In That Gaping Abyss We Will Find Our Redemption

Ke Pasa

Blood Carver - Hunter
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@Reyn, @Raydo, @Scott, Open To Anyone Else Who Would Like To Join

Kashyyyk,
Platforms Overlooking The Shadowlands,
Dusk,

Tight, pale-blue eyes scanned over the venerable sea of darkness stretching out between the might canopies of the titanic Kashyyyk forests. Even the alien sight, shaped and engineered by millenniums of evolution for hunting within forests, could not pierce that darkness for more than a fraction longer than a human would. Although the Blood Carver species were arboreal as well by the nature of their own home planet, the forests that molded them were not as extreme or gloom-stricken. Ke Pasa never saw his ancestral lands, even during the two decades he spent touring the galaxy with the Galactic Alliance. All that he knew of them were tales passed down through his displaced tribe's history, stories about vibrant forests of crimson and gold, stretches of wilderness where his iridescent golden carapace served as a natural camouflage. Kashyyyk was different though- dark, foreboding, so ridiculously gigantic as if the entire planet was shaped by some twisted, megalomaniac mind. Looking into that gaping abyss Ke Pasa found it surprising that planet with such a malevolent aura at its heart bore such a honorable and benevolent people as the Wookiees.

He would have to find time to reflect upon Kashyyyk and its nature later on however, as he did not come there for sight-seeing and meditation. His beaked snout flickered up, searching for glimpses of sunlight through the crowns of thick branches and leaves above. Few could be seen now, visibly colored with amber and crimson. Night was approaching fast, and with it the time of their hunt. As Ke Pasa grabbed his helmet, resting on a hand-rail post near him, he hoped that in this hunt he will finally find his redemption and that the Terentatek's head will be his ticket back home and an end to his Extension.

The insectoid hunter slipped the elongated full helmet on, its metal plates encasing over his head and giving off a light hiss of an air seal being completed. The silvery metal pieces of his Ranger armor were caked in Kashyyyk dirt and mug, grime from the Shadowlands he smeared over his hunting armor as a layer of camouflage, and mask to his scent and heat. He turned back from the railing then, his hunting blaster rifle slung on his back, his sheathed vibrosword, Westar-1 pistol, and a hunting vibroblade all hanging at various points on his belt. He was currently on one of the lower circular vantage platforms, jutting out from the skyscraper-thick trunk of a tree like a horizontal fungus. It was one of the platforms with direct access to the Shadowlands, and the meeting point other hunters making up the team he would go with agreed upon.

Some of the other hunters would surely already be there, preparing their equipment and mental state for the hunt to come in their own way, others may just be arriving now. Either way, Ke Pasa stepped up towards the center of the platform, striding out with smooth, long gait of his slender thrice-jointed legs hidden behind the tightly enveloping body-glove and armor plates of his suit.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto sighed as the wooden elevator slowly lowered him towards the vantage platform below, his Wookiee escort standing silently by the controls. It had been a long and tedious descent, with the forest looking less and less hospitable with every passing moment. He was more accustomed to operating in giant mega-cities, not the savage wilds of a planet like Kashyyyk. The old bounty hunter painstakingly inspected his weapons again: his A-10 long blaster, his DH-7 pistol, and his well-worn vibrodagger. Everything was in working order. His armor as well had seen recent maintenance and been properly camouflaged for the hunt ahead. Everything was as it should be.

He was nervous. It had been quite some time since the Bothan's last hunt, and even longer since he faced something quite so dangerous. He was old, his best years were behind him, and it's not like he needed the credits. All his responsibilities as a father and husband had been fulfilled, he was ready to retire and live out the remainder of his life peacefully back on Bothawui. But Eoto took great pride in his professionalism. And when he owed a favor he satisfied it, no matter how insane. Hunting a Terentatek wasn't exactly his idea of a good time, but he had to admit, it would be one hell of a way to cap off his long career.

The lift finally stopped and Eoto nodded to the Wookiee in acknowledgement and thanks before disembarking. It didn't take him long to spot Ke Pasa. The large gold colored insectoid wasn't exactly inconspicuous, even with his camouflage. Even after several years he still recognized his old acquaintance quite clearly. He approached with his helmet down, his mostly grey fur clearly visible as he glared at the Blood Carver before speaking. "Ke Pasa." He said the name with a simple nod. He paused as he looked around the platform for the other members of their hunting party before turning back to the alien. His expression turned to slight embarrassment. "I'm not late am I?"

@Manufactorium @Raydo @Scott
 

Ke Pasa

Blood Carver - Hunter
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@Reyn,

The insectoid was currently chattering out with a group of nondescript hunters that volunteered to join them for the undertaking. Most of them were local Wookiee braves, armed with bowcasters or ryyk blades, some of them were humanoid visitors to the planet like Ke Pasa and Eoto, human from the look of them, although the features hidden underneath masks and full helmets could have been of some alien, although near-human, species.

The tall alien hushed the group gathered around him with a nod of his head in Eoto's direction when he noticed the Bothan arriving and joining with them. Ke Pasa did not return the favor by revealing his own wizened features to the Bothan, his face hidden behind the helmet stained in camouflage paste instead. The vents in its faceplate hissing out lightly, barely audible even in their proximity as Eoto finally greeted the Blood Carver.

"Eeooto Vrii-sor."

The Blood Carver groaned out back, although the mask remained unmoving, the Bothan could probably tell that Ke Pasa's beak was twitching and shifting underneath as he croaked out the words in his best imitation of Galactic Basic, a language his biology was not suited for. His voice would sound different though, deeper and more crackling, perhaps due to his age, or perhaps to the helmet and its voice modulation systems.

