Ask Onderon Side Of The Law

[Rya]

Onderon. Like the vast majority of planets outside of the Unknown Regions it was one Rya had never been to before. The small holographic recreation of it hovered idly over her navicomputer. She herself was reclined in her pilot's seat, staring out into the endless swirl of hyperspace in her own form of meditation. She listened to the subtle vibrations and echoes of the ship as it passed through this ethereal trail in the stars. The Great Presence called to her strongest in these moments, and she made sure to pay attention when it did. She'd need all the help she could get soon enough. Despite her lack of experience, or perhaps because of it, she'd been tasked with answering the call for aid from Onderon. Thankfully no true crisis, but a pest by the name of Ragnar Vizsla that they needed removed.

A soft chime came through the navicomputer. Arriving in 3... 2... 1... she sat up with casually perfect timing as always, taking the ship's controls in her hands the moment it dropped out of hyperspace. Not a very impressive or useful skill, but it was the kind of small detail Rya took pride in getting right every time. The small hologram flickered out as now the true sight of Onderon filled her viewport. It wasn't particularly striking from orbit like some planets, maybe that was for the best. Hopefully it meant she wouldn't need to contend with a hazardous planet as well as her target. She contacted the spaceport controller and gave what was most likely too much information than necessary for a person of their station. "This is Jedi Order representative Rya, visiting on business in response to your government's request for assistance in apprehending Ragnar Vizla. Requesting permission to land."

She received her clearance and landed in the city as instructed. She gave a final once over of her ship, taking mental notes as was her routine to ensure she'd notice anything tampered with or out of place when she returned. Some gave her curious glances during her stride out of the concourse but none seemed to engage with her. She wondered in the back of her mind if there was supposed to be some kind of local representative to greet her. She would've ensured such a thing had she been in the inverse position. Sadly not all were as professional and forward thinking as she. Seeing no one dressed for the part, she got directions to the nearest government office for additional information.

"As you can see, there's no clear pattern." The lanky Bivall said as he gestured to his holoterminal. "Given Vizsla's knack for travelling the wilderness unseen by men and beast alike it's almost a certainty these aren't even all of his recent kills. They're just the ones we've found evidence of." Rya nodded along, hoping she looked wise like the Jedi she'd seen before and not as clueless as she actually was. She wasn't a hunter, trying to beat one at their own game then sounded nearly impossible for her. She gave a stiff bow to the Bivall and said "Thank you for your assistance. Great Presence guide you." With that she left the official's office, unsure of what to do after exiting the building. Needing some semblance of direction, she resolved to start walking towards the outskirts of the city and brainstorm along the way.

The thinning of buildings and pedestrians alike told her she was running out of time before exiting the city entirely. Perhaps more useful however, was the shift in demographic of those milling about. Gone were the spacers and businessmen that filled the heart of the city. Now she was surrounded by farmers, tanners, and generally speaking those more likely to venture out of the city limits. Maybe one of them could give her more information to go off of. So with all the subtlety of a Cathar pregnancy she began going from person to person to ask for just that. Some avoided her entirely, and the ones she did manage to engage gave wary and untrusting looks. She introduced herself the same way every time, eventually grabbing someone's shoulder and turning them to face her, giving them a rehearsed smile that went against her previous action and repeated "I am Jedi trainee Rya in search of Ragnar Vizsla, if you have any information pertaining to his current whereabouts please share with me for purposes of apprehension."

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Arla had been to Dxun once before to explore the old Sith temple, and now she was on Onderon so that she could hunt down a poacher. A Mandalorian poacher at that. She had approached some of the locals to ask about him, but thus far no one had seen anything. Typical.

She couldn't say that she was overly surprised, and she wasn't exactly known for her incredibly friendly demeanor, but she was doing her best to work on that. Trying to appear more "approachable" and less like the huntress that she was.

She was surprised when someone put their hand on her shoulder and turned her to face her. Arla's eyes quickly swept over the other woman, a pair of deep red eyes and blue skin were staring at her. Pantoran maybe? She wasn't sure, but what she did know was that the woman quickly declared herself as a Jedi.

Arla's eyebrow came up ever-so-slightly as she looked at the woman. Then her eyebrows pulled together into a frown. A Jedi. Hunting her target.

