Ask A Crystal Clear Undertaking

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
A Crystal Clear Undertaking
The memory crystal is believed to be in the hands of a pirate gang on the planet of Kessel that hunt freighters on the Pabol Sleheyron. The merry band got their hands on the crystal a few hundred years ago and now it is used as a pendant on a necklace. Whoever wears the necklace calls the shots. In fact, the pirates call themselves the “Crystal Corsairs,” a practice that started shortly after their tradition of the leader wearing the crystal. Their base is found not far from a slaver camp and spice mines on the planet. Unfortunately, recon seems to indicate they are protected by the Pyke Syndicate on Kessel. Will need two or three willing Jedi to track down and confiscate the crystal that rightly belongs to the Jedi Order.

images


——​

As a former smuggler, Arctus never really liked Kessel nor considered the planet safe even from someone of his (previous) station. Perhaps it was because he never really aligned himself with any of the major crime syndicates that dominated the galaxy. While most smugglers he knew – alright, he was talking about himself, really – operated and acted out mainly to serve their own self interests he somehow couldn't fault syndicate members for distrusting someone like him.

At least the distrust went both ways, so Arctus never really bothered giving the effort to make people trust him unless he would benefit from them. Or either stab them on the back in the end.

Looking back, he could still never stop himself from cringing at how awful his mindset and how he had behaved back then.

Nowadays, though, he had been willingly signing up for Jedi dealings. Fighting the good cause to help set himself straight. Arctus could see and feel that Indy was distraught about something, and even if he was itching to ask her what was wrong he was still somehow convinced that he had no right to do so and that he might only make things worse. So he found himself engaged in a crystal hunt paired up with two Jedi, a Knight and a libra– no, capital L Librarian. Arctus was a grown man who didn't need general supervision but being a part of the Order – and a Padawan learner, too boot – practically obliterated the thought. Besides, he wasn't complaining. Sure, he had been learning about the Force from Indy (he should really start calling her Master Sati now for formality) but he wouldn't turn away learning a thing or two from other Jedi.

“Okay,“ he began as the Cyar'ika landed in one of the many hangars dotting the area nearest to the spice mines where the Crystal Corsairs were said to be holed up in. “This isn't my first time here on Kessel and also not my first time hearing about the Crystal Corsairs.“

As the ship powered down Arctus turned to look at Knight Yvain whom he'd previously met and made acquaintances with and Ms. Helen Summers, Jedi Librarian whom he only caught glimpses of whenever he set foot in the Archives back at the temple on Yavin IV.

“Any plans on how we should proceed?“ the former smuggler then asked his companions. He had a few ideas of his own, but wasn't it better to listen to your elders first? After all, their plans might be more effective than his.

@Braden Drake @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
Yvain was pleasantly fastened up in one of the passenger seats as Arctus's ship made its descent down into the depths of Kessel, the Old Jedi had only been here once before and that was only for fuel, he had made the decision to try and stay clear of the scum and villainy of the Galaxy. It was a simpler life and he doubted that even if he would have come to the planet in search of younglings with the gift it would be extremely difficult to remove said child from such an iron grip.

From his low spot on the chair behind the ships owner he quickly lost sight of the outside world as the ship entered the hanger, the little Jedi was dressed similar to his usual standard, though he had forgone the Jedi over robe for the sake of keeping a lower profile. His small shoto lightsaber was hidden in the little backpack the Jedi had brought with him as well. "Well you have a one up on me Padawan Arctus. I have had the luck of only ever coming here for fuel." Yvain replied to the human. "They strike at freighters correct, perhaps we can use that as our way in?"

@TheLightInTheDarkness @Forsythe Crowholde
 

Librarian Helen Summers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
TheLightInTheDarkness
Joined
Jun 14, 2021
Messages
5
Reaction score
4
Helen had read on the flight, keeping her old mind humming she had read a book about some flowers she intended to play at the temple upon her return. She had pleasant memories of Kessel, the spice there was quite fun, though now it seemed that she would probably not find herself inhaling the stuff for the archives, she was much older now, and while capable, she didn’t intend to push that line for no reason. That was a fun day though.

Helen closed the book on her holopad (after saving her page of course) and smiled, for an older lady she was pretty tech savy! Now, Helen brushed out the wrinkles in her earth toned cloak, hoping to make her stick out as less of a sore thumb, the grey haired woman had her walking cane laying beside her, and she picked it up, to stand as the ship had landed.

Helen listened to her companions talk, and added in concurance of Jedi Knight Yvain, “That plans sounds like it would be good-though just like you Knight Yvain, I also have not been here for longer then a party, it seems your decision will guide us Padawan Arctus.
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
Arctus sure as hell was caught flat-footed by Miss Summers' words. He agreed with Knigt Yvain suggestion because it was a sound one, but with the Librarian seemingly leaving it to the Padawan to make the final call was still suprising. The former smuggler expected to follow whatever instructions the two senior Jedi would give him and he intended to do so, but the show of... trust? Confidence? To leave to him the decision if they should follow Knight Yvain's suggestion?

