An Offer He Can't Refuse

[sparrow]

(( don't mind at all. i expect my characters to take a few hits during missions. ))

The cage turned off and she was roughly dragged out. Before she had time to react, she felt her head jerk to the side as the back of his hand struck her face. For a few moments, she hung there dazed, with little stars dancing across her vision.

When her vision cleared, she looked up at her captor. A large man, he fit the description, and the way he carried himself, confidence to the point of arrogance, left no doubts in her mind that this man was Templar Forge.

Her cheek was red where Forge's hand had struck. With her dress torn and her long silver hair a mess, she seemed a rather pathetic sight. Her head was still hurting from where it had been hit earlier, and this most recent slap didn't help matters any. Hurt and unarmed, she was a cat without its claws, not a threat to anyone. She hoped that's what he thought. She certainly felt it. Focus, Elsie. Remember your training.

Recovering from the slap, she mentally centered herself, suppressing her fear, forcing herself to ignore the pain. I am an Echani warrior. I will not be easily defeated! The situation was less than favorable, but she knew that in battle you had to work with the conditions you were given.

Her dress, extending down to her ankles, hid her legs as she shifted her weight slightly, digging in her heel. A stable foundation. First and most important step. She raised her head, met his angry stare. The corner of her lip curled upwards in a very slight smile. "I... am not telling you anything." Her heart was thumping fast, but her voice was calm.

The last word had scarcely left the tip of her tongue when she burst into motion. Forge was much larger and more well-muscled than her. In a contest of brute strength she would no doubt be quickly overpowered. But at the moment she had the element of surprise on her side, and she would have to press that advantage for all it was worth.

His hand was gripped tightly around her wrist, and she pulled her arm back quickly, hoping to yank him off-balance as her other hand speared toward his throat. Her back leg twisted, forming a solid foundation as her front leg lifted upwards, her knee aimed for his crotch.

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

Val nodded, glancing over at the Falleen. She looked an absolute mess at the moment... well, a little anyway, though Val hardly believed she looked much better. She glanced behind her to look into the reflective mirrors, seeing her hair was coming a little loose, but she was otherwise fine. Dress still relatively intact, heels not broken yet, and no dirt clouding her face, gloves still pressed up to her elbows. She quickly smoothed over her hair, ordering it to rearrange itself, talking to Xierra as she did so.
"I'm going to go down and see whether we can get inside still pretending I'm here to sell Forge weaponry." She checked herself from several angles, then, content, inclined her head sharply to indicate the other Jedi to follow. A noble lady needed her guards, and she needed her Jedi backup. Dropping from the building slowly she made sure not to get dirty again nor attract attention, landing softly several seconds later. Looking around the landing area she found little in the way of witnesses, and quickly made her way in a high class manner towards the base entry door.

Composing herself, she looked around her at the poverty, and then up at the daunting challenge before them. These slums were decrepit and ruined and she felt even a slight wind could cause tremendous damage to structural integrity. She gave a light knock now though, forcing her heart to slow as her pale skin tapped lightly against the metal door. There was a clanging sound deceptively louder than the effort she applied to the knocks, and she waited for a response before calling in her most upper class of accents.
"I do say, open up in there would you. There appear to be rodents out here." She half expected this not to work, in which case they'd need to find an alternative entrance. The roof maybe, or if worst came to worst they'd just make their own access point. There didn't seem to be a necessity for this, however, as a few seconds later shouting and clanging came from the other side, and a eye slit opened to reveal a pair of pale, yellow reptilian eyes.

"There you are. I wish to speak with the man you know as Forge concerning an interesting cargo load which I believe would be of rather urgent importance to a man of his caliber." The guard responded in hisses and exhales, and Val paused, considering her next course of action, looking to Xierra for guidance before realising she probably shouldn't have turned away. She attempted to come up with something quick, and folded her arms as though irritated by the guard. "I think he likes you." She turned back to the guard, thankful she'd avoided freezing and screwing up their entrance attempt, pointing at herself and speaking purposefully and slowly. "Me high ranking noble. You guard. Me got Cortosis shipment and exotic spices. You open gate or Forge get mad. Chop chop, no head." She indicated this by mimicking the chopping by tapping her hand against her neck. The eyes narrowed in the slit and it closed, growls of discontent obvious through the metal sheet.

She turned, rather annoyed that it hadn't worked, but worked to suppress her distain at the situation, glancing up at Xierra, working on a plan to get themselves inside some other way.
"The roof then mayb-"
"Oi, queeny." The voice came from the door again, and Val spun around to face the door once more, her hair drifting out of place a little as her eyes met the figure in the door, blaster in hand. The Twi'lek looked rather unhappy about even talking to them, and with some effort Val brought the rest of her body around to face him.
"We're here to see Forge. And I'm not a queen." She glanced back over her shoulder briefly at the Falleen, trying to apply for help from her this time. Second chances were rare to come by.

[Anackis]

((I agree, infact, I might end up in a broken ball of pain after this post, but that's fine, just play the character as they are hee hee))

Rein snapped his head towards the direction of the sound. The slight hiss of the door indicated the entrance of someone. Rein listened hard as the door closed, but he only heard one set of foot steps. Still he could not be sure if others had followed and were simply waiting by the door. For now he placed his attention carefully on the heavy foot falls at hand.

"Well isn't that just a shame" A voice suddenly chimed in as if the man were thinking aloud. His tone changed a bit as he addressed the boys, mocking them, "Evening boys, my name is Marshal Hage, ill be your host for tonight. The boss couldn't make it, but he sends his regards, hes currently busy with one of yer friends right now"

Rein felt that all to familiar shiver of fear run down his spine, Forge had Elsie too. Rein hoped on the Force that she was alright. Xierra and Val were still out there too, his thoughts kept spinning back to them, wondering if they too had been caught.

The sharp scraping of a blade being drawn snapped Rein back to his current situation. He began to tremble slightly as the melodic tones of the control pad sang out thier overture letting the cage door open. A rough hand suddenly jerked Rein into the air, easily throwing his fragile frame threw the air onto the cold hard floor. Rein skidded to a halt, the thought of trying to run itching at the back of his mind, but fear had a stronger hold on him as he heard the man moving towards him again.

