Dark and Darker (Theron)

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade had only recently begun his service in the Sith military, however, he was...lucky...to have maintained his former position of Rear Admiral from the Republic Navy. Today the Pendragon was put into orbit around Nar Shaddaa. It seemed there was something, or more precisely someone, that the Sith had interest in on the planet. As per his orders, the Admiral boarded a shuttle and headed to the so called 'smugglers moon' below. As he stepped out of the shuttle, the rain and wind blowing around him, one would have thought the stern looking man had ice in his veins since he didn't so much as blink at the cold weather. His uniform was nothing spectacularly warm, in fact, the outter coat had no sleeves, showing only the long black sleeves of his shirt, and the gloves that covered his hands.

The two crew members that accompanied him, on the other hand, looked ready to freeze to death, and gave the sandy brunette looks of disbelief. The rumor had already gone throughout the ship that the Rear Admiral was a man who scavenged corpses from battlefields to experiment on, was able to pull memories from the dead bodies he collected, and above all else was able to preform "magic" that was not at all force related. Of course, these were just rumors, but Jade didn't bother to stop them...if he was feared by his crew, all the better for him...it meant less hassle should some one get the idea of mutiny.

Either way, the red eyed man's thoughts were no where near that topic as he scanned the filthy and crime ridden 'city' he now stood above. Somewhere in this 'city' was a person, or persons, he needed to find...and the only thing he had on his side were vague guesses, and 'the force' something he'd never been one to rely on heavily. Jade never had liked this moon, and as a former republic officer he hated it even more, but for some reason he felt it was important for him to be here today. A flicker of a thought flashed through his mind, one that was full of his sister's face, and he wondered why, vaguely. Waving off the two men, he proceeded down into the urban areas of Nar Shaddaa.

He payed little attention to the rain that fell on his head at this point, nearly soaking his hair and dampening his uniform. He hadn't the slightest idea of where this person could be in all this large city, and he only had a vague description of what to look for...mainly dead, or mentally 'stripped' bodies. Ah well, time to do a bit of hunting...and the best place to find information? The local cantinas of course. Taking a sharp right, he headed into one of the dark lounges, and was hit by the smell of alcohol and smoke. Shaking his head slightly, he wandered over to a table and sat down, waving over a droid and ordering a drink.

[Vex]

Vex had made the deal...now there was nothing to do but wait. As per his instructions, the Falleen pirate and her crew had the information necessary to connect to a digital message box once they'd acquired the Senator. He would check it periodically and in different places so as to ensure that there was no way to trace it. Once he received their message, he'd make contact and they'd arrange the transfer.

Now there was nothing to do but wait. He didn't have anything to really do now...part of him considered returning to Manaan, but he dismissed that idea. Best to let the Major cool off for a while...the woman had acted very strange at the end of their last encounter. He shook his head, still not quite certain how best to explain her actions.

Instead, he cound himself in one of those cantinas. This particular den of iniquity catered to many of the less discerning members of society. It was a rough crowd...most with one hand on a blaster or blade...just looking for an excuse to use them. He liked places like this. People here were worried about their own business and didn't like others to pry. Conversely, this made them less apt to try and pry into his actions.

That made cloaking himself with the Force that much easier. That trick came up once more...making people naturally look everywhere BUT at him. He also dampened that Force signature so that no one would be able to tell that he even had a gift in the Force.

None too soon, either, for his latent Force sensitivity made him aware that there was another Force-user about...in fact, the user entered the cantina and searched fo a seat. Dark eyes watched this newcomer...curious as to what he was doing here.

The Force had bade him to stay here....now he wondered why.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade watched as the droid shuffled off to get his drink, red eyes barely taking in the surroundings except as blurred forms. Another flash of his sister, and he shook his head slightly, blinking in dismay. Something had to be wrong. If he hadn't been on his guard already because of the strange images of his sister, the alert from his datapad might have made him jump. Pulling it out, he narrowed his eyes. Three words were there from an unknown...what appeared to be a ship.

Aunna Nar Shaddaa...?

