Rescue Me - Zebitrope IV Mission Of Mercy

[Rev]

Ttuh's stomach dropped at the Jedi's readiness to be patient. He had hoped the men and women of their Order lacked the time to practice such a moral, but their reputation didn't deceit. Sharing a smile to the collection of Jedi and trying his best to hide his true emotions on the subject he nodded in approval. Motioning for them to follow he couldn't help but watch the lone Jedi break off from the group. Part of him wanted to call him back, but he knew it would be useless. The 'distraction' provided by one of Moridin's comrades was enough for him to push the thought aside and continue on with his own ruse.

"Then perhaps we could go somewhere more adequate, Master Jedi?"

If they'd follow his lead they'd be brought to a small dining room not far from their current location. If they held their ground he would simply remain where they were and continue the conversation he planned on having here. Looking in the eyes of the Jedi whom addressed him of what exactly the children were up to he'd gladly oblige.

"We try to prepare them for a galaxy and universe that they'd otherwise be impartial to. Much of it is rudimentary skills.. Interacting with one another in ways they would not normally, keeping them active both physically and mentally. Occasionally we even teach the older children to hunt and survive."

He'd pause at the Jedi's comment about not seeing any younglings from the planet in some time. Raising a brow Ttut looked at each of the three Jedi before finally giving them an answer.

"To my knowledge we've been sending the hopefuls as requested.. I believe there were two last month and three already this month..."

He'd reach to his hip before pressing a datapad, it'd be a call to one of the helpers within the Orphanage. They'd no doubt have an "answer" and "justification" for the missing children.

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The door would burst open at the Twi'lek's eyes would meet a Jedi, the emotion of rage quickly emanating from her body. In a moments notice she reached to the child closest to her and held the small boy in place, a sharp cutting knife to the lad's throat. She'd stare across at Moridin, a craze apparent on her entire body; this Twi'lek wasn't who she once was. Pulling him a little closer she'd try to answer the stranger's question.

"Nothing that their lives wouldn't bring them to later, Jee'dai."

She spat out the final word as if it were a sin to say it. Holding the blade with a firm grasp, the other children continued their tasks; even the boy she held stared blankly forward without 'life.' If the Jedi dared read anyone's mind within the room he found himself, all he would feel would be pain, anger, sadness, and a desire for death. Each of them had been in the confines of the room for days if not weeks, each of them deprived of sleep, each of them as sick looking as the next. Taking the moment as a chance to escape she yelled in command of the children.

"KILL HIM!"

Like a horde of zombies, each of the manipulated kids would turn to look at the pure-hearted Jedi. Their faces showed the same 'nothing' their souls expressed. Mere shells under the intoxication of the Lesai, they were innocents in a cruel world and if they were lucky Moridin would see that. Each armed with various cutlery the 6 remaining children not held by the corrupted woman would start making their way at the Jedi, all ready to stick him with their pointy knives. Meanwhile the Twi'lek would tug on the boy, pulling him towards an alternate exit to the kitchen.

 

[Wit]

Moridin was shocked by what he saw and even more so by what he felt through the Force. The children were filled with such dark emotions, pain, anger, a sense of hopelessness that made him take pause. This was beyond anything he had ever seen, such cruelty, to do something like this to mere children. They had robbed of the very desire to live, seeing death as a release from their suffering. He almost didn't hear the Twi'lek speak, but he did notice her pull the boy to her and hold the knife to his throat.

Immediately alert, he was about to reach out through the Force to pull the knife away from the boy's throat when the Twi'lek shouted out a command and suddenly the remaining children were moving towards him with knives in their hands. He watched as the Twi'lek began edging backwards, towards another exit out of the room and maintained eye contact with her for a second before turning his attention to the children. The boy would most probably alright for now, at least as much as was possible after what had been done to him, but these children needed his help. They obviously did not know what they were doing and with those knives they were just as likely to hurt themselves as him.

Reaching out to the other Jedi through the Force he would send a feeling of danger and urgency towards them, letting them know that things were not bad, really, really bad. He could have sent a clearer message to Halo but he needed to deal with the children first. As they began moving towards him, he reached out to the one closest to him and pulled the knife out of his hand and sent it flying to bury it deeply in the wall, well out of reach of any of the children. He would one by one do this to the other five as well, doing it one by one to ensure that he didn't hurt any of them by mistake. He needed to stay calm here and deal with the situation in a manner that ensured the safety of the children, they were innocents, the victims in all this.

As he buried the last knife in the the wall, the children were almost upon him, but acting quickly he exerted himself through the Force once more and caught them all in a telekinetic grip, attempting to hold them in place. At this point he saw the Twi'lek slip out of the room, but he would make no attempts to follow, at least not until all the children were taken care of. He would reach out to their minds, and one by one put them to sleep, using the Force to nudge their minds, starting to seat from the strain of holding them all and attempting to put them to sleep at the same time.

Only when all the children were safely put to sleep, would he let go of them through the Force. Reaching out to Halo, he would then send the message to her that he couldn't before. There's trouble here, they've done something to the children. You all need to come see this, bring the headmaster.

With that done, he would finally move to the other exit and all his senses on the alert, he would open the door and step through, not knowing what to expect, but somehow getting the feeling whatever waited beyond would only be worse.

 

[Padmé]

The Twi’lek left the new arrivals, walking off to who know where. That just struck Knight Lamb odd, but no words escaped her mouth. Instead she moved and listened to the Mr. Ttuh’s words. A quick glance to the rest of her companions confirmed Halo’s suspicions; Ttuh was not forthcoming.

Headmaster Ttuh’s words wasn’t sufficient. No. Not even the forced smile at the end of his words.

Later on when he’d had his say with Lamb’s concern’s Master Darix spoke up- asking a rather poignant query. One that Lamb herself would have asked had Darix not spoken up. “Mr. Ttuh, these children working off site. What are they doing exactly?...I would like to very much know more about your business beyond the walls of this facility…”

As the group walked past the halls of the facility, up through a rather ornate staircase for an orphanage- Lamb was finally relived when she caught wind of some children. Finally- she thought to herself while sighing a huge relief. Even so, something seemed off, and Darix’s poignant question was yet to be answered by the headmaster.

From a distance, the group observed the only set of children there’d yet seen at the facility. As though on cue, Ttuh’s response was finally forthcoming. “Then perhaps we could go somewhere adequate, Master Jedi.” Lamb quickly interjected an affirmative “yes,” while still following the headmaster. Surely there are more than a dozen children housed at this facility, but it remains to be seen. Perhaps the homeless Aqualish the group ran into at the docking bay was indeed right…

Through all the movement and exchange of words, Lamb made sure her Padawan was not only engaged, but acquiring new skills. With a gentle pat on Padawan Vaiya’s shoulder, Halo inquired a rather rhetorical question from the girl “are you learning anything yet?” Vaiya’s response, Lamb swiftly shifted gears; turning her attention to Moridin’s telepathic nudge- ‘Cover for me.’ A quick nod followed- Halo’s response of sorts- while Moridin proceeded to distract the headmaster by descending down the some ten meters off the staircase.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group where being whisked off to another side of the facility- the dining hall. Mr. Ttuh’s piecing gaze fell on Darix, at which point Lamb knew the Jedi Master’s question from earlier had him thinking… "We try to prepare them for a galaxy and universe that they'd otherwise be impartial to. Much of it is rudimentary skills.. Interacting with one another in ways they would not normally, keeping them active both physically and mentally. Occasionally we even teach the older children to hunt and survive."

