The Galaxy Chronicle: Episode IV

Sai'nu · Posted: Sun Mar 11, 2007 12:45 pm Post subject:

The Gateway...

Even Tombstone seemed speechless as he and Rook stood in the control room hidden below the docking bay. It was really too much for Rook to take in. He scratched at what he called his morning shadow then looked over to Tombstone. "So, I guess we're suppose to go through that thing?"

Tombstone flexed his jaw and rolled it back and forth a few times his maw of teeth looking like some kitchen appliance gone horribly wrong. Slowly he nodded though his words sounded hesitant. "Yess, very cleverss of them."

Rook scoffed a bit. "You don't sound so sure, buddy."

Even Tombstone's tail was twitching. Most would liken it to a gurreck wagging it's tail. With a Barabel this wasn't normal. Tombstone was nervous about something all right; but what was he not telling Rook?

"Well, not that we have any idea what these controls mean; but why don't you see what you can make of these and we'll take the next step." Rook had to prod at Tombstone to get his attention. The eeire blue glow from the next room reflected off his friend's face. "Hey, I think it's pretty too but let's make sure it works before we step into trap number fourty three on this damn ship."

Slowly Tombstone nodded and began looking the control boards over. There was no real way of telling since nither of them knew just what this thing was. However it was a good guess this wasn't something they could solve by blasting or clawing their way out of.

Finally Rook mumbled. "And from Her head I jump into the storm."

Tombstone looked over and tilted his head. "Antagestisss?"

Rook paused. "No, something Batty tried to tell me while we were leaving the Roche Astroid Field. A twi'lek leap of faith, buddy. I think that might be what this last bit is left for."

Tombstone shrugged. "I thinksss it worksss. But if other endsss not."

Rook let out a sigh. "Damn him. Well, alright. Hell, I didn't want to live forever anyway. Let's get in there and see if we're expected. It'll be better than negotiating with our boss at any rate."

The two friends cast long shadows that disappeared in the massive blue glow. Just before they entered Tombstone looked down at Rook. "What ifss I wantss to live foreversss?"

"Get your butt in there." Rook gave his friend a nudge and they entered the gateway...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 6:12 am Post subject:

T Minus One Day Out...

Sai' was very frustrated as she looked out the cockpit at hyperspace then back at the Stormtrooper commander. "What do you mean I don't get to go with?"

The commander pointed his white armored hand dangerously close to her face. His filtered voice made him sound just like every other stormtrooper all be it with some authority behind it. "Your an observer, Agent Sai'. Moff Evnoran gave specific orders. You direct us from the bridge once we're there and if it's not what you say it is; we'll be going back one passenger short."

"The audacity!" Sai' thought. Here she was about to hand them the jewel of some powerful Jedi and get the last thorny reminder of her gene source out of the way and they dare contemplate treachery. It was a good thing she knew how to escape should it come to that. Grieves had been right.

"The flaw with fear is that even the ranks eventually turn on each other. Better learn that quick, my creation." She let those words sink in.

Slowly she let her lekku twitch and then nodded. "Fine. As the Moff orders. But when we find it and them."

The stormtrooper seemed to nod his helmet in what Sai' assumed was agreement. He let his hand fall to his side. "Then, Agent Sai'. Then you may proceed to capture or exterminate as you wish before we head back with the objective."

Sai' checked her chronometer and gaged it with their nav computer. One day till they arrived. She was looking forward to this. It sounded like the commander was too; whichever way it went for him...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Mar 12, 2007 7:14 am Post subject:

T Minus One Day Out on the ISD Reclaimer...

Dasumi was inquisitively inquiring to one of the bridge officers about some information as Vreese walked up to Jalen. He stood at the very front of the bridge looking out at hyperspace. It always took your breath away no matter what species you were. At least Vreese thought so. She stood beside him letting her hands fold behind her back as he was doing. "Thoughts, Master Storm?"

Jalen let his bottom lip do a frown then shook his head. "Not really. We've got about a day till we come out of hyperspace on Rook's signal. It wasn't hard to track after we inquired with a few of the various hutt henchmen in Mos Eisley." He glanced to the side to look at Vreese. "You look a little better."

Vreese glanced over her shoulder at Dasumi and back at him. "A bit of advice, Master?"

"Sure." He gave her a small nod.

"I think a bit of our past failures were not having someone to share the burden with." Vreese paused. "Not our responsibility mind you. The burden."

The corner of his lips lifted into a smile. "Your a slow learner sometimes, Master Sai'nu."

