Onslaught of the Empire

[Nelowulf]

By nightfall, Jian had reached the academy of note. What met his eyes was pretty much what he had expected. The structure, surrounded by rocks and canyons, had already begun to show signs of pure abandonment. The air was stale and heavy, lacking life like what the building had been surrounded with. It didn't take a jedi to note the dusty collections in the jagged columns or to notice the faded plexiglass windows which allowed only a meager glimpse inside, as the moon above lit the ground up. It was almost too much like the environment itself was trying to give foreboding vibes to any whom approached. Jian hid the small speeder behind some rocks, off to the side of the temple's entrance, covering it with dark cloth to help hide his presence. The academy was no temple of power, but it did feel as though it hid something. The feeling of the academy wasn't right, but so much power swirled about Jian's persisting explorations that he wasn't sure what to focus on first. He recalled the stories and legends of ancient beasts, sith beings, and aberrations which they had created, like monsters and creatures of pure nightmare and dread.

Jian gently walked up the steps of the academy, his footprints barely noticeable in the dust along with the insects and other creatures that had walked around the outside of the imposing domicile. Easily ten stories high, the academy's architectural impressiveness probably was lost on the detective of the jedi, who kept his eyes open for dangers and traps however unlikely they might have been placed right at the front entrance. The foyer opened up into a grand hall, with doors leading further into hallways placed around with stairs leading up several flights as well. In the center of the main room led itself was a large stone monument, littered with glyphs of ancient texts which Jian himself could not read. Digging into his backpack, he took out a small holocamera, snapping a photo with a bright light, capturing the text of the obelisk and the walls, before giving a sigh.

Great decor.. I bet that the acolytes which didn't become instantly depressed possessed a greater chance of becoming sith.

His thoughts were interrupted as the wind howled, and insects scuttled around, catching his attention. Jian shook his head, letting the noise calm his nerves. "One does not fear," he spoke aloud, the echo reverberating from the walls back at him, "for fear is not the way of the jedi." As he spoke the word jedi, the walls deadened the noise, as if the word of taboo had been spoken. A small smirk crossed his lips as he stepped forward, the boots making a soft sound as he continued along. Closing his eyes, the force would guide him to the direction he needed to go, as he stepped up the staircase, looking behind him to see if his robe left marks; the dust from the outside hadn't settled nearly as thick a layer, leaving no trace of his steps.

Heading up, he walked along as stone made the majority of the building everywhere. Entering into a side room, the small doorway gave rise to a room almost three floors high, stuffed to the rim with data and what Jian surmised as a library. Sith read, just as much as any jedi would, but even he was somewhat surprised at how... neat the room was. Several tables and chairs allowed acolytes of ages past to study while he explored the data terminal. Ancient power still left on allowed him to study the databanks, only to be met with resistance as it asked for id and passcode. Naturally, the secrets of the sith would not be given so freely to the members inside.

Jian strolled over to a table, and looked at what had been left out. Translation notes from a former student seemed to litter the table, abandoned for whatever reason. Snapping a picture, Jian made his way out and continued to explore. A library may be fine, but Sith were not the type to leave their information for free access. No, if he wanted to find writings or others, he'd have to search the journals of the higher ups, the great teachers and masters of the academy. Surely one of them would have some knowledge, some power to know where to go and what to do.

He checked the rooms systematically, figuring that most sith of power would consider themselves above others. A totem pole of power and like a bad literary trope, Jian continued to search until he came upon an elevator shaft, looking up. Using the force to wall jump up the shaft, he came to a hallway, and peered down each. Tattered flags and emblems still adorned the walls, eaten away by creatures and vermin alike. Entering the first room, a large desk built upon a small set of stairs only confirmed his suspicions as he stared around the rooms, looking at the artifacts. A chill ran up his spine as he looked behind him. It felt as if someone was watching him, yet Jian pushed the weight off his shoulders with a deep breath. Datapads with notes next to old stones and trinkets, he reached forward to grip one.

The feeling of ice shot through his spine. A dark power flowed through the world around him. He could sense the presence too, one all too familiar. The feeling of ancient evils of the academy was one thing, the planet's own darkness another. No, with all the feelings of gloom and doom, this one was recognizable, the presence from Ruuria. Not either of the ones which had chased him, or hunted him, but rather the watcher from behind the scenes. What black magic had tugged it here only made Jian swear silently for his bad luck. The presence was far off, but there. Toying with the life around the planet, this wasn't some rookiee assassin.

