Into that Dark Abyss

[Kori Buor]

Alsakan
​

Ahzek Shahi walked along the elevated sidewalk of the Alsakan ecumenopolis past the crowds and the holo-reports on what was the most fashionable type of dress or business attire, who wore it better, and tips on how to find that "perfect one that is just right for you." The young Jedi Knight scoffed quietly at the shows and their "reports" as he walked on by. To him, all of these things were simply mind-rotting distractions from the truth that was around every corner: the Sith were at the steps, poised to attack any Republic world, and the Republic? A sinking ship whose crew and captain was wailing against the inevitable dying light. The Jedi were doing the best that they could, but Ahzek often felt like that it wasn't enough; he wanted to do more.

That was partially why the young man was on Alsakan. He was looking for something he could do to help. The Sith had taken his homeworld, and though it was a cesspit of violence, corruption, and destitution, it could also be a place of light, culture, beauty, music, wealth, and unity. After all, it might have been a lot of things good and bad, but it was still his home. Surely, this close to the Sith power base in the Core there would be those who were looking to do something about it. Ahzek was hoping to meet someone like this.

Walking into one of the Republic executive office buildings just off from one of the large plazas wearing his trademark scarlet robes, which while rather elegant for a Jedi, would blend right in with the dignitaries and aristocracy that frequented places like this. His twin lightsabers were cleverly hidden underneath his robes with his blaster pistol, though he had no reason to think he would need them while on Alsakan, this was the core after all, not some lawless rim world.

As he stepped into the large, open, bright atrium, the Knight spread his senses out with the Force, feeling the aetheric currents of that mystical energy field all around him as it moved from living thing to living thing. He felt the people walking about their daily duties; he felt the plants and the large, lonely tree in the center of the room; and he felt the thinly veiled tension and anxiety in the room. The people here were scared, uncertain of what was going to happen in the coming days and weeks. It was natural and understandable, and it was why Ahzek was here. Taking a step forward, still too distracted on what he sensed in the Force, the Jedi did not notice that there was a woman walking right into his path, herself distracted with her own business. And without a word of warning the two ran into each other in an unceremonious bodyslam and tangle of limbs.

Attempting to extricate himself from the mess he had just caused, Ahzek started apologizing profusely, "I am so terribly sorry! I am so air-headed sometimes!"

@GABAroo

 

[GABA]

She was denied any further aide.

Her pleas fell on deaf ears as the committee decided for their own interests and the interests of their pockets to refuse to help displaced sentients. Those who were lucky enough to escape Coruscant now resided in refugee camps around the Republic. However, as the Sith continued to push, them as well as natural system sentients were being forced to move. Though she didn't want to believe it, she was starting to lose her faith in the Republic.

Ines sighed and pulled out her data pad, pausing to make sure everything was set before relaying the message out to key supporters. She begun walking again, turning to retrieve her security detail and instead ran head first into another individual.

Her data pad dropped and she stumbled backwards, stunned and mostly embarrassed she didn't watch where she was going; the man begun to apologize and it took her a moment the collect her head and thoughts, recalling what she was doing just moments previously. Straightening out her senatorial robes, she picked up her data pad and hit send.

"Its fine, its fine, it was an accident." she reassured him. She had been within eyeshot of her security detail who came rushing over to help her out, giving the young man a warning eye to be more careful of his path.

 

[Kori Buor]

Ahzek was truly embarrassed by his actions; he felt like such a fool to have ran into this woman here. With his cheeks still a little flushed from the mishap, Ahzek tried to give the woman a smile, both polite and respectful as well as thankful she seemed to be so understanding about it. Quickly her security detail responded to the incident and the Jedi Knight found himself being given rather rude glances; glances he returned with equal warning to the security guards.

It only took him a few more seconds before the man realized that the presence of a personal security force meant that this woman was likely someone of importance. Perhaps not a chancellor or the head of some committee, but she was important nonetheless. Important was good; he could work with important. Clearing his throat as the woman got her things and prepared to depart from the scene of the unfortunate accident, Ahzek stepped forward.

"Excuse me, ma'am? I hope you don't mind, but I was curious," he started subtly reaching out into the Force to feel the presence of the woman across from him. She was different than many of the other's he had felt. What more, he felt subtle signs of anxiety and depression, desperation and hopelessness. All negative feelings and all ones Ahzek had felt before at one point in his life. Whoever she was, she was looking for help and not finding it. "My name is Ahzek, Ahzek Shahi, I'm a..."

