Onderon

[Vladimir Faust]

The Countess' face twists, about to give a scathing retort, then finally speaks up, mastering her temper.

 

"Dxun. They get Dxun and we have the say before the Senate. Onderon and its jungles are ours, along with access to designated heritage sites on the moon. Would that state your greed for our land?" This might be a hard sell to the others, but compared to a complete take over of the planet, it would be best. The master fought hard to establish a Temple here, and be damned if they were going to let some Mandos ruin it.

 

****

 

Isel grimmaces, realizing he should have known the girl for what she was. "Ah," he explains smoothly. "I spend my time around a lot of artifacts that can be considered dangerous, tainted with the Dark side. I'm not an expert on the matter, but it wouldn't surprise me if some of that energy rubbed off after a while." Not entirely a lie really...

 

"I understand your predicament, but I had to ask. The knowledge contained there is... impressive and something I could spend lifetimes studying." He thinks a moment, pressing one hand to his forehead. "I have some friends in the nobility who are collectors and they in turn have friends with the local police and the like. It may take a bit of time, but I can place some calls. The incident unnerved a lot of people."

[Joreel Ordo]

Mandalore had quite enough of this ragtag noblewoman, and the only reason she had not been ushered out of the room was due to her obstinate position on the situation at hand. Whether Mandalore liked it or not, this woman and her shell of a man, or so he seemed, had as much to say as the annoyed voice of Iziz as he did at this table. However, that did not mean Mandalore had to sit idly by while she made untrue allegations and slanderous marks toward his people. As Ordo stood to retort, he was interrupted by the woman in beskar'gam of familiar form who came up with most interesting a point. To this Mandalore listened but hastened to return his word.

 

”œI have not forgotten, nor would I have ever forgotten, the people of Iziz, the ancient Onderonian people will always have their own voice, one I do not wish to silence. Yet, I feel giving up Iziz is too far. My people live in a shanty encampment kept running by pure will at this point. Drexls are dangerous foes, even for Mandalorians, and we cannot be in their territory and expect a long welcome there. No, we must have Iziz as a capital of our authority and a haven for my people.”

[Onderin Starlisk]

Onderin pondered the terms of Mandalore's proposal carefully, as well as the words of the noblewoman who had interjected herself into the negotiations almost helpfully as a voice for the Onderonian public. She was still a bit subvertive and probably considerably more biased than most of the world's public, but it was helpful for Onderin to hear another voice--no decision of this significance should be made off one man's concerns.

 

One of the biggest issues now, of course, was that Mandalore made a threat, and that wasn't really a good move. Suddenly it made him sound like a terrorist making demands to take over a whole world, and that didn't strike a good vibe in Onderin at all. The Republic did not negotiate with terrorists, and Onderin would not allow Mandalore to browbeat him into any decision. Still, it would cost a lot of lives to fight the Mandalorians here, and the Republic would have effectively bought themselves an enemy when what they needed was to make a concerted effort to destroy the Empire for good.

 

The Admiral was here to save lives, not spend them. This was an enemy he didn't need. Mandalore's terms furthermore sounded reasonable, and he doubted that many Onderonians would care enough about the change to get up in arms about it, especially since they would still be represented, even if that representative didn't have any actual legislative power. It helped in Onderin's view that Mandalore was a Jedi Knight, and while that didn't guarantee he would hold values above the good of the Mandalorian presence here or in the galaxy, it at least meant there would be at least some sort of moral compass he would be using to make his decisions.

 

"Before I give you my decision, I would like to make it clear that you, Mandalore, are in no position to be taking Onderon from the Republic if I were to refuse your offer," he said. "I don't respond well to threats, and your lack of a fleet means that in a field of war you wouldn't even be capable of standing up to the Republic.

 

"I am willing to overlook your threat, however, and face the real issue. I'm not interested in making enemies, but allies are hard to come by, even when concessions have to be made to ensure that they become such," the Admiral continued. "Your offer to set up an embassy should quell most of the discontent a change of power could cause, but I believe that only you prove to the people that the change does not restrict their freedom will further conflict be averted."

 

The Jedi Master paused, summoning the words to deliver his decision. "I accept your terms in a probationary sense. Through the embassy the Republic will be watching what goes on here. If the government you set up is insufficient to meet the needs and allow the freedoms the Onderonian people require after several months in the new regime, I may rescind my decision," he said. "But I'm certainly willing to give this a try, and I believe that our factions can coexist in peace--even in alliance.

 

"Do we have an accord?" he asked finally. The proposal was a little wishy-washy, but it should satisfy all parties present. At least, Onderin hoped so, because this would be all over the holonet in a couple hours.

