Finding the Gnost Dural

[Jsc]

Prologue


Denon is a city-planet located at the intersection of two Hyperlanes on the border of the Inner Rim. As such, it has been a prosperous and powerful civilization and galactic power since even before the Great Darkness. Some have even called it the First Gate to the Galactic South. The doorway to the South Rim and beyond. A planet with unlimited potential.

When the Galactic Republic rose to power, Denon came with it. When the Galactic Republic fell from grace, so too did Denon. Indeed. Only two months ago this prosperous planet was the site of a Republic civil war and sudden galactic exodus. A one-day war. As the story goes, the Loyalist Regrime that controlled the planet had sent it's military fleet to the Rebellion of Atrisia. Leaving the door open for the Thorne's Rebels and the Freedmen of Denon to launch a mass revolt and grand exodus from Denon space, and finally escape the Loyalist Regime. That one-day conflict not only saw the destruction of the Suravi Loyalists and their Republic Regime. But it also saw the evacuation of nearly 10% of the planetary population as well. Millions upon millions of people, just left. Leaving only the Unified Merchant's Guilds and the Hyperspace Guidepost as the major political players towards the whole system. Leaving only chaos in it's wake.

It has been two months since the Loyalist Regime fell. The chaos remains.


* * * * *

Elsewhere. In the Jedi Archives linger the bookmarks and quiet mentions of a very specific Shadow-type Antarian Frigate. The Gnost Dural. The home vessel of the nomadic Jedi Shadows. A secretive group of Force Users who worked with the Galactic Republic to safeguard Darkside artifacts and lore. A group, which has unsurprisingly gone missing since the fall of the Republic. As such. Saint Monica of New Prosperity has traveled to Denon to document the recent Republic fleet migration and civil war. Hopefully, to find a clue about the last known location of the Gnost Dural, a Republic vessel, and her lost Jedi Shadows.

 

[Jsc]

​

Nexus Starport
The Ocean City of Vixen, Mesa Northern Continental
Planet Denon


His name was [member="Bato Golden"] and he had rented out his luxury starship to Monica for the week. As such, it was Friday and her 'Network Taskforce' would be assembling there soon. Luckily, the starport was mostly immune to the chaos that had gripped this once utopian planet. The Nexus was owned by the Triad Group and her alliance with the Merchant's Guilds had kept this place mostly stable during the creation of the new Temporary Government.

Well. Mostly stable. Gas prices were still ridiculous. Bleh.

Anyway. Monica stood at the baggage claim just inside the Main Terminal of the Nexus Starport. Garbed in her outrageous, black HD outfit. Eagerly awaiting the arrival of new friends and new business associates. Just in time for a mission to being. After all? She still had a lost starship to catch. Hehe.

___

[member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Dax Fyre"] [member="Bato Golden"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Location: Vexen, Denon

The Rogue stepped off the Protector Class Corvette to smell the sea salt that permeated the air around him. Something had called the Rogue to this planet. A feeling. It wasn't a passing fancy that gripped him, but something else, something that vied for his attention, to see some unknown task through. And so, the man set off to find out whatever the task may be, despite his wounded state. Whatever it was, he'd survive it.

Dax knew little of the planet. At the moment all he knew about it was there was a floating spaceport...something unique if you asked him, he hadn't encountered one before. Heard about a couple, but landing on a surface in the middle of the ocean had been a bit daunting at first. Regardless he took it in stride, the occasional ocean spray blurring his view through the cockpit. Now he waited. Something always happened to suck him into another mission.

[member="Saint Monica"], [member="Bato Golden"], [member="Audren Sykes"]

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

Velus had been sent on a mission to help find out where the Jedi Shadows were. At least, that was what he was told. The Rebel didn't know much about Jedi history, since despite being a Padawan for some time know, he spent most of his time in the Kathol Outback, killing those that supported the Sith, and so on. He did know a bit about the Republic however, and hoped those that helped the Republic were safe, at least before it became a dictatorship. That was why he was here: to help find them.

The beginnings of the mission were much more better than the small amount of Jedi missions he had done. They were in a luxury yatch, and Velus had been given some money by the SSJ to spend on. He certainly intended to have some good time, and relax from all the missions he did. While he supported the Outback, and the Jedi, Velus knew that even the people with the highest work rates had to relax once in a while.

