[Sith Mission] Serpent in the Garden - Leviathan

[Zay]

YAVIN, YAVIN SECTOR YAVIN 4​

YAVIN RECTOR CRASH SITE 0700 HOURS LOCAL TIME​

Abel stared out the transpariglass window, watching the blue miasma of hyperspace ungulate around the transport shuttle. Carefully reflecting upon the details of the mission at hand. He'd been instructed to investigate the crash site of a ship known as the Yavin Rector. Coincidentally the vessel's point of impact was upon Yavin 4. His train of thought was derailed as the com in his quarters clicked on. "Approximately forty five minutes until we arrive at our destination. Prepare to drop out of Hyperspace." said the generic voice of the imperial pilot. Abel knew the message was broadcast through out the entire ship. He wasn't dense enough to believe that he commanded event he slightest bit of respect from any member of the imperial military. While his father was a relatively famous politician on Anaxes, Abel sought to gain his own level of fame. And he would do so without the use of his father's underhanded ploys. The mottled spacescape of hyperspace stretched into starlines and then relented to the usual black and speckled white of space. Abel stood from his kneeling position and clasped his hands behind his back. Taking in the sight of Yavin, Kartan, frowned. Through the force Abel could detect the lost lives of all that had participated in the fated battle that had led to giving a black eye to the empire. Even after nearly a millenia the anger and rage of loss permeated the airless atmosphere where the original death star once existed. Thousands of good imperial soldiers had been killed. Working his jaw slightly, he looked away from the window and exited the room. Today, would be a success. He'd not allow the failures of the past dictate his present. Clad in his normal mission gear, Abel wore his black and white tunic which hid a blaster and several throwing knives. Wrapped around his hips he wore his utility belt equipped with regular mission items like: Ration pills, grappling hook, aqua breather, and his newly acquired double-bladed lightsaber. The ancient looking weapon swayed against his black trousers. The trousers were tucked neatly into a pair of black bantha leather boots. As he made his way to the communications bridge he sent a mental probe to the other Acolyte assigned to the mission. During the trip, Abel, had kept to himself. He wasn't a social being in any way. Preferring to center himself in the darkside and prepare for the mission apposed to making idle banter with someone he'd never met. Having put it off for as long as he could Abel was now forced to meet his companion. He hopped the force had provided an adequate partner. In recent times he'd worked with rather worthless beings. Hopefully this being would be of worth.

 

[Simon]

Relia sat cross-legged in the center of the small chamber that she had claimed for the trip, meditating on the Dark Side and silently praying to the goddess Vahl. Though the Vahla was no longer with her people, there was no excuse to forsake her species' venerated deity. She took this time to also review the mission specifics. After a few minutes of this self-reflection, Relia stood up and looked out the transpariglass window to watch the marbled sapphire of hyperspace rapidly refine into elongated starlines, before finally transfiguring to the bleak emptiness of space.

Relia stared in bewilderment at the sight of Yavin. A curious moon, Yavin IV had served both the Light and Dark Sides of the Force in its history. Throughout time immemorial, the moon had witnessed many an event that would shape the galaxy; the destruction of the Sith Lord Freedon Nadd, the seduction of Exar Kun to the Dark Side, and the duel between Anakin Skywalker and the assassin Asajj Ventress. Coincidentally, the planet had also been used as a base of operation for rebel forces during the Galactic Civil War.

Relia felt the immense pain that the planet and the space around it held. This was the gravesite of the Death Star. Here, thousands of Imperial men and women were incinerated in the annihilation of the station. Relia seethed with anger, with hatred, with fury. She was glad that the Empire had recovered from such a devastating blow and conquered much of the galaxy, an insult to those would-be "heroes" who had saved their Rebel Alliance millennia ago.

She chewed the inside of her cheek as she thought about the planet's history. With a sigh, Relia went to don her typical attire; consisting of a sleek, black, form-fitting suit beneath her dark robes, a belt of various poisons carefully sealed inside their vials, a vibrodagger, and her lightsaber. She didn't expect to need much for this mission. After all, it was a simple investigation assignment to look into the crash of the Yavin Rector. Relia shrugged at the irony of the vessel's name and its planet of impact. Relia felt a slight pulse in the Force from the other Acolyte assigned to the mission with her. After ensuring she had all she required, Relia began to make her way to the bridge of the transport shuttle.

