Orphan

As the security ship entered hyperspace away from Trulalis, i turned back to those who had accompanied me. "As you all may have figured out by now, this mission was given to us by two of the Sith Masters..." Looking at Vaegir i noted the first of the two. "Lord Furion....." My gave adverted back to the group as a whole. "....and Lord Antillies." "For reasons of my own, i will not disclose the information in it's entirety..." I looked around to make sure everyone found my relentlessness to divulge my own business, as in truth, it was a system i found reliable among associates- a reason i preferred to work alone. "I too have yet to learn where we are truly headed. Only that our task is one for the history holocrons." I opened the supply cache, throwing each one of them a small communications implant, no bigger than a hearing aid which would fit snugly within their ear cavity. "We'll use these to keep in touch. Also in here is armor and weapons provided by our Imperial allies. Gather whatever you need and meet me at the star-chart within the hour. Dismissed." Reaching into the cache, i grabbed two D-11 Blaster Rifles, a utility belt containing a full load of ion, concussion, and thermal grenades- as well as the Imperial provided armor. While the others gathered there own gear, i took the hour to suit up and grab a bite to eat. Clad in the armor with the utility belt attached and the two blaster rifled snug against my back along with the Vibrostaff, i stepped to the star-chart and awaited the others. ((Gather what you'll need in the next post and meet me at the star-chart. Next post, i will give each of you a task.))

"Whatever." I replied as the Croke stepped forward and corrected my pronunciation of his name. It didn't really matter to me how one spoke it, only so much as he knew it was he that i meant. Looking out among the gathered three as they spoke, i found myself disappointed in how many stepped forward. So very few true to their cause. But numbers mattered not. Only passion. "While i cannot directly speak of the mission in full, i can tell you that it will define you as a Sith and become the first stepping stone along your path." Looking above me as the sounds of engines and the feeling of wind brushed by me, i noticed the shipment had arrived. Turning to gaze upon the security vessel as it landed, a feeling in the pit of my stomach tightened. Brushing it off, i made my way toward the ship. I knew what laid ahead, and i knew my life as an Orphan had long prepared me for tasks such as this. But still, it just didn't sit right with me. Either way, it was time for my game face, and as i grew near the ship, i had pushed away all but what task i was called upon. "Good afternoon, Romeo Falcar." spoke a woman as she lingered near the ship's lead-ramp. "I am Elindi Lena." "That is not my name..." I scolded, my brow curving in frustration. "Call me Kiff or Kiffar." "Forgive me." "No need." "Right. To business, then?" It surprised me that this woman had taken my burst of anger, but then again, there was something weird about her to begin with. y temper flare had gone as quick as it had arrived. With a nod of my head, i turned back to the trio. "I will give you each a debriefing on our way. Let's go." Within moments, after allowing each on board and gathering a droid gifted by Lord Antilles, we were off. ((Sorry for the absence guys. RL threw a hardball at me. To the space thread.))

Orphan takes the datapad, his kiffar eyes gazing upon the contents. It would be a tough mission to pull off, his biggest yet. But the plans seemed solid and his team capable. Taking a step forwar a facing the others, Kiff na off those he was ordered to take. "Okay, i need Solkar, Ku, and Vaegir to step forward." Kiff looks around, noticng others sing amuck, and after looking at he datapad aain, speas once more. "And if any of the rest of you want to step forward, now is the time to do so. We've got a mission to do." Ther was also another na posted on the daapad incase of emergency, ad uing his comm, sent out a message among the proper channels to this person, asking fo his help as well. For now, Orphan would wait to see who would show up. Including the slicer droid. ((Okay. Step forward guys. I'll be posting our departure in three days, unless we get together sooner.))

I remained passively quiet as the events unfolded before, from Vaegir's outburst to Furion's threat, simply acknowledging them as they spoke. For Vaegir, i remained quiet at request, his choice being his own decision to make. For Furion, i simply remained quiet in respect- not that he had earned it. But as all was said and done, i turned to Vaegir. "I suppose we should socialize with the others." My tone was cheerful and a smile adorned my face now that Furion had left. "Nothing else to do while we complete our tasks until Furion returns." Turning, i made my way out of the tent. Trulalis was a strange planet compared to the ones i had visited many times before, nothing to those such as Nar Shadaa and Coruscant. Wide open ranges scattered across it's surface, with Jungles looming upon the horizon. But more importantly, i felt a darkness overcoming me, as if the very things that made me revel in the needs of others and in hope was drained from within me. Slowly i walked forward, my pace echoing of the few times i had ever known leisure. Within minutes i had arrived at the hill where the others(Samuel, Draken, Tobias, Lallunia) had gathered. As i approached, i noticed a regal fellow leaving, a protege' left behind to finish what he had started. Oddly enough though, i nearly laughed out loud when the two questions were asked, finding irony that i had just recently had this conversation with Furion. So, i took my turn. "History speaks many stories about the Force, the Sith, and the Jedi. Some say one cannot exist without the other, that the Jedi are pacifists while the Sith are murderous thieves. Some even say the Force is a living entity and that all destinies are preordained." My voice held no tone, simply straight and to the point, my face holding no expression. "But none of us can presume to know anything about these subjects until we have truly studied them."

