The Ren: Expedition to Lothal - The Crystal Quest

[Isla Ashen]

Isla continued through the tunnel, listening to the soft sound her boots made against the floor of the caves. Her eyes narrowed slightly in the dim light, her head turning back and forth slowly – she might have been listening for signs of danger. But in reality, she was quieting her thoughts and merely feeling the presence of the crystals. It was almost like hearing a collective of voices surrounding her, yet there was no distinct one alone that called to her. She had a feeling that she would end up stumbling upon a crystal, before any made its presence known to her.

With a bit of a shrug, she pressed on, her steps keeping her relatively close to Samka.

Her gaze followed her fellow Knight’s lavender-hued hair, and she came to a halt when the young woman exclaimed. Isla’s eyebrows arched thoughtfully. Such a discovery would make their trip to Lothal worthwhile, especially if they could locate more with the same kind of ease. The redhead stood back as Samka began her work to excavate the crystal from the rocky surface, and she watched with arms crossed. The corners of her lips turned upwards just slightly, seeing the crystal now held in Samka’s hands. She gave her own empty pockets a pat, as if to assure them that they would have a crystal or two before the day was over.

Isla was about to keep walking, when a familiar sensation gave her pause. She turned slowly, gaze catching Samka approaching Kyrel Ren. She kept silent as the suited disciple gave his answer, and she watched his helmet bow forward as he nodded. However, before he got very far, it seemed that trouble had fallen right into their laps. The Knight kept her place near the rock wall of the cavern, her eyes on the man that had just fallen from above. The newcomer was now standing before [member="Samka Derith"] and [member="Kyrel Ren"], and she heard him speak a simple greeting.

Her gloved hand inched closer to her belt. Had this man been watching them, or had he simply taken a tumble? Isla stepped forward, stopping once she was near the others. This man was outnumbered; a wrong move would be very unfortunate for him.

“Who are you?” She asked, looking at [member="D'vok Windroamer"].

[member="Jamie Pyne"], [member="Castor Ren"], [member="Siriwook"], [member="Aerion Ivelisse"], [member="Tanomas Graf"], [member="Darth Veles"], [member="Brennan Cabrol"], [member="Zark"], [member="Perth Levov"]

 

[D'vok Windroamer]

D'vok gave a tired look at [member="Isla Ashen"]. It took him a second to analyze the situation. D'vok noticed the woman slowly reaching for something on her belt. 'Great, sith. If jedi weren't pretentious enough, here were their stuck up brothers.' D'vok thought. D'vok, in an instant, had concocted a plan.
"Me? You wanna know who I am? Who're you guys? I thought I was the only one here!"
D'vok had always had a silver tongue, and he hoped it wouldn't fail. At the same time, phase one of the plan was underway. D'vok never liked using the force, he was rather clumsy with it. He had only been successful a few times. He needed it now more than ever, if he was to survive this.

 

[WolfMortum]

Had Brennan actually heard someone refer to them as Sith, he might have forgotten his priorities. Fortunately for any around him still wishing to maintain their cover-story, no such words had been spoken. Truthfully he hated the Sith more than he detested the Jedi Order, the latter more of a personal grievance in its long list of failings as opposed to the Sith Empire that had enslaved and tortured him for years...

His back remained pressed firmly against the stone wall, darkness surrounding most of him and where he could be seen, he did not dare move least he wish to provoke anyone else into noticing him, so far his presence had been mostly forgettable, even to their own people, he had uttered barely a word to anyone and such had given them no reason to prioritize him over any other. Before him, centered in the group of them stood @D'vok Windroamer, as curious as others went though the majority of the threat that Brennan could sense edging upon the corner of his mind came from just a little further ahead of them where [member="Castor Ren"] stood, approached by [member="Aerion Ivelisse"], the force silent as Brennan had quietened his own presence yet not left himself without the wit to identify those within their proximity. [member="Isla Ashen"] was a Knight of Ren, as was Samka Derith; if required Brennan could back them up though he would not make any attempt to fuel a fight without their involvement first; [member="Kriel Firin"] had instructed him to take a part in this mission to ensure their safe return, anything less would be a failure.

...And yet he'd gone and left his lightsaber behind on the ship at a fellow disciples suggestion. In his defense, the one giving the suggestion was far more experienced and knowledgeable in such things than Brennan himself was. Still...

