision and furiosity. As if forgotten, in the distance, the Shuttle was moving at a rapid clip towards the Compound, wing-mounted turrets blazing into the courtyard, destroying the Jedi Encampment.

Scarth gripped his saber, preparing to re-enter the fray, when his Master's voice screamed in his head "No!" His master had just completed a convoluted series of blows, seeming to gain the upper hand against the Sith. Just as Destinus seemed to fall, his defenses faltering, he gave an in-human roar of anger, of hatred, and instantaneously began the final assault. His blades were a blur, of sheer strength, and speed. His black cloak billowed, revealing a black cover-all underneath, molded to his skin, revealing a body of pure muscle. The Sith slid on his knee, a sweep coming for the Jedi's knees. He jumped, his blade heading for the Sith's throat in a killing blow.

But at the final moment, the Sith bended inhumanly backwards, his blade standing straight up. Gravity took it's course, and the Jedi was forced to impale himself on the blade, straight through his sternum. Destinus stayed in the position, eyes locked on the Jedi. "My apologies, Master Kai'lan, but it seems you have lost. Again."

The sith deactived his saber, the body falling to the floor, lifeless. Darth Destinus bent to pick up the green saber, deactiving it, before adding it to the innards of his cloak. He muttered to himself "Number fourteen on the year." He activated his com-link, speaking into it. "Destinus here. Initiate the assault on the compound." The reply went un-heard, as the red blade ignited again, slashing right through the tunic, flesh and bone of the Padawan who was sneaking towards him. The scream died in his throat, as did his soul, as the Jedi presence on this planet was eradicated. The Sith territory had just expanded once again. Soon, he'd have his empire, soon.

He bent to pick up the Padawan's lightsaber, considering it worthy to add to his collection of fallen Jedi. With a dignified, haunting salute, he stood over the body, eyes boring into the lifeless ones. He sneered, spat, and strode off towards the distant compound. There was a war to win, and he had just started it.

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You guessed it kiddies, the IC thread is now open. Let the posting begin!

 

[poohlive]

Darth Evarice prepares his apprentice

"Initiate the assault on the compound"

Skar heard this over the radio and nodded. Destinus' plan of taking out the Jedi presence quickly and quietly seemed to have worked. It was a good plan, Skar had helped prepare it, but the plan truly only lacked spectacle. Killing Jedi is one thing, but making them suffer before they died provided for much more entertainment.

Still, when one prepared for a war they hardly thought about creature comforts such as torture and rape. Those were just random gifts waiting once the other side unconditionally surrenders.

He moved through the shuttle to the cargo area, where a group of infantry men were preparing to initiate the assault on the compound. They had all of their laser guns and thick sheets of armor. Good for them. He saw his apprentice in front of them, looking oh so much like a war general.

Skar lacked a war general feel to him. He had on loose fitting clothing, mostly black save for a cape that he wore around him which fluttered everywhere he went. He enjoyed this cape, it fluttered in just the right way. He imagined every time he entered a room it would gather everyone's attention. So, even on relaxed in formal days such as this, Skar wore his cape.

He hadn't been able to find any shoes though, so this war would be fought barefoot. Perhaps he would find a nice pair of boots in this compound they were taking.

He walked up to his apprentice and stood by her side, looking down at his feet. He felt like pretending to be someone in charge so he put his hands behind his back and bulked out his chest. The atmosphere in the room changed and the men behind him grew quiet and stood at the ready.

"This is your first assault by yourself," He whispered quietly, his head still down. His words were simple and they held a double meaning. This would mark her first victory, or first failure of her own accord. There would be no one to blame for herself depending on today's actions.

"How many Jedi did Destinus take out?" Skar enjoyed playing games with his young apprentice. Often times he would test her, asking what a person's last thoughts were before they died, or pointing to random alien and asking what their home planet was. He enjoyed playing these kinds of telepathic games.

"Each one like a flame being extinguished pulls at the force. Were you paying attention?"

Skar looked up at the sky above them. More importantly was anyone else paying attention? Killing numerous Jedi on the same day had consequences. For better or worse their plans were now causing ripples throughout the galaxy. Depending on how strong the Jedi were, they might have already felt what happened.

Skar stared down at his feet, wiggling his toes back and forth as he awaited his padawan's answer.

 

[AmenRa]

Tal Varsus

Mos Eisley, Tattooine

He sat in the darkened corner of the cantina, his hood pulled over his head. There was a drink cup in front of him on the table, but if one looked closely, one would see that it hadn't been touched.

