Taking back what was lost

[Samka Derith]

Spoiler

[media]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lAttuezmWKs&t=13s[/media]

He'd gutted one of their own.

[member="Caehl Ren"] had made a rather careless mistake during the battle of Bespin. The result? The apparent death of [member="Ara Ren"], the young woman Samka had personally recruited all that time ago. Friendly fire was a natural and expected part of warfare, in the confusion of conflict, mistakes could be made with catastrophic consequences. In the hands of a trigger happy Stormtrooper in his first battle, that would be understandable. It was not so understandable for a Ren. They were highly trained, mercilessly drilled. It was a mistake which was intolerable. So as Brennan was reborn in cybernetics, Samka had made sure that it had hurt. On her request, every graft was done without anaesthetic. There would be no pain relief for the boy not when Phrik plating was fused to his spine, not even when his new eye was grafted into the nerve endings of his brain. To his credit, the boy had accepted his fate without question. His loyalty was admirable even if his mistake was unforgivable. It made her hope she would need never use the new kill-switch unknowingly installed into his mind.

She'd summoned him to her.

Samka Derith reclined sideways in a throne of iron, her leg draped over an arm rest on one side, her shoulders over on the other. She sat there, ever the picture of smug youth, somehow risen to the top. Her quarters made it clear she enjoyed her position, basking in a sense of power over others. Too many had looked down on her, sought to bring her down yet here she was. The first thing anyone entering her room would be faced with was the throne with the Ren herself on it, resting on an elevated platform so all would have to gaze up at her and she down at them. The size of the room dwarfed those held by Knights and Disciples. Banners hung from the ceiling while artistic sculptures formed a row around the room; on the walls were professional paintings. Many showing historical moments or graceful elements of the First Order's culture. Among both the paintings and the sculptures were clear allusions to violence and pain. Nothing was explicit yet the symbolism was clear. Dark artefacts the girl had retrieved over the years were also placed around the room, their purpose unclear to the uninitiated but their power blatant to all those with even a smudge of Force Sensitivity. They seemed to hum, glow red and perhaps even judge those who dared enter here. It all created an atmosphere of gloomy regality.

Perhaps in many respects, it was not so dissimilar to the home Brennan had seen on Bespin. Darker, yes, but similar.

"Brandon, I have good news," the girl's face curved into a smile as she called the disciple to enter, aside from that she remained motionless in her throne, sat with her chin resting on her fist. Whether she'd misremembered his name or it was a deliberate put down would be unclear to Brennan. "I have reason to believe the young girl you impaled is alive. It is time to make up for your mistake."

 

[WolfMortum]

Some time had passed since his defeat upon Bespin and the presumed killing of [member="Ara Ren"], enough so to allow for the return of mobility yet not without great pain and discomfort in his every day life. He had been given little time to recover before having been instructed to resume his duties and continue to serve as all were expected to do; this came as both a relief yet too with it's own torment as his body failed to adapt as quickly as he would have preferred. To no longer be restricted to the bloodied sheets of the hard bed and stale living conditions of one such of his rank and place within the Ren, was a saving grace from his frustrations over the glorified death that had been taken from him. In that death he would have perhaps earned some semblance of acknowledgement for the sacrifice he was willing to give for the First Order's cause, yet in having kept him alive, her was forced to recount for his failing to protect his superior, a blight against his credibility and one that he harbored a longing hatred against the Jedi of the Galactic Alliance for forcing him into such a place of judgement.

[member="Samka Derith"], his superior in every sense of the word, proven in her own right and bestowed a position of leadership for her efforts taken to lead the Knights of Ren as the hand of the Supreme Leader; she had demanded his presence, word that was passed down to him swiftly from one of the Knights of Ren suggesting that he not dawdle in his meeting her for her mood towards him of late had been appropriately grieving given his inability to fulfill the mission that she had given him. In a way, he was not unlike the female as far as general attitude and the portrayal of self expression went, cold on the outside though not due to a temper of emotions but rather the lack of being able to relate on a social level nor properly convey his own personal givings, his mind had become so twisted throughout his past that he had managed to bury them altogether; it was what had initially defined his choice to join the First Order, service without the need for self-reflection, a clear driven direction for which there was no questioning, duty made his path straight forward and discouraged any room for outside distractions.

She acknowledged him with a similar but none the less mistaken name, to which he stepped forward, removing his mask and drawing back his hood so that he would be stood before her a statement of clarity leaving no room for doubt in how he could be perceived; his expression remain poised as he awaited her orders, of which he suspected that she had a reason for calling him forth yet the name 'brandon' did not trigger any sense of annoyance or frustration over his exterior, she having earned her place to need not be questioned regardless of right or wrong, before her he was a tool to be used, a weapon to be harnessed as was all of the Disciples in his eyes until proven otherwise. While not all of the Knights of Ren shared this interpretation of the hierarchical structure within their secretive order, it helped to encourage absolute commitment within himself towards any given objective from his superiors.

