The Night Of Terror (SSC Rakghoul Outbreak)

[Matsu Ike]

Matsu looked at her padawan and was ready for anything, observing the creatures when Connor called them out and she turned her head up. Questioning a little making the emergency spot the same location as the ship if only for safety. Sometimes you didn't want to lead creatures back to the one thing to get you off the planet. For now though as she remained there the jedi master was watching the creatures intently as Sorel spoke with a small tight lipped smirk. "I'll make sure you are alright padawan, I would never put you in a situation I didn't think you could handle like this. From just the experience alone I know you have the skills needed. The others I cannot claim knowledge of their training so I do not know if they have the skills or experience to handle this."

A small raised eyebrow though gave her a few ideas of how best to work with them and the jedi master moved wrapping herself and Sorel so they were concealed from senses, sight and the force. White current was a powerful tool they had but more then that she wanted to get a good look at them finding a small perch while she motioned for her padawan to watch. Her voice muffled and disappearing from the senses and sight of the others it would look like the jedi master had went off in a small team to better look over the situation. She was afraid she might be the closest to a field medic they had on the trip which was saying something. "Observe them first, these are a different breed of rakghoul which is a feat of itself."

"Sithspawn such as them have not been created in thousands of years, so we observe and see what we can discern from their movements, from the sounds they make. If they communicate with each other and how they interact with their environment. Then we'll see how they react to the others once they move or try and do something providing help when we can in the force or as field support to get them out of there. Master Harrison is skilled but saying how dangerous these creatures were without providing some hope that their training as jedi would be able to help them through it is a dangerous thing. It can erode their confidence in their own abilities and talents so they do not preform well."

Which was quickly pointed out doesn't mean make them overconfident or think they were invincible but keep the positive attitude up so that they would be ready, able and aware of the situation and everything that could happen or be dangerous. "The others like Master Jericho and Karen Roberts can handle a lot when it comes to fighting monsters. The grandmaster is skilled as well but they are just like us still human." She stayed perched up there and observed closely the faces of the creatures looking at their teeth for one of the things then at some of the other parts like their claws and movements. "Tell me what you see when you look at them initially? Thecurrent it hiding you and your voice from them and the others. We are safe here for now."

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Elara Wahia"] [member="Zephyr Carrick"] [member="Josiah Saedrin"] [member="Máni"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Jenson Koraz"] [member="Jericho"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Her brown eyes began to grow wide as she spotted movement in the distance, creatures like she had never seen before. They were like the specters that haunted people during sleep, awful things that should only live in nightmares... and yet, here they were. Master Harrison’s words carried back on the cold wind, and the padawan slowly sank down until her knees were nestled in the snow. Valae’s hands slowly came to the ground as well, but her right hand inched ever so slightly towards her belt. She barely dared to breath, trying to stay as still as stone.

The fear was starting to pull at Valae’s mind again, but she narrowed her eyes and banished all thought for now. For now she would let herself be comforted by the echo of her beating heart, and slow breaths that seemed to hang in the cold air around her. She didn’t need to look see that [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] was by her side, she could feel his steady and strong presence. The moments were passing slowly and uncertainly, but she stayed still and silent... simply waiting for the next move...

 

[Jsc]

Karen snorted.

Harrison's orders were to freeze. So, she froze. Watching the creatures with a scowl and a raised lip. She got the idea though. Don't provoke the beasts. Don't shoot. Don't saber. And whatever you do, don't bring down an army of them on our heads. ...Yeah. Okay. She could live with that. So her huge gun stayed still and her titanium form simply, waited. Wait for what though? ...Well. Pfft. She still had no idea. Maybe... Maybe the nice monsters would just go away? Mmm,

Wishful thinking.

Karen did have some entertainment to ponder though. Jericho seemed to be playing decoy, right about now. She could sense him and his antics all the way from here. I mean... She had no idea what he was doing exactly? But perhaps killing monsters was a mission enough in it's own right. She could appreciate that. It was certain what Karen had come dressed for. Spare ammo and all.

Ah. Then there was the always exceptional Matsu. Who... From as near as Karen could tell? Had simply vanished. Poof! Gone. And not just from sight either. Even inside the Force the woman had completely disappeared. Teleported maybe? No... Blinked? Naww... Portaled? Meh... Flow-walking? Doubtful. ...Oh wait. The Warden magics. I got cha'. Right right. That thing all the Mandos were always talking about on Yavin. White Current. ...Yeah. That was probably it. This was exactly how that Warden woman had vanished too. Ugh. Great. Now there was no way to tell what ol' Matsu was up too now. Blast. Probably on another planet right now contemplating Though-Bombing this whole outpost back into the Netherworld's Nine Hells. Yep.

