Hou Ro #1

Menat Ombo City
-It’kla District

Habib rests on a bale-bale in the side garden of his small house, the relative calm was broken only by the sound of fighters from Jeth's Legacy roaring overhead on there way to Honunom. Habib laid back watching the sky between the leaves of a tree that were gently swaying in the breeze when K'Nah approached him, “Sayangku, could you go to the market with me, I feel uncomfortable when I go alone.” Habib set up, wearing just his under tunic and pants from his jedi robes, “i'll have to change first, let me get something more appropriate on.” K'Nah nodded, “i'll get K'Habiba ready too.” Habib changed clothing into normal civilian attire and his wife prepared there daughter for the outing. Together they make there way to the Visulu Markets.

-Visulu Markets

the market was bustling, the smell or cured meats, exotic plants and animals filled the air. “What do we need to get here?” Habib asked his wife. “hmm I want to make that fruit crusted you like so much” K'Nah's smill shows in her eyes. “the one made of Muja fruit?” Habib asked excitedly. The excitement was short lived for habib as he overheard a delivery man speaking to a local vender “...yea you heard about it yet?” the delivery man continued, “ those 'hairy-conans' what ever there called attacked a convoy!” “so that's what all the fuss was about, them jedi took off not to long ago headin' out that'a way.” the vender points of towards Honunom. The delivery man responds “Ay, I think there’s gonna be trouble fer anyone with blue skin.” the two begin the chuckle. K'Nah rest her hand on Habibs arm, “Are you alright?” she asked softly. “I'm ok, no worries, now lets go find some Muja fruit” Habib smiles.

Hononum Desert
War Chief’s Tent

Akhera looked sharply at Krandon, “It may be an individual decision, Knight Rowella. However, I was tasked with putting an end to this nonsense. That is exactly what I plan on doing. If you choose to side with the Harakoans and assist them, it’s your choice.”

Krandon stared at her for a moment, the harsh lines in his face growing uncertain, “But, how are we to learn what we are supposed to do without learning from our mistakes?”

Akhera shook her head, “Most of you are converts, Knight Rowella. You’ve lived the mistakes which is more than post padawans can say. However, I will not stay in your way should you choose one or the other. Nor will there be repercussions for your actions, I will see to that.”

Krandon and Korroth shared a look and nodded. Korroth took his turn to speak, “As you wish, Councilor Nol.”

She smiled softly, “Do what you feel is best. Afterwards, we will discuss it privately so as not to embarrass anyone.”

She looked at her three companions, “Now, if you’ll excuse me…I need some fresh air.”

The three Jedi nodded before moving to different areas to meditate.

Hononum Desert
War Camp Outskirts

Akhera stood at the edge of the camp deep in thought. She sighed softly and shook her head, “Which side is right? I was tasked with ending this…but, I don’t know how. Why would the High Councilor give me a task I’m not suited for?”

On silent tri-toed feet, Quejo approached the young Cathar and addressed her in deep rumbling Basic, “What is the problem, Akhera?”

She started at the sound, “M…Master Quejo…I didn’t hear you approach.” She bowed slightly, “Please, forgive me.”

Quejo gave off a laughing sound, “Do not stand on ceremony out here. I don’t think it means much if no one can see it. Now, you seem to be having a problem.”

Akhera nodded, “I am, Master. I do not know which side of this problem is right and I feel as though the High Councilor tasked me with something I cannot handle. I do not know how to proceed and I worry that I won’t live to his expectations.”

Quejo watched her for a few minutes, forming his response carefully, “Akhera, the right path is the one you feel deserves the most exposure. How do you see this conflict?”

She sighed again, “Master…this conflict has no point. They will never see eye to eye and the problem lies in the atrocities already preformed. They’ve been inflamed against each other for the last time. I think only violence will solve this…and that doesn’t sit well with me. I do not like the idea of violence for any reason.”

Quejo shook his head, “There is always an answer, Akhera. You just need to find it.”

Akhera nodded, “I will look harder, Master. Does anyone else know you’re here?”

Quejo shook his head again, “No one knows. Please keep it to yourself, Akhera. It will be revealed in time and I have my own reasons for being here.”

Akhera shrugged, “No one will hear of it from me, Master. Do what you must.”

She heard the Ithorian walk away the same as she heard him approach, which is to say not at all. She sighed softly, looking out across the sand, “Violence is imminent…there will be blood covering the sand soon.”

She closed her eyes for only a moment before sinking to her knees. Tears openly poured down her face as she thought about the coming conflict, “So many will die and nothing will bring them back. This is idiotic.”

