Ask Asteroid Terror

[Thel Xeros]

“Yes, will do,” he replied. He followed her instructions, continuing to play the part of an obedient civilian.

“I’m an antiques dealer. Some of the pirates robbed me and then brought me here. I’ve been kept chained in one of the rooms. I’m not even sure what they planned to do with me.” He lowered his voice to a whisper.

“You mentioned an imperial officer when you grabbed me. Are you on some sort of a rescue mission then?”

His efforts to mask his presence in the force meant that he had trouble sensing how she felt. He could detect a certain uneasiness towards him, but nothing more specific.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

They kept squeezing themselves forward while they exchanged a few quiet words. "Damn I'm sorry to hear, but how did you break free?" she wanted to know, softening her voice a little to feign newly gained trust which she absolutely hadn't actually gained yet.

His story already didn't fully add up, but it actually didn't matter this much, as it was more important that they vanished from the radar for now. "Which kinds of antiques?" she also asked, wanting to figure out whether if his story was true, he might have something interesting for her in return.

The stranger turned noisy, but while it displeased her severely, she knew she had to give him something as well as trust was mutual. "Yes, you could say so" she thus admitted, stopping for a moment to reach out with the Force and check their surroundings. "Climb up to the right...".

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

“One of my captors came to check on me when they were a little ‘worse for wear’, shall we say. They left the keys to my chains in the room, luckily. So, I took my chance.” They continued moving through the cramped tunnel. “Anything I can find that might be of value. Ceramics, furniture, jewellery. Those sorts of things.”

The imperial confirmed what Thel thought, though she did try to be somewhat vague in her response.

“Ok, I’ll go first.” Thel climbed up and tentatively pushed open the hatch above. He poked his head out to look. Some sort of a boiler room. It appeared empty. He pulled himself up into the room. “Doesn’t appear to be anyone here,” he remarked quietly. The imperial would obviously want to find her captured ally. However, she didn’t seem certain as to how she was going to go about it.

“So, where to from here,” he asked her.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

And it was getting worse. Whoever this guy was, he had a lot to hide. His story was a cheap excuse, given that he offered the most trivial of all explanations about how some 'stupid pirate' forgot the keys. She gritted her teeth as she pressed on.

She was much displeased with the situation and that he kept lying made her angry. She was already on edge and once again toyed with the thought of just snapping his neck right here as he was potentially dangerous, but then again she remembered that everything pointed to how he was fleeing as well and this was still potentially helpful.

"Of value for whom?" she didn't fully hiss, but through gritted teeth was sharper after he had come up with another vague excuse before he pulled himself up into the room and she followed. She scanned the room and checked for presences within the Force, but besides the humming, working engine, the coast seem clear, only one problem remained.

As there was no imminent danger, she reached out with the Force and caught her shady companion in a stasis, so that he wasn't able to move any longer and coldly glared at him. "Listen up. You don't need to disclose all the details, but I don't believe you at all. You want to get out here and I want the same. You're not an antiques dealer though", she stated flatly, already being tired of those games.

"You're capable of fighting, aren't you?" she asked, however also wondering whether he was Force sensitive. Maybe he was a random, independent Force user, but she still didn't need him to specify, all she wanted was a genuine answer to the question of whether he was as helpless as he pretended to be. "Tell me, are you a valuable ally and will we work together to get out of here or give me a different reason for why I shouldn't just knock you out right here, right now and prevent myself from finding a knife in my back.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

The imperial had been frosty towards him, but Thel didn’t expect her to do what she did. He felt the force wrap around him and hold him in a tight grip. She then proceeded to make it clear that she hadn’t believed what he told her. How disappointing. He briefly considered fighting back. He could break out of her grip. He would have the element of surprise, and she didn’t seem to have a lightsaber. However, he quickly dismissed the thought. Too much of a risk. He had to come up with another lie; a more convincing lie.

“You want to know the truth? I’ll tell you. I’m a bounty hunter. I’m hunting a pirate who is on this station. I don’t want any trouble with you.” He looked back at her. “If we work together, we can get off this station; and maybe you can rescue your imperial colleague.” He hoped that she would accept what he said. Otherwise, he would be in for a fight.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Tired of his games and judging by the risks dragging him along was still entailing, she offered him this last chance. She still wouldn't murder him, but knock him out so that they could find and lock him away, which apperently still exerted the right amount of pressure.

