Private A Dark Presence

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

Their little raid was going as planned.

Inside the freighter, Arwen was encountering resistance, as expected, but the two Jedi Masters could soon hear his voice over comms again, reassuring them that he had it covered. He was on his way to the bridge, and at that point, she knew that very little could go wrong. Together with her husband, she could easily keep up this fight for hours if she had to, and downloading data from the bridge wouldn't be too difficult either.

But today was not going to be an easy day.

Within a split-second after a sudden sensor bleep, a frigate of Imperial design jumped into the battle, its heavier turrets targeting the two X-wings to open fire. Valery, who was closest to the vessel, took several big hits, and while her shields were holding, sparks ignited on her hull and behind her in the cockpit.

<I'm hit!> she called out. <We need to disable it!> she added while she shifted into some evasive maneuvers to get control of the situation again, but with several fighters now jumping on her to capitalize on the hits she took, Valery found herself in a tough situation.

<I can't shake them!>

 

[Kahlil Noble]

Kahlil didn't fair too much better at the sudden ship dropping out. He was about to take down another Tie as it suddenly appeared before him, causing him to have to pull on his controls and spin his ship out of what surely would've been a crash. Valery was shot, Arwen was still on the other ship. Well, this wasn't good. <If you can't shake them, make them a shield.> Panic wasn't what they needed right now. Kahlil couldn't be everywhere after all.

He pulled his controls, soaring over the enemy frigate as more Ties flooded out to start chasing after him. And like a fish on a line he lead them as his own shield against the turrets aboard the frigate, letting them bring each other down with quick rolls and dips of his own vessel.

<Drop me a shadow bomb close to the bridge! I'll handle guiding it.>

Valery Noble | Arwen Hamenick

 

[Arwen Hamenick]

Location: Space
Tags: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble​

Advancing through the ship, lightsaber in hand, Arwen was overwhelmed with inner conflict. He knew the Jedi Masters were facing heavier resistance than he was, engaged in a battle to protect not only themselves but the Bastian that was docked to the freighter he was inside. However, his mission was crucial, he still had to collect the navigational data from the bridge so the New Jedi Order could investigate what was occurring in this specific region of the galaxy.

He could hear Valery and Kahlil communicating with one another as they expertly piloted their ships, eliminating each threat that was presented to them. The victory against the TIE fighters was short-lived, he could now hear the difficulties they were having against the frigate that had introduced itself to the battle just when everything appeared to be going in favour of the Jedi. The intensity of the battle increased and even from inside the freighter, Arwen could sense a larger vessel has entered the battle.

<I won't allow any sacrifices to be made, if you need me assisting in the Bastian I will do just that.>

The freighter shook uncontrollably once again as the debris of a downed TIE fighter collided with the rear of the ship. The violent tremors were a reminder of the vulnerability of this seemingly defenceless freighter. Pushing aside his inner conflict, Arwen focused on his own mission as he waited on a response from the Jedi Masters. He moved swiftly, running through corridors and bypassing damaged sections of the ship. The bridge was right ahead and it presented a formidable obstacle — a pair of thick blast doors that had been sealed shut.

 

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

<I'm on it.>

On a separate path from Kahlil, Valery flew right through the chaos as well, collecting herself a line of enemy fighters in the process. As Kahlil predicted, they made it very hard for the frigate's point-defense weapons to get a lock without the risk of friendly fire, so at least the bigger guns were not opening fire at them for now. But sooner or later, they both understood that it was either the enemy fighters or the frigate targeting them, so both had to be taken out.

With a loop, Valery passed by the bridge tower right before Kahlil would, and dropped one of her Shadow Bombs without tapping into it. Just the momentum it was given was guiding it in the right direction, and she knew that Kahlil would handle the rest. But while she waited for that inevitable explosion to cause a ripple through space, Valery opened up her comms to Arwen again.

<Finish the download, and then help us board the frigate. This one doesn't have a large crew, so we can overwhelm them and learn a lot more.>

If the whole convoy was disabled, it would be safe enough to join forces and take out the Frigate from the inside as well. Maybe the data about where this warship came from would be the most valuable.