There was a pause, he knew the Jedi weren't looked on too favorably these days; most were viewed as weak, pacifistic, or wholly unhelpful. He couldn't blame them, because despite the army of Jedi that had marched out to meet the Sith head on, barely anyone remained with such vigor and zeal. Now the Sith were taking world after world and the Jedi seemed almost as helpless as the Republic. Finally, he steeled himself and continued, "I'm a Jedi Knight from Coruscant. I was wondering if there was anything we could do to help each other? I'm looking to aid the Republic anyway I can in these coming times, and decided to take action in light of recent events."

It was an honest declaration, one he hoped wouldn't be met with too much contempt or ridicule. In fact, the very fact he was doing this at all was a little out of his comfort zone, but recent acts by the Sith had pushed him to want to take a more proactive role in things, even if it didn't match the views of the Jedi Lord, his Generals, or what remained of the Order's leadership. Ahzek listened and followed the Force, not men and women.

 

[GABA]

Ines was not in the mood to make anymore conversation than was needed, however, the young man's body posture told her he was not quite done inquiring and she felt a twinge of annoyance as all she wanted to do was to relax in a hot bath.

Though she believed she was flustered and warm under the collar earlier, but him speaking out that he was a Jedi seemed to flare up a whole additional set of emotions. She was curious if he was reading her mind as a whirlwind of screams of frustration flew through her thoughts, followed by a controlled calm, that followed off her lips as she spoke. The grace of a diplomat.

Her security personnel kept close by, but gave the Senator some room as she readjusted the seams of her robes, aligning perfectly with her body's creases and bends.

"A little late to the party, Jedi?" she questioned, "Its nearly over, and I believe your efforts to help me will be futile, you're better off asking some other Republic representative cowering behind their desks in the hall behind me." she titled her head slightly over her shoulder, "In fact, you can even let them know Ines LeJeune sent you to get a nice rise out of them..."

The Senator gave a small smirk, actually finding humor in the situation, "Probably more worth the time."

 

[Kori Buor]

A wave of emotions washed over the Jedi knight as he spoke to the woman, revealing his role as a Jedi and his desire to help the people of the Republic, if perhaps not so much the Republic itself. To her credit she seemed to compose herself rather well before she spoke to him. Her words, while tinged with a certain harshness were undeniably true as far as Ahzek could tell, and the young knight was no stranger to this sort of attitude from other Jedi or those from outside the Order. It was obvious that despite the well composed and maintained calm this woman presented to him, the manner in which she spoke belied the fiery spirit that burned to get out. Still, her last comment came across rather humorously and Ahzek allowed himself a slight chuckle as Ines even gave a smirk at the response.

"Well, you are probably right, miss. But I would still like to help out any way I can. And with respect, I can see that you are of another caliber than many of the representatives here. While I don't mean to simply ignore your advice, I don't think I'd find use in a cowering, sniveling official other than to do what you suggested. Given your actions and words I do believe you are more the person who would benefit from my help, someone who has the courage to do something... Not those who would be too afraid to act." Ahzek spoke as a practiced diplomat in his own right. After all, just because he was a bookworm didn't mean his master hadn't beaten the need for diplomacy into his mind as an Apprentice. His voice was leveled and calm, but with a hint of honest concern and the burning passion to get out and do something productive. "If I may, miss... Ines LeJeune was it? But perhaps you have something I could help with? After all, you do seem like someone who wants to act, and that is someone whom I'd like to help."

It was an honest expression, one be hoped the woman would understand and not think was exaggerated or that he had overdone to win her favor. Placing his hands behind him he waited patiently for her to think on his words and then reply back to him, hopefully with something affirming. This woman did indeed seem like someone who could help him and by doing so help herself in the process.

 

[GABA]

Ines opened her mouth to speak but stopped herself, thinking about the Jedi's words. At this point, she had sunken far into the belief she was truly alone in her crusade; in all her studies and practices with diplomacy never really could have prepared her for the failure that could come from war and losing one's home world to the enemy's grasp. Though as big and bad as they tend to describe themselves, she viewed the Sith more as pests than anything, and they would have to eliminate their holdings, one nest at a time.

"Very well," she surrendered to the idea of letting the Jedi help, "I have a few more people to meet with, but meet me back at my shuttle in three hours, dock eighty-seven-dee." Ines glanced over her shoulder, signaling she was ready to leave.

