Good Show (Talau's Blog)

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Vex slid his hand down, twisting that saber away from his victim's hand before the man inadvertently damaged something...namely Vex. He didn't require it anyway, not anymore. His mental capabilities were not even remotely close to being capable of anything so complicated such as lightsaber combat. At this point, the man wasn't even capable of anything like controlled breathing. Clear fluids were leaking from his ears and nose to mingle with the frothy pink foam coming from his mouth. Crouched over the man like some nightmare beast, Vex drew upon the man's power, drawing it into himself, feeding off it to strengthen himself and bolster his own ability to heal. He was a psychic vampire in that way...black ripples of lightning drawing up from his fingertips and playing over the man's skin. As it touched, the flesh began to wither away…draining it, wrinkling the flesh, drawing it out, stretching it over the bones as the life and very vitality of the Force within the man was taken away, devoured by the Dark Jedi.

In the end, Vex left the husk there on the permacrete, looking over his shoulder. He'd felt that other presence coming...but it hadn't been a concern to him. He'd felt her...felt the chords of that music...faint, but so similar to her mother's that he hadn't worried about the coming threat. She would intercept.

He looked, seeing the fiery remnants of the other Sith. He'd lowered his concealment, allowing his full signature in the Force to radiate out now, pulsing with new vitality now that he'd just taken it from the other. It was a dark, seething mass...crimson and onyx...powerful, but fractured, sickly green cracks traveling through it...a signature of that instability that was still within his mind. He looked over at her...his approval palpable before he began to crouch slightly. Without the galvanizing force of her imminent danger, those cracks in his mind were widening slowly.

-----

Now that the immediate threat was over, she was feeling the pain creeping in further as she attempted to pull herself back together and swiftly rebuild those mental barriers. It was just...difficult...after having used so much energy. Using combustion was one thing, but controlling fire like that...well that used more energy since it dealt with her having to control the air as well, and then bend it to her will. It was still a talent she was attempting to develop, and its use had taken a toll on her already depleted reserves from trying to ward off the man before her. Those sabers hummed loudly in the silence as she looked back over to him, the sound of lightning catching her ear. What she saw sickened her.

Biting back the urge to be sick, she turned her head away and debated once more. What was she to do now? If this man was her father...how was she supposed to react? Especially after watching him drain the very life from a person. She stepped backward as his signature burst out from him, washing against her suddenly, unexpectedly, dark and menacing and twisted...broken. Torn between disgust, pity, and longing to know someone she'd never known, Isis found herself torn. Blue eyes flickered around the area, then back to him at his...approval? Watching him crouch once more, she felt the need to keep his mind working....something had to be done. But what?

"We need to move. It isn't safe here. Those two might not have been alone, and even if they were there are other sith on Coruscant. If their master felt their deaths...we can't take the chance...and I don't want any more trouble with anyone or anything else down here. Let's go." With that she started walking. If he followed her or not was up to him, but she wasn't about to stay put, to stay in a place that would attract attention, attract danger. For now they were on the same side, no matter who he was. If he remembered her as his daughter...then again, perhaps he was just some insane man who had pulled thoughts from her mind to substitute for ones he didn't have, placing himself into her life, remembering things that weren't true. Her mind fought to explain this all away, to deny the fact that this broken, half mad, man was her father...but she just...couldn't. She just...knew...that he really was, no matter what she thought about him, or what he'd done to her. That was the only reason why she hadn't just left him there without a word...tried to slip away silently.

----

Crouched, he shuffled over to the body she'd dispatched. He tilted his head, hearing her words but not making a move to show that he fully understood them. Nudging away burning clothing...ignoring the smell of burnt flesh and hair, he found the man's saber and picked it up as well. He didn't have his own...these would have to do. Turning back, he watched her walk away, quick and silent footfalls drawing him on behind her.

Lightning crackled in that aura...pure white as a part of him tried to hold himself together by sheer force of will. Strong though he was there was only so much he could do...after all this time. He felt his grip on his sanity slipping away further and in desperation, reached out mentally. Tendrils of that mind caught within hers while she was still trying to rebuild her barriers. Latching onto her, he anchored his mind mentally with hers, drawing on her presence, her power, to keep himself from slipping. It wasn't like with the Sith, however....his power flowed back into her as well, a two way conduit that leeched strength and then gave it back. It wasn't that he lacked power...no. At this point, he had it in spades...it was the control that he lacked...control that he took from her. It would allow her a certain, unfettered freedom into his own mind. Open access the likes that her mother hadn't even been allowed...but this was the only way he could remain himself...could be Vex Praetor and not the gibbering creature that was only prone to fits of lucidity.

-----

She hadn't even turned to look and see if he'd followed her...she didn't need it at any rate. Isis felt his presence dim behind her as she walked, fading into the distance before strengthening again as he caught up. Suddenly he was in her mind again, latching on and drawing from her. Mentally Isis recoiled and swiftly set to locking down all but the most basic of her memories once more. As bruised as her mind had been by him, and as difficult as it was to sort everything back into order in her mind, fear could be a powerful motivator. Wary of him physically, the young woman was quite fearful of him mentally. The last thing she wanted was more pain....to have him in her mind once again. Like a skittish horse, she'd had to reign herself in from shying away from him physically as well.

He had wanted to make a lasting first impression...he certainly had.

It had only taken moments for all of this to occur in her mind, and only once they had did she realize that what he took from her, he gave back. There was more, though...his mind was open to her. It was tempting, but she wasn't stupid...one just didn't enter the mind of someone not quite stable...especially when that person could crush you like an insect. With the state her barriers were in, and the way he was in her mind...tempting or not, she wasn't about to take the risk. Those saber hilts rested in her palms, her anxiety getting the better of her. With a sigh, she clipped them onto her belt and hoped he wasn't about to do anything else to her. Not that he couldn't kill her before she ever had a chance to defend herself if he wished to. The thought was not a comfortable one. At last she started to try and settle herself, and to make peace with all these new developments in her life.

After several minutes of walking in silence, she had to ask. "Assuming you ARE, truly, my father...how are you even alive?"

-----

She might as well be broadcasting herself across the Holonet. She was recovering admirably from the assault, but with them both linked like that, she could no more hide herself and her feelings from him that he could from her. Not that he had many normal emotions. He wasn't exactly well-adjusted 23 years ago. It hadn't gotten any better during his time in captivity.

He decided fear on her part was a good thing. He wasn't exactly what one would consider a model parent. Better fear from her than anything else. At her words, he barked a low, growl of a laugh. He shook his head. The link was helping him keep himself together. That was both a blessing and a curse because his personality wasn't exactly charismatic to begin with. "Don't be an idiot, child. You don't need to assume anything. You know who I am. As for why I am alive...that is because I did not want to die...and the good Dark Lord did not want to let me die. It was more...satisfying...to keep me alive. He never did forgive me for nearly killing him on Nar Shaddaa."

-----

She resisted the urge to roll her eyes as he addressed her question in such a way. Following that mild ripple of annoyance a ghost of a smirk lifted one corner of her mouth. Fear of him or not his first few sentences had amused her and she huffed slightly in assent. Blue eyes narrowed marginally as he continued, however. Eurachis...even the name made her want to spit. She knew the story, recalled the images her mother had shown her of the incident...this new knowledge only made her hate the man more. "I can see that from him, yes."

A short pause followed the comment as she glanced around looking for a good way up. With a sigh she decided that the best way up, for her anyway, were a few 'stepping stones'. "We need to go up." That was about all she had to say to him as she let speed flow through her. In a blur she'd hopped up onto a dumpster and continued along the wall, her feet hitting the metal of one of the old fire escapes. Letting that energy flow away from her once more she started up the ladder. It would take a bit to get to one of the walkways, but it would work well enough.

------

"He preferred muscle...save the one that mattered the most. It was with pity that I found out that I would not be able to be the one to finish what I started on Nar Shaddaa. It was almost with relief that I fell back into stasis after that." He tilted his head, watching as she moved up that wall and then the fire escape. The familiarity of this place was almost...surreal...something she would feel through that connection he maintained with her. It drew back other, older...ancient...memories. A childhood vague and barely remembered after all this time. The scents though...the oppression from the weight of the plasticrete towering through the heavens....it had left an indelible mark on him. His life always seemed to revolve back to this place...to the slums in Coruscant's underbelly. He simply couldn't escape it. A part of him was wondering if it was inescapable.

He followed her, drawing himself up the same way, following her. He wasn't much for self reflection. Fortunately...she had him stable enough that he could focus on something else. Namely, her. Once they would reach the next walkway, he'd speak. "What in the name of the Force were you doing on Korriban, girl?"

-------

Isis scoffed a bit as he continued on about the figurehead of the sith...that's what he'd been, after all. She'd found out the one really pulling the strings had been the founder...a blind man, it seemed, who had vanished from their view shortly after the Sith Order (if such a thing could really exist...Sith and Order tended to clash in any sentence) had been founded. Pausing on the second tier of the fire escape she tilted her head at his thoughts, those fleeting and dim memories. He'd grown up here? Dark brows drew together and she sighed a bit. Well, everyone had to start off somewhere...she'd been lucky, she supposed, to grow up on Corellia. Better than here anyway.

At that question, she did roll her eyes, sighing heavily and shaking her head before moving on once again. "Being stupid," she replied simply. "Being a stupid, foolish, angry idiot." There was no need to explain further...not in words anyway. He would be able to catch glimpses of her as a young girl, begging for answers about why he hadn't been around, catches of discussion with her brother as she vented out her anger at her mother for leaving instead of helping him or finishing off the dark jedi that had been after the couple, flares of anger and jealousy at being deprived of even knowing her father...and the white hot desire for vengeance, to make that dark sider pay and never allow him to take another life. Her knowledge that the one they wished to face was stronger than her brother and herself had driven her to the sith...foolishly...to seek power, knowledge, perhaps to find the one she sought more easily. She'd found him, sure enough...and been left by her learning companions to her fate and the barely made escape from the dark jedi. Then the pivotal moment when she'd realized how truly stupid she'd been to even consider turning to the sith....and then she'd hated herself...and started planning, scheming to get away.

------

He smacked her upside the back of the head. Oh yes...wasn't she loving the taste of what childhood would have been like with him there in her formative years? He shook his head, feeling those emotions flowing over that connection...watching snippets from her life. He growled, finally stopping her and turning her to face him, pushing her back against the permacrete wall and glaring at her. That would be a memory she could remember. No doubt, at some point, it would have been inevitable that that particular expression would have been seen in those memories her mother passed on.

"It's a pity you too so long to come to the realization that she made the only choice she could. The only choice that I made her promise to keep." He growled again, pulling away and continuing to stalk along. Through that link, she would be allowed to feel the anger he had...as well as the concern about Aunna and her well-being. If nothing else...that had not changed, even after all this time. She was the focal point of his life...a realization he'd come to too late....after he believed that he'd lost her. Looking back over his shoulder at her, he'd gestured for her to follow. "You take after me far more than is healthy."

------

She'd felt it coming, but hadn't bothered to dodge the blow, or even attempt to move away from his catching her and pushing her back against the wall. Another mild smirk as she did, indeed, recognize the look. She wasn't quite as amused as she seemed, however, Isis was simply accepting of the actions, the glare and the scolding she was receiving...after all, if she felt it was fitting, why shouldn't she accept it? Watching him stalk off angrily, his thoughts turning once more to her mother, she caught his gesture and trotted the few steps to catch up to him.

"Maybe it is a pity I didn't, but then again, maybe it's a good thing. I'm not sure yet." At his final comment she furrowed her brow and let her confusion wash against him. "In what ways, and why?" Certainly her mother had complained of such...in fact, it tended to amuse her highly. Memories of Aunna walking down the hall and seeing the girl smirking slightly as she left her brother's room flooded her mind and she snickered as she watched Aunna fold her arms across her chest and glare down at the girl. "I don't know what you've done yet, but I'm sure I won't be liking it...come with me." She'd then be led down the hall and back into Kieran's room to find the boy clucking like a chicken every so often, and a fit of snickering escaping the girl just before her mother would round on her and glare, trying not to smirk herself. "Raelyn Isis Praetor! You're nearly as bad as your father! No doubt he'd have found that amusing too. By all the nine hells..." Another fit of snickering, this time not in memories, and she shook her head. That, of course, had been one of the better memories when she'd been accused of it...though there had been the other amusing past time of sneaking up on Aunna silently and scaring the daylights out of her.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

"You simply are. I, unfortunately, think you would have been better off taking after your mother. Not that she isn't without her many moments of idiocy...but she does show exceptional pragmatism at times...just have to beat it from her. Tell me, has she changed much since then? Are you capable of moving with any amount of speed and continue to hold a conversation? Much as I would enjoy catching up on all that I've missed, I'd prefer we reach our destination in a timely manner." He gestured for her to hurry up and take them back.

------

Well, at least he got to the point...she had to give him that. Given the choice between being irritated at his...reply...or amused by it, she chose amusement. With an impish smirk, she nodded once and allowed her speed to flow through her as she bolted off through the gathered shadows, working her way upward toward where the Consul waited. --I can't say if she's changed or not...but...I would think from how you knew her, yes. Yes, she's changed. I can't imagine being a mother NOT changing someone, and I know she still hurts deeply. I can't say more than that since I didn't know her as she was before I was born. I suppose that's something you'll have to find out for yourself.--

She'd taken the swiftest routes upward, typically those with the least amount of pedestrian traffic, and forgoing regular speech. It would only require more air to be used anyway, so it was fairly impractical, especially given the connection they were sharing. Several minutes later she slowed once more on the ramp to the landing platform the freighter rested on. --fast enough for you?-- Isis smirked slightly once more and kept walking, allowing that speed to drift away from her once more before keying the ramp to lower and stepping up it into the ship.

-----

He kept on her heels the entire time. He was, clearly, more than comfortable in silence. In most cases, he preferred it. The exercise was enjoyable...something he had experienced so rarely the last quarter decade. It stressed him more than it had before his incarceration. The time passing and the prolonged state of the injuries had taken their toll. Nevertheless, he felt better for doing it, despite the weakness. The toll was palpable through...easily felt through the link that he held with her. That link weakened somewhat...he wasn't used to holding such a thing for that long...not without drawing from it, fueling it with the energies of the victim. The only reason he wasn't doing it now was the loop he'd created, giving back as he took. Such a transfer wasn't seamless or without loss, however, and with his mind in its current, proper state of mind, he was making sure that the loss was coming from him and not her.

He would have to break it soon...but he didn't like what that would entail. Few things ever brought him to pause...made him second guess...made him afraid. Death...the first time...had frightened him. It had lost it's hold. Threats on Aunna's life had frightened him. In those instances, he still would have nightmares...that time in stasis had made him loathe true sleep even more than he had before. Now...now the thought of losing self...losing identity and coherency like that...it terrified him.

Following her up the ramp, he forced the fear down, focusing on the need instead. She needed to be safe. This new, unexpected person of importance in his life. He prepared himself to let go...to become that...thing...again.

------

She'd felt the fear growing in him, building up even as that link weakened and it brought out her own protective and...oddly enough, caring...traits. Ones she'd received from Aunna. If he couldn't hold that link, she sure as hell would. Isis had been more than a little afraid of entering his mind, of latching on to him and strengthening that bond because of the state he was in, but if this would help keep him at least slightly stable...she'd take the risk. Reaching back toward him with her own mind, she wove her own will about those links he'd formed, braiding herself around those strands to solidify them and take some of the strain off of him. --None of that for you. You're not letting go yet.-- she growled back through those links, blue eyes flashing at him in her determination not to allow him to slip away so readily.

Once she had assured herself that those links were stable...at least for the moment...she brought up the ramp once more and headed to the cockpit, growling internally as she wondered just how to break the news to her mother...Kieran could just stuff it, but Aunna...well that was going to be a sticky matter. With a huff, she flopped back into the pilot's seat and started the engines up as she prepped the ship for take off.

-------

"It's going to drain from you before too long. We cannot keep it for too long. My power, it does not work that way. It's...gotten worse...with what I have had to do in order to bring myself back...to heal enough in order to escape. It...can prove addictive...or worse. It wants to be worse...and that I will not allow. Not with you...not with her. When I tell you to release it, you must. Regardless of what I may become." He gritted his teeth, feeling her wind her own consciousness around his own like that to bolster the link. He could force her out if he wished...but the cost would be great and she would be hurt in the expulsion. He wanted to avoid that at all cost.

He moved into the cockpit behind her, settling himself down into the copilot's seat. This wasn't so much different from the time he'd spent with Aunna...her piloting, him simply there. He never had developed the knack for piloting.

------

She nodded silently, the anger in her eating away at her restraint. Oh how she wanted to make someone pay for this...for doing this to her family. With a deep breath she leashed the demons once again and brought the ship up into the sky, turning her about toward Corellia. She'd already entered the jump coordinates and once they hit the black of space Isis brought up the drive. She would have actually put them into hyperspace if it hadn't been for the unexpected ding of the com system. Baffled, she glanced over at the number of the link. Before she could get hold of her surprise, she'd managed a...colorful...set of words in Old Corellian. Reaching across him, she pressed the key to it and winced slightly. "Mum...I didn't expect to hear from you on this link." The sigh of frustration was audible even over the speaker.

"Yes, well I WOULD have gotten you on your com, but you seem to not answer it these days. I wouldn't feel the need to contact you, however, if you didn't vanish without a trace."

"Wait, my comlink never..." she reached into her belt and groaned. "Well no wonder you couldn't get hold of me...it's gone." No doubt it had wormed its way out of the pouch some time that evening. "As for vanishing...I'm actually on my way back from Coruscant."

"You're going to be the death of me Isis...do I even WANT to know why you're there? No...no I don't think I do. I just hope you're returning in one piece, because I swear if not..."

"Mum...no...I'm fine. I just...well....it's been an...interesting night and I find myself with...company."

Silence...silence from Aunna was never good, Isis knew that for a fact, but how the hell was she supposed to tell her just what had happened? "Who?" Isis didn't like that question. What should she say...yeah, mom, I'm brining dad home, and by the way he isn't dead after all? Oh that would go over well.

"I...really can't explain who. You'd never believe me."

"Try me."

For several moments Isis struggled for words. It was so simple...he had more than one name, she could say any of them and her mother would know who she meant, but she just COULDN'T say anything. It was as if her own voice were protesting against her. Finally she sighed heavily and looked over at Vex apologetically. She just COULDN'T tell her. Not like this. "Mum, can't I just tell you in person...I really just cannot tell you like this. It's...a shock and a half."

------

Vex sat back while she stewed in her anger and prepared to leave. He strapped himself in as she began to lift off from the pad and angle them to the skies. He closed his eyes, more than content to focus on the link between them...probing it and her increased presence in his mind, seeking things out...answers, things to fill in the many blanks of his memory. There was much he didn't know about how life had been since his disappearance. About Aunna...about these children he had fostered but never had the chance to see grow up. Tendrils reached around, seeking gently, looking without being invasive.

That paused when her comms system went off. Her colorful words were amusing...the though flowing through her mind making it easy to translate. It also made it easy to realize who it was that was on the system. He was suddenly quite a bit more reserved. Much as he's been focusing on that reunion in his moments of clarity, the fact that it was close at hand was...unexpectedly disconcerting.

He listened to the words between them...Aunna...disconcerting emotions roiling through him as they spoke. He could feel the trouble and the anxiety working through his daughter. As it went on, he could tell that she was losing this battle. Not surprising...it seemed that the years and motherhood had only made her that much sharper in her perceptions. Finally, he leaned forward, speaking into the comm. "The girl is fine, quit harrying her. Her reasons are her own and, in my mind, sound. We shall be there soon enough and everything will be explained. Will you leave it at that, insufferable woman?"

------

It wouldn't be difficult to imagine both women holding the same look of utter shock. Isis certainly hadn't been expecting him to say a peep, and when he had...she wasn't entirely sure if it was a good thing or not. Her jaw slackened a bit and the universe seemed to come to a screeching halt as that deafening silence pervaded the time after his words. This could either go very well, or very poorly, and honestly...she hadn't a clue as to which way the balance was tipping.

On the other end of the com Aunna had been preparing another push for the truth when she heard that voice echo back to her and she forgot everything she'd been about to say. That voice haunted her dreams for years...and nearly every night for the past month, leaving her tired and drained emotionally as well as physically. Had she really gotten to the point where she was hearing things now? No...she didn't believe that was the case. Tired as she was, she wasn't that far gone. She shook her head, trying to clear her mind and find something to say, but what did one say to a person they thought was dead? That was about the time reality caught up to her and her mind started working again...if only slightly. Utter denial was the first thing to hit her.

She knew what she'd seen, what she'd felt, and for years she'd held out a dwindling hope that she'd been wrong. It had torn at her, ripped her already broken heart into further shreads. She'd finally had to let that hurtful hope die when she realized that it was going to take a toll on how she acted around the growing twins. They didn't need to know her suffering, so she'd let go and tried to make peace with the notion that he was really, truly, gone. Hearing his voice now....it brought all of that old pain back to the front and she fought against the hope that it was true...that he really WAS alive. It would only hurt her worse when she found out that it was some trick of the mind or her hearing or force knew what...but the words...what he said...it screamed Vex.

"Mum? Are...um....are you...okay?" Obviously she wasn't 'okay'...Isis knew she wasn't, but someone had to say something, and she had the feeling Aunna was....struggling. She needed something normal to reply to and Vex...well he just wasn't something 'normal'...she doubted he was 'normal' even back when she knew him, but this just took it to a new level.

"I...Yes....I'll be expecting some sort of explanation when you return."

Isis sighed heavily at the cool and composed reply. That certainly hadn't changed about her...any time she was hurting or emotionally uncomfortable that cold and composed side came around and got things done. Well...it was better than the silence anyway...maybe. "Alright. We should be entering the system in...maybe twelve hours. We'll see you then."

"Alright. Be safe little one."

A ghost of a smile touched Isis' face at that. Well, at least that was a relief to hear...for once. "Right." With that she shut off the com and put the Consul into hyperspace. It was going to be an interesting reunion, no doubt.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

"Some things never change...regardless of what happens or the time that separates." Despite the responses that both women had given, Vex seemed utterly unperturbed by the situation. As she closed off the communications link, he closed his eyes. Despite her help, the drain was starting to grow hungry again. He began to pry at her connections to that bond, carefully beginning to pull them loose after she got them into hyperspace.

"Show me to a room, child, then release the bonds." He unstrapped himself again and stood up, moving to the exit from the cockpit and standing there with a dark brow raised toward her, expecting her quick, compliant reaction. The ravenous hunger was pulling at the chains that he had bound it up in...wanting to take from her, to sate its hunger...and that he could not allow.

He was being very careful in not showing, openly, how hearing Aunna's voice had affected him. It was like waking up from the worst nightmare you could imagine to experience the one thing that could soothe your fears and banish away the dark. He had believed her dead for twenty years. Though he hadn't seen her dead...he had believed it just as strongly as she had believed in his demise. To hear proof that he was wrong was...well...he didn't have a word to adequately describe it. But there was definitely a balm to his soul.

------

Isis certainly wished she were as...calm...about the situation as Vex was. She, however, was quite concerned. Feeling him begin to peal away those bonds from himself, she blinked over at him, nodding and picking herself up out of the seat even as he did. She was already tired enough from everything that had happened that night, she didn't need to try and fight him off again. Besides, he knew better than she what his limits were on his control and she wasn't about to take any risks...no matter who he was.

Leading him down the hall she unlocked one of the doors to a cabin and allowed him in, feeling mildly bad for what she was about to relegate him to...but it had to be done. "I need the sabers you collected and I'm going to lock you in. I'm sorry, but I don't believe either of us wants to take chances right now."

------

Following her, he already had an inkling of what she had in mind. It was a sound bit of reasoning and he couldn't fault her for it. To be honest...without the link, he couldn't trust himself. In that state, he might even be insane enough to put a saber through the hull and kill them both. He would not allow that.

"You are fortunate that my abilities in using the Force to physically manipulate the environment is very limited...even more so given my inability to practice it. Your reasonings are solid, however. I applaud you on the foresight." Reaching into the tatters of his clothing, he pulled out the two sabers, handing them over to her without a fuss. Stepping inside, he'd turn to look at her. "Do not let me out unless you can regain the link and keep me stable. I cannot guarantee it will be easy...but I would rather you not risk physically releasing me until I have control of myself. Sleep well, Raelyn, and take care." He would turn away then, finishing removing himself from her mind, leaving himself back alone...within himself. "Close the door, girl..."

The fractures in his aura flared up, shattering it into pieces as his form hunched and began to crouch...Vex Praetor the man began to lose himself to the cracked prison he'd been in for so many years. He was sent back into prison until the time they were free from hyperspace and on Corellia.

------

For all the anger she harbored, for the ice queen she could be...and often was to most people...Isis wasn't without compassion. Even as he handed her the sabers and spoke to her, she wished there was more she could do. She hated having to do this...to treat him like a cooperative prisoner...but what choice did she have? None. Wrapping herself up in that comfortable anger and lust for vengeance rather than fall prey to the hurt, her features hardened, angling further as she nodded and shut the door between them, locking it.

She already knew she wasn't going to be sleeping tonight...he may not be able to manipulate the force physically as well as she could, but he could be dangerous mentally, and she wasn't going to risk being caught unaware. Turning, she moved to the cabin she had claimed long ago and settled in to meditate, replenish her energy, and rebuild her mental walls...then to fortify them, and refortify them. Thankfully the evening was fairly quiet and no sneak attacks were made on her psyche...a small blessing, and one she took as a good sign from the force. She brought the ship back out of hyperspace above Corellia and down toward the land their family called home. The green forest butting up against the side of their lands, the grassy expanses stretching on past that...next to no one else around...she couldn't have been happier to see the place as she settled the Consul down on the small landing pad and shut it down.