"If you woould be late, we woould have this coon-ver-sa-tioon in the Shaadow-laand."

Ke Pasa reassured him as he reached out with one hand to usher the Bothan closer in to their circle, the other hunters parting slightly to reveal a portable holo-projector they were cuddled around. Above the device was floating out a map to section of the Shadowlands, marked and painted with various markers and dotted lines to denote trajectories.

"You shoould be moore punc-tuaal, Eeooto, and keen to yoour faa-mily."

The alien groaned out to the Bothan. Although it might have sounded patronizing and rather rude to begin with such advice, and for many cultures it was, in their first meeting Eoto would learn that the Blood Carvers treat critique, pointing out of flaws, and advice on improvement of self as most other cultures treat compliments. In turn, compliments to them are akin to great insults and sins that stain one's name for generations. In fact, Ke Pasa's Extension was given to him for accepting a compliment during a lapse of judgement. Their culture and its religion revolved around self-betterment and constant improvement of self; pride was a dangerous thing to them then, and one that invited stagnation.

"But I am glaad you caame. From what you told me, I woould think yoour wife would haave your hiide if you skip-ed anoother Life Daay again."

Ke Pasa croaked out as he turned slightly to look at the projector once more, other hunters taking up their chatter again. It became quickly apparent from what they discussed among themselves that the holo-projector depicted a gully outside of a cave system the Terentatek occupied, it was their plan to set up an ambush for it there.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto's skin crawled just a bit in response to the Blood Carver's greeting. Friend though Ke Pasa was, the Bothan had never quite gotten used to the strange cadence of his voice, and the helmet only seemed to make it more eerie. The bounty hunter stepped into the circle at the alien's bidding, giving another simple nod of greeting to his fellow hunters. He began to inspect the map of the Shadowlands, putting his tongue in his cheek and shaking his head as Ke Pasa offered his expected criticisms. That was another frustrating trait of Blood Carver's the Bothan had yet to become accustomed to. He chuckled softly before looking up at the hunter.

"Maybe I should have you explain it to her. You're the one who hired me after all." He gave the insectoid a barely readable grin. "And I'll have you know I just spoke with my son yesterday. Your glorious Republic has just offered him his first captaincy." He paused, normally he didn't make a habit of small talk, and small talk was even more difficult when the object was to offer constructive criticisms rather than compliments. He briefly looked the Blood Carver over for any sign of an imperfection in his armor, a dull blade, or an improperly maintained weapon. But as expected Ke Pasa was well prepared for the hunt ahead, physically and mentally as well it seemed.

"Your Basic still needs work." He settled on. It felt like an insult, and a petty one at that, but it was the best he could think of. "Communication is important, you need to be able to tell our comrades what's going on without groaning like a wounded Tach. You'll give our position away." That drew a good natured chuckle from a few of their fellow hunters.

"Now, is this the place?" Eoto asked as he indicated the gully on the map. It seemed a good enough spot as any, but there were details he wanted to be sure of before proceeding. The best way to take down your prey after all was to make sure it had no opportunity to defend itself. "Does everyone know what their positioning is to be? Do we have the high ground secured? And what kind of bait are we using?"


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

Blood Carver - Hunter
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@Reyn,

"Yes, long may the glo-rious Ree-public livee."

The alien croaked out, although his tone, even when masked by the layers of strange vocal cords it was forced through, sounded less than sincere, or at least earnest. It was no secret, from their first conversation alone, that Ke Pasa had no special loyalty to the Republic. They paid well enough, however, and the missions they would issue at least had some moral backbone to them, usually, which the hunter preferred. Although all governments get muddled sooner or later, the Republic did not ask him to execute civilians or children just yet, which is how Ke Pasa preferred to keep things. At the same time, he was not seeking out especially clandestine missions or pushing for a position among Republic's commandos or black operatives. He was fine enough just dealing with their ground infantry as a scout or occasionally support for front-line detachments, but it seemed that he joined just as their war effort was wrapping up.

He turned to look to the Bothan as his flawed Basic was pointed out. To be honest, the Blood Carver sometimes contemplated messing with Eoto by feigning being offended by such critiques, however with his goal being so closed to him now, he wanted to keep things moving along professionally. As such, he inclined his elongated head, croaking out,

"I strivee for imp-rovee-ment."

When the conversation turned to the task at hand, the Blood Carver inclined his head in another nod at first, confirming to Eoto that the holoprojector displayed the location of their hunt. Ke Pasa decided that this wasn't the time to beat around the bush so he just got right into it,

"I will be the baait."

The alien groaned out, turning lightly to face Eoto more in case the Bothan was about to put up any protests,

"We do not know much about these thiings, these Tee-reen-ta-teeks, but we know they crave Jedi flesh. I am not hand-wee-ver but there are things I can do that they do as well."

Ke Pasa explained before motioning to the cave entrance displayed on the map at one end of the gully,

"I should have best chance at flee-ing it on foot and in climb out of all of us. I will come to the enn-trance of the cave, try to tap into my pa-wer. This shoo-ld lure the beast out. I will run then, bait it to chase me through this vaa-ley. There is a base of city-tree at the end there, I will climb up, grab my rifle in its braan-ches and open fy-re."

The Blood Carver went through steps of the plan, at least his part in it, his finger gliding along the length of the gully from the cave to the titanic base of the tree at the other end of it as he went through the sequence.

