Detroit Rock City

[GABA]

Sullust

A healer and a Librarian...well, more like a pretty boy librarian, Maja thought as she tilted her head to the left and then to the right. The stretch felt good, waking her up a bit as the transport took the Jedi to where the trail supposedly had gone cold on the missing miners. They had spent a good portion of the morning being briefed on what was investigated and what were still unanswered-mainly where did all the bodies go on the transport.

The more superstitious of the Sullustans spoke of a dark creature that lived in the caves, large teeth, poisonous breath, ate fire in order to expel fire from beneath its scales. Maja, as someone who grew up submersed in folk lore, was fascinated by the stories, almost forgetting why she was assigned to be on the volcanic world in the first place. She was somewhat glad though she was with the Jedi pretty boy because she was certain she would pull out her hair if she was stuck with anymore Mandalorians.

The shuttle shook violently, catching Maja off guard and threw her over the side of the seat. Climbing back up, she grumbled something unintelligable and sat back down, turning to look out the window. Their guide and pilot peaked his head from around the corner and apologized for the rough landing, explaining something about the geography of the area. Maja just nodded and waved it off.

Once they landed, Maja was more than happy to get her feet on the ground, though it was hot, and suffocating, she preferred the cold, the heat made her uncomfortable. She waited for her Jedi companion and their guide as the little sullustan lead them to the wreckage site.

@Kori Buor

 

[Kori Buor]

The transport rumbled as it passed through a pocket of hot air, sending Jedi Knight and scholar Ahzek Shahi reaching for the overhead handrails. Such things were common place on Sullust; the volcanic activity created slipstreams and pockets of superheated air, making flying a rather bumpy experience as the craft's repulsors were constantly readjusting to keep itself in the air.

As the turbulence settled down, Ahzek took a deep breath. He didn't care too much for the heat and toxic volcanic fumes that permeated the atmosphere, and the rocky flight over certainly wasn't helping his decision to never return to this lava world. Checking his datapad, he noted that they were nearing the location of the crash site where he was supposed to be searching for another Jedi.

His partner was an interesting case; he had pulled her file up from the archive when he learned her identity. Maja Fir, Echani, didn't use a lightsaber, and a healer. If there were any survivors of the crash they would most likely need medical attention, so the inclusion of one of their valued healers would be a necessity. Feeling the transport begin to decelerate and drop in altitude, Ahzek clenched the railings a little tighter. As the ship touched down, the Jedi Knight immediately hopped off, looking around the area.

It only took him a few moments for his eyes to fall on the pale Echani woman with her grey eyes and platinum-white hair. The heat was stifling, especially in his Jedi armor. His scarlet robes flowed around from his armor and the Knight approached his fellow Jedi. "Maja Fir?" His opening remark somewhere between a statement and a question. With an energetic bow, he looked into her cold grey eyes. "I'm Ahzek Shahi, pleasure to make your acquaintance. Are you ready to start this wild bantha search?"

 

[GABA]

He was entirely a pretty boy...

Maja thought as he approached her, she gave him a soft smile, "Might as well." she gave a small head tilt and adjusted her cowl, wrapping it around her neck. The wreckage wasn't too far off as they descended into the valley. There was something about being underground that left the Jedi uneasy, she enjoyed being on the ground, more than she did space, but something about being in the tunnels felt claustrophobic.

They could see the damaged vessel ahead and Maja glanced at Ahzek, "To be honest, I am not exactly sure where to start on this one. Lets hope we can find something they could not, or else this is going to be a really short trip." Maja said scratching her head. She begun to circle around the ship, making note of the exterior, it had certainly taken massive damage, but there were no bodies that were found. Maja thought that was odd, "There certainly should have been casualties..." Maja thought out loud.

The Echani brushed her hand along the jagged edges, noting the charcoal "And it was burned."

 

[Kori Buor]

"Excellent!" Ahzek remarked, his attention moving around the area as he scanned the valley. Noticing how her aura shifted in the Force, he turned his focus towards her and could sense the yellow uneasiness in her, though he was unsure at to what. Frowning, he glanced at her trying to figure the woman out. It was hard for him to read her, so he would enjoy the mystery. She was definitely an interesting study, and Ahzek wondered what she would be like under pressure.

