Golden Link Casino

[Menthu]

Proc decided simply backflipped away from the engagement. He may have been a grand total of 18 years old on the verge of turning 19 however not only had he trained in mulitple forms of combat but had been engaged in handling weapons of war since the age of five.

 

While it had been some while since he had held a sword he was some what rusty, however that did not change the fact he wouldeasily best this man in the wierd contest, Then take what he could and escape this station.

 

He watched the man turn around and advance upon his new postion. Proc swung his blade a bit testing the weight even though this contest had already begun. Typical it was a basic weapon, blunted and stupid.

 

He smiled never the less. With enough force he could potetinal jab this into the man causing him immense pain coupled with the simulated pain the suit would provide.

 

Allright I got the hang of this weapon again.

 

 

Proc briefly flashed back on his very second kill around the age of eight. Despite his training begining at the age of five his land, his city is family was constantly at civil war. In order to survive one needed to know how to shoot as well as enegage in a duel be it hand to hand or blade to blade. At firs the blades had always been too heavy for him. However to help him with that little fact he had been forcd to wear all sorts of weighted items, at all times even while he slept. From boots and socks to belts, arm bands, belts, shirts, and even necklace. And even with it all he still had to do his best to hold up and defend with the sword.

 

Morning, noon and night he had to train with the sword with the weights on. Eventually his parents and later broether and sister simply kept throwing him in a pool of water ten feet deep and kept expecting him to swim to the pool's edge and then pull himself out.

 

Needless to say he not only gain strength but speed due to such exerisces. Yet his first kill had been special for he had not only upgraded to the fifteen pound weight belt but also he had all of his weights on. So instead of weighing 100 pounds but instead he weighed nearly double that amount. Yet despite this huge disadvantage he was able to slay the man the second time around.

((Anybody who reads my posts should know the next parts are a little graphic. Just a little though))

 

Suddenly a blaster shot lifted him off the ground as he was hit in the chest. He knew he was gonna die. Slamming into the wall behind him he had landed with a bone crushing thud. His vision started to go black as he struggled to his feet. Biting his lip he nearly fell back over as the pain of his broken left leg shot through his body. He hadn't expected the man to pull a blaster on him at such close range. Guess that had been a mistake. The man who had shot him stood over him. Looking up he could see some sort of emotion flicker across the man's face. Then turning around the man walked off leaving him to die alone against the wall. Enraged that the man could so casually shoot him and walk away he leapt from the wall and slammed into the man's back. He attacked the man barehanded in his anger pinning the man to the ground with his knees and pounding at the man. All of his pain all of his anger seemed to had been guiding him at that moment. Suddenly he founded himself flying. Landing on the ground he used his left arm to catch himself however the pain in his leg at being jarred was so intense his armed had faltered and he had shattered it to the point that jagged pieces of bone stuck out of his arm at odd angles. Lying there in more pain then he had ever known he could feel a shadow sudden fell across his fallen figure. The man had returned with an axe in his hand. The mere though of dying by this man's hand was too much for him to bare. Leaping up he flew back as the axe cleaved into what was left of his broken left arm. Collapsing to the ground. He could here the footsteps of the man slowly fade away as his vision grew black. Desperite to not sink into that darkness and enraged at how helpless he was. He silently fumed and with each step the man took made the blood in his veins boil. Untill he was at such a degree that suddenly he found himself standing. Afterwards was a blur he remembered removing the axes from his body and the sickening sound it had made. But the next thing he remembered afterward was his would be murderer lying dismembered in a pool of blood. He remembered laughing before clutching at his chest and coughing blood. Then all he could rememeber was the darkness. The terrible darkness. Oh how he hated the darkness. It had torrmented him. And had instilled in him such a fear that he cowered in terror at what laid around him. He did not know how long he remained in the darkness. The darkness that had frozen his very soul. He did remember waking up and starring into a bright light. He felt weightless. Looking around even he could tell he was in a bacta tank. Emerging from the thing soon afterwards the man who had beaten him before that battle had come to visit him. The man had not a single scratch on him...

 

It must have been a week later when he encountered the man again, he had been training when a blaster had sounded from the courtyard. grabbing his sword and blaster he ran out to the courtyard only to see that man standing over his sister. Lucky for her the man had merely shot her in the legs, upon seeing him he flew into a blinding rage.

 

Before the man knew it Procs was over him sword flashing. The weights were nothing compared to the fury driving him. he almsot felt like he was flying yet and still he kept hammering away at the man raining blow upon blow while the man simply nimble dodged and blocked laughing the whole time.

 

To the eight year old it was the harshes thing he had ever heard. So harsh that he was consumed with a very urgent need to end that noise once and for all. Feinting to the left with his sword he instead removed his dagger from his belt pack. As the man moved to defend aginst the oncoming sword, Procs released it knocking the man off balance and in a flash drove his dagger deep into the man's rib cage. Before the man could register the pain however he was already stabbed agin this time the blade protdued from his neck. Before he knew it Procs was in a bloodlust slamming the blade into the man long after he felt to the ground only to rip it back out and slam it into him again.

 

((Safe again for people who matter.))

 

He revived himself from his memory to find the man coming at him. He was going to kill this man, one for being foolish enough for attacking him, snd two because he was bored. Procs waited for the man to get into range with the sword before he twirled out of reach, dancing almost. though his opponent was not to be taken by such a basic movement. Before he knew it Procs was once again enegaged in sword combat.

 

Ducking dodging and flipping he was expending a lot of energy not out of any true fear of being hit even though there had been quite a few calls but mainly to show off. By doing such flips know it would take his security captors by suprise when he broke out his most relied sword form. For they would be too busy expecting him to jump around like an idiot before they knew it they would be dead. While no lightsaber form was like this he knew that some where some stupid jedi had done something similar.