His blade remained hidden, facing the cave roof and pressed against the back of his right arm, wrist angled as he held the weapon still concealed to his side. Between them all, his eyes darted from one to the other, his breathing slowed and as silent as can be in order to hear any hint of a false move. Armed not without a weapon of the Jedi, he would need to rely on stealth and agility to keep him in this little game of Cathar and wamprat.

All he needed was a given order, a simple nod or otherwise, the sight and instinct to step forward with a bloodied intent. Morality wouldn't come into play here, it was a closed environment and his peers were on the edge of a potential fight, adrenaline was high and all Brennan was focused on in the moment, was the mission. Both his and the First Order's.

Spoiler

The First Order: [member="Castor Ren"] [member="Isla Ashen"] [member="Darth Veles"] [member="Samka Derith"] [member="Kyrel Ren"] [member="Perth Levov"]

Galactic Alliance: [member="Taeli Raaf"] [member="Thyra Sunborne"] [member="Jamie Pyne"] [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] [member="D'vok Windroamer"] [member="Aela Talith"] [member="Tanomas Graf"]

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Lothal, Mountain Range, Interior Cavern​

Status: Accosted​

--- --- ---​

​

Castor's eyes narrowed, raising an eyebrow as a figure seemed to materialize from the shadows. He'd felt the presence but he'd been quite focused on the crystal he'd removed, perhaps too focused. The woman's words almost seemed to echo in the small cavern, her face illuminated by the light of the glow rod in the center of the chamber. Strangely cordial, he noted. As he tilted his head to the side and grinned, he wondered if his concealment had worked afterall, though he wouldn't rely on such an assumption. Unsure of how long the woman had been secretly watching as he worked, Castor was forced to make a split second decision. The tendrils of doubt began to once more creep at the edges of his consciousness, perhaps it had been foolish instructing the others to leave what they could not conceal, perhaps it was pretentious to bring a saber for himself... Now was not the time for such doubt. Responding quickly to the woman, his voice carried an almost joking meter as he spoke.

"Well you know what they say, possession is nine tenths of the law..."​

​

He shrugged his shoulders, fingers gently playing along the grip of the blaster. He slightly shifted his stance, angling himself for a quick draw if required. She appeared young, couldn't have been over twenty if his skills of guestimation were anything to go by. Age however was a bad ruler to measure by, even Castor knew this through his experience with the young Knight of Ren. So far the woman hadn't hinted at any hostile intent but he was determined not to be caught off guard. Carefully he focused his mind as the woman stood there, once more bolstering the barrier that had been concealing his dark Force signature. Perhaps they could yet get out of this situation using guile and wit... but he knew it would likely come to blows.

"...So what business does a girl have this deep in the caves? One is liable to lose their way if they aren't careful."​

​

​

Spoiler

Ren​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And our Resident Sith [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Other​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | @D'vok Windroamer​

​

​

 

[Jamie Pyne]

"Mmm. True" She noted. A nod of her head caused the curled blonde locks of hair to bounce forward and back. "But then there's that pesky little ten percent."

Jamie took a couple of steps forward, still a ways away from Castor and his excavated rock, but close enough to get a better look at his features, and he hers. A warm smile took place on her face as she shifted her eyes from him to the crystal as it resonated on the soft sediment of the cavern floor. "A girl?" Blue irises danced their way back to the man's glare. "A girl likes to explore. A girl happens to enjoy nature. A girl doesn't lose her way easily. A girl has a name. Jamie."

The blonde took another two steps towards Castor, now standing in a warm glow of light where she was anything but obscured. The small flower she'd picked prior to entering the cave took on a brilliant appearance tucked within her hair, just above the ear. She raised up on the tips of her feet, leaning slightly forward to take a look at the bit of rock he had extracted. "That's quite the crystal you've taken for yourself there." Her hands fell behind her back, clasping together as she rocked back on her heels. "But these are Jedi crystals. So, what need have you with them may I ask?"

The question burning in her mind was what could he be after, if he already had a lightsaber of his own? Truth be told, if Jamie had noticed the blaster, she was hardly concerned with it. The plasma sword would be far more of a concern to her, if the man knew anything of how to use it. Now however, beneath the light of the crystals, it would be obvious to him that she had her own as it clung off of the right side of her hip.

​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Perth Levov"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

 

[Rhen Qel-Droma]

​

Lothal Temple
Archives

Rhen was busying himself with cataloging and going over what information and history they had on Kyber Crystals. He stood tall, talking to the younglings about this.

