Pirate's Folly

[Insanity]

Vaerin shook his head, focusing the Force as he delved into the captive pirate's mind, looking at the man's memories and erasing them from existence as he did so. He left the knowledge of basic things, such as eating, breathing, sleeping, how to dress, and rudimentary ability to use technology, but everything else faded from the man's mind until nothing else was left. Then he focused in a different way, creating new memories and a new name for them. Once that was done, after a near-exhaustive effort, he let the pirate drop from the wall before backhanding him, hard enough to fling him to the ground, unconcious. He centered himself, his mind and thoughts as he brought order back to his own self. Then he looked at the Jedi and Sith. "I wholly intended to prevent their continuing... existence, young Jedi. Trying to convince me of the need for vengeance is, ultimately, redundant." He waved a hand dismissively as he expanded his senses outwards, as he had before. He followed, mentally, the route he'd found buried inside the pirate's former memories. He expunged any lingering trace of the pirate's thoughts and emotions from those recollections, the Force guiding his senses to the bridge and stopping. Then those senses withdrew, suspicions confirmed.

He staggered a bit, then, a small headache forming. "There's an accessway that leads to the deck above, then a main corridor... It's the way to the bridge, but... Jedi, I hope you're willing to see what happens when people fight for a cause without a plan. Like those the Sith influenced, for example." He hoped his meaning got across, but didn't repeat himself as he moved past the Jedi and Sith, turning the corner the pirates had come around. The accessway wasn't hard to find, given it had emergency markings on the bulkhead. It was unsecured, a ladder leading up to the next level.

 

[Zach]

The Sith Crusader looked to the Jedi with a raised eyebrow, intrigued at the Padawan's desired outcome. "Young Jedi, I believe you just expressed the desire to betray the light," he commented, smirking slightly. "Your anger at the pirates is an emotion. One such that is forbidden by the Jedi Order, if I recall," he continued, huffing in a slight laugh at the reference. "Your emotions are not meant to be suppressed, boy, only controlled. They are meant to be trained, to be used to your whim, yes, but it always about control. The Dark Side does not always mean mindless rage and endless betrayal," he pointed out, raising both eyebrows and giving him a meaningful look. He hoped that the Padawan caught his words, knowing that the way of the Sith was not the only path of one who walked the path of the Dark Side.

Turning away from the Jedi, Ruthric looked to Vaerin, nodding in acknowledgement. "I'll make my way to the bridge. I'll use this one to open the doors so I can sneak through. They won't see me," he informed them, jerking his thumb over his shoulder at the controlled pirate.

After the responses of each of the others, he made his way down the corridor, sensing out and ensuring the followed company of his slave. Sensing the drone's thoughts, familiarizing himself with the layout of the ship, Ruthric banked a corner and hurried down the hallway. He felt the presence of several other life forms nearby, so he assumed that it would be just up ahead. Stopping and turning to the pirate, he ordered him to enter the bridge and observe, carrying an armed thermal detonator in his pocket.

Ruthric himself clouded his presence in the Force naturally from practice as he bend the light around his body. There was a shimmering blur as his figure faded into clearness, now completely invisible. Unfortunately, this didn't silence the echoes of his every step. He would need to follow the pirate inside in accordance to each time he took a step, along with muffling the sound around him with the Force. Swiftly and carefully following the pirate through the door as it opened, he slowly and quietly snuck his way into a corner. This would take a lot of concentration and would await his queue at the others' signal.

 

[Rameth]

Hal was glad Vaerin was set to help, even if he voiced that fact in a fairly unnecessary way. Hal figured that it was the taint of the Darkside about him.

"Regardless of how it looks I won't turn away. I've seen death. I just want to stop it from happening from here on in."

Hal then turned to listen to the Sith's words, curious that he actually tried talking to the Jedi about controlling ones emotions.

"You obviously mistake my intent. You also seem misinformed about the Jedi's teachings but there is no point getting into that now.", Hal said making sure to stay with the Sith's gaze, "I only wish to stop the pirates because I am not the only one at risk here. If it was only me then I would just leave as quickly as I could. There are dozens if not hundreds of more prisoners here. I cannot leave them to enslavement while I have the means to set them free.", it was then Hal who smirked, "The fact that you cannot see the difference between helping others and personal revenge shows the difference between us. Darkside or not.", the fact that Hal was being very smug eluded him. After all, he may have good intentions but he was still young, still brash.