Karen snorted again. It really wasn't such a bad idea either. Conner should just nuke this place from orbit. Heh.

It's the only way to be sure.

___

LOA - May 18th

 

[Audren Sykes]

"Four ahead! Get down!"

Connor's voice, likely louder than it needed to be. Quite frankly, Audren was surprised the announcement hadn't brought the four creatures down on the group of Jedi. Good that it hadn't though. Rather than dive into the snow or even just jerk down to a single knee, he smoothly knelt on that one knee and brought the carbine up to his shoulder as he did. Slow was smooth, smooth was fast. Besides, fast, jerky motions would be what attracted the attention of the creatures.

The Sephi spent his time watching the rakghouls themselves. Their movements were quick and jerky themselves, seemingly attracting the attention of the others to some degree. For whatever reason the movements seemed almost avian or reptilian. It was an odd distinction from the humanoid bases that the engineered plague had built off of. It was a matter of serious contemplated to simply shoot the creatures that were delaying the group. He kept his finger off the trigger however, knowing that now wasn't the time. Being smaller than usual, his carbine also had less range. That, combined with the rakghoul's tougher-than-normal skin meant that a flurry of blaster bolts wouldn't be enough, not at this range.

However, that didn't mean he was inactive. The Master had claimed the creatures tracked by motion and sound, he hadn't said anything about the Force. So rather than ineffectively shooting the Sithspawn, he reached out via telekinesis to some of the nearby debris, one of the larger piles. Near the base of the pile there was a single piece propping others up. A focused effort caused that piece to shift and resulted in a domino effect where other pieces in the pile moved as well. The noise was there, probably as loud as Connor's warning had been but closer to the creatures, and it came with quite a sudden shift in movement to boot. Hopefully the combination of effects was enough to shift their attention. Hopefully they couldn't track via the Force.

 

[Connor Harrison]

The muted call came through from [member=Jericho] on the wrist mounted com, and he turned his arm slowly to muffle the voice, but it became clear to Connor that they had to move; one of their own was now fighting alone in the outpost.

The rakghouls weren’t charging forward, more stalking as if waiting for something and not in a rush.

Then, three of them were distracted and turned, springing up on their hind legs which made Connor’s eyes go wide – they were able to stand taller than a human and walk, rather than crawl and scurry. One of the team had used the Force to take down a section of the wrecked camp, and with one thud after the other parts of the structure toppled down into the snow which gave him the seconds needed.

Nothing would be achieved today by waiting and hiding – they were a superior number, and these Sith were on THEIR soil. They had to take it back. They were the aggressors today.

Reaching slowly to his wrist, he opened the com and raised it slowly to his lips to reach all the Jedi behind him either through their ear mounted coms, wrist or belt.

"On my signal, unleash hell. Let’s get to that outpost and take it back. May the Force be with you all.”

Four rakghouls to take down before leading an assault through the Outpost and surrounding area. This was it. No going back. Connor hooked the hilt from his brown belt, twirling it in his right hand and holding it downwards, thumb over the ignition switch. Blowing out a small breath, and praying the others would fare well against these, he focused and activated his blue lightsaber with a sharp snap-hiss which would be the signal needed.

He pushed up and ran towards the nearest rakghoul as it snapped it’s ugly head towards the movement and noise, but soon lost its head with the surprise and blinding attack of the blue energy blade cutting it from the gangly body.

The battle to take back the Outpost, help Jericho and eradicate the Sith beasts was on. And oh how he hoped to find [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] stuck away somewhere to show her what “fear” really was.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member=Jericho] | [member="Elara Wahia"] | [member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member=Máni]

 

[Jericho]

"Ah, my young Jedi, isn't it a wee bit past your bed time."

Two swordsmen walked forward with ropes, Jericho immediately lunged a right hook to the man on the left, Once he made contact with the mans face his saber swung down and struck the soldiers diaphragm crippling him downward. Jericho then made a roundhouse kick to the side hitting the other soldier square in the face and causing him to parry backwards, as his chest was open, Jericho began to rapidly pound his fists into the Mans chest until finally without any breath the man fell backwards.

By the time Jericho had time to completely pacify these two soldiers, more had come in their place. Kneeing one man in the stomach while using his saber in a clockwise motion he is able to back himself into a tree while taking out another 3 men, whom are now bleeding on the ground. His Jericho however did him no good when a rope was suddenly dropped from a tree and tied around Jericho, it happened so fast that Jericho, himself wasn't sure what was going on.
"Any final words, boy?" Asked the bounty hunter leader.

Jericho's next move should have cost him his life. He spat in the leader's face. Not on the cheek or forehead, but right in the mans mouth.

