Ask Ossan Opportunities

[Kalique Baize]

Ossus - 1545 hours​

When the news of Ossus came in, Kalique couldn't help but to wonder whether the Sith were now getting desperate, but once more information surfaced, she began to realize that regardless of the concrete numbers of the alleged Sith who were attempting to gain a solid footing on Ossus, they were only a rogue group of imprudent, apperently defected individuals who assumed it was a good idea to settle on an Imperial planet.

One way or another, their plans of laying low at first had failed when scouting troopers had stumbled upon their makeshift camp in a rather deserted forest area. Knowing that it was unwise to storm into force-users camps, the soldiers had sent help for an Imperial Knight to assist on-site, so Kalique had figured it was just the right mission to bring her Squire Rhia along for.

From what the scouts had gathered, the Sith were busy bringing in stolen goods and that they even had been preoccupied with gathering more necessities. Apperently, they hadn't even noted that they were being spied on and so for now it seemed like they were still convinced their endeavor was successful. In the grand scheme of things, Kalique obviously didn't know whether they planned on infiltrating the system right at the edge of Imperial territory or whether they worked on something different, but that was why it would be helpful to not just kill them, but also try to catch some alive for questioning.

An inside man of the ISB had even gotten to follow an alleged member a bit later, which was why they didn't just know the exact position of their camp, but also the rough numbers and so Kalique was confident they could ambush them stealthily and thus catching them so severely off guard that they wouldn't be able to stand much of a chance, especially given that the soldiere stationed nearby would aid them.

They were already enroute to Ossus and Rhia had received all the non-classified information she needed once they were a few minutes away from touchdown at the Imperial station. It was only the two of them on the ship and they'd meet the Commander in charge of the nearby barracks at the landing bay already. "Are you alright?" she asked the young blonde reassuringly as they dropped out of hyperspace and started their descent.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

Another day, another mission, and this time Lady Demici assured her that this one would test her like no other. Rhia had never been to Ossus before and thus that alone was an excitement in of itself, but naturally all sorts of questions came to mind when the mission details had been shared.

Glancing over toward Kalique with what appeared to be a concentration stare, the squire nodded. "I was just thinking about our mission, this is the first time I'll get to meet the Sith." Well meet was perhaps the wrong term but Rhia was always looking at such things in the best light.

Such was the way she thought, that violence was never the first option, but only reserved for when it was necessary. Not a pacifist by any means, the squire simply wished to avoid putting people in harms way if she could help it. With a slight ring of concern, she decided to air her thoughts to her mentor. "If it was simply too dangerous, the navy would blast the Sith from orbit, right? buut they haven't, which means it isn't too dangerous. But it is dangerous enough that the army didn't want to go in without our support, therefore we have leverage."

It was sort of a hail mary situation, it was entirely possible that Kalique would simply dismiss her naivety as the wishful thinking of someone who had never encountered their foe before, but to Rhia she felt a need to bring such concerns ahead. "I'm not saying we do anything wrong or get into trouble, but why haven't we simply tried to ask the Sith to leave? Perhaps they will see how poorly matched they are, and then nobody has to be hurt."

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique kept in contact with the Commander in charge, but judging from his reports, the Sith stayed put in the woods for now. Kalique was already adorned in her armor as combat was to be expected on this mission and their force sensitive enemies wouldn't waste any seconds.

Rhiannon was ready for the task though. With the Army's support, Kalique would focus on keeping her safe however while at the same time allowing her to gain the experience she needed. "No...we can't underestimate them, but you're right, they could be bombed from space. Simply killing them wouldn't get us where we want to be though" the Captain explained, meeting her blue gaze.

To think that the Sith would listen was a naive thought, but Kalique appreciated that Rhia's mind was still rather pure and uncorrupted. With her, she didn't have to fear she'd be one to fall easily, and she also knew the young woman had the determination needed, but unlike many others, she hadn't yet faced actual Sith.

