The Serpent's Scales

[Kori Buor]

It had been years since Ral Vizsla had and Bardan Kryze had gone on a mission together. Too long. As Ral looked out the window on board the Kandosii-class Dreadnought Indefatigable to the swirling storm clouds over the planet of Mandalore, he thought back to the last time the two men had done anything together. Ral had received a request from Talia to load a transport full of munitions, which he did with Bardan's help. After that, Ral had gone on his fateful trip from Roon to Mandalore, a trip he would not complete for over five years. In that time Bardan went about his life, choosing the life of a nameless wanderer.

Now, both men had returned to Mandalore, though Ral had made his return with Talia years ago, and she was less than pleased with his sudden return and, at least at the time, memory loss. Still, now Bardan had returned after having heard rumors of the return of his old friends, and now the old friends were reunited. Though, admittedly, he had some help in his return.

Turning away from the window, the Mand'alor looked across the chamber at his old friend. Walking across the raised platform above which rings of naval personnel who worked fastidiously at their posts, Ral approached his friend who had just arrived. Meeting the man's gaze, he spoke, his voice strong and clear, "Bardan, I'm glad you managed to make it. Have you been getting resettled well? There are a great many things we probably need to discuss." He looked around at the people around him and he motioned to move outside. "Perhaps we should discuss this elsewhere so we might have a little bit of privacy. In any case, what's the news, Bardan? Heard anything I might want to know about?"

@Bardan Kex

 

[Bardan Kex]

Bardan emerged onto the bridge of the Indefatigable, a Dreadnought that was quite unlike anything he'd seen in quite sometime. Most ships he'd encountered out on the rim, even the warships, were considerably smaller. His friend the Mand'alor, and how odd it was to be calling him that after all this time, stood preoccupied at the center view port. So he'd turned to look out over the planet and ended up staring at his reflection in the void hardened glass taking in the 'new' him. His hair was cut and his beard trimmed back the way he'd worn it before he'd left, his left eye was new as well the old bionic having been replaced after an accidental gauntlet strike courtesy of the Duke of Clan Ordo. His armor was one of the newer Recon Armors it was lighter than his old suit and a better fit for when he'd need to use his lightsaber. The plates and helmet were the purple trimmed in gold of Clan Kryze, a combination he'd not worn since he'd left the Chosen all those years ago and he couldn't say he was quite comfortable being back in it. His eyes fell on his still sore nose, the swelling had gone down since his cousin had accidentally broke it, but it was still somewhat uncomfortable to wear a helmet for too long.

He had turned as he heard an armored foot fall approach him, Ral had broken from his vigil. Having meet his gaze the the Warrior offered his greeting, projecting even more strength and confidence than he'd done in the past, only natural considering he now ruled Mandalore.

"Mand'alor." Bardan briefly inclined his head to his friend. "It's taking time adjusting, I find myself still preferring sleeping bags and the out doors to proper beds. Lead the way then." He'd begin to follow Ral off the bridge. "That important huh?" he paused as he'd asked if he'd heard anything.

"I can't say." he'd replied at last, "not for certain anyway. Just the odd rumor about people wanting to keep an eye on the Sith. I can see if I can dig anything else up."

@Kori Buor

 

[Kori Buor]

"There are no need for formalities between us, vod. We have gone through enough that a title does not make me any more superior amongst friends." Ral replied congenially to the man in the rather fabulous coloration of armor; no doubt Bardan could be quite deadly with his blade in the lighter Tactical Recon variant. His mind imagined Kex sleeping out in a yard somewhere with a bedroll while staying in Sundari. Giving a slight nod back at Bardan as they left the observation chamber and into the quiet and empty corridors of the Dreadnought. When he finally answered, Ral gave a smirk back. His friend's words were minimal, but spoke volumes in meaning. "I see. I'm glad I can count on you to help me in these dark times, Bardan. I trust if you find anything worth mentioning I will hear about it before Talia does." He let out a casual laugh.

If there was one thing he could say of Kex, it was that he was a man of few words, but each word had weight. Ral knew that Bardan would keep his word. "The fact that there are rumors you have heard in your short time back troubles me. There is a shadowy serpent coiled around the heart of this government. I do not like the idea of a group operating without my knowledge in my Dominion. I leave it to you and your discretion to do what is required to find the truth of these rumors and what threat they pose to us."

