|
Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
|
|
last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 26, 2009 4:29:42 GMT -5
Post by Squee on May 26, 2009 4:29:42 GMT -5
Before that woman had appeared and interrupted the shadowy man’s intentions, Sali had seen him raise that blood soaked weapon of his. The red light that had cast the interior had shifted some as his swinging hand got itchy. Now, Sali had knew just what so many royals or nobles would have said in that moment: Oh, I’m So-And-So from Some-Where-Over-The-Double-Rainbow. How useless that was. If someone was going to kill you, they really wouldn’t give a damn who you were, Sali was thinking. In fact, it would probably only make the killer happier.
What an absolutely delicious way to die.
Sali’s eyes had lowered, and her chin was tilted and she had sucked in her last breath of filthy life air…
Oh, did she mention the absolute paradise she was going to be dying in as well? The lower cities of Coruscant, where the crime and the nasty were breeding as fast as mice. The stealing, the cheating, the pilots skewered on a girder right above her head… Yes, it was a delightful environment. And she wondered if her body would ever really see a funeral. Probably not. She’d be dumped in some random alley where the rodents and pests could infest her body and breed beneath her decaying flesh.
And then that woman had interrupted. With the woman persistently and gently trying to guide the man’s ready killing arm away, he snarled and glared at the intruding woman with menace that Sali would shy away from. Then again, Sali hadn’t seen much menace to know her breaking point under it. However, the black hole held enough malice to frighten away a full sized rancor. Apparently the gentle water tide standing before him was much larger than a rancor.
Sali stole a glance at Ryn. Poor Ryn. The quiet Jedi following her shadow back to her ship, the blind and calm. The Queen was a little surprised at the sudden rush of feelings she held for the Jedi. Sali, based from what she had felt and what he had… murmured, understood he had saved her from being bruised, broken, and bludgeoned by girders. From what annoyance or distrust she had had in Ryn, or another Jedi from now on, was gone. Experience made her change her mind. She first just had to survive this encounter with the black hole and his little water tide friend. That woman, Sali noticed as her gaze slid back to the frustrated situation, stood a total of a foot and a couple of inches from the Queen being sucked right into the man’s black hole of death. And that spiked her heart with an injection of fear.
And there was the yowl from another man’s voice that made Sali jump so high she might have landed back down in a faint. The worst that happened was her head snapping around and her hands coming a little off the ground, and her heart gave a brief vertical leap to her throat, pounded close to her ears once or twice, then settled back down to where it belonged in her center body.
There was a whirlwind of movement, all dark now that the glowing crimson weapon had been switched off. If Sali had blinked, she would’ve missed the movement. Mister Black Hole moved quickly. He spun, an arm branching out and colliding with the base of the new man’s nose. She winced, understanding that it simply must’ve not have felt very well. The man’s ‘war’ cry was silenced. As the Queen watched, the hand of the shady man collapsed around the new man’s throat, fingers taking the forms of claws as the man was shoved against the damaged bulkhead.
Sali didn’t see much, noticing the woman had moved closer to her, a hand firmly against a blaster pistol. Sali also made a grab for Ryn, arm sliding beneath his neck and trying the carefully turn the Jedi’s broken body without harming him much further. Sali rocked backward until her back was against the seats, arms around the Jedi. There was no way he was going to be stepped on if she could help it. Ryn deserved a little more than being a dormant door mat. Something metallic hitting the floor clinked in her ears, but she figured it was the loose metals or glasses of the ship hitting the floor when the black hole pinned the charging bantha.
What an idiot, Sali thought. Who simply charged in, bellowing out their arrival, to someone with a GLOWING weapon? A lightsaber at that. That black hole was a Dark Jedi. Sali knew it now that her brain was functioning at proper, sarcastic, rather cruel levels. Finally. Not only that, but she had enough sense to realize, a little while back, that this was Vex and Aunna, those most wanted individuals whose faces kept appearing where ever Sali went.
Back to the charging bantha. Yes, one simply did not try to announce his presence to an obvious person willing to kill. It was purely insane, purely illogical, purely stupid, and only done purely by… “Rook? Rook!”
“ROOK!” Sali had managed to scream out at the same time Aunna did. She glanced sideways at the woman, eyebrow raised a little at the coincident. She rolled her eyes at the formalities.
“Rook, what in the planet’s graced name are you doing down here?” He could answer after he was done being choked. And after having his man’s pride being threatened. Under her breath, but loud enough Aunna could probably hear, she hissed, “And if this is all about ‘saving me’, you’re doing one fine lousy job at it.”
Silly princes. They were noble men, most of the time. But, down to earth, just men. And Sali had learned that men would be men. She had been visited by too many nobles back home to believe otherwise. Men wouldn’t be changed. They’d always be rash and put brawn before brains, quick to actions, and ask questions later, and therefore risking embarrassment in the end. And always the women in their fairytale storybook needed rescuing. And when one did, they always took the form of an overly proud eagle and swooped down to save the damsel in distress.
Sali just wished at that moment she wasn’t a damsel in distress. Unfortunately, this little eagle before her eyes was being destroyed by the forces of nature.
|
|
|
|
|
Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
|
|
last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
|
|
|
May 26, 2009 12:16:27 GMT -5
Post by Meira on May 26, 2009 12:16:27 GMT -5
Ok. Not the best of plans. But Rook had known that before he charged into this whole mess. But what was he supposed to do? Cower behind the wall and watch innocent people be slaughtered. No. Rook would never call himself brave or courageous or any other lofty adjectives. But just because he didn't consider himself to be of such caliber, didn't mean that, given the right situation, he couldn't be as noble as his birthright suggested. For all his charm and wit, for his intelligence, Rook was also constructed of something slightly more substantial, even if he didn't know it. And if that meant that he had to end his own life so stupidly, he would do it... if only those others could be spared such a fate.
Now, seeing the lightsaber, Rook expected to be utterly shamed by this menacing man. He sort of expected to be tossed around by some invisible hand. Wasn't that what Force users did? But he didn't expect his mind to feel as if it had collapsed inside his skull. Rook's charge was quickly cut short by the mental blow. He nearly fell to his knees as his hands clutched the sides of his head in an attempt to keep it from exploding. His eyes squeezed shut and his teeth clenched under the force of his tightened jaw. But he kept his feet... though it might have been better to fall to the ground. Suddenly, his mind was cleared, with enough time for Rook to feel the sickening sound of the masked man's elbow colliding with his own nose. Something warm was on Rook's lips, and he knew his node was bleeding. But there was no time for that, now the dark man had his claws on Rook's throat, holding him up against the ruined bulkhead. Rook found himself gasping for the air that the man was denying him, his feet barely able to gain purchase on the ground.
Rook tried in vain to beat the man's arm, but he might as well have been swatting against stone, and then suddenly, Rook gave up all attempts to fight the man off when he felt the threat towards his... Rook allowed his body to still, but his slate eyes glared into the black pools of the masked man with equal intensity, only being pulled away when he heard two voices call his name. One was instantly recognized as Sali's. The other, took longer for Rook to remember. It wasn't until the second voice addressed him more formally that Rook's oxygen deprived mind was able to connect the voice to the name. Aunna Borgonia.
Rook's eyes darted frantically between Sali's and Aunna's, then back to the man who held him pinned against the wall like a bug about to be added to a collection. If that was really Aunna (he could barely register the woman's features in the dark) then this man... Rook's eyes returned to the masked figure... was the dark jedi Vex. Rook's eyes widened in reaction to the shock of information. He didn't even hear the rest of Aunna's words, or Sali's either. True fear was gripping his heart much stronger than this Vex ever could. But in spite of it all, part of him was still calculating. He had Vex's attention. If Sali could just get away, if she could just run now, then she might make it. Of course, if Aunna truly was a traitor, and was indeed in league with this man, was there any chance of Sali escaping her? Did he have any other option?
Rook's eyes connected with Sali's and through them, he did his best to convey what he wanted to tell her but could not, thanks to his new dark jedi friend. RUN! Please! Get out, find help.... RUN!
|
|
|
|
|
Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
|
|
last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 26, 2009 13:36:06 GMT -5
Post by Vex on May 26, 2009 13:36:06 GMT -5
Vex only broke that stare with the man when Rook did, looking over to Sali. He heard Aunna speaking to him, but it wasn't a large concern for him. His concern at the moment was the man that was held in his grasp, gratefully still with his treasured bits but a hair's breadth from the grill. He finally split his attention and turned it to Aunna, listening to her words…both those spoken and unspoken. He listened, but that attention was drawn away by the mental screaming coming from the man he currently had pinned there against the wall. Apparently the man did not understand Vex’s forte when it came to using the Force. Trying to will yourself to be heard may not have worked in getting his point across to the queen, but it certainly caught the attention of that Dark Jedi.
He turned that back around, that low, acidic tone reverberating in the Prince’s mind as Vex willed his voice into the man’s mind. Run! Please! Get out…find help…RUN! Pathetic, little noble, she could not get away if she tried. If I meant to kill her…or you, then neither of you would be breathing right now. You may thank Aunna, for it is by her grace and mercy alone that I do not spit you on this saber right now and rid myself of the trouble.
Looking to Aunna he sighed; the sound was that of a long suffering martyr resigning himself to more torture and torment. “I understand their worth, but you still risk too much…and it was my hope that the Jedi would die from his wounds and save us all the trouble.” That was, obviously, a response to her previous statement. It didn’t take a rocket scientist to see where the rest of that conversation was going. She was going to ask him to heal the Jedi. The very thought of it sickened him…every cell of his being wanted nothing more than to ignite his blade and help the man reach the afterlife and become one with the Force.
Turning back to Rook, he spoke slowly, his tone low and patronizing, the way one would speak to a particularly slow child. “Do not move, Prince. Do not even think of doing something foolish that may threaten myself or Aunna. I assure you, I’ll know…and then you will wish you were dead and I will only grant you that release at a moment of my choosing…after making you watch as I flay the Queen alive.”
