Defying Gravity

[Aurora Blackwood]

OOC: This thread takes place at the same time as the attacks on Corellia which take place at the same time as the Kaggath. Aurora is wearing Rebel Trooper Armor without a helmet She also has one additional saber (her master’s blue lightsaber).

Unrest was rising. As the power of the Empires began to wane, the people of the galaxy slowly remembering who they were. War was returning and oppression was ending. The Darkside quivered as the Light began to spread. Soon the Empire would shake as they had not in 500 years. The Kaggath between Emperor and Empress had drawn the eyes of both the Old Empire and the New. Billions of citizens were locked into the battle for supremacy. This played directly into the Alliance’s hand. Imperial Hutta was a powder keg just waiting for a match. Without careful oversight from the Republica, Hutta was just a step away from complete collapse. The Alliance was ready to give a gentle push over the edge. Chaos was what they needed and the Imperial Hutta could bring Chaos.

That was why Aurora was on Nar Shadda. The planet was still the constant hum of illegal activity it had always been, just with a few more Imperial flags flying. She blended in among the crowds just as she would have 500 years ago. Her armor was careful concealed beneath loose flowing brown robes. Robes that were travel worn and travel tattered. Her blaster was strapped to her left hip, and her Lightsabers were carefully hidden up her sleeves. Aurora’s mental walls were high and her Force signature suppressed to a pinprick. She could not afford to take chances this deep in Imperial space. Aurora had to be careful.

Their purpose here was simple. There was growing unrest in the lower levels of Nar Shadda. The Alliance had gotten wind of a particularly angry cell. A group that was prepared to take to the streets. Aurora and her companions would ensure they did that, today. Of course, she wasn’t thrilled about her partners. Oh she liked Tyler, but Aurora was not pleased Arda had insisted on coming. She still worried for her young student. She knew she could not baby the young girl. It did not make it any easier. She walked beside Arda now and leaned in close. Master Orady’s blue bladed saber hilt slipped into her hand. She carefully handed it to Arda, ensuring the hilt remained concealed by the sleeves of her robe. “Don’t use it unless you absolutely must. Aurora kept her voice low, constantly sweeping her eyes back and Force as they walked. @GABA @Faster Than Light

 

[Tyler Ward]

How perfect, all eyes are on that Kaggath that's going down between the Empress Lyanna and Darth Vrael. And with that going on, it doesn't seem like anywhere will care if some Rebels do rebel things in the former Hutt space. Now they are on Nar Shaddaa and today a rebel cell is going to be making an uprising against it's ineffectual Imperial overlords. These people are ready to see the Imperials off this world.

With Aurora and Arda, Tyler would be taking cues from Aurora on how to blend in. A well-traveled poncho that would conceal his armor and gear with most of his person, he'd pretty much look like your average lower city ecumenopolis resident. The ex-Imperial Agent didn't bring his helmet with him either, but he brought everything else. Underneath his poncho Tyler would have his pistol holstered on his right hip. He would have his vibroblade sheathed on his left side. His blaster rifle would hanging down resting on his right side on a sling.

Tyler was flanking Aurora to her left. His eyes caught what appears to be Aurora passing something along to the other woman, Arda. He couldn't see what it was because Aurora made sure it was concealed but didn't really pay it any mind. Probably a spare pistol or something.

No matter though, the ex-Imperial Agent is ready for action, he is prepared to grab on a weapon (which are all mounting a fresh powerpack) and ready spring in action on the first sign of trouble as he has his eyes peeled in front of him. His jetpack is also set on combat mode on his wrist controls. Imperial control or not, at the end of the day this is still Nar Shaddaa, one should always be on their toes. Now it is only a matter of 'when' the fire-works will start.

@GABA @Valen Pelora

 

[Arda Breaux]

As soon as she heard the call and saw that Master Aurora was going to Nar Shaddaa, Arda would not leave her Master alone, following her throughout the halls of the rebel base, giving reason after reason until the Jedi Master allowed her to attend the mission with her. However, now that they were here, the girl was filled with both eagerness and nerves, she had never done anything like this before, her tactics were more subtle in execution into a more colorful display that seemed to cause many Imperials unease. It wasn't to say she wouldn't do the same here, having brought with her a can of spray paint...just in case the opportunity came.