Chuckling back at Maja as she admitted to being clueless on where to begin, Aethon let out a lengthy sigh as he looked towards the damaged ship. "Have you thought about following where the Force guides you?" He asked with a shit-eating grin on his face. His tone was fairly clear to be light-hearted and playful, aimed to make the woman that was his partner relax a little. Standing back a little as the Echani made her way around the downed ship, the Coruscanti Jedi reached into the Force. "Well, if they did have casualties, either they got eaten or they were taken with the survivors... I'm sure we would have seen the bodies by now, otherwise."

As Maja noted the jagged edges, Ahzek frowned, he felt that they were being pulled elsewhere. "I think maybe we should head for those tunnels. With how hot it is, I'm sure the darkness of those tunnels will have provided a nice respite for the survivors."

Continuing towards the tunnels, the Jedi looked at his companion and offered a simple smile, "So, Maja, how long have you served with the Jedi?"

 

[GABA]

Have you thought about following where the Force guides you?

Ahzek's attempt to make the Maja loosen up worked as she gave him a big grin, smirking at his comment. She felt herself relax as he suggested to head to the caves. She nodded and let him lead, her senses opening up to the unknown that laid in the tunnels.

He decided to strike conversation, asking her how long she had been with the Order and she shrugged.

"As far back as I remember, all I have ever known was the Order." she said trying to recall her first memories, "I've never knew or met my parents and always saw our Echani group as my family." she glanced to her partner, unsure of what to say about herself. She never really shared too much about herself, she was considered closed when it came to personal details. Something that was just part of her culture, not to delve too much into such information unless it was necessary, or if she was very close to someone. Her thoughts trailed as she thought about Bardan, a burn swelled in her chest for just a brief second before she set back on focusing on the mission.

"How about yourself, Ahzek?" she asked turning the focus back on him, "Have you been with the Order all your life also?"

 

[Kori Buor]

Seeing Maja return his grin gave Ahzek an air of comfortable confidence; he would be able to work with this white-haired Jedi. Her aura changed in the Force as she relaxed a little, the Force moving a little more naturally about her as she calmed down. As he led her towards the caves, Ahzek listened as she talked about how long she had been in the Order, how she hadn't known her parents or family. Letting out a hum, Ahzek frowned thoughtfully as he mulled over what she had said.

After she had finished speaking, Ahzek noticed something odd as she seemed to take a moment to reflect. It was curious, but he decided to ignore it; everyone had a past with things they would rather not share. When she asked about him, he smirked, "Oh no, I haven't been. I wasn't even taken until I was almost a teenager... I lived on Coruscant as an orphan with my brother. We both got picked up and taken to Tython. My brother died there during the attack on the Temple, I've chosen to rid the Galaxy of the Sith because of it."

He let out a sigh as he thought about everything that had happened in the last ten years. So much, he thought, too much. Hopefully, this war would be over soon, and the Sith would be destroyed. Ahead, the cave floor dropped steeply, it's angle was enough that if they tried to go down they'd probably end up sliding. "Well, if the survivors went down that way, they probably would have had a time getting up." Kneeling down near the edge, Ahzek, he examined the stone floor, the volcanic rock had been scratched at repeatedly, but not by a humanoid, by something large. "Well, that's odd, I wonder what caused that." Looking up at Maja, "Well, only way is forward, you ready to see what's further in."

 

[GABA]

He had mentioned his brother was killed on Tython and the Echani felt her heart sink. She knew so many people who lost ones who were dear to them.

"That's honorable of you." she gave him a soft smile.

They stopped and observed how the floor of the tunnel steeply dropped off. Maja got as close as she could to look over the ledge to try to see if there was a bottom. He was right, anyone would have trouble getting up without some sort of assistance. He knelt at the edge, examining where the rock had been scratched. Maja knelt beside him, observing also, her brow furrowed in thought.

She reached into her bag and pulled out a couple of glow sticks, bending them until they snapped and then handed one to Ahzek.

"To be honest, I'm a little plagued with curiosity now." she admitted with a hint of excitement in her tone. She squatted down, sliding carefully off the ledge as they made a slow and careful decent. She found the glow sticks didn't help much, the tunnel only grew darker and she prayed to the gods that the end of this tunnel did not exit into a bottomless pit.