Never state that Vex Praetor was not capable of handling delicate negotiations.
He lowered the man to his feet, keeping that weapon jammed up tight against the man’s special place. Releasing his throat, he pulled away, stepping back before glowering at Aunna. “You ask too much of me at times, Aunna Borgonia. You know my feelings, my loathing…and yet I know what you will ask of me next. Know that I will only do it as a personal favor to you…one that, rest assured, I will see repaid with interest.”
Moving back, he stalked the short distance to the Queen and the man she held so protectively in her arms. He had no patience for her to try and fight him on this…he felt bile slicking the back of his tongue at the simple idea of what he was about to do. He slammed his will into the Queen’s psyche unceremoniously…to stun her and slow her reactions as he reached out and curled his fingers into the Jedi’s robes, pulling him up none too gently.
Maybe he’ll just succumb and save us all the trouble…
Vex smirked beneath his mask at the musing, but it was short lived. He pulled the man over to a relatively gore and debris free area and let him flop to the ground. Placing his palm upon the man’s chest, he drew upon the Force.
Unlike with Aunna, he would not seek to blunt the pain of this healing. It would work…the man would be saved…grievous wounds knitted and made whole or at least far less than life threatening, but it would no doubt be the most excruciating pain he had ever felt. This went far beyond the standard ability to heal that Jedi used. It was something more, powerful and yet costly. There was a doubt as to whether the man would even survive the shock of it. He was fortunate to be unconscious. He’d be more fortunate to stay that way.
Cupping his hand, he released the pent up Force he’d been collecting. That dark energy crackled between his palm and the Jedi’s body, the stink of ozone rising up as that energy pierced into Ryn, hooking into him like a vornskr’s fangs and not letting go. That rippling, jagged energy coursed through his veins like fire, coalescing at the points of major damage.
It was not gentle.
It was not kind.
But it was effective. Broken bone wrenched itself back into place, welding back together as it should. Muscle stretched, knitting together, the feel like a thousand needles stitching into his very being at once. Wounded organs were cauterized and restored, the excess liquids seared away.
The Jedi would most definitely not be 100%...but if he survived the healing, he would be mobile, stable, and away from death’s grip.
|
|
|
|
|
Dire Wolf
So who's ready to help me sock ol Adolf on the jaw?!
2,894 posts
49 likes
Have dakka will travel
|
|
last online May 6, 2020 18:55:51 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 26, 2009 14:20:56 GMT -5
Post by Dire Wolf on May 26, 2009 14:20:56 GMT -5
Ryn's eyes suddenly shot open and grew wide as dinner plates as the Dark Jedi began to “heal” him. It honestly felt more like the man was trying to tear his flesh asunder in some kind of grotesque ritual, which was (loosely) the case. However the Dark Side that was rending his flesh, malevolent as it may have been, was not solely intended to harm the poor Knight. While that may have been one of the reasons why the Dark Jedi begrudgingly set about his task, it was only a side effect of the “treatment.” The process that Vex was currently putting Ryn through was to heal him and yes, he would be far from one hundred percent, the man would be up and about after the agonizing operation was complete.
The agony that Vex was putting the young knight through was beyond agonizing, it made the misery that the crash had left him with a mere shadow. It turned what he thought the worst pain a sentient could endure and wrenched it down, making it feel like a relaxing walk in a serene park. His bones, shards of what they once were, ripped themselves back into position and began to fuse together. Liquid carbonite poured into the boy's veins as the Dark energy began to cauterize the broken blood vessels in his body. A superheated gas was thrust into the Jedi's collapsed lung as the malevolent presence that was Vex “healed” that as well. Throughout this process the boy that was Ryn Sundar could barely croak, let out a pained breath, or even close his unseeing eyes.
There are no words in basic, or any other language for that matter to possibly hope to describing just how much torment he was going through.
Then, the Dark Jedi released him from his grasp. Normally, the man would have sat up and most likely have no idea what the purpose of that was... and likely try and lob off Vex's head. Normally. This was far from normal. Instead, the Jedi could only lay there and quiver, the pain still lingered in his veins well after the little rite was done and over.
It took a few minutes for the man to fully recover... and when he did, all he could do was let out a ragged breath and ask:
“Wh-.... what was that?”
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 26, 2009 18:35:21 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on May 26, 2009 18:35:21 GMT -5
((Fear the Tal Post of DOOM! jk since squee's posts are far more advanced than mine. I only write little books. )) Of all the things that Aunna had expected out of this entire situation, the events following Vex's motion were about as far from them as could possibly be imagined by the former major. As she and Sali had both shouted the young prince's name, then glanced at each other curiously, Aunna had simply arched an eyebrow and had continued on, pushing her questioning from her mind. Even as she finished the queen started again, and no, her whispered comment did not go unnoticed. A slight huff of breath and a swift twitch of the corner of her mouth were the only signs that Aunna found the comment amusing, or had even heard it at all. Far too focused on the two men was she to notice much else of what was going on behind her. Rook's reactions warranted little attention as well...at least until he practically screamed into her mind. Closing her eyes and shaking her head a bit at the loud, unwelcome, disturbance. She huffed (more loudly this time) and glared at Rook for a moment. Well....that was unpleasant...she mused sarcastically. Glancing between Rook and Vex, she shook her head sadly and shifted slightly in the glaring silence that followed. It was then that Vex's voice rasped into the deathly silent night air from through his mask. Aunna snorted her displeasure and mild amusement at his first words. Why would I expect differently from you? That doesn't change my opinion on the matter.Her hand moved away from the blaster at her side and both coming to rest on her hips lightly. That previously serene voice took on a tone of stoic sarcasm as she stated the fact that she was not about to be changing her mind about leaving the jedi alone. She'd been toying with the idea of asking Vex to try to heal the man, but she wasn't entirely certain she was THAT brave yet. One thing at a time, however, she had to get Vex to at least let the two nobles live without tormenting them before she even dared touch the subject of the jedi again. Watching Vex like a hawk, she let out a pained and weary groan as her left hand slid over her face. Beautiful Vex...you're going to be the death of me one of these days...Her words were barely audible, hardly reaching her own ears, much less those of the people around her, the weary, stressed, and agitated emotions radiating out from her for a moment before she reigned them back in. That was when the unexpected happened. Vex slowly lowered Rook to the ground, glaring daggers at the prince...but that was expected...it was when he let go of Rook completely and turned to glower over at her that Aunna knew something odd was happening. As that dark gaze returned to her, she lifted an eyebrow at him for a moment before folding her arms across her chest lightly and glaring right back at him. What NOW? His words answered her unasked question making first one eyebrow raise, then the other, before a sarcastic little smile crept to her face and she chuckled, every inch of her suggesting that she was curious as to just what he was talking about. Oh-oho....really...? What...pray tell...am I asking of you? And just WHAT kind of repayment are you asking?She asked bemusedly, moving out of the way of the irritated....dark....jedi as he stalked toward her and those behind her. Aunna knew he was far from happy....royally (no pun intended) pissed off would be more accurate...but her curiosity and faith in Vex got her to move rather than stand stubbornly in his way. As she did, a small glimmer of hope appeared before her and she blinked quietly, watching his actions as he pulled the jedi from the queen's arms, dragged him over to a...cleaner....patch of flooring, and knelt down beside him, pressing a hand to his chest. Those actions brought his thought's meaning into sharper relief. Aunna couldn't help but gape slightly for a moment before shaking herself out of it and paying more attention to the other two. Again she moved, this time aware of what he was actually going to be doing, and placed herself between him and the royals to keep them from doing anything stupid that might stop or hinder Vex's work. With her back to Vex and the jedi, she winced at the pain she could feel emanating from the injured man, but she didn't bother to ask anything more of Vex. No, this was more than enough, and he was right...she would have to repay him for this. Even if he hadn't asked it of her, she would have felt the need anyway....she just wasn't sure HOW. She didn't have time to ponder that question as she felt, from behind her, the man become conscious, the pain she was feeling doubling until she felt the need to be sick...the woman stubbornly refused the urge. Instead she narrowed her focus to the two before her, willing herself to block out the man's pain...and it dulled, much to her relief. It was several moments later that the pain ended completely (at least for her) and she automatically moved backward, keeping her eyes on the queen and Rook to make sure they weren't going to try anything. Aunna knew this would weaken Vex. Her injury had not been as serious as this, and he had been trembling then, she could only imagine what healing wounds like these would do to him. She knelt down beside the dark man, still facing the royals, and gave him a sideways glace. Thank you. I'm not sure how yet, but I will repay you.Her voice was quiet, so that only Vex would be able to hear her, the jedi still trembling on the floor beside them. Her shoulder was only inches from his, within easy reach of him should he need support of some kind. Are you alright? Or should I say, are you going to be alright? Tell me what you might need, or how I can help you. (aside from turning back time, changing my nature, and allowing you to kill him...of course that's what he'd prefer)That thought had been carefully channeled toward Vex alone...she had been certain to try and shield it from the jedi who lay so near to them, but in exchange not all of her sub-thoughts had been filtered allowing that stray information to seep in at the end. Something, however, was tingling on the edges of her mind, a subtle fear that wasn't so much her own as it was something....external...something she'd come to recognize as "threat!" Soon as it had come, however, it was gone again and so she dismissed it...for now. As the jedi spoke, she turned her head to look over at the man and smiled tentatively. This was a sticky situation now, and one she had to be extra cautious with. Seeing as Vex was considerably weaker, he wouldn't be able to protect either of them as easily, so she would have to be on her toes, especially if this jedi decided to get riled up and try to attack. Her hand slowly went subconsciously to the blaster tucked into "her" belt. No doubt the jedi would see it, but it was unlikely the other two would notice the small motion. Despite that, Aunna's emotions were nothing more than a subtle fear and a highly noticeable level of caution. That subtle fear made its presence known again before dipping back into the background of her mind...and now she knew, she couldn't ignore it. They needed to leave. All of them. No one could afford to stay here much longer. We need to leave...soon.She spoke to the others indiscriminately, no one person being the focus of that warning statement. Aunna didn't know what kind of threat this was she felt, or if it was even anything truly dangerous to them, or completely uninterested in them, but she felt it, and it urged her to move. Look, I know things have been handled....poorly...She glanced at Vex for a moment. ...and so now there's a question of trust and ruffled feathers, there's more than a few injuries, and I'm sure that by now you both have recognized us for who and...what...we are; however, if you two want to get back to your Gala and security in one piece, I suggest you listen up...you too Jedi....And there she was...Aunna was filling a role that she wasn't certain she wanted to fill again....one of command. It needed to be done, however, and so there was no use in stopping it, what was she trying to be anyway? Some sort of hero? Yeah yeah, big kriffing hero, Aun. You know what you get for being a hero? Nothin'. You get shot at. Pat on the back, blah blah blah. 'Attagirl.' You get to eat a lot of meals by yourself, get stepped on, beat up, kidnapped, branded traitor, tossed in jail, nearly killed...yeah...nobody wants to be that person. So why the hell do I do this? Because there's nobody else to do it right now....If there was somebody else to do it, I would let them do it. There's not, so I'm doing it....heh guess that's what makes me that person.The longer we stay here the worse things will be for all of us. I don't want to be caught and killed, and I don't want you three being caught and killed....or worse...by the wretches who stalk the streets here at night.The "or worse" was directed at Sali. No doubt most of these predators would have fun with her in ways that no woman in her right mind would want. Now, you can either come with us, and we can try and help you, or you can stay here or move along on your own and see how far you get....I'm not asking you to trust me completely, I'm just asking you to trust me enough to know that you don't want to sit around here and wait for whoever might be lurking around that has worse intentions than ourselves.With that, Aunna looked at Vex, placing a hand on his shoulder lightly. Come on. You can move right? Lean on me if you need.She waited, then, to see what he would do.
