Tracking Talent (Primeval)

[Catalys Maijora]

The streets of Nar Shaddaa grow faintly in the night as always. Fumes of smoke rise from every symbol of industry that scars the world's surface in metal and fire.

The dark streets of Nar Shaddaa were not unusual to armoured and undoubtedly armed men. In fact the smuggler's moon was home to bounty hunters, cartels, mercenary groups, exiles, rogue Mandalorians, and just about anyone who'd stand out in a crowd anywhere else. So for Catalys Maijora this was the perfect place to begin his search.

His mission: Find talented individuals for the Primeval, bringing them back to Anja by force if necessary.

Nearing a dock just outside of a shipyard, two maintenance workers were having a chat. This meant information. Catalys crept in slowly, assuring that his durasteel light battle armour would not make even the most minute sound to alert them of his eaves dropping. "Lesana? No, she's too young and besides a talent like that would cost us more than we've got.", one of the men spoke with a heavy voice; he probably had done too much spice in his day. "Well, the boss needs a shipwright or our company is going under. She's supposed to be one of the finest engineers this side.", the other man spoke, his voice was not as deep but perhaps that was because he was smaller. A notable scar went down the side of his left eye; it looked like he grew into it. Catalys slyly slid around to get a better listening point, hiding behind a few cargo crates. "The south offices aren't a place for a young girl to be; she'd be better off working for the boss. Wouldn't want her to get hurt.", the deeper man spoke again. This time he had a sharp grin on his face, it was clear they weren't the honest sort.

Taking out a small datapad containing a map, Catalys pinpointed these 'south offices' a few complex towers near the shipyards. Double-checking to be sure the two men wouldn't notice, he slipped away and wandered off. His destination was clear, and to him his mission would be realized.

[member="Tesar Osted"]

[member="Lesana Grexavis"]

 

[thegreatbeyonder]

Lesana sat quietly in her small office. Looking over data of her latest creation under contract. Being an engineer was something she enjoyed but it wasn't always the most exciting job; usually she was contracted to design industrial tools and if she was lucky she'd be able to modify someone's freighter. Today was not benefit to her luck, however.

Lesana sighed as she leaned back into her chair, {I wish I could get off this rock}, she thought to herself quietly as she dreamed of starships. A few small sketches of her designs laid to her left on the desk, covering up the actually important work. The chair spun as she sat up, heading over to a small table where some drinks stood. She couldn't remember if they were a few days old or from this morning, but alas it didn't matter much. The drinks went down hard, she couldn't help but notice that the state of affairs weren't the same as they were before. Something was different but she couldn't lay her finger on it; Nar Shaddaa was busier than ever. Lesana never kept up with politics, she never kept up with society in general. As the state of her own office--where she also slept-- was not in the best condition.

"One more drink and off to bed!", she said cheerfully in a mocking tone. Being alone wasn't always easy but at the very least self-pity made it more livable. The shot went down, leaving a bitter aftertaste that forced her eyes to squint as she swallowed. The night was like any other: Long, warm from the probably toxic fumes, and dreadfully boring to her own standards. Lesana moved her way to the small bed near the darkest corner of the room, laying down on the rough military-grade mattress she forcefully closed her eyes. Soon enough she would sleep, at least she hoped.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys approached the southern offices, his dark visor along his helmet hid his eyes. Inside he scanned the surroundings; he didn't even need his night-vision to see well. He was, afterall, an Umbaran and attuned to dark locations. A few commoners past by, he didn't notice them and they probably didn't notice them. Again the world was too perfect for someone like him, he could hide out and never be found suspicious. A few creatures scurried in the nooks and pipeways; evidence of the illegal smuggling routes that run through the city's underworld. He kept scanning the surroundings until a sign struck him - Grexavis Engineering - a small lit up sign displayed the digital information. 'Lesana Grexavis, finest shipwright this side of the galaxy!' was the tagline. His emotionless mask hid the unwavering grin. His loyalty was his enthusiasm, and success his merit.

