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Author Topic: Queen&Marquesa, Executioner&Cataphract  (Read 6031 times)
TheDutchman
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« on: September 15, 2022, 10:01:55 PM »

I wish to thank everyone who has followed the ongoing adventures of Zearic, D'Aylanna, Jorya & Co!
VERY special thanks to For Tyeth for the (always!) incredible visual of my main characters!  This prologue is dedicated to him  Smiley
This story takes place shortly after the end of "Retrieval"
*********************************************

Prologue, part I
Then...

Amidst the controlled chaos of the long parade, the young woman tried not to focus on the fact that she was breathing the same air as commoners.  An obscure sense of consternation creeped forth from her mind, one she attributed to being surrounded by the unwashed masses.  Almost indifferently she wiped the non-existent dirt from her regal, opalescent gown.  Meanwhile as her dark eyes scanned the crowd, she suppressed a sigh as the people congregated nearest her began to chant her name in venerated tones of awe and devotion.

As was proper.

With sudden vigor the ocean of humanity pressed against the burly guards' shields, some of their armored heels coming into momentary contact with the invisible, projected force fields that surrounded the pair of twins along both of their sides, courtesy of the hidden generator underneath their hover-palanquin.  Cries of adulation and unabashed weeping could be heard in the cacophony of voices surrounding them, people lining the wide streets from horizon to horizon as the Royal Parade continued to meander along the predesignated route.  Not for the first time T’Atyanna Lean’nev Irell’A Vih’Torr smirked in a combination of amusement and disgust.  But only for a second.

...Peons... She judged, a serene almost-smile once again affixed upon her blue lips.  ...Would that I could just simply sweep them away... She mused.  Or perhaps if she released the lock on one of the Royal Menagerie's half-tamed, sure-to-become raging nexus...

A soft elbow sharply jabbed her in the ribs.

Casually turning her head towards the figure sitting next to her, T’Atyanna eyed the culprit from under the heavily jeweled diadem that rested upon her brow.  With a large smile splitting her face, T'Aissyia whispered, "They are one and all our people, Sestra."  Her sister always seemed to be able to read her mind, so close were they.  T'Aissyia leaned closer, speaking quietly.  "Besides: how would it look to Mother if she caught you doing...you know..." But as soft as her voice had been, somehow their younger sisters sitting just in back of them had overheard.

The two younger twins laughed behind their small, delicate hands, two pairs of dark eyes staring at T’Atyanna from underneath immaculately coifed midnight-blue hair arranged precisely around their own heavily jeweled diadems, if slightly thinner.  Once again her sister's voice pierced the noise, eyes sparkling.  "Careful, A'Hnfisya, A'Hgniya, lest T’Atyanna turn her ire towards you two." Despite her words, T'Aissyia's tone was playful and light.

Much like T'Aissyia herself.

She'd always been that way: ever since they were children--even during their Cotillion&Weapons training!--her twin had often been cheerful, cracking jokes at the most inopportune of moments while obdurately displaying open affability.  It was...unnerving.  Unnatural.  Especially for one belonging to House Royal.

Suppressing a sneer (and failing), T’Atyanna sniffed.  "Sestra...you know how much I dislike being touched, especially by...them."  Unconsciously, she gritted her teeth, her nameless anxiety growing still.  Pushing it down, she inadvertently growled.

Which sent the younger twins into further gales of laughter, this time unhidden.  She swiveled her head to look over her shoulder, her fiery stare only doubled their efforts.

T’Atyanna wanted to be angry, to castigate them both, but could not.  Not with her sisters, especially A'Hnfisya and A'Hgniya.  They still possessed about them their innocence, thanks to their Mother—may Her Radiance illuminate eternal—protecting them from the constant (and often times lethal) in-fighting amongst House Royal. 

Which was fine since they were the younger heirs anyway.

T'Atyanna's face hardened once again.  She begrudged her sisters nothing, especially given what she herself had survived.  But it was more than the Will of the Queen Mother that had saved her.  No, T'Atyanna had the experience and the scars proving her own resourcefulness and determination, having thwarted no less than four attempts upon her life and three on T'Aissyia's.  It was more than her duty; it was her birthright.

Such was life for any member of House Royal: only the fittest survived.

It ensured that whomever became the direct heir to the Queen Mother, the Marquesa Ta'a Chume, would be a strong, fearsome, and competent woman who would eventually lead the Consortium and guarantee supremacy.

As was proper.

T'Atyanna had been told that she was hard--by the Queen Mother herself!--yet knew that she still wasn't strong enough.  A'Hnfisya and A'Hgniya need not concern themselves with the more devious machinations of the political maelstrom that was House Royal, but T'Aissyia... Her sister was too good-natured, too amiable, always choosing to see the Light in everyone... Shaking her head, T'Atyanna regretted that her Sestra was even more Night-blind than a Hapan caught in a cave during midnight.  No, it would be her, T’Atyanna Lean’nev Irell’A Vih’Torr, that would protect House Royal, and by extension the Consortium.

T'Atyanna's face sobered as she pushed down the uneasiness that seethed from within, becoming a blank mask.

She would be Marquesa despite her...flaw.  T'Atyanna was Force-sensitive, and strong besides.  Very strong.  Extremely strong.  It was a rarity amongst Hapans but one of the most strictly guarded secrets of House Royal: every few generations, they produced unusually powerful Forceusers.

...Which within the rabid anti-Jedism that constituted the norm throughout the Consortium was a distinct problem.  House Royal had secrets--would always have secrets!--but this... There were secrets and then there were...secrets.

The Queen Mother knew.  Her sisters knew.  And that was all, no one else.

They would not understand.

T'Atyanna's own opinions concerning the Force had left a deep and indelible impression upon her, one that she'd learned at a very young age: put simply, she (and she alone) could do things that others could not.  And unlike the prominent sentiment shared throughout the Consortium, she knew that it made her special.  Unique.

Better.

Another large group began to shout at the palanquin as their gazes fell upon the Royal Pair of Twins.  Collectively they reached forth with their hands--as if she'd ever allow them the honor of touching her, the very temerity!--and loudly cried, "Marquesa!."

That brought a smile to her lips.

Admittedly, the title was premature; after all, T'Aissyia could lay claim as well.  But she'd never so much as intimated that she was interested in becoming the Queen Mother's heir.  And as for her younger sisters... At that, T'Atyanna smiled.  Like she'd thought, they were innocents and, perhaps the most surprising of all, she sincerely loved them.

Which was, much like the Force-sensitives, a rarity within House Royal. 

All too often, it was "every woman for herself."  She could not help but think of the ramifications of such violent rivalry, of the number of women (and their accompanying males, she admitted grudgingly) that had died as a result of Court intrigue, plots of revenge, or even simple practicality.  The strongest must be the one to become Empress.  If not, the days o--

T'Atyanna inhaled suddenly, finally overcome by the dread that she'd up to that moment ignored, her mind wrenching in the throes of her Precognitive gift (a talent that all Forceusers from House Royal possessed to a greater degree).  She hadn't "seen" anything yet she instantly knew that something violent was imminent...almost as if thinking of what had occurred had finally triggered the prescience.

"Sestras!  We need to move!  NOW!" She screamed, grabbing T'Aissyia and bodily pulling her up from her seat with one hand while grabbing A'Hnfisya with the other.  Her twin's face lost its smile, an annoyed almost angry mask replacing it.  She opened her mouth as if to rebuke her but T'Atyanna ignored her as she pushed T'Aissyia and A'Hnfisya off the side.  Reaching back, she grabbed at A'Hgniya's matching immaculate pearlescent dress with her fingers trying to gain purchase on the Zsajhira silk fabric.

That's when the palanquin literally exploded beneath them, sending the four sisters airborne.

Hastily and half by instinct, T'Atyanna tried to protect them all with the Force but she knew that they were too far from one another.  As the Force Shield began to form her last thoughts turned to black as the ground rushed up from beneath her, all consciousness lost.

          <<<<< >>>>>

The first thing that she became aware of was muted sound, almost as if her head were underwater.  Slowly, very slowly, she could make out discernible speech, words finally forming a sentence that she could recognize.

"Luminous One, can you hear me?" A tentative yet professional voice inquired.  A woman's voice.

Good.  A proper physician.  "Yes, I can hear you."  A faint ringing echoed in her ears, reminding her of the prodigious migraine that pounded behind her brow.  Hesitantly, she opened her eyes.

Subdued light shone through the floor-to-ceiling transparasteel wall.  Looking around the room, T'Atyanna saw that she was in one of the opulent private Infirmary rooms high atop the kilometers-tall spire reserved specifically for House Royal.  She could tell from the amount of light that it must be after evening but on Hapes Prime "night" just meant less light, akin to an overcast day, all thanks to the seven, bright moons that revolved around the planet, bathing it in reflected sunlight (to say nothing of the many, many high-magnitude stars surrounding them in the Cluster).

That was the reason that Hapans had poor Night-sight: they literally lived their lives in perpetual light.

So it was that T'Atyanna could immediately tell from the doctor's beautiful face that something was wrong.

"Tell me." She demanded, ignoring the throbbing pain radiating from her temples.  The doctor looked hesitant but knew better than to ignore one of royal blood, especially the Marquesa-apparent.

"Apologies, Luminous One but I'm afraid that the other princesses faired worse than...than your August person."  Despite the fact that she was clearly uncomfortable, the doctor continued absent any fretting.  "Princess T'Aissyia lost a leg below the knee and has several lacerations (one severe) but is otherwise alive.  And Princess A'Hnfisya miraculously suffered nothing but a mild concussion."  The doctor paused to allow the new reality to sink in, lowering her already downcast gaze.  And she knew.

"A'Hgn--the Princess A'Hgniya..." T'Atyanna quietly corrected herself, her tone harder than quadranium, "...is dead."  It was not a question but the doctor nevertheless slowly nodded.

"I cannot begin to express my sorr-"

"Leave me." T'Atyanna's tone was colder than a winter on Hoth.  "Now."  The doctor bowed low before scurrying from the rooms.

Exhaustedly, she fell back into the medcouch surrounded by her several soft silk pillows.  She neither sobbed nor raged; instead several tears escaped from the corners of her dark, almond-shaped eyes.  ...A'Hgniya...Sestra...by the Queen Mother, why her?...she was an innocent... She gave herself allowance to grieve, hot anger held in abeyance by pure force of will.

Closing her eyes, T'Atyanna recalled every good memory with her younger sister, times punctuated by the rare love that she felt for one so...so pure of heart.

After a moment, she dried her eyes, composing herself.  With Herculean effort, she rose from the medcouch, unsteady legs still weak enough to necessitate her grabbing onto the bed's railing for support.  Slowly, she commanded her body to walk, one shaking leg in front of the other until she reached her destination: the open adjacent room opposite her own.  Within lay the resting form of her twin.

Upon hearing her approach, T'Aissyia opened her eyes, turning them towards T'Atyanna.  "Sestra..." She whispered, gratitude, happiness, pain, and sorrow filling her voice.  "I...I am glad that...that you're finally awake."

"'Finally?'" She stopped cold, confusion inundating her.  "What do you mean?" Her swimming head made it hard to think, but she knew as soon as her twin replied.

"You've been unconscious...for days..." She weakly gesticulated with a hand.  "Sestra, lie next to me..." She gritted in pain.