He suddenly started talking and gave her a story that partly added up at least and so she slowly let him go. The part about wanting to get off this station sounded most genuine and she also believed him about the guy he wanted to hint and so she fully let the stasis wear off. "So you lied because you're on a secret mission yourself?" she concluded, slightly shaking her head and readying the blaster she had borrowed from the guard she had dealt with earlier.

"What about this then: we rescue my guy, deal with yours, gear up and leave" she finally suggested, the little thread of trust she had developed after his revelation still fragile but she knew she had to compromise a little.

"If you only think of stabbing me in the back, I'll know" she still added rather threateningly before she nodded for the door. "I'd say we move towards the command deck. We'll have to expect more resistance there, but the important people would also be there. Are you up for this?".

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Fortunately, the imperial believed him. Slowly, the grip around Thel loosened until he was free. “I lied because you had a blaster to my head and you seemed jumpy. I thought you’d just shoot me if I said I was a bounty hunter.” He looked over the imperial, keeping an eye on her blaster.

“Fine, that sounds reasonable.” Having to help her wasn’t ideal, but she had offered help in return. It was better to have her on side. “Don’t worry, I have no intention of double-crossing you,” he responded calmly to her warning.

“Fine, we can take the elevator up there. Don’t underestimate them though. The resistance will be heavy.” He decided to probe a little bit more before they moved on. “Seeing as I’ve been honest with you, perhaps you could be honest with me. You’re an imperial knight, aren’t you?” He wanted his suspicions confirmed.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Of course his explanation made sense, but someone who was against the pirates in the first place could have obvious revealed the real intentions, couldn't he? The doubts didn't fully left her features even if she let go of him for now.

"Are you just in for the money or is this personal?" she asked out of curiosity, knowing that if the latter was involved, she had to be careful about how emotional and reckless he might get when it came to pursuing his target.

But they had a deal after all, which was good, as long as they sticked to it. She obviously wouldn't blindly believe him, but he seemed intimidated enough. He had no idea she was far stronger than a regular Knight and thus she was also rather confident about the resistance.

"No, I won't underestimate them, but they'll learn what happens if you mess with the Empire". She had always been fiercely protective of fellow soldiers and Imperials and this was no exception. He'd see it in the fierce determination that flickered in her eyes.

He was in no position to make demands and so she just scoffed at his remark. "Do you really think you should be asking something from me?", she asked plainly. He had surely drawn his conclusions as she was obviously an Imperial force user so there was no need in denying that, but he had no right to gather any additional information about their corps. "Yes. This base won't stand much longer" she didn't have to tell him about the reinforcements just yet, but she was hoping he'd get the idea that they would get out of here sooner or later if they wouldn't get killed by doing something stupid.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

“Credits of course.” Thel didn’t have to lie. His reason for being on the ship related to a deal that had gone wrong. He resisted the temptation to roll his eyes when she spoke about not crossing the empire. He disliked the bravado and posturing.

She wouldn’t give a straight answer. There wasn’t much point in pushing it further. “Fine, no harm in asking.” She then made another bold declaration. My word, she’s like something out of an imperial propaganda film.

He moved to the door and it slid open, revealing an empty corridor. “Shall I lead the way? Or would you prefer to?”

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

His next reply came instantaneously and given its directness, she believed him this time. Good, so no sentimental distractions she hoped. "Good, let's move then". She was hoping his own goal kept him motivated enough to stay on track.

She motioned for him to go and plainly stated, "Go ahead". Wasn't that obvious by now? He had a blaster, too, she wouldn't want to tempt him. If he took the lead, she'd follow close by, blaster readied and her senses om full alert.

Together, they could round the few next corners, before she quietly said, "We're getting closer...some are gathering ahead, but to our left there are two guards. We should handle them stealthily. Can you do that or should I do the honors?" this was another chance for him to prove himself not to be fully useless, but without the Force, he'd have to be creative.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

“Of course.” Thel led the way through the corridors. The layout was similar to the floor he had been on earlier, so he believed he could work out how to find the elevator.

