Dark Clouds (Invite Only)

The jungle was loud. It was wet and muddy and tangled in brush. But beyond all, it was alive. Animals were everywhere, scattering from larger, frightening beings. Dirt and mud flew up as the ran, the larger ones scattering the ground further. Some flew overhead, a few with humans on their backs. They called out in cries to nothing in particular. They just simply lett the world know they were there, that they were the rulers of the sky.

Shili or Onderon, it didn't matter. Sirius Kelrune made up his mind that he hated the jungle.

The Jedi Knight hated mud. He hated getting dirty. And he especially hated the bugs that ran in and out of the ground in front of him. Iziz loomed in the distance. Sirius would've much preferred to be in the city. It was a magnificent place, or so he thought. The palace was truly splendid, the sky-bridges it possessed where truly unique. Sirius had taken a special liking to them.

But no. Here he was tromping through the jungle, intent to get to the Republic outpost as soon as possible. Sirius wanted to get out of the muck quickly. Not having time to switch into something better suited for exploring the dreaded jungle, Sirius was still in his new robes, all one solid color; a brown-orange. But now, they bottoms were just covered in flith. Sirius blamed Cassy.

Good ol' Lallane, better know as Cassy to her friends. She'd insisted the Jedi take off into the jungle when the Republic outpost they were headed for didn't show up with a form of transportation. Much to Sirius's displeasure, which had been voiced loudly to her, they'd taken off without a second glance back once Cassy dove into the jungle.

Sirius had grown up with Cassy in the Temple, their first meeting being her getting him into some serious trouble after being in the archives after hours. From there on in, it had been much of the same. But Sirius didn't regret a single time of it. Though he hadn't seen her since his second master, Oberon Kellar, had his accident where he lost all his memory.

That didn't seem to matter though, as the two practically picked up right where they left off. Despite Sirius having changed under Teer Ka's tutelage, Lallane had remained pretty much the same, albeit older now. He could vividly recall having a major crush over Cassy back when he was teenager. Though, he had let those feelings go so he could continue on as a Jedi. Just like Sirius had done with Lana. If the Code had been different though...

But Sirius didn't let those thoughts linger as he took a sideways glance at the third Jedi. His name was Dan which probably sort of Daniel, Sirius would wager. From the little they had talked so far, Sirius was able to gauge that the man was your typical Jedi. Loyal, strong, by the book. Though, he could be mistaken. He didn't get to know him well, at least not yet. Sirius had ever intention of doing so though. A little older than Sirius, Dan had been keeping neck and neck with him as they jogged after Lallane through the jungle.

Finally, a clearing. In it sat a large, metal wall complete with lights, glass, turbolasers, and a massive doorway. The Republic Outpost on Onderon. Once they stopped, Sirius doubled over to pant. Sweat clung to his forehead and gathered on his back. He wasn't used to running through a jungle, trying to keep up with a crazy woman. Cassy told him to stay away from female officers. Sirius just rolled his eyes at the back of her head. As if that was on his mind right now.

Sirius had been sent here as part of the Blades, along with Lallane and Dan, because there'd been reports of Sith being spotted near Onderon. Sirius was worried about the Sith coming this far into Republic space. Onderon was known as a loyal supporter of the Republic. It had stood the test of time and war, having seen many battles from Mandalorians and Sith. Yet, it always remained in the Republic. It was a great source of weapons and soldiers. If they lost Onderon, it would be a hard blow for the Republic.

Following the little entourage to the Commander, the base's atmosphere control took over from the jungle. No longer were the Jedi in the heavy, hot, humid air that was natural to this region. Instead it was cool, temperate. It reminded Sirius vaguely of spring on Corellia for some odd reason. Perhaps that's were the Commander hailed from? Or it could just be a random memory of going to the planet with Master Kellar.

The Commander's office had a great view of the jungle, if one cared for such a thing. A man Sirius only knew as Taz, he found a short, balding man with weight issues. The Commander sported a thick, white mustache and several distinguishing medals on his chest. The man also sported a great dislike for the Jedi, seeing no need for them.

Commander Taz was rippling with frustration and annoyance. The Jedi could clearly feel it rolling off of him in waves in the Force. Sirius could understand where the man was coming from, to an extent. To work you way up the chain of command, all those long, hard years only to have a few young Jedi such as themselves to come in and take over? It had to be aggravating, to say the least.

Cassy didn't seem to be handling getting yelled at the man well. She ignored him for the time being, but Sirius knew she wouldn't stay like that for long, if the Commander kept going. He figured he should step in, try to talk the Commander down a bit before things escalated.

“Look, Commander, I can see where you're coming from. We're not here to take over. We're here simply until the threat of the Sith has passed. I believe you and your men can handle Sith troopers with excellent skill. However, if someone from the Sith Order were to be involved as well, you need us. I have nothing but respect for the Republic Military, especially for experienced officers such as yourself. You can teach us Jedi a lot about leadership and respect and character, among other things. I just ask that you show me and my friends a little bit of the same respect when we're here. I can assure you we wont cause trouble.”

The last part was aimed more at Lallane than the Commander, as the Jedi Knight shot his friend a look. Sirius never saw himself as much of a diplomat. But all those years of talking himself and Cassy out of trouble seemed to be paying off right now. Commander Taz was quiet, seeming to take in and digest Sirius's words.

The Jedi Knight turned to face one of the Commander's aides. A young human Lieutenant, female, sporting black raven hair and green eyes along with ample amount of curves. But Sirius was serious when he told himself he wasn't interested. She was beautiful alright, but not only did the Code forbade romance, Sirius was still dwelling on Lana. He hadn't even told Cassy about her yet, now that he thought about it. That would be an interesting conversation.

“You wouldn't have a place for me to clean up, would you?”

The jungle trek was long, but Dan didn't actually care, he had hoped it would give him time to get to know this Sirius character who was apparently one of Cass' friends, though Dan could tell how well they knew each other, he did guess it was a lot. He could also tell he was likely only a little younger then Dan was. Which could have ment that Cass and him could have been in the same youngling clan years ago, sense they where the same-ish age.

Dan hadn't actually regretted landing in the outpost, because so far he had enjoyed most of the walk. Sadly though the trio was rather quiet on the walk.

The creatures in the sky and on the ground alike made several different sounds. Dan sighed at their steady calm that they had.