She blushed. "I guess so. Normally I'd leave it with The Goddess."

"Our religions and deities guide us though. They don't take the burdens too." Jalen paused. "Well, there was the Gopalni god Yulpoo. But not many of us will follow a living god of laughter."

Vreese looked at him strangely. Jalen chuckled. "A long story. I'll have to tell it someday. Interpretations can be a funny thing is the point though."

He let his mood grow a little more serious. "And your still not sure what we'll find when we get there?"

"The parting with my mother after Batak's and Isleh's death wasn't the warmest. And I still suspect she might not be who she says she is, Master Storm." Vreese paused her lekku tips twitching. "All I know is she entrusted some information to Rook and Tombstone so we could find Viem'chal. Everything else you already know."

Jalen looked out the viewport again. "Well, I guess we're about to find out then. Meet me in an hour in the training room. I'll go over some more combat lessons with you and Dasumi. Better to be prepared."

Vreese let her hand brush against her lightsaber. "We'll be there, Master Storm."

The ISD Reclaimer sped closer to the tiny beacon that was the Excelage...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Mar 13, 2007 6:19 am Post subject:

The Promise...

They had held each other and the baby under the canopy of some unknown Dathomir tree. Vividly she saw the fatal wounds again. Both of them simply smiled and kissed their child on the forehead.

"Vreese, make sure she stays safe." Batak had said leaning his head against Isleh's.

Isleh looked very sad but she forced a smile. "Tell her we loved her very much."

With their lives fading they had asked one last thing of them. Rook, Tombstone, and Vreese had all promised. "We won't let it end like this."

Vreese stirred from the memory. The daydream came and went. Their child was in danger now. Who knew what troubles had befallen Rook and Tombstone already. Could they now keep that dying promise?

"The Force is with you, Sister. May our Goddess keep you safe." Batak's last words.

"The Goddess smile upon you, Sis. Tell everyone we'll miss them." Isleh had followed him.

Vreese had still dreaded sending out word of their deaths. That, it seemed, was far easier to handle than keeping an uncertain promise though. She checked her chronometer and woke Dasumi from her short nap before heading to the training room.
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Mar 26, 2007 10:36 pm Post subject:

The other side...

It was very cold. Correction, It was very cold and very dark where ever they were. Rook's jaw clenched as he fought the urge to shiver in a ball. Just to his side he heard some grunts that had to be Tombstone.

"W-w-well, b-b-bud-d-dy, we-we-we're alive!" Rook tried to sound enthusiastic. Of course his inner pessimist was already telling him they probably took some damn fancy portal into a trash compactor. Only those weird religious zealots would go so far as to make disposing of trash an elaborate feature amongst a maze to keep people out of the Promised Land!

Tombstone surprised him with a very cool and even response. "We're not alone." His Barabel friend had grabbed him by the shoulder to pull him back. But from what?

"I-I-I've got a ba-ba-bad feeling a-b-b-bout this." Rook mumbled as he heard the echoes of footsteps on stone. His hand tightened on his DL-44. Tombstone scraped a clawed foot on the ground ready to leap into battle. Too bad Rook couldn't see a damn thing...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon Apr 02, 2007 4:09 am Post subject:

T Minus 20 hours…

Dasumi’s ashen skin glowed like a feline in the dimmed combat training room. Jalen stood beside her watching Vreese sit cross legged on the floor her hands on her temples and her lekku completely relaxed. The hum of Vreese’s lightsaber filled the room as the two watched her closely.

Finally Dasumi whispered. “What is she doing exactly? What is the purpose of this exercise?”

Jalen pointed as Vreese’s ignited lightsaber floated about five feet in the air and moved slowly forward. “She’s doing a short version of the fifth lightsaber cadence. It is to hone her skills.”

“Ah, my Love had mentioned once that Jedi do have to fight. I always wondered about that never for attack line.” She gazed longingly at Vreese trying to understand her a little more. Finally she turned to Jalen. “And a Jedi thought this up?”

“Yes, Jedi Master Vo’ren Faalo was the one that wrote it down though. The lightsaber cadences were part of his book of practical lightsaber techniques. All banned now, of course. The idea is to learn striking. You set up some candles. Then you work your way up to a few thousand ball bearings. And it builds till you can do the cadence without any physical object to strike at. At the point your Vreese is at is the marking of a Master of lightsaber combat.” Jalen glanced down at the floor and tossed up a metal weight. Vreese’s lightsaber cut into the small weight and it dropped to the floor in two pieces.