The bounty's mine, she said, folding her arms across her chest.

And why do the Jedi care about a poacher? she asked.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Rya was taken aback if only slightly by how standoffish the woman she'd pulled aside was. She took a moment to collect herself and ensure she continued on with a neutral tone and demeanor. Holding up a very matter-of-fact finger to the sky she said "You must be mistaken. A bounty cannot be claimed before the resulting arrest has been made. So for the moment, it is actually anyone's bounty." She then gave the woman a once over, eyes tracing from her legs back up to her eyes. She suspected there was definitely more to her than her limited insight could gather, but at the very least didn't feel she'd be a threat with any information Rya could give her. So with a mental shrug she began "The Jedi are duty-bound to protect life in the galaxy, are they not? Be they diplomats, civilians or in the case today endangered species. The Great Presence flows through them all the same."

She took a step back, willing to give further information. If she was in the presence of a seasoned bounty hunter she wasn't about to let the opportunity slip past her. Going the route of total transparency she continued "As you can see.." Motioning to her side where there was only a blaster pistol and distinct lack of a Jedi's iconic lightsaber "I am raw as far as recruits go. This is meant to be a manner of gaining experience for me." She was really hoping she hadn't made a bad first impression and was counting on professionalism to keep the other woman engaged. Not wanting to look weak she simply asked as dryly as she could while maintaining eye contact "Would you like to work together on this hunt? I've no use for the credits involved, the reward would all go to you."

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Arla seemed unamused by the woman's declaration that the bounty couldn't be collected until the arrest was made.

Mmhm, she said, not bothering to argue with the other woman. Bounty hunting could often be cutthroat and she wasn't going to let anyone steal it out from under her. The blue woman went on a moment later to talk about something that Arla had to assume was the Force and then about what she was trying to do out here.

Arla's ear twitched involuntarily for a moment as she thought about the Jedi's proposal. Truthfully, Arla didn't have that strong of opinions about the Jedi. She had helped Raze to slaughter them on Ithor, but that was less because of a hatred for the Jedi and more the hopes of building a bridge to her father. Death was a natural part of life.

Fine, she said after another few moments. If the money was still going to her, then there wasn't any logical reason to turn down the additional assistance.

Sounds like you've already read the initial: Mandalorian poacher, she said. He's worked all over the area and the locals are useless, she declared flatly. It would mean tracking out in the wilds and perhaps discussing with other hunters or wild folk who might live here. Even the beast riders that were still rumored to live around some parts of Onderon.

He has to make camp somewhere, though, she said. And that, of course, was where he'd be strongest as well. Unfortunately. Trappers on their own turf were extremely dangerous.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Rya let out an almost imperceptible sigh. She would've hated to go it alone and fail on her first assignment as such. Hearing her point out how frustratingly little the locals seemed to know she cast a glance over her shoulder at the surrounding denizens and said "Yes, I've found them less than optimal witnesses as well."

As much as the sentiment was genuine, she couldn't help but empathize. In the middle of the Chaos where she'd spent the majority of her life she followed her parents footsteps. They were a path of as few questions asked as possible. Her father was a military man and questioning orders were out of the question. Meanwhile her mother was a pathfinder, a group of navigators sworn to secrecy. The less they knew the better. It was partly why she was so clueless now, simply following the orders that had led her to Onderon on this day.

"Find his camp we shall, then." With that declaration Rya turned heel and starting walking. Initially it would look like she had resolved to simply march into the wilderness just like that. Instead her path curved off the main path towards a stable where several tee-muss were being kept. She checked to make sure her new companion was still following and approached the keeper of the mounts. "I am Jedi trainee Rya in search of Ragnar Vizsla, and this is..." She hesitated, realizing how little she knew of the woman next to her. "...my associate. On behalf of the Jedi Order we would like to requisition two of your animals to aid us in our search."

She was clearly expecting simply declaring herself a Jedi to carry enough weight so as payment wouldn't be involved. While the keeper was left thinking for a moment she turned to the woman beside her and whispered "My apologies. Your name? Rank as well if applicable."

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Arla stood there for a moment as the Padawan wandered off and debated just not following her at all as she seemed like she was going to march aimlessly into the forest before she started to curve off and head toward an animal pen.