The continued walking and Dan took a look down at his boots that where rather weathered by this time, both from older missions with grey, brown, and black burn marks. Now they had mud splatters too. Looks like it's been about three years to long sense i had these things cleaned. That'll be a pain! He mumbled to himself as the trio continued on. Cass was effectivly kept the group moving, possibly a little faster then need be. She was obviously in a hurry, but Dan would've liked to stay back and look at one or two of the views they had passed. But they didn't actually have the time, and knowing Dan, they where probably late, which was most likely his fault sense he was generally always late for something.

They made it up a hill and upon reaching the top, Cass stopped and Dan slowed to a jog, then a stop as well. From here the outpost was in view. It was an odd feel, because from many areas of the surrounding area you would have to look up to the outpost, from here though they where actually looking down on it.

Dan noted Sirius' was panting a little bit, Dan smiled, he was effectivly tired too, but not as bad as the slightly younger boy, You young whipper snappers, already out of breath? Dan smiled again as Cass spoke up looking ahead to something Dan then noticed quickly. The small group was En route to them. "Oh look, a welcoming committee." At pretty much the same Time Dan said a humorouse expression of his own, Great, they rolled out the red carpet. It sounded like they where talking at the same time and Dan simply smiled again. Great minds i guess!

"Stay away from any female officers Sirius, that goes for you too Dan."

And made a fake sigh, Fine! He said jokingly, he actually didn't care, but for some reason, a two hout jog through the woods made him want to joke around a bit.

"Master Jedi's, welcome." The guards said now that they where near enough to be heard by them. Dan moved forward a bit at a slow pace so that it would cut the distance he troops would need to walk.

"Commander Taz has been expecting you...he's an angry old man, thinks we could handle the Sith on our own if they made a move anywhere in the jungle...or against Iziz."

Dan sighed a bit, Why are people always so upset to see a Jedi? I swear i've even had people with red shiny swords try to kill be they hated me so much! Dan mumbled again only once the troops where a little ahain of them and Cass and Sirius where beside him again.

Once they got to the base Dan was actually a little awe struck, as much as it was most obviously a base, something about it looked to elligant to be a base, it looked like it deserved to be a, very very, large home or something.

The first room though the massive doors was one Dan truely could relate to. A massive hanger, with new and old ships alike, big and small, fighters ans bombers. I hope this is part of the grand tour! Dan remarked as they left the room and entered a office type room with a decent view of the jungles.

The over weight commander entered, who had obviously been in action for quite a long while, he had metels and had a distinguishable about of stress marks on his forehead, that likely came from being a leader.

Dan was about to make a general introduction of himself with a bow, but before he could raise his head again the general started. "I TOLD THEM NOT TOO SEND YOU LOT. We're perfectly capable of handing anything the Sith try too throw at us here on Onderon ALONE! This war isn't exclusively fought by the Jedi you know...in fact most of it is us."

Dan sighed, I liked it better when we where welcome here ! Dan mouthed when Commander Taz wasn't looking. Dan was about to speak out loud about how Sith Lords, where far different then Troops, But Sirius spoke before him.

“Look, Commander, I can see where you're coming from. We're not here to take over. We're here simply until the threat of the Sith has passed. I believe you and your men can handle Sith troopers with excellent skill. However, if someone from the Sith Order were to be involved as well, you need us. I have nothing but respect for the Republic Military, especially for experienced officers such as yourself. You can teach us Jedi a lot about leadership and respect and character, among other things. I just ask that you show me and my friends a little bit of the same respect when we're here. I can assure you we wont cause trouble.”

Dan scratched his eye brow before refolding his arms, he was now happy that Sirius spoke up first, Dan likely wouldn't have made it sound so respectful. “You wouldn't have a place for me to clean up, would you?” Dan chuckled. In the mean time with your permission General, I'll look around!

They'd been on this miserable planet close to a week now, bogged down in the mud and grime of the Onderonian jungle with wild predators constantly probing their alertness. The stupidity and incompetence of logistical officers aboard their support cruiser in orbit had jumbled the landings, revealed the possibility of their presence on the planet to their prey. Everyone had arrived scattered in the midst of a thunder storm with hurricane-like elements to it, had to regroup some thirty miles from where their intended rendezvous and base site had been located. Now, in the midst of mud-caked land transports and durasteel cargo crates surrounded by rain-soaked deployable shelters, the Sith had finally shown some semblance of being... Sith. Everything had been set up, just as ready to be torn down the following day, and the stage was set for a showdown. The time for being grumbling children was finally over.

Quietly, a man walking with the complex of a demi-god stomped through the muck and vegetation that overwhelmed the camp, his boots trudging through the mire with the sound of countercyclical sloshes to them. He was clad in the all black tunic, trousers, garb, etc. of a Sith, with gauntlets and other randomized pieces of armor worn over his clothing. On his forehead was a Sith tattoo branded neatly and clearly between his eyebrows in deep black ink. This man was Lord Vhexus, formerly known as Virgil, and he was a Dark Lord of the Sith even in lacking the Darth title he so desperately craved. But in time he would gain that recognition; for now, the Sith Empire's missions deserved his immediate attention and he was here to serve it to the best of his abilities. That data would be his, he assured himself.

His gloved hand ran along the side of one of the two speeder carriers they had managed to get planet side in one piece. It was a simple vehicle, utilitarian in nature and quiet in signature, but it would serve it's purpose in due time as would it's partner. By the time they were picked up on short-range sensors, Virgil and his men would already be over the wall and commencing wholesale slaughter. The thought was... intoxicating, to say the least. He reveled in the fight, relished the opportunities of bringing his blade to meet another. Very rarely was he ever satisfied; too few Jedi and warriors of real skill existed who could really challenge him. Perhaps one day the hunger he felt inside himself would be truly fulfilled.

As he passed by, two technicians gracefully saluted and came to attention. One was human, and so he did not mind his lack of attention. The other, a Cathar, received a backhanded slap that sent him sprawling to the ground and covering him in the disgusting soil of the earth. Vhexus paid no attention as he left them behind, tugging at his collar all the while. It was incredibly hot at the moment, the temperature having risen repeatedly all week long in morbid Jungle Sector-29. Thankfully they would not need to tolerate it much longer; their assault would come within the hour, and he had one last address to make to his men before that time came.