With the last of her strength, T'Atyanna collapsed in the medcouch next to T'Aissyia.  "A'Hgniya..." Was all that she could say before falling silent.  Wordlessly, her twin nodded while gently smoothing T'Atyanna's messy, midnight blue hair and making comforting sounds.

"Don't focus on that; think instead that you saved two of your Sestras..." Her twin offered solace or at least tried to.  "...Kriffing assassin..." She vehemently cursed under her breath, but not so quiet that T'Atyanna did not hear.

"What assassin?" She inhaled quickly, disoriented senses more alert even if her body was exhausted.  "What do you mean?" She asked, her headache retreating a little.

T'Aissyia looked into her sister's eyes, dark and intense so like her own.  "Agents from the Bureau of Truth came back after a thorough investigation and determined that the cause of the explosion was as a result of a Trojan program that turned the shield generator into an improvised incendiary device."  Her tone gave weight to that last concerning the shield generator.

Only a member of House Royal could even access it, much less rewrite coding.

Of course, there were literally hundreds of members of House Royal currently on the Throneworld... T'Atyanna hadn't realized that she must've said as much aloud until her twin answered.

"Oh no, the Bureau were able to extrapolate the particular user after finding several lines of code recovered from ancillary sources."  T'Aissyia smirked, suddenly hesitant.  "Sestra...the coding belongs to Il'liyanav."

Shocked, T'Atyanna almost fell from the medcouch, words stuck in her throat.  How the hell was that possible?!  The former Marquesa had died over twenty years ago!  And why now?  And why them?

All of these questions and more ran through her mind before T'Atyanna's rational mind reasserted itself.  Clearly, Il'liyanav must have faked her own death...and as to "why now" and "why them"...well, such was the status quo for House Royal.  She might as well ask why the sun shone during the day or why water was wet.

But that didn't mean that she need accept it.  Her jaw creaked as she clenched her teeth, molars grinding.

"I will find Il'liyanav."  Blue fingernails dug into her palms, blood pooling from the cuts.  "I will find her...but I won't kill her.  No, first...I will make her suffer.  First, I will take away from her all that which she holds dear.  Next, I shall see that she faces Justice here at the Tribunal of Illumination.  And then...only when she is finally broken, will I take what remains of her pitiful life..."

While T'Aissyia quietly spoke, T'Atyanna heard nary a word.  She was already busy with plans, working through schemes, rejecting various propositions, anticipating problems, knowing that some unsuspected conundrums awaited.  But of success she was certain.

That was one constant in her life.

So she made her plans, thought of contingencies, and what she would need to enact her revenge.  And throughout it all, she began to recite like a litany the name that was both a reminder and a curse:

"Il'liyanav Lana’A D'Aylanna Vih'Torr."

          <<<<< >>>>>

Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #1 on: September 15, 2022, 10:02:58 PM »

Prologue, part II
Now...

From her rented apartments high atop one of Zona'Ulhadv's many skyscrapers, T'Atyanna saw none of the awe and wonder of the cityscape and forest before her.  None of it registered as important; not the beautiful fusion between fabricated buildings and the deciduous trees, not the deferential balance in between techno-organic highrises and the azure sky above, and certainly not how the citizens of the Vhal'Dan lived in harmony with the indigenous Ferroan populace.

For her, this was merely the setting of the next step in her plans.

She had finally caught up to her quarry.  D'Aylanna (she wasn't completely used to using that name for Il'liyanav) was still on-planet and, by all indications, would remain so.  Good, it allowed T'Atyanna the time necessary to enact vengeance upon those around her.

Like killing the woman's mentor and leader, the so-called "Kage" of her Order.

True, she'd actually been expecting her fat husband but T'Atyanna had learned to adapt.  Besides the turn of events proved fortuitous: it allowed her to come up with a punishment for them both and all as a direct result of the blue woman's death.
 Sometimes Fate gave you an opportunity that was too good not to take advantage of.  

And since she'd had plenty of time to set up the scene, it would show exactly what she wanted for these fools think.

The sun was setting in the far horizon casting lengthening shadows from the buildings, trees, and hyperloop rails that connected the city.  Any other person would marvel at the panoramic tableau set before them courtesy of the vantage from over a kilometer above the ground, of how technology and nature came together in a stunning symbiosis of form and function, a vision of beauty that rivaled the sylvan Isatabith Rain Forest of Alderaan, the ethereal Kyyyalstaad Falls of Kashyyyk, or the alpine M’Skigon Mountains of M'Tzigon.

And still T'Atyanna saw none of it.

Plans were in motion, the next step of which would play itself out tomorrow.  So, by the next setting of the sun, D'Aylanna would know what it felt like to lose the person she held most dear.  Soon afterwards, she would face retribution and true justice under the blinding lights in the Tribunal of Illumination, where she would answer for her crimes...

...And pay with her very life.

As she left the apartments for the last time, she replayed those result over and over again in her mind, each time hearing the condemnation of the Queen Mother as she pronounced summary judgement just as she would take pleasure in listening to D'Aylanna's pleas for mercy...and the look of horror as she was denied any clemency.

And it would be her, T’Atyanna Lean’nev Irell’A Vih’Torr, who had delivered the guilty one to justice.  She could finally--finally!--take comfort in that fact, that her Sestras would be avenged...as well as ridding herself of the one person whose claim of the mantle of Marquesa ta'a Chume was greater than her own: Il'liyanav Lana’A D'Aylanna Vih'Torr.  

She would finally have her peace.  More importantly, she would have unrivaled claim to her position, one that she was more than owed; she was born for.

As was proper.

<<<<<<<<<< >>>>>>>>>>
Queen&Marquesa, Executioner&Cataphract
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

Lord_S_Gray
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 428
Posts: 1903



« Reply #2 on: September 16, 2022, 10:25:39 PM »

When one thinks of royalty in Star Wars one inevitably thinks of Alderaan and Naboo. Noble, benevolent...then there is Hapes.  Double the aesthetic pomp and extravagance - infinitely more vicious to those in the 'game' as T'Atyanna and her siblings off handedly note


T'Atyanna clearly has access to vast resources to find not only one individual after so many years in such a vast galaxy but one who along with the Vhal'dan themselves make a point of staying hidden (but presumably even the smallest piece of Hapan jewellery could fetch a small fortune outside the Consortium). But then she has a lot of motivation, to her I think the assassination attempt is offensive because it killed A'Hgniya, who was in terms of courtly warfare a 'non combatant' due to her birth order. Had it targeted only T'Atyanna and T'Aissyia she might have been less incensed as they are valid targets.

Regardless what is done is done and the finger points to D'alyanna - rightly or wrongly ( one hopes it is a false lead, but one never knows, she is still Hapan after all and not always forthcoming with her background).

The tie in to Retrieval is fascinating notably killing the Kage. That is not done lightly and not without consequences, the entire Vhal'dan have a stake in discovering the culprit and certain members of the cataphract order are equally if not more single minded and relentless as any T'Atyanna has encountered or is even aware of.

A complication in her plan is wanting to tale D'alyanna back to Hapes alive for trial - always far more difficult than mere assassination. Regardless for now she has a vast element of surprise and whatever resources she brought with her still intact. D'alyanna meanwhile is barely recovered from the mind trap in Retrieval...

Intricate and fascinating start!

And again well done For Tyeth, truly bringing our stories to life in remarkable ways.
Logged

Lord_S_Gray

Surik: "Kreia, what are you—are you a Jedi, a Sith?"
Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

For Tyeth
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 1557
Posts: 3046


I Survive through the Force.


« Reply #3 on: September 17, 2022, 03:41:06 AM »

VERY special thanks to For Tyeth for the (always!) incredible visual of my main characters!  This prologue is dedicated to him  Smiley

And again well done For Tyeth, truly bringing our stories to life in remarkable ways.

Hi Dutch and LSG,

Thanks to both of you but my "artwork" is really just basic photo/picture editing - it is you the writers that dream up this stuff, I just work from your rich tapestry of descriptions and storytelling.
I'm happy to do these edits as they keep my skills honed and help my designing in general.

(p.s. I'm hoping one day to get a "Complete Works" copy of these stories -maybe in PDF form - so they're easier to read on my laptop all in one go Wink )
Logged


TheDutchman
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #4 on: September 21, 2022, 07:29:39 PM »

Hi Dutch and LSG,

Thanks to both of you but my "artwork" is really just basic photo/picture editing - it is you the writers that dream up this stuff, I just work from your rich tapestry of descriptions and storytelling.
I'm happy to do these edits as they keep my skills honed and help my designing in general.

(p.s. I'm hoping one day to get a "Complete Works" copy of these stories -maybe in PDF form - so they're easier to read on my laptop all in one go Wink )
I wouldn't be so quick to minimize your artwork, FT (I know that I certainly can't do what you do  Wink).  In fact, the art is often times what gives me inspiration for the stories  Smiley

...I'll try to work on an amalgamated compendium of my own work (but I have to admit that at least a good portion of it is within the stories of my fellow authors and, as such, MUST recommend that you--indeed everyone!--read their incredible work as well  Smiley).
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #5 on: September 25, 2022, 02:58:20 AM »

Special thanks to LSG for the visual assist!  This chapter is dedicated to him  Smiley
***************************************************************

Chapter 1: Harbinger of Troubles
"Knight Vih'Torr, a word." The Arbiter's crisp tone held an undercurrent of concealed antagonism.  "Thank you, Masters, that will be all." His dismissal included all seven Speakers, their adjutants, as well as the College of Colonels.  Slowly, the Gray Jedi began to withdraw from the wide office located high atop Zona'Ulhadv's largest fabricated structure: the Gray Temple of the Vhal'Dan Order.

Zearic silently cursed, wondering what new confrontation Listian had in mind.  As D'Aylanna walked past, her small hand briefly held his, her delicate yet strong fingers giving his a squeeze.  "Be careful, Shakal." She whispered, a patient look of understanding in her quick smile, one that he returned in kind.  It did much to help to alleviate his concern.  As she moved towards the turbolift, his wife was suddenly dwarfed by an enormous mass in the shape of a white Cathar, the huge lionlike Cataphract leader stopping in front of Zearic.  For as large and wide as he was, Alcyorr made him look small.

"I shall see you in the Den, Vih'Torr." The Triarch's quiet, deep bass voice shook the room.  While the office was wide and immense, Alcyorr took up a considerable room, even moreso as he was wearing his power armor.  The Kage's death had put the Order on war-footing which meant that everyone wore their armor and weapons everywhere.  Sunlight from the transparasteel wall gleaned off of the Cathar's coppery cuirass, the legacy armor originally belonging to his ancestors Sarll Båz Rhadde and later Nurhl Båz Rhadde, the Shadowkiller.  Like them, Alcyorr was incredibly intimidating.

Yet he too was worried, not that he looked it.  Still, Zearic recognized the tightness around his ice-blue eyes that told him how the Cathar felt.  "Understood, Triarch.  I'll join you shortly." He deferentially bowed his head.

As soon as the last Gray Jedi departed, large metallic doors irised shut, leaving the two humans alone amidst a huge conference room taken up by the long table and numerous chairs.  Along the entire near wall, the vista of Zona'Ulhadv below gave one the impression that they were hovering high above the city, forest trees and small lakes interspersed throughout the organic-looking buildings and hyperloop railways.  They were high enough that water condensation would sometimes form clouds around the top of the Temple.

But for the two humans, none of that mattered as they stared at one another, Zearic's strange hazel eyes locked unflinching onto the Arbiter's gray-blue.  For a long moment no one spoke.  But when the Arbiter did, his entire body seemed to relax, casually sitting in his chair as he did so.