The suspicion that Ara Ren had not been killed but somehow managed to survive the Alliance's advance against the Hilikan Facility and escape caused a subtle shift in his stance, his head tilting marginally to the right relaying a moment of surprise in the news. Samka was correct, it presented the opportunity to account for his past mistake during their battle against the Jedi. Her retrieval would not dissolve the incident yet would give him the chance to save face for his credibility in the eyes of his superiors; "What would you ask of us..." He spoke up though not to imply that she were making a request, rather in anticipation of her demands that he would fill out to the letter with the assurance of his success with Omega Four-Five-Nine in tow. They, a specific strike team made up of individuals that she had instructed Brennan to recruit quite some time before the Alliance's heresy against them; no doubt Samka had lost faith in his ability to lead them now, as was initially planned, yet if she approved he would make damn sure any who got between him and Ara Ren would be made an example of; "We will not fail you again".

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

As the door of Kaalia's quarters slid shut, the woman quickly brushed her hair back behind her shoulders. She walked through the hallways of the Bastion at a quick pace, the way she walked making it clear she had somewhere to be. Personal feelings were in the process of being pushed to the back of her mind as she approached the living spaces of the Masters of Ren, despite the fact a lot had been on her mind. It had been a long time since the redhead was summoned by the upper echelon of the Ren and the thought that occupied her mind the most was a very simple question.

Why?

In reality, it could have been about anything. There was no way of knowing until she had arrived to [member="Samka Derith"]'s quarters, but that didn't stop Kaalia from endlessly wracking her brain over it. Questions such as whether it was about her track record, in a good or bad way, or whether it was to send her out on a mission flooded her mind now that the things that had been taking up most of her thoughts had been temporarily shelved. The two major things there were almost polar opposites, one the happiest moment of her life and the other one perhaps one that had hurt her the most. While the woman now found herself with [member="Ishana Pavanos"], whom she would spend the rest of her life with, she also had lost [member="Ara Ren"], the closest friend she had ever had.

Those personal occupations were not revelant now, however. The Kro Varian announced her arrival in front of the entrance the Master's quarters and waited for a response before entering, noticing that [member="Caehl Ren"] was also present as she walked in. The room was taken in as she approached the throne Samka was sitting on, casting at least a quick glance at every artifact that was placed within. Her facial expression remained neutral and when she stopped next to the Disciple, a quick look down revealing he was carrying his mask. She herself had not brought hers mostly because of her dislike of wearing it, and was only ever seen with it on missions where it was necessary. "I made my way here the moment I got the summoning. It seems I am still late however, so for that I apologize."

The visage of the purple-haired Master on her throne was a striking one. It aired authority and power despite the small frame of the woman who had called Kaalia here. She couldn't place it, but something about the scene caused it to be something she knew she would remember for a long time.

 

[Samka Derith]

"Let's hope you don't," Samka's reply was flat and factual but the menace in the statement was clear. "Our allies in Commenor are asking questions. Questions about you. If you prove to be a liability, I have no reason to protect you at the risk of our friendships among the galaxy. I hope you understand."

"We have a trail-" Samka began to speak, her demeanour apparently casual as the girl lounged atop her throne yet she stopped as a third presence entered. [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]. A single eyebrow rose but other than that, the Master of Ren remained immobile. "Ah, fashionably late as ever. I was beginning to wonder if you received my orders," the last word emphasised for her own authority.

Samka's gaze fell down upon Kaalia, as though the Master could see right through the Knight. So much conflict in you, so much emotion, Sam thought, a satisfied smirk crossed her face for a moment as she felt something comparable to awe of her coming from the Knight.

Finally, the Master of Ren sat upright, swinging her leg off of the armrest so as to appear to give the pair bellow her full attention. "Yes I have an assignment of interest to you both. Voldaren, you're here for my consultation as you seem to know the target best. [member="Ara Ren"] , her body could not be retrieved, there was simply no sign of her corpse in the battle's aftermath which is most unusual, I'm sure you'll agree. Not long after her apparent death, an Imperial shuttle left the system unregistered. In war this is expected, panicked servicemen forgetting protocol yet the shuttle has not been seen since and the destination was towards Alliance space." Samka paused to gauge reactions.

She closed her eyes, reaching out with the Force and breathing deeply. "I can't... feel her. It is as though... she is not yet one with the Force," Sam's eyes snapped open again. "Voldaren," Sam braced herself for a reaction to the accusation she was about to make, "how would you rate the likelihood of the woman faking her death to provide an avenue for defection?"

 

[WolfMortum]

'Allies in Commenor...'