He felt the cold of the knife and it took him a moment to realize what it was that was so roughly being drawn across his cheeck. Then he felt the sting of the blade as it drew a soft line of blood from his face. The warmth of his blood slowly making it's way down the side of his face scared him even more. Not because he was bleeding, but because it almost seemed to comfort him. A small drop of blood swelled up at his chin before falling to the ground. The sound of that drop echoed in Reins head as it hit the floor. It would be over soon, he wouldn't have to worry about anything any longer.

Again the man mocked him, "Jedi are supposed to be able to resist pain right? so you should be fine" A sickening laugh followed his remark.

Rein sat there a moment, the mans words stung deeper then the cut on his cheek. But the man was right. Rein was only a padawan, but he was on his way to be a Jedi and he was certain the others wouldn't sit by waiting to die.

He could still feel the cold blade near his face, he could picture it in his mind. He let out a few weak coughs and forced himself to stop breathing hard. A smile suddenly crossed his lips as his small hand grabbed onto the mans wrist. Rein let a single cough out and struggled to keep the rest in. He knew the man could easily over power him, and simply hoped he could confuse him, maybe even make him think he could still see or more, that he could still use the force. He tightend his fragile grip on the mans arm, hoping that he at least felt a difference in pressure, and rested his face against the blade.

"How pathstic" Rein began, "Do you like picking on little boys, Marshal?" Rein clenched his teeth as he turned his head purposely letting the blade dig another shallow cut on his face. Cringing, he laughed only to keep himself from crying. "I may not have eyes, but I can see you just fine. You are nothing but a coward." As he said the last words he silently cursed himself for his foolishness.

[Mara]

Xierra nodded in agreement. It was worth a try to keep up their appearances, at least for now. Even though, by now, they had stood up their contact in the city's marketplace, perhaps word had gotten around since their little stop in the Twi'lek's Tails to converse with the Chiss. Even if they hadn't met with the contact, it was plausible that Forge would know that a noble-looking woman was looking for him to sell some things.

The Falleen easily settled into her prepared role as Val's bodyguard. However, seeing the other Jedi fix her hair and smooth out her dress, she was vividly aware that she no longer looked like a polished bodyguard. As Val jumped down from their vantage point, Xierra self-consciously looked down at her leg, wrapped up in a piece of her shirt. Quickly, she racked her brain for a way to improve her looks, running her hands up to her hair as she did so, pulling her black hair back into its sensible position. To hide her ragged shirt edge, she fastened her jacket closed, glad that it was still loose enough to give her freedom of movement and would ably hide the two lightsabers tucked in the small of her back.

Now the only problem was the leg wound. Focusing as much Force energy as she could pull to her, Xierra slowly unwrapped her makeshift bandage and tossed it next to her before inspecting the hole in her leg. It still hurt, and there was a bunch of bruising around it, but it seemed to have stop bleeding. Amazingly, the slug must have missed a major artery. She thanked the Force for small miracles. The final step was to roll up her leggings; Xierra needed to hide the bloodstain that had seeped half of her lower leg. The modified nuncuks would have to go, though; they would no longer fit in the pocket there were in with the legs rolled up. A small sign passed her lips before she stood up again. She knew she would look odd with her pants just covering her knees, and her boots coming up to calve length, but right now she had no other option.

Satisfied, she went to the edge of the building and jumped down, hurrying after Val. Catching up to her, she slowed her walk, keeping a couple paces behind her and putting a stoic look on her face, hoping she would be portraying a realistic bodyguard. It could have gone to her advantage to show up rumpled after a right--the Falleen would do anything to protect her master--but Xierra also knew she had certain appearances to protect.

Xierra had to hide a smile after Val knocked on the door and called out in her best imitation of an upper class accent. She was worried that perhaps the option of trying to enter legally and formally wouldn't work. I mean, a pair of Jedi would be stupid to walk right up to Forge's front door, right? But the Falleen steeled herself for what might come, resting her hands behind her back, crossed.

When Val made a comment to her, jokingly saying that the guard at the door liked her, Xierra decided to respond with a feral grin at the glowing yellow eyes, showing her pointed reptilian teeth, her skin going a dark green almost black. She hadn't understood the language either and was glad when Val recovered enough to think of another way of communicating with the eyes within the door.

The slit closed and Xierra had to chuckle before her faced turned more serious as the other Jedi looked to her. She was in the middle of a shrug, when a voice interrupted their thoughts, the door in front of them opening all the way. It was an angry looking Twi'lek with a blaster in his hand. Grabbing gently onto the guard's Force presence, she didn't feel anything more than full-on annoyance, nothing that seemed harmful at the moment. But she would keep aware of him anyway, stepping behind Val as she addressed him again.

Xierra stared directly ahead of her, making sure not to make any eye contact with the Twi'lek, instead keeping her gazed focused on the door behind him, acting the dutiful bodyguard. Still, she felt Val glance back at her, her presence in the Force a little bit of confusion and a little bit of -- was she asking for help? Without changing her blank expression, knowing that words wouldn't really help right now, especially since she didn't know what to say in addition to what Val had already said, the Falleen did the second thing that came to mind: she let loose her pheromones and directed them at the Twi'lek. At the same time, she sent reassurance to Val to keep talking.

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

It was an odd thing trying to explain the same thing a second time, this time to someone who could actually reply to her. Smoothing a hand across her hair, she smiled in the best way she could manage - full but thin showing little teeth, but still breaking apart the mouth somewhat. She wasn't used to manipulating, but she'd done it before a few times. Any time she used the Force, actually, but now wasn't one of those easier times. No use risking Force powers here, as it could cause a lot of problems if something went wrong.
"Well, as I had said to your scaly friend, I have a cargo of rather interesting proportions that may suit your... what is he, your Lord or Boss or something similarly crude?" She wandered a little towards the door, seeing the eyes narrow a little as she approached. Was this even going to work? She doubted it, but it was either try this or she'd be explaining to the Jedi Council how she was unable to look after her padawan for more than five minutes.