The Jedi really liked declaring who she was to people, and Arla didn't, so she just hung back a bit and started reaching out to the Force. She almost didn't notice the Jedi starting to whisper to her.

Venatrix. And I'm a bounty hunter, she said. It was one part attempted branding and one part not wanting to give her actual name to a Jedi. It meant "the Huntress" and it was an appropriate name. In truth, it was probably more telling for the other woman than any name would be.

The animal keeper started looking at the two of them before tilting his head to the side.

If you're a Jedi, then show my your lightsaber. I wanna see some proof, he said, glancing down at her belt and noticing the lack of the weapon that everyone expected out of a Jedi.

Arla supposed she was supposed to be working inside the law here as a bounty hunter, so just robbing the man was out of the question.

Just mind trick him, Arla whispered a moment later. She would have done it herself, but she wasn't in a rush to reveal her nature just yet. While she waited for the Jedi to sort this guy out, Arla pulled out her datapad and started looking at the different places the poacher had been sighted.

Reports did indicate he had moved in this direction.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Rya nodded subtly, now with a name to the face. Venatrix. The fleeting thought crossed her mind, a reminder of how much she missed her birth name. Between her loss of family rank, adopting a core name and her new profession it was hard to remember what to call herself sometimes. It certainly wouldn't hurt to have an impressive name like Venatrix, she thought with a hint of envy.

Rya turned to the man and said with her voice a little tighter this time "Sir, as I said I am a Jedi trainee. I've yet to construct my lightsaber." She could tell the answer wasn't enough to satisfy him. Hearing Venatrix's suggestion she tried to whisper again, this time fighting back embarrassment "I don't know how to do that yet." There were probably better options, but Rya wasn't one to waste time. So she set her blaster to stun and shot the man, doing her best to catch him before he took too obvious of a dive. She set him down carefully where he had been before they approached and said to Venatrix "If your sort requires a report we can put it under 'obstruction of justice', correct?"

With that she left the bounty hunter behind momentarily, thankful that the tee-muss were well trained and easy to handle even for her as she led them out onto the path. She handed the reins of one of them to Venatrix and eyeing her datapad said "What are you looking at?" Not hiding at all that she was leaning over to peer over the edge of the datapad. "Would that device happen to have instructions on how to ride one of these?"

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Of all the ways that played out in Arla's head, the Jedi just shooting the man and stealing his animals was not high up on the list.

You know, maybe the Jedi aren't so bad, she thought to herself. Between... oh kriff, I can't believe he was my brother. Well, between my brother and this woman, maybe they actually had the guts to get something done in the galaxy. More potential than I expected.

For a moment, Arla stared down at the man's unconscious body and debated just snapping his neck so there'd be no witnesses at all, but that would probably really trigger the Jedi.

Hm, she ended up grunting and continued to look at him as the Jedi moved to the animal on the far side. Arla took the moment's opportunity to bend down next to the unconscious man and reach out to the Force. She plunged into the man's unconscious mind and started rubbing the memories from his head, being somewhat gentle, but probably not as gentle as a Jedi would have liked. She probably didn't get anything important, but even if she did... oh well. At least this way they wouldn't get any authorities on their tail, and Arla also wasn't leaving a trail of bodies in her wake.

She stood and headed over to the animals a few minutes later and the Jedi started looking over her shoulder.

They're sightings for where Vizla's been seen. There doesn't seem to be much of a pattern, she said, handing the datapad over. As the Jedi asked about how to ride one, Arla just looked over at her with an unamused look that was just... very typical Arla.

Just hold your legs tight, and use the reins, she said. While Arla had never ridden one of these specific creatures before, she was quite familiar with beast riding in general.

Are you Pantoran? she proceeded to just blurt out a few moments later because it had been really bothering her and she still generally had all the tact and subtlety of a rancor in a fine-wares shop.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Rya's temporary partner didn't seem to like her very much, from what she could tell. The way Venatrix looked at her left her less than eager to ask her any more direct questions. She missed home, there everything made sense. Knew where everything was, knew how to get anywhere, how everything worked. Out here it was all foreign to her and she was just doing her best to keep up on a day by day basis.

