To Catch an elusive Crystal

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp

Lex strolls across the beach with her DLT-19x in hand and keeps eyes focused on the horizon. Sunlight's rays reflect off of her Black Carbon-Impregnated Armour, the first real field test of the FO-X1 Armour albeit without Stygium Crystals, that's why they were here. To retrieve the necessary materials to complete the complete the armour including the suit she wears. Lex swings DLT-19x over right shoulder while walking and connects a waterpac to the little adapter port on helmet and tilts head back. Lex drinks keenly from the cool water filling the soft rubbery water catchment that sits over the bridge of nose and chin. She lowers head to stifle its entrance through the adapted and muses to herself. "What a quaint little planet, no noise, no pollution. I'd like to come back here at some point for a holiday, the scenery and the water is simply beautiful." Lex disconnects waterpac from helmet and slides it back into the belt compartments and brings rifle back into hands with a single fluid motion. Her voice grates with an upper-class Imperial Accent and unintentionally reeks of a condescending aristocrat.

[member="Zmej Ren"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Zmej’s orders were to ensure nothing went sour during this important task, no interruptions, no delays, nothing to hamper their purpose on Maramere – and observe the yet unfinished field test in person, so the knights of Ren could be informed about the project’s development by one of their own. Securing and advancing the First Order’s interests was a given, therefore the young woman did not hesitate, rushing to provide her Imperial brethren with the Force’s support. No lightsaber adorned her belt still, but the elite agents of the First Order did not necessarily need one to succeed, unlike their Jedi enemies. For all sakes and purposes, a trusty blaster carbine slept in the Hand’s gloved palms, waiting to bark and spit. Silent, yet audible footsteps eliciting from under her black boots as she marched over the beach revealed her presence to the allied obsidian-clad soldier. A serene meeting on a beach, yet both knew what awaited them beyond this beautiful scenery. The robe-clad Ren’s masked face turned to face the armoured gentlebeing, offering a nod before speaking; accent all too similar to the woman’s, yet different.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Hail. I trust you are ready?”[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Jaina Ventor"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp

Lex stops and pivots in the direction of footsteps and raises her DLT-19x slightly somewhat in surprise, a robe-clad Ren stands before her. Lex's eyes study the figure for a moment and quickly conclude the individual is a woman. Lex's head gives a nod towards the Disciple. "Yes, I stand ready." Obsidian shoulders roll gently and Lex assumes the Disciple is referring to a field test of the armour's capabilities or something along those lines, she recalled being informed a 'technician' would be sent over. Lex chastises herself mentally, the security bureau is never straightforward and should have assumed there would be a catch. Lex's eyes search for a lightsabre on the Ren's person and eyes are left wanting. Only armament appeared to be some type of Blaster Carbine. "Did you want a demonstration of the armour's capabilities?"

[member="Zmej Ren"] [member="Carlyle Rausgeber"]

 

[Andor Callro 457]

Andor sat back, watching the two banter back and forth. "Beautiful ain't the word I'd use mate." The stormtrooper said, sitting down on a slab of volcanic rock, "I've been in some tough situations weather wise. Seen duststorms, been flooded, hell, even been caught out in the sun for three days straight. Nut this weather is the karkin' worst." The soldier was sweating like no tomorrow, the tight black armour he wore being of no protection, "But sure, let's see what this piece of karkin' poodoo does." He dryly muttered, "I wanna know why I'm sweatin' my arse off out 'ere!"

[member="Jaina Ventor"] | [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp

"It's an advanced piece of military hardware! Not a Bantha's excrement you blasted terran!" Jaina chastises the decidedly colonial Trooper with DLT-19x clasped in gloved hands. "Here is the exercise we're going to run. I'm going to retire into the scrub behind us and using your senses and equipment you have to try and locate me before I can neutralise you. Our blasters will be set to stun so nobody receives any injuries." Agent Totallex rolls head around in a circular motion and continues onto shoulder her Sniper Rifle with the end of barrel pointing towards the sand. Left-hand goes and sets the blaster weapon to stun setting, the weapons makes a brief whine with the setting change.