After the Sith turned away he informed them what he would be doing and quickly left. He was gone before Hal could say anything and he didn't want to be yelling through the halls of the ship. He cursed under his breath and looked at Vaerin.

"How do you want to handle this? I can't hide myself like him, but that is a useful. I should try learning that sometime. Got any suggestions?", Hal asked hoping that Vaerin would have any suggestion other then just charging in, which sadly was the only thing he could think of.

 

[Insanity]

Vaerin shook his head and sighed internally as the Sith and Jedi both seemed to conflict, though the Sith was soon gone ahead. He turned to the Jedi, the Force around him eddying as he no longer dampened the mixture of dark and light that marked him as neither. A burst of Force towards Hal, sudden and what could only be unexpected, as the air would seem to tighten around them both. Yet, Vaerin didn't move, didn't budge, as all he'd done was shift his attention fully to the young Jedi, bringing the entirety of his presence down on the Jedi's senses. Vaerin was by no means considered powerful, not compared to the masters of the Force. But he had weight to the presence he gave off, experience, regret, pride. That was enough to make most who sensed it somewhat daunted. What it would be like for Hal to feel that, who knew? But he had Vaerin's attention as cold, emotionless words ushered from behind that opaque black visor of his helmet.

"Young Jedi, beware your own pride and arrogance. You say you are different from the Sith, and you are. Yet, you are not as different as you think. Let anyone take advantage of that pride, of that arrogance you hold because you believe yourself secure and right in your teachings - and you will be torn down, debased and lost." He paused, his presence withdrawing back to the fringe feeling of power, where only active usage seemed to stand out. He let the Jedi think of what he said before adding more, in softer tones. "There are many paths to the Dark Side, Jedi. Do not let arrogance and belief in your own views make you look down on others, even if their beliefs are the opposite of yours." Tha opaque visor turned away as he looked towards the way the Sith had gone, silent. He thought about their options, nodding to himself as he confirmed his own opinions. "For now, we wait. All I can do from here is interfere with the crew's thoughts, distract them in small ways. I can't erase their memories as I intend, not until we're there. And even then... Imperfect process, altering the mind of another. You can never be sure of what you take away from someone until it's already done. That is, possibly, the price of such things."

 

[Rameth]

Hal was nearly overtaken by Vaerin's Force pressure. He wasn't sure what was going to happen but had withstood it enough to place his hand on his lightsaber and meet the man's powerful gaze. He began to visibly sweat as the he began to talk. His emotions were slowly becoming clouded but he held on, if only a little as the man began to speak.

Arrogance? What arrogance had Hal displayed? He visibly confused at the man's words. They made Hal think. Was he right? Was Hal to confidant about his teachings that he couldn't see his own faults? As Vaerin's pressure faded Hal slowly came to see what he meant. After all of this was over Hal would have to meditate in order make sure he wasn't full of himself any longer. He decided not to say much in response.

"I...thank you. I have a lot to think about."

When Vaerin got around to answering as to what they were going to do his plan didn't sit well with Hal. Do nothing? That was his plan? He didn't expect that kind of answer coming from the man who so easily dealt with their past annoyances so easily.

"What do you mean do nothing? With Ruthric inside we would disorient them if we attacked. I doubt the bridge is defended enough to fend off three trained Force users. The majority of their forces are most likely roaming the ship locking up the freed prisoners. Will you not aid me even if I decide to go forward?", Hal responded, hoping he wouldn't have to go alone.

 

[Insanity]

Vaerin remained silent for some time after the Jedi acknowledged his advice, which was also half-warning. The Jedi's confusion at his sudden, seeming uncare, his suggestion of 'nothing', only amused him. But he remained silent, his senses expanding as they had done before. The headache grew more prominent but it was minor, simply a distraction as he located the mind of the pirate's captain. He ignored the flitting surface thoughts, baser desires and emotions. He delved past it, expertly bypassing the walls the sentient Twi'lek held over his mind, that all sentients developed in some way as a natural progression to sentience. Flawed walls, like flawed beings that all creatures were.

He moved his lips, but no sound came from his - no, the sound came from the Twi'lek's mouth, in his own voice. The crew took heed, some noting the stiffness, the abnormality. "Recall all the others. Have them gather here and form a defense in the corridors." The crew hesitated, the one handling the ship's inner communications seeming as if he would resist. The Twi'lek yelled. "Do it now or I'll space you myself after we gather the slaves and prisoners!"

