Onslaught of the Empire

[Miss-Pandemica]

Nova stood high atop one of the buildings of the city. Ruuria was a nice place, compared to Dromund Kaas, but she wasn’t here for the better ambiance. When she had first arrived she had smuggled herself on one of the Imperial ships that had come in a few weeks before. She shouldn’t even have been on the planet to begin with. Her instructors did not give her permission to leave, and thus just being here on Ruuria was a violation. But she had to come. She had to prove her worth as a Sith. Perhaps then, she thought, I will be worthy to be taught by a Master.

She witnessed the arrivals of the two powerful Sith masters as they arrived on the planet and also the presence of the Jedi. To have so many powerful entities here at once overwhelmed her for a moment but she managed to recover her senses and focused on deciding what she would do. If she was going to impress any master she would have to do something they wouldn’t expect. Pulling the hood of her cloak up she descended the building and made her way in the direction that she sensed the Jedi…
 

[Valkore Fraust]

The contracting life had its pros and cons. Valkore remained a flexible soldier with good pay, but remains unwanted and expendable to the highest degree. The shuttle ride over proved that with a nasty pilot. Every inch of Valkore wanted to hurt this man, but he wasn't in his twenties anymore. Picking fights for an attitude adjustment was not only unprofessional, but a waste of time. By the end of the day, he'd forget about this man or realize who would lose in a fight. Valkore spent time staying under the radar for a reason.

The shuttle had landed and the exit ramp lowered. With a helmet in one hand and a large sea bag in the other, Valkore stepped foot for the first time in Ruuria. His boots clanked as he descended from the ramp. The large, armored Mandalorian walked by himself, hoping to find a government building for contracting. He stood tall and proud as he made his way to the nearest official looking building. Valkore was used to knowing people for contracts. This was his first time -looking- for one. Hopefully the Sith would provide good money or spoils from this war. Or at the very least, a good adventure.

Valkore's mind was focused on competition. How many other contractors were there, and how dirty would he have to play to get on someone's good side? The main goal was to get on a Sith Master's good side. If he could find one.  

[Darkened Angel]

Danika had just finished dancing at the cantina and left when she felt the presence of the Force, although it was faint, and more than one source. She headed in the direction they seemed to be going, and it appeared the one farthest from her was being followed. She tried to catch up, but kept at a distance. She had no intention of getting involved until she knew what was going on.  

[lady_skuld]

Sythica finished polishing up her armor in the barracks. The other soldiers, mostly men, were busy messing around. She stayed put in her bunk, watching the others smoke their drugs and ingest their various needs to cope with the fight. This planet wasn't exactly a difficult place to take in the first place, the worms had pretty much rolled over. Locking the blaster carbine back together, Sythica stood up and began to put her armor on. It was time to get prepared for the troop rotations for guard duty anyhow for her. She had heard the reports of the offense of Korriban and others, all similar in ease of their conquest. Making these forward positions would allow them to stage grander assaults, but she wanted it sooner.

"Where you going?" shouted a voice from the side. It was Corporal Banab, another one of the infantry which was stationed on this post. While technically her superior, she had already learned to dislike the man. He was somewhat obnoxious, and only had gained his promotion over her due to the fact she was far more reckless in battle. In the scenarios, however, she had won every fight against him in their wargames, despite higher casualty ratios.

"Oh just leave the private alone. You know Sythica, all duty, no dreams," a sith-bred said aside from Banab. This one was named Corporal Polo, a more than astute soldier. Sythica liked him only a slight bit more than Banab. He at least knew that she had no time for such decadence. "If it's not about the emperor or ways to fight in his name or his honor, she won't have anything to do with it."

The remark almost sounded like an attempt to provoke a response from her. Sythica chose to ignore it. She had better things to do than fraternize. Unlike most of the men in her company, she had to earn her way into this fighting corps, rather than those who voluntarily joined. Some were even here only because it was some form of hereditary duty to one's family, given as though it was some form of inheritance that meant something to them. In some ways she hated those people most, often fighting because someone pointed at them and told them to do it. A few she had met found it as a form of punishment for their ways, while others were rich kids who joined in a form of pity of the lower castes. She fought for something important. She fought for the Emperor.