 

Returning his focus back on the battle instead he moved out of the way of yet another incoming swing as smoothly as slik rippled in the wind. He was rely on keeping his body as fluid as possible in order avoid being slammed into by that blunt weapon. Suddenly he saw an opening and he decided to strike. he lossened his grip on the sword with his left hand and made a chopping motion. As the man made his move to block the blade he released his grip on the sword with his left hand only and grasp it firmly in his right, before the blades could clash against eachother however Proc had removed the knife he had clipped onto him self while he had been at the weapon rack. As his sword clashed against the man's sword Procs used the momentum granted by the blow to spin and increase his speed into driving the dagger toward the man's neck. He would need an extreme amount of force if he was to penatrate the man's skin and rip into his flesh spilling his blood onto the mat.

 

Unluckly for the the man Proc also slammed his knee into theman's chest in an attempt to make the distance even smaller thus allowing more force into the blade when it made contact with the man's neck.

 

((1))

 

((BTw sorry for the flashbacks but I had promised myself a conculsion to them and what better way than in a duel?))

[Durose Roshan]

Durose watched as the battle proceeded. He could read the fighters, Proc's arrogance and bloodlust, as well as Cyrus's intelligence and patience. There was something about Cyrus's stance. It was something ancient and powerful that reminded him very much of the Echani fighting style. Had he too been trained by an Ex-royal guardian? It was hard to tell at this point, but Durose watched closely and excitedly as things advanced. As Durose watched attentively basic Echani teaching came to mind.

 

The methods you use to meet your opponents speak truer than any words can express.

The way you go about your attack shows your heart and degree of commitment.

It is not a contest of raw strength, but of action and reaction.

 

Then came Proc's move. He had seen it coming. He wondered if Cyrus had as well. It was a good battle move. In a real fight, it would have been deadly. Of course, Durose could tell from the passion in Proc's eyes and features that he thought it would still be in this battle, as well. Durose, however, highly doubted that. Even if he did land it, these suits were made to endure great amounts of damage, enough so that you could use them as protection in actual battle. Still, if Proc did land the blow Cyrus might very well be disqualified by TDB (Technical deathblow).

 

Things were already starting to get interesting. Both fighters showed promise. It would just be a matter of harnessing and focusing their energy in the right direction.

[Cyrus Knight]

Knight's curiosity was piqued when Procs expended energy in an attempt to evade blows rather than blocking them and attempting to find a weakness to exploit (if one could say that Knight's fighting style had weaknesses). He was no fool, so he began to place his swings in more strategical locations. Knowing that no combatant spent an entire fight dodging without taking a moment to attack, he was constantly reading posture and waiting for the man's choice strike moment.

 

It came rather soon, and the warrior was ready for it. A subtle shift, a step forward, and the drawing of a knife occured. The knife swung inward and Knight precisely, easily and calmly raised one end of his warsword to stand in its way. He was in no way hampered by any device or method Proc had put forth, so there was nothing to keep him from parrying the knife. The confidence in Proc's movement was another curiosity to Knight--why did the man expect this to work?

 

Then a knee shot out and hit Knight in the chest, knocking him backwards and clear of the knife anyway. If Proc had somehow already analyzed Knight well enough that he could tell that Knight worked in a very logical way to the extent where contradictions and illogical actions could somewhat confuse him, then he was truly a dangerous opponent, for Knight was somewhat confused. But, be that the case, Proc had not managed to analyze Knight well enough to know that Knight worked precisely despite many diverse conditions, whether they be pain, confusion, or any manner of Force tricks that he had experienced.

 

And Knight had been through all manner of things. Humans had the tendency to forget the feel of pain, something that could either make them give in to it when they experienced it when they expected to be able to resist, or aided them in facing certain circumstances that would make them stronger, not knowing what they would go through to reach the end. But Knight was different. He remembered pain. He knew its feel, had studied its effects on himself. And he could, in turn, operate despite it. Atrocities had been performed upon him by dangerous opponents--he had had a rib torn from his chest and thrust into his mouth, which was the sole feature on an otherwise indistinguishable surface that had once been a face. He had had Dark Jedi use debilitating "mind shards" upon him in combat, and had felt the burn of a lightsaber.

 

As a result, he was more able to face these things again. Needless to say, the simple confusion of contradictory tactics was hardly something to keep him from maximum performance.

 

Proc's attack dealt with, Knight moved back on the offensive. He had only his warsword at his disposal, his combat suit decidedly featureless. Of course, he was never unarmed and always had more than a warsword, for a true warrior needed only his hands and feet.

 

With his warsword now in his left hand (he was ambidextrous), the experienced bounty hunter and ethical standout advanced on Proc again. He soon reached melee distance and swung with his double-blade, the left end the first to strike at Proc and the right end across Knight's chest, following the first end in. Proc ducked under the first blade, then rose and prepared to parry the second (Knight could tell by his posture). But Knight immediately adapted and changed his plan, thrusting forward with the long handle of his weapon, striking Proc in the face with the combination of his left fist and the weight of his weapon. A solid thunk was heard and Knight threw his right hand forward and down, catching the back of Proc's left knee and firmly yanking it towards himself with strength that seemed to exceed normal physical capacity (though it did not--only the proper application of his strength made it seem this way).

 

Proc tumbled to the ground flat on his back, the back of his head hitting the durasteel floor. Knight deftly brought his blade down and deliberately placed it between Proc's left arm and the left side of his chest, making it clear that he could have provided a fatal blow had he wanted to. He pulled the blade back and took a step back. "This contest isn't over. You didn't have a full chance to defend yourself on the ground, so I didn't finish the job. Get up and fight, Mr. Proc. But fight better than before."

 

Knight offered a grim smile beneath his metal mask. He could tell from how Proc moved that he was fighting to kill, even if that wasn't the purpose of this exercise. He could only imagine what sort of rage his words would inflame--that is, if he could read Proc as well as he thought he could. Rage, above all other emotions, was the hardest to maintain without behaving foolishly.

 

((2))

[Menthu]

Proc jumped up in an instant and readied his sword once more. His paticualr fighting stye when using a sword was good against multiple opponents. However he was sure he could adapt it to a one on one fight.

 

Especially since he had been trained on hos to duel in a one on one battle through the use of swords. HOwever he needed to keep his opponent of guard. He could not allow his opponent to read him in any manner that was correct.

 

He smiled and gave his sword a twirl.

 

"You are far to nice."

