[Legend of Sacul] Incoming Storm

Fyston

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The Sithspawn had been busy, that much was certain. Most thought he was injured, and perhaps some thought he had succumbed to his wounds. It would be easy to make such a mistake, especially considering what had happened when they were trailing the Jedi. When Eber had fallen under the weight of the badger, 16 had decided it would be best for everyone if he pretended to be injured. A few deep looking nicks, some bruises, a tentacle that looked partially torn or broken and a seemingly-nasty head wound later and he had been taken back to the Sith compound, which he had learned was in a place called Skagrit.

Granted, he hadn't stayed there for long. He told nobody where he had gone and he hadn't left so much as a speck of dust out of place. So far, on this world, he had been a mere ghost. For all they knew, he could be a mere figment of their imagination, a crooked nightmare from the depths of their souls, preying on their most primitive fears. 16 was all that and more.

The last month had certainly been fun. The Sithspawn had set up his own network to rival Reichtum and Eber's. He ruled in a different yet similar way. His subjects couldn't shake him from the back of their minds as they went about their days. He was constantly invading, constantly ensuring they knew of his presence. In the first few days, one man decided to disobey an order, though he promptly disappeared and wasn't seen from again. From that point on, nobody sought to disobey him. They carried out his orders without even thinking disloyal thoughts. They gathered information and carried out missions, from sabotaging buildings and important places to contacting the Mob and ensuring that 16's will was done to oppose Reichtum and Eber. He worked with the Snamreg's natural ability to speak in loops and half-truths to make sure Reichtum and Eber were resisted or countered wherever possible.

The Sithspawn did it for one reason: himself. He didn't like Eber due to the disrespect he showed at their first meeting and the fact that he smelled funny. Reichtum was Eber's superior, and he was as responsible for the conduct of his subordinate as said subordinate. Plus, he wanted to show Weiss that they were inferior to him and that he deserved to be in charge and deserving of more power. By showing that Reichtum and Eber were worthless, pathetic failures and that the fake copies were useless, 16 would prove to his creator that he was the superior being among them. And so, with that in mind, 16 knew what he was going to do today. He'd learned that two high ranking men and one not-so-highly-ranked man, most likely Geist, Reichtum, and Eber, would be having a dinner. One he was going to crash. Considering they likely thought he was dead and that he had made sure not to give his location or doings away, they couldn't trace it back to him.

He kept his aura as concealed as possible until he got right in front of the doors to the room in which he'd heard that the three men were meeting. Right as he slammed the doors open, he allowed his creepy aura to permeate through the room, cutting off Reichtum completely. "I hope I'm not interrupting. It would be a shame if these guys took it easy while I was out undoing their failures. As far as a foothold goes, they've kept only their toes on it. I've only spent the last month fixing their mistakes. Oh, and one of your fakes was killed in the crash. I hope you didn't make, err, bring more. If you did, I'll show them the ropes." His last point was so obvious and the anger so pointed that if looks could kill through the Force, Geist would likely have died.
 
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Jiang Winters

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The young cat's fur bristled as he was called Daiyu, as Fyston went on and on about how he just needed to remember his childhood. He clenched his jaw as his long strides carried him towards the battered twin-engine biplane seated on the runway. Its khaki fuselage was coated with dust and grime, as were its fabric wings. Even the polished wood of its propellers was well-masked by the filth of the roads it had been operating on. In a bid to control his growing frustration, the feline busied himself with a quick walk-around of his plane. He checked the wings and the tail, made sure the fabric covering of the wings and fuselage was in good condition, ensured that the control surfaces worked well enough, inspected the props; everything he could think of, he did.

Only when he'd run out of points to check did he finally turn back to Fyston. <"Look. I'm... It's, I'm glad you want to help me. It helps, it does. But you can't understand what's going on in here."> He tapped the side of his head. <"I wish I could remember my childhood as well as you remember Nar Shaddaa. I wish I could remember my friends and my enemies. But I can't. I don't know who I am. All I know is that I wasn't born, I was made. I don't know what for. I don't know why. I was raised in a lab, Fy. On Corellia. Sterile walls, flash-learning, armed guards, needles, doctors, psychologists, drugs, testing - that was my childhood. What I remember of it. It's hard to separate it from the fields and snow and family Del... I... The family I remember. I broke out and ran for it when I was fourteen. I've lived on the streets. I've never had friends or a family until I met Della Frey.">

He softly bit his lower lip, then released a frustrated growl and hauled himself up onto the lower wing of the plane. <"And now I've lost myself. I don't even know my name anymore. Daiyu doesn't sound right. I don't want to leave, but I'm terrified of staying. What if I snap? What if I can't keep it together once I finally lose whatever pieces of me I've got left?">

The young Kushari slowly shook his head, then half-turned to peer down at Fyston. <"I don't know what to do,"> the feline murmured. He felt lost, something that could no doubt be perceived in the force around the youth. His aura was easily as brilliant and uncontrolled as Delun's; a brilliant star, dangerous and raw and yet oddly beautiful due to its intimate connection to the Light and its absence of Darkness. <"I'm scared to leave. I don't want to be alone. But I'm scared of staying. I don't want to crumble and lash out. I wouldn't want to say anything hurtful to you or anyone else here. Especially not Della. And I don't want to physically strike out, but I don't know. I've lost myself, Fyston, and I don't know where to go looking for my soul.">
 

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Laine was quiet after Della asked her question, thinking on how to word it. How could she say it? A million words of adoration wanted to tumble out of her mouth yet, nothing seemed to come. Breathing deeply, she began.
"I mean do you want t- KRIFF!"
They hit the ditch then, Laine flying forward and smacking her head on the dashboard hard enough to draw blood. Leaning back, Laine's hand flew to the wound, causing her to hiss in pain as she tried, in vain, to stop the bleeding.

Getting out of the truck, Laine spoke through the pained tone of someone trying to repress the anger that surprise pain often brought, while tearing off strips of cloth from her sleeves.
"It'll be alright, walking, really isn't that bad."

She then began to sloppily bandage her head. While Laine hadn't received a concussion or major damage, the laceration still hurt and bled onto Laine's face, beginning to drip onto her shirt as she bandaged it. If Della offered help, Laine certainly wouldn't refuse her.

---------------------------------

Eber was not present when 16 burst into the meeting between Weiss, Retchtum and Arn. It was probably for the best, as the Sithspawn was not on the Sith Crusader's list of 'most beloved allies' at the moment. The Devaronian Sith had already gathered a small force and boarded an older truck, he wanted to get this mission to check up on Weiss's little experiment done as soon as possible.

Inside the truck, no words came from Eber other than directions. The Sith was in no mood to talk. Recently, some of the populace had begun to act in a more rebellious nature. Oh it was subtle, the little changes in behavior from the men and women of Skagrit. But Eber picked up on them. While he was not a great scholar, Eber had lived around the Skagrit Snamreg enough to learn when they changed their tricky attitude towards him.