Others moved to and fro, coming from seats and going to the bar, meandering about the tables, some selling, some buying. He watched an Ithorian nearly knock over a waiter droid, and then curse at it with his twin mouths, the uniques language of Ithor sounding out in stereophonic harmony.

He remained there, as he had for a few minutes now, patient.

The entrance door slid aside, casting a shaft of the bright light of twin suns into the gloomy and smoky interior of the cantina. A Rodian walked in, its large, beady eyes scanning the room. The Rodian saw the shadowy figure in the far corner, sitting calmly it seemed at a corner table. The Rodian made his way over.

At his approach, the shadowy figure swept a hand over the table towars the seat opposite. The Rodian sat.

"<You have better made this worth the trouble I've gone through>" the Rodian told the man in his clipped syllable tongue. The Rodian could just see the man's chin and lower part of his face beneath the shadow cast by the hooded cloak.

"Trouble? Is that not what you do for a living? Get into trouble?"

"<You don't understand what this means>," he responded with a shake of his green and squinty snout, "<there are pay-offs and payments, and --->"

"And you have done the Jedi a great service," the man interrupted with a slight wave of his hand across his cloaked face.

"<I have done the Jedi a great service>".

"Yes," he agreed as he reached across the table and opened his palm.

The Rodian looked around the cantina, checking to make sure his back was clear, then he placed a data disk onto the opened palm.

The fingers of the man's palm closed around the disk, and his arm then disappeared back under the table, where he secreted the disk into a pouch on his belt. He then removed a small sackcloth pouch from a pocket and sat it on the table.

The Rodian took the pouch, opened it and peered in with his unblinking eyes. Satisfied, he pocketed the pouch of credits.

"This concludes our business," the man stated evenly in a quiet Coruscanti accent.

The Rodian information broker nodded, stood, and made his way through the tables of bar patrons to the door, where he exited into the mid-Tattooine day.

Jedi Master Tal Varsus stood from the table and followed the Rodian outside. He scanned the area quickly, then made his way through the open market to Docking Bay 94, where he climbed into the cockpit of a non-descript, unremarkable looking light freighter.

Once cleared by docking control, Varsus piloted the freighter into space. He activated the navcomputer, where he entered coordinates for Coruscant. The ship jumped to hyperspace.

 

[zydrate]

The woman Skar had spoken to was dressed in a pair of black leather pants, black knee high boots and a form fitting vest over a black top. Her hair was loose, always worn loose...

A petite thing Tamina was as she stood in front of the soldiers who awaited for her command to proceed. She had chosen each one personally based upon their combat career and devotion to the Sith...too bad most of them would die today.

"This is your first assault by yourself."

Tamina didn't answer. Her eyes were closed as she focused on those around her, from the soldiers behind her to the battle initated just outside the ship. Yes, it was her first leadership. She'd be without her Master's help.

She had learn many things from Skar. A great deal many things. She looked up to him as she would a father. A teacher.

"How many Jedi did Destinus take out?"

"Three thus far." Tamina answered without hesitation. Her eyes finally opened but she still didn't bother to look at him. Her gaze focused on nothing but one could see the fire behind her eyes.

"Each one like a flame being extinguished pulls at the force. Were you paying attention?"

"Yes." Her hand rested on the hilt of her light saber in it's holster. "Master," she said as her grip tightened on the hilt, her head turning slightly to face Skar, "I will make them suffer." She told him with no emotion.

Everything that happened next was probably a blur to the soldiers as the ever quiet Sith apprentice yelled out the order to attack! Yes, the war had definitely begun.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

"Feel the force, be one with it, do not let petty things like anger and hatred rule your thoughts, there is no fear as we are all part of the force even in death, we are one with the force..."

Gavriel allowed these words to wash over him, to calm him, he kept his focus on the flow of the energy, The Force. His master had told him these words years ago and he used these words to further his meditation. He allowed his senses to probe further, to sense the wildlife, the jungle, the beings of the planet...the planet itself. He fought to remain calm, feeling excitement build up, this was the furthest he was able to go on his own. He focused on calm, feeling the energies wash over him, breathing along with the rhythm of this energy he spread his focus further. He saw a glimpse of The Force as a whole and then a sudden sharp pull, followed by another broke his concentration and with a scream of anger he jumped to his feet, silver blade flashing into existence as he scanned his surroundings...there was screams of agony, screams that echoed...through the force. He shuddered, what had happened? Why would he hear something like that?

"I need to find out what it means, but who will be able to answer me on such short notice?"

Tal Varsus, the name came up in his mind even before he finished the question towards himself. Last he heard, Master Varsus was at the Jedi Temple

"Then off to the Temple I go."

 

[AmenRa]

Pain. So much......pain.

