In the opening hours of negotiations with the Insurgent Forces, the Quermians brought the Jedi Acolytes of Odan-Urr and their allies to various settlements throughout <The Southwestern Continent> of their homeworld, attempting to introduce them to their people, their ways of life, and showcasing just how the insurrection had taken a toll on their otherwise peaceful existence. The first nights would be quiet, serene, and filled with discussions of who the Quermians were, and how the insurgents were anathema to their ways of life.
On the third night, however, broadcast from the Diplomatic Corps further to the West would announce impending struggles with negotiations and the identity of the insurgents.
“To any Acolytes of Urr or O.U.S.C. Assets within range, be advised, the insurgent forces on Quermia have been identified as remnants of the Vauzem Dominion. Diplomatic measures are still underway, but, they have increased threats of violence and measures against the Quermian people aiding us, be advised.” A gentle voice, the Sage Tellah spoke calmly before cutting the signal.
As morning came the Quermians were in uproar as Sephi under a Dual-Tone Crimson banner marched on their City.
Among the Jedi that came to Quermia was the recently knighted Kushiban, Wenet C. Bannog. She was on chaperoning duty, an unusual task for the furry little rabbit as she often tried to avoid the younger generation. ”they walk right over me, they don’t even see me” she had said to her friend and mentor, Waza Sunrider, when he’d asked why she hadn’t signed up for the trip to Quermia yet. It took a little convincing, but eventually she signed up.
So there she was, the southern west continent of Quermia, watching over a group of younger Jedi students while they were shown around by the locals. The first couple of days everything went well, there were no problems and Wenet’s job was quite easy. It was so easy she began to feel bored, but on the third night everything changed. ~*~
At the Inn, while everyone was asleep, Wenet received a notification on her comlink. It was past midnight so it immediately made her worry. It was a message from the Diplomatic Corps, informing everyone within range about the Vauzem Dominion. ”kark” the Kushiban said and jump up, she rushed to the room of Waza and pressed the door chime ”Waza… Waza.. old man.. you awake?” Wenet started to knock until the door finally opened. Waza, who obviously had been asleep looked at her, puzzled. ”What time is it?” he asked her but before she answered she already hopped into his room. ”we have a problem” she said and played the message they had received.
“To any Acolytes of Urr or O.U.S.C. Assets within range, be advised, the insurgent forces on Quermia have been identified as remnants of the Vauzem Dominion. Diplomatic measures are still underway, but, they have increased threats of violence and measures against the Quermian people aiding us, be advised”
Now wide awake, Waza stared at the comlink. ”what are we supposed to do?” Wenet asked ”what does it even mean?” she was starting to feel even more anxious. ”let’s wait till the morning, maybe we will know more than” Waza suggested, he also didn’t really know what to do. Were they supposed to leave? Wait for further orders? ”What do we tell the students?” Wenet asked as she began to feel panic. ”nothing yet, let them sleep. We will inform them in the morning. Hopefully by them we will know more” Waza answered. Wenet returned to her room, but Of Course couldn’t sleep. She stayed awake and tried to meditate.
When the morning came, they did know more, it had gotten worse. Everyone woke up to the noise in the street. Wenet could hear the students in the other rooms, she could sense their panic. ”kriff.. what am I going to do?” Wenet asked herself as she gazed out of the window and saw the banners marching into the city.
Mihoshi Keibatsu, clad in her standard white overjacket and formfitted black ‘uniform’, had landed on Quermia shortly before the call had gone out. Her presence had not been requested previously which meant she had been forced to follow through on paperwork for the 2nd Fleet. New recruits to be scheduled for training, battalions needing to be inspected for morale purposes, everything the small woman hated. For several days now she had sent nothing but unfriendly, vulgar messages to the High Councilor. She was more than certain that Masahiro Haku didn’t take any of the messages seriously even if she meant them that way.
With a sigh, the Councilor of War stood at the window of the suite of rooms she had been given and looked out over the pastoral scenery. The people, while still stressed beyond measure, still went about their daily tasks of tending gardens and livestock. Livestock. Within the city limits. So much of this planet and the people made little sense to the small woman, but she appreciated the sense of community. A soft knock on the door alerted her to the time and Miho sighed again. It was at her discretion as to how these negotiations went. Knowing that she would rather chew broken glass than sit through endless meetings with a group of people who wanted nothing more than to overthrow the current government of more than one planet now, the small Keibatsu woman, the product of her own tumultuous past with planetary interlopers, began to make her own arrangements for this so-called Dominion.
On her way out of the room, she picked up the datapad from the table and checked the encryptions. Satisfied, she set up everything to be sent out at the touch of a button should their opponents prove obdurate.
“There are games we will refuse to play.”
In an unusual show of patients Waza waited for clarification before going out to cause havoc and defend the city. He knew he would have to help Knight Wenet cover the padawans. Pulling up the map of the city figuring out the best route to the docking bay to ex-fil the padawans on the ship.
Turning to his droid MOTO. “Go to the ship and prepare for lift off. Defend the ship till we can load the padawans.”
Moving down the hall Waza could feel the panic in the air as padawans fought to control their emotions.
Knocking on Wenet’s door it opened quickly. “Come let’s talk to the padawans and make plans and get them safe before we deal with all of this. I’d like to get them to the ship and off planet and on the way to safety. The quickest route to the docking bay is still 5Km, so this won’t be easy.”
Stepping into her room Waza opened the map and highlighted the route he thought to take. “Do you see any other options? I’d like to get your input as you are in charge of them.”
Working together they quickly agreed on a path to take to the ship. Wenet and Waza went to the rooms of the Padawans and had them gather their things and meet in Wenet’s room so she could go over the plan and assure them she had a plan and would get them out.
After a couple of minutes all students, six in total had gathered in Wenet’s room. Four girls and two young boys, these were the students that had done their diplomacy assignment back at the academy the best. The trip to Quermia was a reward for their hard work and a great opportunity to learn first hand about negotiations.
“what’s happening Master Sunrider” the students looked at Waza for answers as he was the their teacher at the academy. “Knight Bannog will tell you everything you need to know” he answered, making it clear that Wenet was the one in charge. All eyes went on the Kushiban in the room, she was standing infront of the window. “the short version is, that the negotiations didn’t go as planned” she answered their questions. “what will we do?” another asked. “we have to get the six of you off Quermia before things escalate eve more” Wenet replied as she brought up the holomap with the route she Waza had discussed. “but what Quemrmians?” a girl with fiery red hair asked, there was an eagerness in her eyes that Wenet recognised. She could tell that this girl was ready for action, to defend those in need. “We need to get you to safety first. Remember we aren’t the only Jedi that came here. There are others that will help the locals. My responsibility now is to you back to the ship and back home” Wenet replied. She never sounded to grownup in her entire life. Waza looked at her with a smile, he was proud of her.