 

With a flourish he attacked. He could tell the man was skill in his art and must have trained in an art form one wayor another, that would be his weakness. Those who stick to one art form do not like to deviate from it, to the point that some of them would do what ever is possible to keep from it. Matter of fact it was like dance. There were those who memorize the steps, when the music come on the count the steps and dazzle all around them in the process. then there are the people like him who when the music comes one they are one with the music, the music and the person are one in the same. With out this dancer the music is nothing and with out t he music the dancer is nothing.

 

He danced out the way of a blow. he was doing his best to not strike not just yet not until the man presented a target. Ducking and diving he led his opponet back to the weapon's rack near the edge of the ring. This fighter was good, matter of fact he was too good he was clearly reading him like a book.

 

Procs calmed himself and slowed his movements as if he was becoming tired. In reality he was simply setting up for his shot. As the man came at him again Procs eruptedin a fury of moves, each one slammed down upon his enemy with a jarring that was nearly bone shattering. His observers must have though he was worse than an enraged wookiee. To bad they were all being misled. dual emotions was a hard thing to master, once mastered it could keep Jedi from your m ind and allow one to switch you attacks at a moment's notice.

 

Bring his blade in high for a neck sweep he instead duck down low spun around and grabbed another weapon from the rack. Roling to the right he came up ax in one hand Vibrosword in the other.

 

Giving them both a twirl He leapt into the air and came off to the left of his opponent. While the man looked ambidextrous it would not change the fact that the left side would still be the unexpected side of attack. the man turned to slow as Proc allowed hit his foot to connect with his enemy's chin with a very fast high kick, following such he gave the man a roundhouse kick to the temple. Before the man could recover from both blow he stabbed foward with the vibro sword while at the same time making a hacking motion with the ax.

 

((2))

[Sabian]

With a subtle nod gestured as Brina passed, his focus went back to Zara, standing infront of her with a gentle youthful exuberance, bending down his neck swiftly to match his lips against hers before looking back deep into her own eyes.

 

"I know you got alot on your mind now, baby, so I'm going to head to bed soon. Remember, you don't have to decide right away,"

 

Delicately rubbing at her waist, he pulled away slowly, his eyes not leaving hers until the final step was made out the door, automatic doors shutting infront of him.

 

Sabian rubbed the back of his head, cracking his neck side to side before entering one of the suite rooms and settled down. Purposely choicing one that was within the ysalamari range, having pretensious feelings towards what the Force had been showing him over the past few days, he was finally given peace and subside for the time being. Hung over the bed side, he turned the covers over his body and drifted quickly to rest.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara returned Brina's embrace, turning back to Sabian to return his kiss. Zara was tired too, though she did have to make a decision.

 

"Goodnight Sabian... sleep well my love..."

 

From the sense she got from Sabian, she didn't think he'd want her to join him this night as she watched him heading off to one of the suites. She felt him disappear, knowing he'd gone into the non force zone. There were times when she sought refuge there as well. Zara rested her hand over their daughter, gently rubbing her slowly growing tummy as she started walking.

 

As she walked along, she raised up her wrist console, checking on the progress of the security upgrades both at the Casino and at the Warehouse on Coruscant. Maybe they should look to expand some more. Which planet would be viable for another outlet for the Link Organisation? She'd have to discuss it with her staff members before a decision was made. Maybe Corellia? Brina might come up with another location... or Durose...

 

Zara ended up in her apartment, readying herself for sleep. She went through to the twins rooms, kissing each of them goodnight before she retired herself, soon falling asleep.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina was surprised at what she found. Inside was a very specialized, barely legal part. She knew instantly what it was capable of, and her eyebrows shot up. It was apparently a gift for her, so she put it onboard her ship. She was excited...she wanted to fiddle with it, install it, and see just how much more power it allowed her to coax out of the Crazy Mynock's engines.

 

But she had a job to do at the moment. She headed to a computer terminal, and located Durose. He was in a fight ring, along with Cyrus Knight, and someone else that the computer didn't recognize. Suddenly, the promise of new recruits caused her to remember something. She quickly pulled up all the logs, security footage, and computer entries concerning Anakin Gree and erased them. Just to be safe. There would be no evidence that the man had ever even set foot in any of the Link's buildings.

 

She then headed down to the ring. Inside, two men were fighting in specialized suits while Durose looked on. She went up to him. "What is going on here?" she asked, slightly surprised. "Who are those men?"

[Cyrus Knight]

Cyrus Knight nodded satisfactorally as Mr. Proc made an effort to increase the intensity of his combat style. He had already been flipping around the entire duel, and now he was beginning to expend himself on offense as well. Whether the rage he displayed was real or feigned, he was growing weary--it took a lot of effort to have an evasive defense and an intense offense.

 

The warrior prepared himself for each strike and maneuvered his blade skillfully through the incoming attacks, parrying each one as it was best to be parried and never caught by a blow that followed quickly behind its predecessor. His basic advantage of a dual-weapon was being applied to its full strength--as of yet, Knight had not fully committed himself to a tiring series of attacks and fought his bouts of defense with minimal movement, as a Jedi would who fought with Form III.

 

Once again, as Proc worked the two combatants over towards the weapons rack, Knight anticipated his actions. The addition of a pair of quick kicks was a nice one, but Knight was tough and he knew that a blade attack or two would be coming. He took the hits stiffly, allowing his body to rotate with the momentum in order to keep strain from his neck, then pushed easily off with his right foot at an acute angle with the ground, entering a half-crouch as he did so. The maneuver was quite enough to avoid the blade attacks, and it set Knight up for his own attack.

 

Knight let go of his left-handed grip on his warsword, leaving it in custody of his right. He brought his left hand down and spread his fingers, turning his palm into a platform which set down on the ground. Taking advantage of the recoil from Proc's missed attack, Knight kicked with his right foot (which was above his left) and hit the hilt of the weapon in Proc's right hand, wrenching it from his grip.

 

Almost acrobatically, Knight pushed off with his left hand and planted his right foot, pulling himself upright with his left shoulder perpendicular to Proc. The momentum generated by the motion was put to good use as Knight's double-blade came around full for a solid attack. The parry was a little rushed and the defender's blade was knocked aside though not disarmed. Knight continued the spin he had begun and brought his right knee into Proc's gut, halting his motion and transferring the full kinetic energy of his fluid motion into the other man's body.