Regardless, he still preferred more direct methods rather than to counter them through speech. In his mind, a dead Skagrit Snamreg could not outsmart him. Therefore, if he ever felt threatened, he killed the one who threatened him. After so long on Sacul, his own twisted mindsets had begun to take permanent root and would soon be clearly evident if he met 16 again.

But that was not something Eber dwelt upon. A being of action, he preferred to think more on the task at hand and let come what may. There was very little he encountered head on over these past few years that he could not conquer or destroy.
 

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Lord Geist was guided into the library. It was a room he himself had commissioned. The other two Sith were unrefined enough to admire the benefits a library provided. Books were sometimes a pleasant substitute for Holocrons at times. Unintentionally, they had presented him in a room that could improve his mood slightly. But only slightly.

Geist wasn't easy to anger. However, months had chiseled away his patience with the people here. They had months to locate Della. And what do they do when he arrives? Invite him to tea. This was no time for pleasantries. However, outbursts would not solve anything. The Sith took a deep breath to relieve some tension built in his system. He accepted the drink and thanked the woman courteously, which surprised the woman. He took a sip then placed the cup on a holster. The illusionist used telekinesis to play with the water, raising it out of the cup and making it alter shape, shuffling through three-dimensional polygons.

"Indeed," answered Geist coolly. "The war is not over yet, in technicality, but the Galactic Alliance is in shambles; resistance will be fragmented and disorganized. We must do the coup de grace before they can coalesce, which would be troublesome." Geist had the water floating in the air freeze. "Good for business? Debatable. However, it seems that while others have worked and succeeded in taming the problems in the rest of the galaxy, you fail to resolve the problem on this single planet." While not full-blown, a Force sensitive would notice lingering steam of vexation and disappointment slowly creeping from the alchemist.

The door opened. Geist found himself mildly surprised. He had let his concentration enshroud Reichtum that he had failed to sense 16's approach. With a deep breath, any sign of vexation was sucked back in and invisible. Turning his head to face 16, he said, "You have not interrupted. In fact, you've provided an ample summary of the situation here." Geist returned his head to examine Reichtum. "You seem to fail to realize the significance Della Frey presents. Your successes ride on ignorance of the people. Della holds truth. Truth that can be wielded against us. A leader does not make a nation. It's the people. Let us hope you will be properly motivated to take care of her this time." Geist noticed the concern on Arn's face. Before the boy could protest, Geist unleashed a mental attack on Arn. Not a harsh one, but commanding, signally for the boy to keep his mouth shut for now. He telepathically informed the Snamreg they would converse later.

Geist was not too surprised by 16's irritation. It was a likely outcome to the formation of the Sechzehnzwei. As if an afterthought, Geist added, "Shame, but no great loss. He is only a replica of yourself. Nothing comparative. I had envisioned the Sechzehnzwei to be subordinates under your command as normal infantry tend not work well with you; apparently there is such thing as too much fear." He wondered if that would strike 16's amusement. "No matter. I do not have any Sechzehnzwei with me." There was one aboard Gnaij, but it was a prototype and only for defense. "I guess that means I'll have to lend some of Reichtum's people under your command instead. Maybe then something will get done right this time. Try not to break them," he added amusingly. "Wouldn't want to get too much blood on your outfit."
 

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"Hang on Lain. Let me try to help." Della went to Lain and quickly placed her hand over the rag that Lain made to stop the bleeding. She began to use the Force to attempt to heal the gash. It wasn't as advanced as Fyston's talents with medicine, but the bleeding was stopped. After a longer, tiring period, the would was closed up, but a bruise remained.

Della looked around her. It was getting dark. She cursed to herself. There were two choices: stay in the truck to avoid predators at night, or keep moving to avoid detection by the Sith. Both were terrible ideas. Still, Della and Lain were both skilled at hiding and avoiding detection from a few wild cats. They were far from Badger territory. Della grabbed the supplies from the truck, and sighed.

Her father wouldn't like the fact that Della left the truck in such a state, but she would find a way to make it up to him. Della smiled at Lain. Wanting to reassur someone that things would be okay. Della wasn't really sure herself.

"We have a long night, which will force us to rest in Skagrit. You okay? Do you feel dizzy? We could see about digging a ditch to keep us hidden. To rest. It'll be a tight fit. We'll be sleeping on top of eachother."

----------

Reichtum did not appreciate the harsh tone of Geist, the sudden arrival of 16, nor the way Arn seemed to not try to fade away into hiding. There were many reasons to hide, Geist and 16 had little care for the lives around them. Not only that, but neither of them were pleased with the way Reichtum had organized things. Ingrates. Just wait until they saw for themselves how insubordinate these natives were.

"The resistance has been from a group. The problem has been trying to find their base of operations. They move constantly, and the Plainsfolk are even more active in their fight against Order. They are wild savages, content to wallow in their primitive technology because it feels more comfortable to them. Finding them has been a challenge."

"Regardless of The Runner, she hasn't been here in how many years? Six? Ten? You tell me if she'll adjust. These people are distrusting of anyone that shares our gifts. All we have to do, is simply to paint her as our allay. She'll either be ratted out by her own people, or killed by them. The reason our approached has failed is because we haven't attempted to use her people against her in such a cunning way." Reichtum purred.

"Perhaps someone as talented in propaganda as yourself could procure the resources necessary to promote her as our new secretary of state?"

Arn, transfixed by the raw display of the Force in the form of a ball of ice, had stirred from his idle mind when he heard Della brought up He then felt the weight of the Force on his mind, silencing him. But, he could not help but gasp when he heard Reichtum's plan. The boy then watched was the sith suddenly turned his attention towards him.

"Is that okay, boy? I didn't think you would have objected. Unless you would like to volunteer as a government official?" Reichtum's words were cold, angry. Arn shook his head no and retreated back to the state of avoiding attention that was expected of him. Arn had been such a fool to expect that the Sith would allow Della to remain in one piece. Geist was going to have a word with him, and the thought of it was sobering. It was most likely a dark compromise. Something where only Weiss would remain the full victor.

"That is what I thought. Now, gentlemen, if you will excuse me. I have calls to make and documents to go over. Things take quite a bit of time on this backwater planet." The sith was quite angry, it was easy to see. He walked briskly out of the room, closing the great wooden doors behind him.

Arn, remained. He had been taught that he was expected to be the last to leave a room unless dismissed. Now, he stood with Geist Weiss and 16. Unsure of how to continue.

"Sir?" Arn said. He hoped that there would be more to say, something that would bring clarity. There was very little hope, though. The boy had even less to live for.
 

