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 Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 9:41 pm
"I don't know anything about Krayt," Vaan said, losing the stupid jacket he had been wearing as a disguise.
"I know that he dismissed us from our position just like that," he added.
It took great restraint not to think what he was thinking because of the Jedi. But he did it.
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:06 pm
"What was that about not trusting a Sith, Master Kalnar?" Freya asked absently, with the Mon Cal Master chuckling, before turning her attention back to the Chiss.
"Like, so ... you say Krayt totally kicked you out of the Empire, you say?" she asked, looking them both over with the old stink-eye, not trusting them any farther than she could throw Cloud City itself. What are they here for, then?
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:31 pm
Link pounded on the massive durasteel door of the Monastary, holding his skittish mount's reins in his free hand.
He glanced over his shoulder uneasily, watching with eyes and ears open for the return of the Dragon.
Without so much as a "What are you doing here?" The door rose with a mighty groan, permitting him entry.
Surprised by this, link gripped a hand to his sword and led Strider into the almost complete dark beyond.
"Achuta?!" Link called. "Achuta!! Un dana, de gozaru?!"
His voice echoed of the dust free stone.
Dust free?
Link looked at the floor and noted that, up until his entry, even the floor was free of sand.
"Oro..." He moaned in regret. "This one has messed up their impeccable floor. Rude and thoughtless it was of him..."
Then, a trio of men garbed in dark brown robes with tall conical hats and goggles appeared, materializing almost out of thin air.
"Ah!" Exclaimed Link as he clasped his hands together and bowed to them. "The B'omarr you must be. Traveled far this one has in search of your monastary and he humbly requests you tolerate his presence for a time. He searches for..." Link trailed off as the monks did not stop and talk, but split off to perform several tasks. One led Strider down a slopeing hallway where they disapeared into the gloom, the second sealed the door once more from the scalding heat and cast the chamber into darkness, and the third began sweeping the sand up into piles.
"Hmm...perhaps they dont speak basic..."
"Oh we speak it just fine, youngling." A vocoder voice stated from behind Link.
The Jedi turned to find himself looking into a spider-droid with a jar'd brain attached to it's undercarrage.
And he could not help but stare.
"What is it, youngling? Have you never seen a talking brain before?"
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Posted: Tue Oct 03, 2006 10:55 pm
Hyperspace had passed in a most unusual fashion for the crew of the Slayer. Veers seemed to note a sort of tension, and speed, as Ferno seemed to slightly pace every once in a while around the bridge. It was almost like the spectre had lost his patience.
The Admiral turned to the droid, and spoke in a hushed tone. "Would it be too rude to inquire exactly why this man seemed to agitate mi'lord so?"
The droid looked almost as if it was unsure to give the answer or not. It finally reported, though. "It is one of Ferno's most dilligent projects. The master of the man in question made Ferno who he is. Now, to seek the master, one must find the apprentice. That is all you need to know. It is not agitation, either. It is a mixed sense of excitement added with a serious tone of relief that he is finally able to check up on his progress. I fear that he will be most disappointed, however."
Veers did not make note until they exited hyperspace over Ord Mantell. According to all records, they made it there nearly an hour ahead of schedule, but little was said as a shuttle made its departure to the planet's surface.
