To Find a Myth: Act 1

[Xzaien]

Yavin IV : 18:00

[fancybox2][/fancybox2][fancybox2]It was late evening on the sleepy yet completely hostile world of Yavin 4. A planet of many secrets and yet unexplored by the greater galaxy in any sort of determined way. The jungle outside of a installation built near the foot of a large mountain lay completely and utterly alien to the installations inhabitants. The installation itself lay only staffed with fifty troopers amongst researchers who were hell bent on recovering the secrets of the jungle via any means possible. Spearheaded by a particular Cathar Dark Jedi who was searching for a myriad of artifacts and knowledge regarding the world's former sapient inhabitants.

[/fancybox2][fancybox2]
The Armored Goons in Question

There stood Xzaien, with her crimson red cloak flapping in the jungle breeze. She was seen looking toward the sky awaiting any of the reputable followers she had invited to accompany her into finding the next big lead. Around her clamored twenty deck troopers all clad in a nearly featureless white armor which had only exposed their lower jaws but concealed the rest of their faces were seen drilling around her ensuring to leave three spots open for the individual's Xzaien had invited by proxy or personally. Around they stood, some in the guard position among many training in bayonet fencing. Two squads of five were present outdoors, among about five researchers. These researchers clad in white armor as well, yet having an completely enclosed face mask.[/fancybox2][fancybox2]

Those individuals being a viscous Trandoshan by the name of Mephetch Tsississ, a feared Galactic Alliance tracker and hunter, Arial Calvic: A infamous individual heard from throughout the mid-rim. And finally, Amur. The Sith Acolyte that many feared and yet respected.

These four individuals, Including Xzaien herself would be making up the united front to find the first of the three star-maps located throughout the galaxy. Alongside each of Xzaien's troopers did they totally devote their training and experience to the accomplishment of the goal, by /any means possible/. Xzaien knew in her heart that this operation would see many of her loyal followers killed by viscous aliens nevertheless the Shangri-La of the Galaxy awaited... [/fancybox2]

​

@Caught in Strangereal
@Algarus
@samdragon

 

[Amur]

Amur looked once again at the peculiar coin the tiny Cathar had gave her on Ojom. Thoughts running through the Scorched Acolytes head. A lot transpired in the events between the that snowy and here. Though it brought on a new thought. Initially she would be hesistant to work again with the Cathar. There was an element of arrogance that seemed to carry around, but the personality was tolerable it was the air of mystery that seemed to exist. Especially when she was confident that everyone that served under her was 'coaxed' to her will. When a bunch of beings invade the Sith homeworld and shortly afterwards you meet someone who seems to be performing a trick that is awfully familiar... will you knew enough to expect a stab in the back at any moment spent with such a character.

Yet here she was her fighter descended down into Yavin IV's atmosphere glistening orange from reentry like a phoenix diving down upon the world. Landing near the ancient stone tower the fighter touched down on a temporary landing pad that had been set up by the new inhabitants. The landing gear making a satisfying clunk as it impacted into the ground. Miraculously the Crux class fighter was still the same fighter she took into the Maw of Mandalore, while it was heavily battered it managed to survive long enough to land, be serviced and repaired. Anyone who would take time to observe the space craft would note several slightly darkened spots on the smooth black finish that was actually scorch marks caused by blaster impacts. Much like herself Amur saw a pride and lesson in a craft that still carried it's scars.

As the engines whirled down the hatch to the cockpit opened and the Sith climbed out of it. Walking on top of her craft and hopping off she began marching towards the structure and almost immediately greeted by the sight of armed personal pointing demanding to know how she knew about this place. Amur slowly raised her hands making sure to have the coin displayed in her right hand.

"Relax, if I was going to kill you lot I would have done it already. Now would you kindly take me to the Cathar that gave me this. I presume she's nearby."

The Sith would then shut her eyes trying to tap into and find the Cathar's unique force signature, in order to get a clue about her wherabouts and to be able to quickly detect if the men would lead her astray. Though after her brief experience with Xzaien she knew there was a good chance that she would projecct her voice inviting her the woman certainly seemed to enjoy the occasional dramatic flair.

@Algarus @samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty

 

[Arial Calvic]

Arial didn't like the world they were coming to, not at all actually, but a job was a job and this one in particular was of interest to her. Her radar had already shown one Sith ship had breached the atmosphere, so she could only imagine what this sort of affair would turn into. Still, she was decked from head to toe in her gear, though she was familiar enough with Yavin IV that she knew what to expect. She had to march into the are from the clearing, leaving The Hurricane and her crew under orders to let no one in under any circumstance without checking with her first. She didn't know who she would be working with on this job, but the fact a Sith vessel was here didn't do much to inspire confidence. It was a bit of a walk, but it certainly looked more intimidating as her armored form emerged from the forest below.

A pair of armored guards would soon have their weapons trained on her as she approached the temple, though she quickly popped her mask to show it was her, if that was not enough, she'd produce the mission statement on the holopad she kept on her, before moving to meet with the Cathar woman. Already, there was someone else here in her, and Arial could only assume that the woman in question before her was the proud owner of the Sith fighter they had picked up. Her face was still shown through the exposed portion of her helm, as she crossed her arms unexpectedly at the two. "Madam Xzaien, I assume?" Arial gave a small nod to the Cathar woman, before turning and looking over the other visitor. If the Sith attempted to try and probe her mind, she would find Arial's to be rather stout in repelling her, but she would get the gist that the Arial didn't trust her; you know with her being a Sith and all, you know?

@samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Mephetch Tsississ]

Mepthetch sighed softly as he landed his ship in front of the temple, honestly a bit worried at seeing all these troopers surrounding it. After all, he was a GA privateer, probably with many bounties on his head from all the raids he had done on the Empire's trade routes, but well, that job he had been offered definitely sounded interesting enough to risk it.

After ordering his protocol droid to remain on the ship for guard, he slowly stepped out of the ship, humming a soft tune while holding in a hand his datapad with the message he had received from a certain Xzaien. As he approached the temple, the guards stopped him and he quickly showed them the datapad, and they let him enter. His footclaws gently clicked on the stones as he approached the three women. Judging from their clothes, two of them were Sith, and honestly he didn't like it much. But oh well, he was in there. In case something went wrong, he trusted his two blaster pistols and his vibrosword. "Ssso, who of you isss Xsszaien?" he a bit bluntly asked, a disting hissing lisp contaminating his Basic.

 

[Xzaien]

Xzaien would exit the installation's interior and soon walk gingerly toward the landing pads where each individual ships were landed. On each side she could see several of her goons speaking in a firm, if not totally cordial fashion toward them viewing them as suspicious. Amur was the only person who handed over the coin to the white armored troopers, with one of them walking along with her toward Xzaien who stood there with her hands hidden beneath a crimson red robe. She had her helmet off, exposing her white furred head which had clearly just been washed and meticulously cleaned. She nodded at Amur as she walked up. If Amur had any means of sensing the environment, she could sense many hundreds of unseen creatures watching the two converse. Followed by a deep sense of Dark-Side energy permeating around the Complex.

"Greetings Amur, I do hope that the trip was of no inconvenience?" ​

She waited a bit for Amur to respond before raising her left arm to her head. She spoke into a comm unit located on her wrist which let out a beep as a garbled mess of words exploded out of it in a strange language, was it Ancient Sith? Was it a language not of this galaxy? It was anyone guess at this moment. In the mean time she responded back in galactic basic. Seemingly completely making her words known.

"Yes Colonel, Let them come. Do keep things professional if you will."​

It would seem that Arial would see the guard formerly telling her to "Fuck off back to Coruscant" had now been reduced to a somewhat begrudging confirmation. He soon told Arial to move with haste to the Installations commander. The lady in red. That she did, coming to rest and giving Xzaien a extremely formal greeting. To which Xzaien responded with a friendly smile and a nod.

"Ah- Ms. Calvic, you have answered my calls? Have you not? Nevertheless I am glad to meet you face to face."

Meanwhile for Mephetch the Guards would suddenly lower their weapons with one man stepping forward. He seemed to differ in appearance from the rest sporting a Mandalorian type T Visor helmet that fully enclosed his face. His long blaster rifle slung over a shoulder, and judging by an insignia on his right shoulder; a Blood Red Eagle. He may of been of higher rank than the open faced goons nearby judging by his overall demeanor and stance.

"Xzaien would like to speak with you sir." ​

He'd make a half hearted attempt to gesture him toward where Xzaien, Amur, and Arial stood conversing. Once Mephetch started walking the man would walk alongside him ensuring that he didn't run off. Once approaching Xzaien he made no attempt to salute or otherwise acknowledge her as his superior, a deal that Xzaien seemed to not even care or notice. He began speaking.

"Ma'am, You have a /very large/ visitor." ​

Xzaien twisted her head left than up at the snarling T-Rex of a Trandoshan. She smiled warmly, yet it did have some kind of odd crink to it as if she were hiding something. If the overly huge Lizard made any attempt at conversation aside from "Is that you?" Xzaien's voice would be extremely prominent. A solid Outer Rim accent similar to the ones found on the world of Medriaas in Sith Space. Aside from that Xzaien would nod before speaking:

"Why yes I am. I assume you are Mr. Tsississ? A pleasure to meet such an exalted figure."​

She soon turned her head to address the gang as a whole. With one sentence she turned to walk deeper into the complex to presumably brief them on their objective and target. Straight to the point, a admirable trait.

"Follow me, if you please." ​

She walked slowly and steadily deeper into the mountain temple, the entrance was clearly guarded by two similarly armored troopers as seen outside but with a notable lack of any solid body armor save for a baton and what looked to be a riot shield. There was a seal above the entrance which clearly appeared to be a sort of eagle clutching a world beneath its talons. The world looked extremely barren and somewhat grayed out. Was it a design descion? Or was it not?

"The Officer in question"​

As the gang descended deeper inside of the Temple complex, they would notice a huge sprawling stone structure which jutted in a massive circular fashion with a clear diameter of a city block, as they approached the center of the circle there were many hundreds of men and women inside. Many of them dressed as Scientists with Radiation suits and heavy armor, while others appeared to be soldiers and security personnel. By the looks of it as they walked through the crowds of men and women there was a raised platform, surrounded by many consoles and even a holo-globe of Yavin IV. It would seem that the scientists were searching for a particular energy signature deep inside of the jungle. As they approached the holo globe, there was a Man. An Imperial Officer it would seem, glad in the exact same wear of a Imperial Officer standing with his peaked cap on and with a pleased smile on his face. He held the rank of Commander judging by the lapel pin. He was surrounded by four other figures. A yellow furred bored looking female Bothan, A black furred thin and slick female Cathar, and a Mandalorian sitting on the globe polishing a massive blaster cannon. The Mandalorian had his face concealed by a Y shaped visor, whose armor was painted black with red accents. Meanwhile, Xzaien took lead in-front of the Hologlobe's raised section. And then, almost on Que the Troopers who were standing nearby, with their green camouflaged equipment contrasting against the sandstone temple's interior suddenly turned in unison to face the Hologlobe. Helmets off and by their sides.