"Perhaps understanding would have been a word better used." "I do not 'presume' to know anything..." I spoke in response to the man's anger, a bit of my own rage echoing in my words. "I only speak of the tales i have heard, and witnessed, in my travels. Perhaps understanding would have been a better word used, but what has been said cannot be changed." And in truth, maybe i had been better off using another word, for understanding had fit my message better. What i had meant to say was that the Jedi claim to seek understanding of everything there is to understand, even the Dark and Light of the Force. But the Sith simply sought the means of furthering their own power, seeking only the knowledge that would empower them and pushing aside the rest. Perhaps the stories were wrong, and Julio's words did intrigue me to seek the truth, but the one Sith i had came across in life only showed me that what i thought was true. "I am intrigued by your words, Julio." I spoke, having now removed my hand, quietly sighing away the offense that i myself had taken. "If it is indeed what you say it will be, then i too wish to see it to fruition. I do possess the gift to touch the Force. It is only now that i see someone capable of shaping it. I will stay. "But be warned. I will be true to myself, and only myself. If our paths venture apart, and i am forced to become something i am not, then i will leave."

I found myself intrigued by Vaegir's conversation with this man, watching carefully as i looked upon the two in learning. Maybe old habits die hard, but i was always drawn to study those i met, an ancient and natural art of learning who was foe from friend- and even more had that person been a 'friend'. So, this man who sent Vaegir to my aid, he was Sith. And this place i had gazed upon, this feeling of despair and agony i had felt as i drew closer, it was the mortal remnants of what had forever been called the Darkside. I had always heard tales, but never had seen or felt it. As an Orphan, growing up on the streets and underbelly of Coruscant, we all hoped for the day we would be taken away to become Jedi. And even more so for me, for i had long knew the gift i possessed. To instantaneously pick up a weapon and be overcome by memories that were not mine, visions of the weapons history and of those who once wielded it, you knew deep in your gut what was happening. You didn't need a seer to tell you that you were capable of great power. Perhaps it was that very dream that kept me going all those years, the knowledge and hope that i would one day wield such power having pushed me so far. "My life as an Orphan..." "He's right Vaegir. The Galaxy is indeed a sick place in desperate need of healing." I spoke, perched aside the entrance framing as it snaked it's way upon my spine. "But i wouldn't presume to tell you the Jedi wrong in their beliefs. Those are simply philosophical views. In truth, the Jedi have their purpose, as do the Sith. Just as you and i." Slowly i wedged myself from my perch, walking in from the light and into the view of darkness. "It is said both sides have different views, and their wars have raged for millennia." I spoke again, recounting the countless stories i had overheard on Coruscant and through-out the Galaxy, their wars having touched countless worlds. "The Jedi believe in knowledge and self sacrifice, while the Sith simply believe in their nature and self preservation." "Not that i disagree. Nor do i agree whole heartedly." I understood very easily the need for strength and self preservation, for my life growing up was no stroll through the gardens. I had to fight, to kill, all so that my next meal would be hot and my bed warm. And even before then, i knew the cruel hand that fate had slapped me with countless times. It was my life that held meaning to me more than others. But i also knew there were times when you had to act without thought for yourself, no matter the harm that may come your way. People like Rouke and Vaegir had taught me the lesson so well. "So Vaegir tells me that you were interested in my talents. So much so that you had him burst me from prison and certain death. You have my thanks, friend." I said, offering my hand along with my thanks. "But now that we've met, i'm sure it was not my talents that i've gained in life that brought your interest in me."

