Topic: RPG - Unrest on Planet Balkest

RPG – Unrest on Planet Balkest

Era: Knights of the Old Republic - Darth Malak has just come to power.

Location: Mid Rim planet Balkest

Situation: The people of Balkest have been in unrest for decades. A civil was has been continually waged between the human and Kubaz colonists.

The Jedi have been dispatched to repair the rift between the two parties. Little do they know that the planet is tainted by a dark side artifact.

Can the Jedi find the artifact before the Sith brethren find out about it? And can the humans and Kubaz come to an understanding? You decide…

Info: http://starwars.wikia.com/wiki/Kubaz

The Rules:

1. You may create any character you want.  Clarify their name and species so others can follow their actions easily.

2. You can kill characters you create but you can't kill other people's characters unless they say they have been killed in battle with you. However you can wound other people's characters.

3. You can have any weapon you want but you can only have what your character could physically carry - otherwise they wouldn't be able to move.

4. Be consistent, eg if someone says they blew up a building, don't suddenly be assaulting it.

5. If you have sustained many wounds you will have to either get medical help or eventually die. If you're a Jedi you can use the Force to help heal yourself - if that's one of your powers.

6. Follow the storyline, sure add a few twists and turns but allow others to see where you want to go so they can help you get there.

7. Have fun.

Ka’Bae Drenade, queen of the Kubaz of Balkest, sat on the dirt floor of her chambers. Once again many of her people had been lost in yet another skirmish with the humans.

She didn’t understand the anger that seemed rage whenever her people went to the surface. Their intent in coming to Balkest had been to live a peaceful life, however such had eluded them.

Ka’Bae was thankful that the Jedi were coming. It couldn't happen soon enough.

-

Character
Name: Merlidan Alsk
Gender: Female
Species: Human
Age: 29
Appearance: Tall, slender but muscular. Has shoulder length blonde hair that is always pulled back into a low ponytail. She wears drab clothing so she doesn’t attract any unwanted fights.
Weapons: Black market blaster pistol and vibroknife.

The tavern in Elderslie camp should have been called the “Brawler’s Trap” rather than the “Trawler’s Gap”. Merlidan Alsk sat nursing her Corellian ale as yet another fight broke out between two young men. “We don’t need those Jedi morons out here. I left the core to get away from those jerks!”

“Jerks? Have you seen what a Jedi can do?” the other man said as he tried to connect a right swing of his fist to his opponent’s face.

The first guy ducked, “They’ve got those stupid light swords. Nothing beats a blaster.” He shifted to deliver an upper cut.

The second man fell back against a wooden table top which made the drinks on the table topple over and spill. This of course infuriated the patrons at that particular table and the fight turned quickly into a brawl.

Already Merlidan could feel her hackles rise. She wanted to join the fray but quite frankly she was already nursing a sprained wrist and sore jaw from her last fight.

She moved to a far corner where a dark stranger sat draped in a robe. “Mind if I join you?” she asked in her most non-threatening tone.

Excellent...I shall post tomorrow at work.

Character Sheet

Name: Isodore Mir (Goes by Mir)
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Age: 31
Affiliation: Neutral
Occupation: Arms Dealer
Appearance: 6', thin/average build. Short cut dark brown hair, pale skin. Usually wears black military styled clothing with a blaster-resistant vest.
Weapons: Customized Seski-Mark II High-Velocity Blaster pistol, CBP holdout blaster.
___

Mir sat at a small table in the corner of the Trawler's Gap tavern, awaiting his contact. He had been planetside for two days, and already he could see the storms of a civil war brewing. Mir watched as a heated conversation at the bar escalated into a fist fight, then into a full blown cantina brawl. He sighed and returned his attention to the datapad in front of him, checking the status of his ship's cargo. It was currently docked on Atzerri with three crates of Aratech carbines already onboard, and five crates of Czerka blaster rifles ready to load.

Mir was browsing the various cargo hold cameras of his ship when a plainly dressed woman walked over to his table.

"Mind if I join you?"

Mir shrugged. "By all means." He discretely tucked the datapad under the heavy hooded rain cloak he was wearing. "These fights seem to be happening more and more often."

The woman took the chair, cracking her knuckles after she sat. "You're not from around here, are you?"

"Not exactly."

Merlidan swirled the contents of her glass. “There’s been a lot of in-fighting going on since the start of colonisation. Initially it started with us human colonists when we found out about the kubaz colonists.”

The newcomer scratched his chin, “I had heard there were kubaz here.”

Merlidan continued, “Yeah they’ve got an underground nest about 40 kilometres west of here. Generally I try and stay out of their way if they venture into town but a lot of the other people here have an itch to fight.”

The brawling behind them was starting to quieten down due to the fact that a few of them had been knocked unconscious.

“So what’s your occupation?” the stranger asked.

Merlidan smiled into her glass. “Procurement Specialist, I buy in all the parts for our freighters and mining equipment and you?”

The stranger smiled, “I’m in the procurement business myself. But I don’t like to go into details, much too boring.”

Merlidan laughed but deep down she hoped that this stranger was not going to be a rival in the company. She didn’t need any more funny business. Merlidan extended her hand, “I’m Merlidan Alsk, and you are?”

“Mir,” the stranger said simply as he shook her hand.

Merlidan raised a brow at the lack of surname, or perhaps that was his surname. She didn’t push though. Generally pushy people copped a fist to the face.

“Did I hear a mention of Jedi coming?” Mir asked.

Merlidan curled her lip, “Yeah, they’re supposed to be coming to settle the disputes between all colonists.”

“You sound sceptical,” Mir pointed out.

Merlidan smirked, “I think they’re much too late for that. There’s too much bad blood that can’t just be wiped away with a simple sorry.”

As if to emphasize her point, a patron landed flat on his back upon their table top. Merlidan laughed, “Exhibit A.”

Name: Lieutenant Rendon Cors
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Age: 34
Appearance: Wears the trademark reflective silver armor of a Sith trooper. Cors is muscular in build and bears the look of a seasoned veteran when his face isn’t obscured by a black visor. He has short black hair, brown eyes, and a jaw line that is almost as intimidating as his military-issued helmet.
Weapons: Blaster Carbine, vibroblade, and a couple frag grenades.

The Sith Empire was a force to be feared throughout the galaxy. Its undying thirst for power and conquest left system after system ravaged and torn by Malak and Revan. The troopers, though often considered expendable by the Lords and Acolytes commanding them, were an appropriate addition to the Empire that posed a threat to the Jedi Knights that had defended the galaxy for thousands of years. Their tactics often proved to be as ruthless and destructive as the dark side itself.

Lieutenant Cors was no exception to this description. A former Republic soldier, the years of the Civil War had hardened him into a strict and efficient leader. He had been offered promotions several times, but Cors preferred commanding small platoons of men he trusted. Plus, most troopers knew that in the Sith army, rising through the ranks could be treacherous since superiors often did not take kindly to failure or disappointment.

Currently Cors had been stationed on a Sith outpost on one of Balkest’s moons. He and three other soldiers made up an away-team to collect supplies and intel planetside. It was expected to be a simple mission.

“Grayner,” said Cors as they strode through the market square. “Who is this contact of yours again?”

Corporal Grayner looked up from his datapad. Cors saw his own helmet reflected back at him in Grayner’s visor creating an endless, black doorway of mirrors.

“It was Meer… Mur, maybe? I forget. But he’s a friend of a friend. We can trust him. Plus he’s got loads of those Czerka rifles and I know you won’t turn those down.”

Cors turned his attention back to the market. Civilians gave the four soldiers an extremely wide berth and several individuals disappeared entirely on seeing who they were. Cors excused his Corporal’s informality. The man had proven himself to the Lieutenant on more than one occasion. Grayner also happened to be right. He knew his commanding officer wouldn’t turn down decent weapons at that price.

Cors glanced behind them to where Davies and Jayce, the former being the only female, were nervously trotting along. The two fresh recruits could barely hold a blaster let alone use it, but Cors knew that they needed the experience. Davies also had a knack for languages, which was invaluable to a group of soldiers who could only speak Basic.

A cautious man himself, Cors, unaware of the approaching Jedi, saw little to worry about venturing into Elderslie. Balkest was about as far as you get away from a hostile planet and the inhabitants seemed docile enough when human-colonist tensions weren’t flaring up.

As if the Force wished to contradict the Lieutenant’s thoughts, Grayner suddenly pointed out some commotion up ahead.

“Sir, look.”

Cors glanced over to where three ruffians had a frightened Kubaz backed up against a wall. The insectivore was just a child by the looks of it.

“Filthy Kubazian piece of fodder!” one of them was saying. “You should have just told you and your family to go back where you came from. The other two humans produced a vibroblade and a stun rod.

“What’s going on here?” demanded Cors in an authoritative tone.

The one who had spoken turned around and his expression fell when he found himself face-to-face with four Sith troopers.

“Uh, we were just talking to our friend here. Right fellas?”

His two companions nodded in agreement. One of them had a solid grip on the Kubaz’s shoulder to keep it from escaping. The creature kept squeaking despairingly clearly just wanting to go home.

“The Kubazian is fairly sure they’re going to kill him, sir.” translated Davies unnecessarily.

“It’s really not our concern Lieutenant,” said Grayner voicing exactly what Cors was thinking. “We wouldn’t want to draw attention to ourselves.”

Name: Pip Norton
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Age: 38
Occupation: Miner
Appearance: Average height, black hair in a buzz cut. Wears brown coveralls and a faded black long sleeved shirt.
Weapons: Has various blades stashed in the pockets of his coveralls but much prefers a fist fight.

Pip Norton knew there was no such thing as a quiet drink in the Trawler’s Gap but then he was sporting enough irritation that he’d happily join the punch up.

Langer and Weston who had come in before him were already unconscious on the floor. “Jerks can’t hold their own,” Pip muttered to himself as he purposely trode on both of the mens fingers as he passed. Neither man stirred.

Pip pounded a meaty fist on the bar, “Drink,” he growled at the bar tender.

A glass of a foul brown liquid was heavily laid before Pip. “The usual,” the bar tender said as he scampered away.

Pip downed the brew in one long chug. Slammed the glass down and wiped his mouth and jaw. “Now then, who wants a busted lip?” he snarled to himself as he headed to the brawl.

