(IB) To Hunt, or be Hunted

[Krajin]

]
Cadannia

0236
1,023 ABY
Matallan Outpost ​

Cardannia, a humid jungle planet in the Mid rim, home to a massive variety of flora and Fauna but lacking in a sapient population. A few outposts were settled here and there, especially in the last few years had they sprung up, though people didn't stay long. It was home to Senflax, a neurotoxin from the local plant life that could instil a complete anaesthetic feel to any who were administered the substance and weirdly, didn't kill them no matter how much was injected. It was also, unfortunately known to mess with your mental capacities and as such a Force user's ability to use their powers. It was was just past midnight in Matallan Outpost, one of the slightly more active outposts on this planet. Its Spaceport was small with roughly a dozen or so hangar bays and had a few Cantinas here and there.

Kade had been on this fantastic planet for a few days, hunting his quarry. Three individuals involved in an Artefact smuggling ring that the Imperials had dumped a bounty onto. Seemed their activities had caught the attention of someone high up and they were looking to remove these poor souls rather quickly. He'd claimed the contract, after all if this lot were dealing with artefacts, drugs, or other such unpleasant vices then they needed to be removed.

Three individuals; Silus Janin was a human male, broad shouldered and chiselled features. He was a rather good example of a Human in terms of looks, with Charisma to match. He was their Ring Leader and the man who would often buy and sell the trio's goods. He was also known for being quite the Pilot.

Leran Thelcar, a Weequay weapons specialist and their effective 'muscle' as it could be defined as. He was known for being short tempered and easily provoked with a nasty penchant for beating on those weaker than him. A true bully and has been linked to several assaults with the possibility of murders being connected to him as well.

Finally the one behind the false artefacts and responsible for acquiring and selling an actual relic is a Bothan named Koskit Kothtri, wanted on his homeworld of Bothawui for murder and a slew of various other small time crimes centred around counterfeiting and the sales of illegal items. He's tall for a Bothan with dark tan fur, dangerous when cornered.

Exiting the Cantina, Kade had heard these three individuals had gotten a hold of an actual relic from a proposed Sith Burial site and were looking to sell. Another rumour that floated around was that they'd gone into hiding due to a Sith on their trail. Last thing Kade wanted was to have to contend with one of those, so he had to find them and kill them first. He'd scored tidbits from the locals that Silus and company were set up in an old Bunker out in the Jungle. Using Speeders in such an environment was going to be problematic, airspeeders would be spotted on the way. He -did- however have a jetpack fitted to his Paladin Armour, all he had to do is remove the Poncho and he was set.

So the large Kushari stalked his way toward the Outpost's boundaries, most of the body armour concealed beneath the olive green poncho he wore with only the Assault rifle visible on his back and the helmet hung off the side of his belt, it would be difficult to not spot or find him amongst the crowds and he did leave quite the impression with others in the outpost.

 

[Flamjetxx]

Having arrived on Cardannia only but a few days ago, Ark realized something about himself. As much as he wold have hated to admit it as an Acolyte, Ark is now an unofficial go to guy for retieving stolen Sith Artefacts. The Force only knows there are enough Sith artefacts still hidden on Korriban, but it was Ark's mission to hunt down and retrieve the Artefact for the Sith. There was something that really dug deep inside of him to hear that scum steal from his unofficial ancestors for their own gain. That, and his inexplicable loyalty to the Sith made him want to sacrifice everything to bring these men to justice.

Unfortunately, being given a order to keep as low a profile as he could manage, Ark was given little resources, yet again, for a mission that seemed to require more and more of what he didn't seem to have. Ark wasn't an assassin, and so breaking into and getting out without a trace was an afterthought. Ark was more reliant on straight forward tactics, such as hunt and kill. After all, a Warrior was designed in every way to kill; Ark would most certainly be good at that.

Finding himself in the thick Jungle, Ark was hot on the tracks of what he highly suspected to be the smugglers he was looking for. In a jungle as thick as this, following a trail was much easier than in the desert. A broken twig, partial foot print in the mud, and entire branches snapped in half were dead giveaways, allowing Ark to follow the trail with a precision that made it almost too easy; That's especially because Ark had tire tracks to follow.

Unfortunately, these tracks always seemed to lead into Outposts and enclaves that were thick with other smugglers and merchants. It's in these environments that Ark loses track of his prey, and at the rate he was going, he was bound to miss a clue, and they were bound to get away from him. And if Ark was lucky, they'd be heading for some sort of hidden base of operations that he could follow them to, but Ark's hopes weren't likely enough.

Ark figures that they knew he was hot on their trail, because they neglected to stay in one place for very long. Furthermore, they were likely trying to find a byer for their stolen merchandise; That meant that Ark needed to be moving, and fast too. The last thing Ark needed was an untraceable manifest for his artefact to get lost in.

Surprisingly enough, Ark's white fur, although relatively long still, remained almost completely untouched by the forest's foliage and mud. When walking into the Outpost, Ark would have looked like he was dropped off only a few feet from the outside by a speeder. However, to conceal his identity as much as possible, Ark would dawn a cloak before entering. It would hide his light sabers, and the majority of his fur, including his tail. A Kushari tends to stick out like a sore thumb in a place like this.

Thirsty, Ark stepped into the Outpost with a flask in his paw, emptying it for its last drop into his mouth. Where ever could he get something to drink and gain information in a place like this (sarcastically)?

The Cantina would be Ark's first place to visit. Where else cold he possible go? Ark bows his head underneath a hood as he enters. The more he could conceal his identity, the better. Ark's ears perked from underneath his hood, making him look like some weird twi'lek. Ark was taking in every sound. He tried to filter through the majority of them, but it was loud. Not only that, but the place wreaked of alcohol, death sticks, and vomit. This was certainly a back wash cantina. Ark didn't have to wonder why he never likes these kinds of places. The criminals were evident. squabbles over money, bragging of dubious deeds, and the mere intoxication made the place sicken Ark with its chaos and pettiness.

Ark comes up to the bar, and leans on the uncomfortably small counter. A human male shortly meets him, "What can I get yuh?"

Ark, without revealing his face, begins the cautious process of attaining information that would undoubtedly end with the bartender attempting to procure a bribe, "I'm looking for some valuables. preferably something that would get a certain Imperial off my back. A top secret weapon or cehicle blueprint, an ancient Sith artefact..." The bar tenders eye brow twitched at the mention of the artefact. That was good. At least Ark knew he was on the right track, even if the bar tender didn't actually know where the artefact was.

Ark continued, "...Anything really."

The bar tender cocked his head to the side, and shifted his arms into a shrug, "I... I don't know if I have anything for you. I mean, I've been working really hard today, and there wasn't really any time for me to hear anything going on in here. And the worst part? The worst part is that my tip jar is nearly empty, even after a long day of hard work!"

