Military Sector

[Jenno]

A sign hung overhead, shoddily suspended by spare cable. On one side it read, upside-down and with a line through it,

"Like Juma? Then come see Buma! Buma's cantina"

And on the other side, the one which the members of Darkeye platoon were reading, read the following.


"Subterrel Military Sector"


Dukar stepped into the area, which had yet to be sealed off, and took a sweeping glance of the facility. Erem Dukar knew military facilities, and this was certainly not one. In fact, though Dukar had no way of deducing this aside from the hanging sign, the military sector had once been the planet's equivalent of a food court before the Republic rezoned the area for safety reasons, tore down the eateries and cantinas, and set up durasteel walls to support the area. After that, the only people who ever came to this sector were the few members of the volunteer militia and whatever Republic military might be patrolling the area.

One such patroller, by the name of Gott, had just finished cleaning out the last few credits of a militia member named Dav. Aside from these two, the sector was empty. Droids ran everthing, and the security officials were busy at quadrant 2, dealing with the Irons malfunction. But, according to the Major, he still had a minute and a half left before his break was up and he had to go check on the Jedi again, make sure they weren't in trouble. How very ironic for Major Gott.

Dukar and darkeye platoon made their way into the sector, having discarded their shipping personnel jackets, they now wore clothes similar enough to the militia uniforms that the security droid let them through. Of course, it didn't hurt the platoon that dukar had fired a blaster bolt through the droid's chassis, causing the droid to lose any control over the door leading in and out of the sector. Once inside, Dukar pointed to the armory (which, just as an interesting notion, was once an alcohol storeroom for Buma's), and then again to the barracks. The platoon divided, and made their way silenty towards their targets.

Those in the armory made short work of the cheap and poorly organized weapons the militia DID have on hand, which wasn't too much. Those in the Barracks found it somewhat refreshing that no militia men were in their bunks. It meant they had to do less pre-emptive killing.

A minute later, the platoon remade their formation, and now, each man was as well armed as the facility provided.

Dukar spoke.

"Down we go."

Which, perhaps, he had spoken too loudly, for the words managed to catch Major Gott's attention, who had been playing pazaak in what was once a meat processing area, but which now functioned more along the lines of a recreational area, which had kept him out of Darkeye platoon's search. He turned around and saw through a small dusty window the platoon. He didn't like it. The militia weren't that organized... and they weren't supposed to be there.

Then the alarms reached the sector, and everything fell into place for the officer.

"Oh..Frag..."

[Axelpro]

Now faced with this dilemna of dissent Adrian merely smirked. The young knight was a person that bespoke action, and his decisions usually followed that path to an extent. Naturally he had wanted to push forward and eliminate any possible threats. Guarding the Irons at least in the military sector would prove to keep these intruders from using it whether or not they knew how. Still when Vex said his plan was "faulty" it stung a little.

In the young knight's opinion his plan wasn't faulty, but rather hastily formed and had too many holes in it. After tossing it about he realized that his plan was probably the best definition of faulty.

Was I in a position to report anything in the first place? I never realized this was "my" mission.

The words were sent through the force to Vex. Adrian hoped it was received so he could let his fellow Knight know that he wasn't absolutely shutting him out. Drawing his communicator from his waist he put the device close to his mouth and thought for a moment.

Do you think you can find someone to operate the Irons system well enough to shut down as much of the military sector as possible? That way they can't pull back into civilian sections. I think at least one of the Republic soldiers should be able to do that.

In truth the young Jedi wasn't used to the responsibility of leading. He had come off the benches on Dantooine into knighthood. His missions were solo leaving Adrian to rely only on himself.

It was a wierd time for Adrian to be questioning himself, but he couldn't help it. Perhaps it was because he was always alone and able to do the things the way he wanted to. It was no longer the case though, as Adrian recalled he had a Padawan learner now at his side, and his fellow Jedi Knight had his own Padawan, official or no.

Things were going to go down, and Adrian knew that cooperation against the enemy would be critical in defending, not attacking. Adrian pressed the button again to speak into the device.