She stared down the animal, hoping that somehow it could hear her thought. It's just like a ship, it's just like a ship. Just get in the pilot's seat and steer the thing. Space is relative, right? This planet is space in a way. Or is time relative? On second thought, maybe it was best the beast didn't hear her thoughts. Doing her best to look like a practiced rider she hoisted herself up and onto the animal and swung her leg over. Momentum could be a bastard sometimes. This was one of those times. Instead of sliding gracefully into the saddle she went up too strong and slid off the other side, desperately clinging to it with her legs. If the saddle was on the animal's flank it would've been perfect. As is she just looked silly.

Eventually she managed to right herself with some dignity in tact, brushing off her vest and sitting similarly rigid to how she stood at all times. Taking the reins in her hands she half-joked to Venatrix "Right. Simple." With that she waited for her free trial coworker to mount up as well then headed off.

The further and further out of the city they went, the more uneasy Rya became. All this foliage and scuttling fauna was nothing like her frozen homeworld. Even though she had often served as navigator for ships heading to greener bodies she almost never left the ship. It was much more efficient to let her living cargo file out and take off immediately once they were clear of her craft. She turned to Venatrix and said in response to her question "I don't think I know what a Pantoran is. If it's an affiliation I probaby don't qualify. If it's parentage you seek my father was Chiss and my mother Vak. They're species native to the Chaos, or as your people call it the Unknown Regions as I've been told."

Hopefully it wouldn't be too long until they reached their destination, all the surroundings and personal questions that were alien to her made her want to leave as soon as possible. Rya realized around this time that she hadn't really communicated where she was going. Her plan was to head to the last known whereabouts of Vizsla and hopefully find some trail or other.

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

While Arla made no real attempt to help the Jedi, she did patiently wait and watch her struggle with the saddle until she had righted herself and they were heading off into the jungle.

While the Jedi may have felt more and more uncomfortable, Arla became more comfortable the further out she went. She had been to Onderon's moon of Dxun before at least, which meant she knew a thing or two about the nature here.

Hm, interesting, she thought to herself as she listened to the Jedi talk about where she had come from. She had heard a very small amount about the Chiss before, but little else. She wondered if the woman was a kindred spirit to Arla: displaced in the galaxy. Probably not. She had to assume this person - this Jedi - was absolutely not a predator.

And how did a Chiss become a Jedi? she asked. Not to mention that she had heard rumors they all lost their ability to use the Force in puberty.

Before long, however, they came upon another village. This one only contained a handful of people but Arla couldn't help noticing the animal skins that hung all over the area. Perhaps this was the place that Vizla traded his goods.

Arla frowned as her eyes swept over the area, and she couldn't help but notice the locals didn't seem any more keen on the two of them than she seemed on all of them.

He's been here, she said. She could simply feel it in her gut, and she had learned long ago to listen to the Force. It was what gave her such an edge in her hunts for her targets.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Great, more questions. Rya made sure to eliminate any verbal side-eye from her voice before responding calmly "I was discharged from my station in the Ascendancy and wanted to continue serving others elsewhere. I learned of the Jedi and their ability to manipulate the Great Presence fascinated me. Figured I could become an even better soldier with their training. Where I'm from that power is used merely for navigation." The more she spoke the more she felt this was becoming a very one-sided affair. If she was going to keep asking questions, Rya should at least try getting some answers of her own in return.

"What about you, Venatrix? How did you come about your line of work?" Not long after their exchange Rya laid eyes on the village ahead. She sat back at first, letting Venatrix take the lead as she scoped the place out. Rya of course did her own scan, but couldn't quite see anything beyond the same ilk that had populated the edge of the city. Just like earlier, most avoided meeting her stare entirely, and the few that did either averted their gaze or stared back with a less than welcoming disposition.

Do Jedi always get this kind of treatment? She wondered. It was surprising to her if so that such a prestigious organization wasn't often met with their due respect. Venatrix's deductive skills proved stronger than her own, and her partner's hunch was all the excuse she needed. If he had been here, if these people were helping this poacher, then they were all criminals. She'd need to act fast, the longer they milled about the more time Vizsla would have to put distance between himself and his pursuers.