"Now younglings, what are Kyber Crystals?" he asked, his thick drawl floating over the four younglings.

A small olive hand came up. It was Siei'ke, a youngling Twi'lek.

"Kyber crystals are living, Force-attuned crystals that resonate with the Force, Master Qel-Droma." her high squeaky voice happily said.

"You are right Siek'ke," and her lekku quivered with pleasure at getting it right.

"Kybercrystals are able to concentrate energy in a unique manner through the Force, resonating with it. Some say the crystals exhibit a sort of "collective consciousness" veering on the edge of sentience, and could non-verbally communicate with both one another and living beings."

"So they can talk to one another without talking?" Owei, the Togrutan male piped up.

"Why yes." Rhen replied. "Some say that the way they resonate is the Kyber crystal feeling emotions just like you and I!" he smiled. A shift of his green robe as he peered at the younglings.

"Now who can tell me why Kyber crystals are important?"

Four little hands shot up in the air just as another Jedi Knight appeared at the door. While he awaited to be acknowledged the expression of urgency in his face prompted a pause from Rhen.

"Yes, Bneo." Rhen gestured for the Bith youngling to answer.

" [ Because we use Kyber crystals found here for a Jedi's lightsaber! ]"

Rhen smiled, giving a nod.

"One of the reasons indeed, Bneo. Very sharp. Younglings, gather round. Let's sit down and study more about the Kyber Crystals in your datapads."

As the children sat down to do as requested, Rhen took the few steps over to Jedi Knight Nyochi.

"What is it?"

"I'm not sure. Scouts have picked up activity. A few Jedi have already gone to investigate."

Thick bushy brows drew forward.

"I see." turning back to the younglings.

"Have everyone come into the Temple. Let's secure the area just to be on the safe side." The Jedi Temple on Lothal had plenty of security to fall back to. However, being so close to First Order Space meant that they took any incursion very seriously. Rhen would have to have a word with Grand Marshal Omai Rhen about perhaps having the Alliance increase security around the space on Lothal.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Location: Arriving at crystal caves
Objective: To reacquaint with an old friend [member="Darth Veles"]

The speeder came to a stop outside an entrance to the crystal caves below the surface of this world. She could feel other Jedi within, some feeling rather stressed. Taeli gave a small sigh as she surmised that some unwanted interlopers had entered the caves to steal kyber crystals... and then she felt something more direct.

Was that... yes, it definitely was... it had been a long time since she had felt that presence.

Darth Veles was here, working with whoever else was down in the crystal caves and causing the other Jedi here some concern. He was calling to her, quietly as was his nature, but it was a call nonetheless. It would be rude and remiss of her not to answer in kind. But she wouldn't play his game, she knew all too well how much Veles loved to stick to the shadows, to remain unseen and unheard until... an opportune moment arose.

'You know I don't play those games...' would whisper out, in answer to his call. 'Come to the entrance... where both dark and light exist...'

She would settle herself in meditation at the entrance to the cave, waiting patiently as while it would have been remiss to not answer... it would be rude of a gentleman to ignore a lady's request.

 

[Darth Veles]

Location: Lothal, cave
​
Her reply came as a confirmation of their date, albeit the amphibious Darth did not like the notion of battling on her playground, brought into the light. Not that he lacked the capability or skill to disappear in broad daylight; the assassin understood all too well [member="Taeli Raaf"] would be prepared for him the moment he arrived. What if she awaited him with fifty battle-hardened men at disposal? Contrary to the raven-haired woman’s Jedi guise, Darth Veles knew Arcanix to be as slippery as himself, if not more. A worthy opponent for sure, showing many Sith qualities their order valued. Falling to her blade would be an acceptable way to die – but Veles had no such intention today despite considering his chances against a fellow Sith lord. Unfortunately, the Mon Cal Sith did not have a choice lest he intended to find another way out of the caverns. Encountering the Sith lady was inevitable as fate, thus he saw no point in delay.

“Do not wait for me, I’ll get off the planet on my own.” The Sith lord sternly informed his fellow dark side mystics, spun around and departed in the opposite direction at a steady pace, swift to become one with the shadows, bending sound to deafen all noise eager to announce his position.