[Vladimir Faust]

"And so you spit on us, Admiral. Our city stood here long before these Mandalorians showed up, and you barter us away in a fashion that even the Empire dared not do." Anger welled up, her eyes glinting. "There will be bloodshed in the streets over this, be if if your neo-crusader friends here get out of control and repeat history, or if the citiznes do not take kindly to new overseers."

 

Sweeping her cape around her, she departs, followed by her manservant.

 

***

 

Leaving the cantina proved difficult as the live broadcast of negotiations stirred up nasty xenophobic and nationalist sentiment bordering once more on a nasty riot. Never-the-less, the Countess checked carefully as she left to avoid being followed, even taking some side streets and double backing her trail to avoid or at the very least, flush out pursuit. Finding nothing, she arrived at her estate, and from there, immediately contacted the master's temple and reseach center using a secure and encrypted line.

 

There in, debate ranged among the top acolytes. Efforts to reach the master on the super encrypted and secure line he gave failed, as if things were jammed on his end. This hightened the distress, and debate quickly broke out, even as the top ones engaged in it over a game of Dejarik. Things had quickly moved beyond the pet Mandalorians and Republic posing a threat to this base, but to things even broader in the entire galaxy.

 

Debate lagged, until finally, one acolyte, the current head of the temple, simply cleared the Dejarik board aside with a sweep of his arms, scattering his pieces and ending the game. There were shocked faces, followed by slow nods of assent. Two more comms were sent out on the highest and most secured channels possible.

[Joreel Ordo]

Mandalore listened closely to the words of Onderin, and he knew he had gone hastily into mentioning his ”˜Plan B' in taking Onderon by force. However, he knew in his heart it was true. Had Onderin failed the Mandalorian people and chose to leave them as squatters in a deadly Jungle, and this Clan's home left to ruin at the hands of less capable folk Mandalore himself would have little choice in the matter. And he would have to, by his mission to his people, conquer to reunite. Destruction for destruction's sake was not the way Mandalore envisioned his people becoming, and he hoped that Onderin's proposal would be the first step in a rewriting of Mandalorian people in the eyes of the Galaxy.

 

”œIf you could excuse me for my outburst Admiral, but this place, this planet, is the home to thousands of my people, If I did not act to take this planet for them, I am not fit to be Mandalore, and my shoes would be filled possibly by a man who does not share my diplomatic views, war is not my path of choosing, but if it had to be done, it would be. It is not a threat, but a promise I have to keep to the Clans of my people, hopefully you understand my peril in these moments.”

[Onderin Starlisk]

Onderin returned Mandalore's salute, glad to have an accord. It showed the Mandalorian leader's true desire for peace that he would apologize for his threat and show a desire to meet the proffered terms with the sort of government of which the Republic would approve. Of course, only time would tell what would come of this, but if Onderin could help an ally into reclaiming a world that really belonged to them and give them a foothold in the galaxy that they could use against their shared enemies, it was a successful day. There were always the people to think about, but the terms should keep most of them satisfied.

 

Now as Mandalore continued with his business and started talking to Luna, the meeting was officially concluded. The Jedi Master turned to his still-sleeping padawan and carefully levitated her with the Force, then began to carry her out to the hangar where he had landed the shuttle on arrival.

 

Once aboard, he set her down on one of the bunks and sat on one across from her, then touched her mind with the Force. Time to wake up, Aira.

[Oculus]

((Quick explaintion.... Luna's not currently in her beskar'gam armor, only equipped in her crushgaunts.))

 

Luna sighed a silent sigh of relief when Onderin mentioned turning over Onderon to the Mandalorian's on a probationary period, hoping it would end the quarrels the noblewoman held for her people. Luna was well versed in one's notion to uphold it's people's right and herself feeling compassion for both sides. After all, it was a well known fact that her mother descended from the Bralor line, outcasted because her father was a Miralukian which sadly led to her family's turning to Bogan's worshippers. It was one of the reasons Scorpio forged his armor in the ancient Neo-Crusader form when he fell to the darkside. Ironic how the Force's touch affected many heritages.

 

Luna's white eyes shot towards Mandalore when he began to speak to her, her gaze only momentarily leaving his armored face as she watched Onderin and his padawan leave. The immediate threat had passed, which should have ensured their safe departure. So Luna felt no obligation to escort them any farther. So she held time to enlighten Mandalore's company, and she too felt drawn to him in ways she could not explain. Within him she felt a calm, a certain aura she had not felt since her childhood as Scorpio watched her play. Removing the cloak from over her head, she let Mandalore see her true visage.

 

"The name is Luna.... Luna Armegedon." She began, her voice as calm as the wind and as soft as the cushioned chairs upon which she had taken seat opposite the former Jedi Knight. "It's been a long time since i left the Republic, my days spent now chasing Bounties across the galaxy under my armor's visage."