 

It was a little more smooth and less direct than the sort of attacks that Knight favored, but it was a nice change in the flow of the battle that proved his adaptability--he didn't want to become predictable. Through his battle he had not lost sight of what it truly was--a display of skill for his observer, the Durose fellow. Still, he had made it a test for himself. He was taking steps outside his normal fighting style here and doing it handily. Ergo, in the future, he would be less hesitant to fight in such a way, being more confident in things outside the box.

 

That box was large for Knight. He was used to having all manner of weapons at his disposal--in the past, he could be identified by the great multitude of weapons he carried mounted in and on his battlearmor. He had had the unlimited potential for strange combinations and deadly concoctions. He had mixed fire and gas to make explosions and used a wrist-mounted laser during a blade lock.

 

Now he had chosen to give up those things with his old identity. He was left still with his skill and capacity for ingenuity, but only the simplest of weapons to enact them with. It was almost refreshing. It would force him to improve in ways that he had not before needed to. If and when he returned to his old identity, he would once again have access to his many weapons, but he would also have access to the basic, essential skills that he was working to build and improve right here, at this moment, in a simple "audition" match for the Link Security Force.

 

And that was Knight's view on things. It didn't matter where and for what purpose, it only mattered that he was fighting and learning. And those things were what he lived for. Only glory could be found down the road that they formed the boundries of.

 

((3))

[Menthu]

Perfect.

 

Proc had been surprised when the sword went flying from his hand. Though that surprised very quickly turned to very real anger, and anger that was all the better harnessed now that he had an axe in his hand.

 

However anger made one sloppy. Sloppy to the point that he was forced to bring himself in control rather quickly when he found himself facing being sliced into two uneven pieces.

 

Being forced into a parry he saw the knee coming before it ever reached him.

 

Perfect.

 

Proc pulled out the weapon the very instant he felt the knee contact with his gut. As the wind was knocked out of him he stabbed forward. Luckily for his enemy his second knife was off target instead of the blunt blade impact firmly into the man's diaphragm the knee had done more damage than he had though and all he managed to do was graze the man's ribs as the knife went spinning off toward the edge of the ring.

 

Then it happened. He did the one thing even he didn't expect he would do he sank to his knees and then slammed to the floor with a rather loud thud. It was the most logical move. Not only did it give him a chance to regroup but it also threw his enemy off guard after all no one expects much from a fallen opponent who is face down on the floor.

 

Five seconds before he got back up he calmed himself as he felt his abdomen throb. He knew he shouldn't simply pop back up lest his trick would be destroyed and useless.

 

Four seconds before he got up he tighten his grip ever so slightly on his axe. He knew what he was about to do and regretted it.

 

Two seconds before he got up he mentally reviewed how it came to be that his style was adopted by him.

 

Through out the galaxy Jedi and sith were known for their speed, their reflexes and their naturally ability to avoid danger. He remembered being hired at one point to kill a Jedi. He had studied his prey and had learned much despite him never being in contact with the legend.

 

He had studied their speed with and with out the force and figured out one thing. The blazing way they moved their saber was greatly attributed to the fact that it barley weighed a thing. He had smiled at that little insight knowledge. Since then he had decided that he too would find a way to make his own movements faster than the eye to track. With out the force that the Jedi leaned on so much as a crutch. he had adopted weights heavy weights so that at one point he had thirty pounds on each arm and leg. He nearly killed himself in his attempts to become faster, pushing himself day in and day out forcing himself to move with blinding speed with each weight increase. At first he had started with fifteen pounds on all limbs and he kept them on until he was able to reach the striking speeds he had been able to reach before he had ever put the weights on. After increasing them by five pound he reached the magic number of thirty before he started adding other things, such as weighted shirts, pants in necklaces. Heck it had brought him back to his days as a kid trying to master the use of a sword.

 

In the end it had all worked to his advantage. After all he was still alive. When one adopted the way of the blaster sometimes all you had was a split second to draw your blaster and fire or else your head was so much charred meat on the wall behind you. Matter of fact he even gained a lightsaber due to his amazing feat to move far faster than the eye could track with out the force. he had been able to wrench a lightsaber from a full blown Sith lord way back when he had been trying to utilize the force inside of himself.

 

A smile appeared on his lips, in a flash he was up and moving, taking his opponent by surprise after all who expected much from an opponent who had been motionless face down on the floor for five seconds. With a speed that was nearly blinding he attacked with his axe slowly making his way to were his sword had fallen where he could truly bring out the speed he had mastered.

 

Though it seemed that knight was not as stupid as he first appeared. Making a play for it himself Proc was forced to dive for it. Rolling to his feet he had both axe and blade in his hand once more. he smiled before he suddenly threw the axe at the man, while he did nimbly dodge it had done it's purpose by keeping the man off guard long enough for Proc to move in closer. Then by his standard it was all over.

 

Perhaps a few flashes of metal were indeed seen but by in large nothing more than the sound was heard as Proc sliced his blade left and right up and down. Against a multitude of people it was devastating especially in close quarters. He figured that had it been a lightsaber it would have been seen as a wall of light if not simply brief flashes. He figured he could have kept up with a Jedi easily despite their legendary status. Needless to say it was far easier to drive his opponent to the edge of the ring when your sword moved fast enough that the only sign of it's passing was the brief window created and the occasional sharp nick here and there as he was able to slip past the man's defensive on a matter of speed alone. While he was sacrificing a lot of power to do this sometimes it was better to make his enemy nothing more than a bleeding mass of guts and gore than to pierce his foe all the way through.

 

Suddenly he found his blade locked. In an instant Proc pushed against the lock before relaxing his force against the other man's blade and dropped to the floor. Coming up with an uppercut he purposely missed and delivered a side kick directly toward the man's diaphragm pushing him away from Proc and very closer to go outside of the ring. as well as having the very added bonus of knocking the wind out of the man. if there was ever a time to deliver a killing blow it would be now.

 

In a flash he shot forward in order to pierce the man through the heart.

 

 

((3 great duel it was fun.))