He knew he was being too hard on himself but he couldn't help it. However, it felt s if he was undemining Indy's effors and teachings by continuing to doubt himself so Arctus squared his shoulders, took a deep breath to steady himself, and shot the two old-timers (kark, that felt rude) an easy-going grin.

"Alright, that will work just fine," he told the two Jedi, nodding at Knight Yvain's way. "Pretty wise decision to forgo the Jedi outfit as well. If I remember correctly, the Jedi went here for some business before I joined the Order, and folks 'round here don't take kindly to them more than ever."

He didn't get the details as to why the Jedi went marching down a Syndicate's turf, but he wouldn't pester his current companions about it. Not when they're still in the planet, anyway, and most certainly not when there might be eyes watching them and ears listening for the reason why they were here. People would get understandably suspicious of new faces around these parts but Arctus planned on using whatever advantage his former occupation gave him to see that this mission would not turn south.

He hoped nothing would go wrong.

Arctus rose from his seat and led Knight Yvain and Miss Summers out of the ship. A seedy middle-aged man approached the trio, gazing appraisingly at the former smuggler's ship as if assessing if it needed repairs or something. A sudden inspiration struck Arctus, a plan to buy their group time while they track down the Crystal Corsairs and take what they needed from them forming in his mind.

"Thought this ship seem familiar but it just looked like one that came here a week ago," the man started, dark gaze settling first on Arctus, then to Knight Yvain and Miss Summers. Looking back at Arctus, the man crossed his arms over his chest. "Got business here, laddie?"

Hands in his pockets, Arctus nodded once at the man then towards the Cyar'ika. "If you can call refueling business, then sure." He removed his hands from his pockets and retrieved a small pouch of credits from his jacket's inner pocket. Tossing it to the man who in turn caught the bag deftly, Arctus added, "Mind looking her over as well? I've got a long flight ahead of me –wouldn't want to suddenly drop out of hyperdrive because something malfunctioned."

The man weighed the bag in one hand, casting the former smuggler a puzzled and somewhat suspicious look. "Got too much dough to spare on refueling and simple maintenance, son. Ship looks pretty well-taken care of to me."

Arctus gazed meaningfully at the man. "Please, humor me. Take care of her, alright?" Leaning towards the man, he then whispered almost conspiratorially, "Me and my passengers–" he subtly nodded towards the two Jedi incognito "–are here for business. Crymorah doesn't want folks meddling in on their business, right? So, please. Make sure my ship's on top condition." Patting the man on the shoulder, Arctus gave him a light grin. "That payment should cover everything, yeah? Get something for yourself as well with the change."

Hearing the name of one of the Five Syndicates seem to have put the man at ease, his suspicions towards Arctus and his companions dissipating. Grinning back at Arctus, the man hollered at the pit droids behind him, telling them to do some maintenance check on the Cyar'ika before refueling the ship.

"Good to make business with ya, laddie," said the man before grinning over at Knight Yvain and Miss Summers. "Why don't y'all go sight-seeing while we take care of your transport?"

As the man moved over towards the pit droids who were now beginning to inspect the ship, Arctus gestured for the two Jedi to follow him out of the hanger. Once outside he breathed a little easy, glad that the situation went without a hitch. Now was the time to move to their main mission.

"That went smoother than I expected," he told his companions. "Throwing that name around really does the trick."

He had operated independently in the past but even Arctus knew that people in planets like Kessel won't likely meddle with your affairs if you mentioned a crime family name around in a conversation and owned claiming to be a part of said group. The former smuggler had read the comics and watched holo-films about the legendary gunslinger Preef Callo himself, and he knew no one would dare mess with Preef's people.

Claiming to be part of the Crymorah hadn't bitten him in the ass so far, and this might be the last time he'd use this trick. For now, though.

"Time to go crystal hunting now, I guess," he told the two Jedi in a quiet voice only they would hear amid the bustling crowds' noises down the street.

@Braden Drake @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
The young Padawan although young within his tenue of the Order and the embrace of The Force was still wise and experienced in the outside world. Yvain smiled at the younger man as he dealt with their one man greeting party, his large ears were able to pick up some of what he whispered to the man 'Crymorah'. That was a gamble using that name, the only thing they needed to do was run into a legitimate member of the gang and things could unravel. But he liked the pazaz the Padawan had, Jedi should learn to react quickly under pressure and giving him the run of the initial mission was such a test.

If Arctus could carry out this mission with two senior Jedi on his team without second guessing himself, he could be well on his way to advancing through the Order at a quick and confident pace. As they exited out of the little landing bad and into the streets below Yvain lost sight of most of there surroundings the crowd of people blocking off most to his vision. The little Jedi Knight opened himself up to The Force in its stead, he would allow the cosmic energy to warn him of any threats that eyes would normally have. "They were based not to far from here I believe. They will have agents in the port, word will get out that we landed. Perhaps we should give them a reason for us landing. Perhaps the knowledge of a 'freighter' easy for picking?" The little green Jedi said softly to his companions.