 

************************************

 

"Indeed Professor, you stand correct." Rose chuckled, the young All Species Replica Droid finding amusement that a meatbag would show such interest that most protocol droids would merely dream about processing. "It would provide wealth's of knowledge even most Jedi would revel to understand."

 

Rose stops a moment, pondering on a simple thought as she processes Van Isel's willingness to assist her Master.

 

"My Master would very much appreciate any leads you might be able to provide." Rose begins, the Replica droid pondering on his possible interest on an ancient bloodline that dated as far back as thirty six thousand years before the Battle of Yavin. "In return, my Master holds a scroll of her families history that dates back to the finding of Ashla and Bogan. If i'm not mistaken, one of her Ancestors was one of the Founding Scholars. That may be sufficient, yes?"

[Aira Cadan]

The first thing I heard was a voice. It seemed vaguely familiar, but in my groggy state, I couldn't place it. Slowly, I regained conciousness. I suddenly realized it had been Onderin's voice I had heard, encouraging me to wake up. For a moment, I wondered why I had been sleeping.

 

Then it struck me. The droid! That blasted, made-from-a-scrap-heap droid! I opened my eyes and light burned into my retinas. I groaned. "Master, the droid..." My voice was scratchy and I realized I was tremendously thirsty. I tried to sit up, and pain from my back spread all over me. I groaned again as I made it upright. "My entire back is sore..."

 

After a moment, I was aware again of other things besides the aching soreness. "What happened?" I asked Onderin. Glancing around, I saw we were onboard the shuttle that had brought us to Onderon. "What about Mandalore and the negotiations? And what happened to that kriffing droid?"

[Vladimir Faust]

Isel's eyes light up, his hands twitching excitedly. "Yes indeed. Yes, that would be most excellent!" Isel immediately picks up the comm, then looking embarassed, hesitates. "I'll need you to ah... step outside for a second. I'm contacting some of the artifact buyers I mentioned, and they wish to remain discrete as possible."

 

Gently pushing Rose out the door, he picks up the comm, punches in a secure and encrypted line, and gets the news he needed from his associates, who have since been in touch with the acolyte sent to disrupt the meeting. Calling her back, he delivers what he can.

 

"There was an attack at the cantina by an HK-52 droid. New build based on the old assassin model. It was seen by security around the cantina. It tried to assault Aira, but this so-called Mandalore and Onderin annihilated it. Given that, it's likely he was responsible for the ship crash." He gives Rose a contact name. "This is the person you can have the Admiral contact at the cantina with security footage... and a good local slicer who can pick apart the droid's memory banks. I have an inkling it was an organized crime hit or something done by the Empire. Either way, it was crude, but they wanted the Admiral and his padawan alive." He knew with some certainty it was not the Sith- at least nothing under Faust's purview. Never mind the odd silence and lack of leadership coming from the Coruscant temple of late.... Well, that was for superiors to worry about.

 

"I did however, receive word that your admiral bartered away the sovereignty of the planet to some Mandalorians out in the jungle. I've been in contact with these people before when doing my research in the jungles. They seem to be avowed Neo-crusaders... I fear your admiral made a terrible mistake. Violence, that ugly word, may be inevitable. I beg of you, to urge him to reconsider."

 

***

 

The Sith Temple mainbase, hidden underground in the city, bunkered down, calling back artifacts and top researcheers, backing up its databased, and using super encrypted and secure transmissions to get off its data to Coruscant, Korriban, Zoist, and Mechis III. To protect the relics and artifacts, as well as a handful of alchemic creations made on that research, the findings are secured in special durasteel vaults hidden deep below the bedrock of the city. Help would be findable for those in need, but it would now grow more underground than ever.

[Onderin Starlisk]

"The threat was... handled," Onderin said. "Mandalore and I destroyed the attacker--no one got hurt. Well, except maybe for you. Mandalore and I then sat down and worked out a plan. I've given Onderon to the Mandalorians at least for a probationary period, to see how they set up their government. I don't want to revoke the offer, but I have to act for the people."

 

He reached out in the Force and tried to ease Aira's pain. "You know some Force healing," he said. "You can use it on yourself, too. You're becoming a well-rounded Jedi, Aira. In fact, there's not much more I can teach you.

 

"Let's go back to Gala. You should be ready to go by then." So saying, the Admiral stood and headed back to the cockpit, then gently lifted the shuttle off and blasted out of the Iziz hangar, sweeping past the nearby Dxun and soon entering hyperspace towards the Republic military headquarters base.