@Andor Callro 457 [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Andor Callro 457]

"Oh that's great. That's real karking great." The stormtrooper groaned, "As if any of us here want to get stunned." He wiped some sweat from his brow, and looked at the two of them, "I'm done digging here. I helped you haul up this dirt, I helped make this fancy suit, sure that's fine." He said, "But as soon as we start getting blasters out, I'm done." He snapped, glaring at both of them, "Why can't we do something nice, and friendly?" He asked, "Like a tap on the back, or maybe a, I don't know, maybe a slap on the arse?"

[member="Jaina Ventor"] | [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Despite the other soldier’s protests, the trained Force user let nothing disturb her, delving into the Force and trying to push out the annoying voice of irritation creeping into her thoughts – the man’s distaste for this operation could be sensed through the mystical currents, relaying his weariness and unpleasant conditions he suffered while entombed in the black suit of armour. Still, the young Ren would have none of it, firmly decided to see this through no matter what kind of tests they had to endure.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Enough,”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] Zmej’s distorted voice commanded, eyebrows furrowing behind the featureless mask, [/SIZE][SIZE=10pt]“The Supreme Leader himself watches this field test with great interest. Proceed as planned, no more complaints.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]To reinforce her point, the young woman’s fingers fiddle with the standard carbine’s setting, switching it to stun. Although it was an unusual choice of weapon for Sieger Ren’s agents, all Ren have received extensive training with many different weapons, blaster weaponry being one of them. Versatile and deadly, the Force users could rival the First Order elite stormtroopers when it came to sheer skill and ability to hit their target – for the Force was on their side and blaster rifles had exceptional accuracy. If it came to that, Zmej would prove her competence with blasters.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Go.”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] The disciple’s head turned to the female soldier and offered a nod of permission.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Andor Callro 457"] [member="Jaina Ventor"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp Outskirts

Without a word, Lex's boots move through the scrub with weapon lowered. Adrenaline pumps through veins with the thrill of an upcoming hunt tantalising the woman. Even without the cloaking device, the FO-X1 will render the agent invisible on the electromagnetic spectrum. Although the black armour against the kharki of trees and green of foilage might not make for the best of combinations, it is certainly better than pearl white. Lex believes wearing pearl white colour in an environment like this isn't much better than wearing a Coruscanti neon sign. "Time to find a firing position...." Lex's eyes crane up from behind the poly-chromatic visor. "Guess I'm climbing." Lex hurriedly slings sniper rifle over right shoulder and clasps at the ribbed texture of the bark, clasping tight with fingers and pushing off of boots. The weight of armour places a great strain on shoulders and thighs. Lex pants lightly and heaves out a triumphant sigh when reaching the peak, shaped like an inverted banana peel, stiff albeit curved branches reach out. Lex carefully wraps her ankles around the branch for stability and rests elbows against the thick tree limb. Leaves smother the Shadowtrooper offering camouflage and a small window to fire at targets.

Lex's eyes shift over towards the motion tracker in the bottom right-hand of HUD. Visor mode switches to Thermal and eyes peer through the lush scrub that flanked the large excavation site just a scant kilometre or two away. "Come on you dumb Terran, come and get me." A challenge is uttered although the target would not hear it thanks to the range between them. This test would hardly be fair and that fact brings a smirk across the proud woman's lips.

@Andor Callro [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]While out of real combat armour equipped with sensors and similar toys, the Ren wielded the Force like the greatest of instruments, tapping into its reservoirs and utilizing what it offered. For all the gruelling training, she was a mere disciple still, fairly fresh from the academy – and accurately pinpointing the target’s location continued to mock her from beyond the walls of her capabilities. Like a shadow, Zmej’s form fluidly sank into the foliage once the hunt started, pace quick and steady, dry branches crunching under her step. Despite the obvious danger, she walked without actively seeking cover, reliant on the Force to warn her should a shot be fired her way. Precognition worked wonders in such situations, affecting the natural instincts of Force users to act in a certain way without an obvious reason. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nothing offered more satisfaction than a good hunt. The feeling of searching for prey, knowing it could be anywhere, watching one’s back and preparing to reverse the role of hunter and hunted – it excited her, pumping adrenaline through Zmej Ren’s veins as he form skidded among the trees, sight looking for the characteristic shapes of humanoids, breath heavy and panting. Something nearby fell, prompting the teen into raising her weapon and approaching the disturbance with caution, careless march completely gone by now. One more step, leaning to the side and aiming from behind a tree – nothing. Releasing a quick, relaxed sigh, the Ren loosened her grip on the carbine, head turning from one place to another. She had to admit – searching after lone prey was a challenge, making it all the more tense. Every noise a danger, every shape an enemy – not even the Ren were immune to the thrill and healthy paranoia present during such activities![/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Jaina Ventor"] [member="Andor Callro 457"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp Outskirts