Name: Genn Ostace
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Age: 48
Affiliation: Jedi
Occupation: Jedi Master
Appearance: Typical Jedi robes, brown cloak included. Shoulder length black hair, black goatee and mustache. Near-constant stern look on his face, though his true personality is quite the opposite.
Weapons: Yellow bladed lightsaber

Genn looked over his data pad once more. He was reading the details of both the Kubaz and the human colonies. He wanted all the information he could get to assist in negotiations. He knows from years of negotiating experience that any and all possible bits of data could prove instrumental.

Jedi Master Ostace is known to the Jedi community as 'The Negotiator'. He has gained this reputation from years of being sent to planets just like Balkest, and solving problems without ever igniting his lightsaber. For a time he would leave his saber behind, for the ultimate test and show of intention. The council put a stop to that when they caught word, ensuring that Genn should use the utmost caution in all endevours.

Genn's Jedi starfighter finally touched down in the ragged star port that Elderslie camp made use of, the auto dock feature disengaged with a click. Gen stuffed the datapad in his cloak while the cockpit shield lifted. He eased out of his ship, and a star port attendant appeared next to him at the top of a step ladder.

"Greetings master Jedi. We've received your preliminary report and have been awaiting your arrival. Accomodations for two star fighters were made however..." The attendant said in a droll, very bored voice as he looked around for a second Jedi.

"No need my friend, i'm sorry I couldn't relay this update ahead, but my apprentice will not be joining me at this time." Genn said as he walked down the step ladder.

"Ah...very well then. Any living accomodations can be requested through me, can I help you with anything else Master Ostace?" The attendant said, stepping down from the little stairs and guiding Genn down.

"No I think i'll be fine for now. If I do, i'll be sure to contact you." Genn said with a smile and nod. The attendant nodded off and walked away. Genn stepped down and his booted foot crunched down onto the grey dust of Balkest, he was instantly jolted with dark energy.

How had he not sensed this before? Had no one noticed this? A very odd dark side pressence was pulsating all around, and he was unprepared. His hand slid off his saber, the odd pressence unnaturally making him go for his weapon. He withdrew his datapad and made note of this planets dark energy, it would have to be investigated further.

For now, Genn walked out of the starport and into the camp, a molty town with the buzz of angry inhabitants. It was as if everyone had just lost alot of credits on a bet, but that animosity hung around at all times. It was clear this wasn't going to be a simple matter of negotiations... something was making these people extra aggressive. Were the Kubaz suffering the same condition?

Before visiting the Kubaz, Genn wanted to see the camp overseer, Trask Heyurk. From what Genn had read, Trask appeared the type of man more worried about the mining operations on the planet than anything else. His greed may have to be satisfied if any negotiations are to be successful.

Genn stopped a passing human, "Excuse me miss, would you mind telling me where I can find Trask Heyurk?"

The woman whipped around, her face barely holding back a light shock as she looked Genn up and down.

"Jedi?" She asked warily.

"Yes, I am Jedi Master Ostace, I'm here to see Trask Heyurk, the overseer? Do you know where I can find him?"

The woman scanned him up and down again, then glanced around quickly as if expecting an attack. She looked back at Genn then pointed to a three floor building a few blocks from the star port.

"Thank you, have a nice day miss." Genn said, and recieved no reply. The woman simply watched as Genn strode down the turbulent streets of Elderslie, a gem of peace among rocks of anger. She had seen the Sith team walking through town earlier, it was clear that Master Genn, had not.

I'm in.......but I'll be posting soon, within the next couple of days

With the toe of her boot, Merlidan kicked the man off the table top. He grunted and turned on her the moment he hit the floor.

Merlidan stood up, “I just love a big strong man who’s not afraid to show it on someone half his size.”

The man seemed to think twice and rolled over and up. He was slammed by a man Merlidan recognized as Pip. “Oh I think it’s time to leave,” she said to Mir. She knew that Pip had one of the worst tempers in the colony.

Mir shook his head, “I’ll stay a bit longer.”

Merlidan shrugged, “Suit yourself.”

Using the back door, Merlidan made it to the alleyway. A street urchin stuck out his hand for anything she might care to give him. “You gotta make it worth my while kid.”

He scratched his dirty mattered locks, “I ‘eard the Sith are here.”

Merlidan raised a brow at that. “Sounds like a load of hog wash to me.”

The urchin shrugged a skinny shoulder. “I never said it was true.”

Merlidan shook her head, “Try the spaceport, someone might drop you a crumb over there.”

The urchin scowled but said no more. Merlidan was making her way to her quarters when her comm chimed. “What is it, Drymes?”

“Order 546 just came in, invoice has been transferred to your terminal and the space monkeys won’t hand over the cargo until you approve payment.” Drymes informed her.

Merlidan let out a sigh, “Fine I’m on my way to the office.”

Pip was having a great time. Sure he’d suffered a few hard blows to the kidneys and his gut but it wasn’t anything he wasn’t used to. He spat out a mouthful of blood on the floor and laughed darkly as his opponent spat out a tooth.

Unfortunately his opponent seemed to lose his fire along with his tooth. It might have also been due to the arrival of the hired muscle that walked in the door. The security detail was something of a joke but Pip didn’t fancy getting a stun blaster bolt to the butt.

Instead Pip made his way to the bar and glared at the bar tender until a drink appeared before him. “Put it on my tab,” Pip sneered, he knew the tender was afraid of him. That was why the guy never bothered to chase up Pip’s debt.

Settling down on a bar stool, Pip waited to see what the security detail was up to.

Mir watched as Merlidan evaded a few drunken punches and slipped out the back door. He promptly checked the the datapad he'd tucked away when the woman sat down. There were two messages: one from his supplier Grimaldus, a Mando ex-mercenary and possibly his best friend. The second was from Corporal Grayner, the customer, informing him of their arrival and confirming the meeting.

"I'll just call you back." Mir tapped the call request icon.
In a few brief moments the scarred image of a hardened, but gleeful Mando Merc appeared on screen. "Su cuy'gar ner'vod!"
"Su'cuy! I hear you've got some nice hardware for me?"
"Indeed I do, and it is indeed. Those new Aratech carbines are top notch, unissued."
"And the rifles?"
"They were arsenal refinished by Czerka and have improved power packs with heavy chambers."
"You have yet to steer me wrong, Grim."
"Hey, it's me. Anyway, your ship is prepped and ready, nav is logged. Should be taking off within the hour."
"Alright thanks, catch you later, vod."
"Ret."

Mir closed the call, slinking his way around the crowd of drunken miscreants and out the back door to the alley. He promptly sent a message to Corporal Greyner, indicating his new location. Mir leaned against the worn duracrete wall of the cantina, and waited.

Character
Name- Par'jila Tal  Goes By "Tal"
Gender- Male
Species- T'doshok
Age- 35
Occupation- Mercenary
Affiliation- Mandalorians
Appearance- Tall, slight build, gray patch of scales under his left eye. Wears a modified Trandoshan chestplate w/ a red shirt beneath and a pair of bunched up black slacks that extend just below the knees.
Weapon-  ACP Array gun, & several cryo grenades

Tal made his way off of the transport. How he hated public transport, too damn crowded for someone his size. He promised himself that after this job he'd get himself his own transport. He continued walking until he met an Ubese, the man stopped Tal. "Alit  ori'shya ti'din."  Tal made a getsure with his hands. The ubese nodded and took Tal to an alley where a single door stood at the end. The Ubese knocked and a small slide in the door opened, two eyes staring coldly out of it. The Ubese replicated tal's previous gesture and the door opened. A human male stepped forward and handed the Ubese a small package with a note. The two whispered fervently to one another before the human stepped back inside. The Ubese turned around to face Tal and then handed Tal the package. "Take this to a man named Far'guut in dock 14. Best of luck to you brother." With that the Ubese went inside leaving Tal outside. "Guess I gotta do this myself."

Cors looked into the shining goggles of the tormented Kubaz. The pitiful creature not only feared for his life, he feared for the livelihood of all his people. Colonization had made this group wary and fearful. It all made the lieutenant’s mouth water.

He turned to the human civilians.

“You can’t do this here,” said Cors.

“Hey! Who do you think—“ started one of the less intelligent ones.

“I said,” repeated Lieutenant Cors. “You can’t do this here. Take it somewhere else.”

It all dawned on them.

“Oh yes, sir!” said the ring leader. “Thank you, Officer!”

“And keep it quiet for Force sake,” added Grayner.

The away team set off again as the three boys dragged away the helpless Kubaz. They were outside the market area now. This less crowded part of the camp had less activity, but just as many suspicious glances.

“The Kubaz should just all be eradicated,” Grayner was saying. “Disgusting creatures. What do you call something that eats filth anyway?”

“Resourceful?” Joyce put in hopefully.

“I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Private,” snapped Grayner.

“Corporal,” said Cors cutting off the banter, not that he minded. “How far is the tavern?”

“Just up this street, sir,” he responded consulting his datapad. “The dealer says he’s in the alleyway now.”

Sure enough, when the four troopers turned the corner, Mir was waiting for them. He was tall, dressed in black and had a smiling, accommodating look on his face.

“Jayce, Davies,” said Cors addressing his privates. “We’ll handle this. Stay by the entrance and alert us if anything unusual arises.”

The two senior troopers marched confidently towards the grinning, pale figure.

“Mur, I presume,” started Grayner.

“Mir actually,” corrected the dealer politely. “And you must be Corporal Grayner.”

“That’s correct,” the trooper responded. “This is Lieutenant Cors, my commanding officer.”

“We’ll take as many of the Czerka blaster rifles as you can spare,” said Cors taking over.

“Skipping negotiations are we?” inquired Mir raising an eyebrow.

“Doesn’t matter,” responded the lieutenant. “It’s a good price as long as they shoot fine. Besides, I can tell you’re too smart to bother.”

“Thanks for the flattery, Lieutenant,” said Mir genuinely thankful for good business.

“I’ll handle the transaction,” said Grayner. “Our ship’s on that slab of durasteel that they’re calling a starport. Can you arrange for the rifles to be on our cargo hold by the time we leave?”

“That’s not a problem,” the dealer assured him. “But I suppose we’re done here. I don’t suppose there’s anything more I can do for you is there?”

Here, Cors took a step closer to Mir so that they were seeing eye to eye. Or rather, eye to visor.

“I have to ask,” he started. “What makes an arms merchant so eager to deal with the Sith?”

“Hey,” said Mir shrugging. “Credits talk, nerf waste walks. Pretty simple if you ask me.”

“Excellent,” said Cors smirking behind his helmet. “Maybe that attitude will encourage you to answer my next question. I need information. Do you know anything at all that might benefit the Sith Empire in regards to Balkest?”