So are we just going to attack them hoping that they don't walk into the civilian sections?

[Kiriin Radd]

Adrian Voley was an open book to anyone trained in the Force enough to since hit. After receiving the mental message, Vex caught the draft of doubts rattling around the young man. Although Vex was only his senior by a hand full of years, he knew that Adrian still was not fully used to the title and responsibilities of being a Jedi Knight. Vex himself was still learning that as well.

I do not doubt you in the least bit, Adrian, but you were the one given this mission to start with. The rest of us just fell into place and are along to assist you. My personal opinion is that this colony should have only fallen under the watchful eye of one Jedi Knight. I do not know what the Council is playing at or has planned, but until they totally fall apart at the seams, I leave my trust in them. We do not fight unless the need arises.

Vex sped along until he came to the entrance to the Military Sector and slowed to wait for the others. He kept his eyes and his senses peeled for the intruders. He reached out through the Force looking for malicious intent, but found none. Something was amiss and he didn't like it.

[Jenno]

All members of Darkeye platoon had moved on by the time the Jedi arrived. All members, aside from one. Erem Dukar had instructed Tero to stay behind to meet the Jedi they group knew were on Subterrell. The others were already halfway to their next objective. Tero, though, stood waiting for his foes.

[Axelpro]

So do you want me to go after the other intruders or you?

Of course Adrian had to assume that no one man could have had so much success against the intricate Irons defense system. Almost unconsciously attempted to snatch the surface thoughts from the man standing there.

What's your name, and might I ask what you are doing here in the military sector so close to the cite of the problem?

[Kiriin Radd]

Vex stood next to Adrian as he questioned the intruder. He knew that he didn't need to stand around, but it seemed that this was a well planned entry and he had no leads to go off of. The rest of the group could have scattered to the four winds by now if all he knew. He had to see what Adrian was made of in negotiations, and if he couldn't gleam any insightful information from this one, then someone was probably going to have to get their hands dirty. Vex didn't like that one bit.

[Jenno]

(sorry about the short post before, I was on my way someplace, and I didn't want you guys confronting the rest of the Platoon just yet.)

Tero paced back and forth before, during, and after the arrival of the Jedi. He never even looked at the two. Of course they were jedi. He had dealt with enough Force-users to tell when one was speaking to him. They always had an air of superiority about them and their words. Even the Jedi, for that matter. Always asking questions, expecting answers just because they could levitate things and had laser swords. To be frank, it disgusted Tero. He had never liked those who used the Force, for this and other reasons, among which was the death of his brother, Iekil.

So when it came time to give the answer he knew he had to give, Tero said it with as much disdain as he could muster without showing any emotion. At all. It was almost curious the sort of things members of Darkeye Platoon were trained to do, incuding training to mask their emotions from Force Users. Tero was especially good at this, a skill which gave his words an almost metallic sound.

"Leave this place. It is already ours. You can not win. Not now."

[harborg]

Zul was feeling so many emotions it was difficult to control them. He was scared to go into battle knowing that he has been barely trained, but he knew that he has been using the force for almost his entire life so he could safely rely on it if he needed to. Zul was angry and just wanted to charge the intruder and strike him down right now, but it would lead him to the dark. Zul felt stupid he should be able to control his emotions. Zul closed his feelings from his fellow Jedi brethren and calmed himself down.

Master how many more do you think there are?

He sent the message without any mistakes that made him more confident of himself, Zul felt if he wanted to he could do anything type of force power with success. Zul was anxious now he knew that he should not try to find a fight but he wanted to fight in this battle to prove himself.

[Axelpro]

Adrian let his instincts take hold as his right hand drew the lightsaber that was secured at his waist. The weapon did not turn on as Adrian continued to eye the intruder. He didn't have time to waist on him, but every time he tried to turn his body to leave his eyes zeroed in on the sentient being in front of him.

No visible emotions, an opening threat, bearing weapons...there aren't too many Mercenaries that are so capable. I am sorry in advance if my assumption is incorrect, but I'm going to assume you were at least hired by the Sith.