The crew, oh how they leaped to obey! The inner-ship comm-system picked up, hailing all the communicators the pirates aboard wore. The message was short, blunt, and gave no room for argument. 'Come to the bridge or get spaced as a traitor to the group'. Vaerin came back to himself, leaving the Twi'lek stunned but certain that whatever he'd done was justified... whatever it had been. Vaerin laughed, a low sound, pure amusement and maybe some amazement as well. He ignored the mild headache. "Nothing, you said... Oh, I've done something. We can go now. But I suggest we hurry."

He walked, moving down the corridor at a sedate pace. Almost purposefully, he put weight on each foot as he walked, causing his footfalls to echo towards the bridge. A pirate inside had the misfortune to hear it, looking at the exterior camera feed. The door opened, four pirates, two of whom held only simple blasters, took aim. Vaerin's lightsaber was in his hand, moving up as the pitch-black blade appeared and seemed to darken the corridor, as if the ship's lighting were failing. And the corruption of the activated crystal was almost palpable, an engorged myriad of darker emotions. Vaerin lunged forward at the pirates, as they seemed to shy back and fired randomly, their shots wide though some collided with the blade or the armour Vaerin wore, just a dark shape inside that seemingly-growing darkness.

The first slash rendered a pirate armless, screaming as they fell. A second slash missed, or seemed to, but the blade came back down, slicing one pirate from the shoulder down to the opposite side of their waist. Then Vaerin went past, was on the bridge, cutting down one of the crew who tried to seal the door again, leaving it open instead.

 

[Rameth]

Hal was confused when Vaerin suddenly went silent. He knew that he was doing something, judging by the Force aura surrounding him, but he didn't know what. When he finally came out of his self induced trance he informed him they had to hurry to the bridge. Hal decided it was best to just follow him now that he decided on a course of action. Quickly moving through the corridors the two of them were found before they made it to the bridge, luckily they were close. Four pirates stood in their waybut that didn't stop Vearin from cleaving a path through two of them.

Hal quickly moved to intercept the other two. By the time the one in front drew his blaster pistol Hal was already on him, bursting through the hallway with the aid of the Force. He decided to keep his lightsaber off for the time being. Instead he grabbed the arm of the pirate and turned the pistol away as a shot fired off. He concentrated the Force into his right hand as he closed it and sent the man flying upwards with an uppercut. As the man bounced off the ceiling Hal grabbed his body with invisible hands and slammed him into the other man, knocking him unconscious.

Hal let out a sharp breath glad his two were dealt with. He wished that Vaerin wouldn't kill so indiscriminately but he wasn't about to ask the man to take on a handicap because he didn't want to hurt anyone more then necessary. He stepped into the bridge with Vaerin, igniting his lightsaber as he entered, wary of the defenses on the bridge. Looking around he wondered were Ruthric was and what he was planning.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric sat patiently, hidden inside the bridge. The sustained use of concealing his presence had been trained casually as a constant buff to his appearance, giving him the ease to hold it as long as necessary. After a brief moment, he suddenly felt a presence around him. It was as though someone from outside had peered in, infiltrating one of the pirate's mind. It was no wonder which as the captain immediately spoke up, his lips uttering to bring everyone back to the bridge.

Ruthric knew it had to have been Vaerin, as it was unlikely that the Padawan had taught himself to infiltrate another's mind well enough to speak through them. He wondered why the gray Jedi had brought every crew member right upon their heads, but smiled after realizing that it would be a firefight. If nothing else, it would be a fantastic opportunity to practice his recently learned abilities in a combat situation.

A brief period after the captain threatened his crew with punishments of treason, an audible echo of thudding footsteps sounded through the bridge, shortly followed by one pirate shouting from a balcony. "Two of them are coming this way. I think they're armed," he called, waving his finger at the group of guards at the door. Four of them armed up with minimal weaponry, simply waiting for their arrival.

The door slid open with a start as Ruthric felt a impression in the Force just beyond its corners. He could clearly see Vaerin, his Force presence pulsing as he wafted through his emotions. The Sith suddenly felt a new found respect for the man. He dealt in neither the Light or the Dark Sides of the Force, but merely on his own feelings and control. It was much like Ruthric believed in, just as Ajunta Pall, the founder of the Sith, had. Perhaps it was his history in the military that led him to be willing to use his power to do what was necessary in battle. The Sith way had never been his way, but the Dark Side covered all courses of emotion and beliefs. It did not start as pure versus evil, but the difference of discipline and restraint against disciplined in controlling one's emotions.