And there is was... The bribe. Ark could have bet the farm on it, That's fine though, because, there are many ways of attaining the information he needed. Unfortunately, there was a shady character at Ark's right that seemed just a little too curious about his business. Whatever he's already heard, Ark would need to distract him for the time being of 'course.

"How about your strongest drink for my friend here?" Ark says while poking the uncomfortable man next to Ark, "And if you do a particularly good job, you might get a fat tip," Ark says while flashing a fair sum of credits at him.

The bar tender smirks as Ark paces the pile of credits on the bar top, and the bartender quickly mixes an expensive-looking drink, that quite honestly looked radioactive. The man gave Ark an uneasy look as he sized up the drink. Ark returned to the bar tender who was eager to slap hi ugly mits onto the pile of credits, but as he did so, Ark's paw pinned both their hands on the bar top. Ark's hand was massive over the man's hand, and his claws began to retract into his hand. As Ark did this, his mind expanded and penetrated the human's thoughts. The information was easy to attain, and it didn't take very long for Ark to get what he needed.

"Where are the Sith artefacts? Who took them, and where are they hiding out?" Ark said in an almost penetratingly soft voice.

As if in a trance, the bar tender responds, "The far side of the outpost. There is a man named Masta 'Akai. I heard there were a few smugglers looking for a buyer. He will know where they are or where they are headed."

And after Ark got what he wanted, Ark's paw removed itself from his hand, flinging the wounded hand into the air where Ark could quickly pick up his credits again. The bar tender, in a daze, was left light headed, and clearly uncertain as to where he was. As Ark pulled the information form him, he also took a bit of energy from the man in order to leave him weak, and likely incapable of remembering the encounter between the two of them.

Ugh... The for side of the outpost. As if travelling for days wasn't bad enough in its own. And the worst part was that Ark needed to find these smugglers before it was too late.

Ark turned around to find the seat next to him in the bar was empty of the fat man that sat in it previously, and the drink wasn't touched at all. At the other end of the bar, Ark could see the larger man trying to push his way through the crowds of people to get through the door in a hurry. This, Ark couldn't let happen. Ark couldn't let him escape. If he heard what Ark was looking for, and informed the smugglers he was here, Ark would have another chase through the jungle on his hands. And that was unacceptable. He couldn't let this informant get away.

Ark was quick to his feet, and managed to slither through the crowd with surprising grace for his size. And Ark slammed the door to the cantina open into an alleyway that was vacant of all life but the fat an making surprising hast through the alleyway. Reaching out with the Force, Ark gripped the man with the Force and through him up against a dumpster with a loud thud. Ark's hood was now down and revealed his identity to the man. But it really didn't even matter, because he wasn't likely to live much longer anyway.

The fat man rolled from his side to face Ark where a blaster managed to appear in his hand. Where did he keep it?! In the rolls of his fat?! A zing rung in the alleyway as a flash of light traversed at an almost unperceivable speed at Ark. With paw up, Ark absorbed the energy of the blaster bolt, but hesitant to draw upon more attention that was needed by igniting a light saber, Ark neglected to do so. Reaching the fat man before he could get off another shot however...

 

[Krajin]

Kade paused as he was walking to the outpost exit and frowned as something tingled on the very edge of his perceptions, a ripple, an echo amongst the people and life of the outpost that rippled out from behind. Following up with that was the sound of a blaster bolt feintly coming from down a nearby alleyway. He turned around and started toward the alleyway. There was a certain edge to this as he headed toward the alleyway, hand moving to his M-88o with the glove's magnetic grip kicking in as he drew it, he was yet to screw on the suppressor so if or when this thing was to go off, it was going to be loud.

Kade paused as he arrived at an Alleyway, the smells of fear, fur, lard and more were mixing around the area and he peered around the corner into the alleyway. Seeing the large man struggle with the Blaster to fire off a shot at a large individual shrouded by a cloak that Kade'd be able to use as a bed sheet he pointed the weapon down the alleyway, aiming at the Blaster in the large mans hand and pulled the trigger. In an instant a deafeningly loud BANG could be heard followed by a loud yelp as a Blaster Pistol was shattered in two from a FMJ-T round, the man's hand began to bleed as he crawled back. Two massive monsters in the Alleyway, it wasn't Kade's principle to get involved but when you see someone who, from behind looks remarkably like him but white.. he tended to try and help them survive.

Catching the hot brass that was ejected Kade stuck the spent round into a pouch on the Paladin's utility belt, policing one's brass as it were. There was a sense of curiosity in what this individual was doing here and why he was chasing a man that Kade himself had seen at the bar. One of the more shadier sorts in the outpost and that was saying something. Of course the echo amongst the crowd down here had changed from being an echo to a pulsating sense, someone was force sensitive and trained it seemed, he felt a bit off though as well. Kade couldn't quite place it but there was something strange about this individual.

"Care should be taken when dealing with these individuals, they all carry concealed weapons." He said with a relatively neutral expression, some concern etching through his voice. His own lightsabers concealed for the most part, at least the massive greatsaber that he wielded. The smaller black one settled nicely on the belt off on his right, partly visible.

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark sensed the individual behind him, and though he wouldn't be able to recognize the individual simply by the Force's warning alone, Akr could smell the distinct scent of fur. It was something he'd grown accustomed to during his time spent with the Makuran Commonwealth. And although he didn't recognize specifically that the individual was indeed a Kushari, Ark knew that he was furred; Wookie, Whiphid, Selonian?

Ark could also sense danger. A shot?

Ark ducked and bobbed his head needlessly as the shot pierced the alleyway in a thundering ringing that left Ark's, now folded, ears feeling like they were about to bleed. Wincing, Ark watched as the hand, holding the blaster, of the larger man exploded in blood. Clearly, this individual wasn't after Ark directly, and as Ark swiveled from the, now harmless, target- bleeding, screaming, and rolling on the ground in a puddle of his own blood -Ark could see that it was a Kushari behind him. It was beyond surprising to Ark. What was a Kushari doing out here; Although, Ark too is a Kushari, and what was he doing here?

Though Ark hesitated to show any emotions of surprise in his face, his tail flicked with a storm of emotions, confusion, surprise, hesitation, excitement. What could he make of the situation was that the Kushari was undoubtedly on his side. Ark gave a brief nod at the Kushari and returned to the man still groaning. The pop of the slug thrower was sure to bring unwanted attention to them, and Ark needed to get the three of them out of site, and fast. Thankfully, there seemed to be a warehouse not too far from where they were already.

Quickly making his way over to the man, and hoisting him over his shoulder with the ease of any other Kushari, Ark carried him, hurriedl to the door which was locked. A swift kick would certainly do the trick, and inside they could get all the information they needed. Ark would be able to find out what he needed from the other Kushari, and at the same time, he'd be able to pull information from the spy.

Ark tosses the moaning man up against a pillar within the warehouse a fair distance inside. If he was going to scream, Ark would want a buffer before the noise got outside. Ark looks over his cloak that is now covered in fresh blood over his left sleeve. Ark's right prosthetic arm was untouched by any blood, but it was going to be uncomfortable for Ark to continue with a moist cloak, and the stench of human blood on his robes.