Fyston

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Though the Knight felt sorry for Daiyu, he didn't let it show on his face. The Kushari probably didn't want or need any more sympathy. He also likely didn't want any more of Fy's Jedi-like advice, but the Knight didn't really know what else to say. "That's your childhood, unfortunately. Don't shun it. You don't like it and you didn't, causing you to escape. It's influenced you, just as your life on the run influenced you. It's up to you how you respond. Many people turn to art, creating songs or paintings to represent their inner turmoil. I used my life to better myself. You must make your own path, but know that there are people that support you and care and know that the Force will help you if you turn to it."

Fyston knew, to some degree, how it was to lose yourself, though his experience was less existential than Daiyu's. In the end, he'd turned to the Force and it had allowed him to overcome his crises and return to a semi-normal life. He wanted to help Daiyu, he truly did. "That you care what might happen if you snap or if you completely lose yourself shows, to me, that you don't want to risk it in the slightest. Know that this can't be solved overnight. It will take time and energy. I want to help you. I don't care if you say something insulting to me or even wound or kill me. I have lived my life or, in my opinion, squandered it. I care what happens to those around us if you were to snap. I care what it would do to Della. I care what it would do to you. You are pure of heart, and killing or wounding someone as a result of some lapse of conscious control would destroy you, or at least it would over time."

The Knight smiled reassuringly at him, a soft, gentle smile that he hoped showed his good will. "I want you to stay. The contact with everyone will be good and I can help you, if you so choose. Likewise, I can handle you if you lose control. I'm good for more than a bad rant, you know." Fyston hoped his joke, aimed at himself, could lighten the tension. If he could help Daiyu, he would. The Knight felt that learning to listen to the Force and learning the basics of control and meditation would be good for Daiyu if the Kushari decided to take him up on his offer. "I cannot tell you where to look for your soul, only that you should look both inside, to yourself, and outside, to the Force, before making any big decisions. I am sorry that I can't be better at advice. They teach us a lot of things at the Temples, but giving advice isn't really one of them." Fyston chuckled and made his last statement. "I invite you to stay with me if you wish. We all want to help you, but you must do what you believe is best."


____________________________________________________​

As Reichtum hoped to maneuver his way out of the situation, 16 cut him off and stepped in front of the Sith's way as he made to leave. He wanted everyone to know what was being said, so the telepathic link opened naturally to everyone in the room You. Fool-man. Shut up. Your lies and your trickery get you nowhere. Not only do you fail at keeping simpletons under control, you fail at finding one person. People aren't that hard to find. Unless, of course, you're incompetent. If you go and try your lies, these people will see right through them. They're as skilled in your lies as you are. Stop your ass-kissing and leave. 16 briefly stepped to the side before adding a single sentence. And don't you dare try to weasel your way out of this one, you pathetic, dung-brained imbecile.

The Sith wondered if Geist was simply trying to avoid any trouble caused by making the copies, but 16 decided that the man had no real need to lie. After all, he created 16 and he was, for now, anyway, stronger than the Sithspawn. He allowed himself to loosen up a bit, but opened up a private telepathic link to Arn. If you want to kill Reichtum or Eber, let me know. I would gladly help you, thought 16 with a bit of a devilish "smile." When he was done, he turned to Geist. If I have to deal with Reichtum's people, they are already broken. I would rather go alone than deal with the buffoonery that Reichtum and his horrid ilk stand for and put up with. If you send them with me, they will bend, they will break, and they will know true fear before they are digested.
 

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It appeared that time on Sacul had allowed Reichtum to fall into complacency. Geist had chosen him and his master Eber because they had shown promise. Now he realized his misjudgment. He would desperately need to re-evaluate, but after the current crisis had been quelled. That could precedence.

"Reichtum can be dealt with later," said Geist to 16. "He can't run, with no way off this planet. I doubt he can escape detection as well as Della Frey and her allies. He'd be all alone. Miserable. Vulnerable." The Sith sensed a connection between 16 and Arn. It was curious, but one that Geist decided to keep mentally noted rather than inquired. 16 then addressed his creator. "Very well, you may go alone if you wish."

Geist paused for a moment, thinking. "Reichtum believes they will ostracize Della Frey, when evidently they have not. However, from what it appears, only a select few know of her presence. We best deal with the situation before she gain's the public's favor." He turned to face Arn. "This is your last chance, Arn. Find Della Frey and bring her here. Then I won't have to take drastic measures. Otherwise, I shall commence turning the public against her." He turned to 16. "Keep in contact with Arn here. He may be useful in talking down Della Frey. Capture her if possible; injury is allowed." That last part likely wouldn't please Arn, but it was better than death. "Her companions you may do as you please."
 

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Laine was quiet as Della laid her hands on her and began healing her wounds. It was not a perfect healing, yet it was more than anyone else had ever done for Laine that she could remember. Once Della finished, Laine gave a smile and thanked her quietly. Something inexplicable moved in Laine's heart as Della thought our their options after healing her, something terribly depressing.

But the movement was quickly halted when Della spoke. Laine's face quickly reddened and she resisted the bad habit to run her hand through her hair. Stuttering, she replied.
"Er- th-that would probably be best. Traveling at night could be dangerous and stuff, and any enemy on the road might see up before we see them. I can help you dig!"

Laine took off her blade from her back, she did not need it, and took up a concentrated stance. Waiting for Della's direction to use the Force to dig a hole on the side of the road, assuming Della would let Laine help and that was where she wanted it. Likely, Della wanted the ditch to be moved away from the road, but Laine wasn't thinking about that. Right now, her head still spun violently from the words Della spoke, laying on top of each other...

In the back of Laine's mind, below her conscious thoughts, there was a little voice whispering. She couldn't hear it, not yet, but she would later. The voice felt the presence of a powerful, dark presence on this world. And it was not Geist Weiss. It wanted to build up the Dark Side, construct barriers, prepare itself. Yet it could not, it was not strong, not yet.
 

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"Thank you. It would be better for you to use the Force to create a spot. If they sense you, they'll know you're still alive and possibly on their side." Della watched Lain move the Earth just large and shallow enough for both of them to rest below the tall grasses. Della quickly went to work gathering lemon-scented grass and minty shrubbery to pad down the little ditch. It would keep them dry, warm, and the scent of the plants would help hide them. Della then tucked the scant belongings they carried under some dense shrubbery.

"This should do it. Just make sure you don't rustle around too much. I haven't seen any cats, but that doesn't mean they aren't out. " Della plopped onto the pile of greens, just as she used when she was a child. She then moved over to make room for Lain.

"sleep lightly, kay?" Della said with a wink. She curled up with her back against the walls of the ditch and did the best to could to doze off.


