Private Crystal Clear

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Denon was an ancient, conservative planet located in the Denon system of the galaxy's Inner Rim, at the confluence of the Corellian Run and the Hydian Way. An ecumenopolis world, it had city growth covering the entire surface, similar to Coruscant. It was the homeworld of Imperial General Maximilian Veers and the Rebel pilot Pedrin Gaul. During the Imperial Era, Denon supported the Galactic Emperor Sheev Palpatine. After the signing of the Galactic Concordance, which conditionally allowed the remnants of the Empire to peacefully co-exist with the New Republic, Denon came under control of the Inner systems' Imperial remnant.

What does this have to do with the present day? Little.

Nowadays, there was a very seedy underbelly to the planet, and often was the home of activities that would put the term “Underworld” in a position of looking like a primary school class. Jedi Knight Dagon Kaze , as well as Yula Perl and her sisters have historically done their best to curb the tide, but they could only do so much. Today, a “package” was brought into a warehouse in the northern region of one of the larger sectors. That “package” was to be sold to the highest bidder, and was said to pull a pretty penny as another package was brought to an auction recently on Tatooine. That package was rumored to hold the kyber crystals of a fallen Jedi.

Ryana was on a mission of her own, he was proud of her for that. She needed the confidence builder and proved that she was more than capable on Tatooine. This was still requiring two Jedi though, which is why he was on a rooftop near the Starport waiting for his “partner” to show up. Connel was actually looking forward to working with another Jedi, he did not always get the chance to.

I just wish I knew who it was going to be.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran was on Denon again. It was the world that started it all for Ran. A few short years ago, her path to the Jedi opened up on the ecumenopolis, and a few short years later had felt like a lifetime to the Jedi Knight.

She sighed a steady breath. She hadn’t come to the planet to reminisce. She came for stolen kyber.

“Excuse me. Pardon me.” She muttered as she walked through the busy crowds. She exited the starport and joined the hustle and bustle of the city-world’s streets. She rode the wave of foot traffic to a small corner of calm. It was there she pulled the hood of her cloak down, revealing her tattooed face, stark features, and toxic glowing eyes. She was easily identifiable to those familiar. For others she was just another scary traveler that they’d do their best to avoid in the absence of neon soaked light.

She scanned the crowd looking for someone, a contemporary, a partner, a Jedi. She saw no one she recognized so she probed with the force and felt a familiar presence. She had her suspicions as to who it was. She couldn't see him, but stared at the rooftops above. There was no doubt; he was a shadow for sure.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

There she is

He wasn’t expecting the Mirialian to be the one he would be working with, but who else would come here to vacation? Except for the aforementioned Kaze and Perls… anyway, once he confirmed it was her, another Jedi, Connel leaped off the roof to the ground…

… and proceeded to scare the living daylights of two Sullustans out for a stroll…

[What the?]

[What is wrong with you?]

Standing erect and looking at them, Connel just shrugged. Oh come on! Like you’ve never seen someone jump off a roof!

[We haven’t!]

Open mouth… grab foot… place foot in mouth…

Fair enough! Turning to face Ran, he stopped. OHAI!

Something he was learning to do (and have a lot of fun with) was act a certain way when his gear was on, and another with it off. Sure, anyone truly paying attention would “put two and two together” if they had seen him in both instances (after all, he’s a big mother!) but it was a good distraction.

Wow! I am so envious of your skin tone! It’s not easy being that, though is it? Are you feeling okay? HA! Three jokes in a row! Honestly giggling at his own comedy for a moment, he held up his hands and whispered. I’m sorry, I’m not trying to be disrespectful, I’ve just found acting like this actually draws less attention because people just want to ignore me.

His observation was relatively true as most of the onlookers just rolled their eyes and went about their business, all while he was explaining.

Pointing down the street at an apartment building, he quipped. I know someone staying there that can tell us where to go… where we’re going…

 

[Ran Serys]

He was more animated than she remembered. She laughed. "It's okay, Con- Friend." She corrected as she spoke. She wasn't sure if the mask Connel wore was defined by a need for anonymity. "I'm not offended." She continued. "And you should be jealous, it is easy, and I feel fantastic." She shot her answers just as fast as the taller and wider man, taller by an inch, could joke.

"Denon's a busy planet. I can see how you'd go unnoticed here. I guess not by those people." She smiled cheekily as she pointed at the Sullustan pair who continued to scowl at Connel as they walked off and disappeared around a corner.