She stayed close to Aurora, finding Nar Shaddaa to be a new sensation entirely as it was her first time on the popular crime world in the second heart of Imperial space. The tension in the air was as thick as hutt drool and the girl was certain she could easily be shot if she looked the wrong way. Though, overall, the girl blended in; she was glad she didn't wear a poncho also, as their companion Tyler Ward had chosen to do so, but instead wore a shawl that draped over her shoulders and her armor, covering her top half. Her hair was tied back, keeping it from draping over her good ear as she kept her focus to her surroundings. Arda did her best to minimize her own presence in the Force though, it wasn't like the Jedi Master's ability, but enough not to draw immediate attention to either of them as they went to take their positions. As they walked, Aurora leaned in closer, slipping the Padawan a distinct cylindric object, cautioning (albeit Arda didn't hear every word due to her being on Aurora's right) her of its use as the girl suppressed her excitement as she knew exactly what it was without entirely looking at it.

She adjusted her shawl as she concealed the saber, keeping it hidden as her Master instructed. Her attention turned to some yelling from a bar entryway and Arda swore this place was nothing but drinking establishments, which may work to their advantage: alcohol plus emotions plus anti-Imperial sentiment...

Regardless, dawn was rising on a new era and Arda was ready to meet it.

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light

 

[Varyn Rask]

This wasn't Varyn Rask's first time on Nar Shaddaa, and he was sure it wouldn't be his last. His business was driven by crime, and crime was thriving on this world. Spice, women, drink, gambling: whatever your vice was, you could find it on the smuggler's moon. For Varyn, it had been the allure of anonymity and the availability of illicit materials: explosives, weapons, and more. It was a world that was easy to become lost on.

It was all the more valuable to have that when he traveled with the pair he moved with now. Aliens weren't well looked on in the Imperial Republica, but on Nar Shaddaa people didn't even cast a second glance. He'd been surprised when they'd met and the pair already knew one another, but when you each met poking around on the dead desert worlds, it shouldn't have been surprising. It was a small interest pool, it seemed.

Despite the "tournament" under way, Varyn didn't find himself setting aside the time to watch it. The Empire needed rebuilding, and the more he considered it, the less he thought either of the current schools were enough to get it done. They needed a radical shift, and he wasn't sure that would be achieved at this fight. He wasn't sure the Empress knew what she'd gotten herself into, and just having the last name "Drast" didn't mean you were Andraste. Their recently "lost" Elix had demonstrated that. As for Vrael... that was its own entire issue. The man was old and impotent. Even if he won, the Imperial Republica wasn't going to fall in line: all that would come from this was more death and detriment to the Empire.

Varyn's clothes seemed to whip up in an unnatural wind from nearby ventilation system that smelled of the sweet and sickly scent of spice. He'd abandoned his mask here, and hopefully not for the worse. At the end of the day, it was easier to move around with Imperial Republica credentials.

It spilled from a building that the trio were here for. Unrest on Nar Shaddaa was stronger every day. The galaxy seemed to be holding its breath before a great plunge, but what that would look like, Varyn had yet to discover. A death of an Emperor or Dark Lord? The revelation of a new threat? Something else entirely? Whatever it was, it had Varyn even more on edge than normal. It also had led Varyn to this location. The information passed along to him pointed to this being a particular hotspot that had the potential to explode... especially depending on the results of the duel.

The streets were mostly empty of any passers, and Varyn had taken up position at the mouth of an alley adjacent to the building in question, leaving his saber where it was and merely stood there. He heard the occasional hoop and whoop mixed with lots of booing that he assumed had to be from the duel. That was when he saw another three people wandering the street, seemingly moving with a purpose and walking very closely together. Wait... one of them seemed somewhat familiar? A face he couldn't quite place, but enough to make Varyn stiffen just slightly. Shouting from a nearby bar entrance only drew a moment's glance from Varyn, but something was odd here. Oh, yeah, and one of them had a jetpack. Poncho or not, that was visible, and seemed odd. @Valen Pelora @GABA @Faster Than Light @Sreeya @Orbit

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha had originally arrived on the planet for a job at the Lusty Lekku. She stayed because she knew about the potential benefits the Empire stood to gain if these planets could be swayed to shift allegiances. She was very low on the chain of command, but that didn’t mean she couldn’t make moves to make her mark. Tasha had met both Zul and Corax prior to this, and she had formed a respectable working relationship with both. They had shared sentiments about the stagnation in the Order they were in. Of course, she still hadn’t worked out that Corax was actually part of the Republica.

