Crouching Nexu, Hidden Krayt Dragon

[Tiland Kortun]

[member="Jade Whisperwind"] [member="Amilthi Camlenn"] [member="Alar Starii"] [member="Jerek Zenduu"] [member="Zak Dymo"] [member="Abigail Meredydd"] [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"]

SHIVA IV ​

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Tiland's hands clasped around the top of the staff as he sat on the edge of the small camp. A camouflage net had been strung across the small compound of tents and hastily erected shelters. The anthropology team hurried about their business, setting up observation and recording equipment. They weren't sure of the details, but this was a mixed-species community- fairly large, cosmopolitan, self-sufficient, and yet entirely cut off from the rest of the world.

Initial surveys showed there was nothing in particular that prevented anyone from leaving or entering. It was just that nobody did. No record existed on any of the records they could access. Perhaps it was an old Rebel Alliance sanctuary or something erected during the Vong Invasion. Nothing was certain. Most concerningly, it might hold lingering mutations of the Gulag virus. Since the discovery, the anthropologists and specialists keeping watch had noticed others moving in and out of the area. Modern speeders, based on the recordings. EMP and signal jammers. It was only a matter of time before somebody made contact with the settlement. And if there was anything remaining of the Gulag virus, it could easily be carried back out into the galaxy, perhaps beginning the horrific cycle again. Recent reports of increasing numbers of sickened individuals had made the situation only direr.

After consultation, a decision had been made. A quarantine had been created outside the perimeter while virologists, anthropologists, linguists, and other xenological experts were gathered. Their goals were multifaceted-- preserve the settlement and gain as much information as possible, cure as many diseased residents as possible, but ultimately? They were there to ensure that there was absolutely no chance of Gulag strains surviving and escaping. Yet with technology that dated back centuries, their involvement had to be kept subtle. Unnoticeable, even.

And so, Jedi had been requested, capable of identifying and curing a virus without the use of technology. More importantly, Jedi were older than the settlement, so the hope was that they would be able to be something the inhabitants were aware of. Different species were fine. Satellite observations counted at least two dozen species present, not counting the native species.

That was why Tiland was here, with a collection of herbs from the far corners of the galaxy, and invites to those he could trust on this mission. Those who had been initiated, or at least trained, with the Circle of the Light Hand, and a CIS associate. Their understanding of the body and its interactions with the Force would be essential. Diseases and viruses could be purged from the body with careful application of the Force.

They were all arriving soon as the chief anthropologist prepared plans for their contact. It would be scattered, initially, at different points, and each fitted with a broadcast recorder to capture the small details. That would help fill in the gaps of the knowledge that they had initially. The first stage was simply an observation. Once the nature of the disease was determined, they would proceed.

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"What's the word?" The hulking Devaronian hissed as a human approached, face daubed in paint and wearing drabs.

"Bunch of eggheads," came the reply. "Lots of surveillance though."

"Well, give 'em a couple days." The Devaronian stood and cracked his knuckles. "See what they do. Maybe they can fetch a good ransom."

"You got it, boss. And the settlement?"

"Leave it for now. It's not going anywhere and we have all the time in the galaxy."

 

[Allya Vi'Dreya]

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Equipment: Black armorweave bodysuit, beskad, kal, compressed air powered poisoned dart wrist launcher, black armorweave hooded cloak


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Allya had been dispatched to Shiva IV, with the CIS' own herbal remedies, and vast knowledge of diseases and cures. She was a quick study, well versed in history, biology, and genetics, making her an easy choice for this mission. The CIS' alliance with the ORC made it necessary that someone of importance be brought into this, however, most important people were Sith there, as such, only Allya's personality was suited for this task. She respected Jedi greatly, considered them heroes, and great warriors, noble and fierce. A Jedi had saved her not so many years ago, and changed the way she thought about a great number of things.

However, there was another reason she was dispatched. She was the protection, but also the assurance that if the Jedi failed to be able to cure this disease, that it would be wiped out, one way or another. The planet was to close to CIS space for her father to ignore the threat a new plague could cause their planets. That said, Allya really hoped she didn't have to do anything drastic. She would give her all to accomplish the mission the Jedi had set out to do, and provide protection, support, and resources as was needed.

While it was true, she was almost always kitted out in the most advanced technology in the galaxy, she was always well trained with having almost nothing. She was a Sith, and a Mandalorian. Take away the technology, take away the weapons, take away the force, and she was still the most dangerous thing in a room. Or so she felt. So, she admitted, she was looking forward to being separated from her suit for awhile. Besides, she got to work with Jedi! How cool was that?!

Striding into the camp, her beskad on her back, kal on her hip, and the dart launcher strapped to her wrist, draped in a black bodysuit, and cloak, she probably looked like the Sith she was. While she wasn't a 'traditional' Sith as she relied almost only on passion and anger, not fear and suffering (As she found it a weaker and more cowardly source), to see her through, the darkside still flowed from her. This was a young girl who had been steeped in the darkside, raised inside a darkside nexus, and trained as a Sith her entire life.