Ark allowed the other Kushari to enter the warehouse behind Ark before he turned to him to whisper, "I can only assume that you are either doing this out of the goodness of your hearts... or you too want something from him. That being said, I'll let you have first crack at him," Ark started. The truth is that Ark wanted to see what he was after before revealing what Ark was after. That, and Ark wanted the man to be distracted by the other Kushari while Ark prodded his mind for the truth. Ark personally didn't trust anything anyone says as much as he trusts what they involuntarily think.

Ark begins to head back before stopping himself, "Even if you don't have anything to say to him, just keep him busy. Arkteleus Krayzen by the way," Ark introduces himself, while he observes the Makuran equipment he wore. There wasn't much doubt in Ark's mind that he is, or at least was a part of the Makuran Commonwelath at some point. Ark spent enough time with them to recognize them. In fact, Ark is still in contact with at least one other Commonwealth Kushari.

Ark circles around the back of the pillar, where he reaches around with his paws gripping the man's neck and his arm that hasn't been shot. Needless to say, he was restrained. Ark waits for the other Kushari's first words before he begins to enter his mind with the enhanced focus of touch. If this man had any training at all in fending off Ark's mental attacks, he'd likely be incapable of focusing hard enough to be able to ward Ark off, and that is only if he even realizes Ark was entering his mind.

Ark would only have to hope that the other Kushari had information to attain rather than wanting to outright kill the man over some sort of former feud. After all, he shot first and is now expected to ask questions... later.

 

[Krajin]

Kade followed along, if only to administer some form of Medical treatment to the man so that he didn't bleed to death from having part of his hand blown apart. The wound oozed blood as Arkteleus carried him like the fatman was only a little boy. As they walked along the majority of the people who were in this outpost seemed to not care to much, a few ran off, whispers could be heard from a couple of near-humans near what looked like a vending machine of some description. It was old, but brightly coloured with a massive Hologram of a rather unpleasant looking aliens devouring some food stuff or another.

Their whispers were hushed and worried, anyone with the hearing sensitivity of a Kushari could pick out fragments of their words "He's in for it now.... What did poor Jelob do this time? Serves him right, whatever it was."

Kade didn't pay to much attention to it, he doubted this man actually had anything of value on him that the soldier didn't have already. Granted his hunt was allot more... smoother than the smaller furball that was carrying the fat guy. The man did scream rather loudly as he was hurled into a Pillar and slumped down, holding onto his bloody hand. His skin was going paler by the minute from unchecked bleeding. Kade removed a small medical kit from his belt and walked on over as Arkteleus introduced himself, there was something strange, fishy almost about this. But keeping with his own honour, the large beast knelt down and grabbed the stub that was a hand "This will be over quickly, but you will not enjoy it on any level." A small black chip was stuck in the large mans mouth as he opened it to speak, keeping him from speaking and giving him something to bite down on so he didn't bite his tongue off for what Kade was about to do next.

As much as he would of loved to just do a clean cut at the wrist, it was easier to staunch the bleeding with biofoam which made the man shriek out, his mind filled with pain. Then, the hand was bandaged rather quickly. There was a certain degree of recognition from Jelob to Kade, though the golden furred male would say nothing. Arkteleus on the other hand would have a grand time sifting through the humans mind, especially as the pain would die off, leaving it fuzzy and clouded, also open.

Jelob had been in the market to deal on strange curios and objects, often selling them at a higher price or cost than what was originally intended. He, like those the two hunted was a forgeries dealer. His speciality was in artifacts and curios of the mysterious kind. From Ithorian relics that had supposedly survived the destruction of Ithor to Selkath stone works. He'd been wanting to get in on the more lucrative market of Jedi and Sith relics, a market filled with fakes and forgeries enough to fill one of Palpatines mysterious vaults. He'd met with a human in that Bar several hours earlier whom had spoken to him about getting a market price for the relics they had. Showing on a datapad several well made objects of sith origin. Though to anyone from that particular order would almost instantly spot they were fake. Until a scroll case came into view which looked real. It was old, tarnished and had easily seen several centuries. There was mention of a special object as well though it was kept secret, the two talked more about prices and contacts. The skinnier human had gotten up to check something with a waitress and Jelob had glanced at the Datapad, a map detailed on it with a rather rough location of a meeting spot. Out in the jungle. Quite far out that is.

Kade looked at Arkteleus "Call me Kade. You're.. hunting this man why? He sell you something you disliked?"

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark didn't need the Force to sense that the other Kushari, introduced to Ark as Kade, wasn't completely comfortable with what Ark was doing to the man. Ark could see that in part by the way he bandaged up the man as he was held in place by Ark's paws. Ark wasn't gentle with him by any means, and in contrast, Kade was careful not to cause him any more unnecessary pain, as he figured that Ark was doing enough.

Ark didn't care whether the man lived or died, but killing him would have certainly been easier to tie up loose ends. The last thing Ark needed was for everyone in the Outpost to know that there was a rogue Force Sensitive bashing people around. As far as Ark was concerned, the fewer people who knew of his existence here, the better. After Ark leaves, he'd like to think that no one would be able to say with any certainty that Ark was ever even there. For Kade's sake, Ark wouldn't undo the work he'd put into the bandages. There was more than one way to get what he wanted.

In response to Kade's question, Ark gave him a smirk, unsure of whether to tell him or not. Unfortunately, Ark felt like he owed him, if not for disarming his victim, then for simply being a Makuran brother, "I'm tracking down a Sith Artefact."

Ark didn't need to tell him he was Sith, nor that intended to bring those he was hunting to justice, but at least Ark could lift the weight of the secrecy of his mission to the other feline.

Through the visions Ark attained through his invasion of the man, Jelob, Ark managed to find that Kade had only just previously spoken with him. Their interests seemed similar. They were both seeking Sith Artefacts. For what purpose, Ark had yet to discover; After all, Ark wasn't invading Kade's mind, but rather Jelob's.

And the amount o information, although difficult to perceive at first was quite a bit more than Ark even expected him to know. Ark hoped for a location of his real targets rather than information on the actual Artefact itself. Granted Ark was sent into the field already knowing what he was looking for, but it was nice to confirm he was on the right trail. The question begs that he figures Kade already had a good idea what Ark was looking for in Jelob. Jelob's job didn't really include a whole lot else, and Ark figured by the Force presence within Kade that Kade also sensed that Ark was a powerful enough Forceful. The pieces of the puzzle fit together well enough, but Ark applauds him for not jumping to conclusions. It takes a particular sense of self control, one that Ark tends to lack in most cases, to sit back and take in all the facts.

having the information Ark desired, his job in the man's mind wasn't yet over, and Jelob was aware of Ark's presense now, although it was far too late for him to fight Ark back. Instead, Ark delved deeper into his mind, and Ark searched for his deepest, darkest Fears. Pulling on them like a thread, he unravelled the man's greatest Fears in an attempt to mentally incapacitate him for long enough for Ark and Kade to do whatever it is they were collectively doing and get out of town before he regained his sanity... if he ever does regain his sanity that is.