Snapping to attention and keeping his presence as dim as possible, Jian knew several things: First, time was not on his side while here. Second, the information he needed to find probably wasn't what the others were after, but they wouldn't turn blindly to him. And thirdly, perhaps most importantly, bad things were bound to follow. Snatching a datapad, he skimmed the journal entry, reading it aloud in a hushed voice to calm himself.

"Entry log 1033: I went into the tombs below. The deep echos of evil, as ancient lords themselves who wished their remains interred exist. The dead stir unnaturally here. The last expedition had only returned with one man clutching his holoreciever. More slaves are needed to comb this place." Jian looked over at the small device, a small label in dust reading what the jedi assumed was the date it was recovered. Pressing the small playback button, he watched as a sith recorded the message in blue glory.

"We ventured deep. The information was valuable... but in the time we took to try to open the reliquary up, something had been stirred. The tomb of Lord Kosan is valuable to regaining our foothold in the galaxy. If anyone gets this message, be warned. When the drums sound in the deep, they will come. Something lives down here... For the first time in my life, I fear even the dark side is powerless to stop it. My master would have my head in my failure to believe, but the resolve of the beast is beyond me---" The holographic figure turned his head at a noise. "Bar the doors... Bar the gates... I don't care if we cannot hold...." The figure looked at the ground. "The ground is shaking... They've surrounded us! They're coming! We can't get ouaauuughg!"

Jian watched as a loud snarl and growl pick up the holographic figure scream his last entry. "Lord... Kosan?" he asked, as his attention diverted towards the code spike beside the projector. He reached out, and picked it up leaving only a sihlouette of dust where it once sat, placing the trinkets into his pack. Using his camera, he photographed the tablets of stone, and placed the small journals from the shelves into his pack.

"There will be time to analyze this later, I must first find something more concrete..." he said to himself, as he began to inspect the other rooms for anything else of value.



(for those which wish to know, Jian's attire resembles this, with a jedi cloak as well: http://phoenixlu.deviantart.com/art/Taoist-priest-146500461 )  

[lady_skuld]

Rasczek looked over his squad as they entered the hangar and boarded their transport that would have them descend down to the planet. Sythica looked around her. She wondered what the new sithlet would do in battle. Her helmet hid the cold staredown she gave the young girl.

"Now, the Regellia system is but one of many in the Minos Cluster, boys and girls. We got to dig ourselves in. First and second platoons will help with the rest of B company, so we'll be on our own down planetsides. Remember your training and pray that they wish to give us some hell, so we can have some action," the Corporal across from her said. His name was Otzz Beto, nicknamed Jammer. He carried the extended radio for the group, as well as the connection to fleet.

Sythica drew the blade from her back and held it up to him. The private beside her gave a small chuckle. "What you going to do with that?"

Sythica's voice exited from her mask. "Gonna find a jedi." The squad gave a laugh as they felt the dropship enter the atmosphere with it's rocky descent. The sounds of battle outside their ship gave none of the squad concern.

"Let's just hope you do. We need something to hang over Wraid Squad's ego," the private first class suggested. Nods of agreement around them. "Give me a light, will you Kaboose?"

"Shut up Data. You haven't paid me back for the last one you lost." Outside the craft explosions went off as the fighters tried to protect their escorts. The Z-man tapped his helmet, as everyone switched over. The visor's hud went dim as the light entered from the door opening. Daylight entered the ship as well as a lot of wind.

"EQUIPTMENT CHECK!" he shouted. The roaring wind didn't stop their comms in the helmet as each soldier tapped their helmet. Blaster fire from outside hit the various craft, as a dropship beside them caught flames from a direct hit and began to go down. On the ground the troopers could see the warzone already underway landing and moving out. Mechanized companies raced across open grassland as their own transport broke away heading over some forest canopy. The battle continued to fight as several of the squad gave a nod to each other. They recognized Wraid squad head toward the thick of it as their own ship descended into a small field, surrounded by trees.

"GO GO GO GO GO GO!" Shouted V-man. Sythica took no time in getting out of the transport on to fresh ground. War had begun.  

[Cale Darksun]

It had been a few hours since Cinn had landed, and as he organized for his hunt, he sent a number of acolytes on ahead to the abandoned academy, where the Beast Droma Cinn intended to slay dwelt. These vibrosword wielding Sith Acolytes would lure the beast out and possibly weaken it. If they were worth becoming sith, they would survive the experience.

Meanwhile, Cinn's agents, assisted by local Thule Forces, were sweeping the area for suspicious newcomers to the planet. Needless to say, Thule didn't get many visitors, and the most obvious one was the exotic dancer at the Cantina who seemed to have literally come out of nowhere. Had she been on Nar Shadaa, Ord Mantell, or a million other planets with looser ethics and more frequent space traffic, she would have gone unnoticed. But now an Imperial officer, flanked by a pair of Thule guardsmen, entered the bar and approached the scantily clad woman.

