Eradication of the Old

[Rasu Gan]

Taris​

​

Once called the Light of the Outer Rim, Taris was now nothing more than a planet-wide graveyard, with it's once mighty towers and buildings obliterated and ruined. Another example of the horrors of the Sith, Taris was once a bust city-world, rivaling that of even Coruscant, but it's future came to an end with the arrival of Darth Malak. The outer rim world was already having problems with the alien revolts occurring in the under world, and the release of a deadly virus, giving birth to one of the most feared creatures in the galaxy, Rakghouls.

Since the Gulag plague, the Jedi had thought that the species had died off, until of course their recreation. As a small side project, Supreme Overlord Dredge had come across the last member of the once vast race and cloned it using Yuuzhan Vong biotechnology. Now he had released a new super race of Rakghouls, much more intelligent than their predecessors. Rasu had faced the prototypes on Lujo, but now with the creatures perfected, the Yuuzhan Vong had released them into the galaxy with a large number of them spawning on the ruined world.

Knowing the risk that these abominations would cause, Rasu had volunteered to help purge these creatures from the galaxy, as soon as word of their existence had reached the Jedi. She understood that all life was sacred, but the Rakghouls existed purely to hurt and kill. They were created to cause strife among the galaxy and upset the balance. So journeying to the world with Jedi Council member, Joshua Dragonsflame. The pair set off on a hunting mission with one goal in mind, the eradication of all Rakghouls on Taris.


@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

Josh hadn't been in Taris in so long. Not since his childhood missions with his first Master, Pinewrap. He'd wanted to visit again but the fates never directed him that way.

Until today.

A simple hunting mission. The cloned and reincarnated Rakghouls. They were meant for nothing but to hunt and kill, a danger to life. And this was why Rasu and DragonsFlame had been dispatched. Two of the Jedi's best for this mission.

Josh looked around at the sights that almost seemed familiar to him. He breathed in the air for a moment, closing his eyes. The Jedi Master turned his gaze to his partner.

"I haven't been here since I was 7 years old" the Jedi Master admitted, smirking a bit. "This is my 2nd mission here, last I was here I was with my first Master. Some crime problems that had to be settled, I was just kind of here to be the unpredictable backup while I learned how it was done. How things have changed"

@[member="Rasu Gan"]

 

[Rasu Gan]

Rasu had never actually been to the world of Taris, although she had heard much about it. As a initiate she had learned about the destruction of the world, and the Republics efforts to cleanse the planet and begin recolonisation, all of which had failed. The fearsome Rakghouls had died out of course during the Gulag plague epidemic, but of course the galaxy had over plans, and now thanks to Dredge, they once again roamed the world. Walking down the shuttle ramp, behind Master Dragonsflame, she gazed up in awe at the towering structures, crumbling all around them.

"The holo-vids at the Temple do not do this justice." she said, feeling almost sick to think that once this world rivaled Coruscant in population and grandeur. Already the dark side's presence could be felt by the Shi'ido Knight, it's seductive touch dancing along her skin, urging her to crack and allow it entry. Ignoring the call, Rasu turned to the Jedi Master as he spoke. She fought back a small chuckle, picturing a toddler version of the human Jedi, he was probably a very cute child. "Really what did it look like before?" she asked, curious as to what had actually changed since his last visit. The world looked like it had remained it's same depressing self since it's destruction, thousands of years ago.

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He sighed. It was a shame what this planet had become. He could only wish it would be able to be restored to it's former glory....

"It was almost as bad as this when I was here last" he admitted, frowning. "Barely able to support civilization, but it was... It was still beautiful. It's just amazing how something so grand can be destroyed. Just like that. It makes you appreciate the worlds you see, because they could be laid waste to just like that. Do you know how long it's been since Taris was destroyed? And they still haven't been able to restore it to it's former glory. That is how destructive destroying a planet can be. It may never recover"

"Now, it's even worse then when I saw it. It's a shame, I had hoped it would see better days with the years. But we have a job to do, Rasu. We can't dwell on it for long"

The heartbreak in the Jedi's eyes as he looked into those of Rasu's told a different story though. It was obvious it effected him heavily. But he knew he had work to do.

He shivered a bit as he felt the dark side tickling along his skin. It was like Korriban all over again almost.

@[member="Rasu Gan"]

 

[Rasu Gan]

The words that left the Jedi Master's mouth were filled with immense grief and sadness, emotions that could even be felt by the Shi'ido standing in front of him. Something must have happened on this world for Joshua to be so grief-stricken while on the planet. Only the importance of the mission wold be keeping him in line while on the surface. And with that in mind, she pulled out her comlink from a pouch on her belt, bringing up a small display of the general area.

