Episode 1: The Search For An Apprentice

Shensenn · Last edited by Shensenn on Thu May 25, 2006 2:03 am; edited 1 time in total

Shensen hadn't heard a whisper from anyone at the Academy. The place was quiet as a tomb as of late. Shensen saw it as a sign of things to come. The feeble new order of the so-called Jedi appeared to be folding in on itself already which would only make his task easier. By the time he was ready to eradicate it entirely, it would pass without notice.

Before he could bring his plans to bear he needed one more piece of the puzzle. In the age-old tradition of the Sith, he needed an apprentice. He had begun his search a few weeks ago, tentatively probing the minds of passers by in the major starports seeking the one that could live up to his expectations. That had yielded little results, too many were sympathetic toward the rebel cause and the Jedi that once protected them. Already these simpletons had forgotten the treachery of the Jedi Council so many years ago that led to the rise of the Galactic Empire.

Shensen had spent a week wandering on Mustafar after his intelligence had reported sightings of locals wielding lightsabers. He found them. They were called Black Guard or some such thing and while they all had a strong affinity to the force, they were all much too wild with no focus to their aggression. They attacked anything and anyone that was not one of them. Shensen had to dispatch quite a few getting to their leader, but he was no better than his underlings and met with a swift demise. Once their leader had been slain the rest began to fight amongst themselves, undoubtedly as a means to select a new one.

He would find what he sought sooner or later, it was all just a matter a time.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:03 am Post subject:

Shensen sat in his meditation chamber lost in the flowing whirlwind of the darkside of the force when his private line chirped. Rising, he made his way to the holo vid and pulled up the hood of his cloak before switching the display on.

The image of Nutell Starluck appeared in misty blue form. Nute was a smuggler with extensive contacts throughout the underworld. A useful man at times.

"What do you have for me Mr. Starluck?"

"Lord Songar, my scientists have made a breakthrough discovery I think might interest you." He reported calmly. He hesitated a moment as if waiting for a reaction and was obviously disappointed when he got none.

"They have come across some previously undiscovered spices recently on Kessel. The mixture they have come across acts as a tranquilizer, rendering the subject immobile." He continued.

"That's fascinating, but there are already plenty of tranquilizers out on the market - most of which are actually legal." Darth Songar replied coldly.

"That's not all my Lord. While the subject is completely unable to move voluntarily, they still feel all sensations. Our test subject lay completely still and unbound, yet screamed during our tests. The sensors also registered nerve activity confirming the subject could in fact feel everything."

"Now that is a bit more interesting." He began mulling over the possibilities.

"That's not all." This time Nutell had a slight smile on his face and he shoved his hands in his pockets to keep them from shaking. "We tested on the special subject you provided us. It not only worked the same way physically, but it also seems to have numbed the brain enough to where the subject could not use the force."

"Are you certain he could not - or would not?"

"I can assure you my Lord that if he was able to use it he would have. I'm afraid we had to kill him. We don't have enough of this prototype on hand to keep him dosed."

"That's alright." He said. He was practically bursting with pleasure. "You have done well Mr. Starluck, very well. You will be compensated accordingly of course." Nutell nodded as if he expected nothing less. "Who else knows about this?"

"As of now just the doctors and myself, I tried to keep exposure limited."

"Excellent, begin full production. Use the account number I gave you to buy out that whole sector of the mines, it has a name that cannot be traced back to us. I expect a full shipment in two days."

"Two days? That's impossible my Lord, we - "

"Two days Mr. Starluck, two days or I shall become very displeased."

Nutell swallowed hard before Shensen shut the holo vid and his image flickered off.

Shensen sat at his small writing table, drumming his clawed fingers as he thought. Then slowly a smile crept across his face and then he began to laugh...a chilling laugh that echo'd throughout the chamber.