She dismounted quickly, her eyes scanning all around as she said "We are the Jedi Rya and Venatrix in search of Ragnar Vizsla..." As she spoke she strode with head held high into the center of the village so all eyes would be on her. "Anyone aiding this man in his illicit activities come forth now and help us apprehend him, or be accomplices in the eyes of the law and receive your due justice." She was standing now surrounded by the people of the village, blaster in her hand but not yet raised. Hopefully she wouldn't need to if they all complied.

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

The Jedi was shockingly open. Arla didn't like to answer questions, and expected the other woman wasn't likely to answer what she asked, but as it turned out, she was quite open.

Apparently not open enough not to ask some questions of her own. Arla had to decide how much of her history she was willing to share with a Jed of all people. It was a delicate balance between truth and a lie. The best lies had an element of truth, but she'd never been a great liar herself.

I was raised with the skills of a Huntress. I chose to strike out on my own rather than working for someone else, she said. That was vague enough. No mentions of the Sith or the Nightsisters. And every word she'd said was true. Nailed it, she thought to herself.

The Jedi went on to really announce them again a moment later, and Arla frowned again.

It might be wiser not to announce us so publicly, she said, but it was too late at this point.

And why should we help you? What's the royalty ever done to help us? At least Vizla trades with the regular folk! a particularly bold man - who Arla assumed was an elder of some sort - stepped forward to confront them.

We're just trying to survive, and you've come out here to stamp out one of the only people willing to help us? he asked, his eyes fixing in on the Chiss with a penetrating gaze. They had drawn the attention of the whole village now, and Arla once again found herself sitting back to let the Jedi deal with the people while she started poking around, climbing off her creature's back and examining the drying hides.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

So Venatrix was right. They were on the right track, and Rya wasn't about to let the trail go cold. Especially not when she had such an outspoken volunteer. She made a b-line for the elder, stopping just out side of a conversational distance so she could still project her words for all to hear. "Do I look like royalty to you? Now is not the time nor the place for governmental reform." She wanted to do what was right, but her definition of right left little room for compassion.

She cast a sidelong glance in Venatrix's direction. Perhaps this method would work after all, with the people's attention on her Venatrix may be able to snoop uninterrupted. She had to keep the pressure on. "You say this man helps you, how so? By wounding your planet? By bringing the likes of us into your village and disturbing the peace? I thought with age comes wisdom, yet all I see standing before me is someone clinging to short-term solutions even in their advanced age. I expected better, Khrya." She winced visibly, her emotions taking control in the moment.

Her father's voice had take over her own. He had always been tougher on her than she'd seen the other Chiss parents be. Maybe he had felt insecure, trying to compensate for having a half-chiss daughter in secret. She had let her old name slip through, from before the Plikh had disowned them. "My apologies" she said trying to smooth over the incident "You reminded me of my own elder for a moment."

She didn't want to risk looking in Venatrix's direction again and direct the people's attention to her. She just had to hope the bounty hunter hadn't been paying close attention. Instead, perhaps softened a bit by her mistake, she pleaded "Please, help us find this man and I will ensure the Jedi tend to your needs. You have my word."

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

The elder crossed his arms over his chest, his scowl deepening as the Jedi spoke.

You ain't royalty, but you're here to enforce their laws, ain't ye? Laws that only benefit their taxes! All Vizla's done is trade with us direct, but they call it "poaching" don't they? he shouted back angrily.

Although his demeanor seemed to soften slightly as she apologized, it was clear he was still quite reserved.

Over near the skins, Arla was still snooping around, noting the different animals that were here and where they may have grazed out. Large creatures that would require significant watering, though in a jungle like this that wasn't very hard to come by.

Fresh, she thought to herself, noting some of the blood was still barely dried. Still here? she wondered to herself. But beyond that, she sensed the turmoil within her partner. Something within the woman was in upheaval. Strange, the Jedi didn't seem to be in as strong control of their emotions as she might have thought.

He trades with us: meat and skins that we sell, the Elder said, but he didn't offer any information about where Vizla was now.

Maybe it was time for a more direct approach? Arla moved over to the nearest town-person watching the argument and tapped her on the shoulder before reaching out into the Force, plunging forcibly into her mind.

