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Post by erickson on Jun 26, 2007 22:08:03 GMT -5
Caeden had walked away from the ship feeling very distracted. Everything seemed so odd to him. He had placed it in his mind to check in on Jenna, make sure she was taken care of, also make sure Dika wasn't freaking her out with his high-pitched Ewok singing. Clambering up the boarding ramp of the shuttle that had brought them there he walked into the room where Jenna was.
She was singing in harmony with the Ewok, her soft furry alto blending to make the song better.
Caeden strode casually into the room and sat down against the wall, and glanced over at Jenna, a wary smile tugging at his lips.* *Dika finished singing and patted Jenna on the knee.*""FUN.FUN HUman with taste, fun fun" then he gathered his things and walked outside to go see the new babies, leaving Caeden and Jenna alone on the shuttle.* "So I take it you got a good rest then, Jedi Mothma. I figured I would come to make sure you were doing well"
"Yes, I did. No nightmares, Captain Storm. Where do we go now?"
"You're free to go wherever you feel needed. My father said your welcome to join his ships medical crew if interested. I have actually been told to remain here for a while, so I was kind of hoping you'd stay with me. It's not often I can be around a woman and not have them fawning all over me. Truthfully I appreciate that more than people think, it's not in my nature to endure fawning. Your a very interesting person to me." *he smiled, nothing disarming, just a smile*
She shrugged. "O.K., Captain. I need orientation, anyway, and someone with me, or have they stopped shooting Imperial Officers on sight?"
He chuckled slightly* "Mom said Master Vincent stopped doing that 30 years ago. Kidding though, I will have to introduce you to Master Gurevich, or Admiral Joseph, they were once Imperials. Joseph was given command of a sizeable task force for the Chiss also, well..till he got old and retired. You'll be fine. I can introduce you to my aunt and uncle, they are here. Which is rare because my Uncle is never around."
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Post by Morris Cutler on Jul 3, 2007 14:19:29 GMT -5
Alyssa found herself in the cockpit of her ship awaiting Callista and Astrid’s arrival. Their destination would be Darunia where they could track down and speak with the retired Chiss Lord Admiral. Somewhere within Gaeriel's journal there would be some mention of the runes. Caeden had protested being left behind, but had decided for better or worse to take time and spend it with Jenna.
Astrid arrived first, with Jeff silently following. "Well, that's done. Raven's Wing and Firebird will meet us there - they've got the recognition codes. And Ordo's digging out the Journals, Bless him." She paused, the said, softly, "If you don't mind, I'd like a chance to talk to you during the voyage, Alyssa."
"I don't mind at all. Let me finish up the preflight and then I'll set her on cruise."
"YUB YUB" came the familiar voice of the Ewok, Dika "Dika go to, Caeden have big case cabin fever. Dika go nuts." he stepped onto the ramp as if awaiting permission to board, and received an ok nod from Alyssa. He toddled to the back and took a seat at the back of the room.
*Going over the checklist Alyssa kicked in the thrusters and the ship lifted off the pad. Clearing the gravity well she was given free passage by Dalton's commandship and she programmed in the jump to Darunia. Moments later the ship shot off into hyperspace. Securing everything Alyssa left the cockpit and told Dika that he could fly if he wanted to, before joining her mother in one of the back lounge areas.
"That's the first time I've heard early lovesickness described that way," observed Astrid.
"That's the first time I've heard early lovesickness described that way," observed Astrid. "Although the symptoms look pretty similar." She paused looking at her daughter. "You think they're a possible match?"
"Um...I don't know her, can't answer that question. If I had my way he wouldn't date anyone. He's my baby." she smiled "I guess though it's really up to the force, and to them. At some point I'll have to let him go. It's tough though."
"Yes, it is" said Astrid, smiling. The smile slowly faded, and she looked embarrassed. "Sorry, honey," she finally said. "It's a bit .....odd... since your age...." She stopped, flushing scarlet as Alyssa felt her momentarily put up a strong shield. She turned, and faced away, shaking. "I'm sorry," she finally whispered.
"There's no way to tell you.....how sorry I am."
"Mom, I forgive you. I am sorry also. All those years of hate...and abandonment I allowed to penetrate my life, I am sorry for those. We haven't had each other for 38 years now, but we do have a future. You’re still my mother, although you look as young as I am. I would never seek to take you away from your new family either, you can assure Jeff of that if he asks about it. I know that this is how dad would have wanted it. I guess in a way my over-protectiveness of Caeden has to do with my own childhood and adolescence. I don't want to trust another woman to take care of him, but I am sure that sounds stupid about right now."
Astrid turned, and faced her daughter. "Birds have to fly the nest, dear. We can't cage them forever. Even if we want to. Even if they might die. Birds have to fly, or they aren't birds." Her face was odd, as if she was seeing something and not liking it.
"You getting another vision of something, I get a sense of distracted thinking. You know we can change his destiny, and Krystal's. Damn when did I get to be so old and protective." she sighed
"Not Krystal's, and not Caeden's. Tomas...." said her mother, and fainted, falling suddenly into a heap at Alyssa's feet.
"Mom..Mom.." Alyssa knelt down and felt her mother's pulse, which still maintained it's own beat. She reached into the force and sent a pulse through Astrid that generally woke up people who had fainted.
She felt her mother's spirit, hiding deep, hiding from what she had "Seen". Of all the gifts passed on to the four children, the "Sight" had not gone to the next generation. Watching its effect on her mother from the inside, Alyssa was suddenly glad it hadn't.
Ariel had a slight gift of foresight Alyssa recalled but nothing so severe as what Astrid was capable of. She reached deep into the force, trying to send a comforting touch.
"Mom..wake up..tell me we can fix this"
She felt Astrid's thoughts slowly focus, and saw the blank hole in them, burned out from within, as if even Astrid couldn't bear what she saw, Astrid slowly sat up, hand to head. "Owww," she said feebly.
"You alright mom, you had another overpowering vision I do believe. I guess I am thankful I didn't really get that gift. What did you see, only we can change the destiny"
Astrid stared at her daughter, at first blankly, then with a growing horror. "I....don't .....Remember!" she said.
*Alyssa probed, lending a surge of light energy, attempting to stimulate her memory cortex.* "We have no choice, we have got to find this guy from Caeden's vision, and my brother. I don't want it to become the possession that overcame Master Spry-Ordo, but we can’t lay down either. Hopefully her journals will give us the answers we need."