Quickly following a few misguided blaster shots from the pirates, he saw Vaerin dash forward, his lightsaber slicing through the front most pirate's arm as he whirled around to redirect his blade through the torso of a second. The first fell to the floor, screaming, as the second merely fell apart. Leaving the remaining two behind, the neutral Jedi sped past the doorway, blurring by as he went to one of the control nearby control stations, cutting down the guard that was about to seal the entrance.

Just as Vaerin entered, Ruthric released his concentration of the light bent around himself, drawing his lightsaber from his hip to his right hand. He quickly dashed forward, dropping to his knees and propelling himself with the Force into a slide. His lightsaber cut through three of the pirate's legs, dropping them to the floor as he came up with a spin. With an outward focus with his limbs, he emitted a small, surrounding burst of telekinetic energy, straightening himself. Before falling to the ground from gravity, he burst out with his already outstretched left hand. As he landed, the pillar smashed into one of the pirates, slamming him into two others before crushing against a wall.

Facing about, he whirled the lightsaber in a sweeping motion across his torso, knocking back two blaster bolts that he been fired. Another shot had been fired at the doorway, alerting Ruthric to a glance before moving on. Hal had rushed the two remaining guards Vaerin had left, the Padawan holding the pirate's blaster arm over his head. The shooter was quickly flung into the air, the Jedi straightening from a lowered upper-cut position. The second pirate jumped back at the shock, his partner plummeted to the ground, stopping short before reaching the bottom. He hung momentarily before flying into his shipmate, slamming them both into the wall.

The two were sure to be unconscious from the impact, and Ruthric quickly swung his lightsaber around again to protect himself as he watched. The bolts flew back at a pair of pirates on the balcony, each recoiling as they grasped their shoulders. They wouldn't be able to fire upon them accurately for the rest of the battle. Prisoners could be useful as well, if it came down to it. As the assassin spun backwards to his left to bat the shots back, he continued the turn and reached out with his left arm, gathering a charge of electricity between his fingers. He stopped as he faced the center of the bridge, with Vaerin off to the side. The Twi'lek captain stood between four soldiers, two on each side armed with blaster rifles.

The Sith tensed his fingers, releasing the Force Lightning as an arced shape, rather than a singular burst. He reduced the intensity of it for two reasons; he wanted the captain unharmed until necessary, and that could only be possible if he could control the lightning well enough, meaning it couldn't be too powerful. Darth Sidious had run into particular issues in that department. The second reason was that he wanted to oblige by the Jedi's request for the time being. He would only injure and incapacitate, unless it was necessary.

Coming to a stop, he kept his arm reached out, continuing the lightning across the guards. The captain drew his pistol and fired, the bolt quickly redirected at a pirate on the balcony from Ruthric's lightsaber. He took a step forward, instantly feeling a particular strain of the continued concentration, let alone while walking. He kept his focus on the captain, continuing his pace, but lessening the intensity of the lightning, since most of them were already on the floor. As the last one fell, he relaxed his arm and flung out his lightsaber, guiding it with the Force. It instantly zipped by the Twi'lek and burned through the pistol, incinerating the top half over his fist. The blade twirled around his body and flung back to Ruthric, who grabbed it with his right hand back to his side. He raised his left arm as he caught the hilt, gripping the pirate and choking him with the Force. He squeezed only lightly, merely a discomfort rather than deadly.

 

[Insanity]

Vaerin didn't even have to do much else, as Ruthric revealed himself and began decimating the opposition. He focused on deflecting any shots heading towards him, as he knocked away any of the crew that tried to get in close and try to fight with blades or fists. He knocked them into whatever object would stop them, intent on keeping them alive rather than killing them outright. Some died from the collisions anyways, which was disappointing. But Vaerin remained where he was, waiting for Hal to join him before sealing the door to the bridge, as well as the blast-doors on the outside. They were sealed in, and everyone else was sealed out. By then, the Sith had finished incapacitating the Captain's guards (one dying from the electricity in an electric-susceptible nervous system), and then seizing the pirate's captain.

He shook his head as he approached, knocking the last few members of the crew behind him so they hit the sealed door. He addressed Ruthric, first. "We've no need of the twi'lek. Just knock him out for now." He went past the dangling captain, ignoring the humanoid as he looked at the consoles arrayed across the bridge that hadn't been hit by anything. He selected one, moving to it as he pulled what seemed to be a wire of sorts from the side of his helmet, from the outer layer. Hooking it into the console's stand, he sat in a meditative pose, de-activated lightsaber hilt in one hand as his eyes flickered inside the helmet.

