<![CDATA[Forums - Intermissions]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/ Tue, 21 Apr 2026 10:52:04 +0000 MyBB <![CDATA[Chapter Three: The Brush Fire Wars]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=366 Sat, 25 Mar 2017 15:56:01 -0700 Akirapryde]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=366 Coruscant News Network
Broadcast from Coruscant
Date: 2919 AOK (Two months, BEFORE Auro’s Birthday)

Bail: “Good evening to all the citizens of the Galactic Republic. I am Bail Organa.”

Sinya: “And I am Sinya Lefe. We are continuing our special coverage of the Fall of Olivan. Just in case you have not been following the disastrous Jedi Operation to reclaim their Temple on Olivan, allow us to recap.”

Bail: “Just about a year ago, a group of misguided Jedi led by four malicious Jedi Commanders seized the Temple on Olivan. A provocation move meant to strike terror in the hearts and minds of all Republic Citizens. This tragic event led the world leaders of Olivan to declare their independence from the Republic. While a limited number of voices in the senate demanded our beloved Chancellor to react with force, Chancellor Syrdash exercised great restraint.”

“However, the Jedi Grand Council being led by Grand Master Dooku did not have such wisdom. They ordered Master Milani, the Commander of the Jedi’s 5th Legion, to liberate the Temple on Olivan with the Twenty Seventh Jedi Strike Division. The Twenty Seventh Division was one of three heavy division that made up the Jedi’s 5th Legion. Even while the Chancellor sent her own son, Lord Sembla to Olivan to negotiate for peace, Master Milani blazingly moved to attack Olivan.”

“While no one will ever know, who fired the first shot, what will go down in history is that Master Milani commanded the Jedi Task Force that led to the events which unfolded. History will always remember Master Milani as the commander directly responsible for the death and destruction that followed. The Jedi’s mission started off in disaster when Master Milani’s own flagship, the Jedi Cruiser Resolute, was blown from the space above Olivan. This triggered one of the bloodiest conflicts that the Jedi had been part of in over six thousand years.”

“A conflict that Chancellor Syrdash went to great efforts to keep the Republic out of that conflict. Being sympatric to the suffering that was coming, Chancellor Syrdash dispatched Lord Sembla and his elite 2nd Battalion to Olivan to provide humanitarian relief to the innocent lives on Olivan. Chancellor Syrdash gave Lord Sembla clear orders, remain out of the conflict between the warring factions.”

Sinya: “With great reasons. Olivan was a disaster before the Twenty Seventh entered the system. Chancellor Syrdash saw this mistake long before the Twenty Seventh arrived in system. Sadly, the Jedi didn’t realize their mistakes until it was too late. In what should have been an easy situation to resolve through negotiations, instead conflict ensued between the two factions.”

Bail: “And what should have been an easy operation, led to very bitter battles in and around the Capital City. After nearly a month of none stop combat and serious losses, the Grand Council authorized Master Milani to call upon local reinforcements from Baklid. Baklid VI has been a long time Outer Rim ally to the Jedi. One of its ranking rulers, Queen Sinya Chalco was once a Master within the Order. Baklid deployed over a hundred thousand troops and dozens of warships in support of Master Milani’s forces on Olivan.”

“These reinforcements did have a drastic effect in the trajectory of the war. Thanks to the support of these additional troops, Master Milani was able to press the Olivan Militia out of the Capital and drive them north. At the same time, she was able to drive the Olivan Jedi also known as Rogue Jedi, back to their seized Temple. While the Capital was far from secure, with the Militia on the run Master Milani was able to turn her attention to her primary mission of liberating the temple.”

“Unfortunately, the arrival of Baklid forces on Olivan had a negative effect on Olivan. an ultra-extremists group known as The People’s Liberation Army. This barbaric group become more commonly known as simply the Partisans. They were responsible with a series of brutal terrorist style attacks on not only forces belonging to the Jedi, they also carried out attacks on Republic forces under the command of Lord Sembla.”

Sinya: “While there are debates regarding when the Partisans actually took to the fields of Olivan. Many historians will look back at Olivan and at the Partisans as the major factor that changed the course of the conflict. The Partisans upped the level of brutality within the conflicts. They targeted not only Master Milani and her forces, they also targeted Lord Sembla and any Olivanee that gave aide to either faction. They were savage in punishing their own people for what they considered was a betrayal of Olivan. But more importantly the Partisans changed the nature of the conflict on Master Milani and her Jedi.”

“Master Milani’s grand strategy from the beginning was to prevent the Olivan Militia and the Rogue Jedi from being able to join their forces. After driving the Olivan Militia from their own capital, and preventing serval attempts of the Rogue Jedi from joining the battle, Olivan appeared to be a conflict that was nearing its conclusion. And this left the Jedi completely unprepared for what the Partisans were bringing to the battlefield on Olivan.”

Bail: “Despite capturing the Partisan leader, named Jenna, Master Milani was not able to shift the change in the battles back to her favor. In a lack being able to unlock what the Partisan Leader held in her mind, Republic Intelligence requested through the Senate to have the Partisan leader transferred to their custody. As a result, the Partisan leader was official transferred to Lord Sembla’s custody. This act, caused a number of protests to be lodged by Master Dooku. This even triggered a heated debate within the Senate between Chancellor Syrdash and Master Dooku.”

“As the Jedi were using procedural maneuvers within Senate, the Partisans attacked Jedi Forces across the Capital and doing so forced Milani to change her final moves from liberating the Jedi Temple on Olivan to directly confronting the new threat within the City. This drug out the conflict for months. These attacks also caused a profound effect on the Twenty-Seventh’s over all moral and caused a large number of losses. While the precise numbers will never be known, it is suggested that the Partisan losses were extremely high.”

“Unfortunately, not high enough to remove them from the battlefield. However as Master Milani’s forces continued to suffer rising losses, and facing a regrouping of Olivan’s Militia in the north, she sought and received permission from the Grand Council to further expand the conflict. This only compounded the Jedi’s miscalculation of the conflict on Olivan. During this time, the Jedi made several official requests through the Senate for direct Republic support. Each request was killed in the Senate by Chancellor Syrdash and her leadership collation.”

“Lacking support from the Republic, Master Milani was forced to bring in the Jedi’s Fifteenth Heavy Division and placed her Seventh Heavy Division on ready reserve above the world. With the Fifteenth protecting her northern flanks, Master Milani was able to turn and completely face the Partisans in a series of brutal battles for Control over the Capital. As the months started to drag, Milani was no closer to making ground in the Capital than she was when her last group of reinforcements arrived.”

Sinya: “Up until this moment, Lord Sembla, and his 2nd Battalion, had largely been left out of the larger conflict. Only falling victim to local terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. It was through Lord Sembla’s superior leadership skills, that allowed him to keep his forces out of the conflict. It must also be noted that Lord Semble’s ability to reach out to local leaders and create a zone of calm and peace greatly helped minimize attacks against the 2nd Battalion and allowed them to further their humanitarian mission on Olivan.”

“However, this stalling tactic could not hold back the wave of violence that had been unleashed upon Olivan. While the forces under the command of Master Milani were clearly the favorite target of the Partisans, the 2nd Battalion took a number of losses as well, most notable was a suicide attack on Base Camp Mercy. This attack left a bitter scare on the 2nd Battalion’s moral. Though despite these attacks, Lord Sembla was able to still keep the 2nd Battalion relatively neutral in the conflict. With the conflict continuing to grow out of control, Master Milani made a critical mistake.”

Bail: “Jenna had been transferred to Republic custody for transfer off world and questioning regarding the sweeping crisis in the Outer Rim. Lord Sembla had made the wise move to keep Jenna on the Vengeance till safe transfer could be established. There are confirmed reports that Master Milani made a request to interview the Partisan leader Jenna back at her headquarters.”

“While we are unclear as to what happened between Lord Sembla and Master Milani, what is known is that as a result of Master Milani and this transfer, the leader of the Partisans managed to escape. Outraged over the escape, the Security Council had called a special investigation in to the escape. A source close to the investigation said that Master Milani’s personal aide Jedi Knight Sha Koon has been linked to the escape. Rumors of incompetence has been floated in the investigation. However, it must be noted that this information is not conclusive.”

“It also must be stated that Knight Koon’s incompetence occurred only hours prior to Battle of Acfall Heights. Many have linked the timing of the escape as a trigger event for the Battle of Acfall Heights. As many of you might already know, the Battle of Acfall Heights was the only major engagement that the Republic’s 2nd Battalion took part in. During the battle, Lord Sembla led his forces on a grand rescue mission of Jedi Master Kali Demaya.”

“During this heroic battle, the 2nd Battalion fought back wave after wave of Partisan fighters, while Lord Sembla led the rescue mission. According to reports, despite their best efforts Partisans were only to inflict limited casualties. To say it was Lord Sembla’s finest hours, would be an understatement.”

Sinya: “During the Battle of Acfall Heights, an unknown group unleashed a destructive computer virus that crippled Republic and Jedi communication. While Jedi forces on the other side of the city were crippled and suffered heavy losses, Lord Sembla deployed an asset known only as T.O.D. to help them overcome this new crisis. According to sources within Republic Naval Command, this asset allowed the Republic forces to neutralize the virus and throw back the Olivan offensive.”

Bail: “Naval Command is being tight lipped about this asset, only identified as T.O.D. What is known, is the timely leadership, action and wisdom taken by Lord Sembla helped change the tide of battle. Lord Sembla and is forces were able to rescue Jedi Master Demaya and her group. In contrast, the Partisan losses were estimated at well over ten thousand fighters. It was clear that this battle would shape future perceptions of the 2nd Battalion. This was proven by the Partisans failing to mount any measurable offensive against Lord Sembla or his elite unit.”

Sinya: “If only the Jedi had Lord Sembla leading their forces on Olivan.”

Bail: “If the Chancellor’s son was leading the forces on Olivan, Lord Sembla would have shown the same level of compassion and diplomacy as his mother. There would be no conflict on Olivan.”

Sinya: “Agreed, hours leading up to the final battle for Olivan, Lord Sembla made an impassionate plea to Master Milani. It was recorded that a number of members of Lord Sembla’s team reached out to Master Milani. It was clear that Lord Sembla was attempting to bring an end to the conflict. We have an exclusive from Naval Command. Lord Sembla, through his prized asset T.O.D., learned of a pending trap that was targeted at Master Milani and her forces. He tried to convince Master Milani to stop this conflict. Can we get that up for our viewers?”

Quote:This is your last chance to avoid a bloody war. Withdraw your forces now. They using your aggression as fuel to destroy you. Do the right thing or be purged.

Bail: “A chilling warning from a man with a heart of gold. To hear him use such strong words speaks volumes of how much he desired warn her. How much he had tried to stop this senseless conflict.” Looks to Sinya, “I can’t imagine what Lord Sembla must have felt in seeing the truth, knowing the truth and being unable to stop the death around him. Lord Sembla showed true courage.”

Sinya: “Courage runs deep within his family.”

Bail: “Agreed. Ignoring numerous pleas from Lord Sembla, Master Milani rushed headlong in to a foolish battle. A battle that she had no hope of winning. It was during this final battle that Lord Sembla saw no choice but to request that his unit be withdrawn from Olivan. An official order was issued by Naval Command ordering Lord Sembla to abandon his mission on Olivan. Just in time also.”

Sinya: After calling in the last of her reinforcements, Master Milani launched a final push to liberate the Jedi Temple on Olivan. After a long brutal five-hour battle, Master Milani was able to achieve her primary objective. However, her victory would be short lived. With her forces near exhaustion and depleted, they were not ready to face a new threat.”

“Under the command of a man calling himself the King of the Heavens, a massive droid army landed on Olivan and crushed Milani’s forces. We have since learned that this man is none other than Graff Tirrel, Grand Son of slain Chancellor Sephon Tirrel. Nearly two years ago, Graff Tirrel was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Chancellor Syrdash. It was assumed that his transport was lost in space after his ship suffered a hyperspace mishap.”