 

[Arwen Hamenick]

Location: Space
Tags: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble​

As Arwen approached the sealed blast doors, his lightsaber illuminated the darkness of the corridor with its iconic blue glow. With an elegant strike, he forced his weapon into the durasteel and began to create a hole for his entrance. The thick material presented a challenge, but Arwen's lightsaber was more than capable of cutting through such obstacles. The smell of burning metal lingered in the air as the doors eventually collapsed to the power of the Jedi's weapon. In a matter of moments, the doors gave way, creating an opening large enough for Arwen to squeeze through.

Arwen held his lightsaber in front of him and took a moment to catch his breath before stepping into the bridge. The bridge contained numerous consoles and three unarmed crew members. Their wide-eyed expressions were filled with fear at the presence of the Jedi. With a calm yet commanding voice, Arwen addressed the crew, "I seek only the navigational data, and no harm will come to you if you comply."

One by one, the crew members reluctantly surrendered to the lone Jedi armed with his lightsaber. Arwen didn't want to kill unnecessarily, it wasn't the Jedi way nor was it his own, and he was still exhausted after defeating the waves of resistance he met before gaining access to the bridge. The bridge fell into an uneasy silence, tension hanging thick in the air. Arwen remained vigilant, his senses heightened, expecting movement from the crew members. The hum of his lightsaber vibrated throughout the quiet bridge, a constant reminder of his readiness to defend himself if necessary. His gaze swept across the room, assessing each crew member's demeanor and searching for any signs of resistance.

With the crew members cooperating, Arwen moved closer to the main console. He accessed the system, swiftly retrieving the vital navigational data that held the answers the New Jedi Order sought. His breaths were far from controlled, paranoid of the hostile environment he was in. Withdrawing the data tape from the console, he thanked the crew members that surrendered. Maybe the crew wasn't paid enough, maybe they wanted to return to their families, or perhaps they'd have turned on Arwen if they had weapons in close proximity. Arwen was thankful, regardless.

<Navigational data secure, returning to the Bastian now! I'll fly straight up to you and we do this together!>

With the vital navigational data secured, Arwen's heart pounded with a mix of relief and urgency as he sprinted through the damaged corridors. The sound of his boots echoed, accompanying the distant sounds of battle that still raged outside the freighter. He eventually made his way to the docking bay where the Bastian was attached. Wasting no time he ran inside and secured himself in the pilot's seat before preparing the Bastian to undock. He could feel the ship tremble as it disconnected from the freighter, and within moments, he was soaring through the vacuum of space. He expertly avoided the debris that floated around the ship, preventing it from getting damaged.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

​

A detonation later, and Kahlil's tail was gone. Which let him soar around to free Valery from her own. Meanwhile, Arwen finished his download. So the plan next was to get on the frigate, huh? He let himself grin just a little as he shifted the controls of his own vessel to start spiraling around the frigate and pull the attention of the auto turrets, which he picked off where he could to at least free up their maneuverability.

Until the next wave of Ties was about to be launched. He caught sight of the first couple pouring out. There were more. Much, much more.

That wasn't good.

<More fighters. Bombers. They're making a run on the ship. Arwen get out of there!>

Valery Noble | Arwen Hamenick

 

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

With her Shadow bomb detonated to clear every enemy ship off of her husband's tail, and Kahlil promptly clearing her own, it seemed that the Jedi were getting control over the situation in space. Meanwhile, Arwen had infiltrated the freighter, acquired the data they were after, and he was already on his way back. All that remained was disabling the frigate, and boarding it together to get some actual military intelligence.

Something that could far outweigh even the navigational data from the frigate.

But before they could begin their approach, Hangar bay doors opened, and a swarm of not just fighters, but enemy bombers entered the battle. They weren't just going to-

<More fighters. Bombers. They're making a run on the ship. Arwen get out of there!>

Leave it to the Sith to blow up their own ships. The bombers, with fighter escorts close around them, quickly approached the nearby freighter, and it didn't take long before powerful bombs began to tear apart the entire ship. Fire and explosions violently expanded through the interior, all while Arwen was trying to make his way out and rejoin the two Jedi Masters up in space. Valery watched from the edge of her seat, her heart pounding as the destruction of the freighter was imminent.