"The Green Armored Troopers"

​

Xzaien opened her mouth as she gestured toward the computer techs who promptly switched the Holo-globe to point out a singular dot on the map. Xzaien explained:

"Now, You may have read in the terms that we may be going after a mythical artifact of ancient history today. We are after a starmap. One of three. My associates have located exactly where to find this star-map. Which is here, approximately forty kilometers to our east located in a cave network snaking beneath one of the largest mountains here on Yavin. I have reason to believe that this starmap may be guarded by droids made hundreds of thousands of years ago, however they will stand no chance. However, a red flag is this: There is massive amounts of Sith Spawn located both outside and inside of this cave. Survey teams have no idea what w e will find deeper in there however I am confident that we shall be able to pull off this gargantuan task quickly and efficiently. If anyone has any questions, I will be glad to answer. After that- we will head out."
​

@Caught in Strangereal
@samdragon
@Algarus

 

[Amur]

"The trip itself wasn't that bad. Just the pit stops I had to take on Mandalore and Korriban were a bit of a pain." Amur replied alluding to the hell she had to fight in for both circumstances. It gave the Sith a lot of food for thought and well the Cathar's suggestion of building a powerbase and many allies was certainly true. That was indeed part of the inspiration for taking her up on this venture , work with as many different people as possible gain their trust, employ their talents all that fun flair. Though the arrival of Ms. Calvic caused a raised eyebrow from the Sith.

It didn't even take a mind probe to see that the merc had a deep distrust she could read that in the crossed arms and the glare this was already warming up to be most problematic. Granted given the fact that most accurate summary of most Sith was 'backstabbing bastard with anger issues stemming from the fact that they weren't hugged enough as a child' it was well understandable. Heck Amur was already starting to form a distrust for Inheris after Mandalore. Still her stance said soldier and the brief few words of from the merc seemed to possibly hint at a imperial accent... maybe. This was going to be a fun day of migraines. As if a Sith, a Cathar with a ego complex, and a distrustful merc wasn't enough of a powder keg in walked a hulking monstrosity of a reptile. Well the muscle would be appreciated maybe.

Though after a brief exchange with the Sith preferring to keep quiet for now they then descended deep within the bowels of the complex. There were a couple things that kept biting at Amur as they walked seeing all the men she had assembled together the scientist toiling away. Were they all mind broken? If so well she would have to consider potential contingencies to employ if she grew to be too powerful. She wouldn't be surprised to find her 'allies' to also be distrustful but then again they hadn't seen in person they could just assume that all these people were willing. Heck a few of the voices coming from the scientist sounded a bit familiar. Was this why she insisted on the taking as many scientist as possible back on Ojom?

Then came the briefing and know she knew that they were looking for a starmap... ok but why? A forty click walk as well? So many questions were forming in the Sith she was glad that the Cathar gave the team an opportunity to ask questions.

"Forgive me but I have several questions about... all of this. First what does the Starmap lead to? Second, is there any hazards along the cave system that we should be aware of? You know rockfalls, predators, chasms of lava anything else that would be trying to impede us? Thirdly how close to map have the 'thralls' you got on the survey teams gotten to?

The use of the word thrall was deliberate, a clue for the others in how this Cathar operated. It surprised her the first time she witness Xzaien mindbend and well in case this Cathar had any tricks up her sleeve it would be useful to atleast work towards whatever modicum of trust was possible among the other team members. She figured they really wouldn't react to well the Cathar's mindbending if they ever had to bear witness to it.

@Algarus @samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty

 

[Arial Calvic]

Arial mustered a friendly smile at the Cathar woman, remaining respectful. "It's nice to be here madam." She said, though her head quickly snapped to the arrival of the large reptilian figure that was not too far behind her. Well, this certainly made for an interesting gathering, but Arial certainly had worse. She needed to pay for that new apartment after all, so she needed to go through with this regardless of how she felt. Her Imperial accent had been reigned in somewhat, but to one with a good ear they could still hear traces of it as she spoke. Still, having the accent was no crime, but if anyone learned of her past, well...she'd have to cut this mission quick. It seemed the potential Sith and her employer were familiar with one another, which did help relax her to a degree, if Xzaien felt comfortable with the Sith being here, that meant they weren't mentally deranged. She wasn't sure about the Trandoshan -assuming that's what that thing was- mostly because her last time dealing with Trandoshan's lead to her almost dying; though she did meet her boyfriend from that, so it evened out, kinda.

Being lead away to the real briefing, Arial took note that her employer took security very seriously, given how many men she had standing by. Was she expecting trouble, or did she always have this sort of escort at hand? This sort of thing made her wish she still had her intelligence connections to call upon, but sadly, she'd have to just figure it out on her own. Moving into the complex, it soon became apparent that this wasn't a typical job, this was a large undertaking being done by some organization. Which sort of justified the payment she could expect from this job. Crossing her arms, Arial listened to the briefing, as the objective was brought out, a break in, retrieval, and killing Sith Spawn? It sounded rather immense, but finding an ancient Star Map wasn't exactly a cake walk, hell, that sort of thing was ground breaking work. She smiled from inside the shell of her mask, knowing that this mission was going to do more than pay maintenance on The Hurricane. The time for questions came up, and while she had a few, she would let the Sith answer her questions first, before chiming in with questions of her own. She found herself agreeing with the Sith, clearly they couldn't have been the first team that was being sent here. They hit a snag earlier, now they needed actual help.

