Open Dancing Through Life

[Alexandria Voran]

OOC Note: Open to Jedi

​

Bal’Demnic was a planet of two worlds. Storms dominated the vast ocean that covered much of the surface, but a single massive continent at the center was a mountain paradise. Spiraling peaks, deep beautiful rive ravines, and thick tundra covered the surface. Bal’Demnic held a twin secret. The crust of the ocean world was rife with cortosis and the sheer continental shelf hid kyber crystals. Unfortunately, Bal’Demnic's monarchy was fiercely private, and despite being lodged firmly in FWA space, maintained a careful neutrality. They sold cortosis to the highest bidder. They kept the kyber out of the hands of the Order. All of this made Bal’Demnic the perfect location to train fledgling Jedi.

Jedi Councilor Alexandria Voran sat on the controls of the Kom’rk-class Transport. The ship ordinarily required a co-pilot, but she shunted the duties to a particularly rambunctious astromech droid. She had business on stormy world below and the faster it was done, the better. Ordinarily, Alex would have been accompanied by some manor of senior Jedi…but today was different. The future of the Jedi depended on the youth of the Order. There was no future without compassionate, wise, and well-trained Jedi. That was her goal. The Padawans in the passenger compartment of transport were the future, a future Alex planned to see through. She flicked on the coms.

“Young ones! We are nearing the surface, prepare to disembark.” Alex whipped the transport along the coast of the massive super continent. Her senses rang in the Force. A storm is coming. Her eyes shifted out the cockpit, across the ocean she could see a violent storm brewing. She smiled. The storms always felt like home. A tingle raced up her spine. Her eye caught on their targeted landing zone. A brilliant clear lake at the base of one of Bal’Demnic’s many mountain rangers. A quick breath of the Force and Alex deftly brought the draft to rest. “Hurry now.” She spoke over the com again. The Padawan’s could not possible fathom what she had in store for them. She smiled.

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Normally, being cooped up in the back of a ship like this one would've driven Ruzaan nuts. Spaceflight made him feel like he was cut off from nature, and as a result he usually had a difficult time relaxing. This time, however, fatigue had won, and he’d spent most of the journey to whatever planet this was sleeping fitfully. Ever since the Invasion of Felucia he'd been haunted by scenes from the battle; the memories of his experiences left him restless and jumpy during the day, and unable to sleep well at night. His right forearm and ribs were healing well, but the same could not be said for his mind. He’d even left his lightsaber back at the temple on Yavin IV to avoid having its presence as a reminder of the battle.

Ruzaan didn't even remember signing up for this field trip; his astromech droid, R1-NT, had practically pushed him onto the Kom'rk-class transport earlier this morning without much in the way of explanation. Perhaps this retreat with his fellow padawans would be healing in some way, but Ruzaan could sense a storm brewing ahead of them; an ominous omen, if he was to guess. These circumstances reminded him far too much of his descent in the back of a similar transport down to the surface of Felucia where a different, but no less destructive, storm had awaited him.

Master Varan's voice over the intercom cut through his thoughts, and Ruzaan wordlessly followed her instructions to exit the transport. A clean white bandage was wrapped around his right forearm, covering the back of his hand and wrist but leaving his fingers free. Another bandage encircled his ribs underneath his Jedi Wanderer robes, and around his waist he wore a utility belt. As was the custom for many Togruta, he wore no shoes, believing that a physical connection with the land aided one's spiritual connection to it.

Upon stepping out into the humid air of Bal'Demnic (planet #8!), Ruzaan looked around at the assembled Jedi. A few faces he recognized- his smile at their presence never quite reaching his tired eyes- but some were new to him. That, at least, was cause for optimism; Ruzaan enjoyed getting to know people.

@Valen Pelora

 

[Arctus Friers]

Arctus would have spent the whole duration of their travel like Ruuzan, asleep on his own perch and hugging his A280 Blaster Rifle to his chest. The former smuggler found a distraction back in the Temple when he decided to check the Holonet broadcasts, however, and stumbled upon a replay of some tabloid ran by a guy called Rich Magnum. The show's segment was entitled "Galaxies' Foxiest Felines". It was such a cheap, clichéd sort of a title and Arctus wouldn't have paid it any heed – well, not until he caught sight of the set of armor worn by the only Mandalorian woman in the entire universe he'd wish to see again so he could properly thank her for saving his life.