<We have to take out their escorts! We can't just leave.>

 

[Arwen Hamenick]

Location: Space
Tags: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble​

<I’m out, I’m out!>

A large explosion followed shortly after his transmission. The freighter Arwen he boarded had been destroyed from a barrage of fire from the frigate. The crew members Arwen forced to surrender were now lost to the vacuum of space, a victim of their own demise. Everywhere the Sith went destruction always followed, even if it was inflicted on their own men.

There wasn’t any time to reflect on the loss of life, Arwen had to continue on. Navigating through the derbies of the downed enemy TIE fighters, Arwen transferred the navigational data to his allies, the Jedi Masters that were protecting him from enemy fire in their unique X-Wings. Being grateful was an understatement, Arwen was relieved to have them, especially on a mission of such importance. This one small victory against the Sith would bring the New Jedi Order closer to finding out the importance of these convoys. After all, a small victory could provide great defeat to the enemy.

Flicking switches, pushing numerous buttons, Arwen was preparing to utilise all of the Bastian’s defensive capabilities. With each activation, an alert was broadcast to notify him which systems were now online. He guided his ship behind the incredible looking X-Wings that gracefully soared through the vacuum of space, knowing he would be even safer behind them than away from them.

<All shields are up on my side! I’m ready to board if you are, Masters!>

 

[Kahlil Noble]

<We can handle the escorts.>

There wasn't going to be so much as a scratch on his Bastion if he had something to say about it. Let alone the Jedi Knight they'd brought along with them for what turned out to be a drastically more dangerous mission than originally thought. Kahlil zipped through the emptiness of space, his eyes narrowed in focus as he let the Force guide him through the enemy vessels. Then the vessel in question blew up.

But, thankfully, Arwen was out and in the sky shortly before. Kahlil let out a sigh of relief before glancing to their new objective.

<Well, lets not keep them waiting, then.>

Valery Noble | Arwen Hamenick

 

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

At the exact same time as Kahlil, Valery let out a sigh of relief. It would have been awful if they had gotten Arwen to fly the Bastion, a ship he wasn't entirely used to, and have him die on a mission that shouldn't have been a huge issue for them at all. Luckily, the Jedi Knight proved to be more than capable of handling himself and their beloved Bastion. With Valery and Kahlil also clearing the area of enemy fighters and interceptors, the battle was turning around again.

But one more objective remained.

<Kahlil, can you land and secure the Hangar with Knight Hamenick? I'll first neutralize their engines.> That way, the frigate couldn't get away, and there would already be Jedi on board before they had the time to organize internal defenses.

Besides, the Shield was a bit better at getting inside and holding an entire Hangar captured.

 

[Arwen Hamenick]

Location: Space
Tags: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble​

Focused on the mission, Arwen delicately maneuvered the Bastian through the debris field that had been created by the short-lived, intense battle. As the Bastian raced toward the rendezvous point, Arwen's determination burned brightly. The navigational data they had obtained would provide vital insight into the mysterious convoys, and together, they would uncover the truth that lay hidden in the depths of space. Outnumbered by many, the Jedi were proving to be a nuisance to the hostile forces. His determination only grew knowing each ship eliminated by the group was a small victory against the rising threat in the galaxy.

A smile escaped through Arwen's tightened lips as he concentrated on piloting the beloved ship of the Jedi Masters he was under the guidance of for this mission. Somehow with all of the destruction around, he felt at ease in the presence of the Noble family. After all, Valery was the first member of the New Jedi Order he had met all those years ago at New Covenant, and Khalil was her husband. The Jedi Knight knew he didn't have to prove himself to his superiors, however, he felt it necessary to show his worth to the New Jedi Order. The scars of previous failures and regrets served as a constant reminder of his own vulnerability and the desire to prove his worth to others. It was a driving force that pushed him to excel, even if it meant risking his own life for the sake of others.

The plan was set, Valery was going to neutralize the engines of the frigate, and Arwen would accompany Khalil in boarding the hangar.

<Good luck with the engines, I have full confidence in you being able to disable them. Kahlil, I'll be right by your side in the hangar. I anticipate we're going to have company in there...>

Arwen's senses were heightened, the Force already providing him information about what challenges the duo was going to face. He directed the Bastian to the side of Kahlil's X-Wing and motioned an arm forward, pointing to the hangar ahead. Now was the time.