He slammed his hand on his table wiping tears from his eyes, "AAAHHHAAA-HAAA-HAAA-HAAA!".
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:04 am Post subject:

Four days later Shensen found himself standing in front of the holo vid once again. This time the vid displayed ten or so rough looking men sitting or standing in a plainly adorned room. Spacers, smugglers and the like by the look of them. They were all ordinary looking men with the hardness of violence and the gleam of greed in their eyes. Yes, they would do nicely.

"Gentlemen." He began, "I trust you have received the shipment?"

"We have Lord Songar." Raskim answered in his raspy voice. He was what passed for the leader of the group. He was a relatively intelligent human, which was probably why his group wasn't sitting in an Imperial detention center or in the spice mines.

"Good. Open it."

Raskim and a few other men began entering the electronic combination to the crate. With a high pitched chirp the lock released and the lid opened. Raskim took out a rod about six inches long and a half inch in diameter and began passing them out.

"There are enough in there for each of you. Simply remove the black endcap, aim, and press the button. These rods use technology acquired from the Bothan spynet. They have a range of approximately 30 meters and are whisper-quiet. The dart inside will render it's target immobile almost immediately."

Raskim nodded, obviously impressed while his cohorts looked at them with a mixture of awe and fear. "So what are we hunting with these - a Tortabull?"

"At the bottom of the crate is a datadisk, it contains all the information you will need."

Raskim placed the disk in his datapad and watched as the image of an attractive female sprung to life on his screen. "All this for a woman?" Raskim asked in a tone bordering on contemptuous.

"I would not waste my time or yours on just any woman. This one is special...and a Jedi."

There were gasps from some of his men and some dropped the rods they had held. Raskim merely nodded, his mood now somber. "So what do we do with her once we have her?"

Shensen looked at him in silence a moment. "Whatever you and your men wish as long as it doesn't kill her. Capturing her seems like the challenge gentleman, but it isn't. Those rods will keep her immobile and you have another crate there of doses. Keep her medicated every 12 hours and you do as you wish. She will not be able to move, but she will feel whatever you do to her. She will also have no connection to the force while under the effects of this drug."

Some of the men's faced perked up considerably at that.

"So I need not remind you of the importance of keeping her medicated. Now, the real challenge of your mission gentlemen is to break her spirit - shatter that wall of condescending arrogance that comes with being a Jedi. I will check in with you every couple of days for a report."

"Very good my Lord, it will be done as you ask." Raskim said with a bow.

"One more word of advice. Take her down in a heavily populated area. The more people present, the less she will sense the danger. She is strong in the force, but she has not reached her potential."

Raskim looked up from jotting down notes, "Thank you Lord Songar." He paused a moment. "My Lord, about payment..."

"Half of the agreed sum has already been sent to the account you requested, the other half will be there once you have her in hand. Good day gentlemen." He finished shutting off the holo vid. "Not that you will get to spend it." He chuckled as he punched another code into the holo vid to bring up the same image he had sent to Raskim. He studied it a few moments before switching it off. He then sent Raskim the digital signature of her starship, that would certainly speed up the search.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:04 am Post subject:

Raskim stood in silence a moment after the holo vid shut down. A low buzz of quiet conversation rippled among his men. This was unlike any job he and his men had taken before and although it seemed straightforward and simple he couldn't shake the feeling this would be their last mission.

Darth Songar appeared to have everything well in order and seemed the type to have "thought of everything". The man was either a genius or crazy as a Tusken. His datapad buzzed and he lifted it up to see the signature of her starship.

Again their job just seemed to get easier...too easy. He uploaded the signature to their ship and began the tracking sequence.

"We've got a trace started on her ship, gather the crates and get them on board then finish getting what we need to restock our supplies. Everyone be at the landing bay in 3 hours, we should have something by then. We'll have a briefing in-flight."

His men nodded and began efficiently packing the crates up and worked in pairs to carry the gear out.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:05 am Post subject:

[Safia]

Safia tried to busy herself in the absence of her husband, Hashum. She missed him but felt his presence ever with her. It had been four months since the wedding and she felt more connected to him then ever. She made a mental note to contact Hammar to get more detail on just what the Mother’s gift had done.