Tell me where Vizla is, she said. The woman's eyes took a glazed view and her face went a bit slack.

I'll tell you where Vizla is. He headed out the north end of the village just as you came in, the woman said, and Arla turned away before she was even finished speaking, moving in the direction of her beast again to mount up without even a word to her Jedi companion apart from a slight flick of her head to the side.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Rya couldn't help but roll her eyes at the elder, his inability to see the bigger picture was one she found incredibly frustrating. "I don't have the time to define poaching to an uneducated individual such as yourself." She spat. She definitely wasn't going to leave a good impression of the Jedi on these people, maybe with direct supervision she could've handled the situation better.

It was around this time she felt an odd sensation. It was akin to the occasional shudder of a ship in transit, only this was purely emotional. She recognized it as some more direct connection with the Great Presence. Not quite able to determine where or why she'd felt it, she turned just in time to see Venatrix give her the signal to head out. The bounty hunter was already on the move, leaving little time to put two and two together. All she could do was sprint toward her mount and race off after her partner to keep pace.

"How do you know where he is?" She called loudly, trying to be heard over the churning of earth beneath the tee-muss' legs. She She kept her eyes open as they plowed ahead, all kinds of wildlife being startled by their blazing trail. Then she saw something: a little glint of light in the brush. It was something metal, definitely foreign to the surrounding landscape. Her finger was raising in its direction. Her mouth was opening to call it out, believing she'd spotted Vizsla trying to hide as they passed by.

Just as he'd planned. While she was fixated on her sighting, the poacher shot out a net from the opposite direction. She was too slow to react. The net unfurled and collided with her body, quickly enveloping her and sending her flying off her mount. Her vision alternated between sky and ground as she rolled to a stop across the harsh earth. Blood pounded in her ears as she tried to get her bearings: No poacher she could see, no visual on her bounty hunter either, and what she could see she wished wasn't so. Her leg trapped under the mount who'd collapsed as well. Great.

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Arla gave a pat to the side of the neck of her tee-muss as she road on and it gave out a satisfied huff as she did. The Jedi was no doubt catching up, and while Arla wasn't trying to get away, she wasn't really slowing down either.

Eventually, the Jedi had scrambled to catch up, and Arla glanced back at the question.

The skins were fresh, blood was still wet. I got a general direction from one of the locals, and he left just before us, she said. If we move fast we might catch up with him. Or at least we might be able to pick up his tracks, she said.

Arla was too distracted by talking, and missed their target entirely. Sloppy, Arla, she spat in her own mind, diving off of her tee-muss and landing roughly on the ground a moment later. The Jedi seemed to have become detained and Arla swung her bow off of her back. Her mount had now run off into the jungle during the ruckus, and the Jedi seemed to be pinned under her creature.

Arla didn't dare to poke her head above the bushes and look around lest a blaster bolt take her head off, so she lay still. Completely and totally still as she listened. Of course, the movement of the Jedi and her tee-muss wasn't making it so Arla could hear much of anything, and she gritted her teeth together in annoyance as she belly crawled along the ground and away from the Jedi, hoping to get a flank on... whoever was attacking them.

Sloppy, Arla, she said again, letting her bow unfold as quietly as possible as she made it to a knot of tree roots that she could finally use for some cover to look around... and see absolutely no one.

Her gut was churning, the feeling of being hunted was both exciting and terrifying all at once, but she let calmness wash over her. She was Nightsister and a huntress. Mandalorian or not, she wouldn't be outplayed by this poacher. Right?

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

Rya fought back the panic rising in her, compressing it down to ensure her mind was clear in these critical moments. Her first instinct was to pull her blaster and try to shoot her way out. It was awkward being so restrained but after several agonizing moments the weapon was free. She let off a couple shots, burning away small patches of the net but not nearly fast enough. Deep breaths. One, two... Re-centering herself, she stopped struggling and firing. The moment of calm would mean she wasn't making the same ruckus she had been to that point.

It was in that moment that she forced herself to turn to the Great Presence, reaching out with her mind to lift the animal off of her leg. It wasn't easy for her to do. There was still so much she didn't understand and its very essence was so hard to define that it felt unnatural to her at times. Despite its lack of structure, she focused with all her mind and perhaps surprising herself a little: it moved. The animal lifted off the ground just enough that she could free her previously trapped leg.