“See.” Jalen smiled. “It is much more than memorizing though. During the time of the Academy there were time limits as well. This pinnacle of training was designed to build your physical, mental, and use of your Force powers all in the name of combat. It is meant for defense of course.”

Dasumi smiled back. “Of course.”

“And I think it is time we hone your skills as well, Dasumi.” Jalen bowed then took up a battle stance.

Dasumi bowed then took up a battle stance familiar to her. One taught by the Followers of Palawa. Jalen calmly stood and craned his neck. “Don’t hold back, Dasi, because I’m not going to either.”

She smiled and thought she heard a faint chuckle from her Vreese. A distraction though; quickly put out of mind as Jalen attempted an accelerated sweep at her feet. With the grace of a leaping Sludge Panther she jumped up into what would look like a hanging crouch to most observers. Dasumi was already in striking poise though.

Jalen sensed Dasumi’s reactions. They were very fast and it surprised him how the arts of Teras Kasi could stand up to the power of The Force. He dodged his head out of the way of Dasumi’s Spitting Rawl strike. It was a comfort somehow knowing she would not hesitate in battle. Luckily this was just a friendly brawl.

As she landed returning to a crouched position Dasumi angled her head back letting her head tails whip around. It had a tendency to make opponents back off in fear of being slapped silly and let her reorient herself to her opposition. She instinctively jumped up again as she felt the spark of a Force push headed for her. Jalen was determined to see just how well she would hold up.

This went on for a good twenty, or more, minutes until she found the chink in his armor. As an arm went narrowly pass her head she followed through grabbing his arm and slinging him into what had been newly dubbed a Rancor Toss. Jalen landed flat on his back and grinned back from across the short room. “Well done!” He called.

From the side, lightsaber still working, they heard a soft chuckle from Vreese more clearly now…
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:18 pm Post subject:

T Minus 20 hours for Sai'...

She let her lekku twitch in annoyance as she watched the squad of 'crack' stormtroopers finish their checks. Otherwise it was very boring. They just stood there on guard like the ordered little programed robots they probably were. Not unlike herself. Clones. It would be a blessing to have been spared a conscious train of thought in the long run. After all, what was she as long as that gene source of her's was alive?

Lazily she sat at an empty operations chair looking over the data once more. The beacon had tracked that pathetic excuse of a man and his over grown lizard friend right to The Heart of Viem. She knew it would though. Just as she'd expected to confront Vreese on Viem'Chal and end their little quarrel much as she'd ended the lives of Batak and Isleh on Dathomir. She'd rather enjoyed that. Even more so would have to thank the person that put them there once this was over. It was fun.

She checked the chronometer again and mumbled. "Twenty hours. Well, at least I can count the hours till her death. I can have peace then; can't I Grieves?"

He wasn't there of course but her creator always preoccupied her mind. Part of her programming no doubt as he'd even told her before.

"Oh, I know you'll do exactly as I say. I'm the image of The Goddess for you if you will, my creation. Even in my demise you'll carry on the dream." Grieves had said.

"He must've known he was going to die in the end." She caught the Stormtrooper commander looking her way; helmet cocked to the side. Just what she needed. A paranoid drone already connecting dots that weren't there. She'd better be careful or he'd blast her as a suspected Jedi just for the Hell of it.

The hours were seeming more and more like days on this little vessel...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Wed Apr 04, 2007 12:32 pm Post subject:

A rude awakening...

Everything flashed white in his eye and Rook heard Tombstone give off a wail as well. Where ever they were this had to be a trap. The footsteps came closer and he jerked his DL-44 out blasting in front of him. Maybe with luck he'd hit something.

Sharp pain coursed through his hand as the blaster went flying. Damn, that hurt! He heard the scuffle by Tombstone. Some kind of whirling noise and a lot of yelling from his buddy and their unknown attackers.

"All right you lousey myno..." was all Rook got out as a fist firmly hit his gut sending him up a little then down to a ball on the ground. "Sithspawn that hurt even worse!"

"Stand them up." A cool deep voice rang. "And for their sake they'd better have a good reason for being here."

Rook still wasn't sure what this was about but he said the only thing he could though his stomach spasm. "Antagesti... she... summoned us."

Rook could almost make out the inside of a cave now. Not unlike Ryloth's. And holding Tombstone in a net and to either side of him were what looked like Kika'Vati guards. In front of him was an exceptionally well built one in robes. His face looked just as chisled as Batak's had been.