With a sigh she searched the area for anyone close by through the force...no one save Vex, though she could catch hints of Aunna's music. Likely doing something to take her mind off of the conversation they'd had earlier. Standing she made her way back to the cabin Vex was in and nearly knocked before thinking better of it. If she caught him off guard it MIGHT be easier to initiate that link, but there was also the chance he would see it as a threat...no...no surprise attacks for her with this kind of danger. Double checking her mental walls, she knocked slightly. "Are you awake in there?"

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Totally unrelated to the IM RP...

Crass: >> I would like to inform her GWEKL:J:LKJSG *puggles through talmun's mind to flying tackle glomp Rah.

Talau: (*ish not replying here til it done or rah will slaughterize me*)

Jake: (:-OOOOOO but Crass puggled through your mind!)

Rah: *sidesteps*

Crass: *throws out his arms to the side, trying to get her*

Rah: *knew better than to stay that close*

Crass: Welp, to the pit of spikes I go, then. *flies towards the pit of spikes*

Rah: *presses a button, closing it before he gets there and watching him skid along the ground...bouncing a few times*

Crass: x.x

Rah: no pit of spikes for you...not until you post

Talau: >_> i think that was rah humor

Jake: xD

Crass: O.O you made a joke. *points at*

Rah: *puts the 'easy button' down* don't get used to it.

Jake: xD

Crass: O.O and the AI just made a joke, too!!!! >_> a crappy one.

Rah: *taps the easy button: "that was EASY" * don't get used to that either...i might destroy it if it gets on my nerves.

Jake: xD

Crass: <_< that thing cost the republic multiple billions of credits alone.

Rah: not my fault if it suddenly has an irreperable 'malfunction'

Crass: Meh. They'll just put in a new one. I think the one we have now is just fine, personally.

Rah: ~_~ you would. I'm going to go check my cabin for sensors and cameras...I don't like invasions of privacy and I can feel them coming on with that thing around...might start sleeping in the bathroom

Ghost: There are none. Save one stationed above your bed, pointing at the door for security purposes.

Rah: *glowers* see...invasions of privacy.

Crass: >_> I've seen th-... yeah. Invasion of privacy. >.<

Rah: mmmm...maybe it's a good thing there's a camera there...but i'll be checking for other ones, just in case.

Crass: *blinks* why the change of heart?

Rah: to make sure i don't get burgled in the middle of the night by sleep walking zeltrons *taps the easy button again*

Talau: (insert innuendo add the joke)

Jake: (xD)

Crass: >.> I should really take that thing from you.


Rah: *smirks* why?

Crass: *tries to snatch it quickly* 'cuz then you'd have to come over here to get it back?

Jake: (or beat you senseless...)

Rah: *moves it from his reach* nice try. I also have one that clips to my belt. If you try taking that one off I can call harassment

Crass: *presses the button for her*

Rah: that wasn't a joke

Crass: Oh. >.>;;;;

Rah: *presses the button*

Jake: I damn near spit my cherry pepsi all over my screen

Talau: (rofl...good)

Crass: ~_~

Talau: (Rah...the perfect straight man)

Jake: (It came out my nose instead. thanks.)

Talau: (ewww....*dies*....*then presses rah's button*)

Crass: You're evil, you know that? xD

Rah: so I've been told...but it's entertaining

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Some Mini-Profiles to go with the IM RP

Name: Aunna Lumina Borgonia

Race: Human

Age: 54

Height: 5' 6"

Weight: 140 lbs

Birth place: Corellia

Appearance: Aunna ref Link

Despite the long years, Aunna has still managed to retain a fairly youthful appearance thanks to her family’s “good breeding” (as she calls it), which allows them to appear more youthful and age more gracefully. Few wrinkles touch her face, aside from several worry lines along her brow that she developed through the raising of her two children, the stresses of reforming her life (for the third time), and just the normal passage of time. Sapphire blue eyes have darkened over the years, filled with the troubles of a lifetime and a sadness that seems to lay just below the surface, but is rarely ever seen fully…many thinking it to be a trick of their own vision or mind. In the presence of others, those eyes seem to light up, glittering brightly like they used to, only to dull once more when the gaze of others is off of her once again. Long tawny colored hair has grown to her lower back, and is now streaked with threads of shimmering silver. Despite having given birth to twins, Aunna’s continued training in Lightsaber forms and force abilities has allowed her to regain and maintain her lithe form. She bears a few more scars now than she had during her time with Vex, reminders of close calls, a few scuffles, and her ferocious protectiveness of her children.

Most days she can be seen in a formal dress of some form or other (surprising, considering her general distaste for them) because of her work in the palace and her returned standing as nobility. Most are flowing, lose around her body, leaving much to the imagination as smooth, light, material is left to shift and float around her form with her movements. Others are close cut around the top, tailored with clean lines that allow free movement. The amount of material used and the weight of it is always a concern for her, both being kept to a minimum to allow for swift action and ease of movement without exposing most of her skin. As an aging woman, and one who still considers themselves ‘taken’, she prefers no one but her lover to see the more alluring ((thinking decently here people)) parts of her…especially those Vex seemed to prefer: her neckline, shoulders, mid-riff, and back. Should the dress expose some of those areas (which inevitably some do), she is certain to wear a robe, cloak, or some other covering. The one common factor of all of her dresses is that she has found (or created) a way to store her lightsabers in them and out of view.

If she isn’t seen wearing a dress around the palace, it’s a sturdy uniform cut outfit in brown and “Corellian greens” (dark and emerald green) meant for travel and easy movement in combat. Sturdy brown Corellian Navy uniform pants (bearing the second class bloodstripe) and a long sleeved white shirt make up the lower half of the outfit. A long travel coat with high collar and wide, bell, sleeves. The deep green coat hugs her upper body, falling open at the waist and draping down to mid-calf, the pleats in the material and piping over the shoulders an emerald green, the tall collar also lined with emerald green. Over all is her utility belt, allowing her access to anything she might need, and brown leather boots keep movement easy and provide extra grip and protection in any terrain…even the harsh environment of the palace with the dangerous political beasts that prowl it.

Whenever Aunna finds herself away from the palace, and her job in general (which isn’t often), she adopts her preferred clothing…just about anything comfortable. Typically pants, shirts, boots, and her belt are the preference…that long coat being her choice for nearly any kind of travel. Like usual a small silver badge rests about her neck with the Borgonia family crest on it…or, it’s mostly the Borgonia Crest. With a bit of digging (okay, a lot of digging) Aunna had managed to find a few old images of a Winsliyn crest (it wasn’t a Praetor crest, but she hadn’t expected to find one anyway…so it would have to work). With a few modifications the old Winsliyn crest became the new Praetor one and the two (Borgonia and Praetor) were merged to make the new badges that all three wore. It hangs on the same silver chain she’s always worn, with the same medal from her time in the military, and only one angle wing left of the pair she used to have, the other having broken off sometime between the last time she had spoken to Vex and the time she reached Corellia. Surprisingly, or perhaps not so surprisingly considering the sentimental Corellian woman, the belt that Vex had given her is STILL with her after all these years (and her taking good care of it). His sabers rarely leave her person, and can often be seen hanging along at her back, along side her own pair, though she rarely uses them. While in the palace, she prefers to hide them on her somewhere rather than her own…an odd quirk of hers, but it keeps her from using them save for dire circumstances.

Praetor Insignia (emblazoned on all three badges)
Corellian Medal
Wing Pendant (one wing is now missing)

Personality:

"Some things never change...regardless of what happens or the time that separates."

-- Vex, on Aunna’s cold and detached reply caused by emotional discomfort

Despite the long years and many trials of her life, some things about Aunna never did change. Sentimental as any Corellian, she has a deep love for her home world and will always return to it if given the choice. Her love for living things, and seeing life flourish, hasn’t changed, nor has her dislike of hurting others…be it emotionally, mentally, or physically…she will, if she must, but Aunna still tends to try and avoid it if at all possible. Typically steadfast in her morals and beliefs, Aunna seems to have no problem speaking her mind...though she tends to feel remorseful for making others feel badly. Aunna is still willing to fight to protect another more often than not, though she now tends to choose her battles more carefully because of her family. One of her deepest wishes from early on in life was to help others to the best of her abilities, and, despite all she’s been through, she still sees the galaxy as one chance after another to change others lives for the better. She prefers being out in the wild with plants and animals the most, places where she can feel the life around her as opposed to cities, especially since her time with Vex and their time in places where few people would ever go. Despite her work in the palace, her noble upbringing left her with a strong distaste for the lives of nobles, and attempts to lead her life in relative simplicity. When she must enter the more…formal…life of a noble because of her lineage and her position as one of Rook’s advisors, she still tends to feel out of place and trapped/stifled by the strict unspoken rules of "etiquette" they hold to, though she has learned to easily hide her inner feelings from the outside world with a mask of calm, and even happiness, that can often fool even the most trained eye. Her willful and prideful sides tend to show quite often, making her a handful and a challenge to deal with at the best of times, often giving her a hardened demeanor to cover the more vulnerable core of her. That was one thing that certainly hadn't changed about her...any time she was hurting or emotionally uncomfortable that cool and composed mask of hers came around and got things done.

That was about where the similarities end, however. Beneath those deeply ingrained personality traits and masks, Aunna has changed. It started with the mending…the slow fading…of the scar that Andrew left on her psyche. Vex, while frighteningly close to the man at points, had done far more healing of that old wound than he might have ever guessed, giving her the ability to forget the one who had made her close herself off in so many ways…including (and especially) concerning relationships. She grew stronger with Vex, regaining some of that dwindling faith in her abilities and losing some of her self-depreciating views. For the first time in a long time she had felt whole and happy, and she finally seemed to be pulling her life back together into something meaningful after the nearly crippling shock of being branded a traitor. His death, however, had been the one thing that could ever succeed in shattering her. With only a vow to keep herself and their children safe, she barely managed to hold herself together for the first few months…and then Raelyn and Kieran had become her life, even though they were yet to be born. Things haven’t changed much since then. Her children are what she lives for…why she pushes through each day and continues to hold herself together with an iron will.

Typically not one to hold grudges, seek vengeance…or even to want such a thing…the woman harbors a strong desire for it in regards to her lover’s death. She hides it well enough, this deep pain and the anger that went with it, the only sign of it the deep blue and black ‘cracks’ that etched their way across the once beautiful blue and gold of her aura. Aunna finds herself plagued with nightmares of Vex’s death and dreams of how things were, or could have been, had that dark jedi not confronted them, making her continued desire for vengeance against that one person a difficult temptation to resist at the best of times. Most times the emotions don’t get hold of her, the pain and anger kept subdued…bound and fettered, locked away behind thick emotional walls, never to see the light of day. There are times, however, when those powerful emotions DO slip free from their restraints and she must deal with them…wrangle them and tame them once more, beating them into submission to be locked down once again. It is at those times that Aunna is most dangerous…force forbid someone actually get on her bad side before she can leash the demons on those days. Luckily for all, Aunna isn’t stupid and attempts to make certain that the only sharp things she uses around others on those days are her tongue and that piercing gaze.

Only the few who know her well understand or see the pain she keeps locked behind thick emotional barriers, and even around them…her children and those she considers family…she chooses to keep the majority of that pain to herself. Aunna despises being seen in a weakened state, be it physical, mental, or emotional, viewing it as an open invitation for any others who might try to harm her family. Stemming from her promise to protect Raelyn and Kieran as well as the growing fear of her children finding the dark jedi who had killed Vex, Aunna is driven to show no signs of weakness in public or to outsiders and practices her forms and force abilities nearly every day. Her knowledge of Isis’ drive for vengeance and the jobs that both children have adopted has her constantly concerned, though she attempts to take a more hands-off approach the older they get (including herself). The new found time without them around has also driven the woman back into her previous workaholism, always needing something to do to occupy her time (even if it’s something as simple as reading) so she doesn’t slip back into dwelling on the past.

Profession: Corellian Royal Advisor (Force User stance/Secondary military opinions) and Crown-Corellian Jedi intermediary

Skills: (1-10)
Computer Use: 5
Security: 6
Repair: 5
Piloting: 7
Medical Aid: 6
Vocalist: 7
Dancer: 6
Instrumentalist: 5

Languages Spoken (not including Basic): signifies speech and comprehension unless stated otherwise. Most were learned during her time in the military.

High Galactic: 2 (mainly comprehension)
Olys Corellisi: 8
Selonian: 6
Drallish: 5
Durese: 6
Smuggler Cant: 6
Mon Calamari Blink Code: 7
Huttese: 3
Jawa Trade Language: 3
Gamorrese: 1
Kinetic Communication: 1

Previous Faction: Grey Jedi (military/fringe, Dark Jedi/Corellian Jedi trained)

Mastery Level: Master

Lightsaber: Dual  double bladed

Color: blue

Practiced Lightsaber forms:

Shii-Cho - 5
Makashi - 3
Soresu – 5
>> Sub reverse grip - 3
Ataru - 2
Shien / Djem So - 1
Niman / Jar-kai (Dual Wield) – 5
>> Sub-form reverse grip - 3
Double Bladed Combat – 3 (learning)

Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:

Specialized Abilities: (1-5)

Force Concealment – 5
Hibernation/Healing trance – 4
Precognition/Battle Precognition – 5
Farseeing/Farsight – 5
Alter Damage – 4
Alter Environment – 5
Force whirlwind – 3
Force wave - 4
Plant Surge – 3
Force Blinding – 2
Force Flash – 2
Force Defend – 5
Force Protection – 3
Force Barrier/Shield - 5
Protection Bubble – 3
Force Meld – 5
Battle meditation – 3
Inspire - 2
Force Valor - 4
Combustion – 5
Electric Judgment – 4 (mainly used in hand to hand as Lightning Fist –credit to Delta/Dire and character Rhissai--)

Telekinetic: 7
Telepathic: 5
Body: 5
Sense: 8
Protection: 6
Healing: 6
Destruction: 4
Attributes:

Physical Strength: 6
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 6
Leadership: 7