 

[Bardan Kex]

"I'll save formalities for the proper occasions then." he replied as the wandered the halls of the ship, taking routes less likely to see too much other travel as the crew went about their duties. Were it not for the sign markers, he could easily see someone losing their way in the belly of the beast. Sundari, the city the called the Capital, for all its differences in design was similar in many respects. The admittance that Ral could count on him in dark times bit more than it should, he'd already found or rather been inducted into something that would be worth mentioning. That he'd need to inform Ral before Talia was assured, he'd looked into several matters since his return and what had happened to this Organization's name sake and predecessor had been of particular importance. "You'll be the first to know, but everything I have heard hints at them being loyal supporters of yours and the Dominion. They just like the shadows. You can count on me to find more."

Ral went on, mentioning how he'd barely been back and already heard rumors. He laughed, he knew more than rumors. "Remember my friend, no one knew I was Bardan Kryze when I got back, and even after the party I've not really been announced as back. With good reason, there's nothing to announce. Being anonymous has its perks in bars and clubs, people are willing to talk. I'll keep a spare set of armor, one less noticeable." He'd gesture down at the purple and gold, it was more regal than he'd remembered asking for. "And as I said, you can count on me to learn more, what ever it takes."

 

[Kori Buor]

"I'd like to determine that for myself, first. I can't trust that a group I've never met really has mine or the Dominion's best interests at heart. They can stay in the shadows if they don't like the light, but they should remember who and what they serve from their shadows. I will not stand to have another Mad Dog running about without a leash, terrorizing people." Ral replied back solemnly, his eyes heavy with the knowledge that there might be another Prudii Kyramud in the Dominion without a collar or someone to hold him back. Despite what the man did in freeing Mandalore from the Republic, Ral was glad Talia had ended him on Coruscant. It was rather poetic that he had been there, that he had gained his memories back at that moment. Things had gone full circle; Ral's death was the beginning of a new time for Mandalore and Prudii Kyramud, Prudii's death was Ral's rebirth. Now, Ral was Mand'alor, and he finally had everything he had wanted. Even Talia Al'Saif.

With a disgruntled sigh, he continued "I know I can count on you, Bardan, but you won't be able to remain incognito much longer..." The Mand'alor grinned as he looked at his friend and placed a gauntleted hand on the man's shoulder. "House Kryze needs leadership. Let's just say the old Duke was a staunch ally of the old Prime Minister, and when he was forced to retire he didn't enjoy my part in it. Needless to say he is getting ready to retire. I would have had Talia become Duchess, but she hates leadership. Getting her to accept her family's nobility would be like trying to get clothes on a wet cat. Luckily, you decided to come back just at the perfect time. You're Talia's cousin, you come from the same family, the same nobility. You can lead the House."

 

[Bardan Kex]

Ral had a point, how could he trust something he didn't know? He couldn't and he wouldn't he'd just need to continue trusting Bardan. He winced slightly at the mention of the Mad Dog, before things had gotten bad it had been his responsibility to keep the insane man on the leash and somewhat grounded. His responsibility and he'd opted instead to vanish off on his own. It was a shame to see that a man he'd considered a friend to slip so far into his insanity. He'd do his best to prevent this Death Watch from going the same route, he may not lead it, but he could certainly provide a voice of caution to the new 'director' of the organization. "Should I find anything on them and should they be as Mad as the last bunch, I wont hesitate to put the dog down."

The other man let out a sigh, obviously more troubled by those in the Shadow than he could have imagined. He'd have to tread very carefully. Ral continued, mentioning that Bard wouldn't have to remain incognito much longer and it raised an eyebrow. Placing a hand on his shoulder he went on about House Kryze needing leadership and Bard felt a certain unease begin to rise. Talia refusing leadership was not something he could say he was entirely surprised by, particularly with how she'd stepped down from the title of Mand'alor after five years having never really wanted the responsibility in the first place. Still though it didn't stop the sudden cough when Ral told him he could have the house and be Duke.

"Me?" he began, not certain if this was some kind of joke. "I still haven't learned a hole lot about this culture, I didn't take a book with me when I left. I'm a former Jedi, practically a deserter from the Chosen, and I most certainly wasn't here when everyone was bleeding for the cause. Is this the best course?"