Velus made sure to carry all his armaments, but he had a black coat that covered his entire body to conceal them. His lightsaber wasn't among it, as despite learning the basics from the Jedi Master [member="Sorel Crieff"], Velus still needed to learn more before it became a permanent part of his style.

"Sup." he said, looking at [member="Saint Monica"], and waiting for the luxury yatch owned by [member="Bato Golden"]. He had heard the Jedi Master [member="Audren Sykes"] would join him, meaning he would have to be on his best behavior infront of the Jedi Master. I guess I can't smoke right? he thought, the man attempting to control his drug habits, although he hoped his room had many filters to filter out the smoke, and the smell from his clothes if he lit a cigar.

 

[Bato Golden]

Despite both his and his agent's reservations, Bato Golden was feeling surprisingly optimistic about having a bunch of strangers inside of his ship. I mean, his piloting droid was taking it fantastically well, and if that guy could keep a good mood, so could he. So, he had set up some guest rooms with all the free compliments one would expect (he didn't want to make poor impression after all), and properly stocked the fridge with food and the like. He was ninety percent sure that despite the strange nature of the guests, the rooms wouldn't be too damaged. Jedi types tended to make good guests, at least when room cleanliness was concerned. He wasn't sure if they could ruin a room with the force, but it was hardly anything soap couldn't fix.

The luxury yacht drifted into it's hangar bay at the Vexen Starport, and Bato rushed around his ship, making some last minute preparations. Cordoning off the training room, labeling his room, and generally locking up things he didn't want broken or missing. After several minutes, the door to the ship finally opened, and Bato stepped down the ramp to greet his guests.

"Hey everyone, I'm Bato. Welcome aboard."

[member="Velus"], [member="Dax Fyre"], [member="Saint Monica"], @Audren Sykes

 

[Jsc]

Monica smiled and nodded to [member="Velus"] as he arrived. Quickly motioning him to follow her down to the landing pad where [member="Bato Golden"] would be landing any second now. She wasn't quite sure where [member="Dax Fyre"] was? But he'd probably be along shorty.

The tall sorceress nodded to Velus as they walked,

"Welcome to Denon, Jedi Velus. I was happy to recieve your interest in this mission. I have worked with the Silver Jedi many times over the years and it is always a pleasure."

Monica judged the man a warrior and rogue. He did not sense the traditional Kenobi type. Which was fine. If Velus was a skilled agent of the Silver Jedi? All the better.

"How as your trip down from Voss? Not too jarring I hope?"

Together they paused as Bato came in for a landing. Monica smiled and waved as he exited the craft,

"Force be with you Captain Golden. Thank you for having us. Permission to come aboard? Hehe."

 

[Audren Sykes]

Though technically a part of the Inner Rim, the Denon system was a step closer to the Core than Audren normally went. Korynn was trying to subtly urge him in that direction, claiming that the real money was further Coreward than the Mid- and Outer-Rim worlds. She was the business expert in the family, he trusted her judgement in the matter, but he also wanted a bit more of a solid base before moving to expand again. She chafed at the delay, he could tell, but did so silently. His cousin would be pleased when she heard he'd been to Denon, less so when she heard it was for Jedi business rather than Ceredir business.

The planet had a marvelous view of the Core, one he had no doubt was replicated across a few vidscreens somewhere. He didn't have much time to enjoy it though, as he headed down to the surface - and his rendezvous. The spaceport, while unusual, was easily steady enough for him to land without issue. Traffic Control was understandably a bit nervous when they identified the ship he was flying but provided him with a docking bay all the same. The Sephi would readily admit that the fighter was probably not the least worrisome of craft he could have chosen, but it paled in comparison to the frigate he would have otherwise arrived in. That decision had been made consciously...the fighting seen by the planet had been rough and a combat-rated frigate would not have gone over well.

A safe landing and a secured starfighter later, the Jedi Master was strolling into the hangar containing a luxury yacht of some sort. There were multiple Force-sensitives present. While he'd only been expecting one, it wasn't exactly surprising that there were others considering the group's end goal. None of them wore the shadows of the Dark, he was good.