“I’d answer carefully if I were you, Mur,” advised Grayner.

Well I had a character and a post.... I was pleased. Excited. As per usual Dravage posted while I was literally working this post. Now its all moot. *Thanks!*

((sorry bro :())

((BRO  LOL! Thy be a woman ... The Duchess... Goddess SI :P)) Im reworking.

((Sorry for the double post... ))

Unrest on Planet Belkest

Name: Deluin
Species: Kubaz Male
Appearance/description etc.: Cloak and goggles when on surface. Basic garb of the Kubaz. A regular miner in the hive.
Weapons: Mining tools.

Deluin was returning from the miner’s supply, where the Kubaz routinely purchased the things that needed to be brought in from off world. It would have been heresy and imprudent for the off-worlders and their ships to be allowed to dock with in the hive and its mine proper, but they were necessary in these times if they were going to survive. So the Kubaz had let in a few outsiders to do business with the colony. 

He was about half way back to his quarters in the hive with the rest of the miners when Deluin heard the shouts of a Kubaz youngling.  Three ruffians were literally dragging it from the main street. Some official looking guy, who and what, Deluin wasn’t sure, was walking away from the scene. He caught the eye of the official who was sneering with glee. 

It was too much.

Deluin grabbed his vibro-pick, dropping the other few supplies to the ground. He ran after the youngling, following the poor things cries for help. Deluin slammed right into the group of humans, and they fell to the ground. Shocked they let go of the Kubaz Youngling.

“Stay away from US!” He shouted at the men. “ Don’t come any closer!” But, to no avail, as  this was all in Kubazian. The humans let out a roar of contemptuous laughter as they got up from the dirt. The youngling scrambled behind Deluin, still on the ground, terrified and whimpering.

“This beast thinks he can better us!” More laughter. And the one in the middle took the two steps closer to Deluin, and shoved him backwards. “Ha you’re no match, filthy digger.”

While he might not have been able to speak the human’s words, he sure understood them.

“The only use you have,” the man continued, “is to….die.” His companions high fived behind him.

Deluin swung. As he removed his vibro-pick from the skull of the human, he let loose a loud noise. There was brain on Deluin’s goggles, and blood splattered all over the human’s companions. The was a dark pool staining the ground. Deluin swung again, and this time lodged the tool deep into the chest. Blood spurted up from the wound, all over Deluin.

Horrified the  two men, stood there, expressions of shock on their faces.  Finally it connected, and they turned and ran.

Deluin stood there a long moment, his chest heaving in anger and violence. Blood dripped off his face and goggles, only to land back on the body, dead, laying on the ground.  Finally he used his sleeve to wipe some of it off his face and goggles and turned to the youngling behind him.

“ It’s all ok now youngling. It is safe. You are safe.” Sensing the apprehension in the child, he continued on, “I didn’t want to have to kill him. But he would have killed you. He wanted all of Us dead.”  The youngling gave a look, and simple said. “I understand.”

“Lets get you back home.”  With that Deluin offered his hand to the child and it was accepted and so they walked back to the hive with out further incident.

"Anything?" Mir looked down at his datapad for a moment, then back at Cors. "Are you aware the Republic has sent Jedi Peacekeepers here in an attempt to squelch the conflict between the miners?"

"Foolish. Only the Jedi would be dim-witted enough to endeavor on such a futile mission."

"Even a handful of Jedi couldn't make this problem go away, which is why I plan to worsen things for them, if you don't mind." Mir stifled a grin. "It's in my job description, after all."

"Yes. Your information may prove useful, the Sith Empire thanks you for your patronage." Cors nodded and turned. "One more detail, when shall I expect those rifles?"

Mir tapped the screen on his datapad. "They're in transit, I'll say tomorrow around oh-nine-hundred."

"Excellent. Carry on."

Mir watch as the troopers promptly regrouped and walked back into the streets before beginning the moderately long walk back the his apartment. He duly noted the blaster supply shop located at the end of his street as a possible business prospect. Mir gazed up and down the apartment block as he walked to his room, seeing the effects of constant overcast and rain; a thick green moss grew in most of the exterior cracks and crevices of the duracrete walls, accompanied by algae and mold. The rooms, however, with comfortable enough. Built in dehumidifiers and geothermal heating units kept the apartments livable, and inexpensive. He entered the apartment, sealing the door behind him, unsure of how things would look in the near future. The coming war would wipe out half the city, he knew it.

"War... War never changes."

Merlidan threaded her way through the streets with relative ease. She was somewhat surprised when a couple of men went tearing by her screaming bloody murder. Merlidan frowned, deciding that the guys had probably drunk too much and lost a fight.

There were times when Merlidan longed for a quiet day, mainly when she was underground, however in the thick of things it was hard not to get caught up in the chaos.

Strangely the dark fog that seemed to emotionally suppress Merlidan waned as she drew closer to the office. The emotional weight that had been pressing down on her seemed to lift and Merlidan felt a sense of tranquillity that had eluded her since her arrival on Balkest.

Ahead of her she saw a man dressed in the typical robes of a Jedi. Merlidan raised a brow. The Jedi were creatures of the light, could it be that the turmoil of Balkest had become so intense that it was almost a tangible force of its own?

To test the theory, Merlidan moved closer to the Jedi’s presence and strangely enough her mood improved with it.

Tal had finished the job and began heading back to the safehouse for his payment. As he made his way through the alleyways he pondered about possibly working as a mercenary. Perhaps for the Sith, as he'd heard they'd been in town. But first he'd need a new weapon his ACP Array gun was in desperate need of repair. Walking through he noticed a dead human male on the ground down another alley to his right, turning a blind eye he continued back to the safehouse. he headed backinto the marketplace briefly then headed down the small alley to the safehouse. He then knocked on the door. The slide once again slid open and the same two cold eyes stared out at Tal, He replicated the same hand gesture as before and the door swung open "Alit ori'shya ti'din" the man mumbled." The same Ubese stepped across the room and handed Tal his payment. "Vor entye, brother. Is there anywhere nearby that i could get afew weapons at a discount, perhaps some repairs?" The Ubese smiled at Tal."Allow me a moment please." The Ubese replied, then walked into a back room. Stepping back out he handed Tal a comm device."There is a friend of ours who goes by the name of Mir.You" pointing to the man by the door. "If you would be so kind as to fetch Su cuy'gar ner'vod for me. Not to worry Tal we will make some calls and you will have yourself those weapons but do not forget that there will subsequent payment" The Ubese held out his hand and grinned voraciouisly. Tal handed the Ubeses his previous payment. "I'm afraid I'll need abit more brother." Tal handed him the rest of his earnings. "This better be worth it" Tal growled. With that he took a seat and waited.

Name:Ja'tka
Species: Unknown, humanoidish.
Occupation: Bounty hunter/mercenary.
Affiliation: Unemployed, so none
Appearance: Work-pants, chest is covered in Mandalorian armor, dark matte colors, dark dewback-leather jacket. Head is wrapped Tusken style. Black augmentative jaw-piece, causes heavy vocal distortion. Left eyepiece appears to be augmentative.
Weapons: Blaster carbine and pistol, wristblades. Short blue lightsaber, used only as last resort, or cutting tool.

Broken goods. All Ja'tka was, all everyone on this damn rock was.  It certainly wasn't as hot as the dustball on which he had become what he was, but it was, if possible, more desolate. On Tatooine, the sands ruled all. Here, it was less obvious. Booze probably. Ja'tka was trying to get drunk now, as a matter of fact. A short mechanical straw sprung from his jaw-plate(just because he was broken goods didn't mean he had to have a hard time drinking), and he inserted it into the glass of....something. He didn't care much what it was he was drinking, all that mattered was that it was strong. This world for some reason brought back memories. Of heat. Things he didn't want to recall. Perhaps it was his lack of employment, bringing back the hot air, the pain he suffered. He needed an escape from the utter boredom he was suffering.

   Turning a corner he saw a man in robes. Jedi robes. On a whim he dumped out his glass and cast it aside. He had a feeling this man was important. He would follow him, see what was happening.  It seemed escape was here.

Merlidan could have cursed herself as her the toe of her boot came into contact with an empty soda can. The telltale tink tink gave away her presence to the Jedi. He turned and seemed less than surprised.

“Why hello there,” he said pleasantly.

Merlidan gave a slight smile in greeting, anything more than that was seen as insincere and sarcastic by the general population of Balkest. “Are you on your way to the offices?” Merlidan asked as she pointed to the looming skull-white building at the end of the block.

“I’m on my way to see Trask Heyurk,” he replied simply.

“Ah,” Merlidan commented, “Well you’re heading in the right direction.”

The Jedi gave a cordial nod of acknowledgement.

Merlidan let out a sigh. “I’m on my way there too; I assume by your attire that you’re the Jedi sent to negotiate peace between the colonists here.”

Again the Jedi gave a nod, “Yes I am Jedi Master Genn Ostace.”

“Oh a Jedi Master, aren’t we lucky,” Merlidan commented dryly. “I’m Merlidan Alsk, Procurement Specialist for the company.”

Ostace seemed to take her opinions in stride and merely shook her hand in a firm yet positive grip. “I can already see that there is animosity in this region that will be… difficult to diffuse.”

“You have no idea,” Merlidan muttered as they continued their way to the office.

“So,” the Jedi started, “As a member of the general public, what do you see as the main contributing factors of this conflict?”

Merlidan raised a brow, so he was pumping her for information, how novel. “People come to new worlds looking for a new way of life, a fresh start, a dream of paradise. When things aren’t what they thought they’d be, well then people tend to get a little antsy.”

Merlidan paused for a moment and watched as the evening shadows turned darker with each moment. “Most of the human colonists threw in their lot to come out here. They have a substantial debt and if they did pack up and leave it’d just make it two or three fold higher. In essence a lot of colonists feel trapped here and lash out at those around them. The arrival of the Kubaz became and easy target for that anger.”

Ostace seemed to be mulling over what she had said. She could almost hear the cogs of his mind turning over the information she’d just revealed.

They arrived at the office entry and Merlidan almost jumped as Ostace spoke. “Do you think other factors could be involved, say the environment?”

Merlidan studied the Jedi’s face intently for a moment. His features divulged nothing of what he might be thinking. “It’s hard to say,” she told as she tucked a stray lock of hair behind her ear. She felt awkward with her next words. “Over time I hadn’t notice the oppressive atmosphere, it was just constantly there. Yet when I came within a certain radius of your presence I felt a tranquility that had been lost to me for some time.”

