Cake by the Ocean (The Coalition Dominion of Arkas)

[Micah tol Powl]

Welcome to the Silver Sanctum Coalition's Dominion of Arkas. ​

Please number your posts and remember no one WRITER may contribute more than 20 posts (regardless of the number of alts or characters they may portray with subaccounts)

OBJECTIVES
A. Help the citizens of Freetown, the home of emancipated slaves helped by the Coalition.

B. Defeat slavers! Battle the pirate remnants which still try and prey on the locals.

C. Search for buried treasure! Pirates like burying stuff.

D. Enjoy the tropical beaches!

E. Do You (Bring Your Own Objective or BYOO)

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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dNjZ8I8qZ5c​

Post 1 of 20
Objective A/C: Baywatch: Arkas Beach

"Remember, Zak, you have to get to those divers as soon as possible.

The Coalition fleet had jumped into the Spola System, bringing with it support for the natives of the planet Arkas. Not the least of which was an aquatic Jedi ready to jump in to rescue a pair of divers who'd vanished over a reef dive.

The boy was standing ready in a dropship, as it slid between the heavens and the clouds. It was a contrast between the two worlds in which the amphibious youngling lived, counting stars in a breathless void which slowly became blue skies broken up by white clouds. Passing through the layers of the atmosphere, the child's face was plastered against the viewport as the shuttle drifted through the air. A separation became visible, the division between earth and sky. Two tones of blue touching at the horizon:the pale sky and the deep blue sea. The ocean stretched to the four corners visible from this god's eye view of the world below.

The dropship's image was captured by the ocean's surface, the sun-lit reflection staring back at the Nautolan as his black eyes strained to try and see everything that there was to see. The troop carrier skimmed just above the surface. A haze of salt spray displaced by the repulsorlift creating a fog of rain in the wake of the shuttle's passage through the air.

There was an audible click as a magnetic lock was released. The pressure inside the drop ship changed rapidly, as the entire left side of the shuttle slid away. The wind howled through the now open door, as the roar of the repulsors echoed up from below. Raising his voice to be heard over the sound, the Ranger at the controls shouted, "We're at the drop zone!"

Coming to attention, the small Nautolan gave the Ranger a mock salute as he chirped, "Sir, yes, sir!"

With a short hop, the Nautolan bounced over in front of the door. Twisted with the jump, the boy landed so that his back was to the planet and he faced the inside of the dropship. Reaching up with his hands, the boy rested his arms against the straps of the backpack he wore, thumbs tucked under the straps. Whipping out a second mock salute, the child sang out, "Dive, dive, dive!"

With one hand, the Ranger signaled for the boy to make the dive. As he did, Zak saw the man mouth the words 'May the Force be with you.'

Smiling brightly, the Nautolan chirped, "To infinity... AND BELOW!"

And then he jumped.

A rush of air came from below, followed by a stinging sensation of the salt spray energized by the repulsors. The boy could see the dropship, now angling upward as it prepared to leap back out of the planet's atmosphere. It was just the youngling, suspended for a moment in time between the sky and sea.

It felt like he was flying.

Untucking his thumbs from the straps, the child stretched his arms overhead as his slim form extended back. Gracefully, the child arced back through the air. As the world turned upside down, the view of the clouds above was replaced by a sea that was rushing to meet him.

He splashed down into the ocean, cutting through the surface like an Olympic diver. As he did, he pulled his arms apart, further pushing his body down into the water. Stretching out with his mind, the Force resonated with the motion of his legs kicking, propelling him with great effect.

At the same time, it felt like he was drowning.

But that was okay. He drowned a lot. It kind of came with being amphibious. Walking around in air, taking big gulps of oxygen-saturated gas, which was a lot easier for the lungs to process.

The transition from breathing air to breathing water was a little scary the first couple of times that you did it. Actually, it was a LOT scary, which was why really little Nautolans tended to stay in the water until they were old enough to handle the change. Even now, Zak's heart beat a little faster with the faint anxiety of processing water through his gills.

Then he swallowed, and tasted the brine of ocean salt water on the back of his throat.

And he suddenly felt as though he was home.

 

[Matsu Ike]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lqNXE07fKuw​

1/20

This world was really beautiful as Matsu was looking over some of the things. The Harlequin had arrived with her and some of their people going out to work on things. Her training and explorations with Corvus proving beneficial as she tinkered with a couple of things. The Aurodium and steel finger she was working on with crystals. Her probe droids going out to scan the oceans and jungles for anything before she was looking for potential locations they could set up some of the ships to unload supplies. There was a high chance for slavers here which meant likely hungry slaves who needed clothing and food. So they could provide that while Matsu motioned some of them forward. "Continue scanning and scouting locations. I'll be on the beach if I am needed." They gave a bow of their heads and Matsu was moving as she enjoyed the breeze coming off the ocean.

 

[Micah tol Powl]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uYuXG0C2tsk​

Post 2 of 20
Objective A/C: Baywatch: Arkas Beach

Some people stood on the beach, looking out over the ocean, and imagined that they stood at world's end.

It wasn't. It was only the beginning.