[Kakuto Ryu]

Game. Cyrus Knight is the victor.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara woke to the sound of her comm unit sounding. Fumbling with it, she played the forwarded message.

 

A message was patched through from a particular Holofeed station only a few blocks from the famous, and sometimes infamous, Last Call Bar and Restaurant in the Upper Levels of the city-planet.

 

The User-ID of the message was unclear, but, that didn't matter, for shortly afterwards, he identified himself...

 

Lady Nargal, Miss Brina and associates of the Link and its galaxy-famous Casino, you may remember me as one of the persons who hijacked your vault. I come to pay back a huge chunk of my debt... in exchange for a Wedding Ceremony for my lovely fiance and I, Miss Sirvani Zsahra, and myself, the dashing rogue, John Skywalker. I have already received the suppor

 

t of your silent-backer, Mr. Corelli, a close, personal friend, after all, with my assistance he was able to retrofit and improve your security measures. In some ways, I did you a favor. Either way, I'd appreciate your curt reply. My holo-address is...

 

And the following was a series of numerals detailing how to reach his personal communicator, conveniently within his own cyber-brain.

 

I hope you don't think this... rude... of me, I just can't envision a better place for our ceremony, especially with Mr. Corelli, himself performing the ceremony.

 

Hmm well this is interesting... The last time she had seen John and Sirvani was at the birth of Emily... for that matter, that was the last time she saw Bekka as well. I'll have to discuss this with Brina.

 

She rose from her bed, dressing and paying the twins a visit before she headed off to find Brina. She also wanted to meet with Durose as well.

 

edit: Zara still had to think about what to do with the children. She had to remain on call for the Link Organisation, though she wanted her children safe... all of them. Did she go somewhere with Sabian? Or did she remain somewhere like on Coruscant, in a secreted location there? Just what would she do?

[Cyrus Knight]

Knight took the kick to the side and allowed himself a step backwards to counter the momentum. He hardly had had the wind knocked out of him--he was a little tougher than your average civilian, and his protective armor that had been provided was adequately absorbant of blunt blows. It translated the damage into pain rather well, but it couldn't translate the force behind the blow. Pain was ignorable, and insufficient force was, as well.

 

He's rather brash and far too feirce. He appears to think he's in control of his fighting style, but it is very unstable, as though he can't decide on an approach, the warrior concluded in his mind. Then he'll spontaneously overcommit to an ill-fated attack as though he was still in combat with an inanimate object or a droid that doesn't have any sort of wisdom.

 

Or, Knight amended, maybe he's just not used to fighting someone like me.

 

He had always been strong when it came to recovery. He had surprised opponents countless times by springing to his feet when they thought he should be down for the count. He had fought despite countless limitations. Now he was faced by a simple kick to the side followed by a telegraphed and fully-committal attack. But this time he wouldn't purposefully miss his mark when granted the opportunity to defeat his opponent.

 

When Proc charged him, Knight stepped forward towards the other man and brought his left shoulder back so that the blade missed it by a hair, then brought the warsword's forward blade (it was in his left hand) slamming into Proc's back, sending the man sprawling in force and pain. Knight stepped up to him and, just for good effect, brought the sword down on the left side of the fallen man's back.

 

"Deathblow granted," a computerized voice said.

 

Knight returned to the weapon's rack and put his double-blade back on it. It had worked rather well for him--it was rather weildy, though he didn't know how well it would serve him in certain scenarios that were coming to mind. He would have to teach himself to use it in many different ways, learning a few forms of combat and sometimes heavily relying on his hands and feet.

 

OOC: I know this is terribly inconveniant, especially now, but I'm afraid I'm not going to be able to post again until Saturday--I'm gone all week.

[Durose Roshan]

 

She [Brina Thalin] then headed down to the ring. Inside, two men were fighting in specialized suits while Durose looked on. She went up to him. "What is going on here?" she asked, slightly surprised. "Who are those men?"

 

Durose glanced over as he watched the fighting. It was Brina. Taking his attention way from the match for the moment, Durose bowed deeply.

 

"The new recruits," Durose replied. "Cyrus Knight and Mr. Proc. They are having a little exercise to test their battle prowess. You're welcome to watch. The fight is almost over."

 

Durose stood beside Brina as the clash became more heated. However, in the end it was Cyrus that came out victorious. It was an ending he had already expected, but it was good training for Proc, nonetheless. Both fighters showed much promise. Durose was very pleased.

 

"Cyrus, welcome to the Link," he smiled as he shook Cyrus's hand. "Go ahead and get cleaned up and we will iron out the details of your contract shortly."

 

Then Durose turned to Proc. He knew that the suits were designed to lower testoterone levels of combatants after a battle. However, he didn't know if it would be enough to control him. It should be, but if it wasn't Durose figured he could always manually increase the pain settings of the suit.

 

"A valient effort, Mr. Proc. There will be a spot for you, too, if you decide to join us. Until then, you can go clean up as well. We will discuss this more at dinner time. Victoria, guards, please escort Proc to his quarters."

 

Finishing his list of orders, Durose turned to Brina.

 

"Good to see you, again. What can I do for you?"

[Brina Thalin]

Brina raised an eyebrow skeptically. "Why are you bothering testing their battle prowess? The Link is a neutral organization, and I don't expect us to fight anyone besides the Black Sun. Hopefully, that will be resolved, too. Their combat skill is the last thing I'd worry about right now."

 

She stopped and took a deep breath. "Sorry...I should just step back and give you some room to do what you're asked to do." She wondered why she found it hard to get along with the Cathar. Just parts of his personality irritated her, she guessed. But she had managed to get along with others in the past. What had changed this time?

 

"Anyway, what positions are these men interested in? I mean, I recieved a copy of Mr. Knight's application. He wants to join the security team, if I'm not mistaken. But what about Mr. Proc? Of course, I'd like to set up an interview with both of them before you hire them, although I suppose I trust your judgement."

[Zara Nargal]

Zara made her way to where the locator said Brina and Durose were. She entered the room on the tail end of the conversation, hearing that Brina would like interviews with the two prospects before they were hired.