“I better check the supplies at the storage house. I’m sure there are things we need to replenish.” Safia thought. As she entered the building she started to feel a little dizzy. She steadied herself and continued on into the building. She pulled out her datapad and started checking all the items marking what needed replenished and what was in good supply.

She thought about ordering everything and having it all delivered but decided this would give her the opportunity to make a trip to Coruscant and see the sights. Something she hadn’t done in a long time. Maybe even find something special to buy for Hashum. She loved surprising him with little gifts and wanted to give him a welcome home gift when he returned.

She checked her datapad again to see when she could schedule the trip. “Ah, perfect, tomorrow is open and I can take the yacht. She headed back to the house humming happily to herself thinking about what she would take with her.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:05 am Post subject:

"She just went into one of the smaller structures." Raskim reported on his com from a rooftop. His men were scattered about on the ground mingling with the throng of people that swirled and waved endlessly like the the grasses of Dantooine. "She seems to be stationary...looks like she's taking inventory or something. Everyone move out to the central market. If she's restocking or shopping that's where she'll be. Jarsk?"

"Yeah?" Jarsks voice came over.

"Get the Refuse Droid unit into an alley there. Frip, you keep your eyes on the prize and keep us posted once she starts moving. Keep your distance, we don't need to spook her. This is probably the only shot we'll have at this so let's do it by the numbers."

"Roger that boss." Frip and Jarsk replied.

Raskim packed up his gear and left the rooftop. He had another rooftop in mind overlooking the square. He would need a birdseye view if this was going to go right. Reaching the bottom step to the ground level, he made his way past the building she'd gone into without a glance. their timing would need to be near perfect. Of course she could be planning to shop elsewhere, but they would deal with that if and when they had to. Their ship was on standby on the landing bay so if she did leave they could track her. They would just have to wait and see where she went once she left the building.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:06 am Post subject:

[Safia]

“You will send this out today?” Safia asked the merchant. He nodded “Yes, you can rest assured this will reach Tatooine tomorrow afternoon.” “Good, I will keep checking the tracking droid for the time it arrives. Thank you for all your help” Safia replied.

She started heading to the door when an odd feeling came over her. “Did I forget something?” She wondered. She got the datapad out again and double checked everything listed. No, everything is as it should be. Puzzled she hesitated leaving the store.

“Was there something wrong?” the merchant asked. “No, I….just……it’s ….
Oh, this is silly Safia thought. Everything is fine” Safia said and she continued out the door.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:06 am Post subject:

Once outside she had the strongest feeling that she needed to contact Hashum. She pulled out her datapad once more and sent him a transmission.

The transmission read:

Darlin' I have just finished ordering the supplies that are needed for
our home. Coruscant is amazing as ever and I wish I had more time
to spend exploring. I am on my way to the yacht and should be home
this evening.

I must be catching something 'cause I keep having strange feelings,
sometimes it's almost as if I'm being watched. Oh, and I have a
wonderful surprise for you.

Love,
Safia
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:07 am Post subject:

[Hashum]

I was sitting in a small chamber deep beneath the surface of Yavin. The Force had given me a vision of this once magnificent temple and I had followed it’s call here, the out side of the structure had all but been destroyed, now little more then a pile of ruble. But beneath that lay an expansive labyrinth of tunnels and chamber’s, I could hardly imagine what it must have been like in the glory days of the Jedi, it would have been magnificent indeed.

It had taken me several weeks to locate the Temple, navigating through the jungles of Yavin had proved a greater task then I’d originally anticipated, but it didn’t matter now, as soon as I stepped foot into the clearing I was overwhelmed by the power of the Force here. I was left in awe as I walked through the tunnels and explored the vast chamber’s one of which I sat in now.

A small beep from my datapad brought my thoughts back to the present. I opened my eyes stood up and retrieved the datapad from my cloak hung over one of the many chairs in the room. I clicked through to retrieve the message.

Darlin' I have just finished ordering the supplies that are needed for our home. Coruscant is amazing as ever and I wish I had more time to spend exploring. I am on my way to the yacht and should be home this evening.

