Ithor
Emperor Josmar's persional battle cruser hovers soundlesly above his belovid Ithor. It's sun rises, offering a golden haze along the ships outer hull. War rages beyond it's shields. It's occupants protected from the havoc outside. Standing upon the deck is Josmar's Shadow Hand
Corvus. She offers the attendants around her a steady stream of orders. Those that are directed at the ships engaging in the battle are directed to each of the several hundred pilots outside.
The Force allows her to sense their resentment of her. At 17 this girl commanded them all. Men and women twice her senior who had seen twice as many battles as she had. And yet her experience was what was giving them the upperhand. Josmar had been adamant about training her in offworld battle techniques and her own experience with ground combat was helpful even up here. They where winning and she allowed herself teh smallest hint of a smile.
The rebbels outside have regrouped into a V formation. "There attemptng to charge us." she said with amusement "Alpha and Gama squads mimick their attack. Cut threw them. Zeta, Beta and Lamda take them at their flanks. The rest of you, target them as they scatter. Let our emperor wake this morning to the scent of burning flesh."
Josmar walks into the command deck and smiles with approvement. His men ar
e doing as they have been told, he sees Qeuin is helping as well. And at the fore front of it all is Corvus. Seems his teachings did not fall on deaf ears. He strides up behind her not saying anything right away, but watching instead, then he breaks the silence "You are handling things well my apprentice. It was foolish of these pathetic rebels to even attempt an attack on Ithor itself."
Corvus Sensed her master arrive on the deck. the demneanor of the atendants in on the deck immediatly tensed. They feared him. And rightly so. "They wish to fall your ship Master." she told him "They even demanded our surender. I had their flagship destroied as an answer."
Jedi Knight Tash Nolani approached the view screen with haste aboard the Rebellion Star Cruiser, The Interceptor,ju
st in time to see the enemies fighters surround thier own. She slammed a fist up against a panel as she spat out harsly "Damnit!"
Retreat. Jedi Master Dak'Tere Ore'Dun told Tash Nolani. The Force Carried the message to hur. His voice was calm yet urgent. Pull your forces back to neutral space young Jedi. We must not loose any more people.
Retreat?! the idea very idea infuriated her to the core of her bieng. She clenched her fist tighter as she thought more and more of the word, but Jedi Knight Tash Nolani knew better than to question the will of a Master. She put her rage aside as she urgently turned to the Captian "Transmit to the remainder of the fleet, Retreat with haste! Full Afterburn! Where we are going is another question entirley...but far away from here."
Josmar Watched as the Rebel forces scattered and he chuckled. "Fools" he thought, "What could have you possibly gained by this attack?". He then turned to address all the people in his command deck. "Kill them all. I dont want a single one of them making it home, and god help you if they escape.".
Corvus watched as Josmar's forces attacked the fleeing rebbels. Many where able to make it onboard larger carriers while dozens still exploded in view of the windows. The larger carriers hd begin to fall back into deeperspace. She was glad it had been Josmar to give the order persionaly and not her. She should be safe from most of his tempermental fall out. As they fled she felt a tremmor in the force. There was a Jedi among them.
Josmar looked at his apprentice, "You felt it too? The Jedi are backing this puny rebelion as if it has a chance of success." He begins to think back to his readings, "This isnt like the Jedi" He thought, "Much more aggresive, like during the Clone Wars."
"Maybe they are falling back on old tactics." Corvus sid "Perhaps an old one is leaing them."
A chuckle escapes Josmar, "Age is nothing but a sign of cowardise. Shows that they did not have the courage to die in battle." He smirks, "Old tactics will fail now as they failed in the past. The Jedi lost then, they will lose again."
"Your wisedom will no doubt fall them Master." Corvus told him
Josmar looks at her sternly. "Flattery will get you no where with me Corvus. Only use it when you can gain something with it."
"It was not meant as falttery Master." Corvus told him "It was meant as truth."
Josmar says nothing as he returns his gaze to the viewport to watch as his ships harry the fleeing rebels. He knows that this is not the last he will have to deal with.
Out on the Outer Rim...
A lone Star Destroyer aimlessly floats through space. The surrounding systems have learned to keep a wide berth, and rumors say that it's crewed by the dead. Nevertheless, it pulsed the Force, as if leaking it from holes in the hull of the huge ship.
Corvus turned to the view port once more and watched as the lst of teh rebels where destroied in their ships. "Shall I sent a fleet to persue their carriers Master?"
"Tash? Do you hear me?" Tyr'll's voice was heard over the Jedi communicator
Tash turned away angrily, walking with haste out of the command deck. She looked down and pulled her communicater out, still briskly walking down the corridors. "No...Im dead...of course I hear you!" Her voice was still filled with irritation and anger.
"I sense a disturbance in the Force. What has happened?" Tyr'll asked her urgently through the communicator. What he felt was very strange
"Other than we have lost more than half the fleet, and other than the fact that we have retreated like cowards. Thats all thats happened!" Tash replied harshly, still trying to calm down, feeling nothing but her anger at what has all happened.
"Try to calm yourself Tash. Be glad it is me who called and not Master Dak'Tere or you'd be in trouble for your anger. Get back here as soon as you can. They are still in pursuit. The loss of half the fleet is not what concerns me. Something far worse is happening in the outer rim. We need everyone here before we can pursue what it is." Tyr'll explained to her, the near despair showing in his voice.
Tash turned and leaned up against the wall, and nodded. "I understand... but one question, why did the council assign me this particular assignment. You and I know that you would have been a better choice...Why me?!" she sighed a bit, looking down.
"Because you are the most qualified. I may appear the better choice, and don't repeat this to anyone, but I'm not. There I said it. I'm not the best choice." Tyr'll told her. It was odd to hear that coming from a Zabrak, seeing as they would strive to be the best at everything they did. "You're just as qualified as I am to be doing this mission, with one difference. You're not tied down by apprentices. If they sent me on this mission, then I would have to bring my apprentices and therefore weaken our own defenses by taking away 2 extra people. With you, we only lost one Jedi. We are so few, to have sent 3 on a mission that one can accomplish, it would ahve left us open for an attack. You're more powerful than you give yourself credit for anyway Tash. Trust in the Force it will guide you justlly."
Tash, now speechless from what he just said, just stood there. ".........Thank you Tyr'll, but your flawed in your assumtion of me I think." She knew this was no time to get sentementail, so she changed the subject quickly. "Anything else I should be aware of?"
"Just that something terrible is coming. I can sense it. I must confer with Dak'Tere, certainly he senses it as well. Get back here as soon as you can Tash. May the Force be with you, my friend." Tyr'll replied, truelly concerned for his friend's wellfare. "Tyr'll out."
Tash shook her head a bit and smirked. "You still havent changed..." saying softly to herself. She looked over the corner of the corridor and walked out, making her way back to the command deck.
Josmar doesnt look away from the viewport as he responds, "No...there must be survivors left for them to learn from their mistakes. Dont let up the offensive till the last one of the enters hyperspace." He pauses for a moment, takes in a deep satisfied breath. "The Jedi must be lacking in their teachings...I sense anger from one of the head ships. I hope that I may meet this Jedi in person one day."
"If they make abnother mistake like this you may one day Master." Corvus said.
"There are no such things as mistakes when it comes to Force users....only destiny" Josmar says. It is this moment that Josmar feels an odd presense in the force, a presense that he has never felt before. The one thing that worries Josmar is that this presense is powerful, and till he can verify what it is....a threat. He turns to Corvus and Qeuin, "I am retiring to my archives and study room. Corvus, when the rebels have fully retreated put the fleet into planetary defense formation and take a tally of the losses. I want a full report brought to me".
Corvus'inexperience in the Force did not sense the presence that Josmar felt but she noticed a definate change in him. Other than the orders he gave her. She sensed that he felt something that she could not. "Yes Master." She signaled Qeuin to leave them. She stepped closer to him and in a hushed tone added "What is it? What do you sense?"
