Open Reclaimed by Ice

[Ephiny Daivand]

Rhen Var was a frigid planet with several glaciers and snow-covered mountains. During the Clone Wars, the Republic set up a small supply base and listening post on this planet. When the Empire rose to power, it continued to use the listening post in this world. After the Battle of Endor this place was abandoned.

The Jedi recently picked up a distress call coming from the former Imperial post. Seeking to investigate how and why an old building from the Imperial Era was still working, the Jedi Knights Ephiny Daivand and Mikko Falco traveled to Rhen Var after they hired a ship. Usually she would stay in the Jedi Archives, but since the return of the Sith the number of members of the Order was decreasing, with many Jedi dying in the conflicts against their old enemies. Any jedi that were still alive were being sent on missions, even the Archivists.

While the ship started to land, Ephiny could see through its windows the ice covered mountains and plains of Rhen Var. She still couldn't understand why anyone would want to stay on this planet, it was completely void of life. The Jedi remembered how close this planet was of Sith controlled space and she hoped they weren't the ones sending the signal

She was the first to leave the transport and soon was hit by a cold wind. Thankfully, Ephiny was wearing clothes suitable for this frigid environment. The Jedi pulled her datapad from the bag. After looking at a map in it, she turned to Mikko “The signal is coming from this direction.” Ephiny pointed to a mountain in front of them “According to the information that we have, the old Imperial listening post is at the foot of this mountain. Did you know that it was built over some ancient ruins? Some say that these ruins were built by the Jedi of the past. ” she smiled at the other Jedi. Ephiny loved these small bits of trivia. Maybe if the ruins are still there she could collect information about it to the Archives.

@Iyan

 

[Mikko Falco]

Mikko wasn't particularly looking forward to their destination. He didn't even know about the existence of Rhen Var before the distress signal was traced to the frozen world. A big part of him wishes he never had to find out about it, much less plant his boots on the ice. Nevertheless, there's a chance that someone down there needs help. And he knew how important it was for the galaxy to know that despite the losses in the Order, hope doesn't falter. Even on the lonely freezing surface below.

At least the Jedi Archivist beside him seemed to be bubbling with excitement. Maybe it was assuming of him, but he initially worried that his fellow Knight had become too comfortable with the safety of the temple. Guess he was mistaken.

He was at the top of the transport's ramp, silently whispering a thanks to the mustard-colored cold weather suit that made the planet more bearable, when Ephiny pointed at the mountain ahead. The place was deep with history according to her, and now Mikko understood the anticipation in the air. For an Archivist, this was potentially a goldmine.

"Nope, didn't know until now," he replied to her fun fact as he got off the ramp and joined her on the ground. Abruptly, he changed the subject, showing little enthusiasm for a historical field trip in the extreme cold. "Let's go see who triggered the signal. No time to waste."

With that, he started trekking across the snow, leaving a deep trail of bootprints behind him. Despite the weather suit, the chill noticeably slowed him down. It would take some effort to stabilize one's body temperature with the Force. Mikko decidedly preserved that energy for whatever was waiting for them within the mountain.

@LouJoVi @lizziie

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Once again she was caught in the cold; a frozen blanket wrapped around her body to constrict and contort until her bones might pop. She was used to it, or should be, what with her gallivanting across the galaxy to experience each and every one of its temperatures.

There was hot, there was cold, there was cool, there was warm—and right now it was freezing.

A biting breeze, breezing bite. She recalled the words of her people as she negotiated her way through the snow that wanted to swallow her legs. Orto Plutonia had much and more in common with Rhen Var and the cold was clearly one said commonality.

The former was familiar enough but Orto Plutonia was not the Pantorans’ home, and Pantora was no snowball of a moon.

Still, the Jedi sighed as she shuffled feet through snow—the kind that was powder in the palm but a blockade for boots—and adjusted her visor to the sky. It is no less beautiful than both planet and moon...than home…

She had not been ‘home’ in quite some time. She was due for a return but so too was everyone’s world of worlds due for a return to order and balance. The Sith were paving paths through mountainsides, through snow and stone and sand and sea, in their campaign to upset such systems.

So there she was, Jedi Knight Vayla Mirana, taking it upon herself once more to reach the dark corners of the cold domains, determined to root out the darkness like weeds buried beneath mountains of snowfall.