Overlays of data began to fill his vision, removed by neural-feed and eye movements, until only those he wanted were left. He concentrated on visual feeds from the ship's internal cameras, watching as the crewmembers and raiders began to converge on the upper decks. Some of the crew were still caught up below, fighting an even battle with prisoners. Those fighters would be overrun by other groups of the newly-freed, he knew. he filtered back to the converging forces, waiting until a majority were on the same deck as the bridge. Then he began sealing the entrances to the lower decks, cutting off a small part of the crew below and above.

Those that were trapped began to hit on the doors, or kept moving towards the bridge if they hadn't realized what was happening. Vaerin smiled, a melancholic expression that neither of his current allies would see. He began to withdraw life-support on the deck, leaving only the bridge with full support.

 

[Zach]

Serg looked down to the motionless pirate, his body slightly smoking, but even more peculiar was that he'd actually died from the attack. The cause must have been biological, a weakness in his own nervous system that caused his heart to stop. It was a pity that his objective of getting through a single mission without and deaths had fallen short, but it was no matter. He'd already intended other plans for the survivors.

Ruthric watched as Vaerin quickly dismissed the captain of the ship, moving past him to one of the consoles. Ruthric had an idea of what he was doing, but could by no means read his mind. He figured a trap would be set for the pirates coming their way, but as for the specifics, he'd have to wait and see. Turning to the pirate still in his grip, he extended his arm and swung it to the left, throwing the captain headfirst into the metal bulkhead. The Twi'lek hung limply, unconscious and unaware of his surroundings.

Turning to the enslaved pirate that he'd ordered to stand with the grenades, the assassin mentally ordered him to hand back the explosives. He hadn't expected to need them, but it was always useful to have a contingency plan in case things went unexpected. Thinking into the slave's mind, he focused on the task of gathering the bodies, tying them up, and securing against the side wall. As an after thought, he told him to grab a weapon and knock them out, standing guard to make sure they stayed that way.

After everything had been taken care of, he turned to Vaerin and stared at him calmly. "Might I ask what you're laying in store for our friends?" he asked with a raised eyebrow. He turned to the Padawan, curious as to his thoughts on the matter.

 

[Rameth]

Ruthric and Vaerin left very little for Hal to do. They both went about their business in ridding the bridge of it's previous owners. Hal only had to deal with a single pirate who tried to run past him. He grabbed him with an invisible hand, brought him up and slammed him into the ground. He wasn't unconscious but it was enough for Hal to rip his weapon from his hands, taking away his ability to threaten them.

Looking around the bridge Hal saw Vaerin working on the terminal. The bridge door locking behind him let Hal know one thing he was planning, the rest eluded him. Ruthric had his dominated slave gather the survivors and guard them in a corner. The battle for the bridge was reltively short but now they had to deal with all of the men rushing here. Hal walked over to Vaerin but was cut off by Ruthric before he could ask the same question.

"Yes, what's the plan now that we're here?", Hal said wondering what these two men had in store for the pirates now. The fight for control of the ship was nearing it's end but there was one obstacle to overcome, the mass of soldiers currently making their way here.

 

[Insanity]

He didn't speak as he was questioned on his intent. At least, not until it was already in motion. He closed the data-feed away as he unhooked the wire, letting it reel back into place. Only then did he rise, looking at the Sith and Jedi. "As you speak, those of this pirate crew caught on this deck are being deprived air. Some have masks that can prevent this from affecting them, though most do not. Once life-support hits a certain low, enough to leave them air to survive in an unconcious state, and once most are rendered such, I'll bring the support back to full so we can move freely. It will also re-open this level, by which time those freed will rush this deck. So, in order to keep most of the crew alive, you'll have to move quickly or risk letting them die." As he spoke, he directed the last of it to the Jedi. His own attention went elsewhere after that, as he noticed the navigation console. Approaching it, he began to input co-ordinates for Bespin, where he was sure the ship would be boarded.

 

[Rameth]

Hal listened to the mans words and was glad he decided not to kill the pirates. They deserved to be put on trial for their crimes but death was not necessary. Thinking of a way to keep the prisoners out of it he Hal eventually came up with something. He turned to Vearin, directing his question at him.

"Could you lock down the corridors below this deck so we can deal with the pirates without risking a prisoner attack? I'm sure if the prisoners hear that ones that freed them have taken over the ship then they would stop rioting.", Hal asked, hoping it could be done.