It felt as though they were traveling for hours. With as deep as they were going, their comms would not be able to work against the layers of natural stone. She kept quiet though, only making gestures in the Force to Ahzek until they reached the bottom.

 

[RED-1]

RED-2 was to watch the Jedi and give them any support they needed. flying the ore loader was not one of its best skills and the Jedi had a ruff trip landing. RED watch them poke around the crash sight the droid thought it was funny they did not ask one question. This was its expertise the crash sight was its assignment . RED could tell they were not interested in the crash. As they walked a round the Jedi noticed some marks. They continued to talk and walked to a cave. RED walked to were they saw the marks he imaged them. RED's annalists it was a life form nothing on record. The droid looked up and the Jedi could not be seen he moved quickly and picked up there trail. No not the Cave it thought. RED walked quickly to get the to Jedi his owners would be really mad if something happened to the Jedi. The droid inters the cave the droid turned on it's search light it shot out lighting his way. it could detect glow sticks up a head.

 

[Kori Buor]

With a laugh, Ahzek nodded back at Maja, "Good! Let's get going then! Who knows, maybe we'll find something never before seen!" Before starting off down into the hole, the Jedi Knight could sense another presence. "I think we have some company. Keep your head on a swivel."

Moving with Maja, the Coruscanti Jedi Knight began sliding into the dark tunnel. As they slid, Ahzek could only see the pitch darkness around him; he couldn't even see his hand in front of him. Though, through the Force, Ahzek could see Maja, feel her and her aura radiating from her. Her own presence mixed with the natural radiance of the Force which permeated everything, shining brightly and causing the mystical energy to move around her calmly like a fountain. He noticed as Maja made small gestures in the Force, something only another Jedi would be able to detect or understand.

It seemed like they slid for ages before they finally reached the bottom, which, to much of their combined chagrin, was heralded by a sudden drop as the stone gave way to a large, smooth, open hole. Thankfully for both of them, they only dropped for a second before their feet touched the ground. Rolling as he hit the hard floor, Ahzek took a moment to reach into the Force. "Odd," he started as his sensed permeated the immediate surroundings. "Something's not right... can you feel it? It's almost like there's something here... something old, full of wonder."

 

[RED-1]

Continuing RED moved to one side, next to the wall, A safety cable was there attached about 3 feet off the ground. The droid grabbed the cable and held it for a moment no vibrations. The Jedi just ran down the slope the droid thought. RED loosened its grip and stared the dissent at a run. he could not let them get to far ahead of him. the droid feet could be herd hitting the ground with a dull medal ringing. RED slowed its dissent when it heard same one say "Something's not right... can you feel it? It's almost like there's something here... something old, full of wonder." When RED hit the ledge, the droid slid to a stop flashing its beam of light on two the to Jedi lighting the area up "Master Jedis, I know you are fully capable of taking car of your self's but I am to say with you for your safety. I must assist you in any way I can. My masters has assigned me to you." the droids says concerned almost human tone. The droid lets go of the cable and walks over to the two Jedi. "Also I am to record your findings I will try to say out of your way" The droid looks around then turns back to the Jedi shining its light on the ground. "Master Jedi there are similar marks here but the marks are not in my data base, They are unknown to my Masters and I have not seen them before nether."

 

[GABA]

((Please keep to a posting order, thanks!))

Maja stuck close to Ahzek, pulling out an illuminator she held it up, trying to illuminate as much as she could of the tunnel. She furrowed her brow in thought, reaching out with the Force, "Hmm...there's definitely something hanging in the air..." she said taking a few steps forward, but couldn't feel necessarily what Ahzek was describing.

She knelt down, feeling the ground, the same scratches as the ones like up above, left a long trail ahead of them.

"I think we're going to find what we're looking for if we keep moving in that direction." she said pointing in the direction of the scratches.

Maja then jumped as they were suddenly joined by a third party, a droid, who was insistent on keeping them company as order by his Masters. "Masters?" she questioned taking a few steps back, squinting from the light beam, her hand wrapped itself around the sword, "I don't know any Masters with a droid, nor do I recall the Sullustians mentioning a droid." she said, suspicious on where this machine came from.