Brennan's eyes narrowed upon these words and without his head gear to save himself the silent response, his frustration would be more than evident as his jaw soon tightened too and his mind fell back upon the recent memory of his venture to the trade world in the hope of calling out his former Master into combat. Unfortunately at the time [member="Veiere Arenais"] had been further north upon Voss helping stave off the approaching Sith armada threatening the Silver Jedi Order and thus Brennan had been left to toy with [member="Lady Kay"] in the hope of reaching out to and intimidating the old man seeking to destabilize him emotionally so that their next run in might be a swift and decisive one. Kriel Firin had approved Brennan's pursuits to wrap all up past affiliations and conflicts in the hope of it no longer holding back the Disciple of Ren from focusing on his future within training under the First Order regime; however now that [member="Samka Derith"] had confirmed their apparent alliance, Brennan wondered if even Talon had known of their associations and because of this uncertainty, neglected to give any evidence tying his former Master to the ordeal. Though they had not spoken in some time, it was evident that Kriel had plenty other matters to attend to, priorities far more important than being dragged down into Brennan's personal vendetta.

"I need no such protection from the likes of Veiere Arenais" Brennan responded quickly, a slight of venom upon his tongue, his gaze focusing solely on Samka as his anger threatened to come to the form of further words yet he poised himself and bit back on his tongue, his head lifting in a half nod of confidence while exhaling slowly through his nose in attempt to calm himself; "He will be an issue no longer..." He concluded as if to reassure her despite his brief and rarely shown aggression within the Bastion of Ren. He wasn't at all pleased about being forced to let the target slide away through his fingers yet an ally of the First Order was not something that he was willing to compromise and given his efforts against them already, it was borderline treasonous to have taken things so far already. If not for the war against the Galactic Alliance peaking then perhaps he would've been being disciplined for more than one mistake recently.

As [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] soon entered, Brennan's gaze was torn from Samka to look upon the sudden arrival, his expression falling neutral once more though oddly colder at the same time. Their recent spat within his quarters had changed the air about the pair somewhat dramatically. She had sought to harm him and he had cautioned her in the form of a threat despite her being his superior yet her blatant disregard for their very purpose had struck him the wrong way and coupled with the effects of deadly sight, the aura in which had inflicted even greater pain upon his already severely wounded body, he found himself struggling not to take in the sight with great pessimism. "Kaalia..." Brennan spoke simply her name uttered upon a quiet breath, giving her a curt nod before turning back to Samka and falling quiet to listen to what else was to be offered up in explanation to the fate of [member="Ara Ren"].

To think she could be a traitor, a defector. This he found strangely insulting, both for the fact that he had fought beside her himself and seen her give her life for the ordeal but so too because if such were the case then his blade piercing her would have been no accident but a consequence, to think that he might not pick up on such a thing, he didn't want to believe he could be that ignorant of those around him, especially those who had become more familiar to he than any of the others within the Bastion. He didn't see eye to eye with his fellow Disciples and there were an extremely few number of Knights that he had worked with thus far, few had been able to relate to him let alone earn his co-operation beyond strict duty; Ara and Kaalia were both two of said people...-His opinion may have been swayed in doubt over Kaalia's recent actions yet to think either of them would turn their back on the First Order within his company, there was little greater justification for death, to his mind.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

As Kaalia walked up and listened to [member="Samka Derith"]'s comment on her late arrival she couldn't help but smirk a little, amused by the choice of words. Whether it was appropriate or not didn't cross her mind, the reaction mostly triggered by the Master's more casual demeanour. Despite this she still suppressed a comment about knowing how to make an entrance, knowing that at least some degree of professionalism was necessary.

At the same time however, she noticed that [member="Caehl Ren"] was less amused. The disdain that came from him was palpable and there was no doubt in Kaalia's mind what the reason for that was. In her mind everything that happened in his quarters was justified, no matter how he looked at it. It was within her limits, she had not aggravated any injuries or caused any lasting harm, and what she did do was only to warn him about not failing like that again. The woman did not forgive nor did she forget, but in the end her message had been sent and it was loud and clear. There was no reason to go any further and cross the line, and if the Disciple took the encounter more to heart than she did it was for himself to deal with that. "I see you were called here as well," she responded to him speaking her name, her tone neutral and without direct hostility. The Knight disliked him, but in the end they were to work together. If difference had to be settled in a more proper way, then this was not the time.

The woman on the throne explained why Kaalia had been summoned, along with a small collection of information regarding what happened to [member="Ara Ren"] after her fateful encounter. The facts caused the nagging feeling that had followed her ever since seeing the footage of Ara's presumed death to return and it manifested itself into something that nearly screamed out at her, the message the Force tried to tell her becoming clearer and clearer. Her expression betrayed the fact she had finally deciphered it, something that nothing short of an epiphany. This thought was confirmed by Samka as she told the two she did not feel her through the Force: Ara wasn't dead. To the redhead it was clear as day now. Something had happened to her, but whatever it was she was still alive. She couldn't believe it, but the Force didn't lie. There was hope, hope she would be able to help her come home. The fire of determination to bring her back had been ignited and she would do whatever was necessary to do so.