"They say that we are to soon face a fight, to draw the republic into engagements soon enough," Sythica responded. She spoke in a cold, tired manner, no louder than it had to be. "Enjoy the peace while it lasts, we may yet find battle against soldiers and jedi."

Putting her helmet on, she exited the jovial setting to report to her commander outside, Sergeant Tosh. He would tell her where to report to next, and begin her watch on the walls of the base.  

[Nelowulf]

Jian felt the wind try to take his hood back on his cloak, though by some means, it never did. He stared at the various streets and alleyways they passed by, looking into each one for a sentiment of detail. While the planet was primarily filled by the bug larvae which did most of their time gathering all known knowledge they could until their time to become mindless mating adults (a fact which Jian found somewhat amusing; the bodies matured as their minds regressed, an evolutionary intrigue indeed), he noticed that there were still the casual display of alien life form on this planet as there are on any other. Being the primary capitol and hub of intelligent life, it was easily noted the human, duros, and other major presences of the big hyperspacing kind here. The dark side seemed ominous though, like a hazy fog, choking his senses as it hadn't in the core worlds he was raised up in. Whatever was causing it, he found the taste in and of itself rather bland, the moist air only making it feel worse like a wet dog's blanket upon his shoulders.


~~~
Ten years earlier..
Jedi enclave, Caamas

A younger Jian stood before his opponent, Valek Retzloff. The two had been sparring against each other alongside other students, as the training sabers locked and unlocked in furious fights, as the two fought. Jian evaded yet another slice, pulling himself back two meters away in a reversal. The opponent found himself clutching a stinging hamstring from the energy, as he looked up at the ability for his smaller opponent to be tricky.

"One of these days, I'll figure out a way around your maneuverability," Valek announced with a laugh.

"Another match then?" Jian said, his saber brought up and in a salute before he extended himself with each arm in different directions, the blade held level.

"You strike with the grace of a ronto!" a student in the background shouted, as the tutor of the room went to investigate the disturbance. Jian rolled his eyes as Valek prepped his stance, a far more traditional one, saber in both hands with a foot placed in front and in back, the stance steady and viable for power and maneuvering.

"Happily! I learn something new everytime we spar, if only the knowledge of a new place to nurse a bruise and humility to become my ego. Are you certain you have the time to spend here though?" the young human asked. Upon a nod from Jian, Valek lifted his blade with enthusiasm. "Let us begin then!"

The two charged forward, a strong downward slice came from the blade of Valek, only to be parried and rolled out from under by Jian. The humbarine countered, tilting the blade downward and forcing what would be the flat towards his opponent, whom quickly stepped back and swatted the blade away. Jian lept up, making two quick horizontal slashes, both connecting with the opponent's blade, using the momentum of the slash to spin around. With the gravity pulling him down, the horizontal movement turned the slice into a diagonal swish, from bottom left to top right, only to be glanced off the saber of Valek. Jian had been never that strong, but the force flowed through his body in greater amounts than that of Valek, who relied on his strength and rigidity to provide powerful, decisive strikes. Jian's own abilities relied on a mix of cunning and speed, as shown by his next strike. Stepping aside from a slice down, Jian motioned to make a spinning strike, only to shop halfway and deliver a rear kick to his opponent, taken offguard from the change of pace. Valek made a quick slash, only to find the smaller Jian had ducked under the blade, and put the thin yellow saber at a spot below his chin. Valek's eyes darted to the side as he put his saber down, and the two bowed to each other.

"Did you see, to the side?" Valek asked. "Master Li was watching. He may not show it often, but he takes pride in his students practicing and learning the ways of the Force. Even a bookworm like you shall find his praise endearing." The dark-haired boy gave a small sigh as he looked up and smiled. "Every time we spar, I learn something new, showing that even loss is one of the greatest of teachers. Thank the force the bruises are worth it."

"I can only thank you for the bout," Jian replied, giving a smile and a nod. Valek could only give a small chuckle as the sabers made their infamous sound of shutting off, the tutor calling the end to practices as the matchups finished.

"You are too gracious, as always. I regret that there won't be much time to continue such practices now that your training is nearing completion. Master Li wanted to discuss some things with you when you were finished, and asked me to relay the message. Don't worry, he is in no rush so don't feel hurried to seek him out. He will be in his room for most of the day, meditating, but if you wish, I don't know how long it will be until the day that you spend traveling the stars with other knights and masters, but I sense that the time draws near that some of us will part ways. I suggest taking time and making the most of what you can."

Jian gave a slight bow, and exited the room quietly. The world of Caamas was filled with wonders and wisdom, as the Caamasi were naturally inclined to not only being likable, but great mentors of morals and philosophy. Their role as diplomats was nigh unreached by the greater galaxy, as few had the temperance of the race. Fabled even to be the original teachers of the Jedi order, to be here was an honor. Walking the halls, Jian's youth was not considered exactly impossible, though the years had shown many in the order that the young lad was not like his peers, and that he was fully capable of handling his own without someone leading him by the hand. Such impressions had rippling effects, as the master of the Enclave had taken it upon himself to allow some leeway in the rules for Jian, though few times had this been necessary. As of now, the younglings had free time, and Jian made quick conversation with several of the knights who had visited the enclave, wishing well to those that were leaving, while inquiring about stories regarding those whom had returned.

In short order, the time had passed to where Jian finally reached the corridor to Master Li's room. Passing by, he noticed a young knight-errant, the apprentice of Li himself. Tall and aged almost half a decade more than Jian, the apprentice Crale Isoder stood with his arms crossed.

"There you are. You're finally here to speak to Master Li? I certainly hope that's the case as he is meditating, and refuses to proceed with my lessons until he speaks with you."

Jian closed his eyes and took a small breath. "I am sorry, I would have come sooner if I had known. I had no intention of stagnating your training."

"Really? You would have dropped everything just to see me advance? Don't try to work your pleasantries with me. If Li sees that you are important enough to push others aside, what be it to me to impede your greatness? And don't ask what you have done to deserve this. Others will suggest that I am jealous, and then try to flatter you. Just do me a favor and talk to him, so that I may learn further..."

Jian watched as Crale shook his head and moved on by. As he disappeared around the corner, the young lad took a deep breath and knocked slightly on the door...

