Open Event An End to the Killik Threat

[Vanya]

Please read the OOC below. Open to Jedi and Jedi Allies!​

With the help of Natalie, the Jedi had a staging area on Rago just ahead of the planet Yoggoy.

A large part of the Jedi Fleet had been gifted to the Jedi by President Thorne just for the purpose of chasing down the Killik forces that threatened the galaxy. In truth, most people had forgotten about the bugs and their prolific and violent expansion, but Vanya hadn't nor had the Jedi as a whole.

She used the momentum gained from the meeting at the enclave to convince not only the other Jedi but also the soldiers who were still loyal to them to summon the remnants of that fleet to assault Yoggoy.

Speed and aggression would be the key to their assault. The Jedi forces had already started engaging in open battlefield combat with the Killiks, and the battle was going... violently.

The fate of the assault force, the Jedi fleet, and perhaps in some ways the galaxy would now fall to the strike team that hunted the Killik Queen.

The Killiks were technically bugs, but they were sentient and intelligent. They took direction from their Queen, and she was the one that had been behind the invasion into the galaxy. The strength of the invasion had been in the corruption they seeded in the ranks of the major governments around the galaxy. Now, though, the attackers had the momentum and there shouldn't have been any spies or traitors in their ranks. The Killiks had taken major blows during the war, and their power was greatly diminished.

As the Jedi strike force set down in their shuttle deep within Killik controlled territory, they would be able to sense the darkness that was here. It was more than just those that the Killiks had enslaved and killed over the years, but some other deeper, perpetual darkness. The raw form of the Dark Side awaited them amidst the depths of the Killik Hive.

Amidst the mounds that made up the Killik nest's presentation on the surface, the Jedi would have their first task of trying to find a way down into the bowels of the Killik nest without being swarmed and killed.

Spoiler: OOC

• Hello all, this is an event primarily focused toward Jedi and Jedi aligned characters, please join if you're interested!
• Depending on how many people join, I will likely be making DM posts for this (a Phoenix DM special!)
• We will be keeping to 48 hour posting windows
• Let's have some fun and provide a cool ending to the Killik tale with all of its revelations!

 

[Rain]

Sitting quietly among the other Jedi, most of whom she had never met before, Rain tried to keep her foot under control as it tried to bounce nervously without any consideration for her thoughts on the matter. This was a big deal for her, and she really didn't want to make a fool of herself. She had yet to find herself a Master, and had been stuck at padawan for some time now, this was her chance to catch someone's eye and maybe get her training back on track.

So, as she pressed an arm against her errant knee to keep it steady, she let her eyes wander around to distract herself by taking in the strike force's other members. She quickly spotted a younger boy who seemed to be applying bug repellent on his arms. Smiling unwittingly at the sight, she quickly suppressed that smirk when she noticed the padawan's eyes on her.

"It's the smell, some reports claim it irritates them. My master always said to seize every advantage, no matter how unlikely." With that he tossed the bottle over to her, and she was silent as she grabbed it out of the air. She didn't have a master for pearls of wisdom like that, she was just a padawan, on her own. Which made her one of the least experienced members of the strike force. Sure, she had finally built a pair of actual lightsabers, which were hanging from her waist even now, but that wasn't much of an achievement, was it? So could she really say no to any sort of advantage in the upcoming conflict?

"Thanks."

She said with a more appreciative grin on her face, and began rubbing the lotion on her arms as well. Wrinkling her nose at the smell, she hoped there was some truth to the padawan's reports, and she wasn't just making a fool of herself in front of the other Jedi.

 

[Natalie Hope]

Natalie would never know how things progressed from Molly being a jarred pheromone hording bug lady to being apart of the strike team assembled to wipe out Molly's queen so fast. It seemed like yesterday she was watching the old secretary of education chomp down a electroshock tooth to get out of questioning. It didn't matter now, though; Molly was dead and Natalie standing around killik nesting mounds ready to dive in to surgically remove the hive queen from existence. It sounded a bit harsher than it was; these creatures nearly wiped out the galaxy once, and were starting to spread to nearby planets and systems.