On his way up to the entrance, strolling through empty tunnels hollowed into solid stone, the hooded Sith lord’s figure almost bumped into another being – one stalking the Ren expedition apparently. At first Veles’ senses peaked and everything seemed to stop, adrenaline pumping through his veins in expectation of a Jedi enemy. The tension-inducing illusion left his mind immediately after as the Darth recognized another old acquaintance. Despite the dense night within the cave and zero reliable illumination, Veles’ bionic orb was quick to reveal one [member="Tanomas Graf"]. Whatever the man’s purpose here was, only one solution to this encounter came to the Mon Cal’s mind.

“Ah, good admiral,” the Darth smiled from the shadows that surrounded him like a thick cloud, breaking the wall of silence he had created around himself, “It is most admirable you have decided to turn yourself in.”

Finally, both webbed hands left from underneath his cloak, one wielding a characteristically shaped hilt that released a typical snap-hiss once its red blade came to life. Using the dark side of the Force, tapping into his reserves of anger, the Sith swiftly attempted to telekinetically grip the old man’s windpipe via Force choke. Even if he managed to break free, the humming plasma sword already moved forward, pointed at the traitor’s mid-section in a silent promise of what would happen should a refusal to surrender be voiced. A fair trial guaranteed at least a chance of receiving merciful judgement; the assassin’s weapon dealt in irreversible certainties.

“It is time for you to retire.”

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Lothal, Mountain Range, Interior Cavern​

Status: Accosted​

--- --- ---​

​

As the girl spoke he narrowed his eyes. There was no question, if not a Jedi she certainly carried herself like one, the lightsaber not so subtly resting against her hip. Hearing a slight disturbance from farther back in the tunnel but kept his eyes steadily trained on the girl before him. As she continued to speak, a smirk played across his features. The light had significantly illuminated the girl, enough to get a rough idea at her height, weight, and footing. The game was afoot, or at least it would be shortly. Raising himself to height, Castor rolled his shoulders, the tall coat slipping to the floor. Hanging from his belt, the saber he'd used immediately prior caught the light with a slight flicker of light.

"It is quite the specimen indeed, and I fully intend on leaving these caves with it." He paused. "Surely you don't think the only ones who find value in these crystals are the Jedi? They serve many purposes."​

The Disciple of Ren stood an imposing figure, clad in a dark form fitting shirt and trousers that allowed a free range of motion. Pressing his tongue to the corner of his mouth he breathed out slowly. Extending his hands forward, palm up, he stepped forward into the light, closing the distance between the two by about a meter. Even here they would be just outside of striking range. He had no desire to engage the girl in combat, perhaps another route could be taken here. Hands loosely hung at his sides he answered her question with a question.

"What do you know of the crystals girl? What uses could someone possibly have for them?"​

​

Mentally he prepared himself for what might come, the concealment of his power was less important now, instead choosing to reveal a fraction of it. The burning ember deep within his bosom burned brightly, the dark fire within radiating from the man where he stood. As if to answer his tainted presence in these sacred caves the kyber crystals cried out, a strange aura emitting from them, a micro-cataclysm occurring where the will of the Dark Side met with their resistance. It was said that to use the crystals a dark side user would have to dominate the crystal but that was not yet Castor's intent, no, instead he wished to expose them to a new facet of the Dark Side. Something less chaotic than the rampant energy of the Sith... Both were powerful but this was structure, this was order. Radiating an aura of darkness about him the glow rod in the center of the room flickered slightly before resuming its regular hum.

​

Spoiler

Ren​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And our Resident Sith [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Other​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

​

​

 

[Jamie Pyne]

It was obvious to Jamie that both parties knew the game the other was playing. The coy back and forth, the subtle posturing, even the demeanor in which they shared their brief conversation up to this point was cute. Jamie was quite tall, especially among her own people, making it rare that she ever needed to raise her eyes to make contact with another. Her lack of weight was something she'd become comfortable with, given that her imposing height was generally enough to dissuade less than civil conversations with the other noblewomen of Naboo. This was different however, and she knew that the man just in front of her now likely feared nothing of her, even with the lightsaber at her waist. He was both taller and broader than her. He smelled of the taint of the Dark Side. It wafted through the air like a cloud of thick miasma.

"Do you now?" She asked, as if requiring the man to reaffirm his intent. "One might find value in something without stealing, I might argue." Her head tilted back just enough to maintain eye contact. As off putting as it was that he was bigger than her she maintained her assertiveness. "Crystals serve a great number of purposes. Some less nefarious than others, depending on the hands they are in." Her left hand rose slightly, index finger pointing towards the crimson colored saber. "What you have there, for instance, is not the work of a pure crystal. Faux, and tainted by the Dark Side is why it's red."