As Ark removes his paw from Jelob's throat, he begins to whimper and sob. Ark, ignoring the reaction, begins to walk away, having attained what he needed. After the reveal of Kade's previous encounter with Jelob, ark couldn't help but to feel suspicion for his intentions with any Artefacts regardless of them being Sith or not.

Leaving the scene through the back of the warehouse, as to not draw the attention of the life forces that lurked beyond the door having heard the noises from outside the warehouse and from having seen Jelob being hoisted inside in the first place. The life forces were restless and far more curious than Ark wanted. So far, the mission had been a disaster, and Ark didn't like it when things didn't go to plan. The hunt for the thiefts was drawn out far too long. Kade, someone Ark instinctually thought he could trust happened to have been involved in Ark's hunt. And if he's involved in the wrong way, Ark was afraid he'd have to commit a travesty to his own.

Then, there as Jelob drawing too much attention between his frantic attempt to escape Ark, his blaster shots being fired off, and drawing the fire of Kade's obnoxiously loud slug thrower. All in all, the pursuit of Jelob had been far too attention grabbing to the locals. And the strawberry on top of the sundae was that Ark was going to require yet another cloak by the time he returns back to the Academy.

Stopping in mid pace away from the whining Jelob, Ark turned to Kade to get the thought off his mind, "What exactly are you doing here Kade? I can assume that with your back ground with the Commonwealth," The observation being one finally being brought up, "I cannot imagine you needing to resort to trading Artefacts of any kind, fakes or real. So, what brings you here? And why have you met with this ape? I'm certain you could have saved him a great deal of suffering by trusting in one of your brothers."

Ark wanted to leave the conversation at that, but it nagged at him, the conflict between his mission and his kinship with the other Kushari, "I want to trust you, but you make it damn hard when you withhold information like that from me. My loyalties to my Mission have been far longer standing than an loyalty I've had to a Kushari," Ark cocks his head and winces while deciding to state the obvious, "I gather you've already figured I'm a Sith; Is there anything I should know before we continue?"

 

[Krajin]

He tilted his head a bit as Ark headed out after letting go from Jelob, the poor human sobbing and whimpering as he curled up in a ball. His greatest terrors being hauled into the forefront of his mind in a manner that few but the trained could fight off. As Ark walked out, Kade decided to check him out a bit, head tilting a touch as he walked behind the Kushari, he was caught a touch off guard as Ark spoke up once more.

"Technically I didn't withhold any information from you, as you never asked. I had no idea what it was you were after with him nor what you were intending to do nor your current intentions aside from hunt for this Artefact. My job here is simple and it aligns with yours for the most part. A contract was put out on the heads of the three individuals whom are dealing with these Artefacts by an Imperial whom from what I have gathered is covering his ass." He said as he continued, screwing large, almost comical suppressors to the M88s. "My contractor also wishes for any actual artefacts to be retrieved so he may hand them into the Sith. I had heard rumours that the Sith were sending someone after this lot. Wanted a head start and I.. to a degree still have one. I know where they are and how to get there." Kade had a feeling this could go south rather quick, the Sith before him was easily in a class all of his own that the soldier wouldn't be able to match, aside from sheer strength, reflexes and size. The other had most likely advanced training, skill and experience in applying them to the world.

"As for you being a Sith.. it is kind of obvious. I could pick you out of a crowd here on the busiest of days even without the ability to feel the ebbs and currents that your presence affects. Your robe for one is an obvious pointer. The style, colouration, the hood, the way it encompasses your body and acts as a concealer of whatever you're carrying. Your stance, your walk, posture. Every movement speaks of a certain power behind it, your stance conveys a weight on your shoulders that is visible to those who have been trained in the force or have spent allot of time around those whom have been trained. Though the last one that is less obvious, are the hilts you carry within easy reach of the hands when you knelt to pick up Jelob back there. I saw them then." He examined Ark a bit more before holstering his sidearm as they exited the back of the Warehouse and into an alleyway. The air was moist out here, it smelt of rain and the slight rumble of thunder far off in the distance where thick cloud cover could be seen, looming like a Dark Lord of the Sith would over cowering students.

"As for me? Well you're Sith so you can sense it no doubt. I am a.. 'rogue force sensitive' and I know a few tricks here and there. I can fight with a Saber to boot and have my own. No, I am not a Jedi before you dive on me with blades drawn. Your skill and training outweighs my advantage in strength, size and reflex, even though you are a fine specimen of a Makuran. As for our current task, we can pool our resources on this. Nobody untrained should have any kind of artefact in their possession like this. The dangers to them and those around them are.. considerable to say the least. I know the way to their compound, I have a basic idea of what they have out there as well."

He turned his gold furred head to look at Ark now as a cool, moist wind blew through the outpost. "So how about it? We work together in this? You get the artefacts, I get a contract done. We both benefit in this." He added, the hustle and bustle of the outpost seemed to blow them by as Kade closed the door, a few people eventually entering the warehouse and finding poor Jelob and moving him out.

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark found it hard to believe that the Kushari didn't put two and two together, that Ark was attacking a criminal he'd only just spoken to about the Sith Artefacts, that Ark was indeed a powerful Force user, and that Ark was certainly after information from him. However, Ark can understand his caution to the situation. Whether or not he did indeed not put it together what Ark was doing, it showed restraint on his behalf which was certainly something that Ark lacked. And he most certainly wanted to help Ark out, and made a good point for them working together whether they could consider themselves friendly or not.

Ark had grown weary of examining him anyway. With the Kushari so extremely scarce in the Galaxy, Ark found it hard to believe that the other Kushari was out to get Ark in any way. And the logic added up. If it was a story, it was certainly an elaborate one that worked in his favor in nearly every way possible.

Suddenly, Ark felt like he was on the planet for an extraordinarily short period of time. Where only moments ago, Ark felt like he'd made virtually no progress, Ark had made leap and then a bound towards his goal. A fellow Kusahri with the same goal in mind had seemed to have done the work for him. Locating the compound their targets were located. Ark had also found upon his own accord a meeting place, and a man that could point certainly point him in the direction they needed should these thieves manage to escape their grasp.

And with two Kushari, trained in one way or another, these men didn't stand much of any chance at all unless they've managed to hire outside help somewhere along the way; After all, if they did indeed know what they had, they'd know just how valuable it was, and protecting it until they found a buyer would be a top priority, hence their constant moving around until now.

Ark holds a paw out to the taller Kushari, "It's a deal then comrade."

With the significantly low Kushari populations in the Galaxy, Ark had no desire at all to push away another Kushari. After all, there were three Kushari that Ark knew of currently, and could likely get a hold of all of them. Granted, one of them Ark could trust not even in the slightest. Having a network of Kushari that could contact each other would be an amazing tool for the future anyway.