Josmar looks at her "It is not something that is discussed in the open, even with loyal ears about. When you bring me the report I will discuss all." With that Josmar turned and left the room. Smiling as he feels a sudden surge or relief fall over the room.
Corvus turned as he left. She felt uneasy. Nevertheless she ratteleed off a list of orders to the surounding aids. Within ten minuets she was reviewing the reports Josmar had requested and was ordering the remaining ships into the planetary defence formation. When they where fnished she met Lord josmar in his study. She waited quietly at the door for him to acknowledge her.
"Come in." Josmar said to her, motioning her closer. He closes a book with odd looking writing on the cover and spine. Once Corvus is near he looks around before speaking, "As you already know something is troubling me. What you dont know is what. I have felt a powerful, unknown presense, and until I know for sure what it is I must consider it a threat. I would like to go and investigate and as you should know, you are coming with. I want to leave soon, as it is definite that the Jedi have felt it too. We need to make sure that the Jedi dont mess with it before I can take a look at it. How fast can you have your gear together?"
Aboard the remaining Rebellion Ship
Tash stopped abruptly as a wave of shivers ran throughout her body. She turned around and ran, starting to push people past her trying to make her way back to the command deck. She ran through the door, looking at the screen. "Damn..." She replied softly to herself. They were at least a few more hours away. She turned to the captain and spat out harshly "I dont care if you have to cut systems...I want us back to Corusant within the hour!"
"It is already ready master." Corvus told him. It was an old habit of her tribal days. QAlway being prepaired to move at a moments notice.
A smile crosses Josmar's face for a brief second then vanishes. He stands and crosses the room speaking to her as he walks, "Good, we will be taking my capital ship to the disturbance incase it is needed. But once we arrive we will be disembarking to search more throughily." He arrives on the other side of the room and picks up a comm. He speaks into it ordering Qeuin to set course for these coordinates. Within moments they are in hyperspace.
The nose of the star destroyer had been partially blown off, and was slowly drifting away. The huge battleship slowly turned, as if just noticing the chunks of machinery, and a sudden burst of power from within drew the pieces back in, welding together the twisted metal back to its former glory. It turned slightly, expecting something, and patiently waiting for its arrival.
Lord josmar's Capital ship neared the Outer Rim. Corvus had never been in this part of space before and wondered why it had been left uncharted. During their journey she had begun to sense the disturbance as they neared their destination. Now it was like a whild humming in her head. Frightening and empowering at the sme time. Standing upon the deck she seadied her nerves. Even as a captive of the Chero clan had she never felt such evil.
Josmar Breaths in deep, as if taking in the sweet aroma of a lovely perfume. The dark energy that he can feel rolling off the unknown presense is exhilarating to him, makes him feel like a teen again, so full of energy. He takes it in and stores it away, keeping it ready to be used later during battle. His enjoyment is cut short as he hears the comm turn on, "Sir, we are nearing the hyperspace destination." Josmar responds "Thank you, I will be up there shortly. Make sure that everyone is at battle stations in case this thing attacks us....and have the super laser ready."
Corvus shrdded off the sensation as it creopt up her spine and made the hair on the badck of her neck stand up. "Keep you eyes open men... I'm npto in the mood for surprises."
The ancient star destroyer, clearly a relic from the old days, turned to face the other, newer ship as it popped into existance. It sat patiently, waiting for the capital ship to make its move.
Marvelling at the unbelievably old ship Josmar stands in awe. One of his officers speak to him from his post, "Shall I send a communications transmission, sir?". There is a pause before Josmar answers, "No, they will not respond to it." Josmar closes his eye (ooc: Not a typo) and focuses on the ship. He can sense some life on the ship, it isnt long before he finds the center of the energy. He moves his attention to it and speaks through the force "Who are you?"
The answer comes slowly, but with a stinging clarity. "Who..am I?" The voice sounds almost amused. "I am that which hovers just beyond your senses. I am that mystery that plagues." The voice pauses. It almost sounds feminine. "You. You are..Josmar. Emperor now. Ah, yes. Emperor. How wonderful for you."
Josmar sniffs, unimpressed by the voice. "Dont toy with me, I have no time for your riddles. I am the power that holds this galaxy in check and all that is in it answers to me. So I ask again Elusive One, what is your name?"
A sudden influx of power, like something collecting itself, compacted the leaking forces. "You, who control the very strings of fate, cannot take pause for paultry riddles? How unfortunate that is. I am Craye, O Emperor." Had they scopes powerful enough to see, they might have seen a sickly skeletal creature at the helm of the ancient ship, wrapped in black robes.
The moment Craye spoke in return to her master Corvus felt every pore in her skin shudder with fear.By the Goddess... she thought It was a momentary reaction but it made her take a step back from the view of the ship threw the port. She had felt something similar from Josmar when she met him but now as a Force user she was atuned to such sensations and just for a moment, it overwhelmed her.
Josmar responds, "Greetings Craye, may I ask now as to why you are floating around for no apparent reason? And how long you have been doing this?"
"You may, O Emperor," Craye responded. "I had been gravely wounded, and retreated here, to this forgotten peice of the universe, to recover. As to how long I slumbered here, I cannot say, for I do not truly know.
"Retreated? You ran when the battle turned against you, not the best thing to share." Then Josmar thought for a few seconds."Who was it that wounded you so gravely?"
"Not so, O Emperor. The battle left me with my wounds, but it gave into my hands the life of mine enemies. His name was Andrei, and he and his followers are no more," Craye replied smugly, relishing in her rival's utter defeat. "But tell me, O Emperor--what news of the Empire?"
Josmar does not answer right away. When he finally responds it is not an answer, "I do not wish to speak anymore, if you want to continue this conversation then me and my apprentice will join you on your ship, or you shall come over here. Let us know which you decide upon."
"You are welcome to dock, O Emperor," Craye replied. One of the many ports on the ancient star destroyer opened, preparing to receive whatever vessel they came in.
Josmar breaks the Force connection and turns to Corvus, "Head to the docking bay and have the shuttle readied, I will be there shortly.". With that he turns and leaves the command deck. He goes to his room and grabs a small orb and tucks it into his cloak. He then leaves and goes to the docking bay and awaits confirmation that his shuttle is ready to leave.
Without hesitation Corvus did as her master instructed. When she saw him enter the docking bay she joined his side. "It will be ready in two minuets master.'
Josmar nods and waits impatiently as his shuttle is readied. Within 10 min they are landing in Craye's ship. When the ship has set fully down Josmar and Corvus leave the cockpit and head down the boarding ramp.
"With all due respect Master." Corvus said quietly "I don't like this."
"Nor should you."Josmar says quietly, "It is wise to always doubt the ones around you. We do not know this person's intentions or the power they have, we could very well have killed ourselves by coming onto this ship. The only thing that kept me from just vaporizing this ship was the potential weapon this Craye could be."
"Last time I had this feeling teh Chero's ambushed a hunting party I was with." Corvus said lamenting
"That was the Force working without your knowledge." Josmar tells her, "Always trust your feelings and do as your instincts tell you. If there is no way around what you are doing then make sure you have an equalizer." As he says this he pats the orb inside his cloak.
"You are safe but I feel like a sitting durve." Corvus said sereiously "Msybe she'll just sniff me and go on."
"Let's hope she does" Josmar says, "That way if we do have to fight she wont expect much from you. The greatest weapon you have is the hope that you will be underestimated. That way if you do get into a conflict they will not do their best and will thus fail and die."
"Which is why you made me hide my tattoos." Corvus rationalized.
"That is not the reason my dear Corvus." Josmar corrected, "Those tattoos are a reminder of a life that you no longer live. You are no longer a wild tribal woman, no better then an Ewok or Tuskan Raider. You are a Sith, and you will learn to respect that more then your silly tattoos. The other reason is that they are all horrid."