|
|
|
|
|
Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
|
|
last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 27, 2009 4:25:45 GMT -5
Post by Squee on May 27, 2009 4:25:45 GMT -5
There were several things Sali had wished she had or was not witnessing. And it was just from that day, that night. Several things she wished she hadn’t heard or felt. And just from that night. Wistfully, somewhere in the back of her consciousness, she wished this could be a nightmare; a nightmare her bored mind had conjured. And at any simple moment one of her handmaiden’s would enter the room and gently rustle the covers that cocooned her and kept her safe. However, that was not so. Sali could only believe she had done nothing to deserve what was happening to and around her right now.
She’d gone from a party full of smile to a party full of sneers and the main event of the night was finding ways to cause fear. And to get there, she’d been through terrible realizations and feelings of anger and, even before, fear. The Queen of Onderon had been traumatized with a planned crash by people she thought were on her home planet. Her pilots were dead, her captain and guard had to be dead, and her handmaiden’s HEAD had fallen on her lap. The adrenaline still hadn’t stopped pumping even when the Dark Jedi had arrived and threatened her life, and the arrival of Rook and Aunna.
There was some comfort in those arrivals of Rook and Aunna, especially with Ryn fainting into some other black abyss. Rook wouldn’t hurt her at all, she knew, and he was only there to attempt at helping her. Not that he was doing a fine job at it, but sometimes the thought counted. Sali couldn’t help but wonder why the Prince would try to help someone he had only met that night, though. It had to be because she was a damsel in distress. As simple as that.
Aunna was an entirely different story. She was cautious of her and Rook, however, and with the entire galaxy after her, Sali really couldn’t blame her. But, Aunna also wasn’t totally on Vex’s team either. She may have been wary of the Prince and Queen, but she was also protecting them from what would have been certain death had Vex been here out on his own. And it was the contrast of the two, Vex and Aunna, that miffed Sali a little. They hosted polar opposite ideals. Vex had certainly wanted to kill the Jedi, but Aunna had warded him off. As Vex had said, Aunna was taking a risk in keeping the Jedi alive. Kill and/or save a life. It was bizarre, especially since Vex had backed down to Aunna. Sali and Ryn and Rook were still alive. Somehow.
Sali had seen Rook’s look. His eyes held an urgent expression. Did he really expect her to attempt at leaving? First of all, she had an unconscious Jedi in her arms that had just saved her life in the crash. Second, there was Aunna between her and the exit. Third, with the Dark Jedi still in the damaged cockpit? Did he really believe she was that brave? The mere thought of trying to escape was scaring Sali. And therefore she was not thinking such thoughts.
She held Ryn a little tighter when Vex breathed through his mask that he wished the Jedi would die. And save the trouble. “Ryn, the more I think about it, the more I think you’re simply in the wrong spot at the wrong time.”
And the next act Vex did was release the Prince. Sali found herself breathing a little easier then, a particularly large sigh escaping her lungs. Rook was no longer under immediate threat. And she was glad for that. Sali wished he wasn’t down here at all, for he was still under threat, though all but indirectly. With the Dark Jedi less than five feet from all of them, they were in danger. Vex was unpredictable. Unpredictably was something that frightened Sali. The unknown was simply frightening. If Sali did not know something, she was frightened. Of course there were all kinds of beings who were unpredictable, but not everyone radiated a dark, menacing aura like Vex did.
The color had somewhat drained from her face when the dark man spoke of flaying her to have the Prince tortured before he too died, all wrapped around the simple warning of not to threaten Aunna or himself. And then his attention and eyes were on Sali and Ryn. Something heavy and sharp pressed down on her mind a few seconds later. There was a strangled yelp from her as she shut her eyes and her head sort of shied away, her grip on Ryn becoming loose as she removed a hand and pressed it to her forehead. When the harmful feeling faded, Ryn was no longer in her arms and she opened her eyes in time to see Vex drop Ryn to the ground.
“Ryn…” Sali had no idea the Dark Jedi was going to heal him. Not until Vex lowered himself and placed a gloved hand to the Jedi’s chest. There were a few moments of silence that passed, and Sali simply did not move for fear of what would happen if she did. Aunna was still by her, still wary. Even the energy from Vex prickled sensitively across her skin and the rising stink of ozone did not strike the Queen as ‘healing’. From her spot on the floor, she could see Ryn’s sightless eyes shoot open. His body twitched under whatever Vex was doing. No sounds came from the Jedi. He was quiet, and the malevolent aura stunk up the room with the ozone.
Whatever color had been in Sali’s face flushed away. She felt light-headed and sick. She could hardly blink, and it took effort to look away from Vex and Ryn. Her knees met together under her long dress, and she drew them up a little, resting her forearms parallel to her thighs and then placing her hand in upturned palms. The fabric of her dress was barely stretched up enough to reveal her feet, clad in matching, dark green slippers with her dress. Anyone with a first hand glance would think the woman was crying. Sali wasn’t. She was simply trying to hide, if only briefly, from a horror. She did not like Vex. That was that. With a kind intended woman or not, she did not like him. For all she knew, he was killing Ryn. And if he was, she could not watch.
The energy toned down and then disappeared. Still, Sali did not show her face until the ragged breath sounded from Ryn, and his question reached her ears faintly. And then she lifted up her head, eyes growing wide. Ryn! He was alive, awake! And then Aunna said something the dark man could only hear, though Sali wished she knew what had been said. Perhaps Vex did heal the Jedi? It seemed unlikely, for the Queen, but, maybe that was what he had meant by wanting a favor repaid. Maybe, maybe not. The Queen just didn’t know, and at the moment certainly didn’t care. Ryn wasn’t dead. Not yet at least.
And that’s when Aunna addressed her (and Ryn), and possibly Rook too. There was a need to leave in the woman’s statements. She hinted on worsened nightmares that there could be if they didn’t leave. What Sali was surprised about was Aunna was offering to get them someplace safer, back to the Gala and where the security was. It seemed a little far fetched, with the Dark Jedi beside her and all. No one didn’t want to be caught and killed by anyone or anything. Sali shuddered when Aunna directed an “or worse” at her if the Queen was caught and captured down here. That would not be very pleasant, and Sali, of course, did not want it.
It was all about trust. Did Sali think she could trust the woman? She gave it a moment’s musing. If Vex had been saying anything in the middle of it, she might’ve said no. But this was the woman who had actually protected their lives when they had already been precariously endangered. And these were also the lower levels of Coruscant. Any lower levels of a planet were dangerous and absolutely filth ridden in all sense of the description. Sali didn’t take very long to reply:
“I don’t want to be much prey for what might be beyond this wreck. I’ll put some faith and trust in you. If you can get us back to the Gala, back to the security, I would be grateful. And if you do that…” Sali drew in a little air, ready to pitch in something should Aunna keep that proposal, “I will promise to speak not a word of you two. If you can trust me to that, I will trust you to your word. And the same goes: I can understand if you do not fully trust me as well. Just know the feeling will be mutual.”
|
|
|
|
|
Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
|
|
last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
|
|
|
May 27, 2009 11:08:07 GMT -5
Post by Meira on May 27, 2009 11:08:07 GMT -5
Rook was sure that at any moment, his teeth would shatter under the force of his jaw which was set like stone. He had locked it in place as his frantic eyes again connected with Vex's as he heard his plea repeated back to him in his own mind. It was that tiny ounce of control, that statue-like lock on his muscles and joints that kept Rook from losing it. Never before in his life had Rook ever encountered the more basic aspect of his being on such a level. Oh he had felt anger, rage even, but never on such a carnal level. He wished he had claws, fangs... if only he could spit venom. Anything to counter the unfair balance of power that ruled over this whole situation. Damn the Force! Without it, the man that held Rook to the wall would be little more than a bully. Maybe then Rook could do something. But what good did it do to muse over what ifs when one had a lightsaber positioned between one's legs? The helplessness of the situation was almost too much.