Slowly the masculine twi'lek nodded his head. "Very well; human. We will take you to the Kiva. If your story is a lie then you'll face judgement in Kie'cha."

Rook's mind raced. What was it Batak had said about Kie'cha? A Kika'vati trial by combat? When guilty parties must prove worthiness? "What in the blazes have we walked into!?!"
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Apr 10, 2007 7:19 am Post subject:

The Protocol of Etiquette...

The strong twi'lek warriors known as Kika'Vati flanked Rook and Tombstone on either side. To Rook's surprise they were being led through nothing short of an underground Utopia. Thick alien jungle clung to the cavern walls and shot up from little patches throughout the massive city sprawl. Despite it's very archaic structures of stone, wood, and leaf covered huts the place teamed with technology. Something odd about it though. Rook couldn't put his finger on it.

The leader of their little prison escort mused at them. "If you like this, intruders, you'll love the arena."

Tombstone actually seemed to brighten at mention of the Kie'cha again. Rook wasn't so pleased. Who knew what messed up thing they'd find justifiable? Pit the intruders against each other? Yeah, that'd be fair. Not!

Rook smirked. "I'm sure. But Antag, uh, the Kiva might just put a little stop to your fun once she finds out about this horrible misunderstanding." He gestured to his own bindings.

"We'll see human. Not many make it this close to Viem'chal and live to make it out with knowledge of this place." Even if this Kika'Vati was arrogant he was at least serious too. They really didn't want anyone finding this place. Leave it to a smuggler to wind up somewhere he didn't belong.

Rook just fixed his eye on the center of the metropolis. A large domed pyramid made of smoothe cave stone. He could just now make out some of the unmistakeable markings of the three faces of the Goddess and the Sai'nu clan symbol. They stopped at the steps and their escort turned to look at Rook and Tombstone.

"Prisoners are not to look at the Kiva directly. At no time do you speak ill of the Goddess in this Temple. And, not that you have them, but absolutely no fighting or weapons permitted inside except for those of the Kika'Vati." He was looking dead on at Rook and not even regarding Tombstone at all.

"What am I? Trouble." Rook responded.

"Bring them." The leader of their little escort headed up the main stairwell and disappeared into a massive hallway atop the pyramid. Rook wasn't sure why he hadn't noticed before but other than that chisled male all of these Kika'Vati appeared to be females. Maybe it was nothing.

Rook had to fight to keep his head down when they entered what he guessed was the main room. A small figure got up from praying before an alter of The Goddess and turned to look in their direction.

"Kiva." The head gaurd kneeled. "The intruders have been detained and we now wait for the next arrival."

The Kiva, Antagesti, let out a sigh. "I told you these two were expected, Natak."

Rook grinned. It was nice to see the cards turned when it benefitted your's truly. He glanced over. It looked like Tombstone still wanted a trip to the ring though. Probably with their gaurd host by the way he was looking at him.

"Kiva, the mandate left by the Jedi says...," Natak began to recite but was cut off.

"I know what it says. And believe me, Natak, we'll have need of Rook and Tombstone's skills soon enough if we're to keep Viem'chal safe. Now release them." The petite twi'lek woman could be very commanding. Must be where Batak and Vreese had gotten their spunk Rook decided.

"Very well, Kiva. But I'm not happy with this situation. It can not be allowed to fall into the hands of the blighted. You've trained us well enough for that." Natak released their binders and looked at Rook. "No Kie'cha it would seem. I ask that you forgive our misunderstanding."

These people were strange. Rook smirked. "Yeah, sure. Look, Anta.., Kiva. We've got to have a long talk because I've got no bloody clue what is going on."

"Yes, Mister Rook. We do. I'm afraid the promise to the Jedi must be passed to another. Viem'chal is no longer safe here." Rook couldn't shake how like his mother's eyes Batak's had been. Antagesti looked sad for a moment. It must still be hitting her hard.

With that the Kiva began to unravel the story of the Jedi that had entrusted Viem'chal to a clan of twi'leks he knew to be the Sai'nu. This sounded pretty dangerous...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Tue Apr 17, 2007 12:58 am Post subject:

The bell chimes in Nocturnus…

Cymrych had come in to the Desert Angel hoping for a little down time after a long shift when the bizarre scene had happened. Xen’ya was there probably helping cover for Deedle when he had arrived. Without warning blaster fire had come from outside and the poor little rodian had come in delirious. He’d grabbed the bartending droid first.