She had joined him in getting a feel for the shady parts of the planet. Unlike her usual dresses, she was adorned in standard armor. Despite owning a blaster, she didn’t have it on her today. She did, however, have her twin sabers on her, albeit concealed. Tasha didn’t wear a helmet, finding such things silly. She was far too beautiful to let something like a helmet block it. Her solid yellow eyes were keenly taking in all her surroundings, following the men towards the mouth of the alley.

Tasha noticed Corax freeze up, and she followed his line of sight. She could sense one of the figures in the Force, but just barely. There was something off about the signature - it felt more than a regular being, but not entirely Sith. It wasn’t pronounced enough for her to make sense of it, but her focus was on the jetpack. Her eyes narrowed. Mandalorian.

“Aren’t you missing out on all the fun in Corellia?” She called out to the figure with the jetpack, “Don’t you jarheads proudly show off your ridiculous armor? Where’s yours?” While none of the Sith could tell they were across Jedi, the Jedi could very easily tell they had just stumbled upon three Sith.

 

[Zul Kressh]

Zul really had no purpose to be on Nar Shadda. His people weren't common here and most of his kind usually detested planets like these and he was among one of them. He came because of Corax though, the man requesting him to come to help and Zul did owe the man. Tasha was here as well and that was a welcome surprise, the woman usually making the most boring of circumstances quite interesting. They all have met before this moment and each Zul respected, Corax earning through his time of being his "champion" and Tasha with her unique and flexible skill set. With all of them sharing the same belief that the Empire was a structure with cracks in its foundation that would eventually lead to it's despise, it gave them all a strong working relationship.

Zul was dressed in his Sith battle armor, it mixed with his overcoat as the tail of it hovered over the ground slightly. He carried his two sabers as well, each clipped to his built and hidden from view with his blaster there as well. Zul currently wore his mask as well, hiding his natural race's crimson features and unique look. In a place such as this, he wasn't who appreciated the looks and stares like Tasha was. Catching Corax freeze slightly as well, Zul traced his gaze afterward and found the tight-knit trio and one with a jetpack. Tasha was quick to call them out on it, believing them to be Mandorlians because of it. They would definitely be able to recognize the three were Sith, Zul's attire alone confirming it with the mask that came with the armor.

The Pureblood stepped further to the side of into the empty street, putting a few meters of distance between him and the other two and on the suspicious' trio's left side and more facing the one with the jetpack. She was right, while Zul has personally never met a Mandalorian yet, he heard enough stories that they never left their armor, no matter what. Zul spoke after Tasha asked her question, "Well, maybe they aren't Mandalorians then." Of course, the Sith didn't one hundred percent know but he had a hunch. Zul's eyes didn't leave the three, his senses alert as the force built around him in a manner to just be prepared. They had done nothing wrong yet, but the street was completely empty of normal civilians and these three did seem to have a purpose to come here.

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

Nar Shadda smelled. An awful stench manufactured by garbage, poor hygiene, and other functions. The lower levels were even more putrid. Aurora seemed to have forgotten just how terribly a great mass of beings could smell when jammed together. Too much time in clean air and wide open spaces. Aurora carefully pulled her turtle neck up to cover her nose. She did her best to ensure her movements didn’t revel the armor concealed beneath her robes. Yikes, the fabric barely helped with the smell. Aurora, Arda, and Tyler continued their walk towards the gathering. She was always watching and noticed the bar door about five meters to their right. She had zero desire to go in there. Loud, drunk idiots were the last thing she wanted to deal with.