He had quickly jumped into searching where the picture was taken, who the politician she and her fellow Mando was escorting. The holonet did not fail him – the man was the representative of Tinnel IV in the Galactic Senate, and Mando, Arctus's lady savior, worked for the dude as his chief of security.

Arctus was a realist, but he still wished – hoped desperately, more like – to meet the woman who saved his life. Now, datapad in hand and hazel grey eyes glued to the image of his angel clad in beskar and durasteel, he had a chance. A solid opportunity. One of these days he would ask for Indy's permission (much like he'd done for him to be able to join this current expedition) for him to have some time alone so he could travel to Tinnel IV and hopefully get an audience with Mando.

Maybe... Maybe this time around she'd be able to give him her name.

The oldest Padawan in the ship would've engaged Ruuzan in some idle chatter to hopefully distract the young Togruta from whatever was bothering him. The former smuggler had heard about Felucia, and every protective instinct he possessed raged at the fact that one of the first Padawans he'd met had been injured and quite possibly – no, certainly – traumatized in battle. Arctus was well aware that he didn't have a say on the issue, however, given that as a Padawan himself he really didn't have the power to make a change in the Order. At least not yet. And most importantly not in the state the Galaxy was currently in.

So he simply went with the flow, keeping his concern for his fellow Padawans and the younglings he left on the Temple.

Meeting his Mando savior would have to wait.

The voice of Councilor Voran snapped Arctus back to the present, and he shut his datapad off before following the other Padawans as they disembarked from the ship. The former smuggler had never been to Bal'Demnic, but he'd heard about the monarchical rule. When he caught sight of Ruuzan he gave the Togrutan Padawan a friendly smile and wave.

"Hey, buddy," he greeted his fellow Padawan. Arctus tried to be discreet in giving the younger male a once over, checking to see if the latter's injuries were healing properly and if they bothered him still. He wouldn't comment about them, however, and instead focused on the matter at hand. "Whaddaya reckon we're doin' here? Nothing too dangerous, I hope."

Arctus, in all the glory of his brotherly instinct, would certainly jump recklessly to the young ones' aid. He might not have the seniority when it comes to being a Padawan, but he was no fledgling – life as a smuggler had put him in so much danger that it was a wonder that he was, up to this very day, still alive and kicking. Karking hells, he was thirty-two... And if he had any say about it? He'd make sure his fellow Padawans would be able to return to the Temple alive and hopefully in one piece.

@Valen Pelora @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Thelian Lsai]

When Thelian heard that Councilor Voran was leading this expedition of students to Bal’Demnic, the Echani boy had practically leapt for the Kom’rk-Class Transport. The chance to explore beyond the temple on Yavin IV was a welcome one, not to mention the rare opportunity that was training under the guidance of a member of the council.

Seated within the passenger compartment of the ship, Thelian had spent most of the journey in silence – his hood pulled up to cover the upper hemisphere of his face and arms crossed over lazily over his chest. He hadn’t the slightest clue what the Councilor had planned for them, but he could only assume that the additional rest would do him good, even if it wasn’t a particularly lengthy flight to Bal’Demnic.

Minutes passed and blended together, silvery eyes fluttered open only when the voice of Councilor Voran rang out over the ships comms, announcing that they were had arrived. With perhaps a bit too much enthusiasm the Echani immediately rose to his feet in response, collecting the few items he brought with him before he went. He was dressed in his standard Jedi robes, sporting a utility belt on his waist and commlink on his wrist. Unlike Ruzaan, Thelian always kept the hilt of his lightsaber close, presently tucked beneath the flowing fabric of his robes.

Making his way towards the exit, only at this point did Thelian take note of the other Jedi who had answered the Councilor’s call. He stood to the side, silver eyes first regarding Arctus before settling upon the Togruta a few years younger than himself. He took note of the boy’s bandaged injuries, a frown tugging slightly at his lips as he recalled stories about the recent Battle of Felucia.

Crossing the passenger compartment and making his way towards the exit, Thelian greeted the pair with a friendly smile, nodding his head in their direction. He opted not to say anything in the moment though, instead focusing upon the sight of the brilliantly clear lake laid out in front of them.