"Dear gods, I hope so," said Astrid. "Poor, poor Gaeri. She finally committed suicide, you know, after she realized how Dark she'd gone and come back from. " "No, she never committed suicide, that was proven to be false. We know she was killed by Zarok. Her brother saw he in her last moments. Her quest for Gavin did drive her mad though. I never really knew what happened the last time her and Master Vincent met. All I know is that it changed him."
Astrid looked relieved. "If Vincent wants to let others know, he'll let them know. I've never found it wise to press Vincent on anything. But I'm glad that the suicide rumor was false - it seemed oddly inconsistent for Gaeri. A Darkside rumor, no doubt."
"Yeah well least you didn’t have to live with him for several years, he could be very overbearing at times. He's softened now since he's aged, but then again you know what he was like. I don't intend to press him, never have. Hard to believe it's been ten years since that too, and I am sure that the suicide was a rumor. I am actually kind of interested to read her journals. Maybe they will answer questions concerning her the last few years of her life also."
"I hope so," said Astrid. "Gaeri got left holding the bag so MANY times. Me, Kathryn, Ordo, Avion, Jeff, and so many others. I guess we never really understood how much pressure she was under until she cracked, and then it was too late."
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Post by Morris Cutler on Jul 5, 2007 9:42:26 GMT -5
*Caeden sat with his back against the bulkhead, his mind wandering ever so slightly. Jenna had taken over the refresher so she could shower and do whatever it was she needed to do. He thought about her a lot now. He was hesitant to make any moves though, it wasn't his nature to act on his feelings. He would have to learn eventually, and she was hot. So engrossed he was in his thinking that he failed to pick up on the approaching Padawan*
"Caeden? Do you know where your mom is? I've got a message for her," the boy said. In his hand he held and oldfashioned lnvelope katofcorellia: envelope
*Startled Caeden snapped out of his dazed state.* "She went somewhere with her mom and apprentice. Looking for some sort of clues. My father is in orbit, and my aunt and uncle are at the Cutlers, you could deliver it to one of them. Who is it from?"
"You know those old files I was supposed to sort out? Well, I found this in them. Didn't open it, but I THINK its to you mom. Didn't her last name used to be Calor?"
"Yeah, that was her maiden name. She still uses it in Jensaarai business actually. I can deliver it to dad, or Ari if you want me to."
*Caeden immersed himself in the force and sent a pulse through to his mother's sister.*
-Aunt Ari, I have a letter for mom here, you think you could come here and get it, perhaps open it and read it.-
‘On my way,' she sent. She was soon there, looking tired. "What is it, Caeden?" she asked
"One of the Padawan's said he came across this letter to mom, this thing feels very heavy to be a mere letter though. I didn't want to open it in case it was something that was personal to your family. It was addressed to her Calor namesake, thought it appropriate to summon you."
She held it in her hand, weighing it. "You're right, Caeden. There's something about it......." She closed her eyes and concentrated.
The result was dramatic. As Caeden watched, she gasped, and folded at the knees, falling to the floor. Jenna chose that moment to walk out into the hall. "Hi, Caeden," she began, then spun, catching the older woman by the arm as she fell.
*Caeden reached out with a force grip grabbing Ariel and Jenna and rooting them into place so they wouldn't fall. His lightsaber coming on in his hand as he felt something cold suddenly rooting itself into the ship.* "Whhh....what is that Aunt Ari."
"She's not breathing," said Jenna quietly. "Caeden, help me get her to sickbay, and DON't touch that letter." Caeden Lifted Ariel while jenna walked alongside, Blowing puffs of air into Ariel's mouth. Halfway to sickbay, she yelled,"Caeden, her heart's stopped, move it!!!!"
He noticed she had a shield around SAriel, and was NOT touching her using the force.
*Caeden reached into the force and began instigating CPR to restart her heartbeat. However he found his use to be supressed and shook his head. He also summoned Aidan and Dalton, and quickly helped Jenna get her into the sickbay. Seconds later a doctor was there and he shocked her heart. After 3 it began to beat faintly. Already they were hooking her up to the monitors and working on her, she breathed now, faint, and slow.*
"What happened" the doctor asked
"Force Trap," said Jenna looking grim. "Tied to her bloodline, I think. That's why I kept you from Touching her," she said. "You ARE related?"
"Yes, that's my aunt. IS she going to be alright...." *His mind began floating...Andrew....perhaps. Sounds appropriate he thought. Mess with my family and cross me...I'll find you, you bastard. Or was it the man from his vision. He sent out a pulse to Master Vincent informing him of the situation. He had no bloodties to the family, he could check it out.* "Does that thing work on just my bloodline..or anyone my bloodline has had intercourse with" he asked. I called Master Spry, he's got no bloodties. I hesitate to call my father, it may be triggered to him now." -f-
"Once triggered, it will try and get ANYONE of your blood. is my guess. Or it may just go after ANY psychic, or any Brightside psychic. I've only seen one before, but my Master told me about them. He said they were a Sith trick
"It sends the soul, and the mind's energy, elsewhere. Unless we can find where, she'll stay that way until her body dies, in a year or a decade." She paused. "Oh, and don't try and find her with the force. It'll get you then. Don't use the Force on her at all......."
"Come with me, we're going to Darunia. We have to see if we can head my mother off. It has to be Andrew..my uncle. We've never met him, but the prophecy dictates that he is the chosen avatar of darkness. He would likely be on Romana, or Yavin. Romana's location however remains hidden from all. That information would have to be in the journals they are going to read." *Vincent arrived a second later and saw Ariel, and was cautioned by Caeden not to use the force. He excused himself and walked over to the trap. Summoning the force deeply to himself he suspended his essence into the whirl of the brightside, overwhelming the power of the trap, but expending vast amounts of force energy. The markings on it were ancient Sith symbols, the kind Gavin had tattooed on his body.
Don’t destroy that, only the master who created it can undo it’s effects, it will kill her if destroyed.
She looked tense and worried.
It's relative age seemed to be newer than when Gavin had been killed and he quickly sought for traces of Zarok or Crassius. He could detect a faint sense of Zarok lingering, but not the direct source of the trap. It had to be Andrew. Or some other disciple unknown to them, he would however believe it to be Andrew. The force kept him from being taken as he let go of it, but in the expending of energy Vincent fell out and into a temporary state of stasis. He would awaken when his reserves were replenished*
Jenna relaxed, oddly to Caeden, as Vincent also collapsed. "He's OK," she said, sounding thankful.
"I've seen him do that once. He is very powerful, and when he expends that sort of energy it knocks him out. Mother used to do that frequently at the height of the war. Thank you for helping me. Now I need your help some more, are you willing to help me track this thing to it's source?"
"Yes," she said to him, and he felt a trickle of anger brush his nerves. "One of those killed my Mother and my father, about ten years ago."
