Plurality in a World of Singularity

[Moriarty]

The exile was fresh in her mind. Kenzie had a dangerous brew of emotions catastrophically raging in her heart; pain, sadness, fear, uncertainty, and doubt. It had been a few days since her and her new family of Xadokk's entered the tall, bleach white walls of Portu'Iri, one of Serr's infamous port cities. The city itself was massive, and uniform with its towers, docking bays, busy streets crowded with people; some human and some the likes of which she had never seen, and starships descending and ascending from the sky. The city had a black and white color palette, and the walls that protected the city were so high, it shortened the day time by nearly an hour and a half to two hours.

Today, however, Kenzie ventured into the city by herself. She kept her emotions safely concealed in her heart where she could control them, and betrayed nothing with her facial expression. Kiri, Rhoka, Glem, and Sithis were all back at the inn they managed to secure with the little bit of money that her father, the high judge of Serr, had left them, but they needed work. They needed to get off of that world. Kenzie had so many questions that needed answering; who were the Jedi? Did they also believe in Uravin? Her lightsaber was red; was that a bad sign? Regardless, she was going to keep her lightsaber. It was a gift from someone she may never see again, and it was all that she could take away from Serr aside from the dignity of knowing she did the right thing.

She sighed and appreciated the fresh smell of morning. It was the first of spring on Serr, and the temperatures were rising to a comfortable warmth today. She casually began her stroll through the crowds, observing everything. She noticed the four-armed, scaly creature talking to the man with an enlarged head. She saw the green-skinned humanoid with long tentacles coming from his head flirting with a human girl that had green eyes. It was all foreign to her, but didn't cause fear. No; it sparked fascination. She walked up to one of the kiosks set up in the street market with foreign fruits, and looked up at the small winged creature flying behind it, raising an eyebrow.

"You new here, kid?" He asked.

"I assumed it was obvious," Kenzie responded coldly.

"Hey, no need to be mad. I just never seen you before," he defended. "Name's krudge. You?"

"Kenzie Xadokk."

"The high jurress? Forgive-

"Stop. I'm exiled. I'm just Kenzie now. My father will soon have a new child, I'm sure, and they'll inherit the court. I'm just a girl trying to learn about the universe," Kenzie interrupted.

"Regardless, kid, your title still holds weight. You may never be judge, but you'll always be jurress. Now, what can I help you with?" Krudge asked.

"What's this?" Kenzie asked, holding up a medium sized red fruit she had never seen.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat was well established in the Unknown Regions, having spent most of his self-imposed exile on the planets Jedha and Zonama Sekot. The two planets, for Sohsat were places of meditation and reflection. This day, however, he found himself a few grid squares West, on a jungle planet, known as Serr. Upon atmopheric entry, he could immediately see the beauty of the natural landscape of the planet, and the massive spaceport city, that, in stark contrast to the rest of the planet, looked like Mos Espa, after it had been given an architectural makeover, and thrown into a jungle, rather than a desert. The Force had landed him in the employment of a tradesmen, with a group of miners, for the purpose of mining the famed Durasteel deposits on the planet. Sohsat was given passage on the ship, under the pretense that he serve as protection from the wildlife known to roam the jungles on this mysterious planet. He wore medium grey robes, and carried his staff as a walking stick, with his lightsabers concealed beneath his robes.

Hours passed, after the original docking process. Serran guards carded each and every individual on their ship, eventually allowing them into the trade city, to seek audience with the Court of Port'Irl, to finalize their mining privileges. As Sohsat was not needed for this, he was given a small advancement in pay, to purchase any gear, food or drink he so wished before disembarking deep into an unknown jungle.

Sohsat was standing in line, at a fruit stand, when he overheard a conversation between the vendor and the woman ahead of him. She was apparently someone of great importance to this planet; or was at one time, at least. According to her, her and her family were exiled, from who or where on the planet was unclear. Sohsat felt for the girl, to be cast out by her family, like a plaything. Stepping forward and to her side, so as not to alarm her, though the attempt may very well be in vain, due to his imposing height.

"Excuse me, if I may, my dear," he would pause, before continuing, after he noticed the vendor and the girl were looking at him, "but that would be a Muja fruit. Very sweet, and makes for a great spread atop waffles. Its name is also rather fun to say," he spoke, ending with a slight chuckle at his own joke.