Lex's ears hear a branch smack against Maramere's fertile soil and the woman pivots to the right slightly creating a slight ruffle of leaves and so she tries to move steadily for sound minimization. DLT-19x finds itself shouldered more tightly against her armourweave compression suit sheathed body to stabilise the weapon. Eyes peer over to the motion tracker in the lower right corner of the holographic visor. A small little yellow-green contact blimp appears directly to the front and closes the distance between them. "Two plus two equals four, five multiplied by five equals twenty-five" The Agent speaks her thoughts aloud permitting training to take over. This was a technique developed and practised first by Assassins of the sith to confuse a Jedi's precognition and ability to sense motives through the force. Agent Totallex steadily depresses the trigger on her DLT-19x, just waiting for the moment the Disciple of Ren waltzes into the scope's crosshairs set on the grass and dead leaf covered ground

[member="Zmej Ren"] @Andor Callro 457

 

[Andor Callro 457]

The trooper rolled his eyes, and began to try to scan for the armour on all spectrums available. UV, electromagnetic, nothing. "Look, you've proven your point!" The trooper said, "There's no way we can see you." The trooper groaned, "Look, you know what?" He asked, "I'll tell you what, I am going to sit back here." he said, "And I am going to just let you two chase each other round." he said, sitting down on a slab of rock, and stretching out, he was way too hot for these shenanigans.

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]Zmej froze upon taking another step forward, alerted to unknown danger lurking among the trees. Nothing specific, just a sensation like a particularly irritating itch. Something was off about the Force, the way it acted. Like the soft breeze racing in the forest, it washed over her, sending shivers down her spine. Breath slowed down until it stood still, just like Zmej – she observed, listened, senses keen and furiously searching for anything that could have spoiled the currents of the Force. Slowly, the blonde’s rifle rose, gaze looking through the sights, index finger gently placed upon the trigger. Up and down, left and right, the carbine’s barrel shifted swiftly, falling upon suspicious looking bushes and convenient rocks serving as cover.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Nothing. Even the Force appeared calmer now, though the tiny voice in the back of her mind urged Zmej to remain cautious.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Practically glued to the tree trunk, her rifle poked out, followed by the young Ren’s head. A critical error on her part, revealing herself to the other combatant, but the Force almost automatically guided her sight to the black-clad soldier’s form high above. Panic flooded the woman’s thoughts as she yanked herself back into cover. That was too close – and Zmej Ren cursed her own impatience, realizing she had walked into her prey’s territory, right in front of its watchful gaze. She was effectively trapped now, leaving the cover impossible.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]But the Force was on her side still. With it at her command, nothing was ever impossible.[/SIZE]



[SIZE=10pt][member="Andor Callro 457"] [member="Jaina Ventor"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp Outskirts

"Six multiplied by six is thirty-six." The Ren's featureless mask appears in the red digital crosshair of the DLT-19x blaster, Lex's right index finger squeezes the trigger back against the trigger and a single gold-coloured blaster bolt screams from the barrel and as Zmej pulls back into cover the bolt whizzes past her visor, narrowly missing the young disciple. Lex gives a 'hmph' of respect for the force-augmented reflexes of the disciple, certainly a useful ability to have. The Agent unfolds her ankles from around tree branch, she pivots around and slides down the trunk with a single arm wrapping around it firmly. The Black-Carbon Impregnated frame slides down the bark with a loud 'shrk'. Disappearing from sight for a moment. Lex swings around the Branch and levels rifle at the tree she saw Zmej take cover behind and mercilessly hammers it with Blaster Bolts, in an attempt to frighten the young Disciple. Recoil kicks into the Agent's shoulder although with careful spaces between each shot it isn't anything she cannot manage.