Jedi Master Tal Varsus doubled over in the cockpit pilot's seat of the freighter. He checked the navcomputer, and learned he was only three hours now from his destination of Coruscant.

Somewhere there had been great pain and much loss of life.

He knew others would sense this.

The data disk he had retrieved from Tattooine was safe with him, and the data it contained would be of valuable use to the Jedi Order.

But, he wondered, if what he had sensed was already in motion, then the data he carried would be nothing more than a starting point.

Alas, then. Wars had to begin at a starting point....

 

[Jedi_Khan]

“If you want my help that badly, Malignous, in overthrowing Destinus, then you’re going to have to give me more reliable information,” said Jodo Galak to the holo-image floating above his desk. “The information you gave me was pretty much useless by the time it reached my contact.”

“It is not my fault that your network is so slow, Galak,” replied the image of a man wearing dark robes, his face hidden in shadow. “Why don’t you just place a bounty on his head like you despicable crime lords are wont to do and let the bounty hunters do the job?”

“I would do just that, Darth Malignous,” answered Jodo, spitting out the word Darth with contempt, as if Malignous wasn’t worthy of the ancient Sith title. “But the hunters have to know when and where the target is first, and we both know how hard it is to find you damnable Sith. And while we’re on the subject of trying to locate someone, you might as well stop trying to trace this signal, it won’t work.”

Even with the Sith’s face hidden in shadow, Jodo could tell that the man had paused for a moment at that declaration to look over at an adjacent screen. Jodo had been talking with the Sith long enough for even the slowest of trace programs to have come back with an answer to the source of Jodo’s signal. However, Jodo was always a step ahead, and right now, the Sith’s trace program would be telling him that Jodo was on Alderaan, then in a few seconds, the location would change to Duro, and it would keep changing every few seconds, each time to a different star system, and sometimes to coordinates that were out in deep space somewhere.

“That would indeed seem to be the case,” replied the Sith. “Anyways, I’m beginning to think that you are incapable of taking out Destinus, so perhaps I should be asking someone else.”

“Ha! You know that there is no one else in the galaxy capable of doing the job, not even the Hutts. Why else would you have come to me?” said Jodo, a grin on his Duros face. The Sith loved their secrets and their mind games, hence the whole shadowy figure routine. However, Jodo played on an entirely different level; every time the Sith called, Jodo wore a different face, each one from a different species. The variety of faces did a remarkable job at confusing the Sith, as each face spoke as if it were a singular conscious, and as far as the Sith knew, that was impossible, thus leaving the shadowy figure to puzzle out who the real Jodo was.

“Besides, you would never dare to try crossing me, Malignous,” continued Jodo. “I know about your secrets and your ambitions. You want Destinus taken out with no way of tracing the act back to you, so you came to me, someone you thought you could get rid of easily, thus removing the only link between you and the attack. Unfortunately for you, it’s turned out that I’m nearly impossible to find, let alone kill. All it takes is one little hint in Destinus’ direction, and you’re a dead man. And I know how to get in contact with Destinus. Oh, and don’t forget about all of your other Sith buddies who would love to get their hands on your position, or more likely, your throat.”

Jodo paused a moment to appraise the holographic figure in front of him; even the shadows around Malignous’ face seemed angry.

“Now that you’ve been reminded of who’s got the real power here,” continued Jodo, a satisfied smirk on his face. “Let’s get down to what I want out of you. First, I want the locations of where Destinus has his strongholds, all the information possible regarding those strongholds, and the next ten target’s on his fleet’s hit list. Oh, and throw in some comm codes for ships and personnel in my employ to use so they can pass unhindered through any blockades or checkpoints you Sith might put up. You have twenty-four standard hours to get me that information, Malignous.”

Jodo pressed a button on his desk and the image of Malignous vanished, the link having been severed. As he turned towards the large panoramic window behind him, Jodo glanced at the monitor that his anti-trace program was running on. Apparently, the Sith had continued with his attempt to trace Jodo’s signal, and the last location he got before the link was ended was somewhere in the Vergesso Asteroids.

According his calculations, the previous information Malignous had given him would be arriving on Coruscant in less than an hour, after having been delivered to the client on Tatooine via an independent information broker. The Sith moved fast, so Jodo would have to make sure the delivery of the next batch of information was done locally.

Completing his turn, Jodo gazed out on the Coruscanti skyline, the Senate Rotunda close at hand and the Jedi Temple visible in the distance.

 

[pimpmar]

Destinus fixed his robe. If there was one thing he hated, it was being rushed. His lightsaber was hooked to his belt, and his shuttle awaited him. He strode into the Jedi-Compound, disregarding the dead bodies. The Jedi Sympathizers deserved their deaths. His Sith commandos were too weak to live. All were to weak to live.

