Chicken Soup for Zombies: A step by step guide to healing the undead

[Tmoxin Temi]

​

Tmoxin wasn’t sure she liked the mantle of Night Mother. First of all, her home world was Hapes where the evening came and went, but the seven moons which orbited the planet kept a steady luminosity shining at all times. Moon Mother sounded like something out of a flower-picking, peace cult. Furthermore the Dark Jedi did not consider herself a matriarchal type, despite mothering a clone with her own DNA, a young woman named Varas to which she was estranged.

Queen Mother. Now that had a nice ring to it.

Either way, she needed to focus and not dwell on her ill-fitting title as she was leading the Mandragora in a peculiar assignment today. In order to make it more palatable for herself and the others, some of which were new to nightsister and brother magick, Tmoxin thought of it as a simple experiment, one that she’d observe at Morpho.

An unadorned chamber had been set up within CIS facilities on Ryloth. The Confederacy had been contacted by leaders of the Silver Jedi Order as one of their military personnel had become afflicted with some kind of disease, but one that could not be healed by the lightside of the Force.

The Hapan was no alchemist, but she hoped that a group endeavor by the Mandragora could return this officer back to normal health.

With the help of Padawan [member="Stephanie Swail"], the unfortunate Mirialan entered in chains, her long, platinum braids stringy and limp, eyes soulless, her gait shambling and she frothed at the mouth.

“This is Commander Draav,” Tmoxin said as the Initiates, Weavers and Elders gathered around. Hopefully the combined Shaman magick of the Lylek, Doashim and Jart, darkness feeding darkness, overpowering and healing whatever gruesome infection had taken hold.

“Do not get too close. Her bite or even a scratch from her nails will spread the disease.”

[member="Rapax"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]​

 

[Muad Dib]

He stirred where he was leaving against the wall. His beskar'gam, gauntlets, and energy bow was missing, yet the ever present beskad, Revolver, and kal were worn on his body, as much a part of him as a limb. A deathstick hung limply from his lips as he eyed the Hapan, Nightmother, Master, and whatever other titles she wore, [member="Tmoxin Temi"]. He had only ever met her in two occasions, yet his brother spoke highly of her. Of course Derek may not be an impartial source.

Chuckling under his breath he took a hit from the deathstick and plucked the butt from his lips to ground it out on the bottom of his boot. Shaking a plume of blue smoke he pushed from the wall and moved near Tmoxin.

His tan, long sleeved tunic had the sleeves rolled up revealing the corded muscles of his forearms as he crossed then across his chest. Glowing blue eyes took in the afflicted being who was escorted in by a Silver Jedi, one [member="Stephanie Swail"] . Curious eyes traveled both individuals for a moment before signing and glancing at those gathered in the room. All three pants were represented in the room as the thoughts were that the more experienced and power that was gathered would potentially assist in the success of their objective.

Muad smirked once more. While he knew some of those gathered by reputation or as casual acquaintance the Mad Man preferred to hedge his bets. That's part of the reason the grizzled merc, [member="Sol Damerin"] was nearby. Lowering his voice he spoke to his friend.

"I lied, we aren't helping Draav. This is a blind date. Why don't you go give her a kiss."

The gleam of teeth were revealed as he grinned.

 

[Sol Damerin]

One of these days Sol would do the smart thing. When Muad called he wouldn't pick up. At least this time they weren't going into a war zone. Which meant the only thing he had to worry about was Muad managing to turn things into a War Zone. Just like on Onderron. To be fair that had really been that random mercs fault since he'd started shooting. However, Muad was the one that kept escalating no matter how much the bastard tried to pin it on Sol. Sol never escalated. Ever. Not even at the end when he'd been the one to start gleefully tearing into Helix thugs.

Anyway, his decision to once again tag along to play bodyguard put him in a room with people he didn't know. Not that he necessarily minded that. Except one of them was a Silver Jedi. He hadn't actually dealt with a Jedi in years. Even now that he'd more or less stopped hiding his talent as a Force wielder he'd still managed to avoid interacting with any Jedi. He was leary of them. Being an Ex-Jedi he always felt like they'd try and give him the talk. Come back to the light, the Order will accept you, you are not beyond redemption. Speaking to him like he'd fallen to the dark side. It wasn't that he didn't think he couldn't defend his views against such a discussion, it was just it was pretty sure that they wouldn't listen and he'd get a migraine.