The sunlight penetrated deep beneath the surface of the water, illuminating a brave new world below. One populated by vibrant color. Red corals painted an intricate landscape, rising like mesas and hollowing out valleys and ridges into which green fronds and anemones created an undersea forest. Yellow, orange, and blue were all visible, as tropical fish moved in small schools through sea grass, which bowed and waved with the motion of the currents. Red and brown mollusks, crustaceans, and sea slugs crept along the ocean floor.

The young Nautolan's body cut through the water like a hot knife passing through butter. Moving in time with the waves above, the child's slim frame undulated with the motion of the dolphin kick, pushing against the weight of water with a preternatural ease. His arms were tucked against the sides of his body, his hips and legs fueling the momentum with which he navigated down and through the ocean. The fourteen stubby head-tendrils, normally hanging limp from the crown of his head, now writhed with a life of their own as the tresses worked to adjust the boy to the changes in pressure and salinity that were occurring dynamically as he passed through the strata of the sea. The gills, situated slightly higher and further back than the ears on a human, flared open and shut, as the delicate membranes filtered the water which the boy now breathed.

A school of jellies hung like clouds, drifting on the wind-like currents.

Looking downward, the child spied a squid-like creature creeping along the sea bed, it's tentacles reaching out to grab onto the corals as it pulled itself along.

A Force push sent the boy gliding forward with a sudden burst of speed. Planing out with his body, the youngling subconsciously adjusted his own buoyancy so that he hovered over the reef as he passed between the daylight and the deep. A great shadow along the sea floor betrayed the presence of one of the sea's great masters.

Indeed, looking up, the boy was greeted by the majestic sight of one of Arkas' great whales. A solitary soldier of the sea, drifting onward in a slow march out among the waves.

Reef's end arrived with the terminus of the continental shelf. The sea floor suddenly dropping to reveal a steep face of an undersea mountain, one which descended down into the deep and dark. Pulling upward, the child plunged down further than the light could touch the earth.

In the abyssal eyes of the Nautolan was the reflection of all the light we cannot see.

 

[Dezoti]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oR4yM3eR5Tk​

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[1/20]
B

Slavers. To think, so far away from the dust ball of a planet notorious for them Krest would once more find the blasted fiends. Trandoshians no less. There was a bit of irony somewhere. But now was not the time for jokes. The Zabrak was chained and stuck in a cage, wearing nothing but rags to cover himself. A single water speeder was his vessel of choice, if he could have chosen in the first place. Blue eyes stared out at the waters the small ship soared over, piloted by a single lizard man who assumed himself a 'Great Hunter' or something. Hiss hiss speak wasn't the Templars forte.

They were heading to the volcanic island the slavers called home, where Krest was to be tested and eventually sold off with the rest. How did he get captured? On purpose. Part of the plan, or something along that line. What better way to free slaves than to be one yourself, right? A bit of doubt filled the man as the island came into view, fortified with tall walls and barbed wire. Perhaps this wasn't the best of ideas, but at least he still had a saber on him. Hidden in his metal thigh was a small chamber built specifically to hold the blade, exactly for situations like this.

"So, we eating when we get there or do I get a tour of the place first?"

" 'I tire of your damned jokes, Red Skin. You get nothing, and I'll be sure that includes no sleep if you keep this up. Be a good slave and be silent.' " Two hours of listening to the Zabrak's quips certainly had put the lizard man in a bad mood, and it showed in his voice. He didn't turn to give Krest a glare at least.

"Nah, you love it. At least this way the rides not boring."

" 'I'll also be sure to have your tongue removed when we get there."

 

[Talik Luroon]

Objective: C​

Location: Freetown, Arkas/Freetown Docks​

Post: 1/20​

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~​

​

The young Twi’lek padawan wandered around Freetown and then came upon across something sticking out of a garbage can. It was an old map that was a bit torn in places, but still intact. Pulling it out of the garbage, Talik saw that it was a treasure map!! She had always wanted to find treasure, so this was it!!

There was a dotted line running from Freetown down to the jetty and then all the way to one of the countless uninhabited islands. That must be where the treasure was. She made her way down to the jetty and then realized she had no experience in sailing, so she felt rather despondent and quite upset.

“And what’s the problem little one?” Talik turned around and she saw a female Twi’lek cleaning her sailing ship and also preparing for another long voyage.

“I’ve just come across this map and it seems to lead to treasure or something on one of the outlying islands,” Talik handed it over to the female Twi’lek, who looked at the direction and nodded knowingly; hopefully she could take her on the route marked out on the old map and help her find it on the jungle island.

“My name is Nalan T’Racer. Professional privateer,” she gripped the younger Twi’lek’s hand tightly and shook it warmly. “And I sure can help you find it. I’ve been on a few treasure hunts in my time, and have come away with plenty of stuff. Let’s get some supplies and then we can get started,” Talik was excited!

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Objective: Build my surf board.

(1)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7yawBHSKHzM​

Jumping down into the sand, Theo turned to wave good bye to the Antarian Rangers after they dropped him off. He had been very quiet on the trip, not saying a word to anyone and those Rangers that knew Theo were surprised, it was very unlike him not to have a chatter on the way. It was not that he did not want to, far from it, it was because .. well it was because. You know sometimes a young boy about to become a man needs to be alone.