A memory came to him as he cut down monster to monster. Since his youth, Jericho always found himself the aggressor when he was in battle, but always remained tactically ready and of sound mind when he did, of course he had a great many moments where he put his own life in jeopardy. This was had was one of his more reckless. his choices rash, and the results deadly. But this time it appeared that Jericho seemed like he had done the impossible, in the matter of speaking for himself, he had literally gotten into a situation that he may not be able to get out of. With his sabers up to keep the beast around him at bay for the moment; he had to think of what his next move now. He could not unleash the entirety of what he could do. Though infested with numerous monsters, this was their territory, too much time and hardwork was put into this outpost and there was the chance he could hurt the others that were here.

It also seemed hide of the monsters were too strong for ice but not for his saber that radiated heat. It did not take him long to realize that flames would do damage to these things, but again, his flames even when controlled could set the entire place on fire. No he would have to keep them at bay for now with limiting himself. With a breath the warrior disengaged both of his sabers and clipped it back to his belt, another one lunged at with a snarl thinking it found some sort of opening. The grabbed the entirety of it's face with his large cybernetic hand and slammed it into the ground hard enough bits of earth, snow, and the remains of its flatten brain went flying. Though going with great speed, through Jericho's eyes every thing seemed to slow as he calculated his next several moves; summoned his double bladed saber into the air.

Another lunged forward into Jericho; in response he quickly drops to the ground to avoid the hit, this causes the beast to trip over Jericho and fall to the ground, Jericho then rolls over and slams his arm right through one behind him while the other remained tripped up, using his leg to push off the corpse from his arm. Another one lunges wildly at him with a mighty roar, enhancing his already ridiculous strength grabbing its arm in doing so crushed it one to lift it and throw into several others to disorient them. After doing so the warrior slammed his foot into the ribs of the tripped over beast and it lets out a cringing scream, allowing it to attract others to lighten the load on the others, as it attempts to retaliate, Jericho lifts his leg and smashes its head with his foot.

As the blade fell from air into his hand, the color of orange pierced through the heavy fog and glistening snow. The warrior unleash and loud force bellow and war cry so all would hear.

"COME!" ​

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[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Connor Harrison"] | [member="Elara Wahia"] | [member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | @Máni

 

[Joza Perl]

Joza heeded Connor’s words, looking at him almost as a fresh faced Padawan would a Master. Even though she didn’t know much about these creatures, the Zeltron would take his words to heart, wondering if she had enough control to remain still if surrounded by those beasts. Beasts who could essentially fell her with one swipe. Sustaining damage in battle was nothing new to her with her up-close fighting style, so she would have to be extra careful this time. Trusting her fellow Jedi, she realized with shame, would probably be more difficult for her to accomplish than she had imagined.

Seemingly carried on the wind, Joza felt a distinct presence waft towards her—not that she wasn’t among familiars here, but the Zeltron shared a deeper bond with Jericho ever since meeting him on her home planet as a child. The warrior had always been somewhat of a role model to her, at least in the way of combat. She couldn’t tell much about him from their few meetings other than that he was a true warrior at heart—something she attempted to emulate. It’s been a while… She hadn’t seen him since her Padawan days.

As if on instinct rather than order, she froze when the small group of rakghouls came tearing from the underbrush. Though somewhat humanoid in appearance, they lurched rapidly in a manner that spoke of their predatory nature. Creepy. Thankfully, it seemed that one of Jedi among them was clever enough to reach out in the Force and cause a distraction.

It all happen rapidly, as these sorts of situations usually played out—the toppling of the debris, then Connor’s order to charge. Hearing the Master ignite his saber was all she needed to grasp one of her own hilts and pull it free from her waist. Gathering the Force to her, a sharp exhale pushed its way from her throat as she surged forward. She had just as much fear going into this as she did on Kaas, but it was not the predominant feeling this time around. Focus.

The sound of her boots crunching rapidly against the snow did not go unnoticed by her target, the creature jerking one claw-like appendage towards her in a wide arc. Dropping to the ground to avoid the swipe, Joza rolled into what she assumed the beast’s guard would be. As low to the ground as she was, the rakghoul had to bend down to get to her—and so it did, with both of arms grasping for the Zeltron. A spike of fear drove through her hear in that moment, though she’d already moved into position. With a quick jerk, she’d thrust the blue blade up and into its underbelly—not stopping until she’d dragged the saber along the length of its midsection.

Quickly hopping away as the beast collapsed over where she would have been standing, Joza trembled slightly as Jericho’s amplified call reached her ears through the snowy atmosphere. As lauded as the man was for his prowess in combat, she couldn’t help the pang of concern that hit her.