Unarmed: 6
Melee Weapons: 8
Ranged Weapons: 5

Alignment: +3


~~~~~~~~~~~


Name: Raelyn Isis Praetor

Race: human

Age: 23

Height: 5’ 7”

Weight: 139

Birth place: Corellia

Appearance: Art Image Link

Photo Image Link 1

Photo Image Link 2 ((wait…Isis smiles?!))

“Yes, it was very much what she saw ever time she looked into a mirror, but she wasn’t seeing just herself as she gazed at the reflection the glass cast back at her. She saw her mother, and more than that…she didn’t see her mother…she saw some one she never knew. That black hair, silky and smooth though it was, was the color of her father’s hair. Those eyes were her from her mother, she saw their color every time she looked at Aunna, but the shape was not entirely hers either. Neither did Aunna have such angles in her bone structure as her daughter did…certainly this had to come from her father also, softened though they were by her mother’s genes and the young woman’s own gender. Despite both things, however, Isis had retained a majority of Vex’s predatory bone structure…unlike her twin.”

Raven black locks flow gently down in light waves to mid-back, like the deep shadows of a moonless night. Sapphire eyes like her mother’s, blue and deep as the water of the Gold Coasts of Corellia, flash with blue lightning whenever her stormy emotions trouble their calm waters. Dark brows arch gracefully over almond eyes edged by thick, dark, lashes, a stark contrast to the creamy color of her skin…neither pale, nor tanned. Naturally dark red lips are set above her father’s chin, strong, and square on the tip…accentuating the lightly angular structure of her face. The majority of her skin is smooth as silk, but she carries several scars and lightsaber burns beneath her clothing and armor from her time as a bounty hunter as well as her short stint in the Sith Order. The only real distinguishing mark the young woman has is a single tattoo she got while part of the Sith along her upper right arm. This phoenix tattoo holds a special symbolism for the young woman, and her defection from the dark order has only heightened it.

Phoenix tattoo (link)

A combination of plate metal, leather, and cloth, the armor that Isis is typically seen wearing is surprisingly light and flexible while still providing protection. In her dealings as a bounty hunter she has had more than one opportunity to come across mandalorians, and has managed to get her hands on enough beskar to make the few plates of metal her armor requires. The sleek and compact style of her armor allows her to wear loose robes or jackets over it should she need to keep it hidden, more often than not, however, Isis sees no need to hide her armor as it shows no affiliation to any government or Order. A Corellian at heart, a good portion of her armor is a dark green in coloring, dark blue, black and burgundy also tinting the protective gear. A small image of a Phoenix rising from fire is emblazoned in gold on the front of her neck guard on both sides of the cut.

Phoenix Emblem (link)

The few times she isn’t seen in her armor (typically around family, when she feels safe –haha--, or when she isn’t given a choice in the matter), Isis tends to wear darkly colored and close fitting clothing, though it rarely exposes much skin aside from her hands, face, neck and (maybe) some of her shoulders. Black boots and a cargo belt are some of the few constants of her outfit, no matter if she’s in or out of armor. Like her mother and brother, she wears a small silver badge on a chain about her neck with the Borgonia family crest on it…or, it’s mostly the Borgonia Crest. With a bit of digging (okay, a lot of digging) Aunna had managed to find a few old images of a Winsliyn crest (it wasn’t a Praetor crest, but she hadn’t expected to find one anyway…so it would have to work). With a few modifications the old Winsliyn crest became the new Praetor one and the two (Borgonia and Praetor) were merged to make the new badges that all three wore.

Personality:

"You take after me far more than is healthy."
"In what ways, and why?"
"You simply are. I, unfortunately, think you would have been better off taking after your mother. Not that she isn't without her many moments of idiocy...but she does show exceptional pragmatism at times...”

--Vex and Isis, on her personality traits

Isis is (as she’s been told many times before by her mother) her father’s daughter. Emotionally detached from those around her, the young woman chooses to remain cold and distant toward everyone and everything. The only real exceptions to this theory are her family…namely her mother, brother and grandfather…though King Rook tends to have a place in Isis’ heart as well, knowing what he did for her mother before her birth. These exceptions to her icy façade are closely, and fiercely, protected by her…the very few people she is willing to fight and die for no matter what.

Acerbic, cold, distant, angry, prideful, haughty, calculating, brooding, morally gray…even occasionally called “ice queen”…Isis is far from someone that most would care to get to know. This is, honestly, quite fine with her. While she is, more often than not, all of these things, the young Praetor DOES (contrary to popular opinion) have a heart, and (surprisingly) even some morals. There are few things she is willing to fight for and put above her own safety or goals…and most of those fall under one category: Family. Keeping HER family, and those she considers family, safe…and keeping other families whole…are top on her list. Children, also, are to be protected at all costs. Most other situations are subject to debate on if she feels the need to stick her neck out or not.

Speaking of children, the young woman loves them…but is highly uncomfortable around them, and feels something bordering on fear when it comes to handling babies. While she knows the technicalities of caring for children and babies, she believes that she is more likely to hurt them than help them if she is left in charge of one. Another surprising fact about Isis…she adores soft things. Anything from feathers, to plushies, to soft material and clothing…if it’s soft or silky, she enjoys it. Song and dance also play an important role in her life, having been taught both by Aunna. While she never dances in front of anyone but her immediate family (rarely), and hardly ever sings for anyone aside from them, she does utilize ‘music’ to aid her force abilities…especially when it comes to controlling fire.

When it comes to social situations, Isis prefers to avoid them at all costs. She has a strong distaste for popular meeting places and social gatherings, often choosing to haunt places of less notoriety or with fewer people. Attending social gatherings of any kind is practically unheard of unless it is something her entire family is attending…and even then, she tends to be more than a bit wary. Luckily, those occasions are few and far between. When in bars, cantinas, or restaurants, Isis can often be found in dark corners or along the wall…anywhere that her back isn’t openly exposed. Even with the force to aid her, she doesn’t wish to take chances that someone is equally, or more, adept as she is at hiding themselves in it and sneaking up on her…at least with a wall in the way, she has some greater form of protection against all sorts of potential attacks from behind. If this seems a bit paranoid, that would most likely be because she is (to some degree) paranoid. Her…exfiltration…from the Sith Order has her paranoid of being caught once more…and with good reason.

Profession: Bounty Hunter/Assassin

Skills: (1-10)

Computer Use: 5
Security/Slicing: 6
Repair: 4
Piloting: 5
Medical Aid: 4
Tracking: 5
Stealth: 7
Vocalist: 5
Dancer: 4

Languages Spoken (not including basic): signifies speech and comprehension unless stated otherwise. Most were taught to her by her mother, classes, or while Bounty hunting.

Olys Corellisi: 7
Mon Calamari Blink code: 6
Mando’a: 5
Bocce: 4
Selonian: 4
Jawa Trade Language: 4 (comprehension)
Huttese: 4
Smuggler Cant: 3
Durese: 3
Kinetic Communication: 3

Previous Faction: Grey Jedi

Mastery Level: Knight

Lightsaber: Dual wield

Color: deep blue and silver

Practiced Lightsaber forms:

Shii-Cho - 5
Makashi - 1
Soresu - 3
Ataru (single/dual wield) - 2
Niman
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield - 4
>> Backhanded - 1
-- Tràkata employed in all

Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:

Specialized Skills: (1-5)

Force Camouflage - 4
Force Concealment - 4
Force Lightning - 5
Force Storm (lightning) - 1
Combustion - 5
Psychometry - 2
Force Confusion - 4
Force Fear - 3
Affect mind - 4
Mind Control – 1
Force Whirlwind – 4
Farseeing/Farsight – 5
Battle Precognition – 4
Alter Environment – 4
Force Meld – 3
Dun Möch - 4

Telekinetic: 6
Telepathic: 7
Body: 3
Sense: 5
Protection: 1
Healing: 2
Destruction: 6

Attributes:

Physical Strength: 6
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 6
Leadership: 2

Unarmed: 6
Melee Weapons: 5
Ranged Weapons: 5

Force Attunement: -1


~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Name: Kieran Enery Praetor

Race: Human

Age: 23

Height: 6’ 1”

Weight: 200 lbs

Birth place: Corellia

Appearance:

Art Image Reference

Photo Image Reference 1

Photo Image Reference 2


“It was odd how mirrors could either show you everything you wanted to see, or everything you didn’t. Who was this person looking back at him, anyway? That mane of sandy brown hair still fell into his eyes shaggily despite his attempts to keep it under control by pulling it back into a long tail that swayed along his back. It wasn’t the soft, feathery, stuff that his mother and sister were blessed with…no, it was a veritable lions mane. From under that thick mane burned eyes black as coals, almond shaped and almost predatory at the best times. Typically soft, kind, and full of laughter, these black pits were hard and unforgiving, cold as the void of space as he glared back at himself. The sleek contours of his face, combined with those black eyes gave him the look of a bird of prey as he leaned against the wash basin, though the structure of his body claimed otherwise. No, he was built like a man he’d never met...his father. The broad shoulders, the thick muscles…it was a sturdy build, powerful, that of a warrior. Of course, the young man had helped build himself up that way with his training, but even still. It rankled him, at times, seeing these things in himself…knowing where he got each from…the skin tone and sleek lines of his mother combined with the intimidating build and unapproachable appearance those black eyes and mane of hair gave him if he wasn’t careful.”

With the build of a warrior, Kieran is tall, broad shouldered, and thickly muscled much like his father. The almost shaggy mane of thick, sandy brown, hair coating his head grows naturally layered and is kept at a medium length toward the front, the longer hair at the back of his head and neck pulled back into a low tail that trails down to just below his shoulder blades. Despite his attempts to keep this would-be lion’s mane under control, it’s naturally uneven growth constantly has bits coming loose from their places to fall across predatorily shaped coal black eyes that seem to burn or freeze whoever he turns them on should he be angry or upset in any way. Most times, however, these black eyes are full of a good humor and happiness that causes them to shine like polished onyx. Unfortunately, the combination of these features tends to give the young man a rugged, wind swept, and almost wild look that gives him a very unwanted “unapproachable” visage. Fortunately, the fairly sleek bone structure of his face from his mother helps to counteract that. Tanned skin like his mother’s gives the young man an almost golden appearance, speaking of days spent outside in the sun. Hidden beneath his clothing are more than a few scars and saber burns from various bounties and other confrontations he’s had in the past. He bears two tattoos, one on the outside of each bicep. The first, a balanced scale symbolizing his desire to lead a balanced life in the force, and to help keep the balance with his considerably…darker…sister. The other is a tattoo of the family crest that is emblazoned upon the badge he wears around his neck.

Balance Tattoo (link)

Like his sister, Kieran has had plenty of opportunities to work with mandalorians, gaining him enough beskar to create a good amount of light weight and sleek armor. What isn’t metal is leather (dark brown tunic that covers his sides where the beskar doesn’t touch completely), a form fitting cloth body armor weave (to wear beneath his chest plate and that covers his arms completely), fingerless leather gloves, dark brown cloth pants, and a dark green cloth tabard with emerald green lining. The armor itself is also a dark green coloring with silver detailing on the chest plate, pauldrons, and bracers. His sturdy boots and utility belt are both a dark brown leather and have seen plenty of use.

Typically, however, he can be seen in clothing similar to that of the jedi order: tunic, pants, boots, belt…and maybe a robe or a coat of some kind. It seems to work for him and it’s comfortable enough…besides, as he would likely say “my tastes in clothing aren’t fancy.” He prefers utilitarian clothing…things he can work or move in while tinkering with his A-wing, astromech, or various objects he salvages and decides to repair. When he’s working in this way, he can often be seen in a mechanic’s jumper and plane colored t-shirts. About the only staples of his clothing…no matter what he’s wearing…are his utility belt, his boots, his fingerless gloves, and the badge around his neck.

Personality:

“I remember mum always telling us "Ihn Corellisi nyeve min bhiq suman ehin nyiad" ..."a Corellian never turns his back on someone in need"...next time...if you need help, just...let us help, okay?”

-- Kieran to a non-Corellian family friend.

Kieran has been told before, by the Corellian Jedi he has befriended (among others), that he would have made a good jedi because of the compassion he shows others in his dealings with them. Much like his mother when she was younger, Kieran is a caring and warm person who enjoys a few good jokes. A rather stark contrast to his sister, the young man refuses to become detached or distant from those surrounding him. In his eyes, more good can be done if he empathizes with them, can try to understand where others are coming from, than if he keeps them at arm’s length. He holds his mother’s words close to heart, especially about helping others who need it, and strives to live life to its fullest…no matter what might happen, a philosophy Aunna has often lived by. He has also taken on his mother’s belief that there is good in most beings and that ALL beings have the ability to do good, even if their actions say otherwise. Unlike most jedi, however, Kieran (like Aunna) believes that there is no ‘light side’ or ‘dark side’ of the force, but it is rather how a person uses the energy the force gives that makes the ability ‘good’ or ‘evil’…that the ‘dark side’ is simply a part of each person, temptations or urges they must resist.

While he can, at times, be rather opinionated, Kieran dislikes it when his opinions hurt others, and will often keep harsh opinions to himself or apologize for the emotional pain he’d caused…most times anyway, but there are some things he just won’t apologize for…the only real exception to this rule being when he’s out on a job, and even then it can be a struggle at times. Like his mother, however, the young man has a willful and prideful streak that sometimes gets the better of him…and also, much like Aunna (especially in her younger years), he may rush to the aid of others without having a fully formed plan on how to get HIMSELF out of trouble once the one he’s trying to protect/help is. As a staunch supporter of life in general, he tends to refuse to kill unless there is no other option, preferring to take ‘live capture’ bounties rather than those that require the death of the person in question.

Kieran isn’t one to hold grudges or seek vengeance for wrongs done to him…unless, of course, you’re talking about the one who killed his father, despite his being a more mild desire for it than his mother or sister. This lesser desire may stem from the fact that (unlike his sister who seemed to idolize Vex to some degree), Kieran holds little love for the man. Only a small part of the reason for this disdain is the dark jedi lifestyle his father led…that was only the cause of the real reason…his death. Despite knowing that Vex had been forced to fight and die to protect his mother, he blames the man for not leaving with her when he had the chance…and for bringing the whole thing down upon them in the first place because of the fact that the dark jedi after them had really only been out to get revenge on Vex. After all…his father had been ‘pretty agreeable to killing anyone that got in his way, but other Dark Jedi were a special case. Many times they sought to try and undermine him or coerce him into their plots and plans…’ and so, when he’d killed one particular dark jedi’s lover…well, the man had come back later seeking his own vengeance. In that way Kieran saw it as very much Vex’s fault for his own death, the pain it caused his mother, and (in her attempt to feel closer to her father) his sister’s dark nature. Single-handedly the man had created Kieran’s entire family…then damaged it irreparably. This was how he saw it, anyway…and that wasn’t counting the hurt he felt, so similar to his sister’s.

Extremely protective of his family, Kieran is willing to do just about anything to keep them safe and happy…or at least safe. In this, he has gone so far as to have warded off more than a few would be ‘boyfriends’ of Isis’ by means of capturing them just before dates, intimidation, and…”personally checking their backgrounds.” While he knows both his mother and sister are more than capable of taking care of themselves, he feels the constant need to protect them, especially his mother, and attempts to make/keep her happy at all possible times. He can’t take the deep pain from her, but he can at least try to alleviate it. The young man tends to be fairly slow to anger, preferring to remain neutral or dismiss insults or annoyances…once angry, however, he has a tendency to ‘explode,’ meaning a swift, sharp, rise in his anger that is almost as swiftly burned through before vanishing once more. He also forgives others fairly easily, more or less.

Unlike Isis, Kieran seems to have no problem with public situations. Certainly he isn’t the ‘social butterfly’ but he’s far more open and outgoing than his sister, or even his mother. While uncomfortable in high society, like his mother and sister both, he tends to hide it well behind a casual demeanor and upbeat personality. Among friends he’s one for cracking jokes, teasing, and generally having a good time no matter where they go. Time spent out an about with his family is always appreciated, and the occasions he’s gotten to visit or speak to Rook are as well, finding he agrees with the monarch’s standpoints and morals more often than not. One (semi) surprising thing about the young Praetor brother is that he LOVES babies. It really doesn’t matter what kind of baby it is, from animal to sentient, he likes them. Kieran connects easily with children of all ages and isn’t afraid to play around or be silly with them…something he’s gotten more than a little flack for because of his imposing figure. A second, perhaps not so surprising, quality of Kieran's is his love for music...especially playing the violin. It's one of his few creative outlets.

Profession: Bounty Hunter / Bodyguard

Skills: (1-10)

Computer Use: 5
Security/Slicing: 4
Repair: 6
Piloting: 7
Medical Aid: 5
Tracking: 6
Violin: 7
Vocalist: 4

Languages Spoken (not including basic): signifies speech and comprehension unless stated otherwise. Most were taught to her by her mother, classes, or while Bounty hunting.

Olys Corellisi: 7
Smuggler Cant: 4
Mon Calamari Blink code: 6
Droid/Binary: 4
Bocce: 5
Selonian: 5
Jawa Trade Language: 2 (comprehension)
Huttese: 3
Mando’a: 3
Durese: 4
Kinetic Communication: 2

Previous Faction: Grey Jedi

Mastery Level: Knight

Lightsaber: Single

Color: Golden (minimal glow)

Practiced Lightsaber forms:

Shii-Cho - 5
Soresu - 3
Ataru - 3
Shien / Djem So - 4
Niman
>>Sub-form Jar-kai, or Dual Wield - 2

Force-Sensitive Abilities or practices:

Specialized Skills: (1-5)

Alchaka – 3
Battlemind – 4
Force Absorb – 3
Force Concealment – 4
Force Valor – 5
Hibernation/Healing trance – 3
Precognition/Battle Precognition – 5
Farseeing/Farsight – 5
Alter Damage – 5
Alter Environment – 3
Droid Disable/Ionize – 3
Force Blinding – 5
Force Defend – 5
Force Flash – 4
Protection Bubble – 3
Force Meld – 2
Electric Judgment – 2 (mainly used in hand to hand as Lightning Fist –credit to Delta/Dire and character Rhissai--)

Telekinetic: 4
Telepathic: 5
Body: 7
Sense: 7
Protection: 6
Healing: 5
Destruction: 2

Attributes:

Physical Strength: 8
Intelligence: 7
Speed: 7
Leadership: 3

Unarmed: 5
Melee Weapons: 6
Ranged Weapons: 5

Force Attunement: + 3

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

He'd been sleeping. Much as he hated it, in this state, he hadn't the presence of mind to attempt to do any sort of meditation. Instead, his body wound up dropping completely, curled up on the cool metal of the floor as he laid there, unfeeling to the world, but feeling all too much in his dreams.

In those dreams, all his nightmares came back. They haunted him...would not go away. All the fears he had of losing Aunna...the visions of his own death...everything and anything that had been felt crossly, worried, or otherwise bothered him, it invariably came out in his dreams. When she knocked so lightly, it startled him awake, the gentle sound rousing him because of its tenderness. Compared to what he'd felt in the dream, that light sound was so soft he couldn't help but notice it. It should have been drowned out...but dreams were funny that way. So was the Force.

She would hear him through the door as he pushed himself onto his feet. Startled, he lunged at the door, slamming against it with bruising force, nails clawing at the metal, his grunts of exertion adamant for a while until he grew tired, tapering off until he panted. His voice, however slow, did not hold that exertion in its tone as he strode back and forth. "Let me out, whelpling! I'll flay the meat from your bones!"

-------

She lept back from the door as he slammed against it, clawing to get out for what seemed like forever. Finally he seemed to tire himself out and she chanced stepping back up to the door again at his words. "I can't let you out...you strictly instructed me not to unless I could form a link with you. I promised to bring you to my mother, to Aunna, but neither of us wants her hurt, so I will not allow you out until you can calm yourself and I can make that link. Do you understand me? If you want to see my mother, I must be linked to your mind so you don't harm her."

-------

"Can't...can't....won't? Won't! Won't keep me in the cage. Nonono! I'll feast on your mind for your impudence. You cannot cage me." He slammed his fist against the door once more and then paced away. He reached out with the Force, searching for her...catching her aura and attacking it. With the lack of direct sight...the physical barrier between them, his mental ability was weaker...something she could fend against. Without being able to see her, he couldn't focus himself, not in this state. Snarling, he paced over to the chair, lifting it and hurling it at the door. "Release me!"

-------

His protests fell on nearly deaf ears. Much as she disliked the situation she wasn't about to let him out to potentially harm her OR her mother...force forbid her brother were around, he'd be breakfast in no time. The thought highly disturbed her and a slight shiver ran down her spine before she molded it into anger at the situation and that damned dark jedi who'd cause all of this in the first place. She was lucky she had...that anger further bolstered her defenses as he struck out at her. Lucky also that his abilities seemed weakened. It still hurt, oh yes, it was still like a wrecking ball against her mind, but at least her defenses were strong enough not to crack under the stress this time around...and this time around she was expecting it...was expecting worse. No doubt worse was about to come as she latched herself around his attack, tethering it to her mind even as he launched the chair at the door, flinching at the loud crash but not budging an inch. "No. I will not release you until you can calm yourself. Do you think she would want to see you in this maddened state? I will release you when you calm yourself." With that she reached back, tendrils of her consciousness launched back at him like so many grappling hooks to dig in and hold there...barbs to implant herself and attach to his mind so she could more easily wriggle her way into his defenses. They were simply starters, intended to give her a minor foothold, to start the breaks that she could widen and allow herself in...

--------

He felt her trying to counter his attack. Powerful though he was...dangerous though he could be...without his full presence and state of mind, his control was iffy...most often as ephemeral as mist...fading away at the slightest provocation. Without the link he needed to focus severely in order to remain in control and to manipulate things with any sort of delicacy. It was impossible for him to do so in this present state...as angered as he was. He was the club...but he couldn't be the scalpel. Snarling, he released his defenses, battering at her wildly with his mind...no doubt causing damage, but not insurmountable. With perseverance, she would find herself slowly able to insinuate herself deeper into his psyche...peeling back layers until she would get through those fractured defenses.

-------

She winced and growled slightly at his renewed attack, but she was learning swiftly. He wasn't focused on anything but attack...she could manage both attack and defense. Even as that battering ram bombarded her, cracked her own defenses, new ones rose up behind...temporary, but effective. Isis, unlike most others, didn't need to peel away layers past a certain point...once she had a good enough foothold in the mind, she was like a vapor, wafting through the thin gaps and cracks in defenses that most people didn't even realize were in them. Those barbs held, and the cracks they created were nearly perfect for her to use as a start. Like a liquid she seeped in and expanded her presence, filtering through the fractures his defenses already had...no use doing MORE damage if she could help it. Slipping through, she became more aware of her mother's presence from the house...something had changed...felt different...it was almost as if...That thought cut off as Isis turned her attention back to the more solidified center barriers she was faced with. Certainly still imperfect, but more difficult to simply slip through. Another wince as he cracked another section of her own defenses and she was forced to erect a new barrier before returning back to her previous infiltration attempts. The cold liquid of her presence filtered about the new barrier before she found what she sought and slipped through like a cool fog. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity of being beaten by his mind and slithering through his defenses swiftly as possible, she slipped through the last barrier and sought to catch hold on something even mildly sane. Another tingle along her senses and her mind froze for a moment. Fear? From her mother? Even as distracted as she was otherwise, she could sense it. --Pull yourself together! I don't have time for this...something's wrong!--

((Aunna's entrance into the story is below))

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

www.youtube.com/watch?v=VqzzqbR1s9s (song: 160 BPM as what Aun is using/hearing during her battle)....so, for lack of a better place to put this...here's her entrance.

She’d not been able to sleep…it wasn’t much of a surprise, really…not after so long. Her mind had refused to stop working…even meditation was a struggle that drained her more than helping her rest. The sunlight had come creeping through the windows early and she was up…needing to do something. Anything. That dream, the nightmare…the memory…of Vex’s death that she had revisited during the night still weighed heavily on her mind and heart, putting her in a dark and almost volatile frame of mind. Luckily she had the day off from working at the palace, her position as an advisor rarely giving her such time these days. After having that conversation with Isis and…and…well she was just glad she’d been given the week off. Aunna had the feeling she would be needing it.

Kieran was gone on a job, leaving the house unnaturally silent with both children gone. The silence, the fact that the house was…empty…it was odd and uncomfortable now. There had been a time when Aunna was used to being alone, with no one around in her quarters or in her apartment…that had changed with the arrival of Vex into her life. Being alone had only become more odd after she’d had the twins. They’d always been around her for some amount of time during the day, she wouldn’t have had it any other way…but now that they were grown…well, everything changes eventually. For a moment she simply leaned against one of the walls, listening to the silence and the force, attempting to shrug off the heaviness in her heart and the doubt that had her at war within. The light creeping through the windows behind the blinds and curtains cast long lines of light across the synthwood floors and thick rugs that rested along the floor. The force was silent, the quiet movement of a relaxing and peaceful lake, despite her own troubled emotions.

Blue eyes glared around the front room for a moment from her leaning position before pushing herself away from the wall. She opened a few of the windows, letting in the cool morning air before finding herself some busywork. Cleaning…she’d never been a fan of it but it needed to be done and it gave her something to do for a while. It was odd how even the most menial tasks brought back memories. Memories of two rambunctious children gallivanting about the house with a bottle of “spray cleaner” (water so that when this inevitably happened no one would get cleaner in their eyes) and towels, spraying each other and snapping each other with the towels rather than cleaning. Memories of Kieran hovering around her at the sink waiting for more dishes to dry, and Isis sitting on the counter waiting to put them away. Memories of cleaning her room at her parent’s estate…or attempting to with her growing belly…as she tried to find her place once more in life, and attempting to cope with the death of the only man she could ever love. Memories…further back…from what felt like a different (and happier) life…attempting to clean around the Consul and being distracted by Vex in one way or another.

Blasted man…never did want to let me clean in peace…

The thought, spoken aloud, made her smirk slightly at the bittersweet memories, tears filling her eyes for a moment before being tamped down once again. Maybe he really was alive…maybe by some miracle of the force…no. No…she wouldn’t get ahead of herself. For her own sanity she couldn’t go jumping to conclusions without seeing him, feeling his presence…she couldn’t believe it until then. With a huff she finished up her cleaning and attempted to wash some of the smell of cleaner off of her skin. There had been a nagging at the back of her mind though, even through all the work and the memories…something all too familiar to her after so long living with it. With a slight growl she finally gathered herself together and headed back to her room. There was no point in keeping it pent up…at least the workout would help take her mind off of things for a while…or at least bring some sort of temporary relief.

She knew what was bothering her…the dream…that memory of that final battle that had torn her life apart so completely it had left her heart, her soul…everything down to her aura marred with the pain. Typically Aunna wasn’t one to hold grudges, to seek vengeance…or even to want such a thing…but this…this was different. She hid it well enough, this deep pain and the anger that went with it, the only sign of it the deep blue and black ‘cracks’ that etched their way across the once beautiful blue and gold of her aura. The painting of that tropical water lit by the sun’s golden rays having become cracked…brittle and damaged by time and distress…and only held together by a strong will and stubborn pride. Most times the emotions didn’t get hold of her, the pain and anger kept subdued…bound and fettered, locked away behind thick emotional walls, never to see the light of day. There were times, however…like now…when those powerful emotions DID slip free from their restraints and she had to deal with them…to wrangle them and tame them once more, beating them into submission to be locked down once again.