@Forsythe Crowholde @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Librarian Helen Summers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
TheLightInTheDarkness
Joined
Jun 14, 2021
Messages
5
Reaction score
4
Helen was impressed by this boy, she listened and watched politely as he maneuvered them into a position where there ship was secured-and where they wouldn’t be messed with by just anyone. Helen nodded as he spoke to the man and such-thinking to herself that this Padawan was well on his way to Knighthood and maybe even Mastery one day. He had thought quickly, and made a decision that would help them exponentially later, no risk of folks messing with them and no risk of a ship theft.

With her cane in hand, the metallic walking stick clanked on the ground as the older woman followed side by side with her fellow Jedi. Knight Yvain said his piece, and Helen looked down to him and couldn’t help but add with a smile, “I think that reason should work fine, and if it goes south, we are all perfectly capable of taking on some ruffians. And while no combat is preferable, having a “Trial by Combat” would be good to ensure that the Jedi within the Order are nicely trained and ready- the threat of The Sith is quite strong, and when the time comes, we’ll have to finish them off and add their bones to the Archives, which is why I think,” The old woman paused her rambling before circling back to her point, “That even if we are forced into Combat, in the end, it’ll do nothing but better ourselves.

@Forsythe Crowholde
@Braden Drake
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
While he was still a little apprehensive with regards to using the Force, Arctus still held on faithfully to Indy's teachings. As such he felt no further issues would arise while he talked to the man from earlier. The only problem was that he and his companions might run into any genuine member of the Crymorah Syndicate in a planet like Kessel. But he hadn't been a smuggler – a deceitful, manipulative one at that – for nothing. Despite being a member of the Jedi Order now Indy hadn't really discouraged him from letting go of his past life, simply guiding him to a more moral path without really compromising the knowledge and skills he had already acquired from being a smuggler. As such, Arctus had some remaining tricks up his sleeve should the trio run into trouble.

He was armed with a pair of DL-18 Blaster Pistols and a vibroknife tucked in one boot, and he was not afraid to use them to defend first his companions then himself.

Miss Summers was quick to agree to Knight Yvain's plan. It was a sound one, and falling in line to the targets' objective. The two Jedi were also prepared to fight, something Arctus knew he shouldn't fall behind. He scanned the crowd discreetly, grinning as if Miss Summers was telling a humorous tale so as to throw off any suspicious agents that might already be looking at the group.

"Haha, I sure as hell am gonna get loaded after this shipment, ma'am!" he said boisterously with a laugh in response to the Librarian's comment. A distraction meant for those who would target a man accompanied by elderly individuals who seemed to be too easy to take down. Any fool would assume that Arctus was the only threat to look out for among the trio and would wave off both the Librarian and the Knight in disguise dismissively.

Lowering his voice so the other two would be the only ones to hear, Arctus regarded both with a grin. "Aye, that'll do the trick," he said in response to Knight Yvain's suggestion. "And probability's high that they will mistake us for a pretty weak group. Most people 'round here are quick to assume that the elderly were easy victims." Holding a hand out in a gesture of peace, he smiled a little apologetically to the two Jedi. "No offense to you both, of course. I'm sure as hell either of you can easily beat me up in a fight."

He could fight, and fight dirty he always would, but he wasn't ready to try his luck against either of the two fully-trained Jedi.

The hairs on the back of his neck stood, and Arctus was suddenly filled with the sensation of being watched. Laughing again as if one of the two Jedi incognito said something funny, the former smuggler tilted his head a little to the side to discreetly check the crowd behind them. Five shady individuals – three humans, a beefy Zabrak, and a towering Devaronian – stood out like a sore thumb to Arctus. The Force nudged him with a quiet warning, the precaution warranted as the five discreetly followed the three Jedi from afar.

"Looks like we finally have company."

@Braden Drake @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
Yvain frowned in response to the rather bloodthirsty Jedi Knight next to him, her words were strange but he did not question them, it was for a time later, in a safe space surrounded by fellow Jedi not the rough and tumble of the Galaxy. Picking up on the que quickly Yvain smiled and looked up at Artcus, "I need them there by the next rotation, this better be quick." After a few steps he gigled slightly to himself before calling out. "Well thank you Mr Pilot, that would help an old man and his bones." With that the Jedi Knight leapt up onto the shoulder of the Padawan.

Perching himself on the humans shoulder like an oversized pet, he used his strong feet to grip hold and with the aid of The Force kept himself sturdy. "Now let us head onward." He finished a cheeky giggle only for the Padawan's ears.

@TheLightInTheDarkness @Forsythe Crowholde
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
The little green Jedi was quick to pick up on Arctus's ruse. That was good. No, more than good, seeing that their discussion fit the planrt they found themselves into. And while he had not counted on being made Master Yvain's personal transport by literally leaping up and standing onto the former smuggler's shoulder, the action further solidified Arctus's role as a hired pilot and... well... goon? Thug? Some kind of servant?

He answered Yvain's giggle with his own, one of the Padawan's hands carefully and gently settling on Miss Summers' back to steer her forward. His other hand pushed against the crowd, loudly and arrogantly telling folks to "clear the feckin' way, you laggards!" Keeping his attention divided between any pickpockets and the Jedi trio's shadows, Arctus felt the Force tugging him forward, presumably leading him to the location of the crystal they were searching for.