Well, turns out that was a lie. It started as a tingle in the back of her neck, a sensation she had felt too many times. They were being watched. It didn’t take long to figure out where from, because their fun little watchers shouted something odd about Mandalorians. Mandalorians? Oh right, the kriffing jet pack. Tyler thought a poncho was an invisibility cloak. Aurora didn’t say a word when the woman called out. There was literally no question in her mind what these three were. They didn’t hide in the Force, for there was no reason for them to hide. They were right at home in the Empire. They were Sith. She carefully watched as the masked man moved from the alley. He was closer to Tyler now. The woman and her broody partner were still close together in the ally. That edginess seemed vaguely familiar. Where had she seen it before?

The little band of Sith was about 15 meters from the equally fun Alliance buddies. There was another alley between the Sith and Rebels across from the bar. Aurora wasn’t exactly sure what to do. The Sith maybe thought they were Mandalorians, that wasn’t good, but neither Aurora or Arda were armored as such. She could also attack first. She doubted the Sith had any idea she was Force Sensitive, but that would certainly lead to a fight and reveal the truth. There were no good options. So Aurora took some steps forward to place a little distance between herself, Tyler, and Arda. Subtly she put herself between Arda and the Sith. She was two meters away from Tyler and one away from Arda. Her kept her hands very visibly at her sides. She didn’t speak, rather just trying to be non-threatening. Every movement she made was meant to seem as chill as possible. @Faster Than Light @GABA @Sreeya @Phoenix @Orbit

 

[Arda Breaux]

Of all the things Arda could hear and not hear, she certainly heard a female voice yell out to their companion, she was uncertain at first who the blue woman was yelling at, but it occurred to her quickly when she followed her line of sight. Arda rolled her eyes, if one thing was certain in all the galaxy was the Empire was full of bullies, and Arda had personally felt the Mandalorians were in their right to strike back as they have been doing. The galactics were tired of the heavy fist of the Empire, a change was needed and it would come, wasn't that the purpose of this mission? Wasn't that the purpose of Corellia? Perhaps this was a more delicate situation than Arda had realized and have yet to come to realize, but in the bigger picture, the first steps must be taken if something was going to be done.

"Shouldn't you all be watching your all-holy Rulers throw caviar at one another?" she glanced up at her Master seeing her pull the lip of her turtle neck over her nose and Arda sighed as the Jedi Master had placed herself between her and the Sith trio. Aurora was quiet, she wasn't saying anything and it made Arda question if she should have remained quiet too, instead Arda stepped beside Aurora and placed on fist on her hip, deciding she could start now, but it was short-lived. One of the Sith (@Orbit) from the group stepped out from the ally and Arda eyed him carefully as he suggested they may not have been Mandalorian at all. Her brow narrowed and her eyes followed back to the blue woman and then back to the edgelord in the street in front of them.

"So what? We don't need ridiculous beskar to kick ass anyways." Arda snapped back at the sith (@Sreeya), elbowing Aurora, "Right?" a coy smirk had formed on the girl's lip, she was certain the Morellian woman was having flashbacks to their first meeting when Arda just couldn't help herself with their encounter with an Imperial patrol. It was kind of like that now, though unfortunately, Arda was certain there weren't any street punks looking to throw old doird oil at these Sith in order to distract everyone.

@Faster Than Light @Valen Pelora @Orbit @Phoenix @Sreeya

 

[Tyler Ward]

Those people in that bar are really rowdy. Could hear them from a mile away. Not exactly, but close enough. Not only that, these lower cities are a total cesspit. Way worse than the lower cities of both Courscant on Taris. Not unexpected though. And before he knew it, there was a trio of Sith that appeared. Tyler doesn't need the Force to know that those three are Sith, since they pretty much scream 'Sith' with what they are wearing. Well. This might get a little complicated he thought.

Tyler looked at the admittedly attractive blue-skinned woman as she spoke, and she sure wasted no time. At first he wondered if she instantly knew that they were Galactic Alliance rebels up to no good here. But she was speaking to him specifically and referred to him as a 'jarhead' along with the rest of what she said and he had a slightly puzzled look on him as he didn't quite get what she meant by that until he remembered he had a jetpack on him after the masked Sith suggested that he may not be a Mandalorian. Yeah, that makes sense.

Well that's a first. Being mistaken for a Mandalorian. Never thought that would ever happen to him.