"Who else is with you?"
"Just the bodyguard my husband insists follow me around."
"Any weapons?"
"Just on her, but they shouldn't be needed. I'm here on business."
"Why are you the one being sent here and not someone else?"
"My husband is very busy, and considering he's often rather dull to be around I thought I'd take the opportunity to get out for a while." Lying wasn't as easy as she thought it would be, and in truth she was wondering how long before she got caught out. The Twi'lek stopped interrogating her, though, and disappeared from site before closing the eye slit, the door opening a second later to reveal the Twi'lek with a pistol in his hand, hanging loosely by his side. He inclined his head loosely, indicating they enter, she she made her was slowly forward with a nod in his direction.

[Mara]

She stood quietly, a couple paces behind Val, her arms crossed behind her back, hoping to look every bit the part of the bodyguard. Despite her own doing, the Falleen knew she must still look a little in rough shape. But hopefully she was professional-looking enough that they wouldn't look her way too harshly. She was, after all, just a background player, a bodyguard accompanying her mistress on an errand. Albeit a rather different kind of errand.

Xierra continued to softly pour her pheromones in the direction of the Twi'lek the other Jedi was speaking to. Nothing too direct or strong to make the being fall head over heels for her. She was just aiming to make his mind a bit softer and more open to suggestions.

When Val wandered closer to the door, she held her ground, choosing to remain where she was and not follow behind her 'mistress.' Xierra didn't want to suffocate the other woman, nor looking like she was being 'too' protective of her. There was a subtle line she had to skim between overprotectiveness and completely forgetting about Val. A truly well-trained bodyguard didn't need to be inches away at all times in order to protect her charge. But she did keep her dark eyes on her; with her keeping her presence in the Force subdued, barely there, Xierra couldn't rely on the Force alone to watch Val.

She stiffened ever so slightly when Val was questioned about her weapons; she dearly hoped that she wouldn't be searched. They would be found out as Jedi; her two lightsabers would be easily found resting at the small of her back tucked into her leggings. And having had to discard her fighting rods, they were her only weapon. Besides her body, of course. Xierra allowed a slight smile to cross her face, willing the Twi'lek to see it as he saw fit.

There was a moment when the Falleen wondered whether the man would take Val's story as truth, whether he would believe her story. It had to be somewhat unusual of a request from a woman of noble class. But he must have (and certainly the pheromones she had sent his way hadn't hurt) and a couple minutes later the door to the compound was open.

As Val entered the doorway first, Xierra let her eyes glance up and down the Twi'lek and decided that he wasn't hiding any other weapons on his body; the pistol was the only one she could distinguish for certain. It was a good sign that they were being escorted inside by only one guard with a meager weapon. So far the Falleen Jedi felt confident she'd be able to defend Val, if it came to that, without having to draw on the Force. Satisfied then, she followed Val through, keeping all her senses alert.

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

Stepping cautiously inside, the first attack against Val came in the form of a rush of dirty, heavy air that hit her senses like a punch to the face. Pausing to steady herself against a wall of rusted scorched stone, she shook her head a little to wave the overwhelming feeling off and away from her. Her eyes flicked up, urging her on despite the harsh surroundings, passing over weapon racks and several rooms - some with doors barely functioning. A crime boss worked from here? Glancing over her shoulder, she found Xierra had followed her in, though the Force told her this already. The physical sight was reassuring though, and a small smile as offered to the Falleen before she whipped her head back round to focus on moving through the corridors. Presumably the fact that the Twi'lek had remained at the door after closed it indicated that they were to find their own way to Forge. Breaking contact with the wall finally she began to press onwards through the murky corridors ahead, barely daring to breathe too much in case she collapsed from some sort of lung failure.

Using the Force, for one reason or another, she could not feel Rein, nor Elsie. She did, though, sense weird disturbances similar to earlier which were all around the building, or so it felt. Glad to have some company with her in the form of another Knight, Val picked up her speed a little, though found herself kicking pieces of loose debris more, with no particular way of changing the way she walked without raising her legs up in a way which she had distinctly recalled seeing in the Twi'lek's Tails, if nowhere else. The more she walked, and kicked small stones, the less she began to notice around her. The lighting was poor, certainly, to a degree that was a hindrance and would usually possess her to draw her blade in preparation for an ambush, but it was not in that way she was noticing less things. The walls were becoming less obviously scarred and unmanaged, the floor also now becoming clearer proportional to the wall. A thought kicked the back of her mind and she immediately recognised that yes, this was Forge's place, and that the door had been a deceptive front.

She now wondered whether the entire slum had been a front, or just that one door, and whether the building the door was built into was the same building they were currently walking through. Another kicked stone alerted her back to the present, and she winced slightly at the larger rock, though she found it was a long time since she'd hit anything like that. The lighting ahead appeared better too, and after walking in into a slightly more open space the flooding of light causer her to squint for a moment. As the light receded from its state of blinding white, she could see some sort of clean room laid out in front of her. Marble and high, windowless walls, curved ceilings and an array of adornments both 2 and 3-dimensional littering the place. Blinking a few times at the complexity of Forge's operations here, she realised this must be some sort of lobby, and the Gran working at a desk in the centre a few floors below heightened this suspicion. Looking around more she could not see many guards or security systems but she was sure they were there, and headed towards the elevator ti travel downwards.

[Mara]

Though she would have preferred entering the building first to offer more protection, Xierra realized it was better for her to follow Val in. Firstly, because of their cover, and secondly, she was an able Knight herself, longer to the role than the Falleen was. If anything happened, she would be able to defend herself. In any case, she was right there, a few paces behind her. And, finally, to keep alert in case the Twi'lek at the door decided to follow them in. Odd, that he wasn't showing them the way.

She didn't bother with the details of the place; all her focus was on the task at hand. Get in safely and salvage their mission by finding Elsie and Rein, then also rescuing Tas Bey and his padawan. What had seemed an easy mission was getting ever the more complicated by the nanosecond. Xierra just hoped that she wouldn't have to do any major fighting. Though just superficial, her lower leg wound wouldn't be that much of a help in a all-out brawl. Plus, she wanted to only use her lightsaber or the Force in the most extreme of circumstances. And without her fighting rods, all she had was her body to fight with.