His eyebrows knit together as he frowned at the message. His sister? Nar Shaddaa? What in the world was this about? Another image flashed...this time not of Aunna, but an...alley way? Confused, he sighed and rubbed the bridge of his nose, a few wet strands of hair dripping water to the table he leaned on. Aunna had done this before, and he hated it...she never meant to, in fact, he didn't think she knew she was doing it, but he knew it was her...it had to be. Sighing, he decided to go about his mission, and try his best to ignore the confusing images he was receiving.

As the droid shuffled over to him once more with his drink, he asked for the bar tender to be sent over. He had a few questions for the man.

[Vex]

Vex kept his attention upon the man. He had potential...the raw link that the man had with the Force was quite impressive. If he'd been brought to the Temple, he would have been a very gifted Jedi. Idly, the Dark Jedi wondered just how this one had managed to slip through their clutches. Someone this powerful would have normally been found fairly easily. It was the minor talents...those only lightly brushed with the Force's embrace, like Aunna, that proved hard to locate. If he had been interested in taking on an apprentice, the man would be a good candidate. Fortunately for all parties, that was the last thing that Vex had a desire to do. The man was a loner, always had been. Having a learner, someone to train, well... that required a level of trust that he did not have. He was fairly content with simple keeping people in his life as long as they were useful. It worked better that way...save for current complications regarding a certain Major.

He ruminated on this idly even as he kept half his attention on the other. The man was clearly military. He had a certain foppishness about him, but his bearing and poise made that service affiliation all too recognizable. The cut of the uniform, however, dissuaded him from thinking the man was Republic.

Sith, hmm? Interesting. He watched the man react to something on his datapad...faintly catching the words the man said. That made those black eyes widen. The man knew Aunna? How so? It seemed far too coincidental to possibly be so. His eyes narrowed. The Force was working in some strange way. He didn't trust that the man's gift wouldn't make him aware of any intrusion on Vex's part, however there were other ways.

Studying him more intently...he recognized features. It took him a few moments to piece it out...and then it came to him. A brother...

Vex had someone know that he needed to get more information about. Cloaked as he was, Vex decided now would be a good time to learn as much as he could about this man.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

The thought that flitted through his mind was...disturbing....to say the least. Why had the message been so short, hurried. Why hadn't she contacted him directly? Something was wrong. He knew it, he could feel it, and it frustrated him to no end that he hadn't the slightest clue as to what to do about it. Pulling his glasses from his face, Jade massaged the bridge of his nose slightly and sighed. There were any number of things he could do...but which to do first. It was then that the bar tender arrived and announced himself with a slight cough. Looking up with mild interest, Jade returned his glasses and swiftly sorted out his questions for the man in his mind.

I need some information...I think you might just have it. Have a seat.

He motioned to the man to sit down, but his tone stated clearly that it was an order best obeyed. Sitting nervously, the man nodded slightly, not meeting the red gaze of the Admiral.

First off....

His sentence was cut short by the image of a cathar female flashing through his mind. Blinking, Jade shook his head to put off the thought...though it was far from gone.

I've heard some strange rumors of people being found with their minds gone...have you heard of any such things lately?

His voice was polite, conversational even, but there was an underlying tenseness to it. Something had just clicked in Jade's mind...Aunna had told him about a man who did such things on Manaan...was he the one behind her disappearance as well? If so, there would be hell to pay. The man shook his head slightly.

No sir...I aint. Not recently. Though from the sounds of it you're lookin for a needle in a hay stack here. Sounds to be a sith or dark jedi...and if so, well, good luck...chances are he or she won't want to be found....so you won't be findin them.

Jade sighed slightly...he'd assumed that would be the answer he got, but failure was not an option.

I never said I was looking for anyone...some of our scientists think it might be a new plague or somthing...so I'm gathering information.

Also....the republic...have you seen them around these parts lately? Specifically, a woman...sandy brown hair similar to mine....air of authority, if not a bit cocky....perhaps with a cathar? I doubt she would have looked very happy being here...