The five goons continued to follow, now aggressively pushing past the throng of people and hurriedly trying to catch up to the Jedi incognito. Arctus tutted, annoyed, before leading his companions to an alleyway.

"We gotta do something about these kriffers. Maybe find out if they're from the Corsairs themselves or simply some small-time thieves."

Deeper the three went, with Yvain on still on Arctus's shoulder and the former smuggler carefully leading Miss Summers. As expected their shadows followed, with the Zabrak on the lead. The three humans discreetly broke off, possibly to find another path that would inevitably lead them to blocking any exit points for the Jedi.

True to Arctus's prediction, he ran straight into the three humans, only stopping him halfway from truly bumping into said goons. He took a single step back, frowning when gravelly laughter rang behind him.

"Tryin' to lose us, eh, ya bastard?" asked the Zabrak arrogantly, prompting a laugh from his companions. "Think we're not gonna get interested over some new freighter droppin' over?"

Frown still plastered on his face, Arctus barked out a short laugh and clenched his fists.

"You up to witness some good ol' alley fight, old-timers?" he asked both Yvain and Helen, gravitating away from giving their real identities as members of the Jedi Order. He also purposefully implied that he would take on the five thugs himself, fooling them into believing that his two companions were non-combatants. "I'm in the mood to teach this wholesome lot some fistic science today!"

@Braden Drake @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
Yvain was truly hoping they would avoid a fight so early in their mission but he guessed it could not be helped when they were to be accosted by a group of five rather rough looking individuals. He hoped they would take the bait and concentrate their efforts on Arctus, he was a burly looking chap after all and Yvain was up to most of these men's shins and not to forget the rather old looking women as well. Yvain moved down off the Padawan's shoulder and helped move Helen behind the Padawan as to give the effect of them cowering in fear.

It was at that moment he acted, pulling The Force within himself he sent out a large wave of power at the group of three humans, he directed it solely at their legs from the kneecap down. The wave of power forced all of them from their feet falling face first onto the ground. "The Zabrak's are yours." Yvain shouted as he hoped out from behind the cover of the Padawan and started attacking the men. Even though he was small his body was a contorted mass of Force Power so when he punched and kicked it was the same as the Padawan himself. Running past he kicked the first one in the face causing him to growl out in pain...

@Forsythe Crowholde @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
Arctus really couldn't blame the thugs for thinking that he was all bark and no bite, that for all his bravado he was just some no-name smuggler with some equally no-name companions who would line his pockets with creds for his services. At least he had the decency to keep the act up, smirking smugly while cracking his knuckles in preparation for the inevitable brawl.

The moment Yvain acted and used the Force to topple the three human goons, the former smuggler surged forward, right fist rising to make contact with the Zabrak's jaw. The hit connected smoothly but it didn't prove enough to knock the bastard out. Following up with his left Arctus called on the Force to augment his strength but was quickly distracted by the Devaronian joining in the fray. The Padawan's momentum continued to carry him forward, unable to stop himself and was met by a beefy arm sending Arctus slamming against the grimy wall. The former smuggler might have failed in using to Force to attempt to knock out the Zabrak but he'd managed to protect himself at the last second, hands flying up to cover the back of his head the moment he roughly made contact with the wall.

To their credit the pair of alien thugs didn't stop with their assault on Arctus. The Devaronian grabbed the Padawan by the collar, lifting Arctus up effortlessly with one hand while the other busied itself with trying to break the former smuggler's nose. Arctus dodged at the last second, the Devaronian's fist hitting his left cheek instead.

Kriff, that's definitely gonna bruise.

With a grunt, the Padawan raised a knee and slammed it forcefully on the bastard's gut in time with the second punch striking his face, effectively knocking some breath out of the Devaronian. When the thug didn't let go, the Zabrak took it as an opportunity to stick a knife in Arctus's side. The former smuggler was more prepared this time, extending a hand towards the Zabrak and using the Force to lock the latter's hand in a stasis. He used the Zabrak's surprised yell and the Devaronian's distraction to slam a fist on the latter's neck. Caught unawares, the Devaronian let Arctus go in favor of clutching his own neck, to which Arctus then used to tackle the much larger man to the ground. His hold on the Zabrak's hand disappeared just as the Padawan pulled out on of his blasters from its holster, set it to stun, and fired a single shot on the Zabrak's face. Before the Devaronian could act Arctus had already shoved the barrel of his blaster on the former's throat.

"Do me a favor and stay down, alright, mate?" he warned the Devaronian, setting the blaster to kill to reinforce his warning. "Be a sport and behave. We got some questions for ya."

The Devaronian froze under the subtle threat of death, red eyes darting to where Yvain was laying waste to his human companions. Spotting Helen, the brute tried to throw Arctus off of him but the Padawan was resolute, pinning the bastard down with his full weight and pressing the blaster harder on his neck.

"I said stay down," the former smuggler repeated sternly, expression turning a little dark. The bruise that was already blooming on the left side of his face added to the grim glare he was giving the Devaronian. "You don't want to be put in a hearse, do ya?"

