Ask Hide and Seek.

[Asher]

Days after the Invasion of New Alderaan, Asher would begin to hunt the traitor her turn on him and the young Jedi he protected. He wasn't sure what he had expected when he took part in the invasion so soon after being given his freedom by his Master. But he did not expect that. As a testament to the Sith Order's training, the other Champion was difficult to track. Days turned into weeks and their were no signs of the traitor, the Jedi on the other hand.

Koda Station was a run down shit hole of a space station somehow still floating out at the western edge of the Outer Rim, near the Unknown region of space. It was a good place to find a smuggler on this side of the galaxy, and for a lost Jedi, perhaps a good place to get a ride.

Hearing rumors of a pretty blonde female spotted toting a lightsaber, Asher would make his way out the the edge of the rim to investigate. The Sith's shuttle would arrive at the station on the evening side of the station's rotation. The half-Sephi departed the ship along with ten ISA operators, including the sniper who aided Asher on Alderaan.

"Fan out, teams of two. Do not engage the Jedi if you find her." Asher ordered

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Hailee had been extremely cautious on her long journey once again across the whole galaxy. Ronan wasn't coming, since he was in even worse trouble than she was, so she was on her own and completely on edge. It was better for him to stay hidden, but she felt extremely uncomfortable with traveling alone while being in her extremely complicated situation.

She was wearing a disguise, but the lightsaber was still clipped to her belt in order to ensure her own safety. Even if it might have raised certain suspicions, it was also a warning to outsiders. However, she was careful to conceal her aura, trying not to give away that she was in control of the Force, so she would make it more difficult for possible pursuers to follow her trace. She had no idea if anyone was following her or them in general, but she figured she couldn't be too careful after all that had happened.

Since they weren't interacting with Lwhekk's natives, the Ssi-ruuk a lot, this trip had been her first opportunity in months to talk to someone else. She was careful with her words, keeping up her appearance as best as possible. She was traveling under the disguise of a simple biologist who was brining samples to Yavin to cultivate a specific sort of crops. What might have sounded a little trite proved to be oddly effective since people didn't ask further questions.

The Nautolan pilot that had brought her to Koda station had drifted off after less than a minute when she started to blab about her apparent endeavor, because she had thrown in enough technical terms to persuade him of her deceitful attempt. She payed him as agreed and descended the ramp, confidently heading towards a group of pilots that were standing by not far from the landing dock, hoping that anyone would be willing to take her further into the right direction. Hiring different pilots was stressful and she had also started to reconsider taking Ronan's ship, but in the end she figured that it was the safest way, as it would be impossible to trace her confused route through the galaxy.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

On his order the troopers began to move out from the shuttle's docking port. Two by two, they would start to patrol. Moving down the halls and corridors of the old station. Asher would be the last. Intending the let Imperial soldiers flood the area. Hopefully pressure his prey into doing something foolish.

The war with the Jedi and other enemies of the SIth Order had touched every corner of the galaxy. Koda being no different. Civilians went about their lives, not exactly ignoring the presents of soldiers, but not shocked by it either.

As the half-Sephi approached the busy market district, he thought of his days as a Padawan. Remembering how hungry he was, living on the streets before being discovered by a Knight. Seeing a child sitting by an old store front, the Champion approached. Slowly reaching for a pouch holding an energy bar ration.

Kneeling in front of the child, Asher took out the ration bar. "Are you hungry boy?" His warbled mechanical voice asked. The young Rodian shacking his head yes, because of course he was. Asher reached out his other hand palm upward, slowly drawing the force to it. Like red wisps of smoke. Before the child's eyes, the smoke formed an image of the Jedi Padawan from his memory. It was a dark side force magic ability his Master had shown him. Very helpful.

