Ask New Prey

[Indy Sati]

When it came to murder for sport, Indy always had a bad taste in her mouth. This new twist on diplomacy was not her cup of tea, which was perhaps the reason why she was enlisted in this nonsense in the first place. But she was here to help Max and her fellow Jedi in whatever ways she could, and she intended to follow up on that as best she could.

They waited on their Trandoshan contact close to the Galahad, and she glanced to her companions. Another fellow Jedi, and a droid. The trek to the temple was meant to be adventureless, but she had no experience with Tomb Guardians yet. However, one of her companions had, and she anticipated an interesting encounter ahead. The droid, however, she found herself interested in as well. They seemed a smart unit, perhaps to their favor.

Now one would help by the Force that nothing stupidly ridiculous happened, but she had been in the galaxy long enough to know this was an impossible hope. Her lightsaber was strapped to one hip, her blaster on the other in a rig beneath her jacket, vibroblades as well. On first glance, she looked like some smart-mouthed smuggler with a good-looking hat.

But if one looked close enough at golden eyes, they'd see a gleam of humor and a sharp intelligence. Perhaps her fellow companions were talkative, but this was gonna be a while before this... barbaric practice would occur.

Perhaps they'd be interested in getting to know each other first before attempting to track their new quarry.

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel couldn't help but sigh a bit dejectedly as she looked at the ancient Zeffo temple looming in the distance. Her last investigation of such a temple had ended quite horribly. If more automated guardians were all they had to deal with, and no lurking Sith, she would consider it a victory. She also made a mental note to keep her emotions in check this time, no matter what they came across. If she managed to damage another ancient historical site she would never forgive herself.

Unlike Indy the insectoid Padawan made no effort to conceal what she was. She wore the standard humble garb of the Order, holding her inactive lightsaber pike in one hand like a staff. She had never been on a mission with the Pantoran Knight before, but she had been exploring with BD. He struck her as an exceptionally clever and resourceful little droid, and was certain he'd prove useful here. It was his natural element after all.

As the time dragged on the young Vratix became a bit restless, pacing back and forth in front of their starship as they awaited for this famed Trandoshan hunter to arrive. That she wasn't too thrilled about either. From her experience thus far fame in Trandoshan society usually translated to crazed bloodlust. "I really do wish our guest was more punctual..." She muttered, mostly to herself. "You would think their Scorekeeper would give points for being on time..." A sudden thought entering her mind she turned to Indy inquisitively. "Um... What are we to do if none of the guardians inside the temple are functioning? That is a possibility after all, old as this place is." This would all turn out to be awfully embarrassing if they came out here all this way to prove a point to the Trandoshans, only for their alleged great foe to be long turned to useless scrap.

@Killa Ree @Lavi

 

[BD 9]

It didn't take too much to convince BD-9 to come along with them. Another Zeffo temple, ripe for exploration? Even if it was for a diplomatic mission for the Trandoshans, Beedee figured there would be time for the droid to go about his business. The business of finding interesting treasures, that is.

The droid trotted alongside Izel as the Vratix padawan met with their Pantoran companion. He had never met Master Indyana before but, considering the importance of the mission, BD-9 wouldn't doubt that the Jedi Knight would be capable enough for what is needed to be done.

Beedee looked up as the Vratix contemplated whether the Tomb Guardians would be deactivated when they arrive. It was not an unreasonable question, though the droid had a good idea of the truth of the matter.

// The probability of there being no automated constructs at the temple is approximately 6.72%. The designs of these guardians are meant to last. It is unlikely they would malfunction with age. There would only be a problem if someone, or thing, manage to destroy them before we arrive, // the droid twittered out in its Clone Wars-era droidspeak.

The droid never upgraded to the latest version of Binary, leading to the occasional communication issues with much newer models, but there has not yet been a need to update yet.