"We are thiin-king that the rest of hunters can take up spots on the valley ledge-es. We are still discuss-ing when to open fire- during the chase or at the base of tree, and if gully should be traa-ped."

The Carver pointed out before looking to Eoto once more,

"Your thoughts?"
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto did a doubletake when Ke Pasa offered himself as bait. As skilled as the Blood Carver may have been at his craft, intentionally putting yourself at the mercy of a dangerous quarry was not often a hunter's first strategy. Even so, the bounty hunter made no protest, instead trusting that the veteran Blood Carver knew what he was doing. As Ke Pasa continued to explain the plan the Bothan listened intently, his eyes focused closely on the map of the valley where their hunt was to take place.

"We should hold our fire until the beast is in prime location..." Eoto said thoughtfully as he rubbed his chin. "We should array ourselves near the wroshyr tree so that when the Terentatek arrives we can hit it from all angles. Perhaps a pit trap or snare should be set at the base of the tree to impede the creature's movement. That way we can blast it to bits at our leisure." He looked back at Ke Pasa.

"Either way it will be dangerous. If your plan goes wrong it's likely we won't be able to reach you before that thing tears you apart. There can be no mistakes." His expression was dead serious. "You're certain this is how you'd like to proceed? We can find other options I'm sure. The Wookiees have more knowledge of these creatures than we do..." Eoto wanted this hunt to be quick and clean. The last thing he wanted to see was Ke Pasa eviscerated by some nightmarish Force-hungry monster.


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

Blood Carver - Hunter
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@Reyn,

"Hrrrrm."

The alien sounds out at first as he wonders over Eoto's suggestions,

"Half-pit, shaa-low enough so when the Beast falls in-"

He begun to explain his take on it, turning away from the projection to Eoto,

"-It above the edge enough for a clean shot. On the bottom of the pit- pitch. Stick-stuck mass so beast trapp-eed in place by adhesive properties."

Ke Pasa made a gesture with his hand as if it was dipping in something, for some reason there was something about the words "adhesive properties" that allowed him to pronounce them perfectly fine.

"Maybe some vaan-guard hunters on ledges along the run, in case the beast catches up quicker so I won't be without help. The rest in firing positions overlooking the city-tree."

The Blood Carver proposed another compromise, pointing out routes along the cliff ledges and walls. Then he would turn to look to Eoto once more.

"The Wookiees live with these things under them, yes, as they have for mee-lee-niums. If this particular one was something they could have dealt with by themselves, our help would not be accep-ted so easily."

Ke Pasa croaked out, giving the Bothan a light nod before turning to look at the holoprojector once more,

"This is the way, and if the plan succeeds then we will be able to fell the beast without any of us getting close enough to be attacked by it."

The alien groaned out then in confirmation, looking over the other hunters then,

"If no-one else has any suu-ges-tions and it all sounds aa-gree-able, then I believe we can go down into shaa-dows and begin final pree-paa-raa-tions."
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto nodded along with Ke Pasa's response, taking into account the Blood Carver's compromise. "That's a sound strategy." He replied in agreement. The Bothan then turned his attention to the other hunters. "Just a reminder that those of you in the vanguard must use good judgement and discretion. Keep a close eye on the progression of the chase and the distance between Ke Pasa and the Terentatek. If you fire without need the beast will become wise to our plan and retreat to it's lair. That will only make our task more difficult and dangerous." After receiving nods of acknowledgement from the rest of the party he looked back to Ke Pasa.

"I'm satisfied with this plan. Lead the way." With that Eoto pressed a button on his neck and his helmet folded up, concealing his face. Taking his long blaster from his shoulder he walked to the edge of the platform to get a good look at the Shadowlands. They were indeed a dark and foreboding place, one where a well-laid plan could quickly be reduced to chaos, but he had faith in Ke Pasa and the other hunters. They had strength of numbers and many years of experience on their side. Not to mention being armed to the teeth. So long as everyone kept a level head and responded well to whatever unexpected factors were thrown into the mix everything should turn out fine. Cocking his rifle he turned to join the party in their descent into the wilderness.


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

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@Reyn,

The Blood Carver nodded to his companion in confirmation, turning to look over the group of gathered hunters. Their unnamed partners returned the gesture in turn, signaling that everyone gathered for the venture agreed with the plotted course of action.

"Down into the shaa-dows then."

The insectoid alien croaked out, the call that brought out a wave of murmurs and Wookiee growls in response. The hunters dispersed then, each moving to help out with bringing along the supplies needed for their scheme. It would take half an hour or so to procure the required ingredients, but before long the hunters would have a crate with several hyper-spades and a couple barrels of adhesive pitch aboard a large industrial lift. The last barrel was just being rolled in by Ke Pasa and one of the Wookiees as the last few straggling hunters boarded the transport.

"Are you taking point on the ledge over-looking the tree or gully?"

Ke Pasa asked Eoto as he straightened up with the barrel secure, reaching to his back to unsling his own hunting rifle, making sure that the power and tibanna pack were both at maximum energy and the safety was off.

The seemingly perilous lift, constructed out of wood and fibers of local flora, shuddered as the durasteel cable suspending it begun to uncoil, slowly lowering the party down the length of the massive tree trunk supporting the city above them. Shadows started to envelop them, a blanket of darkness that choked out all light until pale orange lamps on the posts of the cabin sparked up to light, buzzing softly. They crossed another layer of treetops, from much smaller and immature trees, their leaves rustling against their transport and revealing soft glow of luminescent spots and marker lights glimmering below.