With a howl of frustration, she pounded her fists into the sand. She wiped her face slowly, standing after a few more moments of kneeling. She turned to back to the camp to see a Harakoan watching her.

Her face seemed devoid of emotion as she approached him. She spoke to him in Harakose, “Inform the War Chief that we will ride with him when the time comes. Inform him that we will find a resolution to this one way or the other.”

She motioned for him to depart and he shook his head muttering as he left. She looked back towards the desert for a moment, “There must be a way to get them to work together…who is there that we have that can further assist us in this matter?”

Akhera stood there for a moment before returning to the main tent.

Severon stood a good way from the main tent, his head bent. His expression was one of sadness, which appeared to sink his eyes further into his skull. His hood was raised, giving him the appearance of a Sith. "I can't see it..." he muttered.

He paced across the ground, shaking his head all the while. "It is too difficult. There is too much at stake. Peace is shattered." As he finishes speaking, a vision rushes in his sight, as if summoned by the Aldraanian's thoughts.

Octavian runs into battle ahead of the Yridian Suface Command forces of Tarentum, vibrosword and blaster raised. Men, on both sides, fall to the earth, not to move again.

Severon shakes his head in an attempt to clear the vision. "No, it will not be like that, not this time."

Octavian stumbles under fire, his uniform burning from the blaster shots. He rests on his knees for a while, gazing at Severon in pain and confusion.

Severon fell to his knees, beating the sand with his fists. "No," he screams. "Not again, I can stop it!"

Octavian lies in Severon's arms, dying. He breathes ragged and tells Severon of the beyond. Pain rushes through Severon as he dies...another victim of war.

A primal roar issues from Severon's throat and echoes through the surrounding area. A Harakoan nearby hunches in fear, his spear raised. Severon rose from the ground and turned. The Harakoan trembled, but kept his spear ready, knowing the grey was extremely volatile.

Severon waved his hand dismissally at the Harakoan, and walked toward the main tent, his blood boiling. "This war shall not happen. I will make it so."

The four Jedi, scattered among the Tythonians, many of them shaking in terror, others (the more stalwart and experienced of the group) were silent as they awaited the charge. The caravan was surrounded and Harakoans mounted on all manner of creatures bore down upon them. Ryujin held his ignited saber high. Though he was no longer a Dark Sider, this was clearly a case of defending innocent lives from aggression. "Steel yourselves!" he shouted above the clamor of pounding hooves. Beside him the leader of the caravan, a being named Ascero, nodded to him deferentially, pulling his flechette cannon tightly against his shoulder.

As the Harakoans came within range, the Tythonians opened up with a plethora of antique weapons. Beams of light pierced fur and flesh, as massive banthas crumbled to the ground. Slugs and shrapnel burned into the flesh of the speedy eopies, sending their riders flying as they crashed face first into the sand. Every weapon present fired rapidly into the oncoming horde, but it was far from slowed. "Slaughter them all my friends!" yelled Ascero as the first wave of Harakoans crashed into the protective circle of speeders. Those on mounts threw spears or shot arrows, piercing and impaling the Tythonians before the unmounted braves even had the chance to scramble up over the makeshift fortification. Sabers glowing, the Jedi formed a circle around the unarmed civilians cowering in the bed of a large, wheeled vehicle resting in the center of the formation. Holding their ground, they killed only when a Harakoan charged the truck.

In the outermost ring the carnage continued. Blood sprayed from open wounds, while pus and seepage leaked from cauterized blastermarks. The dead lay everywhere but still the Harakoans charged the few remaining vehicles again and again. Blocking an axe swinging at his midsection with the butt of the flechette cannon Ascero kicked out against his assailant, shoving him backward and giving the Tythonian the few feet he needed to bring the deadly weapon to bear against his enemy. An enemy he promptly shot in the face. As gore exploded outward, propelled by the molten-hot shrapnel entering the skull the Harakoan fell backward. Dead or critically maimed (Ascero sincerely hoped dead), the man continued to fight. Aside from the Jedi holding the middle pocket open, only his speeder remained a bastion of Tythonian resistance.

Sparing a glance toward the last resisting speeder as he lopped off yet another Harakoan's arm, sending him sprawling to the ground and shrieking in pain, Ryujin saw the last Tythonian fall before Ascero was smashed over the head by a wicked looking club and dragged out of the vehicle, squirming and fighting all the way. Only the four Jedi remained. On all sides Harakoans whooped and cheered. Some carried away wounded, but most carried away struggling prisoners, hands bound and wounded. Still more stood mere feet away from the Jedi. Waiting for... something.