"Ma'am." The officer said, his hands clasped behind his back while the soldiers held their rifles casually. "We'd like you to come with us for questioning."
 

[Darkened Angel]

Danika was focused on her dancing and listening in to whatever was being said, so she didn't notice when an Imperial officer came in until he approached her. " Funny way to ask for a private show. " she said, slowing her dancing for a moment, then stopping when she noticed the soldiers flanking him. " Oh. You're serious. Sorry, I thought you were on leave or something. " She stepped down off the small stage and walked up to the man. " I'm all yours, honey. " she said with a wink.  

[Cale Darksun]

The man seemed utterly unfazed and even a slight bit disgusted by the woman's charms.
"Of course." He muttered and he nodded to the guardsmen who moved behind the woman to escort her out to the police speeder. Locking her in the back, the soldiers and the officer climbed in and drove off, the speeder not going to the local station but clearly on a course for the ominous Sith Temple at the center of the city.
 

[Darkened Angel]

" Things just got worse... " Danika thought when she saw the temple. Whoever the Sith was that came to the planet must've taken command of the local forces. Simply hiding her presence in the Force wasn't going to be enough if they were rounding people up. She remained quiet, too busy trying to think of who the Sith was, and if it they were after her or something else.  

[Des Voh]

1623 Hours, nondescript quadrant of the Minos Cluster

A Republic-colored NR2 shuttle approached the alpha support vessel group of the Minos Cluster, showing up as a distant spec out the view-ports of the numerous transport and defense ships that made up its contingent, civvy and military alike. As it neared, the small craft commed in on the central vessel, a bulk transport freighter converted to a mobile base of sorts for the Republic and Sector forces in the surrounding sectors. Two medium-sized corvettes floated not far off starboard and port of the huge freighter, with a few starfighters circling.

"....eeehhtch~... This is Republic Vessel dee-ar-two-thirty-five-oh'two, Hopper, approaching the Minos Cluster Alpha Support Contingent, requesting permission to land aboard "Minos Home carrying priority contents, over."

"Minos Home to Hopper, you are cleared for the central docking bay on our starboard. Requesting intel of priority contents."

"Important personnel Minos Home, you can ask yourself."

Slipping around to the starboard docking bay, the shuttle touched down and the pilots went through their sequences. One man had been sitting in a seat behind the pilots rather than in the back compartment, his dress resembled that of the traditional garb of the Jedi Order."Thank you so very much gentlemen, I'll see myself out from here." the man said with a smooth, deep voice, which reminds one of waves crashing into the surf, or the sound of a heavy wind combing over a grassy plain. The mans black hood was pulled up, casting his features into shadows in the ship, lighted only by console displays. He pulled his dark violet robe around him and stepped through the ship and down the just-lowered ramp. Glancing around the expansive bay filled with motion and activity, he caught notice of a group moving towards him.

The individual in the lead was a stout zabrak in fine dress, with scruffy black hair which his horns peeked out from, who spread his arms out before him as he spoke, drawing close. "Master Jedi, what a pleasure it is, we did not expect you so soon..." He said, his cheeks slightly red, almost jolly. Two human men that flanked him wore Republic Naval uniforms, light armor, and carried blaster carbines, Marines, and one other, a bothan, in gray and burnt orange. Republic Intelligence.

Reaching up with each hand, he let down his hood and blinked at the group. "I came as soon as I heard from the Council, and I was not far. Where are they?" he asked, looking specifically to the bothan with the later inquiry, his eyes intent.

"In the med bay. They've just been cleared with us and the doctors, they will be awaiting you. Though your arrival will certainly come as a surprise to them, I did not believe that the Jedi would make the matter such a priority with our... thorough reports of the matter. I shall escort you now, if you like." The bothan said, turning to his side and angling a flat hand toward the bulkhead doors.

The Jedi only nodded, then turning to the zabrak."I shall call to you later, Captain, my apologies, but this matter is most vital." He then bowed slightly and followed the Bothan, the two marines falling in behind. The walk to the med-bay was dead quiet.