“But we want to help” the girl looked at the other. They agreed although not with as much confidence as she. “I understand, the fact that you want to proofs you are great Jedi. But still it’s to dangerous. We will take you to the ship, which is here” she zooms in on the map. *“we need to stay out of sight, so the back door and alleyways are our best chance. But it’s still a risk.” a red line showing the safest route appeared on the map. “We need to careful out there, we need fo watch each other’s back and we have to act fast”
The six padawans looked at the map, some were happy to go a could looked dissapointed. “but what about the negotiations?” “that’s none of your concern now. The other Jedi will deal with the situation” Wenet closed the map, “you will have access to the map through your wrist mounted comlinks. You all have trackers, so we can see you if any of you gets behind.. but if we keep an eye on each other we wont get separated.” she looked at Waza, who nodded.. “Now young ones, grab your things, have your lightsaber ready and follow Knight Bannog’s lead” he said. As the students began to get ready, Wenet stepped towards Waza “Will we inform the others that we are taking them back? Or do you think our message might be intercepted by the wrong people?” she asked before they would head out..
Mihoshi left her rooms, scanning through the data pad. The list of Acolytes currently on-planet was thin, but it was something she could work with. Master Sunrider and Knight Bannog were likely going to prioritize the Padawans that had accompanied the delegation and it was no surprise. The level of affection the older Jedi had for all of the students was endearing and impressive.
This one. Celevon Werd'a. He was the one she needed. A former Councilor or War, he had spent a lot of time around Odan-Urr’s enemies and allies. The list of his crimes was impressive and the list of connections even more so. Close relations with the head of a family on Solyiat, connections to former High Councilors, Councilors of Urr, even trained many of the Empress’ personal guards to combat Force Users. Rumor also had him in bed with her after his resignation from Councilor of War, but that couldn’t be substantiated.
He was impressive indeed.
Which room was his? she wondered as she continued to scroll through the data pad.
“I have you now,” she said as she stalked off down the hall, leaving her Quermian and Sephi escorts behind.
========
Touching the panel beside the door, the small Kyataran woman entered the room without being announced.
And found the man she sought looking into a mirror, adjusting his hair and wearing a short, white, silk robe with - were those cranes? - animals embroidered in the fabric.
“Uhm…hello?” Celevon said as he looked at her through the reflection of the mirror.
Mihoshi, her eyes wide, flushed a dusky scarlet to the roots of her hair and turned around quickly.
“Dress and come with me. I have a job for you.”
The door didn’t slam. Doors on pneumatics didn’t slam. But, the sense of it needing to close faster was palpable.
“Well, that wasn’t awkward at all,” Celevon muttered sarcastically to himself as the door slid shut behind the petite woman. He gently removed the bath robe — a gift from his daughter and daughter-in-law — and placed it down on the sink before he turned to where all of his gear lay spread out on the bed.
If he was needed, it was likely that something had gone horribly wrong, as many within the Acolytes of Odan-Urr still distrusted him, whether for his past actions or his practices.
As the Seeker slid into the undergarments or body glove that was part of his Beskar'gam, he calmed his mind and began to reach out with the Force, calling each piece of the armor to himself. Even with his organic eye closed, the half-Umbaran could see each piece coming together, creating a whole in his mind’s eye. Telekinesis made getting into the armor that much easier, as it usually took the aid of another to get everything hooked together correctly.
The helmet remained on the bedside table for last as the former Councilor of War grabbed his Conversion Hilt Lightsaber and clipped it to the right side of his belt. The Sith Dagger he had personally crafted went into a cross-sheath on his lower back, the opposite sheath empty for this particular mission, then his Crossguard Lightsaber slipped into the holster over his left shoulder. That done, Celevon flicked his left wrist twice, exposing and retracting the wristblade from his Vambrace.
Celevon took a deep breath and released it as he grabbed the helmet, which he placed under his left arm. Then he ventured outside of the room, the pneumatic hiss of the door sliding open alerting the Kyataran to his presence.
She seemed to have regained her composure in the short time it had taken him to get ready.
He wasn’t aware of her name or rank, and so decided upon a neutral if respectful form of address.
“What do you require of me, Mi'lady?”
Miho turned and gave the man a thorough, slashing examination before nodding more to herself than anything. “I am Mihoshi Keibatsu, the current Councillor of War. You are Celevon Werd'a.”
There were no questions in her tone, just a set certainty. “I have need of someone with…questionable talents and has dealt with the Dominion before.”
She beckoned the half-Umbaran to follow, but didn’t wait to see if he actually did. “The troubles here are being precipitated by a problem the Acolytes and the Empire believed already solved. Peaceful negotiations are still ongoing.”
She shook her head, lustrous black hair rippling down her back. “The fiction of it more likely. You are one of the few currently with the delegation who has dealt with them previously. As such, you are to find out every bit of information you can and see if there is any way we can apply pressure to these….people.”
Waza looked to Wenet, “You are correct, we should hold comms until the situation has changed or becomes desperate. We don’t know their capabilities of monitoring or if they know how many of us there are.”
Once the Padawans had collected themselves Wenet led them into the hall and down a set of stair heading to the back areas to slip into and alley out of sight.
Moving as quietly as 6 teenagers could the first few blocks went smoothly. Approaching a larger intersection Wenet held up a hand for all to stop. There in the center of the intersection were four armed soldiers with a speeder blocking all traffic from moving. Beings were milling around as the soldiers tried to clear the streets.
“We cross the street one at a time blending in the crowd. Don’t run that will draw attention.” Wenet instructed the padawans.
First wenet crossed followed by Ronja the red headed human girl, Semone blue skinned twileek, Uharum orange colored Bothan, Sahbeena a Firrerro, Riku a Rodian, with Spauck a Shistavanen followed by Waza.
As Sahbeena crossed she saw a soldier roughing up an elderly being and moved to intervene.
“Stop hurting her!” Sahbeena shouted as the elderly being was thrown to the ground.
The soldier turned to her, “So you want some to child?” I’ll teach you some manners.“ as he turned to approach Waza stepped in.
"Go where you are supposed to be, young one.” Waza said. Without argument she turned and began to move away.
“Hey don’t you go anywhere I’m not done with you.” The soldier reached for Sahbeena.
Waza motioned his hand and told the soldier “Nothing happened here you are mistaken. All of these beings are free to pass and go about their day.”
“Noting happened here, I am mistaken. Everyone is free to go about their day.”
When Waza reached the other side he was confronted by Sahbeena, “Master are we not to help those in need?”
“What would you have done? You must think critically of the situation, were you prepared to fight all four of them and the air speeder firepower? What of those around you? The innocent bystanders? How many of those would have been injured by the fight? Would your actions have changed anything in that situation besides escalation? Calm you emotions and then think of how to help. now we must keep moving the priority now is to get you all to a safer location and off planet before fighting erupts. Follow Wenet’s lead and keep moving.”
“But Master Sunrider you could have done something.” She pressed the point.
“I could have done more, the prioity is you right now. Follow directions Padawan until we have further instructions from the Summit. Now move padawan we are falling behind.”
The group turned into another quiet backstreet, Wenet suddenly held up her hand making everyone stop. “What’s wrong” Waza asked. “I hear something, up ahead” her ears stood up straight and turned into the direction of the sounds. “voices.. they are searching the streets.”