The corner of Ostace’s lip twitched upward, “Interesting.”

Merlidan retrieved her access card and swiped it through the reader. She kept her head down, feeling somewhat embarrassed by her confession. The doors slid open and Merlidan led the way into the brightly lit foyer. “You’ll need to speak to Moyra, she’s at the Reception desk.”

Merlidan turned to leave but the Jedi caught her elbow with a large hand. “Thank you, Merlidan. I appreciate what you’ve told me.”

Merlidan flinched at his words. Moyra was no doubt listening and dying to relay whatever she perceived the gossip to be. “I need to get some work done,” Merlidan said as she slipped free and avoided eye contact with the Jedi. She had a payment to process.

Pip eyed the guy with the interesting dress sense. His head was wrapped like a Tusken raiders but he wore the chest plates of a Mandalorian. Either the guy was well traveled or he simply didn’t have any dress sense.

Not that Pip was by any means a slave to fashion. The object of Pip’s interest was not party with the security detail as those guys were busy harassing a skinny Twi’lek waitress. Pip saw that the Tusken Mando was eyeing off someone in one of the booths.

Like a life-sized boulder, Pip placed himself between the Tusken Mando and his possible victim. “Hello friend,” Pip said as he gulped a mouth full of his brew.

Merlidan made it to her office without any further distractions. As promised the invoice was awaiting her on her personal terminal. As the norm, Merlidan checked the invoice with the tender.

A frown lingered on her face as she called Drymes. “This invoice has an extra charge that we didn’t agree to.”

“Really?” Drymes replied with a touch of falseness to his voice.

“Yes it is asking for a danger payment of one thousand credits.” Merlidan said with annoyance, “Personally I don’t understand there being any danger in carting freighter replacement parts. They weren’t exactly travelling on unknown spacer lanes.”

“It’s probably a mistake, should I ask them?” Drymes replied.

“Hmph,” Merlidan replied, “I suggest you take a security detail with you and sweep their cargo hold. It sounds like they may have brought extra cargo of the illicit kind.”

Drymes voice sounded a little strained, “Oh I don’t think we need to go to those measures.”

Merlidan snorted and muted the comm, “You’re in on it, aren’t you scumbag?” Instead she said to him. “Fine I’ll come down there and check it myself.”

“Sure, that’ll be fine.” Drymes replied sounding less strained.

Merlidan ended the connection. “Why do I get the impression this is going to get nasty?” She opened her desk drawer and removed her blaster pistol and tucked it into the side of her boot, then shifted her pant leg into place to cover the slight bulge.

With a fast pace, Merlidan made it to the docks only to see Drymes talking rapidly on his comm..

Name: Barulian
Species: Kubaz
Gender: Male
Appearance:  Doesn't look to be anything different from a normal Kubaz
Occupation: He is the leader of the warrior drones for Hive Drenade.
Brief History:  Was born into Hive Drenade and was bred for the warrior drones.  He was promoted leader when he saved the Queen from an assassination attempt.  Now he has distanced himself from her as he views her methods of attaining peace are much too 'peaceful'.  His idealogies for the Kubaz are quite atypical.  He tends to shy away from the hidden warfare and is much more confrontational.
Weapons:  Various knives hidden around his person.  His blaster isn't anything special.

Barulian stepped into the Queen's quarters in her hive and quickly bowed to one knee before abruptly standing.

"Tell me what happened Barulian."  The sadness that seem to weigh in her voice was apparent even to Barulian.

"The Czerka miners somehow tunneled into the Northeast portion hive my Queen.  We retaliated.  We lost.  Simple as that."  Barulian paused as she took a deep breath and seemed to consider what happened and he continued on. "So shall I organize a counter-strike my Queen?"

"For the time being just leave them be."

"But my Queen!  If you would only give me permission to mount a full force against them there we would sur-"

She cut him off with a wave of her hand.  "No Barulian.  I am trying to avoid a full scale war."

"Whether you like it or not my Queen, this will escalate.  Once the humans have their hands in something they do not like to let go.  How long is it before they fully enter the hive?  Would you have them take the nurseries?  Do you want the blood of the young on your hands?"

"Enough!  I will not let it get to that.  For now I need you to accompany me to the surface.  We have to go to the human government to appeal on this.  And I hear a Jedi is coming.  Bring a small group of your men.  We will meet this Jedi.  But I warn you right now we will not let this become a war.  Do you understand what I am saying?"

Barulian turned his eyes away.  "Yes my Queen."  He bowed once more and turned out of the room to go don his  surface clothes.  A jedi.  The word seemed like a poison on his mouth.  He wanted no human to control the Kubazian affairs.  Things must be done.  Changes must be made.

"-shab, slow down. They what?" Mir quickened his pace to a fast jog, racking the charging slide on his MkII. "Drymes, you said there was no way it would be noticed... The courier did what?... Alright, that Duros will wish he never met me."

He closed the line, tucking the long pistol under the rain cloak he was wearing. As Mir entered the docking bay main hall, a team of security personnel darted past him headed in the direction where his shipment was to arrive. "Osik!" He spat under his breath, following them. This had already happened once before, and he was the last man standing. This wasn't Tatooine, and the Hutts weren't there to sweep the mess under the rug.

Mir casually walked up beind the armed enforcers, forcing a smile.

"What seems to be the problem, officers?"

Merlidan had called in security as soon as she caught wind of what Drymes had said. There was no doubt in her mind that the scumbag was in on whatever was going down.

The sound of booted feet headed her way was a comforting sound. Feeling empowered by the backup, Merlidan made her way towards Drymes. “So have you searched the ship?” she asked, pretending that she didn’t hear his conversation with his contact.

Drymes smiled and tried to look reassuring. “Yes ma’am, I couldn’t find anything that shouldn’t be there.”

Merlidan held back her contempt. “Show me where you’ve looked.”

A few fine beads of perspiration dotted Drymes’ forehead. “The crew won’t be happy.”

“They can live with it, they’re on Balkest after all.” Merlidan said as she stormed up the gangway. She paused only when she heard some muffled conversation behind her. But now was not the time to check it. She needed to search the ship.

((Err...Legend, Su'cuy and Su cuy'gar are Mando greetings, roughly translating to "So you're still alive." Also, my contact's name is Grimaldus, and he is off planet. I'd rather no one else control him if that is okay.))

A pair of Duros and a shabby looking human female, with a vicious scar running down the side of her face, waited for Merlidan in the cockpit. The taller of the Duros was first to speak, “Greetings human, what seems to be the problem?”

“This is a customary check of your ship. The company is also curious as to why you’ve added an extra fee to the already agreed upon tender.” Merlidan told as she crossed her arms.

“Ah that,” the Duros said as he threw a glare at the human. “My new Accounts Officer is somewhat confused about our invoicing system. I assure you will we amend our records.”

Merlidan gave a stiff nod, “Be sure you do. In the meantime we’ll need to search your ship.”

The Duros took a step forward, “You’re associate, Mr Drymes, has already performed this duty.”

Merlidan smiled politely, “He didn’t follow the correct procedure. I’m sorry for the delay.”

The Duros seemed to huff in his own alien way. Merlidan also got the impression that the human crew member was not a companion of their choosing.

Merlidan was about to start the inspection, however Drymes’ comm suddenly burst to life. “Alert 15, Alert 15.”

Drymes looked at Merlidan, “Tell me that’s not what I think it is.”

Merlidan rolled her eyes, “You know as well as I do, Alert 15 means we have blaster fire in the hanger.” Turning to the ship’s crew, “You stay onboard your ship. Nobody leaves until this is over.”

((Sure thing. Sorry 'bout that my mando is somewhat incomplete or inaccurate. Will do though. Is there anyone that knows of a good source for an accurate mando language study?))

Tal waited until the thoughts in his head seemed as if they would eploud out into the safehouse and destroy everyhting in the surrounding area. The Ubese walked through the doorway back into the room. "It seems as though we've had some trouble reaching the contact" The Ubese gave a weak smile. Tal flashed his teeth angrily "I'll be taking my earnings back then." standing up and striding over to the Ubese, his hand held out. "All of it!"
The Ubese handed Tal back his earnings. Tal turned on his heel, his tail wavering to steady him, then headed out back into the marketplace.He needed to know where he could buy a small freighter vessel.

Heading through the marketplace trying to remember his way back to the spaceport. As he walked the anger and disapointment within him seemed to grow. He was lloking for a fight. Just something he could take his anger out on. As time went on and his walk back to the spaceport seemed to last forvever, he grew more and more angered, people around him must've been able to see it as they cleared a path as he walked through. Finally the hangars were in sight. Looking around he noticed armed personel rushing through the spaceport. Dismissing it he continued to make his way back to the public transport.

A guard stopped him.  "I'm afraid I can't allow you to proceed the spaceport has been locked down and the craft are here by grounded un til further notice."
Tal shot the man an angry look hoping he would take a hint. No dice. Baring his teeth at the man."May I ask why?" This time the officer gave way. "Reports of blaster fire in the hangar"
Tal Grinned evilly. "Stand aside I think i might be able to help." The officer seemed to shrink under Tal's mass. He studdered and shook" I c-can't let you do tha" Before he could finish. Tal slammed one of his heavy fists into the guard's stomach, the guard crumpled to the ground. Tal leaned over and relieved him of his weapons and some of his credits. Then coninued unopposed into the hangars.

Genn watched Merlidan leave in a hurry, she had business to attend to it seemed. He proceeded to Moyra at the reception desk, and before he could speak she assumed his identity.

"Jedi Master Genn Ostace? Mr. Heyurk is expecting you. Down the hall, the great durasteel doors lead to his office." She said with a smile. Genn nodded and smiled as well, then made his way down the hall.

Genn raised his fist to knock on the door, but they opened before him. This of course meant, he was being watched. He wouldn't doubt if it had begun as soon as he left his ship.

The office was too big. On pedestals surrounding the massive wooden desk were various pieces of art and rare artifacts. Behind the desk was a window that stood in place of the entire wall, providing an entire view of not only the camp, but various mining operations in the distance. The floor was of glistening white tile, and the walls covered by luxurious drapes. The whole office was so out of place, Genn thought he was back on Coruscant.

Behind the great desk, a tall chair, nearly a throne, sat facing the window. Clearly Trask was interested in wealth and luxury. The chair slowly spun around and Genn was met by...a tiny humanoid of about 4 feet, large round glasses and an arching eyebrow. His hands were clasped in front of him as he studied Genn.