@Forsythe Crowholde @SlagathorTheUnknown @Valen Pelora

 

[Eyvone Usoara]

Eyvone was born on a ship, she'd grown up on a ship, and she figured one day she would die on a ship. It was only a month or two ago that Eyvone had been lost in space, stranded on her late parents' ship, expecting to starve to death in her room. Help had come just as she'd given up, and now she was training to become a Jedi. It was not the path she'd expected to take in life. She would do anything to return to the way things had been, though it was impossible to raise the dead.

Unlike two of the others, Eyvone would be wide awake for the entirety of the trip. She already struggled to sleep on her own, so there was no way she would be able to do so with so many others present. Her not being asleep didn't mean she was paying any more attention to the time passing than anyone else, though. The pale teen's green eyes were glazed over and unfocused for the majority of the trip.

When they arrived on Bal'Demnic, the humidity in the air had Eyvone regretting her decision to join in on the excursion. She immediately pulled her long black hair into a bun, securing it with a hair tie she kept on her wrist. 'Damn it's humid,' Eyvone would curse in her head as she began to look around. Spotting Thelian, she would slowly gravitate over towards him. She too had brought her lightsaber, though it was clipped to her belt and not being paid too much attention to. Now that they were landed, the girl was much more interested in keeping her mind off of certain things.

tags: @Valen Pelora @SlagathorTheUnknown @Forsythe Crowholde @Altaris

 

[Alexandria Voran]

Ah….fresh air. Alex had walked quickly to the back of the ship, swiftly clipping across the exit ramp, and stepping into the humidity of Bal’Demnic. She flicked her gaze across the assembled group. There may be a few stragglers in the ship, but they’d catch up. Alex smiled broadly. She was going to have fun. They were going to have fun. She raised her voice just slightly. “Young ones…” Her eyes rested on Arctus. Well, everyone was young to Alex. She had been careful to learn all their names before departing. “Welcome to Bal’Demnic.” The Morellian Master spread her arms out. “A few important notes before we begin our journey. Despite being front and center in FWA space, Bal’Demnic remains neutral.” An annoying little habit.

“This means, they sell ore to all, no matter galactic affiliation.” Her smile widened. “They also don’t like Jedi…which means the sabers stay away unless we need them.” Her mind reached out across the planet. She could hear the kyber signing. “Unfortunately for the Queen and the Ore Barons, Bal’Demnic is home to a rare supply of kyber crystal. Listening closely and you can hear them.”

She spun around to look at mountain looming behind them. “But that is not why we are here. You learn through doing…and the galaxy is going to ask much of you.” Alex’s mouth formed into a hard line. “The Queen rules but the Ore Barons control their own fiefdoms, and they are not all benevolent.” She took a deep breath. “At the base of that mountain is a mining camp populated by slaves taken from their homes on the outer rim.” Her gaze fell on each of them. They were Jedi, their lives were sacrifice. Padawan’s or otherwise. Super fun field trip Alex. “They smuggled a message out and have asked for our help. I intend to give it to them.” She smiled again. “Questions?”

@lizziie @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

"Hi Arctus" Ruzaan nodded in response to the former smuggler's greeting, then shook his head in an admission of defeat at the follow-up question. "I don't even know where we are, much less what we're doing." His slight smile vanished as he realized that Arctus looked like he wanted to cover Ruzaan in bubble wrap. The thought rankled Ruzaan, but Arctus was well known for his strong protective instincts so he decided to let it slide.

Ruzaan then caught the Echani's smile and polite nod, and responded in kind. Like too many details over the past few weeks, the padawan's name escaped him; Ruzaan was certain that they'd been introduced before. He looked to be a couple years older than Ruzaan, about as old as the female padawan standing near him. Ruzaan would have to learn her name, too. Introductions would have to wait, however, as Master Voran outlined the purpose of their retreat. Slavers. Ruzaan's face hardened into a mask of determination; no grey areas here. "Any questions?"