[Joreel Ordo]

Armegedon she said, and the name rang through Ordo's brain bringing him back to times years ago in the sea of Manann on the mobile station where his Master had him go. There he met him. Scorpio Armegedon, a man who went on to become a Jedi like Ordo after realizing the power of the Sith came with consequences to demonic for them. For some time Joreel and Scorpio were like brothers, fought in battles simultaneously, and tried their best to be the representatives of the Order they bound themselves to. Times have come and gone since, and after the Force received Joreel, cleansed him, and made him anew, he has not seen his brother. And now, to meet another of his clan, made a forgotten yearning to know of him come to light.

 

”œArmegedon,”

[Oculus]

Luna's eyebrow rose tremendously when Mandalore spoke of Scorpio, and her heart nearly skipped a beat when he called him brother. How did he know Scorpio? She looked closer, her gift of Force Sight a strong one as she pondered who this man was and how it was that he knew her brother. Could this man be Oden? The other Armegedon Sibling? No, not Oden. Maybe he knew Scorpio from his days as a Jedi. Luna had heard her brother had became a Jedi Knight himself shortly before he fell from grace.

 

"Yes, i know of him. He was my brother in another lifetime." Luna began to speak, her gaze shifting from his downward toward the floor, a bit of shame apparent upon her blind face. "But i'm afraid neither of us shall ever see him again. Reports speak of his demise when Tatooine was destroyed by the Arach'tar Invasion. I'm now the only one left."

 

Her gaze fell back upon his, her white eyes staring blankly at his as if asking how he knew her brother. Questions flooded her mind briefly until of of her twin N-K droids approached and told her of Rose's findings with Van Isel. Luna nodded briefly in accordance, and the N-K Necrosis left as quickly as it has came. Shaking off the brief interruption, Luna proposed her question.

 

"So tell me Mandalore. How is it that you knew my brother?"

 

**************************************

 

Rose stood and allowed Van Isel to escort her outside his office. The All Species Replica droid had never been very fond of secrecy and it merely added reason to her Master's belief that Van Isel knew more than he let on. But what did it really matter. Luna had stayed neutral because of her family's heritage in the force and the curse i had brought upon them. She held no grudge against either philosophy.

 

"Return to the ship and bring back the Master's lineage." Rose ordered one of the N-K droids. "As the last Armegedon, it is likely no use to her now. At least here, it will remain known."

 

As the twin ran off about his duty, Rose returned to Van Isel's office upon his summons. What she found out though, spoke of an ill fate.

 

"If i'm not mistaken, the HK units have been out of commission since the Galactic Civil War when the HK-47 Unit disappeared after the Battle of Koseyet" Rose spoke, her knowledge of droids rather extensive. "And you believe the Empire to be behind the attack? Is it possible that the Empire are planning to mass produce the units, or was this solely an isolated incident?"

 

As the twin returned, Rose ordered the other to report their findings to Luna. Handing over the Armegedon lineage to Van Isel, Rose was shocked when the returning N-K unit reported of Onderin's departure.

 

"It seems the Admiral has left Onderon and headed back to Gala."

[Vihk]

Vihk recorded the comms promptly and looked upon them with pride and confusion. The Clan Bralor? There is a small collection of them here, but I myself am from Clan Ordo. His thoughts were slightly mixed as to that, but the overall message seemed plenty; it was straight enough for him to mobilize the men and get going. The old commander put his newly polished red neo crusader armor on and charged to the front of the camp. He announced to the people, the Mandalorians, that their time had come, "it is time to take back what is rightfully ours and move out of this crazed jungle into a new future for our people!" Vihk ended on an especially loud note with a futile punch into the air, but the rest of the Mandalorians echoed it as they mobilized rapidly.

 

Over the years a good number had gathered under this fleeting banner and Vihk was amazed to see the expanding ranks of soldiers as they marched out in their new armor, embracing the destiny before them. A good what looked to be 5,000 men and women marched from the camp in a determined push towards Iziz. The drexyls stood no chance as the overwhelming rain of blaster fire pushed them back and forced their ilk to remain amongst the outskirts of the jungle. The fear that consumed the animals of the jungle as they looked upon the assembled force poured to the ground and soaked each Mandalorian with a sense of renewed confidence and pride. One could rarely meet such a foe as a beast in battle, but it was the ultimate test of a being's mettle to see if they were worthy to wear that creature's pelt. It was worth it to the men and women as they felt the audible fear of the beasts that had hounded them year after year.

 

The city seemed closer to them then ever before as Vihk marched straight ahead of them and made sure no one fired a bolt unless ordered to. It was not a militant victory, but one of diplomacy. Such was a rather weak victory, but the capture of Iziz, regardless of its procedure, was an official step for the Mandalorians to gain a foothold in the Galactic playing field.

 

Iziz was well guarded and no doubt the overwhelming force that marched to the outskirts seemed imposing, but the planets defenses where slightly shocked to find the Mandalorians stoic. Their formations were solid, but none of them shot their guns; in fact, none of the Mandalorians moved because it seemed that they were waiting for something.