Theo found his way to the beach, he could hear it, the waves crashing on the sand and that alone was enough to sooth his heart. He has no need for Jedi robes, and had only pack some food and one clean set of clothes, and that was only for the return journey. His lightsaber was packed in his bag safely .. he would never go anywhere without, not even here. But weighting his bag down as his tools. After changing from Art Appreciation to wood work, Theo, like his father, had developed a skill with them. Not as good yet as Papa, but coming along and had enough skill to build a surf board.

As soon as he was able he peeled off his light shirt which would reveal a pendent tied around his neck with a thin leather boot strap, he never takes this off .. and pulled off his boots shoving them in the bag and walked at leisure along the golden sandy beach looking for a nice spot to set up camp. He was going to be here for a couple of days, at least, or for as long as it took to finish his board. There is no shelter out here, the closest village miles away and so he would set about building a shack from drift wood and anything he could find.

Choosing his spot, it took the best part of the day to construct his shack.

​

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He looked at it for a while, hmmm still needs work, but it would do for now. Over time, over years of coming back here, this small shelter would develop into something more solid and a home. Satisfied with himself, Theo rubbed his chest and stretched his back, the sun beating down on his skin already at work to give him a tan. Theo's body had changed, he is much stronger of build, his frame filling out, shoulders broadening, muscles developing with exercise and there is wave in his long black hair not there before.

Next task was to set up a work station, as with the shack, it was made out of what he could find on the beach and tomorrow he would venture into the thick jungle to find a log to carve, but for now he would enjoy the rest of the day swimming and being alone without ... her.

 

[Cathbodua]

2/20 [member="Ryn'Dhal"]
Objective B

"Despicable." THe jedi knight was standing there for a moment while her hand rested on the lightwhip at her hip while she reached out. Letting the force come from her hand while she was holding the wrists of one of the slavers. Can't fire a weapon if you can't reach your weapon and she stunned him to knock him out. She was working to help who she could while looking over the slaves they had in cages, she was moving to rescue them as quickly as she could without well getting shot up, can't help others if you are bleeding on the ground so she moved along the edge of the trees weaving away from the gunfire.

 

[Audren Sykes]

Location: Arkas beach
Objective: D, E
Post: 1/20

Audren had finally had enough. He'd fought with the crystal in his lightsaber one too many times. Countless hours spent meditating over it with only minimal results, only to have his work undone at the first encounters of Sith magic. The bloodthirst it carried was going to affect him at the wrong time in the future if he let it stay, and the worst case would have him starting a journey to the Darkness. There were ways back, that much had been proven time and time again, but the situation was a preventable one. It would be irresponsible to not deal with it.

As it happened, portions of the Coalition were making their presence known on Arkas. They had varying reasons, methods, and locations. For example, he knew Zak was out in the water somewhere, he'd overheard the pilots of the vessel he'd traveled on gossiping about it. For his part, Audren had pulled a datapad with a glare-free screen so he could read in direct sunlight. Rather than his typical Jedi robes and accoutrements, he wore board shorts - green, of course - and carried a comlink and his lightsaber. It was the minimum to deal with most situations. There was a hefty criminal element on the planet, after all. With an adequate covering of some concoction design to prevent massive burns from the sunlight, the Knight headed for the beach and found a place to work.

He was going to research lightsaber creation. It was past time to make his own.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

1/20
Objective:B
Allies: [member=Cathbodua], [member=Krest]

Cries of pain were audible at the mountain-side encampment the masked padawan was located at. Two slavers held their newly acquired stumps that used to hold blasters. A cold, deathly glare was cast upon them, as they began backpedaling away from the sword-wielding masked warrior. Their blood dripped from his blades, ad the masked face inclined one way, then the other. A low, hushed tone was heard, a whisper almost, distorted slightly by the mask. "Why do you remain? I took your hands, not your feet.... Run....." The last word, carrying a sinister growl, would cause these two to turn tail and flee, screaming in terror, deeper into the forest.

A strong sweep of his blades sent the blood slinging off the blades, which now seemed almost dry. Sheathing them, he'd draw one of his silver-bladed lightsabers, igniting it with the iconic snap-hiss. He proceeded to slide the locks on the cages and various containment areas the slavers had their 'prizes' confined to. The slaves, justifiably frightened by this masked individual, were hesitant at first to leave their cells. A low sigh would be given, and a shake of that masked face. "I may not look it, but trust, I was once one of you. I was born among slaves. Raised among slaves. And I was convinced I was destined to die among slaves. This was not to be my fate." He'd thrust his saber into the sky, in the direction of the nearest town, Freetown, before giving a rallying roar, the Force flowing through his words to inspire a lust for freedom, and a desire to make the grand adventure to the settlement with all due haste. "AND IT SHALL NOT BE YOURS!!!!"

As if on queue, a couple of slavers returned from their rounds, seeing the slaves starting to flee, would scramble to ready their weapons. Turning to face this new threat, Ryn'Dhal would flourish his blade, and give a firm gesture with his free hand. The Force welled up within him, and sprung into action, lancing down the length of his arm, out his palm, only to slam into the left-most slaver, sending him careening through the air into the sudden stop of a tree. He was not likely to walk under his own power ever again.