Relia didn't know much about the other Acolyte; in fact, she knew nothing about him. She had seen him maybe once or twice in passing, but never participated in any training or missions with him. He seemed to willingly avoid her, which was not much of an issue for her. She was intrigued to see what he had to offer in terms of skill and intelligence. She didn't feel like babysitting another Acolyte during this mission, which is why she had prayed to Vahl for a blessing for the mission to go smoothly, and a competent comrade.

Upon entering the bridge, Relia would see the other Acolyte had arrived before her. After giving him a perfunctory nod, the Vahla would observe him. His movements, his equipment, the way he had walked and talked. She was glad he didn't appear to be a total moron, but looks can be deceiving.

 

[Zay]

Hearing the nearly silent foot falls of his companion, Abel turned to meet her nod with one of his own. His burnt umber eyes drank her in. He short red hair made her grayish blue eyes stand out in the low lighting of the transport. Even as her robes hid her form Kartan could tell she was equipped with a body that would excel at seduction. His expression would appear bored. As his eyes returned to hers he said, "This should be a quick in and out mission." If she'd taken any time at all to look over the orders given to them she'd know this. His words were merely to break the silence.

His lips fell into their usual mischievous grin before he spoke again, "I'm Abel. I'd like to complete this assignment as soon as possible." He would allowed her time to speak her own peace if she so desired, but if she remained silent he would simply leave. He had a few small preparations to make before they landed and he wanted to see to them sooner rather then later.

Once their conversation had completed Abel would incline his head to her slightly and then leave the communications room. His destination was the cockpit. As he entered the pilots deck Kartan made his presence known. The troopers in the area snapped to attention. Looking over the ten man squad he noted that each man seemed prepared for battle regardless of the routine nature of the mission. Approaching the captain of the ship Abel bowed in respect or the male cathar's position. The cathar returned his courtesy and then said, "Here for the status report?" Kartan nodded not saying anything and keeping his eyes level with the captain's. "We're currently in position and are prepared to make our decent. Are you ready?" the question was pointless in Abel's opinion. Of course he was ready there was no other way to be as an acolyte of the Sith.

His time upon the harsh sands of Korriban had taught him that Acolyte's we not Sith. In the eyes of the crusaders and masters that taught their lessons they were nothing but dark Jedi. This title labeled each Sith learner as less than dirt in the eyes of their teachers. In and acolyte wasn't ready or prepared appropriately they would be stricken down or purposefully exemplified in front of their peers. Looking back to the feline humanoid Abel said, "I'm prepared. Take us down captain."

The captain saluted and gave the order. Abel made his way to the seats on the bridge and sat, crossing his left leg over his right and placing his chin in his left hand. Kartan's stomach lurched as the ship entered atmosphere and gravity took hold of the formally weightless transport shuttle. Turbulence shook the vessel like an airborne earthquake. And as suddenly as it started it was over. The ship steadied and made it's way to the ground. Touching down with a slight jolt Abel undid his harness and made his way to the boarding ramp. Pulling his hood up and onto his head the acolyte made his way out of the ship.

He waited for his companion and once she appeared Abel looked to her and asked "Do you know how to utilize the force to increase your speed?" He sincerely hoped she was able to augment her speed, if not this mission would become far more tedious then it needed to be.

 

[Simon]

Relia nonchalantly watched her fellow Acolyte analyze her just as she did to him moments ago. Neither seemed particularly interested in the other; presumably due to the lack of interaction. This was Relia's first time meeting Abel, and his first time meeting herself. They knew not of each other's skills and abilities, but would soon find out during the mission.

"This should be a quick in and out mission."

The words dispelled the awkward silence between the two. Relia gave an curt nod. She had read the mission specifics; it was a routine investigation; no more dangerous than other low level assignments. Hopefully this would pave the way to her receiving bigger and better missions, but for now she had to focus on the task at hand.

"I'm Abel. I'd like to complete this assignment as soon as possible."

Relia looked Abel over once more before locking with his burnt umber eyes. She felt her lips twitch into a slight smirk, nodding once more. It seemed they both shared sentiment; a useful coincidence. Relia desired for this mission to last no longer than it should, so that she may return and continue training. If she had learned anything on the desolate wastes of Korriban it's that only the strong survive. If she lusted for power, she would need to further increase her skills as a Sith.

"Then it looks like you and I are of the same mind. I'm Relia; it's a pleasure. Let's get this over with."

Relia remained in the communications room, watching the male Acolyte leave. She cupped her hands behind her back and turned to stare back out into the void, deep in thought. Minutes passed, and soon Relia felt the shuttle lurch as it entered the planet's atmosphere and adjusted to the sudden shift in gravity. Relia continued to watch the planet's surface draw closer and closer before the shuttle finally landed gracefully in a small clearing. Drawing her hood up, the Vahla turned and casually exited the room, ignoring the salutes of the crew as she passed on her way to the boarding ramp.