Meanwhile, the students stood together. “you were right” Ronja said to Sahbeena, “we need to help those in need.” she continued. Riku, the young Rodian nodded, he always agreed with Ronja and always hoped she would notice him. “but you heard Master Sunrider” Uharum responded nervously. “We have trained for this, if we want to become knights we have prove ourselves ” Ronja said with determination.
“young ones, we have a problem” Wenet suddenly interrupted. She and Waza had been discussing their options so hadn’t followed the interactions between the students. “it seems they are checking the backstreets aswell. We have to be extra careful.” Wenet looked at the students, she could pick up on their emotions. Half of them were nervous, the other half quite the opposite. Wenet turned to Ronja “no unnecessary risks, do you hear me..” reluctantly Ronja nodded.
“stay here, I will check ahead. I’ll signal you when the coast is clear” Wenet said and looked at Waza. He nodded at her and then she dashed towards an intersection of backstreets.
The sounds became louder as she reached the corner. Wenet stopped and cautiously peeked around the corner. She saw a speeder parked at the entrance to the main street. Three soldiers standing beside it, watching the main street. She could see their pointed ears, they were Sephi. A fourth was standing on the speeder, manning the mounted gun. Wenet turned back meeting with the rest.
“and?” they all asked. “there’s another speeder and four Sephi. They are facing the main street. If we are quiet we could sneak past them. ” Wenet replied.
All members of the Odan-Urr Clan were summoned to Quermia to assist in the negotiations, but they were also there as protectors of the inhabitants and their homes. The third day passed peacefully and the young Jedi Elyon de Neverse helped the locals as best she could.
When the news came of the army marching on the city, her heart was filled with pity for the lives that would be wasted. Her duty as a healer will be to minimize this loss.
The first task was to get all citizens into shelters and to safety. If a fight breaks out here, civilians will be the first to be hit. So she went to the headquarters to get the data, but at the same time to get reinforcements to evacuate the population to the shelters. There she met Master Celevon Werd and I am Mihoshi Keibatsu debating the datapad.
“What are the orders?” The young Jedi asked as she bowed to them.
All it took was one Padawan being too far out of cover, too far back in the alleyway, and one of the Sephi soldiers spotted them and alerted the others. Their brass headgear reflected the morning sunlight as the group of them began to move on the alleyway and the corporal behind them on their speeder called something unintelligible through their commlink. The four soldiers advanced on the lone Padawan with their blasters raised, knowing if there were one non-Quermian hiding from them, there would be others. Reports of Odan-Urr operatives had reached throughout their ranks and they hunted for the Jedi just as well as Quermian dissidents at this point, the quieter they could take them in, the better.
“Come on out kid, we’re under instructions to bring you and your friends to our boss.” The first soldier called out, trying to coax the padawan out.
“It’ll be easier for everyone if you don’t fight with us and just come on out. I really don’t want to shoot a kid, but I know what you Jedi can do.” The second piped up before getting checked in the back with the third’s blaster.
“Don’t piss them off, schutta, Uvam wants them alive. Piss off the longnecks if you need to shoot someone.” The fourth murmured.
“You won’t be shooting a kid today soldier.” Waza said stepping around the Padawn. Giving the kid cover to sprint across the street and catch up with the others.
“Away put your weapons, there is no fight to be had here.” Waza said addressing the soldiers to keep their attention on him.
“By the act of you invading this city you have pushed the negotiations into a corner, things can be recovered though. No blood has been spilled; exit the city and this breech of conduct can be smoothed over with the politicians.”
Waza tried to sound like the politicians he had worked with in the past; not his strong suit he began looking for avenues of attack, placement of their unit, where the speeder was. Playing out this combat in his head to keep the bystander injuries to a minimum if possible. He knew the fight was coming but didn’t really want to be the first shot in a new war.
Mihoshi gestured to Celevon, her knife. “Find out everything you can about this situation. Observe and report. Go, be silent and walk around the world.”
Elyon was one she didn’t know of yet. She remembered what she had scanned through to locate the Werd'a family head. The woman was one of the older Jedi from before Order 66. A healer.
Mihoshi nodded and gestured to the streets. “Be careful, but tend to any wounded you can find. Set up a triage center here. Save those you can, comfort those you cannot. Anyone who can make it here on their own, send them.”
That last bit was directed at just one. While she intended for Celevon to focus on learning what he could, if he found those who could make it here…
Mihoshi looked at one and then the other. “Treat this as an open conflict zone but only engage if there is no other opportunity. Go! Go!”
Without waiting, the small woman turned and stalked off, the white overcoat billowing out behind her.
<@248237225202941964> <@696377047852777592>
The Shaevalian-Umbaran gave a nod at the clear dismissal, even as the Councilor of War stalked off. “I’ll see you later, Elyon. Stay safe. And may the Force be with us all.”
With that said, Celevon lowered his helmet into place and set off running out of the building and into the streets, allowing the Force to guide him to where he was needed most. The Seeker turned down an alleyway, utilizing a combination of the traction of his boots and free-running skills to run along a wall, launched himself forward and hauled himself up and onto the railing of a fire escape. From there, the former Councilor of War pulled himself farther up the building using window ledges, electrical and drainage pipes as makeshift footholds until he reached the rooftop itself.
Still trusting in the power of the Force, the former Assassin turned took off running full tilt toward the ledge before he leapt. He fell nearly an entire floor, landing on an outlying balcony on an adjacent building; Celevon absorbed a majority of the shock with his legs, tucking into a roll to burn off the excess momentum, completing the roll by rising back to his feet and kept moving.
The Force seemed to whisper across the wind of unfolding danger nearby, alerting the native Corellian to the urgency of the situation he was being guided toward.
Taking a deep breath, Celevon channeled the Force into his legs and sprang forward, jumping both higher and farther than was humanly possible, only to come to a halt nearly halfway across the rooftop of the next building. He was close now, so close that he could hear voices below.
The Seeker carefully moved toward the ledge and glanced down, spotting four Sephi soldiers holding a familiar figure at gunpoint, along with a much younger person behind the man.
He knelt and concentrated, feeling as though his essence left his body in a rush, heading downward and into the Sephi at the far back. Once he found his target, Celevon tightened his grip, enforcing his will…
At street level, the other three took notice of their comrade behind them freezing in place, then seeming to twitch and shift uncomfortably, their attentions focused entirely on the Jedi and Padawan in front of them.
Celevon glanced out through the eyes of the possessed body, aware of the various skills each possessed through his victim’s own mind, which was under his complete control. Whilst he himself was unfamiliar with blaster weaponry beyond the merest basics, that was not the case of the vessel he was inhabiting.
And, at point blank range, the outcome couldn’t be any more clear.
Red energy lanced forward, brightening the alleyway three times in quick succession as the DL-44 retorted each time. One by one, each of the soldiers that had been threatening Master Sunrider dropped to the ground, smoking holes through their chests.
Celevon forced the body to step forward as he threw the blaster aside, visibly making his eyes flare their natural bright silver shade past the pale violet of his host.
“Run to the Hotel, Master. Get the Padawans out of here. More of our enemies are on their way to our position.”