[member="Saint Monica"] | [member="Dax Fyre"] | [member=Velus] | [member="Bato Golden"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax eventually began to walk through the spaceport. He figured at this point he needed to figure out where the others were meeting up. He'd met [member="Bato Golden"] once, on an exploratory mission to Asop. He liked the man well enough. Seemed to be a nice guy. Entertaining as well, given that that was his occupation.

This '[member="Saint Monica"]' on the other hand, he hadn't heard of before. Normally he didn't take jobs from strangers. But, when the Force gave him a calling as strong as this he wasn't about to turn away from it.

Eventually, Dax found himself near a yacht. and he could see one other than Bato standing on the ramp. He'd arrived at his destination. The Rogue walked over to the yacht and awaited permission to board.

[member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Velus"]

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

"Thank you master [member="Saint Monica"]." he replied, making sure his tone was respectful to her. "I recognized the importance in the mission."

"My trip wasn't that bad to be honest. Flying around is something I've been using to by now." Velus said, "But thank you for inquiring about it. That was nice of you." he said.

"Thank you for hosting us Bato. It's nice to meet you." Velus said. The man was interested in the Iron Empire, knowing they had signed a treaty with the Silver Sanctum Coalition. Velus didn't know much about it, but he was interested in learning about other factions in the galaxy in order to know how to properly represent both the Kathol Outback, and the Galactic Alliance.

Velus then looked, and saw [member="Audren Sykes"], and [member="Dax Fyre"]. "Hello Master Sykes, and Dax." he responded to them in kind, nodding at them in the process.

 

[Bato Golden]

"Huh?" Bato scratched the back of his head in confusion for a few moments before realizing he was 'Captain Golden'. He quickly recovered and waved on his soon-to-be passengers. "Oh! Yeah, yeah. Come aboard."

The actor glanced over at [member="Velus"] for a moment. "Oh, no problem. It's a pleasure to meet you all as well." He nodded to [member="Dax Fyre"]."Hey, nice to see you again. How's your side?" Bato did a quick head count while he ushered his guests on board. "Welcome in, I'll show you your rooms in a bit. Is this everyone?"

[member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Saint Monica"]

 

[Dax Perl]

Dax looked at the man who addressed him. He didn't recognize the man. "Oh, sorry, have we met?" he asked offering a hand. For all Dax knew he could've hit his head and forgotten some faces, as he was prone to all sorts of accidents.

As [member="Bato Golden"] addressed him and asked about his would Dax gave the man a smile, "Eh, closing up alright. Not a hundred percent yet but getting there. Thanks. Still got that prop whip?"

[member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Saint Monica"], [member="Velus"]

 

[Jsc]

Monica followed [member="Bato Golden"] into the ship in a grand stride,

"Yes. I do believe this is everyone. As such, let's all gather up in the cabin and leave the tour for later. I'd like to get the full mission briefing out of the way before too much time has past. Business first, and all that."

Monica waited for everyone to situate themselves and get introductions out of the way. [member="Audren Sykes"] she already knew. Though, it had been some grand time between their last meeting. Which, for Silver Jedi, usually meant she'd missed at least a hundred adventures between then and now. Ha. The more things change, right? Yeah.

Fancy enough. [member="Dax Fyre"] seemed to already know their Captain. Of course, how in the heavens that had happened? Well. She just didn't know. Strange galaxy that. Hmm. Weird.

Monica stood up straight and tall like a soldier and waited for everyone to settle in. Then she could start the briefing with gusto.

 

[Audren Sykes]

It became readily apparent that they were welcome aboard the yacht as the others began making their ways inside without being formally invited in. Monica herself was already inside, no doubt helping to prepare for the mission. Once the logic was in place, the Sephi strode up the ramp, taking in the surroundings without looking like he was. The interior matched the exterior - luxury without being gaudy. Conform-couches, multiple levels...it was something one might expect a successful businessperson to have. Yet for whatever reason he didn't have the sense that it belonged to a businessperson.