"Diplomacy and negotiations are not in the nature of a Sith. They're planning something and if we're lucky, we can figure out what they're up to". Knowledge was always valuable, hence extermination wasn't their number one priority. Rhia's way of thinking reminded her a lot about Leon, but they were no Jedi and it was their duty to keep the Empire safe.

"We'll speak to Commander Stellos to discuss how we'll approach this endeavor. The ISB is usually interested in capturing Sith anyway, so yes, maybe we don't even have to shed blood" even if Kalique didn't hold any sympathies for the Sith, in terms of the Empire's safety, they were even more worth alive anyway. "I appreciate that you're sharing your thoughts". It was actually important that she was critically thinking and making conscious decisions, so Kalique didn't mind discussing the issue with her.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

Whilst Rhia was quite receptive to working with others, her favourite missions were the ones where she got to work closely with Lady Demici. It was one thing to study hard and learn about what to do from a text book or holo, but entirely another to put that work into practice, and her mentor really was the most direct woman she had ever met. Listening intently to absorb the nuggets of wisdom sewn into their discussion, she nodded along.

The name of the commander they'd be working with was unfamiliar, which wasn't too surprising considering that Rhia hadn't met anyone from the armed forces except for that one pilot at the social event. It was kind of important that they were able to work together, but in the event that they couldn't, it would make an already difficult mission even harder.

"Do you know much about this Commander Stellos? I hope he's nice." She meant it more in the tune of being nice towards them in particular, as opposed to being a type to disparage the knights. Even little Rhia had started to hear such things on occasion but she hadn't seen it first hand yet. "I understand. But someday I hope to help one turn away from their ways and find the same peace we yearn for." If it wasn't naivety, Kalique would certainly sense the strength of her youthful conviction.

Making final adjustments to her armor and checking over her weapon, the young squire signalled that she was ready. About as ready as she could be, in any case.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique wasn't usually too keen on starting a mission with a still somewhat outcome, and Rhia was right with her concerns. While Kalique had acted as an agent of change and was promoting collaborations between the different sectors as best as she could, it was up to Commander Stellos and his attitude towards the Imperial Knights.

If he wasn't too keen on Force user, maybe he wasn't going to discuss their endeavor at all and maybe he'd even argue to go kill them after all, but the ISB was at least also involved. Together they'd all work on a solution before the IAF and the blonde duo would execute the plan.

"Not at lot, actually" she truthfully admitted as their communication had been nothing but the necessary. "Guess we'll find out soon", white the Captain surely lacked some diplomatic skills, she could be polite, was well mannered and obedient, so she was usually fine in such interactions.

Rhia stated she was hoping to turn Sith away from their path, but there was a hard truth about corruption she had to learn. "Not all of them are lost, but there is a point of no return" unlike the Jedi, the Imperial Knights surely saw the thing about redemption differently. There was simply a line that could be crossed and in Kalique's mind this was the point could seal your fate as corruption was an irreversible thing.

She knew Rhia was aware or that, same went for the issue of how saving those fanatics was off the table. Their duty was to protect the Empire by all means and this they'd do. "We're landing now, be ready to alight", she then said to her as she began bringing the ship down.

Even from the viewport she could make out the Commander which also allowed them to see that his face was half concerned, half difficult to read. Once the ship was safely down, Kalique turned off the Engines, adjusted her armor as she stood and then motioned for Rhia to follow her.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

As Lady Demici seemed to agree that at least in theory it was possible, little Rhia set her heart towards at least achieving this goal once. After all, it was true that some Sith had turned in their cloaks and took vows to serve the Empire faithfully, so perhaps the remaining Sith could also be saved. Was it a lack of the right teacher, or a manifestation of their worst impulses, that prevented such turning. Maybe all they needed was a friend, or confidant.