Above, those damnable dinosaur birds were flying again with whatever barbarian horde members who had managed to tame them. Their cries pierced everything on the ground like bullets to the eardrum, echoing and reverberating constantly with cease. Vhexus squinted his eyes at the sky beyond the treeline with disdain and spat at the ground to clear the putrid humid feeling in his throat.

Uncivilized cretins,

He thought. This whole planet should be cleansed of it's filth. His eyes then turned to Iziz, wonderful and beautiful Iziz, far in the distance. Had he the manpower, the strength behind his fists, he'd raze that gluttonous den of sleepers to the ground and enslave the population to mine spice in the Outer Rim. But as always, time would pass. And when they finally reached the Inner Rim, he would be there with his brilliant royal purple blade to send these fools into the after-life. Specifically the Jedi.

Jedi.

The very word seared the tip of his tongue, lit it ablaze as if it had just turned to fire.

The intelligence reports by the scouts and his eyes in the city were useless and could confirm nothing, just like the Republic soldiers could not confirm Vhexus and his contingent of Sith were on planet or even existed. However, it was a moot point. There were more than thirty Sith initiates in this camp alone, all more than capable of drowning any skill the Jedi could produce via numbers. And if these weren't enough... well, Lord Vhexus was no stranger to killing Jedi. A few more notches to his belt always helped to lend credibility.

Before him, the best four of the number he had brought with him were gathered in the center of the camp, sitting on munitions and supply crates or standing about. They were true warriors, very much with great potential, and he could see they had bright futures ahead of them. He had with him a little under three dozen initiates excluding support staff, all true to the code and tenants as could be, and these he had already spoken to earlier in the week with a rousing speech that had delivered steely courage into their hearts and blazing fires into their souls. However, they were just insurance and the bravado had only been to ensure they were enthusiastic to be at the ready; the real talent and meat lay in these Sith before them. All four of them had opted for full combat armor over their black robes and tunics and wore intimidating ornamental masks. Personally, he had never been one for the mask thing, but it was a sentimental Sith trait as he had observed with Callidus and that Naarsion fellow the former fancied as a friend.

As he sifted between them and parted the Hydian Way, all of them shot up to attention. Quietly, he lept to the top of a slightly taller oblong supply crate and bent down on one knee, motioning them close. All of them in the vicinity were drawn in by his persona at the moment.

"My fellow Sith,"

Virgil began. His voice was clear and crisp, like a leader's should be, and he stood straight up like a lightsaber blade.

"Our time is finally at hand. It is deep into the muggy afternoon, when the dogs lay out in the high sun and are at their laziest. The shield will be down, the soldiers groggy and they will be helpless to stop a lightning advance over the walls where their base defenses will be useless."

Several grunts of approval erupted from the quintuplet of initiates. Silently, the Sith Lord procured a holoprojector disc from his pocket and let it float right above his left hand. Promptly, it powered up and revealed schematics of the base in bright blue grid-lines. His right hand rested on his lightsaber hilt, although it was a purely symbolic gesture.

"We are, as you know, after one thing only: the databases in the command center. Introduce our friends to what it'll be like as gutted swine. I want the lightsaber hilts of any Jedi if any are inside, this you should understand. Do not fail my expectations; you were picked for your potential, now live up to it."

This time, even more grunts and nods of pleasure and approval. He was not expecting thunderous applause; these were men and women of action, not grumbling bureaucrats. They would respond to direct appeal, not poetry. However, he had one last phrase laced with dark humor.

"Everything is fair game within the precious seconds we intend to be there. But make no mistake: leave the fat one to me. Now come, we have much to do."

With one last round of humorous approval, he slid off the crate and walked towards the hover cruisers, occupying one with two of the most senior initiates and leaving the other to the other three. A signal to the pilot powered up the main repulsorlifts which were as quiet as a mouse, and as the Sith settled into their seats the two speeders rocketed off into the jungle towards the base and started a lengthy half-hour trip through the dense foliage of the Onderonian wild. Whether these defenders of the Republic knew it or not, a reckoning was about to occur when they were at their most vulnerable.

The Commander was just about too catch a mouthful from Cassandra, as she was about to step way outside her boundaries just too give him a peace of her mind. Fortunately, before she could form the exact method of making him feel like a fool, Sirius jumped in. She pursed her lips together a little, but smiled smally as most of the time; it went close too something like this whenever she and Sirius were together for some reason.

Dan also didn't seem too keen on what he said, but seemed to enjoy Sirius' response. Soon after, Cassandra merely crossed her arms under her breasts and shook her head. Had the Jedi really earned that bad of a reputation? Maybe they just naturally made people feel uneasy. After all, there was no telling when a Jedi was rifling through your mind right? Foolish in her mind, but she hadn't ever been on the outside looking in. Come too think of it, it did sound rather unnerving without any way of defending oneself.

Sirius' voice broke the air again, he was talking too some pregnant dog girl. She looked him up and down, and Dan chuckled at Cassy's side, making matters worse. For a brief moment she thought about doing something too the girl through the Force, perhaps making her headset slip off coincidentally, but decided against it in a few moments.

"W-why yes, I'll show you which direction the quarters are, they're on this floor of course." she looked too Commander Taz who simply nodded and waved her off, never taking his eyes off of Sirius. Hopefully he didn't file a bad report or anything of the like. The girl led Sirius off through some polysteel and clear plexyglass doors that slid open on the other side of the Command Center.

Cassandra just stood there plastered too the floor as she watched him leave with another woman. Her eyebrow twitched and raised up for a moment; but then she realized she'd been staring at the door since they'd left. Not unnoticed by Commander Taz; who no doubt knew the Jedi couldn't have relationships. The balding old fart laughed a genuine laugh, as if he were laughing at her. However in the next moment, he loosened up, giving her a wink and a nod. She supposed not replying too him in a disrespectful tone when he'd initially greeted them in a hostile manner had earned some semblance of respect.

She looked to the floor for a few moments, but then decided she wanted too remain calm in front of Dan; it was like being in front of your older brother when things weren't going so well in other areas. She wouldn't appear weak or foolish. She'd be the tought Jedi Knight he knew her ass on the field of battle...or try too. Sighing too herself she looked over at the plexy glass windows as Dan said something about looking around the base.

