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Session Two - From the Fleshy Mouth of Xamar; Xamar's Perspective on Session II
Topic Started: Jan 9 2011, 11:50 PM (747 Views)
Dave

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Gnomeo Knibbleschnitz
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Here is some in between stuff that I wrote up, as well as the beginning of the next session. I deliberately left out a lot of things in the previous writings that made it into my own draft, so you may not get all of the references. I'm happy to fill people in as many of our secrets are now revealed. Well, maybe not all...

Getti and Xamar sliced through the security on the dark lord’s transport. They flew out to get the Asyyyriak from the cover it was in, and they flew both ships back to the base. There was no sign of trouble from the Sith cruiser in space that both crafts easily detected.

The trip was difficult. There was an awkward tension between the two. Xamar would never doubt the Wookie’s loyalty to him. Prior to this, he would never even think to question his integrity. But he knew that racial prejudice made people do things that would normally not be in their character. And the hatred between Wookie and Trandoshan ran deep.

He wanted to ask him if he did it. He wanted to plead with his friend, and find out that he was above reproach. But in his heart, there was doubt. And because of that doubt, he remained silent. He just wasn’t sure if he could trust his co-pilot anymore. And that was a dangerous place to be.

Everything about this experience was dangerous. He had no one he could trust. He hated the Jedi. He liked the Mandalorian, but he didn’t trust Xamar. And his supposed best friend may have just fired on an ally in the middle of battle. What was he to do?

He landed the Asyyyriak in the compound, and rapidly fled the presence of Getti. He wandered aimlessly. He reached quarters that appeared to belong to the Sith. The Khil’s long hairless fingers tingled when he touched the door. But it wasn’t the dark foreboding sensation of evil. It was… something different. And it called to him.

With his background as a scoundrel, and on rare occasion, a smuggler, Xamar didn’t have much difficulty slicing through the door’s security. It would probably be wise to have one of the Jedi with him, or even his friend, but Xamar was feeling reckless. And there was something about this that felt right.

There was a writing desk with a computer console in the center of the room. And on it were two pyramidal objects. One was glowing softly with a red light, and the other glowed green. Drawn to the green one, Xamar reached out and picked it up. His fingers received a small electrical jolt as he touched it. It wasn’t damaging, it was just startling. Was this what he thought it was? And if it was, did he want any part of it?

Quickly, Xamar put the object in his pocket and fled. He was going to have a long night ahead of him.

* * *

He really wasn’t sure about this. This was almost certainly a holocron, and he found it in the office of a Sith Master. Nothing good could come about this. Nonetheless, deep within the recesses of his ship, in an area that was inaccessible to the others, except maybe Getti were he to know where to look, Xamar opened himself to the force and approached the object.

“May you follow your Will,” a voice greeted.

There was a corporeal head floating above the pyramid. It was Ithorian, and appeared to be male.

“You are not Sith,” Xamar said questioningly.

“Neither are you. I am pleased that you have removed me from the presence of that one.”

“Then you are Jedi.”

“No. I am not. Neither are you,” the voice said, and Xamar was truly puzzled.

Jedi and Sith alike have been known, on occasion, to create holocrons. These devices were a sort of teaching journal and surrogate master to those who sought to learn the ways of the Jedi or Sith from an old master. Some Sith have been known to infuse their very nature into the devices. Xamar had never heard of a non-Jedi or non-Sith making a holocron.

“Who are you?”

“My name is Brog Valdu, and I am here to instruct you on your will and the Will of the Force. I differ from the Jedi, who in their arrogance seek to make the force serve them, and the Sith, who seek to make all of the galaxy serve them. What I teach is different from those things. But it is truth. And it is the Will of the Force that you are here. What is your name, my pupil.”

“Xamar Mindalusia,” he said without thinking.

“Then tell me, Xamar Mindalusia: Do you wish to begin tutelage in what is known as the Valduvian Tradition of the Will?”

Xamar began trembling. Is this what he has been looking for?

“I do.”

Pre-Session V

“So the Force controls us then?”

“No, my apprentice. The Force is a guide – a resource. But not a tool, and certainly not a puppet master, unless you allow it,” the voice of Brog Valdu, Ithorian Force Adept said to Xamar from within the holocron.

“I don’t like the idea of not being in control of my own destiny,” Xamar admitted.

“I do believe that we are in control of our own destiny,” Brog said, and the holocron did a fair job of recreating the stereo effect of the dual mouthed Ithorian vocalization. “But I also believe that we can give others control over us. And we can also give the Force control.”

“Is that what is best then? To give control to the Force?” Xamar spat incredulously, preparing himself for an arrogant lecture.

“That depends on how much you trust it,” Brog said nebulously. “If you trust yourself more, then do it yourself. Later on, look at the results and evaluate whether you chose wisely.”

“Did the Force guide you to create this holocron, master, and to break away from the Jedi order?” he asked in challenge.

Master Valdu closed his eyes for a moment. “Much has happened. At times, I feel as if what I did was right, even though the Force did not seem to give me inclination either way. Other times, I felt as if the Force and I were unified in our intent. And there were other times where I feel that I went against what was I believed was right, yet the Force seemed to will it,” with the last statement, there was a slight incongruity between the Ithorian’s dual mouths. Nonetheless, Xamar discerned the words easily.

“The Jedi speak of the Dark Side of the Force. Do you believe in both a Dark and Light Side?”

“That is the crux of it. And you have identified the most important issue: What or Whom do you serve? I believe the Force has light and dark in it. Which is why I am wary of giving myself over to it. If I give myself to the Force completely, and it guides me towards darkness, is that what I really want? Or even if the Force seemingly guides me towards light, is what it tells me truly right? And how can I tell the difference? Is the Force two separate entities warring against each other? Or two sides of the same coin? Can you give yourself to one side or the other, without the opposing side somehow influencing you as it is of the same essence?

“I believe in the power of choice, Padawan. That is probably the most important thing for me to teach you. Decide for yourself what is true and right. And once you do, confirm your findings, as a scientist would with observation and testing. Continually challenge and shape your suppositions. Then, live your life in accordance with your beliefs.”

* * *

Xamar didn’t always enjoy the time he spent with Brog Valdu, but he always left with something to think about. Being a pilot, the Khil had an abundance of time to think. Interstellar trips were days at a time with little to do but play games, talk with your co-pilot, and work out if your ship had a rec-room. Fortunately, the Asyyyriak had a fine rec-room. Every time that Xamar left his private quarters where he kept his holocron, he left with much to ponder. He just wished that they could get off of Felucia and back up in the stars to work it all out uninterupted.

Despite the time relating to the Force under Master Valdu’s guidance, the Khil found himself persisting with a mild edginess with the Force as a whole. He didn’t like it. He didn’t like some people having the power to control someone else with their mind, or the power to stop people from moving, or throw them around without touching them. It just didn’t seem right. And he didn’t like having those abilities himself.

Brog Valdu’s convictions on the Force seemed different. And surrounding Valdu’s instruction was the idea that we all have a choice, and we all have a mind. We need to use our mind to make our choices. He agreed that emotions should not guide our choices as the Sith seem to do, but neither did he feel that life should be devoid of emotion as the Jedi preach. Can arrogance be considered an emotion? Xamar wondered. If so, then these particular Jedi aren’t practicing what they preach. And so the young Khil found himself identifying more and more with what the Valduvian master was teaching.

Meanwhile, Xamar had a number of personal concerns to deal with. Weighing most heavily on his mind was his co-pilot. There was still no resolution to their issues, and Xamar’s present approach was avoidance. Typically, he had no trouble with confrontation, but Getti was his closest friend, and he felt obliged to be loyal to the Wookie. But how do you be loyal to someone who allegedly took a cheap shot at an ally in the middle of combat? Xamar was no friend to the Jedi, except maybe the Mandalorian, but there were better ways of doing things like that. Xamar did not want to be put in between Getti and the Jedi, knowing that what Getti did was wrong.