Again, Lamb was simply not buying the lies. It seems the more Ttuh spoke the more deeper he dug himself in a hole. Like a great deceiver, the headmaster promptly followed his words with an awkward pause. His eyes met Lamb’s, and then the rest of the Jedi followed by another set of lies. "To my knowledge we've been sending the hopefuls as requested.. I believe there were two last month and three already this month..."

While Ttuh spoke, Halo reached down to her side, pulling her datapad. She then moved closer to the headmaster with datapad in hand. “Look” the Nabooian Jedi interjected. She’d had enough of the headmaster’s lies. Though the facility appeared to be intact, the feeling emanating from the few children she’d encountered spoke otherwise. All evidence thus far- to Lamb- points to a rather highly maintained hegemony. A quick glace to the so called dining hall reviled children serving in the capacity of adults. Instead of the usual middle aged men/women, children –not older than 12 years- where doing the task of adults.

A sense of furious indignation overcame the female Knight. Continuing in a rather harsh, but professional tone- Lamb added- “See this file?...” Lamb turned the electronic device up closer to Ttuh. During the few seconds of pause, she heard a voice. “Kill him!” came the commanding voice akin to a woman’s voice. Within a few seconds the voice had ceased, thus Haloburner thought nothing of it and then moved on with her short outburst.

“…According to our records the last youngling you sent was three months ago. Oh and before that, we only received one. One, not two; not three; not four….One. One starved, poorly educated, and gravely ill youngling-” Haloburner’s words were quickly cut short as a telepathic nudge pierced her head. The nudge was from none other than Moridin. “There's trouble here, they've done something to the children. You all need to come see this, bring the headmaster.”

“Mr. Ttuh, care to explain the noises?...Take us to the kitchen, or wherever it is the noises are coming from. Now.” Knight Lamb demanded. By now the other would have heard the noises and clinging sounds too. Suddenly, the commanding voice Halo heard merely minutes ago and Moridin’s plea for help made sense! The facility has been indeed turned into a something else. Exactly what remained to be seen…

 

[Damien Nightblade]

Darix over the course of his operations with the Jedi order had learned that every operation, no matter how covert or straight forward, require some degree of patience and assessment. The situation at this point had begun to feel a bit over assessed as the force called out to the Master Jedi much like he did in desperation, all those years ago, hoping, praying that someone would hear his cry.
This was a matter that held a deal of personal attachment for him.
His long time companion Halo as well, he imagined was growing as tired as he was of the headmasters attempts at misleading them and parrying their questions with more questions.

Darix was not like other Jedi, he had been tasked at the inception of his training to perform duties and acts that most Jedi had not permitted to know existed let alone be tasked to perform alone. He had become quite adept at handling most scenarios involving infiltration and exfiltration all without being noticed. His ability to suppress his emotions during critical hours were part of the reason why he had excelled as a Jedi special operator. However this was a situation that no longer lent itself to further patience, or assessment. He had seen and felt enough.

Halo and Darix moved in concert as Vaiya acknowledged her unspoken orders to secure the headmaster and ensure he was unable to stray too far from his Jedi investigators. Darix stepped past the headmaster and made his way towards the end of the hallway. He reached out with the force, he had no need for instincts. Following its endless currents through various twists and elevations up and down stairs he sought to provide support for Mordin, who was preoccupied with the always difficult task of a non retaliatory defense.

He pressed against the banister of a high balcony of one of the upper levels and leaned over to gaze down upon what appeared to be a grand dining room, Several larger doorways stood closed and sealed along the sides of the room. Darix couldn't quite decipher weather or not they were intended to keep people from entering or exiting. As he took a moment to re evaluate his position and his next course of action he took notice of the Twi'lek who had greeted them backing her way out into the dining area with what Darix was certain was one of the children they had been sent here to protect.

He chose to take a more tactful approach to negotiate the situation as he leaped upward grasping onto one of the many support beams in a silent display of acrobatics and self awareness. He slid across the roof of the dining room maneuvering himself behind the Twi'lek and her captive to provide a flank for Mordin as he came bursting through the doorway she had just emerged from with one thing on his mind...rescue.

The force spoke for Darix, he had no need physically manifest his thoughts by way of sound as he communicated to the other member of his team who closed in on the Twi'lek captor. "You know what to do, and have friends in high places. Proceed with the utmost caution, our only objective right now is that child's safety"


Mordin was not the only one who was touched by Darix's assertive orders. The Jedi Master had formed a connection with Halo that was far removed and evolved from the bonds he had come to share with most in the order. The force did not speak to his long time friend and pupil. Halo had to exert not effort at all yet she was able to read his subconscious like an open book, written for her alone. She knew all too well the dangers that were potentially unfolding around them, and played her part well, pressing the headmaster with unrelenting questions prying away at his very core in an attempt to bring the truth forward from the void within him that usually possessed a heart for sentient beings. He knew her Consular abilities and aptitude for strong negotiations would come in handy, and she was only warming up. If anyone could break the Headmasters resolve it would be her.

Darix was in a position to aid Mordin with the hostage situation, though had navigated around the kitchen and preparation areas all together. Lamb and Nex would undoubtedly also stumble upon the physical proof that would vindicate their journey to Zebitrope IV in the first place.
Though armed with the realization that his friends would soon be one step closer to uncovering the first evidence of what could only be the first of countless wrong doings within the orphanage, Darix couldn't help but wonder...what about the rest of them..

 

[Padmé]

Amidst all the seemingly unending chaos, Darix’s unspoken words ran loud and clear in his companion’s mind.

"You know what to do, and have friends in high places. Proceed with the utmost caution, our only objective right now is that child's safety."

The words were meant for both Lamb and Zerga. Between the few moments that it took for Master Darix to exit the room and Haloburner’s unrelenting verbal pursuit, Ttuh’s demeanor changed. The headmaster looked stunned and speechless. Nonetheless Lamb remained steadfast with her ultimate goal in mind. While Mr. Ttuh gathered his composure Lamb gently pulled the datapad away from the man to her hand. What he didn’t realize was that the facility was now been recorded.