The two slavers stared in horror at the Jedi advancing upon them. His saber began the flourishing orbits about his body, his most versed Form, Soresu. He may not possess the potential yet for reflecting blaster shots at a target, but he could keep the shots from getting past him to the slaves, or even past his guard to his own person. Bolt after bolt would find no quarter, instead finding their stopping point in the bark of a tree, or the sand of the earth. Eventually, to the terrified screams of the two slavers, his saber would hiss through the air, and through their blasters, leaving them both unarmed.

Flourishing the saber, holding it now wide, off to his right side in same hand, he'd gesture to one of the cells. "In...." He would snarl. They would nod, sufficiently cowed, and proceeded into the cell. A gesture would close the cell, as the masked warrior proceeded to drag the unconscious slaver to the same cell. Opening the cell, and making his deposit, the masked warrior glared at the men. "Be glad that I am with the Jedi, and they are adamant about salvation.... A week or two ago, I would have killed you all." He'd state, before using his saber to melt the cage shut. "I'll be back for you later...." He'd promise.

Turning towards the south, he felt a familiar presence. "Master...." He'd mutter, almost questioningly, before giving a slight nod. Yes, it was her... And stumpy number one and two headed directed towards her. Perhaps he should too....

 

[Kaida Taldir]

(1)
Objective: Exterminate pirates, acquire territory for the Eldorai.


By decree of Her Majesty, Star Queen Tirathana the Seventh, Arkas had been designed a zone of interest to the Matriarchy. Fact was that Tygara was getting overly crowded. The current prediction was that even after the Xioquo were subjugated, a single continent would not be enough for the Eldorai. Conflict with their unwieldy Qadiri allies was predicted, along with all sorts of sectarian ugliness.


However, Arkas was close to Tygara, underutilised and possessed many fertile, but underpopulated islands. It would be new dwelling space for Eldorai refugees. Alas, there was an obstacle in form of pirate remnants who had escaped extermination the first time the Eldorai and Firemane came to visit. In the chaos since then, Arkas had drifted out of the orbit of the Sanctum, though the Freespace Rangers continued to defend Freetown, a city of freed slaves.


Now the Eldorai were back. Clad from head to toe in her suit of phrik armour, face hidden behind a helmet, Kaida stood on the deck of one of the Triton-class corvette that led the small flotilla the task force had assembled. A few blind missiles streaked across the sky, shots falling between the ships. A killer drone exploded in a brilliant orange firework, stopped in its path by flak guns. A magnificient explosion blossomed into being as Eldorai guns blasted an escaping pirate ship to smithereens. Pirates trying to desperately escape the broken craft were mowed down by salvoes of repeater fire.


The ocean was filled with the wrecks of pirate ships that had been taken out during the first strike. Crimson beams of lanced through the air to flatten pirate bunkers as the corvettes' turbolaser cannons unloaded upon them. The lightshow was like the Righteous Fire of Ashira, her wrath personified. With a flash that resembled a miniature sun they impacted upon corsair artillery hidden in the mountains. The island, all sandy beaches and tropical palms surrounded by a sky-blue ocean, would've been an idyllic paradise if it were not for the pirates and the slaves they worked to the death.


Through her macrobinoculars, the Seraph beheld the carnage. Her lightsabre was on her belt, her bolt pistol magclamped to her thigh. "Launch air strike on coordinates 843-49. Cluster bombs. Prepare deployment of the strike force to the beach. Our walkers follow once we've secured a beachhead. Ynnead, Askari, Enyala, time for a flood. " She remained as ramrod straight as ever when a shell narrowly missed the ship and instead impacted upon the ocean, causing a shockwave and sending waves crashing against the vessel.


Kaida gave a nod to two Angelii officers who were with her, as she harnessed her Sciia in tandem with them. Here, on a tropical world, it was difficult to draw upon the cold that was her element. However, instead she had air and water. A strong wind came into being, increasing in intensity, speed and strength with every moment as she brought a small taifun into being. A storm had been unleashed upon the once tranquil waters of the ocean. It took all of Kaida's concentration and the help of her comrades to focus, but then high waves of water rose up and swept across the beach. The corsairs had placed defensive positions a good bit away from the shore, but the waves washed over many of them, drowning them beneath the deluge.


As waves of water crashed against the beach, strong winds raged across it. Pirates too close to the shores might be buried or be flung around. Chaos reigned and this provided a good chance for the storm troops, as the waters slowly calmed. It would only be a brief interval, but give them a window of opportunity.


"Go. Spare the slaves, kill every single corsair." There was no need to say more as hovercraft bearing Eldorai soldiers took off towards the beach. Kaida herself quickly left the deck and took up position at the head of one of the 'craft. Largely blind heavy repeater fire came their way, mortars belched out shells. One transport ship was hammered and was soon sinking, with Eldorai soldiers trying to escape from being drowned, but the flotilla continued on, till the troops hit the beach. From further ahead, Gunships brazenly dove down from the sky and unleashed their payload of missiles, having to a degree been obscured in their approach by the sandstorm.