Approaching around the corner he found a small back entrance, it was likely used to manage shipments without clogging the entrance of her office. He took out a small tool that was likely used for slicing and began cracking his way through the security system. A small noise from the machine could only be heard by those close to him; he had to be ready. Once the doors open there's no telling what he might find inside.

 

[thegreatbeyonder]

Lesana couldn't sleep. Her insomnia wasn't a new experience; she's had it ever since she was a young teenager. The bed didn't help either, the uncomfortable mattress was all she could afford; her office costed her everything she had and more. Her eyes opened , she released a subtle sigh and began to get up; her vision was shaky from the shots. Stumbling her way to the desk she clumsily sat down in her chair. If she couldn't sleep, maybe she could work.

Her eyes twitched towards the door {Am I just hearing things now?} she thought to herself, she wasn't sure why she looked there, but she could swear she heard a small ringing noise. Much like the one you get when you sit quietly by yourself around machinery. Shaking her head she looked down at her datapads, scanning through blueprints and contracts. Perhaps working wasn't the solution either, she groaned in self-pity, as she could only acknowledge her own misery.

"Se-ize the da-y they al-ways say.", she stuttered to herself as she began passing out at her desk.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys had finally cracked into the security system, his slicing skills weren't the best but neither was her office door. The sliding mechanism began to operate and the door slid open with a thud. Grabbing his blaster rifle he approached around the corner, pointing it towards whatever caught his eye first. The ultraviolet vision of his made it somewhat shaky to be introduced to so much interior lighting after being outside in the dark. Even if it was Nar Shaddaa.

 

[thegreatbeyonder]

Lesana immediately awoke from her half-sleep at the sudden sound, turning with an almost squee-sound coming from her mouth. She didn't know what was going on. Turning to see an armoured figure near the doorway set her heartrate in motion, increasing after each beat she reached for a small welding gun.

"I'm armed!", she shouted in a desperate bluff and pointing the mock weapon towards the individual. Her mind was rushing as countless thoughts fluttered through her head; she wasn't sure what he was here to do but it wasn't unlikely that he would try to hurt her. She had little formal training and never once was forced into a fight. She always meant to learn when she came to Nar Shaddaa, it was nearly stupid to live on such a world without some kind of protection but she was well liked. She had hoped her reputation alone and modest living would keep her out of bad company. Her fearfulness was obvious on her face, she did not know what was going to happen.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys analyzed her weapon quickly, not recognizing the crude device pointed at him. Her fear made her easy to read; he sensed the fearfulness and lack of willpower in the moment. He knew then she posed no threat to him and in the moment he lunged himself towards her, rushing quickly with quick steps and going for the tackle. During the moment his silver eyes, pale and blank in expression hid behind his mask. The effect the sudden light had on his vision was now fading, and made it clear that she was holding a welding tool. He held his rifle in one arm and reached out with the other, his metallic-covered hand swiftly maneuvering itself nearer.

 

[thegreatbeyonder]

Lesana tried to run but was outpaced by the armoured man. She let out a grunt as she hit the ground. Struggling was almost useless under his weight; perhaps if she didn't have a few drinks but then it was too late to think about how this could've been avoided. She panicked, looking for a way out, her calm caved in and gave way to instinct. She let out a harsh and hollow scream. Hoping that someone could hear her; she did not want to die today, not before her dreams were realized.

In the moment all she could think about was her safety back home in a place that had no thugs, that had no reason to give her fear but those thoughts were poison. She wanted to bite her tongue off in rage but could not stop screaming. She wanted to fight back but hadn't the strength nor the training to do so. This was a moment of weakness, a moment succumbed by fear and emotion. A moment she thought would be her last.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys lifted her up quickly as soon as she began to scream, placing his hand around her mouth.

"Silence!", he said quickly through his mask, the armour's voice function hid his true tone from her ears. It came out relaxed, almost artificially so. "Do not be afraid, human. The Host Lord desires your talents." , he strengthened his grip and began to forcefully move her towards the doorway. "If you don't want to spoil your life, I suggest you walk out peacefully.", he said adjusting his rifle so that it was clear of his intentions. The mid-sized rifle was worn, likely used in many encounters and possibly even old itself. Of course for those who aren't experienced with such weapons wouldn't recognize its make. Catalys was not concerned with anyone other than completing his mission, he calculated that her scream would go mostly unnoticed int he bustling of the active city. He pushed her onward to move forward, weary of any resistance.