Aside of the conflict between Getti and the Jedi, what nagged at him in the back of his mind the most was the death mark that Darth Bandon had put on him. Something about that enraged the Khil. Xamar was a kriffin Sith Apprentice. How could one Sith Lord take out a contract on another Sith Lord’s apprentice? It was totally unacceptable. He couldn’t even have a drink in a pub without a bounty hunter finding him. It was no wonder that Xamar’s loyalty to his Sith master strayed when they treat their own like this. Of course, he did have a hand in killing two or three Siths since then, but the contract was taken prior to his mission to the Protector when they took out Kun.

And what about that fool Hutt that took the contract? Rumor had it that the Republic wanted this group of Jedi to go to Nal Hutta on a mission. While Xamar would much rather track down Darth Bandon, perhaps while on Nal Hutta, the Khil could pay a visit to this Tragan the Hutt. He had never heard of that particular slug, but how different could they be? He slowly massaged the long tendrils on the lower part of his face as he considered.

What weapons did he have to use against the Hutt? Obviously, he had a couple of blasters, some detonite and the Asyyyriak. But Xamar was pretty convinced that walking into a crime lord’s lair with his blasters drawn was probably not the best way of handling the situation. Space bombardment? Perhaps, but it would be difficult to confirm your kill. The Jedi were an option. Xamar could concoct some type of Sith alliance nonsense about Tragan supplying the Sith and enrage the malleable Jedi. Then they would walk in with lightsabers blazing and cut up some scum and villainy.

Overall, he didn’t like those ideas very much. For some reason, this fight was much more personal to him. Xamar had little respect for Hutts. Sure, they had a reputation for nefariousness, but in spite of that, he didn’t think much of them. They were conniving, and Xamar would even consider a few clever. But they were not largely intelligent, and none of them could boast of wisdom. Perhaps it was arrogance, but Xamar did not really consider any Hutt to be a match for him. Now it was time to prove it. And if he were to do so, he needed to develop a new weapon: Fear.

Pulling out his datapad, Xamar made an order for Droch’s, an insect from the planet of Meridian in the Outer Rim. Hutt’s considered Droch’s to be a delicacy. He placed the order with ‘Most Glorious Jewel Delicacies, Nar Shadda.’ He sliced the order a little, and made it out to be a gift delivered to Tragan the Hutt from Sulis, a servant of Darth Bandon. Sulis was a fictional persona that Xamar created. Now was for the tricky part. Coding in a few things, and using another fictitious persona – Telbruk Hougga of the ‘Most Glorious Jewel Delicacies, Nar Shadda’ – Xamar sent a message to a Droch dealer on Meridian demanding that their next shipment of Droch’s be fed exclusively Mon Calamari tarweed, a bulky herb product that is noted for its laxative properties. If all worked out as it should, Tragan would be delivered a shipment of Meridian Droch’s who had a high concentration of Mon Calamarian tarweed in their systems. And if Tragan ate like most Hutt’s did, he would have a rampaging case of diarrhea by week’s end. Mon Calamari tarweed took a day or two to be effective, and it wasn’t a poison – it was an unlicensed substance available without a doctor’s note at any herbalist. So it shouldn’t have a problem passing through inspection or examination.

Xamar smiled as he hit enter. It was a low risk proposition. Worst case scenario, Tragan would discover the attempt, not eat the Droch’s, and consider Xamar a fool, vastly underestimating him. But best case scenario, this would give Xamar an easy in on getting to the psyche of Tragan the Hutt. Well, maybe not the head, but somewhere close to it…

Pre-Session V

“I feel like a man with too many masters,” Xamar confided in Master Valdu. Slowly, Xamar gave more and more of himself to the holocron. With the conflict between he and Getti, it was really all that he could do. He had no one else to talk to. The Mandalorian was still mildly stand-off-ish and skeptical of the Khil. And he wasn’t the best of conversationalists. Plus, if things went the way that he planned, Xamar was very intent on killing the Mando’s mother.

“The solution to your problem is mastering yourself,” Brog said simply.

“I do feel out of control,” he admitted. “When I think about my position, it angers me. Is that ‘of the dark side?’” he asked with mild contempt.

The Ithorian paused, as if considering his words. “Anger is seldom profitable. But it can be useful, if you master it.”

Xamar blinked in surprise. It was not what he expected from the former Jedi. Perhaps that was why he liked him so much. “How?”

“Anger is of the dark side, but you can turn it into conviction. There is a reason that things make you angry. And often, that reason is sound. My personal anger over what I perceived was injustice is what made me what I am.”

“It’s hard to imagine you angry,” Xamar murmured.

“I was different in my youth, not that I am an elder now.”

“Tell me,” Xamar requested.

“Very well. Wars and rumors of wars loomed on the horizon. A human called Jori Daragon came to Odan-Dur with information regarding the Dark Jedi who had been banished centuries before. They ended up on a planet called Korriban…”

--------------------
5001 bby
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“What interesting colors,” Brog Valdu, Padawan to Master Antony Veld, said as their frigate Hope’s Journey came out of hyperspace in the Felucia system. The journey had taken several jumps and several days, but they had finally arrived.

“That is plain, Padawan,” Master Veld responded, “but what do you see with the Force?”

“Wow!” Brog whispered through one of his two Ithorian mouths. Even at a distance, the Force presenced of Felucia was nearly overpowering to the sensitive young Ithorian. It was difficult to discern the nature of the signature, however.

“Can you be more specific?” Antony asked with a hint of condescension.

“It’s… amazing. There is much emotion on the planet, but not all of it bad. There is an edge of darkness to it, but I do not believe it to be a bastion of the Dark Jedi.”

“And what do you know of the Dark Jedi, young Padawan?” his master asked, though Brog was nearly thirty – well into normal Ithorian adulthood. “Would you recognize them if you saw them?”

Brog bit on his left tongue to avoid snapping back at his master’s condescending tone. He had been studying under Master Veld for fifteen years since he was brought to Coruscant, and he always felt like a disappointment to the man. His skills in some of the more overt powers of the Jedi – telekinesis, holding individuals and lightsaber use, were not strong. But his more sensory skills – detecting the Force, discerning sources and its light or dark side potential – these were very strong. Nonetheless, it did not seem as if his master recognized that strength, being more focused on the more martial spectrum of the Force.

The Padawan considered his master, wondering how to respond. He was getting old enough that he bristled under his constant criticism, and the lack of any kind of praise. He knew that he wasn’t the most skilled Jedi, but surely he didn’t do everything wrong. He also knew that this was most likely their last mission together. He had been told as much before they left. Brog Valdu expected, on their return to Coruscant, to be put up for the trials to become a Jedi Knight without his master’s full approval. It was a sort of compromise, for though Brog was not completely bereft of Force abilities, he was not thriving under his master. Thus the Council and Master Veld agreed to let Brog take the trials, and let his abilities speak for themselves. It was no secret that Antony Veld expected his learner to fail.

Knowing that his time with Master Veld was nearing a close, the Ithorian decided not to dispute the human. Instead, he asked, “You suspect that the the Dark Jedi will be here? So you believe the rumors?”

The human snorted. “Yes. Jedi Knight, Odan-Urr, has had recent visions, predicting the return of the the Dark Jedi. And, though you may not be aware of this, a young girl recently found Odan-Urr while he was with Empress Teta on Korlus. The girl indicated that the the Dark Jedi were massing grand fleets near Korriban with their native Sith population in preparation for an invasion of the core.”

“I am not familiar with Korriban. Is it near the Parlemian trade Route?”

“It’s not far from here, actually,” Veld said. “Felucia is between Kothlis and Korriban.”

“And with the powerful Force signature on Felucia, you suspect that the the Dark Jedi have made contact?”

“Perhaps. So what is your impression of our mission, Padawan?”

“We are to contact the Felucian natives and search for Force sensitives among them. We are to organize any who wish to travel to Coruscant to train as Jedi,” Valdu responded.

“Once again, your impression?”

“Well, it seems odd.”

“Why is that?”

“You are a Sentinel, master, not a recruiter. I mean no offense, but it does not seem like the kind of job that you usually… are sent on.”

“I was not sent, Padawan. I volunteered. Do you know why?”

Brog considered. He opened himself to the Force, and instantly, a vison of Antony Veld’s desires flashed before his eyes. Hundreds of blue-green skinned Felucians in Jedi robes marched behind Master Veld, all bearing lightsabers. And an army stood before them of literally thousands of red skinned warriors arrayed in scarlet and black. The Sith. Both armies were comprised of Force sensitives.