He handed the boy the ration. "I'm looking for my friend, have you seen her?" Asher asked, The child snatched the candy bar and shook his head no. "Very well, but if you or your friends see her. Come and find me. I'll have more than just that candy for you."
Asher let the boy run off and let the image of the Jedi fade from his hand before standing. "Keep searching." Order the half-Sephi into his comms

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

The fourth pilot was a lucky shot. She had negotiated with him until he had agreed to transport her directly onto Yavin and so it seemed like her plans were aligning perfectly. His charge was fair and so she was happy to leave the station soon, but unfortunately the ship was still being maintained and refueled and this was enough reason for him to set up another condition: He would take her with him, if she accompanied him into the nearest cantina to have a drink with him. Usually, she would have simply used the Force to manipulate him, but here she didn't dare to use it, so she had rolled her eyes, crossed her arms but eventually nodded. Right now, she was following him reluctantly, but as soon as they were approaching the set cantina, a shiver ran down her spine.

Soldiers. Imperial soldiers. Two of them. She immediately slowed down, her inside shouting at her to run and get the hell out of here, but apparently her company noticed her hesitation. "Don't mind them, Honey. We see them often. They are patrolling and stuff, but they hardly affect our lives. Maybe they'll control the ship but that's it", the pilot told her calmy, but there was a hint of annoyance directed against them in his voice. 'Oh if you knew, Honey' she thought bitterly, trying her best to keep it together.

Well what were the chances of them being on the lookout for her? Or any Jedi here? She subconsciously suppressed the light further, even using a hint of the familiar darkness that had started to creep in for months to cloak herself with it while she kept her lightsaber out of sight. She continued walking confidently, but she stayed attentive while doing so and now that she had started to concentrate again, she could sense a certain dark presence, which was everything but good news. However, there was no need to panic right away, as she neither knew who was here, nor what he or she was looking for.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

As the watched the boy runoff towards a maintenance shaft of all places. Asher felt something. The slightest ripple in the force. A feeling of unease. Of fear. The half-Sephi knew the feeling well. The feeling of trying not to panic, of showing strength, even while everything inside you is telling you to run.

The Sith Champion activated the comlink in his helmet, "Team five, secure the stations space traffic control. All other teams, converge on the market area." The teams would confirm their orders and Asher would make his way to joining them.

Meanwhile, the tunnel rat to his prize to the hovel he called home deep inside the maintenance tunnels. Feasting on the ration bar before give a bite or two to another. The boy explains that Imperials are looking for a human girl, maybe Jedi. That boy soon tells another, and that one tells two more. Soon word is spreading like a wildfire.

The half-Sephi can feel the ripples moving about in the force. A combination of fear and greed. Survival. If his men don't find her, the station will soon enough. In the meantime Sith Champion continues toward the marketplace, as his lead team. The one with his favorite marksmen, moves inside the local cantina

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Her attempts of playing it off may have convinced the pilot, but she knew that others might be able to see her unease if they were at least halfway decent at reading people. She felt more than uncomfortable, perhaps even panicky already, since those Imperial soldiers made her extremely nervous.

She contemplated whether she should make up an excuse for not entering the cantina, but in the end she did enter it, assuming that it would be the safest bet if she would just carry on as if nothing was about to happen and as if she was not someone Imperials could be looking for. And yet she could sense it: Danger was approaching and her prospects of escaping were relatively small on such a space station.

She swallowed hard as she accompanied the pilot to the nearest table, forcing herself to smile weakly as he started to tell her the story of his latest flight, but while she tried to remain as calm as possible, her heartbeat was accelerating and she scanned the crowded cantina for backdoors and hiding places. She appeared to be listening to him while she was actually observing the customers closely. When another guest entered the cantina, he immediately started to approach another men and when they started whispering, Hailee could feel this looming danger intensifying.

"Your order?", the waiter asked them out of a sudden. She hadn't even seen him coming since her attention was still directed at the customers who were looking in her direction right now. Her blood felt frozen and her throat went dry and she was already moving her hand into the direction of the concealed lightsaber. "Give me anything you can recommend. Perhaps something fruity", she told the waiter, throwing him a forced charming smile before she decided to start a conversation with the pilot who was looking at her expectantly anyway right now. However, once she had opened her mouth, the door flung open an Imperials entered, immediately studying the scene. Oh kriff she thought desperately while this unpleasant suspicion seemed to turn into reality. They hadn't seen her yet and perhaps they weren't even looking for her, but her situation couldn't have been worse.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

The two men at the bar were smugglers. Like most they were trying to keep a low profile while they discussed some business. As they got their drinks, the bigger of the two men thought that the chick in the corner was eye fucking him. The brute tried to ignore the woman and continue his conversation.But her eyes kept darting in his direction.

