Open Dromund Kaas Among the People

[Zathria]

Getting onto Dromund Kaas had been a bit easier than Zathria expected, but she anticipated everything else after that being more difficult. With a great deal of effort, the local resistance group - calling themselves the Free Souls - had gotten a representative to the Jedi Order pleading for help.

That assignment had fallen to Zathria and Sevrin. One to provide medical help, one to help organize resistance, and both to disrupt the Sith occupiers. Once again, Zathria found herself tense. Though linking up with the Souls was far less intense than destroying the primary Sith base of operations, any time she was in enemy territory there was something to be nervous about.

Walking the street of the city, she wore an outfit one might expect of any other spacer - pants, boots, and a leather jacket - with her lightsaber hidden and a small satchel of medical supplies over her shoulder. Their contact - Jeb Ardeen - was the same man who had come to the Jedi for help. Though she hadn't spotted him yet a glance at her chrono told her that they were nearing the meeting time for the link-up.

The air was thick with humidity, but had fortunately held off on pouring rain or electrical storms down on them as they walked. The Echani had to admire the people of this world: they were resourceful. Lightning rods adorned the tops of many of the tall skyscrapers and at the edges of the city she had seen generators that by some science she didn't really understand, dissipated static energy from the sky to lessen the number of storms conjured by the partially-electrified atmosphere.

Still, she didn't hate this world. A bit like Yavin IV in some ways and any of the extremes of some other worlds... like Sullust. Nobody liked Sullust. You literally couldn't even breathe there. Hard pass.

 

[Vraes Trenessar]

Dromund Kaas. A Sith world. One that just oozed with the taint of the Force. The last time a member of his Clan was here was thousands of years ago, and that was in battle. The Mandalorian didn't even attempt to hide what he was and he was thankful that his beskar was climate controlled, allowing him to deal with the humidity with ease. He could feel the haft of his axe bouncing against his upper back, reminding him it was there... or maybe beckoning to him?

The Mandalorian had agreed to pause his pursuit of a fellow Clansman at the request of another and so... he came to this world. After accepting a contract to aid some group known as the Free Souls. He hated the Force and he hated the Sith, so anyone looking to free themselves from under their boot was a good cause to follow.

The man who hired him, Jeb Ardeen, was about to have a very good day. Vraes was early, was going to decline the payment, and offer his services for free. He wasn't a sell-sword, and the man was unknowingly helping him fulfill his directive. As he was nearing the meeting place, Vraes would linger at a statue, his visor studying his surroundings in the event of a trap. His gaze would drift upward. Be it science of force shit, the storms were being held at bay, so at least that was a silent blessing.

@Phoenix

 

[Alexandria Voran]

What was she doing? Alex railed against the darkening of the Order. She would not have them become what they fought against. Yet did she take her own advice? What she had to Asminys was indefensible. Oh, there would be no repercussions within the Order. Many of her brothers and sisters would have applauded her methods. Drow had stood right next to her to support ripping through the Sith’s mind. She had chosen the fellow Master because he would accept somethings must be done. Only Alex knew the hypocritical truth. She took the path of least resistance. She had been frustrated, tired, and unwilling to hold herself to a higher standard. A mistake. Her foolishness had ended when the Sith escaped. Another failure of the Ranger and the Order. She added it to the list.

Her penance was simple. Your life is sacrifice and she needed to be that sacrifice. So, she had come to Dromund Kaas with Zathria and Sevrin. Not because of her concerns of growing darkness in the Order, but because she needed to do good. That meant bringing light to a place ordinarily shrouded in Darkness. Part of the task was organizing resistance, but an equally important part was requested medical aid. She could help with that part.

Alex did not wear her armor. Instead, she chose the simple clothes of an ordinary citizen, the hood of her jacket pulled up, her saber carefully concealed in the pocket. A storm was imminent, so a rain hood did not stand out among the crowd. At least two Sith knew her face, which meant caution was necessary. Her signature was pulled in close with her mental walls high. Zathria was just across the street from her. They were close to the meeting point. She hopped this Jeb Ardeen was true to his word. These people needed help and she intended to give it.

@Phoenix @Rhogar

 

[Zathria]

Zathria guessed Sevrin hadn't had as good of luck getting onto the planet as she had, but she was glad to have Master Voran here. Another Jedi when this far behind enemy lines was a welcome security.

She was ever-aware of her surroundings as she made her way down the street, not yet realizing that their contact had hired mercenaries as well.

She turned down a side street and in the direction of the meeting point: a small park with a bridge overlooking a river that flowed through the city. She came to a stop and leaned against the railing, looking out over the water flowing beneath and the people walking by behind.

A statue was in the distance and she squinted at it. A president or politician? What even was the exact political system of Dromund Kaas? Or what was it before the Sith came in and took over. She wasn't sure.

She took a deep breath in, wondering once again how she had gotten herself on another infiltration job. Keep calm, keep calm, keep calm.

Sssso, are you ready? Jeb said. Even with the Force, the Trandoshan had almost managed to sneak up on Zathria, but she was relieved when she saw the familiar face, managing narrowly to keep her face steady.