Suddenly the ground began to shake. The Harakoans before Sa Ool and Guinevere parted, exposing a giant bull bantha, pawing at the dirt and frothing at the mouth. The Harakoans had clearly moved several vehicles to give the animal space to charge. The two Jedi dropped down into fighting stance as, with a roar, the creature charged. Jewelry and ornamentation hung from both the animal's horns as well as its intricately tattooed and pierced lips. Its rider, clearly a man of rank, was equally decorated, covered from head to toe in tattoos and bangles.

Gathering his courage Sa Ool broke from Guinevere and charged straight for the bantha. Shocked into immobility Guinevere was suddenly overtaken by several Harakoans, who promptly tore her lightsaber from her grasp and wrestled to the ground. Seeing their comrade fall, both Ryujin and Kira raced toward her, only to be tripped up by masses of lithe Harakoans taking advantage of their lack in concentration, before being equally disarmed and restrained. Only Sa Ool remained, running straight toward the charging monstrosity.

With mere feet to spare the Kel'Dor leapt clear over the bantha, preparing to land atop it and strike down the rider. However in midair he was suddenly struck by a brutal lash, clean across the chest. He could feel himself bleeding as he crumbled to the ground, breath knocked clean out of his lungs. With a satisfied groan the bantha slowed, reins pulled tightly by the rider, who leapt from the beast, carrying what looked like a three meter long switch--clearly the item which had whipped Sa Ool so brutally. Seeing the Kel'Dor still immobile on the ground, the war leader motioned slightly with his hand. "Take him," was all he said before turning back to the truck.

"Yes Lord Kahungunu," answered a Harakoan as he disarmed and restrained the Jedi.

The truck was alight with activity. Women and children screamed, while men fought with fist and tooth to prevent being taken. Regardless, all were torn from the safety of the flatbed and thrown over the backs of mounts which promptly galloped East one by one, toward the rising moon and the main Harakoan war camp.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Chief Whenua's Mounted Yurt

Exasperated, the Jedi (Akhera, Severon, and Krandon--Korroth had since disappeared) surveyed the scene laid out before them. They stood on the forward facing balcony of a mobile tent carried on massive poles stretched betwixt two enormous banthas, now stationary. "You see?" fluted Whenua musically. "Our determination and kinship with nature supersedes the invaders' technology. For we have captured the entire caravan. Bring forth the Jedi-prisoners!" shouted the war chief to the assembled crowd below. All around the oasis the war party had temporarily stopped at thousands of Harakoans sat, perched on ridges eager to see what would happen to the perpetrators of their misery.

Still struggling, Ryujin, Guinevere, Sa Ool, and Kira were brought to the small, open area directly in front of the bantha-carried tent. "Undo their bindings and return their lightsabers," demanded Whenua. "Jedi. Let it be known that you fared well at our hands. We recognize your service to us and repay it in kind."

"Whenua!" shouted Ryujin as his restraints were removed and his saber handed back to him. "Many have died! Release these prisoners as a show of good faith." The Harakoan chief only smiled at this before turning to his lieutenant Kahungunu and nodding slightly. The decorated Harakoan bowed deeply before whistling something unintelligible in Harakoan, upon which dozens of Harakoan braves descended upon the rest of the bound captives with knifes and axes. Blood sprayed in all directions and all seven of the Jedi ignited their sabers as one.

Seeing this the hundreds of Harakoans populating the ridge, surged downward into the basin of the oasis. Women and children, shouting and cheering, surrounded the carnage going on in the center, preventing the Jedi from gaining entry. Behind the Jedi in the tent Whenua's personal guard stood in a combat stance, ready to prevent any action against their beloved war chief. "We march on Menat Ombo next, Akhera," said Whenua without breaking his gaze from the scene below. "If you and your friends leave now you will beat us there."

Disgusted beyond words, Akhera and her two compatriots leapt from the balcony, landing beside Ryujin and the others below. "Come on!" she yelled over the commotion. "We have to reach the capital and inform the others!" Taking one last forlorn look at the scene before them the group scampered up the dunes, racing at full speed toward their fighters.

Whenua smirked as the Jedi disappeared over the ridge. "Bring me the leader," he chirped in Harakoan. "What is his name? Ascero? What silly names these invaders have."

Minutes later Whenua's aide raced into the chamber, alone and out of breath. "Great chief! Their leader is not among your personal captives!"

"Was he killed with the others?" inquired Whenua.

"No! His guards were both slain by a lightsaber and his tracks set off in the direction of Menat Ombo"

"A lightsaber?!" shouted Whenua with fury. "Break camp immediately and make for the Jedi city!"