Lamb knew the Force was directing her to the main dining area- where a rather full blown disturbance was now transpiring. Moridin would undoubtedly do his best to rescue the poor younglings from the Twi’lek’s trap. Master Darix would also undoubtedly likewise. Still walking past the small dining area, swiftly moved to face the headmaster. From her view she could see another set of children. This group, however, appeared dazed- tired- and lifeless. The energy emanating from the group was that akin to a lifeless being. Sadness overcame Lamb. Judging by Ttuh’s current state he knew the end was neigh- his deeds had caught up with him. From the lesai drugged up orphans, to the Twi’lek’s physical attack, and the current scene of lifeless children attempting to feed their body much needed sustenance…

The question was would the man do the right thing and turn himself over? Or would he attempt to flee- like the Twi’lek? By all account Lamb could tell Ttuh was aiming for the latter. “Nex, prepare to fight” Lamb uttered through the Force to her Padawan. Simultaneously, the Halo tucked her electronic device back inside her robe pocket.

Now duplicating the same fluidity that Darix exhibited prior to his departure from the group, Haloburner will remove her blade, step closer to the headmaster and then proceed to carry out an arrest...

 

[Rev]

Moridin's attempts on the weakened children would no doubt prevail. They were not only weak from fatigue, but also hunger, and lack of other necessary sustenance. Their hands would open at the beckoning of each blade, their eyes following the sharpened cutlery across the room before finally sticking into the wall. Those that followed the shimmering steel would quickly be caste into a daze, their body falling limp in a humble sleep. Those that did not however pressed onward, trying to meet that cruel command it's master shouted. They would claw at the Jedi, using their sharp un-clipped nails in hopes of harming the noble man. They'd no doubt meet the same fate as their comrades, dropping in heaps before curling into a comfortable ball to finally meet a much needed rest. A smile curling onto a nine year old's face would show the first happiness she'd felt in weeks. As safe as they were, they were but the gate keepers to what truly laid within the confines of the orphanage..

====================================================================================

Ttuh's hand would snatch the datapad from Halo's hand before his eyes quickly began scanning over the manifest. The sweat developing near his temples were a bulls eye to his truth, but still he smiled bright and turned to face the Jedi head on.

"There must be a mistake.."

Reaching out a helper would hand him a datapad of his own and before sifting through what would be assumed as hundreds of files he'd finally reach the one he wanted. Pulling up a manifest of his own he'd exchange it to her, the truth in his own words clearly being stated in a false document. Unless she could check the past of the file there would be no trace of his wrong doing. As a smile grew on his face in victory a scream would lurch out from the west wing, the Kitchen. At that the Headmaster's stomach would drop; the real truth would show brightly within those quarters. As the Jedi turned to him, urging they head in that direction. Swallowing down not only his pride, but the ball that had formed in his throat he nodded to the Jedi before pointing them on their way and beginning in the direction they desired.

"I-I'm.. unsure.."

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The Twi'lek grabbed the child's wrist and pulled with all her might. She needed to escape. Running down a flight of stairs the child would tumble behind her, his shins bashing into each of the steps and ripping flesh from his Rodian frame. Through it all not a sound escape his mouth, his legs all the while trying to move in hopes of keeping up with a much larger and agiler captor. Coming to the basement the pipeworks would take up much of the open space. Ducking underneath a series of beams she'd come to a tunnel before slowly backing down it, the child still held out in front of her. If the Jedi had managed to keep on her tail she may be able to set him up for one hell of a trap..

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Ttuh's hands were clammy with sweat, his temples still soggy with the salt walter. Huffing in a deep breath as they came to the Kitchen doors he did all he could to not look into the small circular windows, but there was no stopping it once the doors opened and the sight was clear for them all to see. Sighing he'd walk into the room and look around at each of the sleeping children, part of him wanting to reach out and stroke one of the poor being's cheeks. Looking at the Jedi he could tell they wouldn't allow such a wish to be granted. Looking to the apparent leader in Halo, he'd finally speak to her. His back to the wall as he faced his would-be captors.

"I-..it wasn't always like this. I..it wasn't until they came!"

He pointed up at nothing, his eyes searching the sky for an answer. Pressing his back to the wall he could feel beads forming in the corners of his eyes, the streaks soon running down his face as they dropped to the orphanage floor below. His head lowered in disgrace, he had never meant to become what he was; but he was forced into this. It was this or death.. Now it appeared he earned himself a prison sentence.

"The Lesai... that's what this is all about!"

Reaching for one of the knives as Halo drew her lightsaber he'd pull with all his might to get it out of the wall before holding it with all he had while pointing it at the approaching Jedi.

"YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!"

His breathing had intensed with each passing second. Looking directly into Halo's eyes he'd try to speak to her, but his mouth would only lip the words to the Jedi Knight. The rest of her party however, would hear the Headmaster's voice just as clear as it had been.

"You have to stop them."

"You have to stop them."

What she'd hear was the voice of someone familiar, and only Halo would hear it. The dark, cold, almost haunting voice entering her mind with a chill of Hoth before finally warming to the soft touch of a mother. It'd no doubt fade from existence as quickly as it developed; something was playing with the Jedi's emotions. The knife would without warning plunge into the Headmaster's throat, cutting his aorta in two as the steak knife jutted from his tender flesh. Then without reason he'd extract it and plunge it again into his chest before dropping to the ground, the half entered weapon finishing its plunge once impacting the floor with a gruesome squash. He would bleed like nothing any of them could have ever saw, in moments the floor was littered with the monsters blood. All the while the children sleeping as silently as they had in their cribs before being brought to this haunting place. Though now they rested in the blood of their slaver.

=======================================================================================

The little girl still sat within the Headmaster's office. Her little legs kicking back and forth from her high top seat, a smile glistening across her face. Staring down at the ground as her legs went to and fro she couldn't help but giggle, the emotion that filled the Orphanage was growing and she couldn't help but bask it. Leaning back into the chair a rush of emotions would come over the girl from one in particular.... Haloburner Lamb. Still smiling the girl would reach out to the 'stranger' before speaking to think air.

"You have to stop them."

 

[Wit]

Moridin stepped out through the door into a dinning area, one large enough to accommodate the large number of children at the orphanage. Looking back once at the now peaceful forms of the children who had moments before been coming at him with knives, and sensing the others fast approaching the kitchen, he began making his way across the hall, towards the Twi'lek and her hostage.

He sensed Master Darix above him and a little to the side, and knowing that he now had backup, began running in the Twi'lek's wake, across the chamber and down a flight of steps. He noticed the flood on the steps and was was further saddened by what was being done to the children. Reaching out to the child with the Twi'lek, now just a little ahead of him, he tried to let the child know that help was on its way, but this child was just as mentally shut down as the others and showed no reaction to his mental touch, didn't even seem to be feeling any fear whatsoever, despite the knife pressed to his neck.

Instead he would focus on the Twi'lek, not only to keep track of where she was headed, but also to read her emotions. Ashe reached the basement, he would just be able to see her vanish through the pipes and followed her to find himself in front of a tunnel, with the Twi'lek and the child within it. Sending a mental nudge to the Jedi Master to inform him that he was going in, he would head into the tunnel, senses on full alert and rapidly closing down the distance between him and the Twi'lek.