It was at those times that Aunna was most dangerous, sapphire eyes glinting with daggers of blue ice and flashing with lightning, her face stony, jaw set and head held higher than normal…almost arrogantly. Force forbid someone actually get on her bad side before she could leash the demons on those days. The last one ended up nearly in tears…and she had been being nice. Luckily for all, Aunna wasn’t stupid and made certain that the only sharp things she used around others on those days were her tongue and that piercing gaze. If the glare didn’t work (which it often did), then the sharpened tongue would come into play and attempt to swiftly put down whoever it was that was harassing her. Also luckily for all, those days were few and far between. The past month, unfortunately, had been the worst thus far because of the dreams and the lack of sleep that accompanied it. Yet another reason why she had the week off, and yet another reason why she was so very thankful for it.

It hadn’t taken her long to collect what she wanted and head back to the practice room that had been built with the house. By now the metal walls and floor were familiar, comfortable, the scuffs and scratches and dents and saber marks along them each holding memories of their own…memories of her continued training under her friend from the Corellian Jedi enclave, and memories of teaching her own children. With a deep huff she pushed those thoughts aside, the swift extension and clicking of her spear catching her ear. Even as those blue eyes closed the image of that devil’s face rose up in her mind and she nearly snarled at it, those dark cracks in her aura deepening and widening further.

In less than a heartbeat she was moving.

Less than a thought was given as she absorbed the force from around her, that spear coming up to twist above her head. The sudden updraft of wind had that mid-back length braid of golden brown and silver hair lifting to float behind her as the head of the spear slammed down toward her enemy’s neck. That cyclone of rising wind exploded away from around her, lacerating the flesh of her foe, slicing it to shreds she hoped. There would be no quarter given to THIS enemy. He would receive the same courtesy he had shown her lover…

None.

He had weathered the initial storm, bracing himself and allowing his saber to deflect most of the damage that would have been done to him…it was only wind, after all. Oh how he would pay for that thinking…but not yet. She was on the defensive now, one arm held before her as if to ward off his saber by sheer luck…the silvery blue sheen of her force barrier condensed down to nearly the size of an arm carried shield. A thrust of her spear past the shield was accompanied by a rippling of air and force along her arm and down the length of the weapon to blast against her opponent (and the wall behind the phantom). It worked well enough in hindering the battery of blows he’d unleashed upon her that she was freed to sprint around him, launching out with the…less lethal…end of her weapon to strike against his spine. A ripple through that music warned her of his counterattack and she danced away from the burning blade he brought down upon her, that spear redirecting it further away from its intended target.

That much hated foe growled and she could feel the change in his draw upon the force. With a snarl of her own, Aunna rolled to the side, away from the crackling lightning he’d unleashed in her direction. His attempt to follow her with it was thwarted by another turn of ‘butterfly’ like movement, the extended metal twirling first to one side of her then the other under the power of one arm’s guidance, sending out two harsh blasts of wind that would intersect where he was if he didn’t move swiftly. Unfortunately, he did. With an acrobatic flip to the side, the man had deftly avoided the pressurized air, but he’d also left himself open. Before he could redirect his motion…while he was still in the air…Aunna launched forward, arcing the sharpened head of her weapon behind her and up, to batter the man down to the ground again…to bring him harshly out of the air. The pole collided roughly with his midsection and he was sent careening down and away, uncontrolled, to slam hard against the ground and skid slightly across it as the unforgiving blue eyes of that woman sliced into him, looking for a weakness in his very body.

Now that she’d gained the upper hand, the predator in Aunna refused to give it up if possible. He was gaining his feet swiftly and she wouldn’t have that. A burst of speed and she was on him again. The wind had died down now as Aunna conserved her energy for later when she would need it. She’d seen this one fight…he liked to try and tire his enemy out first and then take over in the end…she knew his game and she refused to play it the way he wished. A swift stab at his legs, a twirl of her spear around her body to keep him from getting too close, a full turn of her own body so that both blade and blunted metal had equal chance to do their damage...then she vanished in a blur to appear beside the backpedaling man…coming up inside his guard before he knew what had happened. Both arms moved, one to push, the other to pull…leverage to slam the pole of her spear against his gut again before her knee came up to crack against his hip.

One of his hands had latched onto the pole of that spear before he attempted to wrest it from her and still keep hold of his own blade. Fool. Three more slams of the pole against his gut, swift as lightning, and she turned…both pole and body…twisting his wrist around until his grip slipped. A shove backward and the butt of her spear jammed itself up under his ribs into his spleen before she was darting away from him again, running up the wall to avoid the blast of force he’d directed at her back. Twisting as she vaulted away from the wall, she landed with a slight crouch and glared at her opponent. The twisted grin he wore…she remembered that grin…and she hated it. Oh how she hated it. It was the same grin he wore as he fought Vex…as if he knew something no one else did. That was when she felt Isis and that other fractured, yet strangely familiar, presence…or nearly lack thereof.

Drawn into her own anger, that clear as day vision, the phantom she fought…Aunna hardly noticed that what she felt was real. She knew it only as another part of her waking dream, the urges she acted upon while locked in this room to tire out these inner demons, if only for the short term. The phantom she fought was now a threat to her family…to her daughter and, somehow, a threat to Vex once more. By all logical thinking Vex was dead…it was a fact she’d come to accept, grudgingly…so there was no reason this brute should have been a threat to her love…but her mind wasn’t entirely working logically, it was simply working with the information being fed to it through the vision. The situation had changed, things were different and she wasn’t just out for vengeance any longer. She now simply saw this man as a threat, knew that she needed to end this…here and now. She wouldn’t allow this man, phantom or not, to even consider bringing harm to her family. Oh, but he would…he promised her that…he’d force her to watch her daughter and son attempt to fight him and then die…he would force her to watch her lover die once more…and then he would leave her to live or die with her grief. He promised her that.

It sent a spike of ice down her spine.

No…he needed to be stopped…killed…and soon.

With a renewed, righteous fury, Aunna’s mind hardened and narrowed down to one thing: do whatever it takes to protect them. She had lived a long enough life…but this cretin had just threatened her family…her children…you didn’t do that. Especially not to a mother…especially not to a Borgonia…especially not to a Praetor…and most certainly not to Aunna, who counted herself as all three. With a growl that shimmered through her aura and out into the force, the woman’s form blurred once more…her enemy doing much the same. The two collided in the center in a flurry of force and weapons, Aunna using everything to her advantage that she could. That blue force shield flickered in and out of sight around her or along her arm as she worked to deflect his blows and counter them with her own. As the presence of Isis neared, she could feel the girl’s growing concern, the hesitation to enter the locked room, the nearly undetectable presence of the other with her…Aunna paid them no mind. So long as they were on the other side of that door, everything was fine…this vision need not haunt any but her.

Unfortunately, the door did open.

Finally part of her conscious mind came back to her, warning her (distantly) that this was merely an illusion…but the force refused to let her go just yet. The bristling of her aura warned the other two away as her mind returned to the man who sought to break through her defenses to make good on his threats. Back and forth the tide seemed to flow…first in her favor, then in his…the two clashing for tense moments before flowing away from each other, only to clash once more. Turbulent air filled the room and the logical part of her mind that worked within the vision’s constraints told her that she would need to leave the spear to use her sabers sooner rather than later or risk her enemy gaining the upper hand. That wasn’t at all what she wanted to happen, but ditching the spear meant less control of the air around her. Tactically, that wasn’t in her best interest…either way she would lose the upper hand, and either way the spear would have to go. With an unhappy growl and a blast of wind to knock her enemy away, one hand fetched one of the four blades that were clipped to the well cared for belt settled around her waist. The two blades at her back weren’t hers, and it was practically sacrilege for her to use them…she refused to, unless it was a matter of life or death. Those sabers belonged to Vex and she would be damned if anyone should wield them until it was time for the force to claim her…then they would pass to the children and they would be free to use them. She had only used them twice since his “death” and both times she’d had little choice.

As her enemy reeled slightly from the blast of wind, that shimmering blue blade sizzled to life, coming up to deflect the next blow as her spear was discarded and the other saber retrieved, flaring to life as well. As if on cue, the world shifted, blurred, in front of her eyes before taking form again. Confusion etched its tells along her face, still fairly youthful in appearance thanks to the good breeding of her family, as she eyed the trees about her…she didn’t have time for confusion, however. Another blow hammered against her defenses and she backpedaled slightly, attempting to regain her mental footing. Swiftly dismissing the change in scenery, she turned away from his next attack, those dual sabers battering against his defenses more swiftly than he had anticipated. With next to no weight from the blades, Aunna was free to strike faster, harder, more often, than with the weight of the spear in her hands. Unfortunately, that weight was the reason she found it easier to control the air currents around her with the spear than with a saber in her hand…she could feel the way the metal displaced the air, had to cut through it…it gave her an edge she didn’t have with the lightsaber, which had next to no mass…especially none in the blade itself.

Her foe noticed the lack of her previous abilities and smirked dangerously at her. He knew he had her now…SHE knew he had her now. Fortunately, Aunna had an ace up her sleeve...or so she hoped. She’d had times like this before, played them out in her mind, fought them out…certainly never to this degree, but she had…and she knew she needed to come up with something. That was when she’d started toying with using her muscles, her own body, as she used the spear…to feel the resistance of the air and help control it more effectively. It was still a work in progress, but she HAD to try something or this would end sooner than normal. Oh yes, even as she battered him back, even as it appeared that she was gaining the upper hand against her foe once more, Aunna knew how this dance ended. It always ended the same way...it couldn't end any other.

Her death.

It was a fact that she knew...not because she didn't have faith in her abilities, but rather...the force had deemed it so, she'd seen it before in her dreams...back when she'd dreamed of seeking him out and exacting her vengeance. She had seen it then and she knew she couldn't. She had made a promise...one she would never break...and if that meant that the dark jedi lived because she never went after him...so be it. That didn’t mean she wasn’t about to try, however…not with the threats he’d made. Those were new…very new…and they had her too angry, and too afraid for her family NOT to try. Typically, when she fought this phantom…knowing it was a phantom…she would slip back and away from her enemy and lower her spear, unable to make the final blow, even in her mind. If she killed him, she would be no better than the animal he was...and she was better than that. Aunna had refused to allow herself to follow that path after her love's death...and she didn’t wish to follow it now, but if he was a threat, she would not hesitate in stopping him…no matter what that meant.

He charged her and she sprinted up the nearest tree, flipping to land behind him, sapphire eyes dark and dangerous as she straightened. No…what she planned, how she had thought to better manipulate the air currents…it would be too slow and clumsy. She didn’t have the time or energy for that. After so much fighting already, she was tired…panting…and still he kept harrying her. With a thought the wind swept up once more, carrying leaves and debris up and swirling around her before exploding outward once more…but it wasn’t as powerful as it had been the first time…he weathered the storm much more easily this time around and pressed in against her again. A flip of that saber so it was held along her forearm and she warded off another heavy blow, ducking away and flipping the blade back around as she brought up that blue barrier once more to give her the short reprieve she needed to do so. A sharp intake of the force, pulling it from the air around her and it was blasted out before her to batter against her foe…but she knew it was the final play. Exhausted, she couldn’t do much more.

In an instant the man was back up and at her, preparing to strike the killing blow. To the last, Aunna worked to fend off his attacks, but…it just wasn’t possible…not like this…not alone. She swayed on her feet a moment before dropping to a knee and panting heavily, unable to fight any longer. Those sabers flickered out as she saw the final blaze of light, the garish orange color of his blade, aiming to end her. Blue eyes closed and, somehow, she felt she’d failed even as that vision loosed its grip on her mind. How…how could she hope to defend her children against THAT…alone? There was no way…was it meant to be that way? Was that man meant to take everything she cared about from her? The thought was just too much for her mind to process at the moment and so she brushed it aside in her exhaustion.

She felt Isis there, highly disturbed by what she’d just seen. Certainly she knew her mother had visions, but she’d never seen Aunna experience something like THAT before…she just didn’t know how to handle it…even in her drained state Aunna could feel those emotions from her daughter. The other with her…heh…what a brilliant way to be seen. Barely keeping from collapsing in upon herself, those deep cracks darkened, widening further still, even as she fought…struggled…to hold herself together. Damn Raelyn to all the nine hells for allowing this stranger in here.

Out.

Her voice was quiet, devoid of any emotion as she remained, head bowed, panting and down on one knee. It was an order none the less. Isis shifted a moment, eyes darting between the man beside her and her mother.

Mum...are you…

I told you…to get out, Raelyn…both of you…out.

That strict control over herself was failing…slipping through her fingers…her emotional walls swiftly crumbling away, and she only wished to be alone until she could compose herself. There wasn’t a movement from either and a weak growl worked its way through her throat.

If I must tell you again, child, you will greatly regret it.

The presence of her daughter shrank slightly and finally her ears caught the slight sound of movement. Good, finally Isis was going to take this intruder out. If it wasn’t bad enough to have been invaded by that vision…bringing into clarity the fact that she would fail in her duties, in keeping that long held promise to keep her family safe…but to add to that the embarrassment of being seen in such a fragile state…a weak state…it was too much. Aunna just couldn’t muster the energy to lift herself, however, to defy the reality and hide the fact that she’d used so much energy. Force help her if this one decided now was an opportune time to attack…weakened as she was she wouldn’t stand a chance. No…she wouldn’t allow that to be a possibility. With a low growl, she pushed herself upward, scooping up her sabers in the process, blue eyes opening but dulled from exhaustion and the depletion of her energy. Turning to face the area the two had been standing, she found Isis in the doorway, and…

Those brows furrowed in dismay as her eyes caught sight of the man who stood there. Released from one vision and into another? No…this wasn’t right…something was very, very wrong. She shook her head and backed away a pace, attempting not to stagger or stumble in her weakened position.

No…

She pressed the back of one hand to her eyes and shook her head again. This was just an illusion…she was exhausted from lack of sleep, and now a vision that had caused her to use all of her energy…he wasn’t really here, he couldn’t be. How cruel was the force going to be today? First a vision of her death to a man who was going to attempt to kill her family and had already succeeded in killing her lover…and now…now to see her dead lover here in front of her? Maybe what she’d thought was the vision had been reality and she really was dead? No…that made no sense…she’d have thought death to be…different…than this.

--Force help me…this must be what going mad feels like...--

A short huff of air escaped her in her mild amusement as that single thought slipped past her own defenses in her shock. It had finally happened…it took this long, but it had finally happened…she’d gone barking mad. It was bound to happen eventually…but really? For a vision to have pushed her over the edge? No…no, she couldn’t be insane either. So what then? A force user with illusion abilities? A mental attack? In her weakened state it wouldn’t be overly difficult to accomplish. There had to be a logical reasoning to this besides madness…though, insanity WAS tempting. Another bemused chuckle and she lowered her hand from her eyes, opening them to look at Isis again, who was glancing between the two of them uncertainly.

Well, if Isis saw him, the man wasn’t a vision and she wasn’t insane (well, maybe she was, but he certainly wasn’t a product of it)…that left an illusion or a mental attack of some kind….or she really WAS dead…which, again, she doubted. The force wasn’t so kind. Blue eyes hardened as she attempted to pull herself together, to rebuild some of her strength and double check her mental barriers. They weren’t damaged…that didn’t leave out the possibility of a stealthy entrance, but no outright break-ins. Isis didn’t seem to think anything was wrong either…that left an illusion or…

Or what?...I can’t seriously be considering that this is real…that he’s alive…

But what if…?

…You…you can’t be real…I…I felt…

She shook her head again and lowered it, shutting her eyes tightly and turning her face away. Her grip on those sabers had her knuckles turning white as she strove to keep those crumbling emotional barriers from toppling completely with the pain she felt at this new way the force had devised to torment her. Despite her efforts tears welled up behind those closed lids, and what little strength she felt she had gathered back to herself abandoned her once again. Aunna sank to her knees, dropping her sabers beside her and burying her face in her hands as she collapsed in on herself emotionally and physically, that sapphire and gold aura seeming to shatter at last. It was a poignant reminder of how she had crumpled under the horror Eurachis (then Dark Jedi Ramseye Novok) had visited upon her during the fight on Nar Shaddaa, her whole body shaking as she attempted to stifle her pain…her tears…while her mind struggled with what she’d just seen…trying to rationalize it away, or make a valid case for it, but only succeeding in tearing herself apart further. How desperately she wanted to believe that what she saw was real, but she just couldn’t…her dreams seemed real, that vision had seemed real, this seemed real…who was to say this wasn’t just another trick of the mind or the force? She still couldn’t FEEL him…his aura…the one thing (at this point) that might possibly convince her of the reality of the situation aside from physical contact.

Why…why this torment?

She sobbed into her hands before lifting her face to glare at him, eyes so full of hurt, tears streaming down her face. “Why”…oh how she loathed that question…it was like a disease: it passed from one person to the next, infecting more and more people as it went along. It hadn’t dug its poisonous claws into her until she’d contracted it from that dratted Cathar who had kidnapped her…ever since then it had seemed to plague her.

What is it you want of me?! What kind of cruel joke is this?! Why….why must you appear as him…why…

Those questions had been half shouted, half pleaded…begging for an answer as to why this would be happening to her…to any of them, but especially to her. The twins had never known Vex, had never formed a connection to him…she had…for the longest time he had been her everything, and now, seeing this phantom of her lost love…it was both insult and deep injury. Her voice had grown quiet again, but hadn’t lost its begging tone as she wrapped her arms around herself and hung her head, feeling utterly defeated and broken in a way she hadn’t felt since the day he’d died…only one question repeating itself in her mind.

Why?

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Once she'd managed to worm her way into his defenses, he attacked her directly, seeking to subvert her attempts to gain control. In this he was very vicious, slashing at her mental prods, severing them outright as she wriggled in through the cracks. It was fortunate she was on the offense and not the defense, for if he was doing this within the confines of her mind, severe psychological damage could have resulted. As it was, it was just extremely painful. He then sought to go back on the offensive himself, latching onto her tendrils and drawing from them, draining power and strength from her.

In that, she finally won. As he pulled from her, it set up the connection between them, allowing her to anchor him once more while he surfed along the waves of her consciousness and memories. With that, he was able to get control of himself, temporarily patching the gaps in his own psyche and leveling himself out before he could do any permanent damage to her. He gasped then, dropping down to a crouch as he relented in his attack and tried to compose himself again. His throat was sore and hoarse when he spoke. "Raelyn...."

Her words shocked through him too...it wasn't that difficult for him to realize something amiss either, once she pointed it out. He felt the fear and that galvanize him. For the moment, she'd feel a taste of what he could be truly capable of when he was completely in control of his faculties. His presence slid through her mind like quicksilver, rooting through her memories like flipping through still videos, finding the code for the door. She'd feel her arm raise up, punching in the code to release and open that portal and allow him to be free. As quick as he'd taken control he relinquished it, grabbing her wrist and pulling her along, drawn by Aunna's distress.

As Raelyn finally got the door open and the exchange occurred between her and her mother, he remained silent. He'd purposefully warded himself to keep his presence from view. It had, initially, been in order to retain some upper hand if it had come to prove that Aunna was in danger. Barring that, he'd not wanted to jar her too quickly. He heard the bitter words from the woman he loved, her scolding of her daughter before the disbelief washed over her, could be felt in lapping waves, as she settled eyes on him. When she collapsed, he disappeared, moving from one heartbeat by Isis' side to Aunna's side in the next. His touch eased her fall to her knees before she lifted her face and glared at him from those tormented cerulean eyes.

He let the ties between himself and his daughter begin to peel away, the tendrils finding their way in easily through Aunna's tormented psyche. He reached in, patching the weaknesses, the cracks, the imperfections and fault lines in her aura that mimicked his own. That loop of power, the give and take between the minds, began in earnest to sustain and bolster them both for the short term. He wasn't as bulky or intimidating in stature as he once was, but he still held her in measurable strength and security. Layer by layer as he listened to her rail against him and the cruelty of the Force, he peeled away that camouflage, letting his presence wrap around her and buoy her drowning soul.

Dark eyes stared into her own as he let his presence in the Force fully be released, radiating from him as he moved, cradling her now while she echoed that question in her mind. She'd wrapped herself up in her arms, her posture that of defeat and supplication. He slid down to sitting, drawing her into his lap and his embrace as though she were the frailest of creatures, At last he spoke, his words soft, despite the rasp from his throat coupled by the growl of the mask. "No jest...no cruelty...little one. The joke...at last...is ended."

-----

Isis: Yes, pain was certainly a factor of the ordeal, but that was part and parcel with being a telepath and most certainly while engaging in any form of mental struggle. She was...almost...relieved when he bound himself up with her attacking probes and began pulling on them, draining them as she cemented herself to his mind. She was one step closer. The question now was: how to complete the task? Isis didn't realize at that moment that she HAD completed the task set out before her...not until his attacks stopped. The only reply he received from his saying her name was a mild "ow." she'd already sensed him beginning to calm himself, become some semblance of 'normal' again and had reached up to unlock the door when he took control of her arm and unlocked it himself. He was there and pulling her along behind him fast as lightning.

He needn't have. She was quite willing to go on her own and soon enough they were neck and neck for the house. With the slide of a card and a few buttons pushed, the front door unlocked and she ran directly for the practice room, skidding to a halt just in front of it, wavering for a moment in momentary debate on the intelligence of this idea. It was locked from the inside, she couldn't feel anyone but her mother there...but what if? Half a heartbeat later the door was unlocked, and she stood, almost mortified at what she was seeing....

Nothing.

Her mother was fighting...nothing?

The happenings after, the scolding and the way her mother reacted...it was bone chilling. In her surprise that concealment she'd held around her slipped away and her complete surprise and uncertainty flowed from her. Watching Aunna's reaction to Vex had been another eye opener. In the blink of an eye he was gone from her side and peeling away from her mind. A momentary "ohshit" shot through her and she clamped down...until she realized what he must have been doing. Of course...of course he would go to her...foolish. As she slowly felt echoes of her mother through him Isis let go and silently began backing toward the door.

Aun: Aunna had barely felt his hands guiding her down, easing and controlling her fall as she hit her knees. All she felt was hurt until something else, someONE else, began easing their way into her mind, linking itself to her. That strong denial began to falter slightly as the man she’d believed dead began weaving his way back into those familiar fissures that he’d left behind…slowly he was helping to glue her back together if only for now. He was holding her…she could tell now that she was calming slightly once again…and bit by bit the familiar feel of his presence wrapped around her. It was….she didn’t believe there was a word for it. Healing, perhaps, would have to do. Slowly, as if he might vanish if she moved too suddenly, her arms wrapped around him. Once she seemed assured he wouldn’t immediately vanish from her grasp, she pressed her face into his neck, her mind wrapping around those links he was creating, brushing along the surface of his consciousness, uncertain as to how far she should go, how far he would allow her in…she opted for simply contenting herself with what he was doing, the links he was giving her, clinging to every one of them like so many lifelines. As he pulled her into his lap and cradled her, she simply clung to him harder, sniffling at his words. “I…Min Larel…I'm so sorry…I thought…the vision and then seeing you….I can hardly believe you’re real.”

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Pretty self explanatory....

Talau: bah....lat and vex make me sad >_<

Arheim: how so?

Talau: well Lat is already out by me in New Mexico...Vex is gonna be in Arizona come Sunday. Stupid people being close by and not being able to meet me >_< lol

Arheim: So sad...so sad...SWURP CON!

Talau: rofl no kidding eh?

Talau: "SWURP converges on Arizona! State Residents in Fear for their Sanity!"

Arheim: Mufufufufu! MWAHAHAHAHA!

Talau: Reporter: Events escalated yesterday when Armed Forces were called in to support local law enforcement and it was discovered that one army member was, in fact, part of the same SWURP group!

Arheim: Coincidence?! I THINK NOT!!!!

Talau: Reporter: Since that point confusion has mounted; finger pointing and whistle-blowing causing a major back log in many local police stations as well as the local judicial system. "The state's gone ta hell in a hand basket!' says one law enforcement officer, 'In all my years on the force, I've never seen anything like it before! It's mass hysteria out there!" --closed captioned by Mara of SWURP

Arheim: Epic. I like the plot twist at the end ^ v ^

Talau: rofl

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Because we like our random IM RP...

Here's a short catch up:

Aeron is Lia and Daryn's son (yup, you heard...erm, read...correctly. He, like Isis and Kieran, is from the future...but a completely DIFFERENT future, where Aun ends up dieing and Vex goes on a homicidal roarin' rampage of revenge! specifically against the jedi, and earning himself some followers)

Aunna (this Aunna, not Isis/Kieran's Aunna) is about 4 (going on 5) months pregnant (don't get your hopes up IC readers...)

Isis and Aeron are an item...unfortunately...the Vex from Aeron's time just so happened to kill Daryn when Aeron was a lil kid. Aeron's been training to kill him for years. A while back Aeron and OUR Vex duked it out once in the past, earning Aeron the right to date Isis (she was very NOT thrilled with either of them, and neither was Aunna)

Oh yes...and Kieran (in a bout of extreme, and a-typical, anger disowned Vex the night before)


Kieran: *meditating in the hall, blocking the door to Aun/Vex's room so that anyone who tries to get in will stumble on him first*

Talau: he's adamant about it...wouldn't let me stop him *sigh* you know....it's never dull with Kieran in the front of my brain....

Vex: I'm not dealing with you now, boy. Go away.

Kieran: *opens his eyes and looks up at Vex silently for a moment before standing and leveling his eyes at him, nodding once...but he isn't leaving until he's said two words to him....everything else he wants to say doesn't want to wait, but, he can't...won't...leave until he's said the very basics* I'm sorry. *he could believe Kieran or not, but he meant it. He didn't expect any forgiveness...ever...for what he'd said, but he'd needed to say it. With that he moved out of the way of the door and sat down again so that he wasn't blocking the path completely. He'd leave later, after he'd caught Aunna and Isis also*

Vex: *holds that gaze for a minute, then goes to the door and moves through it*

Talau: expect him to be there for a while.....x__x.....he's been there all day and I don't think he's going to move

Vex: Then put down some news paper.

Kieran: *huffs, trying not to snicker....he'd move for basics, obviously....hopefully obviously* --I'll be sure to keep a rolled up one near by, just in case I’m a bad dog.-- *more to the muns than anyone else*

Iv Maelstrom vI: Don't forget to rub your nose in it?

Kieran: --what do you think I'm doing? I could just slink off and not face my mistakes. This...isn't comfortable for me, but I'm going to stay here anyway, and remind myself of what I've done....face the man I hurt who...didn't deserve what I did...what I said....--

Vex: -Is it worse for you that I am how I am...or that you are more like me than you want to admit?-