Of course, that meant studying hard, learning the ways of both the dark side and control to ensure that when she made this encounter, she would be ready for any eventuality. It would be quite some time before Lady Demici would likely set her learner free into the big wild galaxy, and thus she would want to make the most of it to learn and blossom.

It didn't take long for the ship to settle upon arriving, with Kalique making good time completing her pilot's check-list and escorting the squire down the off-ramp. The makeshift imperial camp was active, with soldiers and droids moving here and there on whatever important task that they had been set. None other than Commander Stellos himself was there to meet the ladies, quite content to sit back and grin a soldier's smile as they would approach.

"Welcome to Ossus, I take it you've been briefed?" He directed his question to Kalique, although dipping his head to both respectfully. "Our next scout report should be back shortly." The sturdy man plied himself up from the position he had been sitting against and directed them towards his makeshift command tent. Arriving there after the short walk, they would see a small table with a map of the local area marked with known Sith locations and patrols. While the enemy was not large in numbers, their force connections made them a force to be reckoned with, if you excuse the pun.

A pair of lieutenants stood nearby, scrolling through reports, data pads in hand, while the Commander beckoned them forward. "You've earned quite the reputation, Knight-Captain, which is why I requisitioned you directly." A charming glow was about his form as he spoke, a full body spirit and excitement flowed about the room as he continued. "I see no need to recklessly throw my men at this problem, and I believe that with your help, we can surgically deal a fatal blow to their operations here. What are your thoughts?"

Rhia glanced toward Kalique, holding her tongue. The ambitious little squire might have been a read student, but her practical experience was limited compared to the battle hardened woman before them. This was her grand opportunity to see a master perform on a stage set to her own tune, with crowds adorned and in awe.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

With her squire by her side, Kalique made her way down the ramp towards where they were already awaited by a soldier. "Knight-Captain Demici with Squire Delevigne reporting for duty" she curtly introduced them as she offered a polite nod.

There was something familiar about the man and a few seconds later it dawned her: He had been a cadet who had served under Jon, but judging from his uniform, he had made it to the rank of Lieutenant, which was why a slight smirk tugged at Kalique's lips. "Lieutenant Lockwood" he reciprocated the nod, before he motioned for them to follow, "the Commaner sent me to lead you to him".

As the blonde duo was walked through camp, Kalique noticed a wide variety of facial expressions, however as those who saw them walking by greeted them rather positively, the Knight-Captain realized that their reputation was indeed finally changing. To the soliders at camp, the Knights wouldn't just be of help, but for some as it seemed they also gave hope as their arrival meant they wouldn't have to face the Sith alone.

The walk was relatively short, but as Kalique's gaze met the Commander's, her smirk widened ever so slightly just as his features lit up. Another man of Jon, however this one she even knew a little better and not just from crossing his paths in the corridors as he had been one of his Captains.

"Commander" again, she inclined her head politely, knowing that there was absolutely no time to waste, but it was nice to see a familiar face. "Thank you. And congratulations on your promotion" she added warmly, very appreciate of the genuine praise. Kalique had done a lot to improve the Imperial Knights' reputation and it was good to see that it had been on fertile soil.

"Indeed. We've received most information gathered, but in order to make the right call, I believe it's necessary to wait for the newest reports". She shortly glanced down at Rhia, but it didn't surprise her to see that she was attentively listening.

"We need to find out why the Sith have chosen to dwell on Ossus, hence I'd recommend leaving as many alive as we can. The ISB would surely appreciate direct interrogations. One way or another, as it's Sith we're dealing with, so we should still be prepared for anything".

While fighting Sith or dark spirits, Kalique had seen a lot in all her years, so she also knew that even the best plans could sometimes go wrong. "Have you got any precise numbers? We can probably incapacitate quite a lot without having them notice and thus forcing them to turn to aggressive matters". Perhaps a subtle approach was the way to go here. So far, they didn't seem to be bothered by Imperial presence, so there was a reason for them to stay cautious though.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

The friendliness between the armed forces and their arrival was a welcomed sight for youthful eyes, the seemingly insignificant moment blossoming both her self-confidence and fuelling the drive that made her convinced they were doing the right thing.