The moment the words finished, the vessel gave a gasp and shuddered before dropping to the duracrete. Unlike his fellows, it was clear that this one was still breathing, even if unconscious as Celevon forcefully withdrew his power.
~~~
Back atop the roof, the Seeker reached out with the Force, searching for the particular thought patterns of the Councilor of War.
Once he found Mihoshi, Celevon sent a message directly to her mind.
‘Master Sunrider, Knight Bannog and several Padawans are headed your way, Lady Keibatsu.’
Wenet had been the first that moved across as the Kushiban was the fastest. She signaled the Padawans to come one-at-a-time. But despite having told the students to be quiet, alert and be as fast as they could, the guards spotted them. Well, they spotted Uharum the young Bothan padawan who was last to cross the road.
The Bothan girl froze, she was only a few steps away from the corner. “Kark” Wenet whispered when she heard the guards and looked at Uharum who started tremble as the Sephi approached.
Wenet motioned to the other padawans to hide and now that things started to get real they actually listened. At this point Waza stepped around the corner to face the four armed Sephi and shield the padawan from any harm. Wenet, being as small as she was, could peek around the corner without being seen as the guards were focused on Waza.
”I’m scared” Wenet heard Uharum whisper. Wenet signaled to her to stay calm and listen and at the same time the Kushiban grabbed her lightsaber. She was ready for a fight, but then something odd happened. One of the guards twitched as if he was having a seizure and the next moment he shot his comrades. Wenet took the opportunity to pull Uharum around the corner for cover. ”go hide with the others” she said, pointing towards a couple of dumpsters further away. As the young Bothan ran off Wenet heard the Sephi’s voices, telling Waza to return to the hotel.
The Sephi had another episode and dropped to the floor. Wenet launched forward, spirited to the Sephi. She jumped up and twisted in the air and as she came down she smacked the guard against the head with her long tail. ”you better stay down freak” she said looking at the guard hoping he wouldn’t get up again. ”What the kriff was that?” she said looking up at Waza. ”how did he know you? Should we really return to the Hotel?” she has a dozen questions. ”Calm yourself, Wenet. Were are the kids?” Waza asked. ”they are hiding” she replied and lead Waza to the padawans.
”you can come out now” Wenet said as they stopped near the dumpsters. Six teens came out of their hiding spots. ”what’s happening?” they asked anxiously. ”I’m not sure.” Wenet looked at Waza, ”are we going back to the hotel? Were only a couple of minutes away from the transport” the Kushiban said and brought up the holomap to show their location.
Waza could feel the emotions from the Padawans.
“Young ones, calm your emotions, fear leads to the darkside. Wenet will lead us to the proper place. The Force will be our guide. Wenet, focus and listen to the force.”
“Yes Master Sunrider.” Wenet replied. Looking at the holo-map Wenet decided to get the Padawns to the safety of the Trenzalore and off planet.
“Now that some have died we are on a different posture. Be prepared to defend yourselves.” Waza said.
“Let’s get moving away from this before more of them arrive to check on their comrades.” Wenet said as she turned and led the group into the next alley.
Moving the next two blocks was chaotic with beings running in all directions.
Moto signaled the ship was ready for lift off but the docking bay had turned into a war zone as the Sephi troops tried to assault the ship.
When they paused at the next intersection the sounds of guns firing could be heard.
“That would be Moto defending the ship. The Docking bay is hot and will will have to fight our way to the ship.”
Waza pulled his sabers from his belt and nodded to Wenet.
“We are ready; lead us to the bay Wenet. When we get there, Wenet you and the young ones break to the right and I’ll move to the left and begin clearing a way to the ramp. Remember your training and your forms Padawans it will save your life. Lets go.”
“Your orders are clear. I will set up a field hospital with a triage center. I will use all our and your resources and personnel to treat as many wounded as possible.” The young Jedi replied with determination in her voice.
As the Councilor of War left, Elyon looked over at Celevon. “Something tells me that hard times are ahead for us and this city. Stay safe. I’ll be here if anything happens. May the force be with us.” Bidding him farewell, the young Jedi made her way down the hall and into the interior of the building.
It was best to build a field hospital and triage center here, as they would be protected by the massive structure of the building itself.
Locals helped with the construction of tents, where people will gradually arrive and be sorted according to the severity of their injuries.
Once everything was done, all she could do was wait and hope that her healing skills wouldn’t be needed as much. <@227653769842655233> <@248237225202941964>
Celevon’s perch had afforded him a view of four of the Sephi soldiers, the immediate threats, but left him unaware of the fifth, the Corporal mounted on his Speeder who witnessed the entirety of the massacre and what he had assumed was <@741417155546841158>‘s coup de grace upon the man who had opened fire on the others. Having only seen <@284910376007761925> attempt of diplomacy and believing it to be a Jedi Mind Trick, resulting in the firefight between his men, the Corporal panicked.
“Corporal Aivil, Aeroplaza Patrol, Jedi have killed my squad and are larger in number than believed. Confirm, the Jedi have killed the rest of Aeroplaza Patrol Squad.” The Corporal squawked into his radio as he mounted his speeder, blaster trained on the alleyway.
-# “Advise, evacuate Aerospace Plaza. Commencing bombardment of Aerospace Facilities.”
Moments later, with the blaring sound of the repulsorlift engines the corporal bolted down the main street, as far, and as fast, away from the scene as he could, leaving only the silence of the city in lockdown around them. Even the blaster fire nearer the ship had faded.
“Master Sunrider… What did he mean that we killed his squad? The lot of them shot themselves.” Uharum asked as the Padawan all began to form up near the Jedi Masters who had been attempting to lead them to the safety of their ship.
Before the tenured Jedi could answer the silence that had enveloped them was broken by the ringing of tinnitus, muffled shouts, and the falling of dirt and debris. A mortar round had struck just around the building’s corner from both Waza and Wenet, the concussive blast of the superheated plasma impacting the surface threw several of the Padawn further back into the alley. Uharum had been caught in the splash of the blast, washed in the superheated gasses and glassed surface debris, fortunately, the young Bothan had died on impact.
The others struggled to pick themselves up, the intense ringing in their ears and the muffled shouts around them, the sounds of war, a terrible thing none had experienced before. Each was able to find their footing and slowly found their lightsabers, several igniting them as they searched through the dust and debris in an attempt to find one another, their Masters, and source of the attack. Another explosion, closer to the Trenzalore as the Sephi loyal to the Vauzem were attempting to destroy the entirety of the Spaceport.
As the dust settled Sahbeena pointed toward the sky as a large vessel broke from Hyperspace in low orbit, cleanly visible to the naked eye.
“It’s the Peacekeeper! That means the Navy’s not far behind!” The young Firrerro shouted out, as she lowered her lightsaber.
“What’s that ship over its bow?” Ronja asked as a Venator crept into sight just overtop of The Peacekeeper.
As the Padawan stared to the heavens above, several more ships bearing the colors of the Vauzem dominion broke from Hyperspace surrounding the Peacekeeper in a holding pattern, re-engaging tractor beams to tow the vessel.