Corvus sid niothing. She was sure Josmar could feel her anger at the dismissal of her old life and her status markings. Of which she was covered from head to toe.
A mostly rotted corpse greeted them, still wearing the fatigues of an imperial lieutenant. He moved like a puppet as he saluted them. "Welcome to the Equilibrium," he croaked, almost whispering it. He seemed surprised by the haggardness of his voice and tried to clear his throat. "This way, please." Two ancient stormtroopers accompanied him, moving in the same jerky way he did. The entire ship smelled of death and decay, and the powers of an ancient evil stifled the stale air. The lieutenant gestured towards the door and began walking, trusting the emperor and his apprentice to follow. The two relic stormtroopers waited as escorts behind them.
Josmar looks around the docking bay, getting his first really good look. It looked just as bad on the inside as it did on the outside. Then he spares a quick glanse to Corvus as if saying, "This will be very interesting.". He then follows the lieutenant.
A small four person cruiser exited hyperspace just outside the reach of Josmar's Dreadnought. Tyr'll looked around. "There we have the source of our disturbance." He said, pointing at Craye's ship on the monitor.
Zatanna shuddered and cringed. "What is that? It's horrible!" She peered closer. "That's a star destroyer. I've never seen one like that, though."
The lieutenant lead the emperor and his apprentice down ancient hallways, which still inexplicably bustled with activity. Corpses continued on their merry way, some concealed by their uniforms, others exposed freely. They all shared the same dull look as the lieutenant, and shared the same general gait with little variation. Through the winding halls they were lead, until finally their rotting guide stopped in front of a tall doorway. "Lady Craye awaits you within," he bowed, gesturing. The security pad clicked away, seemingly pushing its own buttons, and the door opened with a quiet swish. A pitch-black council table stood before them, all of the chairs turned to face the door. At the head of the table, lounging in a throne-like chair, was Darth Craye. It would be safe to assume that she was at one point human, but a great deal of her body had been replaced with cybernetics. Her skin was of the same color and lustre as porcelain. In some places is was cracked and broken much like ruined china, and the shine of metal glinted through the holes. She was a gaunt creature, mostly cracked skin on metal bones, clad in a strange black mantle that settled over her shoulders and stretched down around her bony hips. But perhaps strangest of all was her face, which from the cheekbones up was flawless, as if it were a mask sculpted by the finest artisan, her eyes milky white, revealing no pupils in their depths. Once past her cheekbones, her skin began to crack, and by the tip of her nose it had dissolved completely, revealing metal-plated skull and lower jaw. She sat with her gloved fingertips pressed together, watching the two Sith at the door. "And so we meet. Three sith, joined in greeting; a stranger congregation has not been for a long time." When she spoke, her words were like shattered glass on velvet, part vocal, part telekinetic. She looked up, noticing something on the air--the signature of four Jedi nearby, two still awkward with the ways of the Force---and, lingering over one, made as if to smile. "Yet, stranger still," she said, more to herself. She rose and beckoned them to enter.
Josmar was taken aback by the way that Craye looked. It seemed to him that most powerful sith all had some sort of oddity about them like Revan or Vader, and Craye was no exception. Josmar couldnt help but feel a longing to take a look at the mecanics of what is keeping her alive and going, but he knew that would never happen. He could feel her power rolling off her like smoke from a fire and he reveled in it. Josmar and Corvus approach the throne, once they arrive Josmar bows to show respect and beckons Corvus to do the same. "Strange does seem to be the word for the occasion. Now, do you see this as a safe place to discuss events? Or do you wish just to be updated on what you may have missed during your healing?"
Corvus followed Josmar to the thrown and bowed as he did but she stepped back in respect. She was not the one being addressed nor the focus of this meeting. she kept her breathing slow and her mind as blank as possible. She did not want Craye to skim the surface of her mind. She did not want that being any closer than she was at the moment.
Tyr'll looked at his fellow Jedi. "Quickly. Mask your prescenses right now. Whatever is aboard that ship is powerful. I have no idea if our abilities to mask our prescense would even work, or if we are even too late to change that fact right now. But we MUST try." He stared at Craye's ship and focused, masking his signature carefully
Tash laid there on the bed reading when the command came from Tyr'll over the link. She shrugged and focused, masking her signature as well, still reading.
Tyr'll opened the comm link again, "Tash better come out here. We've got two star destroyers out there. The Capital ship of Josmar's and the one with the disturbance aboard. Better safe than sorry, I'd like you ready ont he guns."
Craye sat back down, folding her skeletal hands. She felt the Jedi's signatures fade away--yet the eyes on her ship told her they were still in orbit. They knew their limits. "As safe as any body can be on the Outer Rim," she replied. "This star destroyer can and has withstood relentless abuse, but I consult your judgement, O Emperor." She briefly noted Corvus's controlled state, but for the most part ignored her. "There is a ship just out of range, but at present it is no threat to us. Shall I destroy it nonetheless?"
Zatanna struggled to mask her signature, the Force wavering in her grasp. She looked to her master and to her fellow apprentice, trying not to reveal how much trouble she was having.
Tyr'll sensed her struggle and laid a reassuring hand on her shoulder. He focused and masked her prescense as well as his own. He smiled softly to herself, nodding his head slightly.
Josmar smiles before responding "No, let them live. I will take care of them personally, their ship may be of use to me at a later date." Then his face and tone grows very serious and he dares a few steps closer to the throne before speaking again, "My Empire spreads to the farthest point of known space, and I am powerful enough to keep all those under my rule in their place. But lately a nuisance has risen and, with the help of skilled allies, kept themselves out of my sights. Other then that everything goes well."
Craye nodded assent and listened attentively. "Aah," she hissed. "Yes, there will always be such nuisances. It is good to hear the Empire flourishes. But who are these fools who rise against you?" She leaned forward a bit, her eyes glinting. "Surely you have exterminated the Jedi?"
Zatanna gave Tyr'll a look that was a mixture of gratitude and shame. His help gave her the strength to build a stronger mask, so that it was no longer necessary that Tyr'll mask her.
Tyr'll nodded and relinquished his mask on Zatanna.
Daesha, whom was already masked by the force, peered out of the ship window while still in her chair as she managed the ship.
Josmar shakes his head, "Sadly, no. They have proven to be like mynoks, think you have them then you find a few more chewing on your power cables. That, and if they were all dead then my life would be rather boring. Other then the Jedi the rebelion is nothing more then a rag-tag bunch of disgruntled moisture farmers and spice miners."
"Fascinating," Craye responded. "But history has told of how dangerous a single moisture farmer can be." She seemed to grin at her little joke and sat back in her throne. "No matter. That's enough for now. Have your eyes sated what your tongue would ask, or would you have questions?"
Josmar Smiled and laughed a bit at the joke, it didnt do much to alieveate the creepiness of this whole ship. He did have one question for her that he wanted to ask, "I have one final question before I depart from your ship. The only reason I came here was because I recognized your power, I wish to know if you would serve me and help make my Empire more powerful and crush these rebels?"
Tyr'll looked at his fellow Jedi and lowered his head. "I believe the die has already been cast. You can see Josmar's shuttle docked with that ship. Whatever is causing this great disturbance, he is already meeting with them. It may be best if we fall back and try to gather our forces." He looked at Tash with that final statement. He knew what the prospects of retreat meant to her. And he understood entirely what she would feel about that very idea.
Tash looked away keeping her mouth shut. Was this going to be the future of the Jedi? Just to run and hid like cowards! She kepts her mouth shut and stood, turning making her way to one of the back rooms "Excuse me!" She hissed a bit walking swifty.
"Tash. This is my ship. Out there is a star destroyer and the dreadnaught captial ship. I do not have the weaponry aboard this vessel to withstand a dog fight between the two of them." Tyr'll defended himself, looking at her sternly. If she was not careful, her anger would lead her down a very dark path
Tash just yelled as she entered the room. "Just! dont! please!"