She nodded too him silently; "I'll be here while you do then, I doubt the Republic spared any expense on this outpost considering it's on Onderon, it's probably quite nice here.....the view's nice right?" her voice was casual but if Dan knew her well enough he'd be able too tell she was faking it a little as she smiled and nodded behind her at the window. She'd turn and head towards the large plexy glass window that wrapped around the entire room, giving an impressive view of the outside.

She stopped in front of it, off to the side of everyone else. In that moment the girl who'd shown Sirius too the quarters reemerged into the Command Center in the sliding open and close of the same doors they'd left out of, minus Sirius. Any longer and Cassandra might've tried too find them and rip through a door with the Force. 'Why? Does it matter if you never see him again from today? Don't get attached, men are like flowers it's OK too look, but don't pick one...you never know when one'll be poisonous...right?' She disciplined herself with Master Shara's words. The blue Twi'lek popping into her mind once, before Cassy remembered how her Master had met, Sirius.

Her mood brightened a little at thoughts of mischief's past. She'd stand there for awhile, contemplating what she should do about her feelings for Sirius but also pondering on a different subject. Did having love in your life make you weak and unfocused? Or strong and determined? Where was the best place to draw strength from? Many thoughts roamed her mind as she continued too wonder the best way too move beyond the things that plagued her mind. Perhaps the answer was more simple than she suspected.

As she reached this conclusion, she decided it was time too talk too Sirius once and for all about this. Taking a step over towards the female he'd left with; the girl recoiled for a second as she approached, ready to stand and defend herself. Cassy looked shocked, but waved her down a little and shook her head, merely asking what room she'd taken Sirius too. Saying it silently; in a manner that the girl understood. As the other woman's expression's changed, Cassandra knew she understood more now as this Jedi asked her a simple question at a whisper than she had in the moments beforehand. She told her 'Room 9', and Cassandra nodded too her, leaving the Command Center not a moment afterward, the clicking of her heeled boots echoing out the door, as it hissed open and closed once more.

She reached 'Room 9' easily, the white doors being labeled with blue logo's with white letters. She stopped short of it, thinking too herself 'You're insane.', but inhaling and exhaling, pursing her lips with an expression as if she was annoyed at herself. Her eyes crinkled a little with both worry and need as her knuckles rapped on the door a few times.

"Sirius?" she said, staring at the floor outside the room. No immediate response. No, she wouldn't allow him too be mad at her for anything, not right now. She twisted the doorknob without touching it with the Force and stepped inside, shutting the door behind her by leaning her back against it once she was inside.

As the raven-haired beauty lead Sirius out of the room, the Jedi Knight didn't give a second glance to his companions. Dan sounded like he had plans, and Cassy would be fine in the command center for a little while. There wasn't that much trouble she could get into. At least, Sirius hoped there wasn't. As long as the Commander kept his mouth shut about his dislike for Jedi, everything should be fine. After all, Sirius knew Lallane had a way of speaking her mind.

The rest of the outpost was just as clean and formal as the command center. White walls and floors, brightly lit. Blue signs pointed directions to important important areas, such as the hangar or armory. It was all very neat, but that was before Sirius had come along. His boots, still coated with much mud and grime, made a sickening squelch sound with every step. Brown messy footprints were left in his wake as Sirius grabbed the sides of his cloak, trying to keep the muddy edge from dragging along the ground.

Sirius received many looks from the soldiers and officers he passed as he followed the Lieutenant. A Bothan that passed by, a Captain given his insignia, gave Sirius a double take as if trying to wonder what a Jedi was doing here again. A few soldiers talked in hushed whispers as he passed. Sirius have them all a weak smile, as if trying to say sorry for the mud, but without saying anything at all. Though he had the feeling that the mud was the last thing on their mind.

“I've never seen someone talk down Commander Taz like that before.”

The Lieutenant decided to strike up a conversation with Sirius as they walked. She threw her head over her shoulder, which flipped her hair around as well. Those big, vibrant green eyes gave Sirius a quick flash before turning forward again. The Jedi Knight gave his guide a smile, and tried to keep his eyes forward, and off the attractive woman.

“Well, a little flattery goes a long way.”

It was true, of course. Sirius had plied the Commander with compliments and respect. And through that, the Commander had been more open to the Jedi. At least, Sirius thought he was. He hadn't stuck around to find out. And his words weren't lies. More like... embellishments. But it would've been worse had the Jedi met the Commander's harsh words with their own frustrations. You didn't put out a fire by adding more fuel.

“In that case, can I tell you how... appreciative I am for the Order sending you here to help us?”

The woman flashed Sirius another smile, large and toothy. Sirius was a bit taken back. Was she trying to flirt with him? He thought that was what was going on, at least. But before he could say anything, the Lieutenant stopped at a door, and opened it wide up. They had reached their destination. She stepped inside, not waiting for Sirius, who ended up tracking some more mud into the room and onto the carpet.

The room was much like that of a normal dormitory back in the Jedi Temple. Spartan, with only a few pieces of furniture to provide creature comforts. A bed under a window, a desk at the end of that, and a dresser across the room. Everything was covered in dull, boring tan colors. A single light fixture on the ceiling illuminated the area. Gesturing to the back of the room, the woman showed Sirius another door, what was closed for the moment.

“There's the bathroom, complete with a shower. If you leave your clothes out, I'll make sure someone comes to get them for laundry. In the mean time, there should be some spare uniforms in the closet.”

With a simple nod, Sirius walked to the center of the room and stretched. This would be fine, for now. He wasn't sure about wearing a military uniform around here, with a lightsaber hanging off his belt. But it beat the alternative of wearing his muddy robes. A smile came to his face as he thought about reminding Cassy that it was all her fault that he so filthy. Jokingly, of course. Sirius didn't want to get on her bad side.

When the Lieutenant left, Sirius headed for the shower with all due haste. Leaving his grime covered clothes in the bedroom, the Jedi Knight hopped in the small cubicle and started the flow of hot water. It felt so great, the shower did. He just wanted to stand there and soak for awhile. Somehow, mud had gotten through Sirius's boots. That along with all the sweat he'd collected in the jungle washed away almost at once, sliding off his body with ease.

As he stood there, Sirius's thoughts traveled to the Jedi he was with here on Onderon, particularly Lallane. It seemed so far that everything he liked about her remained the same. The same take charge attitude. The same smart mouth. The same way she got into trouble just by entering the room. They'd had the best of times together. At least, Sirius remembered them fondly. Or it could've just been the simple fact that Cassy was involved. It was then that he realised just how much he missed her.