There was something off about this woman, she seemed very uneasy and it was starting to make him the same. Not one to take a risk. He finished his drink and gave his friend a nod that told the other man they needed to go. The two thugs stood to leave and suddenly came face to face with Asher's men.

Panic set in the brute, his hand instinctively went to the pistol at his hip. For a tense moment the four men stared at one another. Sizing the other up. Until finally the lower ranking trooper spoke up and pulled out his smartpad to display an image of Hailee from the battle.

"Have you seen this woman?" Asked the trooper.

The two smugglers glanced at the image, then back at each other. "As a matter of fact....."larger man would say before starting to turn in the Jedi's direction.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Her eyes kept darting back and forth but she tried to remain inconspicuous while doing so. She had gained a broad overview about everything that was going on in the cantina, but she couldn't listen to all conversations same as she couldn't see what was going on in all of their minds. This whole situation still made her feel extremely uneasy and she hoped that the pilot would soon receive the message of his ship being ready for take-off, but it seems like it would take some more time.

"Why are you so tense, princess? Don't tell me you're hiding something" the pilot said with a smirk while he placed a hand on her arm. Hailee would let him touch her, but as he started to keep it there, she pulled away, a dangerous, warning look on her face. Being hit on again by the pilot was one thing, but being in a cantina with Imperial soldiers who were starting to question the customers was the other. She had enough of this and she had been on edge for way too long.

She was about to take her leave as casually as possible when she did suddenly overhear a sentence from the bar and perceived the looks of four men directed at her right after. "No", she gasped breathlessly as she was suddenly, icing through a devastating realization. The memories of New Alderaan immediately came back and suddenly she could decipher the dark presence and this moment of epiphany. She had felt it before. It was coming from the exact same champion she had encountered on New Alderaan a few months ago. How was that even possible and how could she have missed that he was here? What were the chances of them running into each other anyway? She had a thousand questions in her mind, but one thought was predominant. RUN.

She didn't waste any more time. Without hesitation, she sprang to her feet, skillfully hopping over the table and starting to fall into a Force enhanced sprint. She used the glimpse of a second to briefly throw a vehement Force Push wave behind her, that was aimed at throwing the men of their feet. She wouldn't look back though, as she was already through the door and on her way to the nearest accessible ship.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

The two troopers glanced forward, trying to almost look past the two smugglers as the one turned to point in the direction of the woman who would not stop looking at him before. They didn't have to look hard.

As she sprang up from the booth, the two soldiers slung their E-11s to a their shoulders, weapons already on stun. Without mercy or hesitation they fired. Putting down the smugglers in their way first, then aiming for the fleeing young woman. Blue stun rings whizzing over her head, or just behind her as they attempted to lead their shots but she was took quick using the force.

The Sergeant, called out on comlink as he moved back out the front. "Sir, the cantina." He shouted simply. Meanwhile the other trooper attempted to follow, but got a table slammed into him for his effort, by the sudden force blast. He would be down for a moment but only a moment.

Asher would feel the Jedi then, only a moment before he heard his squad leader's callout. Just as his prey was, the half-Sephi called the force to him. Augmenting his body. Running over and around the crowed market place. Cutting across the length of a couple of city blocks in a second.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

She couldn't believe it. Why did she keep running into the arms of Sith? It felt like she was cursed somehow or magically attracting them in the way, but while she knew that Ronan would never attempt to hurt her again, the story with this other champion from New Alderaan was a big issue, as he had witnessed their momentous decision at first hand and she was aware of the fact that he wouldn't be exactly delighted.

She kept sprinting, still not looking back, but she was pulling out her long-range communicative device to leave Ronan a message, hoping that it would somehow reach him. She had no idea where she was going, but she could sense that the champion had already started his chase. She knew that she was the stupid, helpless prey while he was the ruthless predator. She was sure that he would be more than satisfied if he would manage to catch her, as he had probably tracked them for months, but she knew that she wouldn't even let that happen.