______
​

Her three hours felt like days to the exiled Senator as her meeting droned on and on about the needs of the rest of the galaxy and her needs for Coruscant would have to wait. Eventually it did not end well, in fact, the woman had chosen to end it, and was certain she would no longer hold peaceful grounds with this particular committee. She thought of the consequences that would follow in re-election, but laughed as she reminded them there would not be elections in the years to come if the Republic didn't act with haste.

Her exit was not slowed as many were glad she left.

Ines made it back in time to her shuttle to unwind for a moment and change out of her formal attire and back into war gear, consisting of her armor and drapped with a functional shaw that described exactly who she was. Her security guards alerted her to a presence, and waited for the Jedi to show face as he entered the dock before allowing the Senator to meet him face to face. It would look as though she were putting on a show, but Ines knew it was for her own protection as being a vocal advocate drew a lot of wanted and unwanted eyes from the galaxy.

"Thank you for returning Ahzek Shahi." she welcomed him with a small bow of her head.

 

[Kori Buor]

A smile quickly spread across the knight's face as the senator-in-exile seemed to acquiesce to Ahzek's request to allow him to help her and give her aid. Nodding eagerly as the woman commented that she had a few more people to meet with and that he should meet her at her shuttle in just a few short hours. With the number of the docking bay which the woman's ship could be found, Ahzek gave the woman a low bow and headed off with a goofy grin on his face; he was still young after all, and the young are oft known for their depthless enthusiasm.

Three hours passed as Ahzek spread his time touring Alsakan and its sprawling ecumenopolis. There was plenty to see and plenty to explore. During those three hours, the knight visited several shops and treated himself to a modest meal to sustain his body, otherwise, he simply performed a walking meditation as he felt the Force move around him and how it flowed through the myriad of people who lived on this world otherwise oblivious to its permeating presence. As the time of rendezvous drew nearer to him, the Jedi thought it prudent to start heading towards the docking bay. What he hadn't realized was that in a world-city reaching one specific docking bay could take quite a while without the proper form of transportation. A rather ironic oversight of the knight from Coruscant.

By the time he had arrived in the docking bay it was a little past the three-hour mark and Ahzek was rushing to get inside to the point where he missed the wary eyes watching his approach. As he entered the docking bay, Ahzek looked around as his pace slowed and he realized that the woman's security guards had been observing him. Doing his best not to hide his displeasure at missing such a detail due to his own worrying, Ahzek slowed into a comfortable walk and smoothed ot the creases in his robes. After just a minute or so, Ines exited her ship and welcomed him with thanks as she bowed her head.

"No no, thank you for allowing me to provide aid, my lady Ines. It means quite a lot to me to be allowed to do some part; however small. So, is there a plan? Or are we just going to head off and see where the currents of destiny take us?" He said as he gave a small bow, a warm and eager smile never leaving his rich and golden features. "I'm sure the Force will be with us no matter which option we end up taking."

Extending an arm he motioned for Ines to lead him onto her ship so that they might leave and head off. After all, one could only talk for so long before it became redundant. Now was the time to act; talking had gotten both of them nowhere. "If my lady pleases, I suggest that we get underway; we can talk while we travel."

 

[GABA]

Ines let a small frown slip, "No plan as of yet." She turned on her heel and walked up the ramp of her ship, the Jedi to follow and then the rest of the guards. The woman gave a quick three finger salute to the pilot who leaped from his seat and headed towards the cockpit while Ines lead the Jedi to the private cabin, set up to conduct official diplomatic meetings.

She took a seat and gestured for Ahzek to sit as well. The engines begun to hum loudly and the ship vibrated some as it took off, but for Ines, the feeling of space travel seemed to not phase her as she continued to conduct herself in political fashion.

"My plan to just do it on my own seems too fool-hearted and may force me to retire early." she grinned for a short moment, "As much as I love the Repubic, as it is now, it cannot bring the best for her people. I know there are many who feel as I do, but I cannot find more of those voices. The Sith has surely brought chaos, and though I cannot feel it as though the Jedi do, I can certainly feel something and I can see it." Ines explained. She had always held an admiration for the Jedi ever since she was younger, they were the fairy tales she grew up with and as she left her home, she discovered that they were truly more than myth as she was exposed to the greater issues of the galaxy.

There was disappointment, even towards Ahzek as she spoke, as she did feel the Jedi were not demonstrating their potential in protecting the galaxy. She did understand that Ahzek was just one Jedi, one fairly young Jedi, probably filled with ideals that may blind him some to the realities that most beings face on a daily basis. He was somewhere to start, and could open the opportunity to push forward, build more relationships and open more doors that will build the web to stop the Sith from causing more damage. However, she did hold to herself that if it didn't work out and things kept falling backwards, finding some island on a backwater world away from politics seemed pretty tempting when she put thought into it.