"Forced to observe, never to act, even with all of this happening," Zatanna agreed, "Seems unlike a Jedi." But she made nothing of it and began to power the ship for departure.
"What would I gain from such a venture?" Craye asked, though it was difficult to say whether she was mocking him or whether she was warming up to the idea. She leaned her back against the cold throne, considering him through milky eyes.
Tyr'll wasn't happy with the idea of having to retreat and he could tell the rest of them weren't. But the ship simply couldn't stand up against two star destroyers!
Daesha shook her head, "We came all this way....the edge or the universe...to simply take a lap back." she pointed out to no one inperticular.
"So let me get this straight. The three of you want us to engage them? The Dreadnaught Captial Ship of the Empire and a star destroyer." Tyr'll asked them
Tash turned around just before she reached the room. "Just set a course for Corusant and go! There is no point in arguing futher once the decision has been made!"
Daesha agreed but still was eager for battle just as Tash was.
Tyr'll scratched his chin in thought. He was out voted on retreat. Even though it was the more tactical answer here. "You know, this little buggy of mine does carry some impressive firepower. But I know it can't take out a star destroyer, although it may be able to put some impressive dents in them."
"Call me when we have a final decision made!" Tash turned and went into the room and laid down on the bed. She buried her face in the pillow and screamed.
"Let's just go." Zatanna felt Tash's frustration and it was wearing off on her. She powered up the hyperdrive and set the course for Coruscant.
Josmar had to pause before he could answer. Not because he had to think, but because he felt a very familiar feeling of anger coming from outside the ship. He knew now who was in that ship...and now he would use that for his advantage, "Well my dear Craye, there are a few reasons why you should join. One is that if you dont join then I must consider you a larger threat and have you destroyed, and believe me no matter how strong you are in the force you cant hold this ship together after a bombardment from my ship. And second, is that as you may be full aware the Jedi now know you are here, alive, and a Sith. They will make it a point to take you down just like they are trying to do to me. If you join me then none of these will happen, and as you may learn from working with me....I dont make idle threats". Josmar said this with unblinking seriousness, staring into the "eyes" of Craye for every word of it.
Craye was not one to take threats lightly, and was tempted to show him how foolish it was to threaten her, but quelled the urge. "Join you....or be destroyed," she purred. "Very Imperial of you. But that is not what I would gain; that is merely what I could possibly lose. I will ask again," she said patiently. "What is it that I could possibly gain from you?"
Josmar begins pacing back and forth slightly. "What would you gain?" he said aloud, as if thinking. "You would gain the right to move uninhibited through my galaxy. You would gain access to some of my resources, although I would keep certain things from you as to not allow you to clean me out." Then it hits him, the thing that no Sith can resist. With a rather large, unhindered smile he turns and faces Craye. There is a slight pause before he speaks, "Name your price." Another dramatic pause, "If it is reasonable I will make it so."
Craye leaned forward, lowering her hands. "A galaxy with seven inhabitable planets, a starfleet, a fresh crew, and your trust, is all this humble servant asks of you, O Emperor." It was a paltry request, she knew, but greater ransoms were to be made in due time. It would do for now, and it wasn't much to ask.
Josmar ponders the request then responds, "A starfleet...done, fresh crew....done. I will let you pick seven planets for you to govern over, but you will still have to update me and obey my laws. And my trust is something that you will never be able to have, only one person has earned my trust and he is watching over my fleet at Ithor."
"You misunderstand me only slightly, which I suppose is a step up from my last question, but it is no matter to contend at present," Craye said casually, rubbing her fingers gently across the surface of her other hand. "Very well; if I cannot have your trust, I will settle for your respect. Your word is law, my Emperor," she managed to bow deeply while still sitting on her throne, "Speak it, and it is done; so is the way of the Ancients."
Daesha adjusted some setting on their ship, "All good here." she told the crew.
A triumphant look appears on Josmar's face, "Good...that is very good indeed." Josmar reaches into his robe and pulls out a small datachip and holds it in the air like an auctioneer. "This contains the coordinates to my capital world and the security codes, you will need to transmit the codes within 5 seconds of your arrival or you will be set upon by my entire defensive fleet. You will then need to speak to my second in command Qeuin to explain why you are there and how you got the codes and whatever other questions he asks. I will not be going with you as it seems there are a few eavesdroppers that need to be taken care of, and as it seems this ship is not combat worthy you will go ahead and leave." He quickly turned around and began to leave signaling Corvus to follow, before he left the throne room he stopped and looked back. "And make sure that you contact me once you make it there." And with that he leaves the room and heads to the docking bay.
Craye took the datachip from Josmar's hand without a single movement. It floated over and placed itself between two of her talonlike fingers. She closed her fist around it. "As you wish," she hissed, and allowed them to depart. The lieutenant rejoined the Emperor and his apprentice at the door, and the two stormtroopers escorted them to their ship, all without a word.
Once she had 'seen off' her guests, Craye called one of her officers to her chambers, assigning him the datachip. Through him, she went to the bridge, accessed the data on the datachip, set the coordinates, and through what looked like sheer will, the great and ancient ship entered hyperspace.
So that is the Emperor, she thought, pacing about the great ship. Very well. So the game begins.
Josmar and Corvus sit side by side in the shuttle as they approach the Piercing Darkness. Josmar is the first one to break the silence, "How do you feel about the way that went?"
Tyr'll pointed tot he screen. "Look, the old star destroyer jst left. And there's the shuttle. What do you guys say we blast the great Emperor right here and now?" He looked at Tash first as he asked that question that he knew would raise all their spirits
"She troubels me." Corvus said "She cannot be trusted, of course no one can. But I believe that she may become an enemy later."
"I'm all for that!" Daesha replied, looking out to the ship.
Josmar nodded in agreement, something about Craye bothered him. He knew she had a hidden agenda, but he also knew how valuble of an asset she would be. Then he changed topics, "What do you think we should do about our little friends? I personally dont like it when people come uninvited."
"Send a fleet to destroy them." Corvus said flatly "
Daesha adjusted some things on the ship's status. "We will finally be rid of that scum..."
Tash stood up and pointed towards the screen, and in a feet of spirit she said proudly "Then we fight...may the dishonored perish in the fires of hell and be tortured to roam forever in a sea of blood and tears!! We shall be victorious or die with the honor of trying!" She breathed.
Tyr'll sighed and shook his head slightly. "If that was not the traditional Prayer of Victory on Cathor, Tash, I'd have to repromand you for it."
"Lucky for Tash, then," Zatanna said, grinning. "To victory!" She brought the ship ahead and sped it towards the Emperor's little shuttle.
Tash looked at Tyr'll "You wanted a spirit booster...so I gave you one!" She looked onwards and said bodly "To battle!"
Josmar smiled and chuckled a bit. "Killing ones opponent isnt always the best choice, so much can be learned about them by speaking to them....or subjecting them to hideously inhuman torture. Which ever one gets results faster." About that time the pilot yelled out to Josmar. "Sir! Incoming ship, its heading straight toward us and full speed. What are your orders?". Josmar leapt up and ran up to the cockpit, scanning the equipment he saw several warnings coming up. He then realizes that the Jedi are making a move on his shuttle. "Damn! They are trying to get me while I am most vulnerable...very underhanded move. Quickly send an order to the ship that they are to fire upon the ship in an attempt to disable them. Try and get a tractor beam lock on them if possible and scramble the fighters with the same orders. I WANT THEM ALIVE! As for you my pilot, full throtle. Get us to the ship as fast as you possibly can.
Tyr'll wrapped the ship in a Force bubble, increasing the power of the shields. And hoping against all hope that that little tractor beam disruptor he bought on Tattooine was actually going to give them some time.