“Caught completely off guard, the Jedi forces were unable to fend off the droid army. It was an epic battle, and we must recognize the courage of the Jedi forces during their final battle. In the end, it was a hopeless battle that Milani’s forces couldn’t win. It is rumored that Master Milani was killed by Graff Tirrel in single combat. With their leader dead, and hopeless outnumbered, the surviving Jedi forces on Olivan were forced to surrender.”

“After the battle, Lord Sembla reached out to Mr. Tirrel and asked for a meeting. Lord Sembla managed to do in a few minutes what Master Milani wasn’t able to accomplish in nearly a year of conflict. Lord Sembla secured peace on Olivan. According to reports coming out of Naval Command, Lord Sembla made no concessions or accepted no guilt that belonged to the Jedi. Instead, he received assurances that no Republic world would be targeted by Tirrel’s forces. More so, fifteen hundred survivors of Milani’s forces were allowed to leave Olivan thanks to Lord Sembla.”

Bail: “With peace finally secured on Olivan, the final body count in terms of Jedi losses has been completed. The Jedi lost their entire 5th Legion. During the nearly yearlong conflict, three hundred fifty thousand Republic and Baklid lives were lost. The Jedi lost eleven Venator class Star Destroyers, six Acclamators class assault ships, ten Arquitens class light cruiser. There were a number of ships from the Baklid navy lost as well, though we don’t have those numbers currently. What is now being called the single largest defeat the Jedi has suffered in recent history, has many in the Senate screaming for an investigation.”

Sinya: “Within days of the Republic full withdraw from Olivan, Graff Tirrel launched an brutal attack on Olivan’s closest neighbor, the independent world of Baklid VI. After the massive defeat that they and the Jedi suffered on Olivan, the Baklid military was in no shape to mount a defense against Graff’s forces. While there were sparse battles in and around the capital, the world largely fell without any serious conflict. Sources on Baklid claims the attack was a liberation of slaves working within Baklid’s mines.”

Bail: “Call it what you want, invasion is just what it is. An invasion. This Graff is a creation of the Jedi and their incompetence in the Outer Rim. Now they have unleashed this monster upon the innocent worlds of the Outer Rim. The Rogue Jedi of Olivan have recognized Graff Terril as their official leader and now call him General. How many worlds will suffer because of the Jedi’s mistakes.”

Sinya: “We may not know how many will fall, Bail. What we do know, is that currently the Jedi Academies on Ammuud, Bonadan and Kamar have all declared their separation from the Coruscant Temple. These Academies have all recognized General Graff as their military leader. As a reaction to these events, the Chancellor has placed Republic forces on Sembla and on Telos on full alert. The Jedi have placed their commands on Fray, Lorrd and Cadomai on full alert as well.”

Bail: “Military analyst close to the Olivan investigation suspect they know what the Rogue Jedi will do. They suspect that the Rogue Jedi’s next move could be in a series of conflicts around the Tingel Arm to secure their holdings in the Aparo, Wyl, and the Corporate Sectors. These battles could resemble small brush fires forcing the Jedi to deal with these battles on an individual basis. What I know, we have not heard the last of this monster known as General Graff.”]]> Coruscant News Network
Broadcast from Coruscant
Date: 2919 AOK (Two months, BEFORE Auro’s Birthday)

Bail: “Good evening to all the citizens of the Galactic Republic. I am Bail Organa.”

Sinya: “And I am Sinya Lefe. We are continuing our special coverage of the Fall of Olivan. Just in case you have not been following the disastrous Jedi Operation to reclaim their Temple on Olivan, allow us to recap.”

Bail: “Just about a year ago, a group of misguided Jedi led by four malicious Jedi Commanders seized the Temple on Olivan. A provocation move meant to strike terror in the hearts and minds of all Republic Citizens. This tragic event led the world leaders of Olivan to declare their independence from the Republic. While a limited number of voices in the senate demanded our beloved Chancellor to react with force, Chancellor Syrdash exercised great restraint.”

“However, the Jedi Grand Council being led by Grand Master Dooku did not have such wisdom. They ordered Master Milani, the Commander of the Jedi’s 5th Legion, to liberate the Temple on Olivan with the Twenty Seventh Jedi Strike Division. The Twenty Seventh Division was one of three heavy division that made up the Jedi’s 5th Legion. Even while the Chancellor sent her own son, Lord Sembla to Olivan to negotiate for peace, Master Milani blazingly moved to attack Olivan.”

“While no one will ever know, who fired the first shot, what will go down in history is that Master Milani commanded the Jedi Task Force that led to the events which unfolded. History will always remember Master Milani as the commander directly responsible for the death and destruction that followed. The Jedi’s mission started off in disaster when Master Milani’s own flagship, the Jedi Cruiser Resolute, was blown from the space above Olivan. This triggered one of the bloodiest conflicts that the Jedi had been part of in over six thousand years.”

“A conflict that Chancellor Syrdash went to great efforts to keep the Republic out of that conflict. Being sympatric to the suffering that was coming, Chancellor Syrdash dispatched Lord Sembla and his elite 2nd Battalion to Olivan to provide humanitarian relief to the innocent lives on Olivan. Chancellor Syrdash gave Lord Sembla clear orders, remain out of the conflict between the warring factions.”

Sinya: “With great reasons. Olivan was a disaster before the Twenty Seventh entered the system. Chancellor Syrdash saw this mistake long before the Twenty Seventh arrived in system. Sadly, the Jedi didn’t realize their mistakes until it was too late. In what should have been an easy situation to resolve through negotiations, instead conflict ensued between the two factions.”

Bail: “And what should have been an easy operation, led to very bitter battles in and around the Capital City. After nearly a month of none stop combat and serious losses, the Grand Council authorized Master Milani to call upon local reinforcements from Baklid. Baklid VI has been a long time Outer Rim ally to the Jedi. One of its ranking rulers, Queen Sinya Chalco was once a Master within the Order. Baklid deployed over a hundred thousand troops and dozens of warships in support of Master Milani’s forces on Olivan.”

“These reinforcements did have a drastic effect in the trajectory of the war. Thanks to the support of these additional troops, Master Milani was able to press the Olivan Militia out of the Capital and drive them north. At the same time, she was able to drive the Olivan Jedi also known as Rogue Jedi, back to their seized Temple. While the Capital was far from secure, with the Militia on the run Master Milani was able to turn her attention to her primary mission of liberating the temple.”

“Unfortunately, the arrival of Baklid forces on Olivan had a negative effect on Olivan. an ultra-extremists group known as The People’s Liberation Army. This barbaric group become more commonly known as simply the Partisans. They were responsible with a series of brutal terrorist style attacks on not only forces belonging to the Jedi, they also carried out attacks on Republic forces under the command of Lord Sembla.”

Sinya: “While there are debates regarding when the Partisans actually took to the fields of Olivan. Many historians will look back at Olivan and at the Partisans as the major factor that changed the course of the conflict. The Partisans upped the level of brutality within the conflicts. They targeted not only Master Milani and her forces, they also targeted Lord Sembla and any Olivanee that gave aide to either faction. They were savage in punishing their own people for what they considered was a betrayal of Olivan. But more importantly the Partisans changed the nature of the conflict on Master Milani and her Jedi.”

“Master Milani’s grand strategy from the beginning was to prevent the Olivan Militia and the Rogue Jedi from being able to join their forces. After driving the Olivan Militia from their own capital, and preventing serval attempts of the Rogue Jedi from joining the battle, Olivan appeared to be a conflict that was nearing its conclusion. And this left the Jedi completely unprepared for what the Partisans were bringing to the battlefield on Olivan.”

Bail: “Despite capturing the Partisan leader, named Jenna, Master Milani was not able to shift the change in the battles back to her favor. In a lack being able to unlock what the Partisan Leader held in her mind, Republic Intelligence requested through the Senate to have the Partisan leader transferred to their custody. As a result, the Partisan leader was official transferred to Lord Sembla’s custody. This act, caused a number of protests to be lodged by Master Dooku. This even triggered a heated debate within the Senate between Chancellor Syrdash and Master Dooku.”

“As the Jedi were using procedural maneuvers within Senate, the Partisans attacked Jedi Forces across the Capital and doing so forced Milani to change her final moves from liberating the Jedi Temple on Olivan to directly confronting the new threat within the City. This drug out the conflict for months. These attacks also caused a profound effect on the Twenty-Seventh’s over all moral and caused a large number of losses. While the precise numbers will never be known, it is suggested that the Partisan losses were extremely high.”

“Unfortunately, not high enough to remove them from the battlefield. However as Master Milani’s forces continued to suffer rising losses, and facing a regrouping of Olivan’s Militia in the north, she sought and received permission from the Grand Council to further expand the conflict. This only compounded the Jedi’s miscalculation of the conflict on Olivan. During this time, the Jedi made several official requests through the Senate for direct Republic support. Each request was killed in the Senate by Chancellor Syrdash and her leadership collation.”

“Lacking support from the Republic, Master Milani was forced to bring in the Jedi’s Fifteenth Heavy Division and placed her Seventh Heavy Division on ready reserve above the world. With the Fifteenth protecting her northern flanks, Master Milani was able to turn and completely face the Partisans in a series of brutal battles for Control over the Capital. As the months started to drag, Milani was no closer to making ground in the Capital than she was when her last group of reinforcements arrived.”

Sinya: “Up until this moment, Lord Sembla, and his 2nd Battalion, had largely been left out of the larger conflict. Only falling victim to local terrorist attacks and suicide bombings. It was through Lord Sembla’s superior leadership skills, that allowed him to keep his forces out of the conflict. It must also be noted that Lord Semble’s ability to reach out to local leaders and create a zone of calm and peace greatly helped minimize attacks against the 2nd Battalion and allowed them to further their humanitarian mission on Olivan.”

“However, this stalling tactic could not hold back the wave of violence that had been unleashed upon Olivan. While the forces under the command of Master Milani were clearly the favorite target of the Partisans, the 2nd Battalion took a number of losses as well, most notable was a suicide attack on Base Camp Mercy. This attack left a bitter scare on the 2nd Battalion’s moral. Though despite these attacks, Lord Sembla was able to still keep the 2nd Battalion relatively neutral in the conflict. With the conflict continuing to grow out of control, Master Milani made a critical mistake.”

Bail: “Jenna had been transferred to Republic custody for transfer off world and questioning regarding the sweeping crisis in the Outer Rim. Lord Sembla had made the wise move to keep Jenna on the Vengeance till safe transfer could be established. There are confirmed reports that Master Milani made a request to interview the Partisan leader Jenna back at her headquarters.”

“While we are unclear as to what happened between Lord Sembla and Master Milani, what is known is that as a result of Master Milani and this transfer, the leader of the Partisans managed to escape. Outraged over the escape, the Security Council had called a special investigation in to the escape. A source close to the investigation said that Master Milani’s personal aide Jedi Knight Sha Koon has been linked to the escape. Rumors of incompetence has been floated in the investigation. However, it must be noted that this information is not conclusive.”

“It also must be stated that Knight Koon’s incompetence occurred only hours prior to Battle of Acfall Heights. Many have linked the timing of the escape as a trigger event for the Battle of Acfall Heights. As many of you might already know, the Battle of Acfall Heights was the only major engagement that the Republic’s 2nd Battalion took part in. During the battle, Lord Sembla led his forces on a grand rescue mission of Jedi Master Kali Demaya.”

“During this heroic battle, the 2nd Battalion fought back wave after wave of Partisan fighters, while Lord Sembla led the rescue mission. According to reports, despite their best efforts Partisans were only to inflict limited casualties. To say it was Lord Sembla’s finest hours, would be an understatement.”

Sinya: “During the Battle of Acfall Heights, an unknown group unleashed a destructive computer virus that crippled Republic and Jedi communication. While Jedi forces on the other side of the city were crippled and suffered heavy losses, Lord Sembla deployed an asset known only as T.O.D. to help them overcome this new crisis. According to sources within Republic Naval Command, this asset allowed the Republic forces to neutralize the virus and throw back the Olivan offensive.”

Bail: “Naval Command is being tight lipped about this asset, only identified as T.O.D. What is known, is the timely leadership, action and wisdom taken by Lord Sembla helped change the tide of battle. Lord Sembla and is forces were able to rescue Jedi Master Demaya and her group. In contrast, the Partisan losses were estimated at well over ten thousand fighters. It was clear that this battle would shape future perceptions of the 2nd Battalion. This was proven by the Partisans failing to mount any measurable offensive against Lord Sembla or his elite unit.”