 

[Moriarty]

As krudge spoke, she noticed out of her paripheriels a man dressed in a curious cloak holding a staff. Much like everyone else within the city, he presumably wasn't native to Serr. However, she couldn't help but notice the touch of Uravin in his presence; the familiar sensation she got around the Eldrai. She was certain that if he wanted to, he could conceal this powerful presence if he wanted to, but didn't. Was he a Jedi, as her dear instructor once told her of?

"Excuse me, if I may, my dear," he said, stealing both Krudge's and Kenzie's attention. Her crimson eyes examined him, trying to deduce more about him based on what she could observe. She figured him to be controlled based on his expression, yet gentle. He reminded her a lot of her instructor. Her face, however, betrayed no sentiment or emotion at all. Rather, she appeared inquisitive. "But that would be a Muja fruit. Very sweet, and makes for a great spread atop waffles. It's name is also rather fun to say," he said, chuckling a little. She noted a bit of sympathy in his eyes. Perhaps he had heard something? Or maybe she reminded him of someone dear to himself. Regardless, he intrigued her, and she wanted to make a friendly first impression, so she joined him in his chuckle before turning to the fruit again and gawking at it with a newfound amazement. To think that life like this existed on other worlds apart from her own was fascinating, like this gentleman.

"'Muja fruit...'" she quoted as she handed Krudge a few coins for it.

"Much thanks, high jurress. Keep your chin up; the galaxy is bigger than you think," Krudge said as she turned to get out of the way of the other customers.

"Thanks, Krudge," she said as she walked to the other side of the man who told her the name of the fruit. Not hesitating, she took a bite, immediately detecting the sweet, citrus-like flavor of the juice and chewy substance within. It was delicious.

"Very sweet indeed," she commented as she looked back up at the man. "I'm Kenzie Xadokk. May I know your name?" She continued, her proper and polite mannerisms taking over. Her father taught her well in foreign diplomacy and social skills before her exile, though she often chose not to use them with those she was close friends with.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat revelled in the idea that his general presence was not off-putting to the girl. Vahla tend to be perceived as dark beings, and this usually led to many people to the perception that the race was evil. Sohsat was not the only exception to this rule. As the young girl took a bite out of the fruit, Sohsat, bought one of his own, having developed a craving for the fruit as well. Taking a bite from the Muja fruit, Sohsat remembered, as a child, he and his late master would pluck the fruits from the bushels on their many diplomatic missions to farm villages among the planets. Those were simpler times, and the Force he lived to serve had brought him here, now, to this young woman.

Sohsat nodded in agreement, as she noted how sweet the fruit was, and shared her name, then asking his. "Kenzie," he said, "I like that name. I'm Sohsat - Sohsat Vittoric. Some people call me The Good Man, but that's a story all of it's own," he spoke. "High Jurress? Are you nobility on this planet?" he asked, curiously.

(OOC: Sorry this took so long. I tried to think of other stuff to add, but couldn't figure anything out. Lol. I don't wanna hold up the story too much.)

 

[Moriarty]

(OOC: It's quite alright lol)

"Sohsat. Interesting name," Kenzie responded as she continued to eat her fruit. Her mind tried to pick apart the many applications for his title; the good man. Then she distracted herself, "high jurress is much akin to something like a high princess. My father is the high judge. But, due to unfortunate circumstances, I have been exiled. I can no longer enter the gates to this world for any reason."

She held his gaze, trying to read his emotion and his thoughts as she spoke to him to try and better gauge his character. "But your title is what intrigues me the most; The Good Man. Certainly not a title just freely handed out, and I'm sure the story behind it retells some stories of difficult choices, much like my own. I'd like to hear it at some point if our conversation evolves past this moment," she explained. "More interestingly; why are you here? You yourself seem a man of great importance... almost like a..." she was almost too afraid to say the word, as if it were the most taboo or strange thing to be called. Rather, for the sake of finding familiarity, she resorted to the name she knew best from Serr's elite guardians; "like an Eldrai." She finally said.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat pondered on the structure of the planet's government, and what type of leader who would exile his own daughter. The thought of it angered him, but with a quiet, calming breath, Sohsat returned to the question afforded to him. "It is an interesting story, that's for certain. Perhaps one day, I'll tell youthe whole story, but today, I'll give you the short version: I wasn't always a good man. I'm still seeking redemption for my fall, but in the meantime, I'll use my skills for the protection of the weak and misfortuned, as the Force guides me to do so. As for why I'm here, I'm a bit of a wanderer, to be frank. Some tradesmen want me to guard them, while the mine some Durasteel. They're finalizing things now with the regional Judge, I believe you called them," Sohsat responded.