Trekking across the open desert, the opposite way his fellows had gone, Quejo made haste. The footprints he followed would only be good for a short time, given the violent wind which was beginning to kick up. Steeling himself against the sandblast, he pulled his cloak tightly around him. Although it seemed like hours since he saw the lightsaber wielding Ascero murder his guards and flee the camp, the Ithorian felt no closer to capturing his prey. His only regret was that he could not sense something amiss sooner.

Cresting a dune the Jedi finally got the glimpse he was hoping for. In the distance he could barely make out a small figure climbing into the cockpit of a T-65 X-Wing, glinting brilliantly , despite its age, in the morning light. As the repulsorlifts kicked in and the craft began to rise from the dusty ground Quejo pulled his comm from his belt and queued the High Councilor's private channel.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"Has it begun?"

"It has, master."

"Good, Sanguinius. Excellent," rasped the shrouded figure perched atop the holoprojector in Sang's X-Wing. "The Jedi suspect nothing?"

"By now they must," replied the Arconan. "You will arrive soon?"

"We will arrive in the Jedi city in less than six standard hours. Be ready," ordered the figure.

"Yes master."

"Oh and Sang. Take off that beard, you look hideous."

The Dark Jedi, amused, chuckled to himself as he sped toward Menat Ombo. He was admittedly surprised how far a touch of makeup and a fake beard would go in disguising oneself. "Not that any of the Tythonians would have known me anyway," whispered Sang to his loyal astromech. "Still, with all the Dark Jedi falling to the Light, better safe than sorry, eh?"

The R2 unit only tweetled in reply as the capital city crested the horizon.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"This Gand wonders whether he is a Sith or just a crafty human armed with a lightsaber."

"I assure you, High Councilor," spoke the Ithorian in stereo, barely audible over the wind of the desert. "At the speed he got through the desert he must have been drawing upon the Force. It's safe to say we're dealing with an infiltrator."

"And he is beyond your reach, great Quejo?"

"He is. It will take me some hours to hike back to my fighter. I will reestablish contact when I am returning to the city," shouted Quejo over the brewing storm

Setting aside his comlink Ji looked to his compatriots. "Whoever he is, he will not make for the spaceport in his ship. His agenda?"

"This Ascero has been the colonist driving the Tythonians to settle in the Honunom. It is probable that discord and internal violence are his goals. . It is unfortunate that we have no radar or sensors. I recommend we immediately disperse to the most vulnerable points throughout the city," chimed the robotic, clangy voice of Solari.

"Very well. You will remain with the Library. Elleron, secure the Abbey compound. Malik, the starport. I will make for the market place. Agreed?"

The series of affirmations were interrupted by Ji's comlink chirping yet again. As he depressed the button Akhera's voice burst through the small speaker. "...toward Menat Ombo! Repeat: Prisoners slaughtered. The Harakoan army is marching on the capital!"

Scratching his head in exasperation Ji attempted to calm both himself and his Aedile. "Very well, Akhera. Your location?"

"Five minutes out from the starport. But High Councilor! We must deal with this problem now!"

"This one is aware of the danger and it will be handled," responded Ji with a calmness he hardly felt. "Land at the spaceport, dispatch one of your Jedi to secure the Library, and then hunker down and protect the spaceport. Ji out."

"Protect the spaceport?! Why in the bl-" Akhera was quickly cut off as Ji disconnected the conversation and repocketed his commlink.

"It will take the Harakoans some days to arrive," volunteered Malik.

"Agreed. We should deal with this wayward Sith first," replied Elleron confidently.

"Our numbers have grown and we must utilize them. Solari and Murtallica will come with me to the plaza," answered Ji. "Malik, go collect Habib and begin to search the city. Keep your comlink on." The Neti nodded and the group of Jedi made for the door, lightsabers in hand.

~*~*~*~*~*~

"We must not allow these Harky savages to starve us!" shouted Sanguinius, still disguised as Ascero and using the derogatory term for Harakoans so popular among colonists. . "They hoard the best farmland in order to starve us and our children!"

Sang smiled a toothy grin as the crowd erupted in yet another uproarious cacophony of rage. "There is plenty of land on this world to share, and yet we are backed into its most desolate corners! We must stand together to prevent a genocide of our people!"

"Kill the blue-skinned freaks!" screamed a woman at the front of the crowd.

"They slaughtered innocent farmers!" shouted another man.