"Kark off!"
spat the Devaronian defiantly, returning Arctus glare. It was all he could do, though, with the blaster still shoved against his neck. "Ask away. See if you get some answers."

The Devaronian would be stupid for assuming that Arctus didn't expect the display of noncompliance even under the threat of a weapon pressed dangerously to his throat. Expression still grim, the former smuggler managed to grin wickedly down at the thug.

"Ohohoho, buddy boy, you better answer," said the Padawan, nodding over to where Yvain and Helen were. "You wouldn't wanna be under the mercy of those old-timers over there."

Arctus himself could just get on with using the Jedi Mind Trick to get what he wanted, but messing with another sentient's mind – and lightly, at that – was something he could still use some work on. As much as he was beginning to understand how the Force worked with Indy's help, he really didn't want to scramble his fellow being's mind by prodding and poking through the Devaronian's thoughts with the Force. That would be messed up and un-Jedi-like of him.

"What's up with shadowing us?" began the Padawan. "Are you with the Corsairs?"

Rolled for the first half of Arctus using the Force.
He got an ouchie XD

@Braden Drake @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
The kick had knocked much of the senses from the first human leaving him really two to deal with. Yvain ran onto the back of the second one pushing off and launching himself into the air, with The Force as his ally he reached about five or six feet in the air before coming crashing down on the upper back of the third man. The weight and gravity of Yvain slamming his face into the ground knocking him out cold.

The third and final Human was rising to his feet a wicked knife had been pulled from some hidden compartment and he was looking to charge towards Arctus, his back to the human. Reaching inside Yvain coiled The Force around his body before reaching out and grabbing the humans arm, with a wrench of The Force he pulled the weapon down and into the man's own leg causing him to scream out in pain and drop to the floor, blood pouring from the wound.

With his partially incapacitated he was able to use The Force to pinch the vein in his neck starving the brain with oxygen for a second causing him to pass out. The Jedi had a quick look over the wound on his leg, it was deep but hit no main arteries, he would not bleed out. With that he brushed off his hands and headed over to the Padawan and his Devaronian captive.

@Forsythe Crowholde @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
"Why don't you try askin' again, humie?" taunted the Devaronian with an ugly smirk, snorting with malefic glee at Arctus.

The Padawan, for his part, tried his hardest to rein his growing annoyance. It wouldn't do him any good to fall for the bastard's taunts and snap. And as much as he trusted the Jedi Knight and Librarian from stopping him should he show signs of aggression through the help of the Dark Side clinging to him stubbornly, Arctus never wanted for things to escalate into that particular scenario. Hadn't Indy taught him how to focus on anything other than the hateful and poisonous voices that seduced him into committing violence and bringing pain to anyone other than himself?

Rolling his eyes in irritation, the former smuggler sighed and shot the Devaronian an unimpressed look.

"Want me to say 'please' as well?" he asked back rhetorically, inching the barrel of the gun from his captive's throat to the underside of his jaw. "Look, we obviously don't have all day. It's either you willingly give us a simple answer or we draw it out of you while employing excruciating pain someplace you don't want to hurt."

...he wasn't really going to torture the schmuck. It wasn't the Jedi way, and he wasn't really a smuggler who did as he pleased anymore. Besides, thoughts of bodily harm would only encourage the voices into goading him to do so much more.

From his senses through the Force, Arctus could tell that Yvain was done dealing with the Devaronian's thug buddies. As the Knight approached, Arctus reached out through the Force to ascertain if Miss Summers was alright, nodding to himself with satisfaction that she wasn't harmed during the scuffle.

The Devaronian seemed to have finally come to the realization that he was outnumbered, and the old sentients accompanying Arctus weren't a pair of someones to laugh about. Gaze shifting from the three Jedi in disguise, the alien thug groaned angrily befote droppin his tough guy act. The barrel of a blaster poised to blow his brains out certainly wasn't helping.

"A'ight, so what if I am?" snarked the Devaronian. "What're ya gonna do 'bout it? Hand me over to the authorities? Wait, where are those kriffers again?"

With a rough chuckle, the Devaronian tilted his head to the side and spat with contempt.

Focusing through the Force, Arctus tried to glean if the bastard was being truthful. There was no lie so far, if he read correctly. This only meant that the former smuggler and his companions were now presented with the chance to pinpoint the Crystal Corsairs' exact lair, numbers, and both offensive and defensive equipment they might use against any tresspassers to their hideout.

"We're not going to hand you over, mate," Arctus replied, using the Force once again to lock the Devaronian's body into a stasis. Pushing himself off of the ruffian, the Padawan regarded Yvain with a barely concealed look of concern. Sure, the Knight walked away from his own fight unscathed, but Arctus couldn't help the mixture of worry and amusement from bleeding through his tone. "You alright, old man? 'Cos missy's just fine and dandy where she is, and..."

Nearly called Yvain by his rightful title right there. They were still incognito, Arctus reminded himself, and he had to plow on even if he seemed irreverent for the duration of their mission.