There was buzz of her comm and Ines pressed a button, "Go ahead..." she said, hearing the whirl of the hyperdrive engines quiet.

"Ma'am, we received a transmission in response to the one you sent a week ago, they claim to be Jedi."

Ines glanced at Ahzek, looking to see if his reaction would give her a hint as to what was about to be played. "Play the transmission..."

 

[Kori Buor]

The Jedi gave an airy chuckled as Ines admitted to not having a plan just yet. With an amused smirk on his face, he followed the older woman up the ramp of the starship. "Well, I have found sometimes that not having a plan is best. As I Jedi I often like seeing where the Force wishes me to go, and sometimes that means surrendering to its will. Not a very comforting thought for an official like yourself, I'm sure." Ahzek gave another chuckle as he was led into the private cabin of the ship.

Looking around he could see that she probably had meetings or entertained guests like himself in this room. Even as Ines sat and gestured for him to join her he wasn't sure which position he should take. Opposite, you sit opposite of her like a business partner. You're not her lover, so don't sit at her side. He thought to himself. Of course, Ahzek really had no idea what the rules and etiquette was for such a moment, and he was going purely off of instinct. Relaxing back into the chair, the Jedi Knight completely missed the take off of the woman's ship; after all, just because he was a scholar didn't mean he was cloistered in a study for all hours; he did enjoy his adventures, so long as they were purely academic. Now, though, it seemed he was about to undertake an entirely different kind of adventure, and possibly one that was much more important.

Listening as Ines began to speak about how doing what she wanted to do, what she planned to do might lead her into a forced retirement, the young Jedi could only smile and nod in understanding as she continued, the disappointment covering the undercurrents of grief and hopelessness that she no doubt felt at being unable to do anything. "If I may, miss Ines?" He spoke politely, his voice soft and warm, as he tried to enunciate and convey that he understood her, to a degree at least.

"I don't believe you are giving yourself enough credit. The Republic needs more people like you; people willing to take action and do what needs to be done in order to save it... We need to show the Sith defiance and resistance and unity and strength. Perhaps we can't save this Republic, and perhaps this Republic needs to die so we can successfully combat the Sith, and from the ashes of the wars and the dead a new Republic can be born. I'm only a simple Jedi, miss Ines, I like books and learning and peace, I don't know much about politics. But I know, or at least the Force leads me to believe that you will be an important person in the coming days. As a Jedi, I know that the Force works in ways that are more mysterious and complex that even I don't understand, but even taking the foolhardy and risky route can topple an Empire. An accident can kindle hope. And a single man can rally a Galaxy behind him with a single speech or idea. Besides... retiring from a Republic that is too afraid to fight back and so close to death might not be a bad thing... at least you'll be able to enjoy all those vacation days!" He laughed, hoping his warm smile would help the woman a little. Even if it only got a smile out of her it would be worth it.

As they received a message, it seemed that the woman received a response to a signal she had sent out, and that the responder was claiming to be a Jedi. As the message clicked on, Ahzek could hear the voice, it sounded alien, the raspy clicking of the it definitely wasn't human. It gave details about how it and a few others had been stranded on Coruscant during the fall as they tried to get the civilians away to safety, but now they had been trapped there attempting to avoid the Sith and all the other horrors that now visited the planet. Looking at Ines, Ahzek gave her a worried look. "I'm not sure about this. It is true that there were some Jedi there who we didn't recover... But this could be easily a trap designed to lure more Jedi there..."

Sighing, he took a deep breath. "That said. Everything we had just talked about would be worthless if we are afraid to act because of it. I just hope this ship is stealthy, and that your pilot knows their stuff. Let's see what we can find out. With any luck, and the aid of the Force, we can find some survivors... and some useful bits of information!"

 

[GABA]

Ines listened quietly to the plea as it described the tortures they were facing, unsure if they could hold out for much longer. It was the kind of plea that Ines was too familiar with, hearing from those who were driven from their homes and terrorized by the Sith.

The woman cast her glance to the Jedi, trying to read how he felt about the situation. She wasn't sure about him, he seemed too inexperienced and idealistic to be fully trusted with the ideas of war.

"Even if it were a trap, we should stop them to prevent others from falling short of destiny." she said quirking an eyebrow, "And if its not a trap, then lets give them some help." she pressed the comm button to alert the crew of their destination. Coruscant was fairly easy to enter, especially with trader transponder codes to allow them easy access through the blockades. Though her pilots were crafty enough to travel where they will least be bothered; the brilliance of space was its three dimensions allowing them to slip in quietly.

