First Reply In Search of a Past Unknown

[Vael Saren]

This was not the sort of job Vael Saren was used to. He was typically the one people went to if they wanted someone found. Usually, to kill them. Sometimes, to bring them back. But as the Mandalorian stepped off the ramp of the Oathkeeper and onto the arid plains of Geonosis, he found himself in search - not of someone, but something.

The employer had given him details on his quarry, along with a sizeable portion of the payout ahead of time. It was an crimson, crystalline orb, said to pulse with light. According to the employer, it was supposedly an ancient Sith artifact of some power. Saren had his doubts, but jobs had been getting thinner for him lately, and the pay for this promised to be substantial. So, he pulled his duster over his armor, checked his weapons, and set out for the ruins this artifact was rumored to be in.

It took the better part of a day to get from his landing zone to the ruins. The place was a mess, time having worn away what was once a noble structure into a heap of crumbling stone and long shadows. It was as he looked into these shadows that he felt it - a tremor in the air. A small disturbance in the Force. He was not alone. He turned in the direction of this disturbance, hand at his hip, fingers brushing against his lightsaber.

"Reveal yourself," he said, attempting to get a lock on his unexpected guest, "I will not harm you if you give me no cause to."

 

[Zinayn]

The power of the dark side was strong here, like a foul odor stinking up the whole place. The up-side was that such a strong presence allowed Zinayn to track the artifact easily. The Force came to him in a dream a few nights ago, bringing his attention to the relic that occupied these ruins. He was convinced that the Force had given him the vision in an attempt to let the relic into more responsible hands before the Sith tried to snatch it.

The Chiss's slightly infrared vision gave him some help in the dark shadows of the place, helping him avoid large chunks of rock that had fallen whenever this building had collapsed. Then, the stench of the artifact was accompanied by another presence. Zinayn tensed, stopping where he was, hand on the Harbinger of Balance. A voice called out. It was modulated, as if its owner was wearing a helmet. Mandalorian? He gritted his teeth, knowing relations between the Diarchy and Mandalorians was not the greatest at the moment. All he could do was hope this Mando wasn't affiliated with the Mandalorian Empire.

"Ahem. Is someone there?" the Chiss asked, feigning cluelessness.

 

[Vael Saren]

There he was. Turning to face the stranger, Vael found himself facing a grey-robed Chiss. He found it somewhat odd that one of their kind would be stalking these ruins, but in the grand scope of things, it meant little. He remained wary, hand still resting near his weapon. He needed to be ready in case this got ugly.

"What brings you here, Chiss?" he asked bluntly, "I do not think there is anything for you in this place." If this Chiss was here for the artifact as well, there could be complications. Better to dissuade him from continuing.

"Ba'slanar, stranger," he continued, "Leave this ruin and return to your people. Safer that way."

 

[Zinayn]

So it was a Mandalorian. A tall and strong looking one too. Well, that was most of them, really. Zinayn’s gaze slid to the man’s hand near his weapon. He decided it would be best to come clean about his search for the artifact; deception invited trouble, and likely wouldn’t get him any farther than telling the truth. “I’m here in search of a Sith artifact. It’s presence…you sense it, do you not?”

The Mandalorian’s presence in the Force was noticeable, leading Zinayn to believe he was some sort of Force-sensitive. Meaning it was likely he felt the relic and was after it too. In that case, Zinayn would try to talk his way into getting the object. And if all else failed, this one would be one less Mandalorian to worry about in the war.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

This was troublesome, indeed. While the Mandalorian could appreciate the other man's honesty, the fact that they were after the same quarry only invited conflict. What he said did strike a chord with Vael, though. Even though he had initially been skeptical, Saren could not deny the dark energies swirling around the area. This artifact was indeed powerful.

"I do... the pressure it's putting off is impressive, in its own way. I assume you're here to gather it for your own ends?" More questions. He could not decide whether this man would be an issue. Especially since the Chiss' Force presence was enough to give him pause. It brought to mind the ancient stories, the reason Mandalorians trained so hard. Jedi were among the most dangerous foes in the galaxy. Even with what he knew of their ways, he was not certain he would come out on top... if it came to that.