At the intersection of backstreets Waza tried to ease the Kushiban’s mind. Giving her the confidence she obviously lacked to lead the Padawans to safety. Looking at the map, it wasn’t that far, ”just a couple of more blocks and you’ll be safe” Wenet said before closing the map again.
This time no one objected, no one even thought about doing something risky, they wanted to get the kriff out of there. But the Kushiban was so confused about what she had just witnessed with the possessed Sephi, that she completely forgot about the fifth one on the speeder at the corner to the main street until they heard him call them in.
Unlike the others, with her big sensitive ears, Wenet could hear the reply they got over the radio before they sped off. ”Run!” the Kushiban screamed at the top of her lungs. By now she could even sense danger was coming. The Padawan’s knew where to go, so they all started to sprint towards the next intersection but they weren’t fast enough for what was coming. .
BOOM!!!
Wenet was thrown across the backstreet and hit a wall before she dropped to the floor. Rubble rained down on her burying her, leaving only her tail in sight. Everything went black and for a while she even lost consciousness, untill… ”here.. I can see her tail” a muffled voice brought her back. ”help me get this off her” the voice continued and next Wenet would hear the sound of someone digging. The weight holding her down lessened and a few moments later she could see light through clouds of dust and the dust covered faces of Waza and the padawans. ”Wenet.. Wenet.. are you hurt?” Waza asked, ”a bit bruised, but I think I’ll be alright” the Kushiban softly replied as she tried to get back on her feet. She blinked and rubbed the dust out of her eyes. Looking around she counted ”1.. 2.. 3.. 4.. 5..” padawans, ”five?” she asked, wondering who was missing? ”Uharum.. she's… one with the Force” Waza relied and immediately saw how Wenet’s moodfur began to flux. ”what?.. no.. no” her once white fur dulled and darkened into grey. ”No.. where is she? She’s probably buried under the debris like I was… we have to find her” Wenet wanted to start looking but Waza grabbed her arm ”Wenet, we have to go!” the Kushiban’s fur became darker almost black ”No.. we can’t leave her.” ”Wenet! She’s gone! We have to get the others to safety, Now!”
It was the first time, since having witnessed the death of her own parents, that she was confronted with loss. Wenet felt guilty, she had failed her one and only task; to keep them safe. ”Wenet, we have do go now” Waza pulled her arm.
They could hear more explosions and screams in the nearby distance. Werner’s fur began to change again, it started to get a dark reddish hue as she began to feel angry. Angry at herself for failing, angry at the Vauzem. ”yes.. we have to go” she replied through gritted teeth. ”keep your eyes and ears open… be ready for a fight” she told the other student. On their dust covered faces she could see dark trails of their tears. They nodded and armed themselves with their lightsabers ”yes knight Bannog.”
”ok this way” Wenet said and began to sprint towards the sounds in the distance. Waza was glad she was pushing herself to go through but he worried as he could sense the darkside emotions resonating through her tiny body.
Moving the debris away, freeing Wenet hearing her voice he felt a wave of relief as she spoke and assured him she was still alive.
Waza looked skyward as Sahbeena pointed out the ODN Peackeeper in low orbit. He felt his hope waiver as the enemy ships took the Peacekeeper in tow.
Watching her fur fluctuate in color she settled on a color he had not seen her in. Red. He could feel the anger welling in her.
Waza felt he needed to protect his friend and companion. As near a padawan as she could get without violating rules of the council. He had taken her under his wing and felt responsible for her journey in the force.
“Now we need to make haste and get the padawans off planet. I can’t let them endure a full war at this stage in their training.” Waza said. “Keep your senses up for attacks, now we must run.”
Wenet sprinted away with the 5 remaining students trying to keep pace with the agile Kushiban.
Climbing over the crumbled and caved in building the group made it to the space port.
The blaster fire echoed loud as the Sephi forces tried to use rifles and launchers to break the shields of the Trenzalore. Moto returned fire with the larger scale basters on the ship.
Entering the bay Waza could see Moto had the ship on repulsors 2 meters off the ground spinning like a top firing at any group that fired at him.
Waza keyed his comm to the ship and he could hear Moto singing his battle song.
“Moto we are entering the bay prepare to take on the padawans.”
Turning to Wenet he could still see her red fur and the wave of anger rolling off her.
“Wenet, I’m sorry my good friend but I think you should go with them. Between the capture of the Peacekeeper and the anger you are feeling the young ones will need your guidance and I want to protect you from falling to the darkside.” Waza said. “Swing out to the right like we planned and I will draw their attention and Moto will cover the boarding.”
“Master Sunrider, I’m not going. I must stay here. You will need me in the coming conflict.” Wenet argued.
“Wenet priority is them and you not falling to the darkside. Take my guidance and go.”
“As you say Old man.”
Waza saw a new group of soldiers enter and begin setting up and E-Web repeating blaster cannon. With the Trenzalore now on the ground the cannon could damage the ship when the shields are lowered.
“Go now.” Waza said and left them to board the ship.
As he broke cover he ignited his main saber and launched a volley of Force lightening at the cannon marching towards those setting it up.
Surprising those soldiers they tried to dive for cover but were to late as the whole area was bathed in the blue light as the force power struck home. The cannon sparked and popped its circutry. The power pack exploded throwing plasma energy and acid into a 10 meter flash of fire.
Moto dropped the shields as Waza saw Wenet and the padawans run to the lowering ramp.
Waza drew his shoto saber and ignited it. A group of soldiers began firing their rifles at Waza.
As the barrage fire continued to fire across the river embankment towards the Jedi and their Padawan, the unmistakable high whine of plasma mortars in the distance could be heard firing in repeated barrage. The first rounds of shelling landed roughly 100ft from the Jedi, throwing debris and glass shards through the air. Several more struck in quick succession and pinned the Trenzalore down, forcing the vessel to re-engage its shields if it intended to avoid utter destruction from the heavy arms fire.
-# “The Jedi are trying to escape, keep firing!”
A faint voice could be heard shouting in the distance, barely audible over the pounding of mortars and collapsing infrastructure. The Padawan began to break, some turning back and covering their heads as they rushed towards the hotel. Another blast landed against the building they had all taken shelter near, destroying the walls and concussing the young Firrerro who screamed as she shoved the human to the ground and trampled over them in her haste to escape. Ronja let out a shrill, ear-piercing screech as she hit the ground, landing on Uharum, before Spauk scooped her up off of the ground in a dead sprint down the corridor, helping the human girl to her feet as they snatched the Bothan’s lightsaber with Telekinesis.
“It isn’t safe here. Back to the Hotel, back to Councilor Keibatsu.” The Shistavanen snarled as the mixed sounds of blaster fire and mortar strikes fell into the distance behind them and Ronja.
“But what about Master Sunrider and Bannog?” The fiery-haired human asked as the Shistavanen pulled her through the corridor with the dead, and unconscious, soldiers.
“They’re better trained than us. We’ll be in their way if we run into all of those blasters. Come on Ronnie.” They pleaded as they stared down the alleyway to the familiar hotel.