I must be catching something 'cause I keep having strange feelings, sometimes it's almost as if I'm being watched. Oh, and I have a wonderful surprise for you.

Love,
Safia

The amazement I had felt upon discovering and exploring the temple quickly faded, it had now been far too long since I’d seen my wife. I’d stayed too long here, the power of the Force was so strong that I had remained to meditate the future was very unclear and I’d hoped that a place so strong in the Force might allow me to break through the wall, Safia’s own feelings concerned me even more. Something was definitely not right.

I typed out a quick response to her.

Saf:

I’ve found what I was looking for on Yavin I will not go into detail now but it is magnificent. Your message concerns me, there is something amiss I can feel it…

Do not dismiss your feelings so easily, Coruscant has many prying eyes so be careful. I’m leaving Yavin now but it will take me a day or two to get back to my ship I’ll see you at home soon.

Love,
Hash

Yes something was definitely out of place. I grabbed my cloak throwing it over my shoulders and made my way out of the temple.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:07 am Post subject:

They had followed her to Coruscant. What luck! There were so many people on every street at any given time it would cover them perfectly. Oh she would sense she was being watched, but that would be true whether Raskim and his men were there or not. Frankly Raskim was surprised she didn't get a headache - her force sensitivity must be going crazy in a place like this.

"Is everyone in position?" Raskim asked over his comm.

"Yep."

"Roger that."

"Affirmative."

"Yeah."

The replies continued and Raskim counted them as they came. Eight in total. Eight seemed enough for this job without tripping over one another.

"Alright guys, just like we planned. Take deep breaths, relax and let's do this right. We will all be spending our credits before we know it."

"Womprat-one here, looks like she's comin out." Jarsk's voice said in his monotone.

"Womprat-one?" Raskim asked.

"Always wanted to that."

"Let's not get creative here. Just do it like we planned."

"Roger that. Let's move. I'll radio in once we have the package."

Jarsk's comm blipped, signaling the end of the transmission.

"Here we go, do or die." Raskim thought to himself grimly.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:08 am Post subject:

Jarsk and a few others fanned out in the street well back from their target. They all kept the hoods of their cloaks up as to not be identified just in case someone took an interest in their operations, unlikely as that was. The streets always teemed with people from everywhere and while it made for good business, no one wanted to get involved in anyone else's business.

Nodding to the others they quickened the pace. Eventhough the tubes had a decent range it would be almost impossible to fire with the crowds thick as they were. They had taken that into account though - well, Raskim had. Jarsk had made more credits in a month working for Raskim than he had in a whole year on his own. He shook away the thoughts of credits dancing through his head and focused again. Yes this was a good distance. She seemed in no great hurry to be anywhere and still walked with the calm assurance of one with nothing to fear. Looking past her he could catch glimpses of Fripp starting to come their way from in front of her.

He pulled his hood farther down over his head signaling the rest of the men around him. He reached for his own tube and carefully took aim while keeping it concealed in the sleeve of the cloak. He saw the first one hit her square between the shoulder blades. Her saber ignited and she spun around looking for her attacker, but two more hit and she deflected a third before dropping the saber and starting to swoon.

Fripp approached from behind her with the refuse droid and ran into her causing her to fall backwards into the container. Fripp headed for the docking back as Jarsk and the rest of his men blended back into the crowd which hardly seemed to slow during the quick skirmish.

He made his way through one of the maze-like side streets while flipping on his communicator.

"Everyone alright? I saw a saber flash."

"We're fine. We have the package." Jarsk reported.

"Good work. I've already paid off someone to guard your backtrail in case anyone took an unhealthy interest in our work. Head back to the ship. Time is of the essence now." Raskim finished.

"On my way." A part of him wanted to celebrate - he'd never kidnapped a jedi before. Sure he'd kidnapped others, but this was an all time special ocassion. He repressed his feelings of exhultation as he remembered this was only the first part of their job.