Kieran: *blinks* --I...-- *sighs* --I don't know...I don't know what I think yet. I'm not certain why you say I'm like you...maybe if I knew I could tell you--

Vex: You do...what you think is right...regardless of consequence. It does not matter what may or may not happen after. You do what you think is right, with the best of intention even if your employment is suspect....and you rarely back down

Kieran: *looks up at him, then shakes his head* most times I think more than I did last night....I was stupid...I allowed myself to simply react, to speak without thinking....I don't see that as something you would do. Maybe it's just because I'm still young, I don't know....and....I don't know which might be worse for me. Perhaps neither one is?

Vex: You are like me...before the fall.

Kieran: then I should be careful, I suppose...shouldn't I?

Vex: Don't underestimate an enemy and dedicate your life to a foolish cause...then you'll be a better man than I

Kieran: *nods and bows his head slightly, looking at the wooden carving and small knife in his hands* I'll take your advice to heart....father....*almost winces internally, not sure how Vex might take him saying that, calling him that, after last night. Wonders quietly what sort of foolish causes he might dedicate himself to....realizes there's one....one he should certainly stop*

Vex: It's entirely possible you are already a better man than I. Keep it that way, son. *preps self for meditation* I never disowned you, Kieran. Never will. *before going into the meditation*

Kieran: I'm not so certain....*about his first statement. His second has a sting to it, not intentional, but it only serves to remind him again of what an idiot he'd been. Moves next to Vex and settles in silently, slipping into meditation himself*

Talau: (Aun: ^__^ good)

Vex: -I am...-

Kieran: *cautiously brushes against his father's consciousness before allowing himself to relax more fully and falling silent*

------------

**after looking for the Key to Aunna's cell and finding out disturbing things from Vex about why I can't get the key back from him**

Talau: okay...I don't want to know any more....*grumble* lucky I have others

Vex: *figured as much*

Talau: *makes the floor where they're standing a filled swimming pool*

Vex: *falls, as he has no talent in any ability that might counteract that*

Iv Maelstrom vI: *tweaks the pool so it's filled with jello*

Aun: *called it...well, the pool anyway....did NOT expect the jello....* o.o ~__~ ugh....me and jello are not friends right now....*smell is making her feel nauseous*

Vex: *tweaks her sense of smell so her brain does not register anything nauseous*

Aun: thank you....

Isis: *walks in, eyes the pool of jello in the living room* um.....do I want to know why there's a jello pool in the living room?

Aeron: *tackles her in*

Isis: ^ *tries to tackle her in...fortunately she felt him coming and stepped to the side, back against the wall so he flew right past her*

Aeron: *kicks out a foot as she steps aside, hooking the back of her knee and dragging her in anyway with his own inertia*

Daryn: *runs in with Lia draped over his shoulder...dives in*

Isis: *is tripped up, but is able to keep her balance enough to get her knee free of him and BARELY manages to keep from going down and getting dragged in by using the wall for balance and letting the leg he'd caught lift up so his foot slid under her calf and away into the jello pool* nice try, Aeron....I don't do jello, though.

Lia: *muffled by sudden jello in her face*

Iv Maelstrom vI: *pushes Isis in the rest of the way*

Talau: *takes Isis before she falls in and puts her away* need to respect a girl's wishes. You can't do that, you don't get to play with her.

Rizzen: *watches this all with a raised brow, arms crossed*

Aun: thank you, mun ~__~ *glaring at her man's mun*

Talau: your welcome, Aun

Iv Maelstrom vI: I'm confused

Talau: how so?

Tango: jello?

Vic: Initial assessment seems positive on identification

Tango: but....why jello? Water typically goes into pools....this is illogical...

Vic: I've been reading about the mun's world...watching some of their vids. Apparently there is some sort of erogenous quality that men enjoy when they mix women, pools, and jello

Tango: ....still illogical.

Lia: *pulling jello from her eyes and hair as best she can* and it feels strange too.

Daryn: Strange in a good way. Might have to knock out one of the rooms in Ante and put one of these in

Aeron: Thanks, mun...this is so awkward now...with just my parents and potential in-laws

Talau: lol well you shoulda known by now that she doesn't do the jello thing.

Aeron: When were we in a jello pool before?

Talau: there was a jello pool around a while back

Sihara: I remember that....

Tango: X__X me too

Aeron: I don't

Lia: not my fault you lost, Tango

Tango: X___X

Aeron: Raelyn wasn't involved in that...was she?

Isis: --not my fault. I got outta there soon as I could--

Talau: she was, though she hated it

Aeron: Mun...your memory sucks

Talau: rofl

Lia: thank goodness Isis got out before the tops started coming off....

Isis: --no kidding--

Aeron: Yus. Would have felt bad having to strangle my father

Talau: I think you might have blocked it, Aeron....don't believe Dar was around at that point, though I think Theron was

Sih: *doesn't remember for certain, was too busy laying smack down*

Aeron: Meh...he's whipped. Only thing he'd be seeing is red

Talau: wait, who's whipped?

Aeron: Theron

Theron: 'Ey!

Talau: O.o how's that?

Sih: *confused also*

Aeron: Because I know him. Doesn't matter who's top came off...only thing he was looking at was "jungle fever"

Sih: 'jungle fever'? .....*chuckles* that's a new one....

Aeron: If it doesn't mix into Purple, he's not interested

Sih: then he should post so he can find out for sure....

Aeron: Think he's "camera shy"...

Theron: I will hurt you

Aeron: You could try

Theron: I will succeed

Aeron: Not in this galaxy

Theron: This and any other

Aeron: Silly Jeedai, yousa is blinded by pride

Sih: Aeron. stop

Theron: I will end you, Mando scum.

Daryn/Aeron: 'Ey!

Sih: Theron, please...

Rizzen: *steps up closer, pumping out pheromones to calm the crowd* Now...now

Sih: why are you trying to provoke him? *to Aeron*

Aun: *glares at Vex just in case*

Rizzen: Let us stop this before this becomes a matter of honor. I will not have my culture or any others defamed this evening

Vex: *eyes widen, glares back at her* What did I do?

Aun: preventative measures. No getting involved in this, okay?

Lia: thank you, Rizzen

Vex: I was happy sitting here in Jello about to give you a massage. Now I'll just sit here

Aun: *shrugs slightly* I'll live with that....

Rizzen: *inclines his head* Not a problem, ner vod.

Sih: you've still not answered me, Aeron.

Aeron: Because you're here and she's not? That good enough for you? *pulls himself out of the pool*

Isis: --and I’m supposed to sit there and allow something to happen to me that I don't want? I think not, that gives you no right to provoke others. Not very mando of you, is it? Thought mandos had more pride and honor than that...-- *steps out of the shadows* pity I was wrong.

Aeron: I wasn't the one that tried to push you in again after I missed. Was content just to have you here. *makes a face at her words* Glad you take everything at face value too...I'll take my pride and go somewhere else.

Isis: *shrugs and lets him go, not in the mood to argue*

Rizzen: Impressive...that was a large amount of pheromones that he fought... *as Aeron stalks away*

Sih: *facepalm*

Iv Maelstrom vI: *puts everyone else on dry land and in clean, non-sticky clothes*

Aun: thank you....

Lia: no kidding

Sih: *wasn't in the pool to begin with*

Iv Maelstrom vI: *mentally flicks Sih* -the others, nitwit-

Tango: *snuck off after the conversation dealing with the LAST jello battle*

Sih: *lets it rebound off her barriers and shrugs*

Daryn: I should...probably see what his deal is. That's not normal

Isis: you're telling me....*sometimes wonders if Aeron's a force sensitive*

Kieran: *walks in* what's with the moody Aeron? O.o

Daryn: *kisses Lia's hair, then goes off to hunt down the brooding Mando'ade*

Iv Maelstrom vI: Good question

Lia: ^_^ *playing off the concern*

Iv Maelstrom vI: anything unusual on your end, Isis?

Isis: unusual? like what? I've....not seen him lately if that's what you mean...and not for lack of wanting to...I've not really seen him much since we came back here...*sighs* ....just the one night that he tackled me into the room and tickled the hell out of me....*glares playfully at vex* thanks for that dad....

Kieran: come to think of it...that's the last time I saw him too, but...that doesn't mean much....>_>

Vex: *his eyes smile indulgently...shrugs*

Rizzen: I'd spoken to him briefly...

Isis: and?

Rizzen: He spoke of needing to deal with something back home...but did not say what. *shrugs* I had only limited inclination to pursue the matter.

Isis: something back home?.....*doesn't really like the line of thinking that follows that statement*

Kieran: *shifts slightly, Isis' feelings of discomfort washing against him through their bond even though she was keeping her emotions well shielded*

Rizzen: Think he said something about "unfinished business" or some such melodramatic drivel.

Aun: *sighs* the only 'unfinished business' I can recall him having in his time was....dealing with Vex.

Isis: *looks down and nods* that's all I can think of also....

Aun: *gets up from her half seated position on the arm of the couch and heads off to go try and find Aeron and Daryn*

Lia: *is very quiet*

Isis: mum? *isn't sure if she should follow her or not...doesn't want to 'double team' Aeron, and he seemed pretty pissed at her already*

Kieran: *isn't about to let Aunna go by herself to deal with a moody and unpredictable Aeron...follows after her....he can give his father the gift later*

Daryn: *is found passed out in a chair in Aeron's room, apparently having been very carefully settled there*

Aun: *tries to wake him, looking him over for any obvious injuries* Daryn....Daryn wake up....

Daryn: *blinks...looking cross-eyed for a moment before finally focusing on her* Aunna? Where's Aeron?

Aun: I was about to ask you that...what happened? Are you hurt?

Daryn: *shakes his head, cringing* I was trying to talk to him. He was upset about something...something about his buir...and gra'tua on the hut'uun...then asked me to close the door if I wanted to talk. When I went to do so...I suddenly felt pressure and then...you woke me up.

Aun: *can only translate two of the three words he used off the top of her head, but has a clear enough image of what happened, and nods* He...must be going back to where he came from...I'll have the mun send Lia in to help you. Stay here. *walks out of the room and nearly runs into Kieran...stopping just short of him before looking to vex-mun* I need to know where he went, mun...I...(Kieran: I'm not letting you go alone you know) ....we.... have to stop him before he does anything that could get him killed.

Iv Maelstrom vI: I...don't think you should be going there. The ramifications aren't going to be pleasant

Aun: I know what he's going to do...I'll help him, but I can't let him get hurt, or worse....if I even have a chance of stopping him I have to try

Daryn: *groans, sits up, hearing something get bumped and slide off the chair to the floor. Looking down, he blinks at the datapad*

Kieran: she'll be safe enough with me...

Isis: and I'm coming also

Daryn: *stumbles out of the room* Oi...he left something...

Aun: ....please...let us do this for...*turns* what did he leave?

Daryn: Datapad. Got a file on it...but it's bio encrypted...only accessible with your girl's voice print. *holds it up*

Isis: *blinks and takes the datapad* unlock file.

Talau: ((side note: Aun's decided to name her new pike Turhaya --bright star-- instead of it being a pet name for Vex))

*-"Voice Print Verified...Hello Raelyn."- a 2D vid shows up on the screen* Raelyn....I'm sorry. I didn't want to leave this way...wanted to spend time with you, but I couldn't. I'm sorry about trying to pull you in...thought something stupid like that would get my mind off things...but it can't. Too many Force-Users about...and your buir....I know he's not the same man...I can see he's not....but now...I can't see past that face. Mum got hurt...that gorram dar'jetii hut’uun tried to have her killed...nearly succeeded. She's in a kolto bath...healing... *he pauses in the video, the stoic features cracking suddenly...brittle as porcelain as he runs his hands over his face and through his hair* ...she ain't wakin' up, Isis. Body is fine...but she ain't wakin' up... Mand'alor told me...gave me orders. I wanted to do something else...but it is Resol'nare...my leader calls and my blood...I failed to protect that. You reminded me of what I'm supposed to do. Of who I am. I'm sorry, Rae...even if I do survive this...I know you won't want me back. I didn't want it to be like this...but that's not what life is about. Just know that, even if you can never forgive me, Ni kar'tayl gar darasuum... *he pulls that hard mask back on, wearing that emotional beskar once more before the vid ends*

Isis: *her own face is a calm facade as she watches that recording. Part of her simply wants to turn away, put her back to all of that mess and let him do whatever it is that he thinks he needs to do, but she can't...that dark part of her just can't win over...she loves him too much for that, and no matter what he said she wasn't about to just let this stand. The man he was going to fight wasn't her father...might be the same face, same body, same mind, but it wasn't him...and she'd be damned if she let this fly, let Aeron act alone and in such a state. Emotions were already running high enough in him to have him do something stupid and she couldn't let that happen. After a moment the pain and fear and anger at the situation gnawing at her heart and stomach are pressed down and ignored as she looks over to the muns* I'm going, and you can't stop me.

Aun: *puts a hand on Isis' shoulder* WE are going, and you can't stop US....Raelyn, if you're going to go, we're going as a family...Even your father can't stop us this way.

Isis: *nods once*

Kieran: besides, sounds like he needs a few good jedi on his side, eh? Ihn Corellisi nyeve min bhiq suman ehin nyiad, right?

Isis: *manages a grim smile* right.

Vex: You will be needing me along as well.

Aun: *smiles a little* it would help, yes

Theron: *looks to Sihara* Coming?

Sihara: *chuckles* and miss the chance to play the 'good jedi' again? of course I'm coming.

Daryn: That's my boy. He came here to find me...I'll be damned if I let him lose himself over there.

Victor: This seems like a worthy contract.

Tango: well, I suppose if Victor's going I can't just let him go without me....force knows he's only half as good without as he is with me there. *smirks a little*

Victor: Of course you are coming along. I can't leave you running around on your own...you saw what happened last time.

Lia: are we making a party out of this? Though...I'm sure a few people will be more than confused at seeing me up and around....

Tango: *grins* I can still get into plenty of trouble going with you

Rizzen: *remains quiet, contemplative*

Rah: well, Rizzen? you're mando'ade....aren't you coming?

Lia: he'd better....*folds arms* or I'll tell Mand’alor that he's hut'uun

Rizzen: There are times where my Falleen side and my Mando'ade side conflict. This is one such time. Those Mando'ade are not...technically, my mando'ade. Their Mand’alor not mine. Common sense would say that this is not my affair. But...clan is clan…is it not? Honor is honor…and such must be satisfied.

Rah: sometimes you just have to say 'damn the technicalities and common sense'...believe me *smirk*

Lia: good enough for me

Rizzen: *eyes Rah for a minute* You and I should get to know each other better....assuming we survive this...*lets the corner of a lip curl slightly into a grin and giving her a wink*

Rah: if you like...*shrugs slightly and pretends not to notice the slight smirk Rizzen's wearing*

Rizzen: I hope you are up to a challenge...I enjoy and have great respect for strong women of any sort.

Rah: pha....you're talking to me about challenges? Rizzen, my whole life is a challenge. Hope you can keep up. *saunters off, swinging her rifle over her shoulder and letting out a sharp whistle, Sender zooming in from a side room and landing on her shoulder*

Iv Maelstrom vI: (feel like good Vex/bad Vex should be playing skins/shirts so we can tell them apart when the time comes)

Talau: (Kieran’s way ahead of you)

Iv Maelstrom vI: (I know...but admit it...Aunna would love seeing him battle shirtless)

(Vex: The rest of us would be fighting not to slip in her puddles of drool...)

(Aun: I would enjoy it to some degree, yes....after I got done dealing with the....uncomfortable situation of him battling himself literally)

Kieran: dad...one thing before we get this small army on the road....*steps off to the side*

Vex: *blinks, looks over at Kieran. Finally nods and moves off to the side*

Kieran: I've been...working on something since the night we talked....after I....well I've not seen a good opportunity to give it to you...until now. I don't want to risk getting the two of you mixed up....while doubtful, it's possible but...*shakes his head slightly. He never was good at explaining his emotions or thoughts, sometimes less so than Isis. He unwraps something from around his wrist, the black cord obvious before the carved wooden pendant was* It...didn't turn out how I'd originally intended, but...few things do when I'm working during meditation....I'll be able to sense this from a good distance....just....keep it on you. Promise me that. *hands over the necklace length cord and the pendant on it*

Talau: www.kiwitreasure.com/220-greenstone-jade-koru-twist-pendant.htm (he ended up deciding on that one finally, only carved out of wood and smoothed down...the meaning for the symbols is on the page also)

Vex: *is stunned for a long moment, reaching out and taking the pendant. His hands close over his son's and he lets that mental armor break...sliding into Kieran's and drawing him in...tapping into the wonder and pride that he felt at having children...letting him feel just how much this meant to Vex...how much they both did. Out of the three...he was still the worst at telling such things...far better to show. At last, he pulled his hand away and drew the necklace on*

Kieran: *doesn't outwardly show his surprise much, just a few slight changes in his eyes and face, but Vex would certainly be able to feel it. After a moment he would nod, one corner of his mouth lifting slightly. For all the harsh things he'd said to his father, and the things he'd done, the ways he'd acted...he cared very much about the man, he just wasn't sure in the beginning if he'd wanted to, and the other night had been an instinctual reaction to what Vex had done and been hurt by it...that fact surprising even Kieran. What had surprised him even more was the fact that he hated himself for having reacted in such a way, for having hurt Vex in return, and in such a horrible way. Now, faced with the fact that he'd be willingly out to kill one version of his father, he valued this one twice as much. Watching Vex put on the necklace he nodded again* I'll take that as a promise, then? *pauses for a moment and then gets an almost impish smile* heh...and here I thought that thing wouldn't be practical or useful...no wonder the force was pestering me about it for so long....

Vex: As I told you, son, it is those who can work the Force subtly that are truly dangerous

Kieran: I'm not sure why you might consider that subtle...cut my thumb doing it *chuckles*

Vex: The ability to work the Force while making something like this is subtly....your inability to keep the knife on the wood and not your skin is an unrelated matter...*smirks*

Aun: if you boys are ready?

Kieran: my pack is in my room....good thing I packed last night....heh....

Aun: *shakes her head and smiles* I should have known you would be....

Isis: *from down the hall* told you....creepy!

Kieran: *laughs a bit at all of them* Mum, yes, you should have known...Sis, I'M not the ONLY creepy one here.....dad....*simply shakes his head, grinning, and walks off chuckling to himself*

Lia: *chomping at the bit to get going*

Vex: *shoulders his own pack, looking at them all*

Daryn: Babe....looks like you need to get into your dress best...*winks at Lia*

Lia: whaaaat? my armor won' do? *fake pouts* and here I thought I was ready ta go....

Victor: *always keeps an emergency pack readied in case of unexpected situations. Rechecks his ammunition count, then nods* Fully mission capable

Tango: *has done similarly, and is currently leaning against the wall sharpening one of her many blades…even has a spare blaster on one hip and a spare slug pistol on the other*

Talau: (Lia....you look like a female rambo in armor....@__@)

Lia: well I figure I may as well be prepared ^__^

Daryn: *pulls out a couple thermal detonators and another vibroblade, handing them to Lia* Here, darling...some accessories to go with your outfit.

Lia: *eyes the many grenades, detonators, throwing knives, ect strapped across her armor. Shrugs and takes his offered ones* thanks hun, I'll hold onto 'em for ya

Daryn: You know you get grenade happy...and how many blades did you go through on Shogun? You know you'll need them

Lia: those were throwing knives...they don't count...

Isis: *has dawned her new, far lighter and more flexible, armor and is settled against the wall as well, toying with one saber, eyes blank and unfocused*

Vex: *moves over to Isis, a hand coming up to cradle against her cheek, his forehead coming to rest against hers* -We'll get him back in one piece, little one. I won't let him be any other way-

Isis: *looks up at him silently and nods* --I'm...worried about him dad...and....I'm not going to like having to fight you....even if it isn't really you....-- *sighs*

Vex: It's who I would be without you in my life. I pity him...the best we can offer him is a release from a life without solace...without peace. You'll be doing this version of me a favor, I dare say.

Isis: *nods a bit* --I understand that...but that doesn't make it any easier.-- *straightens up so she isn't leaning against the wall any longer* There isn't a choice, though, and I wouldn't want anyone else to do it besides us. *those blue eyes harden into ice cold sapphires* no one else would understand...or care.

Vex: *headbutts her lightly, nodding and smiling with his eyes* I am glad to have seen my children grow to be better people than I.

Isis: maybe not better...but different.

Vex: No...better....though still with moments of stupidity. But I forgive you.

Isis: *manages a slight smile* well...can I use age as an excuse?

Iv Maelstrom vI: *gestures, drawing a line in the air, framing out a door between the galaxies, drawing it open to allow passage to Aeron's home*

Vex: No.

Aun: *returns with her own pack, eying the opening for a moment before her eyes harden and stepping through, Kieran and Isis hot on her heels, 13 and Sender having flown through right before she did*

Vex: *follows up behind his family...keeping them in view*

Victor: *leads Tango through, checking the blind spots for potential enemies.

Tango: *follows Vic through*

Sihara: *had been waiting for Talau to get back to her or arrive, once she does Sihara also heads through*

Theron: *Walks side by side with Sihara*

Tal: *is a late entry* I heard you could use some help?

Zarrish: *is standing beside her patiently*

Talau: (rofl, Zar, you seem like over kill for this)

(Zar: I’m not letting Talau out of my sight)

Lia: *shrugs and nods to Daryn before heading through also*

Daryn: *nods back to Lia before covering down on her six* Oooh kitty! *to Zar*

Rah: *is practically invisible because of her cloak, the hood up to cover her features*

Rizzen: *shakes head, follows through*

Zar: *huffs at Daryn and shakes his head, laughing quietly*

---------

Rizzen: I think Rah's scared...worried she can't handle me

Rah: *smirks* hardly...but I'd rather not have orders to kill you.

Rizzen: Might prove interesting

Rah: *is posted in the shadows of some rocks, her cloak making her nearly invisible with her hood up, those dark tinted glasses shading her eyes from view* maybe...

Rizzen: *grins* If your people even know who I am...I'm obviously doing something wrong

Rah: *shrugs but doesn't say one way or the other on if they do or not* doesn't matter at the moment, however, since we're on the same team for the short term...

Rizzen: Does it have to be the short term?

Rah: I don't deal in long term...doesn't end up well when I do, so I tend to keep things....short.

Rizzen: I'm amenable to short but recurring...

Rah: recurring may, or may not, be a problem...I don't know yet.

Talau: (actually I had a question from yesterday....where DID you send them all? planet wise I mean...)

Iv Maelstrom vI: Probably Coruscant...maybe Concord Dawn

Talau: *nod* Aun was questioning me about it....hope if it was CD everyone's up on their shots....don't want anyone dieing on us

Iv Maelstrom vI: That's what the mun wave is for. But...more likely, Coruscant.

Talau: kk…question: why? family ties?

Iv Maelstrom vI: Like it or hate it...Coruscant is the center of the galaxy. At this point...THAT Vex is the seething black hole sucking life from the galaxy's middle

Talau: brilliant....well, guess he can't escape it any more than Lia can escape Dxun

Iv Maelstrom vI: nope

Lia: ....poor man....*sighs* I really hate havin' ta be tied into a place against my will *glares at her mun*

Vex: Could be worse…At least Coruscant has good takeout and dive bars...If you can eat...food...

Lia: *looks up at him, stopping her toying with a kunai* Yeah....suppose it could be worse....but...could be better too. Lotta people on Coruscant...lotta people we're gonna have to try an' fight around. Don' think this evil you is gonna be adverse ta using them as shields....

Vex: Of course not. Most intelligent course of action: Wear us down with the chaff. Get us bleeding and tired...maybe take out one or two

Lia: for him, sure...for us...not a good thing. For them, not a good thing...I don' like killing innocents...and I MEANT civilians, not minions

Vex: Ringed defenses...tiers...have reserves waiting to come in on our flanks after we've committed...*shrugs*

Lia: *sighs* well, at least you can give us a taste of what we're up against...

Vex: I would count on your feelings about collateral damage, and unfortunately...I can

Talau: you have pm

Iv Maelstrom vI: saw

Lia: *continues to glare at mun*

Talau: answer it still no, Lia...not yet

Iv Maelstrom vI: kinda cute...imagining Lia jumping up, trying to reach a canister of deadly plague

Lia: ~______~

Talau: *snicker*

Aun: it is sort of amusing to watch...

Lia: ~_________________~

Iv Maelstrom vI: Not our fault you reached your glass ceiling at 1.5 meters

Lia: *huffs* so I got the short gene....

Iv Maelstrom vI: Hate seeing people get the short end of the stick. It's just so belittling. People should be just a little more understanding

Lia: *grumbles and fingers one of her vibroblades angrily*

Aun: *smirks*

Iv Maelstrom vI: Lia...I understand you acting a bit short with me.

Isis: leave her alone would you, mun?

Iv Maelstrom vI: Rather take some of her anger out now. State she's in right now, it's not a good idea for her to be carrying around plague. We don't need it released at the wrong time.

Talau: well that's a first...Isis telling someone to stop taunting another person

Isis: she wouldn't be angry enough to release it at the wrong time if you weren't pushing her buttons. Isn't it bad enough we're having to go after Aeron without you adding more aggravation?

Lia: *gets up and stalks off, green eyes glittering slightly*

Talau: actually, most of her anger had just been worked off through me....went out and practiced with my staff a bit against Dalan...

Vex: Still better to be safe than sorry. We are already dealing with one Mando'ade that is letting emotion get the better of reason. If she wants to help him, she needs to keep herself collected. I would use her anger against herself...make her a danger to the rest of us. I have my limits...but apparently -I- do not...

Isis: I think you have too little faith in her. You have a point, but....*shakes her head and settles in on the floor, against the wall.*

Aun: she's gone into a rage before, Isis....here on Coruscant...and that was over her grandfather. What do you think might happen now that it's her son?

Vex: The same counsel goes for you, Raelyn Isis.

Isis: I...I know....

Vex: *wraps an arm around her shoulders, pulling her against him*

Aun: *is sticking close to Vex once his mun leaves*

Isis: *presses her face against his shoulder and sighs heavily...trying not to feel*

--------------

Aun: *moves and wraps her arms around vex, resting her head on his shoulder heavily*

Vex: *removes his mask to press a kiss to her hair*

Aun: *has been feeling troubled for the past few days, and is thankful for his presence*

Vex: What troubles you, little one?

Aun: I...seem to forget at times that I'm pregnant here...and so I act like I'm not...now, I'm worried I've put myself...them...into more danger than may be acceptable. On the other hand, I can't just let you all go to help Aeron without me, I can be an asset, especially since the mun has kindly graced me with my other self's abilities and control. I'm....concerned I may turn out to be more of a detriment or hindrance to you all here than if I hadn't come.

Talau: (finally she says something...it's been gnawing at her)

Vex: Would that I could have bade you not come, Aunna...but I would have better luck giving Tatooine a winter. You know what you are capable of...and what you are not. Do not press yourself beyond your boundaries. All I can tell you is...when the time comes...do not face me.

Aun: I know....I know, love. I'm a stubborn mule at the best of times. I...understand.

Vex: I...am afraid of what we might find....of what I might have become.

Aun: so am I....I...can protect the physical bodies of myself and others but...I can't protect minds, love and theirs....theirs are so fragile, I don't want to risk them...especially if he....that you...senses me

Vex: That is why you must stay away then. Let me remain his focus

Aun: I know....but it worries me that I can't help you. *sighs* I suppose, though, the best way to help you in this is to stay away.

Vex: Indeed. Then I can focus on keeping me distracted enough that the rest can deal with the situation.

Aun: *nods and presses her face against his shoulder lightly, taking a deep breath* At least let Kieran help you...he got my protection abilities, it will give you the upper hand. Isis and I can help the others well enough.

Vex: I'm certain he won't begrudge the chance to give me a few licks...

Aun: I'd rather not chance that, love...I would prefer you as whole as possible. You want me to stay away, all I ask is that Kieran is able to help you.

Vex: You did not understand what I was saying

Aun: *blinks* apparently not

Vex: I am certain Kieran won't mind getting in a few licks in on a me he doesn't have to feel bad about

Aun: *huffs a slight chuckle* too many 'hes' and one too many of you....it's no wonder I was confused.

Vex: *waves a hand* Bah....keep up

Aun: *playfully nips at his neck* be nice to me, I'm about to go through a battle while pregnant. Bet that isn't something YOU could handle...even if it were possible

Vex: I'd have common sense enough to avoid it...

Aun: bah....yes, you likely would...but you're neither Corellian, nor a Borgonia.....and thankfully, you're not a woman either *smirk*

Vex: Thankfully indeed

Aun: god....you would be a horrible woman, you're already moody enough *chuckles and strokes his face lightly deciding to stop teasing him and be nice for a bit*

Vex: *smirks* Only when you are involved

Aun: oh? Funny, I seem to remember you being moody when it came to Isis and Aeron a while back as well....

Vex: That's your hormones talking and altering your proper perception of reality....assuming you have a proper perception of reality

Aun: *laughs* well, according to you, I don't...but then again, I believe your views are skewed by years as a dark jedi. *nod*

Vex: You do not seem to begrudge my past

Aun: oh...not particularly, but in this case I think it's altered you perceptions of my perceptions ^_~

Vex: I'm the only one with the clear head amongst the pair.

Aun: *snickers* perhaps, larel....perhaps.

Vex: You never make logical decisions...and you often keep me from making logical decisions. Clearly you are not only a danger to yourself...but contagious at the same time...*smirks*

Aun: well, at least I'm good at something? I mean aside from driving you further down the path to insanity...

Vex: I would not label that as one of your endearing qualities...*quirks a brow at her*

Aun: oh? then what would you consider one of my endearing qualities?

Vex: *sends her some mental pictures of some of the more "adventurous" ideas she's had that led to her current pregnancy*

Aun: *laughs again and grins impishly* well, larel....to that I could say something that would prove just how illogical my decisions can be....*smirks* though....I have to admit, those WERE fun....*sends him a few more...choice....images of some adventurous ideas she's having right now*