"I hope that someone knows where we can grab a meal on the way. I'm starving and I'm quite finished having Jedi field rations." Ran spat with just a hint of hunger and anger, the smallest hint. She'd been away from a functional kitchen for too long, but such was the fate of a Jedi on mission after mission. She assumed Connel knew the feeling well whether he cooked or not.

"Lead the way, Friend. But first tell me what you know about our mission."

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

She’s got a good sense of humor, good.

The mention of “food” made him hungry too, hungry enough for his stomach to growl and “Vanagor” stomachs growled.

What say we work fast then. Checking his gauntlet, there was a pinging on the locator, and a message came up. It was his informant “Graclin” , a Mirialian child who ironically gave him all of the jokes he just used. Well, I just got the location we want. It’s a ways away and things don’t really go down according to him for another two hours.

Waving her to follow him to somewhere non-descript, Connel didn’t want to talk until he had a good idea that “the walls did not have ears.”

Master Efret Farr has tasked me with finding kyber crystals of various fallen Jedi, crystals that were stolen from the arch on Coruscant when the Empire tried to hit the place. Anyway a kid I’m working with, he was saved a couple of years ago by one of those Jedi. He’s sort of been “eyes and ears” for anyone who will listen as a way to pay her back, you know? Well he found out her crystals are here. A Hutt gang is trying to move them along with some other illicit material. Exhaling sharply as he pulled his mask up to his forehead. I want to get the kid out of here, he’s a good kid… but this seems to be the life he wants.

Wrapping on the door behind them, an old woman opened the door and gave them both a look.
Really? Now you show up? Well, you might as well come in as I was sitting down to dinner. Come on, I made enough for both of you.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran followed Connel as they crossed streets and alleys and settled into a secure but shadowy corner of the Denon landscape. Tucked away from prying eyes and pricked ears, the shadow spoke and Ran listened. Connel explained the latest in a string of bad business that came about from the invasion of Coruscant. It seemed to Ran that the troubles the war wrought were never-ending. Still she never wanted to stop aiding in the correction of these troubles.

Ran had a working relationship with the Hutts, she just wondered what Hutt was involved with this scheme. They could all be in luck depending. However, Ran noticed the theft seemed to take a backseat to the child's wellbeing. She noted Connel's big heart. "Maybe he is needed here," Ran said, trying to make Connel feel better about the child. Denon was a dangerous place and the child was in a dangerous line of work. "Or maybe he just needs a push toward greener pastures." She'd do her best to find a solution on that front as well.

The door behind them opened up almost as soon as Connel knocked. A kindly looking old woman with an edge about her appeared in its threshold and offered hospitality. Ran liked this woman already. "Ladies first!" She cut past Connel's wider frame just to reach the food a second faster. Ran could be competitive like that.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Connel blinked as both the old lady, we’ll call her “Al” (Short for Alemina) chastised him and then Ran slipped past him.

Stang. I hope we’re not fighting over a last bite or something… Walking into the apartment, he was of course joking, until he had seen “Graclin”, the boy was scarfing down the food Al had made as if he hadn’t eaten in weeks. By the looks of him, unfortunately, he hadn’t.

Alright, you’ve done your part. After we’re done here, I’m getting you out of here. He was not happy to see the boy in the shape he was. Sure, he had heard what Ran had to say and he did take the words to heart, but the boy did not even have shoes, and there were none around he might have kicked off.

The Mustafar you are!

Pulling off his mask and letting it hang like a hood, he kept his argument. Look, I get why you wanted to start doing this, and you have been integral... but you’ve done your part. You should be allowed to be a kid.

​

“Al” was just rolling her eyes. He lives here, he just refuses to do anything else.

Connel wasn’t going to argue, he sat with them all and let them eat, he just chose not to. Not out of some stubborn ploy, but because he wanted Ran and the kid to have their fill.

So, the meetin’ place is happ’nin’ at an old museum. Their stuff is hidin’ in plain sight. I saw it all myself. Hardest part is gettin’ in. You gotta go in from th’roof.

Exhaling sharply as he sipped his drink. ”Hardest part”? Did you get hurt? It would make sense with the tattered clothes. This looked to be “new”.

The kid just laughed. They tried!

Alright, well thanks for everything.

I’m goin’ with you.