But Vex suddenly released Rook, who couldn't help but immediately gulp for air as he slumped against the wall. So Aunna had saved him? Rook's eyes turned to connect with hers as Vex offered his warning. Had Rook not been so confused by the coincidence, he might have been affected by the Dark Jedi's words. Instead, he simply registered the "no funny business" gist of what the man had said. Rook's attention was only fully brought back to Vex when he heard Sali's yelp of pain. Instinctively he had stepped forward, but was halted when he saw that Vex only wanted the Jedi. Morbid curiosity flooded Rook's mind as he watched Vex kneel over Ryn. Was he killing him? No. Aunna had convinced him not to, right? Then what? A few moments, and Rook had his answer. In spite of the stench of ozone that had suddenly filled up the area, Ryn twitched, moved, opened his eyes. This Vex had done something.
As Aunna backed towards Vex and Ryn, Rook moved slowly towards Sali. He kept his eyes connected with Aunna's, so that she would not be mistaken by the intention of his movements. He reached the Queen's side, and knelt down next to her, gently laying his hand on her shoulder. Maybe they could all just walk away from this mess.
As if on cue, Aunna began to speak about leaving. Rook was nodding his head, assuming Aunna was talking about herself and Vex. Yes, they did need to leave. Rook might have been grateful that she had been there, and that he had known her. That might be the only reason why he was still alive. But he read the news reports, had heard about her treason. He was grateful, but wary. The Aunna he knew was ten years younger than the one before him now, and even then, he had barely known her. They had connected, yes, and if circumstances had been different, who knows. But ten years could do a lot to someone, he knew just as much as anyone else. He could never know how time might have changed Aunna. If the stories he heard were true, then time had changed her quite a bit. But what if they weren't true? The moment of doubt, that little "what if" surprised Rook when it entered his conscience, but he shook it back. Aunna's innocence was irrelevant. She was with a man that Rook knew to his very core that he could not trust. Yes, they needed to leave.
But Aunna's following words surprised him. They were offering to help them get back to the Gala? That didn't make sense. All her talk of trust and helping. Why, in any conceivable universe would Aunna offer to help return them to an area that was crawling with not only top security details, but a few Jedi as well!? And why would they need the help? The explosion of Sali's transport could not have gone unnoticed. Any moment now Coruscant Police would be here. That was why Aunna and Vex needed to leave. But Rook's thoughts suddenly changed course. They were in the lower reaches of the under city. It was highly unlikely the police would come here. Even if they were already investigating in the safer areas above, it would be some time until the fact that it was Sali's ship that had been attacked had been realized. Until they knew that, they wouldn't bother with the under city. Rook had been on Coruscant long enough to understand that.
This meant that they were faced with quite some time down here without any help, and Aunna was right about the threat that posed, especially if those who had intended to kill Sali were still lingering about. But the idea of cooperating with that animal of a man Aunna was in company with just boiled Rook's blood. He wanted to spit. His thoughts were jumping around, trying to find alternatives. They could entrench themselves in the ship. No, the danger of another explosion was too great. They could go their own way, he and Sali. But that would leave Ryn behind, and Rook had no weapon. And Ryn, in his state, was looking like more of a liability than a protector. Even as every idea he had was instantly dismissed, he didn't like Aunna's idea at all.
Then Sali spoke, offering her trust and acceptance of Aunna's offer, and offering her own deal of silence in return. Rook looked at her almost in shock. Even as his own mind was slowly giving in to the inevitability of having to accept Aunna's proposal, he didn't think Sali would be so quick to speak. She must be in shock. Rook thought to himself before turning back to Aunna.
It seems we have no choice. He said, standing up and offering his hand to help Sali. He didn't like the taste of the words in his mouth, but there was nothing else he could think of. Get us there, and we won't say a word.
Rook then moved, in as wide of a circle as possible, around Aunna towards Ryn. He kept his hands in plain sight, but he was fairly sure it didn't matter. After all, Vex had made it clear that he would know Rook's intentions. But sudden movements wouldn't help anyone, so he kept his pace slow and deliberate. He knelt down when he reached Ryn's side and placed his hand on the Jedi's shoulder.
Do you think you can stand? He asked Ryn, looking into the Jedi's eyes even though he knew they could not look back... at least not in the same way.
|
|
|
|
|
Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
|
|
last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 27, 2009 15:11:20 GMT -5
Post by Vex on May 27, 2009 15:11:20 GMT -5
"That, Jedi, is your life back. Do not make me regret it." His voice still held that venom, but his tone wavered, weakened considerably. The rasp of his breathing was several levels louder, harsher through the rebreather as he pulled upon that needed air.
He'd remained crouched after the ordeal was over, his hand pulled away. This close, Aunna and yes, the Jedi, would see his body trembling, quivering from the drain, from what it cost him to do as he had. What they didn't know is the true depth of that cost...a price cut out of his very hide and being. Beneath that mask, his teeth were clenched and he was tightening every muscle in his body to control himself...to ride out price of that power and to not show weakness. It took almost all of his self control and sheer willpower to master his body so only that trembling could be seen.
When her consciousness probed his, that wall slammed down abruptly, simple pride fueling him to keep her out. He hated feeling weak...loathed it beyond comprehension. He'd been weak once...almost dying...helpless to do anything as he recovered. In those moments where Vex dreamed, those dreams were nightmares. In those nightmares, he found himself like that again. Helpless.
Physically, he snarled at her, the sound unable to have its full range of menace, given his weakness, but the message was still clear. He didn't want her help. He didn't want her concern. He didn't want anything from her and she would best serve all of their purposes by leaving him alone right now.
Blessed be the Force, she did just that.
Of course, that relief, for him, was short lived. He crouched there, trying to relax...to draw strength and poise, but the debt was too much for him to shoulder fully. The cost was too high and he would not be much of an asset in the immediate future. He was dangerously close to being helpless again and this time he couldn't wake up to shake away the dream.
He finally had it under control when Aunna volunteered to escort them all back. He stood up abruptly in shock before vertigo and dizziness from the drain hit him and he stumbled a step, dropping back to a knee, head bowed and his face shrouded by that black fall of hair. He braced his palm against the deck to remain steady.
Despite that, he violently shrugged off her hand as she rested it there against his shoulder. He tilted his head to the side, blackened depths glaring at her coldly. Despite the rasp through the rebreather, his voice was clear enough to travel to all of those who were still alive in the room.
"I did not save you from a wrongful accusation and execution so that you might walk yourself back to the firing line, Aunna Borgonia." The set and hardness of those eyes changed slightly as he stared into her own and he was quiet for a long moment before he tilted his head away. Setting his jaw, he forced himself back to his feet. Nausea and vertigo threatened him again, but he forced himself to swallow it back.
"You ask too much of me..." the last was surprisingly soft. He did not look at her as he moved past them all, following the route that Rook had taken to leave the ship once more and return to the Undercity.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 27, 2009 16:15:21 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on May 27, 2009 16:15:21 GMT -5
(( <3 Squee for telling me about this song: Losing My Religionand yeah...Aun DID pick Ayer up and carry him out of the transport with her...so...>_>)) Aunna cringed inwardly as she watched him, helpless to help him in any way...and oh how she wanted to help him. Vex, however, made it abundantly clear that he didn't wish her help as he slammed those walls down on her making her flinch slightly and turn her head away as she closed her eyes. Her pain was not physical. True, she could feel ripples of the pain Vex harbored from time to time, but that wasn't what she knew. No, hers was more an emotional pain...the pain that came from trying to do for more than just herself...and worse, from being scorned by him in such a way. She was between two worlds, not fully belonging to either, neither traitor who thought only of their own gain and sought to harm others, nor was she part of the world she was used to...one where she could willingly oblige her nature, her want, to help others without risking herself as far as the law was concerned. Shunned by both the royals for her 'traitorous' standing, and by her guardian...her, well she didn't quite know WHAT Vex was to her yet....the woman simply hung her head as he snarled at her. The sound had little effect on her fearing him, no, if anything the sound of it hurt her for other reasons...not the least of which was the fact that he was so drained now because of her. It tore at her very heart, guilt wrapping around it, a python trying to squeeze the very life out of her. Despite all of this inner turmoil she spoke, and no sooner had she finished than Vex was on his feet. She tried to move with him, beside him, but she wasn't fast enough. By the time her muscles had started to react, he'd stumbled and dropped to his knee again, face veiled by that black mane of hair. A quiet hand had moved to his shoulder, but he'd simply shrugged it off and glared coldly at her, obviously vehement in his wish to not be touched or even looked at by her. Aunna readily complied, pulling her hand back swiftly and averting her eyes. His words only caused her to lower her head again, eyes shutting briefly before daring to look back at him once more. Full of the pain, sorrow and regret she felt, those clear sapphire eyes shifted to something more fluid, dulling slightly even in the dim light as she gazed back at him. Those black eyes of his were trying to convey something to her, a deeper meaning, something almost caring, but right now she was certain that was far from the case. He had every right to be angry at her. As he stood again, she stood as well, watching silently for a moment as he walked out, those soft words he spoke stabbing at her heart with a new type of pain. She could almost feel the concern behind the subdued words...THAT pain ate away at her, even though she worked to convince herself that it was nothing more than her imagination trying to put some more meaning into it that just his weakened state and his anger. Vex could get deathly quiet when he was seriously angry. Turning, she picked up Ayer and walked after the dark figure of Vex, not wishing to meet the eyes of those around her, and to buried in her own thoughts to care what they might think of the odd interaction. It wasn't their place to know...not like they would have believed the truth of it anyway. No one ever did, and she doubted anyone ever would. Pausing at the line between the dim light from the