***

Raskim stood silently at the loading ramp to their ship as Fripp and some of the others came through the large doorway. The men looked nervous seemed to take turns glancing at the refuse container and behind them. Fripp brought the container to a stop in front of him.

Raskim opened the lid enough to peer inside and found her lying still, but returning his gaze. She was a beautiful woman...for a jedi.

"How much did she get?" He asked letting the lid fall closed.

"Near as I can tell three or four, but can't be sure - thought she swatted one with that sword of hers." Fripp answered.

"Who didn't use theirs?" He asked impatiently. "Give them to me now."

His men started handing over their unused tubes...one, two...four of them. Assuming she had managed to swat one, she got hit with three then...not enough to last long enough.

"Fripp, hold the lid open a bit." Fripp pulled the lid up a foot or so and Raskim emptied the last four into her stomach. Stuff must work well - she didn't flinch.

"Alright get her on board and stowed. We leave in 30 seconds - we've been here too long as is." Raskim said looking over their heads towards the door. Ah there he is. He thought as Jarsk entered the landing area. He motioned with his chin for him to get on board quickly.

Sometime later they landed in another part of Coruscant. This sector was like a warzone of gangs and thugs just as populated as the area they had just come from. According to Lord Songar, no one would sense her here with all the violence and dark thoughts...he hoped the man was right.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:08 am Post subject:

The unit they moved into was dark and dusty and clearly hadn't been used in some time. The walls were thin enough that the sounds of laughter and screams echoed from seemingly a dozen or more places.
Jarsk and the the others were getting their captive settled onto a large cot in the back room. She hadn't moved or spoken since being captured and Raskim for one was thankful. He checked his timer, but he already knew he had several hours before she would need to be dosed again.

He should feel better now that he had her in hand, but he didn't. He still had that nagging feeling that this wasn't going to end well. Bringing his thoughts back to his task his punched some numbers into the holo-vid.

Lord Songar appeared a few moments later.

"I trust all went as planned?" He asked.

"It did My Lord. Now what?"

"Break her. Use whatever means necessary as long as it doesn't kill her."

Raskim knew he looked uneasy, but he couldn't help himself. She may be a Jedi, but she was still a woman. There were others among his men that would not have such moral restrictions though.

"I sense your inner conflict Raskim. Do not be swayed because she is a female - she is a Jedi and trust me when I say you would be wise to fear me more than any unfounded sense of morality you may think you have. Truth be told I don't care who does it as long as it gets done. Double the pay for the one that makes her scream first." He finished with a smile.

"As you wish My Lord." Raskim said before the vid cut off.

"Jarsk!" Raskim yelled out to the next room.

Jarsk poked his head in the door a few seconds later. "Yeah boss?"

"Leave a guard in her room just to be on the safe side, then bring everyone else in here. I need to fill you all in on the next phase of our mission."

"You got it boss." Jarsk replied, his head vanishing from the doorway again.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:09 am Post subject:

[Hashum]

I just stood there for a moment, a cold chill running down my spine. I knew something was wrong and my mind immediately went to Safia, it had to be, I could just feel it. Cursing myself for leaving her alone again I dashed back through the jungle, there was no time to waste. Fueled by a mix of adrenaline and the aid of the Force I made it back to the landing site in only a days time. The adrenaline rush had turned into a downer by that time and my muscles felt like rubber, just boarding the ship felt like a tremendous physical strain at this point, but I’d have time to recover once on the way to Coruscant.

The system was making the final preparations for take off but every second I sat there waiting felt like an hour as soon as the system was up so was the ship. I had the computer plot a course for Coruscant…as the dotted stars streaked across the cockpit I closed my eyes leaning back in the pilots seat. Sitting there a cold chill set upon me, I felt responsible, it was my fault, I never should have come here, I never should have left her there alone. I couldn’t stop thinking about it, and the more I thought about it the more my blood began to boil, if someone hurt her…if someone touched her…they would pay with their life.