He felt Skar's presence in the antechamber. Skar had been one of his original advisors, someone who's opinion he almost respected. One which almost mattered. But his apprentice, this girl, was a whole other story. Perhaps, she could be more effectively trained if her master was more competent. Could be worse, he surmised. Could be a student of Malignious. That, was a wild card in his Sabacc deck.

He strode up behind Skar, his presence concealed. "Walk with me." He said curtly. They strode into the chamber that had belonged to the Master that Destinus had killed. Destinus absently ruffled the drawers with the force, searching... searching... there. "Skar, get me that data crystal." He instructed, pointing towards the bed.

As the crystal was retrieved, Destinus' eyes glazed over. "At last.. the Jedi's force deployment. The keys to the Galaxy, my friend." His gaze fell onto Skar at last, his fingers absently toying with the lightsaber's hilt. "Tell me, of your apprentice's actions today. Was she efficient?"

Without waiting for an answer, he continued his dialogue, bringing the duo out of the chamber. They strode back towards the lobby, Destinus still speaking. "Skar, my friend, it is time for us to have our revenge. It is time for us to take the fight to the Jedi. It is time to move on Alderaan. You will take the fight to their training schools their. Destroy the younglings. Contact me when the mission is over. I have... business to attend to."

Destinus smiled internally. In reality, he was no higher of a rank than Skar, Malignious, or anybody for that matter. But it was his charisma, and his sheer combat efficiency that thrust him into the leadership role. They respected his word, for if they didn't, they would die. He supposed that made him their true leader then. Some day, he realized, someone would betray him. And it was there, that he'd be waiting with his double blade.

 

[poohlive]

Skar walked alongside Destinus and did as he usually did, talk as little as possible and listen. Destinus was one of those brute blunt people, and for this Skar did enjoy him and his talents. There was something wonderfully honest about people who thought their greatest skill was to run headfirst into battle.

Wonderfully honest and yet wonderfully predictable. Both were good things. Skar enjoyed it when people were both honest and predictable.

Destinus did ask about his apprentice. Skar smiled at that.

"She did as expected. I imagine I have little more to train her. She has already learned much."

And this would be the perfectl transition into Skar's own request.

"Spreaking of which... you know your skills in the lightsaber far exceed my own, Destinus. I have taught her what I know, but alas I am limited in my knowledge of that particular art. I wonder if, for a short while, you may take her and teach her that which I can not."

If anyone could turn his fiery Valkyrie into a walking blade of destruction, it was Destinus. Of that, neither of them had no doubt.

"I do not wish to burden you, but this would be a great opportunity for her. Both of you, actually. The better skilled she is in battle, the better we can prepare for when the jedi finally do counter-attack."

And that would only be a matter of time now. Skar was actually surprised they had not met more resistance before today. Perhaps the Jedi were as weak as some Sith had claimed.

Skar knelt by Destinus' side. It was a humble request, not an order in any form. For this war, Skar knew his place, and that is second in command at Destinus' side.

"Either way, I am to Alderaan. I will contact you when my mission is complete."

 

[pimpmar]

Destinus eyed the other man coldly. In his sense, there was a tone of mis-leading, yet sincerity. He wished for his apprentice to become a killing machine, sure, but for what purpose. Who did he truly serve? Who's best intrest did he have in mind? At the moment, Destinus decided, it didn't matter.

"Take her to Alderaan. Have her infiltrate the academy there. That will be her first test. Prepare her as you would, Skar. Once she comes before me, she will serve no master but the dark side. Destinus paused. "I will leave the invasion of Alderaan to you. Failure is not an option. You'd do best to remember."

Destinus turned away from Skar, heading for his private shuttle. He had need of a bounty hunter, and he had a decent idea of where to find one. Once aboard his shuttle, he raised comm. With his flagship, Pestilence. "send word to Tatooine. I require a bounty hunter, and I want an audience with only the best... the reward will be valuable.

He cut comm. Disgusted with himself. He had spoken far too much that day, and hadn't had time to meditate. Now, alone on his shuttle, he would give his body away to the Force. To see the unseen, hear the unheard, and prepare the death of those who were "Immortal."

 

[poohlive]

Skar gave a slight nod as he walked towards his own small shuttle. The after effects of the war had meant many shuttles were now bustling people back and forth. Their war had turned into traffic in the sky, picking up and dropping off allies.

Destinus feared him.

That was useful information.