As they flew into Coruscant's atmosphere and begun their decent into the lower levels, Ines made her way to the cockpit, leaning in to read the coordinate charts as they search for a suitable landing platform.

"Know anyone who can give us a free pass down here?" asked the pilot and Ines shook her head.

"No, not in this sector unfortunately. Lets land in a public port then." she ordered, watching the light of the upper levels disappear as they weaved between the metallic jungle underworld, "It'll be a little bit out of the way, but nothing too far that wouldn't get us out quick if needed." she explained pointing ahead of them to their destination to land, "Alright Jedi," she looked behind her shoulder, "Now it will be your time to shine and I guess show off what you Jedi can really do."

Ines handed Ahzek a communicator chip to plug into his comm, encrypting his signal and limiting his communication between Ines' party. The ship landed without trouble and the woman exited first, with each step, she begun to lose her upish Senatorial stance and fall into that of a warrior.

"We'll have a little ways to go, but its for the best, if it is a trap, i don't want them sabotaging our only way out."

 

[Kori Buor]

Closing his eyes, Ahzek hummed to himself as he reached into the Force, past the bright aura of Ines and the comparatively dull auras of her crew. He reached deep into the Force, following its ripples, ebbs, and flows as it moved around him and even beyond the ship. Ahzek let the mystical energy speak to him and guide him. After a few long seconds, the Jedi Knight opened his vibrant blue eyes and smiled. "Yes, yes. I agree with you. I feel there is more to this than some lost Jedi, so we should be more alert than what we normally would be on a Sith-subjugated world, and if this is a trap, we should spring it before someone else tries to save these people."

While Ahzek could appreciate Ines' almost cavalier and bold approach to helping those in need, he worried that it was going to get them in serious trouble. Though, he remained absolutely silent on that matter in particular as she alerted the crew of her personal ship to the change in plans; he offered his services to her, after all, and she accepted, so at the very least he should help in that regard. Still, something about all of this bothered him; it was like a whisper in the back of his mind, he couldn't put a finger on it, but he knew it was there. With a sigh, Ahzek followed Ines to the cockpit of the ship just as they entered the upper atmosphere of Coruscant. It has been ages since Ahzek had since Coruscant, and even as they continued their descent he could see that it was very different; the Dark Side swirled around the planet and kept it veiled in corruption, evil, and misery.

Once a landing point had been chosen for their ship, the senator turned around and looked at Ahzek making a comment he couldn't tell was snide or genuine. Whatever it was, Ahzek let out a scoffing snort. "Please. I was at Chandrila when Emperor Kyuss was slain by Shae. I even fired a few shots off at him before the grenade took his legs. Besides, even my fellow Jedi would be surprised if I did all I could do, unfortunately for them, I haven't felt the need to brag. But for you, I might make an exception if it will reinforce your faith in me and my Order."

Taking the chip from Ines, he glanced at the dark-skinned woman and giving her a slight look that said he would hope that needing such a thing wasn't necessary. Placing it inside his comlink, Ahzek would watch with no small portion of amusement as Ines began to stride off the ship, her strut changing from the arrogant air of a senator, to the cool stride of a warrior. It was a stride Ahzek recognized well. Smirking he followed her off the ship and onto the landing pad, eyeing the area around them. "It's not them I'm worried about, miss Ines. Those civilians who were left stranded here might try and take advantage of this ship, not to say anything of the Sith. Still, no point in standing here talking about it. Let's get going!"

Taking the lead, Ahzek quickly started to recognize landmarks and places he remembered from his childhood. "I remember this tram station." He commented at one point, nodding to an abandoned station off on their left. "I stole an apple from a pompous vendor and clambered onto the top of the tram as it left the station to get away. You should have seen the look on his face... he was so mad!"

The Jedi chuckled as he recalled the memory. Before long the pair were approaching the place where the lost Jedi were supposed to be. They had descended a few levels and had found themselves a run-down section of tower below the surface. "It might be safer for me to go in first and scout around, miss Ines."

 

[GABA]

Ines gave the Jedi an odd look as he openly shared memories from his childhood; she wasn't in the mood to swap stories, her mind was focused and she questioned how focused he was. Though then again, he was a Jedi, perhaps they were more nonchalant about these types of things, letting their minds wander until their "feelings" picked up something unusual. She tried to think of a young Ahzek causing trouble and it reminded her a lot of the youth including herself who lived on Coruscant's lower levels. A completely different world than above...and even further below. What many didn't realize, as senator, she felt as though she was participating in governing multiple worlds, though connected in a singular system.