She took another step forward and paused, crossing her datapad with her gaze. She was going the way of the distress call, the foot of the mountain yonder and its listening post yearning, but in truth Vayla had no need of a distress scenario to bring her to Rhen Var that day.

She would help, now that she must, but she had already been on the hunt—for shadows and the secrets sleeping within them.

@LouJoVi @Iyan

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

“Jedi!”

The words would echo about them, carried by the wind and the very snow beneath their feet. It was not a threatening voice, but it was striking - haunting. A warning of sorts. It was rather obvious they did not know upon who’s land they walked. If they continued upon their path, indeed they would find many forgotten secrets of the Force. Secrets entrusted to them to protect, to allow the worthy alone entrance. For many a Vahla had died in the attempt the attain the knowledge, and even more driven rabid by the desire for power it would allow. For the safety of his people, and that of the Galaxy at large, these three would be stopped and questioned. They would not pass this point if they could not adequately explain their presence.

“Why have you come to this place? To our remote home?”

From the distance, the Jedi would now be able to see a single, dark robed figure approaching from their flank. The silhouette held no weapons, but walked through the snow far easier than any ordinary being could. It was tall and lithe, but had a bulk to it indicative of some form of armor. At least, for whoever among them was perceptive enough to notice, they would also hear the slight shifting of durasteel plates rubbing against the fur of the cloak. Or the sound of the mechanical pistons driving cybernetics legs ever onwards, at a medium paced melodic prance. As Gram got closer, they would be able to notice that he was near-humanoid. Just much taller than most of them by at least a foot if not more. As he features became more apparent, it would only confirm the fact that at least outwardly no weapon was drawn. The Van Alasdaire was an exceptional duelist, but even he would be quickly bested by three Jedi in open combat. Sure, if he used his habitat to his advantage he might have stood more chance, but that would have require engaging them before deducing their purpose.

“I may be an ally, but my people owe you nothing. They are not as strong as us, they do not want your war here. Do not bring the Sith down on them, too.”

His voice became more calm, but hard and almost pleading. It was a genuine request. He expected that his guess for this purpose here was correct, yet was doubtful that they truly considered the consequences of their very presence on Rhen Var’s tundra. Jedi here meant Sith would follow, if only to discover what the Jedi sought. If they found New Vahla, they could easily prey upon the natural dark side tendencies within his people - and garner an army of acolytes in the process.

He would never allow that to happen. Nor would he allow these folk to search for dangerous knowledge without guidance.

@Iyan @LouJoVi @lizziie

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

They were walking for some time now. Around them, Ephiny could see only the white landscape and no sign of life. The only sound that could be heard was that of the cold wind, which was blowing over them. She looked to the sky, there was no sign of a blizzard and Ephiny’s clothes and visor were able to protect her so far. While scanning the horizon for signs of the presence of sentient beings, the Jedi Archivist noticed a mountain range with some clouds over it. She stopped and took her datapad from her bag, using it to register the scene. This picture was going to the Archives.

Resuming the walk, she looked to Mikko Falco “Do you think that who activated the listening post is a criminal group? I think that would make sense. Rhen Var is uninhabited and distant, the perfect place for a hideout.” Ephiny said. However, she knew that there is the possibility of it being the Sith, after all this planet was close to their borders.

Suddenly, she stopped again. Ephiny swore she had heard something and it wasn’t the wind. “I think that I heard someone saying ‘Jedi’. Did you hear that too?” she said to Knight Falco. She heard the voice again, now it asked why they were there. Turning to where the voice was coming from, she saw a humanoid figure approaching them. Seeing their dark robes, the Archivist was apprehensive that they might be a Sith.

When the figure arrived near them, she managed to identify the person as male and the species could be either a human or a near-human. While the man speaks, Ephiny’s curious mind started to make several theories and questions about him

“We came in peace!” she said to the man “We came here to investigate a distress signal that is coming from an old listening post. We thought that Rhen Var was uninhabited. We mean no harm to you or your people.” while she waited for his answer, Ephiny was prepared to defend herself if he decided to attack.

@Iyan @Aurius @Die Shize

 

[Mikko Falco]

He could feel and see specks of frost clinging to his eyelashes. The Knight rapidly blinked before pulling up the protective goggles from his neck to over his eyes. While Ephiny stopped to record the scenery, he went on ahead. He'd turn his head back to respond to her questions, though.