“He’s going to find me. Can’t let him find me,” It was an unusual hostage the rodian had chosen. He pressed the blaster at it’s head and Cymrych honestly had thought about just jumping the the lil frillhead before he caused any real damage but wanted a clean opening to do it. “I mean it! Keep him away! He mustn’t find it!”

Too late though. A shadow had passed along one of the entrance walls and the little guy freaked out tossing the droid to the floor and going for the next thing near him; Xen’ya. She immediately snapped, "OFF! Do not touch me!"

“You don’t understand. He overheard. Griven; He’s coming.” The rodian had gripped her by the wrist and was starting to twist in his own feverish anxiety.

Xen’ya gritted her teeth, "Last chance. Let go."

The rest had been a bit of a blur. Playing it back he remembered Cryil walking around the corner just to be shot at. “What the Hell!?!” someone had said. Cryil? They both went for the rodian but amidst the rush Xen’ya had yelled about the time the rodian let out a yelp. In a flash the rodian was on the floor put there by one of the three. Cymrych didn’t remember punching him. Cryil looked like he was still checking for blaster holes.

The three stood perplexed at the situation. Cymrych and Xen’ya eyed each other then at the small rodian with the big blue eyes on the floor. He was still mumbling. “Mission… danger… must find, Kiva,” He kept saying it over and over till he passed out in exhaustion. But which of them had taken the poor little guy down?

“Did you?” Cymrych was looking at Xen’ya.

"Just because ah'm a musician, it don't make me defenseless, yuh know." Her lekku were twitching and she seemed a bit ruffled as she added, "Ah better go give the Kiva a li'l wahnin'."

“Right, Cryil, could you help me get this fella back to a cell till we can figure out what is going on?”

The bells chimed at City Hall as an evasive figure in the distance watched the scene with electrobinoculars. His eyes gleamed with hate. “I’ll get you little fraks yet and… this Viem’chal.”
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sat Apr 21, 2007 1:48 am Post subject:

0 Hour:Showdown at The Heart of Viem...

The alarms were still sounding throughout the ISD Reclaimer as Vreese made her way to the bridge. By now Dasumi would be awake and probably not too far behind her. She'd hoped Dasi would get some rest despite the circumstances though. They were on a Star Destroyer afterall. What could possibly happen?

As the turbolift opened a mess of enlisted naval soldiers and officers now wearing Rebel fatigues scrambled about their business. In the middle of this surreal scene was Jalen Storm standing firmly at the center of his bridge. He gave a quick nod to a datapad one of the ensigns was showing him then looked back out the main viewport. Vreese just noticed they'd come out of lightspeed. In front of them was a very old looking Star Galleon.

"Sir, they've powered up the sheilds!" came one report.

Followed shortly by, "Sir, detecting multiple power sources firing up on her. We don't know what they are though."

"Bring our sheilds up, Lieutenant. Prepare all forward Ion Cannons. We can't risk damaging that ship." Jalen gave a slight nod to Vreese as she approached, "Looks like this is it. We got here a little too late. An Imperial shuttle boarded not three minutes after we came out of hyperspace. Only problem is they've got control of that ship now."

Vreese gritted her teeth and let her lekku twitch. "If that really is The Heart of Viem we can't let them stay on it long enough to use the gateway."

"If you've got any better ideas...," Jalen let that hang only for a moment. "I'd launch fighters but show boating is more for our opponents. And I don't think they have the resources for it either right now."

"Can you get us close enough to do a makeshift boarding?" Vreese wasn't use to capital scale naval battle.

"Assuming the Ion Cannons work, yes." Jalen grinned, "Eager to try out some of Nym's make'em walk the airlock tactics are we?"

"Incoming communication from the Galleon, Sir." a random pit crew member called out.

"Let's hear it." Jalen paused listening carefully.

As Dasumi made her way onto the bridge to stand by Vreese a slight horror flooded over Vreese when the voice on the comm channel came through.

"This is The Heart of Viem. Surrender by order of the Empire or prepare to hear the screams of your loved ones pushed out the airlock, Vreese." Sai's icy voice rang like a thunderstorm.

"Use your feelings, Sister..."

Vreese shook her head and looked at Jalen. "She's lying. Either our friends aren't on ship or they haven't had time to get to the gateway yet."

Dasumi gripped Vreese's shoulder with assurance. It helped to calm her only a little. The showdown had started...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Wed May 02, 2007 7:04 pm Post subject:

The story surfaces in Nocturnus...