"Are you joking? She's obviously your type, go for it." Sol says in his Tatooine dry voice. "Pretty sure that even in her current state she'll have enough sense to slap you." Muad had that effect on women... and men... and droids. Just about everyone as far as Sol could tell. Something he encouraged since there were few things that made him almost smile and almost laugh more than watching Muad get hurt. That was grade A physical comedy right there.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Rapax"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | @Katrine Van-Derveld

 

[Srina Talon]

Ryloth was a place that left Srina with several different emotions that she did her best to bury behind a pale mask. In some ways, it felt familiar, like every other planet with a jungle, forest lands, and dangerous predators. In other ways, the leftover memories from the last time she’d been in the Nightlands left her apprehensive. The ancient tome that many had touched had changed her. Yet, she didn’t know exactly what those changes entailed. There was a strength to be had but she knew not how to reach it. The Jart in her mind’s eye was mysterious and elusive. Ever present, ever reminding her of its existence, with the lattice-work tattoo on her shoulder blade.

The apprentice walked quietly through the halls of the facility with Darth Metus at her side. He was a constant, almost always there, with few exceptions. She took comfort in him as they moved deeper into the buildings and passed through one chamber after another. The air was pensive, thicker than she was used to, and there was a presence that denoted a distinct feeling of dread. “Why are we here master?”, she questioned softly, ignoring the way her dual-toned voice echoed, and the chill that ran down her spine.

As they reached the doorway to the chamber that the Night Mother had designated as the meeting place the white-haired Echani paused. The slowly growing familiar visions struck without warning and she was subjected to the brief image of a sickened soul. She could see a creature that seemed to have been reduced entirely to the basest of instincts. Rational thought did not exist, no mercy, no goals, no sense of self. Only instinct. Srina snapped back to the present and placed a hesitant hand on her master’s forearm. She trusted the flame-haired beauty that was [member="Tmoxin Temi"], based on small encounters, and her master’s obvious high opinion of her.

She just didn’t like what she’d seen.

They entered the throngs of waiting Mandragora and Srina followed the lead of Darth Metus, as always, but honestly wished to place many barriers between herself and what she suspected would arrive shortly. Her visions were ever changing but they proved to hold true more often than not. Sooner than later the creature, the afflicted, was brought into the chamber by none other Padawan Swail. Srina’s eyes were surprised to see her. Especially, to see her escort the near beast that had become Commander Draav.

Unfortunately, the slender woman didn’t notice, with the obvious distraction in the room, that they were standing near [member="Muad Dib"] and [member="Sol Damerin"]. Her keen ears only barely caught what either man whispered to the other and mirrored eyes leveled them with a withering glare. “You two are absolutely incorrigible... Have some respect.”

That would never happen. Regardless, the notion that a member of the Silver Jedi Order had brought their officer to the Confederacy for help was disturbing. Srina knew that there were limits to healing, but if anyone could help the Mirialan, she thought it would have been Grandmaster Kitra.

Part of her thought that the only solution to something so heinous and infectious was to euthanize it swiftly. If it were merely a case of its sensibilities being lost, keeping it locked up while they found a way to help would be a simple task. The fact that this disease could spread so easily stopped Srina in mid-breath. She wanted nothing more than to physically pull the Padawan Swail as far from the afflicted commander as possible.

Quiet eyes fixated on the Night Mother as she tried to find words. Something about her, whether it was her power, or the inextricable beauty that was her, left the typically sure apprentice off kilter.

“Has it…”, she trailed off, before thinking to correct herself, “Has she infected anyone else? Or has this been seen before?”

If neither scenario had happened Srina was curious as to how they understood the rate of infection. Perhaps it had been gleaned scientifically? Either way, she was curious as to the potential damage fall out. If one person was stricken, it could lead to another. Chained or not…It was exceedingly dangerous.