Her name was called once more, this time by Samka. The question she was summoned for was one that in her mind made no sense. "Nonexistent. Nothing she has ever said and done from the day I met her was against the goals and interests of the Ren, or the First Order as a whole in even the slightest." Kaalia's answer was resolute and without a smidge of doubt. Deep down she was insulted by the fact such a notion was even mused, but in the end the Master of Ren sought her consultation about the thought for a reason. Perhaps she had decided that she did not know Ara well enough to answer the question on her own. She understood why the question was asked and put her personal feelings about it aside, knowing it would not be productive in any way to show them. "I would trust her with my life. I see her being captured as the only plausible scenario."

 

[Samka Derith]

Samka repressed a sigh, though the pair tried not to show it, the tension in the air was unmistakable. Squabbling among their ranks frustrated her, it was the reason she dismissed Sith philosophy. Given the known relationship between [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] and [member="Ara Ren"] , Samka could venture a guess what the disagreement was about.

She leaned forwards attentively, placing her chin in both palms as Kaalia spoke. "Hmm," a small noise confirming that she was contemplating the Knight's words. "And yet," her voice was airy, noncommittal, as though she was voicing drifting thoughts rather than making firm accusations, "she is a street rat used to a lawless world. Who is to say she didn't grow to miss the decadent life style? She is a woman who claims to distance herself from others and yet," Sam's eyes fell meaningfully upon Kaalia, "she forms blatant attachments. Perhaps she found someone to run off with together," Samka's lips curved into a smirk at the idea. Attachment, friendships, romance; it was all so pitiful in her eyes. The realm of the weak and the stupid.

It wasn't that Sam had ever disliked Ara. There was a decent chance that the woman had saved her life on Mustafar. Truth be told, there was a dose of affection for all the Ren she served with. As Samka was the one to recruit the woman and watched her grow into her current role, she wanted to think the best. Yet never would she allow what flickers of emotion she had move in the way of the facts. Kaalia's words were reassuring but every possibility had to be entertained, even now.

Finally, Samka rose to her feet. "[member="Caehl Ren"] prove yourself worthy of the your title, you are to accompany me to the shuttle's last known location in Alliance space and you," Samka's head cocked sideways as she gazed down at Kaalia with curiosity, "If the worst has transpired, what would you do if the one you trust has sold herself to the Alliance?"

 

[WolfMortum]

Brennan glanced back to [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] as she acknowledged his presence, offering a second nod in confirmation before turning back to that of [member="Samka Derith"]. In their first mission to Lothal together, all three of them had stood on different grounds, Samka herself much less authoritarian and working alongside another if he remembered correctly, the two taking on the facade of sisters in order to disguise the true nature of their being there. It had been Brennan's first mission with the Knights of Ren, they had encountered the Jedi of the Alliance within the crystal depths of one of Lothal's more noticed formations and had barely escaped the collapse of the tunnels to which he hoped the corpses of the Jedi still remained crushed and decrepit within. In contrast to the memory, standing before Samka now with Kaalia beside him on equal footing, the three of them had changed and arguably not for the better. Samka had elevated herself higher within the upper tier of the Knights of Ren, she had succeeded where Brennan had failed to earn the recognition he wished to hold for his devotion and will to provide the First Order with the strength proportionate to the Ren. He had nothing anything but.

"Understood".

His response was short as he bowed his head in compliance to his given orders. There was no need for further questions and turning his gaze down, his left arm rose up and pushing back the sleeve of his hooded cloak, he activated the SB-U01 device strapped to his arm, a replacement from the one he had lost to the electrical barrage upon Bespin, now seeking to alert Omega as to their new endeavor. The three other Disciples soon acknowledging his message and would later join them within the hangar, each with a strength of their own and fit to work as a unit, they would counter the short comings of their peers and ensure the missions success. Entering once more into Alliance territory, Brennan was more than satisfied with the opportunity to extend his appreciation unto their people for the ridicule that he had both felt and received over his recent failure.

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

To Kaalia it seemed like [member="Samka Derith"] was trying to light a fire in her. The Master's words prodded at her, attempting to provoke a reaction. The fact the possibility of [member="Ara Ren"] betraying her allies was even mused was something that made it hard to stay respectful, but the woman managed to do so. Still, she already knew her answer and it was one that was just as resolute as the previous. "It was a life she despised. A life she wanted nothing but to be removed from for the rest of her life." It took everything she had to keep any intonation that could have been taken as hostile from slipping into her voice. "She joined the Ren to help bring order and stability, so that street activity of the sort would be eradicated. That dedication never faded and I am certain that is still the case." She then went on to comment on Samka's scoffing at the brunette's attachments, with no doubt also referring to her friendship with Kaalia. "And running off with the enemy is the last thing she would do. I am certain she would rather die." With the emphasis on the final word the smallest bit of emotion slipped through the cracks, but she quickly recomposed herself.