Having so many friends in the Order was strange. Sometimes, you didn't see them for months or years on end. It was like leaving your home for a long time, then coming back once you had grown to see how much things had changed. Places changed. People had passed away or moved on. Your old friends were getting on with their lives. Your former crush and moved on from you, and had been that way for awhile now.

Though, that had been Sirius's own fault. When Master Kellar had his accident when he lost all his memory, Sirius had pushed everyone away. And unluckily for Cassy, she'd been on that mission with them. So she had gotten the worst of it. Sirius had been rude, he treated her horribly. At the time, Sirius just didn't want anyone to bother him about what happened. He had needed his space. But now, more than a year later, Sirius regretted what he had done quite a bit. It stung at his heart. He needed to talk to her about it.

The Jedi Knight tried to convince himself that those feelings he once had for Cassy weren't coming back. That had been quite awhile ago, now. There was no way those feelings could've lasted that long. Yet, something came back to life within Sirius when he saw her for the first time in a long time. An old infatuation of sorts. Sirius couldn't explain it. But he had to remember the Code. No attachment. Attachment could lead you down a dangerous. Sirius knew that all to well after rescuing Lana on Sleheyron.

But a part of Sirius wished there was no such thing as the Jedi Code. Or at least, no part of it forbidding attachment and romance. It was true that the Code was what set the Jedi apart. It made them who they were. It made them better than the Sith, better than the people they fought to protect the safety of others. Without it, there was no difference between a Jedi and his enemies. But dammit, it made things so hard and complicated sometimes.

Once his extra long shower was done with, Sirius climbed out and started to dress. But as he was putting on the pants to a republic uniform, Sirius noticed something in the mirror. Was that a spot of mud, on his teeth? Disgusting. How in the galaxy had that gotten there? Though, Sirius wouldn't have been surprised if the jungle was that bad. Damn Mother Nature, why'd it have to be so filthy?

Scrounging around the small bathroom for a spare toothbrush, Sirius found one along with a little tub of toothpaste and began to work. He was quite the sight, standing there with only a pair of pants on and a blue towel around his neck. Sirius's hair was a mess, seeing as how he'd just taken the towel to it. While Sirius used to be quite scrawny, such as when he and Cassy first met, he had bulked up quite a bit since. Teer Ka's intense workout sessions were to thank for that. So while Sirius still maintained his somewhat thin frame, he was muscular. The silver cybernetic arm he now possessed only seemed to increase that view.

At least, this was the image The Jedi Knight was met with in the mirror. But before he could get any real work done on his teeth, there was a knock at the door. Sirius paused for a moment as he tried to figure out just who wanted to talk with him that bad, the toothbrush hanging out of his mouth and eyes wide in the mirror. He'd practically announced to the whole command center he was going for a shower. Why would someone disturb him?

As the door to the whole room opened, Sirius opened the door to the bathroom to see who it was. It was none other than Cassy Novos, of course. Only she'd have the audacity to come in on him when he was trying to clean up. Though, she couldn't have had better timing. After all, Sirius was just thinking about how much he needed to talk to her.

Opening up he bathroom door fully, Sirius strode out as he was, quickly taking the toothbrush out of his mouth. Standing in the center of the room, he looked her up and down quickly before heading back to the sink. He wished he was wearing a bit more, and his hair wasn't such a mess. But it was just Lallane, after all. In between brushing, Sirius started to talk.

“You need something, Lallane? Your crazy little trek through the jungle got mud in my teeth.”

Sirius was silent for a moment as he leaned over the sink, mechanical hand supporting himself and the other working furiously on cleaning his teeth. He was more than uncomfortable with having Cassy in the room as he tried to dress. Yet, a part of Sirius didn't want her to leave just yet. Listening to this, which probably wasn't the best idea, Sirius didn't say anything about her leaving. Instead, he just expanded the conversation.

“Y'know, I'm sorry. After Oberon had his... accident, I was pretty much a jerk. I just needed some space. I didn't want to push you away. It just... happened.”

Dan left the command center with a quick pace.
The first places he checked where along the outer wall of the base, the Hanger was one of them. After that though he continued onto the rooms closer to the center, the med bay, the fireing range, coms tower. All of it was up to date and well protected.

Dan sighed as he finished the last room of his little self implied tour. He was in maintinance, there where several people in there working on disasimbled droids, and giving oil baths to some of them. There was yet again, nothing in here that Dan needed to point out, part of him wondered if the intire base wasn't aware of the inpending danger.

Dan turned to leave the room, perhaps this whole rumor was false, he didn;t sense any danger, but then again, he probably wasn't the most attuned to those sort of things. Dan continued out of the room and then wandered to the outer yards. There was a small platoon running past him as soon as the blast doors behind him shut. He looked around and marched across the yard.

He climbed a latter that lead to the top of the outer walls of the base. He grabed his electro binoculars off of his utility belt, and began scanning from left to right to surrounding area. Why am i always on top of the wall? He asked himself. He stopped at a partucular area that had nice over growth and tree cover. IF they are here, and IF they are going to attack, and IF they're smart... That's where they'll likely make they're attack. Dan stated as he pointed it out and turned around realizing that he actually wasn't talking to anyone. Oh!, There's no one there! He told himself.

Dan made a note of the trees that where rather close to the base, no sooner then he began walking off did a recruit tap him on the shoulder, Sir! Massage from the commander! Dan stopped and turned to see the younger boy, and handed a holo pad to Dan before saluting and taking a couple of steps back.

Dan pressed the button on the pad and a little 5 inch hologram of the commander appeared, Has your searched turned up anything master Jedi? The first thing that came to Dan was a smile followed by a thought, Who are you? And What have you done to commander Taz? Dan thought before speaking to the hologram.

Well no flaws in the base, no real place they can attack exept for a small spot near the edge of the outer wall, i recomend a small squad or two to watch it over the next few days. Dan said showing the trees to the recruit and turned the holo pad around to allow the commander to see the trees.

The commander nodded making a note of the spot and then began to assign a group to it. Then the holo fanished and the recruit grabbed the holo from him and left.

Dan stood taking in the view a bit before climbing back down the latter.

He stood in the middle of the yard hands at his hips looking around before walking back to the building. Now to find the others!...