"There is the gully."

Ke Pasa pointed out, motioning to a trail of faintly glowing blue markers visible far below them, plotted out by their pathfinders ahead of time.

Their lift touched down gently with a shudder, its door swinging out with a creak and the hunters begun to disembark. Few of them took out the spades, couple more begun to roll out the barrels towards the area where they would lay their trap, others started to make the trek towards their stations. Ke Pasa stepped out from the cabin, feeling the forest floor under his feet wrapped in protective wrapping. The Blood Carver made sure his rifle was secured on his back once more as he rounded the lift and stepped up to the titanic tree trunk. He placed his hands upon the trunk, claws digging into crevices of the bark, and hoisted himself up. One hand slipped out, reaching up further along the tree, clawing into another crevice as his large feet dug into the trunk and pushed him along. He reached over again and again, repeating the process in quick succession as he begun skittering up the tree in expert movements.

By the time he was finished and pulled himself up onto a sturdy branch far enough above the designated trap area, he saw the other hunters finishing up digging the pit out or making their own climb up the gully walls. The insectoid pulled his rifle off of his back, slinging it over the branch instead and making sure his weapon would hang there securely, waiting for him until he makes the climb again, this time with the Terentatek below.

Finally, he nodded and clutched onto the tree trunk once more, starting to make his way back down. By the time he would get back to the ground, the preparations would be finished and he would start making his way through the gully to the cave entrance to begin their hunt.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto grunted as he helped another hunter move one of the barrels of pitch onto the lift before turning to reply to Ke Pasa's question. He didn't answer immediately, taking a moment instead to consider where he'd be most useful. While he would have liked to keep a close eye on the Blood Carver just in case things went south he realized his talents were better suited to taking up a stationary position near the wroshyr tree and focus on taking down the Terentatek. He was a skilled marksman and was confident in his ability to bring the beast down quickly once it was immobilized. "I'll stick close to the tree." He finally answered Ke Pasa. "Just get that thing in my sights and I'll take it down in no time."

The ride down to the Shadowlands proper was uncomfortably quiet despite their numbers. Everyone seemed focused on steeling their nerves for the difficult task ahead. Aside from a few Wookiees mumbling in their strange language to each other or hunters asking for a spare magazine or other extra supplies it was almost completely silent. Eoto himself kept going over his own armaments thoroughly, making sure there wasn't a screw out of place.

As they disembarked the lift the Bothan clapped Ke Pasa on the shoulder and nodded to him without a word before turning to make his way to his own position. For a few moments he stood at the bottom of the gully besides the pit trap as it was being dug, looking around the area for an ideal position from which to fire. Once he found a spot he liked he quickly scaled the side of the gully and settled into place. He kept low to make sure he was well concealed, ripping some moss from a nearby tree to lay it over the barrel of his weapon as he laid down and trained his sights on the pit below. He adjusted his scope so that it was at just the right magnification, and then simulated firing at an imaginary beast as it lumbered into his sights. He glanced up briefly at Ke Pasa's position, watching as the Blood Carver placed his own rifle carefully, then followed the insectoid as he climbed down the tree and started moving towards the cave.

Once the trap was set and the hunters had moved on Eoto slowly scanned across the gully, picking out the barely noticeable places where his comrades had taken up their positions. At least they seemed competent enough at camouflaging themselves. With a sigh the bounty hunter looked down his scope again, becoming almost completely still as he slowed his breathing. When like this he almost ceased to exist, expertly hidden amongst the foliage. Now all he had to do was wait. And hope nothing went wrong...


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

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@Reyn,

Ke Pasa spared another glance and a nod towards Eoto before he disappeared within the embrace of the gully. Each step stretched into eternity as he made his way through the forest floor, walking in the crevice calmly to make sure that the other hunters had enough time to prepare in their positions. His hands moved down to his belt, anxious fingers traveling over the pistol and sheathed vibrosword hanging by his hips. Everything was in place, the only thing left to do was now spring the plan and hope that everything was going to go right.

"At the cave een-trance."

Came the insectoid's hushed voice through their commlink systems, letting everyone know that he was in position soon enough. Ke Pasa stood before the cave entrance, looking into its dark depths with anticipation. He stood there for few minutes, watching and listening, hoping that his presence would be enough to lure the creature out of its hiding. However, as time stretched on, nothing would stir within the cave.

"I will tap into gift."

His words rung out through the commlink again, letting the hunters on the ledge know in case their quarry was going to emerge soon. Closing his eyes behind the helmet, the Blood Carver reached within himself into that supernatural connection within him. Although he was able to wield it to an extend, he did not had the same training as a Jedi or a Sith did, so tapping into these gifts came harder to him. Eventually he was able to muster enough spiritual strength that pebbles and rocks around him begun to lift into the air, levitating and wobbling lightly, suspended by invisible strings.

He hoped that just using these gifts would have been enough to stand out as a shining beacon for the beast within and an enticing enough bait. However, still the moments stretched on in pensive silence, tension grew, but no movement or sounds came from the cave.

Finally, the rocks and dust cluttered down to the ground around him as Ke Pasa announced in the commlink systems,

"I am going in."

Without much ado, the Blood Carver begun to step up into the cave entrance as he pulled off three detonators from his belt. Two of them he stuck to the sides of the cave entrance, the third he planted in the ground few steps inside that dark maw. The Blood Carver paused for a second, making sure that all three detonators were set and connected to a remote he stuck on his vambrace. He glanced to the entrance, as if contemplating the decision one last time before turning back to the shadows and moving deeper in, heedless of any protests other hunters might raise.