Moving up to Tiland, she places a hand over her heart and bows deeply, before giving him the warmest smile she could. “Good day, Master Jedi. I'm Allya Vi'Dreya, I was dispatched by the CIS. It is my honor to meet you. If you require any more aid, please, do not hesitate to ask, we will do everything we can to assist your endeavors.” She was honest, energetic, and passionate. A love for existence, a lack of deception, and an abundance of energy were the hallmarks of this young Sith. Inside she was squealing from being allowed to meet this man. Such a strange Sith.

[member="Tiland Kortun"]
Jade Whisperwind Amilthi Camlenn Alar Starii Jerek Zenduu Zak Dymo Abigail Meredydd

 

[Sor-Jan Xantha]

The young Nautolan was busy helping to unpack the medical supplies.

With the modular shelters still being assembled, it was a bit of a challenging keeping everything straight. The bacta was probably meant for the surgical tent. But was the nysillin supposed to go to the pharmacy? Was the corpustarda for the trauma kit?

There were a lot of pharmaceuticals to keep track of. But, they didn't have a way to know really what they were going to need. There was the whole developing treatments for the virus thing, which was actually separate from the treating the symptoms of the virus thing. Which could be the more immediate concern.

Zak had brought his Sacred Lotus textbook and even planned to take some notes.

...and Zak never took notes.

This was going to be a great adventure in Jedi healing!

 

[Amilthi Camlenn]

[removed due to OOC misunderstanding]

 

[Jerek Zenduu]

Jerek set the water bucket down with a sharp exhale. He wasn't used to this kind of work, hoisting and carrying real water someplace else for cooking or utility uses. Why they didn't just use pipes to pump it where it was needed was beyond him.

Even after living out much of his childhood in a relative pastoral backwater in the Outer Rim, and then among the austerity of the Jedi Temple on Ossus, Jerek was still surprised by the primitive level of the settlement beyond their camp. Sure, there were civilizations that eschewed parts of technology, but even they recognized the need to interact with it. Before they could make the journey to the settlement, Jerek had been forced to dispense with any modern technology along with the rest of his Jedi counterparts.

And one Sith. He watched and listened as Allya gave a flowery, if exuberant, introduction to Master Kortun. He still didn't really know what to think of her. She was a Sith, but not like many Sith he had met before, those that reeked of the darkside corruption and infected even the ground they stood upon. That, and she acted like more of a friend than an enemy or rival. The strange circumstances that had brought them in close proximity since that day on Chandrila had given him quite a bit to think about how he considered the Sith overall.

"What?" the boy asked instinctively, having missed the words of the Jedi Knight in front of him.

"Can you take those boxes to the medical tent?"

"Oh," he said, with a little more disdain than he meant. He wasn't really trying to be difficult or petulant, he just wasn't used to this kind of work. Jerek wasn't exactly excited about delivering boxes.

Truth be told, he might not have exactly been excited about this whole mission. He came thinking it could be another way to glean some more insight from Master Kortun, something he had wanted since the instruction of moving meditation in the tea shop. He was a little surprised to find this situation instead.

He was really trying to give it his best efforts anyway, and mustering a bit more enthusiasm, he said, "Sure!"

Okay, a little too enthusiastic. The boxes weren't really that heavy, thankfully, and Jerek set them down in front of the Nautolan padawan who was unpacking with the rest of the medical team. "You guys wanted these, I guess?" Not really inclined to look available for more work again so soon, the teen started opening them and copying setting out the contents, throwing out the question that had been bothering him since they'd arrived. "Any idea what we're really doing here? Sending Jedi to heal is one thing, but handicapping them to do it pretty much defeats the point. So why are we here?"

[member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] | [member="Zak Dymo"]​

 

[Tiland Kortun]

[member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] [member="Jerek Zenduu"] [member="Zak Dymo"]

Tiland looked up from where he examined a cup of tea. Allya greeted herself quite formally, which surprised him, Not because she was a Sith, but because she was young. Other young padawans that he had met, including Jerek, had been surprisingly casual, perhaps even immature, one could say. The aged Jedi raised his head in greeting. "Well met, young Allya. Please, call me Tiland. We're a long way from any hierarchy. It is a pleasure to have our allies alongside us."

An aged Nautolan approached, examining a datapad.

"Ah, good Doctor," Tiland said as he rose to his feet. "Is everything prepared?"

"Yes, Tiland. Everything is prepared." The doctor handed him a datapad. "Departure is cleared when ready." The old Anzati rose to his feet, drained the tea, and put it back into his satchel. His mouth twitched as he watched Zak carrying a bucket of water. The work would be good for the lad. Hard work built character after all.

"Zak, Jerek, Allya," Tiland called, picking up his staff as they sorted the medical supplies and miniaturized analysis computers into the last satchel which he slung across his back. "Time to go."

He strode off towards the jungle, assuming they would follow him. And off he went, maneuvering by a quick bearing that he took on a compass. They would walk for several hours, strolling idly along, pointing out different plants to his companions, how to identify them, and their medicinal or other properties.