@Killa Ree @Reyn

 

[Indy Sati]

She glanced over to the pacing Vratix, golden eyes glimmering in thought. From what she'd been apprised, the fellow Jedi had also faced combat difficulty, and traps encounters with temples. She shifted once, tilting her head to agree with BD-9's assessment, as antiquated as some of the Binary was. "Let's hope there are some..." she averred, shifting slightly. "Or else we may be the prey."

"Would that not beee interesssssting," hissed a voice from behind.

Indy slowly turned about, giving a slight bow. The Trandoshan didn't respond in kind.

"Hunter TsssVree, I presume," she intoned, and the other nodded, eyeing the Vratix with keen interest. On their shoulder rested a rifle blaster, their clothing reminiscent of an antique flightsuit, patched with synthleather and a survivor's kit attached to their belt. Flat green eyes surveyed the trio, black tongue flicking out with a cold, serpentine smile.

"I have neeeever hunted Jedddiii before," it's voice sibilantly spoke, then slowly gazing towards Indy, unhooking the rifle from their shoulder and pointing it out towards the temple.

"Let usssss begin then, Jedddiiii. Annnd pray weee find sssssssuitable game."

With those oh so very encouraging words, the Trandoshan began to move towards the jungle before them. It was only then Indy realized what she supposed the synthleather was, sewn into the Trandoshan's clothing.

Not leather. Wookie pelts.

Barely suppressing a grimace, Indy soon followed, one hand on the hilt of her blaster. The other, not too far away from her lightsaber. She had a bad feeling about this.

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel looked down as the little droid beeped out what she assumed was a response to her question, tilting her head curiously. "Could you... repeat that?" She asked. She had some experience with droids working on her family's farm, but they all spoke a much more contemporary version of binary. She was able to pick out a few of the words BD was saying but not enough to get a clear message. And what Indy said wasn't very reassuring at all.

Their guest finally arrived. TsssVree, a Trandoshan hunter with many Jagannath Points to their name, or so they were told. In their efforts to earn influence with the Trandoshans, having this famed killer on their side would be very beneficial. Even understanding this the hunter's introduction did not do much to allay Izel's negative feeling about the species. She squirmed under their gaze as they spoke of hunting Jedi. When the Trandoshan turned to make their way into the jungle she shot a concerned glance towards the elder Jedi Knight before following along.

"Keep a close eye on that one," She suggested in a hushed voice to BD, hanging back far enough that hopefully the hunter wouldn't hear. "Might try to shoot us if we turn our backs. You're lucky, I think you were to short for them to notice you..."

@Killa Ree @Lavi

 

[BD 9]

At Master Izel's request, Beedee repeated what he said, verbatim. He did not have high expectations that Izel would be able to piece together his words the second time around, but it did not bother him at all. However, it is impressive that Master Indyana understood enough of what he said to respond directly.

The droid cheerfully greeted the Trandoshan, perhaps to the reptilian's disdain, as the experienced hunter approached. TsssVree only gave the greeting a momentary glance before addressing the Jedi. It took little time for the four of them to be on their way; perhaps TsssVree is eager to hunt.

// Not to worry! He looks like he is following along with our proposal. For now, at least, // the droid replied, oblivious to the intent of the insectoid's hushed voice.

"Huntersss have earssssss, Jeeediiiiii," TsssVree said over his shoulder, evidently hinting that he heard every word. However, that did not mean he actually understood what BD-9 was saying.

Based on what Beedee understood about the Trandoshans, it seemed unlikely that the hunter understood his antiquated Binary. But they should not underestimate TsssVree: smart hunters tend to have longer careers than their brethren.

As they approached the Zeffo Temple, BD-9 took the lead without being prompted. TsssVree growled at the little droid, causing Beedee to pause in his step. Beedee looked back at the trio expectantly,

"Do theeeese 'guardiansssss' come out to fighttt?" he asked. "Any tracksssss to follow?"

@Killa Ree @Reyn

 

[Indy Sati]

She glanced towards Izel and the Jedi's somewhat nervous reaction to the Trandoshan's threatening entrance. She wasn't happy with what was considered, either, but this was their rite, and full respect had to be given... even though their concept of civilization left a sour taste in her mouth and a dull ache in her gut. If this could spare Wookies, she'd do it.