"It's possible. Could be someone stranded down here. We'll find out soon enough." He looked to the foot of the same mountain now that she had put theories in his mind. Why would anyone go here willingly? There are plenty of isolated places in the galaxy that don't feel like inevitable frostbite if one needed a hideout. He exhaled, wiggling his stiff toes in his boots and making himself alert. That's when he heard the call in the wind. When Ephiny pointed it out herself, he sought out the source. "I heard it."

The stranger came closer to them, seeking for an explanation to the Jedi's presence. As Ephiny answered him, Mikko spent the time observing the man. He heard the whirring mechanisms of cybernetic technology when he walked closer, which likely explains how he crossed the snow with such ease. Other than that, he couldn't determine that the man was not purely human like them.

"There aren't any records of settlements in this area." He addressed the humanoid eventually, having decided that they had no reason to trust the man. His tone wasn't hostile at all, but wary. Maybe Ephiny was right about the criminal groups after all, and this one was here to say anything to make the Jedi leave. Still, it was an odd choice of words if that was the humanoid's goal. "You say you are an ally — but who are you? What people?"

@Die Shize @Aurius @LouJoVi

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Vayla traveled at a higher elevation than the main land sprawling beneath and beyond, powering legs across a plateau that jutted to a point and faced the mountain as though to point the way. Here, snow had fallen hard and heavy until the ground was more like a fallen cloud.

The Knight dismissed her musings and took advantage of her vantage by giving her gaze to binoculars. The mountain that marked her quarry stood tall and proud, draped head to toe in a white gown over black bone, close enough to see but not yet reach.

Standing at the edge of the plateau, Vayla could see much and more, and within that sea of white were three shapes that caught her eye. The binoculars shifted to settle on the figures: one cloaked black, two facing the other, all of them as stationary as she was.

Cartographers? That was a musing thought for sure. Sure. And I’m a mynock. The trio wasn’t far off—too far to pick out details with the naked eye but that’s what the binoculars were for.

Were they to look up through their own then they just might see that lone figure atop a cliff, garbed in white but with the telltale signs of cold-climate gear, though at this point they probably had no reason to.

So Vayla remained looking down, at least for now, content to watch and wait and wonder.

@LouJoVi @Iyan @Aurius

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

“Ahh. Yes, that’s where I was headed. I half expected you to be chasing some of your long lost artifacts.”

These two where a jittery bunch. Did they honestly think nothing lived here? The Jedi Order knew full well of the colony - as it was Jedi Knights who found the location and advised migrating there, to preserve their way of life and tradition. Or at least, that’s what his parents had told him. The colony looked very highly upon the Jedi Order, and if given the chance would likely fight for them. But most were barely trained enough to muster the strength to lift a stone, let alone fight vicious and well trained force users.

“As for your records, they must be incomplete. New Vahla has stood here since before the days of the Old Republic. Our anonymity is likely caused by it’s isolated location.”

The Vahla pulled back his hood entirely, more to put the group at ease than anything. He also loosened the cloak slightly so they could see - he had left his blasters behind. They would be able to see a lightsaber clipped to his belt, but would not be able to notice the gifted saber in the hidden compartment on his cybernetic arm. Not that he would use the thing, and in this cold, it would be risky to stress the new servos trying.

“I am Gram Van Alasdaire. I have fought alongside your Order many times, and suffered dearly for it...”

This will prove what I say is true.”

Gram moved his left arm, revealing it’s cybernetic nature even as he carefully, deliberately, and gingerly extracted the Inquisitor’s saber from his belt. His cousin’s gift would do nothing to prove his allegiance - it was as emerald as the day she gave it to him. But this lightsaber - a lightsaber forged and wielded by a dark sider - purified, as silver as the full moon on a starry night. Only one who’s heart was free of such temptations could heal the crystal’s wound and undue the bleeding.

He tossed it to the red headed woman, giving her a head’s up with a nod. If she chose to activate it, the truth would be revealed.

“With exception to the Force, I am unarmed. Activate my weapon, and see my allegiance for yourself.”

@LouJoVi @Die Shize @Iyan

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Ephiny was surprised to know that there were sentient beings living in Rhen Var. After the person, who called himself Gram Van Alasdaire, said that it was called New Vahla, the Archivist remembered of a nomadic, near-Human species named Vahla. The information about this colony may have been lost, the Jedi Archives suffered a lot after the Sith conquered Ajan Kloss. Perhaps after the investigation she could visit this colony and collect information to the Archives.