So she kept behind Val, her senses ever vigilant, giving the other Jedi a small smile of reassurance with the woman looked back at her. At the same time, she sent a little nudge of the Force. For the most part, though, during their walk through what could only be the fortress of the crimelord Forge, Xierra kept her face set in grim determination, her Force presence well contained within herself.

Eventually the hallway they were walking through became to gradually transform to something better lighted and more cleanly furnished. Val had picked up her pace, and Xierra followed suit with her long legs. Still, she kept her senses alert, this time opening up more with the Force. Now that they were inside, they had to find the Jedi, all of them, and escape with them. Xierra couldn't feel any beings in the Force, especially not any of the Jedi. There were only a couple of weak-minded individuals scattered around the very extreme perimeter of the complex. Everything else was... gone. Just like it had been in the restaurant storeroom. Something was blocking the Force.

Glancing at the other Jedi then, she could see that she had came to the same conclusion about the Force voids. It was clear in her Force aura. All they could do, though, was walk on, and hope to meet Forge himself. Another nanosecond, another complication.

The Falleen Knight was glad for her earlier decision to not use the Force, nor her lightsaber in a fight. She wouldn't be able to wield either without use of the Force and would instead have to rely on the unarmed skills her master taught her in preparation for learning Ataru. Xierra just hoped it would be enough, if it came down to that. She wasn't sure how well Val could do in a fight without lightsabers.

Coming into an open area, it was clear to her that they were now i the heart of the crimelord's fortress of operations. The slummy front was quite clever for one such as him. Standing around with Val, she reached out with the Force, feeling for guards or other security measures. Xierra felt none but kept herself alert as she followed Val to the nearest turbolift. Now was where it got interesting.

[Casual]

((OoC: I kinda just got put into this guy's shoes, and have only read the summary and about five posts in this thread, so if I screw up in some way, feel free to let me know and I'll fix it as soon as I can. That said, let's get this show back on the road))

Marshal Hage chuckled in sheer good humor at the young boy's remark. "...nothing but a coward." Does he really believe this? I've fought my fair share of battles. I've seen things. This little punk is sorely mistaken.

Boy, you don't know who yer dealin' with. Quite frankly, it's pretty funny. Tell ya what. If you can handle this little torture session without a peep, I'll make yer death a quick one, how's that sound?

He let the blade run a path again along the current cut, allowing the wound to sting that much more. His lips curled into a sickening smile once more, satisfied with his response to the boy's insolent remarks.

And, by the way, I'm no fool boy. I know full well you're quite blind without your precious force.

This last remark widened the sneer on Hage's face. He was thouroughly enjoying this, and there was much more fun to come.

------

The Echani seemed to be without response to the pain Templar Forge was inflicting upon her. Though Forge could care less, he still got the treat of beating a Jedi. The concept never ceased to amuse him. His question was about to be answered as the Echani looked up at him. The curious thing though was her smile...

I... am not telling you anything!

She said to him, and quickly turned on him, making a jab for his throat, which Forge somehow managed to block with his free hand, as his other was yanked, nearly sending him off-balance, though his weight held him just well enough in place. What he didn't manage to defend, was the knee to the groin.

It was a quick reaction as he clutched at his privates with one hand, while another drew his blaster pistol. Sure, he could shoot her right here and now, but he had other plans, and he was capable of controling his anger. That is, until the time came to release it.

You have no idea what you've just done. You are going to pay ever so dearly for this! I'm going to make your world a living nightma---

A sudden beeping from Forge's comp-link cut him off, which he quickly checked, still keeping an eye on the wiley and weakened Jedi. After a brief notification from an official he had found that he now had more guests to entertain. This is getting out of hand, he thought, though maybe I can yet have fun with this. Forge yelled at the Elsie to get back in the Force cage, using a few choice words, as he was still thoroughly enraged. The fact that there were more intruders normally would have set him off and annoyed him even further, but under the circmstances, it did not. This was, after all, his base of operations. His home sweet home, and he would be dammed if anyone were to crash his party. As he prompted the Jedi back into the cage, he jabbed the blaster to let her know he meant business. To which she suprisingly obeyed. He hit the switch and the cage reclosed. Before leaving the room to attend to this new manner of business, he composed himself, it wouldn't do to be clutching in pain in front of his guests.

He called in two guards as he left, to "keep an eye on the girl, just make sure not to kill her." They both chuckled as they entered, as both had the same mentality as Hage: torturous. They were rough and gruff looking males, bulky in frame and quite muscluar. Though probably overconfident.

Whatcha wanna do to 'er, Gref?

Dunno, boss said we couldn't kill 'er, so I'm thinkin' we just beat 'er up real good.