At the hunter's question, she cocked her head at him, golden eyes glimmering expectantly.

"We descend. From there... you may yet find the tracks of your quarry."

Deep within the heart of Kashyyyk, further and further in. The deeper they went, the darker the forest cover became. And from within... another darkness stirred.

From within the deep, something hissed. A small, thin sound, like paper across the floor. The hunter crouched, frowning to stare into the depths.

Then, a bolt flew out from within the temple, narrowly arcing between Izel and Indy before whistling off into the gloom behind them. The door to the temple was open just a crack... but the darkness that filled that narrow gap was as thick as the blackness between stars.

Perhaps it was time the hunt had begun... but to open the doors would be the first step.

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel still could just barely get the gist of what BD was saying, which annoyed her quite a bit. Normally she was much better with picking up new languages. Basic had been wonderfully easy for her to grasp, though she supposed that was probably by design. The little droid seemed generally positive though, so the Vratix tried to match his attitude. She shouldn't be so fearful of the hunter, they were Jedi after all. She was still made uncomfortable by the way he had looked at her earlier though, like a hunter sizing up it's prey. It wasn't particularly reassuring that he had overheard her misgivings directed at BD either.

She remained mostly quiet as they continued, curiously taking in their surroundings. She had never been to Kashyyyk before, and it struck her as a fascinating world. But then again most things did. Fortunately she was able to sense the bolt incoming and take cover behind a tree. She peaked out from behind it, antennae twitched as she looked at the entrance. Her lightsaber remained in hand, though still unignited for the moment. She looked in Indy's direction and spoke in a low voice, so as not to alert their attackers to their position.

"If we use the Force to pull open the door we can remain at a distance and react to whatever comes out." She suggested. It sounded better than walking right up to get shot in the face anyway.

@Killa Ree @Lavi

 

[BD 9]

The bolt even caught Beedee off-guard. He jumped in surprise and sped behind cover with the others. Without getting a good look at the attacker, it is difficult to say whether it came from something protecting the Zeffo temple, or whether it has been occupied. In retrospect, it would have been a good idea to scope out the location ahead of inviting TsssVree along, but it is far too late for that.

Master Izel had offered a suggestion and, although Beedee did not want to put down the suggestion, he did see an alternative. Considering that the Jedi seemed to understand him enough, the little droid saw it as an opportunity to put forward his idea.

// This unit could scout ahead and, if necessary, create a distraction to allow everyone to approach the temple. // the droid offered.

He looked back and forth between Izel and Indyana to gauge their expressions. Even if the Jedi used the Force, they would still have to safely approach somehow. BD-9's tiny form and speedy chassis is perfect for something like this.

From the edge of his photoreceptor, Beedee noted that the Trandoshan seemed eager to get on with the hunt. He did not say anything, but listened intently. Perhaps he was interested in seeing what the Jedi could do? In any case, there was little that the three of them could do about that.

@Killa Ree @Reyn

 

[Indy Sati]

She nodded to the little droid once, glancing towards the hunter then Izel. Both of them had fair points; TsssVree for his part stood off to the side, hefting his slugthrower as though contemplating still the idea of the three companions just as good for a hunt, then towards Izel.

"You take the left door, I'll take the right. BeeDee, you run ahead and scout, but if you're in any danger you come right back," she spoke firmly, golden eyes calm. Even though some may have considered droids disposable, she liked the little unit. For some reason, he seemed rather endearing, and a good, smart companion, and Izel a good Knight to stand beside.

She took a breath, squaring her shoulders to glance at Izel. "Ready?"

Waiting for a response first, she would extend her hand out. The Force answered in kind, a gentle fall of the Light to begin pulling the right-hand door. Stone groaned, and dust began to fall with the movement. The hunter crouched, rifle sights aimed at the darkness that dwelled within.