street outside and the gore filled darkness of the interior of the transport, Aunna turned to look at the three. I will try to get you as near to a security check point as I can...I will not be able to get you fully to the gala as you may have hoped, but I can at least try to get you to someone who can help you and get you to where you should be. Forgive me if my previous words were misleading in any way.If one could read the subtle nuances of people, as most nobility could, they might see the turmoil she felt. The uncertainty, the pain, the echos of fear, the sadness, the feeling of defeat...she couldn't hold a facade up forever, and this was a time when it had certainly become riddled with cracks, allowing her true emotions to show through in her eyes and body language. Turning again to exit the back of the transport where Rook had first made his appearance, she caught up to Vex outside. Forgive me. I try, but it's in my nature to help, not to harm. I do not plan on taking them all the way to the Gala, simply getting them close enough to a check point to set them in the right direction so they can be safe themselves.Pausing as she came up beside him, Aunna sighed heavily and closed her eyes for a long moment, head tilting downward. She thought a long moment on her words, following her current line of musing carefully before she spoke again. Vex....if I ask too much of you, you can go. There's nothing binding you to me, I'm of no interest to your cause, and I don't want to be your burden. Just get me to the ship I'm headed for and you can do as you like from there.I thought that I heard you laughing...The tone of her words was calm enough, gentle and quiet. She wasn't telling him to leave, nor was she asking him to leave, Aunna was just wanting to make certain that he knew he didn't need to stay around her if she caused him such problems. Again something nagged at the back of her mind, like an echo from the past coming to haunt her, a song she knew she'd heard before sometime. It prickled at her mind, and at her skin, but she ignored it studiously. I'll make my way well enough after a bit, and whenever you decide to collect on my debt to you, I'm sure you would be able to find me...you always seem to anyway.I thought that I heard you sing...If anything, the pylat bird of a woman didn't wish for Vex to leave, but she didn't like the fact that she caused such troubles for him. Add to that the fact that Aunna hated, more than nearly anything else, to feel like a useless burden...yes, it was, perhaps, better that he leave. It would be better for him, and, though she wasn't certain how yet, she would make it on her own eventually. She didn't even consider her previous actions of asking him to take her on as a student, at least, not until now. Had his answer even been a 'yes'? She wasn't sure, and Aunna doubted she ever would be at this rate. Sighing, the woman lowered her head slightly once again, pulling her eyes away from his. I'm not entirely certain if you agreed, earlier, to train me or not, but if you did, please don't feel like that is any reason to keep me around either. I may be a lot of things, Vex, but selfish is not among them...not if I can help it anyway...and so I want you to do what you need to do without my being a hindrance to you, because...I feel that I will be.I think I thought I saw you try...(this is less than useful right now Aun...really)She grimaced slightly at the irritation the echoed words stirred up in her. Shifting Ayer from one arm to the other, she let out a huff of breath and shook her head. But that was just a dream Try, cry, why try? That was just a dream Just a dream, just a dream DreamThe words died in her mind, falling silent far before they should have, like something had strangled them, cut them short, and she trembled slightly as she ran a hand through her hair, something she'd not done in a while. It was a nervous habit most of the time, and she was certainly nervous right now. Something about the way those words had just fallen short...it didn't settle right. If she'd been forced to explain it, the closest she would have been able to come would be something along the lines of "it felt as if my future had died." Profoundly disturbed now, the woman backed away from Vex, eyes still not meeting his and she paced the distance to grab the discarded pack....and to put distance between herself and the fallen jedi. Those lyrics..... They reminded her of him...of their shared past....and more. It frightened her. ...Vex.
|
|
|
|
|
A®heim
One does not just make a dreadnought.
3,801 posts
6 likes
|
|
last online Sept 16, 2018 19:37:00 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 27, 2009 22:30:26 GMT -5
Post by A®heim on May 27, 2009 22:30:26 GMT -5
ELEVATION DISTURBANCE DETECTED: INITIATING STANDBY SURROUNDINGS EVALUATION...
10001001001010 10100100110010 01001001011001 10101000011110
NO IMMEDIATE THREAT OF CONCUSSIVE DAMAGE
RUNNING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS...
Central Processor: Online Flight System: Offline Primary Servos: Low Power Discharge: Offline Targeting system: Low Power Photoreceptors: Offline Energy Level: Critical
SOLAR ENERGY CELLS ARE AT UNDER 5% CAPACITY. [/center] Ayer shuddered and lifted his head, photoreceptors flickered feebly in the persistent darkness as he took in his surroundings. Nothing but blackness greeted him. Confused, he switched to infrared. Nothing. Ultraviolet. No luck, he was as blind as a Miraluka. Literally. He switched to his proximity sensors which were (thankfully) online. The depletion of his power only extended his sensory range a few feet, but it was enough to ascertain his position. He was being held, but by who was anyone's guess. He first assumed it was Aunna and considered settling back down to continue his "nap", but something was amiss... It felt like Aunna, and the faint voices he could pick up sounded with the familiar ring of her voice, but the tone in which she spoke was not content. Yes he was a multi-million credit piece of technology that could easily grab the attention of under level looters, and of course he didn't wish to be sold for scrap, but he was also tasked with watching out for the Aunna. Being captured generally makes that difficult. He considered firing up his discharge but if he was indeed being carried by her, it wouldn't exactly fit in well with the whole "protect the Major" motif to electrocute her. On the other hand, he couldn't just sleep away whatever could be troubling the trio. Cursing the lack of Coruscant sunlight, Ayer gathered up what little power he had left into his servos and wrenched himself suddenly from his carrier's grip. Landing rather more heavily than usual on the ground, he lowered his body and spread his wings out to full length. The temporary layer of black paint cracked at the plast-coated wing panels groaned back and the faintly glowing solar feathers protruded out threateningly. When the little droid spoke, it was barely more audible than a whisper. Nobody make a move or so help me I'll slit every one of your throats in less time than it takes to draw your blasters. He had tried to make his bluff as threatening as possible, but he was never very good at being menacing and pretty much broke any fear that may have been felt towards him when he continued, Unless of course this is Mr. Praetor and Ms. Borgonia I'm addressing in which case I apologize, my systems are so drained I can hardly stand not to mention see...oh kriff! Ayer retracted the feathers and held up his wings in what he hoped was a surrendering gesture. In the middle of this action, his servos whined and he wobbled unsteadily for a moment. That was it, he was done... WARNING! POWER CELL ENERGY LEVEL CRITICAL! WARNING! POWER CELL ENERGY LEVEL CRITICAL! [/center] As his processor began to shutdown, the AER chuckled to itself amused. The flashing red notification is going to be the last thing I see? How droooooolllllllllllll....... even the warning notice began to dim and flicker. Ayer teetered on one leg for a moment, poised to fall to the dust. POWER....FULLY DEPLETED....TAPPING....AUXILIARY ENERGY....RESERVES- AUXILIARY POWER CELL CONNECTED. ENERGY LEVELS AT 23%. SYSTEM REBOOT INITIATED. RUNNING SYSTEM DIAGNOSTICS...
Central Processor: Online Flight System: Low Power Primary Servos: Online Discharge: Offline Targeting system: Online Photoreceptors: Online Energy Level: 23% [/center] Ayer got himself nimbly on one landing leg and managed to set himself straight. He stretched his wings out and shook out his newly-energized servos to warm them up. The two points beneath his visor lit up brilliantly again and the world came into focus around him. And oh my what a world. Melted metals of Mustafar, take me among thee! What in Familiar's feathers happened here?! Aunna! Vex! Are you in danger? Is anybody hurt? What is all this? Is this a wreckage? We were in a crash?! If you've ever fallen asleep in the middle of the day, you could probably sympathize with the AER. Of course, most people don't wake up from the naps amidst a smoldering wreckage. And thus the little droid continued in it's flustered narration in rather much the same way hopping, this way and fluttering that way assisted by weak bursts of his thrusters. Finally, the logic centre in his processor seemed to override the survival-evaluation programming long enough for Ayer to flop down on the ground and fold his wings clumsily. It wouldn't due to waste more power when it was so scarce to come-by. He was already running on auxiliary power, the droid equivalent to a Red Bull (in the sense of giving a quick power boost, a rapid degeneration in energy, and a rather unpleasant taste on the tongue), and if that was depleted, he would be out of the game until they could escape this wasteland. Letting out a synthesized huff, the droid regained its full composure and took in it's surroundings again, more calmly this time. Indeed it was a wreckage, what appeared to be a transport in fact. Aunna and Vex were there standing around him. There was an expression he recognized all too well on both their faces. Something had struck Borgonia emotionally. Ayer didn't have to even guess; Vex was the culprit. As for Mr. tall, dark, and mysterious himself, his expression was also one Ayer had grown used to; Non-existant, though even the little droid could see the pain in his eyes. Oh dear... Not wishing to pursue that subject in which he had no hopes in comprehending, he turned around to see a control console of some kind buried amongst the debris. The scorched corpse of the operator still lay a top it, its face melted into a permanent state of anguish. Ayer barely gave it a glance as his analyzing gaze found the serial code on the console and zoomed in to record it. It took a conscious effort not to immediately cross-reference it with the Republic Archives. Though it would instantly tell him of the identity of what used to be this ship, it was far to dangerous. You never knew who could be watching. Luckily for the bird however, he didn't have to. Unsurprisingly, Ayer was very good with numbers. A literally photographic memory for them you could say, which made sense since his memory was COMPOSED of numbers. It took only a few seconds for Ayer to sort through his databanks to match it up. Yes, of course! He knew he had seen that code somewhere before... The Senator's Gala....what happened to it? Were there any survivo-? Ayer's vocabulator caught as a awful thought suddenly hit him. We....we aren't....responsible for this....are we? Naturally the question was more directed to Vex, but Ayer preferred having his wings attached to his chassis so he left it open for now.
|
|
|
|
|
Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
|
|
last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 28, 2009 5:19:33 GMT -5
Post by Squee on May 28, 2009 5:19:33 GMT -5
((This sounds very rushed to me, so, I have no doubts that it is. I promised Talau I would post before I went to sleep though. So, here, presenting crap.))