 

[Kori Buor]

The Mand'alor gave a concerned nod, but didn't speak any more on the subject. He was sure Bardan had heard more than just rumors by the slight hints he had heard. Hints and rumors which were more than what Ral had heard. He trusted Bardan implicitly, though, and he knew the man would do his best to keep his word. He also trusted Bardan to do what was necessary when the time came. Despite whatever this group was, or who his Protectors were, Ral knew that Bardan was the only one who would act in both the best interests of the Dominion and of its leader, doing what was required.

Ral chuckled as his friend acted with surprise about his suggestion. "True. You weren't here during the last five years to help with the expansion, and you still have a lot to learn about our culture. But, you are a skilled fighter, and that will get you half way. Use some of those boyish charms and that Jedi training to carry the nobility in your blood the rest of the way. I can't forcibly install you as Duke, politics and all that. I can appoint you as the temporary leader of the House until a better leader comes about... which should give you time to earn the trust of the clans. In the meantime, we can work on what you've done to earn the position."

Motioning for Bardan to continue following him, Ral led his friend to one of the rear hangers of the Kandosii where one of the Dominion's transports sat dominating the landing pad. "We have some things to take care of in the Outer Rim, brother. The time for our glorious crusade has come, but first I have a few things I wish to handle."

 

[Bardan Kex]

The discussion on the resurgent Death Watch was ended by a curt nod, all that needed be said for the time being apparently said. Bardan was glad for that, he couldn't give away too much more with out attracting the ire of both the Death Watch and he assumed his cousin. They instead focused on the stewardship of House Kryze, and Bardan was relieved to discover that for the time being it would be him serving as a Regent, rather than the true Duke. Though the fact that it could likely still fall to him was little comfort. He frowned as he gazed down one of the long corridors of the Dreadnaught, Ral had made a fair enough point early on though, he was of the same noble line as Talia. One of them did need to take the position.

"Very well." he said at last, agreeing slightly less reluctantly than he initially had seemed. "I'll serve as Regent until I earn the position or the House finds someone better. Does, what my Uncle or Aunt have no kids to replace them?"

They entered one of the aft most hangers, the flight crews bustling around prepping a transport that sat on one of the closest launch pads. It gave him a moments pause, the last time they'd had a discussion of a similar tone had been on Roon as they had loaded a similar transport. After what seemed like ages he'd managed to regain composure. "Then lets get this chore done, so we can start the Crusade."

 

[Kori Buor]

"Good, and surprisingly, they don't. While your grandparents were rather prolific, it seems that trait was not shared by your parents' generation. I think Talia has the most with her brother Temen." Ral replied, his voice trailed off absently as he thought about the former senator of Alderaan and his mind taking him on a quick adventure as he wondered where the man was. While the Mand'alor did not know the brother of the girl he had fallen in love with, he did find it odd that there had been no word of the man and Talia had said nothing of him one way or the other. Letting out a hum, he shook his head as they made their way to the hanger, banishing the line of thought, but making a note to revisit it with Talia when he saw her next.

Inside the hanger, Ral led the way to the transport. "Indeed, let's." Boarding the transport, Ral made his way to the spacious cockpit where he sat in one of the pilot's chairs, allowing Bardan to take the other one. Within minutes they had taken off and were in hyperspace on their way to their destination. Looking across to the man next to him, Ral again spoke, "We're heading to Geonosis. The bugs there have been making some advances to their sonic weapon tech, incidentally, there was a serendipitous breakthrough in our repulsor weapons research. We're going to obtain it and bring it back to Mandalore. However, Dominion intelligence agents determined there is a small chance that a rival hive cluster wishes to steal the technology than allow it be handed over. We're going to make sure that they do not interfere..."

"Anyways, when are you gonna tell me some of those stories you had while galavanting along the rim?" He asked with a chuckle and a smirk on his face.

 

[Bardan Kex]

It took him a moment to remember Talia had a brother, he'd never met the man and both Talia and Ral had very little to say about him other than he was, or had been now, a Senator. He spared only a moments pause wondering about yet another family member he'd never known. Ultimately it was irrelevant, he'd either meet him or he wouldn't. "Now its entirely possible the Grandparents have great grandkids they don't know from the Grandson they don't know, who also doesn't know the kids." He'd mutter following.