As the Twi'lek would come into sight, he would raise his hands in front of him and begin speaking in a slow, soothing manner, the Force heavy in his voice. "You want to let the child go. Let him go, and we can talk this out. No one needs to get hurt." Each sentence was accompanied by a slight wave of his hand, though so slight would be the movement that the Twi'lek would most probably not even notice it. At the same time he would start attempting to use the same trick on her that he had used on the children. If she lowered her hand or even started to act a little drowsy he would at once reach out with the Force and pull the knife away from the young Rodian's neck.

 

[Padmé]

Even with Master Darix out of her reach, Haloburner could still feel his presences and actions. The Jedi Master’s words never left Lamb…

"You know what to do, and have friends in high places. Proceed with the utmost caution, our only objective right now is that child's safety."

As such every action the female Knight made was caution thought examined not only in the eyes of Darix, but the Will of the Force. The very audible scream soon subsided, however, Ttuh, the headmaster’s actions screamed one of a fabulist. No amount of words could surmount the physical signs attesting to who he truly is.

The Nabooian Jedi watched as he pulled his own version of a fabricated data. She need not to confront him that that grounds, seeing as Lamb at this point was not only reading his mind, but that knew the infallible truth. With a swift, but subtle move of telekinesis, the female knight would grab her electronic device from Ttuh’s hands, take a finale recording (though not apparent to the man’s eye) and then tuck the device away.

Mr. Ttuh, in hopes of winning Lamb to his side would verbalize another set of lies- "There must be a mistake.." As his words feel on death eyes, Lamb would simultaneously complete removing her lightsaber from her gear…

“No. I’m afraid not. The only mistake here is instituting you as the headmaster of this facility. You’ve not only betrayed the trust of the children, but also the trust of the Jedi-” Lamb’s words were cut off by yet another audible scream- one akin to a child in danger. Like the initial scream, this one emanated from the west wing of the facility. As though on cue Ttuh turned to lead the Jedi exactly where she’d insisted on going. Even as the headmaster led the way he pleaded for his case-"I-I'm.. unsure.."

………………………………………………...


It wasn’t until the three reached the west wing that Lamb realized anew the brobdingnagian nature of the mission. Though the Jedi commenced the mission with some speculative data, the scene that greeted Lamb at the west wing/kitchen sealed the headmaster fate. Clearly some sort of punitive actions/infractions needed to be carried out.

Finally in desperation, the headmaster attempted to flee the scene- backing up several steps towards the wall, and then finally into the wall. His eyes would glance the room- observing the consequences of actions and then finally catching the female Knight’s eyes.
To Ttuh the children had become a commodity….

"The Lesai... that's what this is all about!" … "YOU CAN'T DO THIS!!"

Came the headmasters’ pleading voice. Through it all Lamb never waivered. No. Not even the un-bearing ominous emotion, nor the sleep deprived children laying before here could deter her from her next move. Saber still in hand, Lamb would quickly activate the weapon, knowing that Ttuh had to be stopped- no matter how remorseful, or ashamed her appeared.

Amidst the seemingly growing ciaos, Lamb was caught off guard by a voice while she drew her blade.

"You have to stop them."

Within those few seconds, the headmaster had reached close to one of the knives….

Lamb watched as Ttuh drove the make sift weapon into his own throat/heart- in attempt to escape the damned results which stemmed from nothing but his own seemingly myopic perspective. Now drawing her blade back and turning it off, Lamb would see, (though the vision would remain hidden from the rest) a little girl- no older than nine years. In the vision the girl sat behind a desk- feet dangling, and heart singing…. Seconds later, Haloburner heard – from the same little girl-


"You have to stop them."

Blade now in her gear Lamb would reach out to the little girl (through the Force) and send warm feelings. As for the earlier voice, she knew it was her Master- Ayisha Remy. Again reaching out to the Force, the female knight would embrace her master (as though she was right there next to her).

Now turning her eyes back on the scene before her, Lamb would get on her one knee, and check for a pulse on Mr. Ttuh. A quick scan at the room revealed sleeping children, some in a pool of blood. Their master’s own blood. An irony in itself….

Still checking for the man’s pulse, Halo would finally utter (though he words would remain hidden from the rest)-

“Reveal yourself…”

 

[Damien Nightblade]

Darix released his hold of the rafters above and dropped down from his perched position as the Twi'Lek persisted her retreat.
Though his once strategic position above the child's captor and his Jedi companion Mordin once proved to be an excellent vantage point, the situation had escalated quickly beyond any of their control. The undeniable void of death manifested itself through the force and Darix knew all too well what had happened. His connection with Haloburner too strong to deceive his intuition, though he sensed no hatred. The conclusion that the Headmaster had taken his own life, was all too apparent.
He gave into the pursuit, providing support for Mordin as he pressed forth behind the Twi'Lek, downward into the bowels of the orphanage to the basement.
The force was with him, as it was the rest of his party. All of which were doing their best to suppress emotions of anger, and vengeance that would plague lesser beings.
Only a few steps behind the young knight he took the hilt of his weapon into his hands and gave himself to the analysis of the situation at hand. Things were quickly snowballing out of control. Their mission had already transformed from a mere investigation to a search and rescue mission of sorts. Though the stakes were much higher, and for a select few of them personal in nature.
The force once again allowed for seamless communication between him and his fellow Jedi as he and Mordin followed the captor into what could have easily been a trap of sorts. Though with the two of them, he was confident they could overcome any obstacle.

"Mordin and I are perusing the Twi'Lek. Halo, I sense the Headmaster has expired. Is everything alright?"

 

[Rev]

The Twi'lek could feel the sensations of the Force blanketing over her face. The warmth was welcomed, but instead of the spell casting its unique charm on her she'd instead burst into laughter. The Hutt's had prepared her for such, her mind was strong, and if the Jedi dared reach out would sense her limited connection to the Force. Shouting back at the Jedi in Huttese the crazed Twi'lek would press the sharp blade against the child's throat and trace it across his clammy skin, a dark near coagulated blood slipping from his fragile throat. Soft whimpers would escape his addicted lips, the first signs of life any of the zombified children would make. He wouldn't be harmed beyond a future scar, but the Twi'lek would hopefully make her point.

[HUTTESE]"Don't you try your mind tricks on me, Jedi!"[HUTTESE]

She'd have no idea whether either of the Jedi would understand her native tongue, but the hate she spat would no doubt tell its own tale. Holding the knife firmly against the child's aorta the point of the knife would no doubt risk ending his precious soul if she decided to thrust upward. Speaking in Galactic she'd stare at Darix in the background moving closer.

"I am in control."

=============================================================================================

Ttuh's pulse was weak, he still had some life but it was quickly draining. Trying to speak out to Halo with his final breaths he was only able to mutter one near inaudible word before his life ceased to exist.