It was almost as though she was mocking the synthesized crystal for what it was. Artificial.

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Perth Levov"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

 

[Kyrel Ren]

Kyrel stopped within moments. Sensing a disturbance within the force he moved his head to look up. The infrared vision of his photoreceptors saw a man drop. He gazed at the man before him with interest and had no idea if he was a Jedi or not,but appeared to be force sensitive. He seemed to look like a ragged mercenary but he couldn't tell. He gave him a scowl underneath his helmet,and considered his options. He could either just get his lightsaber and be done with him,or he could beat him into submission and turn him into a bloody pulp,or he could just play the part of the simple guard droid for now giving him the element of surprise till the time was right to strike. He chose the third choice of his options.

He said nothing as he let [member="Isla Ashen"] speak,and than he spoke advancing upon him menacingly mimicking the movements of a droid the best he could. "Threat detected. Priority eliminate scruffy looking meatbag." He said than in a quick motion vibroblades from his wrist shot out from two opening slots. He advanced upon the man before him in a slow mechanical motion with a look in the photorecptors that,if one could tell it was a look to kill. Internally he hated acting like a droid and wanted to show his dark power. He had wanted to brandish his lightsaber out in the open and wanted to kill to gorge himself on the power of the dark side. A rage was brewing in him like a beast wanting to be let out of his cage,and time would only tell when it will break free.

He did not like to waste time,nor did he care for all this cloak and dagger business. He knew it was only a matter of time before the Jedi would discover who they were. He wanted the crystal that was fearfully calling to him. He had suffered too many delays as it is and the Jedi were being mere nuisances to their mission that it made him angry beyond reproach. As he was advancing upon the man a thought struck him. Did the Jedi not know who the Ren were. Is it possible that the entirety of them merely saw all of them as Sith. He scoffed at the idea. The Jedi were fools to think that the Ren and the Sith were one and the same. They were far superior than the Sith,sure they did have personal ambitions but in the end they're true loyalty was to their brothers and sisters,the Supreme Leader and the betterment of the First Order as a whole. He became excited of the thought of the Jedi dealing with a far superior breed,and that time was now.


[member="Aela Talith"], [member="Castor Ren"],[member="Desmond C'artyom"],[member="Samka Derith"],[member="Darth Veles"],[member="Zark"],[member="Siriwook"],[member="Perth Levov"],[member="Tanomas Graf"],[member="Tiland Kortun"],[member="Brennan Cabrol"],[member="Aerion Ivelisse"],@D'vok Windroamer,[member="Jamie Pyne"]

 

[Progflaw99]

--- --- ---​

Location: Lothal, Mountain Range, Interior Cavern​

Status: Engaged in conversation​

--- --- ---​

​

Stealing. Now that was funny. Funny enough that he even chuckled, releasing a small amount of tension that had built up already between the two as the dulcet sound of his laughter passed between the two. Then, just as quick it was gone, replaced by a piercing gaze as he honed in on the girls eyes with his own.

"Stealing implies ownership at the start."​

​

Looking facetiously around the cave, careful to keep an eye on her at all times, he shrugged.​

​

"I don't hear any protest, do you?" Castor raised his eyebrows. "Unless it's you who's come to claim ownership of these crystals?"​

​

The Disciple of Ren couldn't deny the distaste with which the girl addressed the blade at his side. She had a point. Originally Castor had been against the idea of taking the weapon along with him but had changed his mind last minute, in the confines of the tunnels there was no telling how much space one would have to wield a blade of iron or steel. The saber hanging on his belt wasn't his, at least not truly and for all intents and purposes it was merely a tool; it was that which bothered him. The bond between a Knight of Ren and his saber was something sacred, similarly to the Jedi and the Sith the weapon was to be an extension of the user, not a mere tool. It couldn't be helped, and that was a very real reason as to why gathering these crystals were so important.

"While the crystal in this blade may be artificial, I assure you it burns through flesh all the same."