Rook’s presence when Vex had been… healing… Ryn had been a small comfort to the Queen. At that time she had bundled to herself to escape witnessing the “healing” process. His hand on her shoulder had made her aware, and she had turned her head to see his form beside her. She twisted her hand and touched her fingertips to his hand to let him know she acknowledged his presence beside her. And then she had tucked that hand back around her face until it was clear that Ryn had awakened from his unconsciousness.
A decision had been made shortly after the Jedi had awakened. With Sali accepting the proposal, and Rook not very far behind, it seemed they would begin moving immediately. What needed to happen was Ryn had to get up on his feet. He was going to have to come with them. First of all, Sali wasn’t going to leave him. Second of all, the Jedi was still what appeared to be in a rather unstable… condition. Somewhat. He sounded like he had a fight with thousands of soldiers, gotten himself nearly killed, and was revived. To some extent that was true: Ryn had lost a fight to a ship, passed out, and had been revived.
Sali accepted Rook’s offered hand to help her up. She held on to hand and forearm as he helped to lift her from the ground as she compensated by finding firm footing and taking some of the lift. Standing as she was, and the deal to leave, the queen did not move. Vex was still there, though he did seem to be having a few issues with standing and Aunna persisting him with something. In turn, the Dark Jedi glared at the branded traitor before finding sureness enough to stand and begin crawling out from the ship. Aunna got up to follow them, and Rook had gone to the Jedi even before that. And then, after Vex had exited, Sali went over by her Jedi guardian. Crouching somewhat awkwardly beside Rook, she looked down at Ryn. She thought about saying something at him, but she couldn’t think of anything decent enough. Instead, she was silent, letting Rook’s question be the only words that dangled.
A loud noise thudded behind her, sounding eerily metallic. It caught the queen’s attention, and she turned slightly to see a little droid.
Nobody make a move or so help me I'll slit every one of your throats in less time than it takes to draw your blasters.
Sali blinked a moment. It was such a tiny little thing, and it was whispering so softly that she could hardly understand the words. The droid appeared bird-like in design, and looked silly in Sali’s eyes as his metal wings were raised as he issued out the whispered threat. In fact she let out a couple of sounds that could be taken for amused laughter, but through closed lips. There was a quirk around her lips that could’ve been the beginning of a smile, but it was gone far too quickly. And for a moment, the droid fell silent after an electronic chuckle. Puzzled Sali began to stand. It had to be with Aunna and Vex, for he had mentioned them, through last names of course (but everyone knew the full names of the two).
“It is a wreckage,” Sali confirmed the droid suspicions when he spoke again. The metal of his wings gave light little sounds and his talons clicked on the console when he had taken a small perch there. The queen stepped forward, going to meet the rather cute little droid. Her foot hit something, and glancing down, it was that head again. Sali gave a visible start, jumping a half foot away from the head. Lifting up her skirt she sent the head rolling away from her with a small, quick push from the bottom of her foot. Sali felt her stomach flip and a bile rise in her throat as she did so. There was an obvious shudder through her frame and her hands clutched either elbow as she carried on toward the bird-like droid. She kept her brown eyes on the droid, avoiding looking at the other gore she remembered rested around her.
“You were not in a crash, not to worry. I was however, and a survivor as well as the Jedi on the ground there.” She gestured just behind her. The bird-droid had a realization after studying her damaged console, one that Sali went on to confirm. “This ship was going from the Senator’s Gala, and, I’ll answer your question for those other two, no, Mr. Praetor and Miss Borgonia did not have anything to do with my crashing.” Sali turned and pushed herself up onto the console, on her way to climb out of the ship with hopefully Rook and Ryn behind her. “Does that answer all your questions?” She was pressing lightless buttons and useless levels as she turned herself to place her feet on the console. “If it does, and you’re the property of those two, I suppose you need to follow them.”
“Cute little thing.”
Sali stood on the console with part of her dress gathered so she did not catch it on anything. Carefully she picked her way through the shattered transparisteel and partly slid her way down to the undercity’s ground. Vex and Aunna were not to far away, but speaking, and Sali didn’t want to interfere out of fear her head might be taken off her shoulders. Instead she took a moment to examine her dark surroundings, both in physical and sense of the world. It was a completely different story than the upper parts of Coruscant. The shadows seemed to come alive by the dim lights that were scattered here and there. There were less people willingly wandering around (certainly not here around a crash, not really) and utterly more menacing.
The ship rumbled, complaining. Something creaked and then there was a pop, and the ship tilted more to one side. More groaning came from the ship as she settled into her new position. More hisses fills the air, and there was a slight glow around it where the ship still continued to burn on steadily. Rook and Ryn were still in there. Oh Lord, did the tilt do anything to them?
“Rook, Ryn!” Sali called out. She had turned and was staring at where the opening should be as she backed away from the wreckage. “Are you okay?” She was now noticing the fire that still smoldered around the ship. “Oh my… what if it explodes again?
|
|
|
|
|
Dire Wolf
So who's ready to help me sock ol Adolf on the jaw?!
2,894 posts
49 likes
Have dakka will travel
|
|
last online May 6, 2020 18:55:51 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 28, 2009 13:00:27 GMT -5
Post by Dire Wolf on May 28, 2009 13:00:27 GMT -5
"That, Jedi, is your life back. Do not make me regret it."
Why would he regret it? Did he have a hate for Jedi? Ryn was far from blind, yes, but he was not nearly skilled enough at gazing through the Force to see a person's face. The aura that clung to their body ruined any hope of seeing their facial features. It may have been the Dark Jedi and traitor Aunna Borgonia that saved Queen Sali... but Ryn didn't know that. As far as he knew these two were a pair of good Samaritans, especially so considering that he had no idea that this... man... that “healed” him wanted to do the exact opposite and help him along to the afterlife. If the Knight knew that he may have taken a different course of action, thanking the woman instead of the man. He shifted his eyes up to where he guessed the man's eyes were.
“Thank you.”
Ryn furrowed his brow slightly as both the Queen... and the newcomer... mentioned not speaking a word of the pair to the authorities. Why? Why would they not want the authorities to know that a pair of people came in, saved a Jedi, and guided them back to the Gala?
"Beautiful Vex...you're going to be the death of me one of these days..."
Thats why.
So the man that healed him must have been Vex Praetor... that meant the woman was probably the traitor Aunna Borgonia. As if on instinct the Jedi Knight slid backwards towards the Queen with a hand on his lightsaber, though he took care not to actually draw it out. He was tempted to say “If you think of harming her I will skewer the both of you like a gizka,” but did not. If Vex and Aunna's intentions were malevolent than all of the people in that ship would be cooling carrions, and Vex never would have brought the young knight out of his unconscious stupor.
"I did not save you from a wrongful accusation and execution so that you might walk yourself back to the firing line, Aunna Borgonia."
Wait, what? Wrongful accusation? She did save him after all, didn't she? Saving a Dark Jedi, and by extension an enemy of the republic, was indeed a traitorous act was it not? He would most certainly have to ask the two about this later...
It took him a few moments, but the man calmed himself down and released his grip on the hilt of his lightsaber. His action would probably garner a rather negative response from Vex... but could anyone blame Ryn for acting as he did? Waking up to indescribable amounts of pain, and then finding out that the two people that stood before you and your mission stole the top spots on the “Republic's most wanted” list? Any sane person would have acted just as Ryn did... maybe a bit more violent... but he wasn't about to cut off the leg of the man that helped him.
“If Queen Sali gets back to the Senator's Gala unharmed the Council will have no knowledge that the two people that helped us were Aunna Borgonia and Vex Praetor.”
It would be hard to not tell the High Council that someone assisted him in the crash. It would, however, be very easy to “forget” that the two people that helped him were Aunna and Vex. He was blind after all, how could he possibly recognize their faces and be completely sure that these two were, in fact, who he thought they were? Ryn was a man of honor, and his code dictated to NOT screw over the people that saved your life.
Ryn tilted his head slightly as the third man (whose name was apparently Rook) walked towards him, giving Vex and Aunna a wide berth, and asked if he could stand. While he did just have nearly every single bone in his body not only broken, but shattered, Ryn was also healed. No, the Jedi Knight was not one hundred percent... far from it... but he could most certainly stand. The young Knight nodded and looked up at the center of Rook's face as he put his hand on his shoulder.
“That I can. Don't expect me to run any races, though.”
A joke? From a Jedi Knight? That was practically unheard of! While yes, Ryn's humor was rusty to say the least, he had made an attempt. Humor tends to lighten the situation up a bit... and the situation most certainly did need lightening up, especially with the myriads of cadavers strewn about. That made the Jedi Knight's heart grow heavy... all of this senseless killing. For what? A single person? Since when was the life of a single being more important than the lives of this many? It made no sense if one tried to think it through logically... at least through the Jedi's mindset.
The man slowly got up from his prone position, using the rather... bloody... seats as leverage to help himself up, he would accept no help from anyone... he may have been a Jedi, but he was a proud one. Ryn barely noticed the metallic thud of Ayer's little feet as they hit the deck rather heavily... and he only understood a fraction of what the tiny bird actually threatened. Not that he didn't catch the full meaning of the avian droid's threat. The Jedi Knight couldn't help but let out a supressed, but tired, laugh. Slit all his throat before he could reach his blaster? That may have been true... but only because he did not have a blaster handy.
But then the Queen did a curious thing: she spoke to the little bugger. He didn't quite catch the droid's queries, of course, otherwise he may have just decided to end the little robot right then and there. It wouldn't have been too hard: with the press of his thumb and the flick of his wrist the little seagull would have been in half the creature it used to be.
He shifted his unseeing gaze over to Rook as he heard a series of pops and hisses emanate from deeper in the ruined ship's gullet. Not good. Soon the crackling report of fire reached the blind man's ears... he would have smelt the fire, but when that lightsaber seared his eyes it had to go through his nose as well.