Ruzaan started to raise his right hand before remembering his bandage and hastily raising his left instead. It hadn't escaped Ruzaan's attention that some Jedi had started treating him like he was fragile and damaged; he'd received more than his fair share of sympathetic looks since coming back from Felucia, and he had no desire to invite more his way by waving his bandage around. Besides, he didn't need to be protected; clearly, Master Voran thought him fit to participate on this mission.

Shaking aside these thoughts, Ruzaan put voice to his question. "What kind of defenses does this mining camp have?"

@Valen Pelora @lizziie @Forsythe Crowholde @Altaris

 

[Maxim Frey]

In one of the jump chairs in the back of the transport sat a man clad in grey robes, his eyes closed, arms crossed, and a slight snore escaping lis lips every few seconds. Turbulence had never bothered him. It normally put him to sleep. And this ride down had put him right out. When it had touched down with a slight bump he had opened his eyes slightly and grunted. The opening of the ramp and the burst of humid air had woken him up more and he watched with forced disinterest as the rest of the group filed off. Padawans, padawans, more padawans. The future of the order, and children, all of them. Well, except for the one with the beard. He looked like he had some planet miles on him. Oh well, not his problem. He'd answer questions if anyone had them, but they would in all likelihood direct them to the Councilor. He would fight if he needed to, but all things in the Jedi were a lesson, and he had no intention of interrupting them. Him coming here was mostly due to his diplomatic experience, but he did want a second lightsaber which would require a Kyber Crystal.

He stood as the last of them filed past, and stretched his arms above his head to force his back to unknot. From the open hatchway he could hear scattered words from the Councilor and with a slight shake of his head reached down and felt the familiar grip of his saber hanging from his belt. Hopefully it was the will of the Force that it stayed there and did not have to be lit.

A quick flip of his wrists and his hood slid up over his head, hiding it in shadow. With confident steps he walked down the ramp, stopping next to and leaning against one of the ramp struts where he crossed his arms and listened to the end of a warning by the Councilor. "Perfect. Emergency messages and a group of Padawans to deal with it. Well, at least the Councilor and I are here." He smacked his lips slightly to wet his mouth after sleep and looked over the Padawans. "I was never that young." His ears perked up slightly as the Togruta asked about defenses. It was hesitant, and Maxim did not miss the hesitancy at raising the bandaged hand before switching.

"Self-conscious. Like we all haven't had to be bandaged up at one point or another." Maxim well remembered the 6 weeks he had been in a cast after his own overconfidence had led him to leap from the top of a building early on in his training. "At least he asks a good question. But the fact that it's immediately about defenses and not the actual plan is a bit worrying."

 

[Arctus Friers]

"You and me both," he replied to Ruuzan's comment, slinging his blaster rifle over his back and stepping forward to gaze around instead. He'd give the young Togruta some space and would try not to overtly fuss too much. Maker knew Ruuzan had already received a fair share of concern from the peeps over at the Temple – he sure as hells didn't need Arctus hovering. Injured as he was the kid had proved himself in battle; the least Arctus could do was to give his fellow Padawan the respect he was due.

The former smuggler was polite enough to wave a hand in response to the Echani Padawan's silent greeting, the easy smile he gave the young man extending to the Nagai who chose to stand beside him. Arctus didn't know their names yet, but that was something he would address later. Councilor Voran had started to speak, revealing the reason why they were in the planet. Crossing his arms over his chest, a thoughtful expression crossed Arctus's face. Slavery was one aspect in the galaxy that he hated, and it was a miracle that no negative emotions were cropping up at the notion of what they were here to either put a stop or solve.

So focused on the matter at hand Arctus was that the hooded Knight's arrival escaped his notice. While Ruuzan asked about the mining camp's defenses, the former smuggler had one point of concern.

"Surely, we're not just going to barge in on there, yeah?" commented the oldest Padawan in the group. "Can't walk in there blind. Got any plans on how we should proceed, er, Ma'am?"

Since the slaves have managed to smuggle out a message, it would be fair to think that they prioritized over getting their message across and that they might have overlooked adding any important details regarding the lay of the land– er, mining camp, and the numbers that held them there. Maybe the group of Jedi should scout ahead, see the inital line of guards and defenses the slavers have in the camp and how many slaves were there in said camp.

"And, em, sorry. But exactly what kind of help are we looking into? Liberation?"