Skar did not think fear or paranoia had run so deep against him. He hoped his own loyalties might overshadow the sith's need to question everything, but if anything the opposite had happened. Him being Destinus' loyal errand boy had put Destinus on edge.

How disappointing.

Still, all was not lost. Taking his apprentice to a jedi training camp did have a great advantage. She would still learn the art of the saber. To kill the Jedi would be easy, but to manipulate them into teaching his apprentice their own measures? Now that sounded like a challenge.

Skar already had an idea forming. Infiltrate the Jedi camp from the inside? How insane... only a Sith would think of such lunacy.

What a fun idea to test out.

Skar reached for his comm, speaking to Tamina, "If you are done meet me at my ship. We have a new mission. One I think you will enjoy."

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

At the Temple he found that Master Varsus has gone to Tatooine, forcing himself to remain calm he headed for the space port, there had to be a fast way to contact Master Varsus and he had not mastered yet the telepathic communication that would have placed him in contact with Master Varsus. He entered the flight control room and waited until the flight master noticed him, the man came bustling over.

"Forgive me master Jedi, I did not know that you have arrived."

Gavriel smiled at the man,

"I am not yet a master, but thank you for your high hopes."

He chuckled,

"But I would like to know if you could tell me where Master Varsus is at the moment? I need to contact him as soon as possible."

The man nodded,

"I will try to find out for you and then come back to you as soon as possible."

Gavriel smiled again, finding that he is much calmer now than he used to be,

"Thank you very much, it is not life and death, but I would appreciate quick results."

The flight master rushed back to his post barking out orders, Gavriel stood out of the way, making sure that he followed the reports as best he could."

 

[pimpmar]

The two men approached, sabers held aloft. He ignited his own double blade, roared an ancient battle cry, and charged. These men were impossibly fast, impossibly strong. And the more he fought, the better they got. The weaker he became. He was cornered now, fighting for his very survival, but the duo proved too much for him. They stood over him, laughing, green blades held up for an execution. They lunged, and-

Destinus shot out of bed, Force gripping his lightsaber to his hands, igniting one blade. His eyes swept the room, waiting for the Jedi ambush that would never come. It had only been a dream, he assured himself. Or a vision, the back of his mind warned him. But still, he couldn't shake the feeling that he recognized those faces. Those styles. He stretched his mind, stretched the Force, but still couldn't amplify the memory. He wasn't meant to know.

De-activating the saber, he headed to the bridge of the Pestilence. He passed several crew members on the way, all of whom kept a noticable distance from him. Good, he mused, let them fear me. Let them all fear me. He approached the bridge, behind the Admiral in charge of his fleet.

"Admiral Halsey" he addressed the older man. A human, with a shock of white hair hidden beneath his uniform's hat. "Yes, M'lord?" "How close are we to Tatooine?" "Several minutes, sir. We are in our approach vector now." "And my message?" "Sent, sir. They responded. You have quite an audience M'lord." "Good. When we hit orbit, leave me a hyperspace-capable shuttle, and burn back towards Alderaan. Assist Skar in anyway you can. But keep an eye on him, Admiral. And remember who it is you serve."

Destinus strode back to his room. He had chosen the Admiral for his tactical genius, and his undying loyalty. Funny, how Skar had those same qualities. So why couldn't he be trusted? What was it about him that screamed at Destinus?

 

[AmenRa]

Tal Varsus

When the freighter revered to realspace, the comm panel's message indicator light was flashing.

Tal Varsus opened the frequency. It was the flight controller at the Jedi Temple, with an inquiry to Master Varsus's location and ETA.

"I am presently entering orbit at Coruscant," he informed. "I will be at the Temple directly."

He then powered the ship's thrusters for descent.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

He heard the report before the flight master came to him, but he listened politely and thanked the flight master for their efforts. He made his way back to the temple, waiting patiently for Master Tarsus to show up. When he did, Gavriel moved over to him.

"Greetings Master, I have to ask something from you as I can not seem to find Master Telgan. I was busy meditating on the principals of control and the Force, when there was a sharp pull at my mind and so many voices crying out. It brought an anger and a need to protect to my mind. What could that have been master?"

 

[AmenRa]

He heard the report before the flight master came to him, but he listened politely and thanked the flight master for their efforts. He made his way back to the temple, waiting patiently for Master Tarsus to show up. When he did, Gavriel moved over to him.

"Greetings Master, I have to ask something from you as I can not seem to find Master Telgan. I was busy meditating on the principals of control and the Force, when there was a sharp pull at my mind and so many voices crying out. It brought an anger and a need to protect to my mind. What could that have been master?"

Tal Varsus listened to the Jedi Knight. Once Gavriel had finished, Varsus nodded his head in understanding.