"I'm truly sorry for your loss." she would note a darkening look coming into his own eyes also. "The Sith reached out into my mother over a decade ago, caused her to miscarry what would have been my sister. We've got to run quickly though, before my father decides to ground us here."
"Yes, and also Master Vincent might decide to 'protect' us, as my Master did. I'll leave him a note, but we'd better take the trap with us."
"I'll get Master Spry comfortable at the Cutler place and then we'll slip out. You'll have to carry the trap, I don't think it would do us much good if I touched it. Please be careful though, I just met you, don't want to lose you. Although at least we don't have to move it to another ship" *he carried Vincent to the Cutler's and laid him on the couch. He stopped and met the babies for the first time, and gave his soon to be aunt a quick kiss on the forehead. Ragen set about helping make Vincent more comfortable and he explained briefly Vincent over-exerting himself in the force before penning a note and disappearing out the front door. Running up the ramp he keyed in the start sequence and lifted his ship off from the ground.
He kept it limited to the backside of the planet and removed himself from the tight net of the defense grid. Accelrating he keyed in the jump coordinates and gave Jenna, seated in the co-pilots seat a wan smile. Moments later the ship entered hyperspace. Following closely another ship winked into hyperspace, tracking the direction of the young Jensaarai. Seated in the pilots chair, Kalit looked over his diagnostic readings and settled in*
Following the two, another ship entered warp, although it's pilot had already installed a tracker on Caeden's ship. The pilot leaned back into the chair, smiling like a tigress about to drop from the tree. She bore some resemblence to Caeden, enough to be his sister. But the red glow in her eyes, and her dark outfit proclaimed her to be no Jedi child. An old Trap had been triggered, and she intended to follow it, eventually reporting back to her Father and Master.
*After making sure they were on course Caeden walked to the back and into the lounge area. Things were getting complicated now. He was developing feeling for Jenna in the midst of the turmoil around him and it felt so wrong. He resolved to keep them to himself until she asked about them. His hand went down to his hilt and he caressed the tip of it. Times are changing he thought, too fast for good.* Matt:
Jenna sat in the cabin, trying to calm her rage. THIS time she would not be stopped. She swore it to herself again, seeing her mother's body, seeing her father's body, seeing the grief on her grandmother Mon Mothma's aged face. THIS time she would.... She halted herself, remembering her Master's words. "Jenna, calm yourself, watch yourself. In you flows the blood of both greatness and depravity. I feel that you will either help the New Republic Be redeemed, or destroyed against an ancient terror. Watch yourself, Jenna"
*Caeden's hand finally eased off the hilt of his lightsaber and he stood up to begin making food. He didn't know what Jenna liked, but he would make something and hope it was good. He threw a couple of frozen steaks on the grill and dilligently worked to make the meal. His mind was still a mess of thoughts and assumptions. If it was Andrew he knew he would be no match for him. What of this unknown enemy..of his half-relatives destiny, what of him and Jenna, would mom like her, would Jenna like him. The voices rose to a crescendo in his head till they became an annoying buzz within his mind. What was happening.*
Her mind whispered to her "Jenna, you and Caeden can find the one who did this to your parents. Only you two are needed to destroy the one who made the mark, and cleanse the Galaxy of him. Then you grandmother can die in peace, knowing her son and his wife are avenged." She leaned back against the wall, half-nodding to herself, never questioning the feminine voice in her head.
*Flash*
*Caeden suddenly was overpowered by another vision from within the force.* He stood atop a dusty plateau, Jenna at his side, the wind kicked up a dust cloud around them creating a mini-twister that seemed to dance underneath the fading sun. The soft thrum of engines could be heard and then they stood face to face with him. The Dark Robe shrouding the figure from their view. Caeden felt himself hurled into the air, Jenna also. The black gloved hands of the dark figure ignited his twin red-blades and charged at them with full fury of the force. STanding his ground Caeden met the blade with his own and was swiftly locked into combat. Another figure had materialized and now stood entangled with Jenna. As they fought on Caeden found himself growing darker, fueled by a need to save her.
*His eyes began to flash and he enhanced his attack to a greator degree, his blade swirling methodically through the inner guard of his opponet. As they fought, Caeden's blade took on a red hue and his attacks became increasingly forceful. With a gurgle the dark one lost his blades and fired a staccato of blue energy at Caeden. Caeden responded with his own blast that acted as a counterweight to the other person's energy and the sheer magnitude of the energies hurled both of them 10 feet in the air. Coming down hard Caeden felt his ribs giveway, but rose to his feet. He plunged the now-red blade into it's heart and shifted to Jenna. Her blade had also taken on a red hue and she had just severed the head of the one she fought. Both looked to each other and smiled a dark grin.*
*Caeden came back to reality after that and was left in a state of pure shock. Another bloody vision, I'll be damned it this doesn't stop soon. Then he flipped his steaks and sat down for a moment to calm his nerves. This was one weird day.*
Jenna walked out of the cabin. In her hands she held a box with the letter inside. "Caeden, where can I put this - away from both of us," she said, too-loudly. "im not comfortable with it in my cabin, and damn if I want it in yours."
“Put that shit in the back storage room. I keep nothing in there. It’s as far away from us as we can get it. I think however that we should stick together. You can share my room with me. I’ll sleep on the floor.”
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Post by Morris Cutler on Jul 5, 2007 12:49:05 GMT -5
"Yes." whispered her mind, and "Yes," she said without thinking, then stopped, looking shocked.
Hastily changing the topic, she said,"I think we BOTH better seal that door."
That way if it gets to either of us, the other can help
"We'll seal that door with the force, my father taught me a trick for sealing stuff up. Especially dark things. He said he had to seal off a Jedi one time, that didn't sit well with the council either." *jenna hastily placed the trap in the storage room and Caeden reached into the force, creating strands of pure force energy around the door. He would be the only one who could unseal it now.* "Come I cooked some steaks for us, I I hope they didn't overcook" *he offered her his arm like any good gentlemen would*
She frowned, and drew some marks on the door's rim. They flashed red, then slid to violet and then blue. "Something my mother showed me," she said briefly, while the prideful part of her mind whispered, 'You're not the only one can do things, Caeden'
She took his arm, looking forward to the steaks
*In that moment Caeden felt right with the galaxy, for the brief moment she had his arm at least. He seated her at the table and bustled up some potatoes. The steaks had not overcooked thankfully, so he served them, and some of the potatoes then sat down to eat.* "Dig in, I certainly hope it turns out alright, I am not a consumate pro as a chef." *he smiled as he locked gaze with her for the briefest of moments before tackling his food*
She felt warmth inside of herself.