As he reached a corner, the imperial stopped him. She indicated that she could sense two people up ahead. She wanted to deal with them quietly. Without being able to use the force, his options were limited. He had only had a blaster, not exactly a silent weapon. “I’ll deal with them,” he replied. He wasn’t going to bother disposing of them quietly. The imperial’s plan was to storm the command deck, which was hardly subtle.

He rounded the corner and opened fire at the two pirates, the shots slammed into the pirates. Their lifeless bodies dropped to the ground. He turned back to the imperial. “I suggest we hurry to the elevator before others arrive.”

If she wanted it done quietly, she shouldn't have asked. She should have just done it herself.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

The instructions had been clear, he had agreed on doing it himself. As he suddenly shot, she finally gained clarity. She couldn't trust him. He was with them, or perhaps not, but as he chose to backstab her at the very first opportunity by raising alert through the notorious blaster sound, Kalique had seen enough.

A wave of rage washed over her as she once again realized that strangers couldn't be trusted. She raised her free hand - the blaster still laid in the other - and violently reached out with the Force to immediately knock him out by dulling his senses. He'd be engulfed by a impenetrable blackness that would hit him unprepared and he'd find himself on the ground just a few seconds later.

They could deal with him now. Thanks to him, they knew were they were and hence she force pulled his blaster over and broke into a sprint. She immediately dove into the alcove, knowing her former 'ally' would decently nap for quite some time and hence all she could now focus on was to save the Imperial Officer.

However, as she let a squad of pirates pass her while she was in hiding, her gaze immediately fell on a storage room she passed whose massive window allowed her to catch a glance of what looked to her own uniform. G R E A T. So she also needed her stuff back first.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Even though Thel had been reckless, he didn’t expect the imperial to lash out at him. “Ah.” He collapsed to the floor as his vision blurred. He was just about able to reach one arm out to slightly cushion his fall, before he rolled over on the ground. His head felt heavy, but he was still conscious. He struggled to move and instead chose to lay still, as he heard the sound of the imperial running away.

Slowly, he began to drag himself to his feet. He shook his head as he gradually came to his senses. Suddenly, he sensed something. A group of three pirates came around the corner and moved towards him. “Is this the one we’re looking for?” Thel was slightly annoyed at the situation he found himself in and directed his frustration straight at the pirates. Thrusting his arms upwards, the pirates were thrown against the ceiling by the force. He ignited his lightsaber and attacked. Two pirates were quickly beheaded. The remaining one scrambled over to his dropped blaster, but Thel flicked it away before it could be reached. He then gripped hold of the pirate and lifted them off the floor. “A pirate called Annoz; where is he? Tell me now and I’ll let you live.” The pirate hesitated for only a few seconds before answering. “He went down to the hangar. The imperial shuttle down there. They’re going to strip it for parts. Don’t kill me, please!” Thel flung the man into the wall, knocking them out.

He took a few seconds to compose himself. In a way, the imperial had done him a favour. He was now free to go and find his target. He moved in the opposite direction that the imperial had gone, starting his journey back to the hangar.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

The Imperial. To save the Officer, she needed her gear and thus she forcefully dragged her lightsabers towards her with the Force, igniting them mid-air to shatter the glass that separated them before she deactivated one, secured it and hopped through the window to get her uniform.

The time for subtleties was over anyway, thanks to her former, temporary ally, but due to him she did at least have a minute. She hoped right in and quickly fastened what she could, a vambrace and a shin protector was missing, just like the helmet, but it was better than nothing, so she immediately hopped back out.

They wanted to play? Fine. Now they'd get a real fight. Kalique was definitely annoyed about the backstabbing action of this Thel, but he'd serve his purpose of a good distraction for now. Obviously, she was still immediately met with resistance, but the occasional blaster shooters couldn't do any real harm.

The first real issue was a turret that pinned her down after the next corner, and she carefully had to reach in with the Force to fry its circuitry before she could actually press on. There was still no sign of the Imperial, but she wouldn't leave before she'd find him. What did slightly startle her though was a sudden ripple she perceived within the Force, but for now she couldn't go investigate.

She expected possible reinforcements in about and hour, so if she had to, she'd find a way to locate him by disappearing again if she had to, but for now she slowly worked her way forwards.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel slowly made his way down to the hangar. He moved carefully, trying to avoid combat when possible. He did briefly consider how the imperial was doing. I’d rather not run into her again.