 

[Kori Buor]

"I agree," Ahzek replied as he glanced in the direction Maja pointed to where the scratches were located. When a droid suddenly joined them, Ahzek instinctively reached for his lightsabers, bringing both into his hands, but not activating them as the droid addressed them as masters, eliciting a raised eyebrow from the Jedi Knight. Glancing at Maja when she mentioned not knowing anything about the droid, Ahzek scowled. "Well that's just great, now we have a sketchy robot following us around in a dark cave. If this doesn't stink, then I don't know what does."

The Jedi wasn't sure if he should trust this droid or not; after all, it wasn't like he could sense a machine's circuitry to see if the thing was lying, or some kind of Sith assassin droid. Before he had the chance to spend time thinking on the new arrival, a loud, bellowing growl echoed up from the dark passageway the two Jedi had intended to descend. "Uh, Maja, you just heard that, right?"

Suddenly, he could feel a presence moving towards them, and the Jedi barely had a chance to register what was happening. He moved instinctively away and to the side just as a massive black paw swiped through the air, claws the length of a femur reached out for him. A long and narrow black snout protruded from the clinging shadows, sniffing the air, as elongated fangs glistened with saliva. The beast rushed for Maja next just as Ahzek activated his lightsabers, their glow casting an eery light to the cave and revealing just enough of the beast for Ahzek to know fear.

This beast had a thick, hardened carapace, no doubt it evolved to withstand the pressure and heat of living underground on a planet with significant volcanic activity. If Ahzek had to guess it was likely immune, or incredibly resistant to all kinds of blaster bolts and conventional explosives, and almost certainly immune to your average vibro weapon. "Maja, time to move!" Ahzek shouted as he sprinted for the only opening he could get to past the massive lizard of pure jet. Beckoning Maja to join him, the Coruscanti Jedi had to duck as the lizard lashed out with its spiked tail, hitting a stalagmite, pulverizing it and causing a spray of rock to pelt Ahzek just before the ceiling above that portion of the room started to collapse.

Drawing on the Force, Ahzek pulled Maja to him just as several large rocks separated them from the lizard. They were alone and safe for the moment, but no doubt the lizard would be after them; it had their scent, and they were in its territory now. "The sooner we find what we're looking for, the sooner we can get out of here and away from this beast!"

 

[GABA]

Ahzek was just a jumpy as she was with their new guest, but they quickly diverted their attention to the growl that seemed to rumble through the rocks. Her hand had gripped Hiln as she pulled it out, the sword's song rang, but didn't echo as they both seemed to have a bad feeling about what was hovering above them.

Instinct told the Jedi to move, and just in time too as a massive claw came out to greet them. Through the light of illuminator, its salvia and teeth shone brightly bringing a sense of awe at first until the beast turned its attention to Maja. It jutted at the Healer, snapping its large fangs as it tried to catch the woman as she moved underneath and out from under his thick scaled legs towards Ahzek as he cried out.

The Echani ducked under the swinging tail as it struck the stalagmite, feeling the rock rain upon her as she tried to avoid the bigger pieces. There was a distinct rumble, not a growl that ran through the stone, buckling under new pressure as they begun to collapse inward. Maja felt something wrap around her as she hurried to Ahzek's position, and eventually as lifted off her feet with more speed than grace as she dropped to all fours, the cave entrance blocked by the collapsed ceiling.

"Was that?!" Maja stopped hearing her voice echo, "Was that a..." she pointed to the blocked cave entrance, she shook her head feeling her body to make sure there weren't any wounds she didn't detect earlier before putting away her sword.

"You hurt?" she asked placing a hand on his forearm, feeling for any injuries, and gave Ahzek a smirk, "Do you think we'll find any of its treasure of gold and gems?" she asked him thinking about the fairy tale stories from her childhood.

 

[RED-1]

As the huge Beast appeared out the the darkness RED was surprised by it. The beast did not show on its thermal imaging scanners. RED watched as the Jedi moved with grate speed moving out of the way of the beast. The droid record as it the beast showed its self attacking the Jedi. What was it that his masters really wanted it to do with the Jedi they are good at evading the Beast droid thought to its self. RED watched the tail crush rocks spraying the area the droid was in. RED lifted its arms up for protection. The droid ran its white search light changed to blue as he moved closer to the Jedi. RED's programming kick in the Jedi safety had to come first. The droid ran over to the Jedi trying to deflect rocks with its fore arms. RED made sure that no heavy rocks would land on the two Jedi.