 

[Zinayn]

The Geonosian winds howled outside, seeming to pick up as the sun was beginning to set. Darkness was starting to consume the inside of the ruins, seeming to make the emanating fear and anger from the Sith artifact all the more powerful. Evil had settled in the air. And Zinayn wasn't even thinking for a moment about using such a strong relic for his own desires. That was how people fell into the devouring trap of the dark side.

"I intend to retrieve this artifact before any agents of the Sith Empire can do so. I hesitate to imagine what destructive powers the Sith might unleash upon the galaxy if this falls into their possession," he explained, voice steady with honesty. His glowing crimson eyes observed the Mandalorian for a moment further before he continued, "I don't believe you are working for the Sith...but who are you working for?"

If he was here on behalf of the Mandalorian Empire and the scum Aether Verd, whom the Diarchy had quarrel with, things might get heated fast. But so far, this Mandalorian had been far more reasonable than those Zinayn had met in the recent past. Maybe because, as of yet, this one did not know the Chiss and his allegiance to the Diarchy. Or better yet, he wasn't close-minded, like many of the others seemed to be. Zinayn knew that not all Mandalorians fell under the banner of that Empire. Perhaps this one was simply out on a job looking for honest work.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

Not a Sith. That was good. If he were, Vael would have had no choice but to go on the offensive. As darkness settled in around them, he, too, felt the aura of the Sith artifact strengthening. He quietly and quickly centered himself, trying to stave off its dark influence.

"A private collector," he explained, "Paying me a handsome sum for this thing. I think he wants to put it in a museum." A bit of honesty. Besides, the collector never specified secrecy. It made little sense to start lying now. "Just trying to do right by my people, honoring the contracts that float my way."

He started moving further in, gesturing for the Chiss to follow. Neither of them was going to get much done if they just stood there while the night grew cold. May as well walk and talk.

"I think introductions are in order. I am Vael Saren, of Mandalore. Bounty Hunter, Warrior, and - apparently - part-time archeologist."

 

[Zinayn]

So he was working for a private collector. Maybe an indication that he was not affiliated with the Mandalorian Empire. Nevertheless, this collector did not sound like they knew the power this artifact possessed. Zinayn could not trust this person with such a dangerous object. On top of that, there was no guarantee this...antiquarian could keep it safe from the Sith. However, the Chiss knew his issue was with the collector and not this Mandalorian. For now.

Zinayn watched his new acquaintance move further into the ruins and followed after a moment. Vael introduced himself as a bounty hunter and a warrior. A warrior for whom? Zinayn wanted to ask. But he kept his question to himself, instead providing the formal Chiss greeting, "I am Irizi'nay'nuru. You may call me Zinayn." He paused for a moment, questioning whether or not to reveal his home with the Diarchy. For now, though, he ended the greeting at that. If the Mandalorian pressed further, he decided he would not deceive him. Better to get his true response quickly than guess where his allegiances lie.

As the two moved further into the ruins and the sun dipped below the horizon, light became far scarcer. The corridor seemed to emit a low, eerie whistle with the winds from outside. It became clear that Zinayn wasn't one to often initiate conversation, as the whispers of the ruins and scuff of boots were the only sounds accompanying the two at the moment. Of course, he wasn't totally opposed to talking. It would be the only way he could determine what kind of Mandalorian this one was.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

This Chiss was cagey, that much Vael could tell. Possibly more cagey than him. It likely was not a good look for either of them, especially if they were going to be traversing this dark, ominous wreckage together. Perhaps it was time to rip off this bandage before they tripped onto something that soured this budding acquaintanceship. He sighed, stopping in front of the worn stone of a large archway.

"Zinayn... let me be frank," he began, "before the things we aren't saying boil over into something unfortunate. I am a loyal son of Mandalore, a citizen of her Empire. I follow the Way, and I defend her as a loyal son should. I am not, however, a blind zealot. As long as you are not a Sith - as long as you are not actively attacking my people - I have no personal quarrel with you."

Hopefully, this helped more than it hurt. He knew he was not the best speaker, and he had put his foot in his mouth while trying to be diplomatic more than he cared to admit. This could just as easily turn this stranger into an immediate enemy.

"Does my path make you my enemy, Zinayn? Or shall we continue looking for this antique?"