 

When the news of the decision reached the guards at their posts it was hard to swallow, but it eventually circulated throughout the entire security force of Iziz and regrettably they let the Mandalorians march into the city. It seemed animosity rang high in the ears of the people of Onderon's capital city and the guards that let them in seemed rather irritated, but they were here... It was their time and if they had to take the city by force anyway they only needed prompting. They awaited their further orders from Mandalore as clumps of the 5000 Mando'as moved to set up camp.

[Nhagathul]

A lone craft arrives at Izziz, seemingly abandoned, and decorated as if from some gruesomely macabre nightmare. The inside is a charnel house, with the bodies of untold victims cleverly set like delicate flower arrangements. The cargo hold doors open like a gaping maw, and it waits for its passengers to arrive...

[Joreel Ordo]

Ordo paused for a moment to contemplate all he had heard. Scorpio, one he thought of as a brother, had died, and Joreel wasn't around to have his back. Joreel himself was taken by the Force, like many had been, but as the Force has it's ways, he returned and so did Tatooine, and Mandalore, and many planets once decimated by the years of unending war. Joreel wondered for a moment if perhaps Scorpio was alive, but just changed, and not knowing who he is, or where he was, or how he was alive again and is meditating in the Force trying to find the answer to something none will ever understand. Ordo left a moment of silent thinking before he spoke once again to Luna.

 

”œI was a Jedi Knight like your brother, almost exactly like your brother. We both, regrettably, were Sith first, and during both our respective trainings we realized the evils of the Dark Side and we left the Sith Order to become Jedi, and cleanse ourselves of our darkness,”

[Oculus]

Luna had listened long and hard to Mandalore's story, the notion that her brother had fallen before a bit of a stretch. Reports had noted his fall being linked to a Sith named Yue, it's presence coming to fruition after his Knighting under Jedi Master Nom Anorus. But nothing had claimed his failure before entering the Jedi Order. Possible, but unlikely. It was also possible that she would never fully know about Scorpio's past. Turning to Joreel, she made sure to reveal her Miralukian heritage as her blind sight caught his.

 

"As i told Master Starlisk, it is possible he may have returned with the others as the reports spoke of." Luna spoke, a tear of hope strolling down her youthful cheek. "But i can no longer feel him within the force. As Miralukian siblings, we both held a strong bond to each other. And through it, knew each other had survived my Uncle's carnage that ripped us apart. I felt his death when the twin suns went supernova. If he is alive, he's no longer connected to the Force nor me."

 

Luna turned away for a moment, wiping away the tear that had so idly hung to her chin. She had hoped her feelings were wrong, so she had visited Tatooine personally in search for him once before. She found nothing, only the the ship he had stolen along with the crew he had massacred. Even if he was still alive, he had shamed himself and Luna did not know if she would hold compassion or hatred for him. It would be best if he stayed dead as far as she was concerned.

 

"I'm sorry Master Jedi..." Luna said, turning back to gaze upon Mandalore once again, this time pain and anguish apparent upon her face. "But if Scorpio still lives, he is no brother of mine."

 

Suddenly a presence within the force appeared, it's taint the darkest she had ever felt. No mortal she could think of held such power, and curiosity took over her thoughts. Voices spoke like the seductive voice of a siren, pulling Luna to it's location, like the cries of a thousand dead souls mourning for peace. Turning away from Mandalore as she stood up, she questioned him as she made her exit.

 

"Do you feel that? That presence of death and despair?"

 

Before Mandalore could answer, Luna had exited the Cantina and now made her way toward the starport. Pulled toward it like a lamb to slaughter, she simply marched on, making her way through the crowded streets that gossiped about the recent appearance of a strange spacecraft. Unhinged from reality, she walked on, not knowing what awaited her. She entered the spaceport, ignoring the local judicial forces to stay away and approached the ship(Nhagathul). Consumed by curiosity, and her mind solely focused on the dark taint that resided within, Luna entered.

 

"Who are you?" Could be heard in Luna's tone as it trailed off into the distance. Luna Armegedon was the first to board.

[Delta73]

Delta's C-90 Corvette Marie exited hyperspace over the planet. His mind roiled, a decrepit ship, a darkness in Iziz. He boarded his ancient ARC-170, and departed for the surface. If this was some type of contest, it was definitely a strange one. Delta felt called to the port. As he landed he looked about, a large dark ship stared at him from across the port. His mind pulled him from his seat, towards the dark behemoth. He could already see another boarding the craft, and Delta quickly followed, fully armed to the teeth, in his armor. He was here to represent the honorable Black Sun in the coming mission. He walked aboard the ship, He was glad to have a helmet on with a clean air supply. There was death on this ship.