The UAS Kelleran, docked at the nearby starport, went through the motions asthe crew unloaded supplies onto the docking pad. Droids and port workers carried relief aid from the pad deeper into the port complex on grav lifts, monitored all the while by Unites Space Command personnel. Vorsa and Larun stood on the pad itself, conversing about the precarious situation the Quermina’s had found themselves in. Vorsa turned briefly to speak to a warrant officer who had approached, but before any word were excahnged, and before she could even sense the distress spreading across town, she saw Larun hold her head in pain.
“Larun!”
“Master. The town.” Larun grit her teeth as her attuned senses screamed with danger. “Danger.”
Vorsa focused on her surrounding. Distracted as she was by her apprentice’s state, she searched her feelings and gathered the first inklings of distress. “I sense it. Can you move?” she asked, not forcefully, but decisively.
Larun nodded as she brought her feelings under control, just as she was taught to do. “Follow.” Vorsa said as they rushed through the spaceport towards the town.
Blasts echoed through the streets as the duo came into earshot. They could sense death and despair eclipsed by panic and fear. civilians were caught in the blast area, as were Jedi. padawans. “No.” Larun whispered as she sensed a fellow student, a person she knew, fade from this life. The feelings of pain and fear threatened to overwhelm the young Miraluka.
Vorsa placed a hand on her shoulder, “Calm yourself, Larun. Remember your training. I will need your help now.” Larun sensed more than saw her Master’s expression. Despite her deep sadness, it was adamantly a smile; reassuring and strong against the background of suffering. She breathed several deep breaths and steadied herself in anticipation of instructions.
Another explosion shook the town, and anoter, and with each successive blaste a clearer picture materialized in the former General’s mind. “Across the river, there.” She pointed at the opposite bank at the most likely place a battery would have decent coverage. It was deliberately placed beforehand. “They were expecting an attack. Almost like they planned to extort one out of us.” She looked at Larun who absorbed every word. “Come, let us spring our own trap.” They rushed for the nearest bridge across the river.
They took a while to get to the place Vorsa was sure the mortars were firing from when they both sensed incoming sentients. There was nowhere to hide. Middle of the road, and no cover. “Hide us.” Vorsa said as she pulled both of them to the side, hugging a wall. Well trained to synergize with her Master, Larun concentrated and in a few moments Vorsa could feel her apprentice’s influence pass over her. “Good work, Larun,” she added as she sensed the girl concentrating.
A patrol of six armed Sephi in bradd armor, blasters in hand rushed around the corner moments later. “Go, circle around them.” The squad leader said in a crisp, posh Sephi accent. as the squad vanished out of view.
“Very good.” Vorsa pat her apprentice on the shoulder. “Come let us see these mortars to the scrap heap.” With a smile they rushed out into the street as Larun’s cloak faded. They traversed an open courtyard to their left before entering a secluded passageway into a large garden where one of the mortars was located. “For now stay behind me. Just as we trained.”
They walked out of the shadows calmly, Vorsa first, followed closely by Larun. As the crew of the mortar prepared to launch another volley Vorsa spoke up: “Gentlemen, it would be advisable to cease your efforts.” There were five in total. Two dropped the power canisters they were carrying as they grabbed for their blaster pistols, while the three that operated the mortar froze. Two Jedi had just infiltrated their back lines, and they had heard many stories. “That would not be advisable.” She looked at the blaster-wielding duo as she calmly took off her hood. “Drop your weapons and surrender.”
One of the blaster-wielders spoke up first. “We have you five to two. And you’re wanted alive.” He set his blaster to stun and fired. The circular bolt of energy left the barrel and stopped in mid-air several feet from the bewildered soldier. Vorsa’s hand, fingers extended, pointed at the man.
“Precisely, you are outgunned.”
The angry Kushiban did not like the idea of leaving the battle before it ended. I’m no coward she thought as Waza left them to board the ship. She didn’t want to leave; she had to make up for failing her task. So she planned on getting the padawans out of harm’s way and then return to the fight.
The moment the shields dropped Wenet yelled *”Now! Go go go!” Ordering the padawans to board. But then again she felt something, a warning through the Force but once more it was too late.
*
BAM!
”Nooo!!” Wenet screamed as another round of mortars hit closeby. This time Wenet had braced herself, but the padawan’s weren’t so lucky. They were blown aside, rolling over the ground as debris and glass rained down on them. Wenet immediately ran to find the padawans, she was worried about losing another. ”where are you?” she called out through the thick clouds of dust and smoke, ”say something” she continued as she tapped into the force in an attempt to locate them.
BOOM!
Another shell hit, sending Wenet flying through the air. ”Say something!” she yelled as she got back up but now she realized she could barely hear herself. Her ears were ringing, but Wenet heard a muffled scream. She couldn’t see anything through the thick dust clouds she had to rely on the Force. ”I’m coming.. I won’t leave you!” Wenet replied as she kept searching, climbing over debris as her eyes began to water. Her furr fluxes from red back to a dull grayish blue ”I’m not leaving you” she said to herself as she climbed over the rubble.
”Wenet.. I’m stuck.. Wenet” the Kushiban suddenly heard a soft voice say. The clouds of dust began to settle and sne could see someone with green skin on the floor. ”Riku?” Wenet recognized the Rodian and rushed over and saw his leg was stuck under the rubble. ”it hurts” he said as he tried to free himself. ”let me try” the Kushiban used her claws to dig. ”where are the others?” she asked Riku, hoping he had seen them. ”I don’t know….I think I saw them running back to the hotel” the Rodian replied.
Then they heard another voice in the distance calling out over the noise. ”Master Sunrider?.. Wenet!!??” It was Semone, the blue skinned Twi'lek trying to find them.
“Fall back, Semone Fall back. Get out of the docking bay. Wenet, My friend please tell me you are still here. We need to fall back.”
Waza returned to the entrance they had come in through. Anger beginning to simmer. The dark side creeping in. Always so close once you touch it. Falling and redeeming to the light, the fear of loss. Powerful emotions ever present must be controlled.
Waza finds Semone staggering in the smoke and dust. Taking her by the arm following his force senses he locates Wenet trying to dig out another padawan from under a broken wall.
“Wenet step back.” Waza said as he reaches out and lifts the top layer of debris off of Riku.
“Get him in the tunnel and out of here.” Waza shouts as he flings the debris into the air to cover their evacuation.
As he moved he opened his com link to Moto. “Execute mission fire-bird.” with a short burst of beeps Waza saw his ship lift off and point its nose at the sky, as he entered the hall way the thrusters engaged at half power to clear the ground, then five seconds later almost 60 meters off the ground the engines went to full power. With Moto targeting anything marked as an enemy opening fire to the next 60 meters. He engaged the hyperdrive to the predetermined system to send a distress signal to Kiast and any ODN naval forces on all clan channels.
Moving with Wenet, Semone, and Riku towards the hotel.
“Wenet did the other padawans make it out?”
“Yes they made it out after the first blast. I failed I couldn’t keep them safe.”