"We both know how we feel towards one another so I'll come to the point: I have an operation for you, one best suited for one of...shall we say 'your training?'" While his tone was genial enough, Listian's face was hard, his dislike of Zearic radiating off of him.

Zearic said nothing.  Of course the Arbiter would know about his "arrangement" with Nimmin Cha--he'd told Listian himself--but he had to admit to being surprised by this assignment...but not necessarily so.

Listian was nothing if not practical.

He continued.  "You are hereby tasked with investigating the Kage's death and determining whom is responsible."  Zearic idly wondered that had he not already had an airtight alibi, would the Arbiter try to pin this on him, or at least make his life more miserable by virtue of circumstance.  But as soon as he considered it, he rejected it outright.  Listian may be a fool in some areas, but definitely not this one.  "I will make available to you all resources you deem as necessary."  He finished in clipped tones.

"Understood, Arbiter." Zearic bent his head, eyes still locked onto the older man's, a sudden unspoken comprehension shared between the two men.  Turning on an booted heel, the Cataphract was about to exit through the opening door when a voice boomed from behind him.

"Find the culprit, Vih'Torr." There was absolutely no trace of antagonism in his voice.  "Bring our Kage's killer to justice."

Looking over his heavily armored shoulder, Zearic gave a curt reply before the doors irised shut once again.  "I will."

          <<<<< >>>>>

Entering the Kage's sealed apartments with the credentials given to him by the Arbiter, Zearic couldn't help but think of the eventful conversation that he'd had with his wife and daughter a few nights ago.  Their questions about his rejuvenation--both physical as well as his connection to the Force--and the events surrounding his training with Cha and his subsequent fight against Karmack had made for a long, long night.

Worse still, he did not have all of the answers to the questions that they'd asked.

Not that he wasn't thankful for finally being reunited with his family and saving his wife...but felt as if there was something more to be said between them, something else that occupied D'Aylanna's and Jorya's minds.  He barked a quiet, sardonic laugh.

In trying to help and protect his family, he only seemed to make things worse.  "...shavit..." Zearic whispered.  All he wanted was to spend some more time alone with his wife but it seemed the Will of the Force that such was not to be...

And as much as he wanted to join D'Aylanna at the Hall of Balance with the rest of the Speakers, he couldn't.  Not only did he need to deal with the Arbiter's assignment but also because the Speakers had already called for a Closed Session of Congress.  As for Alcyorr, once Zearic had told him about his charge, the Triarch reiterated to complete the duty that Listian had imparted upon him and not to worry about anything else.

With that in mind, he'd left the Den and came directly to the Kage's Apartments.  Closing and keying the door locked behind him, Zearic went further into the apartments and into Oyuna's bedroom that she'd shared with her wife.

Throughout the apartment, nothing seemed out of place as he scrutinized every square centimeter as he slowly walked into the bedroom.

Everything remained untouched as it had been found in the morning, save for the Kage's body.  In its place, a large pool of dark, dried blue blood stained the floor.  Other than that, he could see no other hint of violence.  ...So she was taken by surprise... He deduced.  But how?  All of the doors and windows had been found locked from the inside.

Looking from the floor to the ceiling, Zearic paused, noticing that the skylight was still open.  Odd, that; he was certain that he'd read that it had bee--

Suddenly the hairs on the back of his neck seemed to vibrate, a feeling well remembered during his training with Cha.  With speed belied by his large mass, he pivoted upon his armored heel, the vambrace on his left forearm deflecting the invisible blade that had come mere centimeters from his throat.  By instinct, he grabbed out with his right hand, fingers wrapping around something unseen as soon as his gauntlet felt tactile contact.  At the same time, he keyed his Cataphract helmet shut from the nanotech HUD1 surgically implanted in his eye.

He'd learned (and learned well) how best to manipulate the Buried Presence technique that most Forceusers utilized.  Thanks to Cha, it had also allowed him better detection when used by others.

And whomever was using it now was very good indeed.

A split-second later Zearic felt before he saw a small, potent ball of Kinetite form, exploding almost immediately thereafter.  While his armor mitigated any damage from the blast, he lost his grip on the invisible object as he was blown backwards a meter, his eyes now recognizing the subtle yet tell-tale ripple in the air.  Zearic knew that it had been more a distraction than an actual attack and acted accordingly.

Zearic still had not yet received his Cataphract zweihander; instead he pulled his regular saber, the icy-blue blade snapping into a parry against another quick stiletto blade.  Without hesitating, he projected a powerful Force Push against the rippling air as it moved.  Thankfully the Push connected, sending his now-visible opponent across the room.  However as it did so, the small figure tucked into a tight ball, backflipping away and landing deftly in an advanced defensive kata.

To Zearic's surprise, his masked opponent wearing midnight black light armor was tiny, almost as small as D'Aylanna.  Nevertheless, he was already in motion against the figure, pressing his offensive.  That's when he got his second shock.

His opponent was faster than anyone he'd ever seen.  He found himself resorting to a desperate defense; what strikes he was unable to parry with his lightsaber were blessedly thwarted by his Cataphract armor.  ...Thank the Maker... He thought, grateful.  Without it, he knew that his opponent would've easily stabbed him multiple times.

As they circled one another--Zearic huge in his heavy power armor, his opponent lightning-swift and lithe in form-fitting mesh--he noticed the effeminate body in front of him, large dark eyes--the only part not covered by the black armor--angry with frustration.  He could also feel her presence in the Force; again like D'Aylanna, his opponent was markedly stronger than he was.  

Still, he held his own.  It certainly would account for the woman's continuous, furious glare.

However, Zearic was used to fighting opponents stronger than he: in his battle against Karmack, he would've been hopelessly outmatched, if not for the tricks that he'd learned.  

With but a subconscious thought, his Oblivion daggers flew from the crosscarry holster located in the small of his armor's backplate.  Revolving around his head and shoulders in a flurry of motion, the black blades intercepted and absorbed the woman's Force assaults as she continued to strike at him with her dual vibrostilettos, leaving the two combatants at a relative stalemate.  The woman's eyes seemed to vacillate between shock and abject fury as her attacks became incredibly faster.

Knowing that he was at a disadvantage in the confines of the apartment, Zearic trusted in both his armor and his ancestry as he suddenly switched from guarding to attack, the words of his adoptive Father reverberating through his mind.

"Sometimes the best defense was a strong offense."

Locking his lightsaber's thin-neck emitter with one of his opponent's vibrostilettos, he twisted his weapon in several small orbits.  That done, he was then able to wrap his fingers around both his saber hilt and the woman's slender hand.  Simultaneously, he quickly clamped his other hand around the woman's other wrist in a crushing vise-like grip.  With little effort he lifted her bodily, her small boots now 30 centimeters above the floor.  Almost comically she flailed impotently as she hung in the air.

"You...dare!?!" Had her voice not dripped with rage, it might have sounded melodious.  Before Zearic could act, he felt the Force completely disappear, one second there gone the next.  It left him feeling gut-punched.  However, he did not let her go.

Strength born of his ancestors allowed him to not only continue to operate his armor but also hold the woman unflinchingly in the air.  He witnessed his opponent's own confidence give way to confused disbelief: even without the Force, Zearic's grip and hold upon the woman did not lesson by a gram.

"...How...?" Her amazed tone was reflected in her motionless body.

...Which lasted all of a half-second.  Closing her eyes, the woman projected several Force Pushes against the Cataphract.  While these were absorbed by the circling Oblivion weapons, the woman's body became a blur: almost faster than his eyes could perceive, Zearic saw the woman tuck her legs up against her chest and, exploding outward, hit him with an incredibly powerful Force-assisted dual kick.

Had it not been for his armor, Zearic knew that the woman's kick would've broken every rib in his chest.  As it was, he was thrown backwards against the far wall, armor and bulkhead connecting in a violent crash of metal-against-metal.  Both daggers tried to return to their master, falling from the air to stick in the apartment's floor on either side of Zearic's legs.  

He guessed that he was probably slightly concussed, ringing in his ears and his vision twinning as a result of the powerful kick and the resulting collision.  However, he once again felt the Force.  Drawing deeply from it, he slowly rose to his feet, calling his lightsaber to his hand and igniting it.  And while his armor had taken the brunt of the collision, it was still at 97% efficacy.

Standing firmly, he adopted the formidible Soresu defensive kata as he squared up opposite the woman, a calm settling around him as he resolutely stared at her.

Clearly, the woman had not expected that.  Breathing hard, her eyes did not so much as blink.  But Zearic noticed that she was still in better shape than he was, armor or no.  She seemed to weigh something in her mind before her eyes squinted and she Jumped through the open skylight, disappearing from sight altogether.

Maybe it was the concussion but he almost thought that he had seen her grin before she Jumped...

Retrieving both his daggers, he "felt" them for their respective charges.  Unsurprisingly, they were near-full, having absorbed an incredible amount of Force energies.  Zearic suppressed a shudder; he knew that had it not been for his daggers and armor, he would be in all likelihood dead.

Giving himself a mental shake, he focused on the problem at hand: he needed to investigate the now-ruined rooms of the apartments for clues.  Ignoring the pain in his body, he used his armor's advanced sensors to scrutinize the area, hoping to find anything that was out-of-place.

Deliberately, he mentally replayed their battle, retracing their steps in the hope that something would turn up.

After a slow, plodding examination, he finally found what he was looking for.  In the corner of the floor directly under the skylight, his sensors detected various organics in a small clump of dried mud.  Further evaluation was able to extrapolate that they were not indigenous to the area and that the combined presence of all the organics pinpointed one particular location, one displayed in his HUD.

Exhaling, Zearic swore under his breath.  Apparently the woman had came from the south, from one of the places on Zonama Sekot that even the Ferroans knew little about, an area of the planet that no one went to, certainly not by choice.  It made sense that the woman would use it as a base of operations.  And only someone suicidal (or a fool) would willingly go there.

But that was precisely where he must go...where he would go.

The Steppes of the Everstorm.

          <<<<< >>>>>

Falling into her seat, T'Atyanna finally allowed herself to relax.  "Head to coordinates 73 Mark 52 by 44 Mark 8." She commanded into her comm, waiting only a second to receive a chime indicative of an affirmative.  Without turning her head she then addressed the other occupant within the room.  "Follow him and do not be seen.  Do not bother with Concealment; somehow he was able to penetrate even mine..." She said, her tone a mix of wonder and incredulity.  "Do not engage; you would not survive.  And make certain to ensure that it looks like an accident."

The cloaked figure bowed low, his tone reverent.  "Your Will be done, Illuminated One."

Silently her agent left, leaving her to her thoughts.

How was he able to pierce her Concealment?  And how was it that he was that strong without the Force?  Everything that she'd learned about him--which was almost everything--never once hinted at any metahuman biology...although he was supposed to have several cybernetics (which he did not)...but even that did not explain what she'd witnessed.  So far as she knew, he was nothing more remarkable than any tralk-born human...

It served as a graphic example of the wisdom inherent of always planning for multiple contingencies, a lesson that she'd lived and survived by.  To wit: she had plans within plans, enough to easily pivot given this latest--and surprising!--development.

Still: how had he managed?  He should be dead; any and every other one of her victims most assuredly were.  She smiled thinking of the Ferroan woman, impotently trying to reach for the Force only to find nothing to grab onto.  She, like the rest, had all died with almost identical looks of confusion on their faces.  It was almost enough to make her smile.  Yet...