A shiver ran up Natalie's spine. Not only were they facing a bunch of bugs, which were gross- but they were also facing off against something far darker. She could sense it, like the swamp that ended up having really good spicy food, but hopefully with less goat-men. Her hazel eyes did a quick sweep of the surrounding mounds. No killiks, goat-men, or summoned smoke demons to be seen. There was no sigh of relief for Natalie.

Clad in what had become her usual black tank top and jeans, Natalie's lightsaber hilt was already in her right hand and at the ready. She would ignite it when the time came to, but waving around a bright bat of plasma didn't seem like the best thing to do when they were deep in enemy territory- at least not yet. An EZPod was in her ear listening to the comm-chatter from the forces on the front line. Natalie ripped her fingers through her long chestnut hair, letting out the breath she'd been holding. Time to be the battle nun she was always meant to be. She much preferred this to a classroom anyway.

 

[Harald av Svendsen]

Well well well. The diplomat finds himself in a shuttle about to be out in a battle. Sure he would rather be wearing a suit and having a nice chat with dignitaries, but the Jedi Crusaders call and Harald answers. It is about time at the Jedi eliminate this Killik threat once and for all. That is not something that is going to happen with words, but with war.

With a lightsaber firmly in hand, he would be readied, or at least he thinks so. This is a high risk mission. A lot could go wrong. But it's now or never.

Harald would trade his formal robes for some actual armor for today as he would be going to a warzone. He would have a utility belt as well, and a comlink in his ear.

In addition to about to delve into the depts of a Hive World, this will also be his first mission with his new student @Johanes av Holsen (@Wills). Harald was surprised that there would be another Sverender in the Order. Another Sverender who happens to be of another noble linage. Obviously they are a natural pairing. Harald will guide Padawan Johanes to be the best, assuming they both survive this of course. This will be interesting, suffice it to say. Hopefully not a little too interesting.

"Johanes" he would address when the shuttle touched down. "Be sure to stay by me at all times. One wrong turn - if you get separated - you might find yourself Joined. You don't want to be Joined" Being Joined would not be a pleasant. That would mean they would be brain-washed into their hive mind.

"May the Force be with us" he said to not just his padawan, but to everyone else in earshot.

@Phoenix @Wit @TheDudeMike

 

[Mako Krim]

Mako Krim sat amongst his fellow Jedi aboard the quiet shuttle that sped it's way deep into Killik territory. The Pyke Jedi's dark eyes were closed, had been for some time as he meditated on the past few days gone by, the present moment, and the conflict brewing on the horizon near and far.

His mind was troubled and he sought balance before the fight to come. The Jedi Order was crumbling, beset by darkness from all directions, rotted through by the inaction from within. The council was useless and it had fallen to the knights of the order to lead themselves during these dire times. He worried that without the wisdom of an effective and strong council, that they might be led astray by their own actions.

But any action was better than inaction.

The action of purging the Killik threat from the galaxy was a startling start to the new Crusade of those Jedi who despised the council's inaction. Conflict that needed to be certainty within Mako roiled at the thought. He had never faced the aliens before but knew the threat they posed to every sentient being in the galaxy. Felt the darkness that permeated strongly from the planet below. In the event of spreading sickness, sometimes a shepherd had to cull the sick to protect the flock.

A hard thought that brought no comfort, but did bring a firming sense of purpose to the Pyke Jedi. The comforting weight of his lightsaber on his hip, the unfamiliar weight of the durasteel cuirass covering his chest and back, and the hopeful murmuring of the Jedi around him.

"May the force be with us." He echoed as he opened his eyes and glanced around at those who had volunteered to join the strike force. Knights and... Padawans. So young to be facing the horrors that awaited them on the surface. He tried to give a comforting smile to one, sharp teeth gleaming in the dim light of the transport. He winced. He always worried his smile brought more fear than comfort to those unused to the stranger denizens of the galaxy.