Tyler eyed the Sith trio and was cautious. Hopefully Arda's remarks, as funny as they were, especially one about the Sith rulers and caviar doesn't incite a fight. Anyways, Tyler would answer back in regards to him being presumed as a Mandalorian. "Yeah, not a Mandalorian." he stated as a matter-of-factly and shook his head.

The young rebel was still cautious, he didn't make any overt movements yet although still prepared to act if need be.

@Sreeya @Phoenix @Orbit
@GABA @Valen Pelora

 

[Varyn Rask]

Mandalorians. The thought stuck in his head as soon as he heard it. It made perfect sense with what he'd seen. His eyes flashed around the three strangers, and each second that ticked by more pieces of the puzzle slipped into place. The man claimed they weren't Mandalorians, the younger woman said they didn't need beskar, but the older woman...

It finally clicked into place. Ah, yes, they were Mandalorians. And not just any Mandalorians, but the trouble-making kind. Yes, you are. I remember you. You were on Anoat with that Solus woman, he said as he walked forward and addressed the eldest Jedi woman. His saber hilt was now in his hand, seemingly manufactured out of thin air in case they got any ideas. The Force seemed to dance between his fingers as his heart began to race. There was the slim chance they opted to come quietly, but if they were Badgers, that wouldn't happen.

We have a few questions for you, he said. If they were up to no good, they would surely draw their weapons at any moment, but if there was one thing Varyn knew, it was that the Solus Badgers were up to no good wherever they went, and if they were here on Nar Shaddaa, it was going to be bad news. A "coincidence" that they were around a hot zone... no, Varyn didn't believe in coincidences. His Master had trained that right out of him. @Valen Pelora @GABA @Faster Than Light @Sreeya @Orbit

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

“Solus?” Tasha hissed as Varyn pointed out the people across from them. She didn’t display it externally, but rage boiled within her veins at the name. The insufferable clan was a perpetual problem for the Sith. They were making a name for themselves within Republica space, and rumor had it they had also killed some Sith from the Old Empire. The clan didn’t discriminate and constantly served as a thorn to everyone’s sides. As Corax mentioned having some questions, Tasha rolled her eyes, drawing a saber hilt to her right hand.

“I don’t have any questions,” She muttered quietly as she rapidly coiled the Force around the younger girl (@GABA) across from her. Tasha was aware of the others standing by her, but she counted on the two men with her to keep them at bay. Both Corax and Zul were quick on the uptake when it came to fighting. Tasha focused solely on the girl, grasping her with the Force to yank her towards herself. The girl would skid across the alley, directly in the path of her comrades and be closer within fighting distance.

Assuming the girl didn’t do much to resist, this would put her within striking range of Tasha. She kept an eye out for any sudden movements from her, prepared to adjust as needed. Her saber switched on to prepare any deflections needed as her pull began. She knew this was a conversation better had with blades than words.

@Orbit

 

[Zul Kressh]

Well things just seemed to deteriorate once Varyn mentioned that one of them was spotted with the Solus clan. The man stepped forward to ask them questions and the moment his lightsabers went into his hand so did Zul's. A lightsaber in each hand as the force continually built around him. The younger one of the bunch, (@GABA) seemed quite ready for a fight while the other tried to pass that they still weren't Mandalorians, certainly not painting a helpful picture that they were innocent. Either way, it was enough to light Tasha's fuse and she immediately went for the younger one, pulling the girl towards herself.

Zul was far enough away from the younger girl that she couldn't try to strike out at him as she was pulled. Either way, the Sith activated his right lightsaber, the crimson blade striking out as he kept it at the ready. His other lightsaber remained deactivated as the force played between his fingers as well on the left. He kept his senses alert in case the younger girl tried to get an attack on him but paid attention to the other two, waiting to see how they would react.

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light @GABA

 

[Arda Breaux]

"Solus? Noo-" Arda shook her head, disagreeing with the Sith trio's assumption about who they are, however, being accused of being part of the badger clan made for anyone a bad day, especially if you were being accused by the wrong side, and especially if that name seemed to ignite a burning passion of rage within the Sith across from you. However, Arda was beginning to see a pattern within the Sith and making assumptions, she certainly has been accused of some wild things and wasn't sure if this was worse than being called a psychopathic bombmaker. But that rage and passion in the desire to seek revenge that fueled the dark side didn't stop, and Arda could feel it, she could feel it as the blue woman called for her saber and she could feel it when she was wrapped in its cold tendrils, jutting her forward towards the Sith woman.