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Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 8:31 pm
ElladanKenet The Mandalorian couldn't help but be somewhat... convinced. It was the krayt in bantha's skin; he was staring down a ship he should've blasted apart in seconds and had already come to realize he was outmatched one on one. If he tried to throw everything he had out, he would likely win. However, against even those odds, it was still a fine ship. "Okay, you have me convinced," Mandalore admitted. "What do you want precisely?" "First your name," Elladan asked as the transmission re-continued. "I doubt you actually went by mandalore before you met me." He shrugged. "Won't make much of a difference. I go by Mynock Ordo." "Mynock Ordo? Any relation to Canderous Ordo?" "Direct descedant," he said, smirking, as he removed his helment. Mynock was middle-aged, with short brown hair and several gray strands, and a beard beginning to grow out. His eyes were brown. "Next?" The chiss continued. "We need military support, but not directly. Currently, my small fleet is spread a bit thin. I need your forces to pirate the areas between here and Mandalore, and help keep the peace under the guise of expansion." "Simple enough. We were planning on harrassing Onderon anyway." "Not today," the commander requested. "Brings us to number two; we need access to construct mines and warehouses on Dxun for resources. We'll provide everything needed for construction and transport, but we want a Mandalorian escort." "Sounds like you thought this through." "I have, actually. It's not like I have much else to do." The mandalorian nodded. He had enough experience being a tactian. "Anything else?" "Clearance to the systems of Dxun, Mandalore, and other holdings, and some minor intel work. We need a bit more defense, and I think that our stealth's about to run out on us. We might need not just information, but extra ships as well." "Whatever you need. Now my terms." The Mandalorian leant back, resting against the cold metal wall behind him. The move revealed a large blaster rifle at his side. "Any conquests you make, you give us the right to assist in colonization and garrison. We'll help maintain defenses, and secure hubs. We get access to some of your more.... ilicet dealings as well." "Such as?" "A list of your bounty hunters and smugglers. Stuff like that. We need to know who to look out for in our intel." Elladan nodded. "All granted. We'll even throw in several thousand credits to use as you see fit. Will that be all?" "Absolutely. We're getting everything we need, and same for you. Do we have an accord?" The chiss's eyes gleamed. "You have my word." "Then it's settled." The Madalorian suddenly stood up. "I'll assume you'll be planet-side within the next hour. I'll await you there." stellarmagic Task Force Twelve was sitting on the Perlemian Trade Route with its gravity well generator equipped ship operating at full power. Outside the bridge viewport of the Hektor's Shield dozens of small civilian ships were being checked out as they were pulled from hyperspace.
Borill sat in the bridge command chair quietly studying the technical readouts of different vessels that had been spotted by imperial intelligence operatives that made up their foe's fleet. Among them were Tartan Cruisers, ancient vessels render obsolete mere months after the battle of Yavin.
Suddenly Commander Corak appeared by his side, "Admiral sir... we just got word from Imperial Intelligence."
Borill paused the hologram and took the datapad and keyed it... His cold blue eyes scanned the words measuring each ones weight then he stoped. The loud thump of his fist hammering the side of his command chair, "Damn!"
Commander Corak frowned, "The report has been confirmed by a number of sources sir, we've always tried to keep an eye on Mandalore. If this Mynock Ordo has authorized this alliance without the approval of the rest of the Mandalorian Tribes we could use it to our advantage. The current Mandalore won't be very happy with this deal."
"It isn't Mandalorian Politics that concerns me about this deal... Our blue skinned friend has just gotten exclusive access to the MandalMotors Shipyards." Borill frowned, "We're going to have to play this more aggressively then I anticipated."
Suddenly one fo the sensor operators stood from his post, "Sir, we've just picked up three warships and a convoy of supply vessels exiting hyperspace."
Commodore Kull didn't smile, "Our first catch of the day."
Borill stood and walked toward the sensor operator, "I want ship classes lieutenant."
"Yes sir, two Tartan Cruisers and one Corona-class Frigate. There are twenty-four additional ships, all freighters of different makes. Most are lightly armed. All ships bear Taris self-defense markings." The sensor operator glanced back at his displays.
Smiling Borill straightened and gestured to the comm officer, "Open a channel... Vessels of Taris heave too and prepare to be boarded. If we find evidence that your convoy is bound for the Chiss Warlord Elladan Kenet we will be forced to impound your vessels and take you in for questioning. If you resist we will use all necessary and proper force."
With that he stopped and nodded to the comm officer, then he turned to the fighter controller, "Captain, prepare to launch the 32nd Fighter Wing. I want to be able to respond immediately to any threat."