"...uh, Mr. Heyurk. I am Jedi Master Genn Ostace, I -"

"BLASTED CHILD!" a fat man in expensive robes burst forth from the drapes on the wall, where a bathroom was hidden. The child in the chair lept from the chair and bolted down the hall, laughing histerically.

The man stode to the desk and held down a button. "MOYRA! CONTROL YOUR CHILD, THIS IS THE FINAL WARNING!!!"

"Yes Mr. Heyurk, im sorry this is the last time!" Moyra explaimed

"Oh yes, it is!" The man said and let go of the comm. He sat in his chair and wiped his blad head under his small turban. He curled his lip into his thick black mustache and sighed heavily as he sat down.

"I, am Trask Heyurk. I assume you are the Jedi sent to rid us of the vermin clogging our mining operations yes? We should get to work. The first assault should-"

"Mr.Heyurk, allow me to stop you right there. I am not here to exterminate any creatures, or to force anyone to submit to the other. I am here to assist in negotiations, to create a peaceful environment for both this camp and the Kubaz."

"VERMIN do not negotiate! They infest our mining tunnels and launch assaults on us, they make our work more difficult every day and I want them out or dead as soon as possible!" Trask slammed his fist on the great desk.

"The Kubaz attack your miners and attack your camps?"

"Yes! They know that we only want the minerals we've come for, yet their underground fortress extends farther and farther into our mining operations, and I fear there will come a day when they will launch an assault from under us. I have allowed them to make use of this camp and the space port, but only because they bring in enough profit to help keep our home running."

"That, or to fund your expensive habit for luxury Mr. Heyurk. Several of these pieces, I know, must have been exeedingly expensive."

"I assure you, Master Ostace yes?, that I have acquired these pieces on my own salary."

"Then said salary may be too high for the head of a mining operation. I will look past this for the moment, the Kubaz's actions are more of a priority at the moment. Why would they attack your mining operations?"

"Because they want more land, or more likely the minerals we mine. They are uncooperative with our efforts for understanding, we've tried to reason with them but they will not move to another location on the planet. They MUST be forced out. Patience in this camp is running low..."

"So I see. I will need to speak to the Kubaz queen before negotiations can begin. Would you know how to reach her?"

"No, they hide that monarch away in those tunnels. Our representatives have only spoken to couriers. Its quite difficult, I feel they have no desire to negotiate anything."

"We'll see. I will try to get in contact with the queen personally, and see if the three of us can conference together. I think it will take some time to find the queen, but rest assured I will contact you when the time comes."

"Good luck in finding that hermit. You can try any of the local vermin who use our home."

"I will have to ask you to stop refering to them as such Mr. Heyurk. They are not vermin, and respect must be had for each other if anything is to progress."

"Vermin live underground. Vermin invade your home. Vermin act as an irritating nuissance. The Kubaz are vermin."

--------------------------------------

That hadn't gone very well... Genn now stood outside, in front of Heyurk's office building, without much idea of how to contact the queen. He'd have to follow Heyurk's advice, and try to find a local Kubaz who could get him inside the hive.

(( Hey Fett101, sorry bout this but i intended my character to be following val's and therefore outside not at the bar, sorry dude.))

    It had been quite a while. The Jedi had returned from the building, and Ja'tka tried to shrink into the crowd. Naturally shrinking into the crowd when your jaw looked like something a Sith Lord would wear and your head was wrapped like a Tusken was a little difficult. And the armor on his chest (that wasn't under his jacket) wasn't exactly the most inconspicuous thing either. If it was anyone else Ja'tka would have likely appeared as just another spacer, but of course, this was a Jedi, there were supposed to be able to read your thoughts and other such things. Ja'tka was unsure of this one's abilities. So of course he would be very careful in his tracking. Perhaps he wouldn't be completely out of a job for much longer.

Genn walked casually through town, keeping on the look out for any wandering Kubaz. There had been none yet, Genn had the feeling they tried to stay out of this harsh atmosphere. He understood completely, he hadn't been expecting the stares or the nagging feeling that someone was watching him. He was certain that there was, probably one of Trask's men. It was clear that a man who had amassed that much wealth had a good grip on his town.

After a few moments, Genn decided to duck into a tavern and rest for a few minutes before continuing his search. Maybe catch a glimpse of Trask's goon, or find a Kubaz inside. Trawler's Tavern was, naturally, a dump, and Genn walked right in.

The music stopped. All patrons, including some fighting in the back, stopped and looked at the robed figure of justice who walked in. With a wave of his hand, all the weak minded fools turned back to their drinks and/or fists.

Genn sat down in a corner, ordered a drink, and began the waiting game...

**Sorry guys, I'm not going to be able to post for a couple of days. My son is in hospital so I'm going to be a bit busy. I'll be back as soon as he's well. Ta, Mel.**

(Go val, enabling a copy/paste continuity fix =D)
((Hope hes ok Mel, our thoughts are all with you, see you when you get back))

    Ja'tka saw the Jedi duck into the bar. Not much he could do but follow, unless he wanted to risk the Jedi getting out a back entrance. But following in could be a dead giveaway. Ja'tka didn't have any other options at this point. He took a deep breath, which his jaw-plate fortunately didn't make loud or harsh or rasping as it did his words, and stepped into the gloom of the bar.

   Ja'tka's eyes, or eye rather, meaning the augmentic, did not need to adjust to the gloom.  He vaugly recalled this place, entering with his mind sharp and stumbling out in a drunken stupor. He made quickly for the bar, picking out the Jedi as he turned.
 
"Don't be takin that damn plate off, some of the reg'lars get right jumpy of things like that when they've  got their rythm going"

Ja'tka glared at the one eyed Bothan behind the bar.  "Water. Now."  The cacophous rasp coming from the grille of Ja'tka's jaw plate made the Bothan jump. He quickly slid him a glass of water, and went to tend the other side of the bar. Not that it made a difference. Ja'tka knew there was probably some kind of disruptor within the Bothan's reach in case a patron got too pushy. Ja'tka took his drink, the straw jumped from his plate, and he found a empty booth that wasn't completely disgusting, and settled in, watching his target out of the corner of his eye.

“So the Jedi Council has seen fit to dispatch an emissary to Balkest,” mused Lieutenant Cors. “Don’t they know we’re at war?”

“The Order revels in negotiations and peacekeeping, Lieutenant,” responded Grayner. “The question is what do we do about it?”

“Davies and Jayce are going back to the ship,” said the Lieutenant addressing the privates. “Send a transmission to Balkest 3. Inform them of the situation and ask for a Force-sensitive to accompany the away team. I’d feel more comfortable with a Jedi on the surface if we had a saber on our side.”

“Yes, sir!” said Davies nodding. He and Jayce headed back towards the starport.

“There’s something else about Balkest, Rendon,” Grayner admitted. “Something we’re not seeing.”

“I feel it too,” agreed Cors. “That’s why I’m not going to be the one taking a face full of Force lightning for not bringing something of interest to Lord Malak’s attention.”

“Such is the life of a Sith,” chuckled the Corporal. “While those two are figuring out how to relay the broadcast, what should we occupy our time with?”

Cors shrugged.

“Looking for more information is the best course of action,” he said. “That way we can brief the Dark Jedi in full if HQ deems our cause worthy enough.”

“The best course of action?” questioned Grayner.

“Corporal, maybe my instincts are just out of whack,” explained Cors. “But the Jedi’s presence here coupled with growing colonial tensions on top of the bad feelings in both of our guts makes me think we can expect something exciting to happen without us poking around.”

The four armed men halted their discussion, focusing their attention on Mir.

"The problem, sir, is none of your concern." The middle security officer said. "Now stand back, this dock is now off limits to the general populace."

"Ah well," Mir casually glanced to see if there were any holocams in his forward field of view. "I am not the general general populace."

"I don't care if you're the queen of kriffing Hapes," The officer gripped the blaster rifle slung at his side. "This area is off limits to ALL non-BPA personnel, so I suggest you leave...now."

"I'm sorry for the misunderstanding." Mir halfway turned, casually sticking his hands in his overcoat pockets. He promptly drew the large framed Seski pistol with with such speed the guards had little time to react.

"Blast-!"

*BDAP--DAP--DAP--DAP*

The the tightly focused beams of plasma burned clean through the light armor the security troops had been wearing, two were holding their chests groaning, one laid unmoving and the other frantically reaching for a blaster mere inches from his grasp.

"Ah-ah-ah.." Mir kicked it away, waving his index finger. "That was a mistake."

"You k-killed-" *THWACK*

"I don't have time for this." He quickly walked beneath the freighter, searching for the engine maintenance access panel. To his surprise it was open, and he climbed up in it just as the sound of clanking boots came down the boarding ramp.

Mir wiped a bit of sweat from his brow, sighing. "Easy enough..."

((God bless and good luck Mel))

As Tal walked through the spaceport he heard a score of blaster fire. Grinning evilly he ran off in the direction of the noise.

((Sorry I didn't post a whole lot. Its just that the description of the area that You're in is a little vague if I may say, and I'd like to be there when the bolts start flying.))

**Thankfully the boy is home now and a lot better.**

Merlidan and Drymes walked down the boarding ramp only. It didn't take them long to find the bodies of the security detail. "Are any alive?" Merlidan asked as she checked the two guards nearest to her.

Drymes shook his head, "Doesn't look like it. We should get the clean up droids over."

Merlidan nodded, "Yeah sounds like a good idea."

Drymes got on his comm and notified the Emergency Team. "They're on their way."

"We need to detain that ship," Merlidan started to say. However the engines suddenly burst to life. "What the..."

"They don't have clearance," Drymes said without conviction.

Merlidan ran to the port side control both. She slammed her fist down on the bay doors locking system. The first pair of doors was closed, the blast doors however were slowly closing. Somehow Merlidan had a feeling they weren't going to be fast enough.

Merlidan grabbed her own comm, "Security fighters get prepped, we have have a rogue freighter about to bust free of the docking bays."

**I have amended for you, just wanted a confrontation.**

Barulian led his 5 hand picked Kubaz warriors to the surface.  For safety he had chosen the secondary entrance to the hive.  With a quick perimeter sweep he headed back inside and motioned for the Queen and her two attendants to follow. 

"Mcuh too hot above the surface."

"Yes my queen.  It is quite humid.  I have never loved the surface.  The cool tunnels is where I belong."