The man thought a moment, and Jade sat patiently. Well, he was patient on the outside...inside he was quite ready to put his spear to the man's throat to get him to 'remember faster'. When the man again shook his head, Jade sighed and waved a hand to dismiss the man. Thinking better of asking Jade for money for his information, the bar tender simply walked away once more.

It seemed it was time to make a call to the republic. Returning to his datapad, Jade began inputting his message. It didn't take long, nor did he think it would take long for the military to react...if there was something to worry about at all. Before sending it, Jade decided to double check himself. Pulling out his comlink, he set the proper frequency.

Major Borgonia's comlink.

Came a familiar female voice. Samantha...she had been the secretary for Manaan since Aunna had been stationed there, and he was glad it was her who picked up...though....she sounded rather distressed. This didn't ease his worries any.

Samantha, it's Jade. Where's Aunna at the moment?

There was silence. Jade closed his eyes and hoped Samantha was just busy with something at the moment.

Well....Jade....your sister isn't here at the moment...

Damn.

Where is she?

His voice was polite and pointed like a dagger.

She's...missing.

Silence.

Missing?

He asked sweetly, his voice dripping with venom.

Yes...since last night...we think....we think she was taken by someone....there were....signs of a struggle in the street near where she was staying.

His grip on the comlink tightened, his other hand balling into a fist as well.

Has the Republic been notified?

Silence.

Incompetent fools. Alert them now.

Yes Si...

The comlink was off before she could finish her word. With a touch of his datapad the message was sent, and Jade was fuming. Missing since last night and they'd not contacted anyone yet?! What did they think? Did they really think she was so easy to get lost or captured? The military should have been notified that night...especially if there were signs of a struggle. Glaring at his still untouched drink, Jade ripped his eyes away from the table and scanned the room...there had to be a person here who would be willing to take on a...difficult...job.

The alert on his datapad went off again and he looked down. Help was on the way it seemed....or at least a search party, intent on getting any information he might have.

Pendragon.

Yes Admiral Borgonia.

Stand down to any Republic ships, unless fired upon.

Sir?

That's an order.

The transmission cut and Jade continued his look around the cantina. His eyes barely pausing on a man with a re-breather. Something told him to speak to that man, but at the same time....he had very little desire to. Blinking red eyes at Vex for a moment, Jade continued on his search. If need be, he would speak to the man...something told Jade he might just help.

[Vex]

Vex didn't even need the Force to feel the emotions coming off this one. Though the other worked hard to keep his tone unfailingly polite as he spoke to the barkeep, it was apparent that his feelings were of an entirely different bent. Even the keep himself noticed this, as evidenced by the manner with which he responded to the Sith officer.

The Jedi was more than a little surprised to hear the man ask about Aunna. Of course, he didn't do so in just so many words, but his intent was clear nonetheless. Obviously something was wrong. There was no reason for Aunna to come to this planet...not unless she was hunting him. There was no reason to believe that she'd followed him this far, however. Given their last meeting, it seemed probable that the woman had a strong desire to NOT have anything to do with the Dark Jedi for a while. Besides, the woman had enough work at Manaan at the moment to keep her more than occupied at the moment.

He leaned forward as the man made a call. He was close enough to catch snippets of the conversation, more of his side than whoever was on the other end...but it was enough. Given the sudden welling up of anger and emotion, coupled with the worry, the message was fairly clear. Something had happened to Aunna...and that brought the earlier conversation into deeper clarity.

The man had asked pointed questions to the bartender, even though he was only now getting confirmation of this dark news. The man was strong with the Force and, apparently, his bond with his sister extended in this way. He'd felt something...seen something? It was not unprecedented. He'd read of such while he'd been a learner at the Temple.

Aunna had been taken. This man had reason to believe that the person responsible was a Zabrak. Finally...this man had reason to believe that Aunna was here...or on her way. This time, it was Vex's turn to have a spike of emotion ripple up him in a frission of ice along his spine. He stilled, however, as the man looked at him, lingering for a second before moving on.