It was a long shot but there would a lot less confusion if that could be done. The ship could be flown to Alliance space and the prisoners could be freed and the pirates arrested. No more problems from either side if they couldn't get to one another.

 

[Insanity]

He paused, the co-ordinates entered and the ship on course, as it momentarily shuddered. It jumped into hyperspace, Vaerin turning that opaque visor back towards the Jedi. He simply remained silent as the Jedi queued off his idea. Then he laughed, a low, amused sound as he stood there. It ended after a moment, the grey Force-user's expression behind the visor settling back into impassivity. "Of course that can be done. I've considered all the current options, what to do to save more lives than what have already been taken. Some of the pirates have already been taken out by the prisoners by now, I assure you. And there are others who are dangerously close to sharing that fate, caught outside this deck but able to defend their positions." Vaerin stated it all coolly, without emotion behind the words. Rather, he let his Force-aura grow more present, bogging down the air around him, surrounding the bridge and making the air seem like something constricting.

He moved a step towards the Jedi, his tone going low, a dangerous edge to it. "But what you don't understand, young Jedi, is that I don't have a reason for preserving the lives of such people... or can you make me do, given that if you simply tried to use one of these consoles yourself, it wouldn't work while I have control? Will you attempt to make me save lives, or will you admit to an inability to force me to?"

 

[Zach]

Ruthric listened closely as the Padawan asked the gray Jedi if the pirates could be saved, the rogue only responding with a confirmation that it was possible to do so. As he approached the Jedi, he asked coldly, "But what you don't understand, young Jedi, is that I don't have a reason for preserving the lives of such people... or can you make me do, given that if you simply tried to use one of these consoles yourself, it wouldn't work while I have control? Will you attempt to make me save lives, or will you admit to an inability to force me to?" It was clever, to put it simply, teaching the young Jedi the aspect of humility and acknowledging his own limits. Some things were simply out of his hands, but the assassin suspected Vaerin would agree to help if the Jedi complied.

As the two went about their business, he walked over to the enthralled pirate, turning his head to face the others. "Regardless of saving their lives or not, I refuse to deliver them to the Alliance. I'll compromise with you - my slave will drag the pirates to the escape pods. They'll reach safety in neutral territory where they can get medical treatment," he offered, more so informing the Jedi than requesting permission. He glanced to Vaerin with a slightly raised eyebrow. "If you ask the same of me as you did the Padawan, gray Jedi, you'll find I can acknowledge my limits. As to whether who would be able to force who to do what, there's only one way to find out. Are you willing to try to stop me though? I stand in neither your way nor the Padawan's," he added, attempting to rationalize with the mercenary.

 

[Rameth]

Hal couldn't believe what he was hearing. The two men had decided now, of all times, to come forward with their own ideas on how to deal with the pirates and, in Vaerin's case, another serious problem for Hal to overcome. Why did they simply follow along without voicing their opinions on the matter earlier? Why allow Hal to think he was in charge. But...where they actually doing that? Was it just Hal who thought that because they didn't voice their opinion at that time that were following him? Maybe it was his mistake but he had to somehow deal with the situation. Vaerin was obviously the first one that needed addressing.

This wasn't the first time Vaerin had tried to smother Hal with his Force presence. If it was then this conversation might have went differently but it wasn't and Hal made sure to keep his composure. He handled it a lot better then last time, remembering how he eventually dealt with it and using that knowledge now. He met the man's gaze, or at least where he figured his eyes were under the visor. At first he wanted to simply argue with the man but he stopped himself before doing so. His stare broke momentarily as he thought of what to say to change him mind.

"Make you? I do not force my ideas upon anyone. I merely offer suggestions. Though I do think it would be hard for you to kill the remaining pirates when a cut a hole through each door in order to reach them.", Hal finally answered fixing his gaze back on the man. "I ask for help in things I cannot accomplish. I have no doubts as to my limits. That's the main reason I asked the two of you along. I did not want to do this alone. Just don't think I will stand idle when you put people's lives in danger. The ones who do nothing to stop wrongdoing are at fault as much as the wrong doers themselves. What you are implying is something within my limits to stop.", Hal stepped back never taking his eyes off the man. "Now I ask you Vaerin. Is killing them your plan? If so then I guess you best decide how much you actually want them dead. Is it enough to stop me from stopping you?"