The petite woman got off of her throne and addressed [member="Caehl Ren"] for a moment. Kaalia remained silent seeing she had nothing to say, but she listened carefully. When the attention was turned to her and another question prodded at her, she closed her eyes. "If, If and that is in a hypothetical scenario I cannot see becoming reality," there was the slightest of pauses as she drew a breath, "she would be a traitor. Someone who would not hesitate to draw her blade against me, and the other Ren. Those who are a threat deserve to die. Were she a traitor, then she would be nothing but an enemy to me." It was a calm and calculated answer, but beneath the surface she wanted to laugh at her own words. In her mind such a thing was an impossibility and absolutely ridiculous. "So, what I would do was draw my blade and use it to kill her." Nothing she said was a lie. As much as it would hurt her soul to do so, in such a scenario Kaalia would not hesitate to end Ara's life by her own hand. Those who turned on her were no friends, they were a danger to her and her allies.

 

[Samka Derith]

Samka had nodded along with Kaalia's words, they largely confirmed her own personality assessment of Ara.

Although there would be no telling reaction on the surface, Samka was surprised at the firm response [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] gave. Perhaps the girl's attachments weren't making her as weak as Sam feared. She offered a smile to Kaalia, one full of charm and reassurance yet an oddly dangerous glint remained a sparkle in her crimson eyes, "But of course, we are dealing purely in hypotheticals here." Placing her hands behind her back, the youngest Ren turned so the others could see her profile among the darkness of the room. "Then you have my permission to join us, Voldaren. We leave in two hours, gather what belongings you desire. Dismissed, the pair of you."

Skor II​

Galactic Alliance Space​

​

The Squib homeworld had undergone a series of conflicts in recent times. First came the hordes of Graug and Yuuzhan Vong bent on bloodthirsty annihilation then, while remnants of the threat still lingered, the First Order had sent an advance force hoping to take the metal-rich world to repair their fleet. All three of the Ren had been present for the fighting here, notably, so had Ara.

Metrobig City was locked down firmly. There would be no getting in or out of there easily. As luck would have it, they didn't need to. The shuttle's black box had been activated in a small village settlement, far from the watchful eye of Alliance security. It almost seemed like a trap...

"Welcome back to our favourite planet in the galaxy," the teenager said as she skipped onto the planet's surface. She spoke to [member="Caehl Ren"] without bothering to turn and face the man. "Clear a path and I shall follow, do as you will."

This was his redemption, after all. She was not there to take absolute control of the mission, merely to ensure its success in case of complications.

 

[WolfMortum]

Skor II​

Galactic Alliance Space​

​

​

The feelings that accompanied the return to this world were similar to the resentment that he had held towards the Galactic Alliance and that of the Squib in having been forced to retreat from it during which the First Order had been given little alternative but to pull away, their enemy securing the system from their control and the ordeal proving to be a frustrating introduction to warfare for the uninitiated Disciple of Ren. Somewhere here it was suspected that the vessel that had allowed for [member="Ara Ren"]'s transport out of First Order space, had landed and taken refuge upon the outskirts of Metrobig City, one of the smaller provinces neighboring the capital of Skor II and the former battleground for which Brennan had stumbled his way through a series of failures and misgivings for which had only complicated his service under [member="Castor Ren"] and their objective. Despite his dislike for the memories that surfaced with the view of the place still familiar in recent times, he had to give credit to his relief in being once more out in the open and having been taken up in his duty once again; he had not come unprepared to account for his past mistakes, his cybernetic structure ingrained within his remaining physical form was further supported by that of Caehl Ren's Armor designed to nullify any weaknesses in his reconstruction. Alongside his heightened strength and speed both physically and cognitive enhancement, was the support of Omega Four-Five-Nine.

"Clear a path and I shall follow, do as you will".​

​

Giving a simple nod of acknowledgement to [member="Samka Derith"], Brennan soon turned to look the three Disciples of Ren that were stationed under his leadership. Before the mess that had been Bespin, the upper echelon of the Knights of Ren had thought to test Brennan's attitude and capabilities in more than being simple meat to be thrown against the enemy. Samka herself had had a hand in his instruction to secure a select few individuals for assessment to their Order under Sieger Ren with the expectation that these individuals would not only serve with the appropriate capacity, but so too prove that Brennan could be something more than a simply lacky to serve without any intuitive prowess. Given the state of affairs to which they had found themselves now, it was a wonder they were still under his command; not something he was going to question least it be swept out from under his feet.