The shuttle soars towards the ship carrying Josmar as quickly as possible. About this time the fighters finally make it out of the docking bay and set an intercept course to try and block the attacking ship. "About time" he said, "I was beginning to wonder if they would ever show up...AND WHAT THE HELL IS TAKING SO LONG WITH THE TRACTOR BEAM!"
Tyr'll chuckled. So far so good, that disruptor was holding. He had hoped it would, after all if he was going to pay as much as he did, it had better work.
Corvus remaied quiet. Her master's anger was always best left uninterupted.
Daesha stood, "You don't mind if I take a gunner, do you?" she asked, walking towards it.
"I think you'd better!" Zatanna said, maneuvering the ship carefully. "Those fighters are almost in range!"
Daesha was already in the fighter seat and was strapped in before Zatanna answered. She grinned with desire. The thought of ripping apart Sith ships sent an excited chill up her spine.
"Tash, Daesha, get ready." Tyr'll ordered them as he stepped into the command chair. From there he had access to all the other systems they'd need in a dogfight. He could regulate the shields, provide an extra boost for the engines, send the repair droids out, all of it from this chair. "Zatanna, you had better not be falling asleep up there. You may be a good pilot, but we're gonna need the best."
"Your doubts are unfounded, Master!" Zatanna grinned, gripping the handle tightly. "Sit back and relax, I've got this."
Josmar listened as the ships comm came to life with chatter from the fighters as they engaged. He ignored most of it as it did not concern him. They could all die for all he cared, as long as he made it to his Flagship. Then he got an update from the Piercing Darkness about the battle Sir, we have found the reason behind the tractor beam failure. The ship seems to have a pirated tractor beam disrupter and it is breaking up the beams the second it comes into contact. However, the fighters, interceptors, and bombers have all engaged the ship and it should be disabled within moments.". Josmar smiled as he knew that it would not be that easy, "These Jedi are very resourceful and will not go down easy. As soon as they are disabled I will be going on board so keep an eye out for any other ships that may jump in and interfere."
Tash threw her hands up in the air and sighed happily "Finally!"
"Just a little inspiration, my young Apprentice." Tyr'll assured Zatanna with a boyish grin. He cracked his neck and stared out the window. There was a massive group of tie fighters coming their way and they would need every trick he could pull out of this little boat in order to just survive the first wave.
Daesha bit her lip and presented a large grin. She grabbed a hold of the handles of the ship's gun. One by one, she shot down the fighters. As she did so, Daesha began to laugh, almost maniacally in enjoyment.
Zatanna sank into her seat, almost trance-like in her concentration. The ship weaved and dodged artfully, and several times she almost touched the smaller ships. Even with this ship's awkward maneuverability, the ship moved beautifully under her control. She almost couldn't hear Daesha or Tyr'll under her trance.
Tyr'll smiled to himself as they weaved in and out of the fighters. This was going rather well so far.
Daesha's pink eyes glowed in excitement as she shot down the fighter ships. "Whoo hoo!"
Josmar watched as his fighters hit the ship, but to his dismay he saw about 95% of the shots stopped short. Josmar knew that the Force was being used to protect this ship, "Lets see how strong the mind of this Jedi is." He then reached out his hand and began exerting his own Force power onto the shield trying to crush it.
Tyr'll let out a groan as he felt Josmar's power flood against his shields. He dug his fingers into the arm rests of the command chair and focused on pushing back that power. His eyes were intesnely focused on the ship he knew the "Emperor" to be aboard. He would not back down, this was his ship and his apprentices and friends. Josmar would not win this battle of wills.
Daesha could feel the surge, "Master, are you alright?" she called.
A smile grows on Josmar's lips as he feels the counter pressure, "This seems promising, how long can you hold my Jedi friend? How long can you focus on keeping the shield and on keeping your ship on course. You will have to make a choice...and soon. I dont want you dead, I just want to TALK!" as he said the word "talk" he intensified his push on the shield while giving small nudges to the ship, not enough to do damage but enough to move it a few inches.
"Perhaps it would be prdent to hail them Master?" Corvus asked "Or would you rather know the extent of the power of your advisary?"
Zatanna could feel the massive conflict of the Force outside of the ship, but she couldn't do anything about it with all her focus on piloting the ship. She could, however, feel Josmar's nudges on the ship, and she COULD do something about that. She strengthened her control on the ship, pushing Josmar away.
Tyr'll let out a curse of frustration and shook his head. "It's Josmar. Stay on course Zatanna. Daesha, Tash, keep those ships as far from our shields as possible. I don't need the extra strain of reflecting them..." The sweat poured from him as he commanded them while being bombarded by Josmar's intensity. He pushed back with all his might, despite all that Josmar had done to increase his own power, it seemed as if they were evenly matched for the moment.
Daesha grit her teeth and focused more on the enemy ships. Her master's tone worried her somewhat. It brought to her attention how much power they were up against.
"It seems that were it not for the fighters we would be at a stalemate, but I am enjoying this battle of wills." Josmar replies. Strain is more then evident on his face as he fights to crush the shield. He decides to give up on the knocking the ship around and focus on the shield, but he still thought that trying to contact them may get his goal sooner. He addresses Corvus "Send them a message, tell them that if they halt their attack and power down that they will be set free. I just wish to chat with them"
Tyr'll was relieved when the pushing against the ship ceased, but he felt the tremors shift to move along the shield. It would be less stressful to reinforce the shields than it was to keep the ship steady and push back the Force liek that. He was glad for small favors.
Corvus Nodded and pulled a comunicator from her cloak and spoke into it. "Lord Emperor Josmar hailing unidentified Jedi ship." She waited for a responce from teh ship's pilot.
Tyr'll answered the hail. "This is Jedi Master Tyr'll Ka'dar. Why have you attacked us unprevoked, Emperor Josmar?" He voice was rich with contempt as he spoke the title
"A precaution." Corvus replied "You ship is otherwise undamaged, if the Lord Emperor Josmar wished it destroyed it would be. The Emperor commands a confrence, under a flag of truce."
"And why should we believe him? He has not been a very truthful person in the past." Tyr'll retorted
"As a Force user you would sense if I or he where lieing." Corvus said hiding the impatientness in her voice.
"You are naive to follow that man." Tyr'll. informed her
Corvus spoke to her master and not into teh communicator "Are you sure you want to talk to this one?" She asked "He is an ideot."
Tash leaned back in her seat "Please tell me we are not going to talk to him?!"
"I'd rather not." Tyr'll replied, with barely a glance back at her. He was still reinforcing the shields with the Force
Josmar grew impatient quick. He walked over and grabbed the comm. "Listen Jedi. You should be grateful that I have given you a chance to leave here alive and at least grant me an audience. I give you my word that I will not destroy you, and though I may be a Sith, I was raised to honor my word and I will do so. But refuse me and I will crush you and that pathetic shield you have around your ship!"
Corvus said nothing but waited to hear the Jedi' respond."
Daesha spoke softly so that her voice wasn't passed to the other ship, "Perhaps we could try it, Master. If sometihng does go wrong, we would have him practically alone. I have confidence in our strengths."
"Oh, yes, alone, and surrounded by enemies with no real chance of escape, so much better than our odds now," Zatanna retorted, grimacing. "There are worse fates than destruction."
Daesha agreed, but thought for a moment, "There is really no way for him to gain our trust on first meet unless it is him alone, and Master Tyr'll alone."
"We've already met alone." Tyr'll reminded them. "Josmar used to be my fellow apprentice. Remember?" He opened the comm and raised the video screen. He looked into the camera, certain that Josmar was watching now. "What in the name of the Force makes you believe I would ever trust your word?"
"If he comes on board Im going to rip his arms and head off!" Tash yelled back.
"Oh, yes, very mature," Zatanna muttered under her breath, annoyed at Tash, annoyed at how badly her fellow Jedi had been at controlling themselves, annoyed at the situation as a whole. But she controlled it, as she had been trained to do, and she channeled it into her focus on maneuvering the ship.