"I have to concur with her." Arial motioned towards the Sith with her hand. "No one on your team knows what is in the cave, other than it's trapped?" She questioned, tilting her head at the holo projection before her. "Yet, you have all these guards just standing around. How many people have gone in before us and failed? And when you say 'Sith Spawn', what exactly are they? That can mean a great deal of things." Arial might have been a little more pushy than she would have liked, but the Sith pointed out several red flags with this op that she couldn't put out of mind.

@Xanthum the Mighty @samdragon @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Mephetch Tsississ]

The Trandoshan smiled softly as he got greeted by the Cathar and chuckled at her remark. "Exsssalted? Come on, you make me blusssh" he joked as they followed the woman in the depths of the structure, the lizard humming a soft tune as he looked around. He wasn't really surprised about all the people in the base, since they apparently had been there for quite a while.

He carefully listened to the debriefing, arms crossed while looking around the place, the lizard's eyes glinting a bit at hearing about the supposed treasure that was hidden in the depths of the forest. But as she mentioned Sith spawn and such, he gave a light, low growl, probably not be able to heard by the others unless they were pretty close to him. As the Sith asked her question, he perked up a bit, as he was also curious about that.

 

[Xzaien]

The questions that Amur and Arial asked out were of course extremely good and detailed despite Xzaiens completely purposeful lack of information. Xzaien herself felt that she had to lay out some sort of explanation and did so, speaking in a loud enough tone for everyone to hear.

"Now of course this star map is hidden within myth and legend supposedly leading to others. One we have them all compiled and ready it will lead us to a ultimate goal within the Unknown Regions a supposed "Treasure trove" with exotic ships and technology located on it. That is just pure speculation of course as to find this first star map took quite some time."

"The hazards inside of this cave are quite undocumented, civilian surveyors that have been sent through have simply stopped responding after passing a certain threshold inside the cave. Observe:"​

Xzaien punched a few things into the console infront of her. Showing a detailed transcription of the cave system with a massive gap between the entrance and the vaults. Judging by what the hologram spoke of. The cave would go approximately two kilometers into the planet's crust.

"This is the threshold. Every single survey team we sent past that area they dissapear from communications. Lost forever. Aside from that, I have no intel on the cave's interior past that point. Before that point however is extremely ordinary, a cave stream and limestone formations."

Xzaien then began to adress Arial's questions.

"There is one hitch to me sending off my followers to their death dear Arial. These men and women are not expendable and have each their own value within this facility. These men before you are infact volunteers from Orion Squad. No man is forced to march blatantly to his death, these men have chosen to answer the call of duty despite their obligation to stay. To address how many have been sent in never to return, Approximately fifteen civilian survey teams and one squad of Mandalorian Mercenaries. All presumed killed. Now Sith spawn are a sort of... creation by the Dark Side of the Force corrupting a creature's soul and body to a frankly ridiculous degree. Thanks to the Massassi inhabitants many of their "experiments" permeate the forests and exterior of the cave. Take a Rancor for example, but made more dangerous by thicker skin and bigger teeth and claws. Picture that, and you may have an idea what Sith Spawn means. Now if that is all questions, allow us to get underway. Lieutenant, prepare the speeder craft for departure immediately. Orion squad follow me if you will."

"Orion Squad Leader" ​

Xzaien soon walked off the podium, promptly dusting off her crimson red robe she gestured to Orion Squad with most of them dressed in camouflage equipment reminiscent of a far more advanced Sith Trooper except the man leading them. He was clad in the regularized white Trooper Armor, however his armor was not open faced like the rest it was closed faced similar to a Mandalorian's helmet. His armor was clearly battle-worn with a few large scratch marks made by presumably large creatures with remains of red paint located on the shoulders and helmet region. He had a bandage encapsulating his head and a flattop. Judging by the three pronged chevron on his right arm he held the standard rank of Sergeant.

Considering the fact that if all of the group members followed Xzaien they would walk past large crowds of civilian scientists and Mercenaries speaking to one of the White Armored Troopers, their conversation was intelligible as they walked toward the Vehicle bay located in the southeast region of the Temple Complex. As they entered they could see about twenty orange dressed civilian mechanics all standing nearby some Mandalorian forty man troop hovercraft, Xzaien turned to speak.

"Do get on and get comfortable. Dear Friends."

Xzaien and her Troopers took to inside of the Troop Carrier with the door closing upon the rest of them entering. A good long few minutes would pass as the craft seemingly detached from its vehicle bay housing and rumbled to life. After a few moments the hovercraft can be felt zooming off into the jungle. As they travel, various bumps and thumps can be heard from inside the vehicle likely impacts of the craft hitting some underbrush or small animals. It was nevertheless a quick and easy trip to the Cave Entrance. While the doors opened the Jungle Camo troopers and the Sergeant took up a half ring position around the hovercraft. The cave entrance was to their direct front with the opening quickly consumed with vines recently cut by machetes. There was no one in sight save for the calls of the wild animals.