She had outrun the Sith before and she would do it again. Admittedly, she had also been captured before , but she had managed to escape nonetheless, so she kept telling her that while she was taking the next sharp turn. She was headed for the hangars, hoping that she would find anything useful there, but deep inside she already knew that the Sith Champion had probably brought the station under his control by now. She was still hopeful and convinced to get out of here...if she wouldn't manage to escape, she would fight, even if she was outnumbered. She would make it out of here one way or the other.

She was still in the market district and she could sense that the champion unfortunately way too close, so she pushed herself to run even faster. She didn't care about having all the people watching her in horror. Quite the contrary: She was hoping that their dismay regarding the presence of the Imperials would help her in a way. It was much more likely that they would try to stay out of it, but maybe someone would interfere, at least trying to slow them down in a way, but she was clearly not relying on help though. She sprinted down another corridor, trying to create a little diversion by Force pushing a box of crates into the way right behind her. It wouldn't be much of an obstacle, especially not for the Champion, but maybe his soldiers would be affected.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

He cut through the world in a blink of an eyes, he continued to weave his way around the crowd at un-natural speed. Hailee's blonde hair flowed from her likes wisps of smoke as she burst from the back of the cantina and continued running. The force rippling off of her form in much the same way as it augmented her escape.

"There you are." He growled between breaths. The half-Sephi's force fueled body continuing to cut the distance. He was gaining on her, slowly. Suddenly he leapt, using the force he ran over and across the wall of a storefront. Then jumped again, and did the same to another. Avoiding the crowd, while keeping at speed. At least for a distance.

It was not anger that pushed him. Rather it was determination. He could respect the girl's will, to live, to survive. She was out classed. Not by much perhaps, but enough she was self aware she did not want to stand and fight if she could avoid it. Cut capturing this one could lead him to the traitor, and perhaps other Jedi. Asher could not allow her to escape.

She ducked down a corridor, filled with junk. Asher turned after and was sudden met by a crate and other junk flying at him. Still fed by the force, the Champion slide. Limbo-ing his body under the flying box as it sailed over, then snapped back to his feet. Continuing his chase.

Meanwhile, the squad had regrouped into two fire teams. One team of five waiting in the hanger area, the Sergeant and the other four of his team attempting to keep up and provide backup to Asher.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

This whole encounter was threatening everything they had carefully build up. How could this happen? Maybe she should have stayed. Maybe she should have resisted the urge to pay her master a last visit. Maybe it would have been safer. But she owed him so much. That's why she had decided to say goodbye to him. But because of her stupid decision of going, she was now in a life threatening situation all over again. She had no idea what the Champion was up to, but she knew that it couldn't have been anything good. He would either kill her right on the spot of he caught her, or attempt exactly what Ronan had tried when they had first met. But she wouldn't let it happen. Not again.

She kept running, even if she could feel and hear him getting closer. The panic left her mind and it was immediately replaced with pure determination. She didn't only want to survive, but also to escape, but while she was reaching, she was constantly reaching out the Force and that was why she realized that running towards the hangar wasn't her best option. They were expecting her there, that's why she tried to choose a different destination.

She had the outline of the space station internalized, so finding a different spot, trying to shake them off at first, wasn't a stupid idea. She took another sharp turn, sliding right around the corner before she gathered the Force again, helping her to some additional speed boosts. She kept running and running, careful not to run right into the arms of the soldiers that were probably scattered around the whole station, but for now the coast seemed clear. She was increasing her speed further, knowing that the champion would be the only one to keep up with her, but it seemed like she was slowly running out of options. They couldn't continue this chase forever, so she needed another plan. Quick.

@Taz

 

[Asher]

The half-Sephi was having little trouble slowly gaining on the human girl. Try as she might she just couldn't shake the Champion. Yet still, the girl continued to run. Knowing her life depended on it. She was using every ounce of ability she had to keep out of Asher's reach, and he knew it.