 

[Ryn'Dhal]

2/20
Objective: Free Slaves, Deal with Slavers, Meet up with Master.
Allies: [member=Cathbodua], [member=Krest]

He was but a shadow among the shadows, a dark harbinger of righteous fury and divine justice. Moving silently from tree to tree, branches barely rustling as he passed, the young masked apprentice gained on the two he had showed mercy upon. They'd acquired 'friends', and they, together, continued south, directly towards Knight [member=Cathbodua]. Their numbers would likely cause some measure of difficulty for the Master, regardless of her skill and proficiency. He was determined to balance the odds. Easily a dozen strong they moved, not counting the partially disabled duo Ryn had dealt with earlier.

They would approach the camp Cathbodua was working in, releasing captives from their confinement. The first slaver raised his rifle, sighting down the length, preparing to plant a blaster bolt right between the Jedi Knight. The man would crumple into a heap on the ground before getting to squeeze the trigger, as a booted foot slammed at an incredibly high velocity into his spine, just between the shoulder-blades. A sickening crack was heard, and pain radiated up the apprentice's leg, fire lancing outwards from his shin. An almost beastial snarl of pain was emitted, distorted into a terrifying vocalization through his mask.

A shake of his head, attempting to clear his mind enough to concentrate, and the apprentice would throw his hands wide, to his sides, as if reaching to grasp two of the slavers nearest him in each direction. His fingers closed, wrapping into tight fists, before he would throw the fingers wide, palms towards the two. The air seemed to shimmer, as the Force roared towards the two, originating from the apprentices outstretched hands. Upon reaching the two slavers, they would find themselves lifted and propelled into trees, their travel cut tragically short by the solid objects. Stunned, and likely rendered unconscious, and likely thoroughly concussed, the two would fall to the mossy earth, no longer threats.

There would be no time to enjoy his minor victory. Blaster fire erupted, a majority of it trained upon his own person. Willing the Force through his being, the apprentice would launch forth, a burst of movement, to land near his Master, saber drawn with the iconic snap-hiss, as he began his orbits, directing blaster bolts away from himself and his Master. "Master.... It seems we have many.... many guests.... What shall w---" his sentence was cut short, as a blaster bolt slammed into his mask, sending the apprentice sprawling, crumpled into a heap of cloak and cloth upon the ground, his shattered mask laying in pieces around him.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Objective: Build my surf board.

(2)

The tranquility of the beach was suddenly broken by the sound of Theo's music and him singing at the top of his voice. "The love shack is a little place where we can get together ...eerrr ... love shack babeeeee". Mother could not sing, father could a little but Theo can! not only that but he actually liked dancing, just not in sight of anyone. He began to dance wildly around the beach, throwing his body and swinging his hips to the beat, kicking up the sand around him without a care in the world. It felt so good and the fact that his voice cracked from time to time did not worry him. After all there is no one about ..

He danced off up the beach, and as he did, he collected more wood this time to build a fire for the night. Soon he had an arm full of thick wood good enough to last the night. Mainly to ward off beasties if there is any about, the weather sure would not pose a problem, it is dropped. Making his way back up the beach Theo let the wood fall from his arms into a stone circle for the fire. But before he lit the fire the next song played...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dc3AovUZgvo

And so he was off again, dancing like the guys in the holovid.

As the night came in, the fire sparked and crackled in the stone circle, Theo began to settle for the night. He had made a 'bed' by creating a shallow hole in the sand and laid his towel down to sleep on. No sisters, no parents, no masters .. he would sleep in his shorts. And so he closed his eyes, and listened to the sound of the waves on the shore.

 

[Krux Mullarus]

Objective D: Build the lightsaber
Location: The beach, somewhere near [member="Audren Sykes"]
Allies :Hopefully [member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Krest"], [member="Ryn'Dhal"]
Enemies: Hopefully not [member="Audren Sykes"]
1/20

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I1T3B4j_KPs​

​

The crystal...is the heart...of the........j-jedi? GACK!

The components all fell to the blanket. Again. Krux made a frustrated face, clenching his fists angrily. After all of this time researching how Jedi meditate on the crystals they gather and memorizing that ceremonial quote they all say as they build their lightsabers, and he still couldn't get it right. He'd build two lightsabers in the past - one was even an exotic one that took days to complete, but this...building without the Dark Side for aid...this was a challenge.

Mullarus sat cross-legged on a red blanket he spread out on the beach. Despite the strife he could feel around him on the planet, this area was quiet. Perhaps he'd join his allies in the fight if he ever got this lightsaber build. Don't rush it, Krux...

The crystal...is the heart of the...blade...

The components for his new lightsaber lifted back into the air. The pieces were old - centuries old - and the dark blue Kyber crystal floating amidst the pieces was young and powerful. Natural crystals were always better than the synthetic ones he used in Bleeding Cross. Slowly, the pieces began to start sticking together as Krux continued the speech.

The heart...is the crystal of....the...jedi.

Snap. Snap.

The ...jedi is the crystal of...the........blade?

The pieces fell once again to the ground.

This sucks...