Obviously.

Arctus fought the cringe from crossing his face at the faint, sibilant laughter that echoed from the back of his mind. No, he wouldn't let this Darkness shit commandeer his thoughts and self-consciousness today. The former smuggler discreetly took a few deep, calming breaths, focusing instead on the matters at hand and not the monsters acratching at his thoughts.

@Valen Pelora @SlagathorTheUnknown @Altaris @lizziie @Makashi Master

 

[Thelian Lsai]

Beautiful as the planet was, Thelian could not deny that the humidity was not particularly pleasant. The humidity wad such that a light glistening of sweat had begun to form against his pale skin. Despite the unpleasant atmosphere, the Echani did not look phased – still seeming to be enthusiastic about the prospect of training beneath the Councilor, as well as perhaps making additionally connections within the order.

Thelian did not miss the pleasant nods from Ruzaan and Arctus. He did not know either of them, but perhaps that fact would change soon enough. He did recognize the Nagai padawan though, and noticed how she appeared to gravitate toward him. It was enough for him to flash a toothy grin and nod towards her, shifting a bit closer to where she was standing. A familiar face was always welcome, and that much was betrayed behind the warmth he projected.

His attention was soon thereafter drawn to the Jedi Master, attentively listening to the task ahead of them. The more Councilor Voran spoke, however, the warmth behind Thelian’s expression quickly began to die. One word repeated in his mind and served to drown out all the others, a singular detail about their mission which quickly became more important than anything else.

Slavers.

A distinct irritation spiked through the Padawan’s chest, and it was clear on the surface that his demeanor had changed significantly – something anyone standing beside the him could see it vividly. The way his lips flattened and hardened into a tight line where a smile had only just been. The way his jaw clenched firmly, and his fingers began to dig into the palms of his hands. Through it all, however, the Padawan remained deathly silent. The reasons behind his irritation were almost certainly unclear to those around him, and the Echani clearly had no intention on vocalizing any kind of response.

Luckily, Arctus and Ruuzan had done the courtesy of asking the important questions, and so Thelian would simply await the answer rather than ask one of his own. The Echani simply folded his arms over his chest, staring straight ahead for the rest of the briefing.

@Valen Pelora @lizziie @SlagathorTheUnknown @Makashi Master @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Eyvone Usoara]

Eyvone was grateful that Thelian seemed to not mind her presence. She didn't feel particularly social. With the mention of slaves, she too felt her demeanor grow dark. 'Slaves.' Why did it have to be slaves? Her green eyes glanced towards the pale man beside her, lingered for a moment as she noticed the change, then floated back in front of her. It obviously bothered him; she knew why.

"How are we going to liberate them?" Eyvone asked. Her voice, though hushed, rang clear. As Arctus said, surely they couldn't just barge in and start trading blows? Those they came to save might be harmed in such commotion.

tags: @Valen Pelora @Altaris @SlagathorTheUnknown @Makashi Master @Forsythe Crowholde

 

[Alexandria Voran]

“Excellent questions, young ones.” Alex quickly scanned the assembled Padawan’s again. Liberate was such a harsh word. It had all the wrong connotations. There would be violence but relatively little if it could be avoided. She reached into her pocket and fished out a holoprojector. A display of the camp suddenly burst before her. It was a fairly routine operation, the camp butted up to the side of the mountain. The mining entrance serving as the back of the camp. A fence with three watch towers formed a lazy semicircle around the mine. One of the buildings near the edge of the camp flashed yellow on the map.

“The slaves are kept here during rest hours. We will wait till nightfall and cut our way through the fence, into the housing quarters, and free the slaves.” She gestured generally at the shuttle. “We have enough room here to get us all off planet.” Alex allowed herself to sink slightly deeper into the Force. “Jedi Frey will take two of you to create a distraction once the sun sets, the rest of us will then get to work.” The plan was simple enough. She intentionally chosen a mission with true stakes but nothing she’d be unable to handle on her own. The Padawan’s needed to be careful, but not too careful.

“Most importantly, we do not take lives.” She raised her hand before anyone could speak. “You may have heard, or hear, differently from others, while you are with me, no Jedi I train takes a life.” Her eyes focused on Jedi Frey. “That includes all of us.” Alex had bent some of her principals in pursuit of galactic safety. This was one she would never compromise. The Light was not strengthened by feeding souls to the Darkness. “Now, we must get in position.”