--------


Arn had never witnessed someone directly insult Reich as 16 had. It made him nervous. It also painted a better picture of the Sith. They were each different. Eber was an idiot, but dangerous because of the strength of his raw temper. Reichtum was calculating, but he was having trouble. He was not pleased by Geist's arrival, possibly because he was up to something. Geist was also a calculating man, but he weilded the power others desired. 16 was terrifying, but at least he followed orders from his superiors. There was a common thread between all of them. They were all dangerous, and incredibly selfish.

Geist addressed Arn directly this time. This was shortly after 16 shockingly suggested a coup against Eber and Reichtum. Geist delivered an ultimatum. There was the chance of keeping her alive, but why would they? They admitted that Della was a liability. Reichtum once mentioned that Sith who proved themselves were rewarded. This was part of that.

But even if Della was restrained, Arn had no idea what to do with her. She was apparently a Jedi now. That made her dangerous in her own way. If Arn remembered correctly, Della hated being still and having to stay put in a place. She hated restrictions. It made Arn wonder how the Jedi even bothered with her. Now that Arn thought about it, the more effortless cornering her was, the more likely the Sith would let her live.

"I remember her from when we were children. Not that it would matter, but she was very skilled at ditching her classes. She was very cautious as well, most likely taking the safest route instead of the quicker one. If she is on Sacul, " Arn paused. "She is likely trying to lay low until we suspect her to either be dead or far away. She'll view us as predators, and treat us as such. She's not very bright though, so we have chances to find her if we know where to look." Arn said.

His thoughts swirled. The ship had reported crashed in the plains with equal distance between Skagrit and the plainstown of Westland. Both places would have their advantages. One could easily hide amongst the crowds of Skagrit and scavenge for resources. In the plains, there were allies. But Della wouldn't draw predators towards those she loved the most.

Grand Central Station would be an excellent place to hide. It was huge, abandoned since the Sith decommissioned all forms of mass transit. Citizens were banned from entering it, and they complied. However, even Arn knew that there was at least a number of utility corridors that went from the sewers to the back places of the Station. If she were to turn up in Skagrit, it would be there.

"We need to focus on the sewers and the old subway systems. there have been reports of Skagrit citizens using them to hide or ferry supplies to each other. If she found any help in Skagrit, it would have been with them. If none of them have heard of her, she will have went to the plains. " Arn recalled his own run in with the local gang leader that stubbornly refused to be killed. Arn smirked inwardly.

Fritz, that was all anyone knew him by. He escaped Eber's assassination attempts on multiple occasions. Fritz was as underhanded and dirty as the Sith themselves. He may not have been force sensitive, but that didn't stop him from nearly surprising Arn and almost filling him with submachine gun bullets. Arn had been attempting to use illusions to hide and disguise himself to get close to the Skagrit citizens still trying to resist the Sith. But, one Snamreg had marvelously seen through his illusion.

Arn had managed to escape with just grazes on his torso. It had been too close. Fritz and his buddies were still at large and causing all sorts of underground commotion. If they found Della, they would have a real source of power and would use her like a weapon.

"I will get started right away with gathering the maps and connection to the sewers. In the morning, we will be prepared fully to investigate and apprehend anyone we find." Arn said. He mentally sighed, he had become very good at hiding his expressions around Eber.

"Shall I prepare your quarters?" He asked 16 and Geist.
 

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Laine watched nervously as Della prepared the hole. It was not that Laine was uncomfortable sleeping in a hole, and unconsciously she knew it was not fully because she was with Della. Laine was uncomfortable with the thought of sleeping next to anyone, and simply because that entailed that the other person might hear Laine speak in her sleep or feel Laine move. Although she attempted to show little outward signs, mentally, she was flipping out over it.

Smiling softly, Laine nodded as Della remarked 'sleep lightly,' and blushed when Della winked. Sure Laine knew that Della meant it literally, what with the predators about, but Laine's reaction came regardless, and she hoped it was not visible in the fading light. When Della finished making room, Laine gingerly crawled down and scooted up next to Della, putting Della's back facing her. Then, quietly, Laine shifted herself a little deeper and responded.
"I will, goodnight Della."

The brown haired girl severely underestimated how exhausted she was, and fell asleep less than a minute after laying down. In her sleep, Laine shifted her arms and wrapped them around Della lightly, snuggling up next to her as much as she possibly could. Up next to Della, the Snamreg would feel how small Laine was. While Della was almost half a foot shorter, she was built stronger than Laine, who was still underweight from after her imprisonment and hid it well.

Regardless, Laine's mind would be at peace this night, unplagued by the demons of her mind for the first time in a long time.
 

Jiang Winters

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<"Pure of heart?"> The cat scoffed. A wry grin appeared on his features, and that cold, lonesome aura he'd possessed wavered for a moment as he leaned towards Fyston as if whispering a secret. <"I haven't been pure of heart since I was sixteen - the legal drinking age on Corellia. That was a good night, Fyston."> He paused, his grin stretching 'till his fangs were gleaming in the light. <"That was a damned good night.">

The human, for all his rambling and his endless talking and spirit-boosting, had managed to do one thing if nothing else; he'd dredged up some of the good memories, and for that the feline was grateful. With thoughts of Corellia and that long, wicked night of debauchery entrenched deeply in his mind, he could safely set aside some of his more existential questions for the moment. There were, after all, far more appealing things to set his mind's eye to. How long that would last was anyone's guess, but an opportunity to shirk depression had flitted past and he hadn't squandered it. That much was important.

He began stripping his clothes off. Piece by dull, pockmarked piece, the young male's 'Templar' armor began to come into view. He'd been wearing it, sans the helmet and gloves, under the rest of his clothing. The added weight helped make him feel more at home in Sacul's lower gravity, and it provided more than adequate protection against the world's less friendly beasts - and its more hostile inhabitants. It had seen a few minor modifications - the paint job, mostly. The shoulder pads, knees, and ankle cuffs had been repainted blood red, while a similarly-coloured skull with crossed swords and shield adorned the helmet. The bulk of the armor was gunmetal gray, and so the contrast of blood on metal gave it a fearsome, predatory appearance.

<"Lain had a ship, right? I have a sensor pack that's still working. I can tune it to locate the power core, if it's still functional."> He pulled on his helmet and gloves, sealing both to his suit. The cat effortlessly clambered up into the aircraft's pilot seat and settled in. The wood-framed, cloth-wing plane groaned and creaked for a moment, then settled down. He gave her side a gentle pat, then beckoned Fyston to join him. <"Climb on in. There's a little cabin behind the pilot's seat. Has four places for people or cargo. Just tuck in with the boxes, you'll be fine. Oh, and can you do me one little favor? For now, call me Jiang. Daiyu... Doesn't feel right.">

After giving the other male plenty of time to either get into the plane or get to a safe distance, the armored feline pressed the engine ignition - a very advanced luxury by the standards of the Snamreg pilots he'd purchased the plane from, but a very simple modification in his books. It'd only taken an hour or two to cobble it together from a pair of semi-automatic hunting shotguns, some custom-machined parts, and a handful of other odds and ends. With a pair of ferocious bangs, the engines turned, chugged, and then ignited. They roared to life after several seconds and he stood on the brake - provided the gang had joined him in the aircraft, he'd release the parking brake and get them airborne. A process that they would, no doubt, find nerve-wracking thanks to the plane's seemingly rickety (but rather quite stout) airframe and the bumpy road he'd used as a runway.
 