 

[Kahlil Noble]

<Consider it secure.>

There was little chance they'd be able to fend off a pair of Jedi, Sith or not. At least, not him. He knew their tactics too well. He flashed a thumbs up to Arwen, practically grinning. The danger of the Knight being blown up passed, he could let himself go somewhat. So he lead the way in, sending his X-Wing right into the hangar at a speed he probably shouldn't. But the Force was with him, and his path was clear.

He jumped the moment it was about to land, trusting his droid partner to handle the rest as his green blade flashed to life. They were waiting for him of course. Blaster fire erupted, but as he spun and twisted in the air no shot could find him. And more than few found their way back towards the one shooting him.

Once he landed, he stood tall, balancing his blade in one hand as he pulled his blaster with the other. Rapid fire from the hip took care of the rest immediately in the hangar, but more were likely on their way.

"I'm curious how skilled you are with a saber. Don't hold back on my account, Knight Hamenick."

Valery Noble | Arwen Hamenick

 

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

She loved their confidence.

Similarly, she felt confident that she'd take out this Frigate the moment she broke formation with her husband. Her X-wing screamed through the vacuum of space into a tight turn, cluster missiles were prepped and armed for launch, and as soon as she knew that the two other Jedi were on the frigate, she fired away. A huge spread of smaller missiles formed, and the explosions they caused would ripple through the whole ship.

Kahlil and Arwen would know a Noble was out there fighting.

<Impulse thrusters down, now I'll just take out the Hyperdrive to be safe,> Valery commed, while the two Jedi were likely entangled in a fight at this point. She could feel her husband fighting, so she was reassured that their plan was going well for now. But the Jedi on the ground, as they continued to fight, would perhaps already feel something that changed their approach a bit.

There were people onboard. Neither Sith nor their followers — there was too much fear in them for that.

<Status down there?>

 

[Arwen Hamenick]

Location: Space
Tags: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble​

As Arwen reluctantly followed behind Kahlil's audacious entrance, he couldn't help but appreciate the Master's remarkable piloting skills. The Force may have aided Kahlil's maneuver, but it was his own expertise and precision that allowed him to bravely navigate through the hangar with such finesse. Arwen understood the need for speed in this critical moment, even if it meant deviating from his cautious nature. He knew if his own entrance was too slow, Kahlil would be left on his own with whatever forces that would have been anticipating their arrival.

A deep breath followed, and Arwen concentrated on his own ship once again, synchronizing with the Force as he guided the Bastian into the hangar. He had to continuously adjust his flight path to avoid obstacles and potential hazards that posed a threat to the ship he had been trusted with. Landing the Bastian next to Kahlil's X-Wing, he released his hands from the steering mechanism as he prepared for battle.

Leaving the cockpit, Arwen rested his dominant hand on the hilt hanging from his waist. With a swift motion, Arwen activated his blue lightsaber, its vibrant blade cast a glow that lit up his loose-fitting robes. He glanced over at Kahlil, interlocking eyes with him briefly, providing him with the reassurance that he was there for him. The blaster fire didn't worry the Jedi Knight, he had faced numerous situations like this in the past. Arwen elegantly swung his trusted blade around, covering all possible angles, protecting himself from the barrage of blaster fire that was aimed in his direction. The Force allowed him to anticipate the moves of his enemies and it was quite evident the Jedi were in control of yet another battle on this mission.

"I think that should answer your question, Master Noble. What would you say? Skilled enough?" Arwen replied, smugly. Arwen's dialect and choice of words always made him appear to be twice his age, a sign of his maturity and the confidence he possessed in his abilities. Confidence flowed through Arwen's veins, not only was he fighting alongside a Jedi Master but their mission so far was a success.

Using a free hand, Arwen used the Force to aid him in the battle. He pushed several crates that were likely filled with ammunition to reload the TIE fighters that the Jedi had destroyed minutes ago at a group of men that were advancing with blaster rifles in their hands. It was light work for Arwen, a simple, yet effective force push eliminated the men with ease.