"There was a great disturbance in the Force," he explained. "The Jedi have been attacked, and the voices you heard were those slain crying out as their life was extinguished."

Master Varsus placed a hand on Gavriel's shoulder. "Quiet your mind, and remember, although the anger you felt is a natural response, and the thought of punishment for those responsible may have entered your mind, vengeance is not the Jedi way.

"We will, however, make right what is wrong."

Varsus sat on one of the meditation cushions scattered throughout the Temple's common area. "For some time now we have received rumors, scattered information really, that the Sith were preparing an assault against us. I have received information during my mission to Tattooine that may prove useful to us in dealing with this."

Varsus was quiet for a moment as he reached out through the Force to the other Jedi Masters. He then stood and turned towards the lift that would take them to the top of the Temple's spire, to the Council Chambers.

"Come," he said, "we must assemble the Jedi."

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

He listened carefully, even though he was answered, more questions came to the fore. But he knew that those questions could only be answered by him and not the Jedi master. He nodded his agreement when Master Varsus said that they would summon the Jedi and followed him.

"I have a feeling that war has broken out master, so many lives lost among the Jedi could only mean that. From what I have learned and studied, no Sith strike in the past had taken so many lives without it leading to a war."

He frowned,

"Also I have a feeling that master Hu'nmar have fallen, there was a voice that seemed to have called out my name. It seemed...sorrowful."

He shook his head,

"It seems like my mind running off with me master, I will remedy that."

 

[AmenRa]

He frowned,

"Also I have a feeling that master Hu'nmar have fallen, there was a voice that seemed to have called out my name. It seemed...sorrowful."

He shook his head,

"It seems like my mind running off with me master, I will remedy that."

"No, my friend," Varsus counseled, "you are being mindful of the Living Force. You can hear it when you are at peace, the way you are now."

As they rode the lift to the Council Chambers, Varsus continued his instruction, "the Force surrounds us, binds us. We are luminous beings," he explained, "not this crude matter." Master Varsus pinched Gavriel's arm for emphasis. He then shook his head. "You are not in need of my instruction, Jedi," he apologetically explained, "for already know you that which you need."

The doors opened to the lift and Master Varsus stepped out. Many of the Jedi Council members had already gathered.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

"Yes master, I do know what I need, but it seems like I can not gain the experience of the knowledge I possess."

He mindfully adjusted his stride to fall back, not wishing to enter into the gathering as an equal to Master Varsus. He hanged back, joining the ranks of the other Jedi Knights, patiently waiting to hear what this meeting is about.

 

[pimpmar]

Destinus, in all of his glory, majestically marched into a sweaty, odor ridden cantina in the space-port of Mos Eisley. The traditional crowd had been replaced with a legion of the Galaxy's top smugglers, pirates, and all around criminals. There had been a general murmur of conversation when he entered, but all at once, the voices died out. 'The prey always recognize the predator', he thought.

He ignited his lightsaber, drawing everyone's attention to him. "This, is a lightsaber. A symbol of power, aggression, destruction. It also, a tool. A tool in which we all may gain riches beyond our dreams." He let his words ring out, amplified by the Force.

"The Jedi Order, has been hunting you for your entire lives. Claiming that you are in violation of their backwards way of life. Branded as the scum of the galaxy, just for being the best survivors. I say, no more! No longer, must you be persecuted. No longer, must you live in fear of the Jedi. They're time in this Galaxy has come to end, and it is my destiny to bring it about! You here, in this wretched desert, have a choice. You may flee known space, and avoid conflict. You may join me, and become the most powerful warlords this Galaxy has ever seen! Or.. you may die."

He knew he wasn't one to give great speeches. He didn't have to. The Force flowed through him, adding persuasive undertones to his candor. He did indeed have a fleet in his power, but he needed more pilots. More ships. More power. These thoughts ran through his mind as his shuttle entered hyper-space. Destination, Alderaan. And the next point of destruction for the Jedi.

 

[poohlive]

Skar found a nice pair of boots during their raid. Dark leather with laced loopholes running up to his mid-calf. It would take him three hours to put them on, but he didn't care. They were flashy and rich, exactly what he wanted to wear.

He waited for the shuttle doors of his ship to open, hands behind his back, patiently standing next to the ports where other ships were already coming and going. The assault had taken little over a few hours. This planet just became one in a long line of conquered systems. It brought the Sith's line of territory that much closer to the Jedi.

Skar stepped inside to put his boots in his private quarters. He could hear his pilots requesting for more information before they could take off. Skar didn't think this odd in any way. Pilots had to coordinate with each other all the time.