Taking a seat Bardan would go about an in flight systems check as Ral began explaining the reason for their trip, they were going to visit some bugs. Geonosis was one Rim World he'd never had the chance to get to when he'd been wandering and frankly it wasn't one he'd had any desire to visit. New weapons tech however was as good a reason as he could think of to go there. "Better pack the bugspray..." He'd look out at the familiar sight of hyperspace, he found it strangely comforting. He didn't break his gaze away as Ral asked him for a story. "Well there was this one time..."

 

[Kori Buor]

Ral chuckled as he glanced at Bardan. The rather convoluted comment about him having kids that he didn't know about was an amusing thought to entertain. "Well, you certainly might have some running about, knowing you anyways. You always managed to get around when we were younger, and I'm sure those five years away didn't help you in that regard any."

As the vortex of hyperspace swirled around them, Ral listened to his friend's story about what he did one time while he was out on the rim. That was a very Bardan story, even the part about the Boss's daughter, the other bounty hunter he teamed up with, and the bandit lord they swindled and then killed. Perhaps especially that last part. When he finished, Ral mused on their past and the trouble they used to get into when they were far younger. "All those years we ran around the Galaxy looking for who killed my father and saving whoever we stumbled across in the process. It all led to this point. Sometimes I wonder if it would have been more expedient to have returned earlier... I'm sure that would have made Talia happy." Ral laughed at the thought, then shook his head.

A light went off and that meant they were getting close to their destination. Thankfully, it had been a short trip for them. Letting Bardan drop them out of hyperspace over the orange world, Ral sat back and waited for them to make the final approach. Before he could get too comfortable, though, an alarm went off. They were being targetted. "What the kriff? Who is even tracking us? Then with a low growl, "Whatever, it doesn't matter, let's end them before they realize who they're messing with. Powering shields and weapons up now. Take us in, vod."

 

[Bardan Kex]

He had figured that story would resonate well with his oldest friend. After all the tale, and most of it was even true to how it had happened with only the slightest embellishments, bore all the hallmarks of their earliest adventures. When they had first met their goals were similar, to seek vengeance against the Sith for the various crimes that they had committed against them. That had been the goal anyway, but for they most part they had found themselves brought into various other situations on the path the vengeance, fighting the corrupt, the wicked and defending the weak.Almost immediately they had realized that on some level they just were in it for the experience, the credits and the women. Or at least at the time that's how it seemed as the conversation had taken a slight tonal shift as Ral seemed to reflect more on the past, lamenting that he'd not come home earlier to the woman he never could shut up about, the woman much to Bardan's amusement and surprise he would eventually discover to be his cousin.

"As you said my friend, all that lead us to here. Would you have become Mand'alor if we came back early? Would Talia have slain Prudii? Or would the Mad Dog and his Death Watch still rule the Clans?" Bardan once more took the controls as they drew closer to their destination, he shook his head, thinking of the matter still. "The future of our people for a little more time with her? If there was away to go back and do that, I don't think she'd let you. I wouldn't."


The transition from hyperspace to real space went smoothly and Bardan felt a smug grin play across his face, Not bad for not having done this in a while recalling how he generally bounced from world to world by doing jobs for frieghter pilots or throwing credits at them. His self satisfaction was short lived how ever as the emergency alarm sounded that someone had a target lock on them. He cursed as Ral questioned who could possibly be tracking them.

"How the hell should I know!?" he yelled, his grip tightening on the controls as he began to maneuver the craft. "The Bugs? One of your many enemies?" He paused for a moment, "One of my enemies?"

If it wasn't for the fact it would take most of his attention to try and keep them from being blasted, he'd have reached out with the force, but he had to focus on the flying. He now found himself cursing that he'd let others do most of his flying for the past few years. He moved the control yoke, narrowly avoiding the lance of twin green energy beams that shot above their cockpit. "Weapons up?" he asked, pulling back on the control stick. The ship lurched up wards and rolled, then he'd throw the stick hard over bringing the craft back down, two more beams lanced by.