Vex moved then, as soon as the man's gaze was off him. There was much to do...and he needed information from his own spies. He was missing something, missing something important...and he needed to learn what that was right away.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Jade had only just finished searching the bar when he felt movement. Something so slight that he almost missed it...but luckily, he didn't. Turning his eyes back in the direction of the man he had spotted before, Jade realized he was gone. Damnation! Cooling himself, he stood up and found himself nearly face to face with the man he had just been searching for. Backing up a step, Jade narrowed his eyes slightly.

Good afternoon. I have a question for you...or perhaps a few questions.

By this time, Jade was looking at the man from out of the side of his eyes, his face turned away from him slightly as if uncertain as to how he should react to this dark man. He was dressed as a jedi, only the cloak was darker than typical and the re-breather gave him a mechanical look, his face and hair giving him a feral look. Certainly not the type of person one would want to speak to typically...but this wasn't a typical time for Jade. Motioning to a seat, the sith officer lifted his chin slightly to show he wasn't exactly giving the man much of a choice in the matter, his red eyes boring holes into the dark eyes of the man he'd nearly run into.

Have a seat, please.

Despite his anger at the situation he now found himself in, Jade refused to allow himself to lose his polite tone.

[Vex]

Vex stopped up short as the man garnered his attention. Of course the Sith would have to stand at that time and manage to get in his way. Those dark eyes narrowed, turning to regard the crimson gaze staring at him as the man began to speak with that forced etiquette. There really was no time for this, but he kept still for the moment. At the man's word...at his body language, Vex smirked with dark amusement at the man's arrogance and assumption. His confronter, of course, couldn't see this with the rebreather, but a keen eye would pick up the slight lift of one corner of the rebreather as the expression altered its position slightly.

He let his eyes grow hard and crystalline, a dead and unfeeling expression before he spoke. Those words were measured and slow, the way one might speak to an idiot child.

"Your questions are of no concern to me, Sith. I do not have the time to waste upon you. Find another to tarry, I have more important concerns." Then, speaking with a mirrored inflection of Jade's own polite tone, he said, "Forgive me for my abrupt exit. Good day."

He would then turn his back again toward the man, leaving the mocking tone between them as he moved toward the door once more. One hand came to rest upon one of the hilts at his belt...expecting a response of some sort.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

So be it.

He stated, moving out of the way for the man. Something told him to mention Aunna, but for a moment he refused. Only for a moment.

I suppose then that you're on your way to see to the Major's little disappearance.

It was a foolish thing to say, but he said it...foolish as it was. Jade cursed himself mentally for having said such a thing, but he barely had the ability to stop himself. He DID have the ability, but even so...he said it, sitting down at the table once more and taking a sip of his drink. It was now in the other man's court.

I just hope you don't kill her, because if you do...you'll have me to answer to.

He muttered, more to himself than the man.

[Vex]

He stiffened suddenly, stopping in mid-step as he caught the man's words. Normally, he understood the subtle nuances of interaction. Being one whose powers leveled heavily in the mental aspects of the Force, he was good at understanding most psychological aspects. Manipulation was a particular part of his talents....but not today, at this moment.

For whatever reason, the man's parting shot managed to slip underneath his mental armor and strike him...though the Jedi would not be able to pinpoint exactly why. Dark eyes narrowed at the door and he lashed out.

Not a move was made on his part...he never turned toward Jade...but the entire brunt of his mental power slammed down upon the Force-sensitive Admiral. He would not accept no...that power unceasing as it worked to batter away at the man's mental defenses.

You would be surprised at just what the mind had power over. The body could not live with the mind. Injuries imagined in the mind could manifest themselves in the body. Though he could not use telekinesis to choke out a victim, it was within his power to make that minde believe it was choking, which achieved the same effect. To Jade, it would feel as though he was being strangled by an unknown force, even though reality had his windpipe clear and fully capable.

When he spoke, it was barely a whisper...but it would echo in the man's mind.

"Do not begin to believe you can threaten me, worm. You do not have an inkling of who or what you are dealing with. The Republic and the Sith mean less than nothing to me. The military may have lost Aunna, but I will, at least, rectify her situation. Impede me and you will wish for the release that comes with Death."