Now it’s Connel’s turn to laugh. Noooooo you’re not.[/COLOR]

 

[Ran Serys]

“Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that.” Ran said facetiously and with a wry smile. She really enjoyed Connel’s jokes and banter. A lot of Jedi took themselves too seriously, and so did she from time to time. It was nice to have a contemporary who brought out the lighthearted and the whimsy she held inside.

With a bowl and fork in her hand the Mirialan chowed down on a dish foreign to her. As Connel, Al, and the boy, Graclin, exchanged words.

“It is dangerous,” Ran agreed with Connel, and then gave Graclin a wink. She could sense the boy’s will to fight and she decided she’d fight for him. “But don’t you think the boy should see this through?” Ran questioned Connel while trying to persuade him. “Graclin isn’t much younger than most padawans in the order are, and they delve into danger alongside their masters all the time. The only difference here is, Graclin is in the presence of two Jedi Knights. He might even be more safe, Connel.” Ran said her peace, but still trusted and respected Connel enough to defer to his judgment on the matter. Whatever he decided she’d abide.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Connel was not going to argue, but this kid should be allowed to be one. He wasn’t even if it was his own choice.

I get that, but Padawans are trained for this from the point of younglings. Nodding and pointing over to Graclin, who was clearly angry.

He’s not, and isn’t one. Not his fault, but he’s being forced to grow up way too fast.

Graclin wanted to tell him off, but “Al” put a hand on his shoulder. I agree with you, but he is the one who found out where everything is happening. Where would you be without him?

He may be a kid, but this is his calling. He has proven great at this, you said so yourself.

.. And he has been… but..

The kid was teary eyed now. I owe it to Tannet… I owe it to her… I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for her..

Closing his eyes and exhaling, Connel shook his head.

If I tell you to run… you run… if I tell you to hide… you hide and stay there.

Wide eyed with excitement, the kid sat up. I will! I promise!

I mean it… now finish eating.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran smiled at Graclin, and the boy returned the smile in kind. He wiped his teary eyes with the back of his sleeve. She watched him turn his smile at Al and then beam brilliantly at Connel. It seemed the boy had a lot of appreciation for the Jedi Knight, while Connel obviously cared for the kid. Ran found it a sweet sight. It made her heart melt just a bit.

As their attention moved back to their food, "Well that's settled then. Are you sure you don't want to come, Al?" She joked, waving a gesture that admitted incredulity before excusing herself from the table.

Ran looked out the window and didn't find much of a view, just another Denon Alley. Neon soaked walls that turned shadowy corners to black voids. Denon still stunk like crime and greed. She wondered how much it had truly changed in the time she'd been away.

While she waited for the psuedo-family meal to be over, she made conversation. "Connel, what were you like when you were Graclin's age?" She asked curiously. The others' ears perked up at this question as well.

The concept of childhood always interested Ran because she never had one. She was an experiment and a soldier from birth and had to live vicariously through the Jedi younglings and padawans of the order, and through the tales her contemporaries shared with her, even if she found most Jedi were left wanting for a more traditional childhood as well.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Really?

Giving Ran a knowing look as to what she was doing (or what he thought she was doing anyway). He took a bite, and then looked around. What was he supposed to say? How he felt sheltered, and grew up an awkward kid? What good would that do? Sure, it was how he felt, and was a valid feeling, but something about his glance at Al made him see things in a new light.

I was blessed to actually have one, the childhoods of both of my parents were taken away from them, in a manner of speaking. My father was, and really still is my Master. There was a tinge of embarrassment in his tone, no he did not know what Ran had been through, but speaking in front of Graclin, it was an odd moment of clarity.

Kid, look, I’m not sorry about my attitude, and it’s showing how amazing a person you already are, let alone will be as an adult… I just see too many “kids” having their childhood taken away from them. You’re a good kid, you should be allowed to be one… I just don’t see this as allowing you is all…

Putting down his utensil, and exhaling again, he shook his head angrily.
Tannet was a colleague and a friend. She helped me learn to “cloak”... one of the worst feelings was knowing I was stuck in a Bacta tank when she was cut down. Eyeing everyone, not really appreciating the position he was put in, but “getting it”, he nodded.