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Objective: A day at the beach
Post: 1/20
Allies: Anyone at the beach

Spoiler

How Valae imagines her day at the beach...

Valae arrived on Arkas with a troupe of Rangers, this time she was traveling without the reassuring presence of her Master. However, today was all about relaxing, and she could get on with that well enough. She squealed with excitement as she looked out the window of her transport, and bounced in her seat, drawing some attention from a few of the Rangers. The padawan had much to look forward to on this trip; she had never seen an ocean before. Until coming to Voss, she had only left Tatooine a handful of times, and her destinations had never been the beach. Once they had set down on the planet, she disembarked and made her way towards the sound of the waves crashing upon the shore. There was an unmistakable spring in her step and a wide smile set on her face.

Today she was wearing her robes as usual, but underneath she was sporting a tasteful two-piece bathing suit. After all, one couldn’t go to the beach for the first time and not go in the water. Valae had tamed her wild brown hair into a bun that sat atop her head, and bobbed slightly as she walked along. She had also packed her rucksack with a few useful items: sunglasses, a change of clothes, sun lotion, towel, and an assortment of snacks. Valae made her way through the tall grass of the dunes, and then let out a gasp as she took in the beautiful sight before her. The sun was shining brightly, reflecting softly off the waves, and warming the sandy shore. She kicked off her sandals and started onto the beach, enjoying the soft sand beneath her feet.

The salty breeze brushed against her face, and she could feel the refreshing mist upon her skin. She took in a deep breath and looked out to the horizon with a dreamy expression on her face. It was even better than she could have imagined. Valae found a secluded spot to set down her things, and unfurled her beach towel upon the ground. She looked around for a moment and spotted a few figures in the distance, but for the most part she felt alone. There was nothing to be bashful about now, and she shed the layers of her robe, for today she was not a Jedi Padawan here for training…she was just another girl on the beach. Valae walked casually towards the water, pausing every now and then to examine bits of shells or sea life.

Soon she was standing on the damp sand, the waves came up and wrapped around her ankles. The water was certainly cold, but she was feeling courageous today, and was determined to walk further into the waves. Valae shivered slightly, but she smiled as she moved further out into the surf, laughing as the waves broke against her. The waves were crashing about her middle now, and it was all very fun until she felt the sudden pull of the current. It took her off her feet and began to bring her out even further. She felt panic take over, she hadn’t been planning for this at all, and attempted a furious paddling against the current. It was no use.

She should have been more careful. For a girl that grew up on a desert planet had little reason to learn how to swim. Valae thrashed about in the water, and soon felt herself growing tired and drifting down. It was her first time to the beach, and she was frightened that it would also be her last…

 

[Kal'n Drasco]

Objective: B, Defeat the Slavers
1/20
Allies: Anyone freeing Slaves, beating down Slavers/Pirates.

Kal'n walked off the ship that carried him here, lightsaber held in his right hand, though it had not yet been ignited. He wore only his traditional tan Jedi clothing, forgoing the brown robe that he normally wore over them. This was a chain of islands after all and the weather moderately warmer than what he was accustomed to. He pulled a canteen from his side and took a swig of fresh water then proceeded to look around the beach he had been dropped off on.

It stretched for some distance to his left and right, it looked as if a cave was around the bend to his left. In front of him was a wall of Jungle with no already made paths that he could see. The decision wasn't a difficult one, Kal'n began jogging to his left. He would check out the cave first, knowing that smugglers and pirates often used such places to store goods. It would take several minutes to make it though, which gave Kal'n time to stretch out his senses with the Force, feeling for any life forms in his immediate vicinity.

 

[Kaida Taldir]

(2)
Objective: Wipe out pirate horde, secure land for the Eldorai.


Angelii were not Jedi. As a matter of fact, the Jedi Code was wholly alien to theirs. They did not have a rule about only using the Force for defence. Likewise, they rejected the idea of dividing the Force into Light and Dark. It was their inner fire that gave them power and they were expected to smite those who were enemies of the Eldorai.


Thus they would deliver a hammerblow to the corsairs. The storm had provided a good distraction as enemy gunners found their field of vision drastically reduced, allowing Eldorai to wade ashore through the warm waters. However, the distraction did not last long. Hails of blasterfire came their way, accompanied by the staccato of SAWs and explosions caused by mortar fire. Loud explosions echoed across the beach, wounded cried out in pain, accompanied by the shouts of Eldorai officers.


Kaida was probably the only Angelii with a lightsabre, but she resisted the urge to charge across the battlefield in front of her troops with a blazing glowstick in hand. The reason for this was simple: Firstly, it would make her a very big target, and secondly trying to deflect all those blaster bolts was more likely to cause one of her own soldiers getting hit by a stray shot.


"Onward. First and Third Squadon, suppressive fire. Ynnead, smash the bunker, and bring your terramancers up. Wall. Enyala, I want RPG on the turret to the right," she shouted through the noise of battle. Natural rock formation and the like provided cover on the beach. Bringing up her Mark One Bolter, she sprayed a couple pirates hiding behind an emplaced position with APEB rounds and mowed a couple down, whilst her other hand gripped her shield.