"Oh please," Ines waved off the Jedi's suggestion, "Regardless if a Jedi or Sith, wouldn't he already know there is two of us?" She said quietly and quirked an eyebrow. Ines unholstered a blaster and adjusted her earpiece making sure it was snug, double tapping the drum to signal the ship they were at their destination.

"Ladies first!" she smiled and slipped in through the crooked adjacent door. She blinked several times, her eyes adjusting to the darkness, and stepped to the side allowing in Ahzek behind her. Ines waited for Ahzek to follow before speaking, "Just keep talking to me, Jedi, let me know what you're feeling." she said, a hint of nervousness escaping her lips.

 

[Kori Buor]

"Only if they've already spotted us," Ahzek replied back to Ines when she made the rather obtuse remark that whoever was waiting for them would already know how many were coming. He didn't like the lack of caution or assumptions that were being made; so many things could go wrong by simply walking in. "We're not omniscient after all, and Coruscant is hardly completely abandoned."

Ahzek would then sigh as he knew there was likely no way to convince the Senator to heed his prudent advice. It seemed she was much more interested in adventure and stirring a possible hornet's nest as she looked at him with a quirked eyebrow. Giving the woman a rather unimpressed look as she slipped through the slightly open door, Ahzek let out one last sigh and he shook his head before following the dark-skinned woman inside.

Beyond the threshold of the entrance there was only darkness. After blinking a few times his sapphire eyes quickly adjusted to the dark and he could see the far walls and the inky shadows that indicated darker passageways that sprawled outwards. Glancing at Ines, he offered a small smile at her comment, the nervousness of her words staining the Force a pale orange. "I feel..." He started as he closed his eyes and extended his senses outwards, "Cold."

As his eyes opened he knew something was wrong. "Not temperature cold... there's something here. I can feel it. It's absorbing all the warmth from the Force. I'm not sure what it is, but I'm sure it has something to do with that distress call. C'mon, I think it's this way." Moving forward, he removed a lightsaber from his hip, but did not activate the blade yet. He wasn't sure if there were Jedi here, but he was sure something dark had taken up residence deep inside this building, and he was going to be ready to defend himself and Ines when it struck.

Ahzek led Ines down into a corridor, as dark as jet, and seemingly going on forever, though in truth it was likely only about twenty meters and they were simply going slowly. As the passage began to curve off to the left, the Jedi could feel the cold in the Force run down his spine; it was getting colder. After another minute of slow, cautious movement they came to an open hall, which appeared to be a sort of common area for the building with an arboreum filled with plants, silent fountains, and balconies above. Glancing at Ines, he spoke softly. "This is it. Whatever I'm feeling it's close." Checking the coordinates they were standing right on top of the spot they had been told to meet. Ahzek didn't like it. "Ines, I believe we should not linger here too long. Something dark is coming."

"The darkness already came here!" Came a disembodied voice from the deepest shadows, as thought it came from all around them. "However the noble Republic and Their self-righteous Jedi allies only sought to evacuate the important people and leave everyone else to the cruel delights of the Sith! There is no good or evil, here, young knight, just the simple, hard truth that this universe doesn't care. The Force doesn't care. Innocents suffer because Jedi like you and those bureaucratic senators chose to waste time and make worthless decisions."

Finally, the figure emerged from the shadows on the balcony above them. In its four hands were two double bladed lightsabers. Others emerged as well, armed with blades of their own. They weren't Sith, Ahzek was sure of that much, but they certainly weren't Jedi either, not any more at least. Several of the fallen Jedi activated their lightsabers as blades of sapphire, emerald, bronze, and amethyst sprang to life. Looking to Ines, Ahzek growled, "We need to go, now." But the enemy had already started their attack...

 

[GABA]

She furrowed her brow at the Jedi as he felt with his power, he described his surroundings as cold and the woman thought it odd. He spoke again, this time taking a hold of his weapon and Ines followed closely beside Azhek, keeping herself alert to any sudden changes, though she was certain the Jedi would catch before she would.

They eventually exited into a large hall, she took note of the vegetation that was growing and the fountains that ran, but didn't make a sound. She caught his glance as he explained they had arrived, but it was as he announced did a second voice echo throughout the hall. Ines raised her blaster, her eyes darting from corner to corner, trying to find its source.