RED looking them over saying “I have detected no injures.” RED looks over the area “I am RED-2 a rescue, medical droid. A friend of Sullustians is who sent me my programming will not allow me to hurt you and I have no real weapons.” Some rocks slide the droid steps to the right. “I don't think this cave is safe we most move, Master Jedi's”

 

[Kori Buor]

"Your guess is as good as mine," Ahzek responded back to Maja, chuckling a little as he knew exactly what she was getting at. Who knew that Sullust had jet black lava dragons? Well, this was certainly getting put into a book. Using his lightsaber as a light source, Ahzek looked around the room, noticing that the droid had also, somehow magically, made it through the collapse of the cave. Humming to himself as he felt Maja's hand against his arm, he glanced to the Echani as she asked him if he was hurt. Smiling back, he shook his head, "No, I'm fine, thanks. As for treasure, part of me certainly hopes so!"

There was a laugh before Ahzek looked to the droid who was now addressing them. "I think we'll be fine, thanks." The Jedi Knight replied back smiling at Maja. "Further on then?" He asked rhetorically, there was only one way for them to go, and that was deeper in. Mentally, he hoped that the dragon, or whatever it was, would take a while to follow them, but it knew this cave system better than they did, and probably was able to navigate by sense and tremor-sense alone, meaning it would be near impossible for them to hide from it.

Turning, Ahzek led the other two deeper into the cave, reaching out with the Force to sense what was around him, and perhaps get an idea if the creature was getting close or following them. So far, he didn't feel anything, but in the dark, claustrophobic tunnels, anything could creep up on them and they might overlook or miss it. It took them a few minutes of walking down the twisting tunnels, but eventually, Ahzek managed to sense something in the Force. Turning to Maja, he asked, "Hey you feel that? I think there's something up ahead of us."

@GABA-wan Kenobi

 

[GABA]

Maja eyed the droid before turning attention back to Ahzek as he suggested to keep moving. She was quiet as she listened carefully to the Force; she was more on guard now, her hand floating occasionally to the hilt of her sword. The tunnels winded and turned, Maja was struggling to know exactly where they were now; she closed her eyes, using her senses to keep in step with her Jedi companion.

However, as they continued, Maja felt the Force shift; Ahzek felt it too as he spoke openly. She opened her eyes, glancing at him in the saber's light. "Its and odd feeling...almost primal and ancient..." she said watching Ahzek's saber light dissipate as they entered a large cave. Though the first thing that hit the Jedi was the smell as she crinkled her face. The healer reached over to Ahzek's saber hand and gently pressed it down, signalling him to turn it off.

"I don't like this feeling I got now..." she said, her pace slowing as the floor of the cave seemed to become crunchy. Maja tried not to breath in too deeply as the stench now was making her stomach turn, "I really don't like what I just stepped into, Ahzek." she whispered as loud as she could without shouting.

 

[RED-1]

RED stepped foreword "Master Jedi, I could lead I have a light and the monsters I don't think of me as food they could ignore droids to a point." the droid took another step and sighed "O boy now what did i step in?" the droid light changed color to red and lit the tunnel in front of them.

 

[Valen Pelora]

OOC: Evil Hot Space Hermion is wearing medium Jedi Modular Armor and a mask reminiscent of the Jedi Temple Guards. It has no function other than to hide her face. She is carrying a Sunspear pistol with 3 rounds of ammunition and 2 EMPs. She has two blue Lightsabers clipped to her belt.

Who was she? What was she? Darth Adava was dead, buried in a cell deep on Lothal. The Grand Inquisitor raged and screamed in the mind of Alexia Morr. Not dead. Imprisoned. Adava would never leave her, just as the freighted child who had spawned her. She could be better. She would be better. Alexia would not succumb to the tortures of her father any longer.