"Move on ahead" Brennan turned to instruct Arkaos Ren, the Disciple most gifted in the art of mental intrusion. A most curious way of influencing others, Brennan had found Arkaos leading a rogue element of criminals for which had claimed they sought freedom from government oppression. In truth they were a band of criminals self proclaimed the 'Outcasts of Arkaos'. The group had been wiped out by agents of the FOSB at Brennan's request, while securing their leader and like his brother, undergoing extensive indoctrination into their regime. While retaining their individuality, both strengths and weaknesses, they remained under the illusion that their loyalty was by their own choosing; "If approached by the Guard, incapacitate them. Do not kill", Brennan seemed to go out of his way to emphasize the lack of tolerance in a death count. A few unconscious guard were one thing yet open murder would only result in a district wide manhunt and he had made that mistake too freely here once before. "Secure any intelligence on the area if possible".

"You" Brennan turned to Delengtha Ren, more titan stormtrooper than a Knight; this staunch goliath of a man was born and bred for war yet lacking in any force sensitivity he was better off left out of missions such as these. On the open battlefield he was a killing machine, armed to the teeth with weapons and the experience in firearms to qualify in surgical efficiency with a semi-auto blaster rifle, here on the other hand his services were required most where they had come to land. "Remain here, secure our evac". Gesturing then to Nocturnus Ren, the brother to Zarack (Arkaos Ren) he gestured for the masked Disciple to join with the group as they began their descent in towards the village. Outside of the Omega Support, the others had talents all succeeding Brennan's own. Between Samka and [member="Kaalia Voldaren"], the two Knights outclassed him in many ways and in all aspects of the Force itself. Burying his inadequacy within their presence, it would be well obvious that the mission ahead was to take full precedent for the young Disciple. If there truly had been a traitor among them, then it was safe to say that among their group now, they all had the appropriate skills to eliminate such a compromise to First Order Intelligence. If Ara Ren was alive, somehow innocent of her questionable leave of Bespin, then whoever was responsible for her departure and potential manipulation would find themselves within the sights of agents of the Supreme Leader, those who were especially gifted in the pursuit and torment of their enemy.

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

[member="Samka Derith"]'s comment was obviously meant to be serious in any way, but Kaalia wasn't very happy to be back on Skor. It harbored bad memories of misplaced trust and being let down by somebody she thought she could trust, but given the fact Connor was still missing told the woman enough. He was not coming back, and she was sure it was for the better. A lesson was learned that day, but that didn't mean she was jumping to come back. Still, for [member="Ara Ren"] she was willing to do a whole lot more than just visit a planet that wasn't very high on her list of favorites. There was no hesitation in her decision to join the Master of Ren and [member="Caehl Ren"] in their operation. "If 'works up your frustration' is an important factor in a planet being a favorite, this place is more definitely a list topper." Kaalia forced herself not eyeroll as she said it and planted her own two feet onto solid ground. "Go and I will follow." Knowing this was the opportunity for the Disciple to seek redemption, she simply echoed what Samka had said. Would things go awry the redhead would move to a more active role, but for now such a thing was not necessary.

As the group made their way towards the village where the black box they were hunting for all Kaalia could think of was in what condition Ara was in. It was extremely likely she was a prisoner of war, which didn't bode well for her living conditions. The worry in her mind found a companion in a slowly growing feeling of bloodthirst, wishing to make everyone who had dared to even lay a finger on her friend suffer. They would be shown no mercy. They would all feel her fury. They would all plead for the sweet release of death.

Still, she knew well enough that thinking too far ahead was something she didn't have much time for. Snapping herself back to reality, Kaalia calmly kept on walking, her senses sharp and her lightsabers summonable in a moment's notice. "I don't like this, something is off. It's too quiet and peaceful."

 

[Samka Derith]

Samka nodded approvingly as she listened to [member="Caehl Ren"] instruct his little strike team. She made a mental note of his desire to avoid casualties, placing practicality over bloodshed reflected well on the man, it was something she herself often struggled with.

The petite Ren was dressed casually and wandering apparently carefree a few paces behind her companions, a far cry from the authoritative figure back at the Bastion. It was a change she always relished, being able to switch so readily.

"Ahem," she cleared her throat to draw attention as they approached the village, "I believe it best if one of us does the talking," she said gesturing towards [member="Kaalia Voldaren"]. Brennan's social skills were somewhat lacking in her experience and they needed to not attract suspicion.

"Hello, sir," Samka flashed her most charming smile to Squib just outside the village. The Squib smiled back and it took a remarkable amount of willpower for Sam to not recoil at the sight of the mammalian's crooked, filthy teeth, traces of his last meal still between them. "I was wondering if you've seen a ship around here? Dark colours? Rather intimidating? Obviously designed by an Empire of geniuses?"

 

[WolfMortum]

Where Brennan complied with the group, he and Nocturnus Ren slowing alongside their companions to converse with the animal guard standing upon the outskirts of the village, Arkaos Ren walked straight on passed the Squib without so much as a glance in the Sith Knights direction; though the furred simpleton wouldn't notice the effects of the force flowing throughout their environment most notably for it's density and darkness affecting the creature itself, the power over the mind that Arkaos extended towards the creature rendered his own presence alike that of a ghost, moving through life without so much as a hint of being. Furthermore, it weakened the squibs mental defense, rendering it far less likely to put up so much of a fuss as to the groups somewhat varied appearance, Brennan himself looking rather heavily armored and intimidating than [member="Samka Derith"] for example (if only on the outside), they would not be deterred thanks to Arkaos who carried on intent on scouting the village for any possible sign of their target that this individual might not be capable of giving them.