@lizziie @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde @Makashi Master @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Ruzaan quickly volunteered to be part of the distraction team; he hadn't brought his lightsaber, so if he was captured it wouldn't be immediately obvious that he was a Jedi. Besides, his skill in Sound Mimicry might come in handy for sowing confusion amongst the guards.

He'd leave his thick outer robe on the ship; although a chill had settled across the land with the setting of the sun, he decided that freedom of movement was more important than comfort. Having done so, he wordlessly stood next to Master Frey. He didn't know much about the Jedi Knight; hopefully, he was pleasant to work with.

@Valen Pelora @lizziie @Altaris @Forsythe Crowholde @Makashi Master

 

[Arctus Friers]

Nodding in acknowledgement to the Nagai Padawan's question, Arctus offered her a friendly smile before his focus shifted back to Councilor Voran who began to outline the plan. The former smuggler's gaze narrowed with concentration as he studied the projected map of the camp, taking mental notes about entrances and exits. The watchtowers caught his attention. If the slavers valued the camp's security there were bound to be guards posted in each tower, probably working on shifts either by the hour or more. And if the slavers were paranoid he wouldn't be surprised if there would be antipersonnel blaster turrets in each tower, if odds were against the assembled group of Jedi. He didn't want to jinx this particular mission by saying his concerns out loud, but Ruuzan's earlier question needed direct answers. Arctus, however, knew he couldn't hold it against the slaves if they failed to provide that kind of information.

And besides, the Councilor says we'd wait until nightfall. Can't count on the slavers being stupid and lazy when it comes to security, though, he thought to himself as the highest-ranking Jedi in the group further laid out the plan by assigning the Knight the distraction duty along with two Padawans. Unlike Ruuzan, Arctus was undecided which group he should join. The former smuggler could make a ton of distraction as easy as breathing, but he also wanted to somewhat spare some of his fellow Padawans' the sight of whatever horrible conditions the captured slaves were being subjected into. As a former smuggler he'd seen disturbing shit, and slavery took one of the top spots in Arctus's list of the most hateful things that needed to be wiped off of existence.

With a quiet sigh the oldest Padawan in the group rummaged at his pockets until one of his searching hands closed on a coin. Taking the wupiupi out of his pocket Arctus proceeded to flip it, choosing to go with Team Distraction if it landed on heads, and if not then off to Rescue Squad he would go. Catching the coin and slapping it on the back of his other hand, Arctus blinked once when he took a quick look at the decision the coin made for him.

"Rescue Squad, it is," muttered the former smuggler as he lifted his gaze to meet Councilor Voran's. "I'm going in with you, Ma'am."

At the Morellian Jedi's further reminder, Arctus clenched his jaw and nodded his head. Pulling out his DL-18s, he would make sure that they were set on stun. As much as he wanted to put a blaster bolt between every slaver's eyes the call wasn't his to make. And besides he was a Jedi now – albeit a Padawan, still. Indy probably would be disappointed if she'd heard from the Councilor that her student killed some scum of the galaxy indiscriminately.

As he was securing his A280C Blaster Rifle and making sure it was set on stun as well, Arctus briefly closed his eyes to withdraw into himself. It came both as a relief and a worry that the cause for this mission wasn't tipping off the voices that plagued him. The fact that they remained quiet should have been a point of concern, but Arctus was just grateful that there were still no signs of the Dark Side unnecessarily whispering temptations at him.

Hopefully It would stay quiet for the whole duration of this mission.

@Valen Pelora @SlagathorTheUnknown @lizziie @Altaris @Makashi Master

 

[Drastus Drahr]

Bal'demnic, a horrid little planet. Drast hadn't signed up for the mission. In fact, he hadn't even known about it. What he did know, however, was that the rumors from his days in the gutter was that they were essentially slavers and that they had cortosis. He wanted to free the slaves and steal some cortosis.

Using a variety of transports and changes, he had found his way to the world a few days before the other Jedi, perhaps drawn by the Force, as well as his own need. One good deed.