 

[Johanes av Holsen]

Bugs... Yuck. He couldn't have had his first ever battle against nicer folks. At least this time, he wasn't going to waltz into a place full of creatures wanting him dead without being somewhat prepared. Thanks to Harald for loaning him an actual lightsaber. Certainly not something he expected, but it would most definitely come in more handy than his vibrosword.

It was exciting, really, to be here with his fellow Jedi. To finally have his own teacher— a prince of his home world, no less. What were the odds of that one? He kept asking himself; it was crazy to think about. There was something exciting about charging into a war zone though, something that certainly wasn't comforting, but it was thrilling nonetheless.

He turned to glance at Harald as the Knight laid down the ground rules for the mission. "Being Joined bad, sticking with the Prince good. Got it." Johan smirked light-heartedly. It probably wasn't an opportune time for banter, but hey, not every deadly mission had to be a gloom fest. "May the force be with us," he returned his master's sentiment.

Taking one last peek around the shuttle, Johan returned the Pyke Jedi's (@Arcangel) smile with his own charming grin. Comforting, compared to the battlefield that awaited them outside.

@Phoenix @Wit @TheDudeMike @The Good Doctor

 

[Alhazred]

Alhazred trembled.

Sitting next to the pyke (@Arcangel ), Alhazred's hands trembled as he took a nutrient pill from his pocket and popped it between his face tendrils into his toothless mouth. He trembled unknowingly, but he knew why. In lifetime, this was the first time he was to experience true combat. Not training like back at the temples, not unorthodox combat like that time with the Starweird, but true legit, blood for blood, mile by mile, kill or be killed combat. True, he had seen holovids of combat, he heard stories from veterans, and that experience with the star weird thrusted the fear of losing his life on him, but nothing could truly prepare him for combat.

And yet, Alhazred did not have a lightsaber on his person. Despite the criticisms from others, Alhazred stubbornly insisted on not carrying the blade while going into the battle he requested to be part of. One was because his training in sign casting had grown considerably. The Force was his guide and ally and protector. But two, Alhazred wasn't sure he could effectively use it on another being. There was something wrong about taking a weapon on another person. To seperate life from limb with the blade of hot energy? No matter how Alhazred thought about it, it felt abhorrent.

But still, Alhazred needed this. He needed a true combative experience to round himself out. Otherwise, he would never become a knight of the order.

"War rewards only resignation...and yet, we must sometimes fight regardless" Alhazred began to recite his holy texts outloud, trying to ease his mind slightly. "To arms, though it bears no satisfaction. Gird up and ride out, and show that you have not yet given into the end of all things"

After a moment, Alhazred added. "May the Force be with us and with them"

@Phoenix @Wit @TheDudeMike @The Good Doctor @Wills

 

[Perun]

Perun lounged in his seat aboard the shuttle, his golden eyes gleaming with a mischievous light as he observed his fellow Jedi preparing for the impending battle. The scent of nervousness mixed with the musty odor of combat gear filled the air, yet Perun remained a beacon of sardonic calm amidst the brewing storm.

His mind, an ever-active cauldron of thoughts and plans, churned with the intricacies of their mission. The looming confrontation with the Killik Queen weighed heavily on him, not just as a tactical challenge but as a moral quandary. His senses, honed by years of Jedi training and enriched by his unique Ma'alkerrite heritage, tingled with the dark energy emanating from Yoggoy. It was a palpable darkness, one that spoke of ancient evils and the corruption of the natural order. This was more than just a battle; it was a war against the perversion of life itself.

Perun's fingers traced the hilt of his dual-phase interlocking lightsabers, their familiar contours a reminder of the countless battles he had weathered. His vibrostaff, resting against his seat, seemed to pulse with a readiness mirroring his own. He had faced Sith, criminals, and monsters in his time, but the Killiks presented a different kind of foe – one that threatened not just individuals, but the very fabric of galactic society. The thought brought a smirk to his rugged face; the universe never did seem to run out of ways to challenge him.