Hal gripped his lightsaber tightly in his hand. He didn't know why Vaerin was doing this but he wouldn't simply comply that there was nothing he could do. There was something he could do, cutting the holes through the ship was one of them. As long as there was something, anything he could do, there was no reason to sit back and let it happen. Hal's displeasure at Ruthric's comment would have to wait until later. He figured it wasn't best to be addressing someone else when he might be getting into a fight at a moments notice. Vaerin seemed to be a very unpredictable man and Hal had trouble sensing his mood, especially at this time.

 

[Insanity]

Vaerin withheld a laugh as Hal was made to pause, to think, before he spoke. He was pleased with that, because it meant this Jedi could learn, wasn't too far gone. Not yet blinded, in simpler terms. So, he let the Jedi speak, acknowledging that he knew his limits... but did he really know all his limits? No one did, not until they were in their last moments of life. One piece of wisdom he would withhold, for now. He didn't step forward as Hall took a step back, didn't bring his own weapon to the ready. He simply remained silent, framing his response. It still held that dangerous tone, though it receded soon enough. "You offer suggestions. You ask. You act for others and yourself. You also claim to know your limits... One bit of advice to you, then. No one knows their true limits, not until their last moments of life. Because that's the moment when you reach them. The limits you have now? Self-imposed limits are all they are, all they will ever be. You try to pace yourself in your growth, because that is what the Jedi say to do. The Sith," a slight indication towards Ruthric, "seek power without limiting themselves, because to do so is anti-thesis to their code. And then you have ones who believe as I do. We understand the need for pacing growth, but also the need for power. So we find a perfect balance, we leave our ties behind because we must, and we hope that one day, the galaxy finds its own balance without such groups as the Jedi and Sith tipping it into chaos as they always do."

Vaerin turned away from Hal then, moving over to the console he'd hooked into before. As he hooked the wire back in and settled into the meditative pose once more, he continued speaking. "Once, the Jedi and Sith were a single sect. They maintained a balance, between light and dark. They knew the dangers of both paths and the chaos such things would bring about. The galaxy had less woes then, since it was still a myriad of fledgling species still developing, first contact a common occurence.... But peace never lasts, as we of this modern time know. Some of those who were of that first Order realized that, in time, they would die out. So... they must change. Some chose a path which promoted control of one's emotions, to empower one's self. And the other... chose to deny those emotions, to regulate them but to never use them to better themselves. The former became the first Dark Jedi, and eventually bred into the Sith, giving that race Force sensitivity. All the 'purebloods' that have existed since, and now, are not pure, but hybrids of those old lineages."

He flicked through overlays back to the ones he wanted, sealing parts of the lower decks. By now, the pirates had realized what was happening on the ship and trying to achieve some form of resistance, failing as their ship turned against them. And still Vaerin spoke to the Jedi and Sith, even as the ship beyond became more chaotic. "The latter group became the Jedi, of course, and they won the in-fighting. They took over their old Order, re-wrote its teachings and histories to erase the darker arts that had appeared amongst them. They became zealots, promoting galactic expansion, even as they exiled the leaders of the Dark Jedi to unknown space. An irony, really, don't you agree?" He laughed, aloud, an amused yet distant sound. "And then the Great Hyperspace Wars occured... The Sith returned, were defeated, and the Jedi still held power. The Sith, the Dark Jedi, became hated figures. But they had been wronged by the Jedi from the beginning, and it was another wrong that the Sith would never forget..." He unhooked the wire from the console, looking at the other two Force-users. "From the beginning, every choice the galaxy has suffered since that first division, has stemmed from the Jedi and Sith. And the Jedi refuse to remember that, to own up to it, even as the Sith rage against them, their teachings corrupted by that hate and twisted from what they had originally been. So, young Jedi, I suggest you, at least, remember the lessons the other Jedi have forgotten or refuse to learn. I've done what I can to divide the prisoners and ship's crewmen.." The last was added as an after-thought, Vaerin's Force presence long since retreated back to that feeling of fringe power.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric listened carefully to the gray Jedi's words, narrowing his eyes. He'd spoken of many similar beliefs to his own, of the few beginning differences between the Jedi and their Dark counterparts. Yes, it was merely a matter of whether to control and utilize their emotion against suppressing and restraining them, but when the war went on, it was not a wronging of the Jedi that caused the founders of the Sith to fall. In the end, it was their own foolishness and lust for power through betrayal that doomed them. Ruthric had never met another that viewed the Jedi and Sith as he did, nor one that would understand his reasons for belonging in the Sith, as it was merely his tactical approach.