​

However, a quick issue transpired. A large man, completely red in coloration and towering over even the Trandoshan rumbled out of the underbrush. Apparently he was a Massassi judging by the Sith-Like face tendrils. He clutched nothing in his huge hands and looked about to kill everyone of them. Now was the time to take the chance and open up with blasters and light sabers...

/combatinitalized LINK TO ROLLS

@samdragon @Caught in Strangereal @Algarus

 

[Amur]

Amur couldn't help but raise a eyebrow at the Cathar upon her answer of her and Ms. Calvic's questions. It seemed like this Cathar was a master in the art of speaking a lot without saying much. A 'treasure trove' in the unknown expanse of space that really didn't say much. There were a dozen rumors especially amongst pirates of such things. No Amur wanted a name atleast anything to do her own research into the matter.

A chuckle came out of Amur over Xzaien's speech about how her followers weren't expendable that felt almost like a frank hypocrisy. What of all the scientist that she executed Ojom? They could of been as 'valued', heck she insisted on keeping casualties to minimum and Amur obliged with that. Amur's problem with all of this was simple: She didn't respect someone who she suspected was being so blatantly two faced. Then there was the explanation of the Sith Spawn. It came off so patronizing when it seemed like Calvic was clearly already familiar with what a Sith spawn was but wanted more specifics, were these mindless drones? Mutated sapients? Beast. Specifics please dear. Amur would let out a comment before following Xzaien to the transport.

"Xzaien dearie, do understand that if you want us to follow you with peace of mind, that you would be much better off being frank. I have no qualms of walking into a valley of death, I would prefer and trust those that inform me beforehand that that's what I'm doing."

Was it deliver in a condescending and spiteful tone? Maybe. Still this was aggravating for the Sith. She would use the ride to the cave system to revel in her doubt and anger. This better be worth it. Amur looked over all her weapons and did a final check before the Op. She didn't want another inconvenient jam. When the transport halted and then dep[osited them at the entrance a rather curious and familiar sight came up. A massassi sith. Amur couldn't help but grin this wasn't the first time she had an encounter with these feral and she wasn't going to let them play games with her. She ignitied her lightsaber and delivered an opening taunt one that could spare the Massassi.

"Nu zinot tnamli tave valia iv bars su nyâsh vel virsune ir tyűk na j'us. J'us gal buti âhci kalv kais zo forja ax j'us gal ayebi tave akiva iv tave viekis ir tnamli tu'iea prievole an anas iv tiesa midwan."

Amur started channel the force getting ready to use her power to squash this man if he provided resistance. The Massassi seemed to pause shocked that someone knew Ancient Sith and seemed to be pondering something leaving stunned for a few seconds trying to decide on something.

@Algarus @samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty

 

[Arial Calvic]

The answer from the Cathar woman was the most obvious 'non-answer' she had heard in some time. Yea, the scientists and researchers might not have gone to their death, but how was she to know if there hadn't been some cheap mercs brought in to inspect the dangers before hand; well, she didn't. Still, seeing the level of work that the Cathar woman was show casing, Arial came to accept that their lives were not to be thrown away during this operation, this was a genuine attempt to reach the map; if that route was painted with blood wasn't something she'd get hung up on. Xzaien wasn't some innocent little Cathar, clearly not, but she seemed to be the sort of woman who knew what she wanted; and if she wanted the star map, she would be making sure that she was getting her star map.

Arial was hoping for more specifics on what Sith Spawn they would encounter, but Xzaien's answer seemed to indicate there may or may not be beasts one would want to avoid. It wasn't exactly helpful info, but it at least let her know of potential danger; though if they ran into a Sith Spawned Rancor her only plan was hightail it out of there. She took note of the Orion guards, namely the squad leader and his...unique taste in armor; which was rewarded with a stern gaze from the former agent. She could only hope they weren't actual Mandalorians, but that hardly mattered, if she had to tolerate being in their vicinity for a short period she would.

Arial felt her stomach turn as they boarded the speeder, namely from Xzaien referring to herself and the party 'dear friends'; which only confirmed the type of woman Arial pegged her for, an opportunistic backstabber. She just had the best of luck finding employers. The woman's helm would retract into it's defensive form, as the armored plates enclosed around Arial's head, as the speeder would take them into the lush jungles of Yavin. Soon, they were in position, as their group began to dismount. Arial held her rifle at the ready, knowing that at any moment this mission could go south real quick. She was proven right, as a Massassi made itself known, drawing a small bit of shock from Arial, as she brought up her rifle, aimed at the beasts skull, only to stop from pulling the trigger as their Sith companion began to shout at him with what she believed might have been a sith language.

@samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty @Caught in Strangereal

 

[Mephetch Tsississ]

Meph shifted a bit on his feet as the questions got answered, mentally taking notes about that. But he still was confused about what Sith spawn was. Oh well, he'll see when they'll meet one. As they moved away, he suspiciously looked at the Omega squad, not really trusting him or what.

While they traveled with the speeder, he checked his weaponry to be sure that it was ok and battle-ready. Satisfied, he idly worked on his vibrosword, making sure it was as sharp as ever. As they arrived to their destination, he looked around, blasters in hand, scanning the surroundings with his predatory eyes. A susupicious sound made him jerk and fe found himself face to face with the Massassi, who was quite impressive since he was larger than the already large Trandoshan. He took a few steps back, ready to fight, but he looked confused at Amur as she spoke. He didn't know it was Ancient Sith, and he thought she was saying gibberish.