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As the humidity of the evening set in and began to dampen the ground, Della was starting to settle inside the ditch. She could feel Lain against her. Della could feel the frailty of her arms. Divines, what had happened to her? Della recalled her experiences under the Xadens. She remembered her extreme measures she took to avoid taking their drugs. She had starved herself, endured separation from Rhonun. There were times Della nearly gave up believing that she would have ever escaped.
She had nearly gone through starvation as Geist's captive. But, after she showed her potential through the Force, the Sith deemed her worthy of proper meals. Della couldn't imagine what Lain had gone through. What she went through that erased her memory. Della understood she easily could have turned out like Lain, never knowing or recalling the kindness and gentleness of the Light. The contrast of their fate pained Della. Della's hand gently brushed against Lain's.

"It'll be okay," tears silently ran down her face. "It'll be okay."
-------------

The morning had arrived quickly. Della rose the same time as Lain, just as the sky started to change color and the sun was illuminating the plains. Della smiled. Gaunerei was making the sun move across the sky, so the stories said. It brought warmth and light as the Hound chased it. A good start.

The two girls quickly ate their breakfast. There was something in the air between them during breakfast, Della wasn't sure what it was. Only that every time one smiled, the other girl would return the smile. They would steal glances at each other, leaving Della being happy just to be around her friend. It was a beautiful start to their morning, one Della was grateful for.

They continued along until the city of Skagrit was finally in view. It shined in the distance like a blue gem. The city was known for its blue glass windows, beauty was a prized item in Skagrit. Della observed for a moment, but then became concerned.

They were moving into enemy territory now. Extra care and stealth was required. Lain still was a void in the Force, thanks to the amulet Della lent to her. Della had to keep her presence low manually. It was taxing. They moved slowly and carefully, not taking chances as the landscape became dotted with barbwire. They dodged catching the eye of men in military uniform. It was disheartening. War had not been on Sacul in 500 years.

Luckily, Della and Lain were excellent in the art of stealth and they soon found themselves entering the drainage pipe that lead into a sewer. It had been marked on the map that was given to her. With the map, they would know a safe place to rest while investigating. Grand Union Station had been marked, but Della wasn't sure why.

It appeared to be a neutral meet up spot for resistance fighters in Skagrit ever since the railways had been shut down. The public had been banned from it, but it served as a connection station for two main sewer lines. It was a route they would have to take.

First, they rested in one of the workmen's rooms. The sewers were wretched, but Della managed through the stench. at least the workmen's rest room had some resistance to the smell, even though it was dark and musty. It allowed Della a chance to rest her abilities in the Force. There wasn't much of a mood for conversation, though.

After an hour or two, Della plotted out a route to Government Row, the lane of government buildings that the Sith often were seen at. Della wasn't sre what she'd find there, but they would have a few days to find out. The important thing was to get to the other sewer line to reach the district.

They pressed on. A collection of patterns marked a ladder. Della knew that they finally reached the station. With extreme caution, Della opened the manhole cover that revealed a utility corridor of the station. Della helped Lain out.

"You know, I heard that Grand Central Station is one of the most beautiful buildings of Skagrit. We should at least steal a look while reaching the other sewer line." Della said. She was a bt excited, she only saw black and white photos of the legendary mural that adored the ceiling. It would be worth it.

She was like a mouse through the utilitdors. Very quietly, they navigated through the stairs until they found the empty main terminal of the station.

It was breathtaking. The ceiling was adored with thousands of glass tiles that reflected gold, blues, and greens. They depicted the starry sky and all of the constellations that sparkled in it. The constellations were shown as animals and their flight across the night was breathtaking. The Horses galloped and birds flew. Rabbits danced and a great sea beast swam through the currents of the sky. They shimmered like diamonds.

"Wow" Della said. She couldn't sense anyone in the main terminal. It was safe, for now. Her instincts tugged a warning, but it spoke of something hiding. Della was annoyed at this reaction. She knew Lain was dark sided and was a void in the Force. It seemed odd that her instincts were spiking.

Della was ready to leave, but something caught her eye. It was a private railcar! It was beautiful! It was adorned in the majestic art deco geometric styles. There was something that made the Snamreg excited. Della had always wanted to see a private rail car.

"Keep an eye out and stay hidden. I just want to see." A large grin was across Della's face. She ran to the car and looked around it, leaving Lain to find a hiding place.

"Wow! It's still attached to an engine! Perfect condition. Still greased and everything! Huh, smells like soot..." Della's smile faded. She felt uneasy. She stepped away and turned to walk away from the rail-car. She heard footsteps approaching. Della quickly darted to hide by the rail-car. She could sense the Darkness.

They needed to leave. Della would have to remain hidden somehow. She had a new spot in her line of sight. She quickly darted to it, when she saw him.

She saw Arn. Arn. Arn was alive. She froze. Her eyes suddenly locking onto him. He was donned in the dark clothes of the Sith. He then turned to Della. No.

Della and Arn were both still, their eyes locking in disbelief. Neither of them dared to move. Two childhood rivals, now remorseful enemies. They knew they didn't want this. Yet, here they were.

Della suddenly found herself flung off from her feet.
 

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Geist decided to courteously accept Arn's hospitality. He didn't need to stay at The Gift. He had his own private residence on Sacul. However, upon his return, confirmation of his suspicions of Eber and Reichtum were confirmed and wanted to keep a close eye on them, for now anyway. After a few nights, as he laid in bed, his illusion still active as he had trained to the point that it would remain even when unconscious, he decided he would visit The Lock. With the situation less pleasant than advised, he wanted his insurance policy completed.