“You’re here to make an army.”

Antony smiled as Hope’s Journey approached Felucia. “You are observant, young Padawan. What do you know of the Sith?”

“Nothing. Just what you mentioned that they are from Korriban.”

“Well, our intelligence is limited, but from what Odan-Urr’s contact on Korlus said, the natives of Korriban are largely Force sensitive. It appears that the Dark Jedi who were defeated during the Hundred-Year Darkness have migrated there. And there, they have been building an army to return to the Republic to exact their vengeance.”

Shock coalesced in Brog’s soul. “Why isn’t this being trumpeted across the Holonet?” he demanded. “The Republic should be preparing to respond!”

“Well, the source, Jori Daragon, a hyperspace explorer, was considered to be unreliable. She had an outstanding record for providing inaccurate hyperspace data, and was wanted by authorities on a number of worlds, including Koros.”

“So why do you believe her?”

“Odan-Urr may be a philosopher at best, but he is wise in the ways of the Force. And I respect his master, Ooroo. Odan-Urr has been given a vision by the Force. Force visions are not to be spurned lightly. He has told the council that he has seen an invasion by these ‘Sith,’ and Daragon has corroborated that information separately.”

“You’ve had visions also, master.”

“Yes. I have. I have seen myself leading an army of Felucians against these so-called Sith. And if my, excuse me, if the Felucian army is successful, a great war can be quelled.”

“And if not?”

“Then darkness will reign over the galaxy, Padawan.”

“The light has defeated the dark before, master. I believe it will do so again.”

“Aye, Padawan. And it is because of masters like me that the light will prevail.”

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

“Your master sounds like the typical Jedi,” Xamar observed scornfully. “His arrogance permeates every word. I can see why you would become angry with him.”

“Well, it wasn’t necessarily just Master Veld that I became angry with. Note this, padawan, do not let a person’s attitude anger you, for there are reasons for a persons’ disposition. If there is a worthy focus for ones’ anger, let it be the actions of others, and not their words.”

A beep from Xamar’s datapad interrupted the meeting. Xamar looked down. “My apologies, Master, I have something to attend to. It is my… other master.”

“Master yourself, young one, and you will have the power to break the chains that bind you. When you are prepared, return to me, and I will continue my stories and my instructions.”

Xamar turned the holocron off. It was odd to him that a machine seemed to have such personality. He wasn’t sure if that was normal for holocrons or not. He worried some about the intent of the machine, and the purpose of it. He truly did not like to be mastered by anyone, including an object. And he wasn’t quite sure that the power that the holocron had was more intentional than he would normally expect.

Nonetheless, Brog Valdu’s holocron was a tool – a resource. That was how Xamar had to think of it. Just like his other masters. He needed to make them his servants. And so it was that he had contacted Hannah, his Sith Master.

“Why did you contact me?” her cold voice demanded. Her pale skin shimmered with a blue tinge like all images from his personal holoprojector. Xamar could easily sense her piercing yellow-sclera’d eyes. Instead of the typical white highlight that most humans had in their pupils, Hannah’s was strangely red.

“I seek your guidance and instruction, my master.”

“Proceed.”

“I seek to master and use my anger.”

“That is wise of you, my apprentice,” Hannah said, pleased with her pupil. “To whom is your anger directed? Not at my son?”

“Of course not, my master. You have appointed me his protector, and so I shall be.”

“Then your Jedi companions?”

“No, my master. They are not worthy of my anger or my hatred, only of my disdain.”

“Very good, then. Where is your anger directed then?”

“Tragan the Hutt, and his employer, Darth Bandon.”

“You would ask me to help you defeat my colleague amongst the Sith?” she asked incredulously.

“Darth Bandon is a fool. The Sith will be stronger should they be rid of them. And my master would then be able to take his place in the order. You are far better suited to his esteemed position than he.”

Despite her contempt, Hannah preened some under the praise. “Such is the way of the Sith, though my master does attempt to beat that out of us. Tell me, apprentice, do you view competition among the Lords as a strength of the Sith, or a weakness?”

The Khil closed his eyes for a moment, seeking an appropriate answer. “For the Sith to achieve its goals, we need to be strong. There is a place for competition and even cooperation. But whatever is done must be done to achieve the goals of the Sith as a whole, and not for personal gain. The Sith is greater than any one Lord,” Xamar said, hoping that Hannah could not detect the lack of conviction in his words, thankful that they were likely many light years apart, and her Force abilities would be diminished at this distance.

“You have grown and changed in the last few years, my apprentice,” Hannah observed. “Your initial recalcitrance regarding the Sith seems to be waning.”

Xamar smiled inwardly as he spoke his next words, “My experiences with the Jedi have taught me to be skeptical of everyone. They are not all that they claim to be, and thus are not worthy of my trust.” The Khil paused for a moment, then somewhat recklessly asked, “Have you changed, my Master? Does watching your son kill your husband, and then seeing him trained by the Jedi affect you?”

Hannah snorted. “What has happened has happened, apprentice. The Dark Side of the Force guides me, and I am its servant.”

“So your only master is the Dark Side then?” Xamar asked, a little too quickly.

“Aren’t we inquisitive, today, little Khil.”

Xamar calculated in his mind. He was still relatively new to Hannah’s service. Human’s, especially human women, had a tendency towards empathy, though he did not observe that often among Sith. Nonetheless, he took a gamble, using whatever weapons were at his command to attempt to find a crack in his master’s armor – a deficit in her defensive screen. “Why are you Sith, Master? Your son told me that you and your mate were once Jedi. Why did you choose the path of darkness?”

It was little more than a pause to swallow her saliva, but Xamar could tell that his verbal foray had scored a hit. Hannah bit the inside of her cheek, an action that the toothless Khil could not identify with, but easily identified as contemplative. It was as if she was remembering something she possessed long ago, but was lost to her. “Sometimes, my apprentice, our service to the dark side is chosen for us. You of all people should know that.”

Remembering his time on Trandosha, when he was ‘recruited’ by Hannah, Xamar replied, “Yes, my master.”

Nonetheless, he felt he scored a small victory with his master just now. Through victory, my chains are broken, he whispered to himself.

“Tell me again, my master, of the power of hate.”

Snapping out of her reverie, Hannah began, “One of the most powerful demonstrations of hate is Force Lightning…”
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Gnomeo Knibbleschnitz
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Session V – Preparation for Conflict.

Obviously, when I write this stuff, I will be chronicalling some of our conflicts. I cannot personally vouch for Xamar's impressions of what occured. He is a lonely, bitter, sarcastic Khil who is unhappy with his present situation, so he tends to be a little emo in his thoughts. He can relate to Eric's thief from my old campaign... Anyhow, if anything I write is offensive, bothersome, or downright ticks people off, let me know. I'm just writing for fun, and it's fun to blast the Jedi in prose, and if what I write/do isn't fun for everyone, then it no longer becomes fun for me.

Dramatis Persona

Xamar Mindalusia – Khil Scoundrel, Sith, and burgeoning Crime Lord.
Getudachoppa – ‘Getti’ – Wookie Scout and Soldier.
Kubla Kun – Human Mandalorian who is now under Jedi tutelage.
Oberon – Human Jedi. The appointed leader amongst the Jedi in this party.
Rainger - Trandoshan Jedi.
Koldan – Human Jedi.
Lothar – Human Mandalorian

Darth Hannah (Kun) – Sith Lord. Father to Kubla. Master to Xamar. Hannah has a pent up chip on her shoulder because her mother gave her a totally unacceptable Sith name. Obviously, Sith Lordship was not the life that Mrs. Kun’s mommy envisioned for her daughter when she was born, otherwise she would’ve gotten a cool name like “Puppy Choker” or “Amputator of Cat Tails.”


The second day after the conflict on Felucia, the Jedi Koldan arrived by shuttle, accompanied by Kubla’s brother, Lothar. Somehow, they had slipped by the Sith capital ship in orbit – the Blood Journey, and landed in the compound. Getti had managed, through his impeccable slicing, to call off the Sith fighters, claiming direction from Darth Kitian, the Sith they had slain a few days prior.