Sinya: “If only the Jedi had Lord Sembla leading their forces on Olivan.”

Bail: “If the Chancellor’s son was leading the forces on Olivan, Lord Sembla would have shown the same level of compassion and diplomacy as his mother. There would be no conflict on Olivan.”

Sinya: “Agreed, hours leading up to the final battle for Olivan, Lord Sembla made an impassionate plea to Master Milani. It was recorded that a number of members of Lord Sembla’s team reached out to Master Milani. It was clear that Lord Sembla was attempting to bring an end to the conflict. We have an exclusive from Naval Command. Lord Sembla, through his prized asset T.O.D., learned of a pending trap that was targeted at Master Milani and her forces. He tried to convince Master Milani to stop this conflict. Can we get that up for our viewers?”

Quote:This is your last chance to avoid a bloody war. Withdraw your forces now. They using your aggression as fuel to destroy you. Do the right thing or be purged.

Bail: “A chilling warning from a man with a heart of gold. To hear him use such strong words speaks volumes of how much he desired warn her. How much he had tried to stop this senseless conflict.” Looks to Sinya, “I can’t imagine what Lord Sembla must have felt in seeing the truth, knowing the truth and being unable to stop the death around him. Lord Sembla showed true courage.”

Sinya: “Courage runs deep within his family.”

Bail: “Agreed. Ignoring numerous pleas from Lord Sembla, Master Milani rushed headlong in to a foolish battle. A battle that she had no hope of winning. It was during this final battle that Lord Sembla saw no choice but to request that his unit be withdrawn from Olivan. An official order was issued by Naval Command ordering Lord Sembla to abandon his mission on Olivan. Just in time also.”

Sinya: After calling in the last of her reinforcements, Master Milani launched a final push to liberate the Jedi Temple on Olivan. After a long brutal five-hour battle, Master Milani was able to achieve her primary objective. However, her victory would be short lived. With her forces near exhaustion and depleted, they were not ready to face a new threat.”

“Under the command of a man calling himself the King of the Heavens, a massive droid army landed on Olivan and crushed Milani’s forces. We have since learned that this man is none other than Graff Tirrel, Grand Son of slain Chancellor Sephon Tirrel. Nearly two years ago, Graff Tirrel was found guilty of attempting to assassinate Chancellor Syrdash. It was assumed that his transport was lost in space after his ship suffered a hyperspace mishap.”

“Caught completely off guard, the Jedi forces were unable to fend off the droid army. It was an epic battle, and we must recognize the courage of the Jedi forces during their final battle. In the end, it was a hopeless battle that Milani’s forces couldn’t win. It is rumored that Master Milani was killed by Graff Tirrel in single combat. With their leader dead, and hopeless outnumbered, the surviving Jedi forces on Olivan were forced to surrender.”

“After the battle, Lord Sembla reached out to Mr. Tirrel and asked for a meeting. Lord Sembla managed to do in a few minutes what Master Milani wasn’t able to accomplish in nearly a year of conflict. Lord Sembla secured peace on Olivan. According to reports coming out of Naval Command, Lord Sembla made no concessions or accepted no guilt that belonged to the Jedi. Instead, he received assurances that no Republic world would be targeted by Tirrel’s forces. More so, fifteen hundred survivors of Milani’s forces were allowed to leave Olivan thanks to Lord Sembla.”

Bail: “With peace finally secured on Olivan, the final body count in terms of Jedi losses has been completed. The Jedi lost their entire 5th Legion. During the nearly yearlong conflict, three hundred fifty thousand Republic and Baklid lives were lost. The Jedi lost eleven Venator class Star Destroyers, six Acclamators class assault ships, ten Arquitens class light cruiser. There were a number of ships from the Baklid navy lost as well, though we don’t have those numbers currently. What is now being called the single largest defeat the Jedi has suffered in recent history, has many in the Senate screaming for an investigation.”

Sinya: “Within days of the Republic full withdraw from Olivan, Graff Tirrel launched an brutal attack on Olivan’s closest neighbor, the independent world of Baklid VI. After the massive defeat that they and the Jedi suffered on Olivan, the Baklid military was in no shape to mount a defense against Graff’s forces. While there were sparse battles in and around the capital, the world largely fell without any serious conflict. Sources on Baklid claims the attack was a liberation of slaves working within Baklid’s mines.”

Bail: “Call it what you want, invasion is just what it is. An invasion. This Graff is a creation of the Jedi and their incompetence in the Outer Rim. Now they have unleashed this monster upon the innocent worlds of the Outer Rim. The Rogue Jedi of Olivan have recognized Graff Terril as their official leader and now call him General. How many worlds will suffer because of the Jedi’s mistakes.”

Sinya: “We may not know how many will fall, Bail. What we do know, is that currently the Jedi Academies on Ammuud, Bonadan and Kamar have all declared their separation from the Coruscant Temple. These Academies have all recognized General Graff as their military leader. As a reaction to these events, the Chancellor has placed Republic forces on Sembla and on Telos on full alert. The Jedi have placed their commands on Fray, Lorrd and Cadomai on full alert as well.”

Bail: “Military analyst close to the Olivan investigation suspect they know what the Rogue Jedi will do. They suspect that the Rogue Jedi’s next move could be in a series of conflicts around the Tingel Arm to secure their holdings in the Aparo, Wyl, and the Corporate Sectors. These battles could resemble small brush fires forcing the Jedi to deal with these battles on an individual basis. What I know, we have not heard the last of this monster known as General Graff.”]]> <![CDATA[Chapter Two: Worlds Colliding]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=351 Thu, 22 Dec 2016 17:14:40 -0800 Akirapryde]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=351 Outer Rim World of Geonosis
Baktoid Industries
Date: 2919 AOK (A day before Auro’s Birthday)

The view from the air duck was limited, but the sounds of combat could be easily heard. Down the corridor, the entrance of the ship lit up with intense blaster fire. Bolts of energy slammed against the haul of the ship sending sparks flying. The sound of men screaming and lightsabers whooshing about. A heavily armored man stormed in to the ship and spun around to face the entrance. He pulled up his rifle and fired multiple times as he yelled out for his companions.

A pair of armored men rushed in to the ship and took up position near the entrance. Like the first soldier, they two turned and started to fire. Another three soldiers rushed in to the ship, with one dragging Cordelia behind him. Beyond the entrance, the sounds of lightsabers continued to whoosh as more blaster fire filled the entrance.

The first soldiers to board the ship grabbed one of his soldiers, “get us off the ground before those fighters take to the sky!”

“Yes Sir!” The man replied then ran down the hallway.

At the same time, Orchid and Barriss walked backwards in to the entry way. Barriss deactivated her lightsaber as she turned and ran the rest of the way up the ramp. Orchid on the other hand continued to spin her two lightsabers blocking blaster bolt after blaster bolt. Once she reached the top of the ramp, Barriss reached over and activated the ramp. This caused a thick door to slide in to place and protected Orchid from further blaster fire.

Finally, safe from the advancing fire, Orchid turned and walked in to the corridor. “Why are we still on the ground,” Orchid snapped.

The commander, the first one to come aboard, turned to her, “I have given orders to take off. Where shall we set a course for?”

Orchid stormed over to a communication panel as she deactivated her lightsabers. She reached up with her right hand and turned the panel on. “Bridge! I don't care where, but get us out of system,” she ordered. She added, “I get us in to hyperspace NOW!”

Orchid turned to Cordelia, who was being held tight by two soldiers. Orchid didn’t say a word as she walked over and punched Cordelia in the face. The hit was so hard that the three hit the wall behind them. “I know you tipped off the authorities,” Orchid spit at Cordelia. The two soldiers struggled to hold Cordelia up as Orchid hit her again and continued to spit, “I don’t know how you did it. But I know you did!”

Barriss watched with a sadistic smile on her face. She couldn’t hold back as she said, “I told you sister that we couldn’t trust her. She is no longer one of us.”

“Right, not one of you,” Cordelia said as she struggled to get back to her feet. “If you drop me off at any number of worlds. I will go my own way.” There was a slight humor in her voice despite the seriousness of the situation.

Orchid took Mya’s lightsaber and aimed it at Cordelia's heart. “I am done trying to bring you back to the fold, sister.” Orchid said with anger in her voice, “we once ruled the underworld of the Galaxy. But you are leaving me no choice!”

“NO” cried the leader of the soldiers. “We still need her for the Naboo job.”

One of the other soldiers turned, “without those droids, there is no Naboo job, Sir!”

“We all almost died and you were the agent of that ambush,” Orchid said with anger dripping from her voice. She pressed Mya’s lightsaber up against Cordilia’s chest. “I should kill you right here and right now, sister.”

“It’s never too late, Orchid. You too can turn back from the darkness. Like I have, you can be saved” Cordelia pleaded. “We choose our paths, and we can choose a path of light instead of darkness. Please Orchid!”

Orchid struggled as she pressed the hilt of the lightsaber in to Cordelia’s chest. “You have chosen your path,” Orchid said with disdain. She added, “sister” with even more disdain and anger. “Your chosen path is that of traitor!” Orchid moved her fingers towards the activation key of Mya’s lightsaber.

Barriss watched calmly as the anger induced Orchid leveled her wrath at Cordelia. As it became clear that Orchid was going to kill Cordelia, it was then that Barriss stepped up. “Sister,” she said with a calming voice. “I have a solution to our problems,” she said with a smile. “We can bring back Vixen.”

Cordelia's eyes went wide with terror. “No” she cried out. Fear filled her voice as she added, “That’s not who I am…. I have changed. Please sister.”

Orchid smiled as she pulled back, “get your things together, Barriss,” she ordered. Orchid returned Mya’s lightsaber to her belt as she pointed down the corridor, “the rest of you. Take her to the lounge and hold her there.”

Cordelia cried, “please Orchid, I have tried so hard to stay on the path of the light. Please don’t take this from me.”

Orchid only motioned for the soldiers to carry out their orders. Cordelia tried to fight back the best she could as she was dragged away by the soldiers. Barriss walked off the opposite direct while Orchid followed the soldiers. As the scene moved down the hall, Cordelia’s cries and pleas could easily be hard echoing. The observer moved from the opening of the vent and moved deeper in to the air duck network. Slowly the sounds of Cordelia’s screams seemed to fade a bit. Those cries echoed down the duck as the observer continued to move through the air circulation system of the ship.

Finally, the scene in the lounge came in to view. The observer could see Cordelia being held by two armored men while two others stood there waiting for further instructions. Cordelia struggled against their grips as Orchid stood looking out the window. There were tears in Cordelia’s eyes as she turned to Orchid to plead for mercy.

“Orchid, sister,” Cordelia said struggling against the grips of the soldiers. “Please…. Don’t do this”

Barriss walked in to the lounge with a grin on her face and a leather-bound roll in her hand. “Sister, you brought this on yourself.”

Cordelia turned her eyes towards Barriss, “please Barriss. I have struggled so hard…please…”

Barriss motioned to the table as she spoke, “gentlemen. If you will, please.”

The soldiers forcibly pulled Cordelia as she cried with terror in her voice towards the table. The soldiers were not gentle as they lifted her up in to the air and slammed her down on to the table. She fought as they flipped her over on to her belly. The other two soldiers stepped forward and each of them took control of Cordelia’s legs. The two soldiers that put on the table each took control of her arms.

“Orchid, please……” Cordelia sobbed. “I don’t want to fall from the light again…please”

Barriss stepped up to the table with her eyes on Orchid, “you know sister, you should have allowed this sooner.” She grabbed Cordelia by the hair and held her head still. “It would have cut down on so much of her misbehavior,” Barriss added.

As Orchid looked out the window, Barriss only shook her head. It was clear by the look on her face that she realized that Cordelia was Orchid’s weakness. It was clear that what was about to happen was not pleasant for Orchid. She couldn’t even bare to watch it. It was a weakness that Barriss planned on removing in due time.

Orchid frowned as Cordelia continued to plead for mercy, “you brought this on yourself.” She snapped then turned to walk out.