Early the next day, he had Kugelschreiber's private train prepared. Kugelschreiber was a powerful man who controlled a radio network. A native of the planet, he had joined the group eagerly in order to be able to record history in the making. The train would take them through Central Station over to where The Lock had been built. The initial construction months ago had been native Snamregs, who later disappeared one by one over a period of time where they were introduced to Project SALIGIA. The rest was being done by droids. Or had been, to be more accurate. It was done, just aesthetic changes were being made to make it seem more real. During the train ride, Geist on a typewritter compiled a letter that would mysteriously end up in Eber and Reichtum's possession. It read as such:

ATTACHED TO THIS DOCUMENT IS A MAP TO A LOCATION I CALL THE LOCK. BEFORE YOU THINK ABOUT GOING AFTER ME, THINK OF THE LOCK. THE LOCK IS A LITTLE GIFT I'VE LEFT ON THE PLANET, A MEASURE OF LAST RESORT AGAINST THE PLANET SHOULD THEY REBEL. IT'S A SELF-DESTRUCT SEQUENCE. WERE THE EXPLOSIVES DRILLED INTO THE PLANET'S CORE FROM NUMEROUS LOCATIONS MONTHS AGO TO DETONATE, THE PLANET WOULD UNDERGO A PLANETARY DEVASTATION, A CATASTROPHE THAT WOULD DESTROY THE PLANET, IN A VERY VIOLENT SENSE. AND IT WILL GO OFF AFTER MY DEATH. WHY? BECAUSE THE LOCK IS ALREADY ACTIVE. ONLY I KNOW THE COMBINATION THAT CAN DELAY IT. THE COMBINATION MUST BE ENTERED EVERY 801 MINUTES, OR ELSE THE LOCK WILL DETONATE AND THE PLANET WILL EXPLODE. THINK ABOUT THAT THEY NEXT TIME YOU PLAN MY DEATH. DO YOU WANT TO LIVE, OR ARE YOU A MARTYR?

For a second, he had to think to remember what the combination he had chosen. After a moment, it came back to him. He scribbled 3 27 11 38 on a pad of paper in the train's dinner car. He was about to head to the sleeping quarters to tuck away the notepad but then the train halted. They had arrived at their destination. With thoughts flowing elsewhere, he abandoned the notepad on the table. He could put it away later.

Geist disembarked. He had come with a light entourage. Arn and 16 were present, with a couple guards -a couple Sinners, the rest hired Snamregs, with a little Force manipulation to inspire loyalty and brutality. He walked over to a stone wall. It wasn't too hard to find the brick with a Sith symbol carved into it. To any Sacul native, it would appear as a crack. To outsiders, or at least those privy to Sith runes, it would be a recognizable indicator of something. He knew Eber and Reichtum would recognize it, as he had used it in the past as one of the symbols to denote Force sensitive children from the original captured Snamreg children from those not touched by the Force's gifts.

Geist had a secondary purpose visiting The Lock. The Lock's combination could be accessed from space. It's communications were inadequate to get past the solar system; even if boosted, Gnaij was jamming frequencies to intergalactic communications. However, it was adequate to contact the Gnaij without Eber and Reichtum knowing. He wanted a progress report without those two imbecile's intervention. He contacted the ship's captain, who materialized before the alchemist as a hologram. The man's body language easily shouted he knew the upcoming dialogue's contents: the test subject who had escaped a couple days ago.

"Any progress?" inquired Geist.

The captain physically shivered. The man did not seem happy to give what he was about to report. "Well... uh... that's the thing. We just found the scanner, uh, in storage. It-it appears we never... put it on." He immediately lowered his head, avoiding eye contact, well, at least looking at Geist.

Geist allowed a "tch" to escape his lips. "This oversight must not be repeated. Double inspections immediately. Had individuals done their job correctly, we could have used the scanner to locate the Jedi. Now I must depend on Eber and Reichtum to locate this runaway. Do we at least know a general area on the planet he is in?"

"Around Whitestone," the captain informed the Sith.

"Very well. For now, carry out inspection and stay in the moon's shadow. Also, send another shuttle down to Mt. Kamin. We'll need another squad." Geist paused, thinking. Who should he send? Many of the squads still on Gnaij were either running the ship or were for Sacul but not yet ready. The Castle Corps. were probably his best bet. "Send down the Castle Corps."

The captain seemed shock by this order, but complied. "It will be done, my lord."

An acknowledgement wasn't even given. Geist simply ended the transmission. I'm surrounded by incompetent fools, he cursed mentally. 16 might be able to sense the vexation, a realization that rebounded to him. He need to recompose himself. In a fluid motion, his presence and mental capacity was again masked. The Sith desperately needed to find the missing test subject. It was bad enough that he was missing, but Della Frey was somewhere on the planet.

Though maybe not for long. As Geist exited The Lock, the illusionist came across Della Frey. She didn't notice him, too preoccupied with Arn. It wasn't too surprising. They probably hadn't seen each other in such a long time. Deciding to interrupt the reunion, Geist unleashed a Force Push upon Della. The girl was knocked over onto the ground. Geist began walking towards her, taking out his lightsaber though not igniting it. It was a warning to instill relinquishment of rebellion. The alchemist could hear the clanging of Arn's footsteps as he ran for the exit of the train and get outside. To where Geist was. To where Della was.

"Hello again, Della Frey," greeted Geist. "It appears the Force has granted me a trade. As I lose a test subject, an old deserter comes back to me."
 

Fyston

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Fyston felt bad for the Kushari, but he thought he saw, or sensed, some slight softening behind the man. The softening that typically accompanied a joke told during an angry or depressed moment rather than the softening that went with stress or being overwhelmed. He nodded softly and noticed that the Kushari had begun stripping. The Knight would have questioned it, though he noticed the armor hidden underneath the clothes. "You know, I'll have to get me a suit of armor one of these days. With the advantages and disadvantages of it, how does it do for you? I never really considered anything heavier than this," said the Knight as he motioned to his own armor, which was simply armorweave clothing and phrik vambraces.

The Knight grabbed his rifle and placed it on safe before running a quick mental checklist as to where everything was. He clambered onto the plane, using the frame as a handy stepping point. Although he had to move a small box out of the way so that he wouldn't sit on it, Fyston was fairly comfortable and had a decent amount of room. Enough to set his rifle beside him and still have room to move his arms. What the hell am I sitting on, he thought with a tinge of irritation as he moved to the side and removed his lightsaber from where it had slid. "I've not seen a single aircraft since I got here, let alone more than one. All of this tech is pretty primative, and I've heard from Claude, and seen for myself, the number of accidents that happen in the span of a week. If we have some spare time before we leave, would you mind helping me advancing their tech? Granted I'm not an expert, I've done more than my share of maintenance, tinkering, designing, and manipulating to have a decent amount of skill in the mechanical arts."

Right after he finished, the engines roared to life and the propeller began spinning, churning air and providing quite the ruckus. With Daiyu, well, Jiang, standing on the brake, Fy imagined how silly they must look to those looking on. Granted, the large cat settling into the pilot's seat didn't help much, though little could considering that they were pretty foreign to the previously-undiscovered world. The Jedi noticed the form of Erica as they began speeding down the road. He waved an ungloved hand at her in an informal salute of sorts, though didn't yell any goodbyes due to the noise of the engines.