Always before when she'd subsumed the Force had any of her victims been anything other than helpless.  But not him.  Why?  It was a mystery for the ages, one that she almost wished that she could enjoy at her leisure.  That Il'l--D'Aylanna, she corrected herself, had chosen such a strong male was both testament and--by T'Atyanna's appraisal--an indictment of the woman herself.  For she would be much more dangerous.  

No, she mustn't underestimate her quarry...

It was too bad that such a specimen would have to die; he would've made an excellent thrall once T'Atyanna had broken him, trained him, and subjugated him.  Nevertheless, he was but a male and a mere piece in her plans besides.  

What was important that she utterly destroy her quarry.  Then and only then would she visit upon her the Justice that she so richly deserved.

She could then claim both Vengeance and Primogeniture, her position as Marquesa incontestable.

As was proper.
__________________________
1: HUD-Heads Up Display
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Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

Lord_S_Gray
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 428
Posts: 1903



« Reply #6 on: September 26, 2022, 12:56:17 AM »

T’Atyanna is playing a dangerous game going back to the scene of the crime, and has encountered in Zearic unanticipated difficulties.  A true clash of Speed and agility against tank like endurance and tactics with his dearly bought daggers and skills keeping Zearic in the game and really making him a match.

A very subtle but I think important note here was twice Zearic reflecting on the importance of his ‘ancestry’ in giving him the endurance to prove a match, especially without the Force - that in particular seemed to irk T’Atyanna. Sure he has earned the Cataphract armour, done the training with Cha and the daggers to detect and deflect her attacks, but it’s grounded on a strength of body that is not of his own making – hopefully a theme that will be developed more.

Listian is a character I would like to see more of, not exactly sure what his motives are for assigning Zearic to that task (though I am certain other investigations are taking place), so far we only see him through Zearic’s eyes, in many ways Listian is justified in his dislike given Zearic’s admittedly maverick deal with Cha and compromised renewal, it would be interesting to see the galaxy from his point of view.

But for now…what ‘accident’ will T’atyanna’s silent agent cause I wonder, and what other responses will the Vhal’Dan implement after a second attack? - and what will be found in the Steppes of the Everstorm?
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Lord_S_Gray

Surik: "Kreia, what are you—are you a Jedi, a Sith?"
Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #7 on: September 30, 2022, 07:53:43 PM »


Chapter 2: Into the Storm, part I
Jorya blinked, confusion once again threatening to overwhelm her as she desperately tried to regain her bearings.  Looking around quickly, she was shocked to find that she was in her parents' apartments!  How had she made it here?  Why was she here?  When had she come here?

Only silence answered her as she continued to stand disoriented in the middle of the entry foyer...

She nearly jumped as the door suddenly opened, an armored behemoth barging through, stopping short within a half-meter of Jorya.  "Dear One!  What are you doing here?"  He wrapped her in a hug that completely enveloped her.  "Don't get me wrong, I'm very happy to see you but..."  He released her, heading into the apartment's atrium.  "...I'm afraid that I've been assigned a mission."

Father continued to speak, saying something about needing to make an important call, but Jorya was no longer listening.

Not that it had been "Jorya" before now anyway...

          <<<<< >>>>>

"This is the perfect opportunity, I tell you!  We should kill him now!" The shard of Gaetana/Mendax seethed.  If she had possessed teeth she would've ground them in frustration.

"Perhaps...but wouldn't you prefer to see the look on his wife's face knowing that he was doomed?" Kadmaur's shard postulated.  If he had possessed hands, he would've bobbed them up and down like a scale.

As the two continued to argue, Jorya could do nothing, metaphysically trapped as she was.  If she had possessed a mouth she would have screamed.  But all that she could do was conserve her strength, wait for her next opportunity.  Then, she would be able to free herself--albeit momentarily--from her prison to do...something.

She would know when it came.

So for now she waited silently as the two Shards argued.  She would protect her Mother and Father. 

Or die trying.


          <<<<< >>>>>

"...And you believe that the assassin is hiding in the Steppes?" Listian's tone was sincere, absent any antipathy.

"Yes, Arbiter." Zearic nodded, administering the last of the poly-bacta from the medidroid.  Thankfully, the worst that could be said was that he would have several small scars that would fade from memory in a couple of days.  "Would you like for me to share my findings with Civil Constabulary?" He inquired, sitting down in the middle of his apartment's atrium balancing his cuirass in one large hand, a hydrospanner in the other.  He had removed his armor in order to repair the damage (what little there was).

He had returned home in the early morning to what he thought would be empty apartments, surprised that while D'Aylanna was not there--apparently she was still in Closed Session--his daughter Jorya was.  Standing behind the corner of the atrium, she looked at him with intense eyes.  Zearic could almost feel the worry radiating from her.  He gave her a quick smile which she returned.

"No." Listian's voice was contemplative.  "They lack the...necessary conviction." He said carefully.  "Take one of the stealth LAATs from the Cataphract hangers; I've given you authorization." Zearic's comm pinged a second later with his updated clearance.

The Stealth Low Altitude Assault Transport, or "Wraith," was the latest ship to undergo Vhal'Dan retrofitting: whereas before it was more a troop carrier, this was a dedicated gunship.  Specifically assigned for Cataphract Recon Triads, the stealth LAAT could be used for more clandestine operations in lieu of the TIE Legios.  Not only did it possess upgraded armor and armament compared to the regular LAAT/ie, but it also had a working cloaking device that it could use to fool sensor instruments (although it wasn't powerful enough to actually hide the ship from visual observations). 

Zearic had only done two practice missions with his new Triad using the stealth LAAT but he was more than familiar with it.  More importantly, he had completed his pilot training with the gunship's specifications, authorizing him to fly it as a qualified operator.

Of course, he was no Karmack but he could at least now land without breaking a landing gear hydraulic line.

"Understood, Arbiter." He said, closing the comm line.  Slowly inhaling, he gave the hydrospanner a final quarter twist before inspecting the connection between the techno-armored plate.  Satisfied, he put the cuirass down on the table in front of the couch as Jorya joined him.

She too was in armor, albeit much lighter than his own (naturally as she was not a member of the Cataphracts).  However, he noticed that she kept thumbing the hilt of one of her lightsabers.  Turning his full attention towards her, he could see the conflict in her face.

"Father...I..." She began, shaking her head after a few false starts, "...Father...I...you should let me come with you."  She wrapped one of his meaty hands with both of hers, Jorya's slender orange fingers simultaneously gentle yet callused.  "I can watch your b--"

"You're right." He said simply.

"--back...?" She finished tentatively.

He faced her, his tone full of pride.  "Jorya, you've proven yourself many times.  I promised you and your Mother that I would not run off headlong into trouble again alone1.  And like I told you before: you're a better Jedi than I ever was."  He gave a hard grin.  "I need someone to cover me and I trust no one better than you and your Mother."  Slowly his smile crept across his face, relaxing it.  "Besides...I might need a real pilot where I'm going."

Jorya nodded, softly laughing.  "Especially if you're ever going to be reinstated as maenowan; I don't think that the Triarch can afford to lose anymore of his ships' landing struts."

Despite the gravity of the situation, Zearic gave an appreciative laugh, dispelling the mood that he'd been in since his fight with the assassin.  But it was all too brief.  "Promise me that you'll listen to what I tell you.  You may be a full koawan but you're still my daughter."  He placed a large hand upon her narrow shoulder.  "What I'm doing is dangerous...but completely necessary.  And I know that I have a greater chance at su...success with you by my side."  His pause was almost imperceptible but Jorya caught it.  It increased her worry tenfold.  "Listian gave me this assignment because he knows that I have a more...'pragmatic' view concerning Oyuna's killer..."

As he donned his Cataphract armor, he told her about the rest of the Arbiter's orders as well as the fight with the armored assassin and how, even with his enhanced strength in the Force, the woman was more dangerous.  While talking, her Father's tone helped to put things into perspective, that and what he stopped himself from telling her.  It involuntarily sent chills down her spine.

He was going to say "surviving."

Jorya knew at that her Father had had to make some hard decisions both recently and in the past.  Yet there seemed to be something else bothering him.  Whenever Father hadn't notice her looking at him, she could see in his face a look of...uncertainty?  No, that wasn't it.  She knew that it wasn't Father's unresolved anger towards his friend Karmack (although she knew that bothered him far worse than he'd admitted).  Whatever it was that he was perturbed about, it had begun after his renewal.  Perhaps she could merely put him out of his miser--

Jorya blinked.  What in the hell was she thinking?!  Before she could pull on that thread, she found herself suddenly thinking that she would do Mother proud by watching Father's back.  Yes, that was it...

So it was that her interest in what she was just thinking was--carefully--avoided, allowing her to finish packing.

And when her Father left to one of the Cataphract's clandestine hangers, Jorya followed gear in hand.

If either of the two Jedi had bothered, they would've found a powerful thermal detonator among Jorya's kit.

          <<<<< >>>>>

"I told you to wait.  Do you not wish to maximize his torture?" The Kadmaur Shard inquired absent of castigation.  Had he a brow, he would've cocked it.

The Gaetana/Mendax Shard paused.  "...Yes.  Sometimes I just get...carried away." Had she eyes, she would've winked.

Jorya listened intently, the strain of focus painful.  Had she pores, she would've been sweating.

But...she was getting stronger, more able to affect tangible decisions.  She promised not to give up, not on her parents and not on herself...


          <<<<< >>>>>

Stepping onto the LAAT gunship, both Zearic and Jorya stowed their respective gear before departure prep.  Unsurprisingly, they still wore their respective armor.  As they could not call ahead to initiate any pre-flight checks--the Arbiter had been adamant concerning the secrecy of this unsanctioned op--it took the both of them several minutes to finalize the ship for their excursion.

They seldom spoke, both of them intent on their mission.  As they had countless times before, they fell into familiar patterns, a synergy born from years of working well with one another.  It was their shorthand that allowed them to act as one cohesive unit, mutual trust as much a part of them as their own blood.

Despite the lack of pre-flight, it took them no more than 15 minutes before they were ready to launch.

As the Wraith left the berth in the Cataphract hanger, several people who belonged there marked its departure with disinterest, forgotten as soon as the craft was out of sight.

However, one person (whom did not belong) quietly watched as they flew away, eyes intent upon the ship that quickly disappeared into the distance heading south.  Looking down at his datanode, he double checked that the transmitter was functioning.  Satisfied, he gave a slight grin before disappearing under a shroud of Force Concealment.

Unseen, he allowed his mind to wander.  As soon as he had corroboration, he could leave this kriffing rock with his Domina.  He could then alleviate her of all of her concerns where, perhaps...just perhaps, he may be allowed to join with her Illuminated person.  Just as they had before, an ambrosia that he desperately yearned to experience again.

He needn't waited long; before the evening sun began to cast growing shadows across the cityscape of Zona'Ulhadv, his datanode had pinged him with confirmation of his objective.

Now all that remained was to join his Domina, submitting to his Marquesa body and mind.

After all, his soul had always been hers to command.

          <<<<< >>>>>



As the gunship sped through the tall, wide mountaintops that encircled the Southern Steppes of Zonama Sekot like a shield, the sky along the horizon grew increasingly darker and more violent.  Giant bolts of blue-violet electricity arced across the sky in the distance, bright enough to polarize the transparasteel canopy.  Enormous, swollen thunderheads dark with moisture stood sentry-like as the cumulonimbus clouds rose tens of kilometers into the stratosphere.