The Sith blade ignited as Arda stumbled forward looking to gain some control, but there wasn't control, her options felt limited as she tried to physically resist and she turned to her instincts, trusting within the Force. She knew it was probably Master Aurora's last resort, but it seemed the most rational as the hilt of Master Orady’s lighstaber snapped to her palm and ignited. Her feet planted and the snap-hiss of the blue blade echoed against the walls of the buildings and the light of the Force burned brightly within the girl.

She breathed in deeply, her blade posed in defense, it was clear she was not a Mandalorian, "Surprise, bitch." Arda stated flatly, but a small coy smile began to form, her eyes focused on the Sith woman. The girl's senses were alive though, feeling the area and the people around her, readying herself for what the Sith tried to do next, she would admit, she liked facing a red saber of a Sith now that she had some leverage of her own. It was going to be worth the chastising from Master Aurora later...she hoped.

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light

 

[Tyler Ward]

Of course. The rebels are thought to be Mandalorians, in which they really aren't, but apparently that one Sith saw Aurora with a Mandalorian woman. Not just any Mandalorian woman though, a Clan Solus woman. Everyone who isn't living under a rock knows who Clan Solus are and what they've done. Well, everyone can tell where this is headed. The tension in the air was palpable thus far. Tyler started grasping his holstered pistol. It's pretty inevitable that this is going to get a bit... messy.

The rebels have came here to do Rebel things so he would rather not be interrogated by a bunch Sith. Tyler drew his holsted pistol with his right hand and had it pointed at the Sith a distance away in front of him (@Orbit) after Vask said he wanted to ask the suspected Mandalorians questions. Tyler would fire fast-paced three shots for now. First shot would be headed towards Zul's left thigh, the rest he would send heading towards his left ribs and lastly his right shoulder. He'd still be ready to fire more if needed and he still has the other Sith in his primary line of sight. The fast-paced shots and the locations should make the shots at least more difficult for Zul to manage accurate deflects.

While also firing those shots, Tyler also would have his left hand close to where his vibroblade is, ready to draw it out in case.

@Orbit @Sreeya @Valen Pelora @GABA

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

Aurora sort of blew their cover. She should have recognized the edgy one from Anoat. That brood was one of a kind. The worst part was their cover was technically still intact, it just didn’t manner. The Sith thought they were Clan Solus which meant there would be no talking their way out of this. The moment sir-scowls-a-lot spoke of Clan Solus, Aurora was on edge. She was still far enough away that she could keep an eye on all three of them. As the Sith walked forward everything went to kark. Sabers snapped into both male’s hands at near the same time. Between Aurora walking slightly forward to protect Arda, and human Sith’s walk, they were now only separated by about 12 meters. The bar was still 5 meters to her right, the alley 3 meters to her left.

When the man asked about questions Aurora felt the Force whip out towards Arda. Her only warning was the boiling rage in the Sith. At the same time the familiar sound of blaster fire rang out from Tyler. She had a choice a make in that slip second. She knew where this was headed, and couldn’t play games any longer. Aurora followed Tyler’s lead. She had to believe Arda could take care of herself, she had trained Arda to take care of herself. She pulled her blaster from the holster on her right hip as the man finished speaking. She fired two quick bolts, one aimed at his pelvis and the other his left leg. She hoped that would make them more difficult to deflect.