“Oberon,” Koldan greeted. “The Jedi Council is under duress, and they are requesting that you return to Coruscant immediately. Several masters have been slain, and the Senate is distressed.”

Oberon considered. “How long until Rainger can come out of the bacta tank…” the Jedi trailed off, unable to remember the Wookie physician’s name.

Today, Getti said, and Xamar translated.

“I am still curious as to what’s in those mines,” Kubla said, looking to the Wookie.

Crystals, Getti said, not offering anything more. The group did not press, still tense from the previous conflict, and still unsure of what exactly happened with the errant cannon.

“As soon as Rainger is out of the tank, I want to examine the caverns,” Oberon declared. He turned and left the chamber.

Kubla looked to Xamar and Getti, and said, “It may be wise to prep the mining equipment.” He then turned to follow his master.

As promised, Getti got Rainger out of the bacta tank a few hours later. The Trandoshan was still fatigued, and eyed the Wookie suspiciously as he tended to his medical lines and his many wounds - most of which were well healed now. Looking about, Getti summoned his protocol droid, and knelt before the recovering Trandoshan.

Then, braying in Shyriiwook, the droid translated, “Noble Jedi, I beg your forgiveness. It was I who turned the cannons on you in the middle of battle.”

All who were present gasped in alarm, wary of the Trandoshan’s reaction. Though the Jedi were known for their wisdom and self control, the racial prejudices and abundant conflict that had thus far been present in the group had the potential to erupt in the Trandoshan. Xamar slowly moved to Getti’s side, preparing to defend his companion should the Trandoshan seek vengeance. Within his forearms, several gears clicked, preparing to unleash a pair of weapons which were well suited for defense against a Jedi. “Why would you do such a thing?” Rainger asked, believing the Wookie.

“If you would let me explain. I confess that the explanation will not bring absolution, but perhaps if you were aware of why I did it, you would understand.

“My real name is Prince Getudachoppa Bacca, and I am the crown prince of Kashyyk.”

Again, the group sighed tensely. Even Xamar had been unaware of his co-pilot’s noble heritage. “Our planet is not as technologically developed as the rest of the galaxy, and we do not have a thriving economy. There is little that the rest of the galaxy values of us, except for our bodies, which the Sith have found use of as slaves. My father has had visions of a coming invasion. And he sent me out on a mission to rescue my people from the oncoming invasion.”

“Then why do you fly with this scoundrel instead of trying to defend your people?” the Trandoshan asked, becoming enraptured with the story.

“Well, my mission is to find arms and medical supplies for my people so we can be outfitted to defeat the oncoming Sith invasion. In addition, I am to obtain information on the Sith and their battle techniques, perhaps finding weaknesses in their approach to combat. My first attempt at doing so was stealing munitions from the Sith outpost that was in my system.”

“On Trandosha,” the Jedi observed, tensing somewhat due to his racial background, but relaxing as he realized that his people’s subservience to the Sith was not something he should defend.

“Yes, on Trandosha,” the droid translated for Getti. After another round of Shyriiwook braying, the droid continued, “Unfortunately, the Trandoshans captured me in my attempt. I entered into a deep depression as I realized that I would now be forced to serve the sworn enemies of my people, and my failure would result in a Sith victory over Kashyyk,” the droid paused, waiting for further words from the Wookie, who was as close as anyone had ever seen a Wookie to tears. He then spoke again, and the droid continued, “Before long, I was joined by another prisoner. A young Khil pilot who had been held for protesting when he did not receive what he felt was his fair share of the profits in his most recent munitions run. The pilot, who was clever and resourceful, came up with a plan for escape. We executed that plan,” the droid was interrupted by the Trandoshan.

“And you two escaped,” Rainger said, looking at Getti and Xamar, who had taken up position beside the Wookie.

“Not exactly,” Xamar said. “We failed miserably. We were captured and put back in prison. I was taken away to be… punished for my disobedience.”

When nothing more came from Xamar, who silently stared off, haunted by the memories of his captivity, Getti continued. “Getti was returned to me a few days later. When I saw what they had done to him, I was enraged. I attacked the guard and killed him, but simultaneously, he got me with his stun baton. I was knocked senseless, and when I woke up, I was on the Dark Hawk with Xamar at the helm.”

The group listened quietly as Getti explained. Then the Wookie continued, “I am now in a life debt to the Khil, and must discharge those duties before pursuing my mission.”

“So why did you shoot him, then?” Kubla asked, still distrustful of the traitorous Wookie.

“Well, on Kashyyk, we have Force sensitive Wookies, but they do not have lightsabers. They have been unable to leave the planet, instead, working on securing it from invasion, and applying what limited knowledge they have of the Force to defense of our world. I know that if I can provide them with lightsabers, perhaps we can stand up against the Sith Lords who are coming.”

“And when I did not surrender the crystals we found on the Protector, you viewed that as getting the way of your mission.”

“I thought that you were killing my people. I though that your prejudice against Wookies made you hate me, and I saw you as an agent in our destruction.”

“But how could I know?” the Trandoshan asked.

“You could not. I am truly sorry, and I ask for your forgiveness, and I submit myself to your judgment.”

“I’m sure I did not help things by threatening to kill you.”

Nor did you help by committing the very same thing that you were going to kill the Wookie for by running into battle against the plans we had made, Xamar thought to himself.

The Trandoshan Jedi looked down on the Wookie, who exposed his neck to the Jedi, expecting quick and merciful justice. The Jedi, however, obviously did not hold to the same standard that may be used on Kashyyk. The right thing would be to deliver Getti to the justice system on Coruscant. But instead, “Listen, there were many faults that went on between the both of us. Consider yourself forgiven, and we shall speak no more on this. In addition, I thank you for your careful ministrations on my behalf. You did much to heal the wounds you, and the Sith, have caused me.”

The group all bore a sigh of relief as Getti stood. The two did not embrace, and did not show warmth for each other, but a flicker of respect shone between them.
Edited by Gnomeo Knibbleschnitz, Feb 14 2011, 10:48 PM.
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Session V-II – Preparation for Conflict.

Dramatis Persona

Xamar Mindalusia – Khil Scoundrel, Sith, and burgeoning Crime Lord.
Getudachoppa – ‘Getti’ – Wookie Scout and Soldier.
Kubla Kun – Human Mandalorian who is now under Jedi tutelage.
Oberon (formerly Ayala) – Human Jedi. The appointed leader amongst the Jedi in this party.
Rainger (formerly Ratz) - Trandoshan Jedi.
Koldan (formerly Pav) – Human Jedi.
Lothar (formerly Garza) – Human Mandalorian


The mine was less than one hundred meters from the outpost. The Jedi boldly approached it and began moving the rocks that now covered the entrance. Getti did not object, though the tells of mild concern were evident in the Wookie. Before leaving the base, Getti had checked on the communication subroutines that had thus far prevented the Sith capital ship in orbit from checking in on them. While they worked, Xamar idly sliced into the Sith – now identified as Darth Kitian – shuttle computer and found the reason that he was so interested in the Felcian crystal mines.

Unknown to Xamar, there were many kinds of crystals used in the formation of lightsabers, and different crystals had different properties. There was one certain type of crystal that was black in color, and had the ability to absorb Force energy. From what Xamar could discern, the black crystal would trap the soul of any who used the Force to harm it or its bearer. All Light Side Energy in the attacker would be lost to the crystal, and what would be left would be a shade of an individual, without any goodness remaining. Xamar shuddered to consider what a legion of Sith could do with crystals like that. No wonder Getti wanted to seal off that chamber, especially with the questionable morality of the Jedi he was with.

Xamar considered his plight. He was hired to assist and transport the Jedi, and to gather information on what was occurring on Felucia. The crystals were probably necessary to corroborate what the Sith were doing here. In addition, if they were not dealt with somehow, then the Sith could return. The Khil walked outside and noted the progress that the Jedi were making in opening the mine. With a shrug of resignation, he got himself and Getti into giant mining suits to assist the Jedi.