[member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Commander Jody Parker of the Antarian Rangers gave Padawan Stephanie Swail and confidence boosting nod as she stood with the two soldiers who escorted Europa to the facility greatly provided to them by their new allies the CIS. Since it was Jody and her team who saved Stephanie's life, and probably that of what remained of Eurpoa before she got a bullet in her brain, it was only right she be here for this.

Stephanie nodded back with a smile she tried to show resilience in, but before she know it the CIS guards took over and their officials led them into and through the facility.

She was here, yet again, representing the Order on her own? Did she mind? Not at all. She relished the chance to grow and develop and represent the Silver Jedi because it gave her a chance to meet new people, see new places, experience new life-changing events and become a richer person for it. Richer in understanding, experience and the Force. As she walked in her cream Hapan gowns and brown cowl, the facility was far more industrial than she expected. Not in a bad way at all, because it seemed to be something far more secure and technologically advanced than anything she had seen before. It looked part military, part laboratory.

Poor Europa. Here she was, chained and treated like a beast. She was more in-human than she was on Mirial during their brief but frightening confrontation. Yet now there was no darkness tainting Stephanie's thoughts from Sith butchers, she was here to escort and see Europa through. She had made a promise to help her, and she would be good on that promise.

Upon the guards bringing them to where a congregation waited, Stephanie kept her head held high, standing as close as she could to the cage without being in striking distance from a rogue swipe. Immediately she saw faces she did not know, which was to be expected. But there would be time to know them, maybe. Probably. Right now she had to make sure Europa got where she needed to go and those who wanted to know what happened knew everything. This wasn't a social call.

Stephanie didn't look up at anyone right now, but she knew eyes were on her. Instead, she was just focused on soothing Europa as best she could with the belief she felt inside that things would be ok. She came before a rather important and executive looking woman who made it clear she knew what was happening and why. She must be in charge.

"That is correct. Please, do all you can. I was with her on Mirial and my unit contained her and had her safely isolated until we found a way to help her. She's deteriorated rapidly, but I pray it's not too late to find the Mirial buried inside this beast."

She didn't even think to introduce herself - this wasn't a social call. Every second counted, and the Padawan had to show she was in control, she was calm and she was confident...even with a darker aura in the room than she expected. It felt..familiar?

But not now. No. Nothing mattered except saving Europa's life.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

Katrine stayed slightly in the back but with her head still titled as she curiously observed. The chained woman looked weird and acted even weirder which naturally meant Katrine's head was filling with tiny little bubbles containing questions and lots of them. As the Night Mother said they shouldn't get close, warning of her bite or scratch made Kat wish she'd worn longer sleeve, tugging the edge of her lip, thinking it over. It wasn't that Katrine didn't want to help but she generally wasn't the helping kind by nature. It wasn't that she was bad but she was pretty much raised that you helped yourself or your own kin, provided they didn't stab you in the back, injure you or downright killed you which then meant you could retaliate of course. Which wasn't really too odd if one thought about it. Dathomiri exiled all too easy, banning even their own family if they fell and Lupines had once held the firm rule of needing to strike down your own in order to inherit the title. Of course, by the same rule it was the males that inherited but Father had rid them of that as well recently.

She didn't really get though what had happened to this woman. Was Kat supposed to keep an eye for a biter alert on the holonet? Honestly, she could have been accused of the same. Not about spreading anything, you couldn't become a Lupine by any of those ways but she could deliver a mean bite or a deep scratch if she was in her natural form. A white haired girl asked if the woman had already infected anyone else or if it had been seen before. Then another woman spoke, explaining her unit had safely isolated, commenting about a rapid deterioration.

Her hand raised over her head. "For those us who don't have an alert for disease spreading biters, does the disease have a name yet? I mean, like, has anyone actually figured anything out?" Katrine was in no way a healer herself. Nona was usually the one she called if something needed fixing, even if Aston had taught her how to heal with the Force but when Kat taught about healing, she still thought about the fact that she could heal animals but not humanoids. Then again, if she had learned anything in her solitude, it was that spells could be adapted and could do much more than just the basic idea the were meant for. However, they needed to know other things. "Seriously though, how'd she get it? Did she get bitten or scratched? Has anyone actually examined her?" Nona always healed the injury directly so it made sense to figure that out, right? It seemed like a good idea to start there. Katrine was still keeping a healthy distance between her and the chained woman, with some humanoid barriers between them. Seemed like a good idea.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Sol Damerin"] [member="Srina Talon"] [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Stephanie Swail]

A voice belonging to a female spoke out, and Stephanie looked up and across to the sound. A petite blonde girl asking a fair question to which Stephanie only had a second to think about.