Suddenly the crowd's energy exploded into violence as a nearby Harakoan vendor dared flash the disguised Dark Jedi a rude gesture. No sooner had he done this than a dozen furious Tythonians were upon him, tearing his booth to pieces and pummeling the merchant with their fists. Mangos flew every which way as Harakoans fled the market plaza in terror, pursued by enraged Tythonians.

Turning from the scene before him, Sang, smile still stitched from ear to ear, turned and faded into the chaos, making for a back alley before the Jedi arrived. His ride would be touching down on the outskirts of the city within the hou-.

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a familiar sound. Standing before him, barely a meter and a half tall, was the High Councilor of the Jedi. Clad in brown and black robes and radiating a fury barely kept in check (and covering up a fair bit of astonishment) the Gand dropped into a combat stance. From behind him another saber ignited, and then another as the droid-Jedi and a younger man Sanguinius did not recognize rushed toward the scene.

Knowing better than to fight against these odds, Sang sprang. Leaping nearly straight up, the Dark Jedi clamored up the side of a building and disappeared over the roof. He could feel the Jedi hot on his heels as he sprung over a sidestreet onto an adjacent building, making for the edge of the city at full speed. His heart sank as he spared a glance at his chrono. Only thirty minutes, he thought to himself. [Expletive Deleted]. "This is about to get interesting."

Menat Ombo
Ordain Vonoro Spaceport

Akhera landed her craft followed by the members of Jeth’s Legacy and Krandon. She disembarked from her ship, signaling that the others form in front of her. She looked gravely at each one before speaking.

“The High Councilor has ordered us to seal off the spaceport and protect it. However, one of you must go to the Library and assist there,” she said speaking with hidden authority.

She leveled a finger at Severon, “You are dispatched to the Library to assist in any way you are needed. You are dismissed, Knight Vercingetorix.”

She looked at the remaining people, her face showing no signs of the previously visible nervousness. The large Nautolan stepped forward, “What will we do, Councilor?”

Akhera looked at Ryujin, “You will take two people with you and move ship by ship to ensure we are alone here.”

Ryujin nodded and motioned for Sa Ool and Kira to follow him. With firm resolve the three rearmed Jedi stalked from ship to ship. Akhera motioned to the remaining Jedi, “Krandon, you and Guinevere will stand at the primary entrance. I will move about the perimeter on my way to the secondary entrance.”

Krandon and Guinevere saluted and moved to take up their positions. Akhera turned and keyed her comlink to contact Ryujin, “Once completed with primary objective, select one to join me at the secondary entrance. Afterwards, you will continue to move be a roving security for the ships.”

Ryujin keyed the com in acknowledgement as she was approaching the secondary entrance. She unclipped her saber from her sash and moved to stand in the dark shadows cast by the palisade.

Menat Ombo City
-It’kla District
+Habib's house

Habib and his little family enjoy a home cooked meal ending with his wife's Muja fruit crusted. Habib looks at his wife and daughter, “You know, since the house members are all out doing what they do, i'm off duty for awhile, why not we take a vacation?” “K'Nah replies “Were are you wanting to go?” “Hmm how about we go and visit the beaches on Kamuekiko, its peaceful and the sea is warm, what do you think?” Habib asked his wife. “I supposes, it would be nice to get away from the city” K'Nah stated. “Ok lets do it! We can take the privet craft, that way we don't have to worry about heading into the city, and it will make it more … privet.” Habib gestures to his wife causing her to blush and shyly smile.

They pack there bags and a few other items and load there privet shuttle. “We have everything?” Habib asked his wife who was carrying there daughter and shoulder bag. “I believe so.” K'nah looks around. “Ok lets head out!” Habib exclaimed as he starts up the crafts engines and they roar off to the southeast toward Kamuekiko. While they were passing over the main square of Menat Ombo, Habib could barely make out the scene. K'Nah looks at Habib and asks “What do you think is going on down there?” “Ehh its nothing, probably some new event, they do that often, seems like every week.” Habib explained as they continued on there way.

Kamuekiko
-Tropical Zone
+Eastern Coast, Beach

Some hours have passed and the group finally landed on a white sandy beach on the eastern cost of Kamuekiko. The white sand of the beach was warm, the sky was clear and vibrant blue with a slight cool breeze, the smell of salt filled the air, the water was warm and crystal clear. They started to unload the belongings which included a prefabricated shelter unit kit that Habib started immediately to construct. K'Nah started to set up an area on the sand to relax and for there daughter to play. At that moment Habib received a broken audio message on his personal com “ -static- unrest -static- Habib re- static- Men -static- bo – static- disconnect-” “hmm that was odd...” Habib said. “what was that?” K'Nah asked her husband. “Not sure, it was to broken to understand. Hmm, no mater, lets enjoy the day” Habib smiles to his wife.