There wasn’t too much to do when they got out to the mine. A little synth-plast here, a support girder there, and the mine was reopened. Xamar did note that Rainger lingered some over the area where Darth Kitian had fallen, and if the Khil was correct, it appeared as if the Trandoshan had taken the Sith’s lightsaber.

Once they entered the mines, Xamar was overwhelmed with the site. After about thirty meters, it seemed as if the entire cavern was covered in crystals. Immediately, Getti and Xamar set about mining some crystals. Apparently if the Jedi attempted to use their lightsabers, the crystals would explode, and they were reluctant to use their telekinesis to move the crystals due to the possible presence of the dark side crystals.

On more than one occasion, Xamar noted that one of the Jedi would walk by a crystal, and it would glow as if in response to the presence of the Jedi. The crystal would glow for only one Jedi, and at that point, the Jedi in question would direct Getti or Xamar to the spot to harvest the crystal in question. It was easy to note the excitement each of them had at finding these crystals.

They spent several hours mining. Eventually, the group split up and descended further down. Xamar walked by one of the walls, and two crystals within shimmered, one with an incandescent green, and the other glowed a golden yellow. The Khil backed away quickly in fear. He suspected that certain lightsaber crystals would respond to certain Force sensitives. And he did not want any of the party, save Getti, knowing of his abilities. Xamar looked about and called out to Oberon, “Knight Oberon, something seems funny about these crystals. Are they the ones we’re looking for?” he asked, pointing at the crystals that responded to him. And as Oberon approached the crystals, Getti followed behind him. True to form, the crystals began glowing in Xamar’s presence, but he positioned Oberon such that the Jedi believed they responded to him instead.

“No, these are fine. Harvest them,” he commanded, then oversaw as Xamar did so. Once they were secured, those particular crystals did not end up in the same case as the others…

Deeper and deeper they went, and as they entered the next chamber, a chill ran up Xamar’s spine. “Lord Oberon…”

“You feel it too?” the Jedi asked. Koldan came closer to Xamar as he shone a light on the edge of an obsidian crystal.

If ever he had reason to doubt the dark side before now, Xamar no longer had reason to. The Khil scanned the crystal and the wall it was implanted in. “It is easily ten by twelve meters. Hold on, there’s an application here…” on the view-screen, Xamar made a few calculations. “The size of this crystal could create nearly three thousand Sith lightsabers.”

The trio stood before the giant crystal. Dark side energy seemed to pulse from it. “Call the others and have them join us,” Oberon commanded, and for once, Xamar did not question or resent his commands.

* * *

The seven of them took nearly three hours to harvest the giant black crystal, using a combination of mining equipment and Force telekinesis. True to Xamar’s estimation, the crystal could easily fill a small room, and there was no doubt of the amount of evil weaponry that it could produce.

They were all nearly silent as they removed the crystal telekinetically from the mines. The Jedi each took turns bearing the weight of it. Though all four of them were considered expert telekinetics, there was something oppressively heavy about the crystal that they could not bear the weight of it by themselves for too long.

When they got back to the base, it was nearly dark. The Asyyyriak’s computer screen was blinking red as Xamar got to the ship.

“Guys, we have trouble incoming. The capital ship in orbit is no longer buying whatever Getti was telling them. It has started jamming us.”

Immediately, the group was on the ship. With the encouragement of Xamar, who knew that they were not in any imminent danger in the next half hour or so, the Jedi were willing to load the ship with whatever munitions, mining equipment and military supplies that they could find, as well as the now emptied bacta tank. With the loading and pre-flight sequence complete, the Asyyyriak took off with Getti and Oberon following behind in the Sith shuttle.

The Sith shuttle took the lead, and before long was hailed by a monstrous capital ship, “Shuttle Tobrus, please report.” From the capital ship’s landing bay, two large troop transports took off, each with a six fighter escort.

Getti brayed at Oberon to respond, and Oberon took the comm. “This is shuttle Tobrus. We are inbound from Felucia as instructed by Darth Kitian.”

“Why is he sending you back?”

“He’s a Sith Lord, sir, I don’t usually question them. They say go, I go.”

“Who is this? What’s your serial number?”

Getti pulled up the flight manifest and service manifest, and the Jedi read the screen, “This is… Braylee Poldu, sir. Serial Number 98765.”

“What is that ship behind you?”

“Unknown,” Oberon said.

“Unknown? What is it?”

“Unknown,” Oberon repeated as Getti and Koldan began making the calculations for hyperspace.

“What is it doing?”

“Unknown,” Oberon responded lamely as the two large troop transports approached them, probably bound for the Felucian base.

On the Asyyyriak, Xamar observed four fighters veer off their transport escort and begin an approach on his XS Freighter. Xamar stroked his hullepi nervously as he observed a large crate floating by his ship. The crate was held loosely to the ship’s frame mundanely, but Koldan, his Jedi co-pilot also steadied it with the Force. He very much hoped that the crate didn’t take any damage. That would be… unfortunate. Plus, they had plans for the little package. “Gentlemen, prepare for an attack run. Koldan, I want you to get those coordinates for hyperspace set. That’s your first priority. The second priority is our special package. Don’t worry about the cannons so much, but feel free to take a shot if you have the ability. Just as long as we get the first two priorities taken care of.”

Xamar could not see the quiet Koldan nod from his position in one of the gunnery bays, but he somehow sensed understanding from the Jedi. Finally, a Jedi that isn’t difficult to work with, Xamar thought. “OK, boys, light ‘em up.”

Koldan and Lothar each took a shot, both scoring hits on two of the four fighters aligned towards them. Xamar smiled as he unleashed the ship’s most powerful weaponry: the proton torpedoes. One flew from the launch tube and exploded a split second before striking the target. The blast radius was such that it incinerated that ship, the ship next to it, and one of the ships injured by the gunners. The second torpedo aligned itself towards a slightly bigger target. Set to his specifications, the torpedo struck one of the troop transports, exploding the nanosecond of impact. The blast radius injured the ship, but also engulfed one of its fighters.

Following that, hoping that the capital ship had not yet targeted him, Xamar veered slowly so as not to jar the box attached to his ship, and aligned himself in such a way that he was directly between the Sith transport that Getti was flying, and the troop transport fighter escort. He also utilized the troop transport as cover from the capital ship, hoping that the craft would not risk hitting one of its own to score a shot on the Asyyyriak.

As he did so, the Sith shuttle took two shots which could look as if they were targeted at Xamar, but they missed and instead hit the fighters alongside of the transports. “NO! Not the fighters, you fool!” Oberon declared over the intercom. “You hit the wrong craft!” he insisted, hoping to spare the less armored and less shielded craft from an attack.

“How we doing on those coordinates?” Xamar asked Koldan.

“Almost… Got them!”

“Beam them to Getti! And move the package to the rear of the craft,” he declared as he spun the craft and oriented towards the capital ship, the Blood Journey.

The clamps released, and the box trailed behind the craft, held by a 20 meter cord. Koldan continued to steady it with the Force as the Sith shuttlecraft piloted by Getti entered hyperspace. The remaining seven fighters turned to pursue the Asyyyriak as it neared the bridge of the Blood Journey. At the last moment, Xamar made a stiff climb to avoid crashing into the bridge. He also released the crate, which was filled with three proton torpedoes. Hitting the afterburners on his craft, a tail of exhaust flame burst forth from the engines. The flames lit the crate, which exploded directly in front of the bridge of the Blood Journey, erasing its shields, and incinerating four of the seven remaining fighters. The Asyyriak pulled into a tight loop and reoriented itself directly towards the already damaged bridge of their opponent.

“Alrighty, boys, let ‘em have it.”

With that, Koldan, Kubla, Lothar and Rainger fired on the ship. Their turbolasers easily pierced through what remained of the shields and vaporized all organics on the bridge, leaving the ship without commanders. An explosion followed shortly after, and the Blood Journey shuddered with the impact. The Asyyyriak was aligned for hyperspace, and behind them, the Sith capital ship slowly was pulled down into the atmosphere of Felucia.