What Adrian really wanted to find out was why they were coming. Still this question would be lost in the young knight's train of though.

We need to get the Republic officers onto the Ground Level Defenses. Hopefully they won't be getting any large support, but we need to play things safe.

Adrian continued his attempt to scratch the surface of this person's mind as he looked at him. Adrian thought briefly of a question to ask that would suffice to surge up some information to the top of his mind. Information that the young knight could at least take from.

So how many of you are there?

[Jenno]

Tero still did not look up.

"There are enough of us. Enough of us to return this world to the sith empire."

He said, raising his weapon, mimicing the Jedi before him.

"Do you seek to fight me, Master Jedi?"

[harborg]

Zul perfectly knowing that this will end with death, He pulled his lightsaber out hidden from anyone else so there would hopefully be a advantage of surprise.

[Vehem]

Vehem was running through corridor after corridor. Moments ago doors had closed all around him, cutting him off from the rest of the group. He looked around and saw what used to be an old food court and kept going down, looking for a good place to hide or a side corridor or a terminal or a map or anything to help him out of wherever he is. He found an empty dark room and ducked into to gain his breath and wits. He could hear the faraway sounds of struggle above him.There were footsteps coming near the door...

[Yoh]

Feevahe pulled hard on the force, aiming his burst at the man's hand, hoping to pull the weapon free of the man's grasp as he walked calmly into the scene, it was the first time meeting the other Jedi on the planet and it was a strange sight, a man aiming a weapon at Adrian and Adrian's sabre not active. Moving his free had across the air he used his powerful knowledge of the force to try and trick the man into answering his question.

"How many of you are there?"

He didn't expect this to work as the man was most likely trained to resist this kind of trick. Feevahe looked around at the other Jedi, he could feel the mixed emotions of the Padawan Zul, fear twitching into the young ones head and Adrian, in his own mind in the heat of conflict doubting his own decisions. Then there was Vex, softly over-confident.

Feevahe had cleared his mind before coming to get rid of the lingering thoughts of Gwen and to prepare a still mind for battle, it seemed that the Sith hadn't known the full extent in which the Jedi were on the world, the number was around five or Six.

Sighing softly as he continued to walk calmly towards them, staying behind Vex and Adrian as he stood next to Zul, as a kind of support for the fragile mix of emotions the padawan had, his hood still up he didn't take his eyes of the man.

[Jenno]

(Please do note that Tero has not aimed his weapon at anybody. He simply raised it the same as Adrian raised his.)

Tero ignored the use of The Force on his mind. In fact, he found the notion that he could be so easily coerced insulting.

"You will never know how many of us there are."

He replied, his eyes darting from drawn weapon to drawn weapon.

"It would not be wise of you to engage me in combat, Jedi. But I am certain you think me incorrect. So I ask you, do you still wish to do so?"

[Kiriin Radd]

(A couple of things: exactly what weapon is Tero brandishing, and Vex has not drawn any weapon. Both Cosmos and Requiem still dangle from his belt.)

Vex stood stone faced with his feet planted in a modified fighting stance. He let his arms hang naturally by his sides as this confrontation took place. He eyes belied no deception or emotion what so ever. His sabers both still rested upon his hips; attached to his belt.

His mind whirled. Calculations ticked off in his head. He tried to gain what insight he could from the Force. This was a pointless confrontation and needed to not be dragged out. While the Jedi sat and chatted vehemently with this soldier, the others with him would be securing this facility. If they stayed here to talk, the others would succeed in their mission. There was alway an avenue of approach to any situation, but the most crucial thing was there were multiple paths to choose from. Obviously this soldier would not willing give information freely and Vex did not want to kill today.

An idea stuck his mind as a blacksmith's hammer does the hot ingot on an anvil.

Are you a man of honor, soldier?

Vex would challenge this man to a sparring match for information. The stakes were inconsequential to the Jedi. He set his feet to be shoulder width apart and hooked his thumbs in his belt. He rocked back on his heels waiting for the other man's reply.