 

"Yes that sounds like a good idea to me. Glad I got you both together actually. I received this comm requesting the Casino for the location of John and Sirvani's wedding. I wanted to discuss it with you before I sent them an answer. This might be a good way to get back some of our credits that he acquired with his part of the heist. I know Kheldar's insurance covered it, but still, it's a good way to get back what was ours to begin with. We'd have to speak with them and find out where they'd like their wedding conducted of course, use that as our next location for a while.

 

Also, what better way to reopen the Casino than with a wedding?"

 

She looked from one to the other.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina nodded. "Sure, why not? I actually think it will be very good for business, and good for our neutrality. Besides, weddings mean there will be a lot of people involved, so I agree that it will be a good way to get back some money, plus maybe a little extra from the wedding guests."

 

She shrugged. "It definately sounds like something that will be an event to remember. I mean, how many Sith weddings are there? If the Link's name goes down in that story, I see all positives for that."

[Zara Nargal]

"Yes it would be good for business. We'd have to speak with them to see what they wanted, but I think that one of the garden domes should be used for it. It'd have to be in the Force area no doubt, being as they are both Sith, though if it didn't have to be, then we could have the top garden dome with the backdrop of which ever planet they wanted us at."

 

It was giving Zara something to get excited about. Everyone loved a wedding. They were a time for joyous celebrations and for raking in the credit's. If this one went off successfully, then they could expect others to follow. They had accommodations required for the many guests, they had just about everything that would keep a guest happy.

[Durose Roshan]

"Why are you bothering testing their battle prowess? The Link is a neutral organization, and I don't expect us to fight anyone besides the Black Sun. Hopefully, that will be resolved, too. Their combat skill is the last thing I'd worry about right now."

 

Durose was shocked by her skepticism, but remained silent. He just give her the kind of nod that let her know "Very well. You're concerns are noted."

 

She must not get out much. The galaxy is unsettled, there was a major war over Coruscant, and we are in need of a better security force and protection for your casino. How would that be the last thing?!

 

Then, she backed off. Durose was glad he hadn't created any confrontation. He wanted to get to know her better, not fight at every turn. She was just making things so difficult. For some reason she wanted to put as much space between them as she could. It seemed like he couldn't do anything right. He was trying to be as nice as possible but even when he tried to help it was misconstrued as an attack or insult. Human woman were so hard to understand.

 

After the battle came to an end, Brina asked about what positions the men were applying for.

 

Durose noted, "Yes, Mr. Knight is applying for the security force...hence why I am testing his combat prowess. We can't expect that our security team won't have to fight. As for Proc, he is my 'project.' When he is ready I imagine he will join our security forces."

 

Durose was about to agree that Brina could interview them if she would like and query about whether she had discovered the "mysterious" gift, when Zara interrupted the two. Without another word, the Zara and Brina broke off into their own little world planning for the Link Casino's wedding grand opening. Durose keep quite, but his head was spinning.

 

What a completely nightmarish idea! A wedding! That is a security disaster waiting to happen! It will be most likely impossible to do background check on all the guests. There will be tons of people all over the place. It will be easier to sneak in and easy for someone to get lost in the crowd if they need to. Add to that that the "after party" will probably be wild and create property damage if the crowd isn't properly controlled. Too, news like a wedding will leak which means everyone in the galaxy will likely gain the location of the Casino. Of course, the casino will no doubt have to stay stationary for the duration of the wedding and celebration afterwards.

 

And to make things worse, I still didn't have much of a security force to keep order. Definitely, nothing to handle hundreds of people. Plus, I have yet to even begin properly training them! This will simply be nightmarish...

 

What! I SITH wedding? That's even worse! Most of the guest will be sith then! They will be even more rowdy and difficult to keep in line. Great. I guess I won't be getting much sleep for the next few weeks. I have my work cut out for me.

 

Durose tried to keep his cheerful disposition as he clenched his teeth through his smile. After they had finished, Durose spoke up.

 

"What's our ysalamiri count? Can we afford to buy some or will Iyou need me to go to Myrkr? And how many days do we have to prepare? How many guest do we expect? Do we have any datafiles on this couple getting married?"

[Zara Nargal]

"The parties involved are known to us and had been referred to us by our silent backer. That Kheldar will be there performing the ceremony as well, will give them further reason to behave. It's his insurance company that has to cover any... misfortunes. That he has already dealt with one of the misdemeanours and is for this ceremony speaks volumes."

 

She looked back at Durose, noting the tension between he and Brina, wondering just what that was about.

 

"As for the ysalamari, possibly would be a good idea to gather more. If you can organise a trip to Myrkr. I'm not sure just how long we have, I gather they will want the ceremony as soon as possible once we give them the ok for the venue."

 

She looked between both again.

 

"I also feel that it's a good time as any to expand our business. Another outlet for the Link on Corellia is what I'm thinking. Then after a while, we expand again."

 

Zara again let her gaze shift between the two.

[Durose Roshan]

"Yes, ma'am. I think I can organize a group. I suggest that Brina join me in leading Cyrus and Proc down onto the planet. We can put their combat skills to good use and the more people we have, the more ysalamiri we are likely to find and bring back. Plus, if we take one or two vessels it will give Brina a chance to interview them on the way. I'm sure you and Victoria can hold the fort down until we return."

 

Plus, I'm beginning to think Brina needs a vacation. If she wasn't hold up in here, she might not be so on edge. Of course, Myrkr isn't the standard vacation spot. Still, it has its moments and it will give Brina a chance to get away, regardless. Too, it will give her a chance to test out those new thrusters. I know she wants to do that.

 

As Zara continued, she mentioned about creating another outlet.

 

Durose nodded, "Outside of Coruscant, Corellia is probably one of the most diverse and busy areas around. I think that would be a sound place to station another outlet. One thing, though. Have you ever thought about creating a secret base on Myrkr? Almost like a hideout. Some place we can go if things ever get really bad or we need to hide someone. With a magnetized planet that interrupts electrical and other tracking devices and a population of ysalamiri that nullify force users, it is the ultimate hide away spot. I should know. I lived there for years."

[Zara Nargal]

"A hideout on Myrkr... now that could be interesting and might solve a problem I have. Certainly they wouldn't be able to locate it through either Force or instrument."

