Private Fragile Crystals

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria

This should be a simple mission. Hopefully at least. Ilum is a world sacred to the Jedi and surely her presence won't be hidden for long. But the mission will be fast and easy should all go according to plan. Isabsel piloted her Flight Pod, towards the planet's surface, hoping that no one questioned why there was a Kaminoan ship here. Granted she had an alibi, a pre recorded message of a Kaminoan woman saying that she is here to conduct some research on local wildlife that are better adapted to cold environments. She had that message on standby in case anyone tried to stop her. As she landed the pod on the planet's surface, Isabsel wrapped herself firmly in her outfits before grabbing her gear and setting out, trudging through some deep snow before entering a cave.

As for as she knew, this was one of the many caves that Jedi send their younglings too, gather thier kyber crystals for their lightsabers. It is considered a sacred place to the Jedi. All the more reason to sabotage and destroy it. Isabsel would enter the cave, and began to take a look around. Inside of the cave were many winding pathways, each one carved out of solid ice that led further into the cave. Isabsel frowned, slightly annoyed that this misson will take much longer than she would have expected and liked. She simply opend up her bag of thermal detonators and began to place them along the walls and paths, doing her best to navigate through them all. It was a painstaking meticulous way of doing things but she had to ensure the total destruction of this cave. If not total, then most of it if possible. She passed by several kyber crystals, ensuring she placed a detonator on each one. Hours went by and Isabsel had to adapt her placements of her detonators as she did not bring enough to accomodate a cave of this size.

But she managed to make it back to the entrance, as she then would begin the timer on them before gathering her belongings.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

Travelling to Ilum had not been a massive agenda on Lily's list of things to do as a Jedi. She had gotten a Lightsaber crystal on Naboo when conducting a mission with her Master. She had also been gifted another Lightsaber from someone she had worked alongside with before she had found her primary Lightsaber crystal.

Getting a kyber crystal at this point seemed redundant and she wasn't in need of more Lightsaber crystals. Her journey to Ilum was more a chance to connect with the Force and meditative. She heard that many Jedi had spiritual journeys during the crystal hunt at the gatherings on Ilum so Lily thought this would be a chance for her to attune to the Force.

It was her weakest side in the Force and Lily was determined to improve as much as possible.

When she stepped off the ship that brought her to the frozen world, something felt off. Lily could feel a disturbance that rang out out a warning siren in her head. Placing her hand on her Lightsaber hilt, Lily just hoped that she was not heading into another massive confrontation with a Sith far avoid her skills. It had become a bit of a concern with her last couple of missions.

It was part of why she was here. Sleep had been difficult lately, waking up at all hours of the night after horrific nightmares she had no memory of.

All she knew was they were truly disturbing.

Heading towards the danger, Lily kept low and attempted to stealth her way forward. Looking for any indication of incoming dangers. Once she reached a cave entrance, Lily located someone who was making their way out of the cave.

"Hey! What are you doing here?" Lily called out, hoping it was a friendly face that would assist her in figuring out the danger she could sense.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria

Isabsel heard the crunching of snow coming near her. She had hoped maybe it would pass by her, maybe it was just another traveler that will leave her alone. But as Isabsel turned to look at the woman who was now standing at the entrance of the cave, blocking her exit. From her attire, Isabsel could assume that this person is a Jedi. So much for the mission being a cakewalk, it now got complicated. Isabsel however continued to finish gathering up her things before seemingly rising to her feet.

"Research. An animal went here. Couldn't find it. I will be leaving now." Isabsel said It was hard for Isabsel to mimic the normal emotional aspects of tone like many other sentients. It was something that she needed to work on more. Hopefully maybe the Jedi would buy this pharse and she can exfill immediately. Even then Isabsel knew her chances of successfully decieving the Jedi were slim at best. She knew she would be done for if the Jedi realized that she couldn't sense Isabsel at all.

But Isabsel simply would try to move past woman, mentally keeping a reminder on the timer of the thermal detonators. They were set to explode within ten minutes give or take. Isabsel had seriously considered reducing the timer now that the Jedi was here, but doing so would break the deception. For now Isabsel hoped that this Jedi wasn't bright and took her word for it.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

"Hold on, I need your help." Lily stated as soon as the other woman made a move to leave the area.