"Good," whispered the hidden watcher. "This, I can use."
Blushing, she bent her head and began to eat the steak.
"Better, even better. It will only take a nudge...."
Jenna brushed her thoughts back into order. Careful not to look at Caeden, she buttered her potato, and cut herself another piece of steak.
*Caeden kept his thoughts centered on his food. He slid his steak onto his fork and took another bite of it. The ringing in his mind had finally stopped and at least he had a moment of peace. It felt so right being here, but...not now..not if he had work to do. The ship seemed to feel somewhat cold at the moment, but he shrugged it off to the settings on the condensor unit.*
She finished her steak and potatoes in a distracted manner, her thought continually straying, like a flock of chattering sparrows. Finding herself glancing at him frequently, she suddenly realized that she was wondering what it would be like to kiss him. She had only kissed family before, never a stranger.
*Caeden's thought the same thing a second later, what would it be like to kiss her. Would they have cute kids, would they make a good couple. All the questions raced through his mind as he ate. She was so...beautiful. Lust could sometimes be a pitfall to a darker path, love could too, but Caeden found he really didn't care at the moment.*
She jumped to her feet, blushing. "I'll get the dishes," she said, taking her plate, and reaching for his. Her hand touched his, and she nearly dropped the plate she was collecting. Only a last minute grab wi8th the Force saved it from crashing down.
*Caeden started and his heart fluttered for a moment when she touched him and smiled as she nearly lost the plate. As she walked over towards the sink, the Defender got up and walked over to it with her. When she turned on the water he quickly grabbed the sprayer and shot a thin stream of water at her, laughing friendly as he did so.*
She splashed water back at him, not getting it all. They continued until the compartment was wet, then stopped, looking at each other. His wet jumpsuit outlined him in a way that she decided she found ....interesting.
*Caeden shook off the water and pulled off his shirt, exposing the well-toned body that had made all of the teenage padawans and some of the adults fall "in love" with him. His hand came up slowly, cautiously, as he gently stroked her cheek for a moment. Her gaze made him feel comfortable as he leaned in to kiss her, stopping his lips about 10% of the way from her lips.*
DO IT! urged her mind. Instead she uttered a strangled squeak, and bolted. Her mind raled against her, suggesting things she hadn't thought about before, ever. She beat a furious retreat to the fresher.
*Caeden was left stunned, standing against the sink. He smacked himself upside the head* "Stupid Stupid Stupid, why did I think the timing was right. This go 90% and wait for her to come the other 10%, where did that derive from, it was stupid." he thought quietly. *Reaching into the force he picked up the scattered dishes and secured them into the dishwasher before using the floor units to clean up the water on the floor. Then he walked back to the cockpit and seated himself in his chair, shutting the door but not sealing it. The buzzing sound in his head had returned and now he felt really cold, almost angry at himself*
after locking the door, she stripped and showered under a cold shower, berating herself as she did so, angry that she had been so tempted to touch him and kiss him, angry AT him that he had tempted her. Trying to ignore her body and cravings she now found unacceptable, she turned the shower colder and colder until she was blue and shivering.
The silent watcher withdrew her light touch, smiling. She would fall, she felt, and drag him with her. She would fall, and her fall would be all the worse for haveing been so pure before.
*As he continued to stew in the cockpit his essence took on a darker tinge. Something deep, very deep within him, something deriving of his bloodline perhaps, had awakend within him, yet he didn't feel it. He went through a series of calming exercises until he had brought the buzzing in his mind under control. The pulse he sent Jenna through the force was sincere. -I'm Sorry- then he retracted his touch and closed his eyes drinking in the darkness of the night.*
The freezing girl was not listening. She slammed out of the fresher, wrapped in her robe, and dashed to her room. Locking the door, she sat down on her bed and tried to meditate. Finally, exhausted, she fell asleep sitting up.
*Sleep finally came to Caeden, alone in the cockpit of the ship. It was fitful at best, but he did sleep.*
*Far across the galaxy, Andrew stood alone in the meditation pod.* "It has begun mi'lord. Though you aren't here to witness it, it has begun. Your bloodline will be reestablished and power will flow from beneath the depths of the galaxy. Soon all they know will come to an end, and my sister will come face to face with what I am capable of. One down, two to go.*
She spent a night of discomfort, finally falling over and sleeping, waking with aching bones and joints.
*Caeden awakend to the blaring alarm stating that they were nearing the arrival point. If he had calculated it appropriately they would arrive several hours ahead of the other team and be able to pull the information they needed and be on the way before anyone was the wiser. He signalled to Jenna that they had arrived and pulled the ship out of hyperspace over the capital world of the Redoubt Cluster, Darunia. Transmitting his secure clearance he landed the ship near the Lord Admiral's residence and set the ramp down. He stepped down the ramp and waited for Jenna, hoping she was willing to put last nights debacle behind them and forgive him.*
She had risen, and showered. She was dressed in Jedi robes, tightly belted, her hair pulled back into a severe braid. She walked out, her belt with lightsaber and blaster a silent comment. Reachecing him, she looked himup and down, then nodded. "I'm ready," she said.
*They were greeted by the retired Lord Admiral who looked to them with a bit of a stupified gaze.* "Caeden..I was expecting your mother, I didn't know you were coming to go through her journals. They are this way." He led them to a study where piles of journals had been sorted into neat rows* "Help yourself" then his gaze found Jenna. "I don't think I know you, I am Can'dar'ous Ordo, retired Ascendency Navy..and you are?" *Caeden by now had reached into the force and had begun to look for surface impressions that had been written in the journals. He was looking for Romana, and information on his uncle that Gaeriel may have stashed.*
"I am Jenna Mothma, Jedi Padawan. And yes, Admiral Ordo, I've heard of you as you have heard of my Grandmother. She has also told me of the tragic gallantry of your late wife. My condolences, Sir." This was the most tactful Caeden had ever heard her be.
"Thank you Madam Mothma. It was hard on me, but not as hard on me as it was her brother, he still doesn't speak of it, and I learned not to press him. I will be around if you need any refreshment, as I said help yourself." then he turned and left.