And that was even before they'd made it to the Steppes proper.

Suddenly the mountains disappeared, a wide, dark chasm extending from the base of the range towards the grasslands ahead as if forming a gigantic dry moat before breaking into multiple independent canyons.  For several kilometers the gorges continued, deep chasms cutting through the land until they opened into an enormous plain of flatlands.  In front of the ravines in every direction, deep green grasslands extended for kilometers absent any structures taller than the rare bush and even rarer tree.

But even that soon gave 'way to the obvious border separating the grasslands from the Steppes of the Everstorm.

Several kilometers before the churning clouds that marked the boundary, the humongous continuous storm that raged in the lowest Southern latitudes of the planet completely dwarfed the gunship.  Involuntarily, it gave both of the Vhal'Dan Jedi a foreboding sense of insignificance.

Without a word, they entered the tempest, the Wraith disappearing much like its namesake.

Almost immediately, the gunship was buffeted by incredible turbulences, waves of water crashing across the canopy as curtains of rain inundated the LAAT.  Multiple vortices careened across the land, the dark tubes glowing from internal lightning strikes.  As Zearic piloted around the nearest funnel, he was amazed to see that there appeared to be living creatures in the vortices, dark shapes briefly visible against the backdrop of blue electrical discharges.

He gave a brief shake of his head; he could not allow himself to be distracted, not here.

Dodging another funnel, he plotted a course to the coordinates provided him.  There was only one place in which the organics that he'd collected at the Kage's apartments were found...

The Eye of the Everstorm.

With a quiet warning from his daughter, Zearic flew around one, two, three, four more cyclones, cognizant that there were ever more forming in the distance.  He remained calm, the serenity of the Force surrounding him, aiding him in negotiating a clear path to the Eye itself. 

Without looking at his daughter he whispered, "Going in..."

          <<<<< >>>>>
___________________________________________________________________________
1: As NOT seen in "Retrieval Epilogue, part II:" http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=41678.msg797756#msg797756
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 1106
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Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #8 on: September 30, 2022, 07:54:34 PM »


Chapter 2: Into the Storm, part II
Deep into the Everstorm, the Wraith was hit by crashing winds, drowning rains, and lightning blasts until suddenly it broke through the thick cloudwall and into an area of relative calm.  They had finally made it to the Eye.

Both human and Togruta let out a collective sigh of relief.  "Jorya, please scan for these organics." Zearic's terse voice was quiet yet intense.  He keyed his armor's helmet closed, the transparent nanopolymer creating a self-contained environment with his power armor.  Wordlessly, Jorya followed suit.

"Got it.  Feeding coordinates into the navcom now." Jorya's tone matched Father's.  Gritting his teeth, Zearic piloted the gunship to their location: the Pupil of the Eye. 

The Pupil of the Eye was the very source of the Everstorm, a geo-electrical dynamo that generated the surrounding stormfront.  No one, not the military scientists, the Vhal'Dan Gray Jedi, not even the indigenous Ferroans themselves knew who had created it, much less why.  What was known was that it was one of the most dangerous places on Zonama Sekot.

As the gunship sped through the air 50 meters above the ground, strange pincerlike structures stabbed out of the earth below.  Atop of each was a thin torus ring suspended almost 300 meters above the ground.  Each one looked like a biomechanical appendage made from some dark glowing metal combined with the granite of the deep planetary mantle.

Zearic brought the Wraith to a full stop, the gunship hovering within a quarter of a kilometer of the nearest structures.  "...Father, why have we stopped?  What's wrong?" Jorya's voice was tinged with worry.

His eyes never left the structure in front of him.  "Watch." He said simply.

Jorya turned her head, focusing on the structure.  It stood there silent.  Was that it?  As best she could tell, the construct looked...inert.  Dead.

But she was wrong.

Bright--bright as the sun!--light exploded upwards, rending the air in a roaring boom.  Huge arcs of lightning blasted from the structure to pierce the sky several kilometers towards the horizon in an unbroken bolt, hitting the expansive thunderhead clouds surrounding the Eye's perimeter.  Then, as suddenly as it began, it stopped...only to be taken up by another structure half a kilometer away.  And so on...

"This is the source of the Everstorm?" Jorya asked, amazed.  Zearic nodded, a frown beginning to darken his brow.

"Yes...which is why I wonder just what anyone would be doing here..." He mused.  Something wasn't right.  According to their sensors, the organics were found at the base of the structures.  Why would anyone disembark from their ship, much less get close to those...things?  It didn't make sense...

Another structure--this one flanking the Wraith--lit up the sky as another immense electrical discharge erupted forth, the resultant turbulence rocking the gunship significantly despite the inertial dampers.

That's when alarm klaxons screamed throughout the ship and suddenly the LAAT began to both lose altitude and course causing the ship to careen towards one of the large pincerlike stanchions.

"What the hell..." Zearic consulted his instrument panel as Jorya did likewise on her side.  "What've you got?" His tone was one of controlled anxiety as his armored fingers flew across the controls, all to no avail.

"Not sure... Altimeter and gyro are down; navigation is offline... It's like we're being pulled into a gravity wel--" Her voice suddenly cut off, her face going completely blank.  Even her eyes looked dull.

"Jorya?  Jorya?!  DEAR ONE?!?" Zearic's increased shouting did nothing; it was as if the Togruta was in a coma.

Knowing that he couldn't do anything more for his daughter at that moment, he focused entirely on regaining control of the Wraith.  Guidance, antigrav, thrusters, even maneuvering jets were unresponsive.  The incoming biomechanical structure loomed ever larger in the transparasteel canopy as the ship was drawn closer to it.

The Wraith was within 40 meters when the structure began to glow, miniature arcs of electricity caressing the inner form of the construct.  However, instead of heading skyward as it always did, the charge buildup was now pointed directly towards the gunship.

"...Shavit..." Zearic cursed, knowing that there was nothing he could do to stop the inevitable. 

Smashing the release of his seat's belt harness, he threw himself in between the canopy and Jorya, wrapping her with his arms to protect her as much as he could.  He hoped that his armor would shield her from the worst.

With his back turned towards the canopy, he felt rather than saw the blindingly bright discharge as the structure released its pent up lightning energy directly at the LAAT.

In a violent explosion that shook his very bones through his armor, Zearic felt one of his eardrums burst as a shockwave plowed into his back, his mind focused on a single thought as his entire world went black.

Regardless what happened to him, he only prayed that his daughter would somehow make it through this alive.
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

Lord_S_Gray
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 428
Posts: 1903



« Reply #9 on: October 03, 2022, 09:33:11 PM »

How many dangers can Zearic simultaneously make himself subject to? A Hapan Assassin who's already killed the Kage, her fanatically dedicated servant intent on finishing the job his clash in the prio chapter left unresolved, a vast steppe spanning storm system, and the ancient perplexing dynamo's that generate said storm that pulse with system scrambling energy (great picture of Pupil and the Wraith slipping into the storm)...and his back up is Jorya who is semi-dazed when not outright possessed by the Shards of Kadmaur, and Mendax, the latter of whom wants nothing more than a chance to possess Jorya and kill him...and of course now his ship is crashing....

He sure has a talent for getting himself into dangerous situations, one can only hope his armour and ancestors physical blessing, to say nothing of his dogged determination to protect his daughter, get him through it. 
Logged

Lord_S_Gray

Surik: "Kreia, what are you—are you a Jedi, a Sith?"
Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #10 on: October 07, 2022, 07:09:06 PM »

Special thanks (once again!) to For Tyeth for his awesome rendering of D'Aylanna!  This chapter is dedicated to him  Smiley
**********************************************************************************************

Chapter 3: Sins of a Forgotten Past, part I
*******************************************************
Vhal’Dan Congress
Baransu no Kage: VACANT
  Council of Balance:
  Arbiter: Listian Demarcus, Human male
  1st Speaker: WyFei Klamonte, Zeltron female
  2nd Speaker: Pyryx'Tu, Aing-Tii female
  3rd Speaker: Qillian Rethaal, Togruta male
  4th Speaker: Sona Mnaa Rahn , Mirilian female
  5th Speaker: Stel-Lan Octharr, Human male
  6th Speaker: Alcyorr Kål Rhadde, Cathar male
  7th Speaker: D'Aylanna Vih'Torr, Hapan female
*******************************************************
"This concludes these deliberations.  Go in Balance." Listian's tone was as tired as his long, worn face.  Not that D'Aylanna was surprised; the Closed Session had lasted over 30 hours, each and every one of the Speakers exhausted, angry, frustrated, and wary.

And still they had no answers.

In fact, after Alcyorr had joined the Congress in his capacity as 6th Speaker, the Cataphract Triarch had presented the Council with evidence that had only led to more questions than answers: the Kage's midi-chlorians were found to be completely inert.  That should've been an impossibility all things considered.

The only way that anyone on Council could account for such a possibility was that the assassin had brought an ysalamiri...but even then that solution was problematic at best.  Were that the case, the Kage would've sensed any void long before she was stabbed.  Not to mention that, absent a carefully constructed nutrient frame, an ysalamiri would not survive for long outside its indigenous olbio tree habitat.  Additionally, that the Kage was surprised was a fact that everyone had an opinion about but with no answers forthcoming.

As for D'Aylanna herself, she remembered Kazic's claims that incredibly powerful Forceusers--like his "daughter" Ari--could create such voids, if for a short period of time.  And if her Shakal was to be believed--and she would always believe him--the Black Armors might also be strong enough to accomplish such a feat.  For obvious reasons she kept that particular knowledge to herself; besides, what possible reason would Ari's People or the Black Armors have to kill Oyuna?  The Black Armors were allied to the Mak'Tor and the Sons, two groups that the Vhal'Dan were friendly with, so that made little sense.  And as for Ari's People...no one had heard from them since after the First Gray Jedi War.  Unless...

D'Aylanna inhaled suddenly, chills traveling up her spine.

...Could the Black Armors actually be descendants of Ari's People?  It was a good thing that D'Aylanna was still sitting; just the hint that such might be the case had far-reaching ramifications.  ...Surely not... She told herself.  But even in her own mind such a denial was more a knee-jerk reaction rather than a leap in logic.  She had to admit to herself that the evidence fit her hypothesis.  But she still had no concrete proof...

Gritting her teeth, D'Aylanna had to stop herself from rubbing her temples to assuage the throbbing in her head, although it wasn't just from the onerous Session.  No, she was still recovering from her escape from the Rakatan Mind Trap.  "Think of it as a 'readjustment sickness,'" Rakham had told her before she'd left the Templar Archives.  "You need real rest, now more than ever.  Let Jorya and Zearic take care of you for awhile.  And be careful, Marquesa." Winking, his fond, quiet tone had echoed in her ears as he'd hugged her goodbye.  Too bad he didn't know how long this sickness was supposed to last...

She smiled wistfully, the knot in her throat a reminder of the bittersweet time she'd spent with her near-brother.  It was a travesty that she'd finally reunited with him after years apart on account of something as horrible as the Templar-Revenant War1.  Not to mention that her going to Taris had lead to her imprisonment in the Mind Trap...

Shaking her head, she resolved not to lament on the past, especially for those things that she could not change.  Which was a mistake; immediately she regretted the action, her head pounding as a result.  "Shavit..." She whispered, using one of her Shakal's favorite profanities.  She only wished that the migraine was something that bacta could help heal.