Daesha kept to her gun, but glanced at Tyr'll a few times in his chair. She was curious to what his move was going to be. Not only does Daesha look up to him as a master and teacher, but as her savior from the filth that she had came from.
Josmar's mood changed in a second, all of his frustration and anger seemed to melt away. "You want proof that I want to speak with you and not cause you harm? Here is some proof for you." Josmar looked away from the screen and said something to his pilot, within seconds the starfighter attack ceased and the fighters backed off and picked up patrol formations. "Is that enough, or do you wish for more?"
"We will not be coming aboard your vessel, Josmar." Tyr'll declared
Daesha almost sighed in awe when she heard her master. He sounded so brave and strong.
Josmar laughed loudly at what Tyr'll said, "Dont worry about that Jedi, I dont want any of your retched brood on my ship. I would never be able to get your stink out and the way you Jedi honor sacrifice you'd more then likely bring a bomb onto my ship. I will be coming onto your ship, along with my apprentice."
"It seems for now we must comply." Tyr'll said coldly. They were horriblly outnumbered and outgunned. There was no other choice
Tash heard that and she looked back over at him "What?!"
Tyr'll switched off the video screen and turned to Tash. "What? If he's on our ship, we have the advantage."
Tash hissed softly, then turned back to him "Shall I go get the chain then..."
"I could probably use the hyperdrive," Zatanna rambled. "If we just---"
"Well Jedi?" Josmar says as he taps his fingers on the console impatiently, "Can I have an answer or do you have to consult the code and your damned council?"
"You may come aboard." Tyr'll answered
Josmar smiled broadly, "I am so glad that you have agreed. We will be connecting to your ship within moments." With that Josmar shuts off the communications and turned to Corvus, "We are boarding their ship, be ready for any attempted attack." Then he turns to his pilot, "Make for the Jedi's ship and connect with them. Activate all gravity well generators, I dont want this ship leaving the system with me on it." He watched out the viewport as they approached the Jedi ship and began the connection process.
"Yes Master." Corvus replied.
"This is such a bad idea," Zatanna exclaimed. "You know why? Because it's very obviously a bad idea!" She swiveled away from the pilot's controls and stood. "It's a trap, and we're walking right into it, letting that...monster on board."
Be still young Zatanna. Dak'Tere's voice rng threw their ship I sense that the emperor is being trutheful. He will not harm you if he has no cause to do such.
Zatanna made a strange, angry gargling noise in the back of her throat, but sat back down. "Negotiations," she spat, "since when have we 'negotiated' with Sith?"
"I agree with you. He wants to talk, no doubt he will hbring some kind of advantage with him onto my ship." Tyr'll told them. "This is my ship, and so we have the advantage. Plus we have the added bonus of numbers. We have twice as many as he does. It will be him and his apprentice against the four of us. So he must have something else in mind." He scratched his chin in thought and looked at those he had on board. "Just remember though, Josmar and his apprentice are human. Again we have the advantage, physically at least. Our species are all more suited for battle than a human is. So be prepared for anything."
Daesha placed a hand on her lightwhip, assuring that is was on her hip. She stood from the shooting seat and walked towards the others. With a quick turn of her head, she flung her two head lobes across onto her shoulder blades.
Zatanna sat again, tugging at her long lethorns as if they would fly off her body and pierce the Emperor in the heart. Back at the controls, she guided the ship.
The same could be said about my people. Dak'Tere's voice urged Ty'rill Do not underestimate the Humans. What they lack in speed, indurance and strength they make up for in wits, tenacity and subterfuge. Let us not forget one particular Human. That one that devistated the Jedi forces so long ago.
Tyr'll nodded. Do not expect me to underestimate Josmar, Master Dak'Tere. He responded, almost coldly
Josmar pondered all the endings this meeting could have, and most of them ended with his death. He did not like this, but he knew that the Jedis would not attack unless he did. His musings were cut short by the snap-hiss of the connection pressurizing and finalizing. The pilot turned to him and told him that the connection was complete, turning to his apprentice, "This is it Corvus, we venture onto enemy territory at very great risk to ourselves. This is something that you should NEVER do unless you are almost 100% sure that nothing bad will happen." With that said he headed to the back and knocked on the door to the Jedi ship through the docking connection.M
Corvus awaited the opening of teh door. She sid nothing but nodded her understanding to Lord hjosmae
Tyr'll opened ther airlock door and turned in his command chair to face the opening.
Once the door was open Josmar stepped through the doorway and took a few steps forward so that he was standing close to the Jedi. "So, here we stand mortal enemies. I hope that we all can have the composure to keep this meeting from ending in bloodshed." As he said this he looked the Jedi to get an idea of their power.
Zatanna stared at Josmar frigidly, a chilling disciplined apathy in her frame. She watched and waited, poised ready for anything.
Tash looked at Josmar, her body giving off the signals of both Cross and angry. She waited patiently and watched close.
Tyr'll looked at Josmar. "Speak what you came here to speak. Your filth is not welcome aboard my ship, Josmar."
Corvus entered from behind her master and stepped to his side. Her eyes wandered over the other apprentices. Her expression was blank as she sized them up... just incase
Josmar smiled and shook his head, "You havent changed Tyr'll, still cutting straight to the chase. Unfortunatly formalities stand in the way of that. We havent spoken in several years and I must ask how you, and our Master faired once I left."
Zatanna stared at Corvus evenly like a particularly vicious animal set on guard duty. A hand rested on the lightsabre at her side and in her peripheral vision she kept watch on the readings around the ship.
The anger boiled up faster in Tyr'll than he expected. "Cowardly swine!" He spit at Josmar. "You murdered him!"
Corvus' eyes lingered on Zatanna as she noticed the creature stairing at her. She returned her gaze, her hands clasped behind her back.
"Ah ah ah Tyr'll" Josmar said while wagging his finger at him, "That tone breaks the Jedi code and puts you one step closer to me. They never proved that it was me that killed him, for all you know he could have been fed up with his dreary life dealing with you and killed himself after confiding in me and in my youth I fled in fear to get help but was knocked unconscience and taken on board a freighter. But that isnt what happened, I gutted that pathetic excuse of a man and enjoyed it."
Daesha walked closer to the group, but remained distant in case hell broke lose. She scowed at Josmar. Did he just come to start trouble or what?
Corvus Turned to Daesha. It was a subtle movement, hardly noticable by a normal humanoid. But it was enough to bring the apprentice' attnetion to her and not her master
Tyr'll reached over and switched off the anti-gravity, sending them all floating into the air.
"Keh." Daesha shrugged. As her body began to lift, she eyed up Josmar and then Corvus. They were outnumbered by fighters and skill, or so she thought.
Zatanna gripped the arm of the swiveling pilot's seat and forced herself to sit. She didn't understand her master's action, but she was willing to wait it out and see his reasoning.
Using the Force Josmar held himself to the floor of the ship "Oh, im sorry. I forgot that you liked the old fool! Forgive me for my disgression." Josmar bows in mock apology, then stands up right and dives right into his reason for being here. "Now down to business. I am here because I wish to let you in on a little information. As you know I am emperor, but what you cant seem to understand is that I plan on staying Emperor till I die an old old man. You Jedi and your little rebelion might as well give up and go sculk in whatever little hole you have decided to claim as your base, because if you dont I will be forced to kill each and everyone of you and you seem like nice people. So, when I leave this ship I would greatly appreciate it if you went back to your Master and let him know that this is all futile."
Corvus levitated with teh gravity for a moment then followed her Master's lead and utilized the Force to hold herself still on the floor of the bridge.
"Is that what you came here to say?" Zatanna replied calmly, still maintaining that focus she had from dogfighting. "'Your fight is futile, give up now?' How underwhelming." Her lethorns levitated a small amount above her shoulders as she spoke. "If you truly think we are so susceptible, please continue to beleive so," she said in a mock-encouraging voice.