Looking, she didn't recognise the face which wasn't that strange since there was a lot of Jedi out there. However, there was something different here, though Lily couldn't place it yet. "There is something wrong in the cave. Something sinister going on. I need your help to prevent it."

Though it did seem that the other woman was in a hurry to leave. It seemed odd to be in such a rush and for who she assumed was another Jedi to not sense the disturbance in the Force. "Wait... You're not a Jedi are you...?" Lily was starting to piece together the situation slowly, realising what was unsettling her so much about the other woman. What made her stand out so much on this planet that she felt in her bones that this person was the cause for her being directed to this cave.

There was no Force flowing through her. Lily didn't realise it initially but now she had noticed it, it screamed out to her as suspicious. Grabbing her cross guard Lightsaber, Lily ignited the Lightsaber. "What are you doing here and who are you?" Lily really didn't want to fight but she was having a growing instinct in her gut that whoever this was, they weren't just going to surrender without a fight.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria

Isabsel closed her eyes and lowered her head. No such luck with this Jedi. She managed to pick up on the fact she was Force Dead. Isabsel would simply drop off the pack she was wearing, holing her cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax firmly in her hands. Lily might know about Isabsel's melee weapon as it used the same techniques that the Echani used when forging their weapons. She simply turned to face the Jedi, glancing at the crossguard lightsaber. 'An odd design, but not without it's merit.' Isabsel would then show the Jedi her watch, which had a timer on it. 8 minutes and ticking down. The faint noises of what appear to be thermal detonators emitting from deeper within the cave.

"I believe that should explain why I am here. As for who I am, that is none of your concern." Isabsel hated how cliche she sounded. But secrecy must be kept. Otherwise there will be Jedi teams actively hunting down her sisters elsewhere while on their missions. "Know that we are the product of people who are tired of the Jedi and Sith burning the galaxy to solve their petty disputes."

There was a hint of rage and annoyance in Isabsel's tone. The timer on her arm continued to count down. It wouldn't be hard for Lily to figure out that if she destroyed the timer, the thermal detonators wouldn't go off. It was just a matter of how will the Jedi do it. Isasbel assumed a defensive stance, holding her vibro-ax firmly. The timer read 7 minutes.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

Lily noted the axe that the other woman was holding, it was impressive and she knew that it would be danger to get caught by it. It was something to keep in mind since Lily wasn't exactly wearing the heaviest of armour. "I think it is all of my concern since you are attempting to destroy something significant and important to the Jedi Order." Holding her Lightsaber in a defensive stance, there wasn't time to take a more cautious approach. It was ticking down and there was too much at risk.

"Says someone who is just as likely to ensure the galaxy burns to get what they want." Lily countered, just because she was right that the Jedi and Sith caused destruction, there were plenty of others who were not tied to the Jedi and Sith who caused destruction and suffering. It was unfair to pin it all on the Jedi. "You tire of the Jedi, but not the Mandalorians. Not the Imperials. Not those who hold no ties or connections to the Jedi but are just as destructive, if not more so."

Her muscles twitched and when the timer ticked down to seven, Lily rushed forward. She needed to get the detonator in hopes there would be a way to turn it all off. Slicing at the stranger, adopting Makashi Lightsaber form with her two hands holding the cross guard Lightsaber.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria

Why was she having conversation with this Jedi? Isabsel would never expect any force user to understand her and her sister's mission. However if she did keep this Jedi talking, it means more time will tick away on her timer. Isabsel remained on guard as she continued to entertain the Jedi's remarks and comments. Her red eyes glanced down at her timer as it was ticking away.

"I do not need to burn the galaxy to achieve the goals I want. This is not a forest fire meant to reduce everything to ash to allow something new to take it's place. Instead it's a surgical instrument. I only need to cut out the infections to let the body heal on its own." She tightened her grip on her cortosis weaved vibro-ax as she continued to refute the Jedi's words. "I tire of the Jedi and Sith, not just the Jedi. You mistake my intentions and goals. I do not wish to end all conflict. It is impossible to. While I have no love for the Mandalorians and their cheap tricks, or the Imperials and their loyal lapdogs, they aren't my target. Wars will happen regardless, however every tim a force user is involved, they significantly become much more devasting and worse."