She was thrilled to be able to investigate the ancient Jedi relics mentioned by Gram. However, seeing his reaction to the possibility of them being here only for that, she chose not to insist. Perhaps she can ask him an oral report.

The Archivist also became
She caught the lightsaber that Gram tossed to her. Ephiny annalized it in her hands, she recognized the style of the hilt as one used by a Dark sider. When she activated it, the silver-colored blade illuminated her face. The Jedi looked at it with wonder, she remembered reading about the possibility of healing a crystal’s wound, but never thought that she would see one.

“My name is Ephiny Daivand and he is Mikko Falco." she pointed to the other Jedi. “How did you manage to heal the crystal’s wound?” these questions were fruity of her curiosity. "Are you a member of the species known as Vahla? I read that they have cartilaginous skeletons, is it true?”

The Archivist deactivated the lightsaber and tossed it back to Gram. Ephiny didn't feel anger or darkness coming from him through the Force. From what she read, only someone pure could heal a crystal, but theres was always the possibility that Gram stole this lightsaber. "Since we are going to the same place, perhaps we could help each other. What do you think?"

@Iyan @Aurius @Die Shize

 

[Mikko Falco]

"The days of the Old Republic? If there were any records about this, they probably got lost or destroyed..." The Jedi Knight's voice faded into the wind with every word that the group would likely only hear a part of his train of thought. It would make sense for a hidden settlement on Rhen Var to remain unknown today. Many ancient records get lost or buried.

The sight of the pure white lightsaber was a rare one. In fact Mikko himself had never seen one before in his life until now. Was the stranger responsible for purifying it? It could otherwise have been stolen from another, but then the crystal might dampen the power of a Force wielder who tries to use the blade with dark intentions.

He gave the smallest nod when the Archivist mentioned his name. Behind goggles, his eyes widened at the rest of her questions. People don't usually ask other people about their skeletons, Ephiny. He kept the thought to himself, unsure if he should be horrified or amused. She seemed to have gained a fascination with Gram Van Alasdaire and the things he was saying. While Mikko was curious as well, he wasn't totally convinced about the man. He'd have to watch closely.

"We better start walking again before we're buried in snow." The snowfall had gotten heavier at some point during their introductions, he realized, his weather suit almost covered in white now. He started shifting from where he stood, opting to stay at the back of the group so that Gram was in his sights.

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

For the most part, the group of three bore no apparent hostility to Vayla as far as she could tell from her vantage point, but that was certainly courtesy of their not being aware of her. Come face to face that could change in a heartbeat. And what about each other? Who are they to one another? Friend or foe?

It could as much be either or. Are they sizing one another up? Reuniting? Asking for directions? She could ask her own questions all she wanted and had little else to do for it under the circumstances.

In a moment, the answers began to drift her way like snowflakes in a storm. The dark one pulled on his cloak as if to reveal his identity, and the binoculars shifted to what was exposed. Lightsaber…

Sith? It was a healthy assumption in this part of space, admittedly furthered by the black garment and all. Not like a Sith to hand over his lightsaber though. That’s exactly what this wielder did—before the redhead ignited a silver blade. My, oh my…

The silver sheen was like sparkling ice against the white backdrop, especially from this distance, and only gave Vayla even more questions. Well… Lowering her binoculars, the Knight secured her person, took a leap of faith and landed safe and sound at the bottom of the plateau. Time to move.

@LouJoVi @Iyan @Aurius

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

(Don’t mind Gram, I’m having him be -spooky-)

“Give it a moment. We aren’t alone.”

The problem with white cloaks against snow and sleet was a simple one - the snow on Rhen Var always adopted the a slight tint due to the planet’s azure skyline. The cloaked being behind Mikko was almost glowing in the half-light due to the sheer brilliance of the raiment. The other Jedi might not have seen, or they might have an enemy tailing them, either way didn’t matter. His eyes were attuned to his surroundings, and it was not as if the figure was staying terribly out of sight.

Upon catching his saber, he simply resheathed it on his belt, still looking towards the direction he had last seen the White Cloak. They had moved, whatever it or they were, and Gram couldn’t yet track their new location. But it was enough to know that something or someone was very curious as to the Jedi’s presence here. He started to walk, leading the group towards the harsh mountainside upon which the ancient listening post rested. It was quite the climb if they wanted to scale the area, otherwise they would have to force their way in through the main derelict entrance.