"Excuse me, Speaker Vih'Torr," A rumbling bass vibrato boomed from behind her.  "Might I trouble you for a moment?" Without looking, she identified Triarch Alcyorr Kål Rhadde.

Turning to face him, the Cathar Speaker absolutely dwarfed her: not only was he over 70 centimeters taller but Alcyorr easily outweighed her four times over.  Still, with D'Aylanna's otherwise perfect posture it gave one the impression that the diminutive Hapan woman was taller than her actual 1.5m height, even as an equal to the huge and imposing Cathar.  "Of course, Triarch." She replied patiently, thoughts of assassins, Black Armors, war, and Mind Traps pushed aside to display outward serenity.  It was a trick that D'Aylanna had mastered long ago.  She easily fell into step beside the enormous Cathar.  For his part, Alcyorr shortened his stride to match hers.

"Speaker...have you seen your husband as of late?" The white fur around his ice-blue eyes reminded her of a pet she'd had back on Hapes Prime; with an immaculate snow-white coat, it had been the most deadly animal that she'd ever seen, tearing the many-colored birds that had made the Fountain Palace their home to shreds.  Not because it was hungry--she'd fed it everyday!--but merely because it was his nature.

Now as it was then, the significance of the comparison could not be understated.

"I have not." Her tone was genial, non-committal.  Unfortunately, she did not know Alcyorr as well as her Shakal did.  ...Best to err on the side of caution... She reminded herself.  She casually continued her measured pace, armored hands comfortably folded in front of her.

Alcyorr's large head swiveled, his eyes locked on the top of her head.  "He is currently on an assignment given to him by the Arbiter himself." Even though his deep voice rumbled through her chest, it was quiet enough that no one else could hear him. 

Without missing a stride, D'Aylanna showed none of the shock that she felt for two reasons.  First, he must know about her species' superior hearing (it was not something that was well known) and, second, that the Arbiter would entreat with her Shakal by charging him with a secret mission.  No, she reminded herself, not two reasons.  Three.

Why would her Shakal accept anything at all from Listian Demarcus, a man who openly despised him?

She pursed her lips in frustration; yet another question without a ready answer.  Regardless, she could sense the truth of the Triarch's words.  "I see." She replied simply.  From the corner of her eye she saw the large Cathar give a quick, slight nod.  Clearly he appreciated her discretion.

As they neared the hyperloop, the Triarch spoke once again, sub-vocally like last time.  "You and your husband may rely upon me and my Cataphracts should the need arise."  He paused in front of the dual doors as they silently slid open, a few people disembarking from the hyperloop car, none of them paying any attention to the two Speakers. 

The scene looked almost comical: a tall, massive white-furred Cathar stared down at a tiny, curvy brown woman, both with identical looks of serene disinterest affixed upon their faces.

For a moment D'Aylanna said nothing while staring into Triarch's icy-blue eyes, searching for answers to the questions that flooded her mind.  But she did not have the luxury of time...besides, she'd learned to trust her instincts at an early age.  "Thank you, Alcyorr," She nodded infinitesimally, smiling sincerely for a brief second before reasserting her mask.

Saying nothing, the Triarch bowed at the neck before turning on his heel, leaving D'Aylanna once again to her own thoughts.  Before the doors closed she effortlessly slid between them, taking one of the vacant seats nearest the exits.

There was no denying that what she'd experienced was an interesting turn of events.  The problem was what to do with this new information...

It preoccupied her thoughts the entire trip to her apartments and long after she'd locked her front door behind her, even as the setting sun left her in the darkness of the Zona'Ulhadv night.  Exhausted and discontented she stripped off her armor and boots, all the while worrying about unsolved problems and unanswered questions.  Slowly donning her nightclothes--a gift from her Shakal made from supple purple Zsajhira silks--she finally began to relax as the soft, skin-tight material caressed her skin.  Wearing such felt like a gentle hug (one of the primary reasons that Zearic had gifted her the set).

Finally, she took to her bed as fatigue both physical and mental consumed her, a deep, dreamless sleep settling over D'Aylanna within seconds of her head hitting the pillow...

          <<<<< >>>>>
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
1: As seen back in Brothers, CH.18-CH.28: http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=36760.msg628100#msg628100
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #11 on: October 07, 2022, 07:42:09 PM »


Chapter 3: Sins of a Forgotten Past, part II
*******************************************************
D'Aylanna woke suddenly and completely lucid, unsure as to why her mental alarms had been triggered.  Moving nothing but her eyes, she consulted the chronometer on the table on her side of the bed.  She was surprised that it was over an hour after midnight local.  Perhaps it was merely a vivid dream which had awoken her, she tried telling herself.

The problem with that was that she always remembered her dreams, and she had not had any while she had slept this time.  It was another "gift" from her Hapan heritage: the woman Forceusers of House Royal were powerful Dreamers, seers that dreamt precognitive visions.  That was the reason that she had absolute conviction concerning her most recent Vision at the Templar Archive2: even for a member of House Royal, D'Aylanna had possessed an almost unique Talent with Force Precognition.

But that still didn't answer her question as to what precisely had woken her.

Once again trusting her instincts, she slowed her breathing and her beating heart, all the while focusing on her almost preternatural hearing.  Simultaneously, she passively extended her Force Senses outwards...and felt nothing.  While her eyes were effectively blind in the dark of night, her ears more than made up for it.  She could hear the muted city sounds of Zona'Ulhadv around her: hyperloop traffic, the whine of antigrav drives, and the general background noise that all major urban areas possessed.

Then she heard it.

The sound was subtle, dampened...almost as if it were being masked.  But to D'Aylanna, it was unmistakable: it was the sound of a vibroblade being carefully drawn from its sheath.  And, unless she missed her guess, the assailant was within a few meters of her.

Tightly coiled potential energy stored in her muscles sprang into action, swift, kinetic movement not only propelled her blankets at the sound but also spun her small body around the opposite side and onto her feet, her lightsaber igniting as soon as the hilt slapped against her outstretched palm, the purple blade allowing her to see somewhat in the radiant light.  Still, she relied upon her hearing and Force senses to mitigate her night-blindness.

Meanwhile the hurled blankets had stopped in midair, hanging for a half-second before thrown off.  But not before D'Aylanna got an idea of what she faced.  Her opponent was short and small, almost as small as she was.  They were also using a form of Force Concealment that was not unlike her own Buried Presence technique.  But that was where the similarities seemingly ended.

The small armored form of a lithe limbed body seemed to emerge from thin air as the assailant dropped the shroud of Concealment, the only visible part of them were their dark eyes.  D'Aylanna could now see that her opponent held a vibroblade in both hands as they adopted an advanced offensive kata.

Then they attacked.

D'Aylanna had learned from countless swordmasters over the decades since she'd been accepted into the Vhal'Dan and from almost as many weaponsmasters in the Hapan Court prior to that.  Supplementing that, she'd practiced with the Templar's own blademaster, Berra Tarun, for months during the Revenant War.  Only once had she succumbed to a blade-wielding opponent and that had been the Revenant Shade.

This assailant was faster.  Better.  More deadly.

Of course, it didn't help that D'Aylanna was far from feeling healthy, the sickness from the Mind Trap making her limbs feel as if she were in water, not to mention that her stamina was also decidedly deficient.  

In no time, she had several lacerations along her arms, legs, and even one below her eye across her brown cheek.  On more than a few occasions her opponent would throw a swift jab, connecting with D'Aylanna's stomach, shoulder, and mouth, splitting her lip.

But she absolutely refused to give up.

"I expected more from you." A woman's melodious voice caressed her ears in between attacks.  "Has living among the degenerate masses made you soft?" Her tone was one of imperious disgust.  "Had I known how far you'd fallen, I would've settled for summary judgement here." D'Aylanna worked her saber furiously, just barely able to intercept both blades as they probed for weaknesses in her defense.  Back and forth they both flowed, although the tempo of the fight was clearly being set by the woman in black.  

Suddenly she drew D'Aylanna close, entwining both of her vibroblades' guards with the lightsaber in a lock.  "Don't worry, you shall st--!" She cut off, screaming as D'Aylanna spit directly in her eyes, blood and spittle not only blinding her but also (more importantly) momentarily stunning the woman.  It gave D'Aylanna an opportunity.

Noticing that her opponent's neck was not armored, she struck at the woman's throat with folded knuckles.  Had the woman not turned at the last second, D'Aylanna's strike would've crushed her larynx; as it was, the indirect blow still caused the woman to cough uncontrollably.  And it freed D'Aylanna's saber as well.

D'Aylanna recovered quickly, already swinging her saber in a tight orbit.  That's when the Force suddenly left her.  Even as shocked as she was, D'Aylanna did not miss a beat, cutting at her opponent's neck intent on decapitating her.

And she would have...had D'Aylanna's saber not stopped fast centimeters from the woman's throat.  Yet that did not deter the diminutive Speaker.  Releasing the lightsaber, she threw a flurry of hard offensive strikes at the woman, courtesy of D'Aylanna's mastery of Teräs Käsi.  Lightly armored as she was, the woman could shrug off much of D'Aylanna's fierce attacks...but not all.

Still, D'Aylanna could feel her legs shaking, arms heavy with effort.  Sweat matted her bangs to her forehead as she gulped in as much air as she could get into her lungs.  She--or more appropriately her body--had been listless for too long and the mere days of physical therapy were insufficient the task to rejuvenate her to full recovery.  It was amazing that she'd lasted as long as she had.

However that changed in a moment.

Suddenly the woman screamed in rage, encasing D'Aylanna in an invisible block of solid air, stopping the tiny woman's assault.  D'Aylanna strained against these new bonds but to no effect.  Collecting herself after a few seconds, the woman in black slowly approached D'Aylanna with a look of anger, disdain, and satisfaction.  "That...was almost impressive." She backhanded D'Aylanna, hard.

Aside from the initial muted grunt, she made not a sound, instead staring daggers at the other woman from an otherwise blank and bloodied face.

Scoffing, the woman removed her mask, using the Force to increase the room's illumination, giving D'Aylanna the first good look of the woman in black.  It was then that the Hapan master noticed that those were not the only similarities that the two of them shared.

She was short though D'Aylanna was shorter still.  They both had dark, almond-shaped eyes, brown skin punctuated by exotic looks and midnight blue hair.  Taken together, this was indicative of one particular location in the galaxy.

The Hapes Cluster.

Although she was shocked, D'Aylanna hid it well.  "Why now?" She quietly asked without preamble.  Oddly, that question sent the other woman into a barely controlled frenzy.

"'Why now? Why now?!'" Fury contorted her beautiful face into something fearsome.  "You...you have the utter temerity to ask that?  AFTER WHAT YOU'VE DONE?!"  Balling up her fists, her arms exploded into movement, quick, potent strikes slamming into D'Aylanna's stomach.  Even as strong as she was, the tiny Hapan master almost immediately succumbed to the onslaught, especially given the weakened state of her body.  The only reason that she did not crumple onto the floor was that she was still held up aloft by bonds made of the Force.

D'Aylanna knew that she was close to losing consciousness but by pure force of will she made herself speak.  "What...what is it you accuse me of doing?" Though she spat out the last through gritted teeth, her face was otherwise inscrutable.