Once Dan was inside he approached the commander again to ask the location of the others, it had been roughly an hour sense he had started his search, so he didn't expect Cass or Siruis to still be waiting for him. Commander my search is complete and the pryorities complete! where is my room and where am i compered to the other two? Dan asked as he stood in front of a drink cabinant as he looked at the wide range of drinks the commander had collected, it was an impressive collection.

The rooms we've assigned you are '8', '9', and '10', they're all on this floor andvery near each other! The commander said rather quickly and as if he sounded like he was in a hurry to get Dan out of the room. Dan bowed and left the room for the halls.

Dan looked to Room '9' but didn't enter, it felt like on of the others was in there, he'd come back once he had his own room inspected and set up. From the looks of it, '8' and '10' where directly across the room, obviously the even side of the hall. Dan walked up to room 10 guessing that sense he was the last to come he would get the lest room.

Dan entered the room that was very much like those in the temple, Dan didn't have a window in this room though, instead it was replaced by a holographic window. Another thing Dan noticed different was no book shelf, though he didn't really have one when he got his room for the first time in the temple. It was book he had collected on his own that he had in his room.

Dan took a look around and noticed on the desk right beside his computer was a small white envalope, he grabbed it and two key cards fell out. One that had access to 90% of the base, including the ristricted areas, the other was a smaller swipe card that was designed for the computer on the desk.

Dan looked at it for a few seconds before plugging it into the computer and several ristricted programs popped up onto the screen. Camera's, rosters, prisoner list, flight scedules, blah, blah, blah! Dan skimmed though it finding the information satisfactory, it appeared that he had all the information he needed to keep a close eye on the base.

Well ... Now i feel at home! Dan said before unclipping one of his sabers and setting it on the desk, but kept the second on his belt. He removed his outer robe and sat it on the edge of his bed and walked past the extra uniforms in the closet. The boots at the bottum of the closet, they where black and millitary grade, but they where cleaner then his own, so after a quick change of boots, he set the old dirty ones on the top of the chest at the foot of the bed. Then just before leaving the room remembered the key cards, and called them from his desk and set them in one of the pouches on his belt. Then as he opened his door, noticed a note on the door.



Dan looked at it with a sigh, and left for room '9' to see who's room that one was. He knocked, it was now about an hour and 30 minutes after they had arrived.

As she stepped in and felt the door click into place behind her. She had the distinct feeling of Sirius' aura in the room, immediately he came out of the bathroom, toothbrush in mouth; and pants not all the way zipped up; albeit on thank goodness. She didn't know how she would've reacted otherwise.

She tried to stop herself but her eyes carried all along his body; tracing his assets nicely. He looked like he could do some passionate damage, hard work as opposed to some of the more flimsy Jedi she'd seen. Realizing she was biting her lip as she inspected him, she looked away too the right as he re-entered the bathroom.

"I didn't realize I had too want something to come see you---" Cassandra mouthed, but smiled when he mentioned their journey here. "You lazy lot act like you've never hit the ol' dusty trail before. There won't always be lifts and ferry's to bail you out, you know...I would've thought Teer Ka would've beaten that dislike of the great outdoors right outta you." her expression softened as she pushed her hair back behind her ears, glancing too the floor again.

As he spoke up again; she'd look up too him taking in what he'd said. W-what? Ah....yes....that time period. She'd been so hurt by his rebuffs that she'd tucked that time period away in the furthest reaches of her memories so that it didn't come up whenever she'd looked at him. Yes, Sirius had been through a certain time frame where he was a real jerk by others' standards. But knowing him outside of the 'jerk phase' prevented Cassandra from judging him then, even if she'd wanted too force slap him at the time. She knew that Sirius was deeper than that...and that he wasn't too blame for reacting the way that he did---still. The fact that he apologized; gained so much ground with her. She thought he'd forgotten.

She crossed to him; passing by him with a bemused smile, grabbing the undershirt and jacket too the Republic uniform he was putting on. She patted the undershirt down with a few swipes and tossed it too him; keeping the jacket in her hands. Her eyes went down too his prosthetic arm. Her thoughts mingled with emotion again.

"Oh Sirius.....so strong to be able too keep going ahead like this---" she flickered on the inside at the thought of Sirius being hurt; a deep rage and or desire too protect him began too sprout forth. Whomever had hurt him would have too pay; dearly. She stopped herself from these feelings and concentrated on the moment at hand.

After he'd put the undershirt on; she'd cross too him with the jacket. Standing in front of him and swinging it along his back as he slid his arms in. Slowly; she reached downward, and grabbed his bottom button.

She began fastening them one; by one. Heading upwards. She eventually looked up and locked eyes with him. Gosh; he was taller than when they were kids. Thicker, yet still slender. The same face looked back at her as she finally fastened the top buttons. As she did, she'd crease his shoulders with her hands. Then his arms, before running her hands down the center of his chest; and grabbing hold of the shirt in a not so forceful way.

"Sirius no---you don't owe me any sort of apology." her grip tightened on the jacket naturally. "I----I'm scared Sirius." she admitted. "I get these feelings....and ever since Bak'mral...they've been getting worse and worse......and when I'm around you...the thought of someone hurting you....I feel like running whoever tried through with my lightsaber! I know I shouldn't but...." she began shaking a little. "I don't know what's happening too me..." she trembled a little, still gripping the Republic jacket.

Visibly unable too move from her spot, as she stood in front of him, looking down at his boots. Desperately clinging for some type of understanding. She was afraid too even go near the Jedi Masters anymore; for fear that they'd sense the very things she was admitting to Sirius now. Dan had already sensed it; she knew he had. Back at Bak'mral during the Battle of Thila. Yet he hadn't judged her. She didn't want Sirius too find out that way; so she'd gone out on a limb and trusted him just now.

She trembled again; gripping the Republic jacket that she'd buttoned him up into like a caring wife; although they were far from it technically; there were some virtual similarities.

She was worried; worried that the Dark Side was going too come for her one way or another. She was having a hard time controlling her emotions; and now, she wasn't even sure that she wanted too anymore. She then heard a series of wraps on the door. She buried her face into Sirius' chest briefly; but then stepped away. Burying her face into the floor; and not daring too look up at whoever was trying too enter. She sensed it felt like Dan; she felt horrible. He was doing his job while she could think of nothing else but Sirius; he was working for all three of them.