Serene... Was my mind frame once we had put leagues between ourselves and that mynock infested backwater planet. I had been in my assigned room for what seemed days, having let myself rest and find relief in the sweet serenity of loneliness. Sleep was my only thought in the vast emptiness of space as we traveled to Trulalis, and delve myself in his darkened dreams i did. Memories of those who had laid down their lives over my survival, many having barely known me, haunted my silent dreams. Yet it did not bother me, for a part of me knew that their deaths would never be in vain. In fact, part of myself reveled in this fact, knowing that so many souls had seen it too. "Your brother wishes for you to meet him at the Boarding Ramp." Came a knock followed by the horse voice of an older man. Sitting up, i looked around, feeling the stillness of the bed beneath my covered form. We had landed it seemed, and i had seemingly slept through it. "We've arrived at Trulalis." Without saying a word, i got down from the bunk, gathered my things after dressing, and made my way to meet up Vaegir. The ship it's self seemed to be a bit of a junker, but in working shape with a homely aura resonating from it's durasteel framing and bulkheads. Smirking, my thoughts wondered to Aven, aimlessly inventing that it was she who gave such a heap of metal an aura. Shoving the harmless smirk from upon my face, i made the final turn by the cockpit and was heading toward the boarding ramp when Aven caught up with me. "We'll be a little due east from here if you and your brother need our services again." She spoke, her voice still having a bit of a siren's effect upon my mind. I couldn't help myself when it came to women, but with her, it was an hopeless cause. "We're going to stay for a little while, a couple of hours at least... Let my men rest up and what not." "I thank you, Aven, for everything." I replied, which oddly enough gave Aven a startle. She gazed at me for a moment, before a smile crept upon her face, followed by an even more odd innocent chuckle. "But I'm afraid our business here may take more than a couple of hours. However, i do appreciate the offer to spend more credits." With a chuckle from both of us, i left and finally made it to Vaegir. After double checking my things, mainly in due part of Aven and her crew, i allowed Vaegir his time as well before we set off. But something sat within the pit of my stomach as we made our way, something both natural and mystic. Agony... Was the feeling i felt as we grew closer and closer toward Vaegir's suggested heading. When we first began our trek, i marveled at the landscape and the tropical weather, finding peace after so much pain and suffering. But with each step, i looked onward with partial regret and possible second guessing. Looking upon the horizon, i took notice of the storm brewing ahead. While i did not fear it, a side of me grew wary of it. For whatever laid ahead tore at my soul and would possibly change me forever. "This is where Julio suggested we meet?" I questioned Vaegir as a large gathering came into view, the lightning a strange purple hue and striking abnormally close to them. Feeling a shade of dread and despair wash over me, i could help but shiver as my spine prickled and the hairs upon my neck stood end on high. "A strange fellow he seems to be."

Kiff thinks long and hard about Vaegir's offer, the knowledge of the credits shining light upon their many means of escape. Yet, part of him remained set in freeing his ship from the clutches of his enemies as well, the ship more than mere possession- as was most things that any Orphan had earned in their lifetime. To give up a possession such as that was like giving up a part of one's self. Yet Kiff also knew to attempt to retain it would mean their rouse being found out and likely more odds against their escape. In the end, however, he chose to follow Vaegir's plan. "Alright. We'll forget about my ship..." Kiff started out saying, taking a bite of the freshly cooked stew that had just arrived. Chewing up the large bite and swallowing it, Kiff continued. "For now at least. Tell me more about those who hired you. Did they say why they wanted me alive?" Kiff looked at Vaegir with modest interest, like that of a child who had just learned they were to be taken to a candy factory, his street manners becoming very apparent as he scarfed down the bowl of stew. Each spoonful contained potatoes and meat, a hearty meal meant to stick to one's ribs and add abnormal amounts of nutrition. And in the opposite hand sat a medium sized loaf of bread that constantly found it's self dipped into the stew's thick broth. Within a matter of moments, Kiff had consumed the whole meal, including wiping the last few remaining driblets of broth from the bowl with the bread. Taking his mead in hand, Kiff pats his stomach with the other and turns to Vaegir once more. "Now to find us a way off this rock..." Kiff states, scanning the bar for potential rides, noticing every spacer from a tall Zabrak to a shorter Jawa. It was then that he laid eyes on a female human, medium build with lengthy curves as the man in Kiff couldn't help but notice. "Hmmm. She may be the one..... the one to get us out of here that is." Getting up, Kiff laid down his share of the bill as well as Vaegir's- a measly four creds- and motioned for the younger man to follow as he approached the woman. In truth, Kiff found himself mesmerized by her looks, so much so that his words stumbled out at first. She wasn't much older than he, her dark brown locks falling down to her mid back with an emerald gaze that would even stun a Sith. "Excuse me, Miss? But could we bother you a moment?" Kiff spoke, noticing her gaze shift toward his with slight disgusting and a look that spoke of her mindful realization that trash had just approached her. "Get lost beggar." She spoke, taking her shot glass in hand and downing the drink quickly. "I have no money to spare." "Forgive us. " Kiff replied, slightly offended by her words and his tension becoming very apparent. "But we are no beggars. In fact, my brother and i wish to hire your services." "Services?" She questioned, her own offensive taken by his, Kiff's skill in persuasion apparently low. "I am no bar wench!" Kiff brings his palm to his face, realizing the irritated woman was only going to take more offense and causing Kiff to grow irritated himself. "Again you misunderstand." He barks this time at her, his voice sightly raised. "I meant to buy passage off this planet so that my brother and i can rejoin our clan." Kiff hadn't realized that he had never asked Vaegir what they're destination was. "So where are you headed?" She asked, hr voice moe pleasent as well as her attitude. "And how much are we talking here? I won't do it for no less than five thousand creds." "I'll allow my brother here to work out the details with you." Kiff spoke, allowing Vaegir to take his turn with her, as he would mak his way toward the room for a night of rest before they leave. "We'll leave in the morning." ((Rez, i'll let you post our leaving and destination.))