 

[Zinayn]

The Mandalorian came to a stop, the tension between them like a cord pulled taut. Zinayn's boot sent a loose pebble skittering down the passageway as he planted his feet and looked to Vael. Another downside of being here with a Mandalorian was that he could not read the man's facial expressions. But the Chiss could hear the honesty in his voice. This one was a member of the Empire, but maybe not one to follow Verd's every word without question. Zinayn decided the words would be enough security for the time they'd spend in these ruins.

He exhaled slowly and replied, "I will consider your words as truth. Likewise, although I hail from the Diarchy whom many of your people seem to hate, I do not seek to engage in combat with you. I suppose a modicum of trust will be needed between us in the event of a threat awaiting us here. After all, those who fear backstabbing cannot fight back-to-back."

Zinayn let his gaze linger on Vael for a second longer before turning through the archway. The power of the dark side was growing stronger the further they went. The artifact was close. And so was something else. Now that he was closer, Zinayn sensed a separate source of dark side aura. He froze, looking back to the Mandalorian, seeing if he sensed it too.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

The Diarchy. Stars above, Vael almost wished his gut had been correct and this guy was a Sith. The Sith were an older enemy, but he could at least hate them cleanly. The conflict with the Diarchy was still active. He had not, however, met enough of their citizenry to write them off as wholly evil like he had the Sith. Even if their crimes were still fresh in the mind of every Mandalorian, Vael had never seen Zinayn before today.

"You risk a lot by admitting that to me," he said coolly, "Just as I risked much by admitting my allegiances to you, I suspect. Our peoples have little love lost between each other these days." He turned to face the Chiss fully, hands open and away from his weapons.

"However, as I said, I'm no zealot. I do not judge individuals by the actions of the group they align to. Your people have hurt mine... but you have not hurt me. As long as you make no moves to strike at me for your Diarchy, I see no reason to strike at you for the Empire."

He would be keeping a closer eye on Zinayn now. The scars of war were deep, and he could not help the seed of distrust that was blooming in the back of his mind. This was set aside when he felt that tingle in his spine. Something else was here. Something that resonated with the same dark aura as the artifact they were hunting. He was immediately on high alert, one hand at his blaster, as he switched on his thermal vision and scanned the vicinity.

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn could see how Vael struggled with his revelation, and yet, contrary to what the Chiss had been bracing for, the Mandalorian accepted the fact and was mature enough not to designate someone as an enemy simply because they hailed from the Diarchy. Maybe he had something to learn from Vael about that. The first time he'd seen the man, just about a dozen minutes ago, he'd already been prepared to cut him down. Simply because he wore that armor. He made a mental note to analyze their meeting and reflect on it later. For now, it seemed as if the two had competition for the artifact.

The two dark auras were beneath them, and they were close. The problem was the rubble blocking the path up ahead. Zinayn approached it and peered through a crack between the rocks. On the other side was a largely undamaged stairway leading downward. He looked to Vael and asked, "Would you be able to assist me in taking down this obstacle?"

The Chiss stood back, looking to the Mandalorian in an attempt to combine their power to break down the rubble so it wouldn't be too draining on either one of them. After all, if there truly was a Sith down there trying to take the artifact like his senses were telling him, they wouldn't hesitate to take advantage of either Zinayn or Vael if one of them wasn't at a hundred percent.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

Vael briefly considered refusing the request. The bad blood between their people, combined with the tactical disadvantage of showing a possible future enemy his abilities, weighed on his mind. However, the more real and pressing concern was whatever - whoever - he was sensing along their path. He nodded wordlessly and raised his hand away from his blaster and toward the obstacle in their way.

He allowed the Force to move through him, acting as a conduit for its power. He directed it toward the rubble. In his mind, he could already feel its weight. It was a strange sensation. For him, the Force always felt a little odd. He could never learn to harness it in the same way his Masters had, so it always... clunked, for lack of a better term. Still, he was skilled enough for this.

"I'm ready when you are," he said, "Just let me know." They had to coordinate their focus if this was going to work. Otherwise, they risked desynchronising at a crucial moment and overtaxing one another. This rubble was almost as much an exercise in trust as it was an obstacle. Saren almost laughed at the serendipity of it. Almost.

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn stood beside Vael, reaching out a hand towards the rocks and narrowing his eyes in concentration. "Now."