Xyryn eyed the rodian curiously. She certainly had never met this one before. He was unharmed and Cymrych had mentioned became quite notably relaxed after his containment. Few wanted to be behind bars but this rodian did. She remembered Xen’ya’s words, “He said Griven was uh come’n for him. He was very interested in findin’ you, Kiva.”

“Do you have a name?” Xyryn asked as the rodian came to stand at the front of his cell.

Slowly he nodded, “Squar, Kiva. Squar Parteego. And I bear unfortunate news.”

She looked over her shoulder at Cymrych. Griven had surly scared him into thinking he was safer here than where ever the two had met. Cymrych gave a slight nod and listened intently.

As if sensing what the two were asking themselves the rodian began, “I was in contract with a group of twi’leks. They needed supplies and while delivering I saw something. They called it Viem’chal. I thought nothing of it till I was in port at Corellia. That was where I learned the names of the twi’lek’s and more about Viem’chal.”

Xyryn let her lekku twitch. She didn’t remember hearing nor studying anything about that name. What was so important he would endanger lives? Cymrych had reacted by taking out a datapad linked into his private database. If anything about Viem’chal was on it’s screen he showed no signs of it.

“I am a Kiva, Squar. I’m not sure how..,” But Xyryn was interrupted by the rodian’s hand asking for quiet.

“I came here because her Kika’Vati instructed me to. The twi’lek’s were from the Sai’nu clan.” He let out a long sigh as if relieved his mission was done. His frills even slackened back hugging his scalp.

In unison Cymrych and Xyryn spoke, “You’ve seen Batak and Vreese?”

The rodian tilted his head to the side. “I know not those names.”

“Well, the Kiva is here. What is Viem’chal, friend?” Cymrych thought it better to try and make the rodian feel as comfortable as possible at this point if they were going to get any answers.

“I did not understand it. But it is power, Kiva.” The rodian looked from Cymrych to Xyryn, “It is power entrusted to the Kika’Vati by a Jedi.”

No way in hell that’s going in a report to anywhere… thought Cymrych.

Xyryn furrowed her brow, "Power is not something one sees as a thing, Squar. What, exactly, did you see? Please describe it."

“I’m sorry, Kiva. I should say an object of power was spoken of.” The rodian looked toward the door for a moment as if expecting something or someone.

“And the one or ones that instructed you to come here?” Xyryn asked as her lekku curled in tension.

“Dead. He killed them and came after me. But I don’t know anything but the coordinates.” The rodian sighed, “I came to direct you to those but I’ve been in the wild for over two weeks up until I found the Cantina.”

Xyryn straightened a bit, “Please tell me the coordinates.”

“Chased you all the way from Corellia,” Cymrych mused.

As the rodian nodded slowly he looked at Xyryn, “Nym’s armorer has a disc with the coordinates, Kiva. Tell him Squar sent you.”

"Thank you, Squar. I will do what I can. May the Goddess watch over you." Xyryn, with a look, invited Cymrych to accompany her outside cell room, "Please be careful. You and I may have just become targets." She thought upon Griven’s attack on the rodian.

Steadily she met Cymrych’s concerned eyes, and add, "I don't think I will be reporting this to my superiors until I know more about it. I suggest that you be as cautious. I also suggest that you tell someone you trust, but keep it discrete, and keep that someone out of whatever develops. I will do the same. Also, I must, um, meditate." Meditate after she got ahold of that data disc. Maybe even speak with the Goddess.

“Take your time, Kiva,” He casually smiled at the rodian, “The only way anyone is getting him is through the best security system on Lok.” Cymrych did admire the selfless worry in which she would caution. He’d been a bounty hunter after all; he knew about dangerous people.

She paused at the door, "Time is frequently a luxury, Commissioner. I think this is one of those instances. Guard your back."
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Mon May 07, 2007 6:45 pm Post subject:

After the Revelation...

Tombstone watched from atop the pyramid's raised canopy. A dais from which many Temple ceremonies had likely been performed. As he looked out at the sprawling city he couldn't help but feel a tinge of admiration for these twi'leks. At a whim of threat they worked in unison to abandon this ancient city. No, not just a city, their home. All in the hopes of survival and keeping a promise.

Antaganesti's small frame came up beside him. Her hood now down he could see many of the same features that he recognized in Batak's sister, Vreese. Softly her lekku curled up in circlets as if escaping the chill of the cavern. Finally she acknowledge what he was thinking, "Your surprised that we would seek to scatter and hide Viem'chal? That we don't fight it out when they come?"