The insectoid disappeared within that abyss and silence fell around them once more, nothing stirring within the cave. It seems his communications cut off as well as any attempts to reach him would have been answered by muted static. It went on like this for what felt like an hour, until finally, suddenly, an earth shaking roar emanated out from the cave, making the ground rumble and rocks to tremble. This was followed by several sounds of blaster shots ringing out from the cave followed by an unmistakable hum of a vibrosword being activated and sounds of it slashing around.

The roars did not stop however, the ground kept on shaking, a pounding sound came out from the cave like war drums being played, faster and louder with each second. Garbled speech finally started to spark out through the comm link lines, buzzing out unintelligible words that soon enough became clear enough to decipher,

"- Me! It is chasing me!"

The Blood Carver let them know, repeating the alert until he received an affirmative from one of the other hunters as he burst out from the cave, jumping over the planted detonator in a leap, vibrosword in one hand and a blaster pistol in the other.

And then they could see it, a hunched hulking beast covered in spines and black carapace, barely fitting through the cave entrance as it gave chase close behind Ke Pasa, pulling itself along on massive arms like a miniature rancorn, its claws digging into the hard rock and soil like it was butter. The Terentatek already sported several charred entry holes from blaster shots and a slash across its gullet bleeding black blood like tar, yet it moved unimpeded as if they were superficial cuts and bruises. It almost managed to catch the insectoid before he escaped the cave, however as the Terentatek reached out to him, Ke Pasa activated the button on his vambrace.

The two detonators at the side of the cave entrance gave out a thunderous blast and flashed in bright light, stunning the beast just as it was above the detonator. The device under it begun to beep rapidly, offset by few seconds to give Ke Pasa enough time to clear away from it before it blew as well in an explosion of plasma, metal fragments, and incendiary. Smoke and dust rose up from the cave in the wake of the explosion, followed by a blanket of silence that fell around them once more. Ke Pasa did not stop running even as it seemed that their hunt was already over, and rightly so as another roar rose up and the Terentatek charged out from the smoke screen cover. Its legs and lower torso were charred now, marred with deep gashes, portions of its carapace torn clean off, yet still it ran after the Blood Carver at its full speed, even as it trailed dark lines of its foul blood.

Their hunt was on.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto remained perfectly still prone on the ledge above the gully, listening intently to Ke Pasa's progress reports. He worked his jaw uncomfortably as the Blood Carver informed them he was entering the cave, but kept his mouth shut. The silence over the commlink was deafening, it seemed the other hunters were like minded in their fear for the insectoid. Entering the lair did not seem like a wise choice. As time went on some of the hunters began to chatter lowly, their nerves getting to them. Eoto was quick to assert himself over the unease.

"Vanguard, status report." He demanded curtly. There was a pause before one of the human hunters closer to the cave answered him. "Still no sign of him. I can't reach him on comms." Eoto put his tongue in his cheek thoughtfully. After several seconds of silence the hunter replied. "Should I go in after him?" The Bothan thought on it a few more seconds before answering.

"No, give him another minute." The general tension persisted over the channel, some hunters still muttering to each other. The old Bothan however maintained his calm, regardless of his internal fears. Twenty seconds passed... Thirty... Forty... Fifty... A minute... The other hunters were growing restless. Eoto sighed and was about to speak up when the vanguard cut in.

"Wait! I hear something, he's definitely made contact..." Eoto remained in his spot, grip tightening on his rifle. "Get ready then," He said. "Vanguard provide support at your discretion, those of you in the killzone hold fire until my order."

There were a few more moments of tense waiting. Those hunters around the cave trained their weapons on the entrance, ready to provide aid as needed. They almost fired on the Blood Carver when he came bursting out of the cave, but maintained their trigger discipline. They caught a glimpse of the Terentatek before the explosion, one hunter remarking incredulously on it's size and another asking if it was dead upon witnessing the blast. This question was promptly answered as the beast erupted from the destroyed cave entrance in a fury, roaring and bounding after it's prey. The vanguard opened fire at once, their blaster shots seeming to do no discernable damage to the creature as it persisted in it's chase of Ke Pasa. "It's not working!" One of the greener men said in near panic.

"Aim for the eyes and joints," Eoto suggested. "You don't need to kill it just yet. Just slow it down enough to keep it off Ke Pasa." The vanguard did as ordered, blasting at the Terentatek's legs. This still did little to slow it's pace. Despite it's wounds and severe bleeding the beast displayed an intense ferociousness, gaining on the Blood Carver steadily as it followed him down the gully. Eoto could soon make out the two figures approaching. In anticipation he adjusted himself only slightly and looked down the scope of his rifle. Just a little further now...


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

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@Reyn,

"But if you can kill it, that is pree-feer-able."

Blood Carver's croak interjected on the comms, groaned out words separated with harsh groans of his quick breathing, the chase clearly pushing him to the limit.

For the most part he ran in silence, his heavy breaths washing over his senses in his encased helmet, drowning out all the noises, even the thundering steps of the beast giving chase behind him. Ke Pasa did not want to think about it, about how close that monster was to him, whether he was to be safe or the beast was already reaching out after him, about to grasp onto the insectoid. All that mattered to him was this run, this sprint to the safety of the city-tree, bringing the beast into a trap that would be its demise while he ends with his rifle, far above from its grip. Still, as all his focus was placed into his legs throwing him forward, running faster than he ever did in his life, he couldn't help but feel doubt creeping into his mind. Although the chase through the caves wasn't that long, and he managed to get through it unscathed, it became very clear that although Ke Pasa was much more faster and nimble than the Terentatek when it came to slipping around tight corners and climbing over obstacles, the beast was somewhat faster when running in a straight line. The problem was, the gully did not had no major obstacles, for the most part it was just a chase in a straight line.