"I suppose you have a plan then? After all, you'd be the only one of us that would know anything about their compound," Ark says allowing Kade to pass him out the door.

 

[Krajin]

He gave a bow of his head to Arkteleus "I know -where- it is and how to get there. From there however it is an unknown. I take it you're all for the subtly right? Or did you want to go in lightsaber swinging?" He asked curiously. "Are you also up for a hike? We have to go on foot. Airspeeder would get us spotted and the environment doesn't work for speeder bikes and swoops as much." He said as he stepped past Arkteleus and into the alleyway.

The sith had the most advantage over him, granted he was Kushari but one had to becareful with Sith in general, they all could easily betray you at a moments notice. Or so Kade had heard through reputation. He turned to look at Ark as he waited for the pale one to follow "They more than likely have a few helpers. If not there's probably a few individuals who won't be happy with us popping up at their compound."

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark was a Warrior class Crusader. It was in the very definition of his class that he'd prefer to go in light sabers a' blazing; However, Ark wasn't exactly the same as any other Crusader. As Ark was certainly a powerhouse, where they could collectively dismember every living soul within the hideout Kade could guide them to, Ark was also smart. Running in light sabers at the forefront of the assault could easily damage any goods they had. Not only that, but it would likely require them to take the full brunt of the Force of the attack head on. That generally meant that enemy forces had time to hunker down into a defending position. If, however, they snuck into the facility, and started their assault from behind enemy lines, they'd certainly have a much easier time.

A swift answer that would seem like it didn't take much time at all from Ark would answer the first of the questions Kade asked Ark, "Going in head first would likely damage the Artefact. Not only that, but we lose several tactical advantages in doing that. It would be wiser if we found a way into the facility without alarming them. We may even be able to steal the artefact without them even realizing it, if we are good enough; However, I would like to make these men be brought to justice for their defilements. Nothing will go unpunished, less they be able to do this exact thing again."

As for the mention of speeders being an unreliable mode of transportation for what they were doing, Ark could have laughed in his face. Ark hiked through the jungles all the way to this outpost. Ark highly preferred travel by foot over anything else. It allowed him far more control, "I would much rather travel on foot, Kade. We cannot let them see or approach regardless of our plan for entering their compound."

Ark's assumption of them having hired help was not an observation that he was alone with. In fact, it was almost a given, and Kade was in the same boat.

"Wouldn't expect anything less. And that is why it is imperative that we get behind their lines of defense and fully utilize whatever advantage of surprise we have in order to defeat these criminals," Ark responded to Kade while following him out the door.

Ark gave him a look over, counting the devices and other such equipment he carried. Much of it, Ark was familiar with; And much of it, Ark doubted he'd need in a stealth and infiltration mission, "Is there anything you wanted to grab before you lead the way? I am fully prepared to continue," Ark stated patting himself down in search of all of his equipment.

"If we are ready to go, I'll be right behind you as you lead the way," Ark says as he mentally prepars himself for returning to the mindset of tracking through the forests.

Although, this time, he'd have company, and he wouldn't be tracking in the most traditional sense. Ark had a few questions to ask Kade anyway. There was certainly a relationship to be built upon here. And a relationship would not only prove to Kade that Ark, like the vast majority of other Kushari is as honorable, loyal, and even trustworthy as any other.

 

[Krajin]

"I have everything I need." He nodded, then grinned a tiny bit "Like what you see?" he asked in a teasing manner, trying to add a bit of humor to the situation as he brushed down his armour and rolled his shoulders. Kade was fairly heavily armed, two side arms with silencers, the rifle and two lightsabers. One obviously built for huge hands and the other being smaller. He had various other bits on his belt, two det-paks, lock breakers, three plasma grenades, engineers kit and a tiny medical kit. Fairly well equipped it seemed.

"However I'd recommend you change your cloak, the blood on it will attract predators. Judging from the clouds its also going to rain, so something water proof would be handy if you have issues with that." He added as he headed for the gate. "There's a few stalls near the main gate you can stop at if you need anything of that type." He added as the large male put his helmet on, sealing the suit and engaging the HUD, the helmet's faceplate becoming clear rather than opaque. Being virtually half a metric tonne in a literal sense, his foot falls were leaving pretty deep impressions in the ground as Kade checked his gear over in last minute preparations. Everything had its place.

His HUD brought up a map of the area from what his ship's sensors had managed to scan, combined with the electronic geographical maps that were available and easily publicly accessible. Kade kept an electronic tracking lock on Ark, just in case especially for the more denser parts of the jungle. Ark was also the lightest of them and the most agile seeing as he didn't have the same restrictions that a powered suit of body armour has, Ark seemed to not have any armour on but cloth and robes. "You're the first Kushari I've seen since the Makuran and Federation retreated to Kushari space. How do you get along with the idea of being one of the few in known space? The lack of companionship of someone whom is of your same species?"

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark didn't care for any sort of armor that was bulky and caused Ark incapable of a full range of motion. His suit of armor was his own preference, and if anything, Ark would never stray in the area that would cause him to lose nearly as much of a range of motion nor be incapable of being as nimble. Ark was a predator by instinct, and no one ever saw a predator running around the jungle with a heavy suit of armor. As for weaponry, Ark only needed the Force and his light sabers. And so in response to Kade's rhetorical question of liking what he saw, Ark could have said, 'no.' However, it was merely Ark's own style, and so Ark simply shrugged, failing to give him any sense of what Ark really thought of his load out.

Kade seemed keen on getting Ark to grab something a little more than just a cloak. Ark certainly had the credits to afford, at the very least another cloak; However, it would be unnecessary. Ark too could smell the additional moisture in the air, and a quick glance up to the rolling black clouds over the canopy was all that was needed to confirm that they would indeed meet rain in their trip.

"If indeed it is going to rain, then I doubt there will be any predators to attract with the blood. That, and it's bound to be washed out of the cloth. I'm ready to go Kade. Lead the way," Ark remarked without any thing in his voice indicating superiority nor annoyance. Ark wasn't about to purchase anything in this money pit. It would only fuel the criminal growth. not only that, but grabbing something waterproof meant rubber. Rubber was reflective, and Ark never liked reflective, and any light that could catch off of him was something that could potentially reveal him. In a Mission where stealth was key, Ark wasn't about to sacrifice that advantage.

Ark was fine with his cloak. On more than one occasion, it has proved effective enough in keeping water from soaking into the majority of his fur. At most, his head and shoulders would be wet, and that was nothing a quick shake could fix. Ark was ready.

Ark kind of made subtle prods at Kade to head towards the gate of the outpost. Ark didn't want to be stuck in there any longer than he needed to be. That, and he could sense that the discovery of the Mad Jabel was bringing concern to some of the locals that were exploring the building they had only just left. Ark really didn't want that kind of attention.