Isabsel blankly stared at Lily as she saw the Jedi rush to her with her ignited crossguard saber. Her vibro-ax clashed with the blue saber, sizziling sparks coming off from their blows. Now that a fight was happening, Isabsel will let her combat skills do the talking. Lily would find that her opponent was familiar with lightsaber forms, as Isabsel seemingly pushed back against Lily, trying to get on the offensive in this deadly duel. With Lily also being an Echani, she will be able to tell what Isabsel is saying through her martial skills. As Isabsel attempted to stagger Lily, by trying to knock her off balance, the timer ticked down to six minutes.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

All their talking had done was prove that this woman was someone with a specific agenda that made little sense. Destruction of a tunnel of crystals would not impact the Jedi severely and it would not even be something that bother the Sith, bar giving them cause to think the GA was collapsing from the inside. No, this was only something that could give her notoriety and maybe help her cause. But it would more likely put the cause on the Jedi's radar and that would mean it would be ended sooner rather than later.

At least that was how Lily saw the matter.

For now though, Lily focused on the combat. Reading the movements of her opponent and assessing the strengths and weaknesses. The axe was able to resist her Lightsaber, that demonstrated that it wasn't something made out of standard metals. The martial skills in attempts to knock Lily off balance were surprising since Lily looked a lot more physically stronger but that was not necessarily the case. Given the axe was a weapon that looked considerably hefty to carry and wield.

The timer was something that cause Lily an issue, she couldn't spend forever in this fight.

Standing her ground, Lily acted as a wall, unable to be staggered by her opponent, instead she kicked out hard and fast. Aiming at the knees to weaken the stance of her opponent. She also moved from Makashi to Ataru, becoming more fluid, adding a mix of her Echani training with the freedom of movement for her Lightsaber form provided her.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria


Isabsel felt Lily's boot kick her in the knee, causing the woman's guard to drop for a moment as Isabsel dropped to one knee. She mentally cursed at herself, letting herself being brought low by a Jedi. But there was a part of her that did enjoy such a challenging fight. But as Isabsel stood back up she was immediately put on the defensive, barely able to bring her vibro-ax to block a strike from Lily's lightsaber. As Isabsel tried to counter thinking that Lily was still using Makashi, she stopped mid swing to block another fast strike from Lily. The Jedi had the initiative and advantage at the moment, and she was using it to constanrtly harass Isabsel from all sides.

Isabsel was forced to jump back to give herself some distance only to be met again with another lightsaber strike, and another, and another. That is when she began to notice hints of another martial form being used. As she deflected another strike from Lily, she tried to read the Jedi's movements and fighting style. That's when it dawned on her. This was Echani training. She was using martial skills of the Echani, in combination with her Jedi agility and fighting style. That sudden moment of realization allowed Lily to take advantage of her lapse of concentration, with Isabsel barely able to deflect the saber just enough before it would slice through her. But her winter outfit was damaged. Isabsel stepped back, and in one fluid motion, tore off her snow clothing so now that she was in her Armorweaved Outfit. Isabsel then removed the bonnet she wore, to let out her short white hair flow in the cold howling winds. Isabsel stood there for a moment, letting Lily take in the look of the fighter before her, as if Isabsel was a warrior princess of frost. A combination of elegance, beauty and lethality.

"...Near-kin.." Isabsel muttered. "This will be fun. My turn now." Isabsel now being able to move more freely and agile without being in her winter outfit, went on the offensive to attack Lily, swinging her vibro-ax to the left to attempt to make Lily on the defensive. Timer is now at five minutes.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

Her attacks were effective but she was noting that the stranger was very skilled in combat, able to move fast and dodge the attacks to avoid bodily harm. Lily could also see the timer ticking down and the anxiety that was causing her to rush her movements more. However, when the other woman removed the bonnet and the short white hair was revealed, more context was given. Whoever this was had Echani training. And apparently some Echani blood. Which made sense given the appearance of the other woman but that didn't matter to Lily. There was too much at stake for her to hold onto respecting potential blood ties.