A gathering of Sith in such a random place couldn't have been a coincidence, Rhia reasoned. While true that they had been dispersed and appeared to lack a centralised position, it didn't seem in character from what she had read about Sith for them to just set up camp for funzies, but rather to complete a specific objective.

Before the Commander could even reply, the familiar voice of Lt Lockwood cut through the air with certainty. "Sir, the scouts have returned. Data uploaded to the table momentarily." Within seconds, the holomap before them switched to showing the new information. Rhia counted several large tents, easily housing 20 something beings in a circle with four distinct smaller tents around their exterior. The report concluded that there was no visible sentry posted on the boundary, but they had also refused to get close enough to test this theory.

With a curious glance to her mentor, Rhia started to speak. "Unless they've elected to open a new academy here, perhaps we are only dealing with a handful of Sith." She paused to collect her words carefully. "The positioning of the tents seem to imply the smaller ones are protecting...or perhaps trapping the larger group somehow." Were they conducting a ritual of some kind, or just simply looking for another dangerous artefact and required labour to retrieve it?

The only way to know for sure was to go there themselves.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Their conversation was interrupted by Lieutenant Lockwood who reported the scout's return. Again, the features of the Commander lit up, so as if the news brought even more hope on how they'd manage to deal with the imminent threat as quickly as possible.

Kalique studied the map attentively, trying to take in as much as she could at once before she noticed Rhia move and ready herself. She was curious about what she had to share, and as she offered a good analysis of the situation, a proud smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Valid points. We can't tell what their actual goal is, so before engaging, I'd even suggest getting closer, perhaps even carefully sneaking in to find out what they're planning" she shared her thoughts, a slightly satisfied glance shifting from Rhia back onto Stellos with more seriousness.

"With your permission, I'd take my Squire and depart at once, so that we can deal with them appropriately as quickly as possible". The troops could stay close for support, but that was up to the Commander to decide. For now, the Knights had to find out what they were dealing with exactly.

If this was a ritual that was being prepared, they had to stop them. If they were just gathering for now, they had more time to single out an individual and conduct an investigation before exterminating the rest.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

The little squire felt several times larger as her intuition was recognised, more it was fantastisch to see the training and mentoring starting to pay off. Getting closer to their targets was of course naturally risky, especially as they couldn't know for sure how many that had to be dealt with, but sometimes such risk was necessary. Besides, as it would turn out, they wouldn't be alone.

The Commander scratched his chin for a moment before glancing back across the map. "Do it, but take Alpha squad for cover." It seemed that they would get to work with Lt Lockwood after all. "The rest of us will maintain the perimeter and ensure that none of them escape, should they attempt to run." With a quick salute, they'd be shortly dismissed and outside the tent waiting for the squad to assemble.

Lockwood, still grinning, handed Kalique and Rhiannon a pair of earpieces to link the knights with their squad. "You'll be on your own once you cross the boundary, but we'll be on your position within thirty seconds or less if you make the call. You two ready?" It was clear that Kali had command of the mission, but such responsibility was heavy.

Rhia glanced over first to Lady Demici, before returning her eyes to the Lt with a just barely hidden nervous laugh. "This is what we train for, sir." Soon, no doubt, they would both be tested.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

For a moment, Kalique gained the impression that tension was suddenly rising. Even if he seemed rather sympathetic towards them and had worked under Jon, he weighted his options carefully before he suddenly appointed them a squad. He was offering additional security, and entrusting them with his soldiers, which was quite some trust he put into them.

It let Kalique smile. "Thanks for your trust, Commander. We'll do whatever we can go keep your men safe". Even if they had to go investigate and gather information, Kalique was absolutely used to keeping soldier's safety a top priority. They couldn't afford losing men and they were hear to protect them while dealing with the Sith after all.