"...Hutts.."

==============================================================================================

The little girl felt the warmth of the Jedi, a warmth that instead of encouraging her kicking legs stopped them in their tracks. Hopping off the seat she'd run out of the office and as suddenly as her Force Signature appeared it would fade from existence.. A trail going to the gymnasium. The room was barren and open as most were. Despite this the room smelled of rot, the wood creeked with age, and the walls showed signs of mold. It looked as if it hadn't been cared for in years, in truth it'd been weeks. Deaths had occurred within the small gym, the emotion and energy that filled the room would be a beacon to anyone inside it. If they dared enter such a place. Stopping in the center circle the girl would kneel before closing her eyes.

"Don't be a fool, my Padawan.. I've already got your friends.."

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The Twi'leks free hand would reach to her hip, extracting a detonator switch. Smiling she'd look at the two Jedi fools and push in the trigger. With an eruption the room behind them would explode both in sound and flame. The once boilers to the orphanage erupting from both waiting pressure and aided armament. The room itself would collapse inward, blocking any way back from where they had come. They would need to rely on the tunnel system for return to their friend, and the children. Laughing hardheartedly the woman began again pulling on the boy, taking the Jedi away from the Orphanage, away from Haloburner Lamb.

 

[Padmé]

A few moments after checking on the headmaster’s pulse, the Nabooian Knight finally ascertained that the monster was indeed dead- at which point she stood up. Though Lamb was deeply tuned to the now dead Mr. Ttuh, her other senses deeply aligned with her companions. Finally off her knee, Haloburner listened- her question (more like demand) was yet to be responded to.
“Reveal yourself…”

Remy never did physically reveal herself, but Lamb knew her Force signature was ever-present! Turning to look around, Lamb would catch wind of her Master Darix words- "Mordin and I are perusing the Twi'Lek. Halo, I sense the Headmaster has expired. Is everything alright?" Taking in a deep breath, Lamb would respond to Darix, utilizing the same method she’d done prior to the headmaster’s death. “He is indeed expired…..But I sense more trouble… “ Pausing, Haloburner would send Moridin the same message she’d been given- “The Twi’lek is trouble…proceed with uttermost caution.”

Through it all slumber continued to overcome the few children Lamb had encountered. The mere fact that they slept through part of Ttuh’s self mutilation was testament to the effects of the dangerous drug- lesai. Turning to her Padawan, she’ll instruct the girl to keep a watchful eye over the slumbering youngins. Simultaneously doing so, Lamb would form a Force bubble around the children, and then shortly after securely lock the room and then exit to fetch the little nine year old, and aide her companions…..

Moments after clearing out of the east wing, Lamb heard a very audible voice- one akin to her master. Now approaching the office- the same one she’d seen in the vision with the nine year old girl, Remy’s undeniable voice uttered…

"Don't be a fool, my Padawan.. I've already got your friends.."

At that very moment, Lamb felt the floor beneath her shake, followed by a cynical laughter, and a child’s cry. Unbeknownst to the female Knight, her companions were in the beginning stages of a trap- set by none other than the Twi’lek they’d met. With a swift but calculated speed, Lamb would run back towards the east wing- where her senses were currently leading her.

Remy’s voice again rang in Lamb’s ear. Finally Remy’s subliminal message became clear…..The nine year old girl, the Twi’lek, and Ttuh. Now her companions! Shrugging Lamb screamed out, knowing Remy had indeed ‘revealed herself’ just not in the body Lamb had expected- nor used to.
“Not on my watch, Illusia..” came Haloburner Lamb’s thunderous response.

Going back through the kitchen, Lamb discovered another entry – disguised off course as a make shift pantry. Upon entering the secret door, Lamb was greeted by a half caved in floor- the effects of the Twi’lek’s explosives. The sheer amount of dust/debris circulating the room caused Halo to choke, nonetheless, she persevered. Her companions were down there and need to be rescued- again an irony in of itself…

“Moridin….Darix… follow my voice-“ Halo instructed her companions ( though her words would not be heard by the said recipients, and no one else). There really was no way inside the basement, where Draix and Moridin remained to be seen- as such Lamb remained close by the secret kitchen entrance, waiting for the men to resurface…

Pulling out her datapad, Halo will send a quick word of caution and request additional aide. Their small scaled mission/investigation had escalated beyond what they’d prepared for....

 

[Damien Nightblade]

The explosion behind them eliminated any thoughts or preconceived notions of escaping from where they had come. What was once the boiler room they had passed through in pursuit of the Twi'lek captor had crumbled from existence, leaving behind only a mass of rubble and smoke
The Jedi showed no signs of fear or emotion as he stood beside his friend Mordin.
The situation had escalated to a point where the Battle Master grew tired of verbal negotiations and had wished he could settle this once and for all in a blaze of sapphire and violet.
Though he knew to give into such desires would only make things worse.
He had others to think about, the influence his actions would have on others around him his objective included. She was his only concern. Taking his own words into consideration his mind told him to move yet again towards the Twi'lek, though before he could do so the words of Haloburner Lamb entered his mind. "Mordin...Darix...follow my voice"

He wanted to move on the captor, though given the delicacy of the situation he figured it best to make a strategic retreat back to Haloburner, given the investigative nature of his friend he knew it was quite possible she saw something in the situation he did not. Being that he had just walked blindly into a trap he figured this would be the best course of action, though no such avenues clearly presented themselves.

Silently he signaled Mordin to move on the Twi'leks flank, slowly and cautiously he did the same. Not wanting to exacerbate the situation he persisted in his execution of form zero, attempting to buy them some time and hopefully some room to maneuver.

"You've clearly gained the advantage..lets talk about this..No one needs to get hurt here..please..let the girl go."

He reached out with the force, hoping its persuasive powers would have some effect on the Twi'lek, he was careful to remain discreet and not to over due it. Being detected attempting to sway her wouldn't help any of them

 

[Wit]

Moridin had indeed sensed the Twi'lek's connection to the Force, weak though it might be, it was still there. He would watch in horror as she woudl draw the knife across the child's neck, wanting at that moment to nothing more than whisk the child away to safety. When she spoke, though he did not catch exactly what she said, the emotions behind the statement were all to obvious. He could sense death near Halo, and something else that was bothering her, but right now he needed to focus on what was in front of him and trust in Halo to handle things at her end.

Her warning, hwne it came, was just a little too late as he watched the Twi'lek pull out the detonator and was just a fraction of a second too late in preventing her from pressing the button. Immediately he heard, saw and felt the explosion that ripped through the boiler room, trapping them into the tunnel. A quick glance back confirmed that, and turning back towards the Twi'lek, he watched her slowly begin retreating down the tunnel.