The comm officer glanced up from his displays once more, "Sir, the convoy is sending out a distress call!" Once Elladan was on the ground, the true negotiations began. The Dxun base was little more than a military base. There were hardly any women or children to be seen, and everywhere evidence of coming war screamed. As soon as Elladan's shuttle touched down, he was greated by Mynock. "Greetings, Commander. Welcome to Dxun." "My thanks, Ordo." Elladan motioned to the nearby hangar, where an old, decrepit basilisk war-droid sat. "That what I think it is?" "Sure is. That's a basilisk, the same one used by Mandalore Ordo. We managed to secure the wreckage after the Civil War, and we brought it home as a momento. We repaired it and used it several times since, but now it's little more than a relic." "I see. Well, it looks in fine shape anycase." He rubbed his blue hands together. "Now, what shall we discuss?" "Not much. I invited you down for an information exchange. I'll let you in once we reach past certain... barriers." "I understand. What would you like to know?" "How many planets I can ask for? My superiors won't be happy learning I've sanctioned an alliance, but if we can actually gain grounds on your movement, they'll support you completely." "So you do have superiors then?" Elladan offered, sitting down in one of the chairs brought forth. "Yes. I'm a commander and regional govenor, like yourself. I attend the Council of the Clans every year on Mandalore." "Must be an arduous journey indeed. So... Mandalore will support us if we can gain victory?" "Absolutely. We'll need an up-front gesture of good faith, and then we'll be on our way. I want to follow after you, and the Council has already allowed that much. Dxun's govenor will be replaced, and I will become part of your crew." "That's all acceptable." The chiss pulled out his comlink and contacted the ship. "See to it that the Mandalorians get 10,000 credit for their troubles." He turned back to Mynock. "Now, on our part, we want the Mandalorians to increase their pirate activities. My forces will know we're allies, but we must make it appear we're enemies still. Raid us as you would them, indiscriminately and taking anything of value. Hoard it, and then we'll split what there is. Our stuff will be returned to us. Anything else will go through your discretion." The mandalorian considered the deal, then nodded. "I see no reason not to agree. Ready to hear our info?" "If it pleases you..." "Fine. Mandalorian Intel has picked up local transmissions. Krayt's found out about you and hired a bothan to arm a small fleet and hunt you down." The chiss raised an eyebrow. He had expected as much. At least he had some forwarning now. "Anything else?" "Not yet. We don't know if he knows about youy other holdings, or what tech you're using-" The mandalorian was immediately cut off, as Elladan's comlink started beeping and vibrating; the set protocal in an emergency. He immediately picked it up. "Yes?" It was Sven. "Sir, we just got word from Taris. An interdictor has planted itself along the Perlimian Route, and has captured a supply fleet heading to Wayland. They request intercession." Elladan nodded. "Call Wayland. Have them send two of the new Victories, and has many other ships as can be spared without leaving Wayland undefended. How many ships will that be?" There was a brief pause before Sven answered. "Two Victories, Two Acclamantors, and several hundred fighters and bombers. Maybe some patrol cruisers. Taris will also send their Star Destroyer to assist." "Good enough. Send the transmission. We'll be there as soon as possible." He turned off his comlink and turned to Mynock. "Ready to test our allegiance?" The mandalorian grinned, cracking his knuckles. "Without a doubt. I never liked bothans anyway."
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Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 9:06 pm
The Wombat II-Frigates soared in at the convoy, their high powered weapons system ripping through the freighters with little more then glancing blows from their turbolasers. Squadrons of Predator fighters swarmed across the convoy blasting the freighters and engaging with ease the two insignificant fighters squadrons which had been deployed by the Corona-class Frigate.
The Corona-class Star Frigate slowly tumbled through space, damage and fires raging across its midsection. The vessel had taken a salvo of torpedoes from one of Borill's Stalwarth-class Star Destroyers and was now dead in space. Already one of the Tartans was gone, blown away by the concentrated firepower of the Revenge II-class Star Cruiser, its ancient shield systems and hull design ripped apart from the hundreds of turbolaser rounds that shot into its side. The other Tartan sat in the middle of the formation of freighters desperately trying to fend off the waves of predator fighters that were gourging themselves on the freighters.
Borill smiled as he watched two of his Wombat II-class Star Frigates move in close and tear the ship apart with their four quad heavy Turbolasers.
He walked down the catwalk of the bridge glancing only occasionally at the crew pit. His mind was focused on the battle, and the battle alone. Seeing the last Tartan flare into incandescent gas he turned back to the fighter controllers, "All squadrons, cease your attack. Launch Upsilon group, I want my fighters out protecting those transports." He glanced at his chronometer, "Thirty minutes... maybe a few more before any enemy reinforcements arrive." With a smile he turned back to the comm officer, "Order the Obsidian Knife, Hero of Corellia, and Trafalgar to jump out to Withdraw point Beta, and deactivate the gravity well generators until they're clear."