Yea, lets get this pet out of her cage then... he said with a chuckle, pushing the button and dissapating the force field.

~~~~~

As the intruders approached the turbolift, they were promptly interupted as soon as they hit the down-arrowed button. A holo sparked to life next to the turbolift, bearing the face of the notorious and infamous Templar Forge. The classic blue hologram revealed the full figure of Forge, allowing full expressions when he spoke. He had decided that for these intruders to receive the full effect of his emotions and actions, such an appearance would be best. He had, after all, just momentarily concluded his business with the Echani, and was now much more interested in the current security issues. Though he had few security details from here on out, Forge was quite confident in what he did have. A few, eccentric and effective... traps. But now wasn't the time to mention just what fun toys he had in store. Oh no, not yet. Now was the time to entertain his new guests. So he began to address them.

Well, well... what have we here? Are you looking to rescue your friends perchance? You do realize who I am do you not? I would certainly hope you do. You have, after all, caused quite a stir that I simply cannot allow to go unpunished.

He paused to allow them to respond, after all, they were visitors...

[Anackis]

A shiver ran down the boys spine as the man commented on his poor attempt at a threat. Rein knew he was no match for the seasoned fighter. He was certain he was going to die but had decided that sitting back and letting it happen would do no good for anyone. His Master could not baby sit him for ever and they had a job to do. All Rein had been up till now was a hindrance. But now he was determined to at least try.

Rein suddenly winced as the blade cut deep into his flesh. He held back the urge to let out a wimper but was sure the man felt his tiny hands tighten on his arm as he made the cut.

"And, by the way," the man continued, "I'm no fool boy. I know full well you're quite blind without your precious force."

Rein clenched his teeth at the mans comment, anger was building up inside of him, he knew he shouldn't let it get the better of him, a Jedi must stay calm. But he was not a Jedi yet, and he was definately not calm. Where was Master Adeera? Or Elsie, or Xierra? Had they all been captured? Or worse, killed?

Rein pulled with all his might on the mans arm, trying to pull the blade away from him. Suprisingly he felt it move, not much but enough for him to act. Quickly the small boy dove to his side and rolled to his feet ready to... to what? he thought. Rein realized the error of his move too late. When he held the mans arm, he knew where he was. Now the man could be anywhere.

Rein tilted his head to the side and listened. He dared not move or take a breath for fear that the slightest sound might make him miss the quietest noise that would betray his captors position.

He fell to his knees suddenly, his body deciding that now would be the most oppertune time to betray him. A series of hacking coughs began to escape in burning fits from his lungs, the sting from his cut seemed miniscule in comparison.

[sparrow]

Her senses were still dulled by the splitting headache from being hit in the head earlier, so it took her a moment to realize that the force field had lowered once again and the two men approaching her. Neither one was as big or strong-looking as Forge was, but each one was still bigger and stronger than her.

Before she could react, one of the men had grabbed both her wrists in his hand, pressing them against the wall as the second looked on with a wicked smile on his face. "Hold her still. I could use a workout," he drawled while thumping his fists together. Her mind was frantic, searching for a way out, too chaotic to form a coherent thought. Don't panic, don't panic, dontpanicdontpanicdontpanicdontpanicdont... dont...!

Enough!

Her wrists were pinned solidly to the wall, but her legs were still free. Contracting her abdominal muscles quickly, she kicked her legs off the ground and swung them high, up to the shoulders of the man who was holding her wrists, one foot on each side of his head. Now it was his turn to panic, though he would not have long as in surprise he had released his grip on her wrists as her legs pulled his head towards her.

Her knees bent, securely locking his neck between her legs, and as she fell she pulled him down with her. Twist. Snap. Landing hard on her back, all the air was knocked out of her lungs, and she got up unsteadily, breathing heavily. Sure, she wasn't the one who just had their neck broken, but that dive had still hurt.

She looked towards the second man. She wouldn't be able to pull that same kind of stunt again, now that the element of surprise was gone. He stood a short distance away, having been slightly stunned from what had just happened, but now recovered and in a fighting stance. And he had a long vibrosword in his hand.

Awww... sithspit...

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

With a press of her finger she ordered the elevator downwards as the pair entered the turbolift and turned to face the entrance, expecting one of those uncomfortable lift silences that tended to occur. She didn't get chance, however, as a flickering of light from the centre caught her attention and she glanced over curiously to see a figure speaking at them.
"Forge." It was a whisper as she recognised the man who now greeted them eagerly as though they were expected guests to his establishment. Glancing over at Xierra momentarily she turned her body to face the hologram, bringing her arms up to rest around her waist. She hardly expected that they had caused such a significant commotion that he would be aware of their presence, but then they had engaged the guards at that earlier date which may have been noticed. With a careful step forward, she now addressed the quarry that currently held four Jedi captive.

"Templar Forge, as a Jedi Knight and member of the Order, I hereby charge you with kidnapping and illegal smuggling operations. If you fail to disband your operations and hand yourself in, you will be brought in by force." She narrowed her eyes at the man, glad suddenly that she hadn't made things overly personal and demanded the return of her friends, and her padawan. Forge would probably love it if he knew that much, and she hardly expected that he would actually give himself up at all. If anything he'd be deceptive or laugh, she'd seen it before. Her old master had done it several times and she could count on one hand the amount of successful results they'd gained from the formal order. Raising her arms a little she felt the edge of her lightsaber still safely tucked away under her clothing, and was glad she still had that small mercy, even if she wouldn't have the Force to use in some places because of whatever was nullifying it.

Glancing at Xierra now, she raised an eyebrow as though to signify that they would probably be engaged in a lot more trouble than either Elsie or Rein had previously been engaged in, or were even struggling with at the moment. True, the other two didn't have the Force to help them, and she wondered suddenly about Rein, who saw through the Force, and steeled herself doubly determined to rescue them. But even so, just because they didn't have the Force didn't mean they weren't dangerous, it just meant they were less so than the two Knights now awaiting Forge's cocky and egotistical response with blatant content for the man. She brought her steps around to place herself next to Xierra, her back briefly turned from Forge and she used the opportunity to mutter a few quick words.
"When we get out of here, we need to make our movements quick." She nodded subtly and returned her vision to Forge's hologram.

[Casual]

((OoC: Anackis, I know you wanted Hage to go to town with the sadisticness and such, so I kinda went with a middle ground here, as I've got little expereince and taste for the gruesome, but I shall come up with something more if need be after Rein's response to this))