Still, Ke Pasa did not gave up hope, although few shots from the vanguard did came far too close to him for comfort, but he was not certain whether that was because the beast was right behind him or the other hunters were not the best shots. He raised no comments about it, however, keeping his energy, especially now. Rounding a soft bend in the gully, the massive, titanic trunk of the city-tree came into clear view. His heart begin to swell as this was the final stretch of the run, close to safety, although still with the sound of those thundering footsteps behind him letting the Blood Carver know that the chase was still on.

Time begun to slow for him as his narrow eyes darted over the ground in front of him behind the visor of his helmet as his hands moved to holster his pistol and sheath his vibrosword quickly. He scanned the soil, spotting the edge of the pit dug out to trap the beast and the distance he had to leap to clear it and latch onto the tree trunk. Ke Pasa was counting down steps to the best point for his jump. Just five more strides, four, three, two. His heart pounded in his slender chest, he was so close and still alive, as he pushed himself off in a great leap.

Ke Pasa rose up into the air on his jump, legs still moving as if running on air and shifting into a position to start pushing himself up along the trunk as soon as he landed, hands stretching out as he already spotted best handholds and adjusted his arms to grab onto them as soon as he could. Then, off the corner of his vision he saw great shadow looming in, faster than even his soaring through the air and unavoidable.

Although the Blood Carver managed to lure the Terentatek to the base of the tree, getting the monster in position for the main hunting party to have a clear shot at him, he was not able to get completely away in time. In those last moments the beast caught up to him, swinging its huge paw like a wrecking ball at the Force User and catching him in mid air. The collision was painful to look at as Ke Pasa was flung away from the trunk of the titanic tree and thrown aside like a rag doll. He hit the ground hard, tumbling and twisting over the forest floor until his body came to a sudden halt, stopped by crashing into a pile of rocks at the foot of a cliff wall. The Terentatek snorted and roared once more, turning on the stop in the thrown Blood Carver's direction, blinded by its rage to the other hunters even as it was continuously peppered by their shots. Although the monster was now wavering on its stout legs, blood like tar seeping over every lip as plates of carapace and spines fell to the ground, burnt off by continuous barrage of blaster shots, it pulled itself along on the massive arms, launching itself into another charge towards the Blood Carver.

For his part, Ke Pasa landed with his back to the cliff, crumpling down into a sitting position, nestled between rocks, facing the Terentatek charging towards him. His helmet sparked, covered in dents and jagged rocks that hit it hard enough to pierce the metal and lodge themselves into its protective hell. He gave out shallow, ragged breaths, although the rising of his broken chest would betray to other hunters that he was still drawing breath. As he saw the beast charging, one arm moved down to his holstered pistol, the other twitching lightly at his side as it hanged limply. His fingers failed to produce the side-arm just as he noticed the pistol few meters away in the dirt, out of his reach. Dejected, he moved his hand to the other side, grabbing onto his sheathed vibrosword that still remained at his side and pulling it out with a scrape.

"Ma klounkee."

The Blood Carver issued a defiant insult in Huttese towards the Terentatek, although as he tried to push himself up to stand, only pain shot through his body and he collapsed back into the rubble.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto watched with increasing concern as the Terentatek continued to gain on Ke Pasa. Seeing the distance between them and the tree, and the rate at which the gap between the hunter and prey was closing, he could tell immediately the Blood Carver would not make it in time. Reflexively the Bothan jumped to his feet, the moss falling from his weapon and body, and watched the scene with silent horror. Ke Pasa jumped over the pit, and for a moment looked as though he was going to make it to the wroshyr tree. But the Terentatek swung it's mighty claws, knocking the Blood Carver across the gully with a single blow.

Before the insectoid hunter had even stopped rolling Eoto was already sliding down the muddy slope into the gully below, shouting urgently into his commlink. "Open fire! Kill that karking thing!" The other hunters didn't need to be told twice. All at once they started blasting the Terentatek from all directions. Some shots bounced harmlessly off it's thick armor, others had the sense to aim for the places where it's carapace had been broken, causing significant damage. Slowly but surely the beast was being brought down, but that still wasn't enough to stifle it's fury. The Terentatek turned it's eyes on the injured Blood Carver and charged yet again, determined to kill the Force sensitive.

Eoto drew his dagger as he reached the bottom of the gully and charged forwards to intercept the beast, determined to stop it from reaching Ke Pasa no matter what. Just as the creature loomed over the hunter, raising it's arms to deliver the crushing final blow, Eoto leapt onto the monster's back. With a harsh battle cry he drove his dagger into it's throat again and again, trying to bring the beast down. The other hunters held their fire, not wanting to hit him or Ke Pasa by mistake. The fearless wookiees, and even some of the more courageous human hunters, began moving into the gully as well for a close range battle. But they were still some distance away.