*Caeden had started thumbing through one of the journals and had paused on an entry, one that read.* "I believe he and I have reached an agreement. He covets the title of Dark Lord, and while I don't condone it, he is but a means to an end. He said he would take me to Romana, he said he would help me find my father. My heart burns from within at him, I want this to be his final stand. I want to be an instrument of death. Kathryn, Astrid, Jeff, Avion, Alyssa, Me...lives that he has destroyed, all forming a pathway to him, a pathway to his destruction. I have taken upon me the burden of all the Jedi, for this I cannot fail"
Thumbing theough a journal, Jenna found a slip of paper in it, with hastily scrawled numbers on it. looking around, seeing she was unobserved, she stuck it into her pouch. Though she did not know it, the coordinates were those for the Trap-world where Gaerial had perished. Her fingers tingled from the energy impressed into the paper.
She was reading another journal, interested in the differences between her own training, and that of Padawan Kathryn - whoever she was - when Ordo returned with an invitation to dlunch.
He read on "Chateau Malreaux is a beautiful place, the halls are so ornate. I can understand why he would make his home here. He was always more into the darkness for wealth than he was for power like my father. It is rumored that Count Dooku had once lived here. There is something about the planet that calls to me, it energizes me. Vjun is said to be of dark origin yet I feel a new level of strength, and a renewed determination to make him pay. The one who will lead me to him is approaching. I must go."
*Caeden hastily committed that page to his memory, Vjun was where he would take them next, to the Chateau Malreaux. The trail was getting warmer now, the fabled world of Romana seemed but a breath away. He would beat his mother there, he would save the lightside before she could, he had begun to see it as his destiny.*
*He and Jenna joined Ordo for a quick lunch and afterwards they left. He kept the two journals that seemed to correspond.*
"Get ready, we're going to Vjun, we're hunting us a Sith Planet." katofcorellia: Once they were back at the ship, she smilingly produced the slip of paper she had found. "I found some coordinates, Caeden," she said.
"Excellent, we'll investigate them next. I am convinced though that we must head to Vjun first. I think I can get a surface impression of Master Spry, and I want to look over this journal some more."
*They both sat in the cockpit and Caeden programmed in the jump for Vjun. Shortly thereafter the ship entered hyperspace again, Kalit closing in on them pressed on the hyperdrive but to his chagrin found out he was unable to make the jump.*
"Utinni" (F..K) he muttered and went to his hyperdrive core to see if he could fix it.
*The other unknown ship entered hyperspace also, well outside of Kalit's range, following the two lightsiders, both now in way over their head.*
*Moments after the departure of Caeden and Jenna, the ship carrying Alyssa, Astrid, Jeff, and Dika exited hyperspace over Darunia.*
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Post by Quinn on Jul 11, 2007 11:28:28 GMT -5
"DALTON, YOUR MOTHER TOLD ME. YOUR FATHER WAS GAVIN SPRY." The telepathy was dying to a less thunderous level.
On his ship, Dalton dropped his coffee when that last announcement was made -WHO ARE YOU!!!!!-
"And now, the Serpent's bite can no longer harm you." The voice was now recognizable as Astrid's. "Dalton, you're what he would have been, had he chose to stay with the Bright side of the Force."
"He was a good man - initially." Her mental voice was regretful.
-Why would you choose to hide something of that magnitude from me for 45 years. I am not him, I am the antithesis of all that he stood for. You're right though..I guess I am his polar opposite. Just because I am of his blood doesn't mean I am invincible either. Does my wife know this?- he paused for a moment to assure Liis that he was ok before resuming his thought process.- "Is he the reason why I can conjure and break illusions. I do not want to become what he was. I accept what you are telling me, but I choose to be of the light.-
"I will tell her - privately and only if you wish it. And I hid it at your mother's request. She asked that I disclose it only if - in my judgment - it was needed. I am sure someone on the enemy side knows this - better to give it to you so that they cannot use it as a weapon."
-It would surprise me little if he already knows. I will tell my wife at a later time, she doesn't need this on her plate right now. Everyone's destiny is changing before our eyes. I will rest in the knowledge that I am of the light regardless of my heritage and that is all I can do at this point. I don't know when we will arrive, I sense my son's beacon. Hopefully we can finish the job this time.-
"One can only hope," and with that she opened her eyes. "Dalton is coming," she told Jeff and Alyssa.
It was at this point Jeff felt an impression of the force on his mind, that of Vincent
"Good, he can join the party." Jeff said sarcastically. "Looks like this is gonna be the showdown anyway."
"For this time, anyway," said Astrid,looking tired of the whole sordid mess.
"There's just no pleasing the Force, you know that." Jeff said to his wife. "It always wants something more. Give a grox a cookie..."
As Vincent opened himself up to the force he communicated to Jeff -They need you, I know what you are, you are a protector. I am coming, but there is little I can do until I get there. I know that it is within you to protect them, please for the hope of everything good protect them. I intend to sacrifice myself to the greater good if I must, I've already settled it into my spirit that this could be the end for me, do not tell them of my belief. Hold fast.- and then he was gone
"...... and he wants another," Astrid chuckled, recalling the children's story they had both read, over and over, to their children.
"Doesn't even let ME get a word in edgewise. Not a single thing, not even 'Hey Jeff, how' re the kids?'. No, it's 'PROTECT THEM FOR THE FATE OF THE FORCE' or some crap like that." Jeff said, his voice going low and mystic on the bit about the fate of the Force. "No one is polite these days, not even to their elders!"
Alyssa had stood now and the defiance of a warrior was etched on her features. She stared straight ahead into the void of hyperspace,. extended her senses, strengthening her awareness, steeling herself to what must be done. "My husband brings the fleet, I know him. He intends to trap Crassius if he is there. Are you alright Jeff, you act like you've seen a ghost"
"Who? Who was so 'rude'? " said Astrid, still chuckling at the grox remark
"Vincent." Jeff muttered.
Alyssa said, "He's not right anymore. When he last saw his sister it changed him, he mutters on about the higher calling, the "saving grace" now. His heart is still pure, but something in that encounter scarred him. He doesn't even speak with me anymore. I'm sorry though, I can't keep making up excuses for him."
"No, but he can be polite at least." Jeff muttered.
"Well, you know him," said Astrid sympathetically. "Doom and gloom, bless him! The poor man's been through the sawmill backwards, several times." She was actually DEFENDING Vincent.
"Like he was the only one." Jeff muttered darkly.
"I think we've all walked through our own personal hells. All we can do is move on the best we can" spoke Alyssa
"Alyssa, try to be prophetic with me and I promise you will not do so again." Jeff said, narrowing his eyes at her.
"A little touch of cabin fever there Jeff. Don't threaten me, there is more at stake her than any petty quarrel we derive. We've been over this road before, let's not rehash what we already walked. I am going to find my son, and kill my brother. A lack of focus will be costly, you of all people know that." her voice was icy steel.
"Come on, you two......" said Astrid. "I think we ALL need something to eat." There was worry in her voice now.