Though startled by the voice, Ines felt her jaw drop as she saw the numerous sabers glow on the balcony above them. She never had heard the sound of one of their laser swords, but it was eerie and unsettling and the woman felt her stomach drop to meet her jaw.

Ahzek announced they needed to leave as Ines counted, "sixteen...seventeen....eighteen..." She took a deep breath, "Eighteen? We can handle eighteen!" she said taking a few steps backwards. The sabers moved with their shadows, they were fast, faster than any normal being as before she knew it, they were in front of them. A blade swung attempting to sever Ines in half, but she leaped backwards, just out of harm's way and pointed and shot a bolt into the dark warrior's leg.

He laughed as he easily evaded, sending the bolt harmlessly into the ground before her as he sent an invisible energy field at Ines, forcing her onto her back.

 

[Kori Buor]

Ahzek could feel Ines' surprise and fear of the numerous Force wielders who had suddenly appeared with lightsabers in hand. The Jedi knight couldn't blame her, even as the former Jedi appeared before him, he had to fight to remain in control of his emotions; panic coursed through his veins. This was not going to be good at all.

Hearing Ines count, he gave her a sideways glance, at the realization that they were outnumbered nine to one, Ahzek muttered back, "Think we should have still gone in here?" Then the shadows and sabers moved, leaping down from above and placing themselves before Ahzek and Ines. With the almost preternatural speed granted to him by the Force, Ahzek activates his lightsaber, a golden blade of coruscating energy springing to life in his hands as he takes a defensive stance, however, the sound of blaster fire from behind him alerts the Jedi that Ines was firing. Glancing to his side he could see one of the fallen Jedi attacking her.

"No!" He roars defiantly, not out of anger, but out of the desire to protect this woman he had just met. As the man that was attacking her raised his hand and threw Ines back with the Force, Ahzek leapt forward and drew his blade down across outstretched arm, severing it from the body. The fallen Jedi howls in pain and Ahzek brings his blade back around and through the man's legs, dismembering him. With that man removed as a threat, Ahzek resumed a defensive posture; there was no way he was going to attack into seventeen Jedi.

A roar of anger and defiance rose up around the two and Ahzek gave Ines a concerned glance as he backed towards her offering her his hand should she need it. "Go, I'll cover you!" He exclaims hurriedly, not knowing when they would all attack. Drawing on the Force, the Knight knew that if they rushed him he was doomed; he would have only one option and that would be to buy the senator some time to escape. Looking back at her, Ahzek waited for her to respond when suddenly two Jedi charged towards him, lightsabers raised.

"Blast it!" He swore as he brought his lightsaber up, parrying the first strike into the second Jedi's attack. Behind them, a few more Jedi moved forward towards them, likely to either surround Ahzek or finish off Ines. In the Force, Ahzek could feel the portal they had come through just a few more meters behind them where they could prevent themselves from being overwhelmed. Using what Force power he had inside of him gathered up, he called on whatever he could in that moment and pushed outwards, trying to repel the fallen warriors. It worked well enough as the two Jedi before him were thrown backwards into those advancing. Grabbing Ines hand in his, he pulled her backwards to the corridor they came in. "Start running and don't look back!"

 

[GABA]

"No regrets!" she yelled out pushing herself quickly to her feet, seeing Ahzek strike down a dark Jedi. She ran back to Ahzek, covering his back as they made their way back to the corridor. She tapped three times on her ear piece while firing her blaster to distract the darksiders; she felt as though the air was being pulled at her, her skin pimpled as Ahzek released the Force, sending back their attackers.

"I'll keep running as long as you keep up!" she told him, ducking under fallen infrastructure. She didn't remember the hall being as dark as it was now, it reminded her of something that would be in a horror-holo, though the action happening now was something no one could reproduce with all the credits in the galaxy. Ines glanced over her shoulder, making sure Ahzek's saber was still nearby.

Ines felt like she had been running for ages; she could hear the dark laughter as the fallen chased after them as though it were a game. Seeing the door ahead where they entered, she pushed herself harder to reach it. The ship should be just arriving in moments, but Ines suddenly felt cold, her mind became hazy and her pace slowed as she tried to shake it off. Her surroundings became darker than the black of space, she blinked rapidly trying to push out whatever, or whoever was invading her thoughts.

"Ahzek!" she cried out, not seeing the Jedi or his saber anywhere.