To him, this would be a solo operation. Hed arrived on world with his Mandalorian armor, using the guise of his people. He had been stopped at the port and questioned, first by some representative of the ore barons, a title that made him sick. Being a Mandalorian, they wanted to hire his services. It pained him, but he'd agree to a security contract. The fool seemed glib and gave him a time to meet the transport to the camp.

Drastus had a few hours to kill, so he would wander through the town. At least until his second meeting. This one was dressed regally, though she hid herself beneath a paupers robes. She wanted his help.. apparently to join other mercs and free the slaves from the camp he had just agreed to protect. Kriff was the Force weird. Naturally, the young man accepted, though he would refuse payment. One good deed.

After the rendevous was completed, he would meet with the speeder and head to the camp. Shielding his presence in the Force, he would arrive at the camp and head to the guard barracks.

A quick look around would reveal some rather impressive defenses. He wasn't sure who he was waiting for, but he guessed any attacker would be a friend. So Drastus would wait for as long as he needed to, 'befriending' some guards, trying to encourage many of them to drink, studying patrols. He had to be ready and they needed to be distracted.

After a few days, only an hour before nightfall, Drast would take to prayer. Asking Kad for the strength to bring change. Then he would join the others for dinner, encouraging them to drink. After all, they were the masters and the slaves could do nothing. What could they possibly have to fear?

The answer they would never expect? Him. Other mercs. Many of the guards would deserve the death that was coming.

 

[Clove Vanhoop]

---

Clove was late when she finally exited the transporter. She had tried her hardest to stay focused—after all, it was her first real mission—but after an hour of flying, her concentration had wavered, and her imagination had taken her to another world. The sounds of boots shuffling, followed by Councillor Alexandria Voran's excited talking, began to disturb the peace of this small world. Until the bubble burst and she realized she was supposed to exit the transporter and rejoin the rest of the Jedi.

During her struggle to unbuckle herself and find her way to the exit, the half-Sephi had heard enough of the debriefing to understand two groups were being formed and they would have to wait until nightfall. Nightfall. Yavin IV's nightfall was magical, with a wide range of beautiful little insects lighting up the forests, howls filling the silence, and the brightest stars acting as a map... She sighed, shook her head as if to clear the clouds that had formed in her mind, and returned her gaze to the Jedi group she had finally joined.

In silence she greeted them all with a nod, followed by an apologetic smile for being late.

---

Tag@Valen Pelora @SlagathorTheUnknown @lizziie @Altaris @Makashi Master @Forsythe Crowholde @Valen Pelora ​

 

[Alexandria Voran]

She nodded in satisfaction as the groups separate. Alex led her pack of Padawans towards their side of the camp. The walk was not particularly long, but they could not risk being seen as the sun descended for the night. She was careful to take the long route to avoid skirting around the edges. As they walked, the sun began to dip lower and lower. Alex wrapped the traveling Jedi in silence. The Force dampened their footfalls, softened the whisking of cloth, and shuddered inhales. They moved silently. She smiled, rather proud of herself.

In good time, she was settling the Padawans down just behind a hillside. Darkness now blanketed the planet. Her mind reached out to each of them. “The sleeping quarters are just over the ridge…wait for our signal and then we move swiftly.” Alex reached across Bal’demnic to feel the other group. Hopefully, Knight Frey had gotten them to proper location. “We are ready.” She shifted her thoughts back to her team. “Prepare yourselves, young ones. Deep breaths and find the Light. It will guide you tonight as it is our constant ally.” Alex sunk deeper into the Force.

Her mental barriers were raised high, but she made no effort to conceal her Force signature. She’d done her homework, Bal’demnic had played host to the Darkness in the remote past, but those days were long over. They had no concern for the Sith tonight. The Jedi hunted a different kind of evil. The evil no ordinary men.

@LilyNion @Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde @SlagathorTheUnknown

 

[Maxim Frey]

Maxim nodded at the words. Makes it that much more difficult, but no need to hurt the chldren's spirits. He did not agree with the counselor on this point. Sometimes a life must be forfeited to save another. And sometimes that life was one that had made life difficult for others by the choices they had made and the actions they had perpetrated. He kicked off the support and removed his cloak, setting the grey material on a cross beam. Now unemcumbered by the extra material he moved forward with an ease that belied his height. He stopped and waved a hand lazily in a forward movement. "You heard the councilor. Time to move out. Weapons low, heads down, keep quiet, and if you need help call out for me."