Now to see what lurked beyond.

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

As BD chittered out his response Izel stared down blankly at the little droid, trying desperately to piece together an approximation of what had just been said. Her antennae twitched. "Necessary... Allow..." She tilted her head. "Approach? What?" She looked to Indy, who frustratingly seemed to understand the droid perfectly. It didn't matter, some kind of plan had been put together and she had been given her orders. The Padawan nodded in compliance to Indy, then caught the Trandoshan staring at her through the corner of her eye again. Why did these lizards have to be so weird?

"Ready!" Izel replied to the Knight, and then acting in tandem with her Pantoran comrade raised a hand and reached out with the Force. Taking an intentionally gentle grip on the left door she began to slowly pull it open, she didn't want to risk harming the structure of another ancient temple after all. The door creaked open, the hunter taking aim and preparing for a fight. But when both were finally open they were met with... nothing. Just a dark and empty passageway into the temple. There was no sign of who had shot at them.

Izel's antennae twitched again, and curiously she reached out with her Force sense, trying to see who their assailant was. She felt something moving deeper into the temple, but couldn't make out who or what it was. She couldn't help but feel they were being led into a trap. Was that really just the defenses of the temple at work? Or did someone know they were going to be here? She shot Indy a concerned glance. "Whatever attacked us is going deeper inside." She relayed what she had sensed for the non-Force sensitives in the group.

@Killa Ree @Lavi

 

[BD 9]

The moment the Jedi reached out with their hands, BD-9 bolted forward. He used the small shifts in the terrain as cover as he sped towards the entrance at top speed, but it turned out that their assailant choose to not shoot at him as the droid approached the opening doors.

Being outside of auditory range to make out what Izel said, Beedee did not pick up the Vratix's observation, but the conclusion remained the same. Whoever, or whatever, it was, their attacker retreated deeper into the temple. The fact that Beedee was not shot at as he approached seemed to indicate some form of intelligence, but it is impossible to determine the identity of the shooter at this time.

After scanning the immediate area with thermal sensors, ensuring that it was safe, Beedee turned around and waved at the trio with one leg.

// It is safe to approach! // he enthusiastically whistled.

His own preliminary scans seemed to indicate that the layout of this particular Zeffo Temple is actually different than the previous one that they had toured. But, with analytic data from the previous temple, it should not be difficult to map out the floor plan for this building. At the same time, if this mystery assailant is indeed an entity separate from the Zeffo guardians they anticipated to find, they must proceed cautiously.

Once the others have caught up, BD-9 was quick to take the initiative. After all, what treasures are there to be had in this temple?

// Allow this unit to lead the way. // BD-9 said, switching on his spotlight and marching deeper inside.

@Reyn @Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

At least BD made it back in one piece; she wasn't quite certain what loosed that projectile from the darkness but she was certain Izel would have a better idea than her. The doors were pulled open slowly, shuddering in protest after so many years left alone. The doors were slightly open, which meant whatever happened, they weren't the first to come here.

TsssVree lifted the rifle to his shoulder, staring down the sights into the dark, but when BD came scampering back he let out a low growl of frustration. "If thisss ssslow pursuit isss what you call hunting, then I imagine Wookiessss will make for fasssster sport." Indy finally turned around, raising a violet brow.

"If you're that eager for a hunt, go track them down then. Unless you fear we will score better Points than you."

For a moment, they froze. And then a fierce glare was pointed in her direction, their Trando companion slowly stalking forward until he stood over Indy, jaw clenched. He leaned down into her face, opening his mouth wide. "I am not afraid," he snarled simply, then whipped away, stalking behind BD.

Indy glanced over to Izel, giving a one-shouldered shrug to the fellow Knight, before following after a distance. No point being hasty in their pursuit. Whatever a Temple Guardian was, it was probably no longer near the entrance. Just in case, however, she grabbed ahold of her lightsaber hilt, unclipping it from her belt. This would be interesting.