“It may be prudent to get out of here while we can. We don't want to be around if this thing's reactor goes critical.”
The blind man's tone was a tired one, but still urgent, and he would wait for the man that stood next to him to leave before doing so himself. Ryn wanted to be absolutely certain that there was not another living being left inside the smoldering wreckage of the ship. He would not be far behind the Corellian prince, however, his progress would be considerably slower.
It wasn't long before the Knight finally emerged from the ship and answered Sali's call. His tone was one of exhaustion... and honestly, a little pain. The Dark Jedi had not healed all of his ailments... blood loss was a particularly nasty one. That could only be mended with time... he refocused his attention to the Queen.
“We're fine... are you okay?”
|
|
|
|
|
Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
|
|
last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
|
|
|
May 29, 2009 8:57:38 GMT -5
Post by Meira on May 29, 2009 8:57:38 GMT -5
Rook couldn't help but allow a hollow chuckle to escape him at Ryn's words. Humor always seemed to catch people off guard in such situations. He welcomed it while it lasted. Even though Ryn had decided he needed no help, Rook stood close as the Jedi pulled himself to his feet, just in case Ryn's pride wasn't enough. Rook was glad to see that it was. They didn't have much time to linger, however. The ship was making eerie noises of metallic complaint as metal gave way to heat. Ryn's words were heeded, but unnecessary. Rook was already moving.
He hurried up the hill of debris over the control panels, turning around every few steps to make sure Ryn was handling the climb. The two were quickly at the top of the small hill, and then down the other side. Like Ryn, Rook's response to Sali's question was a quick affirmative before inquiring if she too was alright. He had uttered the words at nearly the same time as the Jedi. At having heard that, Rook silenced himself. Let the Jedi do his job. Rook told himself, turning to survey the area. But like Sali, Rook could see very little in the near non-existent light of the under city.
Behind him, the groan of the ship and a slight shudder of the ground make Rook turn around. Those sounds weren't good. Turning back to the whole group, Rook cleared his throat and gestured towards the skeleton of the ship.
Umm... I believe it would be in our best interest to, well.... get the hell out of here.
|
|
|
|
|
Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
|
|
last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 29, 2009 9:52:02 GMT -5
Post by Vex on May 29, 2009 9:52:02 GMT -5
Vex stood, bristling and dour, as Aunna came out after him and began to speak. It seemed she had much to say, pouring out her peace to him and seemingly trying to give him the freedom to leave if he wished. She was allowing him to leave if he so wanted because she didn't want him to be a burden. Black eyes rolled in his head at her words and the emotions that, weakened as he was, he could still feel radiating from her.
Finally, he turned his head and regarded her. "Aunna, your mouth is talking, you might want to look to that." Those biting words came out quite harsh at first before his form turned towards her fully, stepping in front of her and gazing down at her with those deep, fathomless eyes. They narrowed slightly... "Do not speak of which you do not know, Aunna. You do not understand what binds me here, your worth to me, or the burdens I bear."
His hand reached up, curling around her throat. His thumb pressed against the vulnerable hollow of her throat. Even in his current state, it wouldn't take much to put pressure there, to remove her life from her if he so wished it. But he did not. That touch slid up into the hair at the nape of her neck, his thumb brushing against the line of her jaw as he cradled her head.
Leaning in closer, the cool metal of his rebreather was cool against her cheek as he spoke with such a deathly soft whisper. "You will not dismiss me to try and save me...vexation... I have spent far too much to see you live, Aunna Borgonia and it is imperative I ensure you stay that way. I will stay here, though it may be a fool's errand, trying to save you from yourself. Though, trust that your debt will be collected upon."
Seeing the Queen depart the ship...followed by the wreckage listing dangerously. He wouldn't be terribly disappointed if the two others didn't happen to make it out before another explosion took the ship in its entirety. That, however, would not be the case.
Sighing, Vex moved away from Aunna and towards the three new charges he'd picked up. He was moving easier now, but nothing but rest and meditation would help him replenish what he had lost. He could only hope that he had enough to follow through on Aunna's foolish promises and get them safe while keeping Aunna herself out of danger and re-incarceration.
If it came down to it, however, he had already resolved that he would ensure that Aunna made it through safely. Even if he had to knock her unconscious in order to make it happen.
"You are both right. We need to leave. Now. It will not be long before the vultures of Coruscant begin coming to pick from the bones of the dead. Furthermore...I find it hard to believe a planetary queen with a family history of assassinations against them just happened to crash land after a formal gathering." Oh yes, though he hadn't initially recognized the woman, he knew the name well enough, having read the news reports of the assassinations and subsequent rise of the young new queen. "It's likely search parties aren't the only ones looking for you, young Queen."
Nodding toward the direction of the Gala in the distance, he looked back to them. "Follow me."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 29, 2009 11:54:14 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on May 29, 2009 11:54:14 GMT -5
((well I don't know what to do about Ayer now, since everything's all confused about where he is or isnt....>_>.....so i'm gonna say he's with the others, NOT Aun/Vex....yeah, vex pointed that out to me, and it makes more sense with Squee's post *shrug*))
She'd only just hefted the pack onto her back again when Vex's voice resounded behind her and she turned to look at him. Those words had sharp teeth and made her glower up at him, barely restraining the urge to try and lash out at him.
That was uncalled for...excuse me for trying to be considerate. I'll be sure not to make the mistake again.
THAT thought was not simply meant for herself, but she didn't exactly try to get his attention for it either. As he stepped further into the light, looking down at her, she raised one eyebrow at his words before lowering it again and folding her arms across her chest, keeping her distance from the man and trying to keep those disturbing feelings to herself. It wasn't easy.
Then help me understand. I can't hope to not speak in ignorance if I don't know the questions to ask, or if you don't try to help explain.
He came closer and she tried to step away, but already his hand was at her throat, just below that fading red ring of chaffed skin from her time at the prison. A collar for her time as a dog...sometimes she wondered if the mark would ever fully fade. Aunna didn't try to move out of his grasp, there was no pressure used to harm her, so she opted not to tempt fate and remained still...though despite it all she took a deep, fortifying, breath. His hand slipped into her hair gently, thumb brushing against her jaw, and she tensed a moment as he leaned down. After a moment, the woman relaxed in his grasp and simply stood there, listening reservedly.
A ghost of a smile played on her face and a short, silent, huff of what might have been amusement left her. Vexation...so she vexed him as much as he did her it seemed, though she wasn't certain it was in entirely the same way. Oh yes, there were points where she was certain they vexed each other so much in the same way that they wanted to slaughter each other, but other than that....other than that frustration what was there? She closed her eyes as she listened to the rest of what he had to say, feeling oddly...calm....standing there with him like that. No longer did she feel that strangling sense of her "future dieing"...it just was. One of her slim hands subconsciously came to rest against his chest as they stood, statues in the darkness, and even once she realized what she'd done on impulse, Aunna didn't wish to remove that hand.
The groaning shift of the wreckage behind her made her muscles tense once again and she stepped close to Vex, shifting to the side so her back was less exposed to the sound, head turning to see what it was that had happened. Blue eyes caught sight of the queen, shortly followed by the two men and she sighed in time with the man beside her as he stepped away and toward the three others. She shifted the silver necklace that hung there about her neck quietly as she joined the others and listened. It wasn't anything she didn't know, so she just waited for Vex to take the lead before following up behind him and coming up near the side of him.
|
|
|
|
|
Dire Wolf
So who's ready to help me sock ol Adolf on the jaw?!
2,894 posts
49 likes
Have dakka will travel
|
|
last online May 6, 2020 18:55:51 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
May 29, 2009 21:45:44 GMT -5
Post by Dire Wolf on May 29, 2009 21:45:44 GMT -5
It was almost funny how the Force worked. Force Sight. At that moment it was a terrible curse. No longer could he make out the detail's of people's faces... it may not sound so bad, but it is a terrible thing to see people in nothing but colors. Yet, it had the potential to be a great gift. To him, walls... doors... even the floor... it was all translucent. In other words he could see through them, but the image was still there, it was hard for the young knight to comprehend... let alone explain. That, and those aura's he saw generally described the being's Force alignment: there was no guesswork involved in him trying to decide if someone was good. Or not so good.
It was the ability to see through walls that gave a slight tilt to the Knight's head. The... intimacy... of those two creatures, Aunna and Vex, the touchy-feely actions of them both. There must have been more at play than the young and naive Knight originally realized. Now was not the time to inquire as to why the hell one would want to be courted by a Dark Jedi, however, that question was one for a later time and place. So, like the good little soon-to-be grey Jedi he was, he filed that information away.
Ryn would not allow a single being to touch a hair on Sali's head, even if it was Vex. Especially if it was Vex. It may be the death of him... but he didn't care... Sundar should have been dead at more times than he could count by now, he figured it was between one of three things. One: He was very lucky. There was no luck. Two: He was indestructible. That was most certainly not true. Three: The Force absolutely loved him. That may have been true.
He quickened his pace up to Aunna, slowing gradually as he neared her. In truth, he wanted to know why she put up with him, its not like they had a life debt (as far as he could see) after all. She saved him, he saved her. But then... Dark Jedi didn't exactly see in life debts now, did they? Well... that one obviously did. Else he wouldn't have saved her... so then his musings brought him back to his original question: Why?