After that removing the leg was light work. It was strong to be sure, but its size indicated it was meant for smaller creatures, not the lanky Chiss he'd tried to capture. Unfortunately for her, the 6'4" height that made her hard to trap was what also made her a big target. Having gotten up off the ground to discard the net from her body she left herself exposed to the unseen assailant. She felt a sudden warning, like a ship was being forcibly pulled out of hyperspace. She ducked just in time, almost. The blaster bolt surely would've burned through her chest had she not moved, but she couldn't avoid it entirely. The shot seared a line down her shoulder and back sending all those nerves ablaze with pain.

She fell back to the ground, gritting her teeth and doing her best to curl up alongside the tee-muss for cover. Doing her best to think quickly she tried to envision where the bolt had come from. It had come from an elevated angle, as if he had been looking down on her. Passing along the little information she had she yelled "In the trees!"

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Arla's eyes swept over the area, looking for any sign of her quarry, which she spotted a moment later. A blaster shot tore down from the trees followed moments later by the Jedi shouting the same.

She raised her bow and pulled back the "string" all at once, sending a bolt flying through the air and slamming into the Mandalorians chest. To her credit, she was a good shot and it knocked him back and falling out of the tree with a grunt. Unfortunately, his armor was made of the good stuff, and the arrow didn't punch through.

Still, she heard the "whooshing" sound of his jetpack a moment later as he fled off into the jungle before Arla could leap to him. She sent another arrow after him, but he banked to the side and it slammed instead into a tree as he disappeared into the wilderness.

Are you hit? Arla asked, turning back to the other woman as she heard the sound of the Mandalorian jetting away. Her own mount had escaped, and she had to guess that the Jedi's had been wounded, but couldn't be sure yet.

Still, she'd wounded the man, even if it wasn't badly, and that was a step in the right direction.

@Pazaakly

 

[Rya]

The target was somewhere behind Rya meaning she couldn't see any of his side of the exchange, but she did get to see Venatrix in action. She watched the huntress level, aim and fire all in one fluid and practiced motion. It wasn't like any bow she'd seen before. Nor had she seen someone handle such a primitive weapon so competently in this day and age. It was impressive, and in an indirect way, made Rya commit to herself never to end up on the wrong side of that bow.

After a couple quick shots she saw the change in the bounty hunter's posture that let her know the fight was over. For now. She rose to her feet quickly, dusting herself off and looking around to better assess the situation. She tested placing weight on her previously pinned foot. It was sore for sure, but nothing she couldn't handle. She made eye contact with Venatrix briefly when she asked if she'd been hit. The burn mark along her back hurt like hell, but she was a good soldier. She said tensely "I'm alright. Let's not let him get away."

With that she turned in the direction of the Mandalorian's retreat. In the process she'd turned her back on Venatrix where she'd see how badly she had been injured. Rya could see where the poacher had landed and wanted to take a closer look. There were a couple of drops of blood spattered among the dust. He was wounded to be sure, although not mortally so judging by how little was here. "I don't suppose you can miraculously track people with their blood?"

@Phoenix​

 

[Arla]

Arla could tell that the Jedi wasn't in the best shape, but she was alive, and that was half the battle.

Still, if the Chiss said that she was fine, then Arla wasn't going to argue with her about it. As the adrenaline began to subside, the huntress noticed the pain in her own shoulder, flexing it and moving it within its socket as she stretched out her muscles.

I have an idea. Check on your tee-muss to see if it's okay, she said, motioning toward the animal. She really just wanted to make it so the Jedi didn't see what she was going to do.

As soon as the Jedi wandered away, the Nightsister pulled her hunting knife from her sheathe and slit a small cut along her hand, taking the blood tipping the knife and plunging it into the blood on the ground.

She muttered a quiet ritual and the mixed blood burst into a quick green flame and was consumed.

She could feel it. Her target was ahead, but further away now and trying to get away fast.

This way! she shouted as she started moving quickly in the direction the man had disappeared to. Better to not get question-asking going and also it would close the distance between them and their target more quickly. Sooner or later, he'd have to reach his home.

@Pazaakly