@Andor Callro 457 [member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]This would be a perfect opportunity for another soldier to flank the shooter, get into the black-clad soldier’s side and unleash an onslaught of their own. Unfortunately, despite the initial advantage in numbers, it appeared Zmej’s partner was missing, absent no matter how hard her eyes tried to spot his stalking shadow in the woods. Whether cowardice or sheer incompetence, it wouldn’t be allowed to grow – were this a real battle, he would have been summarily executed. Due to the field test’s nature though, such option was a bit too harsh, thus limiting Zmej’s selection. Someone was definitely going to be disciplined when the field test ended though.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]With her side pressed against the trunk, the young Ren shed much of the initial shock. Even though stun bolts continued to lick the wood still, no amount of pressure managed to completely kill her ability to plot. There was only one option – make the opponent think she was about to be ambushed from the side. Focused on maintaining her concentration, the disciple looked to her right, intently watching shrubs close to the shooter. A single gesture of the covering Ren’s gloved hand and the bushes rustled, moving as if hit by a sudden and strong gust of wind. In that moment, Zmej seized her chance, rifle taking a peek from behind the trunk and releasing a few shots of her own, methodically pressing the trigger. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Jaina Ventor"] [member="Andor Callro 457"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp Outskirts

The Agent hears a ruffle of the shrub to right and green eyes flick to motion tracker in an instant; Nothing. The wind perhaps! Though while she'd looked at the motion tracker she'd ceased firing and blaster bolts audibly sear into the tree and Lex instinctively rolls back around the tree for cover from the Ren's blaster carbine. "Damn it." Lex curses herself outwardly for the error, she should have trusted the armour's capabilities and kept focused, that would take some getting used to. Never before did Lex use such a versatile and capable piece of equipment. It didn't get much better than this, well. The armour wouldn't be truly complete until the stygium crystals were implemented.

"Don't get close to Jedi, Don't shoot them with blasters...." Lex looks down at the DLT-19x in her gloved hands and shakes head. "She's playing by the rules though and using her blaster, good. This shouldn't be too hard." Lex whispers something into the confines of helmet and rocks right knee forward and back. Something concealed moves up to the edge of greave plate. Lex listens for a break in the blaster fire, remaining concealed behind the tree silently, an opportunity will present itself.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]With the situation reversed, it was necessary for Zmej to press the attack, show no hesitation and never allow the other shooter to retaliate in kind. One stun bolt after another headed her opponent’s way, crashing and spilling against the solid cover separating the two combatants. The shooting purposely lacked any pattern, sometimes releasing three barks in quick succession, sometimes pausing after one spit, an unpredictable barrage of fire that refused to stop and offer a moment of relief. Inserting this chaotic element put more pressure on the black-armoured soldier, further increased when Zmej finally abandoned her cover and strode over the forest floor towards, pace brisk, closing in on the opponent. A risky approach, but what she lacked in equipment, she made up for in the Force and reflexes. Darkness accompanied the young disciple, eager to assist should the task involve aggression or violence – and like a cheating child, it attempted to give Zmej a hint or two, hoping to predict the soldier’s next move for the Ren’s rifle to adjust accordingly. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Jaina Ventor"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp Outskirts

The Ren appears to have taken the bait with Lex's eyes moving to the motion tracker in the bottom ride hand of HUD and watches the contact blimp's movements attentively. Zmej's approach is bringing them close together, the Agent waits patiently and continues to perform mental Pazaak. "Switch the face of the +1/-1 card, the totals are ten." Such calculations continue in an attempt to mask the Agent's paralytic intentions from the Ren. The contact blimp gets closer and without warning, Lex breaks the silence and rounds the tree's body charging towards Zmej. Lex wails like a Banshee to try and startle the Ren. The taller agent aims low for centre mass and squeezes again, again and again at the trigger. Lex drops into a crouch, and with that motion, a dart containing a paralysing toxin flies towards the small Disciple from a concealed launcher behind Lex's greave plate.