Moments passed as the two remained within the trash collector as it made it's rounds away from the scene, the duo occasionally having to dodge incoming garbage as they kept on guard in-case anyone saw their leap of faith. Kiff's gaze darted about as his head rose to view their surroundings, noticing most of those they passed held little knowledge of what was going on around them, oblivious to anything outside their own little worlds. Noting that it was safe, Kiff moved toward Vaegir. "Sorry about that." Kiff spoke, steadying himself and offering his thanks by grabbing the man's shoulder with a laughing smile. "AT least we'll live a few more days." Using the vibrostave to hold his weight while the beast who's belly they had taken refuge in continued on it's way, Kiff made his way to the other side, repeating the process as he had before with a quick peek over it's metallic edge. Now all they had to do was wait. Taking seat upon a covered pile of garbage, Kiff slumped down and sat quietly for a few moments as he thought of both Rouke's sacrifice in his escape and Vaegir's aiding in his early release. "Why risk your neck for me?" Kiff questioned abruptly, his thoughts falling back upon his original question. "Surely your life here wasn't so bad that you'd risk branding yourself and outlaw." Kiff was completely oblivious to Vaegir's life, nor his reasons to aid Kiff. So naturally, he was curious. As he waited the firrerreo's answer, they came to a sudden stop just as they had for the last hour or so, more garbage finding it's comfort and safety within the metallic bucket. Hopping up to check their position, Kiff noticed a run down motel across the way. It was in the poorer part of the town, likely a place that didn't check IDs or backgrounds- a place they could easily hid in wile they thought up a plan to escape. "Excellent." Kiff spoke, double checking their position to ensure the could easily slip in before he pulled himself up atop the trash collector. Offering his hand to aid Vaegir's lift, Kiff kept a close eye out for trouble. "This is our stop." As the two grew close to enterin the motel, Kiff stopped outside to to buy some clothing suitable for walking the streets anonymously during the early hours of evening and later. If they were to escape, it would be during that time. ntering, he quickly bought a room and made his way toward the bar. Ordering something to eat, he made his way toward an empty table. Tossing Vaegir the rags he had purchased for him as well, Kiff cautiously spoke. "I have a ship in the impond lot. That may be our only way off this rock."

"Nope." Kiff spoke casually, the speeder rounding corners of the begotten city as they fled from the scene in a blurry blue haze. Shifting gears on the Nightfalcon, Kiff could only suspect that pursuers wouldn't be far behind them, causing the Kiffar to solemnly shake his head. "Not yet at least." The city streets were filled slightly with the usual crowds, market goers, tourists on retreat, homeless citizens- your typical findings on many back water planets. So it was a rare sight to behold the frenzied passing for on lookers as the blue speeder ran by. Many just stayed glaring in wonderment into the distance even seconds after Kiff and his passenger disappeared upon the horizon. Some even dotted their sight back and forth from where they came and where they headed, searching idly for the cause of the commotion. "So.." Kiff spoke once again, his right hand bringing the right steering rod down to the center of his gut as the speeder jolted down a narrow alley. "I take it you were the one who set me free. I offer my thanks stranger. But why risk your neck for me.." Before Kiff could finish his words, two stray bolts of heated gas came whizzing by his head, causing him to jerk and nearly crashing the speeder in the process. Running it straight, Kiff looked back with disgust as he saw the three approaching pursuers, city guards by the looks of the emblems upon their uniforms. It just didn't seem like today was going to turn for the better. And now, as Kiff glanced toward the stranger who had released him, it seemed he would bring him down as well. Cutting another corner, more stray shots nearly took them from their seats. Luckily, due to his odd jobs, Kiff had driven many a speeder whether working on them as a mechanic or doing errands. "This IS not a good day to die." Just as the thought crossed his mind, Kiff was struck by one of the blaster bolts in the thigh, causing the speeder to veer off once more- nearly striking a pedestrian. Groaning in pain, Kiff leveled it once more, his gaze adverting quickly to check the damage only to find relief in the flesh wound. Though it burned and stung as all minor burns did, he would live from it. However, this also gave Kiff a plan. With a slight grin despite the pain, Kiff plotted as he turned yet another corner as he zigged and zagged through the city streets, trying to evade any more damage to them or their means. At least, until it came time. "I have an idea" Kiff spoke to Vaegir a he viewed back to check on his passenger. "When i say jump, jump." It was a short command, but right to the point. Kiff knew they only stood one chance of survival, and that was to die. Or rather, fake their death. The rouse would only hold a while, but perhaps long enough to leave behind this forsaken planet. Searching his surroundings for their means, Kiff saw it. For up ahead of them he saw a trash collector turning toward the street that ran parallel to the one they were on. It would be a long shot, but if he timed it right, it may just work. Speeding on ahead to gain the needed distance, Kiff turned a near ninety degree turn and came up along side of the collector. "Jump" yelled Kiff, shoving Vaegir into the collector before throwing his own self off. Landing on his back, Kiff watched as an explosion rocked their container and erupted a flame and puff of smoke nearly three stories high as the speeder crashed into a nearby shop. However, as Kiff rose his head to look without being seen, he noticed their escape had taken two lives. Perhaps for the best as the DNA would likely take days to return. But still, Kiff himself didn't like that two souls had to be offered up for theirs. They were dead for now, just as Kiff had hoped, but at what cost?