Outside the three Stalwarth-class Star Destroyers leapt out of sight. All that remained were six Wombat II Star Frigates and the Revenge II-class Star Cruiser. The tumbling hulk of the disabled Corona-class Star Frigate flashed as the transports docked with its hulk. Scattered around the hulk other transports began moving to grapple with the freighters. Then a brilliant white dagger dropped out of hyperspace along with a pair of Tartan-class Star Frigates.
The sensor operator was already calling out the bearings and classes, "Imperial Star Destroyer on a bearing from Taris as well as two Tartans. Two squadrons of XJ models X-wings are in close support."
The fighter controller glanced up from his post, "Transport Upsilon reports that they have completed all boarding operations and is on its way back."
"Additional contacts exiting hyperspace, their bearings are consistent with a jump from Wayland. I've got two Victory IV-class Star Destroyers, two Acclamator III-class Star Frigates, and another two squadrons of XJs. There are a couple predator squadrons in the mix too," The sensor operator was now a little excited.
Borill smiled, "Bravo Elladan Kenet, I didn't expect you to have constructed a second Victory so quickly." He glanced at Commodore Kull, "Begin a Toran Boral maneuver and instruct the our support ships to prepare for a Marg Sabl maneuver."
"Yes sir."
The first flashes of laser fire light up the night as the starfighters began to clash, "Flight control, launch all fighters."
A brilliant flash lit up the night as the Victorys began launching their concussion missiles. Eighty brilliant red and white streaks of plasma and warhead shot toward the frigates. The frigates responded by opening up with their laser cannons blasting away at the large slow missiles as they closed. They took out quite a few, but some where destined to get through. The flash of missile impacts lit up around the frigates, but on most their primary shield's held.
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Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:03 pm
Wondering the same thoughts as Freya, Gorwooken reluctantly let Ashe go, hand going for the Vibro-Axe on his belt. If either of them acted up, he'd probably be able to dismember them before they could get to Freya. To make sure, he stepped a little bit closer to her, and waited to hear Vaan's response.
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Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:10 pm
"Yes, I totally like say," Vaan answered, amused. Ashe cracked a smile.
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Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:14 pm
Gorwooken growled lunging forewards towards the blue man. He said, pulling his axe out of its holder. Truth be told, he was pissed as hell at this point, and quite needed a focal point for his rage, and this Imperial, ex or no, seemed like the perfect one.
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Posted: Wed Oct 04, 2006 10:14 pm
Freya looked over the Chiss pair, a slender blonde brow raised. "I was totally not aware there were Chiss in rural Corellia," she commented. "In any case, what brings you here?" She then placed a slender hand on Gorwooken's shoulder. "Like, let's see what they have to say,"
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 12:29 am
In a study that once was the dwelling chambers of one of Jabba's more important minions, Monks had laid out hard biscuits and tea for Link. His host, the Enlightened Monk known as Nat.
The Biscuits were stale, the tea bland, but Link ate and drank it all the same, unwilling to be so rude as to deny the Monk's considerable hospitality.
"So....you seek some sort of dataport left behind here by your ancestor, Correct?" Nat sumerised.
"Correct, Elder Nat." Link nodded after a sip of his tea. "It bears my Ancestor's seal. I was hopping that your order could show it to me."
The Brain droid paused to consider this for a moment before it responded.
"Well I do seem to recall a pirate coming in here and giving us a large amount of water in exchange for constructing something in the lower levels. I've personally never seen it, having already reached the enlightened stage long before Jabba had his little "accident." I believe we can help each other Jedi Darksun. For you see, we have a bit of a problem."
Link arched an eyebrow. "Such as?"
"It chased you here."
Link almost dropped his cup.
"Oro?!"
Elder Nat nodded, the fluid of his jar swishing. "Correct. The Tuskan Raiders refer to it as Rcaulkorortu, or the Swallower of Worlds. Over the years it has ruled as the undisputed master of the Dune Seas, attacking moisture farms, tusken camps, sandcrawlers, and even the town of Wayfar more recently. It even has defied attempts by the Tatooine government to have it exterminated by hunting parties. The Alliance never comes this far out on the Rim, no one does."
The Brain paused for a brief moment, tapping an uneasy metallic claw on the ground like one would drum their fingers.
"We of the B'omarr order are aware of the Jedi view on taking life, but if Rcaulkorortu is not slain, the entire region will become claimed by the unforgiving desert. And then, it might set its sights on Bestine, or Mos Espa, or even Mos Eisley. Jedi Darksun, we need you to stop this beast before the beast lives up to it's name and swallows up all life on this world."