Glancing around the shuttle, Perun's keen eyes caught the subtle interplay of emotions among the Jedi. Rain, the nervous padawan, her foot tapping a silent rhythm of anxiety. Natalie, her warrior spirit barely contained, her attire a stark contrast to the traditional robes of their order. Harald, the diplomat-turned-warrior, a study in composed readiness. And Mako, the contemplative Pyke, whose dark eyes held the weight of the impending conflict. Each brought their own strengths and fears to the fray, a hymn to the resolve of the Jedi Order.

The shuttle's hum provided a steady backdrop to his thoughts. Perun's nonchalant nature, often a shield against the darker aspects of their duty, seemed subdued in the face of what awaited them. The raw, untamed part of him, the primal Ma'alkerrite spirit, longed to leap into the fray, to test his mettle against the darkness. Yet, the Jedi Master in him knew the importance of strategy, of the careful balance between aggression and wisdom.

As the shuttle neared its destination, Perun felt a familiar thrill course through him. The anticipation of battle, the readiness to defend the innocent, the commitment to the Jedi way – all melded within him into a focused determination. He stood up, his imposing figure casting a long shadow in the cramped space of the shuttle, his voice echoing with a confident yet playful tone, "Remember, my friends, the Force is with us. And if that fails, well, I've got a few tricks up my sleeves." His grin was a flash of defiance against the dark tide they were about to face, a reminder that even in the gravest of moments, the light of hope and camaraderie could still shine through.

 

[Tycho Denarii]

Sitting in the passenger compartment of the strike team shuttle Tycho struggled to release his anxiety into the Force - every swerve and shake of turbulence as they flew through the thick of the fighting to reach the mounds they'd identified as being the most likely place of the Kilik Queen making him grit his teeth and push away the urge to claim the pilots seat for himself. The Ossein Knight hadn't expected to find himself back in battle so quickly after being released from the Halls of Healing, but the newly formed Crusaders had decided that they needed to make a powerful statement of their ability to still safeguard the galaxy.

While Tycho was still unsure if the Jedi Lords was the correct path for the Order to follow, he could not stand by while a threat like the Kiliks was finally being addressed... nor could he allow so many young Jedi to throw themselves into the meat grinder unprepared.

His extra gear was laid out before him on the workbench; his DL-44 pistol was repaired and cleaned of the grime and heat warping with a fresh power pack and the Adumari blastsword was charged and sharpened. Clad in his repaired flight suit covered by a well-used and oft-mended brown Jedi cloak pinned at his shoulder, Tycho turned to look at the nervous padawans and fellow Knights.

"It's okay to be scared, you know," he said quietly, voice echoing in the stillness of the hold as he regarded them with a soft, reassuring smile. "The holos used to say that to be a Jedi was to be fearless, facing odds no normal mortal could hope to overcome and beating them. The sacred texts teach us that to be a Jedi we must face our fears and release them into the Force. But I remember being terrified before my first battle, and my Master taught me what turned out to be her most important lesson."

Slipping his blaster into the holster on his thigh and sheathing the blastsword across his back, Tycho knew that if not for the lightsaber clipped on his belt he'd look more like a smuggler or some roguish spacer than a Jedi Knight: but in the Force they would be able to feel the cold brush of fear overcome by the warmth of camaraderie with his fellow Jedi, faith in the rightness of their cause, acceptance of what might wait for them in the mounds below - and above all else, Light.

"'A Jedi is not who we are, but what we strive to be.' So to be a Jedi is an endless journey towards something... greater. But to act as a Jedi? That we can do." The Ossein Knight breathed out and took his lightsaber in hand, projecting as much faith and confidence as he could muster toward the Padawans, trying to steel their resolve as the shuttles interior lights dimmed in preparation of the landing. "So don't be afraid of being afraid... just remember to fight together, to stay together, and that the Force will be with you - always."

The shuttle shuddered as it set down, and Tycho steeled himself as the darkness rose up from beneath the earth to greet them.

They had arrived.