He was not driving by fear as she was. He would not burn himself out as she was trying to do. Pulling every ouch of force control she could to get every bit of speed and distance she could. So, he let her go. She ducked down a few turns, and Asher was gone. Out of her sight.

"Team two, continue to secure the port area" Asher ordered though the com of his helmet. "Team one, Sergeant, bring me the who ever she was speaking with at the bar. I'll meet you back at the market area."

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

Slowly, she was running out of air and that's why she was more than delighted to see that he had stopped for now. She still ran on, taking a few more turns until she finally allowed herself to slow down. She had successfully shaken him off, but she was far from being safe.

Her heart was still unrelentlessly pounding in her chest while her thoughts were spinning. She needed rest, quickly, but she also needed help with getting off this station. Desperately she forced herself to walk on, finding any possible solution to get off this terrible place while the people were eyeing her with different emotions. Some literally seemed to pity her, a few eyed her suspiciously though while the majority was just simply frightened.

She felt a new ray hope and she was maybe even a little triumphant for having outrun him for now. She was still in great danger, but she used the little time she apparently had to send Ronan a slightly more detailed report of where she was and who was at her heels. She kept walking, completely on edge and her muscles immensely tense, but she tried her best to keep as calm as possible. She couldn't lose hope and she had to keep her cool to work out a plan.

"Get inside here, girl, we can keep you hidden", an elderly human woman had suddenly approached her, placing her wrinkled hand on the Jedi's arm while she kept her voice low. "No...I'm sorry, I can't. They can't even know that you've seen me, or they'll hurt you", she replied hectically while she started to move faster. She thought about letting her forget that she had seen her, but she felt too drained to do so. She would need every last bit of strength and stamina and she was also desperately in need of a ship. Hiding was pointless, as he might be able to track her, but since she couldn't dare visiting the port right now, she was really running out of opportunities. How long would this game of cat and mouse go on?

@Taz

 

[Asher]

Asher would return to the cantina where his men had first discovered the woman. The smuggler she had intended to fly off with had attempted to flee the area when the chase first began but quickly found himself under arrest. So by the time the half-Sephi returned, he was sitting in the center of the bar, shackled to a chair.

The fallen Jedi wasted no time. Walking straight up to the old pilot and reaching out with his right hand. Holding it just beside the man's temple as he moved two fingers and a thumb. Twisting and turning the digits as if he were working a combination lock. In fact it was the dark side working the man's mind. Pushing and probing into the man's mind. Digging for the model and location of the smuggler's ship and where they were going.

@LadyRen

 

[Hailee Lightwood]

She was safe for now. At least it seemed like it. But deep inside, she knew the peace was deceitful. It didn't take long until the could sense another dark ripple in the Force and she was mercilessly reminded that he was still close. A space station was probably the worst place for such an encounter but she couldn't change that now.

Ronan had been right, sadly. She should have never tried to leave for Yavin IV. At least not so soon. Even though the galaxy was seemingly endless, she ran into the arms of the dark-haired Sith Champion. But it was to late now anyway. She would have to get off this planet or kill the Champion and his soldiers both. With a deep sigh, she turned around and headed towards the port area again. She would find a ship. Any ship to leave. She would pilot it herself if she had to, but she wouldn't let him get her.

While she made her stealthy approach into the direction of the spaceport, she used the valuable time to sent for help again. She contemplated whom to contact apart from Ronan, since every message she sent the Sith could intercept. She didn't want to cause anymore trouble and so the decision wasn't easy. Her master on Yavin, Silex who was probably far away but perhaps the most hardest to catch, other Knights she had worked with like Knight Tonor or Knight Yamato or even the pilot she had grown close with....She could have sent for help in various directions, but to protect every last one of them, she didn't. She couldn't endanger them...not after everything they had done to help her. And so she only sent for Ronan, messaging him the exact coordinates of her whereabouts and the precious little amount of time she had left she used to encrypt the transmission. She wouldn't lead them to him on Lwhekk. If she had to, she would die protecting those information. They might have found her, but they would never find him.

@Taz