"Nailed ourselves some Corsairs by the looks of it," the Padawan commented, now smiling at Yvain while the Devaronian tried to struggle against the invisible force keeping him in place. "Looks like your earlier suggestion about how we should make our way in is currently in line as to what these thugs initially planned for us."

Holstering his blaster, Arctus nudged the only conscious ruffian with the tip of his boot.

"Can any of you, like, mind trick him into giving us more info? Maybe even get him to smuggle us in their hideout," suggested the Padawan. He would have used the mental manipulation aka the notorious Jedi Mind Trick on the Devaronian, except for the fact that Arctus had no desire to accidentally scramble the thug's mind or something even worse.

@Braden Drake @TheLightInTheDarkness
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
The little miscreant as expected was not being very talkative or very helpful, it was never going to be easy that was for sure but Yvain hoped that the physical aspect of the dismantlement of the five thugs would help loosen the creatures tongue a little. He sighed as he pulled The Force within himself then using the tell tale hand wave as he forced his will upon the man's mind. "You will take us to your hideout." "I will take you to the hideout."

Turning to the Padawan he nodded to inform him to remove his boot from the back of the ruffian allowing him to stand. "Well not my preferred use of The Force, but I guess it works." The Jedi Knight shrugged before beginning to follow the man off to the West. "Miss Summers, I would advise that you head back to the ship, the fewer of us the less likely we are to get called out." He said giving the women a polite little bow before running to catch up with the pair.

"You handle yourself well young Fries, not traditional Jedi training. I assume you lived a colourful life before you joined The Order."

@Forsythe Crowholde
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
With the Devaronian being compliant under Yvain's will through the Force, Arctus let the thug gp amd rose back to his own feet. Gaze flitting to the other unconscious pirates, the former smuggler made quick work of lining the goons up behind a disused dumpster before following the Jedi Knight and the Devaronian's lead.

He offered the small Jedi a sympathetic smile before waving a hand over at Miss Summers. The Padawan paused briefly, rummaging through his pockets for his ship's remote control before tossing it over at the Librarian.

"The Cyar'ika's under your watch, Ma'am," he cheekily told Miss Summers, winking playfully at her before resuming on their merry way towards the pirate group's hideout.

At Yvain's comment, Arctus grinned sheepishly and lifted a hand to gingerly rub the back of his neck. His left face throbbed, the beginnings of a bruise already forming and earned a few of the crowd's curious looks as the two Jedi and one thug emerged from the alley.

"Er, thanks," replied the Padawan, voice low enough for only Yvain to hear, now slightly amused as they followed the Devaronian west. The trio passed yet another alley, this one leading down further from the city and – by the looks of it – ever closer to the spice mines and a slaver camp. "I was actually a smuggler once before Indy– before Master Sati found me on Onderon."

He would've gone on and gave more details about said meeting but this was hardly the time for reminiscing. Arctus felt the hairs on the back of his neck when they passed by a group of armed men, one of them sporting a particular tattoo on her neck. It seemed that the intel had been correct about the presence of Pyke Syndicates in the area. The two Jedi incognito and the Devaronian's arrival was quick to draw curious gazes, and it was only Arctus's previous dealings with criminals and the underworld that prevented him from showing the growing anxiety on his face.

A decrepit building loomed ahead of them, with a flag bearing the Crystal Corsairs' symbol pinned to by the entrance. A female Nautolan armed with a blaster rifle paused from her chatter with her fellow guards and began to approach the trio.

"Oy, Qesh!" spoke the woman addressing the pirate, still a few meters away from Arctus, Yvain, and their Devaronian counterpart. "Who're those schmucks with ya?"

The Devaronian, still under Yvain's influence, didn't respond. He stopped on his tracks, however, looking confused for a second as he gazed at the two disguised Jedi before Arctus was forced to intervene. Pulling the Force within him just as he felt and observed from Yvain earlier, the Padawan discreetly waved a hand over the Devaronian's face and tried his hand at the Jedi Mind Trick.

"Tell them we're here to–"

The Nautolan was closing in...

"–ah, hells, talk to the boss!"

Luck seemed to smile at the Padawan's attempt, the Devaronian falling yet again for another Mind Trick on top of the first as he turned to face the Nautolan. Arctus was secretly glad that no mind scrambling happened from that first try.

Gruffly, the pirate said, "They're here to talk to the boss."

"'Talk to the boss', eh? What for?"


Raising both hands to chest level in a show of surrender (or good faith?), Arctus sidled up beside the Devaronian and shot the woman a disarming smile. The former smuggler knew that he was quite pleasing to the eyes and he sure as hell wasn't afraid to weaponize his rugged good looks.

"Hey there, sweetheart," greeted Arctus, already channeling his flirtatious persona as he took one of the Nautolan's hand and pressed a light kiss to her knuckles. She shot him a wary look but didn't react violently, and the Padawan took that as a good sign. "Here's the deal why we're here, and it's a funny story, that. Me and my little green boss here just landed on the planet for some business, and the moment we stepped out of the hangar Mister Qesh and his merry group here decided to tail us. Probably to rob us or something–"

The woman lifted her blaster, aiming the barrel at Arctus's chest with a slight frown. "Get to the karkin' point."