Tombstone nodded, "Ifss it has so much powersss..."

"We've seen what that kind of justice does to the galaxy," Antaganesti pointed up, "And though our Goddess does have a sometimes stern guise as Teacher and Mother; She tells us that violence of this kind will only lead to our downfall."

"My peoplesss do not place the valuesss on Life as yours," Tombstone began slowly letting his tail fling a little from side to side. He grinned, "It iss very; moving. Yess, moving to seess so many of thess same race and clanss working towardss same goals."

Antaganesti cocked her head to the side, "Perhaps that is why it is hard not to admire the Jedi? The Goddess, you see, teaches us of balance my friend. But for that balance to continue both sides must ever be in play and fighting each other. I knew, as my husband did, that our children were not meant for the blurry line. Such want of Peace but action could only be provided by Master Ve-tal at the time."

"So, all of thisss is for balancess?" Tombstone still questioned slightly the motivation behind leaving the relic out of the galaxy view.

"Yes, one I'm glad the Jedi that left Viem'chal to us had the foresight to understand. Some powers were not meant for this galaxy, Tombstone. As I think even you can understand. That is why we leave here. To keep a darkness from gaining sway over a galaxy already bereft of turmoil." Antaganesti reached up and patted Tombstone on the shoulder, "I for one am happy my son saw good in you. Perhaps when this is all over we can discuss a role with the Kika'Vati?"

Tombstone shook his head, "Noss, I'm sorry Kivass. The debt I owess to yourss is oness of Lifes." He smiled again, almost humbly, "I honor himss by protecting our friendss."

She smiled, "Your one of the good ones, Tombstone. And as shady as our friend Rook is I think you'll help keep him on the right path."

A sweat covered Rook came lumbering up the steps to join them. He whiped a bit of sweat from his eyepatch, "Well, Kiva, your Kika'Vati are ready to meet whatever comes through the portal. And though I don't like the Akryd model transports you've got; I think we're just about ready to evacuate. Where ever here is."

"Thank you, Rook." She nodded her head slightly. "I will go make final preparations."

As she walked off Rook gave Tombstone a nudge, "So, what do ya think? And why haven't you been down there working your scaley butt off too?"

Tombstone arched a plated brow at the latter. He then gripped Rook's shoulder, "Justss talking about youss."

As his friend walked off Rook did a double take. As he jerked back around to follow Tombstone a befuddled, "Hey, what about me?" could be heard by Antaganesti. She smiled. Even the shady people could make a difference.
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I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sat May 12, 2007 9:43 pm Post subject:

Before the Assault...

Vreese let out a deep breath. It was almost time to board the assault shuttle. As she pulled on her boots she looked up at Jalen. It was such a weight to have so much information and not be allowed to tell it all. He squinted his eyes a little and waited locked in their silent battle.

"So, it is a gateway," Jalen finally broke that silence.

"Yes," Vreese paused and heard Dasumi somewhere behind her getting her armor on.

"A better question would be why?" Jalen mused.

"You should know," Vreese let out a sigh deciding this was probably one secret that was already not worth keeping now. "Remember what you taught me and my brother back at the Lunatic Fringe when you first brought us to the Roche Astroid Field and to the Rebel Alliance?"

"Vaguely," Jalen tapped his chin with his index finger. "It was something about navigation on our way there from Ryloth."

"Yes," Vreese pulled on her other boot. "About the pioneers of hyperspace. How you had to have a jump beacon for a proven route or you could jump into just about anything not good for a starship."

Jalen still looked confused. He'd started asking just how in tact the star galleon had to be when the ion cannons failed to neutralize it. Vreese had immediately insisted it couldn't be destroyed; yet. "Alright, so someone put a gateway because..."

Vreese could see he was finally getting it but said it just the same, "The planet had no charted jump beacons. It was the perfect place to hide Viem'Chal. Our clan would split once every generation. A group of Kika'Vati were chosen to go with the Kivate protectors and those returning would take their places again on Ryloth. It worked for the most part. No one that had been through the gateway would say they knew where Viem'Chal was because they wouldn't be lying."

Vreese's lekku wiggled out some tension, "Anyway, the ship was designed to be a moving fortress. We still don't know where all it goes. But, without that ship there is no easy way to the planet or back from it. No jump beacons. We assume the Jedi that brought the information to us already knew about whomever set up the gates."