Link sat quietly for a time, musing this over. Finally he drained the last of the bitter tea and set the cup on the table.
"It seems that comming to Tatooine was not one of choice, as this one had believed before. The Ecology and the inhabitants of this planet are certainly in peril because of this beast's abnormal size. To stand aside in this matter would be to resign many to a death that this one could have prevented. This one will help you however he can."
Link sighed as he rose to his feet. "He can not however do this alone. In this foreign enviroment, even this one would get lost and perish long before he encountered the beast again."
Elder Nat, seemingly much relieved by Link's declaration of aid, motioned for the young Jedi to follow. "Of course Jedi Darksun. Fortunately, our friends the Tusken Raiders can help you in this endevor. Several times they themselves have tried to kill the beast and they would know the terrain better than anyone else."
Link arched an eyebrow as he folded his hands inside the sleaves of his tunic. "Are the Tuskens not dangerous?"
"Not to the B'omarr Order. For many centuries we have aided one another in surving the perils of this dangerous world. They are one of our staunchest allies. And if you go with our good graces, there is a very good chance they wont kill you either."
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 3:13 am
The Imperial Page, along with her newly found droid and friend walked into the 'Spacer's Ball's' cantina, looking rather well-groomed and sophisticated in the midst of a den of pirates, smugglers, spice-dealers, bounty hunters, scoundrels, and general scum.
All eyes, most of them male and with a glint of lust behind them, turned on Vera. Her hand was quickly inserted into an inner fold of her tunic, gripping her lightsaber. But their interest soon faded and they went back to their drinks.
Ebony rolled up to the counter, near a computer terminal, and Vera sat down beside her, keeping her right hand close to the lightsaber. The screen of the wall terminal read, "Well, take your pick."
Vera smiled at Ebony and surveyed the room. There was certainly no shortage of uncouth types, but a few of the lot seemed more approachable. She caught the eyes of an older man, who held her gaze with bright, youthful, yet capable eyes. He crossed the cantina and sat a seat away from her. "Can I get you a drink, sweetheart?" he asked amiably, winking.
"No thank you."
He nodded and ordered a light ale from the bartender droid. He took a long swig and slammed the glass down, then paused, before finally turning to her. "It doesn't take a genious to figure out that you're not from around here. And from there it's easy to deduce you're probably not here for the same reasons." Vera said nothing, but nodded. He smiled and turned around on his stool, resting his elbows on the counter. "Might you be hiring, rather than looking for, work? I'll have you know I'm probably the most seasoned veteran here."
She nodded again. "I might be. But being of higher tastes and needs, I need more than the word of a an ex-military battleship crewman to feel I can trust them."
He blinked in genuine surprise, then smiled sincerely. "Clever lass, aren't you?"
"Not necessarily. Your gait, your eyes, your manner of speaking, especially amidst these people. You glow Imperial, and I've certainly seen it before." She gave him a knowing look.
"I see," he said, "so you too are... ah, of course. And for your age, you must be..." he leaned closer, "A Knight? Or a Page?"
She smiled. "How would you like to be the pilot of the Omega-class shuttle, Star of Kalustha?"
He beamed at her. "I'd be honored... I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name," he extended a hand.
"Vera. Indeed an Imperial Page. And you?"
"Captain Gadus Thaffor'en, at your service, Vera." He took her hand and kissed it.
She smiled at him. "Shall we discuss payment now or later? I still need a few more crewmembers."
"There's no need for payment Vera. Unlike the current Empire, I believe in honor and fighting to protect the greater good. As I understand it, the Knights are a much greater good than the Sith. But as for the other crewmembers, I believe I can arrange for us to meet some others."
He stood and gestured to the door, and she followed him out.
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 5:41 am
Aurora also reconized the Chiss woman. She pulled out her blaster and kept it at the ready if she needed to fire it. "And give us one good reason why we should trust what you say." she demanded, her suspicious nature kicking in.
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 9:34 am
"That's alright my dear," Sunum says to Iria" if you wish I can have Iust find some of his old clothes to wear if you want get out of your armor for a while."
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Posted: Thu Oct 05, 2006 10:00 am
"That would be nice," Iria replied cheerily, smiling to the older man.
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