 

Delta73 was the second to board.....

[Arlan Vass]

By the time the Ghost Breath dropped out of hyperspace, Arlan was awestruck - and, he'd admit, the slightest bit nervous. What she'd told him made little sense, but he was positive that as they progressed, he'd be able to assess a firmer grasp on the situation at hand.

 

He swiveled around in the co-pilot's chair, watching as the planet came into view. Onderon, in all its tempetate glory loomed before them, increasing in size as the Breath drew closer. In minutes, Master and Padawan would arrive at their intended destination...

 

((I'll leave the actual arrival to you, OK.))

[Scorp Jedi Knight]

<>

<

< A once loosely defined term, that no refers to a secret sect of beings in the galaxy.>

<

These rumored Dark Jedi, are far more troublesome. As well ally with the Light side, we claim to be able to become apart of it. To become one with the desire of the force and serve it. What do you do when you encounter an enemy who acts and believes as you do but, is on the opposite side of the spectrum. The Sith believe the Force is theirs to control, that it is subservient to them, the opposite of a Jedi. These Dark Jedi feel they are as much a part of the dark side of the Force, as we are apart of the Light.

 

We must tread cautiously.>

 

The Jedi ship thread the skies, searching for the lone single city amongst the large spacious planet. Traffic control was little to no issue. Clearance was given at the drop of a hat. As the ship landed, the draw was inexplicable closer and... colder.

 

As if a man driven with purpose, he check his gear, and had a survival bag strapped to his back. He got the feeling, he wouldn't be returning for a while. He also felt where ever he ended up, a standard survival kit would be rather useful. He also added a medkit among other things. The pack was light, as light travel was generally best.

 

He included some of his force sensitive chemicals as he strode off the ship. It was like a diving rod was leading him. A rod he soon wished had left him alone, as before him laid a foul smelling and gruesome sight.

 

"By the Force."

 

There laying before him like a predator, waiting for its next victim was a battle scarred ship. Yet for a war Veteran such as he, that was no issue. It was the bodies. So many bodies that even at a glance, it was difficult to gauge just how many had been swallowed up by this abomination. Strewn about in decorative patterns and fused into the bulkhead in some case, it was not a sight for those weak in stomach.

 

He closed his eyes and concentrated. Steeped in the distasteful since of the dark side was this ship, yet he could feel no survivors.

 

Perhaps this chilling feeling hampers me.

 

Taking a rather large swallow he stepped inside, if only to find any among the living.

[Ads-Gop Flif]

Ads-Gop Flif drops out of Hyperspace in the Onderon/Japreel system, as close to the planet of Onderon as is reasonable. He fires up the sublight engines and begins his approach of the planet.

 

:Why am I going there?

 

The question had been subtley nagging at Ads from the back of his mind for the whole trip from Coruscant, but now that the planet itself was actually in view, the question quickly re-entered his consciousness. He had been plagued by dreams and thoughts of Onderon creeping into his mind for a while now, not to mention the lesions that had been appearing for the last two weeks. And Ads had also been seemingly randomly using the force for about a month now, which was strange because Ads could barely use the force when if he wanted to. But for the last month he had

felt a very...strong connection to the force, for want of a better term. While the force felt more powerful, it felt...strange...like the force was less willing to cooperate with his desires. Instead of operating in unison with him, it felt like the force was attempting to control him; where it would normally just guide him (if he could connect to it at all), it was now possessing him. It seemed that the force was acting as a negative force, bending him to his will. And it was strange. And he felt abandoned almost, like a spot once occupied by a friend had been usurped, twisted, and manipulated by a malefactor focused on devestating Ads' life. The first time it happened, it was--

 

:What was it like?

 

:When was it?

 

Ads' mind kept stumbling, unable to remember anthing more than a specter of the occurrance...almost like a scene from a dream...

 

:Did it happen? Was it just a dream? How--? Did it--?

 

Ads' mental paralysis was interrupted by the signal that it was almost time to begin the landing procedures. Ads could see Onderon's moon Evas in the distance, and about a third of Dxun was visible to starboard.

 

:How did I get here?

 

:I thought I'd just dropped out of Hyperspace?

 

Ads attributed his lack of memory to being lost in thought, and then brought the ship down in Iziz.

 

A curious feeling came over Ads, a feeling similar to the ones that had guided him to Onderon in the first place. Ads grabbed what he could: weapons, equipment, and supplies, and started walking, giving in to what felt like the whims of his intuition. He was guided to a ship in another part of the space port. He stopped outside the transport and stared in awe. The ship was gruesome; it was truly a sight to behold. Ads approached the ship, wondering if it was the right thing to do.