An invisible wave of energy pressed against the obstacle, a manifestation of their wills. The rocks buckled under the pressure of their combined power, crumbling to the ground. The Chiss released his hold on the rocks and looked to the Mandalorian, nodding. "Good work."

Zinayn stepped over the remnants of the rubble, crossing the corridor to the stairwell. There was an unnatural chill in the air now, and he could almost see thick tendrils of the dark side coming up the stairs through the Force. He descended quickly and stealthily, watching ahead for movement. A vibrant red glow was coming from a chamber up ahead. He looked back at Vael, pointing towards the light.

Zinayn crept closer, peering into the chamber. A pedestal rose at the end of the room, dust covered banners draped on either side. And a cloaked figure stood before it, hands raised to the object like they were trying to get warmth from a campfire. The Chiss froze, hand on his katana as he determined the figure's awareness of the two. The person slowly turned around, most of their features unseen. Except for two hate-filled golden eyes gazing out from behind a hood.

"It would seem we've been found."

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

A wave of hatred washed over the Mandalorian warrior, coming from and alerting him to the shadowy figure standing in their way. Vael could not stifle the snarl that passed his lips. He met that sickly yellow gaze with an equal intensity, hidden under his beskar helm. His hand moved away from his blaster and toward his lightsaber.

"Yes... we have." His voice was cold, angry. "It should've been obvious. A relic like this? Would've called these carrion feeders here like flies to a corpse." He turned his head briefly to the Chiss beside him.

"Please join me in this, Zinayn," he asked quietly, "This refuse must be destroyed. Now." Behind the anger, there was a small desperation in his voice. Vael's history with the Sith obviously ran deep. He was not certain he could do this alone.

 

[Zinayn]

Intense anger flared from the Mandalorian like a torrent of the ocean slamming against the rocks. As the Sith began to approach, Zinayn heard the deep-seated hate in Vael's voice, the man's hand already on his lightsaber. What could have happened to stir up such a reaction, the Chiss wondered. He'd have to ask later. For now, he nodded at Vael and stood by his side, unsheathing his katana in one smooth motion. "It seems he will not be giving us a choice in the matter."

This Sith appeared to be one of few words, walking with an unhurried gait towards the two. Shoulders shrugged off the dark cloak, revealing a muscular form beneath a heavy armor set. It was a Twi'lek, Zinayn realized as he saw an amputated lekku and the other riddled with ritual markings. Sharp, pointed teeth showed as the Sith grinned with a hint of mania in his eyes. He spoke, voice raspy, "When I was sent here to recover this artifact, I thought it would be a bore. No one told me a Mando and a Chiss would be teaming up to fight me. Do me a favor and make this exciting! Prepare to die at the hands of Darth Acervus!"

A long, polished lightsaber hilt flew from his belt to his hand, coming ablaze in ruby light at two ends. Zinayn planted his feet firmly, blade upwards and ready to make a defense. The Sith crossed the remaining distance with long, heavy strides. It was clear that he intended to strike first. His double-bladed lightsaber would make it easier to fight a one-on-two. Zinayn and Vael would have to synchronize well to take down the Sith without injury.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

Darth Acervus. A Dark Lord? Or a pretender to the title? The Mandalorian had no time to ponder this. It had begun.

Vael ignited his lightsaber, its ethereal green glow clashing against the visceral crimson of the Sith's blade. In a practiced motion, the Mandalorian dropped into the combat stance of Djem So. Despite his rage, the Mandalorian was not going to strike first. His learned style was that of an aggressive duelist, utilizing the momentum of his opponent against them with parries and ripostes. He kept his eyes locked on the fell Twi'lek.

"Scum though he may be," he said, "It takes a formidable duelist to master a double-sided saber. He'll try to destabilize us, divide us and conquer." He lowered his voice, making sure that Zinayn would be the only one of the other two men to hear what he said next.

"I will try to pull his attention - going for high strikes to his right side. My armor can take a few strikes. When he's distracted, go low and left. He should be open enough to debilitate. We'll only have one chance for this. If we fail, he'll shore up his defenses, and we'll be in for a protracted fight. Ready?" Vael would only wait a moment for Zinayn's answer. Once Acervus was upon them, the Mandalorian met the Sith's blade with his own. He looked Acervus dead in his eyes.