Two bolts of stunning blast smack against Lex, in the breastplate and shoulder. "Arghgah!" A pained cry is solicited, the Agent feels the stun blast disperse in a ripple through the Ion mesh across her skin. Vision in cybernetic eye fails. The Barrel of DLT-19x glows a red, even on Stun setting the blasts it fired are powerful. Lex pulls the trigger only to hear a defiant hiss from the weapon; It would not fire anymore until cooled. Lex could only hope one of the shots she fired or dart found their target. The Armour is resistant to the attack albeit not immune from the pain the Agent obviously experiences. Zmej might be impressed by its capacity to resist such attacks, far superior to the mass-produced Armour issued to Stormtroopers or Army Troops.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]It all happened within fraction of a second, more like a dream where the sleeper watches, unable to directly influence the plot. In this dream, Zmej walked forward, unflinching when her opponent charged with a ferocious battle cry, returning fire. Both figures squeezed the trigger, sending stun bolts the opposite way, sharp, blue rings of whining energy striking their intended targets. Both took several impacts, both remained standing in the eerie silence that followed. The first shot missed, passing by the disciple’s arm and continuing on its trajectory before it splashed against the first obstacle to stand in the way. The second shot hit her, a terrible sensation that spread from her chest and pushed the teen dangerously close to surrendering to the sudden desire of falling down limp, nervous system overloaded. If not for this and the next shut bolt that hit her, perhaps she would have avoided the dart, even blocking it with her rifle – alas, all other strikes found their target with deadly accuracy, marking an end of this field test. A soft breeze passed between them, brushing against armour and cloth alike, same as the realization it was over.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Finally, the disciple collapsed, unable to continue the fight against her own body.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Jaina Ventor"][/SIZE]

 

[Eisenweber]

Agent Totallex
Maramere, Invisible Island Excavation Mining Camp Outskirts

Lex breathes a sigh of relief as the young Ren disciple collapses and pauses in the crouched position. Gasping for air as the stinging sensation which could be likened to uncontrollable pins and needles spread across her body. Muscles feel limp, tense. Without blood flow it seemed, although limbs still seem to move on command albeit limply. "Argh. You alright?" Lex goes to stand, just to take her first step in a limp to avoid collapse. Lex hobbles towards Zmej who is laid amongst the grass, and swings rifle sniper by the strap around her shoulder. "Let me help you." Lex mutters breathlessly and drops heavily down onto one knee beside the Disciple. Left-hand searches for the Paralysing dart and gives it a quick and firm tug to extract it, a small amount of blood might ooze from the tiny wound.

[member="Zmej Ren"]

 

[Zmej Ren]

[SIZE=10pt]It took a few minutes to recover from the attack, head pounding, lungs struggling to find breath. Everything spun around and spoke of a nasty headache to come. Trained and hardened or not, human body could only take so much before giving out. Fortunately enough for the young disciple, stun bolts were not meant to obliterate the victim and leave them crippled over an extended period of time. When Zmej felt her numbed limbs coming back to life, control over her own body doing the same, she offered a small nod in reply. For the first time, the blonde teenager let the mask slide down, resting in her fingers, revealing features that no longer hid behind the expressionless helmet. Between heavy panting, the disciple said only two words, never establishing eye contact, thus sparing the soldier the sight of her corrupted gaze as fresh breeze stroked her features and played with blonde strands of hair.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Good job.”[/SIZE][SIZE=10pt] The Ren stated cordially, biting her lip and silently cursing her teammate for abandoning the exercise. There was no excuse for that sort of behaviour. Without discipline, what chance did they have against the Galactic Alliance? The thought worked like a spark inside a room full of gas; even though it was just a test, she still felt embarrassed about losing – more so she would be personally reporting this detail to her superiors. Despite still feeling numb, she put the helmet back on, ultimately winning the struggle of getting up. No explanation or more words followed, Zmej simply strode off to find one certain soldier who had to pay the price for her fall, even though the test’s been quite successful. Pity the fool destined to taste her ire.[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“The Supreme Leader is not impressed.”[/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]That was all, nothing else needed to be said. With the message relayed, the young blonde let her passion burn, forming an invisible grip around the soldier’s throat and squeezing it tight. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=10pt][member="Jaina Ventor"] [member="Andor Callro 457"][/SIZE]