 

:Well, I've come this far already...

 

Ads took a step, and as he pushed off for his next step, he flew up to the top of the transport.

 

"WHAT THE FRAG?! Ah, shiiiit..."

 

Ads had somehow Force Jumpes without wanting to...it was getting to be too common.

 

:At least I thought it was...

 

:So how do I get down?

 

I believe that Ads then jumped down, but I can't quite remember because I don't really remember ((know)) how tall the ship is.

 

Ads then proceeded into the mysterious ship...

[ObliviousKnight]

”œGo ahead and load up, I need to talk to traffic control before we land.”

[Delta73]

Delta looked at the people quickly entering the ship, it was quite the party. Mostly Jedi though, Delta watched them as they boarded. They all seemed a little staggered by the smells aboard the ship, it made Delta happy that he had a helmet on. Not matter how useful the force was, it was nothing next to a top quality air filter. Delta watched the newest pair of jedi as they arrived, he decided to investigate and walked towards them.

 

He did not count on the rotten corpse he had stepped on to stick to his leg. Somehow a rotten entrail had bound itself over his boot and brought him crashing to the ground in a heap of expensive armor. Not a good way to announce his existence aboard the rotting ship. He picked himself up and tried his best to brush of the mass of rotten organs off of his front. No matter, he walked towards them anyway. He approached the younger male, Arlan, and waved.

 

"Hello Jedi, I assume you're here because your mind called you to this place as well?" Delta extended his non covered in guts hand, "Delta seventy-three at your disposal."

[Arlan Vass]

”œAlright.”

[Silas]

Fun.

 

The word had many meanings. To a young boy, fun might mean riding a swoop bike around his neighborhood. To an older woman, fun might mean playing a game of sabacc with friends. To Vesper Stubernic, fun was nothing more than a shorter word for chaos. While to two words may have seemed like opposites, Vesper loved nothing more than to watch all the little people scurry around like ants trying to fix the problem that he created.

 

Today would be a lot of fun. When Vesper and his crew had left Corellia he had ordered his pilot to set a random course. That course had taken them to the airspace above Onderon. They were now on their way to the spaceport that the air traffic control officer had directed them to. When they landed there would be quite a show.

 

The ship set down in the designated hangar bay and Vesper and his team disembarked quickly. The ship that they had come in would soon be abandoned. The team needed nothing more than the clothes on their back to get back to Corellia. After all, they were in a building full of ships and all of them were thieves.

 

One of Vesper's men departed from the group and sneakily made his way to the control room. Outside the room Vesper could hear the faint sound of stun bolts being discharged. While the men weren't opposed to killing there was no point in killing these men when they could simply be viewed running around trying to solve the problem that had been created.

 

A few minutes later all of the electronics in the spaceport stopped working as Vesper's agent destroyed all of the consoles in the control room. At the same time, the ship that Vesper had arrived in exploded, sending shrapnel flying in every direction. The agent rejoined the group and the only thing left to do was find a ship to transport them off this rock.

 

Through the darkness and the confusion Vesper spotted a vessel that looked like it would do nicely. He indicated which ship he had selected and he and his team moved slyly toward the ship. They moved up the boarding ramp with the expectation of finding an empty ship, but they were prepared for whatever was to come.

 

((I'm not too happy with this post but once we get going on this little excursion I'll make sure to put effort into these posts. I promise.))

[Oculus]

"Who are you?" Were the words Luna spoke as she found herself engulfed by the bitter darkness that lurched inside. Songs of lost souls, the stench of death and decay, all drew her evermore toward the center of this damnation. "Why do you beckon me?"

 

Light found no home within this unnatural darkness, the ever present void dead as the materials from which it was made. But Luna found comfort within the dark, her natural affinity to the sight of the Force never lost from her even in the presence of evil. She could see the evil for which it stood, see what laid around the next bend, as if nothing could escape her sight as she disappeared inside.

 

Lights came on suddenly, revealing to all the contents of it's manufacturing. Red was the color of the blood that coated it's interior, as was the color of the 'vegetation' that lined it's corners and corridors. Death was the new car smell that erupted from it's bowels, and as the heat of Onderon came blowing in, it only worsened. Luna, scarred by this encounter, only hasten her resolve as to find it's purpose for existence.

 

It was true that she felt fear over this place, as would any normally sane person. But curiosity held it's hold firmly, and Luna was never one to let fear control her. Her mere existence had taught her that.

 

Voices and footsteps exploded around her, causing her act. Her hand found it's way to the blastsword, the crushgaunt that covered it tapping lightly upon the hilt. 'Had she gone crazy?'.... 'Was this place a trap?'.... 'Or were there living beings aboard?'.... 'Had other's boarded?' Her mind reacted as did she, the ever possibilities ensuing the logical. Silently she moved toward it's location, wary of what laid ahead. She could feel other presences in the Force, but could not decipher yet whether the friendly.