Transport ship

Kaira sat with Koga on a small transport ship coming into what they hoped would be there new home on New Tython. Both of them knew little about this world other then a small house of Jedi that were a new addition to the Brotherhood. They had chosen to try to hide out with in the one light side house a new start to raise their child in what they hoped to be a less violent up bringing.
Over the incom came the voice of there ships captain.

"It seems we might be a bit delated in landing folks. There is a riot under way in the main city on New Tython. We will be landing as soon as we have clearance into the spaceport in Menat Ombo. Sorry for the delay again."

Kaira let out a long sigh. They had chosen this transport for they felt they could blend in without questions being asked as to who they were. Right now, they look like a rich family on their way to a new home on New Tython. Kaira wore a deep purple dress. It was adoned with sliver beading at the hem and along the bodice. The belt was onxy in color but held her lightsaber. She had on a black traveling cloak that for now conseled the lightsaber from view.

The child in her arms was in a very frelly pink and white dress. She giggled at her father who was trying very hard to keep her ocupied so she didn't disturb the other passangers. He had on what he would normally wear any day. Long brown pants with high boots. His shirt was a cream color with a deep brown vest over it. He looked to his wife who had on a ring that looked much like the one he wore. Like his wife, he also was wearing a black traveling robe that hid not only his lightsaber but a blaster as well.

After the message from the captain ended, Kaira looked at Koga, "Here take Kystal. I am going to speak with the captain."

Koga looked at his wife with a frown as he took their daughter into his arms. "Don't cause trouble," he warned.

"Do I ever?" She said with a sly little smile as she watched her husband shake his head.

A moment later Kaira stood just out side the copit. She had already gotten past the droid that was on board to keep the passagers in there sits.

"Captain what seems to be the trouble with landing?"

"Spaceport in Menat Ombo is in lock down. Trying to get them to let us land. I am sure in a few moments we will be down there."

"Who has it locked down?"

"The Jedi that run the city."

"Put me on with the leader." Kaira put a bit of the force into how she said that making sure that he would do as she asked.

The captain then moved to allow her to use the com.

"This is Aedile Akhera Nol. We are in lock down no ships are to land right now at the spaceport Captain Weeble."

Kaira smiled as she took over for the captain. "Aedile Nol, This is Archpriest Kaira Rohana. Myself and husband are among the weary travelers on this transport. We have childern on board that need taken care of. Would you please allow us to land? I will bring us in myself if you would feel better about having a Jedi at the helm?"

Akhera took a moment before she came back on the com. "Rohana, you were not expected to be here yet. But your help as well as your husband’s would be nice to have right now. Please bring the ship in."


Spaceport

Akhera felt that with two more Jedi they would be better off if the riot made its way to the spaceport. Also she wanted to make sure that every one on that ship would be protected. If they were in the space over the city she could not be sure of that safety. For not at least the spaceport was not in the line of fire from the rioters so she felt that this would be the best time to have the ship come in.

It was about 15 minutes later as the transport ship was on its way into the main spaceport hanger. Akhera was there to greet the new arrivals to the city. As the transport ship opened, it was Kaira and Koga whom she saw first with a small child in Koga's arms.

Akhera motioned Kaira and Koga to one side and called RG-563 to stand near them. The droid looked impressive with the blaster cannon in its arms. She looked at the travelers, “If I may have your attention, I am Akhera Nol. We have space in the offices of the hangar that you will be comfortable in until the civil unrest is resolved. This shouldn’t take more than the remainder of the day at best. I apologize for this inconvenience, but for your own safety, the doors will not open until this situation is nominal.”

She pointed at 563, “You take the child to my quarters. Protect it at all costs and take the most direct path. No side trips this time or I’ll dismantle you to slag.”

The droid gave the semblance of a nod and took the child from Koga’s arms before departing. Akhera smiled lightly, “563 is a highly modified combat droid. The child will be safer with him than here. Now, you are to man the secondary entrance to the gate. Kira will be there to help you. I must maintain vigil over the bystanders here for the time being and assist them in any way I can.”

She paused for a moment after turning away. Looking back over her shoulder, she addressed the two new arrivals, "It is good to have you here. We are hoping not to have to fight here but who knows what will happen.”

Kaira looked at her new Aedile with wide eyes. "What was the cause of the riot?"

She asked as the other travelers learned who she and her husband really were. It seemed to not shock them much but if they knew that they were really Dark Jedi that might change their minds. Kaira and Koga both had a lot to learn on what it meant to be a Jedi over a Dark Jedi. Today seemed to be the start on that path as they went with Akhera to learn what was going on and how they could help.