The commander, who was holding Cordelia’s left arm called out, “what are we going to do without those droids?”

Orchid didn't bother to stop as she crossed the lounge, “we will set a cruise for Nal Hutta. I am going to call in a favor,” she said as she walked out of the room.

Barriss paused as she watched Orchid walk out of the room. For the first time since Cordelia had been returned to them, their wayward sister had been left at her mercy. Her grin grew as she turned her attention back to Cordelia. “Come on, Cordelia. Your used love being Vixen.”

“Please,” Cordelia cried, “please don't do this. I worked so hard to change….”

Barriss only paused because she enjoyed the mental suffering Cordelia was going through. She forced Cordelia to watch as she ready her leather-bound roll. She slowly unrolled the clothe to reveal four hypodermic injectors. Cordelia’s eyes widened as she saw them, this caused Barriss’ grin to only grow. She was delighted with the terror that Cordelia was going through.

Cordelia's voice was filled with terror as she started to cry, “please….” Her words were more of a whimper than anything else. She still held out hope that something would change. The door hissed opened and for a moment, Cordelia hoped against hope that Auro had come at the last moment to save her. To save her from this fate worse than death. That moment of hope turned to poison as a pair of soldiers walked in. Her eyes filled with tears as she realized there would be no last-minute rescue.

At the same time Barriss had turned her head to see who was coming in to the lounge. Her head turned back to Cordelia, “hope is a destructive thing. Sister,” she said picking up the first of the injectors. “I am going to take hope away from you,” she said holding Cordelia’s neck still as she maneuvered the first injector up to Cordelia’s neck. “You will never think of hope again,” she said pressing the injector in to Cordelia’s neck.

Cordelia's heart sank as she felt the needle’s pinch. Her vision nearly completely obscured by her own tears. As Barriss slowly pressed the injector, sending the fluid in to Cordelia’s neck, Cordelia pleaded for mercy. It was clear that the fluid was taking its effect on her as her head shook while Cordelia pleaded against all hope.

In reaction to Cordelia’s body starting to shake uncontrollably, the four soldiers placed their entire weight upon her. Cordelia looked up and for the first time spotted the observer.
It was the last act of will Cordelia could take as she looked up at the observer. As if reaching across time and space, she reached out with her eyes filled with tears. Her mouth slowly opening yet no voice was heard. It was by design as this message was only meant for one person. She mouthed the words, ‘I’m sorry.’

Barriss rested her hand on Cordelia’s head with an uncharacteristic show of kindness, “there there, sister” she said with kindness. “That's the first one,” Barriss said as she set down the first injector and carefully picked up the next one. She steadily maneuvered the injector towards Cordelia's neck. “You remember how it used to be,” Barriss said as she called upon the darkside and affected Cordelia’s mind. “How close we all were before they took you from us,” Barriss slowly pressed the next injector in to Cordelia’s neck. “How much you loved us,” Barriss said softly. “That time you spent with the Jedi, let those memories fade to darkness. Let the darkness wash away the past and fill your heart once more,” Barriss eyes turned yellow as the power of the darkside flowed through her and in to Cordelia’s mind.

Each passing moment tears washed from Cordelia’s eyes and dripped down her face. Her body shook as the influence of the drugs and the power of the darkside took hold of her. With all of her will, Cordelia reached out with her eyes to the form hiding in the duck. She so badly wanted to see him again. She tried so hard to hold on to his image in her mind. The single thought that held her routed in the light. Slowly the shadows of her mind started to cloud his image, cloud her memories. She just kept mouthing the words repeatedly, hoping that he would somehow know how sorry she was.

The next injection slowly made its way in to Cordelia's neck. The effects of the drug were almost immediate as she fought to hold on to his image. She would give up everything if she could only see him once more. Cordelia watched the light of the room slowly break apart in to its base wave lengths as shadows of her mind and of the room slowly merged together. She tried to focus on the form, but her eyes would no longer obey her commands.

“Search your memories sister and you will find only shadows of a life that was never to be,” Barriss said allowing darkness to fill Cordelia’s memories. “Just like before, Vixen, you were never gone from us. There is no time where we were apart. The Jedi, will lie to you. But you will know the truth. We are a family,” Barriss explained. She drew in a deep breath and allowed the last bit of her dark control flow from her in to Cordelia’s mind.

The third injection caused her eyes to change. Starting at her pupils, they slowly grew bloodshot as the shadows slowly consumed her. The red color soon crossed from her pupils and spread to the rest of her eyes. By the time the fourth injection was given, Cordelia laid on the table motionless. Her mouth hung open with her tongue partially out. Her eyes shifted unnaturally around the room as if they were searching for something.

Barriss slowly backed up from Cordelia and motioned the soldiers to do the same. “Vixen,” Barriss called. “Vixen, my sister,” she said in a soft voice. “Look who has returned to us,” she said causing an illusion that only Cordelia could see. “It’s Chad,” she said allowing the illusion to take hold in Cordelia’s mind. “You remember Chad, he helped you see through the lies of the Jedi. Through the lies of the Republic. He opened your heart to the truth.”

Beyond Cordelia's sight Barriss waved her hand and just like that, through dark forces, Chad came in to being for Cordelia. For Cordelia he was the man of her dreams, the only one she could ever love. The only one that could ever love her. As if a flood gate had opened, memories of their exploits filled Cordelia’s mind. She had been his girlfriend for so many years. For her, they had been together this entire time. She remembered everything now…..

“Remember what I said, Vixen,” he illusion said at Barriss’ command. “You can only trust me and your family, baby. The rest will only lie to you.” Barriss motioned for the soldiers to let Cordelia go as she commanded the illusion, “its only me and you sweetheart.”

Everyone standing around Cordelia watched her slowly get up from the table. Her eyes now completely red as she fell victim to the drugs surging through her body. She walked strangely out of balance towards the center of the room with a strange smile on her face. It was if her eyes were focused on something yet there was nothing there. However, force users could tell that there was a manifestation of the darkside within the room. Barriss was still calling upon the darkside to tighten her hold on the now helpless Cordelia.

Cordelia tilted her head to the side and reached up as if she was entering in to a loving embrace with someone. She pushed up on her toes and closed her eyes. In her ears music played as she was reunited with the man of her dreams. Around her, her family watched the reunion. But for Cordelia, this was not a reunion. She had never been separated from her family. That prefect song played in her memories as her lips touched the man of her dreams.

The soldiers watched on with shock and horror. To them, they had never seen anything like it. For them, this was the danger that the Force brought to the galaxy. Barriss watched the scene with great delight as she controlled the illusion that invaded Cordelia's mind. “Vixen, your family has never left your side” Barriss said then added through the force, “you cannot trust anyone but your family.”

Vixen pulled back from her passionate kiss and while still looking deep in to his eyes, she spoke finally, “bouncy, bouncy, bouncy”. Her voice didn't betray anything. Her madness now completely consumed her. Speaking as if she was answering a question, “we will bring chaos to the galaxy, lover” she said laughing.

Across the galaxy, Auro slowly opened his eyes. The softy cool ocean breeze washed over him. This did not change what he had just saw through the force. Anger and sadness filled his heart but was quickly washed away with a calm sense of serenity. He wanted to rush off and rescue Cordelia from what appeared to be a fate worse than death. But in that moment his eyes were opened to the truth of the situation.

Auro slowly rose to his feet and stood in the center of his quarters. He reflected on the movement of the force around him. He suddenly didn’t sense the urgency to rush off. He half turned and allowed his eyes to fall upon a simple picture of Cordelia on his desk. The Force gave him insight in to what Orchid was up to. He had a starting point and their next destination. It was the very first time he had a real chance to get ahead of Orchid. All he needed to do was exercise a health bit of restraint.

He turned his attention towards the large open window and the vastness of Sembla’s sea. He smiled as he felt at ease here. He reached down and tapped in a code in to the communicator on his desk. As the transmission was being placed, Auro walked a short distance to the window and gazed out. The waves washed up and down on the beaches that lined the massive landing area. He could even see from his advantage point, the waves splashing up against the haul of the Vengeance.

“Auro” Chancellor Syrdash said. “How are you enjoying your trip home?”

“I am due to meet with my half-sister, and met with my father,” Auro said calmly as he looked out over the ocean. He wasn’t sure what Orchid was up to, but that vision gave him clues to build upon. These clues now occupied his thoughts. Cordelia’s situation cast a dark shadow over his actions and he realized the dangers of attachments. He could have them, but he had to act carefully and most importantly follow the Will of the Force. “In all, I have found this trip to be enlightening and refreshing.”

It was time for his mother to pause before saying, “Auro. Is something wrong, my son?”

Auro paused for a moment before continuing, “There are a couple of things I wish to ask of you mother. First, could you look in to any criminal activities that were linked with a droid storage facility or a factory. I would like to know where and what happened. Second, do we have any intelligence assists on Nal Hutta?”

As Auro continued to watch the waves moving across the beach on the far side of the lagoon, his mother replied, “that is a strange request my son. Can I ask why?”

Auro finally turned his eyes to the hologram of his mother, “I wish I could tell you more. But the truth is, all I know is it has something to do with Orchid and her next move.” He thought about telling her about Cordelia, but opted to keep that bit of information close to his heart. He would find a way to save her.

She nodded, “Alright son, I will place my best people on it.”

“Thank you, Mother” he said softly and allowed her to end the communication.]]> Outer Rim World of Geonosis
Baktoid Industries
Date: 2919 AOK (A day before Auro’s Birthday)

The view from the air duck was limited, but the sounds of combat could be easily heard. Down the corridor, the entrance of the ship lit up with intense blaster fire. Bolts of energy slammed against the haul of the ship sending sparks flying. The sound of men screaming and lightsabers whooshing about. A heavily armored man stormed in to the ship and spun around to face the entrance. He pulled up his rifle and fired multiple times as he yelled out for his companions.

A pair of armored men rushed in to the ship and took up position near the entrance. Like the first soldier, they two turned and started to fire. Another three soldiers rushed in to the ship, with one dragging Cordelia behind him. Beyond the entrance, the sounds of lightsabers continued to whoosh as more blaster fire filled the entrance.

The first soldiers to board the ship grabbed one of his soldiers, “get us off the ground before those fighters take to the sky!”

“Yes Sir!” The man replied then ran down the hallway.

At the same time, Orchid and Barriss walked backwards in to the entry way. Barriss deactivated her lightsaber as she turned and ran the rest of the way up the ramp. Orchid on the other hand continued to spin her two lightsabers blocking blaster bolt after blaster bolt. Once she reached the top of the ramp, Barriss reached over and activated the ramp. This caused a thick door to slide in to place and protected Orchid from further blaster fire.

Finally, safe from the advancing fire, Orchid turned and walked in to the corridor. “Why are we still on the ground,” Orchid snapped.

The commander, the first one to come aboard, turned to her, “I have given orders to take off. Where shall we set a course for?”

Orchid stormed over to a communication panel as she deactivated her lightsabers. She reached up with her right hand and turned the panel on. “Bridge! I don't care where, but get us out of system,” she ordered. She added, “I get us in to hyperspace NOW!”

Orchid turned to Cordelia, who was being held tight by two soldiers. Orchid didn’t say a word as she walked over and punched Cordelia in the face. The hit was so hard that the three hit the wall behind them. “I know you tipped off the authorities,” Orchid spit at Cordelia. The two soldiers struggled to hold Cordelia up as Orchid hit her again and continued to spit, “I don’t know how you did it. But I know you did!”

Barriss watched with a sadistic smile on her face. She couldn’t hold back as she said, “I told you sister that we couldn’t trust her. She is no longer one of us.”

“Right, not one of you,” Cordelia said as she struggled to get back to her feet. “If you drop me off at any number of worlds. I will go my own way.” There was a slight humor in her voice despite the seriousness of the situation.

Orchid took Mya’s lightsaber and aimed it at Cordelia's heart. “I am done trying to bring you back to the fold, sister.” Orchid said with anger in her voice, “we once ruled the underworld of the Galaxy. But you are leaving me no choice!”

“NO” cried the leader of the soldiers. “We still need her for the Naboo job.”

One of the other soldiers turned, “without those droids, there is no Naboo job, Sir!”