Thus covered, her battle sister Enyala could prop up her missile launcher on her shoulder and fire directly at the turret that was attempting to shoot one of their boats. A moment a beautiful explosion ensued and the cannon was engulfed in flame.


Standard Angelii tactic was to advance in a shield wall, then break up in small groups to engage the enemy. However, advancing in a phalanx was not practical since it would be too tempting a target for enemy mortars and land mines. There was also not much cover on the beach, but Askari and other terramancers began warping and manipulating the ground, while their battle sisters provided cover.


Soon walls of sand arose above the natural rock formations. They would not withstand a big bombardment, but help a bit. A ball of fire with the intensity of a thermic-lance like blast swept towards a bunker. Passing her bolter over to a battle sister so that she could cover her, she focused upon the power of the air. A strong wind rushed across the beach towards the enemy, gathering up sand, whipping and twirling it. The rush of air created a mini sandstorm, as pyromancers in the group focused upon their power to increase its temperature. For one, the corsairs found their visions reduced by the disorientating storm, some were flung around and the searing hot temperature burnt their flesh.


"Go." With the enemy reeling, the Eldorai troops moved to charge, aiming to roll up the enemy before he had chance to recover. Working in pairs, they fell upon the corsairs. Here and there an Eldorai fell to blasterfire, but they pressed on. Fire support came from the heavy guns of the ships and the Gunships in the air.


She perceived a prickling in the Force as she bolted, felt her boots touch something...metallic. On sheer instinct she called upon the Force to throw up a protection bubble around herself. Just in time before the mine detonated and the ensuing shockwave tossed her around. The bubble along with her phrik armour kept her from being blown apart. Blunt trauma was still a thing, as was a broken rib.


The sand cushioned her fall a bit, though. As she lay ther dazed, an RPG shot towards her before it was suddenly deflected and exploded far away in the air due to a telekinetic blast caused by Ynnead, who then took the assailant down with a well-placed rock. Quickly she helped her commander up, who gave her what passed for a grateful nod. One hand gripped her Taegis shield, the other her lightsabre, which finally sprang to life in a blazing yellow beam, for the stream of Eldorai soldiers was now getting close enough to engage in close quarters.


Her battle sister knocked down pirates with a shockwave that rippled through the ground, whilst Kaida hewed them down with her blade. Pain erupted from her shoulder joint, where the phrik protected her less, when a blaster bolt struck. Heat spread across it and a small part of flesh was burnt. Nothing too bad, but it was painful and irritating, though her power dissipated the heat somewhat. She ducked when a corsair swung his mace at her and brought up her shield to meet the next blow. The shield was punctured and the impact made pain surge through her arm, but since it was an electrical shield the attacker got a bit of a shock, then she sent stabbed low and her sabre sizzled through his chest. Whirling around her blade intercepted blaster bolts and slashed them out of the air.


Together with her battle sister she charged forth into the fray. The roar of engines was heard and shadows passed over the ground when suddenly Mag'ladorth walkers dropped down from the sky into the rear of the pirates.

 

[Talik Luroon]

Objective: C​

Location: Open sea, Arkas ​

Post: 2/20​

​

~​

​

The ship left the docks and the sails blew in the wind. Nalan followed the map as closely as she could; it was something new for her to experience. Talik sat at the front of the ship and felt the vessel rising and falling with the movement of the waves. Seagulls flew overhead and she nibbled on some food from her brown satchel bag. Nalan stood at the wheel, gently guiding the ship along.

“So, how long have you been a privateer for?” Talik asked her sailor friend, as she watched Freetown quickly vanishing into the distance behind the vessel.

“I’ve been sailing around Arkas since I was sixteen. I have a deep love for the sea and all of those creatures that live beneath the waves,” Nalan was glad to have someone else accompanying her on this rather interesting voyage. “And what do you do exactly, young one?” she’d asked the much younger Twi’lek.

“Well, I am a Jedi Pawadan with the Silver Sanctum Coaltion. I am currently in training to become a Knight and have always wanted to be a Jedi,” Nalan was highly interested; she had only met a handful of Jedi in her thirty-six years.

“I wish you the best of luck, young Padawan!!” Nalan smiled at Talik and then she set the vessel to sail by itself, as she shimmied up the main rigging to get at a hole in the sail fabric. She single-handedly repaired the hole and climbed back down, much to the amazement of Talik, who had never seen it before.

 

[Krux Mullarus]

Objective D: Build the lightsaber, then join the fray
Location: The beach, for now
Allies : The Sanctum, @Krest(?)
Enemies: Slavers
2/20

Slower, Krux...I didn't study this damn speech for so long to get frustrated and give up...get ahold of yourself. Your passion does not control you. That is where you failed as a Sith. You got your pathetic heart broken when that schutta Azurea took over Setzi, and you lost your mind and got thousands of people murdered in a fit of rage. Focus. Put the anger behind you. You're a Jedi now. You don't need it. The Sith are wrong. Peace is not a lie. Peace may be a rare commodity in this galaxy, but that doesn't mean we can't strive for it. With this weapon...this tool...we'll forge a better life. We'll bring Setzi back to the Light. We'll find Chastity. We'll protect the galaxy from the Dark Side. We'll stop it's spread. Nobody will become it's puppet again. We'll purge the darkness. But we have...to...focus.