~~~~

"We're here," The driver announced, snapping Jian out of his daydreams. When had he slipped into memories? He needed to pay attention to the world around him. Making quiet apologies, he stepped out of the hover car. The building before him stood, grand and hivelike. A giant cocoon of sorts, as the chirping and bustling of the various bug people passed by him, Jian looked around and noted their pretty colors, even at this "disgusting" stage that many would have considered. A grand hall, with hallways branching off to each direction, looked somewhat like that of a beehive and combs, though the jedi would have no time to really absorb much of the surroundings as he was quickly lead through winding tunnels and into a room to the side. A bench with a table sat there, allowing him to take his rest as the escort passed out, and a protocol droid entered with refreshments and the like.

"You'll meet with Master Essja soon enough, honored guest. Is there anything more I can do for you?" The droid asked, sincere in it's tone as it programming forced it to be.

"No, no thank you," Jian said, lifting a hand and waving it away. "Tell him I am patient, he needn't rush."

"Very well sir," was all that was added, as the droid exited with the tray in hand, the door sliding closed as Jian took a deep breath to calm his nerves.  

[ElladanKenet]

Ilia Nightwind soon found herself in the barracks. Already, she could feel her comm going off with the red light: the signal that the fleet was in conflict. She knew that even if she looked at the sky, she wouldn't see anything in broad daylight, save maybe a tiny smudge hundreds of miles up. Quickening her pace, she quickly sought out where the nearest infantry were and strolled in, heedless of the stares. "Where is Private Sythica?" She had never called for anyone by name, but now she needed someone specifically.