“Wenet, listen to me. We will need to focus on what we have right now, we will work through her death when we have a chance. Now these padawans need us to be leaders and examples. We will work through this.” Waza said.
Collecting the padawans from the alley Waza and Wenet led them towards the hotel.
“We have to move faster now, stealth is not needed but awareness is. Call out any threats you see, follow orders. Wenet you take lead, I will follow. Let’s go.”
The four of them moved with the running beings. Chaos reigned as troops tried to search the crowd but were getting trampled and pushed as panic ruled the street. In all the people running it was easy to blend in and get the two remaining padawans to the hotel and in the medical area to be treated by Jedi Elyon.
Mihoshi stood at one of the tables in the main room, listening to the charter from the triage center that had just gotten up and running. Humans, Quermians, Sephi. None were denied the care of the healers the delegation had brought with them. The appearance of The Peacekeeper under Dominion control was concerning, but the small woman couldn’t worry about that just now. The signs of engagement were becoming visible in areas of the city. The sounds of blasterfire was becoming an almost pleasant drone in her ears.
The door behind her exploded inward, causing her to spin around lightsaber already in hand. A moment was all it took to see the three Padawans to know something was horribly wrong. Sahbeena, Ronja and Spauck didn’t even slow at the sight of her saber in hand and all clambered to the Proconsul.
The tears, the fear, the pain, the suffering from each of them was a wave of emotion Mihoshi was unprepared for. “Children, please. Calm yourselves! One at a time.”
Wordlessly, the Shistavaenian held out Uharum’s lightsaber to her. Charred something still on the hilt. The rock of foreboding sank in her heart and took up residence. “Tell me what has happened.”
======
It had taken time, but she got the story from the three young Jedi. Each word not quite a blow, but very nearly. They had run into a patrol, Master Sunrider had tried to get past them with the children. What could only have been Celevon had gotten ahold of one of the soldiers and killed the other three. They had been told to return here but Bannog and Sunrider had chosen to continue to the spaceport.
That was going to be something she looked into very soon. The big vein in her forehead seemed to throb in time with her tapping finger on the table, the rage she hid so carefully very nearly boiling over. After they had finished their tale, Mihoshi had sent all three of them to the healers to be checked and taken care of. Sahbeena, at the very least, had trouble maintaining her balance and the unfocused set of her eyes nearly screamed the seriousness of the injury. The others had scrapes and cuts in line with a building falling in around them, but it was their hearts and minds Mihoshi worried for the most.
“I need to get them to the Praxeum as soon as possible. We have Masters there who are much better at those kinds of wounds.” She said almost sadly to the table before her temper flared up again.
Smashing her hand into the table, a low growl began in the back of her throat. Turning quickly, she grabbed her bow from the corner it was resting in.
“Elyon de Neverse. You are in command here until I return. Should Master Sunrider and Wenet return, they are not to leave again. If Celevon comes back tell him to protect this ground the best he can.”
A small blast of Telekinesis almost threw the door from the frame as she began to depart. “AND SOMEONE FIND A WAY TO REACH THE SECOND FLEET.”
A little reluctantly, Wenet took the lead as Master Sunrider asked her. The Kushiban no longer felt like she was equipped to lead anyone, she felt angry at herself and guilty for Uharum’s death. It was all her fault, ‘I should never have signed up for this’ she thought to herself as she rushed through the street. Hopping over the rubble she went ahead, making sure the way was clear. Riku, the Rodian male did his best to keep up despite the pain in his foot. Semone ran up beside him and put her arm around Riku, helping him navigate the with debris covered streets while Waza stayed behind them.
“ok, all is clear” Wenet suddenly said from the top of a large pile of rubble. “I can see the hotel, the way is clear but we have to move fast” she said and looked at the two Padawans. “you think you can run?” she asked with a worried look on her face. Riku nods, “I think so Knight Bannog” Wenet looked at Waza who nodded to her in acknowledgment.
“ok..Go! Now!” Wenet said and all four of them began to ran as fast as they could towards the hotel. Wenet sprinted on all fours, jumping over any obstacles. The Padawan’s moved as fast as they could, zigzagging between the rubble.. “almost there”
Two Jedi, V'yr and Larun, had arrived in their backline, surrounded by five Sephi soldiers, yet the pair remained undaunted and, with ease, halted a stun bolt. The others shouldered their blasters and stared down the pair with suspicion before stepping back. The first broke and turned from the position, they dropped their blaster and fled, saying nothing as they took their helmet off. The bolt, left floating in the air, and two Jedi so calmly presenting themselves for an attack despite the chaos on the opposing shore drove in the first nails of fear. As one fled, so soon did the others, until the lone Officer stood, eyes locked on V'yr.
“You— You…” He turned to look for his compatriots, only to realize they had all turned and fled, leaving him to face the Jedi alone. “You’ve won Jedi. Just, let me go, please?”
As he pleaded with the Jedi he slowly backed away from them and removed his headphones with one hand, dropping them in the compacted soil at the base of the mortar before he raised his hands and the blaster he had been holding, throwing the firearm off to the side before he turned to run. As he discarded his blaster it clattered against the mortar’s secondary trigger. The accidental contact discharged the round loaded just before the Jedi had arrived, narrowly missing the Sephi soldier, the loud screeching as a massive burst of superheated plasma and its containment canister erupted a few feet from his face and tore through the air, however, caused him to stumble and collapse backward. Holding his ears tightly to his head as he began to rock in place he stared at the Jedi who had cornered his team.
As The Trenzalore broke from the platform and made its break for the skies it caught the accidentally discharged mortar round, causing the initial weapons bursts for the targets along its exit from the atmosphere to miss as the ship listed slightly on impact. When The Trenzalore made atmosphere, it was initially targetted by the same vessels towing The Peacekeeper but, under Moto’s guidance, <@284910376007761925>‘s vessel was able to escape into Hyperspace before the Vauzem ships could deploy against it.
Vorsa took a moment while staring at the man and handed Larun her signal jammer. “All frequencies except our secure channels and emergency channels for local services, if you would be so kind. The best location is the top of that house.” She said and pointed at the nearest flat rooftop. Larun nodded and carried the device gingerly as she hopped onto a nearby staircase and walked onto the roof.
She paused, listening, and turned to face Vorsa again. “Master, blaster fire from the port, and another mortar nearby, seems to be firing elsewhere.”
“Thank you, I will inform our friends. Carry on.” Vorsa said as she approached and kneeled besides the cowering officer. She released the stun bolt which dissipated against a nearby wall, well out of harms way. “You have nothing to fear from us, no one will harm you, that is not what we do. But I will ask questions, and I would be grateful if you were to answer.” It took a moment, but her words reassured him, and she showed no ill intent or presented any sort of threat, despite dwarfing him significantly. “For now, you will come with us.” She coaxed him to rise by pulling on his collar.
“All set up, Master,” Larun said from the rooftop. With a nod from her master she engaged the machine. It whirred to life with a quiet buzz. She jumped down from the roof and nodded to her Master before heading to the mortar and stabbing it with her lightsaber to disable the mechanism.