Suprised as he was when the boy managed to escape Hage's grasp, the suprise quickly gave way to a fit of laughter that almost mocked the coughing fit the boy collapsed into. His laugh rang out a deep, belly-laugh, it oozed with sinister intentions. It was a laugh that only one of dark and sadistic intentions could truely appreciate, to all others, it could make their hair stand on end. Hage looked down at the pitiful child collapsed in the corner, coughing violently and addressed him.

Hey now, boy. Don't be putting yourself in too much pain now, that's my job

Hage laughed at his own joke the same way as before. It seems he had his work cut out for him. As the boy continued his coughing spurts, Hage walked over to him and proceeded to kick him - hard. The boy let out a slight yelp, but quickly attempted to muffle it down.

Well now, looks like someone lost our little bet now didn't he? I am after all, a man of my word, a man of integrity. I can't go back on a deal. You understand right boy? Looks like I'm gonna have to make yer death a long and painful one.

A sadistic sneer wider than any he had yet displayed burst upon his face. All kinds of possibilities for a physically weak and handicapped padawan Jedi swirled around in the lieutenant's mind. He decided to spin the wheel and see what happened as he went. He began by picking up the padawan by his neck and holding him a foot off the ground. In the other hand, he held the knife. With a few strokes, he made long, precise cuts along both of the Miralukan's arms. Then gut-punched him and dropped him on the ground.

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

Though stunned at the sudden loss of his companion, Gref shook himself out of it in time to unsheathe his vibrosword. He twirled it in a swift, circular motion. It was actually all he could really do with it. A trick he'd been practicing, and nothing more. He somewhat hoped it would throw this dang Echani off and he could do some damage. Though under much anger and stress toward the captive he was to be guarding, Gref was one of the few guards around who could keep his head on straight. But that didn't stop him from being throughly ticked off at the Echani.

Witch woman! That's it! The boss shouldn't mind if yer missin' a few limbs.

He charged at the Echani, swinging his blade in quick, but strong movements. As he swung, she danced around his strikes, as if she were predicting his moves. He didn't want to swing too heavily, he could be set off balance or exert too much energy, and after seeing that girl's ability to turn her body into such a lethal weapon, he wasn't taking any chances. He was certain he could handle her, and thusly didn't call for any assistance. He was too proud. There was no way this devil-woman could defeat him anyway.

Vertical slash, sidestepped. Horizontal slash, duck. He began throwing a few kicks and fists towards her, and every one missed its mark. Each movement his blade made, she moved and flowed with his attacks as if he were parting water rather than slashing at an animate object. Though from the look of things, she couldn't get a shot in on him just yet, as she still seemed to be suffering from the headache. It was only a matter of time though until he gutted her for the dirty scoundrel she was!

[Mara]

Xierra felt a minor tickle at the back of her head, a sense of something, after she and Val entered the turbolift. A moment later her instincts were rewarded with the buzzing sound of a hologram warming up. She turned towards the image, keeping an impassive look on her face. It would do them no good to show surprise or any other emotion. The Falleen hadn't needed Val's whisper; by the stance and air of superiority around the image, she could tell it would be the one they sought: Forge.

It was hard for her to keep her anger checked after listening to him speak. They were the ones who needed to be punished? All of Xierra's Jedi training kept her from shoving a clawed fist into the way, disabling the hologram. It would be a pale shadow to what she actually wanted to do. Luckily Val answered the crime lord, giving herself something else to focus on. She stepped slightly to the left to give Val the center of the cam's eye, always acting the bodyguard.

Her words were by the book, simple and to the point. Xierra waited there with her fellow Jedi, curious how Forge would answer her. Most likely he would just scoff at them, but there was a slight chance he would hear them out. However, she prepared herself for the worse: having to fight. And the worst: having to do so without use of the Force. It wasn't something she would relish, having lived with the Force as her companion for as long as she would remember. But she would do what she must to rescue all four of the captured Jedi.

There was a glance from Val, and Xierra could tell from her eyes alone that her thoughts were along the same vein. A small advantage that they were on the same holobook screen. She nodded almost imperceptibly at the other Jedi's words. The Falleen understood all too well that what would be waiting on the other side of the 'lift door would not be friendly. Slowly, her hands went behind her back, clasping her fingers together just below where her lightsabers lay hidden.

Let Forge do his worst. Xierra was prepared to do anything to save the others, even if it meant joining with the Force once and for all.

[Casual]

Templar Forge, as a Jedi Knight and member of the Order, I hereby charge you with kidnapping and illegal smuggling operations. If you fail to disband your operations and hand yourself in, you will be brought in by force.

There were two in the turbolift, one dressed in a rather fancy fashion, and the other gave the heavy appearance of a bodyguard. Most likely their guises they had been using to get around unopposed or questioned, but Forge couldn't be certain. It wouldn't do to assume too much. It could very well assumed that only the one who announced their affiliation with the Jedi was the only Jedi on that turbolift, however the details he'd been given he knew them both to be Jedi. Something he would address to them soon.

So, that's it then? What evidence do you have on me for either of these accusations? Why have you chosen to break and enter on my humble home? Maybe I should be the one charging you.

A smirk that dripped with arogance crawled its way onto Forge's face. His hands and body moved in accordance with the words he said, giving the impression of total innocence and offense. He was clearly mocking them, and they knew it.

And it's funny that you mention that you will be taking me "by force." You see, as it so happens, over the course of the past few events you've seen that I've prepared a few details that prevent you from using "the Force" of which I am sure you are already aware.

Oh and yes, I caught that increadulous look you gave me. You wonder how I know about the commotion you've caused. You see, my hired hands told me the details of the capture of your friends. One of you even drew your lightsaber. And I received the information that the one who did was Falleen? And as you are clearly not such a species, it would stand to reason that it would be your companion here. You see, I'm not as dumb or foolish as you would like to believe. I have ways of gathering information. I also have ways of eliminating those who stand in my way. As you are about to find out.

Though Forge's supply of ysalamiri wasn't exactly limitless, he'd managed to supply one for his own main office, and the two cells. As well as one field ysalamir. The one he'd used to capture the Jedi. Their heavy cost was a small price to pay for the amout of security it supplied him with. These Jedi wouldn't be seeing the loss of their Force at this early in his defences. He was confident that he wouldn't need it just yet. No, no, he had much more entertaining plans in store. That much was proven when the visitors reached their stop.