And why did she need someone? Her reason was thus: as a Sith, particularly one with a rather useful skill, she required useful soldiers, people she could trust to excel. Battle was coming, and she wanted a force that could not -would not- fail. Sythica, among others, had earned her attention.  

[Valkore Fraust]

Valkore found himself in front of a military building. It was a perfect place to start. His bag was over his back. Resting inside was a good amount of ammunition, his jetpack, ACP carbine and a spare longer barrel that he has yet to use.

"This better be good," Valkore muttered to himself. He sighed and approached the entrance, expecting some ridicule from some of the soldiers. It didn't bother him, and it wouldn't. He had enough experience under his belt to dwarf most of theirs.  

[Sol Walker]

The doors to the Institute of Xenoarchaeology were thrust open without warning, startling the Rurrians within who were in the midst of research, study, or organization. A squad of Sith Troopers marched in, weapons at the ready to eliminate potential threats. Their bucket helmets swept to and fro, looking for potential hostiles, the men taking up positions near the door while warily watching the caterpillar folk.

In marched Darth Cinn, his tread heavy and confident, an imperious, precise marching step. He made straight for the front desk, the presence of the man intimidating the wormy alien who seemed to be the chief archivist. Looming over the trembling creature, Cinn crossed his arms and seemed to glower at him.
"The Sith have need of your world's knowledge." He said in his dark, bass voice. "I seek data on the Great Hyperspace War, and I feel your facility may house such information."

The worm creature tried to stammer a reply, its feathery antenna vibrating nervously, but the Sith cut him off before he could even finish what he was saying.

"You will provide me with the data I request. Immediately. Every holobook, every data file, every scrap of information. And you will bring it to me now." It was a command underwritten with unspoken threats of violence. Even as he spoke, Darth Cinn was studying the creature and wondering where its "Neck" would be in the event he needed to choke it. He couldn't snap it of course. Invertebrates had no bones. But surely there was something he could crush on the creature that would deliver an amusing sound akin to the crack of splintering bone.

The Ruurian realized immediately what was being told to him and it hastened to get the data, the staff of the Institute now scurrying off to avoid draeing the baleful attention of the Sith Warrior.
 

[lady_skuld]

Many people occupy a military base; many of whom never quite know another unless they're part of the same platoon or squad. Those on duty just watched as the Sith stomped right on through the base as if on a vengeance quest. They didn't want to stop her or impede her in any way. Most had first hand experience in what happens when someone crosses a sith. The heir of the Nightwind legacy moved towards the barracks inside the base, she was greeted with the sight of a number of soldiers walking about.

Illia barked a question. Her response came from Sargent Traln. Ordering the others to stand at attention, he seemed the only one to retain the ability to talk. "I'm unfamiliar with the name, ma'am!" he said, standing at salute. "However, if she's not here, then she is either on leave or on perimeter guard. Check in with the security post at the gate. They'll be able to hail her specific frequency. Ma'am."

Meanwhile, at the gate, Sythica watched aimless people pass by the security checkpoint, none wishing to enter.  

[ElladanKenet]

The woman scowled, looking around. She knew Scythia was somewhere around here. She frowned, reaching into the force, scanning peripheal thoughts and identities. It only took her a few moments to find single out the female, who was standing by the gate. Satisfied, she dismissed the troopers and approached the woman standing by the gate. "You are the one called Scythia?"

The trooper would be able to mark her appearance. Typical Sith robes and cape, with the addition of an armored chestpiece. A lightsaber hung on her belt. Her hair was black as night and hug loose around her shoulders. Her eyes, instead of the usual yellow of sith, were cold grey. She looked to be easily younger than 30, though not by much.  