“We all almost died and you were the agent of that ambush,” Orchid said with anger dripping from her voice. She pressed Mya’s lightsaber up against Cordilia’s chest. “I should kill you right here and right now, sister.”

“It’s never too late, Orchid. You too can turn back from the darkness. Like I have, you can be saved” Cordelia pleaded. “We choose our paths, and we can choose a path of light instead of darkness. Please Orchid!”

Orchid struggled as she pressed the hilt of the lightsaber in to Cordelia’s chest. “You have chosen your path,” Orchid said with disdain. She added, “sister” with even more disdain and anger. “Your chosen path is that of traitor!” Orchid moved her fingers towards the activation key of Mya’s lightsaber.

Barriss watched calmly as the anger induced Orchid leveled her wrath at Cordelia. As it became clear that Orchid was going to kill Cordelia, it was then that Barriss stepped up. “Sister,” she said with a calming voice. “I have a solution to our problems,” she said with a smile. “We can bring back Vixen.”

Cordelia's eyes went wide with terror. “No” she cried out. Fear filled her voice as she added, “That’s not who I am…. I have changed. Please sister.”

Orchid smiled as she pulled back, “get your things together, Barriss,” she ordered. Orchid returned Mya’s lightsaber to her belt as she pointed down the corridor, “the rest of you. Take her to the lounge and hold her there.”

Cordelia cried, “please Orchid, I have tried so hard to stay on the path of the light. Please don’t take this from me.”

Orchid only motioned for the soldiers to carry out their orders. Cordelia tried to fight back the best she could as she was dragged away by the soldiers. Barriss walked off the opposite direct while Orchid followed the soldiers. As the scene moved down the hall, Cordelia’s cries and pleas could easily be hard echoing. The observer moved from the opening of the vent and moved deeper in to the air duck network. Slowly the sounds of Cordelia’s screams seemed to fade a bit. Those cries echoed down the duck as the observer continued to move through the air circulation system of the ship.

Finally, the scene in the lounge came in to view. The observer could see Cordelia being held by two armored men while two others stood there waiting for further instructions. Cordelia struggled against their grips as Orchid stood looking out the window. There were tears in Cordelia’s eyes as she turned to Orchid to plead for mercy.

“Orchid, sister,” Cordelia said struggling against the grips of the soldiers. “Please…. Don’t do this”

Barriss walked in to the lounge with a grin on her face and a leather-bound roll in her hand. “Sister, you brought this on yourself.”

Cordelia turned her eyes towards Barriss, “please Barriss. I have struggled so hard…please…”

Barriss motioned to the table as she spoke, “gentlemen. If you will, please.”

The soldiers forcibly pulled Cordelia as she cried with terror in her voice towards the table. The soldiers were not gentle as they lifted her up in to the air and slammed her down on to the table. She fought as they flipped her over on to her belly. The other two soldiers stepped forward and each of them took control of Cordelia’s legs. The two soldiers that put on the table each took control of her arms.

“Orchid, please……” Cordelia sobbed. “I don’t want to fall from the light again…please”

Barriss stepped up to the table with her eyes on Orchid, “you know sister, you should have allowed this sooner.” She grabbed Cordelia by the hair and held her head still. “It would have cut down on so much of her misbehavior,” Barriss added.

As Orchid looked out the window, Barriss only shook her head. It was clear by the look on her face that she realized that Cordelia was Orchid’s weakness. It was clear that what was about to happen was not pleasant for Orchid. She couldn’t even bare to watch it. It was a weakness that Barriss planned on removing in due time.

Orchid frowned as Cordelia continued to plead for mercy, “you brought this on yourself.” She snapped then turned to walk out.

The commander, who was holding Cordelia’s left arm called out, “what are we going to do without those droids?”

Orchid didn't bother to stop as she crossed the lounge, “we will set a cruise for Nal Hutta. I am going to call in a favor,” she said as she walked out of the room.

Barriss paused as she watched Orchid walk out of the room. For the first time since Cordelia had been returned to them, their wayward sister had been left at her mercy. Her grin grew as she turned her attention back to Cordelia. “Come on, Cordelia. Your used love being Vixen.”

“Please,” Cordelia cried, “please don't do this. I worked so hard to change….”

Barriss only paused because she enjoyed the mental suffering Cordelia was going through. She forced Cordelia to watch as she ready her leather-bound roll. She slowly unrolled the clothe to reveal four hypodermic injectors. Cordelia’s eyes widened as she saw them, this caused Barriss’ grin to only grow. She was delighted with the terror that Cordelia was going through.

Cordelia's voice was filled with terror as she started to cry, “please….” Her words were more of a whimper than anything else. She still held out hope that something would change. The door hissed opened and for a moment, Cordelia hoped against hope that Auro had come at the last moment to save her. To save her from this fate worse than death. That moment of hope turned to poison as a pair of soldiers walked in. Her eyes filled with tears as she realized there would be no last-minute rescue.

At the same time Barriss had turned her head to see who was coming in to the lounge. Her head turned back to Cordelia, “hope is a destructive thing. Sister,” she said picking up the first of the injectors. “I am going to take hope away from you,” she said holding Cordelia’s neck still as she maneuvered the first injector up to Cordelia’s neck. “You will never think of hope again,” she said pressing the injector in to Cordelia’s neck.

Cordelia's heart sank as she felt the needle’s pinch. Her vision nearly completely obscured by her own tears. As Barriss slowly pressed the injector, sending the fluid in to Cordelia’s neck, Cordelia pleaded for mercy. It was clear that the fluid was taking its effect on her as her head shook while Cordelia pleaded against all hope.

In reaction to Cordelia’s body starting to shake uncontrollably, the four soldiers placed their entire weight upon her. Cordelia looked up and for the first time spotted the observer.
It was the last act of will Cordelia could take as she looked up at the observer. As if reaching across time and space, she reached out with her eyes filled with tears. Her mouth slowly opening yet no voice was heard. It was by design as this message was only meant for one person. She mouthed the words, ‘I’m sorry.’

Barriss rested her hand on Cordelia’s head with an uncharacteristic show of kindness, “there there, sister” she said with kindness. “That's the first one,” Barriss said as she set down the first injector and carefully picked up the next one. She steadily maneuvered the injector towards Cordelia's neck. “You remember how it used to be,” Barriss said as she called upon the darkside and affected Cordelia’s mind. “How close we all were before they took you from us,” Barriss slowly pressed the next injector in to Cordelia’s neck. “How much you loved us,” Barriss said softly. “That time you spent with the Jedi, let those memories fade to darkness. Let the darkness wash away the past and fill your heart once more,” Barriss eyes turned yellow as the power of the darkside flowed through her and in to Cordelia’s mind.

Each passing moment tears washed from Cordelia’s eyes and dripped down her face. Her body shook as the influence of the drugs and the power of the darkside took hold of her. With all of her will, Cordelia reached out with her eyes to the form hiding in the duck. She so badly wanted to see him again. She tried so hard to hold on to his image in her mind. The single thought that held her routed in the light. Slowly the shadows of her mind started to cloud his image, cloud her memories. She just kept mouthing the words repeatedly, hoping that he would somehow know how sorry she was.

The next injection slowly made its way in to Cordelia's neck. The effects of the drug were almost immediate as she fought to hold on to his image. She would give up everything if she could only see him once more. Cordelia watched the light of the room slowly break apart in to its base wave lengths as shadows of her mind and of the room slowly merged together. She tried to focus on the form, but her eyes would no longer obey her commands.

“Search your memories sister and you will find only shadows of a life that was never to be,” Barriss said allowing darkness to fill Cordelia’s memories. “Just like before, Vixen, you were never gone from us. There is no time where we were apart. The Jedi, will lie to you. But you will know the truth. We are a family,” Barriss explained. She drew in a deep breath and allowed the last bit of her dark control flow from her in to Cordelia’s mind.

The third injection caused her eyes to change. Starting at her pupils, they slowly grew bloodshot as the shadows slowly consumed her. The red color soon crossed from her pupils and spread to the rest of her eyes. By the time the fourth injection was given, Cordelia laid on the table motionless. Her mouth hung open with her tongue partially out. Her eyes shifted unnaturally around the room as if they were searching for something.

Barriss slowly backed up from Cordelia and motioned the soldiers to do the same. “Vixen,” Barriss called. “Vixen, my sister,” she said in a soft voice. “Look who has returned to us,” she said causing an illusion that only Cordelia could see. “It’s Chad,” she said allowing the illusion to take hold in Cordelia’s mind. “You remember Chad, he helped you see through the lies of the Jedi. Through the lies of the Republic. He opened your heart to the truth.”

Beyond Cordelia's sight Barriss waved her hand and just like that, through dark forces, Chad came in to being for Cordelia. For Cordelia he was the man of her dreams, the only one she could ever love. The only one that could ever love her. As if a flood gate had opened, memories of their exploits filled Cordelia’s mind. She had been his girlfriend for so many years. For her, they had been together this entire time. She remembered everything now…..

“Remember what I said, Vixen,” he illusion said at Barriss’ command. “You can only trust me and your family, baby. The rest will only lie to you.” Barriss motioned for the soldiers to let Cordelia go as she commanded the illusion, “its only me and you sweetheart.”

Everyone standing around Cordelia watched her slowly get up from the table. Her eyes now completely red as she fell victim to the drugs surging through her body. She walked strangely out of balance towards the center of the room with a strange smile on her face. It was if her eyes were focused on something yet there was nothing there. However, force users could tell that there was a manifestation of the darkside within the room. Barriss was still calling upon the darkside to tighten her hold on the now helpless Cordelia.

Cordelia tilted her head to the side and reached up as if she was entering in to a loving embrace with someone. She pushed up on her toes and closed her eyes. In her ears music played as she was reunited with the man of her dreams. Around her, her family watched the reunion. But for Cordelia, this was not a reunion. She had never been separated from her family. That prefect song played in her memories as her lips touched the man of her dreams.

The soldiers watched on with shock and horror. To them, they had never seen anything like it. For them, this was the danger that the Force brought to the galaxy. Barriss watched the scene with great delight as she controlled the illusion that invaded Cordelia's mind. “Vixen, your family has never left your side” Barriss said then added through the force, “you cannot trust anyone but your family.”

Vixen pulled back from her passionate kiss and while still looking deep in to his eyes, she spoke finally, “bouncy, bouncy, bouncy”. Her voice didn't betray anything. Her madness now completely consumed her. Speaking as if she was answering a question, “we will bring chaos to the galaxy, lover” she said laughing.

Across the galaxy, Auro slowly opened his eyes. The softy cool ocean breeze washed over him. This did not change what he had just saw through the force. Anger and sadness filled his heart but was quickly washed away with a calm sense of serenity. He wanted to rush off and rescue Cordelia from what appeared to be a fate worse than death. But in that moment his eyes were opened to the truth of the situation.

Auro slowly rose to his feet and stood in the center of his quarters. He reflected on the movement of the force around him. He suddenly didn’t sense the urgency to rush off. He half turned and allowed his eyes to fall upon a simple picture of Cordelia on his desk. The Force gave him insight in to what Orchid was up to. He had a starting point and their next destination. It was the very first time he had a real chance to get ahead of Orchid. All he needed to do was exercise a health bit of restraint.

He turned his attention towards the large open window and the vastness of Sembla’s sea. He smiled as he felt at ease here. He reached down and tapped in a code in to the communicator on his desk. As the transmission was being placed, Auro walked a short distance to the window and gazed out. The waves washed up and down on the beaches that lined the massive landing area. He could even see from his advantage point, the waves splashing up against the haul of the Vengeance.

“Auro” Chancellor Syrdash said. “How are you enjoying your trip home?”

“I am due to meet with my half-sister, and met with my father,” Auro said calmly as he looked out over the ocean. He wasn’t sure what Orchid was up to, but that vision gave him clues to build upon. These clues now occupied his thoughts. Cordelia’s situation cast a dark shadow over his actions and he realized the dangers of attachments. He could have them, but he had to act carefully and most importantly follow the Will of the Force. “In all, I have found this trip to be enlightening and refreshing.”

It was time for his mother to pause before saying, “Auro. Is something wrong, my son?”