 

She turned back towards Brina, seriously thinking about that proposition. It would certainly give a good hiding place for her and the twins if necessary, be it a dangerous one if the twins left the compound. She'd be on her toes about that for sure.

 

"While the team is there, it might pay to scout out a likely location. I want to have my children taken to a safe place if Black Sun strike again. I've already lost one to them... and throught I'd lost the twins... that isn't going to happen again."

 

Her voice became hard as she spoke of Black Sun. Once she had Melanie, she'd train harder and next time not be such an easy target for them. That they always seemed to target her when she was pregnant was the problem. Maybe she should put in some time accessing her child's powers to boost her own in times of need. Zara had hardly used her Force powers. Maybe it was time to really start using them.

 

"If you come across any crystal deposit's in your travels, I would like some brought to me too. We can use them as a saleable resource, and also for those Force Users that have their weapons out of action, that they can purchase a new crystal if they don't have the time to go and get their own."

[Durose Roshan]

Durose was elated that someone appreciated his input. He personally would also like the chance to work out of Myrkr again. It wasn't Cathar, but it had become a second home to him over the years. Durose already had several locations in mind for a secret base. He hoped Brina would at least consider his idea as well.

 

Then, Zara mentioned crystal deposits. Durose nodded in agreement at the idea. That was a smart one. There were definitely untouched crystal deposits on the planet as force users often tried to stay as far away as possible. He would make a point to find and collect some while they were there.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina wasn't worried about handling all the guests. True, there would most likely be a lot, and they were Sith, but still, in the normal operations of the Casino, they would have more people than would be attending this wedding onboard. This was a good as chance as any to test their new improvements and security systems.

 

At Zara's proposition for establishing a new base on Coreillia, Brina lit up. It was a very good idea, she thought, and would definately draw in business. The Corellians should find the uniqueness of the Link's space station appealing, and that there was a casino and bar would also draw the population. The new base could definately handle the dealings there, and not just with Corellia itself, but with all five of the planets in that system.

 

The base on Myrkr was definately an interesting proposition. Brina knew what Zara was thinking when she looked at her. It did seem to be a good place for the twins, as long as they could keep away the vornskrs and other Force-hunting animals.

 

As for the trip there to harvest ysalamiri, Brina was surprised Durose asked for her to accompany them. She had never been to Myrkr, but knew it's basic stats. Part of her did not want to go at all. She would value the time getting to know the other recruits, but having to put up with Durose that whole time didn't seem good for her sanity. She didn't know what to say, so she shrugged.

 

"I guess if you need me to go to Myrkr with you, I'll come," she finally said. She shot a look at Zara that almost begged her to come up with some other assignment for her. But Brina knew she could deal with her flaming temper if she put her mind to it. The last thing she wanted was for things to become even more strained between her and Durose, and just perhaps this trip would ease those tensions a little.

 

She only wished she knew why the Cathar irritated her so...

 

"We'll make sure to keep an eye out for crystals, Zar," she added. "I like the idea of selling them, although we'll see how popular of an item they become."

 

On a totally different note, Brina noticed how Zara had spoken of losing one of her children. It was good to hear, though painful. It meant that Zara was finally recovering from that whole incident. The fact that she had referred to the child as her own, and that she had been sad at it's death showed that her friend was getting better. Part of it she knew she had to attribute to Sabian and Melanie. They were doing Zara more good than she realized.

[Durose Roshan]

Durose was quick to follow up on his request. He knew now more than ever that they were running out of time fast. He still needed some time to install extra turrets in several key places on the station and tweak the security systems just to be safe. He wouldn't have time if they delayed the trip any longer.

 

Now addressing Brina, Durose smiled, "Well, then, I guess it is off to Myrkr. Mrs. Thalin, grab whatever clothes and weapons you might need. I suggest you bring some kind of melee weapon as along with your blaster. Blasters can be temperamental at times on that planet. I'm sorry to rush you, but considering our current time constraints, we leave in an hour. Do you think we can all fit into your ship? Or should we take two?"

 

Durose listened to her response as he hit a few buttons on a datapad.

 

As soon as she finished, Durose commed Cyrus and Proc.

 

"Well, boy, we have our first field training exercise, destination, Myrkr. I'm sorry to rush you from point A to point B so fast, but we leave in an hour. Gather whatever you will need and the guards will escort you to docking bay 3."

 

Then, Durose turned his attention back to Zara and Brina.

[Zara Nargal]

Zara nearly scoffed at Durose calling Brina 'Mrs' ... Now that's not going to do him any favours... Even she wasn't a 'Mrs'. Sure she'd had the twins and had another child on the way, but she'd never been married. It pained her at times that she'd had the children out of wedlock but that was just something she had learnt to live with, something that maybe wasn't meant to be. Inwardly she sighed, her hands resting over her abdomen now.

 

"If any guests turn up in the mean time, I'll give you guys a recall. It doesn't matter if the mission is cut short as we still had some here. I don't really think the Force Users will be the problem you're making them out to be Durose. I know you're only being precautious... but I think if we're to have trouble, it won't be from them. Maybe I'm just being optimistic though..."

 

She shrugged her shoulders slightly, wondering where Sabian was. If he was alright. Her thoughts shifted constantly between him and the twins. She'd let him know that they were going to set up a hideaway on Myrkr, somewhere they could disappear to if need be.

 

"When Kheldar arrives, I'd like us to discuss the new station for Corellia. Hopefully he'll arrive earlier than the others, though I won't hold my breath."

 

Zara looked back at both Brina and Durose to see if either had anything else to say.

[Brina Thalin]

Startled at Durose's sudden proclamation about their departure, Brina shrugged and tried not to let his "Mrs." comment bother her. She hated titles, but when they were wrong, that irked her even more. But she checked her temper and nodded.

 

"Alright, take care, Zara. We'll be back soon."

 

She turned to Durose. "We can take the Crazy Mynock. She's big enough for what we need."

[Durose Roshan]

Durose imagined that she may or may not be a Mrs. Still, using titles was something he fell back into when relationships began to strain. It was just a habit. And of course, he was sure that using the title would give him the answer to where she was a Mrs or a Ms. As he had guessed, both women showed facial signs to suggest his errant use of the title. On the good side, now he knew that she was a Ms. On the bad side, that probably made her more upset with him.