What happened next shocked Aurora to her core. She felt the Force roar through Arda. The pull had not yanked her to the Sith. Instead, the familiar snap-hiss of a Lightsaber burst into the air. A radiant blue blade was in Arda’s hand. Well. Kriff. She didn’t hesitate, for there was only once true choice. The Force ripped from Aurora right hand, aiming at the masked Sith. Her goal was to blast him in the chest with a Force push. The silver hilt of her Lightsaber followed into that same hand as her blaster dropped to the street. Her brilliant orange blade sprang to life in an instant. The Force began pooling in her left hand. Aurora dropped all pretense and let the Lightside flow through her. Every inch of her strength in the Force was laid bare. The torrent of Light coursed through her body. She didn’t speak. She didn’t need to speak. Of course, she was careful not to forget the other Sith. @Orbit @Faster Than Light @GABA @Phoenix @Sreeya

 

[Tasha Blackwell]

Tasha still had the Force coiled around the woman when the man that was with the group leveled his gun and began to shoot. The blue Sith simply capitalized on her hold, realizing that the man shot from a very disadvantageous position. As the woman she had coiled the Force around hadn’t resisted, Tasha had a small measure of control before the woman eventually would break out. As a result, she yanked the woman to the side (a very mild adjustment from already pulling the woman forward) as the man’s blasts came towards Zul. The intent was to put the woman directly in the path of the bolts, and it would be near impossible for her to do anything about it as they came from behind her. The other woman was already focused on attacking two opponents, and the man with them was committed to firing off his three shots - at least two of which would go into the back of the woman’s torso.

As she did the yank, Tasha’s eyes widened when she saw the blue saber. There was a flash of fear in her eyes, something she hadn’t displayed or felt in a very long time. Her blood ran cold, and she still hadn’t completely processed that she was looking at a Jedi. Nevertheless, if her attempt didn’t work, and in case her allies decided to try something after this volley, she was prepared with her saber in the way of her torso and ready to deflect any other bolts. Why people thought using blasters in an alley so close to their own friends was a good idea was beyond her.

 

[Varyn Rask]

It seemed that Varyn had misjudged. They weren't Mandalorians at all... they were something far worse. He had heard about the return of Jedi on Corellia, but he hadn't expected to find more here. How many were there? What were they doing here? There weren't answers, yet, and right now it was just a matter of not dying so he didn't dwell on any of it.

A flip of the switch on his saber and it sprang to life, buzzing and humming as he closed the distance between he and the Jedi Master. A pair of blaster bolts spat out from her, and Varyn responded in kind. He let the Force guide his movements, and his blade came swung in from his right side, catching the shot at his pelvis and sending it in to the ground. The second shot, however, was more specifically aimed.

A flick of his wrist along the same path as the blaster shot was coming (but in the opposite direction) sent the shot back on a collision course with the Jedi Master at her center of mass. With the woman already having transitioned her attention to attacking Zul, no saber in hand, and not watching for a gunshot (since he didn't have a gun and she didn't seem to be watching for the deflection) she wouldn't have time to suddenly miraculously dodge out of the way. She would inevitably take the shot, though where on her body, he wasn't totally sure.

 

[Zul Kressh]

The Jedi, they were here. Zul had heard reports that they were alive and involved with the attack on Corellia. Now here he was with them right in front of him. Now that they were caught they no longer hid their signatures and flooded with the Light Side. It disgusted Zul to sense but he couldn't stop his exhilaration at being in combat with a Jedi. He preferred to never pull his blade but this was completely worth it. Despite it, Zul focused his mind needing it if he wanted to live through this encounter. His gaze had remained on the two in front of him, seeing Tyler pull out his blaster to fire at him and Aurora firing her own blaster at Varyn.

When Tyler shot Zul sensed that Tasha had directed Arda towards him as a sort of shield and in front of the laser bolts that came at him. Zul immediately stepped backward, putting distance between him and the girl so she still couldn't strike out with her saber, using the force he had between his fingers already to latch onto Arda and hold her in place in front of him. He didn't intend to keep her there forever but long enough to keep her stuck so that the bolts connected into her if she couldn't break free. The bolts would take a second to fly into her back and his grip would last just as long and dissipate if it didn't work. With Zul's gaze remaining forward the entire time, he saw the third bolt flying in toward his right shoulder and he simply flicked the blade on the same side to deflect it into a nearby wall.

With Zul's gaze still remaining forward, he only had to flick his eyes to see Aurora send a concussive blast of the force directed at his chest. With some distance still between the two, Zul simply dashed right to avoid the blast as it instead hit the wall behind him. The Sith would now be on Tasha's right side, letting her deal with Arda if the girl still lived through the bolts. Zul's focus was back on Tyler, his senses alert as he started to close the distance between them, his left saber activating as he kept his senses alert in case anyone attempted another attack on him.