"No one has ANY sense of humor here at all!" Jeff threw his hands up in the air, and walked out of the cabin.
she turned to her mother "Even after 25 years of relative peace I still don't understand his sense of humor. I think we were put in the galaxy to irritate each other." she allowed just the slightest trace of humor into her voice.
Astrid turned to her daughter. "20 years of sharpening my wits on him did bad things to his sense of humor, I'm afraid," she said apologetically, then yelled,"Jeff, I'm fixing Nerfburgers, want one?" "Sure, if Miss High-And-Mighty doesn't mind them!" he called back.
"PAD-WAN!" Astrid yelled in an admonishing tone.
"NERF BURGER SIDE OF BUGS FOR ME!!!" Alyssa retorted back "That's Mrs. High-and-mighty to you pops. I am married now."
"And I thought you liked calling me Master? Oops, don't think I was supposed to mention that..." he called back.
"smart ass kid," Astrid muttered, as her face flamed.
Alyssa snickered "The things children hear these days" she said to herself, then she lost it, laughing cheerfully for the first time on this whole voyage.
Astrid glared impartially and theatrically in both their directions, then headed to the galley There she cooked up big juicy nerfburgers - sans bugs - for everyone.
There was a sound of "DAAAAAAAD!!!! WE DIDN'T NEED TO HEAR THAT!" from Krystal somewhere on the ship.
Alyssa followed Astrid to the galley, pausing in front of Jeff for a moment, nearly losing it again. Then she froze "Um...Jeff is she supposed to be here?"
<do you get to stun her or do I> said Astrid mentally to her husband
"You kidding? She's always with us. Well, me at least." Jeff shrugged. "I don't try and stop her these days."
"No, she isn't," said Astrid to Alyssa.
Alyssa took her nerf burger and took a bite from it, savoring it's flavor. "Poor Ragen, now I gotta tell her that she doesn't have the best nerf-burger."
"KRYSTAL! Get in here, young lady!" Astrid.s bellow took her by surprise.
"Dear, you don't have to stun her each time she comes along with us." Jeff sipped a glass of water.
"I wouldn't if she'd stay out of things," she said quietly,"or stay on the Horus"
"Neither of us told her to stay behind, so she went with us. Our fault this time dear." Jeff pointed out.
"If my sons vision has any merit you might have to put her under armed guard. Where's your old buddy Raven. I haven't seen him in years, this seems like his type of duty." Alyssa's voice carried a faint trace of intrigue.
Astrid muttered to herself for a few minutes, then said resignedly, "Better than her bugging Tomas."
"Raven does what Raven does." Jeff shrugged.
Astrid looked at Jeff. "I don't know - where IS Raven?"
"Hiding over there" Alyssa joked "He used to pop out of nowhere when I knew him"
"He's nowhere near, I know that much. But I don't care where he is, nor do I want to care." Jeff muttered, taking another drink of water.
"Nerfburger, dear?" Astrid said politely, sliding his in front of him. "Where IS that girl - KRYSTAL!"
Alyssa took another bite and poured herself a glass of wine, taking a seat at the table
Krystal walked in, her wings down a little and looked at Astrid sorrowfully. "Yes mom?"
"Sit down and eat. And you're NOT going down to the surface of Romana!" Astrid seemed tense, suddenly.
"Why would I want to?" she asked quizzically, and Jeff swooped in at that moment.
"We need a pilot to remain behind on the ship, and you're the second best pilot on this ship." Jeff explained, and Krystal shrugged. "Okay Dad."
Alyssa almost felt pity for Krystal, but was definitely in agreement with Astrid, however she kept quiet allowing her family to do what they needed to do.
Astrid looked at her plate, flushing. She had never been particularly good with children, and her own were no exception.
Alyssa rose to her feet again and looked to each one of them before walking towards the cockpit. "I sense we are getting near. I must prepare myself."
Astrid finished her mouthful, and set the burger down half-eaten. "As do I," she said. She bent over, kissed Jeff, hugged Krystal, and also left.Settling the cockpit, she told the 'Bird, "Any other ships?" "Two just in front of us," she was told. "Linked response - wanna bet it's Caeden in one of them?"
Jeff sighed, and began cleaning the dishes while Krystal got herself fed. "Dad, does mom not like me for some reason?" she asked tentatively.
"She loves you dear, you know that." Jeff told her, then looked at Krystal. "What makes you think she doesn't like you?"
"Just the way she talks to me. Always seems to order me around or talk sternly to me most of the time." she said quietly. "I don't remember the last time she told me that she loved me..." Krystal looked down at her food, which she had not touched.
Alyssa had disappeared into the force, bonding herself to the hope and dreams of the Light side. She embraced her calling to it;s fullest, that fiery Erickson spirit making itself manifest. Her face took on the features of a true warrior. If Astrid reached out she would not be able to feel Alyssa on the normal level, only by digging deeper. Alyssa had now completely fused herself to the light and was ready to face the challenge. "Soon my brother, soon this will all end. If I can save you I will...but do not hesitate to think that for an instant I will not kill you." she intoned, to a level Astrid could hear.
Jeff sat down next to her, drying his hands with a towel. "I'm sure she loves you, and always has ever since she carried you. I think she just..."
"Just what dad?" Krystal asked, in that infuriating curious voice.
Astrid, hearing both daughters at once, found herself sitting and quietly crying. She loved her children, all of them. And now, one of them would die, and there was nothing she could do about it.
"She doesn't raise kids too easily is what I think. And there's more of herself she sees in you than she likes as well." Jeff sat back, and Krystal instinctively leaned against his side, her head on his chest, her wings covering them both.
"I am ready Admiral...I will do what I must. If it does not go well remember your promise. Take care of my family..my friends." said Alyssa. She spoke as if to thin air. "All that is within you was put there for a purpose child. This is your time, go in peace" the voice echoed in her head
"Then why doesn't she say so?" Krystal asked. Jeff shook his head. "I don't know baby, I don't know."
Standing up, Astrid moved to the lounge. Seeing Krystal drooping against Jeff's shoulder, she sighed sadly. She'd messed up - as usual. Jeff looked at Astrid, his eyebrow raised. <Yes dear?> he asked telepathically. Walking across, she said quietly, "Krystal...." and knelt down next to the two of them. "Krystal, I'm sorry I haven't been a very good mother to you. I'm not very good at it. I may die down there, and so I want you to know - I love you, honey. Always have, always will...."
Jeff's eyes narrowed. <How did you hear us?> he asked sharply.
Astrid looked at him, surprised. <Just my own thoughts, Jeff> she replied.