@Kori Buor

 

[Kori Buor]

Listening to his friend give a rather candid and honest response to his musing, Ral smiled softly, staring off into the viewport. Bardan had a point, and even though no one could know the truth of what would have happened had they returned to their homeworld sooner, that didn't mean things would have turned out so well for them, all things considered; he was still alive, after all, with Talia by his side as Mand'alor, and Kex and Caed as his trusted companions as he galavanted across the Galaxy. "You have a fair point. And I'm sure Talia would have a few select things to say back to me on the subject as well."

As Bardan went through the short, yet impossibly long list of possibilities of who could be attacking them, Ral grunted in response. "Aww hell, it could be all three of them! Let's show them who they're messing with just like how we used to!"

As soon as it had become apparent that they were in danger, Ral had put power to both the weapons and the shields. It had diverted some of the power from their engines, but they weren't in a particularly maneuverable craft to begin with, so the Mandalorian figured it would be worth the trade-off. Getting a good look at the attacking ship, Ral could see that it wasn't Geonosian in origin, but that didn't mean the Bugs hadn't hired someone to attack them. As his friend asked him if the weapons were up, Ral nodded. "They're good to go, you take the fore cannons, I'll take the aft guns. This ship isn't nimble like one of our interceptors, so we'll have to make due with being better shots than they are!"

Switching to the aft gun targeting computer, Ral took the controls in his hands and started aiming. Thankfully, his aim was much more accurate than their attackers, scoring a hit as the craft came back around. He didn't destroy it, but he knew he damaged the shields enough to make them think twice.

 

[Bardan Kex]

Sure enough their attackers had thought twice, long enough to change their attack vector. The lighter attack craft seemed to dance as it's pilot maneuvered it, guiding it into a side attack position even as Bardan fought to maneuver. Twin bolts impacted against the port shields with enough force to rock the transport and the two Mandalorians that crewed her. He swore, incredibly unhappy at having been hit. Luckily with the power transfer to the shields how ever they weren't in danger of being taken down, yet. It was obvious he had little options on evading the lighter craft and he was damned sure this bucket wouldn't out run the other craft, it pretty much just left them with the option of hoping the pilot was dumb enough to fly in front of their guns. That is until he looked upon the world of Geonosis it's self and remembered on very important thing. It has a ring of asteroids.

"How do you feel about doing something really stupid?" he called out, moving the craft just in time to avoid a second direct hit, it shield's taking a glancing strike instead. He fired the cannons at the front of the craft, missing as he knew he would but hoping beyond hope it might startle the other pilot.

 

[Kori Buor]

Their ship rocked as it took some damage from one of the lighter craft's flyby attacks. Checking the console, Ral was a little thankful to see that the shields were still up, but they wouldn't be able to take many more attacks like that before they were floating bits of space dust. Talia would never forgive me if I died out here on some easy-ass mission! He thought to himself, though the thought of Talia resurrecting them only to kill them again was somewhat amusing to the leader of the Mandalorians.

Ral continued to fire the rear weapons of the transport, laser bolts reaching out and skimming one of the ships, causing it to break off from its attack. Coming to the same conclusion as Bardan, Ral grimaced. Their opponents were too light and fast to stay in front of their guns. It was going to take a miracle to shoot them down. Glancing at his friend as he asked him how he felt about doing something really stupid, Ral raised an eyebrow, trying to figure out what he meant. Following his gaze out the viewport to the ring of rocks surrounding Geonosis, the man sighed. "Oh, you must be joking!"

Another strafe against their aft shields rocked their boat. Swearing, Ral shook his head. "Damn it, whatever, just get us some cover. Maybe we can crash one of these asses into the rocks!" Gripping the weapon controls as Barndan took the ship in, Ral fired bursts off at their attackers, hoping to get a few lucky hits in.

 

[Bardan Kex]

Moira is gonna kill me for this... he thought as he guided the freighter as quickly as he could into the asteroid rings. For the briefest of moments the fire stopped, and rather than serving as a moment of respite served to reinforce how monumentally stupid this was. He barely had a moment to catch his breath before having to jerk the control yoke to the side in order to avoid dodging one of the large rocks. He swore, moving the craft deeper into field. Many of the larger rocks seemed to barely be moving, spinning slowly on their axis as their orbit crept along. The smaller of them were another story, they collided with each other, shattering, bouncing and causing general havoc as they went. They clogged the sensors, making it near impossible to fly with their use or detect the enemy, on the flip side the enemy would be having the same issue and need to rely on visuals to find them.