While the takeoff could have been better, Fyston had certainly had worse conditions during takeoffs and landings. Anything from enemy fire to malfunctioning repulsorlifts meant the Knight counted his blessings that the craft worked at all and he certainly didn't mind the road or the noise. Granted, the wind was new, but he was facing backwards and, other than flipping up his hood, there was little he could do. I wonder if there is any EyePro around here, he thought silently, but knew better than to go through any of the boxes, especially considering they weren't his. He settled into his seat and closed his eyes, meditating to calm himself and hide his Force Aura from those who might be looking for the slightest tinge of Light side energy.

______________________________________​

16 knew instantly that his better choice would be to go with Arn. Even if Geist was going, a little added fear could be beneficial. Plus, he could attempt to further subvert Eber and Reichtum, eliminating their support network piece by piece. He loathed their existence and, before they left the planet, he would ensure that they no longer lived. He had no reason to hide his rage, nor his desire to shove a lightsaber-wielding tentacle up Reichtum's rectum. The only good thing about the two being onworld was that they drove him to be the best that he could be.

The Sithspawn found that he liked trains, or at least this train in particular. He had enough room to move and could hang from the wall by using luggage bins as handholds. Considering that he slept best by hanging from a roof or wall or even tree branch, having proper handholds meant the difference between a trip spent in rage and exercising his ability to eat whichever Snamreg he chose and having a well-rested, delightful trip.

Overall, it was a very short trip. The only thing of interest, so far, at least, was a string of numbers that 16 had noticed on the way to disembark. Now he was simply standing watch, his tentacles waving around menacingly, occasionally poking or grabbing a Snamreg for his amusement. 16 smiled when he picked up on one of the only thoughts of Geist's that he had been able to sense, though wasn't sure if Reichtum had been his own undoing or if the Sithspawn had contributed.

While the others began to board the train, 16 stayed behind. He thought he felt something, something wrong. As if something was missing. As if what should have been there had been removed. It went against nature, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Instinctively, he threw up his defenses, both mental and otherwise. He unclipped all four of his lightsabers and, with practiced skill, put up thick mental barriers, which would help him defend against all but the strongest of barrages. Through the Force, he noticed a commotion over near the train and saw the form of a woman lying on the ground and Geist approaching her, his lightsaber unclipped. What have we here, "said" the monstrosity, his thoughts echoing against the floors and walls. Is this the one Eber and Reichtum failed at finding? Seems she's not so hard to find after all.
 

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"<They're strange, aren't they?>" said Claude. His eyes gazed on Fyston and Daiyu as they walked to an aircraft. Geoffrey, who was feeling particularly lazy, rested under a shady tree. His only response was a questioning grunt. It asked Claude why, but Claude could sense that Geoffrey wasn't too interested in particulars. Claude would explain anyhow.

"< They seem so sure of themselves. Like an animal that was born in a zoo. They don't seem worried about predators. They walk through these lands like they know every inch. >" Claude said. Geoffrey scratched himself behind an ear. He was already bored.

"<What does it matter? They probably use that Sorcerer magic.>"

"< Yes. I suppose. But, I see them in a dream sometimes. And many others. I had a dream last night of a planet dying so far away. I saw a war, like ours. But theirs is so much more terrible. I saw a Sorceress, her eyes burned like coals. She was filled with pain. Hate. So much of it. I saw her eat the planet.>" Claude sighed.

"<Well, let's hope she doesn't come here.>" Geoffrey shifted himself for a nap.

"<She won't. I don't think she will. She is terrible, but we are not even worthy of her gaze. Instead, we have faceless foxes and red-eyed stoats to see.>"

"<There you go again. Remember what your father told you about talking like that.>" Geoffrey yawned. Claude didn't reply. Instead, he watched Daiyu and Fyston's airplane take off, his own eyes filled with longing sadness.
---------

Della hit the ground, the hard marble floors caused her to bruise. She slid some distance. She saw the other two Sith: Geist Weiss, and a monstrosity that made a stone sink inside Della's gut. She froze again, but only for a second as the heat of the Pheonix radiated more heat than ever before. The Lightsaber cried out to retribution for the crimes against the Snamreg. Della could feel the presence of her Master, Sebastian Solborne, within the blade.

Della instinctively grabbed her lightsaber, but did not ignite it. It was a precaution. There were three sith, Della was outnumbered. There was little she could do other than run and keep them from finding out about Lain. If they discovered Lain, they lost an advantage.

"I was never yours to desert you. " Della said, charging the light within her. She had a few advantages. She was in an open space and Geist had never seen her fight. She wasn't letting her guard down around the Monster. As long as Della was able to run, she would. She could easily vanish in the blink of an eye, but she would have to draw the three Sith away from Lain's hiding spot.
 

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That morning was possibly one of the happiest times of Laine's life. Waking up next to Della Frey, who seemed to have woken up at almost the same time, stuck Laine with a grin that would not leave. Everytime she looked at Della, she couldn't help but grin even more so. Laine was happy, truly happy.

They began their walk, and soon reached the city of Skagrit. Enraptured by its beauty, Laine had stated a little while longer before moving on and following Della. All the while she walked, Laine subtly drew upon the Force. The amulet Della have her kept both her presence and small drawing a void, and for that Laine was eternally grateful. But the drawing on the Force, Laine deemed it necessary. They were now in territory thick with the enemy, and as the avoided the men in strange uniforms, Laine could not help but to assume there would be conflict at some point.

The sewer walk for Laine was quite easy, the smell of feces paled in comparison to the pungent smell of death. A smell she had far too often invade her nostrils while on Korriban. Neither of the girls spoke much, seeing as the unspoken necessity to be silent prevailed. Then they arrived at the station, Laine could only nod before as Della described it, but the description could not match what they saw now.

After a bit of awe and more movement, they came upon one of the train cars. Laine had seen similar on Nar Shaddaa, trams they called them there. Smiling as Della, like a child, went off to investigate, Laine sought out a good hiding place for the both of them to rest. Inside the old train back offices, Laine sat down and deemed it suitable.

Then she felt it, the sweeping darkness, the shiver of evil. Geist Weiss was here. She barely had a chance to move up and glance out the half-open door before she saw Della blown off her feet. Her teeth ground themselves as she observed the overwhelming Sith around Della. She snatched up the Lightsaber on her belt, Yuunda Cloudchaser's long bladed saber. Yet she stayed hidden. Something in her burned like Sulfer, spreading a stench, a poison, throughout her blood. It made her boil with anger.

However, she stayed hidden. Every inch of her body wanted to leap out and strike them down, yet she did not. There was a plan and, unless Laine thought Della was truly in trouble and that Geist would kill her, Laine would stay hidden. Stay hidden Laine, she repeated to herself, stay hidden.
 