She was inexperienced with the Lightside and she still felt the siren call of the Darkness. A seductive whisper in the back of her mind. She would not give in. Corvo had ordered her to accompany General Singh to Sullust. He did not call it a test, but that is exactly what it was. She had spent weeks on Lothal changing her life. Her progress would be measured. She was to observe how General Singh balanced on the Light. Corvo’s instructions had been clear. She was to be extremely careful.

Alexia’s presence among the Jedi was largely hidden. She wore the mask of the Temple Guards to conceal her identity. The Grand Master had no faith she would succeed in redemption. He trusted only his closest allies to keep a watch on the former Sith Lord, but Alexia could not be kept caged forever. She knew it would be dangerous for her to fight. The seduction of the Darkside could swallow her up in a moment. Alexia had to test herself. She had to know if she could manage.

General Singh and Alexia were backup for two other Jedi exploring the caves of Sullust. There were dark and terrible creatures rumored to be prowling the caves. It was the Jedi’s duty to ferret out the beasts. Jedi. That word still felt strange in her mind. The two women were positioned on the opposite side of the caves system near a completely difference entrance. Alexia fidgeted with cloak and armor. The confidence she had projected as Darth Adava was gone. She had distinct feeling General Singh did not like her. She did not blame the General.

“It has been some time since the others checked in.” She spoke softly. “They may need our help.” She railed at herself. Was she a teenager again? Afraid to speak her mind and be heard? @Zenya

 

[Zenya]

OOC: Lanna wears a Jedi Robes and Cloak, and carries underneath, a Lightsaber, Jedi Modular Armor, SA-21 Sunspear Heavy Blaster(2) Thermal Detonator (4) and EMP Grenade (2)

Lanna had not quite understood why the Grand Master had chosen her to inspect the caves of Sullust with their newest addition to the Jedi. Alexia, the former Darth Adava. Whatever made him think she was qualified for such a task, suggesting she just resigned from the council with little explanation, was beyond her. But he seemed to have a fair level of faith in her abilities, and that itself made the woman enthusiastic to get the job done.

She was also massively intrigued by the mysterious woman. Former darksiders were always entertaining to observe and pick apart. However, despite her childish interest, she did not let those thoughts show through to any onlookers. This time she was no longer the young girl who looked up to such people with wide eyes and curiosity, but a skeptical approach. Throughout her years, she had come to the conclusion that people simply did not change. If they did something once, the desire to do it again would always be there. So as open as she was, she was rarely trusting. So long as Alexia Morr had a good attitude, they would get along just fine, despite the air of caution Lanna had around the woman.

"Indeed... They've taken an unreasonably long amount of time." Brushing her tangled, curly hair over her shoulders, she grabbed something out of her bag. A glowstick. "Here. take this."

She smiled a bit, meeting Alexia's gaze. Then, cocking her head to the side, she spun on her heel, and gazed down the opening of the cave. "Hope you're not claustrophobic. Or afraid of the dark. Or have a dislike for strange creatures."

@Valen Pelora

 

[GABA]

Ahzek had switched off his lightsaber as Maja proceeded forward, each step she took crunched beneath her weight. She winced and froze, her senses picking up a looming danger. The Knight didn't want to look down, she could only guess what she was walking in, her thoughts wandering to the worst.

The smell seemed to grow more putrid as she descended further, a soft glow seemed to line the horizon of the curved cave. Maja was sweating as the heat became more intense as she got closer, hiding behind a large stone, she could now clearly see what lined the cave floor. As a healer, Maja was used to see all sorts of gore, but the cave floor full of skeletons was something out of a holo-horror film. She opened her mouth to scream, but not a sound left her throat. It took all her will power not to dance in freight back to where she came from as she pressed in her cheeks with the palms of her hands.

Turning to where Ahzek and the Droid were standing, she silently expressed her unhappiness with exaggerated hand waves before her Jedi companion silently reassured things would be ok. There was a rumbling growl and things were quickly brought back into perspective and Maja got low, walking closer to the ledge to see the belly of the cave, three large eggs settled snuggly just under the belly of the large reptilian beast that attacked them earlier.

It seemed to be sleeping and Maja slowly crawled back to where her companions stood and she shook her head, however, a small glint of light caught her eye as she looked up to the top of the cave, seeing another large entrance way. She pointed getting the other two's attention and it was in agreement that could be their way out.