"We are far from near-kin. Just because you might hold some Echani blood that does not make you my kin." Lily growled, before the onslaught of attacks from Isabsel came. Lily tapped into the Force and started to strengthen herself, while she was not proficient in many Jedi skills currently. One pathway she had explored was the ability to buff herself. Using the Force, Lily was now faster than natural. Moving sharply out of the way of the attacks, Lily refused to be put on the defensive.

She knew that the Force was limited in how it could affect Isabsel but Lily was using it on herself to be faster, stronger. It should allow her an advantage against the Force Dead being. Holding her Lightsaber in one hand, Lily mixed her movements of dodging attacks to shift into positions to start counter attacking the other woman. When parried, Lily would strike with her fist. All to keep Isabsel focused on having to defend from her fast movements, this was not her fighting as an Echani, Lily was fighting as a Jedi.

It was her primary objective to protect the cave of crystals and Lily was aiming to spot a chance to grab the detonator from Isabsel.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria

Isabsel was no stranger to fist fights. It was part of her training after all, and it a nice way to keep sparring with her sisters. What Isabsel was less experienced in, was fighting a force user who enhanced their physical abilities. An unfair advantage that couldn't be entirely nullified. You had to rely on your training and skills, and no amount of Force Dead aura can ever prevent a force user from enhancing themselves. Isabsel found herself constantly wanting to strike, but having to deflect Lily's lightsaber strikes left her open to being punched. The first few punches didn't entirely affect Isabsel, but then one punched landed directly on her nose. Even if she didn't feel the pain, the force behind it caused Isabsel to stagger backwards as blood ran freely from her nostrils. She ran her hand underneath her nose, as drops of her blood stained the snow on their feet.

Lily would be able to capitalize on this as another punch landed on Isabsel's jaw, and the Jedi was able to grab the detonator timer off of Isabsel's arm. But perhaps in that brief moment of triumph, is when Isabsel went on the offensive. Even if Lily was enhanching her skills with the Force, Isabsel could still use a surprise attack to briefly get an edge over her. Isabsel slid across the snow acting like she was going to strike above with her Vibro-Ax. But as Lily went to counter it, Isabsel would then attempt to fake out the Jedi, instead going for her legs, wrapping around then firmly with her own, locking them in place. She would then attempt to throw a punch directly in Lily's gut, trying to get the Jedi to fall over. But as she did this, she would say. "Whether you like it or not near kin, Echani blood runs through me. It's just a shame you are a Jedi.."

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

Lily wasn't necessarily seeking a fight ending punch, if she could hit then she would with her full power. Every punch that landed was going to weaken and landed hits against Isabsel. Controlling the pace and offensive strikes of the fight were crucial, especially since time was not on her side in this fight. She needed to grab the detonator then Lily could dedicate her focus on the fighting and assess where Isabsel would be the weakest. Currently Lily held an edge since she was able to fight well but was also only really skilled in bolstering her own skills. If she was a Jedi who focused on the Force and using it against an enemy then Lily would be on the backfoot.

This was just a fight that leaned into her abilities best.

When she was able to grab the detonator, Lily focused herself on turning the timer off. Stopping the denotation from triggering. However, this meant that she was not focused on the quick recovery of Isabsel from the punch to the face. Lily falsely assumed that it would give her the precious seconds she needed to sort this out. However, she was wrong and now she was suffering the consequences for focusing her priority too much on the detonator. Even if she had been able to switch it off, the incoming attacks were too fast for her to correctly read and she ended up falling for the feint and getting a punch to her gut which caused her to fall backwards.

Luckily she spring boarded back up onto her feet and made sure to switch the timer off. Breathing in deeply, "it might run through you. That does not mean I will not stop you. I have confronted and fought Sith Echani, I have fought alongside Jedi Echani. Our people make their choices, you will suffer the consequences of yours." Igniting her Lightsaber again, she pocketed the detonator hoping that she had successfully prevented the detonation as she charged forward. Committed to her attacks, she adopted Vaapad, her main fighting form as a Jedi, with a mixture of her Echani martial arts.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria


The timer was indeed stopped. Lily had a minute to spare. For now the cave was safe from the explosives. Isabsel cursed under her breath. Her superiors won't be happy about this, and she will be reprimanded if she fails. Especially that a Jedi has seen her and was able to stop her. Isabsel looked to Lily as she said that their people make choices. How Isabsel will suffer the consequences of her own. The Haemonculus simply tightened her grip on the vibro-ax. "Any Echani who has decided to continue the never ending cycle of wars between Jedi and Sith, will also pay the ultimate price. All force users will eventually. So the galaxy can be rid of those who use mystic powers that either harm the galaxy or use it to propel themselves above everyone else and become hypocritical models of justice and peace."