“Aunna? Forgive me for asking this... but I was just curious: Why? Why did you basically give up your life to save Vex? Not that his isn't one worth saving, but not many people would do that, risk so much, for a man such as him.”
|
|
|
|
|
Squee
The Keeper
2,286 posts
95 likes
I am Deception, and I defy your holiest moralities.
|
|
last online Oct 24, 2016 0:33:56 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Jun 2, 2009 4:50:23 GMT -5
Post by Squee on Jun 2, 2009 4:50:23 GMT -5
Ryn had answered her call, Rook’s voice just echoing his. Sali’s worries shrunk a little, lowering her gaze and staring at the remains of her transport ship. Such a lovely ship. It had been complicated just enough, luxurious and prepped with many of her favorite decorations and more than a dozen gowns and dresses from home. It wasn’t necessarily the expense, it was the look Sali had always liked about her things, and sometimes the memories they brought up. An object can sometimes be like part of a brain, holding a little memory that fills up the entire area of that small little brain. Together, objects can form multiple stories, relating back to a larger brain full of memory.
Sali was glad to be leaving a memory behind. This transport no longer brought her good travels. It was a scarring memory. Her loyal guards were gone, her loyal captain deceased, the life of her handmaiden stolen, and the breath of her pilots raped. Ryn had nearly lost his own life. They had been victims. And what for? Sali was an important political figure, the beauty and center and standing figure of Onderon. The single royal member left, the young Queen, and also victim to a fatal crash. However fatal, she was alive and wanted dead. Her people were dead because there were people who did not have things their way. Selfish people, those assassins, and Sali had difficulties, presently and in the past, understanding how people could be so willing to kill for their own selfish ways.
She get these assassins just as she had caught their fathers. And this time, they would be executed immediately. Apparently heavy jail time was not enough to ward off mosquitoes from a source. Perhaps death should prove to be a perfect repellent.
“If I wasn’t okay, I wouldn’t be asking you,” Sali responded. She was stepping away from the crash landed transport, eyes fixated on the wounds it bore and the smoldering embers that still surrounded it. Yes, this memory would best be laid to rest. Unfortunately that would have to be buried with the grave keeper Time. Time knew what he could do, and his magic would be accepted by Sali as soon as possible.
“Umm... I believe it would be in our best interest to, well.... get the hell out of here.”
Sali’s head tipped a little. “I would say so. I keep hearing little explosions. The sooner the better.” The better the memory would fade. The sooner Sali could be at peace.
And then Vex had approached, stating what Sali already knew, but making it sound ominous enough that shivers curled around her. “Yes, I doubt it was just a happening myself.” She didn’t tell the dark man about the engines being rigged with explosives. That was none of his business. He could believe what he wanted, though he was, for certain, correct this time. “And I don’t even think search parties will come down here. Not unless they know who was in a transport such as this.”
It was something of chilling factor to believe the assassins could be not too far behind. Any moment another transport could swoop down, carrying those terrorists of the Queen. But then she wouldn’t have any power. Once they were bound in chains and brought before her by guards would she had absolute power. Right now, the assassins and the nature of influencing individuals controlled her fate.
Upon Vex’s “follow me”, Aunna took up after him with Ryn falling in step beside her. Only until Ryn had moved had Sali stepped forward, remaining behind him. She paused for a few seconds, glancing back and gesturing to him to walk with her, a small smile toying on her face and a tiny tease in her eyes.
“Prince Rook, I do believe you had a hole in your pants.” She was saying this to the hole the ember had burned into his pant leg.
((Sounds all sophisticated -somewhat- now. >.< Damn.))
|
|
|
|
|
Meira
She don't mess around
2,830 posts
583 likes
Half awake in our fake empire
|
|
last online May 11, 2023 23:01:34 GMT -5
Administrator
|
|
|
Jun 2, 2009 9:02:35 GMT -5
Post by Meira on Jun 2, 2009 9:02:35 GMT -5
With the imminent threat of explosion accompanied by the possibility of forthcoming hostile visitors, it didn't take long for the group to come to accord on the decision to make themselves scarce. The dark jedi assumed the leader role, and though Rook had a personal grudge against the man, he was more than willing at this point to merely follow. Rook was the last of the group to clear the site, and he wasn't at all sad to be gone. He had done his best to ignore the awful scene, and was ready to put it out of sight and out of mind.
So it was that Vex and Aunna led the way into the darkness that was the under city, with Ryn and Sali not far behind. Soon after Ryn moved forward to speak with Aunna, Sali motioned for Rook to join her. Rook quickened his pace until he was even with the queen and offered his arm to her. In the dim light that managed to filter down into this area, it was hard to see one's footing clearly. Sali had been through enough tonight, he didn't want her to worry about tripping over the tattered hem of her dress.
The queen's comment caused Rook to pause a moment to inspect his clothing, and indeed, there was a hole in his pants. He feared, ridiculously, for a moment that the hole might have compromised his ego, but he remembered as soon as he saw it that nothing more than a small glimpse of his outer thigh was visible. Rook couldn't help but chuckle as he straightened up and began to walk again.
I appreciate your concern, m'lady, but I assure you that I am fine.... and flattered. He paused for a moment, unable to keep himself from giving the queen a mischievous look. ...that your highness would take such detailed notice of my person.
|
|
|
|
|
Vex
A Self-styled computer geek that moonlights as a G.I. Joe.
1,014 posts
2 likes
Proud bearer of the "Polish Stalker Badge".
|
|
last online May 21, 2018 17:30:54 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Jun 2, 2009 12:47:32 GMT -5
Post by Vex on Jun 2, 2009 12:47:32 GMT -5
Vex cast a glance back at Aunna. Despite his weakened state, it wasn't difficult for him to register the Jedi as he drew closer to them both. His presence in the Force was sickly sweet to the Dark Jedi. Vex gathered all he could of his Force signature, drawing it in around him like a cloak. To those with such senses, that dark malevolence around him would diminish until he was almost wraith-like...flickering in and out of sight. It was harder to keep that veil...something usually so effortless for him. It was a testament to what he'd had to give in order to save the Jedi.
Vex extended out his stride, jogging lightly. He was taking point...looking to ferret out any possible trouble and be able to dispatch it before the rest of the group had to run into it. Aunna would know his intent as he had spent much time doing the same during their exodus to the rendezvous site for the mercenaries. He felt more comfortable that way...losing himself amongst the shadows as he hunted any that might wish to hunt them.
He would have to hope thathis previous actions weren't going to detrimentally affect his ability to protect Aunna. Here was to hoping for a night quiet...
It helped to leave Aunna to get a chance to talk...without him around. The others saw him in a threatening light. That was good. He didn't want anyone to relax, given the current situation...but he also needed something more. Fingertips brushed against one of the pockets in his spare belt.
Since Aunna had been so adamant about keeping the Jedi alive, Vex felt it best he contributed something to show for it. Not yet, however. He would wait until it was time to part ways.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
last online Jun 4, 2023 4:58:38 GMT -5
Master
|
|
|
Jun 2, 2009 14:10:22 GMT -5
Post by Talau the Ever-Lurking on Jun 2, 2009 14:10:22 GMT -5
((couple of things....1) who has Ayer? >_> ....2) I'm leaving trouble to everyone else, I'm not bringin it up this time ....kay, i think that's it.)) It wasn't surprising when she felt, rather than saw, that darkened presence of his begin to flicker in and out of being. With some difficulty she suppressed the sigh that threatened to escape her, he really was having a difficult time after healing the jedi and it was her fault. That knowledge caused no end of...(as Vex put it) vexation...on her part. As she watched the man, still clothed as a jedi from his rescue or her, jogged lightly away into the darkness Aunna let out a soft sigh and shook her head lightly. His actions were no surprise to her, he'd been doing this for about as long as they'd been in the under city but that didn't mean she liked it. She understood it, but she certainly didn't always like it. It wasn't long after that another presence came up behind her and immediately she stepped to the side and tensed, ready to fight or run depending on who or what it might be. An reaction gained from having to watch every shadow, but an awkward one when she realized it was the jedi. To him she would look to be nothing more than a form of silver flecked with blue and gold, but as she looked back up into those milky eyes as he drew up beside her all she saw was a jedi...not unlike any other. It was barely registered, in her mind, that the man was blind, and frankly she didn't care. He seemed to be doing well enough on his own and she'd seen enough injured and crippled to not give a second thought to those sightless white eyes. It was his words she was confused about. Raising an eyebrow slightly she let out a short chuckle. Why...yes, I've been asking myself that question more and more often lately. It seems that word is a plague that is spreading.She sighed slightly...that dratted cathar. Pushing the thought away she looked up at the jedi for a moment before her eyes darted toward an offending shadow then flickered back to him, her voice quiet so as not to attract more attention than needed. Why did I save him?....Perhaps it's because he saved my life more than once and then came to protect me again on Nar Shaddaa? Perhaps it's because, as much as I didn't want to, I started to understand him better and the reasons for his anger and actions....however much I dislike or disagree with them? Perhaps it's because I see the good in him when no one else, even....especially...himself, doesn't?
I'll tell you the same thing that I told him when I first spoke to him...he views himself as a monster, and so he has become the monster he thinks that he is. I've seen past the monster twice now...there's still good in him...he doesn't realize it yet, but it's there, buried....
I think that is one reason why I risked everything to save him.She paused, giving an ear to the nobles behind them and shaking her head. It was a blessing, in a way, that she'd distanced herself from that life. I joined the military to protect others who needed protecting, to help and to serve, and to do what others won't. I've always stood by those morals...I did nothing different when I saved Vex. The only difference were the views that others have, the preconceptions of who was right or wrong, good or evil, in the matter. The one who would have killed Vex, the other dark jedi, he was the worse of the two evils and he was not targeted though he came after me, tortured me with a memory of my past....yet Vex, the one who had constantly put himself between that man and myself, he was the one shot, allowing the other a change to get at me if he hadn't been so preoccupied.
Why? Hmph...I suppose the "why" is that my views are less narrow than others so I see things that most cannot, or will not, see.Glancing over her shoulder at the two nobles, she noticed them linked arm in arm and rolled her eyes slightly before looking past them at the shadows behind. It didn't seem that they were being followed, but she led them deeper into the shadows anyway. Please, keep to the shadows and keep your voices low, we don't need the predators here to notice us.
|
|
|
|