It wasn't until Skar heard the word "Malignous" that he decided he should hear more of the conversation. They were sharing a flight plan to Alderaan. Why would Malignous want to know his shuttle's flightplan?

Skar made his way to the cockpit, enjoying his fluttering cape as he slid into the room. The visible look of surprise of Malignous looked priceless, even through the blue haze of the holo-image.

"Darth Malignous," He said, he thought coward Malignous would fit better, but stopped himself short of actually saying so.

"Skar... they told me... you..."

Skar nodded. He would be speechless too if he had to talk with himself. He raised up a hang and Malignous' stopped trying to form a sentence. Skar could feel something, even from this far away. He paused, loweirng his head. What was that? He hadn't felt this in a long time.

There is it.

Malignous is keeping a secret.

He is hiding something in his mind, and is trying to keep Skar out. Skar looked in wonder at the holo-image. It's been a while since he got to pull a secret out of a strong mind such as a sith. What fun would this be.

"And to what do we owe the pleasure?" He asked.

"I was just contacting you to see how the morning's mission went."

Lie... Lie... Lie. Skar felt tingles when he heard the man speak.

"Flawless. Another victory for us and defeat for the Jedi. Destinus killed three today."

"I heard," He said. Was that sweat running down his forehead? Skar couldn't tell, the image itself was little more than a faded blue with bad pigmentation. He really needed to contact Malignous through the force. But if the man had a secret, he would never talk to Skar that way.

"That is good news. I have news of my own. I wanted to send additional troops to help with the fighting."

Lie... Lie... Lie

"I was asking for some technical support. Pass codes and locations."

"Ahh," Skar said, nodding. Yes, if someone was going to send additional troops they would need that information. Of course, there were a dozen other things that information could be used for as well. Perhaps this was the source of Malignous' secret.

"Send them what they need," He told the pilot.

"Destinus is off on his own. I'm not sure where, but he has a good idea of what to do next. I am bound for Alderaan myself. There is a training facility of the Jedi. I am to slaughter them all."

Skar could feel a plan forming and using Malignous as a patsy might just prove useful in this. He did not need to know about Malignous' secret to know it has something to do with their assault. Malignous never formed any official alliance with Destinus, but he did provide some support.

Perhaps he was going to turn traitor, or even use this information to start his own counter attack? Skar didn't have to guess, he would find out soon enough.

Giving Malignous the information he wanted, and telling of his next stop would mean that whatever plan Malignous has will be headed his way. He can just wait for it to come.

"Is that all you need?"

Malignous looked like the cat who just swallowed the canary, "Is there a way to get a hold of Destinus and his men."

Skar shook his head, "I'm afraid he still feels there might be some conspiracy against him. He still holds some information very close at hand. I'm sure once he realizes you wish to speak with him, he will be more than willing to grant you an audience."

And with that Skar flipped the transmission off. He stood there for a second, mulling over what had just happened. He would not betray Destinus, at least not yet. Putting himself in danger seemed far more valuable than putting Destinus in harm's way.

It seems as if there are more pieces in play than Skar originally thought. He adjusted his eye patch, scratching just above his right temple.

"Are we ready?"

"Yes sir."

"Good. I'll be in my quarters. Contact me as soon as Alderaan is in sight."

 

[AmenRa]

The Jedi Council had assembled. Of those Masters that could not be physically present, they streamed their holoimages through the secure network.

There was, however, a heated discussion.

An argument.

"We must prepare ourselves!" Master Ban D'orplan exclaimed. "Our security could easily be breeched, even now!"

"Where is the evidence for that theory?" someone countered.

"This attack was unprovoked!" another yelled, "their only gain in this is total elimination of the Jedi!"

"Enough!" Tal Varsus shouted, putting the weight of the Force behind his words. The other masters stopped, and all eyes turned to him. "Please, Masters, forgive me," he added, "but we must maintain control. Dissention among ourselves plays us right into the hands of our attackers." Not to mention, there were other Jedi Knights in the room, some attending the masters as scribes and assistants, and others, like Yustice, there as warriors preparing for battle.

"Please, then, Master Varsus," D'orplan said without enthusiasm, "if you have an idea, by all means do share it."

Tal Varsus stood from his chair and moved to one set of the large windows of the circular room. He then turned so all of the gathered Council could see him.

"You are all," he explained, "correct in your assumptions. This attack by the Sith was unprovoked, and I believe the first in a series of attacks that will lead to their ultimate goal: the rendering of the Jedi Order extinct and ultimate submission of star systems under our protection.

