Devil's Advocate | Development Thread

[Malok]

Standing here was a touch hypocritial.

If Srina were here, I would never hear the end of it. To complain about going to a lightly frosted Kashhyyk due to the weather...but to then head out to Alzoc III willingly. Alzoc, the tundra of tundras. Fortunately, my young charge was not here. She, as always, never ceased to amaze - and had taken it upon herself to train alongside one of her fellow Acolytes. This meant, I could do what I had to. This meant I didn't have to hide my preparations - at least for the time being.

And, if recent history had taught me anything, it was that the worst had yet to come.

Amidst the frigid winds of Alzoc III did a single, Scimitar-class Star Courier land. A savage crunch signalled the conclusion to its long journey as the piled snow gave way to its weight. The vessel's ramp then promptly extended, introducing those within to the most wicked of chills. Yet, undeterred did they emerge. A cadre of BX Commando Droids first made landfall, lining up on either side of the ramp once they reached "solid" ground. Their liege disembarked soon after.

Slashed in the warmest of furs did Darth Metus arrive, squinting against the glare of sun upon the white.

"Let's make this quick." he breathed.

 

[Malok]

This was a routine hunt.

I had tracked and bested this beast before, so long ago. The horns of its kin still occupy my knuckles. The boon that they grant was still useful to this day. But, in the face of my enemies...that would hardly be enough. I had to prepare - I had to return to those black depths where my very best works were born. I had to do more. I had to capture more.

"What do the sensors say?"

The inquiry evaporated as a plume of white as he spoke. At once, one of the Commandos produced a holo-disc which presented an azure projection. The map before the Sith's gaze clearly indicated their landing zone, as well as rudimentary depictions of their surrounding area. He could make out icons for trees, slopes, and the like. But. What they had come for was not the wintery scenery.

It was that which was highlighted in Red.

"Our scans show a herd to the south east."

"Good. Stick to the plan and we'll be done before you freeze."

"Roger, Roger."

 

[Malok]

Would she understand why I did these things?

Would she still look at me the same? Would she still see me as her protector and guide, if she knew? Would she be willing to dive into the abyss if I asked her to? The fact...that I cannot answer this for certain speaks volumes. And that is why I feel the cold of her absence more so than the chill around me. Because I genuinely do not know if she will understand...or if she would stay.

Together, the Vicelord's escort made the journey to the point highlighted on the map. Their heading took them to a cliff of sorts, overlooking a frozen lake. There, at the rim of the ice, did the herd of Jakobeast gather together. Their midst was small...much smaller than the last time that the Sith had made such a trip. He had to wonder if this was due to hunting on the part of the Sith Empire - for no other nation would see value enough in these creatures to brave the frigid temperatures.

No matter.

Raising his hand, Darth Metus signalled for the first portion of the operation to begin. Half of the Commandos immediately dove off of the cliffside and landed, effortlessly, before the herd. With blasters raised and set to stun did they begin to draw the ire of the Jakobeasts. Frantic cries and yelps erupted from the beasts, prompting them to react instinctively.

They retreated briefly, stepping out onto the lake's surface before quickly forming a semi-circle about their young. The weak and the small were pressed behind a wall of the mightiest.

And they turned their horns against the Droids.

 

[Malok]

"Acquiring target."

The metallic buzz of the adjacent Commando could scarcely be heard over the distressed racket of the Jakobeasts. And Darth Metus could clearly feel what was coming next. Although their midst was indeed dwindled, the force that they could muster would not be denied. As one did the strength to move mountains erupt. As one did a wall of telekinetic force rip forth, surging towards their autonomous aggressors.

And while this was certain to send most of the first wave to the scrap heap, it was also a signal.

"Awaiting your command."

The buzz of the Commando sounded again, yet this time the Sith had to make a concerted effort to hear it over the telekinetic roar. As the trees whipped all about, the Sith grunted an affirmative response. The Commando took a moment to re-center its aim in light of the telekinetic cataclysm before raising its weapon skyward.

A grenade launcher, equipped with sonic charges, let fly a single round.

 

[Malok]

Thunk!

With the whole of the herd's attention on the surviving aggressors, the beasts were hard pressed to notice the piece of metal which soared over their hands. Landing effortlessly a few paces away from those protected by the wall of fur and horn, it sat innocently upon a bed of snow. For a moment.

KATHUUUM!

CRASH!

With the eruption of sonic forces behind the herd, the ice immediately gave way. The weight of the jakobeast quickly played against them, causing the resulting chunks of ice to tip and sink due to placement. Panic ensued on the part of the Jakobeasts, with many frantically bounding into the water out of confusion.

It was only a matter of time.

"Clean up and retrieve." came the Sith's simple order.

"Roger, Roger."

And between the blasts of stunning bolts and the vicious waters, the Jakobeast found themselves in dire straights. Some would drown, thereby leading to immediate use on the part of the Alchemist. Others would survive, via stunning, for use at a later point. Yet, regardless of whichever path they ended up taking, neither meant freedom on Alzoc III again. Neither meant a return to how things were. Neither meant Peace.

For Peace is a Lie.