 

Oh well.

 

At least now she had a reason to be mad at him. Then again, maybe she already did. He was an alien. Many humans and others he had met in the past had hated him solely on the basis that he was different, that he was an alien, an outsider, and off-worlder. Maybe she was the same. Regardless, they would have to learn to at least create a mutual working relationship or this was going to be one long tenure as under Brina.

 

So they would be taking the Crazy Mynock. The YT-2400 class vessel was the best option overall. If guests arrived before they were done it would be able to quickly get them back to the Casino in no time.

 

Durose was pleased. Everything was in order. Then, his comm bleeped as he was told that Cyrus would need some recovery time and wouldn't be ready in, what now would be, under an hour. The fighting had taken its toll. Durose frowned. He didn't have time to wait. Cyrus could meet them on route.

 

Then, Durose thought about Proc. He seemed to be a little more resilient than most, but he was defeated after all. He might need time to rest, too. Durose decided to check on Proc's status as well. Comming guards accompanying him, Durose asked for a status report.

 

Durose wasn't sure what he would do if both of them were busy. He could bring Victoria, but he didn't want to leave Zara alone with two people that he didn't trust. Victoria knew enough that she would able to take care of things and keep Zara safe while he was gone. The only other option was Brina and him going ahead of everyone and setting up camp. That would work, too, although it might slow down the search for ysalamiri a bit. Nonetheless, Durose was set to leave within the hours, recruits or no recruits.

[Brina Thalin]

Brina shrugged again at Zara, and offered her a half-smile. "We'll be back soon, I hope. This venture shouldn't be too strenuous, I'd hope. Never been to Myrkr...but I hope it's kind of nice. I'll have my comm on if you need me."

 

She smiled, then headed off to her quarters to pack. She grabbed only what she could carry on her person in a sack. Two changes of clothes, and the necessary toiletries. She didn't carry a vibroblade, having had almost no training in the use of it, although she did strap a long knife to her belt beside her blaster. She also packed plenty of recharged blaster packs. She quickly got into clothes more suitable to a strange planet--a standard khacki jumpsuit that hugged her lean form. She pulled on a dark cloak with a hood, then shouldered her pack after adding some foodstuffs, and a few first aid items.

 

 

Anything else we will need will be in the Mynock, she thought. Locking her door, she headed down to the hanger. She was the first one there, as she had planned. She boarded, put her pack down on a bunk, then headed to the cockpit. She slowly warmed up the engines, then remembered the new thruster. She went back and grabbed it, then stashed it in the back. She doubted she'd have time to install it during this trip, unfortunately. She'd have to find the time soon...she was curious to see what it could do. Returning to the cockpit of her beloved ship, she continued overseeing the warmup, making sure everything was in tiptop conditon.

[Zara Nargal]

"Just remember to put a small beacon high up in the atmosphere so that I can reach you. I'll possibly have to leave a message for you. That planet is good for scrambling all sorts of equipment, communications included."

 

She and her brother had been there once, long ago when they'd been smuggling. They hadn't gotten ysalamari then, though they had attracted the attention of the vornskr's. The Nargal twins had gone there to pick up a special delivery. They managed to retrieve it successfully, though they hadn't stayed long. She knew now that the sensations she'd felt was the Force cutting in and out as they crossed the ysalamari bubbles. At the time she'd not given that much of a thought. It was also another reason why she kept up her skills both with and without the Force now. You never knew when you'd need skills and if you relied upon having them and they were cut off... that spelt trouble.

 

She watched Brina head off, hoping that she and Durose would sort out whatever problem they seemed to have. Personally, she didn't have a problem with him... and it never would bother her having other species in the employ. Zara knew of some policies of erradicating species, and didn't agree with it. If she had to have something to do with those involved, she'd not flaunt her preferences, needing to remain seen as neutral, but that didn't mean she wouldn't employ whoever she wanted to. She didn't know if Durose knew of her being a Dathomir Witch either. Zara had kept a fairly low profile with that regard since being captured last time. She would stick her nose in the study books though. And she would send for another tutor to come and teach her more of her skills too. Making her mind up immediately on that, and now finding herself alone, Zara headed back towards the main elevator, using her wrist unit to send off a comm to Dathomir to her home clan. There would be two witches arrive, both would help tutor her, and they would take it in turns to guard the twins.

 

She took the elevator to her apartment level, instead of heading back there though, she went into the training room. Zara needed to keep her skills up, all of them. There was still some things she could do while pregnant, and she needed to protect Melanie. A gentle smile appeared on her face as her hand rubbed soothingly on her abdomen... Our sweet little daughter... we both love you dearly... She was only just showing now, it actually becoming apparant now, that she was with child.

 

"Now... let's see. Where to begin."

 

She took a position on the floor, in the middle of the training room, sitting cross-legged. Settling herself down she let the Force take her into a meditation trance, reconnecting herself with it and letting it flow through her. The deeper she went into the trance, the lighter she felt, gradually lifting off the mats.

[Sabian]

Arms folded across his chest, the man had entered the training halls shortly after Zara had, having monitored her movements from afar in the long hallway stretches. Concealment was necessary for surprise, having wanted to examine her away from his own influencing presence to find out her true desires. She had been one to be easily to fill the role of pacifist with him, sometimes her love for he blinding the consequences, as the emotion's general nature seemed to be so undying at.

 

"So, you have been training from time to time. I'm glad," His voice was rather hushed, trying not to disturb her meditation, inwardly holding back his own energies from being professed so quickly in the area that was so abundantly to accept the mysterious natures of the Force.

 

Before a reaction was even made, a single finger was lifted against his lips, in silent protest of not wanting to press her mind from diverting from the enlightened goal she so sought for.

 

"Relax. Be still and as calm as the still water. Let the Force wash the depths of your wind and come pure."

 

For now, he stood back and absorbed the energies she had given, soaking in recent memories of time spent away. Smiling outwardly, he lowered his eyes, continuing to monitor her process as his own mind began to wander far off as well.