“Mikko, yes? Someone’s following us. Keep an eye on our six.

As for your questions, my curious friend, I am a half-breed. My skeleton is partially cartilage, allowing me to fold like a pretzel, or crawl like a spider.”

Eyeing the the durasteel doorframe, the Vahla cautiously began to close the distance. It was still a small walk away, and although he could not see any hostile presence, something felt very off. A presence the likes of which he had never felt before, and another that was familiar in an almost subconscious way. He did not know from where or why, it was however enough to prompt Gram to grab and hold his saber at his waist, thumbing it half heartedly as they continued forward. The Mystic completely refused to turn around - he didn’t want to give away his foreknowledge. If this being in white decided to engage, he would be ready, and they would likely not expect that.

“The crystal is a long story, for another time. Something... is within. A presence. This cold... this fear, it’s unnatural but I swear I recognize it...”

@LouJoVi @Iyan @Die Shize

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Ephiny listened carefully to the answer that Gram gave her. So he was a half-Vahla and according to him his skeleton was partially cartilage, but still capable of being flexible. That was very interesting! The Archivist pulled her datapad and started to register these information in it. She wondered if Gram would demonstrate his flexibility for a visual record.

However, she wasn’t able to ask him that because of the sudden warning from the half-Vahla, someone was following them. Ephiny avoided looking in the direction that Gram had indicated, for in doing this whoever was following them could see and change places, causing them to lose sight of the stalker. She discreetly approached Mikko “Any ideas on how we should deal with it?”

When they arrived near the mountainside where the listening was located, Ephiny started to think about the best way to get to it. Her musings were interrupted by Gram saying that he felt a presence that was familiar to him. The Archivist focused and felt something strange in the Force, they would need to be cautious.

“I think that we should climb it. It can be more difficult and dangerous, but we would be able to see what is happening in the post. If we go through the main entrance, I’m afraid that we can fall into a trap.” The Knight paused looking at the mountain “I also feel that something isn’t right. We should be careful.”


@Iyan @Die Shize @Aurius

 

[Mikko Falco]

It was crazy enough for the two Jedi to be here. Add to that the fact that they apparently found an unknown settlement on this frosty landscape. And now somebody else was on Rhen Var, tailing them. Only when it was pointed out, Mikko was able to sense the foreign presence behind them.

No coincidences, he reminded himself.

Though he tried to search the Force for answers, he learned nothing about the nature of the presence, or its intentions. His senses stayed on whoever it was, prepared in case it came closer. It felt a bit like walking with a feather on his shoulder — he could somewhat tell it was there and once in a while it would tickle his neck. Later he'd have a real look. "I'm keeping track of them," he said to his two companions.

The terrain above them was a climb between snow, rocks, and dead trees. It was the dullest-looking yet treacherous path that he has encountered so far. And there was a lot more to be concerned about than the climb. His eyes switched from Ephiny to Gram while weighing some options. He had an idea for dealing with whoever was at their trail, but it involved taking his eyes off the half-Vahla, which he didn't like. Ephiny was right — the whole thing felt off, and Mikko didn't have to hear the warnings in the Force to notice that.

"I have an idea...listen — I'll go this way." He jabbed a finger towards the base's main entrance. "I'll worry about our stalker. And I'll be right behind you guys in a bit, too."

His eyes settled on Gram. Mikko didn't have enough reason to trust the man. It didn't help that something seemed to be clouding his intuition ever since they landed down here, feeding his suspicion. But he could trust a fellow Jedi Knight.

With a nod to Ephiny, he split up with the pair and headed down the original path to the old Imperial post. The Archivist was right about the chance of traps inside. Without getting too deep into the entrance, he'd have to find the nearest spot to disappear in so he could circle around their stalker.

@Die Shize @Aurius @LouJoVi

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music OOC [Recurring]

Vayla kept her distance from the trio ahead, which was as much deliberate as incidental given the distance already stretched out between both parties. When and where that would close remained to be seen, but the lone figure following the others was now all but entirely known.

She had caught onto their catching onto her, paying particular attention to the black cloak with its silver sword. For every increment of hostility that Vayla had no desire to measure out to her contemporaries, well, they could have a whole bucket ready to dump on her head like ice in the cold.

Move along, move along, Vayla told herself as she moved along. The mountain was closer—even closer for the others—and she might have wagered that they were thinking the same thing she was. Which way?