"Let us go."

"We will be vigilant my Queen."  The party began their trek from the secondary entrance to the town.  As they approached the miners and others began giving them angry stares.  The contempt on the surface was unparalleled.  And Barulian returned their glares growing more and more infuriated.  As they approached the Czerka mining headquarters one man barked at the group of Kubaz.

"Get off my planet hose nose!  No one likes your kriffing kind here."  Barulian snapped his head in the direction of the taunt.  Queen Ka'Bae remained ignorant and aloof.  Barulian tried to do the same.  But the onlookers were emboldened by this man's comment.  They all seemed to jeer and taunt the Kubaz as they headed through.  The feelings of tension especially among the miners who clashed most with the Kubaz were not amicable.

"I'd send you all back to your kriffing hell hole then put a few neuroagents in there and listen to you all scream."  The one who instigated seemed to step forward from the crowd.  Or stumbled rather.

"Typical human.  Intoxicated.  Does your kind even do anything productive besides slaughter our innocents?"  Barulian stepped forward from the rest.

"Innocent?!  Cause of your digging I lost 7 of my mates in a tunnel collapse!"

"They were sticking there noses where they shouldn't have then.  May their corpses rot where they lie."  The Queen shot Barulian a look.

The humans roared in response.  The drunk took this and awkward leaped towards Barulian.  INstead of leaping to action Barulian waited until the last possible moment and lowered his shoulder and drove himself into the man's abdomen.  His momentum carried the man right over his shoulder where the man awkwardly landed on his stomach.  Barulian casually placed a boot on the man's shoulder grabbed his arm and wrenched.  It popped out with a sickening pop. 

"Barulian!"

He turned back to his Queen who stood.  "We must not return their foolish taunts with violence.  Now come.  We will discuss your punishment later."  Barulian lowered his head and stepped in line.  He followed his Queen into the three story building and up to the receptionist.  She did a small double take when she saw the Kubaz party.

"We wish to see your king."

"Mr. Heyurk is busy.  Shall I tell him you are here."

"Yes please.  Thank you."

"Very well.  Please wait in that room over there."

The Queen and the party head to the waiting room and she and her handmaidens took a seat while Barulian's guard stationed themselves around the room.  Things were about to get interesting.

Vaulting over a few crates, Merlidan ran to the security locker near the control booth. With some awkwardness she managed to shoulder a rocket launcher.

Drymes was quickly by her side, “Isn’t that a little on the overkill side?”

Merlidan was busy priming the launcher. “Depends on what they’re trying to get away with.”

“What if they’re innocent?” Drymes pointed out.

“If they’re innocent, why are they running?” Merlidan shot back.

“Point taken,” Drymes replied, “But let us act a little more subtly.”

Drymes aimed his own blaster pistol and found one of the few weak points on the ship, its refueling nozzle. With only two blasts he managed to ignite a small fire which would make the ship’s emergency systems kick in and stop it from taking off.

Merlidan smiled despite herself, “Nicely done, Drymes.”

The ship landed with an audible thump. The trio of crew members quickly emerged, “What did you do that for?” The Duro demanded.

“You were taking off without permission,” Drymes said forcefully.

“Hey we thought the ship was on auto remote, we didn’t start the engines.” The Duro replied with an edge of fury to his voice.

Merlidan didn’t believe him but didn’t say as much, “If you didn’t activate the ship, then who did?”

"Useless recruits!" Grayner was saying to Cors. Both men were still waiting for a confirmation from Davies and Jayce by Brawler’s Trap. “We give them one simple assignment. How did those mudlickers get through training in one piece?”

“Be patient, Corporal,” said Cors visibly annoyed by the delay as well. “I’m sure there’s a valid explanation.”

A few moments later, Private Jayce’s purposeful voice came in over the comlink in the two senior trooper’s helmets.

“Lieutenant, we can’t gain access to the spaceport,” she said. “Some sort of disturbance took place and they’re in complete lockdown.”

“Private Jayce, what are you?” demanded Cors calmly.

“A soldier of Lord Malak’s Sith Empire, sir,” responded Jayce without hesitation.

“Correct,” said the Lieutenant. “So let me get this straight: You and Davies haven’t sent out the transmission I requested because the local authorities from some two-bit, mining colony in the Mid Rim barred you from entering the spaceport?”

There was a pause.

“We’ll be in touch Lieutenant Cors,” said the private before cutting the channel.

“See, Grayner?” Cors said turning to his corporal. “Jayce isn’t totally incompetent it seems.”

Grayner only scoffed in reply.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Was he mad?” Davies asked Jayce after she ended the call.

Jayce rolled her eyes behind her visor. Davies was too soft for the army in her opinion. She knew by now that he had had a crush on her ever since they were thrown into the same training group. Truth be told, she’d backstab Davies in a heartbeat if it meant getting ahead.

“You know the Lieutenant,” Jayce retorted simply. “He never gets mad. Just… annoyed.”

“Well was he annoyed?” asked her fellow private.

“Slightly,” she answered. “He made it clear that a lockdown is not our concern and we should have gained entry regardless.”

“That makes sense,” conceded Davies. “I’m still not quite used to this ‘going around and doing as we please’ business.”

“I thought that’s why most people joined up with the Sith,” said Jayce leading the way towards the starport entrance.

“Probably,” said Davies. “I joined mostly because I thought they’d win the war.”

“Coward.”

“Hey, fear leads to the dark side, sweetheart.”

“You’re saying it wrong,” said Jayce coldly. “And don’t call me sweetheart.”

“Well, I’m no Jedi,” he responded defensively. “I don’t know how the saying goes. Speaking of which, do you really think HQ will send someone?”

“An acolyte at the very least,” she said. “Lieutenant Cors is respected enough to warrant our mission a Force-sensitive or two.”

“You sound like you admire him,” pushed Davies.

Before the driven private could answer, they came across the crumpled form of the spaceport official.

“What the—” Jayce started.

“It looks like he’s been robbed,” Davies observed kneeling down to prod the man. The unfortunate individual groaned in pain.

“Broken ribs,” said Davies. “This wasn’t a human that did this. Couldn’t have been the Kubaz either come to think of it. Not enough brute strength.”

“What would be your best guess?” asked Jayce.

“Wookiee probably,” he guessed. “Or most likely a Trando considering the system we're in. I’d guess a bounty hunter. Notice this poor barve’s weapons are missing?”

Jayce hadn’t noticed. She had to admit that for the lack of Davies’ ambition, he did have his moments.

“Why are you so handy with species anyway?” she inquired. “I’d wager you speak more languages than Revan.”

“Doubt it,” Davies laughed. “My father was sort of a diplomat for hire. A kind of negotiator I guess. We traveled around a lot. Went to every major city you can name. I ended up learning a lot.”

“Well I’m glad you’re on our side,” said Jayce quickly not wanting to give him the idea that she liked him too much. “Let’s go check out the starport and hope that this Trandoshan has a soft-spot for Sith troopers.”

((Btw all, I just realized I have 3 NPCs going. It’s a lot to keep track of so while I’m not saying you should just kill them all off, I wouldn’t begrudge anyone for instigating a fight or something along those lines))

As Genn finished his drink, the Force let him know that something critical to his mission had just transpired. Perhaps the right person for the job he needed walked into the tavern? He looked at the door but there was no one. Suddenly his comm link chirped at his belt.

"Genn here."

"Master Ostace? It appears the both of us have underestimated the Kubaz." Trask's snobby voice came in over the comm.

"What do you mean? What's happened?"

"The queen herself has just waltzed in to my office."

"I'm on my way," Gen burst from the table, heading out the door "Trask?"

"Yes?"

"Don't go in there until I arrive." *click*

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Genn strode into Trask's building, his cloak billowing behind him.

"Moyra, where are they waiting?" Genn asked the receptionist quickly. She was glad he remembered her name, a habit he's developed from years on the job.

"In the waiting room right there, Mr. Heyurk is still in his office." Moyra responded, her son now stood by her side looking at her console screen.

"Excellent." Things were going better than expected. However....the appearance of armed guards through out the building and on this floor made it clear that Trask had not dropped the possibility of ambushing the queen and trying to end this problem with blood shed.

Genn walked into Trask's office, catching Trask in the middle of some work on his console. Four armed guards with repeater blasters stood beside him, 2 on either side. The stood at attention when Genn walked in, but Trask set them at ease.

"Relax fools...I have no doubt this Jedi would cut you to pieces if you attacked him heh heh." Trask said, hastily shutting down his console.

"Is this necessary? It isnt a sign of good faith." Genn told Trask

"It is absolutely necessary. Clearly you havent visited them yet, she brought her own armed guard."

"Of course she did Trask! She just walked through this camp of people who not only fight amongst themselves constantly, but who want her and her people dead!"

"We cant dismiss the possibility of a trap Jedi Master, I thought your mystical abilities would provide insight to that fact."

"The queen wouldn't use herself as bait, any being could see that. Your guards however, are ALL on edge, and I sense them dangerously close to starting a firefight in this very building. This is a negotiation Trask, not a war treaty."

"You have not been here Jedi! For MONTHS there HAS been a war here with these creatures!"

"Then I intend to end it the most peaceful way possible."

"We shall see Master Ostace. You have no jurisdiction here, as you are here on the graces of the council and my OWN wishes. If i see fit to blow that bitch to hell then I DAMN WELL WILL! This is MY camp, those are MY people they've murdered, and those are MY minerals I have claim to. Lets see how far your abilities will take you in these negotiations."

"Trask, more than anything I need your cooperation. Both sides deserve a fair deal, but if I must ignite my lightsaber to defend innocents against your relentless anger, then I will. And it will not end well for you."

"Do not threaten me, Jedi. I control this planet and if I so wish for your ship to be detained and destroyed in the space port then you will be stranded here and I will hunt you down for sedition."

"These negotiations will go as planned, this conversation is going no where. Do you have a conference or meeting room?"

"We can have the meeting right here in my office-"

"Do you have a conference or meeting room...?" Genn didn't want Trask to have the luxury and comfort of his office.

"...Yes."

-------------------------------------------------------------

The conference room was simple, yet satisfactory. Trask saved all the expenses for his personal office. The table was long and oval, Genn sat at the head. Trask and his accountant sat on one side, the Kubaz queen and her head guard/warrior leader sat by her side. A protocol droid stood at the other end of the table, opposite Genn, for translations. Both parties insisted on having their guards present, despite Genn's wishes. He'd try to dismiss them later.