Soon, Relia would appear beside Abel. The jungle moon's humidity hit her and she quickly found herself swatting idly at insects that flew too close to her face. She looked around, noting a plume of smoke in the distance.

"Do you know how to utilize the force to increase your speed?"

She gave the other Acolyte a bemused look before slightly inclining her head forward and returning a terse answer. He doubted her skills, just as she had doubted his. The two seemed alike in some ways, but Relia knew better than to judge a book by its cover.

"Of course."

She looked back to the top of the foliage, watching the plume of dark smoke rise. Wisps of silver grey smoke curled and danced their way through the thick, hazy air as if excited to escape the wreckage. The smoke wasn't completely opaque, but its long grey wisps seemed to curl with others that were much darker, some near black. These stretching entities would show themselves in short, dramatic eclipses, which hid the wreckage from aerial view.

"We should get moving."

 

[Zay]

Without a word word Abel dove into the force, feeling the power surging through him he launched forward at a superhuman pace. The forest around him blurred as he he sped toward the coordinates of the downed vessel. He wasn't concerned with Relia's position, there was no need to be. She'd said she was able to manipulate the force, if she lied, then the woman didn't deserve to be with him on this mission. The exhilaration of moving this quickly danced along Kartan's senses. The wind against his face, the whistle in his ear. He felt alive.

His sense of smell alerted him to the wreckage before his eyes could catch up. Slowing his pace, Kartan, began to scan the area. Coming to a slow jog and then a walk he noticed the near silence of the area surrounding the ship. There were no birds cawing and no insects chirping. The lack of sound was almost... unsettling. His breath seemed to cause a ruckus among the silence and as he gathered his composure he sent a mental message to Relia, Heads up, something's off here. Hopefully, she would allow his message. Normally, Abel, had the decency to ask before contacting another being. Right now however, he cast aside formality and reached for his saberstaff.

His eyes narrowed as he entered the clearing created by the fallen shuttle. The smell of burnt grass and charred durasteel filled his nostrils. Reaching out with the force he searched for any beings that might be in the immediate area. Behind the the down star ship, loomed a lake. The body of water glinted as the sun shone down on it's surface. Relaxing slightly, Abel looked to Relia and projected his thoughts again, Let's get this over with. I don't like it here. On edge the acolyte walked toward the ship. Their mission was to inspect and report. A simple enough task, provided they weren't walking right into a trap.

 

[Simon]

Relia stood in place for a few moments, watching was the other Acolyte sped off without a word. She watched him disappear into the treeline, before deciding she had best catch up with him. Relia leaped forward, feeding the immense energy of the Force into her very movements, and began to watch the olive landscape become mottled with the speed. The blurred terrain passed by at speeds impossible for any "normal" being. The Vahla dashed through the jungle towards the location of the downed ship, the flora of Yavin whipping past her body.

As the thicket began to thin itself out, Relia felt herself slowing down without thinking. Coming to a slight jog as she approached the clearing of the crash site, Relia took in the surroundings. The starship had slammed into the ground several meters back, and had carved a scar through the jungle before it had finally come to a halt. Behind it were the remnants of the jungle vegetation that had been in the way of the vehicle. The earth was torn asunder and trees lay in thousands of splintered pieces, forever separated from their brethren. Relia stood in silence, analyzing the crash before she finally stepped into the clearing.

Heads up, something's off here.

Relia heard the message long before she had arrived, but had only now acknowledged it. She felt it too; the animals that were present in the jungle remained hidden, silent, afraid. The only sound that pierced the fragile silence came from the crackling fire of the starship's wreckage. Her hand fell naturally to her lightsaber, flicking aside the part of the robe that concealed it from view. Reaching out with the Force, Relia had hoped to sense some form of life. However, the only thing she felt was a low, dark presence. It wasn't the planet, or the Acolyte nearby, but was something... Different. Relia couldn't pinpoint it's location, for the life of the jungle and the planet's own Force signature drowned it out, but she knew it was there.

I sense... Something dark. Not the planet, mind you, but as if some presence was watching us. Reach out, ignore the distractions around you. Can you feel it too?

Relia relayed the message through the Force as she approached the downed vessel. The mission was a rudimentary task, and she wanted it done as quickly as possible. She knew their transport was quite a ways away, and wanted to finish the task before it became too dark.