"Bird, were you relaying our conversation?" Jeff asked out loud in a suspicious tone, and Krystal gasped.
"Yes." said the "Bird. "Boss is probably gonna get herself killed again, so I thought she'd better know some things first."
Krystal slowly lowered her wing from covering her face to look at her mother with glaring eyes, matched by Jeff's. "You can't have any privacy here, can I?" as she abruptly walked off towards her room.
Astrid sagged. The slowly she stood up, her face going to ice. She looked at her husband, then after her daughter. The she turned without saying a word, and re-entered the cockpit. "Astrid?" Jeff called after her, as she left for the cockpit, noting that she didn't turn around. "Great..." he muttered, standing and putting Krystal's burger into the refrigerator for her. His movements were clear and precise.
Alyssa took her seat and made ready to land the ship as soon as they popped out. It was time...destiny was calling "Are you going to be alright mom. Do you want to go after your daughter?"
Astrid sat, watching the swirl of hyperspace, her feet on the panel in front of her. "I told her, now I'm gonna tell you. I love you, honey," she said in an eerily calm voice, as she turned and hugged Alyssa.
"I love you too mom, I don't sense my brother coming, for that I am thankful. He has his own family to attend to, but I also can't sense Ariel either, which makes me wonder. No need to focus on that though, we're standing on the edge of the future now. Let's finish this!"
Astrid merely nodded, hands on the controls once again as they reverted to hyperspace. Romana lay before them, and she burst-transmitted, "Caeden, Caeden Storm. This is Master Astrid Erickson, respond please."
-Storm here, indications are that we are dealing not only with your son, but his spawn also. There may be others we do not know of yet, I am heading in towards the planet now. Advise you to keep distance I will handle her.
"BIRD - Tractor the vessel that transmitted that," cried Astrid.
Jeff appeared behind the two, eyes growing flinty at what Astrid ID'd herself by. Fortunately, neither woman heard him come up behind them, his feet making almost no sound on the deck. Both only saw him when his reflection was cast in the viewport.
She looked at him, then at Alyssa. "Call him back, or they die!" she said desperately."Caeden - this is a matter for Masters, TURN BACK!"
-Caeden..Caeden stop..get back now. Come in with us. Don't go down there.-
he replied back -No, this is a matter for us. She crossed a line and I am going to end this..period with or without you she is mine.- and his ship accelerated to full evasion. -Come in on your own, I have my agenda.-
-CAEDEN JACOB STORM, TURN BACK NOW!!!!!- -No mom, nothing anyone can say will change this, you deal with your brother. I will take care of her.-
Caeden nosed the ship into the atmosphere of Romana, bringing it onto a direct course to land outside the entrance to the tower. On the planet Darth Ultor exited her ship and activated her stealth field, slipping into the mined out tunnel she built on her last visit that led into the backside of the tower
In his head, Karnelia taunted him. <You're now one of us, Caeden, come land and receive your welcome> He could not see her ship.
Caeden Storm, This is Master Astrid. Stay up here, this is Master's business."
Jeff looked at the back of Astrid, his eyes still flinty.
"Alyssa, please let Jeff have his seat - we may need to tractor Caeden," said Astrid softly. The microphone was OFF.
-Negative, grandma the ship we came in with has a friend onboard that needs attention. You can follow me down if you must, but keep your distance I don't need you in the line of fire. This is personal, surely you can understand that." the ship began to dive into the atmosphere and Caeden steered it towards his landing zone, moving quickly away from the "Bird"
Alyssa said as she moved, "Very well, but his ship is built against a tractor lock, our best bet is to rally up speed and get ourselves on planet within a few seconds of him, his "target" isn't even landing yet."
Jeff eased into his usual seat next the the pilot, and started operating the systems as usual. "How long has the ship been bugged?" he asked Astrid.
She looked at him, surprised. "She's always listened, Jeff." Busying herself with the board she added - "She doesn't always tell me what she hears, though."
"Astrid, Krystal values her privacy. I thought you knew that. Adjusting engine output..." Jeff slowly tapped on a screen.
Caeden continued to bring the ship through the atmosphere, nearing the exit point from atmosphere and into open air. He locked in the landing target and continued to dive through it. The power of the planet called out to him, lending way to his steeled resolve to kill Karnelia. He responded in kind to her telepathic taunt also -I am not one of you, but soon enough you will be dead anyways.- he turned to Jenna "We will be on the ground momentarily, stay close to me, I don't want you to be hurt again. My life for you if I must."
"Now that, I cannot permit," said Jenna as she hit him with a stun beam. Grabbing the controls, she fought against the planet's gravitational pull, the ship slowing but not stopping.
The small craft impacted. slamming and skipping up again several times. There was silence from the cockpit.
"They're down," said Astrid dully. "a crash, I'm afraid, Alyssa. I don't know what happened, but they crashed."
Caeden absorbed some of the impact, rolling a piece of the stun beam off of him, but he was still paralyzed. Anger filled his being and the Darkside rocketed through him, his conscious mind was almost feral, he wanted Karnelia, and yet he would get fucked. When this was over he thought I am going to kill myself, then again, I guess revenge motivated Jenna, I wish it was a kill blast though. Ah fuck he thought as the ship crashed jolting him hard, skipping him out of his seat and onto the floor
"Oh shit, they're going in way too fast. The nose just rose up by forty-five degrees." Jeff winced. "But Astrid, you can't just solve everything with a blaster. Use your diplomatic instincts and apply them to your children."
"Shit, he has better control of his ship, that girl must've affected him. I know my son, he wouldn't crash like that, something interfered. We had better get down there now before it's too late," said Alyssa.
The voice called to Caeden, supercede who you are, draw from the energy of the planet, it will empower you and allow you to save the one you love. Weakly he reached out with the Force, allowing the power of Romana to fill him, he stumbled to his feet still without use of his upper body and stumbled out of the ship dropping into the grass outside, using the force to telekinetically suspend his blade, looking for the threat to Jenna"
Karnelia's first reaction to the crash was shock. "My Master and Father will NOT like this," she muttered. Her ship stooped on the crash site like a predatory vulture. She could only read two unconscious people. She landed, and stepped out of her ship, about the time the Firebird also landed. She did not see and could not sense Jenna, huddled against the exit with her blaster ready.
"Opening fire." Jeff said, almost computer-like as the pair of quad guns tracked on Karnelia's ship and spat laser bolts on rapid fire at her engines.
Caeden continued to allow Romana's power to strengthen him as he slowly regained use of his right arm, his lightsaber stopped hovering and came to rest within his hand as he sent out a wave of dark energy directed at Karnelia with the intent to shove her out of hiding "Come on out duckie...You've got a date with death."