Entering the hangar, he could see a couple of men outside the imperial shuttle. He didn’t hesitate and ignited his saber. “It’s him. The Sith!” One pirate opened fire and their shots were deflected straight back at them. Their body dropped to the floor. He reached out and used the force to drag the other towards himself. As they tried to resist, he walked up and disposed of them with a swift stab through the torso. Their body slumped over as he approached the shuttle’s ramp. Stepping up the ramp, his senses were alerted. Ducking down, a vibroblade flew over his head and impaled in the floor behind him. His target, Annoz, stepped into sight. “I’m not going down without a fight!” The heavy-set pirate was armed with an electrohammer. He swung recklessly and Thel leaped backwards off the ramp, easily avoiding the attack. The pirate charged towards him and swiped the electrohammer high towards his head, but he ducked under it and, by simple moving his wrist in a clockwise motion, he then rotated his saber to slice off the pirate’s right hand. He let out a loud screech, stumbling back and dropping his weapon. He dropped to one knee, looking at the stump where his hand had once been. Thel stood over him. “You will give me the information I need.” He reached out his hand towards the pirate’s head, to extract the information from his mind by using the force.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Proceeding onwards was much easier with her equipment as she didn't just have to rely on the Force. She had a few pirates to deal with, yet made progress quickly. There was still no sign of the Imperial, but as she finally closed in on what appeared to be the command central, she didn't only meet heavier resistance that brought her into a few heated encounters but soon also reached some higher security prison cells that were, however empty.

Sighting frustratedly, she spun to kill the next pirate that would dare to stand in her way, however, could already sense an unusual amount of nervousity and as she reached the two incoming foes, she realized that one face was very familiar. Officer Fryn. She narrowed her eyes as she found him held at gunpoint.

"I was wondering when you'd come for your lost sheep", the pirate mocked her, pressing the blaster deeper into his skin. "You've got your answer" she was not in the mood for games or meaningless exchange of words and with a quick flick of her finger disabled his blaster before she coiled the Force around the pirate who wasn't even quick enough to pull the trigger.

Gasping for breath, his grasp on the Imperial loosened and the Officer could break free and run over. What an idiot. She wondered why they had even kept the Officer alive. For a ransom? One way or another, they hadn't been very smart about that, which was obviously good for her though. "Are you alright?" she asked the Imperial, who looked quite beaten up but otherwise okay, so she hurled the pirate off and motioned for the Officer to follow.

"Let's get you out. Keep your head down as best as you could" she obviously took the lead, making out enemies before they came into sight with the Force and either outmaneuvered or dealt with them. They were headed to the hangar bay, but she knew they had to hurry. Tossing him her comms, she asked him to do the calls while she kept fighting forwards.

@DMCK

 

[Thel Xeros]

Thel managed to extract the information he wanted from the pirate’s mind, before finishing them off. He preferred to avoid using the force in such a way. There was always the risk that the person’s mind may break. However, time was of the essence. Fortunately, the pirate's mind didn’t break. Thel had Za’s location and now he could leave.

There were a few other ships in the hangar, giving him a means of escape. Climbing aboard a ship which required only a single pilot, he wondered if the imperial would make it out. Not that it really mattered to him.

Slowly, the ship took off and flew through the magnetic shield. The asteroid field would prove a challenge to fly through, but he was sure he could manage.

[EXIT THREAD]

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

With the Imperial in tow, Kalique had to be extra careful. She had given him the blaster rifle she had gained earlier, however without armor, he was still quite vulnerable. Still he stayed close and they could fight their way out before the Imperial reinforcements arrived.

Why? Mainly because it seemed like the pirates usually operated in gangs and when being forced to work together, they couldn't really cooperate that well and dealing with scattered attackers was easier. Still, her mind was on full alert as she picked up more ripples within the Force that actually indicating someone was using the Force in a rather violent way.

Still, she didn't even have a single second to attend to that as her main concern was getting the Officer back to the transport and as the idiots had even left her shuttle right where she had been forced to park it, all they had to do was slip back in and be off. In the end, her mission had been successful, but therr were a few questions on her mind.

@DMCK

//EndThread