[member="Jericho"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Karen Roberts"] [member="Matsu Ike"] [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

When Valae heard Master Harrison’s call to action, her heart leapt into her throat, and for a moment she almost thought she would choke then and there. The air felt charged with static, and the tension was truly palpable... as if she could feel her fellow Jedi preparing for their attack. A trembling hand slowly reached for her saber hilt, and her fingers closed around it until her knuckles were white. Her dark eyes spotted sabers bursting to life in up ahead, and the dark figures of the rakghouls noticed too. She stood watching for a moment, and she thought she saw a saber cutting the shadowy creature’s head clean off. Valae’s stomach lurched.

There was no time to feel ill; there was barely time enough to form a thought. Instantly there was movement all around her, and the sound of feet hitting the snowy ground as their group advanced. Valae made sure to stay with the group, and it wasn’t long before the rakghouls were upon them, she could hear the hissing of sabers and moved to ignite her own, but movement made her hesitate. Slowly Valae’s gaze shifted to the side, and for the briefest moment it was as though the darkness was swirling in the trees. If only it had been so benign. She felt fear bubbling up in the pit of her stomach as a rakghoul moved out of the shelter of the forest, and a sinking feeling told her that it was likely not alone.

She stood frozen, eyes locked on the creature, afraid to look away. Her breath barely escaped in a raspy exhale, and she had to concentrate in order to keep from whimpering. How she wished she could be a lion-hearted girl and run bravely into battle, but here she was, standing petrified and fearful... her vow to be courageous was fading fast. Valae’s foot inched backwards, a movement that had come a bit more sudden and jerky than she had been anticipating. The rakghoul’s head turned in her direction, and she looked in horror was it advanced quickly. Valae’s saber ignited, almost as if the weapon had a life of its own, and knew that the one holding it needed assistance.

The padawan struck out at the rakghoul’s middle, her blade glanced off its thick hide, but the blow had knocked it back slightly. It’s not a person, it’s a monster. Valae had to repeat the words in her mind, as she was struggling with the idea of combating something that moved against her. Don’t think... In the next moment she found herself moving to meet the rakghoul, pushing swiftly off her back foot and onward towards the creature. She let instinct take hold, and used the force to guide her. A wretched looking hand barely missed the side of her face, and she brought her blade towards the creature’s throat. There was a sickening moment of silence before the blade cut through, and the rakghoul crumbled at her feet.

Valae exhaled sharply and stumbled backwards, her eyes fixed on the motionless heap in the snow. She had taken life for the first time, that is, if you could call what the rakghouls had life... but deep down she knew there was no going back now.

 

[Vakarian]

There had been no time to wait for a response or to answer the girl that had just asked if she could join the small group forming around him. He offered a swift nod to the girl in affirmation as Master [Member=Connor Harrison]'s order came through the comms that were mounted in various places among the assembled Jedi. As most combat situations go, a tense silence fell across the group of Jedi as if the calm before a storm, and a storm it was. The forest seemed to come alive at Master Harrison's words, the four rakghouls coming from the shadowed canopies, much the same as the Vinterbound had come upon the Valkyri people; with a measure of deadly silence and sinister intent. The situation itself reminded Máni of the Vinterbound and all the darkness and pain that they brought upon him and his people.

He had decided a while back, on his home planet, that he would not allow the threat of the Vinterbound to wash over him again. He would not be so powerless in stopping the dark tide that threatened Helm's Justice at every turn. He was the servant of Helm; an Acolyte of Justice. He would bring Valkyrian divine Justice to the galaxy, and that justice extended to these creatures here and now.

With a set action in mind, the Valkyr warrior began to step forward his stance that of defiance and innate strength. He would not allow these creatures to spread through SSC space, through one of the last few places that he could call home. He would die before he allowed such a crime to occur, and to die in defense of one's beliefs was the one of the noblest ways to die, second only to dying in honorable combat - the sure way to reach Béornskald, the Valkyrian equivalent of heaven.

It seemed that he was not yet required to enact Helm's Justice because one of the other Jedi had used their gifts, given by their respective gods, to draw the creatures attentions elsewhere. He could appreciate the ingenuity of the Jedi responsible and would certainly find out which it was that had done so; perhaps he could be taught to do the same trick that the other Jedi had used to cause the distraction. A soft smile played on his features as he continued to follow the larger group of Jedi, walking parallel to the main group, but on the western flank; closest to [member="Valae Kitra"]. It was in these moments, that Master Harrison gave his command and the Jedi erupted into action, the snap-hiss of sabers igniting echoing all around him, creating a kaleidoscope of multi-colored light that lit the darkness.