"There was a Sith plague ravaging the planet Mirial. I was there when it happened." she said with conviction, "An un-dead horde that once were peaceful citizens were out to kill and kill again. One of them made contact with Europa and infected her. I found her when the infection had turned her into this creature and she was out to kill me also. There was little soul behind her eyes."

She glanced at Europa and shook her head.

"I don't know what this is, but it's a Sith concoction and created to destroy life. That's all I am certain of."

[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Grace Darkson]

There were few things that the Vahla hated dealing with: Sithspawn and Jedi. The former because of how unnerving and dangerous they were, despite the fascinating history of many of them. The second was simply because of what almost always happened when she met one. Either they would try and talk her into 'repenting', or try and kill her. Coexistence was something most of them didn't understand. Even in the Dominion, the Jedi and Sith who called it home were at odds more often than not. Although, to an extent, it seemed some things never changed. The Sith were blamed for almost everything twisted that was there in the galaxy. Not that they were always wrong, mind you, but it got annoying after a while. Speaking of annoying, the pair of Muad and Sol played their usual jokes at each other. Even considering the gravity of the situation, she couldn't help but smile. Sol really needed better luck on his blind dates if this was what he ended up with.

"So, an alchemized virus that's immune or at least resistant to light sided healing." There was little more than the tone of an academic as if they were scientists in a lab around a test tube rather than Force users around a victim. "That's fascinating." Cold yellow eyes watched the infected thing as if she was trying to see what was wrong. "I suppose it would be going too far to ask for a sample?"

There was no humor in her question. Simply a seemingly practiced distance from the subject matter. Perhaps it wasn't shared with the others. It didn't matter. She'd look into it as best she could and see what came of it. After all, what else could she do?

[member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]​

 

[Rapax]

He observed the sith spawn infected creature from the window for a moment as he listened to the others contemplate what to do with the beast the main goal was to cure the creature nothing more nothing less, But it is immune to lightside healing makes him glad he didn't abandon the dark arts too much as he has some healing to utilize on her. He took note of Stephanie Swail being there a member of the SJO after the CIS allied with them working with members of the mandragora ...no wonder they where summoned they where the only ones she could probably reach that can achieve what shes looking for without the worry of them destroying her and the victim she wants to save. ''I agree samples would be beneficial to study what has transpired among other things...'' Even if he wasn't a shaman of the sect that gather and learn knowledge he wouldn't mind a sample or two from the creature before she is cured.


[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | @Tmoxin Temi | @Muad Dib | @Sol Damerin | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

Tmoxin’s groomed brow raised at the deathstick dangling from Muad Dib’s mouth. She felt like reprimanding the force user, but she did not know Derek’s brother well enough, and there were far more dangerous elements surrounding them today than toxic smoke from spice.

What she did chastise him for was the flippancy he chose to display.

“This is no joking matter,” the redhead snapped, her gaze swiveling back and forth between both he and Sol Damerin as though she was a teacher about to slap both of them with weekend detention.

Apprentice Talon echoed her sentiments, and she gravitated towards the platinum-haired woman like a Hapan would. And while the lightside aura in the room subtly battled against Tmoxin’s dark nature, she could put aside her differences to save this capable officer. She’s spent enough time around the Sith to understand their barbaric practices, but the Night Mother was no alchemist and did not feel as though she herself could reverse this damage.

Together, perhaps, they would get somewhere.

“A sample is not a bad idea, Lady Psyona. Then we can at least study it and hopefully create a vaccine to help the Mirialans. Any volunteers?”

In the meantime, Europa growled and spit, bile, blood and other unidentifiable substances dribbling from her mouth. Once she was safely strapped down to an examination table the group might feel more comfortable approaching.

“Does she have superhuman strength, Padawan Swail?” asked Tmoxin. “And besides lightside healing are there other clear weaknesses the creature has that won’t necessarily kill her but incapacitate her so we can experiment?"