[Darkened Angel]

Danika continued down the street until she noticed that the presence she felt seemed to stop inside the building she saw in the distance. " Could it be another Jedi? They're trying to hide their presence, so it's hard to tell for certain, but it wouldn't hurt to know I have an ally around here. " she thought. Realizing that a scantily-clad dancer just standing around in the streets would stick out very easily, she went into a nearby alley and after she made sure nobody was around, she sat down, resting for a bit while still keeping track of whoever was likely meeting with various politicians.  

[Miss-Pandemica]

Nova had made her way to the building where she sensed the presence of the Jedi. As she stood between two small buildings she weighed the options…either wait for the enemy to come back outside where she could continue to follow him, or find another point of entry and possibly have an opportunity to attack. The element of surprise was the only thing she had right now, but should she waste it now?

(sorry i'll write something better)  

[Nelowulf]

Essja shook his head. He didn't know whether the guest's appearance was a good sign or a bad omen. Given the past few weeks, he felt torn between his own feelings, but he knew the consequences of the actions should he betray the invading forces.

the Ruurian communicated to his partner.

his adviser stated. Essja twitched his antenna nervously, giving the equivalent of a sigh. As much as he liked being responsible for things, being caught in the crossfire of two highly religious zealot groups was not entirely his idea of playing safe. However, alerting the jedi to the predicament was not safe either. Despite being young, Essja was no fool; if the jedi was to be warned, and the sith found out, it would be just as dangerous as any outright alliance. He could notify the local sith bases... but as time ticked on, he found himself deciding to at least discuss with the young lad what was his intentions here. Maybe he was here on routine visit and would leave the hive building in short order. A worm could hope, right?

~~~

Jian waited patiently; at least as patient a kid his age ever could be. He could sense something amiss. A nervousness that was not his own permeated the air, like a terrible cloud of guilt and suspicion, yet something else existed too. Something terrible hung around him, a dangerous sense floated on the air, and yet hope still had it's familiar scent too... or was he simply imagining that? Jian shook his head.

As the door opened, the protocol droid from before gave a small bow. "Master Essej seems to have encountered an important meeting, and will delightfully reschedule his time with you later. We will accommodate any housing you require as long as you use the credit line that we provide. Will this be satisfactory?"

Jian thought for a moment; this didn't seem normal, but different cultures did have different methods. "I assume the credit line allows you to know where I'm at, no?"

"That is correct," the droid responded. Jian gave a light smile, and a bow to the droid.

"Please tell your master I send him my wishes and will be ready to discuss at any time he selects. The Republic's desires for Ruuria are most pressing on me as much as him, I am afraid." Jian hastily made his exit, stepping out of the hive in around seven minutes, and felt a small wave of relief wash over him. "I suppose that it wasn't a complete waste yet." he muttered to himself, flipping his hood up and making his way down the street, body close to teh building's walls.  

[lady_skuld]

Sythica was a woman who would never lose a staring contest with anyone without a good reason. This sith might have approached her and called her out by name, but Sythica felt no fear. Fear was for her comrades. Even in the presence of the Sith, her eyes burned with a cold anger as she snapped to attention.

"That would be me, Ma'am. I assume you've got something to discuss. Most Sith don't stop and hold idle chit-chat with the checkpoint charlies, ma'am." Sythica was as blunt as many which spoke down to her. The idea this force user wanted to talk to her was already fishy. A mere private out of the entire base by name? Something was off. She gripped her weapon a bit tighter, just as ready to use it as she was to holster it.  

[ElladanKenet]

Too talkative. The woman's brow furrowed. "I'm not most sith. You are speaking to Lady Nightwind. I have use of your services. You have a reputation for being loyal to the emperor." She paused briefly. "As we all should be, but you are more dogged than most. I have need of a soldier of your expertise and loyalty. Follow me, and I can guarantee you glory and power."

Though she was polite, she was also being unyielding. No offer of being refused. If she did, then she would be dealt with, simple as that. Noone crossed a Sith and lived without regretting it. "I want your answer." She felt eyes watching her. Curious fools.