She wouldn't deny that she wanted Sirius in ways that were not right for a Jedi. However...she was beginning to care less and less by the moment what the Jedi Order wanted her too do.

A small chuckle came from Sirius as Cassy berated him for always using 'lifts and ferries'. As long as there was some other form of transportation besides his feet, Sirius would take it. That was just how he was. Sirius had always detested dirt and mud. And despite however much he learned on Shili, from surviving in the wild to knowing where he belonged in the galaxy, Teer Ka had done nothing to lessen his hate for the outdoors. If anything, she had only expanded it.

Finishing up with his teeth, Sirius rinsed off the toothbrush and left in on the sink. It was then that Lallane crossed into the room. A confused look crossed his face as he looked over his shoulder at the other Knight, wondering just what she was up to. He still found it somewhat uncomfortable to have Cassy around when he was half-naked. After all, the two of them being in Sirius's room together like this would have been severely looked down on by any other Jedi.

But it was as if two side were warring over Sirius's mind. First, there was the side that was the Jedi. The side that wanted to be able to follow the Code and be the example Jedi to those younger than him. The side that told Sirius his future was in the Order. Then there was the second side. While not necessarily corrupt, evil, or bad this side wished there was no Code. No hindrance for him and Lallane to be together. All of Sirius's feelings for her, everything from his caring to his guilt over pushing her away to his infatuation with her gathered on that side. And as Cassy stood there, with a large smile and those beautiful hazel-green eyes and that luscious brown hair, Sirius's defenses practically melted. It was clear which side was winning as the reasoning portion of Sirius's mind soon quit working.

What was so wrong about love, anyways?

As Sirius reached over for the top to the his outfit, a black shirt and red and yellow jacket made out of synthetic leather, Lallane got to it first. She held it out of reach for a moment, and Sirius gave her a small, yet slight confused, smile. What was this, some sort of game? But before he could say or do anything, Lallane threw the black shirt at him. Catching it, Sirius slid the tight garment over his head and pulled it down. Adjusting the zipper on his pants as he went, Sirius didn't expect what happened next.

Lallane came at him with the jacket, and slid it over his shoulders. Sirius really had no choice but to slide his arms in as she went. The more she was around like this, he found, the less it bothered him. In fact, that side of Sirius that cared for Cassy began to like it even. Then she started to button the red and yellow jacket up, starting low and working her way up to Sirius's neck. Not quite sure what he should be doing with his arms right then, they limply hung at his sides as his eyes drilled into the top of Cassy's head, and then her face as she got higher on the jacket.

It was the same beautiful face Sirius had fallen head over heels for all back when they were teenagers. And just like Cassy had been a pretty and attractive girl then, she'd turned into an beautiful woman now. She was perhaps one of the most beautiful people he'd ever had the pleasure of knowing. It was amazing what a few years could do to someone. Those green eyes, the brown hair, full lips and more curves than a Mon Calamari ship. If any man said they weren't attracted, they were lying.

Sirius reckoned that if 'leagues' meant what he thought they did, Lallane was way out of his.

She clung to Sirius jacket, and said that he didn't need to apologize. He thought just the opposite. Sirius had felt guilty about what he had done to hurt her everyday since. And then once the guilt had settled, regret crept in. Sirius had missed her, and it had been his own fault. So he apologized for being an idiot. Apologized for being a jerk. If she didn't need to hear it, he did at least.

“Yes I do, I - ”

But then Cassy cut him off. Like usual. Just like old times. Had she been on any other subject, a smile would've broken on Sirius's face. But the topic she was talking about just made him sad. Attachment, anger, feelings. It sounded as if something dark was trying to creep it's way into her life and mind. If Sirius really cared, why hadn't he noticed when they met once again? Or was it just the simple fact he didn't know her as well as he thought he did?

When Lallane started to visibly tremble, Sirius didn't know what else to do besides wrap his arms around her. Because frankly, he wasn't sure what he could say. No words of wisdom came to mind. No little thought that would make everything better. So all Sirius felt he could do was hold her close against his chest. Let her know he was there with her, at least.

“Look, Cassy...”

Ironically enough, Sirius only used Lallane's nickname when he was trying to be serious. And those moments with her were few and far between. A thought had come to his mind, maybe something that would help. Perhaps it would be just enough to know that he understood where she was coming from? Because Sirius did. Though, he hadn't been planning on talking about it with her like this. In fact, Sirius hadn't told anyone. The only people who knew were those that were present at the time.

“... A few weeks back, I went on a mission to Sleheyron, to rescue a Jedi padawan that had been taken by a bounty hunter. Little did I know that I would be breaking into a Hutt palace, and little did I know that the Jedi was... a very, very close friend of mine. Seeing her treated as a slave, it tore me apart. I killed a lot of people to save her. Some didn't need to die, either. So I understand where you're coming from. I'm sorry. I don't have anything to say to make it all better. Just... it all comes down to your choices. Yours. No one can decide for you.”

Just as Lallane started to bury her head into his chest, there was a few taps at the door. Sirius groaned, still holding onto her. Some people just the worst timing. But he didn't answer the door just yet. Instead, Sirius lingered with Cassy just a while longer. But then she broke away, and there was a few more taps at the door. Sirius could sense that whoever it was, they were strong in the Force. So it must be Dan. It wouldn't be good if Sirius kept him waiting.

Crossing the small room, Sirius pulled his lightsaber off the desk as he passed with the Force. Clipping the Jedi weapon to his belt and flashing a small, weak smile to Cassy, Sirius was about to open the door. But what would Dan think if he saw saw Cassy in his room with him? He could probably sense the two of them in the room already. In fact, they all probably knew they were here. Still, Sirius opened the door just enough to poke his head out. That hid the rest of the room from view, including Lallane in the back.

“Hey Dan, I was just finishing up. Need something?”

Sirius played it cool for the moment. For Cassy, he wasn't above lying through his now clean teeth. To be honest, he wasn't sure the type of guy Dan was, really. So if word got back somehow that Sirius and Lallane were seeing each other privately, next thing he knew there'd be rumors going around and Teer Ka would come down around him. Sirius didn't want that.

Dan stood for several seconds without a responce from the other side. Dan felt someone in there, and it felt like someone he knew well so he guessed it was Cass. He knocked again still without an answer. Dan began to walk away just as the door pulled open slightly.