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Arn raced out the train door, but Geist held up a hand to signal him to stop. The boy froze where he stood, not daring to get closer. Geist returned his attention to Della. 16 had just revealed itself to the Snamreg and the typical reaction ensued. She was scared, but still managed to produce some defiance.

Geist smirked, an act that would never be discovered by the galaxy due to the veil of his metallic, faceless illusion. Wasn't his originally, eh? Indeed, she fled before work could be finished. However, that didn't mean he couldn't play some psychological warfare. He had researched Della's movement after the invasion of Empress Teta and Coruscant, learning of her friendship with Ebberla Daw and marriage to Rhonun Tor. He decided to use those facts against Della. Both would invoke uncertainty and discover if any of Della's companions had found the planet. It seemed unlikely, as a larger force could stand a chance against the Sith presence on the planet.

Addressing 16 first, a psychological blow to make Della feel like she's less important than a monster, Geist said, "Indeed, this is the girl: Della Frey. They fail to locate her for weeks, while we find her the second day we're here." Geist in hindsight reconsidered saying that. It held some clues, if she was smart enough to notice them.

Taking a step closer to Della, Geist glanced down the hallway. He thought he heard something. A rat probably, but there was the possibility of the metaphorical one. "Arn, have the train prepped. I want to leave soon." Returning his attention to Della, he began his taunt. "Not mine, you say? Oh, I may not have finished my work, but the work assigned to you was executed most wonderfully. You see, Della, you were always intended for the Jedi. It wasn't destiny that brought you there, it was by my design. Maybe not the method I had chosen, but you ended up there all the same. You see, you were to be the Imperium's mole in the Jedi. The Jedi had never met a Snamreg before, so they would not be able to detect the neural reprogramming instilled in you. Your duty was to get close to the Jedi leadership, and allow us to eliminate them. You escaped before that finished, but I did finish one of your assignments: getting close to Ebberla Daw." Geist laughed a bit theatrically dramatic. "Did you ever wonder why you were able to befriend her so easily? You see, it was thanks to you that after the Battle of Empress Teta, we were able to locate her." Geist's form morphed to mirror Della Frey. "Friendships are so vulnerable. They cloud logic with emotion. It was so easy to get close to her. I must say, the face she gave me when I stabbed her was almost out of a holodrama. So you see, Della, you did do what I asked of you, and marvelously. Not directly as scripted, but the impromptu worked all the same. So, I must thank you. Thank you, Della Frey, for allowing me to assassinate one of the two Jedi Councilors left."

He sent a telepathic message to 16 to not contradict the claims made.
 

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Della picked apart his conversation with 16. They only knew about her. They had only been here a few days. They had been looking for her, but in the wrong places. They assumed she was in Skagrit. That was good, they wouldn't search close to her family. She was not perturbed by Geist's attempt to humiliate her. She still remained defiant against him.

Then he spoke of Ebberla. Della's heart lurched in her chest. She knew Ebberla better than Geist could. Ebberla had been involved with the Sith, she would have sensed if there was something wrong about Della. They had been through so much, more than Geist ever would know. They faced darkness together. They held eachother through pain and despair. Ebberla wouldn't have fallen for it. Della never would have betrayed them. She would have rather run away, as she always have.

Seeing Geist morph into her mirror image startled her. She tightened her grip around her lightsaber hilt. Her gaze shifted into a more animal-like stare, one that reflected the Order of Nature, rather than the Order of Light. She would not be tempted. She knew that Geist Weiss was a master of lies, of deceit. Still, Della did not want him to know that she was stronger. She had to show weakness, even as a ploy.

"I would never hurt her. She would have known it wasn't me. She is far craftier than you will ever be. I know that you are a liar, and she knows it too. She's also just a Master. Not a Councilor." Her rabbit-like eyes were fierce, but her tone was crafted to sound like she was in denial. She instinctively thumped her foot against the marble floor, its sound ringing through the station as an echo.

She took steps to lure the Sith away from Lain. They were all focused on Della, they would remain so and follow her without realizing it.

"You know nothing about me, Geist Weiss."

Arn had responded to Geist Weiss by returning into the train. He noticed that the train had been updated with galactic technology. He was not intimidated. The Force that had been gifted to him showed him the puzzles of technology. It revealed to him the answers. Turn this device, switch this attachment. It was like he was a native galactic.

The train was humming with life, ready for passengers.
 
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Geist laughed. "Maybe. Maybe not. But in battle, you worry about your enemies, not your friends." Geist lazily waved a hand at 16. "Let's make sure she didn't bring any of her rebel friends."

Geist lifted Della up into the air with the Force. "Say what you will, but truth will conquer. You say your friends know you? You don't even know your friends! I read the reports. You were good friends with Lain Derisma. Well, here's the truth! Lain Derisma is the daughter of Darth Exilis. She betrayed everyone she ever cared about. She was a Sith spy, my dear Della. She was so close to assassinating Sigur Vainkainen; he's dead now, so it doesn't matter, I guess. Oh, and for another lovely tidbit of information, I'll tell you this: She isn't Lain anymore. She's been brainwashed. Not by me, you can sigh, but of another Sith, my colleague Mira Albion."
 

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She felt herself lifted and her first instinct was to run. But she knew that she couldn't. Geist held a firm grasp on her, but there was the responsibility she had to Lain. Lain was her friend. But Della now had questions. Della had spent time with the girl, and it was not often she wondered why Lain was able to remember Della. But, in a way, Della already knew the answer.

They had a bond, a connection. One that couldn't be severed. Della remembered Mira. She had seen her on a few occasions. Della's most recent memory was on Xaden, but that wasn't important at the moment.

"I know." Della said as she hung in the air. She gathered the Force into her, charging herself like a battery.

"I remember when she slipped pills into my drink and took me to Nar Shadda. She fought my friends there. She cut off my husband's hand and lost hers in the fight. She murdered my friend, Atreia. I forgave her, Geist Weiss. I still forgive her. Because I view her as my sister in the struggle for survival." Della gave a burst of light, bright enough to blind everyone who were focused on her. The sudden flash would be enough to make Geist lose focus.

Della hit the ground on her feet.

"You stole me from my home, killed the others that were with me that night. Do you even remember their names? One of them was a ten year old girl named Ann Marie. Ten years old, Geist. And you saw fit to use her death for your curiosity. My people lived in peace for 500 years without a single war. Now, they will rip each other apart."

"I ask you again, Lord Geist Weiss! Where is your order? Show it to me, and I will listen to you!" Della dashed, ready to take on the Sith. She dealt a crushing kick to 16 first. It landed on his long shin and instantly fractured the bone. She was fast, the Force was bright in her. With its light, came her legendary speed.

The kick slowed her down, but she was already charging at Geist. She was finally prepared to confront Geist Weiss, with all the wild, chaotic strength of her people.
 
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