The tunnels were now their one way out, but he was well aware of the dangers of blindly navigating a tunnel system and had already realized that the Twi'lek must know her way through the labyrinth. Of course with the Force on their side they were not really blind, but it would be much easier to have the Twi'lek lead them out as she had lead them into the trap. Two Jedi against one minutely Force sensitive Twi'lek, those weren't bad odds, even though they were stuck in a tunnel and she still had her captive. The priority now would be to get the child out her grasp and then try to get her talking.

When he understood what Master Talohn had in mind, he would start flanking the Twi'lek, slowly following her. Letting Master Talohn do the talking for now, he would be on the lookout for any chance he would get to free the child. At the same time he would be alert for any more traps the Twi'lek might attempt to spring, keeping a sharp watch on her Force signature, ready to pick up on even the minutest of fluctuations.

 

[Rev]

The quick response of Aÿisha's former apprentice brought a smile to the woman's face. Halo was irritated, if only slightly. The Jedi's former Master could not only sense the subtle vibrations through the Force, but hear them in her words.. Even across such distance.. Even through telepathy. They were bound together, forever connected through the mystical energy that had brought Lamb to Remy; one entity whether they liked it or not.

"..I wasn't aware you had such a close eye on me, old friend..."

With a deep exhale of the concentration of energy the Dark Sider held inside, the very orphanage would radiate a chill unlike any a fan or conditioner could create. The Jedi themselves would feel the tempting allure of the evil energy tickling at the hairs of their skin. It would creep up their spines before blanketing them in its dread, a weight cast on their shoulders if only for a moment. They would feel the Darth they awoke from slumber, they would feel the Fear that filled this unholiest of places.

====================================================================================

She tugged on the child's framework with everything her muscles could muster. The small piece of metal still poking into the young man's flesh, even as the Jedi pressed closer and closer. Her eyes shot from wall to wall, trying to figure out what the Jedi were doing. They were like cockroaches.. Ever coming and impossible to kill, she had hoped it wouldn't have to come to such things; but the Lesai had long past taken her soul.

"..I said..!"

Her voice cut the tense air like a lightsaber through durasteel. It lashed out with sudden urge, and it only showed the woman's hate filled heart with each syllable she spat. The galactic again changing to Huttese.

"..out of my HEAD!"

The cold sensation that Darix had attempted to cast over the elder Twi'lek did exactly what he had not wanted it to; anger her more. Staring at Moridin for only a moment her eyes went back to Darix, her assailant and drove the knife into the child's back. It would penetrate his young skin just above the left kidney, center back below the lung. She'd push the boy forward, at the two Jedi, but not before sending the boy off with a present, a stun grenade. She'd managed to clip it to his waist while moving down the tunnel and it'd hopefully do more to the Jedi then she planned it would to her...

====================================================================================

Groups of children were returning to their "starting point" in the wilderness of Zebitrope. Many of those that had first went out hadn't returned, and it was nearly an hour past their time to be back. Many of the kids looked from one to another, those that didn't stared blankly ahead, the Lesai already beginning to effect their young minds and body's. One of the child's throats had already tinted to the soft purple the drug was notorious for leaving behind. The liaison to the group would move to the center of the children that had collected before sounding off. The zombified children would slowly collect just as they had at the beginning before filing into order and beginning an even longer trek back..

===========================================================================================

A warming sensation would run across Haloburner's face as she waited for her friends. As this occurred her Master's cold, monotonic voice would force itself into her mind, blocking out even the words of Darix should he try to communicate with her.

"..Please do not pick yourself over them, Halo.. You've always been..."

The pause would linger for seconds, the warmth on the Jedi Knight's face suddenly mimicking the frigid chill of Hoth.

"Predictable."

 

[Wit]

Moridin watched in horror as the Twi'lek plunged the blade into the boy's back, watching in slow motion as she pushed him forward towards the two Jedi. Turning towards the Jedi Master, a look of understanding would pass between the two as he would rush forwards towards the boy. He had been alert enough to notice the grenade strapped to the boy's belt, and even as the boy came tumbling towards them he would reach out with the Force and pluck the grenade off of his waist and send it flying down the tunnel, straight towards the retreating Twi'lek.

A part of him knew that if the grenade was meant to kill them then it would now do that to the Twi'lek, and he regretted that, as even after all that she had done so far and the numerous crimes she must have already committed on these children, he would not have condemned the Twi'lek to death. But there was no other way, he did not know when the grenade would go off and the time it would take to maneuver it around them and back down the way they had come would be too much and all three of them would go down if it exploded too soon.

Despite his regret about having done to the Twi'lek what she had tried to do to them, he did not forget the task at hand and counting on Master Talohn to deal with any shrapnel from the blast, he caught the child and quickly lowering him to the floor began using whatever little knowledge of healing he had and the meager first aid kit he had on his person to help the child, hoping that it would be enough.

OOC: Note to Rev and Padme, please let Damien post next as our characters' actions are linked.

 

[Damien Nightblade]

He could only watch as the events unfolded before him. He hated himself for even attempting to use the force against her, the consequences of his actions reverberated within him as if the Knife had pierced his own flesh. Though he knew to dwell on his feelings, now especially, would quite possibly be the end of them.
Mordin's shocked gaze met his own and reality once again took hold.
The two moved as one. Perhaps it was a bond that many shared with one another. Perhaps it was the understanding that if they hadn't they wouldn't get another chance to correct their mistakes. Darix Talohn would not take his last stand here.
The force erupted within him. The physical manifestations of his will subsided, and he gave himself entirely to its endless pools of energy. He became it. Mordin lowered the child to the ground in a motion that had occurred much more quickly than he had perceived it, though such was the way of the force.
Darix stepped in front of them, placing his body between them and the ominous tunnel before them without hesitation and as bent the force to his will as if it were his tool, instead of him, its. A shimmering wall of energy encapsulated them as he built a barrier with the force as quickly as he could muster. Doing all he could to shield them from the concussive blast of the grenade.

 

[Padmé]

In lieu of stopping to render aid, Lamb turned her attention to the sleeping children and then minutes later to the ones outside. Even so the deeply in-bedded ominous feeling never left the female Jedi. She was confident Master Talon and Knight Zerga could handle the situation in the basement, but a feeling of guilt never left her.

Still holding on to her datapad, a soft chime came through- confirming the aid she'd requested. Turning to her right, the young young will finally walk out of the secret passage from, enter the kitchen where the younger children laid- slumbering as though their world was near perfect. Haloburner Lamb would then move her attention- though for a few moments- on to her quite Padawan. The girl couldn't do much- but she her presence alone provided the third eye Lamb needed over the slumbering orphans.

Next, Lamb would head outside- heading west of the orphanage, the same direction the Force was leading her. Her innermost feelings alluded to more children hidden away- deep in the lush filled facility. Though her natural eyes saw something entirely empty, the Force spoke otherwise. As such Lamb yielded her mind/being for the Force to accomplish its will through her. Shortly upon reaching the "starting point" in the wilderness of Zebitrope IV Lamb was greeted by several dozen children- all zombie like- with buckets of purple mold in tow. Lamb's heart sank.