"So from what reports have suggested, plus the intel we received, Dredge should have released the Rakghouls near the remains of the Endar Spire." she said, indicating a spot on the map which glowed red. The remains of the massive Republic dreadnought would have been the perfect spot to spread the population, with the craft sitting just above an entrance to the Under city. If the Jedi failed to stop the Rakghouls there, then there would be nothing left that could be done, the beasts would be far to widespread to eliminate the entire threat.
"So shall we head off Master Dragonsflame?" she said, gesturing her hand out towards the cluster of gnarled trees and collapsed buildings that blocked them from their destination.

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He sighed. This planet brought him sadness, but there was naught he could do. The Rakghouls had to be stopped here, or there would never be a chance to repair Taris. But ah, the Endar Spire... He'd heard of the ship. It'd been an important ship in the Republic's history, being the sort of catalyst for the redemption of Darth Revan, who would proceed to save the galaxy from the Sith. While the peace didn't last long, as it never did, it was still an important mark in the history of the Republic, and a landmark that Josh would like to see.

But he wasn't here for sightseeing. With their briefing clear, he nodded. "We should get there as soon as we can then" he said, looking at the trees and collapsed buildings that blocked them off.

"How do you suppose we get through this, Knight Gan?" the Jedi Master asked. He could probably figure it out eventually, but it would be good to see how well his fellow Knight, who had considerations for Master, could work in this type of mission. All a part of the scouting process.

@[member="Rasu Gan"]

 

[Rasu Gan]

Brushing her hand over her utility belt, she made sure everything was there before looking up again at the Jedi Master as he spoke. She brought her hand up to her hair, running it through the dark brown locks as she thought about their plan of action. Ultimately they wanted to stop the ghouls from entering the Undercity, and the Endar spire was their only way in. So by blocking off that entrance, the Rakghouls would be left with no escape and would be forced to either flee or fight the Jedi. The pair had a squad of hazard troopers on stand-by and a Republic cruiser in orbit if any action would be needed. She knew that once their escape was out of the question, the ghouls would most likely turn on them. A quick orbital strike would prove most helpful if the events turned against, knowing that two Jedi against a swarm of Rakghouls weren't the most favourable of odds.

"Well how about we go block up that entrance?" she said, looking into the eyes of the Grandmaster, seeking his approval before they took off. She had started to tremble slightly, knowing that soon she would be up against these foul creatures again and this time she wouldn't be ordering their destruction, she would be delivering the strike herself. For the villagers, she thought, pushing back the memories of her time on Lujo. This time will be different, I swear it.

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

He smiled faintly as she made her suggestion and nodded in response. "Aye, that's a good idea" the Grandmaster said before starting to walk toward it. If they blocked the entrance off, they would likely have to fight the rakghouls themselves... Josh was prepared for this. He knew it was inevitable they would. Violence wasn't his favorite pastime, but... Whatcha gonna do?

He noticed her trembling a bit and put a hand on the Jedi Master's shoulder.

"Be in peace, Master Gan" he said calmly, trying to reassure his fellow Master with a small smile. "You're not alone against these beasts. We'll do what we can to try to avoid violence, but if it comes, I won't let harm befall you" he promised.

@[member="Rasu Gan"]

 

[Rasu Gan]

Rasu allowed a small smile to surface upon her face as she felt the man's hand on her shoulder. She turned to him, sending waves of her gratitude towards him, brushing against his own aura. She was lucky to have the Grandmaster here, otherwise she might not have trusted herself to do the right thing, considering her history with the foul creatures. Heading off towards the ruined warship, Rasu kept her pace slow so to give enough tome for her partner to catch up as well as allowing the movement to calm herself, to slow the rush of blood pumping with adrenaline throughout her slender form. She drenched herself in the Force, using its soothing energy to wash away the anxiety and panic that was slowly growing within her, leaving the Shi'ido alert and at the same time, at peace with the danger that loomed over them.

"Thank you Master Dragonsflame, but I don't know if you completely understand the creatures we are about to face." she said, a tense look plastered on her face. "These Rakghouls are not like their ancestors from the Taris of old. The ones bred by Supreme Overlord Dredge that we find here today are much fiercer, more savage than their predecessors. You may hope to avoid violence in this case, I had the same thought before I met the creatures face to face too. However I trust your judgment and if you believe that we can get through this with a minimal amount of casualties then I will follow you." Holding her hand out in front of her, she gestured for the Jedi Master to take the lead, placing her trust in the Grandmaster's ability as a Jedi and a warrior.