Daesha agreed fully. She used her force aswell and pushed herself down, "You could've said that through the transmission." she stated with a scowel, "That's just pathetic and overly dramatic to go through all this."
"I believe I speak for all of the Jedi, Josmar, when I tell you that we will NOT yield to your tyranny." Tyr'll declared boldly. "The Force will guide us and the Rebellion to the end of your reign."
Tash looked back at Josmar and said harshly. "You will fall..."
"That may be true," Josmar said nonchalantly, "But another will come after me and another after them. Never will you be rid of the ever present evil and power that is the Sith." He returned his gaze to Tyr'll, "I have offered you a chance to live, a chance to preserve your useless Order and you have refused. Let it be known that from this day on, all the deaths caused by your Rebellion are on your hands." He takes a step closer, "The blood of every soldier and every civilian killed from this point out will be on your hands, and I will make sure that there will be enough blood to where you will never be able to wash it away." He then looked at each Jedi in turn, seemingly memorizing their faces. "Each one of you has contributed to the tragedies that will happen before my life ends, and each one of you will fall by my blades. While many of you may fall to the temptation of the Dark Side." He looked especially hard at Tash and Daesha when he said that, then he suddenly stopped speaking and turned to Corvus, "You wish to address them Corvus?"
"Without the Dark Side, there is no balance in the Force." Corvus said "By atempting to exterminate us you will loose men and women to your febal cause. If in the unlikely circumstance you do hppen to exterminate the Sith you will only hurt yourselves further. There must always be an antagonast to your worthy cause."
Josmar smiled proudly as Crovus spoke. Once she was finished Josmar began to speak, "Ah, the fruits of my labor seem to flourish in this ones mind. She is also very skilled in combat, which some of you may find out in due time. Now, if any of you have any more righteous propaganda or bits of "helpful" advice then please speak now."
"I have something to say, Josmar." Tyr'll said through gritted teeth. He slammed his hand into the panel next to him. "Security system activate!"
With a quick florish Josmar's sabers are in his hands and activated. He casts a hateful glare at Tyr'll, "You have to end this with violence? So much like the Jedi, teach one thing but do another. This will not be the last time we meet." He looks over at Corvus, "Lets go." He then turns quickly around and tries to make his way to the exit.
The black light of Corvus' saber flickered in ehr eyes. She did not extinguish it but kept her back to her master while he made for escape first.
A destroyer droid rolls out from behind a compartment beside the exit. It's defensive shield flares up and it extends itself into battle mode.
"Alright!" Daesha grinned, taking out her light whip. She bent her knees a bit, getting into a battle stance.
"You Jedi are fools." Corvus spat " To attack beneath a flag of truce is cowerdis. Is this really the Jedi way or are you closer to the Dark Side than I first thought?"
"Only a fool trusts in the flag of truce from the Sith." Tyr'll responded to her rash remarks. The destroyer droid stood firmly in it's palce, blocking their exit.
"This attack was not provoked." Corvus groweled "Blood spilled this day will be on your head."
Josmar froze immediatly at the sight of the Destroyer droid. With its shield up it is nearly impervious to attacks, he had to think this out, "Corvus" he said, "Get in front of me and get ready. I have a plan and its not going to like it."
Daesha crouched and held onto her whip from both the handle and start of the rope. Her breasts bounced when she got into her fighting stance.
Manuvering her position three inches to her left Corvus was infront of her master.
Josmar reached out and began to tear apart the circuits of the droid. As expected the droid unleashed a heavy volley of laser fire.
Tyr'll raised his hand, shielding himself and his team from the stray fire of the angered droid. He punched in a few more commands into the console and two more destroyer droids rolled down from the back of the ship
Corvus spun her saber about, blocking heraself and Josmar from teh volley of fire the droid despensed. Focusing teh force around her she reached threw the shielding of one of the drones and turned the blasters upward. If it fired it shoud fry itself.
Tyr'll cursed as Josmar tore his first droid apart from the inside and growled when his little pet bent the other's blasters upwards. At this rate they would end up tearing the ship apart long before the two Sith were blasted at all. Sure, he had a backup plan, but he didn't like thinking about it right now. It would mean sacrificing a rather large chunk of his personal cruiser and he had become attached tot his little tugboat.
Zatanna had been too utterly shocked by Tyr'll's actions, she didn't truly beleive they were happening, and so sat immobile while the fight broke out around them. Realizing what was happening, she threw herself at Tyr'll, gripping him by the arms. "What, are you no better than they?" She roared. "Are we to deface the Jedi Code with unprovoked violence? They came in good faith!"
Tyr'll shook Zatanna off of him. "There is NO good faith from that man, Zatanna!" He jabbed a finger int he direction of Josmar, further emphasizing his point. The other two in his little party understood that fully. Why didn't she see it? Sith or no Sith, Jedi or no Jedi, Josmar was not to be trusted at any cost. That was what had happened with his Master. He trusted both of them and Josmar betrayed them both. He had killed his Master in cold blood. There was no reason behind it whatsoever.
Daesha took several steps forward to the two Sith members. She held her whip backwards a bit, ready to strike at any given moment.
Josmar heard the two Jedi and decided to take advantage of the moment. While deflecting lasers back at the droid fruitlessly he yelled back over the noise "Dont listen to him! He is only doing this to avenge his Master. He is acting out of hate and revenge, and he is willing to take you all down with him. He doesnt care how many people die as long as I am one of them!" As he finishes that statement he turns and looks at Daesha, seemingly looking into her soul with his mechanical eye. He gave her a look that seemed to say "Come on if you think you can."
Daesha held her whip in such a way that with a flick of her wrist, it could lash out forwards. "He is a good man and I trust his jodgement. If you are to be eliminated, then so be it."
Josmar looked at her with mock sympathy, "Well arent you the good little Martyr. Willing to die to rid the galaxy of great evil, I bet they'll even raise a statue of you at the temple. I can see the inscription now In memory of one fool Jedi who died to rid the galaxy of a single Sith"
"At least I will die with honor that way." Daesha said sternly. She lashed out her whip at him. It ignited with a luminous pinkish red in color while in midflight.
Zatanna swore. Four Jedi, and the only one who followed the Code was the Sith! What do I do?! She cried out to Dak'Tere, desperate.
Corvus flicked her wrist and parried Daesha's attack, "You have to get threw me first." She growled, the black glow of her saber flickering against her red eyes.
"So be it." Daesha grunted, adjusting her whip from the recoil. She darted off to the left in an attempt to her at her from the side.
Corvus blocked Daesha's assult and found her blade tangeled within the whip. Tightening her grip she used the force to bring three shuriken from her pouch and down towards Daesh's exposed back.
Daesha cussed in her head and lashed out her free hand towards the shuriken. Using the force, she fought against their movement at her.
Corvus glared, forcing the shuriken against Daesha's hold. Swinging her leg outward she caught Daesha's legs with hers in an atempt to knock her off balance.
When she saw the foot comming to swing at hers, Daesha yanked on the handle of her whip that was strung around her sabor. She would either drop the weapon, or (depending on her grasp on it) would be yanked forward.
Corvus Immediatly released her saber until it was free from the curl of Daesha's whip. She braced herself by placing both hands on teh floor of the ship as she swung her other leg under Daesha to knock her off balance. She threw her hand forward and used the force to pull her saber back to her.
Daesha hobbled on her one left foot for a moment before falling backward. She bent her body and landed on her hands before pushing herself back up onto her feet with them. She flickered her whip once, it emmited a bright flash and came back to her command.
Corvus reaffirmed her footing and glaired at Daesha "Do you really want to continue this foolishness?" She asked "Your being rather childish.'
Daesha cocked her head, rather annoyed as well, "Then what do you suggest?"
"You get the hell off this ship and allow this idiocy to cease," Zatanna snarled, slamming open the airlock that still connected them to Josmar's ship. In one sudden movement she channeled all the Force she knew how into an overwhelming push that would shove the two Sith cleanly out of the ship and into their own.