Vorsa pulled out her encrypted commlink and depressed the switch on an open channel. Static welcomed her and she smiled. “Good.” She changed to the Odan-Urr secure channel and sounded off. “To all Odan-Urr personnel in the area, this is Vorsa. We have eliminated one mortar battery, but another remains. Our communications jammer is online and we are bringing in a prisoner for interrogation. Please advise on your situation.”
Waza ran with Semone and Riku helping motivate him through the pain. Wenet moved ahead slipping through the crowd.
Feeling the anger rolling off her Waza was concerned she would be tempted to lash out for revenge, falling to the darkside. Waza was determined to look after her, he did promise Azūmi he would do all in his power to protect her.
The streets were littered with innocents caught in the blasts, crumbled walls, destroyed speeder vehicles. The padawans would need some time to work through the trauma.
Sprinting the last few blocks into the hotel the group managed to avoid patrols and anyone hunting for Jedi.
Entering the hotel taking the young ones to the triage area.
“Elyon we have two more injured that need treatment.” Waza said watching Wenet storm off to a secluded area away from the injured.
“The Summit has commanded you stay here until an investigation can be undertaken into the death of the Padawan.” Elyon said and returned to her duties.
“AN investigation?” Waza bit back his retort as it should not be aimed at the healer she was just passing information.
Waza followed Wenet to the area he last saw her. He found her pacing. Her fur fluctuating various colors in the red hue.
“Wenet, we have been commanded to stay here. Sit; let us meditate and deal with the frustration and anger we both feel.”
Panting, Wenet stood in the entrance hall of the hotel, she watched how Semone supported Riku as they walked away to get medical attention. The Kushiban looked around verything was different from a couple of hours ago. When they had left it still looked like a hotel, with nervous personal trying to calm the scared guests. But now it looked like a field hospital, with wounded people everywhere, scared and crying. The floor was covered in dust and had trails of blood, the widows were shattered, some they managed to board up to shield anyone inside..
“Wenet” a voice called her, but she didn’t respond. She just stood there in shock, staring at the people that sat on the floors, comforting each other. “Wenet” the voice called again but this time she felt a hand on her shoulder. She looked up and saw Waza, asking her to come meditate with him. “No.. we have to do something. We have to help these people.. the padawans..” “Wenet, we’re not allowed to do anything, we commanded to stay here” Waza said and tried to get her to follow him to a quiet corner. “stay here… Why? ” “Elyon informed me that..” Waza sighed “there will be an investigation into the death of Uharum” he tried to be as delicate as he could.. Wenet’s fur fluctuated, from dull blue to a green to an red and back to blue.
“Sit and Meditate” Waza insisted as he took a seat. Wenet didn’t want to meditate, in her opinion it was just a waste of precious time. “Sit” Waza said more firmly, “fine”
Reluctantly, the Kushiban sat down on the floor and let out a deep sigh. She closed her eyes and tried to focus. But sounds of the mortars in the distance made it hard. Each time one hit, her tiny body flinched and she would see Uharum’s lifeless body, or what was left of it, infront of her. Wenet’s fur dulled even more and tears rolled down her snout. “its all my fault” she whispered. Now imagines of her parents, being ripped apart by the Xinkra flashed before her eyes. *“its all my fault.”
No reply. For far too long no reply came, and time was short. Vorsa sighed and gave Larun a worried look before she turned to the prisoner. “I can imagine the stories you were told about Jedi. There are many. Some are true, but most are false.” She took a knee and smiled sincerely as she looked the terrified man over once more. He looked at her, finally taking his attention off of the floor. “Now I will ask my questions, and I would be grateful if you would give me answers.” Vorsa gave Larun another look that usually meant prepare. The young Padawan matched her Master’s body language, but steadied her hand near her lightsaber, just in case. “I wish to know your orders and why you have attacked civilians?”
He started to speak but bit his tongue and turned away “You won’t get a word from me! Your trickery doesn’t work!”
“There is no trickery. Your mind is your own and I gave you my word we would not harm you. It is not in our nature.” She kept her hands in view, to reassure him she had no such plans, and to act quickly should he lash out at Larun. “Young man, lives are at stake. Your comrades’ lives, civilian lives in the city, innocent men, women, and children. I want to stop a war in the making.” Her tone was calm, but commanding, like a mother scolding a child. “Please, help me to stop it before it gets worse. What were your orders? Why did you come to this planet? Where are your forced headquartered?”
<@236356564125089792>
The Sephi soldier relaxed, his posture easing, but still guarded against the pair of Jedi. As Vorsa pressed him for answers, he shook his head. He didn’t know. He was a line officer, responsible for field units and logistics, anything beyond that was far beyond his pay grade. Fearful eyes turned up to meet hers when he knew there was little else to the matter to say.
“We’re following orders!” He shouted as he curled back into a ball.
“We’re just following orders. After Duke Uleich, alongside the Dukes of the Eastern Cities of Undelm, argued against potential peace measures with Lady Kaltani, we were exiled! Uleich ordered Uvam and our forces to take action here, that’s as much as I know.” He cried out.
The Shaevalian-Umbaran had been in pursuit of the Corporal that had escaped the area on the speeder bike and called in the mortar strike, as the whine of the speeder had drawn his attention. Thus, Celevon was a block away when the mortars landed, though this did nothing to dim the sense that one of the departing presences had winked out of existence.
The combination of the explosion and the sense of death had thrown the Blade Master from his feet, only sheer luck keeping him from becoming part of the debris in the alleyways as the building beneath him had partially collapsed. By the time he got back up, the speeder had escaped and the Seeker received a call on his comlink, signaling his return to the hotel, along with orders to join the defensive line to protect the injured and the Healers.
As he began to make his way back, moving down to ground level amongst the scattered debris, smoke and lingering flames, a sentence that had been drilled into Celevon first by his adoptive father, then during his training in the Arcona Army Corps resonated with him.
“No one gets left behind.”
Taking a breath, the Adept reached out with his senses and jogged over to where the alleyway had been, honing in on a lingering echo in the Force beneath a crumbled wall. He reached out a hand toward the collapsed wall, eye falling closed as he focused.
The Shaevalian-Umbaran spun a web of Telekinetic energy around the inanimate matter and lifted it from the remains of the young Bothan, allowing the remnants of the wall to drop nearby.
Celevon had removed his Zeyd cloth cloak emblazened with the sigil of Clan Odan-Urr and wrapped it around the body of the Padawan, using torn pieces from his kama to tie the cloak in place when another series of mortar strikes landed in the area of the spaceport.
To his relief, he saw Master Sunrider’s vessel escape into the upper atmosphere. Moments later, he heard a slightly garbled comm call from Vorsa. It seemed that the Inquisitor comlink around his wrist had been damaged.
The Corellian native picked up the cloak-wrapped remains of the young Padawan and hitched him over his shoulder before pressing the activation stud on his damaged comlink, hoping it would go through, as there was no return communication from their forces.
“Master Vorsa, this is Adept Werd'a. There’s been at least one casualty in our forces, probably more, with injuries unknown. I’m returning to the Hotel to join the defense whilst we await reinforcements from the Second Fleet.”
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