The lightsaber components floated before Krux, sitting in his meditative position with his exposed head lowered and eyes shut.

The crystal...is the heart of the blade.

*snap*

The heart is the crystal...of the Jedi.

*snap snap*

The Jedi...is the crystal of the Force.

Krux felt the lightsaber components begin to assemble, guiding each piece to where it belonged. Every piece, though seperate and ancient, always had a place in the puzzle. Just like every living thing in the galaxy, something he had neglected to realize for over eleven years.

The Force...is the...blade...of the heart.

He felt the Kyber crystal he obtained on Lothal. It was so...powerful. So full of energy. So rare. Krux must have been lucky to find it. He caressed it with the Force, just as he used to caress Setzi's soft cheek with his hand in the dark lounge of his manor with only the candlelight producing any noise or light in the entire mansion. Yes. That feeling. That...is what peace is.

All are intertwined.

That is the peace I will fight for.

The crystal.

Peace is not a lie. It just needs heroes who will fight for it.

The Blade.

I guess...that makes me a hero in a way.

...The Jedi.

I'll devote myself to the Light and i'll bring balance to the Force. But more importantly...

I...am...one...

I'll bring balance to myself. Only then, can I save...Setzi.

Krux reached out a hand and clutched the hilt of the lightsaber that now floated before him, the blade igniting with a sharp hiss and a low hum. When he opened his eyes, however, the blade looked distorted. Indeed, it was a dark, almost steel blue color, but the core of the blade, the white, looked more silver. Along with that, it sparked, which gave the blade a look that made it appear like it was electric. Like small jolts of lightning were shooting across the silver core of the blade.

Krux could see why. No, he could feel why. Such ancient lightsaber parts, only recently restored to working condition, housed such a small, but so powerful crystal that contained so much energy. It was hard to contain. The blade was not perfect, but that was okay. The lightsaber had flaws, just like the man who wielded it.

With this lightsaber, I will drive out the Darkness and bring Light back to the galaxy. I am through following blindly the steps the Dark Side has led me my entire life. Now, officially, I will shut it out and become the shepherd the Light, who will harbor agents of the Dark Side and make them see the error in their ways, and save them from their certain demise.

Nobody will fail any longer. I am the last.

 

[Dezoti]

[2/20]
B

The arrival wasn't as pleasant as the Zabrak's imagination had lead him to believe. As soon as the ship had docked he was subjected to a rather vicious beating from his Trandoshian escort. It seemed the lizard man really didn't like his jokes. Ah well. Fist after fist slammed into Krest. Chest, face, even the throat. The throat hurt the most by far, given the Templar had been defending his face and chest with the Force and hadn't expected the throat.

A groan escaped his lips then, pained as he tried to breath. This seemed to please the Lizard as he lifted the Zabrak up and brought him inside, letting out a hissing laugh. Yeah, laugh it up. Once I break the others out, you're first. Blue eyes began to take in the scene of this slave pen. Guards, all Trandoshians, were armed and practically everywhere. Slaves were kept in cages or forced to work. And then there was the thick smell of fire. Lava. This was the volcano island for sure at least. There was a grimace to form on Krest's face when he saw the pit disloyal slaves were dumped in. No one could survive that, so maybe being more polite would help in the long run. Maybe.

He was tossed, literally, into a nearby cage. It was empty save for him, with nothing inside but the hot rocks of the volcano. " 'This is where you'll stay till I figure out if you're going to keep your tongue or not. Stay in good behavior, and perhaps I'll let you keep it." Krest nodded once, grunting from behind his bruised throat. No reason to loose his tongue now. He was gonna need it if he was going to get the other slaves to defend themselves after all.

 

[Théodred Heavenshield]

Objective: Build my surf board.

(3)

And so Théo stretched his back come the morning and wiped the sleep from his eyes. He had had a good sleep, nestled down in the sand and not one creature or anything had come to try and eat him. The fire had long gone out but it was no longer needed, the sun beating down on the beach had already warmed the sand and it is hot underfoot.

Today, he will take a swim to wake up more, have some breakfast and go into the jungle. He is very eager to get going on his personal project, the waves constant keep inviting him to ride them. He stood looking out across the break, a perfect break starting from the heads and furling in a pipe of around two to three meters .. it just seemed to keep going and going. A surfers paradise.

Not resisting the invitation a moment longer, Théo ran into the water. No need to change as he is already ready and who cared? his shorts would be dried off in a while with the warmth of the sun. Diving head long into the crashing wave, his body felt the sudden cleansing on his skin, his hair mattered to his head and the salt tasted nice on his lips. No matter how much he tries, his mind always returns to her. She would like it here ..

Théo spent the best part of an hour swimming, and very soon his appetite grew to the point that he could devour anything. Running back to his shack, he flopped on the sand and opened his bag pulling out his breakfast. As he munched away, his eyes trailed up the beach ... saw nothing but sand, seaweed and driftwood. No a soul in sight. It felt brilliant!

[member="Makai Dashiell"]