For a moment his thoughts lingered on getting out of here peacefully, without a confrontation, but he knew the Jedi well enough to know that they would never willingly let something as valuable as a kyber crystal fall into the hands of a dark sider, much less the Order of Ren who now harassed their borders. He knew one way or the other there would be conflict but perhaps he still held the advantage. Having noted the girl shift her weight to her heels he knew now would be a prime time to strike... but what was she playing at? As if a gnat had buzzed in his ear his eye twitched. He could feel other disturbances now, beyond the turbulence of the kyber crystals. More Jedi. The Ren would remain concealed for little more than a few moments, moments he would use to his advantage.

In less than a full second he had let the power of the Dark Side fully course through his body, surging to the surface. Taking a powerful step forward the saber flicked from his belt into his outstretched hand, the crimson blade snapping to life with a high pitched hum. His eyes burned bright against the darkness of the cavern, the ruby hues bathing the stalactites and stalagmites in a vermilion light. He was still outside of striking range, at least for the time being. Bringing the hilt close to his body, blade outward he held it at an upward angle. The stance allowed him ease of movement, a quick sidestep in any direction and an opportunity to parry the woman's blade should she choose to draw it. The Ren behind him would have seen and heard the blade ignite by now, though by the sounds of it, they had their own problems to deal with. Sneering at the girl before him, he issued a challenge.​

​

"If you claim the crystal as your property... then come and take it, girl."​

​

​

Spoiler

Ren​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]​

(And our Resident Sith [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Other​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

​

​

​

 

[D'vok Windroamer]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gYoDBX1gobM

D'vok glanced at [member="Kyrel Ren"], unfazed. He did however, notice the two blades shoot out of his arms as he approached D'vok.
"Waiwaiwaiwaiwait! Y-you guys want the crystals, right! I got the entire cave layout memorized! If you spare me, I'll show you where to find the best crystals. Primo kriff. You want dark side, I got dark side!"
D'vok prayed the bluff would work. He attempted to shield his mind with the force, preventing any mind tricks or readings.

 

[Jamie Pyne]

Oooh. Feisty!

The tiny hairs on the back of the young woman's neck stood on end, the same familiar feeling she'd come to realize as a danger sense carried through the Force. Almost as quickly as Castor drew forth his borrowed lightsaber, Jamie had drawn and depressed the activator on Daylight, casting out a vibrant yellow hue against the crystals glow, and the Ren's crimson, creating a mixture of saturation within and around the cavern that the two were now prepared to square off within.

And to think, this was supposed to be a relaxing time away from the thick of training and missions.

"You know," her voice took on a disappointed, almost exhausted tone. "You lot are awfully antsy on the call for bloodshed."

She neither advanced or retreated. Instead she remained planted where she stood, shaking her head ever so slowly. "Your desire for a small rock is so great you would kill a complete stranger for merely the observation of your actions?" Her tongue made several clicking tsk sounds against the roof of her mouth as she continued to study the much older man's physique, posture, and body language. "I don't claim the crystal as my property. I've simply observed a man who does not belong taking something of value from a Jedi world. However the absence of protest fails to invalidate the assumption of ownership." It was often difficult for Jamie to entirely repress her Nabooian accent and nobility mannerisms, and during the course of the conversation slipped back into that method of dialog, as if debating against an opponent within the royal court, despite the two holding weapons of immeasurable destruction towards one another.

"Regardless. I'm afraid I can't let you leave with that crystal. It was meant for the Jedi. You and yours should return from where you came. I'd be happy to escort you back to your ship without harm."

By this point Jamie was assured that the man's next action would be a hostile one, despite her offer for peace, and so mentally and physically prepared herself for what was to come.

​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Castor Ren"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"] | [member="Samka Derith"] | [member="Darth Veles"] | [member="Zark"] | [member="Siriwook"] | [member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Perth Levov"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"] | [member="Tiland Kortun"] | [member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"] | [member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

 

[Aerion Ivelisse]

At long last the Colonel had arrived. Specifically on the interaction between [member="Castor Ren"] and [member="Jamie Pyne"]. Not that he was surprised that the girl had managed to find a different path to this presence in the Force, since she so enjoyed being present at times like these. When it felt as if something big was going to happen. Beyond the two of them however, Aerion could sense [member="Brennan Cabrol"], @D'vok Windroamer, but not [member="Kyrel Ren"]'s potential in the Force. Sure, there may have been a pinprick of the Dark Side due to the Light Sided nature of the crystals surrounding it, but as if he were a bloodhound, Young Ivelisse had already located a Dark Sider, crimson blade already ignited.