"Let's walk a bit, I believe we're holding up a line," he said, as he looked up, to see a less-than-patient Rodian woman, with three children playing at her heels. With a warm grin, and an apologetic nod, the Vahla stepped out of their way, and began down the street, past the other many vendors, attempting to sell their wares as the 'best in the galaxy'. "So, tell me about this exile. What does that mean for you? Are you to leave this planet?" he asked, curious, with an underlining of concern, as she was no doubt, still a child in the eyes of the Force.

 

[Moriarty]

She pondered how to best respond to his question as they began a casual stroll through the market, observing the goods and wares advertised as unique and special that no others could be found like them in the galaxy. "We have similar stories... I'll be looking forward to the whole story. As for mine... This world just went through a war," she finally said, knowing the next words to speak. "On this world, it was divided. There was a faction of rebels known as the "Unspeakables." They were revolters against the courts of Serr and the five high judges who rule here. The regional judges of course have their appropriate authority, and the judge of the port here has been kind to myself and the others with me, but it can only go so far. We don't wish to be confined to the planet any longer.

"See, I ended the war after I learned a very dark secret concerning my father; he isn't from this world. That's a serious offense, because almost no one can leave the ports save for hunting or, like yourself, mining. Foreigners are strictly forbidden. And if we are exiled, we are treated as foreigners... The way my father did it, though, was through what we call "cursed logic." My instructor says it's called "the dark side" in other cultures. But that's not all... before the execution of the leader of the Unspeakables, he told me the truth about my father. He was what you may call a Sith. He left the Sith and deceived his way into the ruling family of all of Serr," she shared. Normally, she wasn't this open with people, but since she was no longer entirely involved with the politics of Serr, she didn't care so much anymore. Besides; Sohsat was trustworthy. She could sense it.

"He lied to us all. And when I learned the truth, he outcasted me. But I don't hate him. Rather, I pity him. Hatred is too easy. It's too simple a reaction. It requires less thought. Pity is understanding that he only wants to fix his mistakes... knowing that he can't help but hurt those he loves unless he gives up his power. But he can't, so he will die a lie," she said as she finished. "My instructor told me about a group of people similar to the Eldrai. He called them the Jedi. You ask what this meant for me, and I think the only logical response would be to leave and seek these people. It's the only guide I have, so it would be foolish to ignore it and stay here," she explained. "But anyways, you're here to help miners with protection? Do you mean the beasts of the jungles? And if so, what are you using to fight them off?" She asked.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat's eyes widened, but let the young girl finish what she was saying, before pulling her to the side, all traces of his gentle demeanor vanishing from his face, and replaced with one of stone.. "A Sith?" he asks, almost shocked. Had their scope reached out this far? Sohsat would hope not, but one thing was for certain; the man had cemented himself well within the political sphere of the planet, and getting to him would be tough. He'd need more help than his exiled daughter could offer. He could dutifully allow this to continue, but he was not about to tell the girl he would have to kill her father. "The Sith are tricksters of the most twisted and convoluted variety. It would not surprise me if he was still counted among Sith ranks. What the Sith would want from this planet id beyond me, but it does not bode well for this world.," he spoke, less calmly than he had before. "Kenzie, you need not look too far for the Jedi, for the Force has guided one to you. I am a Guardian of the Jedi Army of Light," he said, moving away part of his cloak to show her his lightsabers, "And as far as the miners go, they're the least of my concerns now. I'll take you to the Jedi, if that's where you wish to go, but this is serious business, your homeworld could be in grave danger."

 

[Moriarty]

As Sohsat quickly pulled her to the side and explained the seriousness and severity of her family predicament to her, she kept her expression calm and kept her emotions in check, though she felt them swirling in a hurricane of chaos. Her father, being Sith, may have been more dangerous than she originally calculated. And his exiling her off the world may have been more heartless than she initially calculated. Her father was a dangerous man, and Uravin had guided her actions to this moment. Perhaps her God had planned a liberation of her homeworld all along.