As he entered, one of the others greeted him by name. He kept his surprise in check, both from his face and Force presence, and returned the greeting with a nod. Of all those aboard, he'd only ever met Monica, and he wasn't even close to famous. Certainly not in the way that the Heavenshields or Voidstalkers were. And yet as a Master, he had to accept that sometimes others would know him when he didn't know them. It appeared that the speaker had caught another person off-guard as well, calling him Dax. Audren recognized that one by his Force presence; they'd both been present on Kaeshana, fighting near the Citadel of Dawn before the Master had lost track of the other. So two somewhat known, two unknown. He'd been on odder teams.

Now to get down to the grit of why they were actually here.

[member="Saint Monica"] | [member="Dax Fyre"] | [member=Velus] | [member="Bato Golden"]

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

The Rebel entered the ship, clearly recognizing it belonged to someone that was wealthy. Memories of seeing similar ships in Nar Shadaah began to flood his mind, before he pushed them away in order to concentrate on the task at hand. He knew that they would be given a few minutes to settle in, and Velus made sure to make his time count.

The Ephicanthix decided to go to his own room, on the second level of the ship, a golden coloration being seen on the floor as he walked toward his room. Velus then observed his surroundings, quickly making sure to remember where everything was. The man then approached a desk, making sure to keep his armaments there, as he didn't want to give the wrong impression. As he breathed in the air, different scents were detected from his nose. I guess this is how he leaves huh

After getting himself settled, he remembered to keep the most important thing he had: a necklace depicting his mother and father in the house hidden. Before he did it however, he Rebel opened up the lock, touching it with his gloves, as he pressed it, and put it right next to his heart. He then proceeded to close his eyes, pushing away the rush of emotions he had nearly experienced. He then proceeded to put it in a closet, where a lot of things were. Velus made sure that no one was near him, and then proceeded to the meeting room.

After two minutes had passed, he entered the meeting room, looking around as he sat in a table, a holo-projector, among other things being on it. "I look forward to this." he said in a calm tone, ready to do as he was requested.

 

[Bato Golden]

When Bato wandered back into the briefing room, he did so after a short jaunt over to his kitchen, returning to the room with a glass in hand. He slid a coaster underneath his glass as he put it on the table, and sat down on the couch. This was followed by him immediately standing up, readjusting the cushion, and sitting back down again. There was probably something hard under there, but now wasn't the time to be cleaning a sofa.

Instead, he idly sipped at his water and waited for the meeting to begin. He probably should pay attention this time.

 

[Jsc]

When everyone was present and accounted for, Monica decided to start the briefing.

"Welcome all. I'd like to begin today by thanking our host, [member="Bato Golden"] , for allowing us the run of his luxury vessel this week. Not everyone in the galaxy is willing to work with the Network. So, we thank him for his bravery as well as his hospitality. Thank you Captain. The Force blesses them that guard it's will well."

She smiled and than quickly continued,

"Now. On to why we are all here. As you all know I've called this mission to search for a lost Republic Navy vessel. The Gnost Dural. Home and academy to the Republic's Jedi Shadows. A stealth frigate that specializing in, unfortunately, not being found."

She shrugged.

"To begin. I've called you here in great numbers because of the shear chaos of the situation. Denon is still struggling to regroup and Bounty Hunters from all corners of the galaxy have rallied to the chaos. Not just to claim the heads of Loyalist Generals but to lay siege to the lost and abandoned Republic Jedi too. Indeed, we all seem to be in a bit more danger than usual just for coming here. The Summer Triads as well as many members of the Mandalorian Clans have already been sighted on-world. All looking to kill-or-capture, or just pirate, as many goods as they can from the One Day War as possible. I won't lie. It's a mess and I've put all our lives in danger just for coming here. So... Be on your guard and tell know one who you work for. Especially today."

She stood up straight and looked around the room. Nodding to each man as she went.

"As to the good news. For our first task I've already set up a meeting with Director Abrahams of the old Republic's Denon shipyards. If the Gnost Dural was here on Denon during the One Day War? Well. He'll know where it was. Whether for docking clearance, resupply, or just basic repairs. The Director had knowledge about every Republic ship that came and went from this crazy place. Or... He used to, anyway. Gods save him from this chaos now."