Menat Ombo

Sanguinius swore under his breath as he sprinted across the rooftops, he could sense the blasted Jedi hot on his tail. How they had crept up on him, he didn't know. Probably missed them in the Force due to all the anger and hatred he sensed emanating from the Tythonians. He knew two of the Jedi after him, and while he may have been a tough veteran of Arcona, they still frightened him. The damn High Councillor himself was after him, and the do-gooder had brought along that bastard Solari and some stranger. They were herding him, the droid was somewhere down below in the dark alleyways, while the Gand and the human were corralling him in, trying to stop him from escaping to the starport.

Sang grinned, good thing he wasn't heading there. He glanced as his chrono, Blast, 20 minutes left. An unfamiliar shadow flickered over him, catching his eyesight. Side-stepping swifty to the right, he avoided the punch aimed at him from the stranger. The man was quick, but not quick enough mused the Templar. The Anaxsi swiftly retaliated, blocking another blow before lashing out with his left knee, which connected with the Odanite's stomach, causing the Jedi to drop to the floor in agony. Just as Sang brought his fist back to finish the job and knock the man out, something solid collided with him. Sending him sprawling to the ground groaning.

Rolling over, he saw the furious High Councilor standing over him, the ignited lightsaber of the Consular was shimmering in the dusty air. Sang spat savagely as he realised the predicament he was in. He was still in his Ascero disguise, but it wouldn't be long before the Battlemaster discovered who he really was. The Obelisk laughed as he stared up at Ji, "Should've known you would've caught me eventually eh?"

Ji glared at the Templar, "Who are you working for? The Dark Council? The Houses? Why do you come here to our world and do these things?"

Sang sneered with amusement, "I ain't telling you di'kut Jedi, but hey. Don't you recognise me High Councillor?"

Another shadow fell over Sang as the stranger got up off the floor, holding his hand to his stomach. "What are we going to do with him Master?" the man asked.

Ahh, thought the Entar, Seems I was wrong to think of the stranger as powerful. Looks like he's just a Padawan. Sang filed that information away for later use. He had to stall the Jedi for as long as possible in order to escape from this damn planet and complete the mission.

"We're going to see exactly who this sithspawn works for Murtallica." Ji replied.

A powerful presence revealed itself as the two Jedi spoke, distracting them to look over at the approaching Solari. As they looked over at the droid, Sang took the opportunity to escape. Activating a stun grenade, he flipped up off the ground, before jumping off the side of the building. Leaving the three Jedi to stand there motionless for a second before the grenade exploded, emitting a powerful blaze of light and a debilitating noise. Murtallica suffered the most, the Hunter was inexperienced in such weapons, but Solari compensated for the noise and light.

Sanguinius laughed as he ran down the alleyway, tugging off his beard and stripping off the clothes he wore as Ascero. Underneath he wore an all encompassing bodyglove. It would be useful for escaping the Jedi, especially as they were looking for Ascero. Discarding the clothes, the Entar continued to run, gasping for air as he checked his blaster and lightsaber were still with him. Thank Ferran, they were.

The Arconan could sense the combined anger of the three Jedi, the delicious irony delighted the Anaxsi, the three goody-two shoes were giving into their anger. Hopefully, he could make them embrace the Dark Side. The Brotherhood was weakened already from the Yuuzhan Vong, the Clans had been disbanded and the Houses were reformed. A bevy of Lightsiders were not needed. Already many Dark Jedi had been allured by them. Arcona's close ally Tarentum had suffered greatly from defecting brethren. Arcona had lost one, and the Shadesworn were determined to make the absconder suffer.

The Entar's job was to infiltrate the Odanites, to gain their trust, to root out any traitors to Tarentum and Arcona and to inform those more powerful than he of any he found. He had found the Arconan who had been tempted by these sissy lightsiders. He had informed the strike leader, he had arranged a war between the natives and the settlers. Much blood had been shed already. Sang mused, if the Arconans had gotten to this planet first, the Harakoans would've made excellent converts to the Dark Side. Always so eager to shed the blood of the settlers. But of course, the Obelisk had taken advantage of the xenophobia of the settlers. Humans were always easy to get riled up. We do seem to love a good riot. But at least I'm going to get rewarded for this, well, I'd better be rewarded for my work.