@Valen Pelora @Rhogar

 

[Vraes Trenessar]

Vraes turned his attention back to the statue, his arms crossing as he inspected it. The stone was old that had been used and much of the detail had eroded away with time. But one thing was clear to him, this close to the statue: It was Sith. One gauntlet wiped against the dust on the plaque. "-Ulak.. -ord.. Hmm.. wonder how old of a Sith they were.. They looked mighty." Vraes would muse to himself, disgust in his voice. "A pity you still yet stand.." he could change that, but not right now. That was a task for later.

Turning back to the meeting place, he'd see the Trandoshan known as Jeb, an odd name for one, but he didn't question it. He was talking to a woman, maybe two of them? Female warriors. Perfect. An area of the galaxy outside his own that recognized the ferocity of the 'gentler' sex. He would laugh to himself, the Aruetii were fools and he couldn't wait to shed blood alongside these women.

Approaching the trio, the Mandalorian would tap his gauntlet against his chestplate lightly, as if to not draw -too- much attention to them. "Hail, Jeb." he'd then bow his head respectfully to the two women. "Fellow warriors."

@Valen Pelora @Phoenix

 

[Alexandria Voran]

This was not Alex’s forte but her first rodeo. She kept her distance from Zathria in the busy streets of Dromund Kaas. To the passerby, they were just more civilians on the storm torn world. She kept her senses alert for any hint of trouble as she made her way towards the rendezvous. Zathria had met Jeb before, so she left that particular portion of the meeting in the Knight’s very capable hands. Alex took her post on a park bench on one end of the bridge. The bench very pleasantly overlooked the river. She took a holo from her pocket and began skimming through the day’s news.

Of course, her true attention was on their surroundings. Jeb did seem to appear almost as if out of thin air. Their contact certainly was cautious. She trusted Zathria to get the necessary information. Alex continued her watch. At her age, she was surprised by very little. The hulking man in full armor lumbering towards the bridge managed to surprise her. She maintained careful control of her face and breathing through the Force. There was no cause for concern yet. The man did not stick out as immediately Sith, but it was exceptionally strange to see a mountain of armor walking in a metropolis park.

Dromund Kaas was like any large city…it was mostly just average folk. It was why the two Jedi had dressed casually, they did not want to stick out. The armored figure managed the exact opposite. Even from where she was sitting, she could see him bow his head and tap his chest. What the kriff was going on? Alex remained perfectly calm on the bench, flipping through the news. They had a single for when it was appropriate to move in. Alex would not move a muscle until she received that signal.

@Rhogar @Phoenix

 

[Zathria]

Zathria nodded to the question, but was taken off guard by the heavily armored man that had appeared alongside the Trandoshan. It was unnerving, and he didn't exactly blend in, but she inclined her head slightly in the man's direction as he greeted her.

We sssssshould leave the ssssssstreeetsss, the Trandoshan said, casting a glance over to the armored man as well. He didn't offer any further greetings to either group as he led them down a side alley and through a side door. There was a flight of stairs leading into a basement where a trio of others were inside.

Small tactical displays were being projected from datapads and the others - two humans and a zabrak - looked up to see those who had arrived.

We musssst get you all to the medical outposst, Jeb said, moving over toward the displays to search for the best system of speeders and public transportation to get them there. It was just the simple things. The Free Souls didn't have endless resources, but what they did have they used well.

 

[Vraes Trenessar]

Where the women seemed alamred by this suddenly appearing armored hulk, Vraes just thought it was another normal day. He even tipped his head to a couple that walked by, one that immediately stepped up the pace as they passed to avoid a possible armored lunatic. They seemed nice. As Jeb led them off the street, he'd bring up the rear, just in case there was an ambush. After all, this was going to become a warzone sooner, rather than later.

He would make his way over to the other three members of the Free Souls, stopping near each tac display. He'd speak lowly as if to not interfere the overall ordeal. "The Sith.. how do they move their supplies? Transit or armed escort craft? And are there any Sith or organizations planetside, that have already caught wind of your existence and are trying to bring you down?"

@Phoenix @Valen Pelora

 

[Alexandria Voran]

That was her cue. As Zathria, Jeb, and armored man started moving from the bridge, she stood. Alex continued to stay a short distance behind…just in case. When they turned down the side alley, she quickly closed the gap. The Jedi Master joined the small party as they entered the side door. She was vigilant with each step. Jeb had been forwarded Zathria was not coming alone. Alex’s appearance did not seem to startle the freedom fighter. Instead, he led them down a flight of stairs into the outpost. Her eyes quickly flicked around the room. An impressive operation before despite the size.

Of course, the mystery man starting speaking. What an extremely odd situation. Alex did her best to remain polite. “We will need as much time at the medical outpost as possible.” She motioned towards Zathria. “The work we need to do will draw attention quickly if we are not careful.” Public transportation was likely their safest option, but if the safehouse was being watched that presented a problem.

“Our large friend here is correct. If they are looking for you, it may be more difficult to move us.” Alex flashed a wide smile. “It might also be helpful if we all knew who we were working with.” Ever the diplomat her voice was warm. However, the Jedi Master had serious reservations about working with a stranger. Especially a stranger who exclusively wore heavy armor. That almost never boded well.

@Rhogar @Phoenix