..................................................................................................................


Meanwhile, at the request of Lamb, several Zebitrope IV authorities will appear on the property. Unlike the others, this particular group were not affected by the corrupted Hutts. Moments later half the group would head into the east wing of the facility, and the other half to the west side of the facility- where Lamb was cuurrently was- the "starting point" in the wilderness of Zebitrope IV.

 

[Rev]

The Twi'lek's feet carried her with grace and speed. Each step echoed down the narrow passage, the sharp clack mixing with the slosh of damp mold. She'd turn back to look, a grin forming on her face as she eyed the small black sphere. The ecstatic grin would slip away as the object she so closely eyed lifted into the air as if through magic and was cast back at the sender; at her. As the distance cut she couldn't help but let out a final shriek, what was a non-lethal weapon to them was quite different to the alien species.

The stun grenade would explode almost between the two parties, but much closer to the Twi'lek. The concussive impact would only be more violent due to the duracrete which surrounded them. As quickly as the explosive went off the woman would drop to the floor, her body convulsing with life; but her mind, her brain.. dead. The lekku she carried housed her brain, and with that a unique connection to sound and vibration. The harsh snap of sound was more than enough to fry the poor woman's brain and it would be only a matter of seconds before her most important of systems began to shut down. Darix's own barrier would protect the group from any physical impact, but unless they were prepared for it their ears would be met with the same sound that took the Twi'leks life.

=================================================================

The darkness which swirled within the gymnasium would grow with emotion. Anger. The Jedi would no doubt feel the cold which emanated from the little girl, what was once a hidden began to reveal itself. The energy contained within her had been hidden for so long, the Force blocking it out from any of them; even the Battlemaster from seeing. As she stood in solace, the girl would grow into a woman, a black shroud cast over her elusive body. Taking in a deep breath the Darth would cast her hood aside, raven black hair revealing itself. Those dark strands would shadow eyes corrupted by the very essence of the Darkside, of the dark energy the Jedi felt. Illusions were cast aside, and Illusia would rise from the confusion.


=================================================================

The children stared without life, just as the first group had. They had no idea who she was, or what she was capable of. The guardians of the group would all look to the woman, Halo, who came to deter their command. The first would step forward, a Rodian, and fire off a series of blaster bolts at the Jedi's feet before grabbing a small girl by the ear and holding the weapon to her 'lifeless' temple. Meanwhile the other grabbed two boys and held a blaster of his own to the firsts head. It was obvious from the interaction that the Rodian was the man in charge. Yelling at the Jedi he could only speak his native tongue, Rodese.

[RODESE]"Back up Jedi, or we'll kill them!"[RODESE]

=================================================================

Illusia's pace was slow, soft, elegant. She took a moment to stroll around the open gym before the pound of doors opening would catch her attention. Smiling at the 3 men who had entered they were all in uniform, obviously the police force of Zebitrope IV. Laughing as they aimed their blasters at her she couldn't help but open her arms to them, as if inviting them into a hug.

"Welcome! Welcome! ..Do come in..!"

=================================================================

The boy coughed with life, he was close to the end, but he was saveable. Staring up at the Jedi his eyes were blank, but inside of those small orbs was the only true life any of the children had yet to show. He laid weakly in the arms of Moridin, his vision blurring and his own conscious coming and going as it pleased. Reaching up to the battlemaster, the Jedi Council member's glowing hand from casting the barrier lighting up the boys eyes. As he reached he'd feel his arms get heavier and his head become light, the arm dropping and his body finally forcing itself into rest, but at the risk of shutting down.

=================================================================

It was an art form. The police moved in on her with a soundness and tact that could only be rivaled by the Alliance military itself. The group leader standing back, his weapon trained on the 'suspect.' The other two would as well keep their weapons on the cloaked woman, moving up to either side of her the man to Illusia's left would begin to put his weapon away and grab for cuffs. Turning her back to the two officers she would keep her hands out, allowing the Officer to take her left hand and begin the hard tug behind her back. Pulling her arm some the officer would jerk her forward before grabbing the wrist more firmly and pulling it harder, trying with all his might to get the woman's arm behind her back.

As her strength had gone against him, it would suddenly do the opposite, going with his strength. Beckoning the Force, her weapon would reach the palm of her hand as the officer attempted to link the first cuff. With a hiss the purple beam of energy would come to, she would twirl it in her hand while twisting on her heel. The scream which filled the gymnasium caused both the officers to jump in surprise; their ally losing both his hands in one subtle motion. Staring at the man Remy would smile and take a step backwards, the handless man stumbling backwards and screaming in pain as shock took over his body.

Pandemonium erupted as the two remaining officers opened fire. A barrage of blaster bolts would head her way, and with the simple aid of the Force she'd catapult herself to the right with a single-handed cartwheel, her blade swatting away the lone shot that could have hit her. Having cut the distance with the move between herself and the second man her blade would arc with power and precision from high left to low right taking off the poor bastard's right arm below the elbow and right leg at the hip. The sudden loss would cause him to fall hard to his side, slamming his own face into the hardwood floor with a thump that drowned out even the blaster fire.

The last man, a Sergeant by his stripes shook with fear, each shot ringing off with slightly less accuracy as he backed towards the door he had come from. Turning to face him the purple beam of light would dissipate and she'd begin her hard press of walking at the fool. She'd watch as each of the red beams of energy closed towards her before finally passing by, hitting the wall behind her. As one landed on her chest it would cause no reaction, the burn hitting Sith Alchemized metal. It wasn't until she had to swat a blast sent at her face away through the Force that she finally reached out and gripped the man's throat.

"You are pathetic."

She would bask in the silence, the only sound filling the room was that of pain. She'd look over her shoulder at the man on his knees, sobbing at the loss of his hands, at the loss of his brothers, at the loss of his life. Her attention would direct back towards the Sergeant. She had seen this man before, she had tried to buy out the local Law, but they were above it. Stopping herself inches from the man she'd look up at his blued face, an emotionless face responding to his reaching pleas for life.

"No, no, no... It will be quick."

She'd smile, reaching a hand out and rubbing her cold hand against the warmth of his nervous cheek before the snap of the man's neck would fill the air. Staring up at his floating body she would take in a breath, there had always been a change in the air when someone died. Whether it was the Force itself guiding the souls to their final destination or the very energy the body contained laying dormant one could breath in the difference. Letting out a sigh she'd release the body from her grasp and with the same familiarity the other Officer's body hit the ground so would this one.

Reaching outward she would try to connect to each of the Jedi. It was Halo she could feel the most, but through her Illusia was given Darix. Focusing the energy which grew within the room she'd project that pain outward. After only a few moments the deed would be done, and each of the Jedi would hear the message which followed.

"You did this."

It was time for her to go.