As they walked, they would feel something tingling across their skin, growing slowly stronger as they continued further. It wasn't painful or uncomfortable. Just a prickling awareness that something was there. Tiland pushed aside a branch to pause and check the compass. The digitized screen swung wildly back and forth before blacking out entirely.

"Interesting," Tiland murmured, pulling out the comlink. He went to activate it, but there was no response. "Check your equipment." He said to the others. "This field appears to be interfering."

He turned to step backwards, but jolted back as the field sent a nasty shock through his body. Tendrils of smoke wound their way up from his now frazzled hair. "And don't step back."

His usual gentle voice was terse and brisk as he sifted through the equipment they brought with them. Nothing but analog mechanical equipment worked. "This is unexpected, but I can see now why this society is so isolated."

He ran a hand through his beard and mustache, frowning. "So, friends." He sat down on a log and looked at them. "What is your analysis of the situation?"

 

[NPCs by Varon]

Several Kilometers Away

"Hey, boss, you know those dogooders?" A burly human hurried into the clearing, stopping before the Devaronian. "They sent an old man and a couple kids through the barrier."

The Devaronian sat up, a frown etched across his surly face. "They caught yet?"

"Looks it, boss. Stopped and went through all their equipment, same as we did."

"Well, they're not getting any message out." The crime-lord stood and kicked a blaster across the grass. It skidded and thudded uselessly. "What news on our guy?"

"Should be here any minute."

"Well, he better hurry. No access to my dejarik game is dull." The tough looking alien strode back and forth, until several forth ran towards him.

"We got 'em, boss." Four more stumbled into the clearing, each carrying heavy crates that they tossed down onto the ground. The Devaronian hefted a crowbar and jammed it into the wood. It splintered and he lifted out a slugthrower, old fashioned looking and crude, but lethal. The rest of the gang, about twenty toughs all in all, gathered around, picking up the rifles.

"That's what I like to see," the Devaronian grinned and hefted it into the air. "We strike at nightfall! Circle around the town, keep under cover. We'll give the ultimatum, seize the outsiders for ransom, and live like kings."

He cracked his knuckles as he lifted a small pendant circular in design and with ancient, faded markings. "With this controlling that energy field, we're invincible, boys. Make our run at the Hutt Cartel, Black Sun, all of them. Perfect safe haven. Keep an eye on those outsiders. Follow them so we know where they are."

 

[Allya Vi'Dreya]

She gave Tiland a bright smile. It was friendly, polite, well mannered. For a sith, for a teenager, and a Mandalorian she was very well mannered. She was the daughter of the Vicelord, she understood every action she took, especially around their allies reflected on her father. That said, internally she was fan girling. While Jerke was a cool Padawan, this was a Jedi Master! Ah, he was so cool! Her heart did back flips, her emotions strong. However, she calmed herself, and quickly did a Jedi Meditation technique she learned so long ago, and brought herself back to center, so as to not spread the dark side actively around her as would happen when her emotions got to intense.

Eyes moved over to Jerek, and a look of admiration before she looked away. Still the girl carried all of her heavy equipment, and she moved over to the Padawan. Careful she helped Jerek bring the boxes over. However, she always thought in terms of most effective means. Carrying two boxes balanced on either of her arms, and two more with telekinesis, the girl walked over to deposit the boxes in the tent at the side of Jerek. Her strong, athletic form was well balanced. She was no stranger to hard work, and manual labor. She flashed Jerek a shy smile, and nodded. “Hey Jerek. How are you doing?”

It wasn't long after she deposited the boxes, that Tiland called them over. She gave the teen boy a silly look before she moved over to the Jedi. “Yes, Master Jedi?” After nodding her head he told them it was time to leave. “Of course, Master....Ah...” He had told her to call him Tiland hadn't he? “Yes, Master Tiland.” It seemed impolite to not call him such. In her mind, he had earned the right. She reached out and grabbed what looked like a decorative metal bracer, and placed it on her right forearm.

She followed along, and took every word the master said with great attention. She had to admit, this was a dream. Being taught by a Jedi, there felt so much peace, and calm. So opposite her, and her family. As they walked, she continued practicing her Jedi Meditation techniques to keep her emotions even keel, because....Jerek was right next to her, and it made her heart flutter pretty badly. She shook her head, as she inadvertently walked close to him.

Brow furrowed as they entered the field. Once the Master asked the question, she opened the secret port on her vambrace and tried to check everything. It was clearly shorted out and experinced some type of interference. She closed it, with a click, and her mind expanded around her, and as she sought out any information she could feel. Eyes looked around sharply. “Hypothesis, we entered a field of high level Electro Mangnetic energy, placed inside a shield. Its one way, things can come in, but can't go out. Probably a centralized power generator and field emitter, shielded against its own effects at the center. My armor would have probably been fine against it. But its only a hypothesis. It's hard to test without exploring more.” Her hands rested on her hips, and she chewed on her lower lip. “Haar'chak”


[member="Tiland Kortun"]
[member="Jerek Zenduu"]
[member="Zak Dymo"]