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel found herself somewhat annoyed by the Trandoshan's remarks about a "slow pursuit". Hunting required patience did it not? Indy was bolder than she was and made a cutting remark at the hunter, only to have him stalk up close and glare at her threateningly. Instinctually Izel took her lightsaber pike in both hands, prepared to ignite it, but in the end the lizard simply replied that he wasn't afraid and stormed forward towards BD and the temple.

As they walked to catch up the Vratix spoke to her ally with concern. "I dislike this," She confided in the Pantoran Knight. "This is not how defense droids behave. Why would it attack us and then retreat?" She had a nagging feeling something more was going on, but had no idea as to what that might be. As they regrouped at the temple entrance BD expressed what Izel assumed was an eagerness to explore the temple before rushing inside ahead of them. While TsssVree wasted no time in following, still grumbling to himself in his native tongue, the Vratix was more cautious.

"BD wait!" She called to the droid. "Why don't you give Master Sati your analysis of the temple guardians while we search together?" She was hesitant to admit it but her own foray into a Zeffo temple had only resulted in her seeing a disabled automaton. She had been much to busy clashing with the Sith to see one of the machines in action. So really BD was more experienced than any of them on this matter. So she didn't want the little droid to get too far ahead of them. At her expression of a desire to stick together however the Trandoshan simply groaned and rolled his eyes.

@Killa Ree @Lavi

 

[BD 9]

Beedee paused in his step as the Vratrix called out to him. He listened to the padawan's suggestion and was quick to agree to the suggestion. Of course, it is best for the team to proceed with as much information as possible. Hopefully the Pantoran knight can keep up with his dialect.

// Of course! // the droid responded, turning around to face the rest.

His spotlight swung about, but BD-9 was able to dim the intensity before it flashed in his companions' eyes. He switched on his holoprojector, bringing up a three-dimensional image of a tomb guardian from the last Zeffo temple.

// These guardians do not have photoreceptors as traditional droids do. They seem to have omnidirectional sensors, allowing them to always be aware of their surroundings. The power source in the center of the torso seems to be its only source of energy, freely floating in the chest cavity. Its limbs seem heavy, but the tomb guardians can attack with surprising agility, owing to the potency of its power core. The guardians do not appear to be capable of crossing distances quickly, but they have demonstrated the ability to attack at range using its power core to project beams of energy, // BD-9 explained.

As Beedee discussed each point, he animated the virtual tomb guardian to highlight each feature and how the automaton behaved. It was a lot of information to take in, but the droid is fully capable of answering any questions that they have, or to reiterate any points of contention that the team may have.

@Reyn @Killa Ree

 

[Indy Sati]

No doubt Izel had questions; even the stream of Binary from the little droid was a bit much for her to translate easily. Most words, however, made sense. "Temple Guardian. No photoreceptors, has 360 vision. Power core, freefloating in the center, they're fast and agile despite heavy-looking limbs. They can't cross distances quickly, but their... cores? can make ranged attacks," she translated in case some pieces of Binary were not clear. She glanced to her fellow Knight with a subtle nod, but TsssVree was already moving, his rifle prepped on his shoulder.

"Talk isss enough," he snapped in irritation, features arranged in a grimace. "Time to move on."

And with that, in deeper they went. She could sense already the miasma pressing in; perhaps it might have been a place of beauty, of the Light, but it was this whole planet. Sickened, Dark.

Something lurked within, and it wasn't just temple guardians waiting.

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

Izel was grateful to Indy for the translation, and nodded in thanks to her before the group ventured further into the temple. "If that's the case I think the best course of action is to fight the machine from range," She suggested as they walked along the darkened halls, igniting her green lightsaber to help see. "Once engaged the four of us can separate and surround it. Master Sati and I are the more agile, so we can draw it's energy blasts while TsssVree whittles it down with blaster shots. BD can provide medical support as needed."