 

[Tesar Osted]

Tesar walked through the streets of Nar Shaddaa, his hood drown above his head, casting a shadow over his beady black eyes. His boots splashed softly in the rain, leaving droplets of water around the cuffs of his pants. He had his two light sabers clipped his on his belt, underneath a small flap on the robes he wore. Out of sight, but very accessible in case one of the shady denizens of Nar Shaddaa decided they wanted a crack at him. It wouldn't be the first time he had been attacked by one of the rage filled criminals who also walked the streets, nor would it be the last he was sure. He had a route he followed several days a week, walking through the streets and picking up what bits of information he could, patrolling for and with the other Jedi who lived on this crime festered planet alongside him. Since escaping Coruscant it had been a rough few months. After the initial phase of healing had passed, he had very slowly regained his strength and his will power. Shortly after that he began training again, re-chiseling his muscles and his mind into the once-sharp dagger it had been before.

Several days after the fall of Coruscant he had enjoyed taking to the streets and being a free soul, but that quickly caught up with him. He needed structure and guidance in his life. Without it, he was a walking droid almost. He was too devoid of feelings at times and that rubbed people the wrong way. He had been taught from birth never to apologize and to never let any sign of weakness into your mind, traits that had betrayed him as he had wandered aimlessly months ago. He felt at home again, training under Ekul Selah. While the man wasn't a father figure to him by any means, the man had saved his life. The molding and guidance the wise old man offered was priceless and had already saved his life on the streets many times. He had taught him that in the streets silence was knowledge and power. If they couldn't see you, they couldn't hurt you and they wouldn't guard their tongues. But also to remember, shadows only get darker as you go into them. There will always be someone more skilled and better equipped that you are. Do not let the notion of strength and invincibility fool you. Thugs are only regular men with guns and knives. Far worse things await.

 

[thegreatbeyonder]

Lesana calculated her steps, she didn't want to die. A hard choice had to be made and whilst squeezing her eyes shut she gave in. "Alright, I'll go with you.", she mumbled the plain words. Her fear did not subside by her emotions became more and more underwhelming as she realized that if he did take her outside, surely someone would see them and then she could attempt the escape. Her surrendering manner was met with a relaxed posture, allowing the armoured man to move her along. They walked almost like a couple, it was a scary realization. Something that should make one secure was the worst spot she's ever been in and her very life was at stake.

Glancing around the alley they made way to enter towards the streets. It was surprisingly empty, but it wasn't exactly a busy point in time. A few souls scattered into the other buildings. Mostly offices like hers, some were becoming abandoned since the recent influx of refugees. She still hadn't understood the complex nature of the world, not what was going on. It wasn't that she couldn't, she just never decided to. Looking back at the armoured man she noticed his mask. For the first time she truly noticed that she hadn't seen his face but in the frightening moment earlier she swore she did. She imagined a dark and surreal face, glaring down on her with a stare of death. Her heart began racing again. "Where are you taking me?", she spoke in whatever tranquility of tone she could muster. She wanted answers.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys kept her walking, his blaster-rifle held as inconspicuously as he could manage. "Don't speak.", his response was simply enough. Still there was no sort of emotional stress in his voice; if anything he seemed more relaxed in this situation than before. His head did not move much but his eyes were constantly darting around, he had to be sure that he did not attract unnecessary attention. He kept her close, not only was he forceful he also was protective. He needed her alive. She was perhaps the key to something that his master, Anja Aj'Rou, had planned. She asked for talent and a shipwright was not one to lack in such a definition. Thinking of this he at least attempted to keep her in check by feeding her something. "Your talent is needed. Do not worry. Your life is not in danger.", his statements were both brief and casual. He wasn't charismatic by all means but at least he had some ability to assure his targets wouldn't alert the authorities, or so he believed.