She accepted the earpieces and gave Lockwood a nod. "Ready" she confirmed before she reassuringly glanced over to Rhiannon, but the diligent Squire was already set as well. "Let's move".

They had a few clicks to cover via foot - to avoid raising any suspicions - before they'd have to leave the Squad in position. They couldn't get too close as the Sith could sense them as they were not able to cloak their living presence within the Force like they could, but she did shoot Rhia a telepathic message. 'Veil your presence once we're getting closer. We need to check what they're doing inside without having them notice'.

They continued through the forest while Kalique kept waiting for the Lieutenant's signal until it came. They were close. "Lieutenant, do you have any information on whether they're having active scouts posts anywhere nearby?" she asked the man, voice carefully lowered. From all the reports, it seemed like they hadn't noticed the Imperial scouts, but maybe they had figured something out. Whatever was going on though, to Kalique it seemed like they were pretty focused on whatever happened in camp.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

It was important for Rhia that she did well on this mission, not to say that she didn't feel that way on every outing with her mentor, but this one particularly felt important. Was it the thrill of the unknown? The dangerous cult that lurked just beyond the horizon, tampering with the dangerous occult and mysterious activities that they could be undertaking?

Partially lost in her thoughts, the reminiscent reminder of her cognizant mentor brought the squire back into the field properly. A sharp wit was just as potent as the plasma blade lashed to her hip. Surprise once lost was neigh impossible to regain, and thus she simply nodded and began working, shielding her presence in the force.

The lieutenant was both calm and collected through their short travel together, and neither would he fumble his words this close to the enemy. "No, none that we could discern anyway. During the day, most of the heat signatures disappear and return at night, it is most peculiar."

The intel made it seem as if the Sith had no care in the world who knew they were there, nor providing any real protection against it. That both were either a high level of confidence or a lack of sensibility, with neither option painting them in a good light. But there was also the option that they had prepared something that rendered such efforts moot.

Telepathically, Rhia reached out to Lady Demici herself. "Do you sense anything strange?"

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

As the Lieutenant added some more insights, Kalique's thoughts swirled a little. Active and roaming around during night? Nothing too uncommon for cultists, but what were they doing, guarding or preparing? "Thank you Lieutenant. I'll take my Squire and we'll move a little closer. We'll make sure they won't detect us. You stay here for now, if we need help, I'll find a way to notify you immediately". Letting the soldiers any closer would bear unnecessary risks and so Kalique motioned for Rhia to follow close by.

The Knight-Captain moved swiftly yet carefully, her presence thoroughly cloaked and her mind fully focused. She then reached out with the Force and into the camp, right where it wasn't hard to tell that a whole bunch of dark presences dwelled. How could she tell? Well, it seemed like the nocturnal Sith didn't just nap during the day and stayed hidden, but quite the contrary. Low, however sinister vibrations subtly filled the air in the midst of their camp so as if they were indeed engaged in something ritual-like.

She wasn't appaled by her finding per se as she had sensed similar things before, but her features did twitch a little as she found something else. "Strange indeed..." she muttered before she pulled back, slowly exhaling as she didn't have to maintain focus any more.

"There's more than them. I sensed vague, somewhat fuzzy presences that were...really hard to grasp. Not really neutral either, but somehow vicious in their own way and yet indecisive" she explained, assuming her squire wouldn't sense them yet.

"Stay on your guard. We need to get closer". One hand instinctively moved towards one hilt of her lightsabers while they sneaked through the thicket. It was a good thing their targets apperently weren't too invested in security (which didn't add up given that they were on Imperial ground), but this still meant they had to be careful. They'd slowly get even closer until both Knights would suddenly sense a surge of focused vile energy in a violent outlash followed by a low, deep growl.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

The dangerous appeal of the mission had the young squire both excited and quietly holding her breath. With the masterful guidance of Lady Demici, they slowly approached what they sensed to be the bad guys. Well, her mentor did. For Rhia it was completely confusing and disorientating, never having sensed anything of the sort before, but she pressed on, trusting in the other.