Auro paused for a moment before continuing, “There are a couple of things I wish to ask of you mother. First, could you look in to any criminal activities that were linked with a droid storage facility or a factory. I would like to know where and what happened. Second, do we have any intelligence assists on Nal Hutta?”

As Auro continued to watch the waves moving across the beach on the far side of the lagoon, his mother replied, “that is a strange request my son. Can I ask why?”

Auro finally turned his eyes to the hologram of his mother, “I wish I could tell you more. But the truth is, all I know is it has something to do with Orchid and her next move.” He thought about telling her about Cordelia, but opted to keep that bit of information close to his heart. He would find a way to save her.

She nodded, “Alright son, I will place my best people on it.”

“Thank you, Mother” he said softly and allowed her to end the communication.]]> <![CDATA[Chapter One: New Journey]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=305 Mon, 02 May 2016 11:30:49 -0700 Akirapryde]]> http://www.orlandogamers.org/forum/showthread.php?tid=305 Post One: A New World
Core World of Alderaan
The 1st Galactic Empire
Date: Days before the Battle of Yavin

The snowcapped Juran Mountains loom across the horizon. Despite the warm temperatures, crisp cool air swoops down from the mountains. Through the mountain pass, an air speeder whipped through the scene. Tree tops bent as the air speeder rocketed passed at tree top levels. The air speeder cleared the trees as slowly descended over a mountain side lake. Ripples on the water followed the air speeders sped its way towards a lone cottage on the other side of the lake.

As the speeder approached the long dock, it started to slow down. The speeder started to spin in the air as a side door slid open. Even before the speeder landed, a figure leaped from the craft and rushed in to the cottage. While his garb was more Alderaanian, the lightsaber on his hip slipping from under his clothing indicated his true identity.

The door swung open as Nontho Truer walked in to the small cottage, a female Twi'lek rose from her chair. “Master Nontho” she said in surprise to his arrival. Like Nontho, she wore a lightsaber on her hip. These two weapons of the Jedi Order were two of the four lightsabes the entire group had.

Nontho Truer was not a true Jedi Master so to speak. However, as the ranking Jedi, the others often referred to him as Master. What made Nontho Truer special was the fact that he was one of very few remaining persons alive who had been trained within the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. At the time of the historical betrayal of the Jedi Order, Nontho Truer was only a Padawan of unremarkable talent but with superb ability to find trouble. Padawan Nontho and a lone astromech droid were ordered to travel to the Mid-Rim to pick up a group of younglings and escort them to Coruscant when Order 66 had been issued.

Spared the horrors of Order 66 because of what had been seen as a punishment Truer was unaware of the trap he was leading his charges in to on their return trip. When Truer’s transport exited hyperspace as it was approaching Coruscant he detected Master Obi-Wan’s warning of the trap waiting them. It was at that moment Truer ordered the transport to conduct radio silence and flee Coruscant. It wasn’t long till Truer discovered the lies of the Empire and the fate of his beloved Order. After wondering the core worlds for days, Truer found safe harbor on Alderaan.

Since that fateful week, Nontho Truer set out, more from guilt than anything else, to ensure that the teachings of the Jedi were not lost. Gone was the screw-up Padawan, and Truer reinvented himself in to a Jedi that the Order could be proud of. Using Holocorms that he was bringing back to the temple, Nontho continued his own training as well as carrying on with the training of the younglings.

Protected by the extreme elites of Alderaan, Nontho and the other children became a closely guarded secret across Alderaan. Often known as the School because of the lack of adults, Nontho and the children existed in shadow of the Empire for years. As the Empire started to clamp down on those who were force sensitive, many powerful families searched for places to hide their children. It was come to pass that Alderaan’s secret School would become save haven for these children as well.

“Nalan,” Nontho said with haste in his voice. “We have to get them ready to leave,” he said to the Twi’lek.

Knight Nalan Passik had a look of shock on her face as she stood there for a moment. Like Nontho, Nalan was only a Padawan who had just started training with her Master when Order 66 was issued. During that fateful day, she and her Master were returning from the Jedi Temple on Lothal. It wasn’t long till Imperial forces were on the pair’s tail. After dodging Clone pursuit for days, the pair were forced to set down on Pantolomin in hopes of repairing their ship. It was on Pantolomin that Clone troopers caught up with the pair. After a heroic battle, Nalan’s Master gave his life so that Nalan could escape Pantolomin.

It was because of a fateful encounter with noble family, Nalan heard about the School on Alderaan. She was expecting to find a well-established Jedi Enclave on Alderaan. Instead, she found Nontho and a rag tag group of children. Nalan saw in the eyes of these children the future of the Jedi Order, and chose to remain and help Nontho with training.

The look of concern crossed Knight Passik’s face, “what is going on?”

“The Empire is coming” Nontho said as he walked over to a cabinet and opened it. “I had a vision while I was in town. I saw a dark cloud slowly engulfing Alderaan,” he explained as he pulled a small case from cabinet and carried over to a table. After he set the case on the table he continued to walk over to a door and opened it. “Padawans” he commanded and motioned them to enter the room, “please join us.” They left their tablets behind as they moved in to the center room.

As the Padawans gathered around the center room, Nontho walked in to the room and picked up a Holocron that was on a table in the room. Nontho continued, “Within that cloud I saw a large dark moon filled with hate and evil. It was coming for Alderaan and if we don’t leave, our fates will end here. We have to leave Alderaan before the Empire arrives.”

Knight Passik nodded, “okay” she said then turned back to their charges. Seen as the only mother many of them had ever known, Passik carried a great deal of respect among the Padawans. “We are going to relocated. I need everyone to get their things packed up” she said. With that, the Padawans moved for their rooms. While they were packing Knight Passik turned back to Nontho, “so um, where are we going to go?”

Nontho opened up the case to reveal five Jedi Holocrons. He placed the sixth Holocron with the others. “I have heard rumors about a place in the Outer Rim. Yavin," he said calmly. "we will find safe haven on Yavin.”

“Yavin? Are you sure,” Knight Passik questioned.

Nontho closed a locked the case, “no, I am not sure. The vision is confusing” he said as he took the case and walked over to her. “I do know that Alderaan is doomed. Those I have spoken with friends back on Coruscant, there are whispers that the Emperor has grown tired of Alderaan.”

She put her hand over her mouth, “you don’t think the Empire will invade Alderaan.”

The look of dread on his face answered her question. He lifted the case and handed it to her, “I need you to protect this case with your life.” He looked in to her eyes with complete trust. “The future of the Jedi Order might be in this very case.”

She knew that he had spent the past decade hunting down these Holocrons and safe guarding them. For Nontho, collecting these Holocrons had become a personal mission to safe the teachings of the Jedi Order. He had used them to help train the younglings as well as to continue their own training. Nontho’s determination to continuing the ideals of the Jedi Order was just another reason why the small group of refugees referred to him as Master. This simple act of handing her the case was more than significant. It spoke volumes to the seriousness that Nontho took the situation.

“I have contacted Nines” Nontho said speaking of the groups droid. Nines or R9-N9 was the Astromech droid originally assigned with Nontho on his fateful mission that would spare him the horrors of Order 66. In all truth, Nines was much like Nontho and Knight Passik, a refugee and survivor of the long lost Jedi Order. “He is getting the ship ready to depart” he said calmly. “You must safe guard the case and the Padawans” he said then reached out and grabbed her arm. “Promise” he urged as he held her arm.

Nervous now, Knight Passik nodded, “yes, I promise Master.”

After hearing her promise, he let go of her arm and gave her a nod. On that note he turned and started to walk for the door. “I will be waiting outside for you guys. Make haste, I don’t know how long we have before the Empire arrives.”

As Nontho walked out of the small cottage he saw a second air speeder on the ground. It must have just landed because the armed group were just making their way towards the cottage. Nontho knew who they were as they walked up. “Bounty Hunters” he said softly as he made sure that his lightsaber remained out of site. They had tried to hide their true objective but Nontho knew one of the men as a well-known and respected bounty hunter. He was Giui Catulos. The man was no fan of the Jedi or the Empire. He worshiped the all mighty credit and that was it. More importantly, Giui was thorough to a fault. This was probably the reason why there wasn’t stroomtroopers storming the cottage. Giui most likely wanted to verify the group was here before calling in the Empire.

Nontho knew all too well that the Empire had placed a bounty on any Jedi who survived. He held his near his lightsaber as he turned to intercept the new group. “Greetings Friends” he yelled towards them as he waved with his other hand. At the moment the five bounty hunters appeared more relaxed and that was where Nontho wanted them. ‘That’s right, be calm, be relaxed’ he thought as he calmly walked out to meet the bounty hunters.

At the same time, he activated his communicator which was hidden just below his collar. Being under the ever present threat of the Empire Nontho had been to become a bit paranoid. “Passik!” he whispered as he slowed his pace towards the bounty hunters. “There is no time. Get everyone out through the back door now,” he commanded. His voice left little room for debate. Being paranoid as he was, he had long built a secret tunnel, called the back door. This tunnel ran three hundred meters to a hidden cave where their second air speeder was hidden.

He continued to whisper “I will buy you guys time to escape. Get to the ship!”

He heard in his ear Knight Passik’s voice filled with fear, “what about you?”

The distance was closing as Nontho walked right towards the bounty hunters. “Don’t wait for me. Get to the ship and head for Yavin. I will meet you guys there.” With that, he flicked off his small communicator.

“So how can I help you guys?” Nontho said trying to remain calm.

The bounty hunters laughed as the group of five formed a half circle. If Nontho had actually been a real Jedi Master, the five bounty hunters wouldn’t have stood a chance. However, seeing how Nontho barely had the training of a Knight, this was more of a fair fight. A fact that Nontho wasn’t happy with. Giui placed his hand on the grip of his blaster but didn’t draw it. “So I hear that there are Jedi hiding out here,” Giui said coldly. A protégé of Cad Bane, Giui knew how to deal with Jedi.

“Jedi?” Nontho said trying to play it off and failing at it. “No….no Jedi here”

“His lying!” one of Giui men said. The man looked more like a droid than a man. Under his hat was a highly sophisticated electronic ease dropping gear. “He ordered the others to head out the back door!”

Before Giui or his men could react, Nontho reached out with the force and picked up his own air speeder. With sheer force of will, Nontho hurled the air speeder at the bounty hunters’ speeder. The massive explosion caught even Giui by surprise. The blast knocked all five bounty hunters off their feet. He didn’t expect the young Jedi to act so rashly. “That was foolish” Giui said as he looked behind him to see his air speeder was in flames.

“yeah, I know,” Nontho said as he reached for his lightsaber, “but I was never known for level headed thinking or rational actions.” On that note, Nontho activated his lightsaber and prepared for battle.

The sound of the explosion told Knight Passik that things behind them had turned serious. With the group of padawan’s ahead of her, she rushed the group down the tunnel. Her eyes filled with tears as she so badly wanted to turn around and run to Nontho’s side. As she ran down the tunnel she held the case tightly to her chest. Her lightsaber illuminated the path before them as they ran down the dark, wet tunnel. Before long the sounds of combat were nothing more than a distorted echo behind them. For a moment, Knight Passik thought that the battle was over. However, when she reached the exit of the tunnel, she could hear the sounds of combat in the distance.

Before she allowed the padawan’s to move forward, Knight Passik searched the surrounding area. Master Nontho had made sure that they practiced such evacuations monthly. Master Nontho had never hid his fear of the Empire coming to Alderaan for them. He had always made sure that they were ready for this very day. That practice was now paying off. Knight Passik searched the area before motioning for the padawans to follow her to the air speeder that was hidden under camouflage. Even though battle was several kilometers away, Knight Passik still used all the skill she could to keep the padawan’s quiet as they readied the speeder for takeoff.

Once the air speeder was ready, Knight Passik took the controls and brought the machine to life. Within seconds Knight Passik pushed the controls and air speeder rose in to the air. As they cleared the tree tops Knight Passik could see the wreckage of the two air speeders by the cottage that had been their home for nearly two decades. She could also see the combat between Nontho and the bounty hunters. It was clear that Nontho wasn’t holding his own against the bounty hunters. A tear slowly dripped down from her eye as Knight Passik turned the speeder away from the desperate struggle and pressed the throttle.