I meant what I said about doing what I tell you when I tell you, but thank you… we couldn’t be doing this without you. He turned away, feeling the weight of responsibility on his shoulders. He was grateful for the help, but he was also aware of the burden he was about to take on. He had to do his best to make sure no one else got hurt.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran watched the boy's face soften under the revelations shared from Connel. It also seemed that Al approved of Connel’s stroke of vulnerability too, even though the older woman didn’t give away much. Ran wondered if she should share her own tragic history, but decided against it. There was something significant in the connection shared between Connel and Graclin and she wouldn’t sully the moment that way. It’d be a story for another time.

“Speaking of doing this, the time draws near. We should get going.” Ran positioned herself near the door and threw her cloak over head once again. The kyber crystals would only be under the thumb of the hutt gangs for so long.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Graclin jumped up, excited to be a part of this, but Connel held up a hand.

Hold on. Al gave him a dirty look as if he was regressing back into his “You can’t come” attitude, but just the opposite. Connel pulled Combat Shield off of his back and offered it to the kid.

Slip the straps over the back and wear it like a pack when you’re moving, slip your arm into the straps and put it between you and whoever is looking at you that is not Ran, or myself.

The boy looked rather excited as he first put it on his arm, and then over his back. It was clearly too big for him, but not so much that he could not carry it. Connel then held up a directive finger and while his look was serious, his tone did soften a little.

That’s a “loan”, not a “gift”. “Little Jedi”. The nickname was new, and unexpected, but it seemed to have the right effect. The boy did not feel so “unwelcome” or a “burden”, he was a part of the team!

Yes Sir! He saluted like they were in the military.

Close enough. Pulling the mask back over his head as Graclin made way for the door, they were off. Connel took it upon himself to lift the boy through the Force to the rooftops. It was something Graclin was not used to, but seemed to be having fun, each leap from Connel and Ran was Force assisted for the boy who led them all the way to a huge landing strip and warehouse. He pointed to what looked to be abandoned as they all made their way there. They cautiously made their way inside, their eyes darting back and forth in search of any signs of life. Connel noticed something out of place and stopped in his tracks. He slowly took a step forward, his expression unreadable.

This is a “killhouse”... too many hiding places and too many ambush spots. They have no intention of giving up their wares. They’re going to take the credits and run. Looking between Ran and Graclin, he did not “take charge” but he knew he was the more combative Jedi.

They won’t have their bloodsport today. I’ll draw their fire. Keep their attention on me.

I wanna help!

Connel looked at him. If you do, you do exactly what she tells you to. Got it, “Little Jedi”?

 

[Ran Serys]

Connel looked at him. If you do, you do exactly what she tells you to. Got it, “Little Jedi”?

Graclin looked up at Ran. Where her face once held a smile, there was no trace of it left. They were soon amongst rogues, thieves, and thugs. As good of reasons to take things seriously as any. Others would be more at ease, but not Ran. It was often said a Jedi was worth ten men or more. Ran believed that to an extent, but the extent and beyond worried her deeply. "Stay close to me, Graclin." She instructed. "We are going to steal those crystals while Connel draws their attention. Are you ready?"

The boy mimicked Ran's serious expression but took a moment to breathe. "Yes. I am." Graclin added heroically.

"Then let's go." Ran dived into the shadows as Graclin followed. They waited for Connel's distraction.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Connel watched Ran move into position and Graclin not far behind. He needed a moment to psyche himself up.

Alrigh… game time… He quietly said to himself. This situation was NG, or “not good”. If it was just him, it would be different, but he had another Jedi to consider, as well as a little kid. So it was time to get into a mindset he hated getting into. He had to be serious and alert, ready for anything. He took a deep breath and prepared himself for the challenge ahead. It was time to go to work.

Moving closer to the window, he pulled out three Throwing Lightknives and sent them sailing at the three light generators he could see. Shorting them out. Then he dove…

Graclin definitely could not see much, but he could see Ran to be close enough to her. All either of them would see, other than the glow of the crystals was the bolts of blaster fire going into random directions as well as hearing various reactions.

“What th*GOAH!”

“WHOSE OUT THE*GAH”

“He’s over here!”

“Please don’t kill me!*Doh!”

All Graclin would see from moment to moment would be a dark blur, Ran could see it was Connel. He was taking out those who waited in ambush before those who dove for cover. They were being subdued non-lethally but it was violent.

“SHOW YOURSELF!”

A flashbang of blinding light (their signal) went off, and all that could be heard was more panic.