They continued at a quick pace, breaking out into a jog. Soon the towering bulk of the Endar Spire became visible, a rusted hunk of metal and strangling vines that rested like a steel corpse among the other ruins of the planet, a painful reminder of the planets near destruction. A cool breeze blew against her face, and with the wind came the sound of snarls and grunts, accompanied by an unforgettable rotting smell. Rasu's body tensed, startled by the familiar stench that had encased the warehouse on Lujo, the site of these creatures birth. Again her body trembled, the Shi'ido helpless to stop the reaction. Gripping her lightsabers tightly, she focused on her breathing, her rising fear leaving her body and mind with each breathe. She was ready to face these monsters of hell again, and this time she would be the one on the front lines, she would be the one enacting the orders, not giving them out. She had learnt from Lujo now that all life was sacred and as a Jedi, they were the ones to make the hard decisions, and were the ones to live with the guilt after. Looking towards Master Dragonsflame, she gave a nod as her acknowledgement, ready for his next orders.

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]

 

[Josh Dragovalor]

"Just relax" he advised as he watched her smile and seem to calm a bit. He was happy to help, at least. Josh was not a violent man by any means, though he would fight if it came to it. He was just happy that the least he could do was help keep the Jedi Master's spirits up.

"I understand the creatures we're facing" he said, giving a sigh as he walked with her, his hand moving a bit along the back and shoulder. This wasn't a play at her, of course. He could feel the tension, the nerves in the Jedi Master. He was trying to help her relax, calm down. There wouldn't be success if she was stressing....

"There is almost always a way" he assured. "If a fight happens and we have no choice though.... We will fight. I'd like to avoid it, but if we have no other option, Master Gan, then it's what we'll do"

With that, his hand slid down and off of her green body. He nodded as he took the lead. He could sense the peace that the Shi'do had put herself in. His support was no longer needed in that regard.

They continued at a quick pace, breaking out into a jog. Soon the towering bulk of the Endar Spire became visible, a rusted hunk of metal and strangling vines that rested like a steel corpse among the other ruins of the planet, a painful reminder of the planets near destruction. A rotting smell would come to Josh's nose as did the wind. He raised an eyebrow. "Bloody hell" he muttered as he looked around, only for his eyes to dart toward the sound....

He took a breath as he patted the back of his fellow Jedi Master again. "Breathe" he whispered. It wasn't strict, but it was firm, but also calm. He was trying to be supportive. "Keep your eye on the ball" he said quietly.

Finally, he came to a stop... He knew they were in there.

"This is a good opportunity for you" he said quietly, shooting Rasu a small smile. "A good test... I'm going to let you take the lead on this, Master Gan. Make a choice. Do we go in and fight head on? Or is there another way to subdue these.... Things? Maybe something in the environment to lock them in without escape for them to die off? Or something that could crumble and crash into them and mercy kill them quickly?"

@[member="Rasu Gan"]

 

[Rasu Gan]

Grateful for the support, Rasu nodded, recognising the importance of the task put before her. The Grandmaster was weighing her up, that much she could tell. Now was the time to prove herself, not to allow past memories to get the better of her. She had accepted that what had happened on Lujo had happened, nothing was going to change that. Now she had to take the Master's advice, and focus on the events at hand. Taking a deep breathe, she centered herself, feeling her body relax and her heart rate slow. When she felt ready, she reached out in the Force, stretching her mental tendrils over the environment in front of her. Rasu flinched slightly as her awareness passed over the swarm of Rakghouls, but she continued, moving upwards towards the weak frame of the ruined dreadnought, noticing the fragile, metal skeleton, positioned almost perfectly over majority of the Rakghoul swarm.

Satisfied with her findings, she drew back into herself, retracting the mental tendrils as the traversed back to their source. Turning to the Grandmaster, she smiled, a sense of relief washing over her as she felt the near end to this ghastly mission. Soon it would all be over, and if her plan worked then she could finally let go of the regret that still filled her, although pushed down, out of sight.

"We'll collapse the metal frames." she began, already moving towards the dreadnought, leaping up onto a steel beam jutting out of the ground. "This will hopefully cause the ship to cave in, crushing the vast majority of the Rakghouls, and leaving the rest trapped and unable to travel across Taris." Leaping again, she used the Force to reach a tree branch hanging not far from the metal beam, landing gracefully on the gnarled wood. Crouching on the branch, she looked out over the Rakghoul swarm, her stomach turned at the sheer sight of them all. They were like a sea of rats, squirming and bustling towards the dreadnought, their bodily aroma caused her nose to twitch. "What do you think?" she asked, hoping her fellow Jedi had followed a similar route to join her.

@[member="Joshua DragonsFlame"]