----------

Iv Maelstrom vI: *the sound of blaster fire and explosions fades in, becoming heavier and louder. The black of the surroundings begins to fade away until they are in an alcove leading to an extension bridge leading to the Temple. From across that distance, the source of the explosions can be heard. Serious fighting is waging across several levels of the temple. From the distance, sabers could be seen along with the blaster fire. It seems the Mandalorians have mounted an offensive, along with what Jedi are left. Overhead, the black of the Coruscanti night is lit up with the salvos of turbolaser fire and explosions from the fleet battle being waged in orbit. Rizzen, Victor, Vex, Theron, and Daryn are all there now, accoutered as they had been the previous night*

Talau: *Rahja, while knowing the temple well from her years there into adulthood, had been posted as a form of cover fire for the others, picking off what dark jedi and militia the dark Praetor had amassed for himself from a distance, Sender inside with Eres (and Wash?) to help guide them through the temple as safely and with as little resistance as possible. Tango had gone with Victor and the others (since the mun obviously wanted her there, and that was fine with her), and Kieran as well. Sihara, Lia, Isis, and Aunna were following up behind, working their way through the combat zone and attempting to avoid battle as much as possible until they got to the temple...when they would, no doubt, need all the energy they had for the stronger opponents*

Iv Maelstrom vI: *Wash had broken through the system security and hijacked the database, giving them full access to the security systems. With that finally completed, he was able to route security protocols, locking down doors to thwart enemy movements on their position when able to and appraising them of enemies he couldn't stop, channeling them as best as able into kill zones for the team to take out with minimal risk. With Tango's help, Victor and were taking up the point. Rizzen had gone as well, but in a different capacity: making sure the Mandalorians didn't accidentally fire upon them. Vex lingered near the rest of his family, reaching out to sense any danger their technical abilities missed, but largely keeping himself hidden through the force. They would just about reach the High Council chambers when the ambush hit. Force presence flared up suddenly as though a blanket had been drawn away and Sith soldiers came out, blasters firing, from antechambers hidden along the path. The point team was immediately pinned down and cut off while the Dark Jedi converged on the Jedi in their midst. Maddened kath hounds, twisted with the Dark Side, came slavering out towards Rahja and Rizzen, who were more isolated*

Talau: Pt1: *While not as well versed as Vex at concealing themselves, Aunna and their children were far from inept. Aunna herself, knew the importance of not allowing herself to be felt...for all intents and purposes she was dead in this universe, being felt by this place's Vex would not be a wise choice...she'd molded it down and darkened it, twisted it just enough to mask it as much as she could. Isis and Kieran, also, knew the wisdom in hiding themselves until the last moment. It had been an early lesson for them, to keep themselves shielded....even in their universe there were still those who would have them dead because of their father or mother, and they had hints of both in their presences. Sihara, not knowing what might be found in this place, had also kept herself hidden...there was no point in attracting danger, after all, if you could avoid it by quietly slipping past it. Talau and Zarrish had kept to the deep shadows, slipping around away from the rest of the others due to the flaming tail of the lion. Bringing up the very rear of the group, the young shadow and her companion kept danger from coming up after them.*

Pt2: *As the sith emerged from the shadows, Tango wasted no time in closing the distance with the first of them. While she could easily use blasters, it wasn't her specialty...it wasn't her strength. Knowing Victor was there and would give her as much cover as he could, she closed in on her target. Not expecting to be rushed, the soldier startled, his steps faltering and allowing her in, the blades strapped to her arms glinting, first silver, then a bloody red as it came up across his chest before she turned just enough to bring that arm back, elbow first, across his throat letting him fall with a strangled gurgle. A small punching dagger glinted in her hand moments before it slammed forward into the temple of another officer with a sickening sound*

Pt3: *Rah had moved forward, slipping into the temple only moments after the second group had. With her rifle slung over her shoulder, those glasses were brought down and turned on, aiding her vision and shielding her eyes from being seen easily. The cloak served to hide her further in the shadows than her own skin and dark leather armor and clothing. Her presence was suppressed as much as possible as she slipped through the shadows, catching up to Rizzen and the others, daggers in her hands and already bloody by the time she did. As they were surrounded and the dark jedi pressed in, she let what little control she had over the force to flood into her and speed her as the first one reached them*

Iv Maelstrom vI: ...and now everyone is stuck mid-ambush

Talau: sorry....had lots to say with it being done this way...shorter than it coulda been?

Iv Maelstrom vI: rofl...no...just need more time to get it finished right, lol

(Aun: --you fail mun--)

Talau: thanks aun...no i mean mine were shorter than it coulda been...believe me >_>

(Aun: --you still fail, mun--)

Talau: v.v iPhail?

Iv Maelstrom vI: (lol...mine were too)

(Isis: well this is....awkward?)

Iv Maelstrom vI: (could be worse)

(Rah: *stuck mid-strike* how could this be worse? Not asking for it, but just wondering...)

Iv Maelstrom vI: (it could be the other guy in mid-strike)

(Rah: he kinda is....it was a mutual hate kinda thing…you know...I wanna kill him...he wants to kill me....we both decided to try and kill each other....)

Iv Maelstrom vI: (well...he could be the only one striking)

(Rah: yeah...THAT would be worse...I'll accept that one.)

(Kieran: hey, at least we're not to the boss battle yet...)

(Isis: *would facepalm but cant*)

Iv Maelstrom vI: (did you grind enough to max out level and prepare group Curaga and Shield?)

(Kieran: nah, that's mum's job....well the curaga...got shield covered...and haste is set up for this turn. Not max level though....didn't think the one winged angel was bad enough for that)

(Isis: oh force and stars above)

(Aun: *chuckling*)

Iv Maelstrom vI: (yeah...well...you didn't consider the final form, did you?)

(Kieran: he in a robocop suit that we need to take out first before we fight HIM? )

(Sender: I might have something akin to libra for that...)

(Kieran: Sender! buddy!)

(Isis: oh god...now there's two)

Iv Maelstrom vI: Actually...he's co-op'd his galaxy's versions of Victor, Rizzen, and Theron.

Kieran: frell.

Isis: wonderful....so we gonna have to fight the powerpuff girls too?

Sihara: *snorts from somewhere in the shadows*

Theron: You know that sex you wanted to have...ever again?

Sihara: *only laughs harder*

Iv Maelstrom vI: He'd probably have co-op'd Sihara, Talau, Rahja, and Tango too, but I don't have control over those characters in this realm either

Talau: Tal wouldn't turn...ever. Rah, i could see it....Sihara....it really depends on what he might do/say to turn her...and tango....not sure on her either

Rah: >_<

Talau: you're easy to peg

Rah: >___<

Iv Maelstrom vI: He'd use Victor and Theron to get them onto his side.

Talau: for tango it might work, not sure on Sihara still. She loves him but she's got some tough morals

Iv Maelstrom vI: you had considered having her go dark before though

Talau: yes, but that was going to take something very drastic to do

Sih: *still chuckling in the dark somewhere*

--------

(Isis: mun......please, can we...ugh, never mind *reminds herself that patience is a virtue*)

Rizzen: You doubt my ability to get past security? *arches a brow sharply*

Rah: *eyes him but refuses to say anything else. Is going on strike for Isis. Waves and sits down*

Isis: O.o

Iv Maelstrom vI: You really don't want me doing that when I've only got like 30 minutes. we'd get, maybe, two posts

Talau: I tried for earlier

Iv Maelstrom vI: when I was working?

Talau: after that

Iv Maelstrom vI: an hour ago? Still wouldn't be enough time for that

Talau: would get them further

Isis: I don't ask to finish it, I only ask for PROGRESS! dear GOD!

Aun: *smirks* so you DID pick that up...I knew it

Isis: MUUUUM! ugh *facepalm* how can you act so cool at a time like THIS?!

Aun: years of dealing with your grandparents, uncle, and father?

Vex: And she's the least patient of your parents. Pity you didn't take any of that character trait

Isis: *flops back on the couch, one arm over her eyes* ugh...

Kieran: *jumps over the couch and onto Isis*

Isis: AAAACH! KIERAN!

Kieran: hey 'Sis. *rolls off her and onto the floor* hey mum, dad...

Aun: *rolls her eyes and chuckles* hello Kieran. *heads off to what seems like a random room*

Kieran: *leaps up and after her like an excited puppy*

Iv Maelstrom vI: No time for pleasantries right now. After all, the sith are on them and the dark jedi are pressing their ranks. The surge balked at the unexpected violence of reaction to the ambush. Vex stepped up, saber flaring as he stepped up to meet the charge of three of his Dark Side wielding foes. His blades twisted the first two towards each other so they blocked the third, his boot lashing out with enough force underneath the twined sabers that the sound of a cracking sternum was audible. Twisting his blades, he pushed theirs up and away. Daryn took that opportunity and the open shots to pump a set of stun bolts into both, dropping them down before he went back to guarding Lia's back. Victor would not disappoint Tango. Those magnetically accelerated rounds cracking all around her like some lethal circus act, protecting her back as she attack. Rizzen let out a salvo with his blasters, but then holstered them as the soldiers closed in. With his hands free, he began flowing through the attackers, moving forward and leading each with a punch, and elbow, a knee to some vulnerable spot. Theron spun around...in an environment he knew all too well as he pushed forward into the remaining dark jedi, silver sabers flaring and flickering as he fought with that offensive form and bolstered it with well-timed tra'kata. Slowly...despite the ambush, they were still moving forward, making progress*

Talau: As if the foes facing them weren't enough, the group following behind the initial spearhead was the defensive wall for them. Walls of shimmering blues and silvers popped in and out of life to keep the dark jedi from completely overwhelming them as Aunna and Kieran linked minds with Isis, their senses keeping them ahead of the hoard's movements and allowing Isis to draw on their strengths to bolster her own lesser senses. Bursts of flame and wind could be seen and felt, pushing back the outer rings of dark jedi in the spaces between the barriers appearances. No rubble was left unused as Sihara followed up behind Theron, slamming against his enemies and slamming the slower ones into walls and pillars alike. This wasn't to say the non force users were without their wiles, however, as Rahja dipped below the heated blades of her opponent as she swept out at his legs, only to have him vault over her. Blasted jedi and their leaping! didn't matter, though as she all but pulled him out of the air, whipping him about and into the wall before sweeping on to the next group of them, glistening daggers flying around her. Lia hardly needed help to watch her back, the confusion she was causing among the dark jedi around her with the combination of daggers and blaster fire from her keeping them at bay and pressing them back. From the shadows the thunderous roar of Zarrish was heard moments before the shadows lit up with his mane on fire and a scattering of force users as he lept into their midst with teeth and claws. From the other side the scattering dark jedi were sliced down by the lavender blade of Talau, or swept aside by her*

Iv Maelstrom vI: Daryn was keeping up a rapid staccato beat of blaster fire to bolster their defense. He wasn't the crack shot that Lia or Victor was, but as he was shooting stun blasts, he didn't have to be. Their area effect gave him more room for error so long as he avoided getting too close to their own ranks...and the sabers couldn't block them completely. Vex didn't have the ability to reach out and touch like the other Jedi did, but he took advantage of the open field their offense gave him, moving in, getting close, and letting his vicious style of fighting undermine his opponents' and drawing lethal results. Victor's pistols went dry and he didn't attempt to reload. "Dry." He called out even as he holstered them and drew blades. He stepped forward to go hand to and with the weapons until Tango could come back and provide support for him to reload. Rizzen moved up, catching a Dark Jedi with a knife chop to the carotid as he attempted to come up behind Rahja. He fought in her shadow...having seen her method of combat now and working to supplement it, his footing moving in step with hers. Theron had an almost feral grin as he fought...for once fully acting in that role of the blue skinned devil. Meanwhile, ducking in from a shadowed archway, Sev stepped in, his ten foot form punting a surprised Dark Jedi across the room and into some of the Sith Rahja and Rizzen were fighting. His heavy machine gun rattled in the halls as it chucked out hot leaded anger at the enemy masses. They had pressed forward to the Council chambers now and the enemy numbers were thinning*

Talau: Liyani had followed (grudgingly) after Sev, keeping to the dark spaces and letting her arrows do the work. Tìrol had needed to stay behind, but in this area she was one of the biggest things around so it didn't particularly matter. One arrow shishkabobbed several of the opponents coming in on the flanks of the Praetor family and skewering those attackers to the wall. Rah didn't even so much as flinch as Rizzen came in behind her, that swift blue form dancing around his to keep them working through the flock of dark jedi, barely missing one saber injury and taking another across the thigh to land the kill she sought. Aunna was busy gathering links to those around her, reaching out to them in waves of calm and reassurance, pulling them into her collective and letting the force flow into them to strengthen and invigorate them in waves with woven melodies of energy she pulled from the air around her as she allowed Isis to act as her guardian against the few that got through Vex, Kieran and the others. Sihara had added to the collective, waves of healing sweeping through the links at intervals when she wasn't busy sweeping aside adversaries. Kieran kept acting as shield for now, picking off those around Vex before they got to Isis or Aunna, or freezing the very water in the blood of those further off and stopping their hearts and minds with clots of the stuff. Talau kept near the sides of the battle, sweeping the minds of the weakened enemies up and pulling them apart, making swift work of them as Zarrish bounded ahead to clear the side halls. Tango wasted no time in dropping back to Victor, swift movements keeping danger at bay while he reloaded. Lia, in the mean time, swept in and under one of Daryn's stuns, pressing in toward him and under one of his arms, tackling the dark jedi that had been coming up behind him. One gloved hand caught the woman's face as they landed in a tumbling heap, skidding to a stop. Half a heartbeat and that pretty dark jedi's head was slammed hard into the stone floor of the temple with a sickening crack.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Talau: and on the other side I’m dealing with Isis and Rhiss

Iv Maelstrom vI: why/how?

Talau: to your comment: *chuckles and shakes head* to Rhiss/Isis: well Isis is....trying to cope

Iv Maelstrom vI: with?

Talau: at this particular moment? or under the surface?

Iv Maelstrom vI: yes?

Talau: at the moment, she's coping with not having her sabers. It's far from comfortable for her, for obvious reasons, and Rhiss offered to teach her some of the martial arts she knows but Isis is...hesitant to learn more than she knows already. Other than that she's still trying to cope with her shame and hating what she nearly did to wash, as well as the on going Aeron thing is eating away at her

Rizzen: I tried to give them back.

Talau: I know, but you don't understand....as much as she wants them back, she doesn't feel worthy of carrying them, as well as she refuses to be a danger to the people in here. everyone else...anyone she might meet out in the streets on any given day...she could care less about. The people here, and even to some degree Rhiss and Keira, she considers extended family...people she would never, ever, harm in a million years or if her life depended on it. The fact that she nearly did said to her that she needed to rethink her abilities; she doesn't trust herself with them any more

Rizzen: I need to speak with Isis.

Talau: >_> one sec then.....*rummages around in brain.* O.o.....*pulls out the spare locker and climbs in, tossing a few things out every once in a while* ..... <_< ......uh....hmm....*checks dire's chat....then checks the blog....rolls her eyes and reaches back into the depths, pulling Isis out and dropping her into the chat* sheesh you're difficult to find sometimes

Isis: maybe because I didn't want to be found? Why am I here?

Rizzen: Because you need these. *holds out lightsabers*

Isis: I already told you to give them to my father if you didn't wish to hold onto them. I've not changed my mind on that. Now if you'll excuse me *stalks out again*

Talau: *sighs and locks her in*

Isis: *glares a moment, turns and goes to her room instead*

Rizzen: And you'll want to duck. *tackles her down as a salvo of blaster fire streaked by overhead*

Isis: what in the nine hells....?! *slammed face first into the floor by Rizzen and now completely confused*

------------

*and he's suddenly yanked back by an invisible cord, sabers left there as he's dragged back to where he was before, behind Rahja, Spinning, he catches the robes of a dark jedi, pulling him off balance as he slams his knee into his sternum repeatedly before popping out a blade from his gauntlet and slamming it into the man repeatedly before letting him fall down. The rest of the group find themselves backed against the doors to the council chambers by the influx of Sith soldiers that had come up from behind and strafed them. Vex was there now, beside her, kicking her sabers to her hands while his blades deflected the blaster bolts back at their attackers. "Get up, Raelyn."

--------------

Scrambling to her feet, Isis caught her sabers without a second thought and cut herself a path through to the others. The hoard of soldiers hardly a challenge for the large lion-esque Gorran that had sent his mane ablaze and was swiftly thinning out the enemy from behind with Talau and Liyani. Kieran was close by his father, golden blade searing through the cluster of enemies that surrounded him, the strength and speed the force allowed him holding back any who got by his saber and came too close. The interlinking web that Aunna and her children had started between the minds of their allies allowed him to swiftly warn the others before two flashes of light blazed out, once from him and once from Aunna, effectively blinding and stunning the majority of the mob and making them far easier to thin out while they were unable to see their targets. Still Sihara and Aunna worked to heal and bolster their allies.

---------------

The large, grand doors of the Council Chambers were sealed. No doubt they could manage to get through it eventually, but that would pose a problem, given the backup that was no doubt coming. They didn't have the numbers to continue stand toe to toe like this. They'd run out of gas eventually...and then they'd start running out of bodily fluids. The smaller door, however, that looked more likely. Rizzen saw this, hoped his intent was clear to Rahja as he leapt down once more. As he went over the edge of that safety rail, his hand slid along it, a mag clamp attached to it. The monofilament wire spiraled out from the feeder on his belt and controlling his drop as he wound up there behind the Jedi. Unclipping, he began to work on it. He turned back to let the rest know when it opened inward and he was dragged inside.

------------

She only barely caught his glancing about before he moved. Moving with him, she spotted the door soon after. Planting herself before the clamp, she made it her duty to keep anyone from doing anything...stupid...like attempting to cut the wire while he was on it. Glancing back, she saw him turn to let the others know the door was opened when he was pulled inside. Sticking one dagger between her teeth, she grabbed the wire and slid down it, her anger near boiling over and sending up hot warnings to the others interlinked with her. "Go, Larel...take Kieran, I'll be here, but you need to finish this now." Aunna stated, inching closer to Vex and the others, but careful to keep her distance from the door. Kieran had already moved up beside his father, twining the force around both of them to strengthen and protect. Lia set her teeth and flicked another detonator into the crowd, panting slightly as she took the opportunity to reload her blaster then pull her rifle off her back. She'd been saving something for the bastard who caused her son so much grief. After all, lightsabers didn’t block slugs.

-----------

Sev saw the door...saw that they weren't going to be able to fit in to the door there, so that left him and Liyani outside. Another kick booted another soldier into some of his compatriots before strafing the upper decks as more of the soldiers came in. Daryn moved in closer, not wanting to miss a chance to get a lick in on that bastard Vex. Um...the other bastard Vex, not our bastard Vex. He's not really much of a bastard anymore. Don't hurt me? Theron broke his saber into two parts, flipping them around as he launched himself forward into the next wave of the fray...focused on what he could see and not on the door that was opened. Vex took a long look at Aunna, but he understood her reasonings...and their own as well. Nodding, he'd acknowledge Kieran before moving through the door.

Through the door, Vex stood there, waiting. In many ways, he looked exactly like the one that would be coming behind her. The hair was longer and pulled back. His eyes still held that deep black, but shot through with bloody crimson and the features were ashen, not simply pale. As Rahja came through, She'd see him holding Rizzen by his throat on his toes. Rizzen was trying to react, but his movements were jerky and uncontrolled, lacking coordination and any power. When Vex saw her come in, he looked straight at her, the other hand coming up, palm pointed to her as the lightning crackled over it...and then twisted. The full force of the Force Lightning slammed into Rizzen as the dark jedi let go and the Falleen was slid across the ground from the power, his body contorting in agony.

---------------

Aunna gave him a grim smile and a nod in return, along with the lightest caress of her mind against his before moving on to bigger and...better?...things; like surviving. Sihara backed up against the door as well, she wasn't about to let anyone in or out of it that she didn't want going in or out. Between her, Talau, and Aunna the three were, quite literally, a wall of defense. Liyani, could have made it through the door, but....considering the room on the other side was likely small as well, she decided against risking it. That bow swept aside lines of the enemy, her dagger making swift work of those that came on her in the interim, her tail acting as whip to keep her back clear. Leaping up, she caught hold of the upper floor and hoisted herself up and into the masses that were there. Tango, kept in close to Vic, felling anything that got within striking range, or flicking out throwing daggers at those that threatened to come in too fast for her or her partner to get to in time otherwise.

Isis...had all but vanished into the crowd. Every once in a while bursts of flame appeared with deadly updrafts of air, creating columns of fire and followed by blazes of silver and blue as she vented out her frustrations, taking the price in flesh and life. Once in a while screams would be heard, pained and blood chilling as she moved through her enemies with frightening clarity of thought. As the others moved through the door, her form swiftly emerged from the confusion in a swift blast of bodies and body parts as those twin sabers finished their motion around her. --Make sure he pays, dad...if you don't, I will.-- Spotting Theron, she flowed with him to create a wake of destruction.

As Rah reached the other side of the door, she halted, glaring blood and destruction at the man holding Rizzen. She knew what he was doing...she'd known what he was capable of when she'd helped heal him so many years ago, and while, at the time, she'd not imagined he would ever actually do the things he was capable of, she felt the poison rising up in her and wished she'd never saved the bastard...perhaps, in this place, she'd been lucky enough not to have taken part in it. Watching him pump that lightning into Rizzen, she waited....it burned at her to do, but she waited...she wasn't stupid enough to come at THIS man like that...with no help. Only once Vex and Kieran entered would she bother to run to Rizzen and begin to stabilize him.

--------

Vex tilted his head, looking at the two that came in after the Chiss. Smart girl, waiting for backup and chose to aid the other. To reward her, he pulled the disruptor from his belt and pumped a bolt into Rizzen's side...no doubt the only one he'd manage before the Jedi pulled the weapon from his hand. The disruptor bolt tore into the armor, mangling it and tearing through, carving into his side and splattering it along the floor. It might kill the Falleen...it might not...either way, she'd be left occupied for a while.

"This is an interesting turn of events...." His mouth curled up slightly as Vex lead the way for Kieran, sabers coming up to lock up with the others as they flared to life. He was best suited to being able to anticipate this one's attack patterns, for obvious reasons. That would leave Kieran free to find an opening...until the blue streak came out from the side, bloody sabers flashing from either end of a staff as the male Chiss attempted to flank attack the younger Praetor. A face he knew all too well.

--------------

Rah was certainly occupied. It was bad enough with the lightning, but the bolt just topped all. Cursing loudly in cheunh, she worked swiftly to mend the more immediate damage of the new wound that had carved a path through his clothing and armor and into his side. It was a race against time and she needed help, calling Sihara from her post through the web of connections between the force users. With the call for help, Sihara had little choice but to leave the thinning crowd to those outside. That disruptor was, indeed, pulled from...well, Vex's....hand as Kieran came jogging in after his father, the thing slapping solidly into his hand and tossed out the door. The others could have fun with it. As his father moved to strike at his doppelganger, Theron charged him....wait...Theron? A swift shield was brought up to allow Kieran more time to react to the new situation, rounding on the new threat. He really didn't have time for this. In an instant he was doing the one thing he hated doing ever since he'd discovered he could...focusing on the water within the blood and tissue of this dark version of Theron. His aim? Freeze and burst every blood vessel in the man's body, killing him...and even if he didn't get all of the blood frozen, the veins and vessels he DID burst, would aid in a slow and painful death for the attacking chiss.

Lia had come in shortly behind Kieran, and took the opportunity of struggling dark jedi and jedi to take aim at the one she could only assume was the one target she wanted...the long, tied back, hair did it. No way could THEIR Vex do that in the span of 10 seconds. With the two locked, and a clear view, she took the shot without a second thought. They were jedi, if their vex didn't want to die, he'd have enough sense to move if he was in the way.

Talau: (Kieran's an evil, evil, little grey when he has a mind..."fuck you Theron! I don't have time for this!" *freeze blood*)

Vexmun: (Thank the powers that be for Protection)

Talau: (*eyebrow raise*)

-------------

The other Theron faltered as the attack began to work, but he'd drawn on the Force only a heartbeat later, drawing up a shield about himself to ward off further effects. Kieran had managed to burst some minor vessels...but not enough to take him out of fight or slow him down too significantly. He worked to shunt the pain away, using his anger at that to throw out pushes of Force at the man's legs before renewing that assault.

The two Vex's kept moving, sharing area with their proximity as the vicious strikes kept slamming against each other. Like back on Nar Shaddaa...he felt the danger and moved to slip out of the way. The other Vex reached out, killing the blade on his saber...taking the burn along his hip in exchange for being able to grab Vex's robe, slowing his motion just enough that the slug took him in the shoulder and sent him stumbling.

Rizzen, meanwhile, was convulsing...the disruptor having seared and damaged his lung, causing it to collapse. As blood came in, his breathing took on a bubbling tone.

-----------------

The great thing about altering one's environment? Protection skills could only go so far...the cold wasn't coming from OUTSIDE Theron, but INSIDE. Shields and barriers could only do so much, and those all warded against outside attacks. Pushing more energy through that protection, the young man was insistent upon making the chiss cold blooded...permanently...or at least rupture a vessel in his brain...that would work as well. The push, however, had that extra flow of energy faltering as he was forced to vault over the wave of energy and over his enemy's head. Moments before that slug fired, he was acting, those acute senses feeling the danger and allowing him to react more swiftly. The shimmering field allowed the slug to rebound off of it, but leaving him open for the attack from Theron. In another instant he was back on the defense.

Sihara was busy struggling to renew the bonds that held the molecules that created Rizzen, while Rah focused on sealing the injury to his lung and stopping the bleeding before reinflating it....but it was a strain and a struggle, to work so swiftly and completely. She didn't have a choice however.

Outside, the forces were thinning...barely. Energy was waning, however, and things were looking a bit more grim. Zarrish was covered in gore by this time, bodies strewn about him and left in broken and charred heaps behind Isis and a mounting pile before Talau and Aunna as well as on the floor above where Liyani was mowing down her own enemies.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Victor had his pistols firing at speed, the weapons letting out a steady stream of rounds that sounded as though it was the steady fire of an assault rifle. He tracked the barrel of his pistols, the triggers being stroked on instinct when a target showed up in front of it. The motions were as natural for him as breathing, the head moving back and forth, responding to things seen in his peripheral and even that which was unseen, acceding to that combat instinct. Where he fired, death followed. He was a Merchant of Death...and business was good. Unfortunately...stock was running out. He'd carried a double load of ammunition for this trip, but they were simply dealing with too many targets. He already knew he was on his last magazines, the back of his nape tingling in a warning. Two more shots from each weapon and then the slides locked back. He was already dropping them, sliding them back into the holsters and ducking. A sliding step forward allowed him to scoop up a blaster carbine from one of his fallen foes. Stabilized there on his knee, the carbine was seated to his shoulder as he began firing. The shots were incrementally slower...fractions of a second that most wouldn't realize. He was still lethal...but with the sheer amount of opposition....he was concerned that he wasn't going to be lethal enough.

Sev caught a blaster bolt in the side and it sent him down to a knee before he gritted his teeth and shot back, taking down his attacker. The wound wasn't lethal, but it burned like fire and it slowed him as he kept firing, pushing himself back up.