The sudden attack flashed both through the force and the camp itself, someone or something was coming for them, and boy did it make a heck of a racket. Without missing a beat, Rhia clenched her lightsaber hilt and scanned the area ahead of them. A young man, perhaps only a little older than she was, appeared from the tent and called her over suddenly.

One part of her natural curiosity simply demanded that she heed the call and move post-haste to investigate. He didn't look at all like what she expected Sith to appear as, and thus she thought perhaps he was one of the captives being held here. Looking for approval, Rhia glanced towards Lady Demici before doing anything yet, her face revealing her intentions.

Whatever was coming was certainly dangerous, but so was her mentor. Besides, they'd still be relatively close if anything got out of hand and the prospect of freeing the captives was far too enticing to give up.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique could literally hear her heard. Whatever had caused the growl was no human and suddenly the indecisive, ferocious presences she had sensed earlier made sense. There weren't just Sith, but there was something else and the closer they got, the worst the darkness that lingered in the middle of their camp.

Rhia would feel it too. The temperatures were slowly falling, even the absence of light didn't seem to caused by the thicket only. Something dark and twisted was going on and they were about to find out what it was. What left a bitter taste in her mouth though was how suddenly they'd also perceive an almost pleading presence that was immediately followed by something vile and tormenting- the very essence of an innocent mind that was being twisted and bent to someone else's will.

Kalique flinched every so slightly while Rhia making eye contact suddenly ripped her out of her stream of thoughts. She mouthed a confused 'what' before she followed the Squire's glance over to the tents, but to her surprise their was nothing. She furrowed her brows while the forest was nothing but eerily silent again before she double checked on any presences near them

"What did you see?" she quietly asked her, her voice lowered to a bare, hushed minimum before another, this time even more violent ripple would penetrate the Force. While there had been nothing but mystery, suddenly there was pure mayhem in the midst of the Sith camp.

Terror-stricken cries joined by one maniac, evil laughter filled the air before there was a loud, ear-piercing scream, followed by the sound of fresh flesh getting ripped apart. Kalique's eyes widened right as her orange bladed lightsaber hissed into life. There was massive pain, a wild, primal animalistic determination and a massive predator's growl that rumbled through the forest.

"᠎Sudz suwizizodzol ᠎tuti iniri, luwi!", the screeching voice of a woman, undoubtedly in ancient Sith, caused Kalique to reach for her comm and immediately hit up the soldiers waiting nearby. ᠎"Ready your arms, stay back, but something is coming". The uncertainty didn't make Kalique panic, but it did make her heart race as she faced Rhia again.

"They mentioned a beast, it's killing them" she briefly explained before her full attention was directed at the abominal dark presence. Whatever the Sith had done, it seemed out of control and while it wasn't headed for them yet, Kalique new they had to kill it if the Sith didn't manage to do so before them.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

The mysterious figure beckoning her in simply vanished without a trace as Lady Demici pried the squires mind back to reality. A shocked expression drew across her face as she attempted to make sense of the senseless, a myriad of emotions flushed through her mind, with none immediately answering her million questions. "Uh, I thought I saw someone." she telepathically responded, not entirely sure in fact what it was.

Mirroring her mentor, the familiar sound of a lightsaber igniting in her hands echoed. It was difficult telling what it could be ahead, even as she called it a beast, and they could clearly hear its growl, which only sent a shiver up her spine. Naturally, the first instinct was to run away from this unnatural danger. This feeling likely crept over each individual in the vicinity, but through training and sheer determination they held.

Remembering back to her training, little Rhia's offhand shook ever so slightly as she attempted to focus on her mentors' presence in the force. But due to their cloaking, it was neigh impossible to do. Instead, all she could do was watch and bite her lip as the terrible sound bellowed through the area.