The night was settling down around them, cloaking the world in a veil of inky blackness. Underneath his feet the ground was uneven and covered in fine rocks, threatening to twist an ankle of those unwary. Booted feet fell silently across them as Maxim worked his way down the incline to the opposite side of the camp. As they fell into position Maxim reached down easily and touched the hilt of his blade, finding the reassuring cylinder at its place on his belt. Then his hand moved forward and delved into a pouch before bringing out several small, flat circles. Portable stun generators. Not his preferred method of combat in this kind of situation, where he would usually have used the Force to cloak himself or, if things got nasty, his lightsaber, but they would stick to the strict no-killing rule.

@LilyNion @Rhogar @Forsythe Crowholde @SlagathorTheUnknown @Valen Pelora

 

[Ruzaan Kai]

Following Master Frey's lead, Ruzaan followed the Knight across the uncertain ground; his attention completely focused on not falling as his bare feet stepped carefully on the small rocks as they made their way into position. Having reached their objective, Master Frey opened a pouch and pulled out four or five small, flat circles. Ruzaan's brow furrowed as he tried and failed to identify them, however, another shape in Master Frey's bag caught his eye; a mottled green flashbang about the size of a peach jar with a twistable arming mechanism on the top that turned like a lid. That, at least, he knew how to use, foggy brain and all.

Ruzaan grabbed the flashbang- it would be helpful in a pinch, seeing as he was unarmed- and things went wrong almost immediately. The arming mechanism, complete with grooves to make gripping it easier, got caught on the side of the pouch as Ruzaan pulled it out of the bag. With a soft click, the flashbang armed itself. Ruzaan froze, staring at the flashbang, knowing that any sudden movements might cause it to go off. He held his breath, and nothing happened for one second... two... three... four...

Just as he was ready to slowly attempt to disarm the flashbang, another thought occurred to him. Didn't these types of flashbangs also have a short timer on them?

Five.

From across the valley, a loud sound and a bright flash of light would be visible as the flashbang detonated in Ruzaan's hands.

@LilyNion @Rhogar @Valen Pelora @Forsythe Crowholde @Makashi Master

 

[Arctus Friers]

This was it.

Moving past his own concerns about how well he would be able to utilize Indy's teachings about keeping the Darkness within him at bay, the Padawan was quick to follow after Councilor Voran. Being the only Jedi in the group (as far as he could tell) that carried no training or actual lightsaber of his own, the former smuggler raised the blaster rifle he was carrying. It was set to stun – a show of respect to the order of the leader of this operation. Even if he did let lose, Arctus wouldn't have to end up killing the slavers.

If he would be strong enough to resist flipping the rifle's setting to lethal, that is.

He didn't have time to appreciate the Councilor's use of the Force to further enhance the stealth with which they moved forward. Instead, Arctus focused on the path ahead and, of course, on high alert for any guards that might pop out from hiding. Rifle trained ahead, he nodded in response to Councilor Voran's instructions.

It seemed that they didn't need to wait long, however, as Team Distraction began their operation. Arctus glanced once towards the direction of the light and sound's source – they probably detonated a flashbang over there – before signalling for the Rescue Squad to move forward. Stepping forward as the vanguard, the former smuggler began his approach towards the ridge. He could see two guards positioned atop the ridge, unaware of the Rescue Squad's approach and seemingly distracted by the flashbang.

He didn't wait for the other rescuers, opting to silence the first opposition they were currently faced. Drawing on the Force around him, Arctus made a running leap towards the ridge and landed with a thud behind one of the guards. The guard turned around but did not get the chance to cry out a warning to his companion as the former smuggler decked the bastard on the face with his blaster rifle. The sound of his body hitting the ground did alert the other one, but Arctus proved quicker. Raising his rifle again he rushed the remaining guard and used the weapon like a bat, clocking the second bastard on the jaw and sending the latter sprawling.

@Valen Pelora @Makashi Master @LilyNion @SlagathorTheUnknown @Rhogar @Altaris @lizziie