Daryn had his pistol firing rapidly, the blue stun blasts taking out their fair share of enemies as he kept moving around. He went to move towards the door that Lia had gone through when he heard a searing whistle. The rocket impacted to the side of the door, taking out a chunk of the wall and sending shrapnel everywhere. Daryn tried to duck, but even he wasn't fast enough to dodge all of it as he got peppered and a particularly large piece glanced off his temple, sending him to the ground.

Rizzen's breathing was easing...the work they were doing was helping. He was stabilizing. He reached up, gripping Rahja's arm. Blood still slicked his lips, but he managed to speak. "I'll...I'll live now. Help finish this. Doesn't matter if I live if this isn't finished."

Theron had been an angel of destruction every bit as deadly as Isis, Talau, and the feline had been. He was bolstering himself with the Force, but like with the others, he was starting to strain. He finished dispatching the latest enemy before he looked back, seeing the state of everyone else. They were reaching their limit...even he could see that. "We need to pull back...get into the chambers. They'll be bottle-necked and we can regroup."

Vex stumbled, but thanks to his son's quick action, the shot missed him, ricocheted away. He gained his balance, twisting and lashing out with a blast of lightning against his dark counterpart. The other Vex held out his hand, however, returning the blast with his own. In that close proximity, the lightning arced into each other and exploded, sending both of them flying away and tumbling to slide across the ground. Both were still for a moment...and neither's hair was tied any more.

The other Theron used that chance...the moment of vulnerability from Kieran, to throw out a silver saber, arcing it toward him while he was occupied before he succumbed further to the damage that Kieran had caused, dropping to a knee.

-----

Tango was...bloody. Luckily most of that blood wasn't her own, but there were just some things even she couldn't avoid, things that slowed her down. Bruises were beginning to show on her beneath her suit and along her face, places of that light armor had been torn through or sliced clean by blaster bolts or barely avoided lightsabers, It was a hazard of being a close range fighter, receiving injuries that Victor was able to avoid more easily. What had done the most damage to her, what slowed her the most, had been a lucky kick to the side, just below the ribs, leaving her with an internal pain she had to fight through. The man had died shortly after, but it didn't undo what had been done.

Above them, Liyani was slowly being cornered and worn down. That azure skin was marked with grazes from blasters and scored with burns from the dark jedi that had come to bolster the forces and take down the giant cat. One ear stuck flat to her head, burning and stinging still from the bolt that had taken a portion of the side of it off while she attempted to keep from getting the injury full in the face.

Lia had heard the blast from inside the chambers, turning her attention away just long enough to see the shower of shrapnel outside while she slung her rifle over her shoulder and retrieved her slug pistol. She couldn't see exactly what had happened, but she prayed Daryn was alright. Taking the moment that Theron threw one of his sabers at Kieran to sweep through and drop an explosive at his feet with one hand, the other tracked the chiss, ready to do more damage with that handgun.

Rizzen may as well have been speaking to Rah from a different dimension. Even as he pulled her attention back to the present, that sight was blurred and her dimming at the edges as she struggled to keep herself awake. Vaguely she knew he was saying something to her, but her mind simply couldn't grasp the meaning of the words. Sihara, more accustom to healing and using the force understood and nodded vaguely as she finished what she was doing before pressing the meaning to Rah and gaining her footing, that lavender saber burning to life. Rah attempted to follow, beginning to push herself up, only to have her vision darken and fall heavily on the stone floor.

Kieran had been left open to this Theron's attack, the warnings through the force only reaching him soon enough to have him see what was happening and attempt to move out of the way. That silver saber slicing along his shoulder and upper back as he moved and very nearly sending the young man to the floor as well.

Isis barely heard Theron's words as he spoke them. She didn't need to be told twice, she was already beginning to worry about what was going on within. It didn't take her long to move within the chambers, passing Talau and her mother to see what lay beyond. What she found had her blood nearly boiling. Following the feeling of Kieran's displaced presence she came up beside her father, glancing down to be sure he truly had the necklace created for him before allowing one hand to crackle with dangerous lightning, intent on frying the other's systems. She was not above killing a downed enemy.

Talau followed Theron and Isis through the door, Zarrish choosing to help the blue cat-people rather than follow his friend. He would be more use out here than in there anyway. Aunna, however, had noticed Daryn's presence fade from the netting she'd woven between her friends and family during the explosion. It took her several moments to find him, but find him she did, moving to help the man. That's when it hit her...something dangerously familiar and highly unpleasant.

----

Rizzen managed to drag Rahja closer after she slumped down. He was hardly in a shape to protect her, but he would nonetheless as he nodded to Sihara to get her to go. They weren't important. He managed to push himself back against the nearest wall, bringing her with him even though it strained that damaged side. With a blaster in hand, he could only wait for something to get close...not trusting his marksmanship in this state. As it was, he was fighting to keep the room from dimming around his vision too.

Daryn was bleeding and unconscious...it was hard to tell what had gotten through that lightly armored jacket. He was not dead, but he was not well-off either.

Sev moved back, working with Zarrish and Liyani to help with the retreat, the newest wound just the nail head on what he had already felt. As he fired on a new fire-team entering in, he felt blistering pain. Magnetically accelerated rounds took him clean through two kneecaps and each shoulder, making him cry out and drop in agony.

The new and deadly fire tracked to the left, Victor managing to tackle Tango just in time as the bullet grazed his shoulder instead of catching her on the throat. Hitting the ground, he curled against the pain, ignoring it as he strafed the direction the shots had come in, seeing a soul ducking behind the protection of a pillar.

Theron moved in through those doors, zeroing in on his doppelganger with surprise. The other used the Force to help him dive away as that explosion went off, peppering him with shrapnel and adding to his wounds as he stumbled down, tumbling in front of Sihara.

Vex pushed himself to his feet, his robes smoldering. The lights on his system blinked erratically...the electrical discharge having damaged it. He saw Isis there next to him before seeing the other getting to his feet as well. That Vex pulled off his mask, the expression there a reaper's grin. "It's about time you came for the party. Your host was beginning to fear that you would never come." Gesturing, he hit a control on his belt, letting something drop down from the ceiling of the chamber. Dangling there was Aeron, stripped to nothing and strapped to a cross-member of durasteel like a cross. Blood dripped from his wrists and ankles where the metal cord about them cut into his flesh. Locking pins had been driven through his palms and the balls of his feet. His body was a coat of gore...layers of flesh having been methodically stripped from him in even strips until the muscle below had been bared. His face was a mask...a caricature of those Destrell/Phelan features, barely recognizable. As the contraption jerked there at the bottom of its descent, he let out a barely audible, pitiful moan.

------

The warning from Aunna as she felt that new presence, then saw with her own eyes who it really was, had her daughter in the other room stopping...a flicker of confusion pulsing through the rage she felt as she finally saw the state of Aeron. That mind worked swiftly to piece together just what was happening even as she stepped away from her father, acting on instinct more than thought. Another one of her? Another one of Theron? She weighed her options in the short time it took for the 'cross' to lower. "Funny...I thought I was already part of the party, Father?" She allowed a wicked little smirk to form on her face as she rounded on her true father, eying the blinking and damaged systems. Blue eyes bayed him remain silent on the matter, or else. It was a risk she was taking already. That sapphire saber ignited as she brought it to bear toward her father. Oh yes, the one who had done so much damage to Aeron would pay...but not yet. "I thought you had things under control here? Certainly THIS one isn't THAT formidable? 'He's soft' I thought you said?"

Outside, another sapphire saber burned to life, followed by silver, as the young woman faced down the woman she'd never known. Confusion ran rampant through the young woman as she watched her 'mother' stand and bring her pike around. It couldn't be...surely she was dead? Did her father know she was alive?! No...this Aunna was one of them...no way would her father ever be with some one so...so...THIS. Jedi, perhaps? The woman was certainly not dark. A sudden fury built up in her at the injustice of this woman to claim to be her mother in any realm while she had none! In a blur of motion that identical version of Isis lashed out with both sabers to strike the woman down.

Sihara was surprised (to say the least) as Theron all but fell in a heap at her feet as the explosion went off and caused her to wince from the sudden pressure against her montral and shield her face with an arm and a thin shield of the force to keep the shrapnel from injuring her. Feeling another 'Theron' presence enter the room, she glanced up and was yet again startled to see Theron.

[A®heim]

On an EXTREMELY late note, all the bad guys Batman incarcerates eventually break out (often in large detonations of municipal property) again to terrorize the city.

James Bond kills all his bad guys. Also he's often saving the world instead of a city.





Also he's better with the ladies.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Some....amusing pictures I've discovered today:

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((link to the song that helped inspire this post: www.youtube.com/watch?v=igYSL5osIZM ))

Aunna had been feeling it since Vex had returned, but today was the heaviest…the air, the force, almost stifling. She’d tried to get him to talk about it, whatever ‘it’ was. Yes, Ean and his goons having gotten hold of her hadn’t been the best news for him to return to, but at least she’d managed to escape from the trouble with Eressea’s help…and from what she’d gathered, his trip into the temple with Kellick had been fruitful (if dangerous). She hadn’t understood, then, what had been wrong.

Until now.



There was a…a sort of heaviness…that swirled about the Consul as it rested (seemingly peacefully) on its struts on the small landing platform.

”Vex...I…”

Speechless…

Not a thing came to mind…no, that wasn’t true. Too much came to mind; so much, in fact, that the woman couldn’t seem to piece anything coherent together. The whole conversation, all of the questioning and trying to wrangle some other reason, some other answer, from him up to this very point had finally left her speechless.

That was how stunned she was.

Her own words rang in her ears once again, words she didn’t believe she’d ever hear again: ’Next time, Vex…lie to me…lie to me and keep lying…Next time just lie…or kill me.’

Blue eyes seemed to darken to a blue like the depths of the ocean. The ‘or kill me’ option was looking pretty favorable right now. It would certainly stop the painful void that seemed to be spreading through her emotions like poison. Stubbornly she tried to ignore it.

’Did I bring this on myself? It’s too late to go back now, you can’t take back what you’ve said…you can’t make the doubt go away…not easily…But he did. He did make the doubt vanish, didn’t he?’ The words ran echoed through her mind like she’d spoken them yesterday. Could it have all been an act? ’I suppose I really did set myself up for this, didn’t I?’ She closed her eyes tightly and turned her face away slightly, trying to find a reason…a better reason…to his leaving than what he was giving her. Unbidden, old demons reared their heads once again from that old wound as it started bleeding once more. Vaguely some part of her noted that the stupid thing had nearly been healed over by the very man who was now tearing it open once again.

A few hot tears escaped from under her lashes…and she hated herself for them.

’I couldn’t have been so wrong…not again…not this time. Could I?’

A part of her mind reminded herself that she’d helped negotiate getting him what he’d wanted most for what had been a very long time. That same, cold, voice of pseudo-logic also told her she must have been a good way to warm a bed and satisfy a few urges for the jedi-turned-dark, and now that he’d had enough of both, she was useless to him. He’d held up his end of their bargain and gotten her out of the fire…gotten her off of Coruscant, and helped her through the most difficult time immediately after her assisted escape from death. They owed each other nothing now. Still, some part of her refused to believe it, refused to believe his words…to believe that he had simply been acting, been lying…like she’d told him to do.

Finally she opened her eyes, looking up at him again. Oh but it was painful to look at him and her eyes shimmered with new tears, though she fought them back. For a long moment she attempted to search him for something, anything…any hint that there was something at work there behind those eyes beside what he was saying, but those black eyes told no tales, his face was a passive leonine sculpture of ebony, alabaster, and machinery. The muscles of her jaw hardened and she locked herself up in her tower of stubborn pride, her chin lifting just slightly.

”I see.”

She didn’t want to, though.

”So this is really goodbye, then.” The struggle for control over her own emotions was obvious on her face, though she tried to hide it, to minimize it. After another escaped tear, and a breath, she managed it, blinking back the rest of the flood. ”I hope you find what you’re looking for, Vex…that healing you desire…I really do.” Well, part of her did, anyway…the other part hoped he’d spend eternity searching and never find it. ”Though, I’d hoped you would at least…help train me more appropriately, but…”

Her eyes told what she’d really hoped for, and it wasn’t simple training. Aunna knew now, after so long, that she really had fallen in love with the man standing before her. For a moment she attempted to entertain the thought of being alone again, testing it, and she found herself struggling to control herself once more. ’Guerfel Corellisi…what did you expect; ‘Aanor ishiia zals’? How foolish of me to keep holding on to silly childish notions like that.’ Yes, perhaps she had finally started believing in love again with him…that perhaps love really could conquer all…but here he was, the very man she could see herself staying with for the rest of her life and he was tearing her apart.

”…But I suppose that wasn’t meant to be.”

She sighed heavily and shook her head, her eyes closing for just a moment before looking back up at him again.

”You may not have loved me but…”

Her voice failed and she leaned against the small galley’s table with one arm as she bit back the urge to dissolve into tears fully. Aunna refused to look so pathetic, to give him the satisfaction of seeing her cry like that. Admittedly, she wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around him and cry until she couldn’t any more…or better yet, wake from this horrible dream and have him assure her that everything would be alright, but she couldn’t allow herself to do that, and she wouldn’t be waking from this to something better. No, he wasn’t her pillar any more…he’d made that clear…so she was going to fight tooth and claw to keep him from seeing her at her absolute weakest. Maybe there wasn’t a point to it (after all, what were the chances he didn’t know how badly she was hurting right now?), but it was a matter of pride and principle now. It only took a few moments for her to gather herself enough once more, though she didn’t look him in the eyes again, her own focused on some point on his shoulder instead.

”…but I love you, Vex Praetor. Foolish as that may have been, it’s the truth…and I'm not sorry for it.

You’re tearing me apart, but I don’t hate you for it...I...I can't.

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me, and I hope that……….that something, anything, I’ve said or done has had some lasting, positive, effect on your life…”

She sighed, feeling dead inside…for a second time, part of her wishing she could at least hate him like she'd hated Andrew.

Maybe then it would have been easier...

”I…just wish it didn’t have to be this way…that you weren’t leaving.”

For a moment she listened to the force, the echoes of music around them…strains she could hear, but couldn’t yet make sense of. Before she even realized what she was doing, she was pulling the chain from around her neck and removing her badge, medal, and the feather Ayer had given her, leaving only the single angel wing that was permanently attached to the chain. One of them was missing, she’d lost it somewhere along the way, and who knew where it was now…but the sentiment behind the necklace was still there; a gift from one of her school friends who had wanted to give her a bit of guidance and protection. After pocketing the other items she looked at it thoughtfully for a moment before looking up at him fully with another sigh.

”You need this more than I do. Scoff if you like, be rid of it as soon as you’re out of sight of me if you wish, but take it.” Holding it out, she hoped he’d take it…if only to shut her up, if that’s how he chose to see it, or at the very best to show he had enough heart left to ease some of the pain this was causing her. Managing a pathetic, hollow sounding, chuckle she spoke again. ”It’s only worth half of what it was, I suppose…guidance or protection, take your pick. I never cared to ponder which wing was which since the day it was given to me.” A poor attempt at humor, certainly, but an attempt none the less. Though, in reality it too was simply another cover for her troubled emotions and thoughts, as evidenced by her next words and the tone behind them. ”Maybe it’ll do you some good…” More than it has me, hopefully.

Assuming he took the necklace (for whatever reason he might have to do so), she’d shake her head slightly, pick up the datapad she’d been reading, as well as her glasses, and move past him, attempting to make as little physical contact as possible in the small space as she headed for the cockpit. Pausing part way, she turned to look at him again. ”I'm sure you understand this already, but just to be safe; I'm going to keep the Consul.” Why? Why did this have to happen? Why should she even be saying something like that?! Blue eyes took him in and she pressed back the memories, good and bad, old and new, in an attempt to keep herself numb…dead. ’…the ‘kill me’ option is still looking very appealing since the ‘keep lying’ part hasn’t worked out so well.’ Running a hand through her hair, she sighed.

…It was time to say goodbye…

”Mahn uhl Fharth bey ihn valle, Min Larel…ol’val.”

May the Force be with you, my love...goodbye.

Glancing down the corridor with the crew bunks, the direction Eressea had vanished off to, Aunna called out to her familiar. ”Eres, come on…we have work to do.” Moments later the reptilian form of REA-13 would appear around the doorframe with red and blue tinted wings. Yes, she’d been listening, though she wasn’t about to say a word on the topic to either human. Instead, she clambered along the wall until she could reach Aunna’s shoulder and perch herself there, a bit more of that sympathetic blue seeping into her half-dragonfly half-wasp like wings.

”Alright.”

It sounded more like ‘I'm still here for you.’

”Tell me when you leave, Vex.”

With that she would vanish into the cockpit to try and drown herself in a sea of planets…

…there had to be somewhere to go that wasn’t Republic, Jedi, Sith, Empire (because there was a difference now), Hutt or Mandalorian controlled that would suit her needs…

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((RAM: Random Act of Muse.....Sam style))

…Lost…

Grey eyes searched the wilderness around her but the woman couldn’t tell where she was…or even how she’d gotten there. Okay, so survival mode kicked in from her army days as she backed up against a tree and checked to see what she had on her.

Comm…dead.
Blaster…no charge.
Flashbangs…gone.
Boot knife…MIA.

”Sonuva…”

Never…she never went ANYWHERE without at least a boot knife! It was suicide to…her thoughts immediately switched to what ELSE she might not have of the things she SHOULD have.

Belt med-kit…
Ration capsules…
Grappling hook…
Her pilot survival kit…

…All missing…

”This can’t be happening.”

Groaning, she sank back against the tree, one hand pressed to her forehead as she tried desperately to remember how she’d gotten to wherever she was, or why she might be there. Something crashing in the not so distant distance had her up once again and moving. No other choice…no other choice but to keep moving. If you keep moving you can either outrun it, outsmart it, or at least find a decent hiding place and pray to the Goddess that whatever IT is…IT doesn’t find you.

Dense flora of the surrounding jungle crossed her path at every turn, hindering her progress. The speed with which she ran had her paying less attention to where she was going than the constant thrashing and rampaging sound of whatever it was that followed her. Any hope she had of gaining her bearings was swept away in the tide of greens and browns that she darted through in an attempt to get to someplace relatively safe from the unknown terror that was charging after her.

Running…running was good. Of course, the blond preferred not to have to run from anything. Speaking of preferring not to run…she was forced to stop. Skidding to a stop, a yelp escaped her as she looked over the edge of the cliff she had come to. Whatever it was tearing through the undergrowth of the jungle behind her it was getting closer and she was running out of options. Peering over the edge of the cliff she saw nothing but jagged rocks and glistening crystals, to her right was a thick tangle of vines and thorny branches (if she’d only had her knife she might have made it through that), to the left the land curved and fell off into a continuation of the sheer drop before her. Maybe…maybe she could get around the creature behind her by going that way…or maybe…maybe she could sneak into that twisted bunch of brambles and vines and keep safe that way.

She doubted it since she could see the trees falling now…crashing down from being pushed over or uprooted. If those large trees fell victim, what protection would vines and brambles be? Peering back over the edge she faltered, fear gnawing at her until she groaned softly. That horrible sound of utter destruction rose up to a near deafening volume behind her and she whipped around, as if in slow motion, to see the mechanical construction that was bursting through the trees after her.

The shower of dirt and splintered wood and leaves that peppered her as the construct finally cleared the edge of the jungle had her shielding her face with an arm and stepping back a pace, the heel of her boot meeting nothing but air and crumbling rock. Glancing back over her shoulder, she knew immediately that she shouldn’t have…it only made things worse.

“We’re here for you Samantha Zaftig…come quietly.”

The voice echoed out from the construct…a voice she knew she recognized but couldn’t place. Looking back toward the armed and armored vehicle of destruction, she tried to get a good view of the decal on the side of it. Who was it from?! She couldn’t tell…one moment it looked Republic, the next Sith, but it made no sense why the Sith would want her! The hatch at the top of the thing squealed, and protested with a groan as it swung open and from it appeared the visage of Colonel Vinay. Dismayed, terrified, and furious in turns, she shouted at him angrily about the injustice of all of this.

“No, this is not injustice, Samantha! Injustice is being left behind to die! Injustice is being forgotten after having supposedly given your life to protect the people you hold dear! Injustice is seeing the one you love falling for one of your best friends! Injustice is THIS!”

Like a rubber mask, Vinay’s head was pealed off to expose the face of Brathos as he stepped out onto the top of the construct in full Sith military uniform. Half of his face appeared normal, while the other half was far more machine than man…a grotesque caricature of the man he had once been. The sight not only mortified her, but had her struggling not to dissolve into tears. She tried to speak to him, but with a motion to whatever others had been inside the construct with him, the construct powered up with a sound like distant jet engines. The roar steadily built and she was certain (as was Brathos, it seemed, by his horrifyingly digitized laughter) that she was going to die.

--Sam…how much do ye trust meh?--

Sev…the accent, the tone, the sound said it all but…it was in her mind. Baffled and frightened she could only shake her head and clasp her hands together, arms pressed in near her chest and head bowed as if praying.

--Sam…Ah know ye’re scared, but Ah need tae know…how much do ye trust meh?--

--Goddess, Sev…I trust you with my life, but what does it matter now? I don’t even know where I am, never mind being able to tell you how to get here!--

--Ye dinnae need tae, lass…all ye need tae know es that Ah’ll catch ye. Now jump!--

Her eyes snapped open to the sight of charged weapons coming to bear on her.

--WHAT?!--

--JUMP, LASS!--

Turning, she flung herself off the edge of the cliff to the sound of roaring engines below her and weapons fire behind her. For a long moment she felt herself suspended in mid-air before a blur of green filled her sight, followed by the uncomfortable slam into material and metal. Groaning, she attempted to untangle herself from her awkward position as something snapped shut above her.

“Ah told ye Ah’d catch ye, lass…”



Waking with a start, Sam blinked around her small room…half of her on the floor and tangled in blankets. After a moment of untangling herself once again, she’d curl up on her bed once more and stare blankly at her datapad, debating on sending that dream to Sev post haste. Sighing, she shook her head and turned over.

No…he was likely either busy or sleeping.
She could tell him later, maybe.

”Yeah, Sev…you did say you’d catch me, didn’t you?”

Chuckling softly to herself, she tried to get some more sleep…she had work in a few hours, after all, and in a place like this she needed to be on top of things, perhaps most especially, getting her life back together.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

((because I didn’t know and so have found that I’ve been making quite a few verbal blunders: Flight (3-6) < squadron (12-24) < group (at least two squadrons) < wing (two or more groups) … link, link, link, link, and link

F-22 Engine Start/Flight Test ref. link

"Museic": Bulletproof heart and (mostly) Are You Ready))

---

The sights, the sounds, the excitement…

It was one of the annual flight shows that Corellian pilots of all sorts flocked to.

Races, skill tests, formation flying…

It was more than just your regular military air show, it was something for anyone and everyone in good standing to enter if they wished. Of course, many of the people who came did so to watch the festivities from the ground, anxiously awaiting the time that the military’s fighter pilots took the stage on the last day. It was a Corellian playground of all makes and models of ships come to rest here and there along the vast open fields around the airstrip and the stands and vendors that had been set up for this four day frolic of feisty flyers. It was something that Sam had only encountered twice in her life…once as a child with her father and brother as a sort of birthday present to both children, and once last year as the newest member of the sixth flight but still too ‘young’ to the Seventh squadron (and the Seventh Group) as a whole to take part in their demonstration. She’d had to settle for simple Firehawk maneuvers demonstrations and field help since they were the ones assigned to help work the thing.

Not this year…

While still having to help make sure the thing ran smoothly the Sevens hadn’t been called to help run it outright, the task falling to a few of the naval squadrons. Between that and the fact that she wasn’t exactly new any longer, Sam had been given the green to join her flight in their formation flight and demonstration. This news made the already effervescent blond twice as lively as normal, and it only intensified as the days went on. On the ground she was worse than a child with a sugar high at points, and in the air…well, in the air she vacillated swiftly between talkative as Archer and as silent and focused as Hunter. Why the leap so large it could almost be considered bipolar? If she was idle or on routine sweeps, she had time to think over just what was coming up and the excitement that bubbled up from that knowledge had a tendency to bubble out after a certain point. However, when it came down to detailing, understanding, and practicing the maneuvers she was honed in as tightly as any guided missile.

Now, here they were…

The day was crisp and clear, early spring making the temperature and weather something very near to perfect. Not a cloud in sight, only the lightest kiss of early morning air currents, and the time of day meant that it was cool but not cold, warm but not too warm. The birds had been shooed away, the dew was still on the grass, the stands were filling rapidly, the scents of Corellian treats of all kinds were wafting through the air with thin columns of cooking smoke…it was the beginning of what she was sure was going to be a perfect day. Here and there the navy men were bustling about getting the strip prepared and the hangar with the Hawks opened. In the distance she could see a few late comers approaching low and slow or already in the midst of landing their ships and speeders to try and get last minute seats that would be semi-decent.

The excitement was palpable…

Standing (term used loosely) near the corner of the Hawk’s hangar, a blond woman outfitted in an olive drab flight suit and brown leather bomber jacket watched all of this, taking it in like a sponge. Helmet held in one hand, she waited as patiently as possible for the rest of her flight to hurry and show up. Okay so she was a little early. Her headset crackled to life suddenly and she nearly jumped at the sound of Brathos’ voice.

“Change of plans bomber chick, we’re meeting for PT warm up at the end of the strip past hangar 10.”

Sighing heavily she flicked her com on.

”PT? Really? Ugh…fine, give me a few to get down there.”

Without wasting another moment she turned and hustled down to hangar 10, coming around the corner to see the lot of them gathered there. Frowning a bit, she took her place in the line that had formed naturally before Sev. Once she was there the PT began. It wasn’t unusual, per se, but it wasn’t something she’d wanted to go through either…who in their right mind wanted to do warm up PT before a flight?! Well…maybe Brathos and Hunter. Hunter she couldn’t quite tell, but Brathos she knew for a fact enjoyed PT, crazy Lorrdian. She took some comfort in the fact that the air was sweet and clear and made her lungs and entire body enjoy every breath. Luckily, since it was only supposed to be a warm up, only fifteen minutes was spent on the stuff before they were up again, the (semi-surprisingly) energizing bit of exercise only had her more awake and bouncy than before. Hunter seemed to have noticed, dropping a hand on her shoulder and shaking his head slightly. It confused her for a moment before she caught some of the amusement in his eyes and the barest upturn in the corners of his mouth. Still, it was a gentle warning not to get too excited…but how could she not?!

“Alrigh’ lads an’ lass…le’s get tae th’ Hawks.”

Now that had her grinning as she finally unzipped her jacket and picked her helmet up off the ground in front of her as Sev took the lead. Each of them took up position behind him naturally, Brathos and Hunter close behind him to the right and left, Archer and herself bringing up the rear swiftly. As they walked she could all but feel the excitement around their small group. Maybe she was superimposing her emotions on the others, but the only ones she felt might actually not be as excited as herself were Hunter and Sev…but even they seemed to have a sort of proud bounce to their step. She noticed Sev take a quick glance as his chrono before getting them to hustle up, the group breaking into a swift trot up the long runway to hangar 4 where their birds awaited them silent and proud outside.