Sang slowed down as he reached the outskirts of Menat Ombo. He knew the three Jedi were still after him. The bloody High Councillor himself was personally after him, so Sang knew he had royally pissed off the Jedi. Because he had presented himself as a Lightsider, Sang had access to the com-channels of the Odanites, he had avoided the starport, being warned of countless sissy Jedi there. Not to mention that being an infiltrator allowed him now in his true guise to be able to walk among the Jedi and not be recognised as Ascero.

Sang heard voices coming from around the corner of the alleyway, he recognised them. It was some bloody Padawan who had always been here on New Tython. Now was the time to test his ruse was still working. Sang slipped around the corner and saw a female Hapan standing there, talking to three settlers. Seems she was mediating an argument between them and a solitary native. The Entar walked past here, ignoring her. But as he walked past, she recognised him and asked him to stop. Sang turned to reply, "Yes?"

"What are you doing here Jedi Tsucyra? I thought Jeth's Legacy had been ordered to patrol the Starport."

Sang tried to bluff his way through the question. "Master Ji wanted me to inspect the slums, seems the perpetrator of the uprising is hiding here."

The woman looked confused, "I've not been informed of that." she went for her comlink.

Sanguinius grimaced and slowly moved his hand towards his lightsaber, "There's no need for that Padawan."

"I must check in with the High Councillor Jedi Tsucyra."

As the Padawan thumbed her comlink on, Sanguinius brought his lightsaber up, ignited it and in one motion had bisected the woman diagonally, starting from her left hip to her right shoulder. The Jedi stared in shock at the Arconan before collapsing in two parts to the ground. The shocked settlers ran, while the bruised Harakoan fled in the opposite direction. The Templar growled in frustration. He didn't have time to track them down, plus he had given the blasted Lightsiders his position.

He glanced at his chrono once more and grinned. 8 minutes to go.

He glanced at his two companions. Both were, like him, former Consuls of Arcona. Both were, like him, deadly in their respective fields. Outside the viewport, a desert vista stretched on endlessly. None of them paid it any heed.

“Two minutes to we reach the city.” The pilot, Barusk, shouted out from the cockpit module.

Sashar nodded and gestured for Timeros Entar and Celahir Erinos to prepare themselves. Without further warning, he slapped the emergency release button on the hatch and threw himself from the opening, dropping like a stone into freefall. A pulse formed in the perfect blue sky, an ugly purple and black smudge. It coalesced rapidly into something resembling a massive avian easily the size of a landspeeder. It had two wings, a large, hunched back, mandibles, talons, claws and a spiked tail, but its skin was ephemeral, almost shimmering in the bright desert light. It also proved a nightmare to look at, its shimmering translucent skin constantly shifting and morphing. The…thing let out a roar and shot towards Sashar’s falling form, its beady blue eyes fixed on its master. No more than fifty meters from the ground, two huge claws snatched Sashar from death and stalled his landing, allowing him to touch down gently, not even bending his knees. No sooner than his feet touched the floor did four more blights on reality come to be, all roughly humanoid in their shape, but each with its own distinct unique features. One was a quadruped with triple-jointed limbs and elongated canine muzzle. Another was nearly three meters tall, skeletally thin, had the head of a reptilian avian and flaps of leathery skin between its arms and legs. Another was crouched low and had fiendishly powerful legs, webbed toes and fingers, suction cups on the tips of said appendages and a spine dotted with long, sharp looking spikes. The last had a body and musculature identical to Sashar, the head of a reek, and no less than eight tentacle-like appendages where its legs should’ve been. All had the same skin as the massive Drexl-like creature which had Stayed the Elder’s fall. All had identical copies of Sashar’s blue tri-pupilled eyes.

“Find Jafits Skrumm.” Sashar said to the Force Wraiths arrayed before him, his back to the city. As one, the beings shot off in different directions, whilst the Erinos stared over its expanse, probing the many beings through the Force.

-=[]=-

Timeros’s eyes snapped open. “Sang’s in trouble. He’s being pursued.”

“Where abouts?” Celahir asked, staring out of the open hatch at the sprawling city below.

“East quadrant. He’s moving away from the spaceport, and has three pursuers at present.”

The Kiffar nodded, his lightsaber ready in hand. Through the Force Chain he and Sashar had established, he felt his older brother begin his search.

“There!” Timeros exclaimed, then threw himself from the hatch as the AIC-4 obligingly dipped to allow him a small enough fall as not to shatter his legs. Celahir was a half-second behind.

They were in an alley. Sanguinus was against a wall, his saber in hand, lit and ready to defend himself. Advancing towards him, blocking the sole exit, was a gand, what appeared to be a droid, and a third being.

“I believe you have something of ours.” Timeros quipped, lighting his own saber, charging the Gand.

Final post coming this Wednesday!

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