 

[Xzaien]

Xzaien never really responded to Amur's questioning. It would seem that Xzaien were hell bent on getting the job done and getting it done quickly. It was uncanny to see such focus and ambition outside of the Sith Empire's Borders and yet, here she stood. The while she exited the troop transport with her followers, her eyes quickly darting from the Massassi Scout back to Amur as she spoke in the Ancient Tongue. Did her curiosity get peaked. Was it infact possible for the Massassi to be their guide? Their guide to greatness? It was to be seen.

Xzaien's men were extremely quick to react to the Massassi whom appeared out of the brush nearby. Each one of them taking aim at the Massassi Scout as he stood stunned for a few moments. The Orion Squad Leader spoke up to Xzaien, his extremely heavy Concord Dawn accent punching through his helmet's vocabulator. It would appear the tone of his voice was calm and collected. Definitely a Mandalorian Trait.

"Xzaien, Ma'am. We lost three good men to these savages. I don't think /it/ can be reasoned with beyond whatever that Sith Spook is speaking. Better off to blast the man and be done with it." ​

Xzaien however, was less than pleased with her Sergeant's wording and clear disdain. She made sure to put venom in her words.

"Sergeant. Be respectful, he is our /guest/ presently. And do show respect to our friends. As the consequence for otherwise would be most... deadly."​

The Sergeant looked shocked for a few moments, judging by his sudden tensing up. He nodded briefly.

"Yes Ma'am."​

Xzaien turned toward the Massassi and greeted him in a strangely cordial tone, yet for Ancient Sith it was primitive and guttural much like the Sith Species. This vital nugget of information would give both Arial and Mephetch an idea who she really was.

"Vina Dolega. (See Tujenti Valia Kia thine magistrates ir assist Nuyak followers, ir Vina friends Kia Vesti Nun Kia Sis starmap. Ar j'us Isar Nenx. Nu Valia Zinot your Sodzius wiped Niant Tave face iv Sis pathetic Visuom. Zhol Kash your Siurk Nuyak Dolega. Suta your Tauta, Ax Mrias alongside Savimi."
​

The Massassi suddenly tensed up, he raised his club in defiance briefly that is, until his self preservation instinct took over. The Troopers surrounding the gang cocked their arms at the Red Skinned brute. With he lowering his club and adopting a submissive posture at Amur. He began to speak, it was something like Ancient Sith yet far more primitive and sputtering. It was extremely difficult to understand even by Sith Standards, yet he declared quite obviously that he would attempt to lead them toward the Star Map. He nodded at Amur and began to walk his way into the Cave... followed by Xzaien's goons.

"Let us go shall we?"

​

With that, Xzaien entered behind her followers dissapearing quickly into the Cave's darkness. If the rest of them chose to follow along the gang would enter a massive sprawling cave ravine after about five minutes of walking in near pitch black environs. On the other side of the cavern over a natural bridge across the rave would be a massive pile of bones located in a large circle. Those attuned to either the Light or Dark Side of the Force can feel a deep sense of cold, and uneasiness wash over them as they gaze upon the bones located at the other end of the cavern and those by their feet. Just nearby in several directions lay the body of what look to be an Ancient Jedi, judging by his rotted blue robes. It would appear he was a battle master judging by his armor which lay rusted and broken in several places. The rest of the bones were less high class. Many of which still mummified by the relatively arid environment. All walks of life would lie here. Bodies of Farmers, Sith Troopers, and Bounty hunters all killed. By which means, were not obvious.

However the rest of the area was great in size, and massive. With the ravine spanning across length-ways separating the two platforms from each-other by a simple natural rock bridge. With likely more bodies laying in the ravine itself below. It were quiet, far too quiet to be natural with only a small bit of sunlight beaming through a crack in the rock wall.

Past the piles of bodies on the the far side of the ravine located in the circle, seemed to have been dropped there intentionally likely as a place to sacrifice the unworthy to whatever Dark Being lives here. There was a presence. It could be felt by everyone, but whom it was- was nearly impossible to tell. All converging to an oddly placed, Massive metal door just in-front of the pile of bones. This was too easy... far too easy.

@samdragon
@Algarus
@Caught in Strangereal

 

[Amur]

If anything place could ever scream dark and foreboding this would be it. Yet their seemed to nothing inherently dangerous. Just the sloshing of an underwater stream, the echoes that could carry every single drip and footstep. The bodies were at this point the cherry on top of this eerie atmosphere. Amur could feel the darkness creep up her back like a chill that aimed to slowly paralyze one. Amur was always looking around waiting for something to come. A creature ambushing from the top in the pure darkness of the cavern's roof. A hail of small flying sith spawn to harass and attack, or for the ledge to simply give way and send the entire party falling to their deaths. The worse part though was nothing ever came it was just the quiet. Finally they came across a pile of bones in front of a metal door. This was just wrong it had trap written all over it. Still you didn't run instead if this was constructed through the lens of a Sith then it would be a trial. The strong may prevail through, while the weak are sacrificed.

"Alright clearly these bodies are here for a reason so lets be prudent. I'm going to cut a hole in the door, I don't trust it to stay open. If anyone has welding putt keep that in mind, we might have to seal this on our way out." The scorched acolyte then took out her lightsaber but hadn't ignited it yet instead she had one last thing to impart.
I'd suggest you take positions around the door; however, keep in mind that we could be attacked from anywhere for we all we know the door is a red herring."