[member="Rapax"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"]​

 

[Stephanie Swail]

There was no denying she was a fish out of water here. This was no Silver Jedi facility with those who radiated the Light and followed strict yet amenable codes. These were people of a different world; a different time almost. Ones who had done what they had to survive, to progress and to adapt.

The galaxy wasn’t all like the crystal blue skies of Voss or the lush greens of Kashyyyk. It was cold steel and harsh crimson; browns, oranges, purples and black. The stench of drugs and smoke tingled her nose and the aura around her was totally devoid of that calming one she felt around her Jedi.

Looking from face to face, she saw men who near intimidated her and women who scared her. Part of her wished she had the confidence and knowledge to be like them.

The leader - @Txmoin Temi – had a voice that demanded respect, and she asked the next question.

"Not that I am aware of, no. But she is driven to feed on flesh and living bodies, which in turn gives her nothing but a permanent hunger she won’t stop in seeking no matter what. And all I saw was the Light within had an effect on her, and also a mild current on our weighted nets which rendered her in mild stasis so we could move her and she didn’t manage to lash out until it wore of."

She looked up at her.

"Sorry it’s not much, but I’ll help where I can."

[member="Rapax"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"]

 

[Chikako Liona]

Chikako was not one force science mambo jumbo, well maybe she was, but amnesia kind of messed with that, regardless a meeting with the CIS top spell caster and force users was not something to miss, especially with the Silver Jedi sending a representative, if she was to do more diplomatist mission for the CIS getting used to such meeting would be necessary. The young Echani walked down the metal corridors to the lab, her black dress flowing behind her, escorted by one of her Jedi bodyguards, which may have seemed ironic, but I worked.

Coming closer to the lab where the supposed infected women she had been hearing about was held she made out the lat few words of [member="Stephanie Swail"], mainly catching the, 'Driven to feed on flesh and living bodies' what type of infection was this, something about it screamed undead. It was not something she had bore witness to before, but her time on Dathimor had revealed the ability to raise
corpses for the purpose of fighting ones foe, but those where people of long dead, this, this sounded different like an attack on the mind, reducing someone to a mere husk that's sole purpose is to feed.

Chikako walked into the room, noting the many people around, most intriguing was [member="Srina Talon"], another Echani, and a noble from the looks of things, what house did she belong to. What ever the case was, question for later, "Sorry if I am a little late, might I inquire to what is happening at the moment". Though it was fairly clear to her what they where talking about, it was best to be polite in this sort of situation, even if some of the participant she did not like... 'Muad'.

[member="Stephanie Swail"] l [member="Tmoxin Temi"] l [member="Muad Dib"]

 

[Grace Darkson]

Cold, calculating eyes studied the dead woman, trying to see connections. She had heard of viruses that raised the dead, of alchemy that killed the victim and transformed their body into living machines. Perhaps there was some truth to the idea that the Sith were inherently a force of destruction. After all, this was what they did to worlds that stood against them. It seemed wrong, and yet... Deep down, she could understand it. Perhaps even see herself doing it. After all, it was no different than bloody conquest. "Let me see something..." A pale hand, gaunt and thin beyond its age, stretched towards the chained alien, who snapped forward like a dog straining for a scrap of meat.

"Anga negu nun, kots wo. Anga negu nun, guduma apata. Anga ir s'dies kia nun tu'iea uzdar." The words began quietly, a slow, methodical chant rolling off the woman's tongue like oil, the ancient speech of long-dead Sith seeming to hang in the air like heavy mist after escaping her lips. Europa would, if she could feel at all, the presence of another in what little remained of her consciousness. And, perhaps, just perhaps, the Sith witch could find a piece of the original woman buried in the zombie. She did not move, not yet, but whatever was going on, the woman shuttered, her body shaking as if she had been transported to Hoth while dressed for the beach.

[member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Chikako Liona"]​

 

[Armand Temi]

Ha, silly straps. These idiots think they can keep me contained with a couple of scraps of reinforced fabric, they are sorely mistaken. This is what Europa would have said aloud about being bound to the examination table, but since she had limited brain function, it would have come out more like, “Unnngrrwarrrrhhhwnnwoorrooooooooooooranng!” However only [member="Lady Psyona"] heard actual words in basic due to the chanted spell. There was intelligence there. Officer Draav was in there… somewhere… fighting for her survival.