The turbolift doors swung open to reveal a very large and elegant room. One that could easily support a ball or prosperous event of some kind. It was quite stunning and well-maintained. The only thing that really took away from its majesty and elegance was the large Bull Rancor that stood at the far end. Straight from Felucia, it was quite the specimen. The best part about it, though, thought Forge, was the fact that it was a free gift from an associate. A sort of gift of good will. And indeed it was, as his associate had proven to be one of his closest. All this while the hologram of Forge remained looking towards his intruders. To which he gave this statement:

Enjoy.

[Anackis]

Rein barely heard the man laughing over his own fitful coughing. He was certain he had made one too many mistakes in speaking to the man and that certainty was confirmed as his coughing was cut short by a tight hand around his through. Between his attempts to gasp for air and his lungs attempts to cough up flem, he felt as if he were being suffocated and drowned at the same time.

Rein knew the man could care less as he was hefted from the ground, the weight of his body straining his neck. He cluctched at the mans arm, wether to try and pull him free or simply to hold on for fear his body might fall from his head, he was not sure, nor did he care at this moment. But as soon as he grabbed the mans arm he lost strength in his own arms. The cut wasn't too deep, but the pain that trickled out with his blood was enough to make a wimper escape the iron grip around his throat.

Hage followed up with a quick jab to his stomach which would normally have taken the wind from him, but Rein had no wind to lose. Instead nothing but pain. Rein felt as if he had just been smashed with a hammer. His frail body was not used to even half the pain given and he felt himself lose control of his bladder and warm urine spilled down his leg as Hage dropped him to the floor.

He gasped for air but it wouldn't come. His arms were covered in blood as it oozed out finding it's own path to the floor below. A single thought penetrated the pain that was filling his thoughts, "Master Adeera, where are you?"

[Val - Warning:Contains Sarcasm]

I'm coming Rein...

The thought buzzed through her head momentarily as she directed the gaze of her mind's eye from the holographic image of Forge to the world through the walls that she could neither see nor sense. They had been descending for quite some time now, and though there was the temptation to destroy the hologram projector to shut Forge up, she resisted it to at least give him an opportunity to surrender. It was clear he wasn't going to, however, as he berated and psychologically assaulted them to provoke feelings of anger and frustration. Feelings she suppressed and held back despite the desire to return fire and tell him just what she would like to do to him. Yes, she would refrain from sinking to his level right now. Stop herself from losing control, even as her mind drifted back to wondering whether the young boy was suffering as much as she hoped he wasn't. Wondered whether Elsie was also in a similar situation or if she was somehow freed, or safe.

With a resigned sigh, she drew her feet up and unstrapped the heels that were on them, kicking the damned painful things into a corner of the turbolift where she wouldn't have to deal with their awkwardness and lack of feasible use. How women were expected to do anything other than hobble around uselessly with those on she didn't know, but what she did know was that even barefoot was more preferable. Her hands traced up slightly to the hem of the dress which offered just as much constriction of movement and began to tear an almost-straight line from the bottom right up to near the waist, and she stretched the legs a little to test the alteration to the fabric which was a major success. Now able to actually move around without stumbling or trapping herself in the tangling web of clothes, limbs, shoes and fashion accessories. Finding herself suitably flexible as the lift came down to a contented hiss at the base of the room, her right hand dropped down the front of her dress and pulled out the silver saber hidden within.

With a snap-hiss the green blade shot out from the edge, illuminating the back of her figure as she turned to face the exit of the lift with the doors opening into an expansive room ahead. Glancing over her shoulder she locked eyes with the the hologram of the target and narrowed them a little scornfully.
"I'll see you later Forge. Keep an eye out for my lightsaber." With that said she began to stalk off, heading into the room with her eyes now constricting as they found the Bull Rancor ahead of them. She hadn't expected anything less, but then she hadn't expected this. It was a huge thing, and she half imagined her lightsaber wouldn't make it past its thick hide. Tightening her grip on the blade, she felt her arm tense and sort of wished she'd taken the opportunity to destroy the hologram projector in the lift while she was there. She breathed, and felt the fingers loosen a little, but she still wasn't exactly calm.

The lightsaber flew now from normal grip to reversed grip, and then back. Reversed grip wasn't going to be overly assisting in the current situation, however other Niman techniques were flickering through her mind. The room certainly lacked many uses of the environment in dealing with the beast, and with a flick behind her back the saber jumped from right to left hand. It didn't feel any better, so she passed it back to the right again, her nerves getting a little much for her at the moment.
"Any ideas Xierra? I reckon I could throw my lightsaber into its face." She didn't want to have to think about immediately fighting with things without considering an alternative, non-violent approach, but with between two and four Jedi in danger she didn't want to risk it. The hand on her saber slipped further down the hilt away from the blade edge in case they decided on a ranged assault, though if Xierra took too long to decide Val knew she was going anyway. Patience was not something they had time for here.

[Mara]

The Falleen Jedi seethed inside, her pheromones barely contained as she listened to Forge's speech. She wasn't surprised that he knew about their little skirmish with his thugs in the restaurant's back room when they had taken their partners, Elsie and Rein, Val's padawan. No, she was angry because of the way he said it, blatantly recounting the scene where Xierra had so foolishly acted, fighting almost blindly, really. She didn't want to be reminded of that fight, hoped that the thugs she disabled--Devoronian and human--wouldn't have returned to the base already. They would be carrying a grudge.

She also didn't need the reminder that he carried those Force-altering lizards like the one they had seen in the storeroom at the diner. Xierra knew all too well what lay before them. Her fingers clenched as she held them behind her back, Forge finishing with a threat. A threat. To Jedi! She wanted to laugh at him for being so stupid.

A glance to Val confirmed her suspicions that her companion was also struggling to contain her anger, but the human Jedi was dealing with it by preparing for a fight, dismissing her shoes and ripping her dress for better mobility. Xierra decided to prepare as well by unclipping one of her lightsaber hilts from where it rested at her lower back. Her clothing was already easy to move in, thanks to her bodyguard disguise. A disguise that would no longer be worth keeping up.

Xierra never looked back to the screen as the 'lift doors opened, though she heard them. Enjoy this, Forge... The Falleen muttered a few curses under her breath, hoping Val wouldn't hear them, but feeling there was no better response to the situation than using them. She followed closely behind Val, her lightsaber hilt held tightly in her right hand, her arm loosely at her side. Her breath was coming a little labored, knowing her anger was trying to come out. The same aggressiveness that her master had tried to tame with first learning hand-to-hand combat, then Ataru. But Master Revisc was not here right now. Xierra was on her own to fight against her inner demons. Demons she didn't have time for.