Chaos and confusion ran amok through-out the prison's walls, including Kiff as the alarms flared and the cages opened, allowing their contents to pour out in a freedom seeking frenzy. But in the room housing Kiff, things weren't so simple. Rouke jumped forward as Kiff's cell deactivated, as did his fellow guardsmen as Kiff stepped forward into freedom, a devilish grin encompassing his face. He was free once again, and now that the taunts had ended, his hands would bring reckoning. Rouke, in disbelief, could only stand and stare. But the others quickly reacted and a swarm came at Kiff, three guards to come and three guards to fall. Kiff, unarmed at the moment, took down his first opponent almost immediately. With a swift and solid impact to his face, Kiff's wall like fist sent the first guardsmen to the ream of dreams, a spine curling crunch as his jaw folded and broke beneath the pressure. With blood spilt, Kiff and those that advanced upon him knew that it would only end with more. And yet, despite this knowledge, they still chose to charge. Grabbing a small standard issue stun baton that found it's self clipped upon the belt of the fallen guard, Kiff quickly turned his attention to the remaining two. That was, until Rouke joined in Kiff's escape, the man knocking down his comrades with the elongated hilt of a vibrostave. "What are you doing?" Questioned Kiff, the Kiffar lost in the confusion of Rouke's aid. Kiff had expected him to remain at bay and out of the fight, but never aiding Kiff in his escape. It seemed downright stupid. "What about your job and your family?" "They'll be just fine." Rouke said with a hearty chuckle, extending his arm which Kiff returned in gesture. "Besides. I grew tired of the corruption and political escapades long ago. It's time i moved on." Kiff made his way to the cache containing his weapon and inventory, quickly equipping himself before the two ventured forth, determination burned into the irises of their eyes. The path before them was laid out as they went by Rouke, who had seemingly worked here for nearly fifteen years since he left the Imperial Royal Guards, though it wouldn't be easy. On any given day, as Rouke explained, there was a total of twenty guards, three of which had been taken down by Rouke and Kiff. Excluding Rouke, that left sixteen to deal with the eight inmates. And as Kiff expected, they would have to deal with a few of the inmates as well. "Luckily" Rouke spoke as they rounded each corner, cautiously going about as they moved forward. "We're not far from the nearest exit." "Good." Kiff replied, noticing four guards approaching swiftly. "Here they come. Get ready." Both returned the charge, Kiff planting his taser stave into the lower torso of one of the guards and sent the man to the ground while Rouke quickly dispatched two of the remaining without shedding one drop of blood. As the remaining guard fled, Kiff felt a hand grab his shoulder, causing Kiff to advert his gaze and fall upon Rouke's horrified face as he realized one of the inmates had caught him off guard. Removing his blade from Rouke's back, the inmate chuckled and took off before Kiff could even react. Looking down at his friend, Kiff felt for the first time in his life, an emotion called grief. "Take my weapon Kiff." Rouke spoke, clots of red erupting in his coughs as he fought to not choke on his own blood. "It will aid in your escape." "I can't friend." Kiff replied, bending down on one knee as he grasped his friend's hand tightly. "It should remain in your family as a honor to your services." Rouke's eyes grew teary, but a laugh erupted instead. "They're dead, Kiff. Ariana died of the fever, and Kat....Katrina died of grief." Rouke spoke, Kiff's realization of why the two got along so well an of Rouke's choice finally making sense. "It's a good day to die. Now go, and live on as the way you should.... a free man, Romeo." Within moments, Rouke had taken his final breath. Hearing rushing noises behind him, Kiff stood and gripped tight the vibrostave that Rouke had begged him to take. And as he did so, memories of the weapon's history flew through his mind. It had been forged for Rouke upon his graduation, highest in his class and a warrior of great pride. It had served well in many battles, even against terrible odds. But more importantly, it had struck the final blow against Rouke's commanding officer which once won him his freedom from Ryloth. Though these memories weren't vivid, and spaced out over a countless lifetime, it was enough to see Rouke had once been where Kiff was now. Within seconds, Kiff came to and saw his enemies approaching. Tears streamed from his face, the watery gloss that encompassed his eyes unable to hide the anger that became so apparent. And as he gazed upon the three guardsmen that came, Kiff found himself lost in desire. It was a desire to live, a desire to kill, a desire to destroy those who stood in his way. As his attacks began, horrific screams erupted through-out the compound. Kiff was on the war path. The sounds of metal clanking and the spewing sounds of blood and flesh followed the path Rouke had laid out for Kiff, the Kiffar relentless in his escape. He charged forward, slicing guardsmen and pushing back the remaining. All in all, Kiff had taken down no more than five when he reached his exit. Battered and bruised, along with a few minor cuts and burns from blades and blasters, Kiff stepped out into the sunlit day. Looking around for a means of fleeing, Kiff noticed two things. One was a distant speeder, a 22-B Nightfalcon, a machine worthy of freeing from it's owner. And the second was a small boy, the young man Kiff had noticed among the group, the only one who seemed to see Kiff as he was. "This boy... Could he be the...?" Kiff questioned as he gazed upon the boy, noticing the broken viewport above as well as the blaster burns to his back. "He released me?" Placing Rouke's vibrostave next to the taser stave upon his back, Kiff quickly ran up to the boy and checked for signs of life. Amazed to see that he was indeed still alive, merely unconscious and without serious injury, Kiff rounded him up on his shoulders and made way toward the speeder. Though he knew nothing of the boy, his aid in Kiff's escape spoke of honor. It would serve no one for him to be left, and Kiff did owe it in return, if he did indeed rescue Kiff. Securing him on he speeder, Kiff soon took his own place and within moments, sped away and out of sight.