Their reprieve was likely to be short lived however, as a smaller asteroid not too far off exploded as twin lances of green energy impacted into it. No doubt the enemy had confused the object for their ship. He let out a quiet breath, as though breathing too loud would give their position away. Carefully he guided the ship into the shadow of one of the medium sized rocks drifting slowly planet wards., just as another slightly more off rock shattered into many hundreds more at the wild shooting. "Ok, I'll admit it." he began, a death grip on the controls. "This might have been a mistake."

 

[Kori Buor]

Holding onto the console, Ral gritted his teeth while Bardan took a dive into the asteroids, the transport swerving, and twisting around to avoid the building and city block sized rocks. Thankfully, it seemed that their pursuers had been forced to break off their attack as the asteroids must have confused their sensors, or at least seemed to have provided some modicum of cover.

"Yeah, okay, Talia is definitely going to kill us!" Ral remarked as he watched a pair of rocks slam together sending fist sized "pebbles" shooting out towards them at great speed. Luckily, Bardan wasn't a crap pilot, and he managed to avoid anything large enough to cause any damage. Checking the sensors, Ral grunted as he realized they wouldn't be able to use them while they were trying to get away from their mysterious attackers. Without sensors, it would make it impossible to know where their pursuers were or what they should do to get away from them. It was all on instinct now.

As some lasers exploded a nearby asteroid sending flame and rocks shooting outwards, Bardan admitted he might have made a mistake. It seemed that their attackers were shooting randomly hoping to either get a lucky hit, or to send a load of rocks to smash them into oblivion. "Yeah, ya think? How about we make a deal, when we get out of this we both promise not to mention anything to Talia? In te meantime, why don't you use that magic of yours and find us a path out of here."

@Bardan Kex @GABA-wan Kenobi

 

[GABA]

The Jedi's foot slipped out from beneath her, rocks from the eroding Geonosian tower trickled down as Maja grasped onto the ledge even tighter. She kept her cool, slowly finding her footing once more and paused, catching her breath as she observed the long way down.

The cool sandy wind blew against her and she slowly moved to the other end of the spire, ever so careful of where she placed her foot and fingers. When satisfied, she continued the climb, eventually pulling herself into an opening at the top of spire. She smiled to her success, breathing deeply, her heart racing slightly from the climb. She looked around and walked over to the ledge in the spire's black center.

Reaching into her bag, she pulled out an illuminating stick and bent it sharply until it made a snap before dropping it over the ledge. She watched the ball of light glow grow smaller as it fell. There were no stairs, or ladders, as the Geonosian bugs would only need to use flight to climb their heights. Eventually the light disappeared and there was a tap as they hit the bottom. Satisfied, the Jedi got to work as she pulled out a flashlight and shinned it against the moist solid clay walls.

The Echani paused and rested the light beside her neck and tipped her head to hold it in place while she pulled out vile and ran it against the wall, collecting a pink goop that seemed to have become the spire's latest inhabitant. Once she was satisfied with the number of vials she filled she put away her flashlight and supplies and stood next to the window to just observed the barren landscape. A hint of relief and excitement struck the Jedi as she enjoyed the quiet view, not a visible life form for miles.

She decided to continue with her decent, climbing out the window carefully to find her footing and started her way down. About half way down, the Jedi paused and adjusted her footing and her grip, taking a moment just to feel the distant whispers within the Force. It was familiar and warm, a part of her called out, but then she stopped herself. Her eyes suddenly widened and she nearly lost her grip, slipping down the spire before she found a desperate grip, jerking her body to a stop.

Maja gasped and readjusted, pausing with disbelief.

He was near...what in the name of the high gods was he doing here?!

 

[Bardan Kex]

He nodded as Ral retorted, watching out through the cockpit at the asteroid ring. "You've gotta deal, she won't hear a word of it from me. Besides, its me she'd blame."

He nodded once more as he long time friend suggested that he reach out through the force. Now that they weren't being shot at and he had a chance to focus that was more of a viable option. "Give me a moment." he said, closing his eyes. He focused inwards for a moment feeling feeling himself and then he reached out feeling what was around him; his friend, the ship, the asteroids and their attackers. He reached, trying to feel their best course, the exact location of their hunters. Something pulled to him at first he couldn't identify, it was something bellow on the planet's surface, just a blip a familiar warmth it called out to him. A voice, a woman's voice then suddenly it was gone. His eyes shot open and he took a deep breath, a woman's name on his lips. "There's no way..." he muttered in disbelief, why was she here?