“Hey Dan, I was just finishing up. Need something?” Dan's eyes went wide for a second when he saw it was Sirius. Had his senses attuned to the point where he could sense stronger connections from strangers? Dan quickly shook the thought to answer Sirius' question, Nah, nothin' wrong... Just thought i'd drop by to say i finished my rounds. Though it figures i had bad timeing! Dan said remembering the many times he had either shown up some place late, was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or just somewhere waiting for something that wasn't even going to happen that day.

Thought i'd pop by just for the sake of talking, but i can come back when your done. First though... Dan said remembering something just before he was about to walk away.

Did you happen to get any key cards, or perhaps a note on the door? Cause apparently what ever you said made the commander want to make up to us, or at least me depending on weather or not you have a note. Says something like diner at 900 hours in commanders dining room, or something liek that. Dan thought about how odd what he was saying sounded. Then again perhaps he only wants to "apologise" to me so he can shoot me over diner... Dan said sounding completly calm and as if he ment what he had just said. But he had entended it to be a joke.

Dan waited for the responce from Sirius, while he entended to go check on the third room, in truth he had hoped they all got the same room so they could get to know each other better during their stay. But they didn't so he wouldn't complain, at least they where all right near each other...

The twin speeders rocketed through the jungle, darting in and out of vegetation like ocean speeders leaving wakes and ripples upon the water. The branches of a thick tree chipped the leader's paint job, but soon enough these things would be shrapnel. Lord Vhexus, his eyes closed, let out a deep breath in meditation as the wind breaking upon his scarred face. For better or worse, he had been eerily silent on their trip as had the rest of the retinue. He lacked a mask like his Sith warriors accompanying him, but he didn't mind; he preferred the doomed to know the face and name of their killer and had no patience for stealth or subtlety. His name was more or less associated with brute force and a tendency to be... stubborn, for lack of a better word. The idea of himself being anything comparable to a ninja was an almost laughable thought, almost as laughable as an uncorrupt Republic Senator. Of course, being a ninja was required for the next phase of their plan. He hoped the Republic didn't mind extra house guests for dinner time, as he was incredibly hungry and could use some hospitality from the burning heat and mugginess. A coy smile draped itself at that moment across his lips; he was tingling with anticipation.

"M'lord? We are nearing the Republic military outpost."

His eyes shot open like a window shutter as the voice of the speeder pilot summoned him back to reality. They were nearing the site of their quarry and the objective, and the time for meditation was over.

"Good, Lieutenant. Set us down just outside the base perimeter where the vegetation ends. Activate the nosecones and then make the trek back with the other pilot."

The pilot nodded, responding with an empathetic "Yes, m'lord", and brought their nearly silent speeder down in the brush just beyond visual clearance from the base watchtowers. Coupled with such silent engines and camouflage patterning designed to blend in with the Onderonian jungle, the speeders had indeed ensured undetected entry into the outside perimeter of a base whose soldiers were lazy, fat, and almost certainly not focused enough to pay attention to the possibility of what was going to become a very real danger to all of them in the next thirty seconds. As the passengers disembarked, both speeders silently hovered on light blue repulsorlifts, the only thing out of the ordinary in the brush beyond the base walls. The lieutenant that had piloted Vhexus' speeder pressed a few holo-keys on a control pad, handed it to Vhexus, and saluted crisply before the Sith Lord dismissed them. As they trekked away, the dark-sider double checked the settings: several tons of explosives that would punch a nice clean hole in the side of that durasteel wall were now active and primed and were just dying for a chance to show off their personality. Vhexus had no qualms about sacrificing the transports; after they'd killed everyone in the base, they'd simple requisition another Republic speeder as a get-a-way vehicle for the return ride.

Subsequently, the warriors gathered around Vhexus, crouching parallel to either side of him. He could sense their jumpiness and excitement, the adrenaline coursing in their veins; he didn't blame them, as he had felt the same in his youth. Pulling the hood up from his cape, he looked to either side at the warriors under his command. His orange-yellow eyes, as sickly as a dying sun, were burning through the very essence of the control pad he held in his gloved hands.

"Haste, my brothers, show me the meaning of haste."

And with that, he pressed the control key. The speeders shot forth from the brush, like darting primates, and made a bee-line for the eastern wall. If the base defenses were fast enough, if the watchtower shifts had been alert enough, they might have reacted in time.

For one reason or another, they weren't.

The speeders collided with the wall, creating a brilliant red-orange-yellow explosion of flame and metal that sent the entire base into chaos. Charred metal dug rained into the dirt below like a monsoon, showering upon whoever was in the immediate vicinity of the blast who had not been killed in the explosion. From the treeline, klaxons could be heard blaring as shocked Republic troops retiring for the day struggled to understand what was going on.

By that time, of course, Vhexus' Sith warriors had already been sprinting after the speeders before they were even close to the wall. They darted through the opening, leaping through the blazing red and black cloud brandishing vehement crimson lightsabers and charging into the base as they cut down any troopers zoning in on the cause of the excitement.

He, in turn, was not far behind them, walking through the opening with his cloak swirling about him, not even bothering to pull the midnight black hood back from his face for better visibility. The Sith warriors were already cutting their way through bewildered troopers, some shirtless and others fully armored, who were making their way into the open from their compounds. One Sith spun a large cargo crate round and round like a spinning top with the aid of a fellow using telekinesis before launching it at the nearest of the watchtowers. Vhexus let out a hearty laugh as it collided with the plexiglass window that was the only thing that stood between the crate and a wide-eyed Rodian. Evidently it failed, as the crate took off the top half of the watchtower's small observation deck with a neat little crunch! sound and sent more blood-stained durasteel and bits of flesh raining down into the courtyards below.

However, they lacked the advantages he and his initiates held in the Force. His senses guided him; he looked left, eyed a pair of Republic troopers wielding blaster rifles preparing to aim for his side, and extended his hand. A volatile stream of electric blue lightning shot forth and struck them, causing convulsions and the smell of burnt flesh as both men screamed and fell to the ground writhing. As he reveled in the pain he generated, however, he felt something else. A presence in the Force, no two, no [/i]three[/i. They were together, near him, here, not far at all in fact. Three distinct signatures, all powerful and full of life, all unmistakably that which could only be the ancient enemy of his Order.

Jedi.

The coy smile from before returned to his lips, shaded from the deep sunset by his hood.

This was going to be a great day indeed.