“Wow,” Xamar observed as the capital ship was captured by the laws of gravity. “Good shooting.” He almost giggled as he considered the troop transport and the remaining fighters had to watch their ship get pulled into the atmosphere. He thought briefly about remaining in system and destroying what was left of the Sith, grinning as he envisioned raining death on the defenseless transport, but dismissed it quickly, almost guilty at the perverse pleasure he would have taken. “I wonder if that big black rock in the back is getting to me…” he mumbled as he aligned the ship towards Coruscant and punched the hyperdrive.
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Session V-III – What’s mine is mine. What’s yours is mine. What’s yours is yours, unless I want it.

Dramatis Persona

Xamar Mindalusia – Khil Scoundrel, Sith, and burgeoning Crime Lord.
Getudachoppa – ‘Getti’ – Wookie Scout and Soldier.
Kubla Kun – Human Mandalorian who is now under Jedi tutelage.
Oberon (formerly Ayala) – Human Jedi. The appointed leader amongst the Jedi in this party.
Rainger (formerly Ratz) - Trandoshan Jedi.
Koldan (formerly Pav) – Human Jedi.
Lothar (formerly Garza) – Human Mandalorian


“You did good getting us out of there, pilot,” Oberon said shortly after the Asyyriak and the Sith shuttle landed, but before the transport to the Jedi temple arrived.

“Hey, listen you two,” Rainger said as he approached Xamar and Getti. “I want to thank you both for what you did back there. And I also want you to know that we really respect and understand what’s going on on Kashyyk. So except for the crystals that we each have, and the dark side crystal, you guys can have the rest of the supplies we got from Felucia, including the bacta tank.”

“Let us have?” Xamar asked incredulously.

“So long as you use it for the good of the group, and not for… well, your own…” Oberon let the thought trail off, apparently unwilling to finish.

“So let me get this straight,” Xamar said, anger bubbling just beneath the surface his words. “The Republic hires me to transport and assist you in your mission to Felucia, and we do so. As a matter of fact, I’m under the impression that it was the laser turret I operated that killed Darth Kitian, and my ship that destroyed the Blood Journey. So we do what we’re told, and the rewards of our contract is that we get paid a stipend, and we have the right to whatever loot we obtain. And you’re telling me that you’re letting us have it?”

“Well, yes,” Rainger said, caught off guard by the Khil’s reaction to what the Jedi felt was a generous offer.

“How ‘bout this. Our contract says that we have the right to whatever we got on that planet and at that base. How ‘bout you thank us for allowing you Jedi to have those crystals that you’re so fond of instead of patronizing me and offering to let me keep what’s already mine?”

“Lightsaber crystals are not ‘loot,’ pilot,” Oberon said darkly.

“My kriffin name is Xamar, you arrogant prick,” the Khil burst.

“Listen, calm down, both of you. We’re a team, and we,” Rainger began.

“I’m not on your stupid team!” the young Khil proclaimed. “I was hired. I’m only here because it’s a job.”

“You’re already being paid, what else do you want?” Rainger protested.

“I want the Republic and it’s Jedi to honor the contracts they sign!”

“The crystals would go for how much on the market? Fifteen hundred a piece? I’m sure you can make that up selling the other stuff, or even the other crystals. What’s the big deal?” Rainger declared.

“The big deal is that I was hired under the auspices of a contract that you are not honoring.”

“We are honoring the contract. Lightsaber crystals are not loot,” Oberon repeated.

“But you can have the other ones. It’s just the ones that are attuned to us that,” the Trandoshan began, but was cut off by the festering Khil again.

“Oh, so I see how it works. You Jedi will honor the contract to give us whatever loot was found unless it’s something that you all want, is that it? Sounds good, sign me up for an extension on the contract!”

“It’s the dark crystal,” Rainger decried. “He wants the crystal so he can sell it to the Sith.”

“I don’t want that kriffin dark crystal!” the Khil spat. “That was part of the mission. Your precious lightsaber gems were not.”

“You have no right to Jedi artifacts.”

“They’re not Jedi artifacts. They’re rocks. And the contract that your government signs indicates that I do.”

“You aren’t taking our crystals,” Rainger asserted.

“I don’t want your stupid crystals.”

“Then what is your problem?” Oberon demanded.

“It’s you and all of your arrogant nonsense. Ever since I started flying you Jedi around, it’s been haughty orders and lectures. It’s been pretending that you are all high and mighty, but when it all comes down to it, you take what you want, force people to do what you want them to do, then do whatever the heck you want without checking with anybody else. It’s nonsense.”

“Well if that’s how you feel, maybe we’ll have to find a new pilot,” Rainger threatened.

“You act as if I have a choice in the matter?” Xamar protested. “By the Force, I’m told where to go and I go. You threatening to go find a new pilot means nothing to me. I don’t care about the Jedi or your stupid Republic! I’m doing what I was hired to do. Gosh, they won’t even put me on their books so they can keep everything hush hush. If you want me to stand up and be a team player, start acting like a leader that’s worth following!”

Before the Jedi could respond, a runner from the temple arrived, “Milords, your presence is required at the Jedi temple immediately,” the page said. As the four Jedi moved forward, Xamar, Getti and Lothar backed off some, and the page reiterated, “All of you. Please follow.”

The septet followed the Jedi page into the transport. Xamar remained quiet, suppressing the simmering bitterness. I will not be controlled by anger. I may be a Sith apprentice, but I will not let that control my destiny. The Sith say they use their anger as a tool. But I know, I’ve seen that with most of them, the anger controls the Sith instead of vice versa. Not with me. Not with me, he vowed. As they selected their seats in the transport, Xamar was tempted to sit next to the Jedi, just to make Oberon uncomfortable, but instead, he got in the back of the bus with the other two non-Jedi and Koldran.

In silence, the seven individuals marched into the lobby of the temple. Immediately upon entrance, two holo-transmitters were set up, and the shimmering images of two Jedi Masters, one a human, and the other Cerean, appeared.

“Masters,” Oberon said, taking the lead. The other three all bowed their heads in respect.

“We can say the same to you now,” the human said, to the puzzlement of the quartet.

“We regret to say that the Sith have mounted a successful assassination campaign on the Jedi Order. With the exception of we two, the entire Council has been slain.”

Even Xamar was rocked to the core by the news. Wow. He didn’t realize that things were that bad. The war seemed to be going back and forth, with little advantage between the two sides. This, however, could change everything. Xamar shuddered, thankful that his master did not request that he participate in the assassinations. In all honesty, Xamar had killed more Sith Lords than he had Jedi.

“Therefore,” the human continued, “We hereby elevate all four of you to the Jedi Council, and confer the rank of ‘Master’ on each of you.”

“Master?” two or three of the quartet sputtered.

“But Masters, some of us have not even taken the trials for Jedi Knighthood!?!” Rainger protested.

“We understand your concern, Master Rainger. However at times, necessity dictates that we must break with tradition. I would agree that I prefer our Masters to have several years of Knighthood before their elevation. But I can, without reservation, that each of you have proven yourselves on the field of battle and negotiations to be fine members of the Jedi order. I would expect that each of you would eventually reach the honor of sitting on the Council within a few short years. Unfortunately, the Force has determined that the decision be made now.”

“The current Council is unanimous,” the human said with a smirk towards the Cerean master. “The four of you: Oberon, Rainger, Kubla and Koldan are hereby elevated to the rank of Master.”

There was a sense of suppressed excitement among the Jedi present. They wanted to earn their position based on merit, not on Council necessity, but nonetheless, they were proud to receive this honor. Except Rainger, who dropped to one knee, “Masters, I am sorry, but I cannot accept the status of Master. I feel compelled to earn it by trial and by experience, and I have been learning more and more that I am insufficient in regards to both.”

“This is… unexpected,” the Cerean replied. “The title of Jedi Master has never been refused. Despite your recalcitrance, honorable though it is, we would still request that you be elevated officially to Jedi Knight, and also that you take a position on the Jedi Council. We would be served, if not by your experience, then by your humility, my Trandoshan friend.”

“I accept, though reluctantly,” Rainger replied.

“We thank you,” the two masters said simultaneously. “And now onto more unpleasant business,” the Cerean began, “business that, we need your input on,” he said, seeming to indicate not only the quartet of Jedi, but the trio of Getti, Xamar and Lothar as well. Awkwardly, the circle opened, and the trio joined the Jedi.