Máni looked at himself compared to the others around him and realized the folly of not wielding one of those so called lightsabers himself. He did not trust the weapons of the outsiders, but he could certainly acknowledge their usefulness as he watched the Jedi weapons of choice slice through the creatures with relative ease. Even still, he was not yet ready to trust the outsider weapons, it did not matter either way though; he was Valkyr, a warrior people born and bred for combat and all that that implied. He would not shirk from a fight because he was weapon-less, rather he would use his environment to his advantage.

His icy gaze searched the poorly lit darkness until he found a sizable tree that sported a rather club-like branch. He confidently strode over to it, keeping his senses open to the combat around him and with a mighty grip and even mightier cry of effort, snapped the branch in two; effectively giving himself a weapon to use against the creatures that threatened his existence.

None too soon it seemed. His hairs on his neck stood on end and he turned with deliberate slowness for his gaze to meet three rakghouls closing in on his position, likely attracted by the snap of the branch and his cry of effort. He mentally cursed himself but remained calm in the face of his enemies. He would not give into fear, his parents did not fear the Vinterbound when they threatened their way of life, and neither would he fear these creatures.

His icy gaze hardened into glaciers and he hefted his makeshift tree-branch weapon and shifted into a defensive preparatory stance, carefully watching the movements of the creatures closing in on him for any sign that they recognized he was there.

 

[Matsu Ike]

The sounds were all below them as the jedi master kept the cover of the current there for herself and her padawans. Focused more on observing the rakghouls as they were going over some of the jedi with more fighting breaking out. The creatures were far stranger but the jedi master moved her hands, going towards one of them while she used the force on her gloved hands gripping the wall when she was climbing down. The others were fighting against the creatures while she observed them leaving room for Sorel to follow behind carefully but also be there and observe them before the jedi master was holding herself up and watching the creatures come around before she reached out.

Remaining in the cover before she pressed her body closer to the outposts wall as some of the others were using things then lept off kicking one in the side of the head. The creature seemed to be looking for her while she remained concealed watching him and walking in the snow lightly to circle around behind it focusing the force into her handgrabbing him. The things was less slimy then some of the other rakghouls she had seen throwing it down to the ground while twisting and pulling with the cuffs they had gotten from rave for the ranger's to hold sith lords. They could hold here while placing them and using the off button hypospray to fire a crystal snake dart. Then she injected and pulled at it to get a sample while the tube glowed.

"Shhh shh shh it is alright." The snakes venom was made to knock out for hours larger creatures like hydra sithspawn on the planet while her fingers danced over some of the things. Crouching down to watch the others while they were fighting with some of her movements stopped when she went back into being concealed. Her padawan was skilled and able to work on some of the things before she moved off to the side setting another cord with the grappler to a stake with the cuffs attached to it. "Sorel be careful." She didn't expect her to just sit back and watch but wanted to make sure things were done while bringing out the sample and putting it into the datapad as they were hooking into the synthesizer.

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Elara Wahia"] [member="Zephyr Carrick"] [member="Josiah Saedrin"] [member="Máni"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Syala Daivik"] [member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Jenson Koraz"] [member="Jericho"]

 

[Audren Sykes]

The rakghoul turned and stood in response to Audren's actions. Much to his relief though, they didn't turn towards the group of Jedi, but rather towards the falling debris. They didn't track the Force then, which would be a chance for the Jedi here. Hopefully nothing else conspired against them to rob them of that chance.

"On my signal, unleash hell. Let’s get to that outpost and take it back. May the Force be with you all."

The voice of Connor came through the Sephi's earpiece, through the comm waves. There was another Jedi fighting further into the camp, one that hadn't come with the group. That, and other reasons were likely the cause for haste. The signal though, that was plain enough. A blue lightsaber blade lit up with a sharp snap-hiss characteristic of the weapon, and Harrison was hurtling for the creatures. The first lost its head in a split second, barely enough time to snarl in surprise.

And then the rest of them were moving. A Zeltron girl that he'd never gotten the name of attacked head on, ducking a strike and bisecting her attacker vertically. A younger male that reminded him of those he'd seen on Valkyr moved to a tree and broke himself off a wooden club, an inferior weapon even to the swords used there. A girl he'd met some time ago, Valae, also moved. She seemed to do so hesitantly however; even her first strike bounced off the hide. Once it swiped at her though, she dodged and retaliated by removing its head. The girl seemed shocked that she'd done so and stumbled back even while staring at the crumpled body on the ground.

The motion attracted the attention of another of the creatures. Audren, who had moved with the group and stayed about equidistant from most of them, stepped in at that point. His blaster barked as he moved towards the girl, a three-shot burst that impacted the creature in the torso and stopped its charge cold. A single shot wouldn't do much, but three could affect it, even against the hardened skin. Another three-shot burst sounded, each shot hitting the head. That one exploded like an over-ripe muja fruit, but the remnants didn't fly towards any of the Jedi. Physics could be useful sometimes.