Val's voice broke into her thoughts then, and she took a deep breath, closing her eyes briefly, drawing on the Force to grab her inner peace. She hadn't noticed the other Jedi's nervousness as she had stalked after her with tunnel vision out of the turbolift, wanting to know what Forge had in store for them. Now, though, she took a minute to run her eyes over her and the rest of the room; Val was fidgeting with her lightsaber. And there was a giant animal in the back of the richly furnished room they had just stepped in.

She flexed her clawed fingers on her own hilt, pondering how best to deal with Val's question. Shaking her head, she looked back to the beast in the room. A rancor from the looks of it. Xierra forced herself to think of options, and not focus on the fact that there was a bloody giant reptile in the room. Her gaze went back to Val. "Let me try something..."

Closing her eyes, she drew on the Force, honing it down as she looked for the tendrils that served as the rancor's mind. Finding them after a bit of searching, she pushed on them with the Force, sending the animal peaceful thoughts, thoughts of nonviolence, thoughts of taking a nap. Xierra had never used a mind trick on an animal before and wasn't sure if it was going to work. The mind was weak, but maybe it was too weak and her small pushes wouldn't have enough to take ahold of in its tiny mind. But the mind trick would definitely be more effective than using her pheromones on the creature.

"If this doesn't work, have your lightsaber ready," she said, her eyes still closed, still focusing on the weak mind standing at the other side of the room. Xierra kept hers unlit, not wanting to disturb the animal any further. She didn't like attacking innocent animals trained to do violence, but it was better than killing more sentient beings.

[Casual]

There stood the immense being known throughout the galaxy as a Rancor, a Bull Rancor to be more specific. It lumbered just mere inches from the ceiling, and as wide as half the immense room. That's when it saw the two snacks his master had probably delivered for it. They stood there on the other side of the room, causing the rancor to salivate. Forge watched from his security cam, tucked neatly on the ceiling and encased in a heavy, durable glass material. It was undetectable unless one knew where to look for it, and had a panoramic view of the room. It was from here he had a one way perspective of the battle as it took place, all the while perfectly safe in the confines of his office.

The only truely uniquely noticable thing about the rancor was its collar, which had a single word imprinted on it: Randy. Forge decided that it would be much more entertaining to indulge in watching these live and Force-connected Jedi die by the hand of his monsterous Rancor than it would to slap around a weak and defenceless one. So he did. He had issued the order to have the tamers release the Rancor to have free reign on the room. As soon as the turbolift doors had opened, the chain flew off its collar. After stating his remark, and seeing that the these Jedi had no desire to continue their rather riveting discussion beyond "I'll see you later Forge. Keep an eye out for my lightsaber" (which he said in his mind with a mocking tone), who does she thinks she is anyway? He was the one holding all the cards! He deactivated the holo and proceeded to press the button that lowered the screen to his hidden camera. Let the games begin, he thought.

Almost immediatly he saw that the Falleen Jedi had her eyes closed, and her attention directed on Randy. Forge could physically see her concentration. What is this? He thought, what is she trying to pull here? As he said this, he turned the camera back over to Randy who was, to Forge's shock and distress, somehow growing visibly calmer. The rage and hunger that had originally shined deep in the wells of this great beast's eyes had made way for a gentleness and calm that Forge just could not stand. He pressed a button that linked him to the room via Com-link.

What the hell are you fools doing down there!?! You are not paid to sit around with your heads up your rear ends wondering why there are Jedi running rampant in MY estate. Fix this NOW!

A few incoherant "yes sirs" and a bustle of activity with a door behind Randy later; and the tamers were quick at work with heavy shock staves, electrocuting Randy into a frenzy from behind, just out of view of the Jedi. Suddenly, in it's rage Randy picked up one of the tamers and proceeded to eat him. The others ran in fear through the heavy door and shut it behind them. Randy was now extremely enraged, much more so beyond he had been before, and he needed something or someone to take it all out on...

Excellent.

No sooner had Forge smiled this to himself than the Rancor began a reckless, angry charge at the two Jedi.

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

As soon as the body hit the ground, Hage burst out with more of his signature belly laughing. It was all too much. Not only was this boy gasping for air that wouldn't even come, but he had soiled himself. A fit of laughter just continued to ring in the room. Tes Bay's padawan sat in the other force cage, silent as a mouse, hardly able to comprehend the amount of pain there was in the room. Too bad he couldn't also feel the pain through the Force as well, thought Hage, then I could kill two birds with one stone.

Well... well now...He managed to say between laughs Now who's gonna clean this up?

This incited a whole new spout of laughter, that had Hage bending over and in tears. All the while the padawan child lay curled up in pain on the ground in a pool of his own fluids. After about a minute, Hage managed to control himself and remark to the boy once more.

So now, boy you obviously don't understand where I'm coming from... you see, yer supposed to be able to breathe, otherwise ya wouldn't have any air in yer lungs to scream with!

He laughed again, as he kicked the boy in the face, plotting what new torture he could bring upon him as the boy recovered and resumed breathing. Oh, the possibilities... thought Marshall Hage, the possibilities....

[sparrow]

Adrenaline. Her heart was pumping fast. Her senses were sharpened. Her headache seemed to slowly fade as her entire body concentrated on one goal. Stay alive.

She dodged quickly, but not always fast enough. What remained of her dress was starting to stain with blood from a cut on her right torso, and another smaller nick on her upper left arm. They were only surface wounds, certainly not life-threatening, but if she didn't patch them up soon, the bleeding would slow her down, and if she slowed down too much...

Thankfully, she was beginning to get a sense of how her opponent fought. His movements weren't terribly sophisticated, and very quickly she was accurately anticipating where his next attack when come from.

Judging from his body posture, his next move was going to be a forward thrust, and Elsie quickly leaned her body sideways, and the blade passed harmlessly above her. Her arm darted upwards, grabbing his wrist, as the palm of her other hand slammed into his chin, causing his head to snap back. The sword dropped to the ground, and a few kicks and punches later, he was out cold.

With her opponent down, Elsie ripped a few strips of cloth from what was left of her dress (which wasn't much) to tie around her cuts, before running over to the computer terminal. With luck, she would be able to find Rein's location, or at least information on Tas Bey or the location of the ysalamir. But the terminal controlled nothing but the Force cage, with no information about the rest of the base. She sighed. Duh, of course. That would be too easy, now wouldn't it?

Picking up the sword, she examined the blade. It was a rather heavy weapon, single-edged, not quite the kind of sword that she preferred, but it would have to do. She searched him for keycards and found a few, no doubt all low-clearance, and contemplated briefly taking his clothes. But given their size difference they would be too baggy and just end up tripping her up. In hindsight she probably should have cut his clothing for bandages instead. And now I have to go running around a hostile enemy base in not much more than underwear. Way to go...

Elsie dragged the unconscious body into the Force cage, flipped on the switch, and sword in hand, proceeded out the door.