"Mobilizing the Jedi into resistance groups stationed at likely targets along the Sith's attack pattern should be our first consideration. Secondly, we should mount an attack on the Sith fleet itself," he explained.

Varsus produced the data disk he had been carrying since Tattooine. "This disk contains transponder codes and flight data for the Sith fleet."

"So, then," another Master questioned, "your mission to Tattooine was successful."

"I do not like the idea of dealing with these information broker types," D'orplan stated. "They are....not the most trustworthy of sorts."

"Agreed, Master," Varsus said. "But, in this event, our resources are limited, and we are left with little other alternative." Varsus used the Force to float the disk into the Council Chamber reader. In a few moments the data appeared in holo in the center of the room.

"Last position puts them outside Mykyyr," someone noted.

"Which would coincide with the reports of the attack there," someone else concluded.

Master Varsus had cupped his chin, studying the holo. "Using that information, there are several possible targets likely from Mykyyr's trajectory." Varsus walked through the holo and traced a finger along several systems. "This one," he said, his finger resting on a planetary body, "I feel is the next target."

"What world is that?"

"Alderaan," he answered. "Where we have a training facility."

"They will be slaughtered," D'orplan stated. "There are only students and a handful of Jedi Knight trainers...not even a Master among them."

"I will go," Varsus said evenly. "I will take a compliment of Jedi Knights and meet them head-on."

The Council was quiet for a moment. They all knew that, once committed to this fight, there would be no turning back.

"May the Force be with you, Master Varsus," Master D'orplan said.

"May the Force be with us all," he responded.

Master Varsus gave a bow, and he stepped from the center of the room towards Gavriel.

"Jedi Yustice," he said, "the Force is with you. It is time to gain that experience you spoke of."

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

So the Sith was responsible for the death of his master. The thought of that brought his blood to boiling point, he fought hard for control of his emotions, forcing the anger away. There was no revenge, just Justice...he smiled at that thought, how easily the Sith would try to warp his perseption. There is no revenge but there is Yustice.

"Jedi Yustice,the Force is with you. It is time to gain that experience you spoke of."

He bowed in acceptance,

"Yes master, direct me and I will follow you."

It seemed like the time has come for him to put his years of training into use for the good of all the citizen's of the realm.

 

[AmenRa]

He bowed in acceptance,

"Yes master, direct me and I will follow you."

It seemed like the time has come for him to put his years of training into use for the good of all the citizen's of the realm.

"If you would gather a contingency of Knights to accompany us," Tal Varsus asked of Yustice, "and prepare a shuttle, I will be along directly."

Varsus gave a small bow to Yustice, then left the Chamber. He meandered through a stairwell, not taking the lift this time, and made his way to a meditation room. There he sat on one of the cushions, closed his eyes, and reached out through the Force.

He was searching, connecting with all things throughout the galaxy, living and not, until he found a source of darkness, its inky threads connecting itself to the Living Force. A shudder ran through him, warning him of the presence of the Dark Side, but he suppressed it and continued. When he had touched these dark places, he extended his Force awareness, allowing himself to meld with it, and then he concentrated, blurring the lines between the Now and There, as his Force presence left his body on Coruscant and moved swiftly and silently through space.

He was on one of the Sith ships, now. He could see them, he could hear them, and he could feel them.

They were angry, as it were with Sith. And there was a leader there, a face he did not recognize, but he could feel the malevolence protruding from his aura.

Tal Varsus did not stay but an instant in this state aboard the Sith vessel, and he returned his Force presence immediately to Coruscant.

He opened his eyes and ran a hand across his forehead, wiping away beads of perspiration.

This will be war, indeed, he thought to himself.

He then left the meditation room, heading into the hangar levels.

 

[DeathsKnight]

Gavriel Yustice

"Yes master,"

Gavriel turned to the Jedi Knights and scanned over them, they would need a balanced group,

"Tika, John, Lucas, M'Ary..."

These four were good leaders, calm, level-headed and excelled in their use of The Force,

"Joan, S'Ville,"

Force healers, passive fighters,

"A'tan, "

another soldier like him, just more balanced and not focused on attack and power like him.

"Please come with me, Master Varsus wants us to accompany him,"

he did not wait for them to acknowledge, he knew that they would follow him as they have seen or even just noticed that Master Varsus have spoken directly to him and they had no need to question his words yet. He moved down the stairs to the docking bay level and moved out to find the Dock master who would have a suitable shuttle for them prepped and ready by the time Master Varsus joined them. The other Jedi Knights joined him as he waited for the shuttle to be readied, moments after the Dock master have told him what shuttle they would be using, Master Varsus came striding into the docking bay. Gavriel relayed the information about what shuttle have been prepared for them.