@Phoenix @Wit @TheDudeMike @The Good Doctor @Wills @Narzen @Aberforth

 

[Theia Durand]

With a large inhale, and a slow breath outward, the redheaded padawan reached down to double check she did bring her vibrosword, despite not fond of it, Vanya was adamant, even with the saddest eyes Theia could muster, she decided it perhaps it would be okay to just go along and not argue. She brushed her hand along her tunic and checking her jedi utility belt, opting out of the itchy and tasteless jedi robes for something more adaptable to movement. It felt less cumbersome with less layers with dark pants that actually fit her frame, and boots that didn't feel stiff and like cinderblocks around her ankles. Her attention refocused again to the battle when she heard the countdown to landing, their objective was clear.

Theia didn't think she felt scared, she was more preoccupied by her judgements of the shuttle as it rocked and shook violently at times as they descended to the surface. These judgements included ways she could pilot better, shuttles that were more sturdy and could handle more hits, and others that were clearly more comfortable. She didn't dare to mention these thoughts out loud and instead stewed in her own thoughts as she fought to remain focused. Luckily the silence (outside the explosions and the cockpit alarms) was broken by some of the more senior Jedi as they shared their words of comfort and encouragement.

The padawan knew she was eager to bring hopefully resolution to the Killik threat that plagued the galaxy for so many years. She hadn't realized until now how much of their violence was normalized, she was raised to be weary of anyone who acted weird, security detail extra cautious, not just for general safety but because of how the Killik's operated. She lived years where she couldn't trust a drink unless her mother made it for her, and the unease she had when she was just a youngling of the first sip of any liquid could possibly lead her to being Joined.

And now, for just a brief moment, it seemed unreal that they, the Jedi, had this opportunity to end it. She wondered how many others like herself grew up with such worries and fears, or those who had lost love ones either by death or Joined. She was still learning that darkness seemed to take on many forms, and hoped this would be enough for her to not to fret over her inexperience, but to make something, one thing, at least right in the galaxy.

 

[Zana Ryks]

What had once started as an invasion of the galaxy many years ago had seemingly petered out in a whimper. Those with the knowledge and understanding of what they were facing would rightfully remain concerned and alert, even as the galaxy moved on with feigned security, in the depths of ignorance.

The solid sinews of tension wove through Zana's body as she stood awaiting their destination. A cool collection and presence of mind holding back her fears, her desire to avoid being turned into bug paste. Although she'd be lying if the worry wasn't lingering just beyond the surface, the proven knight sought to protect her friends and the order she served. The galaxy at large seemingly oblivious to the tyrannical killik presence slumbering away, awaiting their triumphant return.

With any luck the Jedi would see an end to that thread before it could blossom.

Standing quietly to one side, the Togrutan finished up playing a game as she noticed a familiar face. Tapping her on the shoulder with a smile, it was hard to believe the last time they'd met, Nat was only a padawan. "Good to see you, even in these circumstances." Zana paused. "Ever seen a Killik before, Wafers?" She asked genuinely. "I heard they can get pretty big." @TheDudeMike

 

[Akari Moriko]

Alone in the last seat of the shuttle and a few down from the gathered Knights, Padawans, and Masters, A'kari sat in silence with eyes closed and her mind flowing the currents of the Force as she centered and focused herself for what she felt was a necessary evil; not only the murder of sentient beings, but their total and vast extermination. And she could feel it willed by the Force its self to remain balanced and centered just as she attempted. Like the slaughter of pests, so should it be for the Killiks.

Her antlered head twisted about from beneath her Armored Clothing, not only in the disturbances she felt amidst the Force and within it's flow across the surface of Rago and the echoing screams of death that drowned out most of the interactions around her, but from the turbulence that rippled the ship as mortars and surface to air missles rang about it. With a cheerful smile, she opened her eyes and gazed around.

"Hello everyone." She spoke chipperly as she extended an arm out to wave about. "I'm A'kari Moriko, Jedi Knight. Nice to meet everyone."

It was an abrupt interruption in the moment, a cheerful and yet serene spirit joining the strike team just before they settled amidst the battlefield and the suspected central hive mound. But such was the soul that A'kari Moriko, chipper as always, even in moments where her emotions should be chaotic. Her ears twitching briefly, her gaze shifted to the duo (@Perun @Tycho Denarii) as they spoke to calm the others. She nodded in both agreement and appreciation.