While on route to Coruscant curiosity began to get the better of me. Hammar had mentioned the “Gift of the Mother” in his ceremony, I hadn’t thought much of it at the time but if something had happened to Safia maybe this would or could help. Or maybe it would explain the strange feelings I’d had.

Hammar:

I wish I had time for pleasantries but unfortunately I that is not the case. At the wedding ceremony you mentioned something about the bond of The Mother’s Gift, or something like that, to be honest I didn’t pay all that much attention to it at the time, but I believe something may have happened to Safia, I can’t quite explain it but I fear something is terribly wrong. Please tell me what this gift was, and if it might help me find her now.

Hashum
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:09 am Post subject:

[Hammar]

Hammar hit the record button on his holovid.

"Ah yes the Mother's Gift, I had begun to wonder if you or your mate would ever ask." He said with a smile that quickly faded. "To the point...yes. Well back when the Jedi Order flourished, Master Yoda came to Ithor to study us, our culture, etc. He claimed many of our priesthood gifted with the force and we did send a few of our younglings to learn the Jedi ways. Anyhow, Master Yoda believed the Mother's gift as we knew it to be something he referred to as a 'Force bond'. Whatever name you choose to give it, it acts as a bond - usually between two beings. Sometimes these bonds form naturally over time between a master and his or her student, but a select few of the Ithorian clergy have the ability to create these bonds." He removed his cap and rubbed his head absently as he continued.

"The bond heightens sensitivity between the parties involved, both emotionally and physically. It is said that both will feel what the other feels emotionally or physically. Now this can be a great thing. " He perked up a moment and continued somewhat nervously. "It is said lovemaking between two such creatures is quick, but intense since both feel the others arousal emotionally AND physically. However, they also feel the others hurts as if it was their own." He finished gravely.

"In some few documented cases, the death of one meant the death of the other. As for other things of note, it has been proven that this bond also provides an..instinctual feel for the others location - almost like a homing beacon you will feel pulled toward your mate." Hammar thought a few moments.

"I hate to say this Master Hashum, but if you only have a 'feeling' she is in trouble then she may be in worse trouble than you know. You see normally you would feel her hurts or fears and would know beyond any doubt where she was and what was happening to her, but you do not seem to feel that."

"I don't know how it would be done in this time, but many millenium ago we discovered an herbal mixture that could severely dull the sensitivity of the bond. Again, I don't know how it could be done in this age since the flora is closely guarded on Ithor, but it would seem your bond has been dulled. Troubling indeed." He frowned. "I will be here at this channel, feel free to contact me anytime if I may be of assistance. May the Mother watch over you and your mate."

He pressed the button to relay the message and let out a sigh. He hoped everything turned out well for them.

He had felt a disturbance for the last few days and had been having strange dreams of ruffians and a dark figure looming in the shadows. Disturbing indeed. He wished he knew what they meant. Perhaps in time the Mother would reveal more to him.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.

Shensenn · Posted: Wed Feb 22, 2006 7:10 am Post subject:

[Isleh]

With the recent assault at their wedding, Isleh has decided it was time to take stock of potential allies. The "inventory" list she sent to spynet had a high price tag. 70 crates of muon, approximately 7 million on the street of Tatooine. Most of that was for exclusive rights for the information she purchased.

"I will have to set aside another 30 crates of muon just in case another offer came along" she pondered.

An encoded comm came as she left Rori. She looked over the information as the starlines began to form.

- An incident in the streets of Coruscant with a glowing weapon.
- Safia had not returned to her room.
- Hashum sudden appearence at a remote outpost and a hurried departure.

There was other information. Her list included list of knowns to test the veracity of the information. She mulled over what was presented to her as she made her way to the Temple on Nocturnus.

Standing before the threshold, she came to a decision and she opened a commlink.

"Jay, suspend your current activity of watching Weyune. Go to this location and look for watchers or a rear guard." She pondered for a moment and added. "Send Kay to the starport and look for the following target.".

Isleh uploaded the image of Hashum and the location of the incident.
_________________
Forum guarded by Blast Cannons three days a week. Guess which days.