"Don't let your attention waver, Valae. It is too dangerous for that here."

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

Valae had let herself become so distracted by dead rakghoul that she didn’t even see the next one advancing on her. Her eyes snapped up just in time to see it, but there was little she could do besides stumble backwards. The padawan’s lips separated slightly, enough to let another breath escape, and she jumped as the area in front of her was lit up by three blaster bolts. The creature paused, stunned momentarily by the impact, and then three more shots fired from behind. Valae wanted desperately to close her eyes and guard them from the gruesome sight to come, but it was too late. The rakghoul’s head seemed to spill outwards, and it moved no more.

It was quite a grim way to be initiated into the fold of the battle.

She turned as a voice called out to her, the calm and slightly stern tone was immediately familiar. Valae had met the tall Sephi during her first days on Voss, a time that seemed ages ago now, but this was not the time to catch up. She took a deep breath and nodded to [member="Audren Sykes"], her expression hardening a bit as her resolve returned. A new strength was beginning to build within her; she could feel it starting to course through her veins now. It wasn’t that the fear had gone away, she was still very afraid... but the anxiety was being tempered now, the initial shock was beginning to wear away.

Valae had thought she’d seen a flash of pink out of the corner of her eyes earlier, and she wondered if [member="Joza Perl"] had joined them. But now her attention shifted to the strong and sturdy form of Máni, there was something about him that vaguely reminded her of [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]. His focus was upon a group of rakghous moving in on his position, but it didn’t seem that they had noticed him just yet. The young man looked ready for a fight... but was that a tree branch in his hands? The makeshift wooden weapon would surely break to pieces before any of the rakghouls did.

Slowly she began to make her way closer to [member="Máni"], being careful not to make any sudden movements. Valae’s blade began to cast the area near him in an azure glow; she was just behind him now, and ready to assist.

 

[Connor Harrison]

It didn’t take long for the collective glow of green, yellow and blue sabers create a dizzying sight across the icy plain between the destroyed camp and the Ranger Outpost. The Silver collective began their assault to take back the Sanctum’s only lifeline to Voss and beyond, whilst unearthing the hidden rakghouls now emerging from the woods, attracted by the sights and sounds that befell them.

Their number proved just how many innocent beings they had infected and amassed as another army ready to directed by the cowardly [member="Eldaah Aderyn"] who still hadn’t shown her face.

Thick blood and snow kicked up across Connor’s side as he cleaved open the gut of one beast who nearly had him after bounding across the ground. They were even more wild and eager for blood than he remembered, but now they were in full blown battle mode, and they had a number of potential victims to take down.

Connor turned and ran again, seeing they were making a strong sweep forward, never breaking their wall. The lights of the Outpost could be seen, and even the blinking lights of the landing pad to the rear. Thinking fast, he killed the blue blade which was acting as a beacon to choose from, and he held it tight, and ran as fast as he could towards the trees, bounding through the thin trunks to see the might Outpost on the site of the old fort.

"Jericho!”

He called out once, hoping the Master would be outside, but it only served to attract a creeping rakghoul from the slate room, and he came down the snowy pathway straight to Connor for infecting.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] | [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] | [member="Sorel Crieff"] | [member="Syala Daivik"] | [member="Jericho"] | [member="Elara Wahia"] | [member="Matsu Ike"] | [member="Audren Sykes"] | [member="Valae Kitra"] | [member="Máni"]

 

[Elara Amadis]

There were no words spoken before the alarm was given Elara immediately moved forward using all of her senses to hone in on her surroundings Four ahead she understood. She drew back on the bow caster moving forward till she saw them, all the jedi together a sea of glowing sabers.

They were fighting off the creatures, the snarls and growls of the attack filled her ears. Take back the outpost.

She could not fire from this distance in close quarters too many would be hurt, and it meant getting closer to them.

She slung her bow back, blaster would cauterize blood much like the light sabers, but getting bitten or scratched that would mean infection. She ran, turned to look behind the group and hearing more growling she yanked the bowcaster free, loaded it stopped for an instant and sent it to the heart of where she heard the sounds. A minor explosion followed by the wail of pain. Silence but only for a few moments,

"They coming up the rear following us" Where were they coming from? they needed to know. Elara began moving backwards refocusing her hearing, and her eyesight.