Kiff is awoken by the guards entrances, followed by several parishioners. Jumping to his feet, he surveys each as they pass, noticing nobles to commoners amongst the group. Curious he wondered for a moment as to why they had approached him in such a way, causing young Kiff to feel no more than a common beast placed on display for the amusement of others. His anger boiled even more once he realized this to be true. "Mother?" Asked a young boy who stood near the front of the group beside a woman dressed in fine garments and wore exquisite jewelry, not doubt his mother. "Why are we here to see this man?" Because my child, he is a murderer." She replied, a soft look upon her face for her son. But as she turned to look Kiff in the eye, he saw no more than fascination in her cold gaze. "And i payed good money to see what he looked like with his head still attached." Kiff merely grin in response to her words, a slight chuckle erupting. Seeing this amused Kiff, one of the station guards activated a control switch which sent electricity through the cell. Kiff, never loosing his grin nor his gaze upon the woman, dropped to his knees a the pain over came him. "Look at him" Shouted a man near the back, his cloths speaking of a traveling merchant or smuggler, though Kiff knew him to likely be from this back water planet. "He's no more than a beast i tell you. Not even in the face of death, does he realize it." A few people laugh at the mans words, even a few of the guards. But off to the side sits Rouke, shame glistening within his eyes at the notion of Kiff's displaying. He simple sits there, a gaze of sorrow and remorse, unable to lift one finger in Kiff's defense. Kiff simply smiles at Rouke, as if saying that he held no need for the shame the others bring upon themselves. Within moments the group leaves and another arrives, Kiff's last day filling of the same process over and over again as it wears down to mere hours. All the while, Kiff's anger and hatred grows. If only he was to be released for mere seconds. There would surely be reckoning.