Either way a sinister ripping sound could be heard once the Morpho orderlies stepped away from the table, and the undead officer had managed to free herself by sheer strength alone, although she was not moving quickly at all.

Thump, thump went both of her feet upon the floor. Her thin hospital gown and skinny limbs made her appear more frail than she let on, but she managed to stand and shuffle around.

“Whatever you do, no lightsided healing!” reminded Tmoxin, her voice an octave higher - the only sign of alarm showing through the Hapan’s calm demeanor. From what she’d read in the dossier other elements and materials would not take her down - not fire, nor bullets, nor even lopping off her head or extremities although that would certainly keep her from attacking. But that was not an option if they needed her to help serve in the CIS navy.

However for a brief moment, Europa made direct eye contact with Lady Psyona as though, the witch had somehow pierced through the fog of disease, yet in the next few seconds, the Mirialan growled and lunged towards [member="Muad Dib"] and if the elder witch did not do something quickly she was prepared to take a huge bite out of his face.

[member="Rapax"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Chikako Liona"]​

 

[Malok]

[member="Darth Metus"] watches.​

 

[Katrine Van-Derveld]

With her questions asked, the Jedi asked. There was a Sith plague on Mirial. An un-dead horde made out of once peaceful citizens were killing, one of them making contact with the monster in the room. Whatever it was exactly, it was a Sith concoction and created to destroy life, that much she knew. That answered her first question but left her waiting for an answer to the second one, her eyes drilled into the Jedi, waiting but nothing. "Bitten or scratched?" Katrine repeated slowly, stressing each word in her newly repeated, shortened second question, a hint of nervousness revealed. Once questions formed in her head, the required answers on the blank space left for them, same as they had to be answered in order.

Another Mandragora spoke, calling it an alchemized virus immune or resistant to light sided healing. She soon then asked for a sample, while Katrine's brain started working something else. Nightmother talked about the possibility of a vaccine while the blond's head snapped to the monster, who was spit a number of different things, making the young Lupine shudder at the sight of it. very gross, her mind quickly decided.

Superhuman strength was up in the air but there was a drive for feeding, which in return made her hungrier. Light had a sort off affect on her, as did weighted nets. The other woman who had asked for a sample now chanted in an unfamiliar language. The spell caused for an odd reaction in the monster, who then gave something completely comprehensible. Nightmother once again reminded no lightsided healing. "How about a healing spell? I could try and modify my Animal Healing spell and try?" Katrine suggested finally what had been on her mind the last few moments, still watching the monster intently.

Before she realized, the monster had launched at the pretty boy. Katrine's eyes went wide as it had moved so rapidly, the chant erupting from her mouth startling even her for a quick second. "Spiriti di Dathomir, ascolta la mia preghiera. Soffoca il mostro, rendilo difficile respirare!" Her focus quickly came into play as she concentrated on the infected woman, summoning the Force "Blanket" spell in its weakest forms. The monster was already close to biting into the man but Katrine had chanted none the less, a spell she used for protection more often than not. It should have cut the air flow to her lungs, making it hard to breathe but honestly, she'd never tried it on someone like Europa. She should have still needed oxygen the way they did, it should have began to smother her though the spell itself wouldn't have been enough to actually kill her in his earliest stage.

[member="Stephanie Swail"] [member="Lady Psyona"] [member="Rapax"] [member="Tmoxin Temi"] [member="Chikako Liona"] [member="Europa Draav"] [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Muad Dib"] [member="Sol Damerin"] [member="Srina Talon"]

(Spiriti di Dathomir, ascolta la mia preghiera. Soffoca il mostro, rendilo difficile respirare - Spirits of Dathomir, hear my prayer. Smother the monster, make it hard for her to breathe)

 

[Stephanie Swail]

Stephanie had done all she could. She nodded to [member="Tmoxin Temi"] and stepped back to give room to the others who seemed to have powers far more….intense and unnatural than hers. [member="Europa Draav"] was thrashing and snarling and eager to get out.