She paused before starting again,

"The second task is somewhat more difficult. We'll need to see to the Jedi Padawans who were captured here by the Summer Triads mercenary group. Some of them may have information regarding the members of the Jedi Shadows. Indeed, some of them may even have been Apprentices themselves before they were captured. Either way. A rescue mission is in order. But let me be clear? This will not be an easy task. The Summer Triads are not known to be the talkative type and the bounties on Jedi these days are well into the hundreds of thousands. Alas, not even the Network has enough coin to buy their release. So. We'll have to do this the old fashioned way."

Monica nodded.

"I have a contact here on Denon who knows more about the Triads and where they keep their prisoners. He's waiting for us at the Denon Academy of Science, in the Lion's District of the Capital. On the mainland. His name is Chu Lon and he's good people. We can trust him. Of that, I have no doubt."

She stopped to readjust her cuffs. Then nodded again.

"We'll split up to save time, then meet back here to plan the rescue op. Alright then. Who's going where? I'm leading the team up to the Regrass Orbital Shipyards to speak with the Director. Who among you can fly out to the Captial and meet with Chu Lon, hm?"

This was it. Time to pick an objective and follow through. With luck, they could gather enough data to launch a rescue mission against the Triads later. This was where the mission really began to take shape.

_

[member="Velus"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Dax Fyre"]

 

[Dax Perl]

"I'll take door number two." Dax said, speaking up, "I've dealt with plenty of mercs...and I guess I technically am one...I'm sure myself and whoever else tags along can take care of whatever else comes our way." Dax's mannerism didn't exude arrogance by any means. He was very, very aware of his own mortality, given his recent brush with Death in the form of a Sith...it was more so confidence that claimed his tone of voice. He knew mercs well enough to know how they operated. An advantage if Dax ever saw one.

[member="Saint Monica"], [member="Audren Sykes"], [member="Velus"], [member="Bato Golden"]

 

[Audren Sykes]

The irony of trying to find a stealth frigate specializing in not being found was not lost on him. Nor, he suspected, was it lost on any of the others. That was why she'd phrased it the way she had. One could also infer, however, that it was also meant to hide from Force users. The Shadows dealt in the dangerous facets of the dark side - redundant department of redundancy was strong here today - and wouldn't necessarily want their headquarters and training center found by those they opposed.

The danger on the planet wasn't understated. Unfortunately, the Sephi Jedi was fairly recognizable: the hair and ears tended to give him away. He couldn't do much about the latter, and it was a bit late to work on the former, so he'd just have to make do. Though he'd not brought a full-on armory with him - he'd left that secured in the Hathol, he carried more than just his lightsaber and wore clothing that could both blend into most crowds with minor alterations and serve as a light armor.

The objectives made sense, even if he didn't really think that more than one was needed the shipyard director. And if someone had information about the Triads, it was a decent assumption that the Triads had information about him. With the possibility of him providing that data to outsiders, the Triads would want him eliminated. Which meant protection of some sort. However, as previously noted, the Sephi tended to stick out. He could certainly be a distraction, but once that route was chosen his usefulness for this mission was at an end. No, at this point he would be better off heading up to the shipyards.

"Shipyards. I'll attract attention down here that we don't want just yet."

But oh yes, he'd be a part of the raid. Jedi being held by the Triads...that was a big nope.

[member="Saint Monica"] | [member="Dax Fyre"] | [member=Velus] | [member="Bato Golden"]

 

[Krayzen Dratos]

Velus heard the objectives that were being laid, and the tasks at hand. One had to go to the shipyards, and one had to rescue Jedi from the gang known as the Triads. The Ephicanthix wasn't a big fan of gangs, having seeing their brutality up front during his childhood in Nar-Shadaa. He also hated that they had kidnapped Jedi apprentices, and that was why he voluntereed to go rescue the Jedi.

"I'm more familiar with the latter, so I'll go for that mission." he said.

He then waited for the others to pick their respective missions.

 

[Bato Golden]

"Huh.." Bato was a bit confused. He figured he'd just rent out the boat, less so help out with their whole mission thing. Still he did have options.

"Yeah, I'll talk to your Director guy. Shouldn't be too hard." No one else had volunteered for the safe, easy, and completely non-threatening mission, so poor Bato was forced to fill the gap. A noble sacrifice, truly. "It's just asking him questions, right?"