"How did i get myself into this?" Kiff questioned himself out loud as he laid back on the cold duracrete floor that sat below him, no bed nor chair to rest upon. "Why did i have to take that blasted bounty. I knew it seemed too simple." Kiff thought back to that day he first found the listed bounty on the god forsaken planet, having drank away most of his day's earnings. Twenty five thousand credits seemed like a good idea for a simple artifact, almost too to be true. And in his drunken stupor, contacted the guy. Kiff could damn near slap himself for even thinking of it. Stroking his hand through his hair, he looked off into he distance again at his weapon. If only there was a way to reach it. It would mean his life to him... literally. "If only these walls didn't have such a hold on me. Or if i could wield t Force just as they say the Jedi do...." His thoughts were interrupted as the guard from before entered, his large hands grasping a plate filled with food that nearly fell from it's rim. He approaches, a small slit in the barrier dropping momentarily to allow the food through before it shut once more. "I thank you for your kindness stranger." Kiff spoke as he took a bite of the meat and quickly chewed it up to make room for a bite of the bread loaf. "If only i could persuade you to lower the barrier and allow my freedom." "Please, you can call me Rouke." He said with a laughing jest, his hands finding their way to his waist as he leaned back to release the haunting urge. "Aye, i wish i could. But you can leave this place behind, i can't." "Indeed. I wouldn't wish any harm on you." Kiff said with a kind smile, something considered a rare sight. "It's certainly a shame we did not meet on better circumstances." There was a long silence that transpired over the next few seconds, both not really knowing how to continue the conversation- a subject of dire endings and regret. Kiff finished most of the meal while Rouke simply sat and watched in silence. Finally the large guard spoke. "No family?" Rouke questioned, his brow folding downward as he speaks. "No place to call home?" "No." Kiff replies, his mouth full of vegetation and meat. "I've been and Orphan for as long as i can remember, and the life kind of just stuck with me as i grew older. I do odd jobs and bounties to make a day by day living, but i never stay in one place for long." "Must be a sad life, then?" Rouke reaches into his pocket, walks over to the same slit he placed the food through, and hands Kiff a small picture of him and his family. "My wife, Katrina.... and daughter, Ariana." "Beautiful bunch" Kiff replies as he looks it over and hands it back, though he only partially means it. He's never understood what a family means to anyone, never having one of his own. "They must be proud of you." "Aye, they are." Rouke states, his head hanging slightly, as if pride and shame both held a hold upon him. "Though i dunno why. I condemn men, innocent or guilty." He looks over at Kiff at he mention of innocent, who had finished his meal a now laid the empty tray near the slit. Rouke walks over, grabbing the tray and begins to exit. Before he does though, he speaks to Kiff once more. "You are in my prayers, Kiff." He speaks, a mound of displeasure upon his face. "I just hope the gods find someway to free you before tomorrow comes." "Thank you Rouke." Kiff says, adding a nod of his head. "I see now why they are proud of you. Your a good man, Rouke." With those words, the two part ways, leaving Kiff once again alone. His belly full, he lays upon the floor once more and nods off. Tomorrow would certainly mean his end.

"Guilty!" barked the Judge as he slammed down his hammer of authority and ended this make believe trial. With a smirk across his human face, his brows raised with silent curiosity as he gathered up his things and left the bench. "Take away the prisoner. My wife's expecting me home for dinner." Kiff, who had sat in silence through the entire trial, looked on at the Judge with a certain expectancy- as if he figured the man would be such a type. After all, it was only the following day since his arrest, and no one was known to rush such things unless truly did not care about the repercussions. The seemingly jolly fellow, ripe and plump in his wife's meals, seemed to care little of the affairs outside his next meal. Being dragged away in chains, Kiff could help but spit upon the pathetic waste of air, a slight chuckle soon erupting as the Judge coward in fear of his meaningless assault. "Truly..." Kiff spoke as the guards pounded upon him for his insult, and began to drag him away at a faster rate upon the Judge's orders. "You sir, are indeed a waste of life, stuffed fat with your wife's cooking and the monetary comfort of your position." Again Kiff was struck, this time sending his mind into the blank realm of the unconscious. But when he awoke, he came face to face with what was seemingly his new home. For on the second level of this compound, Kiff sat within the holding cell surrounded on all sides by the shields of confinement. Truly, he was alone now, tucked away until his life was to end in two days time. Taking the meal that was brought to him, Kiff ate and stared toward his weapon. Even though it was mere feet away hidden within the cache chest, it seemed a lifetime farther. "How am i to get out of this?" Kiff's thoughts were soon interrupted as a guard approached, his yellow beard thick and hanging several inches toward his torso. A devilish smirk crept up across his face, his thick jawline shifting becoming more apparent. Clearing his throat, he looks at Kiff. "Romeo Falcar?" The man questions, his eyes though beady, seems to hold some compassion for Kiff. "Are you prisoner 0074653200-8 a.k.a Romeo Falcar a.k.a Kiff or Kiffar?" "I prefer Kiff, if you please..." Kiff replies, a hint of aggravation present in his voice as he stares toward the man through the blue hue of his holding cell. "Romeo Falcar was a name given to me by Kiffar's State of Census. It holds no bearing to me." "Alright,... Kiff" A hint of not caring enters the guard's tone as he looks down at the datapad he holds in his hand. "I've been ordered here to take your last request, as per New Republic Article Code 774.8, Section 6, Line 42 and grant it- providing it's anything within reason and not an attempt to escape of course." "But of course." Kiff says with a slight chuckle in return to the guard's own at his last remark. "However, i can not think of anything that wouldn't pertain to a means of escape. After all, what besides escape would a condemned man want?" At least Kiff was honest with the man, both of them knowing the truth behind Kiff's so called crime and the severity of the punishment. And in truth, had neither of them placed on opposite sides, a friendship or respect would have grown between these two. But alas, fate had different paths for these two beings. With a quick honorable salute from the guard to Kiff, he makes his exit and leaves Kiff to once again sit in silence within his confinement. If only the guard could provide escape, then Kiff would leave this world and his death behind. "I wonder how long before the sun sets and my final day arrives? Without a viewport, it makes time seem non-existent."