 

[Kori Buor]

They ran and they continued to run away from that impossible fight towards the exit. Ahzek could feel the fallen Jedi behind him, their presence in the Force was a black mark, a roiling storm of darkness even in this lost and corrupt place. He could feel the insidious presence beginning to creep into the corners of his mind, the tugging at his passive mental defences which he erected unconsciously during the adrenaline of battle. Something was nearby strong enough in the Force to attack their minds; that was not good. Calling on his Jedi training, the knight resisted whatever attack was harassing him.

Hearing Ines call out for him as they neared the exit, he watched her stop and reach out with a free hand, blinking rapidly. "Ines!" He called back as he stopped by her, not quite understanding what was going on. "We can't stop, let's go!" Carefully, he reached out to grab her hand and pulled her forward. Or tried to, anyways. It was clear she was having trouble see by the way she was searching for him, and how she stopped moving towards the door. As they stepped close to the door it didn't open. Ahzek let go of Ines and pressed the button to open. Still nothing. Swearing, Ahzek looked at his dark-skinned female companion. Then he saw it in her eyes, something really wasn't right. "Ines, what's wrong?"

Looking behind him he saw the lightsabers of the dark Jedi approaching. They were running out of time. Grabbing her hand, Ahzek pulled her into a side passageway and further on waiting for her to respond. "I can't help you if I don't know what's wrong with you!" He added as he pulled. Quickly he began realizing that if she didn't recover her sight they were going to get caught and then killed. Ahzek might have been skilled, but he wasn't that skilled with the blade, and there was no way he was going to leave Ines to die. Praying silently to the Force, he hoped it was something they could fix, and soon. Still feeling that presence in his mind, Ahzek began to realize that Ines was succumbing to whatever dark power had attacked him, after all, she didn't have the same training a Jedi did.

 

[GABA]

She felt something warm grab her hand, and though she couldn't necessarily describe the feeling, she new there was safety behind it. "I can't see..." she said gripping his hand tighter. "It-" Ines' words were cut off as there was a loud explosion at the door, just ahead.

The dark tendrils that were gripping her mind, released themselves, but now the hall was filled with smoke and the smell of burned ozone. Ines' ear crackled with the clear as the ship had made it in time to give them cover. The woman regained her footing, her exposed ear now ringing, "C'mon, quit laying around!" she told Ahzek, clearly returning more to herself as the Dark jedi's grasp was clearly distracted.

Now she pulled Ahzek, exiting out the opened created by the cannons on the ship. The haul hatch was open, waiting for the pair; one of the guards stood waiting to help them if needed as they would make their way out. "We need to go now!" she yelled, knowing her voice would carry to the cockpit. The ship fired a few more times for good measure before taking off into upper levels of the city.

Ines pressed on her ringing ear a few more times before removing her earpiece and threw it on the ground, letting out a long sigh. "Bloody damn...." she sighed rubbing her face with hands.

 

[Kori Buor]

As Ines admitted that she couldn't see, Ahzek looked on helplessly feeling the hope inside him start to sputter out and die. Looking deep into her eyes he wished he could reach inside her and cast out whatever dark presence was afflicting her, just like the stories he had heard when he was a kid. She began to speak again, but the Jedi suddenly felt a warning tingle rush down his spine. Quickly moving his body to shield the woman from whatever danger lay beyond, Ahzek could feel the explosion lick at his back before his ears even registered the deafening boom. It seemed that their rescue had arrived, and not a moment too late, either.

Staring at the ship for a moment, Ahzek blinked and realized Ines was now dragging him along towards the ship as she yelled at him to move. Deftly he ran and caught up beside her, launching himself into the ship as its guns fired into the building. A spray of blue-white lightning shot out of the black hole and up at the three standing near to each other. Standing in front if Ines, Ahzek used his blade to block all of the electricity that came towards them. "We need to stay low for a while and under the Sith's detection net. We don't need the Sith and Dark Jedi following us."

As the ship began to lift off, Ahzek made sure to protect Ines from any shots coming into the hole that might have been aimed at her. Seeing Ines remove her earpiece in frustration, Ahzek forced a smile and walked up to her, "Well, that wasn't so bad, right? Are you okay? I think there's a lot to talk about. I definitely wouldn't mind hearing what you think of what we just saw, and figure out where we want to go next." He said extending his hand to her as the hatch closed up and he placed his lightsaber back on his belt.

Assuming Ines would let Ahzek lead her, he'd take her to the conference room they had just occupied not long before. Pulling a chair out for Ines he spoke again. "Would you like anything to drink or snack on? Now as I'm sure that you saw those eighteen fallen Jedi, I only have one question, what do you make of what you just experienced? Still think it was wise to spring that trap?"