Brennan had no issue letting the others do the talking, not because it was an instruction from a superior but more due to the fact that he struggled with such social tendencies and both Samka and [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] had played witness to this. Far more reserved when he had first arrived, his isolated demeanor had only been encouraged through the dark wealth of hatred that he held towards the enemy that had grown increasingly frustrating within his time of torment and recovery. The recent effects of war, though he were open to finding a more sensitive place within himself, had done anything but help him recover his former individuality. In failing to give his life for the First Order in the intent of taking out the enemy at the same time, he had returned shamed by the recent battle of Bespin and no longer felt it necessary to pursue any social behaviors for the weaknesses that they coincided with. Where the others carried themselves with the prospective diplomacy towards this subservient race, Caehl Ren carried himself like any weapon, ready to bleed this village at the mere word if it would bring them their objective.

[member="Ara Ren"] | [member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Kaalia nodded when [member="Samka Derith"] said it was a good idea if either of the two did the talking. "Hopefully they'll be cooperative," she answered as the village came closer and closer. The other woman immediately approached a squib that stood outside the village and asked him about the ship they were looking for. In the meantime the young Knight looked around the place for any signs of what they had come here for, but at first glance there was nothing of interest to see. While letting Samka do the questioning of the particular squib on her own and after a quick glance to [member="Caehl Ren"] she continued on, looking for others to question. Memorizing the way the Master of Ren spoke to them she decided to employ a somewhat similar speech technique.

She stopped at a passing squib and smiled politely, his first reaction a quick stare at her scarred visage. Afterwards he smiled back and Kaalia decided to not comment on it. "Good day," she said, "I am looking for a ship that I was told was near this village. Lots of dark colors, perhaps a bit of an intimidating sight." Her tone was very friendly, but she was careful enough to not make it too sickeningly sweet. "Do you perhaps know anything about such a ship?"

 

[Bryce Bantam]

[member="Samka Derith"] / [member="Caehl Ren"] / [member="Caehl Ren"] / [member="Ara Ren"]

Spoiler

sorry for the delay, as were were writing...

"Ahhh yous all the ones awesome red haired fix it guy was talkin bout. Sure we sees that ship, we left in our cares for ya."

The squib would take the three big fierce imperial peeps to old barn overgrown with vines and flowering plants. Once inside they would find their ship in near pristine condition. All command codes were unread, all systems checking out as normal. As they entered an old R2 unit that was seemingly still in hibernation mode would come to life. After a quick scan it would beep with understanding and point its hollow projector to an open space in front of the trio. A blueish hologram would come into view, pictured would be a man about a meter tall wearing a old style mandolorian helm and simlpe black robes.

"Greetings those of the Order. " The hologram said through a voice synthesizer similar to those used by the Ren. "It gladdens my heart to see that you have come in search of one of your own. Reports of how you throw away soldiers as disposal losses seems to be mistaken. Or have you come just for the ship? Guess we will have to see. If you seek the Ren who I saved from Bespin I'm afraid she is not here. Neither am I for that matter. If you wish to find her I have left this message for you and gifts inside the shuttle. Enjoy them both and if you understand my clues I we will speak more..."

With that the holo image faded and the ramp to the shuttle opened. The R2 unit would wheel inside and go back into hibernation but not before turning off a status field that held the gift the hologram had spoken of. Dishes of Moli fruit, Fatu, Fen-hare and Manu meat were sitting in servings vessels hot and ready for consumption. As well as many Biituian wines of various vintages. A great feast lay in waiting for them, the questions was why?...

OOC: Food is just food, well made, flavorful and no funny business. Ship has been scrubbed clean down to the atomic level as has the droid, only organic material on either is that they picked up from Skor II. Only clues are what was noted above, no more no less. Ship is yours, no one will fight you taking it back. Where to next?

 

[Samka Derith]

"Oh how wonderful, we're expected!" Samka beamed pleasantly at the Squib and set a brisk pace walking alongside the alien, her face never gave anything away but inside the heads of both [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] and [member="Caehl Ren"] her voice echoed bringing a cold dark chill with it, "If it's a trap, try and spare a few for interrogation."

But the trap never came.

Instead the barn was empty aside from the shuttle and a R2 unit. Sam remained quiet until the end of the message.

"The Ren who I saved from Bespin," she repeated in a hushed whisper. "So it is confirmed. The girl does live and is in the possession of this fine, upstanding gentleman who'd rather play riddles than allow her to return home. How interesting." Already, there was a desire to gut the masked figure but nothing more needed to be said, instead she turned her attention back to the Squib who had guided them there, the alien apparently tinkering with something outside.