 

[Tesar Osted]

He stared at the ground, keeping his gaze to himself on this cloudy and rainy day. He mind ran through lessons of days past and of the light saber techniques he was being taught by the wise Jedi. He had an unnatural way with the blade. He was a force to be reckoned with. It became apparent quickly that he had much to learn before he even stood a chance against his new master, the bruises on his body reinforcing that. His thoughts were jarred suddenly as a man bumped into him. His shoulder rolled with the hit, his large frame and hard scales absorbing most of the force.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys had hoped to remain out of notice of the man. Quickly calculating, he moved his arm to knock out Lesana. He was careful and made sure that no critical harm would come from the blow, at the very least she'd be too dazed to get back up. He then turned towards the trandoshan-like creature, not having had much of a glimpse to get an accurate clarification, he aimed the butt of his rifle towards the large figure. He needed to remain sure that the girl would not try to run in the process and kept a ready stance to dart back.

 

[thegreatbeyonder]

Lesana let out a sudden gasp, taking the surprise blow her eyes rolled back. Her vision fading as she fell into a puddle on the hard floor , barely catching herself with her hands before collapsing.

 

[Tesar Osted]

Tesar growled loudly at the man, baring a an upper and lower row of 3 inch teeth at the man and the rifle pointed at his face. His hands dropped to his belt , wrapped around the hilts of the blades attatched. He looked up at the man and the women at his side. "Watch where you're walking." he growled at the man, clearly annoyed. The girl slumped suddenly, and he went to spring backwards, ripping the blades off of his belt and flicking the switch mid-air, landing with one knee bent and the other stretched slightly behind him and the sabers humming to life. He reached out with the force, trying to sense if the man had any comprehension of the force. "What is the meaning of this?"

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Catalys kept his ground, standing between himself and Lesana. To the Jedi it would be clear that Catalys had a strong connection to the force but untapped, passive, left to animal instinct like many who are unaware of their nature. His sensitivity would protrude a sense of darkness about it. The sudden flash of light from the ligthsabers blinded him temporarily, his barrel shook enough to make it noticeable that something was wrong. His senses would come to in only a matter of seconds, the vibrant blades of the lightsaber illuminated in colour unknown to many. Heeding the beast's words he acquired the concentration to respond in time. "Your escort.", he responded briefly. His voice was multiplied by his suit of armour, clearly it had some sort of amplifier. Catalys had realized now that he would not leave with one but two talents for his Harbinger.

 

[Tesar Osted]

Tesar hissed at Catalys, his forked tongue darting out from between the sharp rows of teeth, the untapped potential of the force striking a tidbit of fear into his mind at first, but he suppressed that weakness quickly. The mans voice echoed around the empty street, the rain drizzling onto the armor with a soft metallic clink that Tesar could hear. He cocked his head as he twirled the two blades in his hand, testing his handling in the slight downpour and feeling the familiar grip of the metal in his hand. "What is the meaning of that? Lay down your weapons and I will not harm you."

 

[Catalys Maijora]

The sensitivty in Catalys' vision had subsided, his vision was clear aside from the rain which posed no unusual danger to his sight. He was used to darkness and saw well at night. Gripping his blaster rifle further he spread his stance into a sturdier one, his metallic boots gripping into rough streets, sending ripples through a few small puddles. Setting his blaster to stun he launches out the blue blast towards the beast before quickly reaching back to grab a single stun grenade and tossing the activated device towards Tesar. Bracing himself Catalys pulls his stance back defensively, closing his eyes at the moment of blast.

 

[Tesar Osted]

Tesar brought his blades up in an X formation, the first blast reflecting off and sizzling off into the ground about 5 feet to the right of Catalys. It wouldn't have hurt him anyway, the thick scales lining his body would have taken care of him and sent it bouncing off. He spun his sabers confidently in small circles, about to start circling the man and his female companion when he saw what appeared to be a grenade thrown at him. He couldn't react quickly enough as the second it was close enough to send him flying it exploded, the white light blinding him as he shot backwards, slamming to a wall. He slumped to the floor dazed, his breath heavy and his vision blurry and cutting in and out.