"Connect the red wire here...." Kiff spoke to himself beneath his breath as he attempted to splice the security panel leading toward the artifact, his gaze occasionally glancing around to scout his position. "Green wire there... blue wire to black and... Got it!" Suddenly the door hissed as it opened, the override switch engaged and Kiff successfully inside. Now came the thrill of the job, a thrill Kiff had experience seldom before. A he rounded the corner, he saw the room where the artifact lay, ad this emotion overcame him quickly. It was pure ecstasy, to know one could get caught any second with no excuse or reasoning for him to even be there. It was a rush, and Kiff enjoyed it. It was one of the many reasons he took this job. The guards only patrolled the outer perimeter, the foolish owners thinking their own home safe from invasion due to their lowly security system. So Kiff was pretty much in the clear from here. Lightly creeping toward the artifact's room, along the cold durasteel corridor with an occasional shuttered viewport, Kiff still didn't take any foolish chances. "Better to be safe than sorry." Prying the door partially open, a gap wide enough to see in but closed enough that if anyone was inside, they wouldn't notice within the darkened room. Didn't seem that anyone was around, let alone awake. For Kiff had only noticed guards about. The room it's self was a usual study, filled with scrolls, datacards, holocrons and artifacts. But there, amidst the clutter of scrolls and equipment sat his target- The Eye of Hssiss, a lightsaber crystal rumored to have belonged to the Dark Jedi Te'ilk. It was supposedly eight millennia old, maybe older. Checking for possible traps, Kiff reaches toward it. "Halt" A voice screams across the room, lights coming on and blasters arming. A man steps forward, a man Kiff recognizes from the family that hired him, his beady green eyes staring at Kiff with self amusement. "I am sorry Bounty Hunter, but this artifact will never leave here." "I knew i didn't like you for some reason Sha'tel." Kiff replied, his hand gripping tightly the taser stave that had found it's way into his loosened palms. "Does your father know of your treachery?" "No. And he never will, if i have anything to say about it." Sha'tel speaks, his own blaster coming forth and finding aim directed toward Kiff's chest. "You see, your the last Bounty Hunter he'll likely send after the artifact. And as a reward, the current owners have agreed to pay me handsomely as a thanks to my service. So lay down your arms, and i will make sure your life is spared." "And if i don't?" Kiff questions, ready to spring into action the second someone decides to get brave, his glare darting from each of the seven guards that had recently arrived. "Come, Come now." A third voice emerges from a secret door to the far right, the enlarged guy holding a small glass of brandy seeming to be the owner of the estate and artifact. "Surrender, and by tomorrow you will be a free man. I have high friends will considerable pull." It was a difficult decision, for Kiff held very little trust for their words now that their scheme had been revealed. And he knew they would likely let him leave alive now that he knew so much of it. But what could he truly do? If he fought, he wouldn't last but several minutes. But if he surrendered, there was a chance he would at least live to see another day, even if they didn't hold up to their promises. Which wasn't likely to begin with. In the end though, Kiff surrendered, the guards placing him in cuffs. "Excellent, my boy." The third man spoke, slapping Kiff upon the shoulders and grabbing his taser stave from one of the guards. Admiring the weapon, he approaches Sha'tel. without a word he activates it and within seconds Sha'tel is dead and laying upon the floor. "I never did trust him either. Take the Bounty Hunter away and charge him for the murder of Sha'tel O'brith and the attempted Robbery upon my estate." With little words in response, Kiff was dragged away. But as he was, one simple thought echoed within his mind. "What a predicament I've gotten myself into this time. They'll likely execute me in three days time."