The Terentatek roared in pain and rage from Eoto's attack, reaching up to grab the Bothan and throw him into the gully wall. The old bounty hunter crumpled against the cliff-face before falling to the ground not too far from Ke Pasa. He groaned and fumbled to draw his blaster pistol from it's holster, looking up to see the beast still lurching towards them, even with the vibrodagger lodged in it's neck. The Bothan managed to pull out his blaster and raised a shaky arm to fire at the beast. But his vision was blurred from the impact and his shot went wide, hitting the gully wall opposite them. He fired two more shots to the same effect. The Terentatek would soon be right on top of them, and the other hunters were still too far away to help.


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

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@Reyn,

Wheezed with his back against the rocky wall, his vision blurring in and out as he tried to follow the course of action, watching the unclear shape launch itself at the Terentatek's back, eventually coming into focus enough to recognize that it was Eoto. While the Bothan attempted to end the hunt before the beast got to his companion, Ke Pasa tried to push himself up to stand once more. Again, his body gave out, slumping back down to the ground. The Blood Carver focused himself inward then, reaching deep into that connection to the unnatural powers once more. Although he was not trained in the arts like the Jedi, he did pick up a thing or two in the two decades he spent fighting for the Galactic Alliance, coming to contact with the hand-wavers from time to time.

Ke Pasa attempted to meditate, shunning out all the noise and chaos around him, even as that beast roared and thrashed right in front of him, even as he heard the sound of another body being thrown and hitting the cliff face not too far from him. A mantra came to his mind, one that quickly overwhelmed his thoughts and found its way to his beak, causing him to repeat it over and over again in feeble croaks. It was the names of his children, repeated over and over in a weak chant that brought strength to him, allowing the Force to flow through his body and causing his chitin plates to snap painfully as his shoulder set back into place through unseen Force.

He opened his eyes just to see the Terentatek right in front of him, its massive arms up in the air, ready to smash them down into him. Ke Pasa reached up with his freshly healed arm, long fingers outstretched as he channeled the Force at the beast.

Suddenly the Terentatek stopped, shaking lightly, straining in an awkward position, the tar like blood dripping off it even ceasing its fall as the very air around it begun to vibrate quickly in unnatural display of Force-born stasis.

"Eootoo"

Ke Pasa groaned out in another croaks

"Blow off its knees."

The Blood Carver issued out, already feeling his energy drain once more as he kept the monster at bay. His body raising up to stand as if pulled by invisible strings, his other hand reached in Eoto's direction. He still held his sword in it, but a couple of fingers stretched out in another channeling gesture. The only abilities with the Force he actually came to fully master were ones that augmented his aim during hunts. Although the Blood Carver's rifle and pistol were far out of his reach, he could bestow these gifts upon Eoto instead.

The Bothan would feel soft telekinetic tug on his blaster, moving the weapon to line up the shot through unnatural miss, should he pull the trigger then, it would not go wide, and neither would the shot afterwards aimed to cripple the Terentatek's other leg.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto shook his head as he tried to focus himself despite his injuries, cursing in his mind as he realized the imminent danger. Then his arm suddenly stopped swaying, as though some unseen hand was guiding his aim, directing his weapon right towards the beast's legs. The old bounty hunter didn't waste time questioning it, instead immediately following Ke Pasa's order and pulling the trigger.

The Terentatek cried out in pain as the blaster bolt hit it directly in it's kneecap, practically blasting it off at this close range. At once Eoto's arm moved in a jerky motion to aim for the other knee, and again the Bothan fired, finally bringing the monster down. The Terentatek roared in agony as it collapsed on it's back, swinging it's claws in wild desperation. Eoto only smiled beneath his helmet before slumping down, exhausted, the blaster pistol slipping from his grip.

Meanwhile the Terentatek continued to thrash about, managing to roll onto it's belly and drag itself towards Ke Pasa. It's eyes were focused with deadly intent, it's teeth drenched in a thick saliva. But it was clear even in this final attempt at attack that the beast was on death's door. It's armor had been blasted to pieces and it's dark reeking blood was pooling around it, creating a sickening black trail as the relentless monster dragged itself futilely towards the Blood Carver.


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

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@Reyn,

Their world flashed with a blaster bolt fired, then flashed again as Eoto squeezed a trigger a second time. As the piercing screech of plasma died down, the call was replaced with the yowling screams of the Terentatek and the heavy thud of the monster falling to the ground. Ke Pasa lowered his arms slowly, reluctantly, unsure whether it was safe to cut the link between him and the Force already, although even if he wanted to channel that mystical energy to keep the beast at bay in stasis even a minute longer he would not be able to do so, he simply had no energy left.

He watched the monster begun to drag itself closer towards them, smearing its bodily fluids behind it like some giant, overgrown slug, suddenly seeming so feeble and vulnerable in front of him. The Blood Carver stepped up closer, hoisting up his slender, long vibrosword in a two handed grip. The Terentatek attempted to swipe its claw down on him, the insectoid side stepping the attack in a clumsy, exhausted movement, yet it was enough to avoid the beast's dying rage.

"Merry karking Life Day."

He croaked out as loud as his torn and spent vocal cords managed as he threw up his vibrosword in an over-exaggerated movement, too tired and broke to swing it just by the virtue of his muscles alone and letting the blade drop onto the Terentatek with the force of his body weight behind it alone. He drove the edge right onto the the puncture wounds that Eoto opened up with his dagger just a minute ago. The blade carved in deep, cleaving deeper through the slash on the beast's gullet Ke Pasa caused earlier, forcing its way through the monster's neck easily as a shower of thick, dark blood spurted out, splattering over Ke Pasa, Eoto, and the cliff face they were by. Suddenly the blade came to a halt as it met the Terentatek's spine, cutting into the bone and lodging itself within it. The Blood Carver attempted to push on the sword to cut its way completely through without any results, although tall he wasn't the heaviest or strongest of creatures his size. Ke Pasa turned slightly to look to his Bothan companion and summon him for help to finish the task together. However, when he saw Eoto slumped against the rock, his blaster on the ground free from the Bothan's grasp, he gave up on the undertaking.