“Nice of them to taxi us out without having to start up,” Archer quipped, half serious and half sarcastic. “We aren’t even late yet.”

“Well we’ve got to live with it now, and hope they’re in order.”

“If no’ we adjust. Thus es why we practiced oth’r formations…en case o’ idiot navy men.”

Hunter simply huffed.

Sam, however, wasn’t about to be down or upset over a little change in plans. ”Oh come on fellas! This is gonna be too much fun ta be all sore over somethin’ like this!” That earned a few chuckles, especially as they slowed to a walk at the front of the hawks, each person taking up position beside their bird. Each ran their own external checks immediately, hands running over wings, gears, weapons, climbing up and opening cockpit canopies…Sam in particular, pulling off her jacket and hanging it over the back of the seat carefully so it would be held on when she put the harness on later. Hopping down from the wing again, she’d stand beside her Hawk, beaming a silly grin that had Sev shaking his head when he came to stand before them, his voice rising up to be heard over the distance and the crowd.

“Alrigh’ lads an’ lass…Thus es our time tae shine as Sev’ns, an’ et’s our time tae let the Hawks shine! Le’s show ‘em what et means tae be a Lucky Sev’n! Le’s give ‘em a show they won’ soon forget! Mount up!”

A collective “Sir, yes Sir!” was barked back at him as one of the navy men came hustling up to the flight, shouting something about time. Sam didn’t care what he said, she was tucking the last strands of hair up into her helmet before clipping it on and checking her com set. With a soft crackle her com linked in, the soft breathing and movements of the others catching her ears as she hopped up onto the rich green wing of her Hawk and climbed into the cockpit, snapping her harness around herself and into the clips for it. The covering for her sun visor was pealed away and slipped into a small compartment with one hand, the other gloved hand wiping across to be sure it was clear before pressing it down. Out of seemingly nowhere their flight crew ‘materialized’ out of the hangar, two for every Hawk. Nodding to the lead, she gave a sharp thumbs up, watching him for the return signal. Once she had it her hands swiftly went through the power up sequence, the engine intakes whistling sharply as grey eyes flickered between what she was doing and watching Sev deal with the navy enlisted before climbing up and into his own fighter, calling for a sound-off in the process. Once again there was no delay in their reaction, each Flight member calling out their call sign readily…eagerly.

As the engines warmed up into their typical howl, she watched the signals of her coordinator, closing up the chassis panels of the Hawk and covering its inner workings. None of them (except perhaps Sev) could tell from their position, but they certainly had the crowd’s attention, their chatter dieing away at the initial scream and then howl of the Firehawk’s engines. Personally, Samantha was too focused on her coordinators. The next motion of his hands and her hands danced across the controls, her surface flaps dancing in a practiced routine, making the sun glint off of the “Corellian Green” panels. Before her and beside her four other Hawks danced the same routine, dazzling a crowd that was so used to star fighters they hadn’t expected the complexity of the Hawk’s “routine checks”…even a few of the navy men able to watch while performing their duties were held in a measure of awe.

Another signal and she worked the more subtle gears and airbrakes as the second working with her coordinator checked the panels of the undercarriage and landing gears. Her eyes swept the readouts…green across the board. She gave a nod and a signal in return before checking the flaps again, then moving to the VTOL systems. She gave another green to her deck hand and he nodded in return, standing stock still as she tested the engine’s power outputs, clipped on her O2 mask and gave a nod with a thumbs up. Holding the brakes, she waited for the blocks to be removed. Last check signal and she pushed the engine output slightly before breaking, testing the movement. All green. One front block was replaced as half the ground crew trotted swiftly out of the way and final checks were made, the other half of the ground crew prepared to pull the blocks and scramble for safety.

That’s exactly what they did as five jet powered, wrath bringing, dogfight dominating Hawks screamed and howled as they started forward down the runway.

The sun-bleached tarmac passed swiftly below as they gathered speed, hurtling toward the bleachers set up along the side of the runway and packed full of spectators that were as enthralled by the swiftly blurring fighters as they might be by any rock star. It didn’t matter though, the powerful feel of the engine behind her, the swiftly growing feel of gravity and speed pressing her back into her seat, the call of the sky and her Flight partners were all she needed…all she cared about. A stifled laugh from Archer, a soft huff from Hunter and a mild chuckle from Brathos (both directed at Archer), and another short huff that could only be Sev since he seemed to be the only one that could manage to be both amused and annoyed by Archer at the same time…it was funny how she was starting to be able to pick them out that way over the comm. At the same time, it was extremely awesome.

…At least, it was to her.

The crowd held its collective breath as they swept past in a tidal wave of sound and jet wash, a few of the more vociferous fans shouting, hollering or outright screaming their Corellian brains out.

It was good day to be a pilot.

Watching the glistening bulks of Brathos and Sev's Hawks rise up in front of her, she followed in short order, feeling the wash of Brathos' Hawk batter against her own for a moment as the Gs settled in on her, dropping her stomach pleasantly...a grin plastered firmly on her face.

"God I love this job!"

That earned a laugh or two, forced past the shifting forces as they climbed steeply into the cloudless sky. She couldn’t see them, but she knew there were more smiles out there among her playmates than just her own. This thinking was only solidified by Sev’s voice coming in strong and proud across the com…

“Aye, let’s show ‘em how much we love et. Form up an let ‘em roar.”

…like music to her ears.

“Frell yeah!”

The resounding and intense silence that broke across the com as they slid into position could only echo Archer’s vocalized excitement and prove that they were all in the same mindset as five distinct sets of engines did just as commanded…

Roar.

Throttle full open they all hurtled after their leader like green comets, banking over the crowd as they craned their necks and shielded their eyes to watch the five-man flight sweep upward in their tight Delta. The Hawk shuddered lightly around her as they climbed up, the lift provided by Brathos’ draft helping ease the strain on her systems. A movement of the tail rudders of Sev’s Hawk and a shift in the wings and the formation pulled around aiming for the ground again. With a fineness she was still learning, Sam huddled up in the niche between Brathos’ tail and wing as they came around, the formation tightening into an arrow as they planned to shock and awe the onlookers who were already gasping at the thought that such an archaic sort of machine could withstand so much.

They didn’t realize they were about to be bowled over…until they practically were.

Like the thundering machines of war (and symbols of freedom, to their pilots) they were, the Hawks swooped in low, booming over the stands and forcing the crowd to duck and shout a collective “WOAH!” out of instinct as the hefty wind that followed the fighters sent hair and clothing and anything not bolted down and heavy as an adult human to go flying (or stumbling). It earned a boisterous laugh from Sam as she glanced back at the recovering fans who were now shouting their heads off for completely different reasons than fear or anger.

…No, they wanted more...

…and the Sixth Flight was more than happy to give them just what they wanted.

“Stack up an’ shift places oan my mark…”

Coming down along the runway the same way they’d started, Sev gave the word and the form shifted, stacking up on height as each member moved into place like a well oiled machine…

“Holy fffffaaaarginnnnng---….”

It sure as hells wasn’t an easy maneuver with how little space they allowed themselves, Archer sweeping the deck and sweating bullets over it. Flattening back into the formation, those previously on the right now held positions on the left and vice versa. Stacking again, it was Sam’s turn to sweat as she pulled her Hawk so close to the ground she swore she was gonna belly slide. The Hawk jittered as the draft from the others above her put stress on not only the fighter, but her, some strained sound working its way out of her.

Half a moment…

Half a moment of excruciating stress and Sev called for the new wave of the stunt to begin, the chatter breaking out as they communicated distances and warnings. Slowing her speed, Sam was glad to be out from underneath the others as they angled out ahead of her in an upward diagonal. Precision flying came next…and a lot of it…as the five-man flight shifted the diagonal, Sam going from bottom-last to top-last.

Were they done yet?

No way.

They were rock stars and they were hell bent on not only captivating their audience, but leaving an impression that would aid in crippling the notion that jet fighters were obsolete. They were precision fliers, they were good, they could spank the competition in their Naval brothers-in-arms, and they were going to do it until they cried.

With a push of the throttle, she gained speed again, the diagonal following her to stack as Sev kept a strong center line. Not the most exhilarating position, but the most important. If he strayed up or down, to one side or the other, sped up or slowed down, things could go very wrong and he wouldn’t allow that. He would take the ‘boring’ job and be the steady heartbeat, the steady drumbeat, of this all-star group. They performed admirably as the stacked fighters angled out again, Sam taking the lead at the top before dropping down and allowing the potentially dangerous pinwheel effect to continue until they had completed a full rotation.

Precision fliers…that’s what the Sevens were.

…Especially Sixth Flight…

The stunt had gone without a hitch, but it had taken a years worth of practice crammed into two months to pull it off.

The people ate it up.

”Bet you never saw the navy do that!!”

Pride…

Pride in her Hawk, pride in her Flight, pride in herself for actually helping pull it off.

“I expect people to want my autograph after that! If they don’t I’m going to be extremely depressed.”

”Archer, can I have your autograph?!”

“Alright you two, we’ve got to seal the deal…banter later.”

”Right-o Lorrd!”

A chuckle sounded from Sev’s com, most likely thankful that he hadn’t had to stop the two of them. Or maybe he was just amused? Perhaps thankful they’d made it through that stunt without any damage or mishaps…but most likely a bit of all three.

“Alrigh’ le’s show ‘em our weapon’s are nae just fer looks! Check yer safeties an’ scramble up!”

It was like hearing her birthday had come early and she was due a big gift. That’s what it felt like as the green and gold fighters scattered to the four winds, confusing the previously enraptured spectators. Cannon power-output minimal, safeties check, countermeasures operational-standby… ”Green light, Six-Five.” It was a voice among voices all singing the same tune. With the Flight green all around Sev set them loose to have fun in an impromptu game of laser-tag…in fighter jets.

Already confused by the sudden scatter-drill the Firehawk pilots had done, the crowd didn’t know what to make of their sudden banking and rapid return like green demons…much less what to think when the first streaks of red bolts cut through the sky. Mouths gaped open, people shouted and pointed, a hush fell over the stands as they watched uncertainly to see if the bolts fired were simply and accident and if they were going to prove a danger. With a grin Sam assuaged their fears by cutting left and letting a volley of her own red bolts tear toward Sev who narrowly avoided the practically harmless fire flicker by him before all hell broke loose in the skies above the crowd.

The dance was unlike anything many of them had ever seen, or ever would see again. Smoke and streaks of red, the howling of heavy jets and afterburners, dust contrails and wing contrails, burst of heavy wind as Hawks swept along the ground before them…it was controlled chaos…and it was fun as hell. Spiraling up into the sky belly to belly with Brathos, she glanced back to see the crowd through a subtle layer of haze caused by chaff and dust, pointing and gesturing and shouting their fiery little Corellian souls out as they picked favorites and rooted for them. As the Hawk started to jitter heavily from the ascent, she and Brathos peeled apart to loop back and down toward the three remaining, Archer and Hunter hot on the tail of Sev as he tilted and banked and corkscrewed away from their fire before letting off chaff to help blind the two.

Sam would be waiting ahead of him VTOL gears down and firing at will as Archer tore off to meet up with Brathos, the two turning on Hunter before turning against each other, weaving about as if braiding the air behind them. Sev didn’t waste a moment in making Sam’s life a living hell as he pushed his Hawk to the limit to avoid her fire and blasted off in another direction. In less than a moment she was burning hard after him, darting in and out of the others as they first attempted to catch each other, then decided Sev was a much juicier target. Well…it seemed that’s what Hunter thought anyway, coming in hard behind Sam and breaking off his assault on Brathos, drawing his attention and thus Archer’s also.

Soon enough they were making no attempt to hide the fact that they were readily attempting to box Sev in…

It never did work.

There was something uncanny about the way the man flew his Hawk, and while Hunter came closest to ‘catching’ him, it simply never happened. Without even meaning to the four had formed back up on Sev’s tail…a trick he’d been hoping would work…and as he slowed on approach over the runway they finally got the hint, some sooner than others. The trick might have even earned a soft chuckle from the ever stoic Echani as five Hawks stooped down on the runway, landing gears down, Sev taking the lead in switching to VTOL. Sam had gotten the hint, this one anyway, rather swiftly and followed suit, a grin on her face beneath that grey O2 mask as the nose of her Hawk tipped up just slightly with the sudden bleed off of speed, back wheels hitting the permacrete tarmac to the dull roar of the crowd outside through her canopy.

”Is it strange that I feel like a total star right now?”

“Well ye got th’ crowd behind ye…”

Laughing, she shook her head and started the power down of the engines, pushing the clips to unlock the canopy and get it open.

“I’m serious about those autographs after that pinwheel stunt…”

Sam couldn’t stop grinning as the cockpit canopy opened, letting in the applause and cheering in fully. Ah…she just couldn’t help but let her Corellian soul bask in the momentary glory.

.…I knew it was gonna be a good day…

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

A Sad Fact of Life

It's amazing to me, sometimes, how people feel about life. Amazing...and sad. It really does hurt my heart to hear people talk about life like it isn't worth living, or at least worth living well. Maybe I'm one of the few that feels this way, I don't know, but it just isn't right...and it's sort of frightening at the same time. A lot of times, it seems like the ones who feel that life is only worth living for themselves are the ones who cause all the trouble in the world. Now, I'm not saying it's always true, but that's just how it seems a lot of the time. They get bored with life, don't care what other people think of them, start trouble because they want some excitement or just generally act like...*cough* erm....pains....to other people...I don't know, maybe I was just raised differently, or maybe my life experiences have made life seem a bit more precious a thing than to be squandered away by only living and doing for myself. Maybe I'm just strange? I don't know. Whatever it is, I wish that I could share whatever it is that makes me think differently with others more clearly so that maybe they'd really understand.

---

Talau: ....wow....i'm getting more and more random
Talau: i should sleep soon
MrE: .... um can we possess dark side artifacts if we explain them in our bio?
MrE: like the soulsaber?
Talau: i would say no, not likely
MrE: man this crap sucks... grr... my creativeness is running out due to all the road blocks
Talau: personally, I wouldn't accept such a thing unless i had the okay from jenno first
Talau: most of our 'road blocks' are here to keep people from being OP or making general fools of themselves, and you have to understand that a surprising amount of people have made a good try at both
Talau: you can be creative without being excessive
MrE: ... not really... almost everything has been thought of already in some form or fashion. so really... anything i do is just a copy or variant of someone else which makes most app "generic" and barely creative at all .
Talau: hun....that's just life
Talau: not only here
Talau: the creativity comes in the way you tell the story
Talau: not what the story contains
MrE: .... that is where we differ. I think if the contents are the same... then how
MrE: dont get me wrong it is important... but still not "origional" therefore not creative
Talau: then you must be bored with life
MrE: actually yes i am
Talau: that's a sad fact
MrE: yes it is
Talau: occasionally i am, but there are days that everything is just different
MrE: cause in the end... no matter what you did in your life... you still die... the world keeps spinning... and in 10 yrs no body will remember you
Talau: well, you're allowed to think that way
Talau: but i know a few people in life who have died over ten years ago and i've not forgotten them
MrE: the only thing that matters is what happens AFTER you die (in my opinion)
Talau: well, if you care about that then you need to live your life in a way that people will remember you....and no, that doesn't mean going out and trying to be a sensation on the news
MrE: i live life to enjoy myself... i could care less what people think of me
Talau: the people i remember most are the people who lived their lives the best, cared the most, touched my life the most....and see, that's why you're going to have a problem
MrE: living for others is the worst thing you can do
Talau: people don't tend to remember those who live only for themselves
Talau: not in a good way are they remembered, anyway
MrE: ... but at least they remember lol
Talau: only if you kill thousands of people and even then most would care to forget...the only reason they don't is so it doesn't happen again...hopefully.

---

*sigh* Maybe a little preachy at the end (it's too late/early for me to tell the difference right now) but I meant what I said. Even those who haven't killed a butt-load of people, but have only lived for themselves (and out in the public eye) tend to be remembered as the ass-hats of society. Again, this is a generalization and I'm not meaning to accuse anyone (especially MrE) of being that sort, but it's just something that I've found to be more or less true in life on the majority. It really does make me sad...especially for them. =/ *yawn/headshake* I dunno...too late to be thinking about this sort of thing and I have to be up for work in...3 or 3.5 hrs. I need to get some sleep.

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Liam: *huffs a chuckle* Well, I can understand that for you...you're naturally fast, I'm...not. Besides, I'm better built for taking a beating *chuckles at the truth of that statement, especially after today* so I may as well wear something that will help absorb some of it and not get me injured. *he'd fall quiet again, dipping his head enough to let Theia preen his hair affectionately, a small smile on his face. After Amir spoke again he'd open one eye and glance over at him* Next time you'll know better. This was your first time out and it was partially my fault for not making sure you had supplies that you might have needed...I should have thought to, knowing some of the possibilities. So, it's a learning experience for both of us in that case. *carefully he'd detach Theia and hold the front of his hair back away from his face with his free hand. Since he was sitting already height shouldn't be a problem* I hate this part, honestly...*chuckles* the pasts and poultices never do feel...pleasant

Amir: *chuckles at Liam's words. He could take a few good hits himself, depending, but he was far from a tank. After the second thing he says, Amir nods, smiling a little bit* Alright. I know I won't forget next time. Might see if sis has any she'd let me take, since she's more advanced in this stuff than me *doesn't feel the need to mention which of his sisters. He knew who he was talking about, and Liam might have... It just wasn't important at the moment* Or ma're. *nods, then chuckles* Yeah... maybe it's encouragement not to get hit later on. *with that said, he'd take a small towel to wipe some of the blood from Liam's face. Then he'd start to carefully apply the poultice with one of the swabs, taking care to cover the wounds with a light coating to keep infection out* Shouldn't be -too- bad, right? Compared to... whatever you just went through

Liam: I hope you mean Isara...I'd hate to have you snitching things from Maiara. >_> *smirks* she might turn you into a toad like the witches of the wilds if you're not careful. *grins impishly at the joke*...and I'd hate to have to explain that one to the people in class. *chuckles and nods* Yeah, I think getting some from Isara or you mom might be a better idea in the long run. Certainly safer. *he'd wince slightly as Amir dealt with the she-demon's claw marks but managed not to hiss. Chuckling at the final question, Liam manage to be silent for a moment, getting a serious look on his face* Oh it's much worse....-much- worse. This is all...gooey and sticky and slimey....that was just pain. Lots...and -lots- of pain...and lightning. >_> Let's not forget that. That was fun.

Talau:

Alex (Rugs): [lolololol, so I see]

[Talau the Ever-Lurking]

Part I

Florida Flight

Sam

San Bernardino…finally they were leaving! The airport terminal in Ontario was busy even this early in the morning. It was sort of surprising for the airline they were all taking. Southwest wasn’t exactly the most popular these days, but whatever. She was just happy to be out. Out and leaving. About time, too. Still…the line just to get up to the screening area was bad. Finally the line moved again, people bumping and brushing against each other and their luggage. With her backpack hanging over one shoulder and her ‘electronics bag’ (datapad, computer, music player, etc) hanging over the other, the blond bounded up the escalator and into the next line.

Crud…I forgot about the shoes….She looked down at her combat boots and sighed heavily. Well, there were some perks to being (former) military. Not that anyone had to know about the former part of it…or that it even mattered on this world. Pulling out her well used military ID, she grabbed two of the baskets and hustled to strip herself of anything that might set off the alarms. Glancing at one of the other lines she noted her mun, another mun (a military woman), Zharra and Aunna doing the same thing. It was a bit funny, actually, seeing them rush to try and pull everything off so they didn’t hold up the line. Chuckling she went back to pulling out her electronics and settling them into a separate basket so they could also be scanned. With all of that done, she settled them onto the conveyor belt, handed over her military ID, and stepped into the scanning machine…boots and all. Feet stationed themselves shoulder width, hands came up above her head, eyes stayed glued forward and the large scanning pad slid through her field of vision twice.

“Alright, you can step out and get your things.”

With a bright grin Sam tromped out again and easily gathered her gear once more, not waiting for the others to head to the flight gate. They were pushing time already, and she wasn’t going to be left behind.

It wasn’t a long walk to the gate, and the crowds past the scanning area were still fairly thin so it didn’t take long for her to find her way there. In fact, she had enough time to grab a seat and situate herself further, reshuffling the items in her carry-ons from where she’d stuffed them after the check. Mun and her mother were the next to arrive, Zharra and Aunna not far behind, chatting casually with each other. It had her chuckling for some reason as she enjoyed the sight…especially as Elysia came running up looking disheveled and harassed. No doubt it had been because of her pike. Well, I did try an’ warn her.

Boarding the plane was a whole different sort of amusing as many of the others vied for seats that…weren’t the ‘dreaded middle seat.’ She was more than a little thankful to get a window seat, but it still wasn’t the view from the cockpit of a Hawk. The thought made her sigh a bit as she settled in and shut down her comm. It didn’t take long for them to taxi out, and even less time to find their way to the runway, which suited her just fine. Must be one of the first in line. Good deal. The grin showed plainly on her face as she clicked the seatbelt on and pulled it tight. It never did feel like enough, but then again…they weren’t going to be performing aerial acrobatics either. Well…that was the hope, anyway. She chuckled. Not that I’d mind, so long as we didn’t crash and die because of them.

Grey eyes watched the flaps along the giant wing be tested as the engines finished their warm up, the roar becoming a dull background noise that held surprisingly little interest for her. Nothing was the same after flying a Hawk. For a long moment, as she watched the world outside turn as they rounded a corner to face the direction they needed to take off in, Six-five couldn’t help but wish the others had been there with her. What a blast this would be with the guys…Mun wouldn’t know what to do with us we’d have such a good time! She could feel the passenger jet slow minimally before coming to a stop, the engines whining more loudly just moments before she was pressed back gently into her seat. It wasn’t stupendous, but it was enough of an adrenaline shot (especially as the nose finally tipped up toward the sky and they left the ground behind) for the pilot to be getting on with. Now if only this puppy could put on some real speed….I wonder if they’d let me fly….

She smirked.

The Beach

Talau

White sand…clear, blue, calm water….a gentle breeze…the sound of children playing and laughing while adults talked...it really was a perfect scene that she observed with a quiet smile. The teens created from Mun’s mind laughed and chattered happily as they shuffled over the sand toward the water with their towels and bags, each one set to have a fun day out in the blazing sun. She hoped they’d brought the right sun screen or they’d be burnt like Mun likely was going to be. Shifting her own ‘gear’ under her arm and over her shoulder, she too headed in the direction of the sand and surf, Elys coming up beside her with a happy smile and a bounce in her step. The older Rilan could all but hear the laughter and excitement bubbling up from the girl.

”Hi, Elys…you seem happy.”

”Oh I am! I really, really, am! This reminds me of some of the beaches back on Alpherides.”

”I didn’t know that…I’ve never been there, but if they’re as beautiful as this one I’m sure they’re gorgeous.”

The padawan had been about to reply when one of the others, Isis it seemed (surprisingly), shouted out for her to hurry up and set up her things so they could have some fun “while it’s still daylight.” Talau couldn’t help but chuckle, shooing the girl off to go have fun as she settled herself over with the older members of their ‘little’ beach-going party. Zharra was already fighting the good fight with sand in her coat, even as she attempted to decide if she was going to brave the water or not. Apparently ‘not’ was the decision, though the feline did settle her beach chair close enough to allow the waves to wash around her as she sat reading. Stretched out as the Captain was, Talau could only see her as a very contented (and very lazy/relaxed) cat. At least she has the body for that swimsuit, she mused as she pulled her cover off and started applying her own sun block, the modestly cut two piece leaving plenty of skin to burn if she wasn’t careful.

With things in order, she grabbed her soft leather pouch and started along the shoreline in her search for shells…of which there were plenty.

Zharra

The day was swelteringly humid. With her fur it was almost unbearable; however, the water itself was perfect. True, she disliked the sand getting buried beneath her coat, but between the sun that threatened to bake her and the cool (but not cold) water of the large bay, she found a suitable compromise by settling her beach chair directly in the surf and stretching out comfortably with her book and some sun glasses. The waves were calm and easy, simply washing around her without battering her like they did in California…a pleasant change that she was going to take every advantage of.

Her ears twitched and turned constantly as she read, listening to the sounds of the families out for a day on the beach, as well as the group of misfits she’d come along with. A soft snap of metal and crunch of weight on crushed shells had her looking up from her book to spot her ‘new friend’ settling in beside her.

”It seems you’re onto something over here. Figured I might join you and see if I was right.”

The Farghul chuckled softly and nodded, motioning for Aunna to have a seat; not that she wasn’t going to already, but it was polite to show the woman she was welcome to join her. In the not-so-distant distance, those sharp ears caught the laughter of Diana as she (no doubt) scampered and played with the teens a little way down the beach.

”You’re more than welcome, but I’m afraid I won’t be very good company. I’ve a book I want to read and –“

She was cut off by a short laugh from her current companion as she settled into the other chair.

”Not to worry, I’m easily entertained…and I have a book of my own as well.”

With a short wink, the woman pulled out a data pad and seemed almost immediately engrossed in it. Zha couldn’t help but chuckle as she buried herself in her own reading. Well then…it seems I’m in good company.

Liam

It was nice to finally have a break from classes…and especially nice to be out with so many of his friends. Kaila, Maiara, Isara, Fawx…part of him wished Amir had been around. No doubt he’d have loved to spend some time with Kaila on the beach. She really was a pretty girl…not his type, but pretty, and nice. Maiara was off sunbathing or…something…and honestly, he was a bit glad she’d decided not to join the rest of them in the water. He knew she wasn’t one all the time, but she could be quite a prima donna. It was annoying. Fawx, his noghri friend from Sword training, seemed more than content in hefting the girls up and tossing them into the water, his laugh booming over the area and getting him any number of horrified looks. Still, he only got laughter from Liam…especially once he decided to join in.

Who was his first victim?

Who else but Isara?

The girl had only just gotten her skirt and shoes off when Liam came swooping in behind her, hoisting her up and running off into the water with her as she squealed and protested, flailing about to try and get him to put her down. He wasn’t about to. Of course…it was about that time that both parties received a hefty push through the mythos as Kieran (followed closely by his impishly grinning sister) darted through the midst of them all. For a moment Liam lost balance, stumbling backward a pace, before he nearly got his feet under him again.

Fawx, of course, couldn’t allow that.

Another swift blast to the backs of his knees and Liam was falling back into the water as he pulled Isara from over his shoulder to hold her in front of him. He landed with his back smacking against the water and Isara’s weight slamming into his stomach.

“Dog pile!”

Kaila….of course.

He tried to protest, sputtering as both he and Isara scrambled to try and get away…but it was too late and the water refused to allow them to move swiftly enough. One after another the others piled on in the shallow water…Kaila, Kieran, Elys…even Isis....then lastly Sam came diving in and toppling them all over into a pile of arms and legs as Fawx laughed. Still…At least I got to carry Isara around.

A wicked smirk formed along his face as they all, finally, tried to pry themselves apart.