The simple, silver hilt that Ivelisse already carried in his hand was squeezed as he took in the scene.

On the way he had taken inventory of what equipment he had with him.

Multiple pairs of stun cuffs. He did so happen to be both a Jedi Knight of the New Jedi Order, and worked for the Galactic Alliance.

His armour, obviously.

And finally his lightsabre.

With those three sets of things, Aerion couldn't remember the last time he had required anything else. Other than more cuffs. Criminals were rampant on Coruscant with the dissolution of the Sith.

From another direction from the Disciple of Ren, probably from a shadowy corner, on the edge of both the blonde's and the bald man's peripherals came the dark skinned, head full of dreads Jedi, hilt in hand.

"I always liked red in a lightsabre," he started, almost casually. "Just not the ones it tended to be associated with."

Left hand bore the deactivated lightsabre. The other was spinning a pair of cuffs on the edge of his index finger.

"I know you guys like to make things difficult, so I won't ask."

The amethyst lightsabre leapt out with the familiar Snap-Hiss.

 

[Aela Talith]

Location: Jedi Temple
Objective: Find the Padawan([member="Jamie Pyne"])

Somehow.

Someway.

Aela had made it down to the Temple grounds. She was as of yet unaware of what was happening in the Crystal caves or...well anywhere else on the planet. Mostly because she was still in half a dazed sleep and believed that Jamie was still sleeping. Only after she had finished her breakfast did she realize that something wasn’t entirely...right. She frowned for a moment, looking around herself in the empty cafeteria.
She felt like there should have been more students...padawans...she frowned and slowly stood up from the table, depositing her dishes into the slot and making her way out into the halls of the Temple. For a time Aela simply wandered, then finally found some of the younglings practicing lightsaber forms in the courtyard.

One of the local Masters was with them.

”Master Talith. So nice of you to finally wake up.”

The aged Togruta gave her a judging look, to which Aela only responded with a sheepish smile. Some of the padawans in the training group giggled. It was amusing to them to see a full fledged Master, and a Marshall at that, being admonished by a man who spent his time only teaching younglings and padawans.

”Your Padawan was up and away fairly early. Headed into the fields.”

Aela’s eyebrow raised at that. ”Jamie?”

The Togruta nodded, and the Jedi Marshall gave him a skeptical look. The words “early bird” did not at all describe Jamie in any way. Her padawan was much more likely to sleep in until noon rather than get up and pick flowers. Aela’s head shook from side to side in disbelief. The Togruta however simply smiled and shrugged, turning back to his class.

Aela let out a sigh, frowned, and then slowly beginning to make her way out from the Temple and towards the fields.

Perhaps she would find Jamie there.

 

[Isla Ashen]

Isla’s eyes only narrowed further as the man spoke, and she noted that he almost seemed… clueless. However, it could easily have been an act. Of course, they could always interrogate the newcomer to reveal his true purpose for being here. But that option would surely give away their cover as simple merchants and mercenaries. The redhead ground her foot against the floor of the cave, and crossed her arms tightly.

She said nothing as [member="Kyrel Ren"]’s imposing form advanced; some intimidation would certainly go far. Though, she glanced to the side as their fellow Ren brandished his vibroblades. Isla could sense that he was feeling a bit pent up, the powerful energy of the dark side calling to him, as it did to all of them. She watched as the scene unfolded, and an amused smile formed on her lips as the man began to stammer and offered up a bargain.

“If you have memorized the layout of the caves, then surely you must remember where the exit is.” Isla started, her eyes glinting dangerously. “I would suggest you make your way back.”

Isla did not have the impression that this stranger was earnest in his offer of help. He was merely trying to save his own skin. No matter her darkness, and the cold killer within… she was not a complete barbarian. But then again, she cared little about what happened to this man. For a moment, her eyes shifted down the tunnel, the group was thinning out now. Perhaps it would be best to start moving again. She had offered him a chance to crawl away, and waited silently to see if he would accept it -- if he had any sense, he would.

But even if he did move for the exit, it did not mean that Isla would not be watching her back.

[member="Samka Derith"], [member="D'vok Windroamer"]

 

[Siriwook]

Siriwook feels excited. Not only is she in possession of her very own crystal, but it seems that others in the cave are looking for crystals as well. She can finally make the friends she's always wanted. Surely, the Jedi would have to accept her as a peer now. Merrily, almost skipping, she turns back toward the entrance of the cave, working her way back to where she last heard people. She knows they're around if she can just find them. She reaches out through the Force, feeling for that Loth-cat she spoke to before. "[Have you seen any people around?]" she asks it.