He took a deep breath before once more reaching out through the force, this time with more control. "Keep the turret heated up, I'll call them as they come." He took the controls in hand and opened his eyes. They were moving.

 

[Kori Buor]

"You're Manda damn right she would!" Ral barked back at his friend as he looked out the viewport and winced at how close they had come to hitting one of the larger asteroids. Muttering to himself, he wondered how it was they had never died on one of their ridiculous adventures. It really is a miracle, or just the will of Manda. Who knows at this point.

The Mand'alor wasn't entirely sure how he felt about Bardan closing his eyes to try and focus on his magics; Ral knew the Force was more than just magic, but as far as he was concerned it was all the same. Squeezing the trigger on his gunnery console, Ral fired a few more laser bolts out into space hoping to reach out and touch someone. He wasn't that lucky.

Hearing Bardan mutter something, Ral turned to face him and shot his eyebrow up. His friend took a deep breath and tried again; suddenly, their transport began to move on a different course through the asteroids. It was interesting to see his old friend maneuver through the spinning and colliding rocks while still managing to dodge some of the random incoming strikes.

Waiting for a clear shot, Ral waited patiently. Just as Bardan pulled the ship into a spinning dive to avoid a few clusters of asteroids, Ral saw his opportunity. One of the fighters pursuing them came into view. It didn't seem like they had been spotted yet, but Ral knew it was only a matter of time, so he lined his shot up and he fired. Laser bolts burned through the black void, impacting the starfighter and causing rippling explosions to spread across its metal surface. The fighter careened to the side and into an asteroid. "That's one down!"

Their victory was short-lived, however, as the other fighter appeared almost out of nowhere, shooting out from a larger, building-sized asteroid and right towards them. Its weapons flared as lasers struck their ship. Their shields absorbed a few bolts then failed before one of their engines took a direct hit, exploding into flame and leaving them with only one of their engines running. "Damn, engines three and four are down, I don't think we're going to be able to get away from the gravity well!" Looking over the damage readouts, Ral shook his head, "That won't matter though if we can't kill this last fighter!"

The transport bounced off of a small asteroid, shaking them in their seats and denting the chassis of their ship. As Ral's head stopped rocking back and forth, he looked at the sensors and saw that the last attacker was right behind them. "Ah, to Manda with it all, they need to die already!" Aiming again, Ral depressed the triggers and fired a burst into the last ship. Several of the bolts hit it, damaging it and sending it spiraling towards the nearby planet. He probably wasn't dead, but he figured the crash would kill him, if it also didn't likely kill the two of them as well.

"Welp, we're going down it looks like, how's your crash landings looking like?" Ral remarked as the planet of Geonosis got even closer, their remaining engine pod about ready to overheat from trying to compensate for the loss of the other pod. Growling, Ral ensured his restraints were tight; this landing was going to be very rocky.

 

[GABA]

It was the fastest she ever had descended on a climb and when she was confident enough she wouldn't die if she leaped down, she jumped. The Force flowed through the woman as she absorbed the shock from the jump, letting the dust and dirt settle before she rose to her feet. The Echani looked to the darkening sky, her eyes narrowed as she attempted to feel out once more, but paused her mind arguing on her choices.

She knew exactly how long it had been since she saw Bardan and yet, what she had felt was too distinguishable to not ignore it as a random anomaly. Looking back to the sky again, she paused, she hurt, but she knew he did also and Maja let out an annoyed huff.

"...back to camp, warm up the ship, pack up the supplies...get off this dead rock..." she mumbled to herself seeing the camp in the distance, but she stopped mid-step, feeling a disturbance in the Force. She opened herself up, letting her chin tilt back to the darkening sky. Maja took a deep breath in and set her foot down to continue to focus.

"Bardan..." she whispered, her senses stretched until she could feel the faint signature again. The next time she looked at the sky there was ball of smoking junk hurling towards the ground; the Jedi watched its rapid decent and her stomach dropped as she begun to fear the worst.

Maja begun to run, following the steep angle decent of the Mandalorian shuttle.