More blaster fire went out, almost hitting Graclin (not intentionally) and drawing him to pull the combat shield into his arm. He suddenly understood why Connel and Ran were so concerned about his safety. It was still AWESOME though!

He could not get everyone though, there were still some out there (who did not get away clean, not to return). One of them was close to Ran with no idea that she was there. He was too busy wigging out over what everyone was hearing.

“You!” Blaster fire

“Oh come on! Don’t get any closer! STAY AWAY FROM ME YOU *GUH!”

In all, Connel took down eight thugs in this “killhouse”... but there was about to be a ninth as the lights went up.

Uhhh

Graclin saw a rifle leveled on him.

In another blur he was taken down, and Connel had him in a rear naked choke, in seconds the thug was unconscious (asleep) as the Shadow got up, still scanning the area. He knew full well where they were but he kept moving, if one found them, others might and he had to make sure the attention was on him.

In a blur, he was gone. Still in the area, but looking.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran never left Graclin’s side because she could sense how important he was to Connel. She never activated her lightsaber because she knew she didn’t have to. Connel would protect them. So, instead of dispatching thugs alongside her fellow knight, she kept her arm around the boy. She could feel Graclin tense as a singular blaster bolt missed them. She saw him activate his shield, but he didn’t need it as Connel dispatched the last of the thugs and disappeared again.

“Come, Graclin. Stay in the shadows but continue forward.” Ran whispered.

“That was scary,” The boy let out a hushed sigh. “But awesome!” He whispered in excitement.

Ran smiled in acknowledgement, then pulled her pointed index finger up to her lips. The universal sign to keep quiet as she pulled him in the direction of the crystals.

Graclin marveled at them, and then turned his head to look for Connel who was on the hunt for stragglers.

“Help me grab these crystals, Graclin.” Ran said in a hushed tone as she closed the crates they came in as silently as she could.

“They're stealing the haul!” A thug called out from the higher level of the balcony. Ran knew Connel would be upon him soon.

The thug raised his blaster and took aim. He let loose a couple bolts. Ran ignited her royal blue saber and batted the blaster fire safely away. “Ran look!” Graclin said pointing out some hover skiffs used to transport the crates. “Good eye! Grab the small skiff and let’s go!” She called to Graclin, as she engaged the crates hover and tether modes. Graclin jumped on the skiff in the driver’s seat and Ran stood on the back to protect the boy. The boy was capable. He engaged the tether of the skiff and the crsytal crates attached behind them. “Go!” Ran ordered as she reached out to the force and pulled one of the warehouse bay doors open.

“What about Connel?” Graclin asked.

“He can handle himself. Go!” Ran repeated, knowing Connel wouldn’t lose his life to any amount of small time cronies.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Connel was indeed “on him” as the thug did not have a chance to even turn around as he was taken out.

Then he saw backup entering the warehouse, and threw the three flashbangs he had on and at them. The explosive blinding light was all he needed to attack from above but that could not happen as he heard the blaster fire. Ran was batting it away easily, but that wouldn’t stop these thugs.

NOW he was mad.

Shooting at a kid

“What th*DA!” From above, Connel landed on the shooter and threw him into a palate of electrum and then over a palate of durasteel.

“There he is!”

“The others are getting away!”

“We got a tracker on that skiff! We’ll kill’em later!”

You told me your plans… that was a mistake. They couldn’t see the angry grin on his face. His mask would be the last thing any of them would see for a long time.

It took Connel another twenty minutes or so, but the place was clear, he had called in the authorities and waited for them to arrive. After assuring that each of these thugs were alive and would be okay, he was released and allowed to leave.

After that Connel made his way to Al’s.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran stood on top of the tethered crates being towed by the mini skiff. From her vantage point, she watched the warehouse disappear behind them. No reinforcements gave chase and Ran wondered why. Ran ordered Graclin to keep driving until they were out of the district.

Once Ran felt there had been a sufficient distance between them and the warehouse, she had Graclin park the skiff in a dark alley not far from Al’s but far enough to keep the older woman out of harm’s way.