 

[Krajin]

Kade frowned, this fellow was rather.. dead it seemed on the emotive level and headed out into the jungle with Arkteleus. "Fair enough." he'd respond, feeling a bit deflated from his humor hitting this fellow's anti-humor armour something fierce. That or he was just really, really focused on the mission at hand and set everything else aside. The jungle was dense and filled with life, the rustling of the undergrowth every now and then could be heard. Looking they'd see various fauna, some predators, some prey. There was a real sense of an untouched primal nature to this world that stirred with the hearts of the two predators that stalked its jungles.

The walk was long but for these two, fairly easily. Stepping over the logs, rocks, various bits of Flora that littered the place. The rain that had been looming started to fall and fall hard in thick sheets. Obscuring their visibility to a degree though not by much. An advantage that they had now over their opponents, the sound of thunderclaps echoed through the valley that they had hiked into and lightning strikes could be seen flashing across the sky like fingers from an unknown hand. Occasionally a bolt would shoot down and strike somewhere in the forest. "There it is." He makes a motion with his hand to a fairly visible compound inside the valley below them. Three buildings, relatively high walls and what looked like two landing pads. A Tartan class Corvette sat neatly on the primary landing pad, whilst a smaller freighter of the YT series settled neatly on another.

"Looks like they can afford toys to." He added and looked to Arkteleus. Gauging his reactions and input.

 

[Flamjetxx]

The smell of moisture plagued them the entire way through the forest until it finally rained. Ark couldn't follow a single smell, and it was a releif when it finally began to downpour. Ark took special attention to rubbing out the blood from his shoulder the moment the first droplets fell. A quick scrub, and the blood dripped down the sleeve and onto the forest floor, where it was quickly dissolved.

Ark's feet squished in the forming mud as everything turned into a blur. The rain was hard, and it quickly soaked the cloak as Ark expected, but the cloak acted as a fair barrier between Ark and the water. With the hood drawn and his paws hidden up his sleeves, Ark managed to keep considerably dry. In fact, the droning of the heavy rain made it easy for Ark to dive into his thoughts. Ark attempted to map out specific plans for different basic blueprints. Ark has somehow managed to escape buildings through air ducts not once, but on multiple occasions. For infiltrating a base, it wouldn't be a bad thought to keep in the back of his mind; However, his friend would find the same task next to impossible. At a range, they could pick off a lone guard at nearly any small entrance. From there, it would be easy access for them.

Unfortunately, these were all simply scenarios until Ark finally saw what he was going to be working with. It was something that soothed Ark. His mind was always at work, and it was his way of drowning out the monotony of their journey. A step over a log, a step into a puddle, a rustle in the bush, and then start it all over again. Ark wasn't thinking about where they were going; He didn't have to. Ark didn't know where they were going, and thus, Ark had a lot of free time to think about such things.

And finally, they stopped. And Kade pointed through several branches thick with leaves, and through the haze of the rain, only a pair of Kushari yes could focus on the target ahead. Certainly a compound, and through various other peep holes, they spied several other points of interest on the base. The compound as a whole was immense. It must have cost several fortunes over, and that alone dug claws leagues into Ark. To think that profiting off of the Sith and other kinds of cultures with artefacts like the Siths' was such a lucrative business, it really bothered Ark.

The moment Ark saw the corvette and the freighter, Ark began to conspire with the Kushari, "I suppose you have explosives somewhere in that thing?," Ark motioned to the thick armor that clung to Kade's body.

Ark examined the landing pads to see that from both pads was only a single entrance to the compound. At that entrance were a pair of guards. One, an HK-series assassin droid, and the other some sort of humanoid that chose to dawn a mask. Likely an alien from a less oxygen rich environment. Below the pair of guards was another pair, both humans it seemed, that were an ear-shot from the top two. And the only other two that could possibly be in sight of the droid and alien were around the corner, guarding some sort of garage entrance. There were a few entrances, and many threats that could cover each other.

Needless to say they had a lot to worry about so far, but Ark's biggest worry so far were the two ships, that offered a very real threat of escape; And that was the last thing Ark needed.

"We cannot allow them to escape. I want you to set up some mines in the engine ports of the ships. If they decide to take them out, I want the trip to be brief.. Very brief," Ark said to Kade, while trying to guage his response. If he wasn't confident he could do it, there were more than one way to sabotage a ship.

Ark retuned his gaze to that particular section of the compound, "Any preferred ways to go in," Ark asked with a slight pause, before adding, " I can make quite the distraction without actually letting anyone know we're here," a few ideas went through Ark's mind at that exact moment.

 

[Kade Darkstalker]

Kade paused for a moment as he examined the compound, the guards, the layout. He raised his rifle and peered down the 8x zoom scope and peered down into the compound further. He could count Six buildings, small structures for the most part with a larger one in the middle of it. "I don't have any mines. Det packs yes, however if that Tartan Patrol ship goes down and its core goes critical we'd lose a good portion of the base if it landed nearby. Our best bet would be to sabotage the ships. The YT series..looks like a YT-2000. It'll be the threat if they try and escape. Judging from power reads the core is off line. Wouldn't take long for it to start up, a couple of minutes at most. Unlike the Tartan which'll take roughly twenty."

He looked about the exterior of the facility and grinned a little "Here's one. We can sneak in through their drainage systems. I can see a large tunnel we can slip into. It'll allow us access into the base and most likely into the main building. That'd be where the artefacts are stored. How would you distract any guards?"

Kade liked the premise of the situation, it looked simple and had been built in a manner that was.. well they'd covered for a few things but not everything. Plus that Tartan Patrol Cruiser would be a fine prize to take as well. "That Patrol Cruiser we can get out on. I can pilot it and it nets me something I can reuse for my own project."

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark actually let out a smirk at the intention of Kade. Ark was sure he had something that could blow up the ships, but Ark could understand the desire for something like that cruiser. Steal from the thieves right? Regardless of whether he did or didn't have the explosives, his alternative would hopefully be just as good. As for the location he'd pointed out for their entrance, Ark could certainly see the value in it. It was likely to be flooded a bit, due to the rain, but Ark could certainly see it leading them inside of the central compound. However, a compound as large as this would merit them needing to get in an out rather fast. It was certain to have a great deal of employees, guards, and even multiple other organizations with a claim on the compound.

At the question about how Ark was going to make a distraction, the sky lit up in one of the many strikes of lightning that struck throughout the storm. Ark followed the white pattern left in the sky down to where it met the forest canopy, "Sometimes a lightning strike starts a fire, even when it rains as hard as this," Ark states simply with his eyes focused on the location.

Without skipping a beat, Ark turned back towards Kade, "I'll make the distraction, you make it so that the ships don't take off with anything important. We'll reconvene in the drain pipe."

With an agile bound through the wet leaves, Ark races through the thick towards a spot he'd been looking at. A strike of lightning had previously struck close by, and Ark was determined to have it cause a fire a little too close to the base. It was clearly in view of the surrounding guards, but deep enough to hide Ark's physical presence.