He saw a quick blur as her ship exploded behind her. She dived, rolling, away from the blast, coning to rest where he could not see her. <Nobody's dying today, Apprentice> she sent confidently. Jenna gritted her teeth as she tried to track the woman.
Jeff set the ship down, and stood up from his seat. "Stay here, I got this. And keep Krystal inside!"
"Jeff - take her alive," said Astrid.
Caeden mentally snarled <Apprentice, you are sorely mistaken bitch..I am no one's apprentice, only the hand of your impending death, but again you fear to come out and fight. Now it gets complicated, the reinforcements are here which means trouble.> he pulsed darkness probing for her and finally regained control of his functions, he ran towards the general direction of where he expected her lashing out with another dark energy wave, Romana's power bonding itself to his essence. Inside the tower Andrew remained encased in the meditation pod surveying the ground telepathically. Ultor now entered the tower and allowed herself to be carried to the top floor, remaining stealthed and cut off from the force. She moved to a position near one of the windows to observe.
Jeff stepped off the craft, looking up to the tower in the distance. His katana and twin lightsabers floated to his outstretched hand, and he buckled them on. The katana across his back and the two lightsabers on his belt. "Alright Archangel, you wanted me to have a test. I think this is it." Jeff muttered as he ran in the direction of the tower that they flew over, his Force signature disappearing, along with his life energy.
Astrid paused only for long enough to politely request Krystal to stay on the ship, before she and Alyssa issued from the Firebird. She was immediately confronted by a surprised Karnelia. Drawing her lightsaber, Astrid engaged her, saying to Alyssa,"You take care of Caeden, dear." Her casualness was infuriating to Karnelia, who immediately attacked her with her lightsaber, only to take an old Corellian boot in her solar plexus, folding her, gasping.
Caeden snarled as Astrid engaged Karnelia "GET OFF HER SHE IS MINE, SHE CAUSED ME TO ASSAULT AND RAPE JENNA, LET ME HAVE MY VENGEANCE!!!!!" his fingertips crackled as blue bolts of force lightning came forth from them centered on the engaged Astrid and Karnelia, only to be caught and absorbed by the shimmering blade of his mother. Caeden's face took on a darkened look of rage, unbridled fueled by the power of Romana. "SHE IS MINE, STAY OUT OF THIS!!!!!
"Caeden, baby she is baiting you..don't you see it..she wants to turn you to the Darkside, to make you her servant. She caused that pain because she found your trigger..let it go."
"Let it go, do you hear yourself, you want me to let it go, just like it took you years to let go of you hate at Jeff"
It was a heartless stab at her and still his words struck home. "Caeden don't make the same mistakes I did, my hate and unforgivingness cost me my daughter...your sister. If you give in now you will become just like my brother..Do you want that...do you really want that."
"No, I want Jenna to be saved, I want her pain to be avenged."
"You can't carry that load, it's of the Darkside. Listen to me dammit, I love you. I know what it's like to be manipulated. FOR GOD"S SAKE LET IT GO!!!!! PLEASE!!!!
Just like every fortress, you never go in at the ground level. But all the same, you should still be careful. Jeff used the Force as his ally, and he jumped two stories up to use his lightsaber on an arrow slit, to land inside carefully and quietly. He shut down his lightsaber, kept his Force signature off the 'map', and crept forward.
Jenna stood up from her position at their ship's lock, and walked to Caeden. "I don't want to be avenged, Caeden. I only want you. Please," she said as she leaned against his right side wearily, "Just, lets quit fighting, dear." Alyssa realized that Caeden had two choices - injure Jenna further, or stop fighting. As she saw that, Jenna quietly wrapped her arms around Caeden, and kissed him.
Karnelia, seeing Jenna's ploy, screamed RAGE, and attempted to come up with her blaster, only to meet her grandmother's kick. Right on the chin. She folded again, this time out for good, and Astrid switched to protecting her.
Caeden had prepped another bolt to strike out but stopped it as Jenna leaned against him, then kissed him. Abruptly he released the energy and allowed her to kiss him, drinking it in. He shut off his lightsaber and dropped it at Alyssa's feet, supporting himself against Jenna. "Wha...what's happened..how could I have let it go so far. If the Sith is to live then please break her control of me. I don't want to hurt her again. Jenna I can't bear to hurt you again."
"I'll take care of her," said Astrid mildly, and she bent over and touched the unconscious Karnelia's head."That will keep her out for a day or so, until we have time to deal with her."
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Post by Quinn on Jul 11, 2007 11:31:40 GMT -5
Crisis passed, Alyssa picked up Caeden's blade and attached it to her own belt and walked over to the tower. Drawing into the Force she did the same maneuver as Jeff, jumping through an open window two floors up on the opposite side of the tower. She could feel a menacing evil emanating from the spire and her gut became steel, knowing that destiny was upon them. She cut off her force presence and chose a hall to the left to start her climb. Above the planet a lone custom-freighter exited out of hyperspace and Vincent quickly located Astrid's force presence, and a weary Caeden. Sliding through the atmosphere he landed next to the other ships and disembarked. "What's our situation?" he asked Astrid. "I need to talk to you about her," she said, waving at the unconscious Darksider.
By the time Vincent had landed, Jeff had penetrated almost to the deepest part of the tower. There was just one more door left, the double-oak doors. From long experience, Jeff had learned not to actually open them with his hands, and instead concentrated, and blew them open. The explosion sent splinters for several feet, and he walked into a large chamber.
Alyssa reached the shaft leading up to the spire and hopped into the flow of force energy. She came to rest seconds after the doors splintered open admitting Jeff into the room. At the end of the chamber sat a lone Sith Meditation Pod that remained closed. Inside "Andrew" felt the arrival of their guests and surfaced deep into the darkness. A pair of live illusions appeared inside the chamber now. Twisted by the darkness Astrid and Dalton stood before them red lightsabers coming to life with a snap-hiss. Likewise suddenly a twisted version of Alyssa and Jeff appeared before Astrid and Dalton, also bearing red blades.
Astrid looked at the dark one, an expression of weary disgust on her face. "Not again," she muttered. "Vincent - Force Doubles - AGAIN." Knowing Jeff's fighting weaknesses, she battled until she was inside the Dark One's guard, careful not to injure him. Then, she severed him from the Force.........and he vanished, without damaging Jeff.
A voice echoed somewhere in the Dark "Play Time"
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Post by Morris Cutler on Jul 11, 2007 13:02:15 GMT -5
Storyline continues now on Changing Destinies.
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