"Indeed." She spoke in agreement to the two loud enough the others were able to hear. "Fear leads to anger, anger to hate. And through hatred, the Darkness grows. Do not dwell on the fear, but accept it as a part of who you are, and strive to overcome it. Only through acceptance, of both your emotions and your faults, can you ever truly master them and yourself."

With a thud, the shuttle landed and the gangplank descended, the moment of truth upon them. Rising, A'kari was the first to disembark, the twin antlered shotos forged from the maturing of her own dangling from her hips against the whitened clothing she wore atop the armor plating and armorweave beneath. And in her hand sat her weapon of choice, a singular walking stick carved from the Annwfyn Tree of her adopted homeworld and imbued with the Force that flowed harmoniously through her youthful form into the Kyber Gem that sat intertwined at the top.

Turning back to the others, her smile still adorning her face a semblance of invitation as she waved them onward. "Come on. There's no time like the present."

@Phoenix @TheDudeMike @Wit @The Good Doctor @Wills @Narzen @GABA @Aberforth

 

[Ezra Thorne]

Ezra refused to share a stuffy shuttle packed with Jedi and padawans that smelled funky. He opted to instead get clearance to arrive in a sleek, ISC issued stealth shuttle that would complement the rest of the fleet just as well.

As the other padawans and Knights walked down the ramp of their transport, they would see another shuttle fly low nearby with the ramp slowly extending out. Ezra didn’t bother with having the ship land, smoothly skidding off the ramp and landing on his feet on the ground. He was adorned in armor that fit well to his form, the lower hemisphere of his face covered in case the Killik released anything into the air.

He had with him several canisters of sprays he developed himself that could temporarily unjoin Killik and cut them off from their host. He hadn’t had the chance to patent and mass produce the product, but it would do for now.

Ezra walked towards the other group, giving a curt nod as he spotted Vanya and his vibrant silver gaze met hers, “Vanya,” He said simply, his deep baritone resounding from behind the mask. He glanced past her and across at the rest of them, “This everyone?”

Ezra drew up his chrono which projected a miniature map of the terrain and the mounds, the chrono clearly one he fashioned himself.

“Triggering a single mound will alert them all,” He stated, “What do you think of split groups to strike at once?”

@Phoenix

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drexus would walk up a little to the party, but it looked like just in time as he had seen Ezra walking up, or at least he assumed it was him. When the baritone voice spoke up he knew it for a fact that was the man who gave him a second chance. The Zabrak definitely felt better about being here today. He was dawning his usual armor but this time with a couple cosmetic modifications.

The Zabrak had lost his cloak due to it being burned up anyway, and had swapped out his red for a Jedi blue. His helmet was held in his hand, and he was ready to kick some Killik ass. Despite not having fought them, he knew of what his father spoke of them. He knew about the joining, and the relentless onslaught that they bring. He also knew they weren't invincible. His father was one of them few that actually took down the Killik Queen on Thyferra, or at least a powerful Killik.

The Zabrak would join the pack of Jedi and pitch in, "I think two strike teams gives a slight advantage to us. Keeps the Killik divided and doesn't swarm all of us at once." Honestly he felt his opinion was null but offered it anyway. Thee rest of the Jedi all looked capable and he was sure whichever strike team he ended up on they would be fine, but he wasn't about to let his guard down around the Killiks.

@Phoenix @allotherstehe

 

[Vanya]

There was palpable tension within the shuttle as it prepared to set down amidst the mound of the Killik. The mounds had been largely emptied in defense against the proper invasion force. No doubt there would still be warriors - perhaps even the deadliest warriors - left behind, but not the countless thousands they might face otherwise.

She found the words of Tycho (@Rom) to be oddly comforting. She found more often than not these days that she was facing down situations she felt ill prepared for. Now she was leading an invasion force she wasn't qualified to lead on a mission she wasn't trained for to change the potential course of the galaxy. And she was terrified. She was just taking steps blindly in the dark and hoping it worked out.

She was constantly in fear, but she pressed on anyway.

I like that, she said with a weak smile. She needed to be strong. She told herself that she should be strong for everyone else, but she felt weak.