That Force cloak hiding his presence had sloughed away, leaving the true extent of his dark aura visible to any with the talent. The very air about him would almost seem to be an inky black to someone like Jade. Even those without the talent grew uneasy around the man suddenly, shying away from the Dark Jedi.

The sensation of choking suddenly released on the man's neck as suddenly as it appeared and he moved to leave once again.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

At first Jade thought nothing would come of his words and he felt a bit foolish for even saying them...what was he coming to? Perhaps he really HAD lost it. Then, suddenly, he felt as if he were suddenly being strangled. To most, this would have been extremely frightening, but to Jade, it was almost a relief. So his words had had an effect...and more! Something he hadn't even hoped for, the man seemed to actually be trying to free his sister to some degree! Maybe there was hope after all.

With these thoughts running through his head, Jade couldn't help but let out a strangled chuckle...more even...an actual laugh. Perhaps he was just that twisted, but Jade actually didn't mind...certainly he didn't like being choked, invisible hand or not, but at least he knew why now! As the man said his piece, Jade couldn't help but laugh more, though it hurt his lungs to do so because he was running out of air.

I wouldn't dream of stopping you. You seem to be the only other one interested in keeping her alive. But I swear, Jedi or no, if you harm my sister I WILL kill you. Besides....if anything happened to her, I'd wish for death anyway, and welcome it freely.

The last part was said without any tone of humor, and Jade's red eyed, though starting to glaze over from lack of air, were completely serious. He would indeed wish for death, and most likely go looking for it, if anything happened to Aunna. She'd always been his sister, but more than that, she was his best friend, and someone he could always count on no matter what happened or how angry they were at each other. Eyeing the dark aura around the man, Jade wondered just what his sister was getting into, and even attempted to ask the man through his blood red gaze, a raise of one eyebrow, and a multitude of emotions that all boiled down to "I hope you're not the one getting her into the trouble she's been in lately."

As the choking stopped and the man turned to leave once more, Jade chuckled again, despite the pain it caused to his throat. Well, at least something would be done about....that's when it hit him....the corpses, the nearly brain-dead soldiers...and the man Aunna had previously told him about, her "twisted guardian angel"...maybe even the man Vex in the message....it was worth a shot....

If you happen to be Vex by any chance....I believe she asked me to find you just now....not only that, but you wouldn't happen to be the one leaving corpses all over Manaan would you? I hope you're very good at hiding sir, seeing as I would be willing to let you go for my sister's life, but the men being sent by Admiral Barj will not be...and supposedly they are the best Jedi hunters around.

Just warning you.

He stated, loud enough for only the jedi to hear over the crowd, before Jade sat down once again. He didn't really expect and answer, but perhaps he'd get one anyway.

[Vex]

"I've already harmed your sister on several occasions...and had to protect her from harm as well. Regardless...the only definite of your statement is that you will TRY to harm me, Sith...and then you would hurt your sister...for I'm sure your death would be just as traumatic to her."

He'd made it to the door by then. When he spoke, if he spoke, there was no way it would make it across the room to the Admiral, and yet it did. It almost seemed to echo there, within his mind.

"Would I tell you, Borgonia, if I was? It would serve no purpose other than to bring more hounds upon my back to be slaughtered. As for these hunters... if they wish to be so foolish, then rest assured, they would be the very best dead Jedi hunters. You would be well advised to tell them leave me be."

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

At his first statement, Jade simply raised an eyebrow. Harm, injury, Aunna could handle that...he didn't like it, but he could tolerate it...it came with the job after all...it was death he had meant...not just injury. Shrugging slightly, the admiral showed that he honestly didn't care one way or the other, since he really didn't think this man would kill her...why, he wasn't sure yet. At the reverberating words in his mind, Jade snickered slightly. Again, Jade held no interest in capturing the dark jedi...and it actually wasn't this he laughed at. No, in reality, Jade hoped they would be the very best 'dead' jedi hunters since they threatened to interfere with his job as well. So maybe....just maybe....he would tell them to go find this man...and see how many pieces they came back in.

Ah, what a wonderful thought that was....dead sith spies...nothing like them in the morning...or evening...or night....or ever actually.