[member="Thurion Heavenshield"] [member="Mysa Snowstrider"] [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Sorel Crieff"] [member="Audren Sykes"] [member="Jericho"] [member="Matsu Ike"] @mani [member="Valae Kitra"]

 

[Vakarian]

"Eár guide my hand." he whispered in a soft prayer for the struggle that was coming. He was no fool to believe that he would come out of this battle unscathed. To believe something so foolish as that is to doom yourself, likewise to come to a battle unprepared was equally as foolish. It seemed that he was a fool. Yet, his eyes betrayed no hint of thought of emotion save for an open contempt and disgust for the creatures across from him, ones who so plainly reminded him of the Vinterbound from his own world. Memories that would forever follow him and torment him until so time as that he brought justice to his parents killers; for now these creatures would do.

The Valkyr became aware of the gentle thrum of a saber as it drew closer to him, bathing the area around him in an azure light. He had seen how the blade of the saber cut through the creatures near effortlessly, and noted for the second time the usefulness of such a weapon. Even still, his mistrust of outside technology was an obstacle that he knew he would have to overcome someday. Until then, he would continue about the traditional way and stick to his own natural instincts and skills for survival. He strengthened his grip on the tree branch and heard a faint crack as the pressure increased on the wood. The weapon would never hold against these creatures, especially when a lightsaber met resistance cutting through them.

"See if you can light the tree on fire with your fire-sword. We need more light than the fire-swords give off." he commanded softly to [Member=Valae Kitra] who had come up behind him. He did not know her name, but he was hopeful that she would do as he had asked, permitting that the saber could start a fire in the first place. Hypothesis reasoned that the discharge from the saber piercing the tree would cause enough friction to ignite the wood and with the wind blowing as it was, there was no shortage of oxygen to fuel the flames. There was, however, a risk in that if the tree did catch fire, it could engulf the entire forest itself. There were experienced Jedi here though, he was certain they could solve that issue if it ever came about.

Icy orbs of determination hardened into that of action as his intended course had been decided. He rushed forward with an unnatural swiftness that would not be expected from a member of the Valkyri, and with a heavy swing of his makeshift club, attempted to crush the abdomen of the creature. It stood to reason, as with most other species, that the abdomen and lower were more susceptible to harm and these creatures had been people once; hopefully they shared that same weakness. As his club came around and hit the creature, it shattered into an explosion of wooden splinters and chunks. A sound that attracted the attention of the other two rakghouls a few feet away from him and then one he had just hit. Warning bells went off and every nerve in his being went alert as time seemed to slow and the rakghouls began their hunt. He had a vague belief that the creatures would not fall prey to a piece of wood, but it had served its purpose of attracting the attention of the three and hopefully giving his companion enough time to attempt what he had requested.

He slowly backed away from the creatures as they crouched into predator-like positions and prepared for their hunt. The creatures knew where he was now, even if they hadn't before. His icy gaze turned towards his companion briefly before falling back on the creatures again. So far, the creatures hadn't made any moves to attack him which he believed to be odd, but it could be that they were waiting to attack together; a fact to which Máni winced internally. There was no way that he was coming out of this unscathed. His fists clenched tightly and his shoulders rolled as he took another defensive posture and prepared for what was to come next.

[Member=Audren Sykes] [Member=Elara Wahia]

 

[Sorel Crieff]

Sorel smiled at her Master. She was an independent force but knew when she needed to operate as part of a group — and now was one such time. And the guidance of Masters like Matsu and Connor were reassuring.

She listened and learned about sithspawn. She’d encountered a couple in her time but nothing like this. But she had faced the zombie horde and lived, so had other reference points to help her in the coming battle.

So she observed them, as her Master asked, and she described them as best she could — their appearance, their characteristics, their preferences — when the call came to act, not watch.

Spoiler

Catching up

[member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Matsu Ike"]

 

[Jsc]

When the fighting started, Karen motioned for the shuttle to lift off.

"Go. Go. Two minutes south and hold position, pilot. We'll call you when we need pick up."

Rakghouls don't fly after all. So, best to keep the back door open. She smiled as the large vehicle took it's leave. Then turned about to notice the melee was already well underway. Connor appeared set on passing through the trees and closer to the Outpost. Well enough. She would trot to keep up.

The chrome champion moved to [member="Elara Wahia"] 's proximity. Noting her cry to the rear,

"Good eyes lass!"

Karen leveled her BFG and unleashed the miasma. A high-rpm stream of machine gun fire leapt outwards from her dark persona and came barreling down into the ranks of the ghoulish horde. Smashing, biting, breaking into the enemy mob. Green and white blasts of exotic fireworks took to the air with every impact. Causing even the mighty blind horde to stagger because of the sound. Their bodies were bolted, blasted, and boiled alive from the disruptor's foil energies. Leaving every far corpse to fall, smoke, and puddle like new rain. Green globes of glossy gross goo. ...Sizzling, just right.