 

[Padmé]

Lamb had requested the aid of the local law enforcement... In lieu of a dozen men, only four showed up. Something deep within her rose. She could sense more than just the physical manifestation of the Hutt's presence, but also someone. Someone who was closer than anyone she'd ever known. No not the newly appointed battlemaster and long time companion, but rather her old master.

Remy...

Weapon still in hand and the Force ever-present, the female Knight would completely ignore the mere sneer of her attackers/the children's monsters. Her foot came to an abrupt halt at the "starting point" in the wilderness of Zebitrope IV. Judging by the position of the monsters disguised as orphanage workers, Lamb had the upper hand.

"You make a move and I'll blow the damn shit out of your empty brain cells," came her domineering voice. "-now drop your kriffin' weapons. All of you-" she added, in the same tone; nothing like her usual gentle voice. While that scene transpired, what the workers didn't realize was the Zebitrope IV authorities had taken position- strategically in the wilderness. Though few in number, they (along with Lamb) far outnumbered the enemy.

Lamb knew very well her methods would cause injury to at least one of the orphans. A small sacrifice- in her mind- to save the other dozens of children. A quick glance- through a peripheral vision- caught several children shivering, yet working orphans. They each tirelessly gleaned the addictive drug off the native creatures (lizards). Even amidst all the chaos, the children's ingrained singular purpose dared not deviate. They’d been drugged beyond the norm, used beyond measure, thus usefully turned into credit making machines. Sadly, none of them would live to see the credit they’d given their lives to produce. The sad realities of the Hutts diaspora over the poor orphans on picturesque savannah. Yet another sad reality, but one which will change- with the aid of the Jedi.

Without another warning Lamb would swiftly pull out her hidden pistol. The first bullet would hit the damnable worker who dared challenge her. Within seconds, Knight Lamb's bullet would move in swift circular motion- taking down all the workers she could see- straight in the forehead. Unfortunately, Lamb's last bullet would hit one of the younger boys- no older than nine- due to him being used as shield of sorts by the last worker standing. The child, unlike the rest of the workers, did not immediately pass. Instead he shivered- the first form of innate action Lamb had seen since stepping foot inside the 'wilderness' area. "Drop the weapon, you're outnumbered-" Haloburner demanded as the worker continued to use the boy child as a shield.

Moving in closer the Zebitrope IV authorities would hover around the children- while yet aiming their weapons at the dead worker's bodies on the floor. Without another warning, Haloburner Lamb would move in closer to the last standing worker, fire at her one last time. Seconds later, the woman would finally drop to her knees, falling in a pool of blood by a pile of lesai. The boy child however remained unconscious....

"Remy reveal yourself-" Lamb finally shouted, with the same intensity and domineering tone she'd used earlier. Dropping back down to the boy-child, Lamb would take his pause only to realize the boy-child was dead. "He's gone-" came a disappointed remark from Halo to the Zebitrope IV authorities. Slowly rising from the dirt Lamb’s knee would almost buckle. It was only then did she realize that one of her attackers bullets must have hit her knee. Using a nearby tree to secure her stand, Haloburner Lamb will pause for a second and then keep walking. She had a goal yet to be accomplished.

Feeling much more secured than she did merely minutes ago, the female Knight would account for each child in the wilderness of Zebitrope IV, making sure the children were secured, leave them in the hands of the authorities and new arriving medical help. Moments later, she would head back inside the east wing of the facility blood stained and all....


Upon entering the east wing- Lamb would be greeted by three dead bodies. The bodies authorities she'd so desperately awaited. It was at that point that Haloburner Lamb discovered a form- one she'd always known as Aiysha Remy.

Unfinished business awaited the female Jedi....

 

[Damien Nightblade]

Meanwhile, the tunnels erupted with the sound of a deafening crack. The damp stone walls allowing the sound to bounce and echo amplifying it within the small confines of the tunnel. The Jedi fell to the ground grasping his ears in a futile attempt to block out he sound that had already struck him, though he was left with only an incessant ringing. It was agonizing.
This was far from his first encounter with a grenade of that type though the size of the tunnel and the confines of its walls proved this experienced to be far more unpleasant than any of his prior encounters.
The sound seemingly lived within his head. The high pitch of the grenade persisting and resonating within his head and in this moment of shock he could only imagine how the others had felt. He was not alone, the barrier had served to protect himself and his companions from the physical damage and shock of the blast however his shield did not do well to spare them from the sound.

He rolled over onto his back and found the strength within him to force himself from the ground, checking the child and Mordin to see if they had sustained any irreversible damage. His knowledge of medicine within the field was enough to know that someone of such a young age as the child needed to get medical attention, and the sooner the better.
He allowed himself pause to restore himself within the force and chose to endure his pain for the time being. The air around them and within the temple had gone still and his intuition was enough to know that death was among them.

He helped his friends to their feet and shouted at Mordin, not chiding him but underestimating the impact the grenade had on them all, his voice amplified due to his altered state of hearing. He wanted to draw upon the force to heal his wounds, those of his companions, though within himself he knew that his second wind would soon be better served elsewhere within the Orphanage. "See to the boy!" he shouted, and began to take off down the corridor in the direction the Twi'lek woman had gone.

His pace hastened into a jog as he passed over her body, he saw that she had expired, though it brought him no joy or sense of relief. Darkness had fallen on Zebitrope IV, and although it had a particular sense of familiarity he could not quite place it. Darix found himself back in a full sprint as he made his way down the tunnel and through the winding catacombs of the orphanage's sub levels.
He relied on his intuition and navigation abilities to bring him to a decrepit flight of stairs.

He followed them upward without hesitation and broke into a cellar of sorts elsewhere in the orphanage. He could smell it now. The unmistakable sent of charred flesh and bodies that had been introduced to the earliest stages of death. He followed the scent towards the gym when it hit him. The words held temperature, cold, unforgiving ice embodied the thoughts turned words within his head, projected outward from the dark artist. "You did this."

The words struck a cord with him. Though he dismissed their sense of truth. He would not allow himself to be weighed down by guilt, not in this moment.
He pressed on the words within his head drawing him closer to her, Illusia's own subconscious tractor beam.
He nearly lost his footing as he entered the large gymnasium. Glancing downward his foot placed unfortunately within a pool of blood. A maimed officer lay at his feet, no doubt the work of the woman before him. The same woman and reason why the Jedi had come to Zebitrope IV in the first place. Pausing he glanced around noting her handiwork.
The sights before him did not stir him. Experience and adaptation had numbed him to the sights of war. The aftermath of slaughters and genocides. This was no different, and now he felt no need to be a diplomat.
His own violet blade ignited and extended to its full length, followed closely by sapphire. He kept them pointed to the ground, relieved that he had allowed the force to rejuvenate itself within him, though his moment was not yet upon him.
A slight nod of the head dropped his mask down upon his face. Turning him into the faceless warrior mythicized in the unknown regions of space. His voice matched his demeanor, cold and unwavering.
"Your words are wasted on me Sith.You are faced with the last of your days."