Climbing was always a risk while taking the main entrance included the risk of confronting whoever or whatever waited within. They would go first, bear the brunt, allow me to sneak around. It would not have been the first group. But the last group were scoundrels. What if these ones are good enough?

Just then the group of three began to split up. Two went for the wall. One went for the door. Baiting me, perhaps, but just as much supporting each other. Thinking little else, Vayla looked from the ascent on the mountain to the descent into it and headed toward the main entrance. At least we’re even now...

@LouJoVi @Iyan @Aurius

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

So, Mikko wanted to separate.

Ironic.

Originally, Gram was going to offer to spring the trap himself. It made less sense to potentially place one of their number in danger just to keep an eye on yours truly. If Mikko’s worst case scenario proved to be true, it wouldn’t have taken him long to simply push his friend down the side of the mountain before going to finish the job. Of course, he would never do that, the Vahla enjoying the curiosity Ephiny brought to the table. It was not often one asked him about his heritage - a history he was rather proud of. All the above didn’t even consider the possibility that this White Cloak was as Gram expected - an ancient foe. Most unknown to the one who skulked about - once, in days past, the Embers of Vahl would clad themselves in brilliant rainents of white, using their crimson motif for armor only. It allowed them to infiltrate areas of New Vahla that would otherwise have distrusted their presence.

The last time Gram had seen an Ember, he had convinced them into sacrificing themselves on behalf of a Jedi he was trying to save. Something told the mystic that if word had gotten around, he had little doubt they would be seeking to cause some retribution. Nonetheless, Gram would set off with the young human, gazing halfheartedly at the mountainscape ahead of them. A pair of trained Force Users should make short work of such a climb.

“Alright, Ephiny. Let’s see what you Jedi kit are made of.”

Unfortunately for his curious friend, any further questions would have to wait until they were both safely inside. A single access point was visible some 30-50 meters above them. If they could get to it, they could slice their way in using either technology or the end of their lightsaber blades. Either way would work. Gently pooling the Force about him, Gram exhaled as he leapt into the air, soaring until he struck and plunged his cybernetic hand into the ice. Swinging himself to a snowy precipice, the Vahla gingerly looked downwards.

“Up here! The plateau is solid, there’s another one about 10-”

The Van Alasdaire’s heart dropped as he felt his right leg jerk forward, as a kinetic force abruptly swept him from his feet. Roaring, the Vahla began to drop through the air back down towards the Jedi, cursing all the while. As he fell, the Mystic activated his silver blade and swatted something out of the air, a metallic disc, turning his focus to a rapidly impending death by impact trauma.

@Die Shize @LouJoVi @Iyan

 

[Ephiny Daivand]

Ephiny agreed with Mikko's plan. Splitting would force their stalker to choose between them who they would continue following. "Take care." she said while watching her fellow Jedi walk to the main entrance of the listening post.

When she and Gram reached the mountainscape, the Archivist came to the conclusion that if she wasn’t a Force user, this climb would be almost impossible. Ephiny saw the access point visible some 30-50 meters above them. Then she felt the Vahla use the Force to jump and hold the ice of the mountain side.

Ephiny was listening to Gram when she saw him lose his balance and fall. Without thinking, she used the Force to slow his fall. When he reached the ground, the Jedi noticed that he was with his lightsaber activated.

"Are you fine?" she said, while approaching him "What happened there?" Ephiny looked to where Gram was before falling.

@Iyan @Die Shize @Aurius

 

[Mikko Falco]

Though nothing compared to the great stretch of mountains before them, the entrance to the old Imperial post was a dark-gray metal structure that stuck out in the snowy white landscape. Its once impenetrable doors now had a gaping hole, blasted through by rebels or scavengers from the past. Mikko found his way through the entrance by finding a large enough gap among the debris. Their stalker had opted to take the same path, it seems. He could feel the presence on his trail after Ephiny and Gram went on with the climb.

Damn. Though it was one of the possibilities in his plan, it wasn't the better one. But it will do, so he yanked down the protective goggles to his neck and proceeded. In front of him was a hexagonal room. An outer and inner section of the room was divided by a lowered area, like a trench. Beyond the room were two halls that led further into darkness. Other than the gloomy light that leaked from the door's ruins, the interior was left in darkness. Unlike the entrance itself, most of it looked intact from what little Mikko could see. He took a step forward, and felt uneven paneling shift underneath his boots.