 

That was when she first noticed her. A being existing just as Luna did. One may not normally be able to tell the difference, especially in hybrids such as themselves. But Luna felt the oddly pull to Armiena, a pull she had only felt among her kind or among her brother and father. Stepping forward from the darkened corridor, Luna lowered her cloak, revealing her whitened hybrid Miralukian eyes as she smiled and bowed politely.

 

"Master Jedi." Luna spoke, her tone soft and girlish as one expected from someone her age. Raising upward Luna noticed her padawan and a man clad in armor, causing Luna to realize she was slightly improperly dressed. Rose still possessed her Armor, leaving Luna to only her spare clothing. Shy and timid as Luna was, she slightly blushed at the notion. Turning to feel around, she noticed other's on board as well.

 

"I did not realize this strange ship had called so many. I take it that you have felt it's unearthly pull as well?

[Rahalin Toral II]

When the Imperial shuttle landed on Onderon, Rahalin disembarked. The shuttle left almost immediately after he disembarked.

 

He immediately went to the nearest terminal to try and located Joreel Ordo. A quick search found the head of the Mandolorian clans with little effort.

 

Rahalin wished he had not felt quite so safe in Iziz's spaceport. A red armored Mandolorian patrol surrounded him and immediately began inquiring as to why he was searching for their leader.

 

He never got to reply.

 

A feminine voice behind the crusaders answered form.

 

"Rahalin Toral is here at the invitation of Sister Margaret."

 

The patrol's weapons were immediately lowered. At a brief call from the leader, they turned as one and immediately walked off. Behind them, a women in red robes and armor walked up to him.

 

"I am Sister Silene, Rahalin. I took the oppurtunity to message Joreel Ordo concerning your arrival. Go here to meet him. Be sure to introduce yourself."

 

//Okay, balls in your court now.//

[Nhagathul]

With the ominous groan of old machinery, the door to the vessel squealed shut, trapping the occupants inside. Lights powered on throughout the hold, but the blood coating them draped their ambience in a severe red, further diminished by the clot of bodies obstructing the path of the lights. The engines kicked on, sending tremors through the ship, and it lifted off to head to orbit. In that patchwork darkness there were slight traces of movement amongst the corpses, eyes would blink and arms would shift ever so slightly that one might think that it was just their mind playing tricks on them.

 

In the back of each person's mind, a voice whispered, their own voice.

 

It's time. It's time to go home.

[Ads-Gop Flif]

A cacophny of squeals, screeches, grumbles, and groans filled the air. That was the first sign that something was happening. Ads cast a glance to the hatch on his left as it started to close. Expressionlessly, he watched the door close. He had long ago accepted that what happened happened; Ads wasn't in the ship because of his own conscious decisions, but rather because of a pull that he felt in the back of his mind. If anything, the ominous circumstances he found himself in just confirmed that none of this was his doing; there was no way that he had coincidentally made random decisions leading himself onto this ship.

 

A thought, or perhaps a feeling, manifest itself in Ads' head.

 

It's time. It's time to go home.

 

:Home? What is home? Where is home?

 

Ads didn't know the answers to these questions. But he knew that he was going home. And that was all that Ads had ever wanted; to go to the place his heart knew was home. It was comforting. Just like the slight movement of the corpses in the soothing red light. The movement made him less afraid for his life because they weren't dead, they were just pretending, having fun...

 

And the red light was easy on his eyes. Everything seemed less harsh, less biting. The sting of death disappeared, almost making Ads forget the stench that consumed the ship.

 

It was peaceful.

[ObliviousKnight]

Armiena stared at the white-eyed woman for a second””all of the very few Miralukas that she had met preferred to conceal their atrophied eyes with veils or thick bands. It took a moment for her to realize that she wasn't looking upon an unusually immodest Miraluka, but a fellow half-breed. The Alderaanian couldn't remember ever meeting another hybrid before, and her stare held for longer than was appropriate. Finally, her hand came up””for only a fraction of a second, as she quickly withdrew it for the other woman's sake.

 

”œSorry.”

[Arlan Vass]

They were joined by a Miraluka, but before any proper introductions could be exchanged, the cruiser came to life. The floor jolted and started to shake, nearly making him lose his balance.

 

They were off.

 

The fact settled in uncomfortably. If what Armiena had told him about Nhagathul was true, he could only pray that they made it out in one piece. He glanced at her, and for a brief moment, he saw a flicker of alarm in her eyes. He felt an icy lump in the pit of his stomach at that. If she, Armiena Darkfire, Grandmaster of the Jedi was at all nervous about doing this...

 

”