The other woman shook her head in disbelief.  "Incredible.  You mean to say that you haven't the intestinal fortitude to take responsibility of your actions?"  She scoffed, the derision she felt written across her face.  "No wonder you ran away, coward."  Clenching her fist, she Pulled D'Aylanna through the air towards her.  Stopping mere centimeters from her face, the woman stared deeply into D'Aylanna's dark eyes, searching.  Whatever she saw, she seemed to change her mind.  "Well, cousin--" She emphasized, "--at least part of your plan succeeded: the code that you wrote worked."  She smiled but it reached not her eyes.  "But you missed your intended target."  Smile twisted into a sneer.  "Obviously."

Faster than D'Aylanna could see, the woman's fists flew through the air in a flurry, striking the smaller Hapan woman many times about the abdomen and her face.  D'Aylanna promised herself that she would not give in, that she would not make any sounds.
 Sadly, spirit could only take one so far.  Feeling mauled, she hung her head insensate, held aloft only by her wrists.  After the brutal beating that she'd taken, D'Aylanna felt the darkness of oblivion begin to inundate her.

But not before three things happened.

The first was the woman's final statement to her:  "Instead, you took from me my youngest sister...she wasn't just a noncombatant...she was an innocent...and your Trojan code killed her, you tralk." Her whispered tone was in marked contrast to the fury she'd displayed before.

But that wasn't what made D'Aylanna's blood run cold.

The second thing that occurred--and by far the worse--was that as D'Aylanna lost consciousness, she knew the absolute truth of the woman's accusations against her: she was entirely guilty, having implemented that as part of her escape plan from Hapes Prime all those decades ago...

...The sins of her forgotten past had been given life to torment her in the here-and-now.

D'Aylanna's last thought--the third thing--was that no matter what had occurred, it was her and her responsibility alone for the deaths of those that her impetuous actions had caused...and that her Shakal and her Dear One would turn away from her in disgust if they knew the truth...
______________________________________________________________________________________________
2: As seen back in Retrieval CH.14, part III: http://www.saberforum.com/index.php?topic=41678.msg797392#msg797392
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

Lord_S_Gray
Knight Commander
*

Force Alignment: 428
Posts: 1903



« Reply #12 on: October 09, 2022, 12:14:08 AM »

T’Atyanna is so very right…and yet so very wrong.

Did D’Alyanna’s actions kill A'Hgniya – yes.  Was it intended? No. Does it matter? Probably not.  Even with the promise of the Cataphracts aid from Alcyorr, it seems nothing can save her now, least of all perhaps from her own sense of guilt.

Will she even get the chance to explain…that remains to be seen. What would Zearic and Jorya think – I suspect they would be more understanding than she anticipates but at the moment they have more immediate issues chasing what seems to be a red herring to their deaths.

And great pic editing by For once again bringing a visual element to the already great descriptions Dutch has crafted of the ambush and the bloody desperate fight that followed.

Metanote

Interesting little thought of D’Alyanna connecting the Black Armours to Ari’s People so long ago.  This is a great little reminder that the ‘reader’ knows more than the characters and correctly so.  D’Alyanna has only circumstantial evidence the two groups are related, strong evidence it may be, but unconfirmed - especially as she has never personally encountered either – and she is the only one who could work out a connection (Well possibly the Cataphracts given they hold their own unique histories independent of those altered by Kazic).  Too often authors ‘forget’ that the characters don’t have all the information the reader does especially over such an extended mythology as the Forumverse has developed!  
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Lord_S_Gray

Surik: "Kreia, what are you—are you a Jedi, a Sith?"
Kreia: "Does it matter? Of course it does, such titles allow you to break the galaxy into light and dark, categorize it. Perhaps I am neither, and I hold both as what they are, pieces of a whole."

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


Avatar courtesy of For Tyeth


« Reply #13 on: October 16, 2022, 09:46:32 PM »


Chapter 4: Secrets of Necessity and Opportunity, part I
"...But if you DON'T help Father and I, it won't matter a damn how you feel; you'll both die right here, right now with us!" Jorya half pleaded, half-castigated the two mental shards that had partially possessed her.  They were her tormentors, her jailers, her adversaries...

...And her (and Father's) ONLY hope.

If they'd had eyes, Jorya knew that they would've shared a look between the two of them, Gaetana and Kadmaur.  As soon as she'd mentioned the Pupil-structure acting similar to a gravity well, she'd felt the pull upon her mind indicative of one of the Shard's mental possession.  And for Jorya, it was akin to a flashing beacon: the two Shards had at least as much to lose as she did.  

So she gambled.

"I know that at least one of you has the knowledge to help us get out of this," She said, baiting them.  "Help me!" The pleading in her tone was unfeigned.

Both the Kadmaur Shard and the Gaetana Shard hesitated.

But only for the briefest of moments.

Saying nothing, they stepped forward...or at least that was how Jorya thought of such; in reality, there was nothing tangible that occurred for Jorya except that during the time that it took for her and the Shards to come to consensus, Father had thrown himself between her and the arcing lightning blast.  And in that fraction of time following their decision, both Shards projected their power to protect Jorya's body.

It also gave Jorya the opening she needed to regain full control of her body, preoccupied as they'd both be.  Slowly, surreptitiously she acted.

By the time that the Shards noticed, it was too late for them.


          <<<<< >>>>>

The lightning bolt hit Zearic in the back as he wrapped his arms around his adoptive daughter.  For a split second, he could feel the incredible power of the electrical assault even as his Cataphract armor mitigated much of it.  But not all.  As the lightning coursed through his body, his muscles involuntarily contracted, jaw clenching so tightly that his jowls felt as if they had torn.  As the energy traveled to his heart, it caused the organ to lurch in his chest as if it would explode.  Unsurprisingly, his last thoughts were of his family.

Ironic given the circumstances.

Using a power that was not hers, Jorya projected a Force Shield outward, enveloping both herself and Father, effectively cutting off the lightning shooting through his body.  Using the two Shards like batteries, she drew deeply from them both, strengthening the Shield while reasserting her ego to control her body.  Her plan successful, the two Shards were not only taken unawares but were now completely powerless to Jorya's will.  Which was for the good; she needed every iota of effort to now maintain the Shield.

The lightning arc that had shot forth from the structure was now held at bay by the reinforced efforts of Jorya and both Shards...but only barely.  Jorya knew that unless the attack soon relented, she too would be overwhelmed, power-assist or no.

After what seemed like a lifetime, the lightning abruptly disappeared.  And none too soon: the structure now loomed large in the broken transparisteel canopy, drawing the gunship ever closer.  Knowing that the controls were unresponsive, she drew deeply from the font of the Force that the Shards had provided.  Not only that, but she'd also "glimpsed" the knowledge of both Shards, giving her insight that she otherwise would never have possessed.  

With that in mind, she Pulled on the ground opposite the Wraith's trajectory while simultaneously Pushing against the enormous structure they were on a collision course towards.  Jorya knew that by herself she would never have had the power (or knowledge) to accomplish what she was attempting.  But with her using the two Shards as amplifiers, she felt like they had a chance.

With sweat dripping down her face, she continued to Push and Pull as the gunship finally slowed, a small cloud of smoke rising from the nose of the canopy.  Almost immediately afterwards the gunship's proximity sensor sounded as control was restored to the panel in front of her.  Smiling tightly, she jumped into the pilot's seat.

Slamming the controls, Jorya piloted the Wraith to a full stop.  Worried that the ship's controls might lock her out once again, she hurriedly flew towards the relative center of the structures, finally setting the ship down on the grassy flatlands as quickly as she could.

Relieved, Jorya then focused everything into Healing into Father's body where he'd collapsed on the deck.  "Father?  Father!  Please, wake up!" She said worriedly, noticing that Zearic's armor was not performing any of its auto-functions.  Manually checking her Father's armor's auto-doc function, the app showed that his heart was suffering from severe atrial fibrillation.  Her fingers flew over the armor's input quickly where, once finding what she was looking for, she engaged the cardioversion procedure.  An electrical charge pulsed through Zearic's heart trying to normalize his heartbeat.  Jorya bit her lip, hoping that the cardioversion worked.

Unfortunately, after several increasingly powerful shock-pulses were ineffective, Father's heart failed going into complete arrest.

"No, Dad!  C'mon dammit!" She shouted, her Force Healing not working either.  She'd used too much of her strength, first in maintaining the shield around them (even drawing the lightning away from the ship itself) and then trying to stop the Wraith from crashing into one of the structures.  Jorya tried to concentrate, tears beginning to run down her orange cheeks.  "Please, Dad!  Wake up!" She screamed.

But it was no use; she was too exhausted and she no longer had access to the Shards' power.

...NO...! She raged inwardly, gritting her teeth.  She would not succumb to defeat.  Taking a calming breath, she refocused herself.  Once again consulting Father's armor systems, she found what she was looking for.  Keying the program, her face was a mask of determination, tears now forgotten.  ...Please, Maker, please...save Dad... She prayed.

To her eyes, it seemed as if nothing had happened.

But what she heard was completely different: as she enabled another of the Cataphract armor's auto-doc programs, a nano-needle was injected directly into Zearic's heart.  Once done, a combination of poly-bacta and pure adrenaline was shot into the still organ.  The result was instantaneous.

Gulping in a haggard breath, Zearic sat bolt-upright and, coughing, his hands involuntarily scratched at his chest.  Or at least he tried to, the heavy Cataphract cuirass prevented him from doing anything other than ineffectively grinding nano-polymer metal against itself as his armored gloves scratched at his breastplate.

"Thank the Maker!  Dad!" Kneeling, Jorya wrapped her arms around Father as far as they would go, forehead touching his as she told him a version of what had happened: he'd saved her from the lightning and, with the ship's controls released, she'd been able to pilot the Wraith to relative safety (there was no mention of Shards, reinforced Force Shields, or impossible Force Pushing/Pulling, a fact that--had Jorya not been occupied by her Father's near-death--she would've immediately questioned).  Instead, she was too happy, too thankful!, to think overmuch on it.  

Tears--this time of joy--filled her eyes.  As she continued to hug him he raised a large, heavy hand to gently touch her arm, an exhausted, pained, and bittersweet ghost of a smile playing across his lips.

"...s'okay, Dear One...I'm okay..." He quietly repeated, the effects of the poly-bacta, adrenaline, Jorya's Healing, and the lightning damage leaving him somewhat delirious.  But he was cogent enough to know that they were still in danger.  "Jorya...we...we need to...need to get out of here..." He whispered.  ...Think dammit...! He admonished himself.

"I know, Dad.  But we need to make sure we're not attacked by those lightning structures again." She said, trying again to apply her Force Healing.  While she didn't have the same Talent for Healing that Mother did, her skill was not insignificant...but she was still unsteady from earlier.  Nevertheless, even in her weakened state she saw now that her Healing was helping Father.  Pouring every gram of strength left in her she redoubled her efforts, seeing the bags under his eyes soon fade, the hollow, sunken look to his face disappear.  

Soon afterwards, all of the microtears in his muscles knitted together, leaving Zearic much more cognizant...and Jorya beyond weary and almost completely drained of her stamina.  Not that she complained; Jorya considered the trade more than fair.  Telling her Father so, she started to slide down onto the deck.  "...now...I...saved...you...Dad..." She smiled, her voice losing all volume as she fell insensate.

Before she completely collapsed, Zearic caught her in his thick arms.  Quickly Delving her, he relaxed when he saw her breathing slowly but regularly, her heartbeat steady and strong.  Then he carefully lifted her bodily, armor and all.  He keyed one of the med-hammoks open and tenderly rested her down onto it.  That done, he sat down, taking a moment to assess their situation.