He didn't take another step further. Ephiny warned them that the main route may be rigged with forgotten traps, so Mikko had no intention to step into the actual room and set something off. Instead he began looking for a quick hiding place. He could climb and gain some height, but his mustard weather gear made him feel like a glow rod that screamed to be looked at. The next best thing was below. He dragged a hand over the floor panels, until he found a grill panel that was loose enough to open. Carefully, Mikko dropped into the dank space under the floor. It was almost pitch black, but a feel of the wall revealed that wires and pipes ran down here. He kept his hand on the wall, eager not to get lost under the floors of an abandoned base.

After pulling the grill back to its position above, he waited. The stalker's presence could vaguely be felt, coming closer to the entrance. Mikko sunk into the dark space, planning in his head. He'll have to manage this quickly, but carefully. Nothing sudden...in case the stalker turns out to not be a foe. Then they would've approached us as a friend...but still. He gazed up at the view through the grills.

Relax. Observe. Then decide. If things go great, maybe Ephiny will be here in time for us to corner this guy and confront them together.

Suddenly he was missing the snowfall outside.

@Die Shize @LouJoVi @Aurius

 

[Vayla Mirana]

Spoiler: Music OOC

Vayla would not put past herself the luxury of her position, considering that the figure in front of her was indirectly helping her approach by finding the way, carving the path and pushing past one obstacle after the other. In a large way she had only to follow and keep up, and try to keep out of sight.

There came a point where that figure vanished from view. In the hexagonal chamber, Vayla was more cautious than ever. The darkness could not only be hiding her inadvertent guide but anyone or anything more ominous.

The Knight listened closely, searching for the other person or any threat, but she heard only the odd groan of metal here and there as the old outpost settled itself into the ancient mountain. Then it was the floor that grumbled.

Careful, Vay, she guided herself. She might have brought out the flashlight save for not wanting to reveal herself to her quarry. He could be watching her right now, waiting to pounce, but she had to proceed.

The meager light that lit up consoles and stairs and walkways led Vayla forward, and then she paused. Concentrate. Stretching her senses out, her counterpart would have to be taking effort to conceal his presence in the room to avoid being detected in the Force.

Thinking she found what she was looking for, Vayla forewent the ‘trench’ level of the great chamber and traded it for the central platform where an array of computers and devices were lined up.

After all, Vayla had not come for combat. If this other guy was an enemy then he would have to prove it. For now, her focus was on the consoles, for her real quarry was the outpost itself. And the secrets within.

@Iyan
@LouJoVi @Aurius

 

[Gram Van Alasdaire]

“I… don’t know. That wasn’t you?! I was attacked. Pulled off the ledge, and then had… this…”

Gram felt a very sudden, thin line of pain lance across his back. He could smell the faintest bit of copper in the air. One of the metal discs had struck him just below his left shoulder blade. Any higher, it would have hit durasteel. Any lower and it would have sailed through the ribs. A gentle stream of red was trickling into the snow behind him, visible only to the Jedi.

“They hit me below the shoulder blade. Now, who the hell is that good?”

Looking back upwards, Gram reached out through the Force, pulling the snowbank above his climbing spot down over the plateau. The snow fell like a landslide, revealing the faintest outline of a humanoid figure. The instant the Vahla saw it, he threw the lightsaber, causing it to javelin forward at alarming speed. The figure fell, long before the lightsaber had a chance to reach it, deactivating on the metallic platform to the interior of the outpost. They would both see the door open, then hiss shut, proving that someone indeed had been there. But this was not their stalker, nor was it any ordinary opponent. A guardian of this ancient place, it seemed; still active and serving an Emperor long past.

“Slag- the stuff we’re walking into is some real ancient… kriffery. We need to get to Mikko, jump.”

If and when his ginger ally decided to jump, Gram would once again reach into the depths of his connection to the energy of the Galaxy, waiting until Ephiny was at the apex of their leap, and aiding her with a gentle wave gliding above the plateau, letting her go as she reached above the outpost platform entrance. He would join her by rapidly clinging to the sides of the walls, along the bottom. Hopping back and forth between pillars until his right hand finally clasped the bottom rung of the entranceway. Gasping, and clearly in pain, he swung his cybernetic arm around the railing and began to drag himself upwards.

@LouJoVi @Die Shize @Iyan