 

[Arda Breaux]

Arda was not even sure what had happened until after the shots had hit and the echo of the blaster fire bounced back into her good ear. In mere moments earlier she had felt herself being yanked forward like a toy until she was frozen in place by the efforts of the two Sith. Tyler, had fired his blaster, the first shot that was aimed for the Sith's left thigh struck her in her own right thigh, just below the buttocks and a second one burned into her right flank. There was a third shot, it passed her, but she could still feel the heat of the bolt pass the side of her face as it targeted the Sith's right shoulder, who flicked it away with saber as though it were nothing. However, the Light of the Force was still with her and the moment Zul shifted his focus to avoid the Force blast from Aurora, Arda pressed through her pain releasing the energy from the tips of her fingers into the Sith woman.

The control she would hopefully regain would only cause her to drop to the ground in the pain, the blue saber extinguished as she released it, the silver hilt hitting the ground. She could barely move her right leg and she couldn't catch her breath, each inhale was accompanied by wheezing as she tried to push herself back to her hands and knees. Her mind was trying to shift into survival mode as she fought to stay focused, her thoughts still reeling from being shot by her own teammate. The girl's eyes widened as she saw the silver glint of the saber hilt and reached out for it, calling it to her grasp, only to see it wiggle under her pull, but would not come. Doubt grew as the pain became more intense in her back and through her entire body.

Her movements were slower than she anticipated as she reached for her own blaster, but fell off balance, the duracreate was wet against her cheek with her own sweat and her eyes fell on her Master in a plea for her help. Her breathing was still labored as she tightly gripped her blaster, her senses reaching outwards feeling the torrential battle that raged within the Force as she tried to find herself a way to safety.

However, the feeling to just rest loomed on the horizon and it had been years since she had slept well.

@Valen Pelora @Faster Than Light @Sreeya @Orbit @Phoenix

 

[Aurora Blackwood]

Tyler was still to her left, now ahead of Aurora and between Aurora and Varyn. She had not forgotten the spooky Sith could deflect her shots. That was one of the single greatest advantages of a saber. However, she had taken the risk of focusing on two opponents and she paid for that risk. As the man stepped forward he deflect both shots. One was deflected directly back towards Aurora. The man was still about 10 meters away when the reflected bolt came screaming towards Aurora. She had been pooling the Force in her body and flooded her limbs with the Light. She was moving with all the speed the Force could provide. It did not save her from the blaster bolt. The bolt ripped into her chest. Her armor made a horrible noise as the bolt impacted. The first degree burn was unmistakable. However, she was able to maintained her concentration though the pain.

Aurora was of course careful not to run into Tyler, he was about a meter in front of her. She was only 3 meters from the alley. With the speed of the Force she would cross that distance in a the blink of an eye. She was careful to watch for Tyler being used against her or any machinations of the Sith. The Sith would lose line of sight on her once she reached the alley and was dashing behind Tyler.

Aurora had felt Arda’s pain, she had felt the sorrow in the Force. Aurora simply didn’t know what else to do. Tyler had shot Arda in the back. They were facing three Sith and she was but one Jedi. She was a failure now and she didn’t know what to do. Kriff, she really didn’t know what to do. The Sith would have to go through Tyler to reach her in the alley. She did not want to leave them. Her heart begged her to stay, but Aurora was breaking.

The alley was of course not a dead end, and several branches extended to her right and left. She reached out in the Force one last time. Typically, she would need to see Arda to work the Force but it could be done. Aurora and Arda were Master and Student, bonded by more than training. She could feel Arda in the Force, she could see the girl in her minds eye. She wrapped the Force around Arda and pulled her as quickly as possible towards the alley.

Aurora prayed Tyler had the good sense to provide cover and avoid Arda. She was careful to stay aware of the three pulsating dark signature in the Force. If she felt Tyler fall or Arda’s movement be halted Aurora would flee down the alley. If the Sith got within 5 meters she would flee down the alley. If Arda made it to the alley, she would do the same. No matter what, she could feel her soul darkening. What was happening?

OOC: Exit Thread