Karen's arms shook with every recoil. Her heavy boots digging deeper into the black dirt. Even her massive silver form seemed to slowly shake and vibrate backwards with every sling-blasted bolt. Frap frap frap frap. The force of her cannon slowly driving her stoic form backwards. Recoiled and backwards. Back into the sand. The debris that sparkled at her feet shook with every roar and sling of her cannon. Sending out ripples and dusty waves into the dry expanse. She was a battleship and it's main gun firing. A spectacle and a lighthouse of searing green flames. The barrel of her red hot gun blazing. The smile under her helm grinning.

Nay, sizzling. Just right.

...

"Keep pushing! Stay with Connor!"

Mmm. Yum. This spectacle was just getting started.

 

[Valae Heavenshield]

“Fire-sword?” Valae mouthed the word silently; she’d never heard anyone name a saber that way before. Her dark eyes shifted towards the line of the forest, where her new companion had requested that she set a nearby tree alight. Would it work? She hadn’t the faintest idea, but she figured that it was worth a try. She crouched slightly as she sank away, moving away from Máni and to the trees. The darkness fell like a heavy sheet, and Valae lifted her saber to barely touch the end of a low hanging branch. For a moment there was a crackling sound, and then tiny sparks came to life, slowly consuming what dried leaves remained.

She’d seen Máni make a move, and she felt a sudden stab of nerves upon the sight of the three rakghouls in motion as well. This wasn’t looking good, but it could have been far worse. It appeared that the rakghouls hadn’t attacked as she thought they would, but rather stalked creepily towards her companion. His wooden club was no more, and it made her very uneasy that he was standing there unarmed now. Valae took once last glance at the branch, it was slowly being consumed by flames, giving them much needed light... but she was afraid that it would spread too far.

Valae crept back towards [member="Máni"], her eyes wide and alert, her muscles tense and ready to spring to action at any moment. A hand slid to her hip and pulled her blaster from its holster, she gently tapped Máni’s arm with the side of the weapon. She didn’t want to speak, so she let her eyes plead with him to take it. She was feeling far more confident than before, but she knew for certain that she wouldn’t be able to handle three rakghouls. There were others nearby; surely they would come to their aid if needed.

 

[Lief]

Mysa prayed that her beloved Gods would be present on this battlefield as they had been for Thainbroek. Not in the same physical sense of the Vhaanir, but at least spiritually. Perhaps it was all in her head, but she did feel a strengthening from the breeze around them as though Odiir was answering her pleas.

Master Harrison gave his orders, and it didn't take long for him to leap into action. Around her a whole myriad of lightsabers ignited as her fellow Jedi followed suit and began to descend upon the monsters which plagued this land.

It only took her a second longer than most to thumb the ignition, her brilliant purple blade coming to life. She barely used her lightsaber, though she had been trained throughout the years to handle both it and the Valkyri blade. Breathing in through her nose she realized that she had to let it all naturally return to her. She could only hope that didn't mean losing a limb.

Where the Rakghoul stood, Mysa saw only the putrid Vinterbound of her homeland. It took all of her willpower to avoid letting her emotions get the better of her - she was Jedi, not Sith. She had to control these dangerous impulses.

Around her the beasts began to fall, not yet met with her blade, but she knew that more would await them as they neared the center. Trepidation rose within her, she had been on many battlefields but always more of a supporting role... Tending to children and families, keeping them safe. Even during the Battle of Thainbroek she and Théo had been spared the worst of the fighting, even if they had faced their own demons and a myriad of Vinterbound.

She was scared, but that was okay. Her Papa had told her that you couldn't be brave without also being afraid. And boy did she need to be brave to face what was waiting for them.

[member="Valae Kitra"] [member="Karen Roberts"] [member="Sorel Crieff"] @Máni @Elara Wahia [member="Connor Harrison"] [member="Thurion Heavenshield"]

 

[Matsu Ike]

[member="Sorel Crieff"]

More of the creatures were coming as the jedi master moved, remaining there as she stomped her foot to upset the one while it was running and slammed into the ice. Her hand coming over to it while she paid attention withdrawing the injector to start extracting while she worked with the sample sending it back with a small drone to work in the ship with the medical kit they had. The diluted mess that was rakghouls were hard to cur because of how much got mixed in but they had some of the pure samples here from them which could make it easier when back in a lab while she finished dealing with the creature there. She was looking towards Sorel with a small nod of her head as she motioned for her padawan to join her before she pushed the body away from the two of them letting them move over everything they had. "Careful Sorel, help where you can while we are movign forward. Press but do not rush and lose the cloaking I have over us."