Winged Spirit, please be with me. I need your strength and guidance now in this darkness, she prayed silently, kissing her lips to a small amulet of an eagle that hung around her neck.

We have a chance to make a great difference here and save countless lives from another war. Our actions here will resonate for decades to come. Let's get it done. For the Light! she said. Yeah, that was a rousing speech, right?

They exited the ship and headed out into the mounds, meeting shortly thereafter with Ezra as well. She gave him a warm smile.

I’m glad you came, she said. It had been too long since they had seen each other. Amidst the chaos of the galaxy it was nice to have a friend… particularly one who was quite powerful. A welcome addition to team.

He proposed a dividing of forces, and Vanya had her hesitations, but she also knew that it may well be their best bet. Double the chances of success, double the area covered... half the manpower.

Half can go through the main mounds and half can go through the smaller ones, she said. Both would no doubt present their own dangers, but they were here to fight and sacrifice if necessary.

--DM Post--​

The first of the Jedi to dismount would see that a tunnel led into one of the mounds, but that there were, in fact, multiple mounds. Each with routes that could take them down although the decision would now come whether they opted for the large, main mound or heading to one of the smaller mounds off to the side.

The large, main mound had a larger opening leading into the hive where they could walk down a slightly inclined path that would lead into the darkness and deeper into the heart of the Killik layer.

On the other hand, the smaller mounds had what almost appeared to be slide-like structures that descended at about a sixty degree angle, allowing them to slide down. This small opening they could take single file in order to be delivered deeper into the hive at an unknown location.

I'll go with the team down the smaller mound, Vanya said, waiting to see who else would join her before they all took the plunge.

@Sreeya @Wit @TheDudeMike @The Good Doctor @Arcangel @Wills @Narzen @Aberforth @Rom @GABA @Xorism @Mythos @Scoobert

 

[Natalie Hope]

Natalie reached up and tied her hair into a ponytail as the shuttle landed, which she was totally on; her writer definitely didn't think they were already at the mounds. Bug squashing was harrowing business, and if Natalie was going to locked in combat for the duration of her stay on the planet, having her long hair flying around all over the place wasn't going to be good. It was a messy ponytail, but it would do the job it needed to do.

A tap on her shoulder drew her hazel gazed attention. Oh! Zana (@Xorism )! Last time Natalie had seen her was on Genassa the first time; it was a lot more peaceful that time around. Was hard to keep relations going with the president after the Sith attacked, and a Jedi of all people knocked the president out to force her from her home. What an absolute nightmare that was. Natalie gave Zana a smile, now wishing that they had sticky butter wafers to eat before leaping into bugtown.

"I've seen one really pissed off woman who was mind controlled by one. And her jars of pheromone goo," Natalie said. The tension in the shuttle was palpable. Natalie's hazel eyes shifted to Vanya (@Phoenix ) just as she made her rousing speech. She gave her friend her infamous shit-eating grin with a thumbs up, mouthing the words "we got this" silently to her. The ramp dropped, and Natalie made her way down it to find Mr. Jawline himself. Of course he was here. One deep breath later and the mental bluescreen that threatened to turn her back into Padawan Hopeless was deep down in not-right-now-ville.

"I'm pretty small so I'll go smaller mound too," Natalie said, shifting her attention to Ezra (@Sreeya ). "Unless you need me in the main mound?" Probably not, but she'd offer anyway; she was sixty-four inches tall and in nothing but tight fitting clothing- there was nothing more perfect for tight and enclosed spaces like the smaller mound. Though she had seen Mr. Jawline yeet an abomination with the power of the sun, and she would never say no to having that around. Ultimately she was relatively new to being a Knight, and would go where she was needed most.

Spoiler: TL;DR

• Natalie is choosing to go Team Slide unless otherwise told to go Team Tunnel.

 

[Ferrin Sipal]

For the first time in quite a while, Ferrin had a renewed hope for the Jedi Order.