Daesha took notice at what Zatanna was doing. She held her hand out and helped her the best that she could to push them out.
Corvus glared at Daesha and powered down her saber. If this was going to come down to their Force abilities then she wanted both hands free.
Josmar hangs on a for a few more seconds, just in time to say one more thing. "You may be getting rid of me for now, but I will always be there. In everything you do and see and think, I will be an ever present shadow. You will never crush what I stand for, because you know not what I stand for. I will be seeing you all again very soon." And with that Josmar let go and allowed himself to be pushed back, only using the Force to make sure that he didnt bounce of the walls or anything.
As soon as they were free, Zatanna slammed the airlock shut and slid back into the pilot's seat. The ship broke the connection and Zatanna prepared the ship for hyperspeed. "We're going back to base," She stated, punching in the coordinates. She was seething with shame and rage, but she was channeling it into her work, and into something positive.
Tyr'll nodded appreciatively to Zatanna's quick actions
Daesha went over to the control panel and adjusted the ship, "Check."
Tyr'll touched his forehead softly. He breathed through his nose. "Set the course, maximum speed, Zatanna. If anyone needs me...I'll be in the back." He turned and walked slowly back towards the sleeping quarters of the ship
Daesha took a few steps in towards Tyr'll, "Master?" she asked in a worried tone.
Tyr'll stopped and replied, without turning around, "Yes, Daesha?"
Daesha walked in closer so that only he could hear, "Are you alright? I'm a bit worried about you."
"Seeing the traitor, Josmar, again...it has disturbed my balance, Daesha." Tyr'll admitted quietly. He looked at her with concern on his face. "I was angry...so very angry...I...I must go and meditate and seek the Force's guidance in this struggle."
Daesha bowed her head. She had to admit that she lashed out when the Sith were here a little bit herself. She was too ashamed to say it.
Zatanna refrained from speaking. She was ashamed of her master, her fellow apprentices---how they all acted in the presence of the sith. It angered her and shook her deeply that Tyr'll would make such monumental mistakes in the face of the enemy. She chose not to dwell on it, and channeled that energy into piloting the ship, as was the Jedi way.
Josmar picked himself up off the floor of the shuttle as the two ships separated. Entering the cockpit the pilot turns to him, "The fighters are requesting permission to engage Jedi sir." Josmar ignores the request and makes a command of his own, "Return to the Piercing Darkness." With that said he leaves Darth Corvus in the cockpit and retires to the back. As he walked he remembered his training with Tyr'll and his fool of a master. A small chuckle escaped him when he relived the killing of his master in his mind, "The man deserved to die." Josmar thought to himself, "For what he did to me he deserved worse."
Corvus stood, attatched Sytnex to her belt and bade her master's comand. The recent events played threw her mind vividly.
Craye arrived at the provided coordinates with a screeching halt coming out of hyperspace. The relic looked ready to fall apart from the stress taken in hyperspace, but still had enough strength to relay the codes in time. No doubt the arrival of the ancient Star Destroyer had caught many an eye and it was only a matter of time before the Emperor's second in command contacted her. She was always good at waiting games.
Within seconds of Craye's arrival Qeuin, Josmar's second in command, appeared on her viewscreen. "We have recieved your codes and they have cleared, what is your name and business here?"
"Craye," She hissed, her arms folded neatly behind her. "Or Darth Craye, if you like. I am here to..." her face lifted as if she smirked, "report for duty. I spoke with your Emperor not too long ago, and I was commanded," again, a smirk of amazement, "to report to you, and to answer any questions you may have of me." She suddenly remembered the Emperor's request to let him know when she arrived there, and reached out and tapped him gently with the information, neatly packaged in a second.
Corvus manuvered the ship into the docking bay of the Piercing Darkness.
As the shuttle was docking with the Piercing Darkness, Josmar felt the touch of information from Craye. With a smile he began to disembark from the shuttle. As he was stepping off the shuttle the pilot began to speak, "Sir, we just received a message from..." Josmar cuts him off and simply says, "Tell Qeuin that I know of Craye's arrival and that I thank him for keeping me updated." With that he headed to the command center.
Craye waited patiently for Quein to reply, recognizing in him the skill of a great servant. Proportionate and appropriate, she thought, for a great leader. As she waited she let her eyes wander to the planet far below, glad to be able to appreciate the celestial body's beauty---something she had not been able to do for a long, long time.
Qeuin finally sent a reply back "The Emperor has confirmed your story and has instructed me to allow you through. Your fleet is to enter into the system defensive perimeter and maintain an orbit around the planet. A shuttle will be provided to you, unless you have one of your own, and bring you down to Josmar's command center and temple on the planet itself." Then he seemed to hesitate before adding, "Does...does your ship require repairs?"
"Most certainly, if I am to leave it," Craye replied in good humor. "The old girl deserves some attending to. Unfortunately, my smaller craft are the worse for wear on this ship. I would appreciate a shuttle very much." With hardly a flick of a finger, she commanded the Equilibrium down into orbit of the planet.
Qeuin looks down and with a few button pushes and uttered commands everything is underway, he then looks back up to Craye. "A shuttle is on its way and as soon as you are ready it will take you down to the planet. Also, some mechanics and technitions are on there way up with tools and droids to begin repairs. The room being provided to you is large enough for you and a few of your men should you wish to bring an escort."
Josmar walks onto the bridge and immediatly begins issuing commands. "I want all fighters and gunships back on the ship immediatly. Do a full system scan for anything that we didnt come here with. Once all this is done set a course for Ithor...I need to welcome our guest. Once we arrive alert me." With that he leaves the command decks and goes to his private quarters.
"Much obliged to you," Craye replied. "Most hospitable, indeed," She murmured, less to him, and more to herself. She shut off the connection, seeing no need to speak with him further. Within a moment, all of her available staff had formed a line behind her, awaiting inspection. Some were hardly clothes draped over old skeletons. She dismissed them, and they staggered back to work. Until she had her new crew, she still needed their hands and eyes at their posts. The cleanest few she took with her: Three stormtroopers and four TIE fighter pilots she'd been fond of enough to keep well preserved. The dock opened for the shuttle, welcoming it inside the ancient star destroyer. She waited until the technicians and droids were aboard her craft before stepping into the shuttle, her gangly train following closely behind her. The ship groaned as she left it, and the journey was altogether silent as she watched over her ship through her servants still onboard.
Corvus arived to the comand deck. Even in the passages she could sence the dread that followed her master's ner alie. She shook it off nd entered, she stood quietly on the side. Shielding her thoughts as best she could. She seethed about the recent altercation with the Jedi. She rationalized that this was not her fight. That she was with Josmar only to protect her homeworld.
Not even pausing from his reading, Josmar reached over and grabbed his comm link and linked to Corvus's. "Darth Corvus, I wish to speak with you in my quarters immediately...come prepared." With that he cut the communication and patiently awaited her arrival.
Corvus uttered a curse beneath her breath. Whenever Josmar said to "Be ready" it meant he was going to throw something unpredictable at her. She did as he ordered and arrived at his qurters shortly aftrer his summons.
As Corvus arrives at the door it opens revealing pitch blackness inside. The only light is the glow of a few buttons scattered around the room.
Corvus refrained from cursing when she sw the darkness tht greated her. She used the force to extend her senses as she had a few weeks before when a thermal detinator stole her eyesight and hearing when it exploded. She reconsiled herself with teh fact that if he came at her with his abers she would see the glow.
There was a voice on the air that wafted past Corvus. The voice beckoned her forward.
Corvus sighed and walked slowly into the darkness from left forward angel. She was sure whatever Josmar ws going to throw at her could tell where she was, but it made her feel better entering from the side.
As soon as Corvus is in the room the door hisses, quickly, shut behind her and seals tight. From somewhere in the room the sound of hissing and clicking can be heard, as if something is preparing to move.
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