The stout zabrak was left standing in the middle of his own ship's hangar bay, looking at the backs of the four men walking away. Giving a sigh, he trodded off back to his quarters.

~~~~~~~~~~

A man in naval uniform stepped into the med-bay, coming to attention beside the doctor and his patients."Doctor, the guests have a visitor, it has been requested that they remain until he arrives." He stated, turning towards the two.

 

[Cale Darksun]

A short while later, the woman was placed in a room with black metal walls, red lighting, and polished metal floors. Furniture consisted of a pair of duraplast chairs and a table. After an hour in this gloomy room, an interrogator droid floated in, followed by a security droid.
The Interrogator droid floated before the woman and spoke in a harsh, electronic squeal.
"NAME. PROFESSION. PLANET OF ORIGIN."
 

[Darkened Angel]

Danika looked at the droids for a moment. " These people must really mean business. They must be suspecting something. " she thought. She looked at the interrogation droid. " My name's Danika. I'm a dancer. I don't know what planet I came from. I was captured by slavers when I was little, and after I was freed from them, I just hopped around space, going from planet to planet in search of a better job. If I had to guess, however, I would imagine I originally came from Zeltros. " she said.  

[Cale Darksun]

"REPUBLIC CITIZENSHIP CONFIRMED." The Droid stated, which was not incorrect as Zeltron wasn't part of the Sith Empire. "ORGANIC, YOU HAVE VIOLATED MULTIPLE PLANETARY LAWS AND PROHIBITIONS AGAINST PUBLIC INDECENCY AND NOW STAND ACCUSED OF ATTEMPTED ESPIONAGE. IDENTIFY YOUR CO-CONSPIRATORS AND YOUR SENTENCE MAY BE LIGHTENED."
 

[Darkened Angel]

" Espionage? I was checked for weapons and other devices before they stuffed me in here. I'm clean. You can search the room I rented back in town too, assuming someone's not already doing that. I'm not in contact with anyone. " Danika said.

She was telling the truth. As far as what they could find if her room was searched, the most they'd find would be nothing more than a few different dancer outfits and some datapads with standard planetary information that any general vistitor would need, such as a guide around town, environmental dangers, and other general information. She hadn't been on Thule long enough to give any reports and as such, hadn't set up communications.

" I'll admit I'm not up on all the laws everywhere. I've recently fallen on hard times. Otherwise, I wouldn't be on a planet like this. I'm no threat to anyone. " Danika said, then sat back in the chair a bit and sighed, then composed herself. " I for one welcome our Sith overlords. They've never done me wrong. "  

[Cale Darksun]

"FALSEHOOD DETECTED." The Droid stated. "LOGIC QUESTIONABLE AND SUSPICIOUS. OF ALL NEIGHBORING SYSTEMS, YOU TRAVELED TO THE ONE THAT SEES THE LEAST NUMBER OF VISITORS AND ONE THAT IS CLEARLY WITHIN ENEMY TERRITORY. FURTHERMORE, YOU HAVE NOT REGISTERED WITH THE IMPERIAL ENTERTAINER'S GUILD. WHAT IS YOUR RESPONSE TO THAT?"
 

[Darkened Angel]

" Like I said, I'm not up on all the laws. I didn't know I had to register anywhere. I'd be happy to take care of that right now if possible, if that would help. " Danika said. " As for coming here, as I said before, I fell on hard times. I didn't choose to come to Thule. This is just where I ended up when I ran outta credits. " She tilted her head back over the chair and sighed again, figuring she wasn't getting anywhere with the droid that seemed intent on assuming she was somehow a threat.

After a moment, she looked back at the droid. " If you don't want to believe me, just hand me over to whoever's in charge and let them decide what to do with me. It's not like I'm going anywhere from here anyways, right? I would assume a Sith of some rank is running the show around here. " she said.  

[Cale Darksun]

As though on cue, the door opened and a towering figure in blood red armor strode in, radiating a terrible menace with his very presence. He turned to regard the woman across the table from him, the Interrogator floating obediantly to the side.

"Unfortunately for you, Jedi, your assumption is correct." Darth Cinn said in his deep, helmet filtered voice. "When I ordered all suspicious persons in the city brought in, I never expected the same dancing girl accused of being a Jedi on Ruuria to be caught up in the sweep."
 

[Darkened Angel]

" Oh... Sith... " Danika said to herself. " Alright, you got me. " she said, holding her hands up as she stood up. With a burst of speed aided by the Force, she held out her hand and sent the security droid flying into the wall while using her other hand to pull her lightwhip from her hidden pocket that escaped detection, and swinging it at the interrogation droid, shorting it out with its stun effect.

She jumped back a bit, putting enough distance between her and the Sith to be outside of striking range of a lightsaber. " Nice to know you noticed me back there at least, though I would prefer more pleasant circumstances. " she said as she waited for his next move.