"Let's introduce ourselves," Genn began and rose from his chair. Tensions were already rising. The proximity of the two parties was unnerving. Both guard teams were becoming uneasy. Genn tried using the Force to ease the room, but something was resisting. This was the first open indication of an outside dark Force power interfering. What could it be? What bad timing for a discovery....

"I am Jedi Master Genn Ostace. I've been called in for countless negotiations for many years, and I hope to conclude this matter peacefully just the same." Genn finished. He motioned towards Trask, who scowled at him.

"Trask Heyurk. Head of operations and governor of this camp." Trask did not extend his hand, nor look directly at the queen. The disrespect disgusted Genn.

"Pa ohcta recti dou ka?" The Queen spoke

"The queen asks if you are the king of your people, Mr.Heyurk." The droid responded in his metallic voice. Genn needed no translation, his job called for knowing this language. Trask beemed at this question and a giddy smile spread across his face. Genn stopped him from saying yes.

"Mr.Heyurk is not the king, my lady, this camp is not run as a monarchy as your people are. But Mr.Heyurk is in charge of the mining and the ...leader of the camp. For the purpose of this negotiation, he is the person you want to talk to. Please, introduce yourself." Genn requested.

((Okay Val just letting you know I am going to be extremely busy until Sunday.  We have convocation then dry grad.  Then I am busy all Saturday.  So the earliest the post would be is Saturday night.  But hold me too that!))

**No problem, Sev. I created the Queen so I'll roll with it for the meantime.**

With a regal nod, she turned and introduced herself. "I am Ka’Bae Drenade, queen of the Kubaz of Balkest."

Again the protocol droid translated, this time into basic.

Queen Drenade noticed that her soldiers were as eager as Mr Heyurk's to fight. Despite her own patient nature, the Queen could feel her own hackles rising slowly. She turned to the Jedi for reassurance. The droid translated his words, "I am Jedi Master Genn Ostace. I have already heard some background from Mr Heyurk. Your majesty, I'd appreciate hearing your side of things."

The Queen gave a slow nod of understanding, then she began. "When I first came to this planet there was only the indigenous creatures living here. I had left my own planet due to the lack of territory for a fledgling queen. I had a handful of family with me by that time, my mate and the first six of our children."

She paused as the droid translated. She saw the human leader snort and had to reach out a calming hand to Barulian who understood the human’s reaction as one of disdain. Barulian bristled but did not move to further action.

“We lived in harmony with the planet for two years. Then the first ship landed. The occupant was not human, I believe he was a Zabrak, but I cannot be certain as humanoid species often look too much alike for our eyes.” The Queen said as she shot the human leader a look down her long snout.

The human leader made a comment that the protocol droid translated before the Jedi could intervene. “Yeah well you insects look all the same to us, especially when crushed.”

Barulian was on his feet before the Queen could stop him. “You filthy scum are the cancer of the galaxy!” he snarled.

The Jedi stood with outstretched arms, “Stop,” he commanded both parties, “We’re here to negotiate peace, not start more conflict.”

The Queen stood and gave Barulian a meaningful look. He bowed his head and returned to his place without a word needing to be said. Queen Drenade knew that his anger was still simmering beneath the surface. “Shall I continue?” she asked the Jedi.

Ostace placed his hands in the sleeves of his tunic, “Please,” he said with a respectful tilt of his head.

The Queen took a deep breath, “The Zabrak landed away from our settlement. He did not see our landing pad as he arrived from the opposite direction. We knew of his presence for several weeks before he finally realised he was not alone on Balkest.”

“Was he hostile?” Ostace asked.

She shook her head, “No. He said he had come searching. It was hard to communicate with him as his astronomical droid was limited in languages it could translate. From what we understand, he was looking for a site for the human miners. But he said his real hope was to locate some Bith trinkets.”

Mr Heyurk rolled his fingers, clenching his hands into fists. “This is nonsense. The Bith aren’t interested in this planet.”

Ostace waved his comments aside. “Please hold your comments until the Queen is finished.”

Queen Drenade was starting to like the Jedi as he was clearly more hospitable than the human colonists. “The human colonists arrived shortly after our contact with the Zabrak. He stayed on for a while and one day approached us with excitement. He claimed to have found a trinket. He showed us a ring with a large obsidian stone set in claws. It was an ugly piece yet it was strangely captivating.”

With a sigh the Queen continued, “It was only four days later that the Zabrak was killed in a mining accident. I thought nothing of it at the time. We have had tunnel collapses of our own due to the nature of the soil here. The only oddity was that the Zabrak’s disposition had turned nasty before his demise. However what I do find interesting is that Mr Heyurk appears to be wearing the same ring the Zabrak once had.”

**As you guessed the ring is a Sith artifact. It is one of five. It has some darkside power but nothing compared to the combination of all five rings...**

Character
Name: Katon Bersek
Gender: Male
Species: Human
Age: ?
Appearance: Relatively tall,muscular,wearing the traditional outfit that the Dark Jedi of the era favored,plus a dark cape with hood.Also wears a mask which leaves only the eyes and the upper head show.
Weapons: Two single hilt red lightsabers.

A spaceship entered Balkest,dark with silver linings. As it descended,it slowed down until it reached the landing zone .A dark figure in the spaceship stood up from the pilot seat,looking outside the window.

"I can feel the presence Master... there are some interesting adversaries here... "

Another hooded figure was standing in the door to the cockpit, his eyes yellow and sick veins around his eyes.

"Of course... and the Jedi are involved with no doubt... fools, your mighty Republic has crumbled and you still send Jedi to negotiate peaceful solutions. "

The hooded figure looked at his master. "Peace is a lie... there is only passion..."

" You're learning fast, but the Sith code won't help you by just knowing it's words. You must feel them, make them an extension in your thoughts, live by them. Need them like water... Now let us go and see what this pitiful planet can offer us."

The two men proceeded to the exit. With a whooshing sound, the door opened, and the two Sith were immediately confronted by a hasty Rhodian.

"Now now now. Excuse me sir, are you the owner of this spaceship?" Katon looked at the Rhodian, a mocking expression in his eyes. "You filthy alien, I just disembarked from this ship. What kind of question is that?"  The Rhodian was immediately joined by two security guards. "Sir, I would recommend a more polite appro-" The docking master's phrase was cut, as the two guards started gurgling, holding their throats. In a matter of second they fell to the ground, dead.

"I don't CARE what you recommend scum. Now, we'll be on our way, and you WILL leave us alone, unless you want to have their fate."

The Rhodian said in a scared tone: " Of- of course sir! Don't let me keep you! Enjoy your stay!" and he hastily left. The apprentice turned on Katon and said in a ecstatic voice: " I must learn how to do that Master..!"

Katon shot a quick look at him and started walking towards the spaceport exit. "All in due time apprentice. For now, let us find our artifacts."

"Bith trinket..."

The term resounded in Genn's mind.

".... However what I do find interesting is that Mr Heyurk appears to be wearing the same ring the Zabrak once had." Queen Drenade finishes.

Genn didn't need the translation, he understood the language. Before the droid could finish the translation, Genn cut him off.

"-Forgive me for interrupting, but this information doesn't immediatly concern our situation." Genn said to Ka'Bae. He looked at her, and broke protocol by speaking to her through the Force.

*My Lady, forgive my intrusion. But that information is crucial to a problem I've been investigating that leds me to believe there is a dark side pressence on the planet. At the moment, I do not want Trask to know what we know, he could be more volatile then we're aware of.* Ka'Bae nodded slightly.

"Yes! You're right this time Master Ostace, this is a waste of time!" Trask said, relieved. He moved his hand to his lap, under the table when he caught Genn looking at the ring.

"Moving on...Queen Drenade, Trask has mentioned that your people repeatedly invade his mining territory. There are skirmishes, and people are killed. Is this so?" Genn asks

"Not entirely Master Jedi. His miners will carve into our tunnels and homes, then claim that they were built there in his territory and force us out, against our wishes. Violence nearly always ensues. We need to use area containing the minerals Mr.Heyurk seeks, because the land without it is not sutable for underground structures and living. We need some of those minerals to sustain our homes. According to the humans' definition of 'their territory', we are invading it." Ka'Bae finishes

"Good question, what exactly is defined as your territory Trask?" Genn asked. Before he could answer he continued, "Accountant, please provide the contract definition for the territory Trask is entitled to."

The accountant flips through his data pad then begins. "Specific territories alloted to the mining operations and manager are constituted by the percentage of minerals and ores located through out the planet. This percentage will be determined after an evaluation of the total planets resources are made."

"This was done I'm assuming? What percentage was determined?" Genn asked again

"96%."

"...Meaning nearly all areas containing any minerals belong to Trask? This contract is futile! It was drafted without the Kubaz in mind, and they were here first. This gives you the false right to lay claim to any land the Kubaz can be living on or in." Genn explains

"I am not responsible for the drafting on that contract Master Ostace, do not point your finger at me! It was the companies decision, my funders." Trask told Genn

"That so? Accountant, in the contract, does it specify how much territory can be claimed per standard year?" Genn asks the accountant once more.

"Yes, 250 square miles. Our resources only allow for so much mining in that area at a time, any more would be a waste of time essentially. We wouldnt be able to mine all the minerals within."

"And how much area is being claimed per year as it is now?"

"THAT INFORMATION IS CLASSIFIED!" Trask explodes out of his chair

"No. It is not. What is the number?" Genn asks the accountant. The accountant is now sweating profusely, deciding between telling the truth or following Trask's orders to keep his mouth shut. But he knew he couldn't lie to a Jedi Master.

"....653 square miles."

"What! Thats obscene Trask! You're breeching your own contract!"

"You're sticking your nose where it doesn't belong Jedi! The minerals here go to valuable production companies-" Trask was cut off by the Queen's second hand man, Barulian.

"YOU LIE HUMAN! WE KNOW YOU SEEK THE OTHER RINGS! YOU ABUSE OUR PEOPLE IN YOUR SEARCH FOR THEM!" Barulian yelled, his hand going to his weapon. All the guards now raised their weapons, the room was over come with dark side energy as Trask responded to the protocol droid's translation of what Barulian just said.

"THIS HAS GONE ON LONG ENOUGH! THE NEGOTIATIONS ARE OVER! GUARDS, SLAY THE SCUM!" Trask bellowed.

Genn used the Force and launched the massive table into the air. It slammed through the roof, exposing the sky. As rubble and debris showered them all, blaster fire erupted in the chamber and Genn ignited his yellow lightsaber. Everything had gone to hell.