“We have two missions presently that are vital to the war effort. The first is Kashyyk. It is presently being attacked by the Sith,” the human said. “I am here on our flagship, and we are outnumbered four capital ships to two. At the moment, the Sith are holding, and hostilities have not begun. They seem to be waiting for something. We expect an additional Republic warship to arrive today, but we are still outnumbered.”

“Who is in charge of the fleet?” Xamar asked.

“Well, I am, of course,” the Jedi said.

“The Sith fleet. Who commands it? Which master?”

“We do not know,” the Jedi said, slightly uncomfortable at having not understood the question.

When Xamar asked no further questions, the Cerean Jedi offered, “Obviously, there is need for further leadership on Kashyyk. I could provide that leadership, the problem is that here on Nal Hutta, I’m not certain that the situation should remain unmonitored. In addition, I am having some trouble breaking through on this mission as my Jedi affiliations are well known. I suspect that perhaps a change is warranted here so that we can advance our cause more sufficiently. There are those among your group that I suspect will be a great asset to the Republic on Nal Hutta.”

“So that is our situation. To the Council, and to our three guests, we invite discussion.”

Oberon did not hesitate, “One of our member’s home is threatened. I unabashedly place my vote to going to Kashyyk,” the Jedi said, eyeing Getti.

“I agree,” Rainger said.

“If there’s a fight at Kashyyk, I’m there,” the non-Jedi Lothar said.

“Agreed,” the quiet Koldan said.

Several of the eyes turned to Xamar, who made the Khil equivalent of a frown. His commitments and desires warred within himself. Help his friend by going to Kahsyyk? Help himself by going to Nal Hutta and take care of the Hutt that wanted him dead? Which to choose? Instead of either, he did his best to make an objective assessment. “I do not aim to be a dissenter, but I lean towards Nal Hutta. The situation on Kashyyk requires additional Jedi, and the Cerean could accomplish that if we were to relieve him. In addition, he is unable to accomplish his mission on the planet of the Hutts without our assistance, whereas we can. To me it is simple: If we go to Nal Hutta, and the Cerean goes to Kashyyk, both objectives would be achieved. But if we go to Kashyyk, how much benefit would the seven of us be? But a true, experienced Jedi Master? That could avail much to the cause on Kashyyk. If we go to Nal Hutta, both missions would be successful, but if we go to Kashyyk, then not only would we be potentially less likely to help than if the Cerean master went, we then threaten the cause on Nal Hutta.”

“It is possible that I could keep Nal Hutta under control by myself for a few more weeks. The need here is admittedly less urgent.”

“Though I agree with the Khil’s tactical analysis, I think the needs of one of our members outranks the objective need of going to Nal Hutta. I vote Kashyyk.”

I go where he goes, Getti brayed, pointing at Xamar.

“Well, it appears that Kashyyk is our destination,” Oberon declared. “We also have the issue of the black crystal.”

Xamar tuned out slightly as the Jedi discussed the crystal. Apparently, there was a Jedi stronghold of Force Users called ‘the Grey Watch’ that they would bring the crystal to. The group also received a visit from the Supreme Chancellor, who apprehended Xamar and Getti’s services from the Social Hereditary Intelligence Taskforce, and appointed Xamar to work with the Jedi Council. He essentially commanded the pilot to transport the Jedi wherever they chose to go. If he would admit it to himself, Xamar did see that the Jedi and the Republic were treating him with more respect, and including he and Getti in the decision making process. Nonetheless, he still bristled some under their authority, so as soon as he was able, he made excuses to return to the Asyyyriak. He wasn’t quite sure what caused it, but he found himself wandering into the hold where the darkside crystal was.

“What are you?” he asked it. He placed his hand on it and closed his eyes. It was as if the Force were calling to him. Pleading with him to open up to the gemstone. Xamar felt a slight tingling in the back of his head – the sensation he often felt before using the Force. His eyes were closed, and he prepared to do so, when his body was wracked by a simple sneeze.

Xamar blinked twice, staring at the gem in surprise. “Son of a Bantha. You’re trying to get me… No just no. Hell no.” Xamar stepped back from the giant stone, then paused at the door. This thing angered him. It tried to control him. Enslave him. In a reckless moment, Xamar reached out to the drilling equipment and stared at the stone. “I can’t use the force on you, but I can use this.” He began shaving off a shard of crystal, and it was if the gem as a whole protested at the rough treatment. Xamar prepared to attack the thing with greater purpose, but the ship’s proximity alert went off. He backed away guiltily, and rapidly discarded the mining equipment. Nonetheless, he pocketed the crystal and rapidly fled the storage room. Impulsively, he began punching in a code to lock the room. In all reality, he should have done that before. And just as he finished punching in the code, Oberon arrived.

“Ah, good, Master Jedi,” Xamar said, effortlessly suppressing his guilt, “Just who I wanted to see. With the distress of the group, I think it wise to secure the dark crystal until we reach the place where we will drop it off. I think we should set a key lock on it that requires both of us, and perhaps one of the Mandalorians, to gain access.”

“That is wise,” Oberon said, his suspicion evaporating at the offer of respect. With small direction, Oberon stepped up to the security system and entered a code. Xamar backed away and went to the bridge to prep for flight.
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Session V-IV– Seven Men and a Freighter versus Four Capital Ships.

Dramatis Persona

Xamar Mindalusia – Khil Scoundrel, Sith, and burgeoning Crime Lord.
Getudachoppa – ‘Getti’ – Wookie Scout and Soldier.
Kubla Kun – Human Mandalorian who is now under Jedi tutelage.
Oberon (formerly Ayala) – Human Jedi. The appointed leader amongst the Jedi in this party.
Rainger (formerly Ratz) - Trandoshan Jedi.
Koldan (formerly Pav) – Human Jedi.
Lothar (formerly Garza) – Human Mandalorian


The Asyyyriak stopped at the planet controlled by the Grey Watch. Xamar was pleasantly surprised at how simple it was to access the planet, yet also very difficult. He was also amazed that somehow, he couldn’t quite remember how to get back after they had left. The Jedi didn’t speak of what occurred on the planet, but apparently the drop was successful. They had also obtained a few items that were in the dark side of the Force per Xamar’s suggestion.

“If we have a few dark items to cover over the Light Side that is present among us, I think I can get us on the bridge. But if whatever Sith is present there tries to examine us and he discovers no Dark Side, then we will fail.”

The hours rolled by, and Xamar was conflicted with a myriad of emotions. He still irked under the distant thumb of Darth Hannah, but he took a perverse glee in doing damage to the Sith and by extension, his master by the missions for the Republic, even though somehow it served his dark mistress. In all reality, he was doing quite well financially from his work for the Republic, and he had burgeoning plans to begin marketing the arms that he was confiscating from the Sith. Nonetheless, he still grated against the disregard the Jedi had for his goals and desires. They looked down their noses at his attempts to finance his freedom, and completely ignored the fact that bounty hunters out of Nal Hutta were tracking him at this very moment, and that problem could be solved if they chose the wiser tactical course by going to the planet of the Hutts.

He also felt mildly guilty that he had argued for his own personal interests of going to Nal Hutta versus attempting to rescue his only true friend’s home planet. But what could seven men and a freighter do against four capital ships? It was that that set Xamar’s mind on finding a quick and effective solution. That, and the desire to finish with Kashyyk as quickly as possible. With that in mind, while in hyperspace, Xamar approached Kubla and Oberon, who were in discussion regarding the upcoming conflict.

“So we use the drill ship to enter the bridge. We take the bridge, and it’s over,” Kubla declared.

“How defensible are these Mandalorian drill ships.”

“They are well armored, but not well armed.”

“So we would need a strong fighter escort.”

“The Protector has fighters,” Kubla said conclusively, referring to their capital ship escort, the Republic Protector, the very same ship that the group had met on just a few short months ago. It was the only remaining ship the navy had to send into battle over Kashyyk.

“We won’t need the drill ship,” Xamar interrupted, and both Jedi looked at the Khil inquisitively. Xamar was pleased to note that they were not offended by his interruption.

“Why not?” Kubla asked honestly.

“When we arrive out of hyperspace, I will command the flag ship to let me land in their landing bay and I will have their soldiers escort us to the bridge.”