Isabsel braced herself for Lily's attack, at first blocking her strikes with her weapon. Though she started to feel outmatched. This fighting style, wasn't entirely one she was familiar with. It felt similar to Juyo, a Sith fighting form, but the attacks felt more focused and quicker rather than outright aggression. Isabsel found herself constantly being pushed back, barely blocking these rapid strikes. A few times the crossguard lightsaber got past her defenses, knicking the armorweaved outfit she wore. Isabsel would block a powerful strike but then she would began to tumble down a hill of snow, landing and the bottom, quickly getting up. She shook the snow off of herself, glancing down at her outfit, before looking back up at Lily. There was a concern that Isabsel couldn't defeat her if she kept using that fighting style. However, Isabsel simply stood in a defensive stance. She did not want to run away and be a coward. Lily will have to beat down on her some more.

 

[Lily Decoria]

Location: Ilum
Outfit: Jedi Attire
Equipment: Cross guard Lightsaber, Hydrangea Moonblade (concealed).
Tag: Isabsel

There was no talking to this woman, there was just pure insanity in the idea that whoever she was working for could kill every Force Sensitive out there. That such actions would not have devastating results that could impact the galaxy in a way that could do more harm. Irreputable harm. Such convictions were understandable in some regards, the galaxy had suffered a lot due to the Force Users. Especially the Sith. However, killing every single Force User, that would be impossible but force people to suppress their abilities and she knew the devastation that could happen.

Lily refused to allow anyone else to suffer the way she did. Especially at the hands of people like this.

It seemed that Isabsel could not handle the use of twisting the aggression of her own attacks against herself, Lily spun the Lightsaber in her hands and charged forward. Slashing forward and when Isabsel tumble down a hill of snow. Crushing the detonator in her hand, Lily ensured that the Force Dead being would not get a chance to reactivate it. That she would have to manually set them off. Lily knew this would make the job near impossible which was her aim. Lily breathed in deeply and inspected the defensive stance of her opponent.

Stepping forward, "surrender to me now. You cannot win this fight." Lily stated confidently as she held her blade in the Vaapad stance, "I will not let you escape and you cannot set the detonators off now." Whoever this being was working for, Lily needed to find that out so the Jedi could be informed of a new enemy that was working in the shadows against them and the Sith.

 

[Isabsel]

Planet: Ilum
Equipment: Snow Clothing, Armorweaved Outfit, Cortosis weaved Vibro-Ax, DC-15 Side Arm Blaster, Thermal Detonators
TAG: Lily Decoria

Isabsel's face darkened, as she considered her options. This new fighting form wasn't something she can beat. Not now at least. She needed to get back to her home world. To not only report her failure but also to report about the Jedi who stopped her. Isabsel did not look forward to the reprimands she will be facing back home. But better to than throw away life here and no. Not when there was so much work left to do. Isabsel eyed the Jedi for a moment before then feeling the cold howling winds. Glancing to the right, she noticed a snowstorm rapidly approaching their location. Then she looked back to Lily, Isabsel simply sheathed her vibro-ax on her back. "Not today Jedi. You are an adequate sparring partner. Know this. The next time we meet, it will do differently. You may have stopped one plan but many others are in progress. Eventually, all Force users will be nothing more than a memory."

As the snowstorm washed over them both, obscuring both of their vision, Isabsel made her escape, knowing that Lily couldn't sense her. The Haemonculus jogged through thee snow, back to her ship. A mission failure for Isabsel, but at least she didn't walk away empty handed. Information and knowledge of the enemy, will hopefully give her some mercy from her superiors. Lily would hear the faint sound of a ship taking off and leaving, indicatiing that Isabsel had fled the area. The cave was safe for now.