With the bounty hunters behind them, Knight Passik pressed the air speeder for a nearby cavern system. As the air speeder rocketed through the mountain passes, Passik kept the speeder low to avoid further detection. She turned the speeder hard in to the mouth of the large cave. As she turned on the lights of the speeder the form of a large old Consular-class space cruiser took shape.

Knight Passik didn’t even wait to power down the speeder, “Everyone OUT!” she commanded to the children and teenagers under her care. “Get to the ship!” she added. While they had drilled this before, never once had the situation or urgency been so clear in her voice. Knight Passik rushed behind them ensuring that no one was left behind.

Halfway to the ship, Knight Passik grabbed her stomach as if something hammered her with enough force to cause Knight Passik to fall to her knees. She couldn’t put her finger on the source of the pain she now felt. Her eyes watered as she felt loss like never before. She fought for breath trying to cope with the feelings that surged through her. She fought to get back to her feet as her eyes watered. She leaned forward desperately trying to get up, only to land back on her hands. The waves of sadness and loss were unbearable for her to cope with. It was in that moment Knight Passik realized the source of the pain. Master Nontho had been slain!

With time running out, Knight Passik forced herself back to her feet. She ran for the ramp that led in to the ship. “Nines, get us off the ground!” Within moments, the mighty engines of the Consular roared to life. Knight Passik rushed through the ship. She passed her charges along the way to the bridge. “Wait here in the crew lounge and buckle down. This could get rough” she ordered.

It was Mykala who asked, “Wha....what about Master Nontho?” Mykala was a Force Sensitive young noble in hiding with the group of refugees.

Knight Passik paused long enough to look each of them in the eyes. “Master Nontho has been cut down by agents of the Empire” she explained with sadness in her heart. She reached forward and handed the case, the single most valuable thing the group owns, to Elden.

Elden was the oldest of the Padawans and one of the original younglings brought to Alderaan by Master Nontho. Mykala on the other had was brought to Alderaan by friends of her family at a young age. Their hope was to protect Mykala from the Empire. Both Mykala and Elden had surprised expectations during their training. In keeping with tradition, Master Nontho made the pair their own lightsaber from shards of his own force crystal. The pair wore their lightsabers with pride and used them to help train the others. The two became the mentors and tutors for the rest of the Padawans and other children safe guarded with enclave.

“Elden, safe guard our legacy” she said with trusting words. She then turned to the rest of the group. “We don’t have much time to flee if we wish to avoid the same fate” Knight Passik explained. It was always a fear that the Empire would find them, and now that fear has been realized. “Now go to the crew lounge and get strapped in” ordered once more as she turned for the bridge of the ship.

As Knight Passik reached the bridge, their astromech droid, Nines, already had the ship climbing for space. It was in that moment that Knight Passik froze in fear as she looked out the main window.
“What the hell is that?” she said in terror. As her searched over the large object, her mind attempted to rationalize what she was seeing. If it was a moon, then why was it so close to Alderaan? If it was manmade, who would make such a large thing?

As the droid spoke in its beeps and whistles, a large sphere engulfed the main windows of the ship. It quickly became clear that this was no moon, it was a space station! The sphere was larger than anything they had ever seen before. The pair became transfixed on the massive thing as the small cruiser continued to climb higher away from Alderaan. Horror crossed over Knight Passik’s face as she saw a number of energy beams being emitted out from a point on the sphere. “Nines! Get us out of here!”

The old Republic Cruiser turned trying to escape, its engines glowed white hot. A massive energy beam from the sphere reached out for Alderaan causing the inside of the cruise to actually glow in a blinding green/white light. Screams echoed from the halls of the cruise as everyone was caught by surprise. It was as if light, sound and even time itself came to a stop. As everyone seemed frozen in place, the horrors linked to the death of Alderaan flooded their minds, as the screams of millions were heard then suddenly silenced. At the same time the old cruiser slipped in to hyperspace and vanished from Alderaan.

Sometime later, the sounds of birds chirping in the distance filled the wreckage of the old cruiser. As those who survived started to regain consciousness, it was clear that the cruiser had crash landed somewhere. Sunlight pierced the shadows from where the haul had been ripped open like a tin can. Around the crew lounge, located aft of the flight deck, lights flickered. The doors in the rear of the lounge were dented and buckled from the force of impact. The sounds of burning and heat told the survivors that a fire was building somewhere within the walls of the ship.

Thick smoke hung in the air with the smell of both burnt flesh and wiring chocked the survivors. An account of those alive was taken. To the horrors of the survivors, both Elden and Mykala were dead. Their bodies twisted and burned till they were hardly noticeable as being humanoids. Of the survivors, panic stated to set in as the two oldest and most qualified to lead had been killed in the crash. Calls for Knight Passik echoes only to be answered by the crackling of sparks blowing out from a nearby panel.

From a five-meter-long by quarter meter thin rip in the haul, the sight of a dense jungle could be seen. It was clear that the cruiser was resting precariously along a cliff’s edge. The gaping hole that once was the multi-comm room crushed all hopes of reaching the flight deck. Forward sections of the ship appeared to have been ripped from the cruiser. Walking through the destroyed remains of the multi-comm room, the survivors could easily see the terrain around the wreckage of their cruiser.

From the gapping opening that is the multi-comm room, the survivors could see a large winding river valley far below from where the cruiser was resting. For as far as the eyes could see, thick jungle blanketed the landscape. Far below the ship and half submerged in the river, the Salon Pod could be seen. It was clear that the upper forward section of the ship was still attached to the Salon Pod. Sections of the pod that was not submerged were engulfed in flames. Thick black smoke bubbled up around the Pod indicating that the fires consumed the entire section. The forward section of the cruiser had been crushed under the weight of the pod when they both landed in the river below.

Looking back towards the remains of the cruiser, flames from fuel had spread across the skin of the ship, threating to cook those inside alive. Any possible escape by leaping down to the valley below would be suicide. Crossing the surface of the ship was impossible due to the flames and heat. With toxic smoke slowly filling the crew lounge, escape has become a matter of life or death. Through the smoke and flames, a path to escape is spotted.

The starboard docking ring had been ripped open from the crash and was currently shielded from the fire by the port side engine, which had been ripped from its moorings. The path would not be easy, but must be follow if survival is to be assured. The survivors much climb two levels down via the remains of the lift located at the rear of the lounge. Transition through the port side mid-deck corridor to the rear of the cruiser would be hard because of the heat but not impossible. Then cross the ship between the two docking rings and exit the cruiser through the starboard docking ring. It is the only way to escape the ship and survive the crash!]]> Post One: A New World
Core World of Alderaan
The 1st Galactic Empire
Date: Days before the Battle of Yavin

The snowcapped Juran Mountains loom across the horizon. Despite the warm temperatures, crisp cool air swoops down from the mountains. Through the mountain pass, an air speeder whipped through the scene. Tree tops bent as the air speeder rocketed passed at tree top levels. The air speeder cleared the trees as slowly descended over a mountain side lake. Ripples on the water followed the air speeders sped its way towards a lone cottage on the other side of the lake.

As the speeder approached the long dock, it started to slow down. The speeder started to spin in the air as a side door slid open. Even before the speeder landed, a figure leaped from the craft and rushed in to the cottage. While his garb was more Alderaanian, the lightsaber on his hip slipping from under his clothing indicated his true identity.

The door swung open as Nontho Truer walked in to the small cottage, a female Twi'lek rose from her chair. “Master Nontho” she said in surprise to his arrival. Like Nontho, she wore a lightsaber on her hip. These two weapons of the Jedi Order were two of the four lightsabes the entire group had.

Nontho Truer was not a true Jedi Master so to speak. However, as the ranking Jedi, the others often referred to him as Master. What made Nontho Truer special was the fact that he was one of very few remaining persons alive who had been trained within the Jedi Temple on Coruscant. At the time of the historical betrayal of the Jedi Order, Nontho Truer was only a Padawan of unremarkable talent but with superb ability to find trouble. Padawan Nontho and a lone astromech droid were ordered to travel to the Mid-Rim to pick up a group of younglings and escort them to Coruscant when Order 66 had been issued.

Spared the horrors of Order 66 because of what had been seen as a punishment Truer was unaware of the trap he was leading his charges in to on their return trip. When Truer’s transport exited hyperspace as it was approaching Coruscant he detected Master Obi-Wan’s warning of the trap waiting them. It was at that moment Truer ordered the transport to conduct radio silence and flee Coruscant. It wasn’t long till Truer discovered the lies of the Empire and the fate of his beloved Order. After wondering the core worlds for days, Truer found safe harbor on Alderaan.

Since that fateful week, Nontho Truer set out, more from guilt than anything else, to ensure that the teachings of the Jedi were not lost. Gone was the screw-up Padawan, and Truer reinvented himself in to a Jedi that the Order could be proud of. Using Holocorms that he was bringing back to the temple, Nontho continued his own training as well as carrying on with the training of the younglings.

Protected by the extreme elites of Alderaan, Nontho and the other children became a closely guarded secret across Alderaan. Often known as the School because of the lack of adults, Nontho and the children existed in shadow of the Empire for years. As the Empire started to clamp down on those who were force sensitive, many powerful families searched for places to hide their children. It was come to pass that Alderaan’s secret School would become save haven for these children as well.

“Nalan,” Nontho said with haste in his voice. “We have to get them ready to leave,” he said to the Twi’lek.

Knight Nalan Passik had a look of shock on her face as she stood there for a moment. Like Nontho, Nalan was only a Padawan who had just started training with her Master when Order 66 was issued. During that fateful day, she and her Master were returning from the Jedi Temple on Lothal. It wasn’t long till Imperial forces were on the pair’s tail. After dodging Clone pursuit for days, the pair were forced to set down on Pantolomin in hopes of repairing their ship. It was on Pantolomin that Clone troopers caught up with the pair. After a heroic battle, Nalan’s Master gave his life so that Nalan could escape Pantolomin.

It was because of a fateful encounter with noble family, Nalan heard about the School on Alderaan. She was expecting to find a well-established Jedi Enclave on Alderaan. Instead, she found Nontho and a rag tag group of children. Nalan saw in the eyes of these children the future of the Jedi Order, and chose to remain and help Nontho with training.

The look of concern crossed Knight Passik’s face, “what is going on?”

“The Empire is coming” Nontho said as he walked over to a cabinet and opened it. “I had a vision while I was in town. I saw a dark cloud slowly engulfing Alderaan,” he explained as he pulled a small case from cabinet and carried over to a table. After he set the case on the table he continued to walk over to a door and opened it. “Padawans” he commanded and motioned them to enter the room, “please join us.” They left their tablets behind as they moved in to the center room.

As the Padawans gathered around the center room, Nontho walked in to the room and picked up a Holocron that was on a table in the room. Nontho continued, “Within that cloud I saw a large dark moon filled with hate and evil. It was coming for Alderaan and if we don’t leave, our fates will end here. We have to leave Alderaan before the Empire arrives.”

Knight Passik nodded, “okay” she said then turned back to their charges. Seen as the only mother many of them had ever known, Passik carried a great deal of respect among the Padawans. “We are going to relocated. I need everyone to get their things packed up” she said. With that, the Padawans moved for their rooms. While they were packing Knight Passik turned back to Nontho, “so um, where are we going to go?”

Nontho opened up the case to reveal five Jedi Holocrons. He placed the sixth Holocron with the others. “I have heard rumors about a place in the Outer Rim. Yavin," he said calmly. "we will find safe haven on Yavin.”

“Yavin? Are you sure,” Knight Passik questioned.

Nontho closed a locked the case, “no, I am not sure. The vision is confusing” he said as he took the case and walked over to her. “I do know that Alderaan is doomed. Those I have spoken with friends back on Coruscant, there are whispers that the Emperor has grown tired of Alderaan.”

She put her hand over her mouth, “you don’t think the Empire will invade Alderaan.”

The look of dread on his face answered her question. He lifted the case and handed it to her, “I need you to protect this case with your life.” He looked in to her eyes with complete trust. “The future of the Jedi Order might be in this very case.”