Rubbing her fingers together, all the Padawan could do was watch. However, she soon saw a disaster unfurl. Europe lashed out and tore the restraints free, thumping down onto the ground in what felt like a split-second; from being contained, to being up and staring at them all in shock and silence.

Then she moved.

Moved to the man closest to her. A spell was chanted in the room, one she had never heard before and Europa seemed to stagger a little and gasp. Stephanie acted without thinking and threw her arms forward to bring the Force in around the frame of Europa.

She clamped down as hard as she could to restrain the poor undead soul and keep her still. Stephanie’s brow furrowed and she blanked everything out except her own clawed fingers aimed at Europa, not letting the grasp of the Force power lull in an attempt to hold the dangerous woman from getting to the man.

If something was to be done, it had to be done now.

[member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | [member="Rapax"] | [member="Chikako Liona"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Srina Talon]

Srina remained silent, as usual, lingering in the background of the chamber. Her inquiry had been partially answered by Padawan Swail but the Echani was a curious sort. She craved knowledge when it came to dealing with any sort of situation. In something like this, where higher awareness of the Force was required, or a good grasp on scientific, alchemical, or medical practices was needed—she remained woefully inept. Especially, if the light side had come to them for aid.

She stared at the afflicted creature, whom people kept referring to as a ‘her’ when it was really more of an ‘it’ and firmly decided, that if it came too close uncontrolled, orders to ‘save it’ or not, Srina would remove its head. End of story. Her first instinct was to eradicate it. Anything with an infection pathway so simplistic as a bite or a scratch ought to be eliminated. The remains should also be burned to ash for good measure. No, truly, she would not be much assistance to her fellow Mandragora. Not when her final solution revolved around the very thing they hoped to avoid.

Presently, she kept her thoughts to herself. Instead, she listened to the questions that Katrine Van-Derveld, Lady Psyona, and a few others asked. Srina felt a chill settle deep in the marrow of her bones when the Silver Jedi Padawan explained that there had been an entire horde of infected denizens on Mirial. Perhaps she had misunderstood, but Padawan Swail didn’t mean to say that there was still a mass of these things freely roaming the ravaged planet, did she?

“I may be entirely off base…But if it hasn’t already happened—Mirial should be blockaded. As important as it is to attempt to aid the victims it’s equally vital to circumvent the possibility of more casualties.”

There was nothing wrong with suggesting a travel ban. There had to be some way to warn others away from the same fate that Commander Draav was currently suffering. Some asked for samples and the white-haired woman silently agreed. The only thing she knew for sure is that she wouldn’t be the one to collect them. Mirrored glacier eyes reflexively left the beast in the room to land on Tmoxin Temi when she snapped out at Muad and Sol. Her gaze lingered on the flame-haired woman, at least, until the Commander started hacking up unmentionable fluids.

There was also a pungent odor in the air that was slowly turning her stomach sour.

Anytime Padawan Swail added more information Srina felt more and more on the side of extermination. Not only was this thing nearly soulless, and rotting, but it craved flesh. Living, flesh. Someone arrived late to the meeting but it took a moment for the pale-skinned woman to notice. Briefly, she registered the woman as Echani, but her polite words placed her in a harmless category. Her primary focus was maintaining an appropriate distance from Commander Draav.

Lady Psyona began to attempt a spell but not seconds later the undead creature broke free of its restraints. Srina’s hand was behind her back in an instant, gripping the handle of her vibroblade, and if it were not for the quick actions of Katrine Van-Derveld and Stephanie Swail the Echani would have decapitated the Commander. Any punishment from the Nightmother or her Master would have been readily accepted. This disease could not be allowed to spread.

Instead, Srina reached for Darth Metus and small fingers wrapped around his armored forearm, physically pulling him back several paces with her. There was no fear in her but self-preservation demanded that she keep her distance—And therefore, that Metus keep his distance. “I do not like this…”, the apprentice murmured almost inaudibly to the dreadlocked man. “Not at all.”