Looking out through the many branches and bushes that hid him from view, Ark was close enough to the garage pair of guards that e could have reached out with the force and clonked their heads together if he wanted; But he needed their eyes to draw the attention of the rest of the guards. Looking up, Ark reached out with his senses. He was waiting for something. The charges aligned themselves orderly, and Ark could sense the approaching strike of lightning. With a paw reaching upwards, Ark funneled his own power outwards, and the white arc of pure energy reached outwards like a lightning rod, causing the sky to arc in its direction. And in response, the black clouds above returned the favor, as if Ark's lightning triggered an explosion, and the blue zap funneled down directly back towards Ark.

With the Force coursing through him now, Ark absorbed the energy in its whole, but instead of allowing it to simply build up within him, Ark had his paw placed onto a nearby tree. It was soaking, and the bark was left slimy, but Ark made sure that would not stay the case. When the energy entered his body in leaps and bounds, it supercharged a new ability Ark had learned previously, pyrokinesis. Underneath his palm, Ark concentrated the newfound energy into a white hot blaze that burned through the tree's moist husk in an instant. A black hole was left in the side of the tree by the time the lightning strike ended, and flames began to engulf the lower half of the tree, quickly burning the surrounding water into steam.

It was an uncommon enough feat for nature to cause such an event to burn through a tree, and that's why Ark didn't leave it up to the storm to create the very same distraction, but rather Ark fabricated it himself. A small barrier covered Ark's mechanical arm as the energy pulsed around it, but still it smoked, likely due to the mere quantity of energy.

With the fire engulfed in flames, Ark could hear a shout as he dropped to his knees from the mere exertion of energy needed to control the powerful abilities. Never has Ark ever used so much of the Force at one time, and it was truly exhausting. However, Ark knew he couldn't stay there long, if not for the guards finding him, then for the growingly larger flames. It seemed that the flames were contained within the single tree, and Ark could see a red extinguisher in one of the guard's hands as he sprinted towards Ark... towards!

Ark leapt up to his feet, and sprinted back into the depths of the forest, where the heat of the flames ceased to reach him. Taking a breath, Ark slowed into a walk until he reached the drainage pipes. Shaking his fur, he realized his hood was knocked off, and it revealed his white fur. Distraction made. Ark would have time to walk while Kade did his adjustments to the ships, and they'd likely meet at the pipes at nearly the same time, or so Ark assumed. After all, Kade wouldn't be able to start until Ark's fire was even started.

 

[Kade Darkstalker]

Working with Ark was the equivalent of heaven to Kade, this Kushari knew what he was doing, how he was going to do it and when. He was an excellent individual to be sure and this made Kade almost on the spot like him! Despite certain.. issues such as Ark being a Sith and all that. Though it didn't seem to be really all that much in effect on the Makuran's attitude towards Kade. Of course Kade could be mislead easily with this pretence of camaraderie and possibly a new found ally and friend amongst the stars that was of his own species!

Kade moved down just after Ark did and moved around through the dense shrubbery and forest around the outpost. Eventually he moved to the back of landing pads after passing the large cruiser and got behind the YT series by the wall. Kade crouched low as he felt the sheer power that Ark was manipulating from the tapestry of the force, the living force seemed to bend almost to his will. Kade admired this power, the skill it took for someone to manipulate raw lightning.

Kade waited a bit and as he heard guards yelling in the area surrounds, he leapt over the wall and darts over to landing pad containing the YT-2000. An ugly ship for sure as he jumped up to where its engine port was located. The long band that contained the thrust ports, he took out two det packs and set them on the primary units. A temperature trigger was rigged so when the engines began to prime up, they'd detonate and this destroy the engine. He hoped down and quickly skulked his way over to the much larger Tartan Cruiser and ducked under the supports that held up its massive landping pad.

"Someone left their main computer on.." He comments as he brings up the wireless link to the vessels main computer. "Standard cyber warfare protection software. Nothing to easy to break." He muttered as he began a hack on the system. He changed the primary and secondary ignition sequences of the starship so that he was able to start it if he so wished, however anyone else would not know what to do. Kade quickly rushed down to the drainage, he was agile and the suit responded to the speed of thought rather than just sheer physical motions, making him quicker on the take with his skills. "All done. Ships disabled. The YT will lose its engines and the Tartan won't get off the ground at all. I..admire your power."

 

[Flamjetxx]

Ark's nerves were numbed, and his bionic arm was left with the markings of what electricity wasn't absorbed by the experienced Crusader. Ark was quite amazed he'd managed to become a conduit for the lightning, but with the success came a great drain that left his knees weak and it left him incapable of continuing to use another Force ability anytime soon. Ark would have to rely on himself for the rest of the Mission, just the way he liked it.

Meeting up with Kade, Ark realized that he was very fast. It seemed that they both knew exactly what they were doing, and their actions synced up like clockwork. It was truly quite a sight to behold, and it was only a tribute to the Kushari species as a whole. It lead Ark to contemplate of a moment before where Kade asked Ark how he felt being one of the last Kushari in the galaxy. Truly, it was a gift. It made him better than the rest, and at the risk of Ark's arrogant nature inflating his ego, Ark was confident that between his mentality, his physical stature, and his accomplishments, that the Kushari, as a species- and for Ark personally -was superior than almost every other fathomable creature in the Galaxy; And to be one of the few roaming freely in the Galaxy was a gift, all in its own, for no other species to have a chance to compare.

Kade's observation over Ark's manipulation over the raw energy of the lightning was eminent, as he'd have to observe Ark's distraction to see when he was free to go; His reaction was somewhat unexpected though. Ark rather expected a nod of approval at most, but to hear Kade admire Ark's talents wasn't what Ark expected. Most people who understand that Ark had used a Sith ability would scoff at the notion. Ark simply bowed his head in response, "We should get moving. The faster we do this, the better we will be able to infiltrate," Ark said while taking point.

Ark figured that it would be for the best anyway. With Ark's better range for mobility, Ark figured that his ability to utilize his natural stealth would be unhindered by a heavy suit of armor. Ark would be able to get closer without making a sound. Kade had ranged weapons anyway, and would be much better off covering Ark's tail.

Opening up the first link for telepathic communications, Ark attempted to reach Kade, "How is your skill in telepathy?"

Quite honestly, Ark fully expected any Forceful, regardless of training to be capable, and even quite skilled in telepathy. Ark has seen Acolytes try it for the first time, to manage it with extreme ease. Kade would have no problem with it, even if it was his first time. Ark wouldn't take any chances though, and testing it while they were in the damp tunnel was best. They'd certainly need a method of communication that was completely silent to all, but themselves.