For his part, the former smuggler's grin widened into another flirtatious smile. "Alright, if my lady says so. Long story cut short: Mister Qesh and some members of his group ambushed us–" more like the Jedi led them to an alley "–and tried to beat us, we beat 'em instead, and now we're here to talk to your boss about paying for our ship that Mister Qesh' associates currently have on hostage," lied the Padawan smoothly, twisting the story for the two Jedi incognito's benefit. "See, it doesn't even have anything important worth robbing – not to your group, anyway – and we just want our sweet ride back. We're willing to pay for it, honest!"

Here, the Nautolan shot Arctus a smirk before tugging the zipper of her jacket down, flashing a certain necklace with a curious pendant that rested against her bosom.

Kark, Arctus thought to himself as he tried to focus on the memory crystal and not on the Nautolan's cleavage. Ain't that the thing were here for. The crystal, I mean.

"So,"
the Nautolan woman, revealed to be the leader of the Crystal Corsairs, asked smugly, "how much are you and your boss willing to pay for your ship, sweetheart?"

@Braden Drake
 
Last edited:

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
It was all going swimmingly, well it appeared to be going swimmingly until well the cover was apparently blown. Though none knew it yet, or at least were not willing to admit to themselves they were in a standoff, it was who blinked first, or probably more accurately who said the wrong thing first. Arctus had gotten them into a good position with his story, but the problem is they had little to back it up.

"The ship is pretty banged up, to be honest I only hired it as a favour for a friend. This man's uncle." Yvain said whilst pointing a finger at Arctus. "I could give you seven thousand credits, to release the ship. Though I would have to be taken back to a terminal I don't carry that sort of money on me right now." He continued with a big cheesy smile on his face. As he spoke the Jedi Knight began to pull The Force in around him, his mind concentrating on the pendant around the neck, depending on if the women took the bait or not, he was ready at moments notice to pull it free.

@Forsythe Crowholde
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
Arctus simply smiled and nodded politely as Yvain backed up the Padawan's claim, not willing to back down and blow up the cover the pair of Jedi created. He knew he wasn't the best actor so he simply did what he knew best: spare a charming smile here, nod where it's appropriate, and lie. The Padawan would've taken a bit of offense at having his ship called banged up but he couldn't exactly derail the momentum the Knight created when the head of the Corsairs narrowed her eyes suspiciously at the little green man.

"Seven thousand for a banged up ship?" asked the Nautolan woman, glancing between the two Jedi in disguise. Her gaze then settled on the Devaronian as she withdrew her rifle from Arctus's chest. "Qesh, whaddaya think? Is their ship as crappy as the little guy's makin' it out to be?"

Ah, hells. Why did he have to lie about the Cyar'ika being held hostage?

At the look of growing confusion on the Devaronian's ugly mug again, the former smuggler stepped in again and gave Qesh' shoulder a friendly slap. The action made a few of the Corsairs raise their blasters, but Arctus grinned and raised his hands to chest level again to show that he meant no harm. Some weapons were lowered quicky while the others, well, not so much.

"It's true, darling," Arctus interjected with a slight pout. "I wouldn't let a gorgeous lady such as yourself to even set foot–"

Slightly irritated, the head of the Corsairs approached Arctus and stood directly in front of him, staring up at the Padawan with a little smirk. "Am I talkin' to ya, darling?" She raised her free hand to chuck his chin, her smirk turning into a predatorial grin as she leaned up at him. "I would've shot you if you ain't that cute. Now, you stay put and I'll have two of my men go with green bean over here–"

With her so close, Arctus could very easily snatch the crystal hanging around her neck but that would be too obvious. With a quick glance towards Yvain, the Padawan subtly nodded once before grabbing the Nautolan woman by the hips and pressing his lips to hers in a kiss.

Now, Yvain! he told the older Jedi via telepathy as the Corsairs leader, taken aback by the action, soon returned Arctus's gesture with a muffled giggle as her crew hooted and whistled at the scene. Some were smart enough to take offense, blasters powering up, but they knew they really couldn't act without their leader's consent.

He would pull away from the kiss only if Yvain did pull the necklace off of the leader, distracting her from the Jedi Knight's actions and giving her a cheeky grin.

"You know what? You're kinda cute, too. And women who take the lead are definitely my type, so..."

Once he got the confirmation that the necklace was now in Yvain's possession the Padawan would snatch the smaller Knight up before breaking into a run towards the direction they came from earlier. Dodging blaster fire pretty much summed up his career as a smuggler, but now that he had been made aware of his connection to the Force Arctus would use it to his advantage, drawing It in to augment his legs' strength before taking leaping up towards the roof of the slavet camp situated not far from the Crystal Corsairs' hideout.

Landing on the roof (lucky it was only a single-story building) and briefly catchig his breath, Arctus would shoot Yvain an apologetic grin before helping the Knight settle on his shoulder.

"Sorry about that, sir... er... Knight Yvain. I'll do the escaping, you–" he took one of his blasters and would offer it to the little green man "–slow them down. Are you cool with that?"