<We're good down here, Master Noble.>

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Quite skilled indeed. I'm glad."

Truly glad, at that. The less he had to worry about the other Jedi, the better. They were all in this together, after all. He would always be their Shield, but if he could trust their support and strength, then the order as a whole would be that much better for it. He raised his hand, reaching through the Force for another doorway to rip down from above one of the doors leading into the hangar. Cut off some reinforcements at least.

<Just waiting on you.>

Valery Noble | Arwen Hamenick

 

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

<We're good down here, Master Noble.>

Valery loved to hear it, and it seemed that-

<Just waiting on you.>

This time, Valery rolled her eyes and smirked at the same time. They both seemed pretty smug about what they accomplished down there, so she wasn't going to make them wait much longer. With another Shadow bomb she guided a little more carefully than the cluster missiles, Valery knocked out their hyperdrive, and made her way around to join the others inside the Hangar. It was nice and quiet, as she expected it to be.

"Great work down here," Valery said after hopping out of her X-wing, and turning to the two Jedi. "I'm sure they're guarding the bridge, but that's where we'll have to go. I want to know where this thing has been, and where it's going," Valery then sighed, and picked up on the fear of people onboard the ship.

Were there prisoners? Where were they from?

"You two sense that as well, right?"

 

[Arwen Hamenick]

Location: Space
Tags: Valery Noble , Kahlil Noble​

Arwen humbly lowered his head as Master Noble joined them in the hangar, her presence was welcoming after eliminating a small squadron of resistance forces. The seamless coordination between the Jedi Masters and himself was proof that the Jedi would always overcome what was thrown at them, even when faced with overwhelming odds. Each member brought their unique talents and perspectives to the mission, each member was their own embodiment of the principles the New Jedi Order followed.

Agreeing with Valery's assessment of the situation, he nodded attentively. His senses focused on the presence of those inside the ship; the dark presence of fear was immediately recognizable. The presence of fear always accompanied the Sith, and this proved no different. Sadness filled Arwen's eyes as he contemplated the suffering that may be unfolding somewhere on the ship. The Jedi Code he served dictated his duty was to protect and defend all life, and these prisoners were crying for intervention and compassion. The emotions struck Arwen immensely due to his past on Tatooine, an experience he didn't wish on the worst of his enemies, and one he was still recovering from. His bottom lip pouted as he contemplated what horrors may be occurring on the ship. Determined to assist the helpless, he knew the group couldn't abandon them in their time of need.

"Yes, Master Noble," Arwen replied, his voice wobbling. "I sense it too. The sadness, the fear... I can feel it all."

 

[Kahlil Noble]

"Prisoners."

That certainly changed things around. Kahlil's brow furrowed as he glanced in the distance, towards where he could feel it. The emotions, fear. Anger. Resentment, frustration. It wasn't just civilians that were captured, they felt like.. Soldiers. So they had soldiers captured? Why? Why not just kill them? It was rare for Sith to take prisoners. Which only meant one thing: they were more valuable alive.

"I'm heading to the prisoners. You two, get to the bridge. I don't want them trying to vent these people out."

Valery Noble | Arwen Hamenick

 

[Valery Noble]

X-wing

​

Outfit: Factory Link | Wedding Ring
Appearance: Link
Weapons: Lightsaber
Ship: Link
Tag: Kahlil Noble Arwen Hamenick

"Alright, be careful," Valery said with a just a small hint of caring concern in her voice. She knew Kahlil better than anybody else, so she understood how strong and capable he was as well. But as his wife, she always felt better when they were closer to each other, and when they could work together. But he was right — he was the better option to secure the prisoners, while storming a bridge was right up her alley.

Together with Arwen, they'd break their way through.

<Stay in touch, and update us once the prisoners are secure,> Valery then told Kahlil over comms, after she had already left the Hangar with the Jedi Knight hopefully right by her side. They were coming up on a junction of hallways very soon, and she could feel the tension in the Force increase as a result. What she didn't know yet, however, was that several turrets as well as soldiers were waiting for them. Quite the fight.

Kahlil would have its own challenges, with turrets waiting for him on the ceilings, while soldiers set up positions everywhere on the ship to stop the Jedi.