Silver eyes shot toward her Master's face, as he seemed content to watch the situation unfold, and her storm-cloud eyes settled in a mirthless glare. Enough, was enough. On the outside, Srina resembled a marble statue, expressionless and cold. Every bit of her seemed as proper and pristine as she always did. Only Darth Metus would hear the telepathic words being bellowed, almost painfully loud, in his cranium.

‘You’ve seen enough. DO something!’

[member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Europa Draav"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | [member="Chikako Liona"] | [member="Tmoxin Temi"] | [member="Rapax"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Muad Dib"]

 

[Malok]

Do something!

In truth, the Sith Lord had come this day to observe. To watch. To listen. His expertise in the alchemical arts had been primarily restricted to the altering of base materials - as opposed to the creation of monsters. However, the processes by which monstrosities were born happened to be vastly similar to his own mastery. Thus had he come, to see the sordid creature...and to lend a hand, academically, to the resolution of her condition. But. [member="Srina Talon"] had a way about her.

Even after the affects of their Bond had waned, the young woman yet tugged at the essence of Darth Metus. There was just something there that compelled him to allowed her to get away with murder, metaphorically. There was just something there that urged him to shield her from all harm - and so, when her frantic words invaded his mind, there was but one resolution.

D W O M U T S I Q S A​

The incantation formed and fell as a vicious hiss.

A clot of midnight escaped his mouth and fell to the floor.

The presence of Darkness fell mightily upon the room as the clot splattered upon the earth. It exploded outward - rising and contorting in the blink of an eye. Its form became engorged, yet definition quickly became apparent. Solidity became an illusion; a behemoth of smoke rose to its feet. Immediately, it formed a barrier between the Echani and the undead, but a flick of its master's wrist sent it hurtling forward. A single bound propelled the behemoth and its arms opened wide. With the crushing might of a Wookie would it then attempt to take the creature to the floor in a mighty tackle.

And should it become restrained, Darth Metus would casually remove the glove of his dominant hand.

"I've a solution, but she is not going to like it."

[member="Srina Talon"], [member="Tmoxin Temi"], [member="Muad Dib"], [member="Sol Damerin"], [member="Stephanie Swail"], [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"], [member="Lady Psyona"], [member="Rapax"]

 

[Tmoxin Temi]

“By the Eternal Core, will someone please detain that blightful creature!" griped Tmoxin as the Van-Derveld witch chanted, and suddenly Europa began to choke, green hand clasping at her throat. The Force suffocation spell thwarted her attack on Muad Dib, but the Mirialan’s free arm still flailed and her legs shuffled, sending her into a circle. The Hapan felt out of all of the Mandragora, Kat showed the most promise, and at times a better aptitude to be Night Mother, but that was neither here nor there. She made a mental note to speak to the Spellweaver later.

Stephanie Swail of the Silver Jedi continued to thwart the officer's advance with a Force barrier, but eventually both of those maneuvers would wear her down enough to cause critical injury.

Apprentice Talon was Metus’s newest recruit to the Mandragora. The expression upon the pale Echani’s face was one of skepticism. Out of the corner of her eye, she watched Srina conspire with Metus and then… something passed between them, a live-wire-like energy that Tmoxin could practically feel. She smiled at the ambient exchange.

Quite interesting. The room was full of promising enterprisers.

Then Darth Metus proceeded to conjure some kind of smoke demon that took the Hapan back to one military engagement or another, perhaps in accompaniment to Draco Vereen. Unsetting as it was with so much unpredictability already in the room, she did trust Darth Metus - with both her career and her life.

“I do not care if she likes it or not. War is looming in the Southern Systems, and we need all of the capable military personal we can get. Besides it sounds like it’s a choice between death and… whatever you have planned and whatever that is, it cannot be any worse for her than now.”

The Night Mother held her hands up. “No one interfere.”

And with a swoosh and a whomp, the blackness enveloped Europa, and as the smoke being and the Woyunokut became one
The Mirialan became animated again, fueled once more by the malevolence that created her, the living force, but one which would keep her consumed and corrupted by the Darkside for the span of her life.

[member="Rapax"] | [member="Sol Damerin"] | [member="Katrine Van-Derveld"] | [member="Stephanie Swail"] | [member="Chikako Liona"] | [member="Lady Psyona"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Muad Dib"] | [member="Srina Talon"]