@Braden Drake
 

Yvain

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Master

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Braden
Joined
May 18, 2021
Messages
170
Reaction score
31
Yvain had to stop himself from laughing as he watched the Padawan try to seduce the gang leader. The pair of Jedi were lucky as one look from the women would have broken the Jedi Knight and there cover and ruse would quickly disappear in a hail of blaster fire. Even though his surface thoughts were focused on the hilarious escapades of Arctus in the back of his mind he still had a slim tether of The Force wrapped around the pendant.

The Padawan gave the silent signal as Arctus grabbed his own prize, with a swipe of his wrist the Pendant came free. Yvain made sure to pull the string holding the pendant in place apart from itself instead of tugging on the neck of the women, giving them a precious few seconds in the chase to come.

The little green Jedi was quickly swept off his feet, the second person Arctus had done it to in as many seconds and the pair were charging off into the distance. It took a few moments before the women noticed the missing Pendant and began the charge on the pair. Yvain took the blaster from the Padawan a big smile on his face, "Yea of course." He was secure on the shoulder of the larger man as he ran across the roof tops, one of the more athletic of the troupe had made his way onto the rooftop behind them. Yvain took aim with the blaster aiming right between his eyes, then he let loose. The blaster spinning end over end before clattering into the skull of the enemy. "Bullseye." He shouted excitedly looking down at the Padawan.

@Forsythe Crowholde
 

Arctus Friers

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Forsythe Crowholde
Joined
Nov 21, 2020
Messages
247
Reaction score
192
Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned.

Arctus was intimately familiar with that phrase, having seduced his way to a minor noble lady's bed three years ago, so he could get into her father's estate and steal something – for the life of him – he couldn't even remember now that he thought back to that incident. She wasn't exactly the chaste and innocent type of lady, and he only found out that she'd been viciously angry for leaving her alone in her bed the next morning when her guards started shooting at him the moment they caught sight of him.

It was a funny anecdote he wanted to share with Indy, or anyone else who wanted to hear, but he decided against it. Funny the tale might be, but the mere fact that he never dared return to that planet that shouldn't be named since that incident was more than enough proof that he would be on the receiving end of an embarrassment of a lifetime should he share the story to others.

The enraged scream of the leader of the Corsairs when she realized that she had been duped reminded Arctus of that embarrassing memory and, of course, that one phrase he was terribly familiar with. There was no way he could return to Kessel again, ever.

He was glad that Yvain had taken up on his offer. The former smuggler was about to say something along the lines of "You don't have to shoot to kill, just incapacitate 'em" but the lack of the sounds of blaster fire not only piqued the Padawan's curiosity. Dread filled him, quickly replaced by nervous amusement, when instead of that distinct sound of blaster fire a sickening crunch reach his ears instead, the unmistakable noise of durasteel and plastoid against a skull reached his ears. The Knight's excited shout certainly didn't help, feeding Arctus's anxious amusement all the more.

"What the fuck?!" exclaimed the Padawan through bouts of bright laughter. Arctus stopped briefly to cast a quick glance at the downed thug, the poor bastard clutching at his face and backing off from the impact. "What the actual fuck?!"

More angry yelling came below the roof, followed by blaster fire poorly aimed at the two Jedi. Arctus reached out with the Force, using it to summon his blaster to his waiting hand before it could skid off of the roof. More of the Corsairs began to climb the roof, so the Padawan took it as his cue to continue his and Yvain's escape. Drawing the Force within him once again the former smuggler leapt from one roof to the next, aware of the more persistent members of the Corsairs chasing after the two Jedi on the roof and from the alleyways below.

"Remind me not to talk shit about you or give you the attitude, Knight Yvain!" Arctus told the little green man as he pulled out his commlink to contact Miss Summers. "Wouldn't wanna be on the receivin' end of that wicked throw!"

A stray blaster fire zipped by dangerously close to his left leg, and Arctus took it as his cue to descend from the rooftops once the main street came up to view.

"Hey, Miss Summers? We got what we're here for. Prepare the Cyar'ika for take off, thanks!"

Message sent, the Padawan jumped down the alley and proceeded to make his way back to the main street. There might have been some oversight from his part, however, as three members of the Corsairs including Qesh the Devaronian blocked their path.

We're so close to the exit, though. Considering that he'd put quite a distance between him and the rest of their pursuers, these three thugs must have used a shortcut to waylay the two Jedi. To the Devaronian, the Padawan called, "Back for more of what I gave you, buddy boy?"

Three against two wasn't that bad. He'd seen the state of those thugs Yvain had felled earlier.

"Time for one last hand throwing, Knight Yvain!" Arctus said gleefully, adrenaline coursing through his veins. With a feral grin he charged towards Qesh, throwing his full weight at the Devaronian as well as reinforcing his strength using the Force. These three thugs were the last of the obstacles that the two Jedi must take down so they could return to the Cyar'ika – unless the bastards managed to buy their comrades time. In this case, both Knight and Padawan needed to finish this brawl as quickly as they could.

@Braden Drake
 
Top