With trepidation in her voice, she called out, despite every fibre of her body suggesting the opposite. "We have to help them." Or, at the very least, confront whatever it was that had gotten loose.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

For a view moments, it seemed as though time had slowed down. The beast had been set loose and Kalique didn't know whether it had been on purpose or accident, but death was all around quickly. Perhaps it was some twisted, sweet yet bitter irony that the Sith, once again, helped in eliminating themselves.

The sounds of flesh getting ripped into pieces and the agonized cries that mingled with the frightened screams and spluttering shouts that suddenly suffocated. A pure manifestation of the dark side permeated the air and suddenly it wasn't just cold, but thick with pain and suffering. All the while Kalique tried her best to track the beast while at the same time not giving away their position. It was incredibly hard to do so though as the panic that spreads amongst the soliders was extending as well.

They had to act. Immediately. However, it was Rhia's voice that broke her from her momentary stasis. "Follow me". No, they couldn't help, wouldn't help the Sith who had created the abomination that wrecked havoc on them now, but they did have to stop it before it reached either the soldiers or the civilians.

"Lockwood send for reinforcements!" she called into the comms, no longer caring whether they'd be heard as they had a lot more to worry about, but it was obvious that the beast, regardless of what shape it had, wasn't so easily stopped. "We need aerial support from the base". Kalique broke into a sprint, keeping Rhia behind her but covering the distance between them and the monster quickly, at least until a massive canine monster came into sight.

Kalique skidded to a halt with widened eyes, her mouth flapping right open in shock as the three meter tall creature ripped another cultist in the pieces. It's jaw alone was massive and the darkness the abomination emitted was beyond a regular Sith spawn's for sure. It seemed like the majority of the Sith who had helped conjure it were either dead or gone, but at least two were still standing and hectically slashing at it.

Without hesitation, Kalique inhaled deeply and focused her fully mixed emotions into the palm of her left hand until there was nothing but determination left. With gritted teeth, she summoned her powers until she launched a massive ball of fire into the beast's flank. This thing had to be slowed down immediately and kept at bay, but she doubted whether they could destroy it by themselves.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

In a flurry of emotions and panicked noises erupting from the camp, Rhia locked on to what Lady Demici ordered. In a flash, the young squire raced to fall in behind the Knight-Captain, behind but abreast to ensure that they could both see each other and the beast.

The massive monstrosity caught Rhia off guard for a second, her mouth agape. It was the biggest natural thing she'd ever seen. Well, could you even call it natural? No, she supposed. There existed some element of nature within this beast, a torn, manipulated shred of soul twisted and pulled by the Dark Side into something that resented its very existence. Its being was an affront to life itself, and through its alchemical designs, was beyond simply defending itself, for now it became the huntress.

A massive fiery ball exploded against the beast, singeing and scorching, but otherwise mainly drawing its attention towards where it came from. "Watch out!" Rhia shouted as the enhanced wolf picked up a heavy branch to throw in their direction before charging forward. Not only was it bigger and stronger than the animal it had once been, it seemed to retain its high level of intelligence as well.

Ducking to the side to avoid the incoming branch, Rhia stumbled getting back up as the bounding beast attempted to bite Lady Demici as it passed them by. Too far away to strike with her own blade, the squire's mind raced as she worryingly attempted to figure out how to help. She was not powerful enough to go toe to toe with it, and her force powers weren't developed to the same high degree as her mentors.

But there was one thing she had in spades, she could think quickly. Having watched plenty of nature holomovies in the past, Rhia was adamant she could get the pitch just right, and maybe if she did the beast might be distracted just long enough for her mentor to weaken it.

Mimicking the sound of a wolf pup, Rhia hoped to draw its attention just long enough for Lady Demici to act. She also hoped, it wouldn't work tooo well.