Jalen understood it now. He looked like he was trying to find a better solution to this problem, "Alright, but if this assault doesn't work."

Vreese met his eyes, "Then you blow that ship out of the star lanes so the Empire never gets a hold of Viem'Chal."

Jalen reached behind his blue command cape and held a lightsaber in his hands. He smiled, "Take this then. It was Master Ve-tal's. I think he'd have liked you or Batak to have it. You were the closest thing to children he ever had."

Vreese looked at the hilt. A common hilt of the Old Republic Jedi Knights. It was Master Ve-tal's. She remembered the smell of rycrit leather on it. It's grip felt powerful as she took it. As a practitioner of fencing she'd been use to things like the Wookie Ryyk blade. But she still knew how to use the solid two handed grip. "Thank you Master Storm."

Jalen smiled and with a sweep of his cape was headed back to the bridge. He called back, "May The Goddess smile upon you and The Force be with you, Master Sai'nu."

It was about time to board the assault shuttle...
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.

Sai'nu · Posted: Sun May 27, 2007 5:31 pm Post subject:

A meeting and a parting...

Blaster bolts sparked in the cavern housing the gateway. Kika'Vati guard captains barked orders to their twi'lek brothers and sisters as the small squad of elite stormtroopers poured out of the gateway carbines blasting. T'varp, elder Kika'Vati captain of the clan, watched as the precision of the stormtroopers proved true. His people lay dying all around him.

His lekku twitched in the twi'lek hidden language, "Go Vati Sai'nu, take our brothers and sisters to the launch point. I will hold them as long as I can."

T'varp's Kika'Vati brother responded by signaling the retreat and burning T'varp's face into his memory. He knew he would not be forgotten.

T'varp took a leap into the middle of the squad and immediately spun with his pike. The crack of their armor was satisfying but he knew all he had done was disorient them for a moment. The stab to his side went through him like a shockwave. The serrated blade caused him to gurgle as he gushed blood from the wound. The stormtroopers took no pause in sending him crashing to the ground and blasting what was left.

The stormtroopers checked the room then turned as a shadow followed through the gateway. "All clear," the lead trooper called out.

The evil grin spread across the twi'lek's face as she knelt down to examine the fallen Kika'Vati. She paused for a moment gripping his chin between her hands. Softly she spoke into her headphone comlink, "You know, Vreese, for all the bark they really are pathetic. I'm doing you a favor really. I'll be sure to say hello to Mother too." Sai' flung the dead Kika'Vati's head to the side.

Just outside the gateway building Tombstone stood with Rook. They both looked sternly at each other then at the entrance to the cavern as the clan members fled for the take off area. Both remained silent going over the plan in their heads again. Antagesti had said part of the evacuation meant destroying the gateway. They both gripped thermal detonators in hand.

"Alright you two," the familiar voice behind them almost made both jump and drop their weapons. Antagesti gave their arms a firm squeeze, "It is time for you to save us. And it is my turn to act."

With a soft grab and push the two friends found themselves headed toward the evacuation ships as Antagesti gave them both a warm, "Goodbye, my brothers. The Goddess keep you safe."

With a detonator in hand Antagesti's small frame entered the gateway cavern.

Sai' looked up amazed as the the stormtroopers leveled their carbines at the female twi'lek in the entrance of the cavern. Sai' laughed, "And look who just showed up, Vreese. Mother dearest."

"I give you this last opportunity to leave now unharmed or you will know judgement, Copy," Antagesti addressed Sai' with as much contempt and command as she could in her voice. The echo of the cavern helped the affect as the stormtroopers tightened their formation at the now outstretched thermal detonator.

Sai's lekku wriggled with anger as she pointed her hand at Antagesti, "No, woman, it is you that has one last chance. Die swiftly or die slowly as your daughter listens like a helpless rycrit."

"My daughter has faith, Copy. You have none and will never be what she is or was," Antagesti stepped closer.

"I'm going to enjoy this," Sai' screamed as she charged past the stormtroopers.

* * *

A few seconds went by then Vreese heard the blast just as it cut off the Live comlink Sai' had going. She balled her hands in her lap as a tear rolled down her eye...

"I love you, Daughter. What we do must go beyond revenge though. Remember us and be happy..." The words echoed as the assault shuttle sat down inside The Heart of Viem.
_________________

I don't know half of you half as well as I should like; and I like less than half of you half as well as you deserve. ---Bilbo Baggins.