Jorya had landed them in the middle of the grasslands, the Pupil's structures surrounding them in the distance, even now shooting lightning towards the horizon.  Not a good place to be.

And he'd led them right into a trap.

Giving his head a brief shake, he dispelled the self-admonishment that threatened to overwhelm him.  He couldn't afford that, not here and not now.  Forcing himself to calm down, Zearic worked the events of the last hour through his mind.  

The evidence left at the Kage's Apartments had been placed deliberately.  Knowing that, he presumed that there must be something at the structure that had caused the lightning to suddenly target them.  But the loss of their controls meant that their ship had been tampered with as well.  Without calling ahead for pre-flight, they'd spent a much longer time on the ground before actual liftoff...

Although he still felt weak, Zearic made himself stand and, grabbing one of the scanner-nodes and toolkits from their locked wallslots, went outside to inspect the surface of the Wraith.  Further in the distance, the structures making up the Pupil of the Eye intermittently erupted forth with a barrage of lightning, each one towards the sky surrounding the area.  But every subsequent time it did so further and further away, much to Zearic's relief.  He got to his scanning right away.

And while he was certainly worried about what he'd find, a small, nagging thought in the back of his mind refused to give up the ghost...

As hurt as he'd been, how was it that he was in as good of shape as he was now?  Sure, part of that was from the poly-bacta and his daughter's Healing but...it didn't account for everything.  Even more unnerving, he knew at least one factor: his unknown ancestry.  Yet even that didn't explain it al--

The chiming of the scanner-node broke through his reverie.  Zeroing in on the culprit, he scrutinized the subtle-but-now-obvious addition to the underside of the nose of the canopy: it was an ovoid rectangular dark panel no larger than his hand, maybe a centimeter thick...

...And it was completely black, carbon scored as if from a sustained lightning strike.  Which it probably had been.  "...shavit..." He whispered, his mind now racing in a different direction.  This was no doubt courtesy of the woman in black.

He cursed himself as a fool; she'd been a step ahead this entire time.  But why?

He inhaled sharply, a cold, shearing fear shooting up his spine.  What would have happened had Jorya not been here?  Holding no illusions, Zearic knew he'd be dead if not for his daughter's ministrations: the lightning had obviously fried his armor's  autonomous medical functions.  If Jorya hadn't physically inputted the commands...

Trying not to think about it, he worked as carefully as he could trying to remove the device.  The worst part was that he had no idea if it possessed a self-destruct program...but he doubted it.  Figuring that such would be redundant (or so he hoped), he called his Nocte dagger to his hand.  Using the thin black blade to slide it underneath the panel, he paused.  ...Sometimes you've got to roll a hard twelve... He thought, squinting his eyes even as the transparent nano-polymer helmet sealed his armor completely.  Expecting an explosion, he levered the Nocte's blade intent on prying the panel loose.

Almost soundlessly, the panel fell to the grass, inert (having accomplished its dedicated purpose).

Releasing a breath he hadn't realized that he'd been holding, Zearic allowed himself to relax.  ...Well, that's one down... He told himself.

Unfortunately, now came the truly difficult part.

          <<<<< >>>>>
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

TheDutchman
Knight Commander
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Force Alignment: 1106
Posts: 4131


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« Reply #14 on: October 16, 2022, 09:47:08 PM »


Chapter 4: Secrets of Necessity and Opportunity, part II
When Jorya had landed the Wraith, she'd set the gunship down almost equidistant from the surrounding structures.  It was brilliant piloting, Zearic admitted, especially given the circumstances.  Of course, it also made it a longer distance for him to return but he did not want to chance triggering another attack (even if he'd taken care of the panel).

Briefly checking on his daughter and ensuring that she was resting as comfortably as possible, Zearic donned his robes over his armor, grabbed his lightsaber, scanner-node, and toolkit.  Finally, he covered his head with his thick hood before making the almost kilometer-and-a-half journey.

Although it was calmer within the Eye than through the Everstorm, "calmer" was only a relative comparison: strong wind gusts would often buffet Zearic as he trudged his way towards the structure, enormous sheets of rain would inundate him one moment, only to be gone completely the next.  Small, dark clouds of vapor hung in the air dotting the grassy landscape the closer he got.  All the while, miniature lightning events would flash all around him, testament to the ionized atmosphere surrounding the area.

Thankfully, each step that he took was one closer to his target.

As the structure loomed larger, the top torus ring over 300 meters above his head, he slowed as he approached.  Would the lightning once again strike at him or had that required the device that he'd removed from the Wraith's nose?  He doubted that his armor could save him from any further direct strikes, at least not in the shape that it was now.  Unfortunately, all of his worries hinged on the assumption that the structure had reacted to the device and not Zearic, Jorya, or the ship.

...Well, someone must've done something to the structure to get it to do that... He surmised, which implied that they too would've been exposed like he now was.  Regardless, he was tired of having to count on a roll of a chance cube for good luck...

...I didn't come all this way to run back now... He mused.  Besides, he didn't know if the same thing wouldn't happen again if he were to try and leave with the Wraith.  Ultimately it was moot; Zearic knew that he'd already made the decision as soon as he'd saw that Jorya was safe.

He would keep her safe, no matter the cost.

Step by step, he drew ever closer, keeping his eyes open and his scanner-node alert.  From the corner of his eyes, he was aware that the other structures had also gone silent.  He just hoped that whatever cycling for the structures' lightning was a long time off, especially for the one that he approached.

Suddenly he found himself standing before it.

The colossal stanchion that made up the base on either side was as wide as the Wraith, the biomechanical beams seemingly grown directly from the ground itself.  Granite, dirt, and various crystals were incorporated throughout without any hint of a power source.

Zearic found it incredibly disconcerting.

Knowing that he had no time to waste, he scanned the stanchions' base, going up as high as the device's range would allow him while also scrutinizing with his eyes for any visual.

Nothing. 

Disheartened, he started at once towards the opposite girder.  Even as large as the structure was, Zearic had to travel almost 100 meters to the other side, beginning his scans as soon as he could.

It took less than 30 seconds but he finally found what he was looking for.  There, about two meters above the ground, a large divining fork with a single, thick tine had been attached.  ...Of course... He thought.  With the fork pointing outwards instead of upwards, the electricity would follow the path of least resistance.

All that was required was a component piece to help complete the circuit.  ...That damned panel... Zearic cursed.  If he'd had any doubts before, the discovery of the divining fork had completely dispelled them.

Consulting the scanner-node, he saw where the fork had been attached to the thick stanchion.  Keying open the toolkit, he removed the largest hydrospanner.  Reaching up, he tested the locking mechanism before securing the 'spanner against the lockbolt.  And turned.

Or rather he tried but it refused to move.

Slowly inhaling, he braced himself against the ground.  For long seconds, the 'spanner refused to budge, the miniature servos in his armor beginning to squeal in protest.  Obviously, whomever had locked this device on had had more strength than even your average Wookie, probably a utility power-droid or the like.  With Herculean effort, armor-assisted muscles strained absent any immediate result... With a sudden lurch, the 'spanner finally released the lockbolt, the tool now free to revolv--

Behind him, a lightning flash illuminated the sky.  After several seconds, the peel of thunder rumbled through the air.  ...oh shavit... He worried, mind racing with how much time he might have left.  Minutes?  Seconds?  He just didn't know...

Another flash, this time a little brighter, drew his attention slightly to the west of his position.  Perhaps it was going to mis--

Thunder, louder this time, rolled over him.  It also broke through his shock; now powered by an urgency, Zearic tried to hurry it up with the 'spanner as he rotated the tool 'round and 'round.

More flashes, each one brighter than the last, began to cast shadows.  And with each flash, the time between the lightning and the thunder was markedly less.

Frantic, he made himself relax.  ...Slow is steady; steady is fast... His father's voice reminded him, Kazic's knowing red eyes seeing everything.  Or at least how Zearic remembered it.  The 'spanner was turning faster now, a couple of revolutions every minute, although the bracing of the fork was still flush with the structure's surface.  ...What in the Nine Hells...

Lightning, this time an arcing bolt several kilometers long, stabbed the sky to the east.  Judging by the distance, Zearic knew that it had originated from one of the nearest structures.  He knew that time was running short; he had to hurry!

Each slow revolution of the 'spanner finally revealed the several centimeters-thick bolt attaching the fork assembly to the stanchion.  Encouraged, Zearic continued to rotate the tool, the 'spanner now flyi--

With an abrupt halt, the 'spanner stuck in place.

Fighting down panic, Zearic tried to get the tool moving, all to no avail.  Even with the armor's power-assist, the 'spanner refused to move another millimeter. 

That's when he felt the hair on the back of his neck stand straight.  ...Kriffing frell...! He thought, suddenly feeling the electricity in the air.  Disjointed thoughts raced through his mind as he fought to keep the panic from taking over.

Then the stanchion began to glow from within.

Knowing that he had no more time, Zearic acted by instinct.  Calling his lightsaber to his hand, he ignited the blue-white plasma blade.  In the same motion, he arced the lightsaber through the air, cutting the protruding metal fork-tine from the assembly.  Before the tine even hit the ground, Zearic was running away as fast as he could, returning his saber back to his belt.

He had two worries: 1) that him cutting the fork assembly would cause some kind of detonation and 2) that the structure's lightning cycle would start prematurely.

Meter after meter that he put between him and the large girder assuaged him of the first of those concerns while simultaneously worsening the second.

Of which he was unfortunately correct.

About 40 meters from the structure, a blazingly bright flash of light drown out everything behind him.  Not stopping, Zearic dove towards the ground, rolling to his stomach and attempting to make himself as flat as he could.

That's when the concussive blast roared through the air above him, sound so intense that it shook the teeth in his head even through his enclosed helmet.  He felt more than saw the huge arc of lightning shooting through the air towards the cloud deck, an unbroken bolt of violet-blue energy that polarized his helmet's faceplate.  Even the ground shook around him.

But then silence.

For long moments he did not stir.  Ever so slowly, he looked around while checking that his extremities were intact, his armor undamaged.  And then, with adrenaline pumping through his system, he did something that surprised even him.

Zearic laughed.

It was humorless and borderline maniacal.  But he knew it to be the cathartic release that it was.  After a moment, he slowed his breathing, finally allowing himself the luxury of contemplation.

Yes, he'd been a fool...but thanks to his daughter, he'd survived the trap that had been set up for him.

Zearic smiled.  Now he had an advantage, one that he kept thinking about as he made his way back to the Wraith.  Careful to wake Jorya, he completed the systems checks for the gunship, plans taking form as he worked all the while hoping one thing...

Whomever had done this would not be expecting him when he returned.
Logged

Sig courtesy of DarthScrub

Cataphract Triarch of the Vhal'Dan

My sabers:Zearic's Aldrnari, Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, AS; Zearic's shoto, Apprentice v4 w/Obsidian, AS; Graflex SE w/Obsidian, GB; Archon v3 (modded w/ activation box) w/Obsidian, CG; Dark Sentinel v4 w/Obsidian, BR; Sentinel LE v4 w/Obsidian, GB; Initiate v5 w/Obsidian, AS; Sentinel LE v4 stunt, EG; Aeon LE v4 stunt, FO; Dominix v4 stunt, BR; Aeon v3 stunt, SY

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