@LadyRen

 

[Kalique Baize]

Kalique knew the risk of making the beast aware of the Knights, but it was the only way to ensure its focus would remain here in camp and not at roaming around freely. If everything went well, reinforcements were on their way and they just had to keep it busy.

With sheer determination in her eyes, Kalique stood her ground. The dark, twisted aura surrounding the terrible creature was powerful, so it did take her some focus to remain unaffected. With gritted teeth she waited for the abomination to come her way, sending Rhia away with a flick of her hand.

The wolf charged, but as it did so, she realized it wasn't entirely materialized. The dark miasma surrounding it was merely ethereal, a result from a Sith' twisted curse, but as she wasn't too keen on touching it, she decided not to attempt hitting a meele strike yet. With the Force summoned in her legs, she waited for it to be close enough for her to jump over it, the lightsaber still in her hand.

She landed, slightly panting as she summoned the Force again to hit it with another fiery release of anger, but even if the heat seemed to permeate its vile veil, they didn't fully lick what remained of the fur. Rhia was suddenly gone, and busy as Kalique was, she couldn't reach out to find her - her living presence was enough reassurance for now.

The monster spun and its countless eyes fixated her. It broke into another sprint, before a totally different sound echoed through the woods and it skidded. The abomination, instead of fully charging, stopped for a second, which was fortunately just the time window Kalique needed. With its ears perched and its head turned to the side, Kalique's next hurled fireball could be aimed at the side of its so that a few of its eyes received the brute force of the flaming attack.

As surprising as the Squire's trick was, it was oddly effective and Kalique couldn't have been any prouder for the quick moment before the beast was ready to pounce again. It's side eyes flickered, right where she had hit it and it seemed a little disoriented which was at least a great advantage on their side. But this also meant that it was much angrier, literally blinded by rage, which was why it suddenly released a low, powerful growl that made Kalique head spin.

The mighty force below didn't just leave her a little dazed, but she knew she had to move, so she pressed onwards. She started running, sensing it was on her tail on again and thus tried a zig zag path through the trees to gave it something to do. "Sending coordinates. We need immediate fire support" she breathed into the comms towards the base, hoping Rhia was in a good hiding spot for now. They needed more ideas quickly, but for now their distraction was fine.

@Xorism

 

[Rhiannon]

With a flash and a sizzle, little Rhia watched with excitement as her sound trick played its tune well. Though still terribly worried about the hulking beast whirling, wailing and whatever else one might call those monstrous teeth, the squire at least had a helpful boost in confidence from successfully distracting it. True to form, Lady Demici wasted no time in taking advantage of such a position, much to Rhia's relief. That being said, the lucky strike did nought but stagger the antagonised beast and make the pair immediately on edge.

With speed that rivalled the fasted being alive, Lady Demici suddenly turned and raced away, leading the giant abomination away from everyone else. Rhia's mouth paused, partially from concern that her mentor would be fighting alone, but also wondering how in the heck could she even contribute if it was powerful enough to shrug off a meteoric blast like that.

A few moments passed after she watched the pair in tow disappear into the trees beyond before the familiar rustling sounds of boots began entering the fray. Lt Lockward's voice rang out across the small clearing, calling out for the Knight-Commander turning the squire's head in response. "She's over there through those trees. Wait, take cover, I'll tell her to come back." Nodding in response, the squad quickly moved into whatever makeshift cover they could find.

Armed with an assortment of lethal and non-lethal options, they were prepared for anything, or so they thought. It turned out none of them bought any doggy treats.

Extending her thoughts out with the force, Rhia attempted to contact Lady Demici, informing her of the troop's new location. "We're uh, ready when you are. They want to know if we're trying to capture it or um..not." There was likely a high level of difficulty in attempting to reverse the monsters' affliction, if it was even possible at all. Perhaps in this case, it was too far gone to be saved. In any case, it was her call.

@LadyRen