The Sith would wait a minute allowing everyone to take positions and set up before the red blade finally sprung to life. She would hold the blade with two arms and carefully start to cut away to make a double width entry point for them to enter. The second her blade made contact she could feel the shivering intensify as if the black hand of the darkside was trying to drag her down into the ground but she persevered. Letting the feeling became one with her and seizing by the small of it's metaphorical back. It did take longer than normal roughly a two minute process. The metal was clearly imbued with the darkside. The inhabitants where likely a once powerful and secluded sect of Sith or other darkside practitioners. Once the finally bit of the cut had been finished filling the corridor with the stench of molten metal. Amur give a small light push and then strained as she tried to use the force to let the cut section fall gently. There was a thud but it was much quieter than had it just fallen of it's own gravity. Now the inky black void of the new corridor stood before them.

@Algarus @samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty

Spoiler: ooc

Rolled for cutting open the door (success)

 

[The Storyteller]

​

Amur's blade easily cut through the door. Only after a good ten minute long series of cutting did the door's locks finally give way with the door automatically sliding into a hidden floorboard. Revealing the room before them. Directly ahead lay a series of rusted metal flooring opening up into a massive room which appeared to be made of a hexagon. A symbolic feature? Nevertheless the room itself was dark that is until one of Xzaien's troopers took point and entered at which the lights suddenly switched on. Basking the room in a dull red light. Inside there were hardly any signs of life save for doors leading into other sectors of the hexagonal main room. In the center of the room lay what looks like a extremely advanced command console with a duct leading up presumably toward the surface.

The stones in the room themselves were made of a sort of limestone like substance which squished beneath feet unnaturally. Columns bearing odd symbols stood holding up the ceiling in the room. As the group entered, the non force sensitives could hear a voice in their minds. One of chaos and pain, calling for them to do the unthinkable to their team. To those who were of Xzaien's Followers gripped their heads in pain. All save for the Orion Squad Leader who seemed to be oblivious to the situation of their men.

​

At least one of the Troopers can be heard muttering something to himself. While others would start flinching at unseen shadows. One man who seemed to be the most high willed suddenly dropped his rifle, it clattering to the floor as he began screaming at unknown figures. However, one of the Troopers would turn. With him removing his helmet from his head and holding his blaster carbine with one hand. He'd look somewhat entranced by something as he stared at Xzaien he spoke with a sickeningly calm tone as he stated.

"Good Men kill Intruders..." ​

He suddenly raised his blaster at Xzaien. In a flash the Orion Squad Leader leaped in-front of Xzaien as the insane man fired off five shots. With each of the five striking the Orion Squad Leader in the chest and helmet. The only words he managed to get out;

"NO- WHAT ARE YO-" ​

Before he collapsed to his knees and died almost instantly. That only left a few other non insane Troopers to attempt to restrain the insane Trooper. However, two of three of them seemingly succumbed to the same insanity which caused one of them to turn against Xzaien. In a quick flash, one of the insane troopers took aim at Amur, and upon letting off a single shot he was grabbed by the only remaining Sane trooper and forcefully taken down to the ground. However, with the other four insane Troopers standing and ready to kill them. Save for one singular man, who tackled one of the four to the ground. It was now just pure unrefined shock and combat that would see the members of the Team carry the day...

/Combat Initialized: 4 Hostiles. 1 Unable to React.

@Caught in Strangereal
@Algarus
@samdragon

 

[Arial Calvic]

Arial was rather surprised to learn the Massassi before her was to serve as their guide, to which she lower her guard, moving to the side as she would let the group get to work. She glanced towards the cave that they were to go towards and shivered as she felt something unnatural repulse her. Part of her wanted to ask if she could remain outside, but she wasn't getting paid to do that, not to mention she wasn't a coward, so she went in anyways. She couldn't feel the force, but even she knew there was something off about this place, and the further they delved she only felt more justified in her belief of that. Arial was thankful she had visibility in this place, because even she was beginning to be unnerved by it.

As they came upon the door, she glanced towards the soldiers, expecting them to have ordinance capable of blowing the door open, but to her surprise the Sith stepped up to do the job. Taking note of the bodies littering the floor, the former agent took several steps away, suspecting there to be trickery afoot before the Sith commented on it. Taking a kneeling position ten feet away from the Sith, Arial kept her rifle at the ready as the Sith began to cut into the door. "I need to get one of those." She muttered, wondering if Soran might help her make one in the future.

As the door was open and the group began to move in, Arial felt her danger sense flare up, as something felt very wrong about this place, more so than the cave this tomb resided in. She had only started to take note of the odd symbols of the place, before all hell broke loose. As the Orion soldier began to shout and grab his head, which prompted Arial to move away from him. "Do your guys usually do this?" She asked, as she leveled her weapon and withdrew. As the situation escalated and the squad leader fell over dead, Arial had enough of this tomb. Arial tried to help the two troopers with their insane comrade, but as she fired off a shot, the crazed soldier had moved, allowing one of the same troopers to catch a stun shot to the back, letting the insane trooper overpower the remaining soldier. "Damn it!" Arial swore, as she attempted to realign her shot. This mission had gone south far to quick for her liking.

@samdragon

 

[Mephetch Tsississ]

Like probably all the others of the group, also Mephetch was quite surprised at seeing the Massassi collaborate, but he still kept his blasters out, not trusting him an inch. As they proceeded in the cave, he looked around, a low growl coming from his throat. He didn't like this, at all.