Despite his absence from Tython - consequence of fighting in the Outer Rim - the Pantoran wholeheartedly believed in the changes that Vanya called for. How couldn’t he? The Grandmaster was gone. The Council had been inept for years. Their inaction had only cost the lives, territory and faith of the few in the Galaxy that still believed the Jedi were something worth believing in.

Perhaps for the first time in years, the Jedi were united by common cause and purpose - and it was momentum that Ferrin would dedicate every ounce of his strength to maintain.

The decision to attack the Kilik hiveworld was long overdue - and despite his own dislike for the creatures - Ferrin didn’t hesitate to gather with his fellow Jedi. Adorned in his signature robes, Ferrin strolled to greet the others on the landing pad - carrying the silvery hilt of his lightsaber loosely on his belt.

“Not everyone,” Ferrin called out from only a few paces behind where Ezra had been standing - answering for Vanya before the Nightsister had an opportunity to do so. Despite the dire circumstances they’d gathered to confront, the Pantoran wore the same sideways smirk that had become his trademark.

“Or were you forgetting the best-looking knight here?”

His wit and humor momentarily died down as the Jedi advanced forward - coming across the hive mounds that dominated the horizon. While the others began congregating to the smaller of the two, Ferrin jutted his chin to the Kilik-made mountain. “Big one it is.” He wasn’t positive who would follow, but the Pantoran forged ahead all the same.

 

[Alhazred]

The words of comfort from the others helped immensely. There was a comfort at having experienced veterans on hand.

"The path to exultation need not be a lonely one" alhazred chortled. "I am proud to be a jedi with all of you"

Alhazred looked at the others around him before taking several deep breaths. A mantra here. A holy verse there. Tbe song of the force reverberated around him. It was a chaotic tune, but a tune nonetheless, and one he could understand. He figured his role would be one of support over strict combat, and if he was going to be prepared for things to be thrown his way, he needed to be ready.

He waited for the others to decide. As the most inexperienced being here, he figured it was best for him to follow orders rsther than taking initiative. But eventually he followed the ones who spoke the most confidence at the moment towards the bigger mounds (@Altaris). After all, his use of the force might be less hindered with more open space.

 

[Rain]

Rain still had Tycho's words bouncing around in her head as she began descending the ramp, and it was Ferrin's call announcing himself that pulled her out of her thoughts. Smirking at his claim, she let her eyes wander between the two options, unsure of where to go. The others were disembarking, talking amongst themselves, making decisions on the basis of who they were. She knew neither what waited them on either side, nor what her own strengths were suited to. So she simply dug into her pockets till she found what she was looking for, a credcoin.

Taking a step forward, she flipped it into the air, snatching it out before she had taken a second step. Opening her fist she saw the coin sitting head side up, and so continued walking towards Ferrin and the group gathering to head for the big mound. It was an old tradition among the guardians, to break deadlocks. Bad shifts, bad food, off days on a sunny day, they would often let the flip of a coin decide when they couldn't make the choice themselves. Let fate decide.

Picking up her pace, she rushed to catch up with Ferrin, slowing down once she fell in step besides him.

"So, what's the plan?"

@Altaris @Narzen

 

[Drexus Brogroo]

Drex liked that the group was splitting. It had many more tactical advantages for the groups mission. Plus they had enough numbers that splitting wouldn't be harmful. He decided to follow the small mound path. His power in the light side of the force was limited, but his skills as a warrior were still on par with most Knights. The Zabrak would place his helmet on his head and begin following Natalie (@Thatdudemike ) and Vanya (@Phoenix ) towards the small mound ready for the mission to get underway.

They were already looking good so far, any others who join would make the group just that much better. He was confident in his fellow Jedi for this mission, it was the Killik factor that made him wonder if the outcome would be the best possible or not. When they made it to the entrance, it wasn't wide. It had a bit of a narrow build, the likelihood of flawless dodges are getting limited.

Looking toward the Knights he would ask, "So who's taking point?" Behind his helmet would be his smirk. The man was rather large, standing at 6'4", weighing 240. If the tunnels were too tight he may not be the best going through. But who doesn't love a good challenge?

Spoiler: Action

Drex chooses small mound