[Yoh]

(Am sorry, I guess I was tired while reading your posts and mis-read the information)

Feevahe placed his hand on Vex's shoulder, almost sensing what the Knight wanted to do, and he couldn't allow that to happen, he could feel the 'confusion' and mass of information going through the knights head, it would be far more simply for Feevahe himself to take care of this one solider and let the other, three head off and take down the others.

"Vex?... I'll deal with this... Sith are not to be trusted, Adrian and you should take your padawans and head after the others that are here...if you head for key locations you should run into them..."

Feevahe didn't want to tell the others what to do since it was in fact Adrians mission in the first place, but as the most experienced knight he knew along with Vex and Adrian that lingering here would put in-danger the citizens, and leaving him here would endanger them and the civilians.

"Clear your minds...and may the force be with you..."

He said almost securing these requests as orders as he did so, his mind calm and clean as he softly took his lightsaber from his side holding the un-ignited weapon in a advanced Soresu position, slowly moving his feet to duplicate this. He softly whispered in the force that if anyone disagreed with him, they were welcome to stay...

[Kiriin Radd]

Vex shrugged the new Knight's hand from his shoulder with almost disgust. It was Jedi like this one that Vex did not like. They would always make assumptions on other Jedi's stances without just asking them. They all "used" the Force to come about these conclusions too. These things irked Vex in such a way that he surprised himself with the way he was thinking. He knew that if he were to think like this, then he was not fit to train a Padawan. As if the Council would allow him to take on a Padawan. Especially since he still had episodes and flashbacks to his Master's death.

Air bubbles rose from the depths.
The currents changed and swayed as the creatures fleed.
The beast in its watery tomb shifted in its slumber.
Anger was its source of food. It grew hungry.

Vex cut off this other Knight as he too pulled out his saber like a fool. He turned to the others with a grin and shrugged. He then slowly spun around on his heels and took a step towards the other man. He moved his hands out away from his sides in a harmless gesture.

All I simply ask, is that if you are an honorable man. Then join me in a little sparring match. Unarmed, of course. I will not draw upon the Force. The wagers are that if I win you shall tell me what I want to know, but if you win, then you may ask of me what you want and I shall agree to it to a certain extent. I do not wish to have any be killed today.

[Yoh]

Feevahe sighed heavily, this Jedi Vex seemed to be young and hotheaded, but there was some extent in which this could help there attack, if they knew the information about the other soldiers on the planet then each Jedi could move quickly to subjugate the attack on this planet, but this course of action wasn't without risk, the time it would take for this spar to take place was costly and even then sith could not be trusted there was no-way of knowing if this man would stick to the rules or if when he was beaten he would tell them the information, honour to one's self and honour to ones unit was different and often the unit was stronger than the man. However it was not the experienced Knights call, since the council had not placed the other Knight under his command he could not stop them from proceeding in there own courses of action.

"Fine ... Adrian, you and your padawan should move to a key location and try to locate the enemy, I shall stay here with Vex to ensure his safely"

He ended by looking at the other man and sliding his sabre into his belt and slipping down into a kneeling position, his sabre close by he closed his eyes for a seconds thoughts of Gwen brushing into his mind like a artists thoughts to a canvas, and then washed quickly away like water over sand. His mind clear he placed his hands by his sides while kneeling his sabre close at hand

[Jenno]

Tero spat at the ground. The Jedi fought amongst themselves as children. Such incredible arrogance...

"You know nothing of honor. And you know nothing of us. There will be no sparring match. If you wish to fight, you who draw first, then do so. Or you can leave now and give chase."

He said, taking a single step back.


^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

Within the chamber where Vehem sat, there came a tapping sound that seemed to lead down the next tunnel.

[Vehem]

That noise.... Where was it coming from? From behind him? No it was coming from a tunnel. He unhooked the lightsaber from his belt. It was a petty thing. He didn't even know why he still kept it. He had construced it when he was a youngling at the Jedi temple and they let him take it with him when he entered the Service corps. He let its dark green blade light his path as he started down the tunnel towards the odd noise.