Instead, Ke Pasa decided that it seemed like a fine idea enough at the moment, so he stepped back away from the Terentatek, facing the beast as he walked backwards until his back hit the rock-face lightly and his legs gave out. The insectoid slid down against the wall of the gully, until he slumped into the spot next to Eoto, watching as the Terentatek clawed at its own neck helplessly, attempting to dislodge the sword from its own spine as foul blood still spurted out from the open wound in copious amounts.

"Your skills with daa-ger need improo-vement, Boo-than."

The insectoid croaked out in criticism, unsure of whether Eoto was still awake or even alive, as he watched the Terentatek's movements slow until finally its limbs fell down limply and its head stopped twitching and writhing before them. Life left the monster's eyes and the fountain of dark blood eventually dried up as their quarry died. Ke Pasa stopped fighting it then, leaning against that rock wall as his sword slipped from the clutch of his long fingers and darkness took his consciousness away.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto slowly propped himself up into a sitting position as he watched Ke Pasa finish off the Terentatek, growling through clenched teeth as pain shot up his spine. He was definitely too old for this. All he could think of was getting off this damn planet and back to Bothawui where he could finally relax, and never do something so patently absurd again. And he certainly wasn't doing anymore favors for old friends. He watched wearily as the Blood Carver hobbled back and collapsed besides him, scoffing and turning his head away to spit out some blood as the insectoid fell right back into offering his criticisms.

"Your one-liners need work bug..." He countered gruffly. He blinked a few times, his eyelids growing heavy as he watched the other hunters gather around them and the Terentatek, already celebrating. Wookiees roaring and men cheering, shooting their blasters off into the air as though they had taken some great part. Eoto grumbled indignantly. "Hey..." He slurred to them as he became light headed. "Someone... Get my... Dagger..." He slouched down beside Ke Pasa, unconscious. Neither of them saw their comrades begin to gather up the fallen beast, or them, to be taken back to safety.


@Manufactorium
 

Ke Pasa

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@Reyn,

Their limp bodies were loaded up onto the lift, along with the body of their hunt, and taken back up to the Wookiee settlement above them. A day passed before Ke Pasa eventually woke up again, regaining consciousness from the exhaustion and trauma of the fight they had to endure, then several more before he was allowed to leave the healing confines of a bacta tank. Although his body seemed to have been healing exceptionally well, most likely result of his connection to the Force, just like Eoto, he knew that this would have been the largest hunt of his career, at least off of his home planet.

The only claim he laid when it came to the spoils of the hunt was the head of the Terentatek, finally cut completely off with a help of a Wookiee warrior that retrieved his sword, and enough credits to chart a secure transport for the prize and him back to the unnamed planet he came from. Something in him swelled as he watched the crate containing the trophy loaded onto a private shuttle reserved for him, along with a little escort after he called in few favors from among the rebel fighters. Although for so long it seemed to have just been a distant, abstract thing, now he felt closer to his goal than ever before, now he might finally be allowed to come back home from the Extension.

Before he boarded the transport, however, he turned to head back into the Wookiee city. Since his recovery he had not heard any news about Eoto's state and whether the Bothan managed to survive the encounter as well or if the other aged hunter succumbed to his wound. Before he left, Ke Pasa wanted to find out the answer and either say goodbye, or make sure that he would inform Eoto's family personally.
 

Eoto Vrisor

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Eoto would have preferred it back in the Kolto tank honestly. He couldn't hear his son screaming at him in the Kolto tank. The old Bothan sat on a balcony overlooking the rest of the city and the magnificent forests below. From this height Kashyyyk was much more appealing. His eyes were closed and he was reclining peacefully in the chair, enjoying the wind sweeping trough his fur and completely ignoring the younger Bothan beside him.

"I can't believe you'd do something so stupid!" Onos shouted, the strapping young Bothan clad in the uniform of a Republic naval officer. "Have you got a death wish? What would mother say if she were here?" Eoto smiled, not bothering to open his eyes.

"I imagine she wouldn't say anything." He answered his son. "She'd be too busy strangling me."

"I'm not joking." Onos replied indignantly. Eoto opened a single eye to look up at him.

"I owed a friend a favor. It's a one time deal, trust me." Onos scoffed and shook his head.

"It better be..." He threatened wearily before turning and storming away, nearly bumping into the Blood Carver as he entered the room. The officer paused to look the strange alien up and down before excusing himself and leaving. Eoto turned his head as he noticed Ke Pasa enter, smiling and sitting up in his chair.

"You're still alive?" He joked with mock disappointment, then gestured for the Blood Carver to approach. "Come on grab a seat, best view in the house." He sat back and looked out over the vista, enjoying the view greatly. "I'm soaking it all in... This is the last time I'll see another world." He looked at Ke Pasa. "I'm going home. For good this time. I've put off retirement long enough." He sighed heavily. "I've done my duty. Torturous as it was I've done it. No one's going to say Eoto Vri'sor doesn't pay his dues. I think I've earned a peaceful death..." He raised his head again. "I suppose you're doing the same? I can't imagine they'd turn you away now."


@Manufactorium
 
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