She knew that he had spent the past decade hunting down these Holocrons and safe guarding them. For Nontho, collecting these Holocrons had become a personal mission to safe the teachings of the Jedi Order. He had used them to help train the younglings as well as to continue their own training. Nontho’s determination to continuing the ideals of the Jedi Order was just another reason why the small group of refugees referred to him as Master. This simple act of handing her the case was more than significant. It spoke volumes to the seriousness that Nontho took the situation.

“I have contacted Nines” Nontho said speaking of the groups droid. Nines or R9-N9 was the Astromech droid originally assigned with Nontho on his fateful mission that would spare him the horrors of Order 66. In all truth, Nines was much like Nontho and Knight Passik, a refugee and survivor of the long lost Jedi Order. “He is getting the ship ready to depart” he said calmly. “You must safe guard the case and the Padawans” he said then reached out and grabbed her arm. “Promise” he urged as he held her arm.

Nervous now, Knight Passik nodded, “yes, I promise Master.”

After hearing her promise, he let go of her arm and gave her a nod. On that note he turned and started to walk for the door. “I will be waiting outside for you guys. Make haste, I don’t know how long we have before the Empire arrives.”

As Nontho walked out of the small cottage he saw a second air speeder on the ground. It must have just landed because the armed group were just making their way towards the cottage. Nontho knew who they were as they walked up. “Bounty Hunters” he said softly as he made sure that his lightsaber remained out of site. They had tried to hide their true objective but Nontho knew one of the men as a well-known and respected bounty hunter. He was Giui Catulos. The man was no fan of the Jedi or the Empire. He worshiped the all mighty credit and that was it. More importantly, Giui was thorough to a fault. This was probably the reason why there wasn’t stroomtroopers storming the cottage. Giui most likely wanted to verify the group was here before calling in the Empire.

Nontho knew all too well that the Empire had placed a bounty on any Jedi who survived. He held his near his lightsaber as he turned to intercept the new group. “Greetings Friends” he yelled towards them as he waved with his other hand. At the moment the five bounty hunters appeared more relaxed and that was where Nontho wanted them. ‘That’s right, be calm, be relaxed’ he thought as he calmly walked out to meet the bounty hunters.

At the same time, he activated his communicator which was hidden just below his collar. Being under the ever present threat of the Empire Nontho had been to become a bit paranoid. “Passik!” he whispered as he slowed his pace towards the bounty hunters. “There is no time. Get everyone out through the back door now,” he commanded. His voice left little room for debate. Being paranoid as he was, he had long built a secret tunnel, called the back door. This tunnel ran three hundred meters to a hidden cave where their second air speeder was hidden.

He continued to whisper “I will buy you guys time to escape. Get to the ship!”

He heard in his ear Knight Passik’s voice filled with fear, “what about you?”

The distance was closing as Nontho walked right towards the bounty hunters. “Don’t wait for me. Get to the ship and head for Yavin. I will meet you guys there.” With that, he flicked off his small communicator.

“So how can I help you guys?” Nontho said trying to remain calm.

The bounty hunters laughed as the group of five formed a half circle. If Nontho had actually been a real Jedi Master, the five bounty hunters wouldn’t have stood a chance. However, seeing how Nontho barely had the training of a Knight, this was more of a fair fight. A fact that Nontho wasn’t happy with. Giui placed his hand on the grip of his blaster but didn’t draw it. “So I hear that there are Jedi hiding out here,” Giui said coldly. A protégé of Cad Bane, Giui knew how to deal with Jedi.

“Jedi?” Nontho said trying to play it off and failing at it. “No….no Jedi here”

“His lying!” one of Giui men said. The man looked more like a droid than a man. Under his hat was a highly sophisticated electronic ease dropping gear. “He ordered the others to head out the back door!”

Before Giui or his men could react, Nontho reached out with the force and picked up his own air speeder. With sheer force of will, Nontho hurled the air speeder at the bounty hunters’ speeder. The massive explosion caught even Giui by surprise. The blast knocked all five bounty hunters off their feet. He didn’t expect the young Jedi to act so rashly. “That was foolish” Giui said as he looked behind him to see his air speeder was in flames.

“yeah, I know,” Nontho said as he reached for his lightsaber, “but I was never known for level headed thinking or rational actions.” On that note, Nontho activated his lightsaber and prepared for battle.

The sound of the explosion told Knight Passik that things behind them had turned serious. With the group of padawan’s ahead of her, she rushed the group down the tunnel. Her eyes filled with tears as she so badly wanted to turn around and run to Nontho’s side. As she ran down the tunnel she held the case tightly to her chest. Her lightsaber illuminated the path before them as they ran down the dark, wet tunnel. Before long the sounds of combat were nothing more than a distorted echo behind them. For a moment, Knight Passik thought that the battle was over. However, when she reached the exit of the tunnel, she could hear the sounds of combat in the distance.

Before she allowed the padawan’s to move forward, Knight Passik searched the surrounding area. Master Nontho had made sure that they practiced such evacuations monthly. Master Nontho had never hid his fear of the Empire coming to Alderaan for them. He had always made sure that they were ready for this very day. That practice was now paying off. Knight Passik searched the area before motioning for the padawans to follow her to the air speeder that was hidden under camouflage. Even though battle was several kilometers away, Knight Passik still used all the skill she could to keep the padawan’s quiet as they readied the speeder for takeoff.

Once the air speeder was ready, Knight Passik took the controls and brought the machine to life. Within seconds Knight Passik pushed the controls and air speeder rose in to the air. As they cleared the tree tops Knight Passik could see the wreckage of the two air speeders by the cottage that had been their home for nearly two decades. She could also see the combat between Nontho and the bounty hunters. It was clear that Nontho wasn’t holding his own against the bounty hunters. A tear slowly dripped down from her eye as Knight Passik turned the speeder away from the desperate struggle and pressed the throttle.

With the bounty hunters behind them, Knight Passik pressed the air speeder for a nearby cavern system. As the air speeder rocketed through the mountain passes, Passik kept the speeder low to avoid further detection. She turned the speeder hard in to the mouth of the large cave. As she turned on the lights of the speeder the form of a large old Consular-class space cruiser took shape.

Knight Passik didn’t even wait to power down the speeder, “Everyone OUT!” she commanded to the children and teenagers under her care. “Get to the ship!” she added. While they had drilled this before, never once had the situation or urgency been so clear in her voice. Knight Passik rushed behind them ensuring that no one was left behind.

Halfway to the ship, Knight Passik grabbed her stomach as if something hammered her with enough force to cause Knight Passik to fall to her knees. She couldn’t put her finger on the source of the pain she now felt. Her eyes watered as she felt loss like never before. She fought for breath trying to cope with the feelings that surged through her. She fought to get back to her feet as her eyes watered. She leaned forward desperately trying to get up, only to land back on her hands. The waves of sadness and loss were unbearable for her to cope with. It was in that moment Knight Passik realized the source of the pain. Master Nontho had been slain!

With time running out, Knight Passik forced herself back to her feet. She ran for the ramp that led in to the ship. “Nines, get us off the ground!” Within moments, the mighty engines of the Consular roared to life. Knight Passik rushed through the ship. She passed her charges along the way to the bridge. “Wait here in the crew lounge and buckle down. This could get rough” she ordered.

It was Mykala who asked, “Wha....what about Master Nontho?” Mykala was a Force Sensitive young noble in hiding with the group of refugees.

Knight Passik paused long enough to look each of them in the eyes. “Master Nontho has been cut down by agents of the Empire” she explained with sadness in her heart. She reached forward and handed the case, the single most valuable thing the group owns, to Elden.

Elden was the oldest of the Padawans and one of the original younglings brought to Alderaan by Master Nontho. Mykala on the other had was brought to Alderaan by friends of her family at a young age. Their hope was to protect Mykala from the Empire. Both Mykala and Elden had surprised expectations during their training. In keeping with tradition, Master Nontho made the pair their own lightsaber from shards of his own force crystal. The pair wore their lightsabers with pride and used them to help train the others. The two became the mentors and tutors for the rest of the Padawans and other children safe guarded with enclave.

“Elden, safe guard our legacy” she said with trusting words. She then turned to the rest of the group. “We don’t have much time to flee if we wish to avoid the same fate” Knight Passik explained. It was always a fear that the Empire would find them, and now that fear has been realized. “Now go to the crew lounge and get strapped in” ordered once more as she turned for the bridge of the ship.

As Knight Passik reached the bridge, their astromech droid, Nines, already had the ship climbing for space. It was in that moment that Knight Passik froze in fear as she looked out the main window.
“What the hell is that?” she said in terror. As her searched over the large object, her mind attempted to rationalize what she was seeing. If it was a moon, then why was it so close to Alderaan? If it was manmade, who would make such a large thing?

As the droid spoke in its beeps and whistles, a large sphere engulfed the main windows of the ship. It quickly became clear that this was no moon, it was a space station! The sphere was larger than anything they had ever seen before. The pair became transfixed on the massive thing as the small cruiser continued to climb higher away from Alderaan. Horror crossed over Knight Passik’s face as she saw a number of energy beams being emitted out from a point on the sphere. “Nines! Get us out of here!”

The old Republic Cruiser turned trying to escape, its engines glowed white hot. A massive energy beam from the sphere reached out for Alderaan causing the inside of the cruise to actually glow in a blinding green/white light. Screams echoed from the halls of the cruise as everyone was caught by surprise. It was as if light, sound and even time itself came to a stop. As everyone seemed frozen in place, the horrors linked to the death of Alderaan flooded their minds, as the screams of millions were heard then suddenly silenced. At the same time the old cruiser slipped in to hyperspace and vanished from Alderaan.

Sometime later, the sounds of birds chirping in the distance filled the wreckage of the old cruiser. As those who survived started to regain consciousness, it was clear that the cruiser had crash landed somewhere. Sunlight pierced the shadows from where the haul had been ripped open like a tin can. Around the crew lounge, located aft of the flight deck, lights flickered. The doors in the rear of the lounge were dented and buckled from the force of impact. The sounds of burning and heat told the survivors that a fire was building somewhere within the walls of the ship.

Thick smoke hung in the air with the smell of both burnt flesh and wiring chocked the survivors. An account of those alive was taken. To the horrors of the survivors, both Elden and Mykala were dead. Their bodies twisted and burned till they were hardly noticeable as being humanoids. Of the survivors, panic stated to set in as the two oldest and most qualified to lead had been killed in the crash. Calls for Knight Passik echoes only to be answered by the crackling of sparks blowing out from a nearby panel.

From a five-meter-long by quarter meter thin rip in the haul, the sight of a dense jungle could be seen. It was clear that the cruiser was resting precariously along a cliff’s edge. The gaping hole that once was the multi-comm room crushed all hopes of reaching the flight deck. Forward sections of the ship appeared to have been ripped from the cruiser. Walking through the destroyed remains of the multi-comm room, the survivors could easily see the terrain around the wreckage of their cruiser.

From the gapping opening that is the multi-comm room, the survivors could see a large winding river valley far below from where the cruiser was resting. For as far as the eyes could see, thick jungle blanketed the landscape. Far below the ship and half submerged in the river, the Salon Pod could be seen. It was clear that the upper forward section of the ship was still attached to the Salon Pod. Sections of the pod that was not submerged were engulfed in flames. Thick black smoke bubbled up around the Pod indicating that the fires consumed the entire section. The forward section of the cruiser had been crushed under the weight of the pod when they both landed in the river below.

Looking back towards the remains of the cruiser, flames from fuel had spread across the skin of the ship, threating to cook those inside alive. Any possible escape by leaping down to the valley below would be suicide. Crossing the surface of the ship was impossible due to the flames and heat. With toxic smoke slowly filling the crew lounge, escape has become a matter of life or death. Through the smoke and flames, a path to escape is spotted.

The starboard docking ring had been ripped open from the crash and was currently shielded from the fire by the port side engine, which had been ripped from its moorings. The path would not be easy, but must be follow if survival is to be assured. The survivors much climb two levels down via the remains of the lift located at the rear of the lounge. Transition through the port side mid-deck corridor to the rear of the cruiser would be hard because of the heat but not impossible. Then cross the ship between the two docking rings and exit the cruiser through the starboard docking ring. It is the only way to escape the ship and survive the crash!]]>