Cutting down two of Trask's guards, Genn moved to the Queen but she was already secreted away by two guards of hers, they were already moving out the door.

"DON'T LET HER GET AWAY!" Trask screamed. He outstretched his hand...and the Force slammed Ka'Bae and the two guards into the wall. Things had become much more complicated. The ring had to be destroyed, Trask was now a weilder of the dark side of the Force.

Barulian and the Kubaz warriors slayed the last of the guards, and Genn raised his saber to Trask. The rest aimed their weapons, but Genn motioned for them to wait.

"Trask, that ring is too powerful, you've been overcome! Remove it at once or we'll be forced to stop you." Genn said

"Fools! You don't know the POWER of the dark side!" With that Trask released a massive surge of dark side energy, and everyone was blown off their feet. Before anyone could react, Trask Force jumped through the hole in the roof and disappeared.

"We need to get out of here, he will have the entire garrison on us in minutes." Genn told Barulian

"We must take the queen to the hive, there we can defend and launch a counter assault on these wretches!"

"For now we must defend, we are in no position to take chances." Genn wouldnt be able to stop Barulian from attacking soon, he had been too close to the Sith ring for too long. He had to preoccupy him with escaping the camp and securing the queen.

"Warriors, protect the queen! We must get back to the hive and marshal our forces!" Barulian ordered the remaining Kubaz who hadn't died in the firefight. They fled and Genn followed.

The town was about to become a battle zone. Genn guessed that with Trask's surge of energy, the camp was finally sent off the edge. He could hear blaster fire from various locations erupting in the distance, explosions from thermal detonators. Hundreds of humans corrupted by the dark side have now been sent on a deadly rampage.

(Its been a little quiet...time to start the action.)

Without warning the spaceport’s status changed and klaxons blared, “Colony under attack, colony under attack.”

Merlidan rubbed her temples, “Perfect timing.”

The audio continued the updated, “Colony at war with Kubaz, lethal force authorised.”

Merlidan stared in shock at both Drymes and the crew members before her. “I thought we were supposed to be getting a peace treaty not a war.”

Drymes shrugged, “Well at least we don’t have to pretend to like the Kubaz now.” Merlidan was somewhat disturbed by his underlying enthusiasm.

With quick steps Merlidan made it to the main entrance of the space port and saw that the colony’s human inhabitants were already scurrying about with weapons drawn. “Fabulous, I bet there will be more deaths from friendly fire than anything.”

Drymes was at her side peering at the scene before them. “You go find out what our orders are. I’ll stay here and guard the crew for questioning.”

Merlidan glared at Drymes’ audacity to give orders, but under the circumstances she decided to roll with it. “Fine, but don’t let them out of your sight.”

“Yes ma’am,” Drymes said with the shadow of a smirk.

Merlidan palmed her blaster and headed out into the melee. The office was her destination and she sincerely hoped that she didn’t get shot on her way there.

-

The Queen was able to compose herself after her shock at being thrown against a wall by a human that had no right to utilise the Force. The Jedi Master was on their side for now and she wasn’t about to jeopardise the fragile alliance.

Her five remaining soldiers rallied around her determined to protect her from the violence that was building. The klaxon sounded and the warning went out. “We must hurry,” Queen Drenade said as they picked up their pace to a run.

Blaster bolts were fired in their general direction. Ostace deflected those bolts that were within the reach of his lightsabre.

As they rounded a corner they came face to face with a blonde human woman with a blaster pistol in her hand.

Barulian was set to fire but the Jedi pushed his arm down. “Merlidan, please don’t fire.”

The human woman paused and her grip on her blaster pistol relaxed slightly. “I won’t fire if you don’t shoot at me,” she conceded.

Queen Drenade felt some relief but they were hardly out of the woods.

Davies and Jayce made their way into the spaceport cautiously. The charred corpses of Mir’s encounter were lain in a sort of scattered semi-circle by the first freighter. The blaster shots had hit the ill-fated guards at critical points with frightening accuracy.

“Our Trandoshan friend do this too?” asked Jayce casually.

“Hard to say,” mused Davies. “Whoever it was, looks like they were in a hurry. He made fast work of them.”

“Or she,” corrected Jayce. “Look over there.”

Davies turned to see a tall, ponytailed woman dressed in civilian clothes having a heated discussion with a pair of Duros and a female companion. The first girl’s associate stood by nervously clearly not that enthused to be there.

“What do you think’s going on?” asked Davies.

“I’d guess some sort of smuggling issue,” responded the female trooper. “Doesn’t concern us. Let’s get back to the ship and send the transmission to Balkest 3 before Grayner has both our heads.”

“I was not aware that there were troops stationed on Balkest…” an eerie voice behind them said.

Davies and Jayce whirled around to see two hooded figures approaching them. Jayce recognized them both from when she was stationed on Korriban. Katon Bersek had selected his apprentice from among dozens at the Sith academy. The trials and competition that the students undertook to gain Bersek’s approval had been destructive and terrifying even by Sith standards. Jayce knew from what she’d heard from the other troopers that the prominent young Sith’s ruthlessness had more than earned his place at his new teacher’s side.

“My lords!” exclaimed Davies. He and Jayce immediately bowed solemnly. “Forgive us, we did not know of your arrival. We were just about to contact the base on Balkest’s moon.”

“Identify yourselves,” ordered the man.

“Privates Jayce and Davies at your service, my lord,” obeyed Jayce taking over. “We’re here with Lieutenant Cors’ away team.”

“Lord Bersek,” started Davies. “You should know that the Jedi order has dispatched—”

“I’ve already sensed the Jedi’s meddlesome presence, fool,” snapped Katon impatiently. Davies bowed his head apologetically. “Tell your lieutenant to rendezvous with me in a timely fashion. I may have a use for his little firesquad.”

“Lieutenant Cors will relish the opportunity to crush the Jedi, sir,” said Jayce speaking for her superior. “We are at your disposal.”

“Very well,” responded Katon. Jayce caught the first glimpse of his eyes beneath the man’s hood. She had to stifle a gasp and she was glad she was wearing a visor to hide her expression. His eyes were yellow and angry; the only windows to the darkness filling his soul.

The private’s fear seemed to satisfy Katon. The dark side felt strong on this planet for some reason.

“Follow us if you wish,” he said carelessly strolling past the two soldiers. His apprentice followed suit, but not before turning to sneer at Davies and Jayce.

“Just make sure to stay out of our way,” the young Sith said with the customary disdain for non-Force users.

Davies and Jayce glanced at one another and then followed suit leaving a few meters between them and the Dark Jedi so they could speak in hushed voices.

“Well I would say things just took a surprising turn,” remarked Davies resuming his annoying habit of stating the obvious.

“No shavit,” swore Jayce. “Why don’t you do something useful and let Cors and Grayner know?”

“Okay, okay!” the male private said switching his comlink on. “Don’t get your armor in a bunch.”

Then all hell broke loose on Balkest.

***************************************************

“What the brix is going on!?” exclaimed Grayner pointing his rifle at the rioting citizens.

It was as if someone had flipped a switch on the colony. Citizens who had been acting normally seconds earlier were now participating in mindless violence. Dozens of human colonists were tearing through the streets. Already Lieutenant Cors could hear the crazed chanting.

“Kill the Queen! Kill the Queen! Kill the Queen!”

“You!” called Cors picking out a teenage colonist among a group of ranting humans. “What is this madness?”

The colonist smiled psychotically at the lieutenant staggering toward his with an outstretched hand.

“All hail Trask Heyurk,” raved the boy. “He will lead us to salvation! He will eradicate the Kubaz—”

The colonist stopped dead in his tracks as Cors blew a sizzing hole into the teenager’s chest. He fell face-first into the dirt pathway.

The other colonists roared and rushed at the two Sith troopers. A volley of accurate blaster fire prevented the attackers from entering a ten foot radius of the soldiers. One man was left standing in the middle of the bodies trembling uncontrollably.

Cors strode up to him slowly. The walk seemed to take days. The chaos of the colony was reflected and distorted in the lieutenant’s metallic, silver armor. It was beautiful in a sort of terrible way.

He finally reached the man and looked him square in the face. Cors was taller so the unfortunate colonist was forced to stare up into a cold, unsympathetic black visor.

“I’m going to say this one time,” he said. “So if you have any more insanity, save it. Tell me what’s going on.”

The colonist could only stutter. He was terrified, but he was too corrupted by some mysterious horror to know.

“Kill the Queen…” he whispered as a stream of drool ran down the side of his mouth.

Rendon Cors sighed. He hefted up his carbine and smashed the stock square in between the colonist’s eyes. He relished the sounds of all the little fracture points in his skull as the man went down his bleeding eyes still wide with fear and surprise.

“And I thought this was going to be a dull day,” remarked Grayner walking forward to survey the dead body.

“Lieutenant? Come in Lieutenant. This is Private Davies. Over,” went the sound of Cors’ comlink receiver.

“I read you, Private,” responded Cors. “This is Lieutenant Cors. Have you encountered any hostiles? Over.”

“A few, sir,” responded Davies. “They seem to leave us alone for the most part. They’re looking for the Kubazian queen.”

“Affirmative,” said the lieutenant. He was still puzzled by sudden the outbursts of violence. An entire colony didn’t erupt into madness without some other factors being present. “Did you and Jayce manage to send the transmission, Private?”

“No, sir,” he answered. “Katon Bersek and his apprentice arrived before we could get to our ship. We’re escorting them now. Lord Bersek requested that you and the corporal rendezvous with us asap, sir.”

“Katon Bersek?” muttered Grayner listening in on the channel. “What’s he doing in this system?”

“What’s your position, Private?” asked the lieutenant. His heart was racing faster. With two Sith warriors fighting alongside them their worries were over. They had the potential to flatten the entire outpost. This was something Cors had something of a penchant for.

“Leaving the spaceport now, sir,” said Davies. “En route to the center of the camp. The Dark Jedi are leading the way mind you.”

“We’ll see you shortly Davies,” finished Cors. “Over and out.”

He turned to Grayner grinning behind his visor.

“Let’s get a move on, Corporal!”

A thermal detonator exploded a few meters behind them and knocked both of the soldiers forward. The shack it had been thrown at was completely leveled in a matter of seconds.

“You don’t have to tell me twice!” hollered Grayner. The two men pushed themselves back up, retrieved their weapons, and proceeded to blast their way through the camp glad that they had ammo to spare.