"[Hide!]" is all she gets back. Strangely, the Loth-cat is even more elusive than usual. And, though it was already hidden in a place it had thought safe, it was now running from one to another hiding place. What has the creature so spooked? Siriwook sniffs the air looking for a trace of the people she senses nearby. If she can't find them in the Force, the lingering presence of their skin oils, tracked-in soil, and hair will have to do. She smells the presence of lightsaber-scorched stone and decides that's the best place to start. Someone who already has a lightsaber will probably know where she needs to start with her crystal. After all, the Jedi saying goes, "All are intertwined: the crystal, the blade, the Jedi".

​

Spoiler

Out of town fRENds​

[member="Isla Ashen"] | [member="Samka Derith"]​

[member="Kyrel Ren"] | [member="Brennan Cabrol"]
[member="Castor Ren"]
​

(And Sith [member="Darth Veles"])​

​

Local fRENds​

[member="Aela Talith"] | [member="Desmond C'artyom"]​

[member="Jamie Pyne"] | [member="Siriwook"]​

[member="Zark"] | [member="Tanomas Graf"]​

[member="Taeli Raaf"] | [member="Thyra Sunborne"]​

[member="Aerion Ivelisse"] | [member="D'vok Windroamer"]​

​

​

 

[HK-36]

Location: Crystal Caves of Lothal,
Objective: Finding his way around,


The droid walked few more steps before turning left only to face a cold stone wall.

Dead end.

He traced his steps back, almost turning all the way around before picking a path he could claim he did not walked down yet, meter after meter it passed before there was another opening, this time on his right.

Another dead end, blast!

With a grumble he moved away from the opening, deciding to follow the road he was already on, taking out a map of the network printed on a sheet of plasti-film. He read over the document for a while before turning it over upside down.

"Oh that explains that."

He muttered, followed by another two droids, armored and cloaked just like him, his Greycloak bodyguards. Moving for some time he finally came upon another fork in the road, he turned left, almost face-planting into a stone wall,

For Feth's sake, could this day get any worse?

Turning on his heel he decided to move the other way, turning the corner he would stop in his tracks as he saw the rather hostile looking group of [member="Isla Ashen"], [member="Samka Derith"], [member="Kyrel Ren"], and whoever else was in their vicinity,

"Oh people!"

He piped up with a soft gesture motioning for his bodyguards to wait out of sight before stepping in closer through the network towards them. He feigned ignorance for now,

"Good, good, people are good, especially cuties like you, Red."

The machine did finger-pistols towards Isla, in his case they may have been actual pistols hidden in there,

"I am somewhat lost and would love a bit of directions, if you would not mind."

Stepping closer still he stopped in front of [member="D'vok Windroamer"], almost trampling him, the machine looked down, casting the crimson illumination of his eyes down on the spacer,

"What are you doing down there, Scruffington?"


Those that would know about the droid from holonet or his public appearances would probably be able to tell he was one of the governors within Alliance space, those who were around for the Protectorate days would know him as one of their war heroes and Pyre's commanders. Before he even rounded the corner, those that could tell such things would sense him as a void in the Force, dead much like the Vong, it would become apparent why that is when he made an appearance, his droid body, made of material unknown to them yet as it was completely covered, was completely covered in a Vong biot with armored plates attached to it for additional protection, on his belt hanged a couple of holstered handguns among a collection of cylindrical hilts that looked very much like lightsabers. The only thing that betrayed his true mechanical nature was the aforementioned red glow, emanating from below the fleshy surface that covered his head like a helmet.

 

[D'vok Windroamer]

D'vok cracked a nervous smile. This wasn't good. Then, a savior. A godsend. Salvation. D'vok saw [member="HK-36"] approaching. He was familiar with the droid, they had met before. He also knew the legends of the droid's feats. He could help him with this situation.
"Are you suggesting that I should leave? If I was a lesser man, I could've said that was a threat. I don't appreciate threats, and as much as your friend here" He gestured at [member="Kyrel Ren"]. "Get's off at the thought, I'm not intimidated."
D'vok gave an annoyed but happy look as the droid "insulted" him.
"I'll tell you later. Mind helping me out with these nefherders?"