As they came in the room, he tilted his head looking at the door, and wanted to ask something but the Sith had the idea of opening it with her lightsaber, so he kept his muzzle shut, getting ready to shoot in case something came out of that door. Honestly he was a bit surprised as nothing happened as the door opened, and he relaxed some, but kept his blasters armed and ready for fighting.

He looked around the large room, his mouth lightly agape in awe. "Wow... what a plassse... I have the sssussspicion sssomething dangerousss or dark hidesss here..." he thought aloud in Basic, and then jerked as the soldier suddenly got mad and started shooting, the Trandoshan quickly turning, aiming his blasters at the remaining soldiers. "Come on guysss, can't we try reasssoning?" he asked with a friendly smile.

 

[Xzaien]

Xzaien was... not very pleased. She had only recently turned them, now they repay her by shooting down her best Field Sergeant? Not. Cool. As her expression changed from a cordials that looked somewhat uncaring in a way. It changed immediately to a sudden angry scowl as she sidestepped the body and swung her right arm back behind her.

"MUST I DO EVERYTHING MYSELF?!"​

The turned Troopers at least the one with his helmet off looked shocked as Xzaien seemingly conjured lightning out of nowhere, It concentrating in her now bright blue fingertips. To onlookers it would seem a bright crackling halo of lightning surrounded the Tiny Cathar, with its beams not being particularly straight nor refined as most would like. It was nevertheless terrifying to behold. At this range the hairs upon everyone's skin can be felt standing up.

​

In a flash of magnificently colored lightning, Xzaien's right hand shot forth at the Unhelmeted Trooper. His face a mixture of shock and awe. Time would seemingly slow down as the Lightning fired streaked across the room, connecting squarely against the Trooper's breastplate. As he fell backward a gaping black hole was seen in his chest as he connected with the floor. His face still a mix of terror and confusion. What did happen however, was that the Lightning cut straight through the first trooper. Connecting squarely against the man behind him who was just raising his blaster, Then somehow arcing past him, and around. Striking the Insane Trooper who was trying to beat the only sane trooper to death with his fists. Connecting with his back with a sickening clap of thunder and cutting straight through him. It was only dissapated only when it struck the rock wall beyond. The light show suddenly stopped, with a somewhat panting Xzaien holding the pose she used to kill the First man. Hand forward, pointer and middle fingers pointed... which smoked slightly. The room was quickly filled with the smell of burnt flesh as Xzaien easily dispatched the insane troopers. They were all clearly, dead. Save for one who had his Helmet Visor cracked, and with only a confused bright orange eye peering through.

The last remaining Trooper was breathing heavily, somewhat shaken by his Master's display of power. Four men killed with one bolt. Xzaien took initiative by walking over and offering a hand to the downed trooper. First gripping his hand with a single hand then attempting to pull, just barely him off the floor. She then made a somewhat embarassed looking face as she took him with both hands and yanked him up to standing. If can be noted, that Xzaien was a full head and Shoulders shorter than him... which was to be expected.

"Thank you Madam."​

The trooper lean't over and picked up his discarded blaster carbine.

If anyone bothered to Gaze upon's Xzaien's eyes they would be the color of a blazing Red, which was slowly dissipating into a bright colorful Blood Orange. She turned to the rest, still somewhat panting from that display. Her next comment sounding oddly calm.

"Let us move on shall we?"
​

@Caught in Strangereal

 

[Amur]

An interesting fustercluck had broken out in front of the sith. The goons had decided that their new temple voices were much more appealing that the will of Xzaien's and turned on everyone. Amur couldn't help but just sit back after opening the door in amusement. Xzaien got pissed and the reptile also seemed more content to sit back. Amur couldn't help but to feel a bit sorry for Arial, who likely was now realizing just what a karking crazy person she agreed to be her employer. The Scorched Acolyte would walk over to Arial she wouldn't dare try to touch her for suspicion that Arial would try to cut off her hand.

"Relax we still need to keep going." Might have seemed out of place for a sith to talk to someone like that but Amur just wanted everyone calm and possessing a favorable disposition of her. The Acolyte's thoughts turned to Xzaien watching the humorous display as she struggle to lift the remaining trooper who towered over her and well part of her wanted to kill the tension a bit.

"I'm good to move but if you want I can head back and get a step ladder for you." Maybe Xzaien would freak out to the tease or pretend to not acknowledge the comment, or file that under "Reasons to later mount that karking Sith's head on a spike" but Amur didn't really care right now.

@Algarus @samdragon @Xanthum the Mighty

 

[Arial Calvic]

The crisis at the moment was quickly and swiftly dealt with, as Arial stepped back in time to avoid being burned alive by the torrent of lightning that her benefactor sent forth. She watched the four men topple over dead, their bodies smoldering and smoking from the attack, as Arial gave a skeptic glance back towards Xzaien. Why was she here again? She could only wonder, as the woman clearly didn't need any help defending herself. "Well, glad that's over." She said, stepping away from the carnage and towards her group. Amur had tried to calm her, though Arial was already calm, if anything she was weirded out by the Sith's attempt of being the negotiator, as well as her benefactor using jazz hands to kill her own soldiers. "So, who's taking lead?" Arial asked, turning towards her group as she was ready to take up the rear flank once more as they would press deeper into the tomb. She could only wonder who the hell she was working for.

@Xanthum the Mighty @Caught in Strangereal @samdragon