"You are dust in the wind, Sith," he growled, "I will ensure that your name goes unremembered for eternity. For Mandalore!"

Zinayn

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn nodded subtly, their strategy set. Vael's emerald blade met the Sith's, and the Chiss moved around to Acervus's side. He was trapped between the two now, but no doubt that was what he'd expected. Or maybe even what he'd wanted. Zinayn observed every motion, every gap that opened as he swung his lightsaber. Darth Acervus seemed to be trying to keep Vael on the defensive, making relentless attacks against the Mandalorian in an attempt to push him back. Meanwhile, Zinayn would be on the offensive, looking for any opening around the vigilant guard of his second blade.

Acervus also seemed to enjoy taunting his opponents. Already he was sneering at Vael, mocking him as he tried to use his strength to overpower the Mandalorian. "Dust in the wind...I suppose I might be. At least dust settles. When I'm through with you, there won't be anything left behind!"

Zinayn slashed downwards, metal cutting cleanly through the air, aiming towards the Sith's lightsaber blade and not his body. The metal of the blade struck plasma and sparks sputtered to the ground. He then pressed in and the cortosis guard of his katana touched the lightsaber blade. It flickered weakly and then disappeared.

Darth Acervus made a noise, a grunt of surprise, and leapt back, distancing himself. "I see you have tricks, do you now? Perhaps I should show you some of mine," the Twi'lek suggested sinisterly. The plasma ignited again a moment later, blazing as if it were alight with a desire for vengeance.

"I'd rather not experience them."

Zinayn looked towards Vael. His cortosis trick had allowed a brief respite for them, a reset in the duel. Now they could assert their wills on Acervus and end the fight quickly, without letting him dig into his bag of tricks. The Chiss closed in, waiting for Vael to strike and draw the Sith's defenses before Acervus could go on the offensive first.

Vael Saren

 

[Vael Saren]

Zinayn's movements complimented Vael's own with a surprising synchronicity. It was rare that a stranger could match moves with the Mandalorian, but he was not complaining. He hummed when he saw the Chiss' katana disrupt the Sith's lightsaber blade.

"Sith scum," he rumbled, turning his attention back fully to Acervus, "Your pitiful attempts at slander only confirm what I have always known: you are less than nothing, lashing out at the universe in a futile bid to make your empty existence mean something to anyone. For this, and for the sins of your ilk, the only thing you are worthy of is a swift death." He rushed forward, lightsaber outstretched. At the same time, he lashed out with his left hand and launched the fibercord whip housed in his vambrace toward the Sith's legs. His strategy was to trip Acervus up, dealing with two attack methods from one side. He was certain this would give Zinayn the opportunity to land a decisive blow.

At the same time, however, he felt a brief but powerful disturbance in his psyche. His temper flared far beyond what it had thus far, and his mind was clouded with visions of every brutal method at his disposal of killing this enemy as torturously as possible. Behind Acervus, he saw the artifact's dim glow pulse ever so slightly. He was able to quickly refocus himself, but this moment did unsettle him. Just what was this thing his employer was having him collect?

Zinayn

 

[Zinayn]

Vael rushed forward, lightsaber coming down atop the Sith. Acervus raised his blade to meet it, and sparks rained from the contact. But the Sith, likely caught up in figuring out some smart reply to Vael, did not see the fibercord whip racing towards his legs. The cable wrapped itself around his calves and the Twi'lek fell face-first as he tried to take a step forward against the Mandalorian. Zinayn wasted no time in bringing his katana swiftly through the Sith's vital areas.

The kill was far from clean, as it would be with a lightsaber, but it was a kill. As the Chiss stared down at Acervus, he felt the slightest hint of hate in the back of his mind.

You should have made him suffer.

He shook his head and blinked rapidly, clearing his mind. That was the artifact speaking. Zinayn turned towards it, the glow almost overpowering now. He glanced towards Vael, asking with a hint of concern, "Does your contractor know what this is? What its capable of? I would never have the Sith take this...but I hesitate to imagine what it might do in the hands of some unaware collector."

A voice in the back of his head called. Called him to take hold of the orb. Promised power beyond what he could ever dream of.

Zinayn turned away from the hypnotizing glow. He focused back on the Mandalorian, trying to ignore the blood of Acervus at his feet.

Vael Saren