“And why would they do that?” Oberon inquired.

“Because I am the apprentice of Darth Hannah, and they will not want to earn her wrath.”

Reflexively, Oberon’s hand went to his lightsaber, but when Xamar made no threatening gesture, he relaxed. “Darth Hannah?”

“Hannah Kun,” Xamar said, turning towards Kubla. “You may be familiar with her family.”

The Mandalorian took a step back, as if stricken. The response of shock seemed genuine to Xamar, and he was pleased that his master had not contacted her son. Deep inside of him, Xamar knew that should Kubla respond positively towards his mother, then the Khil would be cast aside. And if he did not respond positively, she would probably order him to kill Kubla.

“Why are you telling us this? And what should stop me from arresting you on the spot.”

“Well, we are on my ship, and we aren’t in Republic space technically,” Xamar began, then becoming more serious, “I’m telling you this because I can get us on that bridge without a fight. Then we can do what we want. I will tell them that I have turned my master’s son to the Dark Side, and I have three other Jedi that I have turned with me.”

“Do you think it will work?” Oberon asked.

“If it doesn’t, I’ll play my best Sabac hand.”

“And what’s that?” Kubla inquired.

“I’ll tell them I have captured the Prince of Kashyyk and he’s on board.”

* * *

The conversion to realspace proceeded without incident. The battle for Kashyyk had commenced, but was at a slight ebb as the capital ships were beyond a normal reliable turbolaser range. Immediately, Xamar identified the presumptive flagship, and hailed them.

“Commander of the Sith vessel Vengeance, this is Xamar Mindalusia, apprentice to Lord Hannah Kun, piloting the freighter Asyyyriak. I am on the approach with our lordship’s son, Lord Kubla Kun. He and the party of Jedi I have travelled with have been turned to the Dark Side, and my visions have instructed me to return here.”

“Understood, Asyyyriak. You are cleared to land on Kashyyyk.”

“Kashyyyk? Who commands this vessel?”

“Admiral Zenshi, my Lord.”

“Who is the ranking Sith Lord on the ship?”

“Down on the planet sir. Our Sith Lord is leading the battle on the surface and requests backup.”

“Well, we have the Prince of Kashyyk as a captive on board. He should be detained on the Vengeance before we proceed to the planet. Prepare to receive us. Asyyyriak out.”

Xamar boldly flew the Asyyyriak to the landing bay on the Vengeance. True to form, the Sith ship received them and a reception party of a lieutenant and four petty officers greeted them. “Lord Xamar. My Lord Kun,” they greeted, bowing deeper to Kubla than to Xamar, a fact that the Khil noted and filed away jealously.

The septet left the Asyyyriak, and Xamar secured it using a setting on his cybernetic hands. Getti, who was bound with loosely fitting restraints, followed, and was struck in the head by one of the soldiers – a Trandoshan. Within seconds, Rainger reached out and Force choked the petty officer, slamming him against the wall and hissing, “This is our prisoner. You will not harm the one which we have brought with us.” The man crumpled to the ground as Rainger released his hold. The group then marched steadfastly towards the bridge, with Xamar in the lead.

The bridge doors slip open and the Khil marched up to the captain with his arms folded. Without missing a beat, the Khil twitched his forearms, and two lightsabers launched from them. He grasped one in each hand and he decapitated the captain with an X like strike. The body and head hit the floor simultaneously, and the whole bridge tensed, afraid of yet another crazy Sith Lord and his unknown temperament.

“Take the com,” he ordered Lothar. “Lord Rainger, take that furbag scum to the detention area. Lord Koldan, take the helm. Lord Oberon, you’re the new First Officer. Lord Kubla, tactical. Sailors in those posts, consider yourselves relieved. Escort Rainger and the Wookie prince to the detention area, then go to the mess until you are summoned back to your posts.”

The bridge was in a flurry as the Jedi took up their positions. Koldan began an appearance of meditation and directed the ship towards another vessel, the Purge. Of the three remaining Sith capital ships, the Purge was the least damaged. The three Republic counterparts were preparing to engage the Purge, looking to focus all of their attention on the most powerful of the opposing fleet, and Koldan directed the ship as if to assist the Purge.

“Sir,” one of the bridge crew said nervously, not sure whether to speak to Koldan, who moved the ship without Xamar’s verbal direction, or Xamar, who was now the acting captain, “our heading will take us dangerously close to the Purge.”

“Understood,” Xamar said. “I would command your silence while Koldan directs our ship through meditation. If his meditation is interrupted, our plans may not succeed.” The Khil smiled inwardly as he deepened his voice and allowed a harsh grating to intrude upon his vocalizations. The crew obeyed with a tense silence, frequently looking over their shoulders at the unpredictable ‘Sith’ who now commanded them.

Foremost in his discomfort was the sailor who had previously voiced his concern. At the current heading, their ship would brush the Purge in a matter of minutes. The Jedi nearest to the sailor in question was Kubla at tactical. The Mandalorian Jedi stood and positioned himself behind the uncomfortable sailor. As he moved, the entire Jedi crew made similar movements to position themselves adjacent or behind as many crew members as was possible. Once they were in position, Xamar nodded, and the Jedi struck.

With an amazing whirlwind of speed, Koldan sliced through four separate crewman in one stroke. Oberon lifted one with the Force, throwing him into another, and dispatching a third with his glowing saber. Xamar pulled out his blasters and shot the two guards at the door with pin point accuracy. Kubla focused on the one soldier who questioned Xamar. With a feral glint in his stance, the Mandalorian unleashed Force lightning on the sailor. Bright arcs of purplish electricity stole the energy and life from the man, and all on the bridge, including the Jedi, stared in shock as the dark energy flowed from Kubla. As one, Xamar and Koldan’s eyes went to Oberon, who snapped out of his reverie, “We’ll deal with that later,” he said as he Force slammed the remaining two bridge officers.

“Koldan,” Xamar said, dropping the tone of authority and command, “change our heading. Ram the Purge.” Their ship creaked slightly as it’s trajectory was now in line to broadside their supposed ally, the Sith cruiser, the Purge. “All right, we’re nearly there. How long until collision is unavoidable?”

“It looks like… another forty-five seconds,” Koldan declared. “Then another five before impact.”

“Very good,” Xamar replied as he hit his comlink to Getti and Rainger, “Gentlman, we have six minutes approximately until impact. Get back to the Asyyyriak.”

As the pilot spoke, a chill swept over him. Xamar had an image of yellow sclera’d eyes with red pupils and a black cowl over his head. The flagship suddenly, without explanation, stopped. “Koldan, what’s going on?”

“Engines are full, captain,” he said, and Xamar appreciated the tone of respect, but also noting the faint semblances of concern and fear.

“Not just no,” Xamar said, opening himself to the Force fully for what was probably the first time. “Hell no.” His mind raced to the Purge and he very clearly saw a Sith Lord standing on the helm. He was a Zabrak, and he floated cross-legged in a meditative stance. As Xamar envisioned him, he snarled in anger. This creature was standing in the way of Xamar’s purpose. He was presently leading a fleet against his friend’s home planet. And he was allied to a group of individuals that sought to enslave the galaxy. With passion, Xamar pit himself against the Sith. My passion gives me strength, my strength gives me power, and my power gives me victory. Bow to my destiny, Sith. The flagship groaned as it was released from the Sith’s hold, and Xamar rebuked the power of the dark Force user. “Impact in three minutes. The Sith will no longer be a problem,” Xamar declared as he stood from the captain’s chair and to the exit. Within a moment, the three Jedi and Lothar followed Xamar to return to the Asyyyriak. They reached the freighter just as the two ships collided. Without incident, they took off, planning to descend to the forests of Kashyyk so that they could battle off the troops and the suspected Sith lord that dwelt on the surface.

I didn't bother doing the battle in the hanger. One, I was lazy, two, we all were lazy with the fight. So in my story, it never happened.
Edited by Gnomeo Knibbleschnitz, Feb 18 2011, 11:27 AM.
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Caius Brittanicus, Son of Thagan Brittanicus, Cleric of the Church, Servant of God.
(Eric Ayala)
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