Taking a Moli fruit, the young Ren skipped back to the figure and offered the fruit to him with a kindly smile. "Here, thank you for being so helpful. You deserve the first bite." They had to make certain the food was safe after all.

With the Squib gleefully chewing down the fruit with no sign of discomfort and the Force not reading any danger, it seemed safe enough. Samka returned to the others.

"Well?" She asked Brennan. Already a few ideas had crossed her mind but she wanted to see what the Disciple could come up with.

 

[WolfMortum]

When [member="Samka Derith"] directed her expectations back to Brennan, the Disciple turned to look at the Squib considering whether or not to do away with the creature in further search for the acquisition of information. These Squib were pathetic creatures and reminded him of the former bout upon Skor II of which he wished now that he had killed the Jedi he had come across back then. Much to his disappointment diplomacy was the path they had taken to seek audience with the furball king, not that it had done them any good. Here and now within the parked vessel, Brennan imagined he could deal to the creature a great deal of pain before it broke and offered up whatever information it had left, if that was anything at all. His superior however preferred to toy with her food and Brennan knew her expectations upon him required a little more tact than mindless violence and so turning towards the selection of foods and wines, he stepped slowly along the side of the table laid out for them, eyeing it all closely before turning back to his peers.

"The wines are all of the same make and brand" he reached for one of the bottles and returned it to Samka, offering it to her as if to give evidence to his words. It had taken his ocular implant only a moment to scan them all and relay the oddity out to him, though it wasn't a particularly difficult piece to spot considering one only needed to read the labels plast across their front. "Biituian distilleries" he added in conclusion before turning his attention back to the Squib, "I could however try my hand at communicating with this creature. Perhaps I could convince it of being more...Generous with the knowledge that it might hold, with your approval, of course".

[member="Ara Ren"] had survived. She had been pierced by his blade and 'saved' by one of the Galactic Alliances people, the insult was beyond a doubt the most shameful display of failure he had suffered in the entirety of his time within the First Order and now looking upon the Squib, his eyes burned from behind his Helm, to be relieved of his frustrations if not for only a moment while this creature might feel the full extent of his rage for what idiocy he had victimized himself by. Somewhere behind him [member="Kaalia Voldaren"] was standing there in watch, he could feel her presence breathing down the back of his neck, the woman who had ridiculed and expressed her great distaste for him but casting pain across his already tormented body during a time that he could not have defended himself, he imagined that her laughter would be echoing within for quite some time; alas he had done well to earn such contempt. Someone would die on this forsaken mission before they would return to the Bastion and they would die slowly by his hand.

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Kaalia Pavanos]

Inside the barn Kaalia raised an eyebrow as the pristine condition of the ship. It was highly unusual, yet it was how the current state of the situation. The R2 inside of the ship came to life and a hologram came to life. The words he spoke quickened her heartbeat for a moment, knowing exactly who the man with the Mandalorian helm was talking about. It was the last bit of confirmation the woman needed, and when the image faded she sported a broad smile she simply couldn't hide. From the bottom of her heart she already knew it, but this was what made it abundantly clear: [member="Ara Ren"] was alive. It didn't matter who saved her, or how they would get her back home. She was alive, and it was because of that man.

When [member="Samka Derith"] spoke about the man in a less than positive way, Kaalia remained silent. Of course she would have preferred to have gotten her back right here and right now, but that was simply how things were. As instructions were given to [member="Caehl Ren"] the redhead walked up to the dishes of food and took a moli fruit herself, taking a bite. It was safe, as shown by the squib who had consumed one of the fruits himself, and a small refreshment was definitely welcome. After the Disciple finished his analysis of the wines Kaalia took out a datapad, typing in the name of the company. "Let me see if I can find anything about the distilleries in the meantime."

As expected, the search led to the planet of Biitu. "If anything, I would suggest paying the planet of origin a visit. Perhaps we can find anything there."

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

 

[Samka Derith]

Samka nodded along with the assessments from the other two Ren, agreeing with the conclusions reached.

"You have my permission. Do what you will with the Squib, let's just not make a mess, shall we?" the girl gestured for @Cahel Ren to proceed. The Squib knew something, he'd referred to the figure as red haired before, something one couldn't tell from the holo.

Next she turned to their other companion, [member="Kaalia Voldaren"].

"Indeed. And wipe that grin off your face, this isn't over," she said, repressing an eyeroll.

Sam marched up to the R2 unit, a curious tilt of her head as the came to a hault before the hibernating droid. "I want it torn apart," the young Ren whispered, making no attempt to hide the menace in her voice. "I want every bit of data taken and analysed. Then we can begin."

[member="Bryce Bantam"]

Spoiler

OOC: Sorry everyone, not feeling my best at the moment but I can't leave this thread hanging! A smallish post to keep the ball rolling.