“They gave up easy, Ran! Those guys were no match for Connel!” Graclin said imitating Connel’s fight moves, at least what he could see. Ran agreed with the boy, but that is precisely what concerned her. The thugs gave up too easily. No chase. Why? Ran wondered. A suspicion grew strong within her and she unclipped a small electrical scanner from her belt. She tossed it to Graclin. “This will scan for any bugs or trackers, run this over every nook and cranny of this skiff, and the crates too.” Ran ordered. She got the sense that normally Graclin would’ve been tired of orders but he seemed to be enjoying being part of the mission. As he did as ordered, Ran commed Connel over her communicator. “Connel, we have the crates. Do we rendezvous with you or do we have a dropoff location for these?” As she finished the question the scanner beeped and Graclin jumped. “Ran!”

“I hear it.” She confirmed. “Connel the skiff we took had a tracker, if there are any goons left. I’m sure they are on their way. I’m sending you our coordinates. I will protect the boy and the crystals until you get here.” She said into the communicator hearing the thrum of speeder bikes closing in on their location. Ran found the tracker and destroyed it in her hand. “Keep the shield handy, Graclin. You’ll need it. If I say run you get on the skiff and you get away from here as fast and as far as you can.”

The first speeder bikes pulled up to the edge of the dark alley. Ran ignited her lightsaber.

Connel Vanagor​

 

[Connel Vanagor]

"In my experience,
when you think you
understand the Force,
you realize just
how little you know"​

[COMM TRAFFIC]
LOCATION : Denon | OBJECTIVE : Crystal Retrieval | TAG (FRIENDLY) : Ran Serys

Connel was making his way to Al’s when his datapad rang up. Hooking up his comm-link he listened to the message (he could not just tap his comm-link on a planet like this, who knows who would be trying to listen in. He quickly closed the call and made his way to Al's. He knew that he needed to be careful and be aware of his surroundings. He was determined to find out what was going on and who was behind the message.

It was confirmation from Ran that they found the tracker he already knew about and were still in danger. This was not a fun game that was being played, but he was not going to lose it. If it was just him, he wouldn’t care, but another Jedi, and a kid… no… no way in Mustafar.

Shooting at a kid

Deciding on the best course of action was to get up to the rooftops enroute, Connel tapped his link again.

[Ran. I know about the… Ran… Ran!]

Jammed. Maybe these guys were not as stupid as he thought. Going back over the initial message, he realized that he wasn’t that far away from where they were. Double time Using every bit of athletic ability his cybernetics could push out of his repaired body short of the Force, Connel sprinted and jumped across rooftops until he saw two speederbikes approaching the same destination. He initially paid no mind until noticing the weapon emplacements on them.

On the roof above, Connel heard Ran’s lightsaber activate. She was okay, and Graclin would be too. He had to find who else was coming.

Sure enough another speeder was approaching.

Game over.

Leaping off the rooftop, he was diving at the transport.

 

[Ran Serys]

Ran twirled her lightsaber in the path of fired blaster bolts, redirecting the bolts back and into the chests of several thugs. The alley smelled of burned flesh and the disintegration of cheap armor. “Close in on her! This ain’t a day at the firing range.” One of them called out. “Split up!” Another ordered as a larger transport emptied behind the bikes, bolstering their numbers.

Ran watched the thugs split. One group left from her view behind a building, no doubt hoping to flank her. The second group stood before her. A few thugs holding stun batons marched toward her as their comrades laid suppressing fire. Ran wasn’t sure if she’d be able to protect Graclin with all these attackers closing in, but she could sense a familiar energy signature in the force closing in on them. Strong and unrelenting, she could feel Connel’s approach.

“How are you doing Graclin?” Ran asked, although she could sense the boy's nerves and fear at the currently worsening situation. “I’m okay!” Graclin said, holding his shield tight. “It’d be nice not to have so many bad guys around.” He said.

“I’ll take care of it, just get to safety! Somewhere you can surveil safely.” Ran ordered and Graclin listened. He put the shield over his back and jumped up and onto a fire escape as Ran drew the thugs' blaster fire.

“You don’t want to do this,” Ran said to her attackers as they closed in. They ignored her. “Give us the crystals!” One yelled as he and his fellow swung their batons at Ran. She sliced through one baton clean with her lightsaber while avoiding the other. The man’s cut stun baton fizzled out as Ran delivered a crushing, spinning kick for a knockout. The other man’s neck came an inch from the tip of her lightsaber blade as she redirected away another bolt. He was grateful to have kept his head until Ran rammed the tip of her forehead into his nose. He fell back and dropped the stun baton. Ran threw it up and onto the firescape for Graclin.

Connel Vanagor​