However TsssVree was already pressing ahead, getting further and further away from the Jedi and the droid. He didn't seem to be interested in the Vratix's strategy. Izel didn't bother protesting, it didn't seem worth it. Let the hunter do what he wanted. If he was as skilled as his reputation suggested he would be fine. If he wasn't they would of course swoop in to save his life and most likely receive not an ounce of gratitude.

In truth she was more concerned with the temple itself. While beautiful and fascinating the Vratix couldn't help but feel like something was horribly wrong with this place. Her antennae twitched as she reached out with the Force, trying again to identify whatever had attacked them earlier. This place was in fact full of life, most of it tiny scurrying creatures that they didn't need to concern themselves with. But there was something more. She felt the presence of several beings, moving together. Close, but taking pains to remain hidden. were they themselves being hunted? "I'm getting a very bad feeling about this..." She muttered as she turned back to Indy. "Are you sensing anything... strange?"

@Killa Ree @Lavi

 

[BD 9]

// The concept counts good enough for this unit! // BD-9 replied to Izel's strategy.

It is a simple enough plan, which can be adapted in accordance with whatever else the team might find in the Zeffo temple, the mysterious assailant included.

BD-9 had an understanding of the theory behind what the Jedi sense in the Force, but his simulations of the matter will probably never be exactly what has been described to him. Especially since droids like him will not be able to sense the Force any time soon. He had learned to trust the judgment of his Jedi companions but, without any sort of guidance regarding where the bad feelings are coming from, there is not much that Beedee could actually do.

Although his demeanor was off-putting to the Jedi, BD-9's empathetic programming could tell that the Trandoshan had at least an ounce of gratefulness for the information. There is no point in dwelling on the reasoning behind TsssVree's selfish attitude. One should not dismiss a need for self-preservation.

The droid sped up to keep pace with the reptilian hunter, eliciting little more than a growl from the hunter. No matter if it was in gratitude or in disgust, TsssVree did not press the matter either way. BD-9 estimated that they should be coming up on one of the tomb guardians soon, given the seemingly strategic nature in which the Zeffo had planted them. He gave a low warble as he finally spotted one: seemingly deactivated, but very much waiting to soullessly engage its next intruder.

@Killa Ree @Reyn

 

[Indy Sati]

She nodded once to Izel's own observation, her own lightsaber lit to provide protection as well as illumination. Much like the Vratix's own green, hers was also a shade of emerald, but slightly darker. She could feel it as well; like eyes along her back, prickling with awareness to whatever else lurked in the dark, waiting.

The body of this guardian was inert; even vines seemed to wrap around it, pinning it in place from whatever time had come to invade this temple. Or were they roots? One could not tell in Kashyyyk, even if she wanted to. But there was another sound, further ahead.

A rasping.

From far ahead, at first, there seemed a dim glow. Not unlike a thin flame, flickering. And then two more. Indy's eyes narrowed as one more hummed to life far ahead, the glow brighter.

Far more like the cores BeeDee mentioned.

TssVree let out a hiss of triumph, lifting up his rifle.

And then the first shot came.

"Duck!"

@Reyn @Lavi

 

[Izel Thral]

Upon Indy's warning Izel dropped low, the beam of white-blue energy shooting out in a sweeping motion over her and the Pantoran's heads. Then she watched as the temple guardian began marching forward into the light. Immediately TssVree raised his blaster rifle and fired several shots, but the automaton seemed to ignore them completely, continuing to stomp towards them as the red bolts seemed to glance harmlessly off it's armor. Izel figured the machine was either built of a very sturdy material or completely impervious to blaster fire. Though she desperately hoped it was the former.

"Stick to the plan!" She shouted to the others. "Spread out and surround it!" For her part the Vratix would begin moving around to the machine's left. And even though he may have disliked working with the Jedi TssVree still complied for the moment and flanked to the right. the guardian began firing at the group again as they dispersed. Not a steady beam this time, but instead launching balls of energy in an arc that exploded upon impact with the ground. Izel cringed as she saw this, fearing damage to the temple being done. They needed to find a way to defeat this thing and quickly.

@Killa Ree @Lavi