The assassin briefly opened his mind with telepathy, not so much to communicate fully, but to allow the others to observe his emotions and feelings in relation to what Vaerin had spoken of. He turned form the others and approached the enthralled pirate, raising his hand over his face but turning back to the pair of his temporary allies. While his emotions were open to read, but not infiltrate, he would stop if either had a problem with what he'd stated before. If they didn't, he would continue with ordering the slave to round them up in escape pods. "Should we get to the hangar?" he asked, making sure there was nothing else to take care of.

 

[Rameth]

Hal hadn't expected that all of this would turn into a debate about philosophy. He also didn't expect someone who started the debate to have such skewed views of history. He answered the man after he was finished, glad that Vaerin had done as he asked. At least there was that.

"I hear your words but it seems you're misguided with your facts. In the beginning, before the Jedi were even formed philosophers of the Force met on Tython. They came together to learn and study it. Our dark brothers fought - no, started a war for reasons unknown. The users of the Dark Side didn't want control of their emotions. They wanted to use them to empower themselves. The Dark Side is never about control. Even the most powerful users of the Dark Side use an undercurrent of rage to fuel their strength. It might not even be rage. It may be greed, envy, sorrow. There is very little control required to be able to focus your emotion into a single point for your own benefit.", Hal paused and looked over at Ruthric, wondering what he thought of what he was saying. Regardless he continued.

"As you know in war there are winners and losers. Our dark brothers lost that war. So what where the Jedi to do other then send the survivors away? It was not an exile in the sense they were shunned because of their beliefs. It was an exile based on the fact that they started and lost a decade long war. It was a finishing point in a war never wanted. The Jedi went along to pledge their services to the new Republic. In service to the people of the galaxy. They had no personal aim at expansion. The Jedi serve the galaxy when they can and to the best of their abilities. Is it a wanted servitude? Sometimes not but someone has to try and be the voice of reason." Hal was nearly finished. He would not be swayed from his beliefs. Not by Vaerin and not by Ruthric, although the latter had yet to say anything.

"The Dark Side rose once again, aiming to take control of the Order. They lost, again. Only this time when sent away they found a people similar to themselves. The Sith, the original Sith. My history on what happened on Korriban isn't complete but I do know they eventually founded the Sith Empire. The Dark Siders, now called the Sith, struck the first blow hundreds of years later starting the Great Hyperspace Wars. As they did in so many wars thereafter. The Dark Side is the cause of nearly all of the galaxy wide conflicts the Republic or Alliance has ever seen. Know that I do not mean the Sith by themselves are the cause. Many Jedi have fallen and done the same. Exar Kun and Jacen Solo are two names that come to mind. The Dark Side is the enemy and anyone who answers its call is a threat to the people around them. From a single loved one to the entire galaxy. It is for that reason the Jedi control their emotions, so that their emotions do not control them." Hal finished, figuring he had made his point. Even if he had gotten a little off track for a second. He then turned to Ruthric seeing that he was getting ready to have the pirates moved to the escape pods.

"Wait, if you would please. What is your reason for wanting to release the pirates? If let go they will just continue where they left off. They need to be held accountable for their crimes." Hal stated, wondering what the Sith wanted with the pirates.

 

[Zach]

Ruthric felt the need to respond to the Jedi's misguided information, but resisted. It wasn't exactly false, but there were gaps. Aside from the matter, he only wanted to finish the task at hand and move on to the hangar. He itched for the comfortable seat of his stealth fighter. When the Padawan turned to him and asked of his reasons, the assassin merely stopped and raised an eyebrow. "Listen well, Jedi. I accepted your request to not kill our enemies, but only because it did not hinder me to do so," he replied curtly. "These pirates have seen my face, heard my name. You, I do not worry so much about. Reporting my existence to the Jedi will do me little harm, as we will meet in battle some day. As for the Republic, I will not have my name and face presented across the galaxy from the reports of these thugs," he told him, continuing to order the slave to carry on with his task. "They will be deposited safely - but not in Alliance territory," he added, reassuring the Jedi that his plan did sound unreasonable.

Turning to the gray Jedi, Ruthric straightened and inhaled deeply. "What's our next move? Should we make our way to the hangar? What will you do for a ship?" he asked, glancing at the Padawan in the corner of his eye. He'd wondered how the Jedi was planning on escaping, whether taking his own ship in the hangar or if a friend would be on their way, but perhaps he had something else in mind.