The drain pipe was flooded, and moss covered everything. There was almost no duracrete left in the tunnel, and it made Ark's paws, beneath the, mid-shin high, water spread in order to maintain the best grip on the slippery surface. Ark gathered that the mere weight of the armor that Kade wore would be able to keep him flat though. And they made a surprisingly fast pace through the drainage as the sounds of crackling fire, shouting, and fire extinguishers faded into the distance. The rain, however, could still be heard with relative ease, wherever they went. The feint thudding of the water droplets on the ground above the pipe, the echo of water into the puddles outside the pipe, and even the occasional drip from deeper within the tunnel. It was soothing.

After givin Kade an opportunity to show Ark his ability to use telepathy, Ark once more communicated via the same method, "Do you know just how far the drain pipe needs to go, before we're at the central building?"

 

[Krajin]

Kade surprisingly had decent movement in his suit than most would imagine, nowhere near as much as Ark did and as he moved through the water, his movements were fluid and precise. The signs of fine tuning and time of knowing how to use these suits. He paused a moment as Ark spoke in his mind "How is your skill in telepathy?" Telepathy? Kade didn't even know that was a thing! The want to potentially impress someone though came rather quick to the surface, especially one of his own. His armour was heavy enough he didn't need the grip of Duracrete in this algae infested hole, a few floaty bits floated on by hinting this tunnel was linked to more than just the drainage of water.

Kade focused a bit on the telepathy and tried to emulate on his own though at best Ark would get would be stray fragments of it all. "Kind of.. erm.. Never used." He'd think, hoping it'd come across with the telepathic focus. Upon Ark's question he used his sensor suite to bring up a better scan of the site and well, if Ark could project his thoughts telepathically, he'd be able to read Kade's mind. Unless Ark wanted to give the Kushari an impromptu lesson on telepathy. "Thirty feet up, ladder. Leads to primary Cistern which then leads into maintenance access for the faculty's water processing and power grid." He knew the dangers of allowing someone into your mind, even a Sith. He hoped that Ark would be honourable enough
not to rummage around in there. Granted Kade did have training in keeping people out of it, base lusts, urges, emotions, random power frequencies or other thoughts consistently working in there. He paused and quickly reached out and went to grab a-hold of Ark and pull him back. "Stop! Mine." He points out in front of them a small charge was sitting there against the wall. "That's a Merr-Sonn Laser XL-4. A Fletchette Mine. Laser tripped. Looks new." He moved over to the wall and crouched down low to it, sticking close to the wall itself and dug out a small tool. "Its very new, recent piece. These are nasty pieces of work. Disarming it, worth roughly 150 credits a mine and these are sold by the crate load. Keep an eye out for them. Point them out if you spot any and don't try and step over it, the beam is wide." he adds as he disarms it and slowly pries the mine off the wall and pockets it.

 

[Flamjetxx]

It was like listening to a wookie trying to speak basic, but Ark managed to make out what he said through the effort of concentration. Only through the first few sentences was Ark able to ease up on his strain to understand through the jumbles of the Force, and he was getting a hang of it. Interrupting him momentarily, Ark decided that he'd make it easier on the both of them, "Send the message, and drop it for me to pick up on; Don't try to force it on me."

Much clearer. Mine! Yours? What's yours? Oh... Basic... It's an actual mine. Ark sat back, dumbfounded by his knowledge of these random pieces of armament. And impatiently, Ark sat back to allow him to disarm it at an agonizingly slow pace; Unfortunately, Ark would rather him disarm it before it disarms him, and so Ark examined his process carefully. They had an extremely different set of skills. He was a shooter, pilot, explosives, armored-oriented Kushari. Almost the opposite, Ark was a blade fighter, focused on the Force, and very studious. Together, they covered a very wide range of possibilities. It made the mission go so much smoother than they could have possibly hoped.

It wasn't long before several more mines could be spotted; And they were hidden better, the further they went in. Some were under layers of moss, others within crevices, and the rest in various other nooks and crannies. Needless to say, Ark had grown accustomed to checking the most ridiculous of corners for the little devices, but they'd grown thin enough, by the time they reached the ladder, that Ark was less worried about them popping up.

With his paws placed precariously over moss-covered rungs of the ladder, Ark quickly led the way up into the base. A massive tank took up the majority of the first room, but Ark could sense life forms only a bit farther ahead of them. None were close enough to alarm Ark, however, it didn't stop Ark from creeping across the moist, duracrete, floor as if it might creak with even the lightest touch. It was the predator acting within him that made him feel like he was stalking his prey. With the moisture thinning from the air, Ark could smell the sweat of human and alien alike as he scanned the room and conjoining corridors.

Pipes, dials, pressure gauges, and a load of other mechanics, that flew over Ark's head, lined the rooms and corridors, making various noises. Finally, the humans. Ark, deep down, hoped it were the ones that had stolen the artefacts, but he knew otherwise. These were likely maintenance working men, perhaps some armed guards, and Ark's ears perked to the sounds of one man coughing while two, more distant men conversed regarding various things. Not wanting to use the force, Ark neglected to rely on the Force for sight, but he rather focused on his hearing, sense of smell, and his own eyes. There were three audible men, but there were likely four total, based on the amount of smells.

Silently, Ark turned around, making eye contact with Kade, primarily to see for himself what Kade also knew about the room, but also to send him yet another mental message, "Four ahead. Two distant, and one close by. The last, is more difficult to determine, likely between the two groups. Try to leave one alive."

Every time Ark has asked or one left alive, it's turned out that his partners have an affinity for killing, and Ark is left unable to interrogate the lack of survivors. With the flick of hi wrist, Ark bolts around the corner on the soft pads of his feet, making his movements almost completely silent, even to another Kushari. The other three men in the room would have never even realized Ark was even in the room until he dropped the armed guard on the ground with blood pouring from hi throat. Ark's claws bore the mark of the attack, while the red substance dripped form his claws.

The man in the middle of the room was sitting in a chair at a monitor, perhaps watching something important to the functionality of the base, or perhaps it was his favorite holo-soap. Either way, it wasn't his lucky day. Ark delved deep down within his Force reserves, and gripped the man with an invisible hand, dragging him, without even a sound escaping his closed throat from his chair. Hoisted into the air, Ark swiveled him to look at him and Kade while Ark assumed he would take care of the other to armed guards at the back of the room, who were only just moments ago, busy with an involved conversation about some sort of holo-sport.

Ark couldn't hold him long though, and his connection with the Force was draining very quickly. Ark was immobilized by the concentration and necessity for ye contact to maintain the choke on the man. Ark didn't want to hold the choke for long, nor did he want to kill him, and so Ark had two very good reasons to let him down fast, but Ark's biggest fear was that he'd take the brief reprieve to let out a yelp or cry for help, drawing more guards to the room. Ark was stuck rlying on Kade to keep him quiet while Ark dropped the choke.

"Quick, keep him quiet," Ark said through the Force.

All the while, anyone, blindfolded, in the same room would only be able to hear maybe a few footsteps, three thumps, the roll of a chair, and the clothes on the man being strangled as his legs flailed in the air.