Sohsat' next sentence took her by utter surprise, though; "... I am a guardian of the Jedi army of light." Suddenly, she could hear nothing else. It was as if every divine and cosmic power in the universe guided her to this moment. Everything moved in slow motion as he pulled back his cloak to show her his lightsaber hilt, only recognizable because of her own lightsaber that was safely tucked away under the sash tied around her waist. This man was a Jedi, just as her instructor described. And she didn't need to look far to find one; Uravin led one straight to her.

"Y-yes! I want to go to the Jedi," she finally stammered, still taken by surprise. "I presumed Serr was in danger based off what my instructor told me, but I didn't think it so severe. But your lightsaber... does the blade of yours have a specific color? Different than red?" She asked, genuinely curious. The answer would provide symbolic sentiment, marking a course that she knew she was destined to follow. "Different than the one my instroctor Gabe me, who was also a Jedi before my father captured him?" She added, pulling her lightsaber from its hiding place and trusting that it wouldn't be taken from her. The gift was a symbol that she planned to carry with her throughout her whole life.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat smiled as the girl accepted the offer, his warm expressions returning to his face. "Red lightsabers are typically used by Sith, but there are no real negative connotations with using a red bladed lightsaber. Mine are purple, to represent my brief fraternization with the Dark Side, but coming out on top of it, remaining firmly planted in the Light. There are many other colors a blade could be, dependent highly on personal preference, but most cases, the Kyber crystal chooses the Jedi. I also have my late master's blue-bladed lightsaber, on my other hip," he explained, "Perhaps, when we have a moment out of the public eye, we'll talk more about them, as I'm unsure how the people here feel about Jedi," he said, before they walked out of the alley.

Sohsat spotted a small diner down the road, and pointed to it, "I'm famished, would you like to eat with me? I've got a few hours before I have to meet back with the miners. If it's not crowded, we can talk more about the Jedi," he offered, feeling in his coat for his wallet. "My treat," he spoke once he was sure he had the coin to pay for the two of them. It was then, that a tremor in the Force made itself known to the seasoned Jedi. Something was amiss. Someone with ill intent toward the girl was among the crowd. Sohsat's instinct to protect the young. While she was still likely a capable fighter, being classically trained with one by an ex-Jedi, he was unsure to what extent, and stuck close to her for the remainder of their walk, tightening the grip on his staff, as it began to emit a translucent purple haze around the whole of its shaft.

 

[Moriarty]

(I'm going to try posting as my character. This whole sub-account thing intrigues me.)

Kenzie listened intently as he explained the uses of different colors for lightsabers, and was relieved to hear that her instructor's red blade didn't imply ties to the dark side. Perhaps it symbolized passion, or sacrifice. To her, that was what she would tie in as a meaning behind the lightsaber that now belonged to her; it was red to ascribe the sacrifice she made to end the war on her world, and the many more sacrifices that would come to liberate that very same world. Her mind raced with attempts at predicting the destiny that lied before her, but she knew one thing was certain; Uravin was leading her to the Jedi. For whatever reason, the Jedi and her had paths that intertwined, woven in a secret and unseen by the physical eye.

Then he pointed to a diner just down the street through the busy, noisy crowds, and mentioned how incredibly hungry he was, distracting from her thoughts that moved at a million miles an hour. She suddenly remembered how hungry she was. "My treat," he said, offering to cover the expenses. She gave a smile, the first major sign of emotion she had expressed that day. She nodded.

"A meal would sound nice right about now," she said, taking him up on that offer as they progressed toward the building. As they walked, however, a slight uneasiness came over her. It was ever so small, but it couldn't be overlooked. She was typically conscious of when even the slightest thing felt off with her feelings, mostly because of her command of Divine Logic. Often times, it was Uravin informing her of incoming danger. She wished, however, she could hone the ability and make it stronger, that it wouldn't be so faint whenever it did happen. Often times she would dismiss it until it she happened to be in visible danger.

But what sent a warning was what she noticed from Sohsat; his pace quickened and he stuck closer to her side. She was well aware that his command of Divine Logic was much stronger than hers, and he could most assuredly sense things she couldn't. She was positive of that. Then, to add to it all, his staff started to glow a faint purple color all along the shaft and around the whole object. Perhaps this was a warning? She had never seen such a contraption before in her life, so perhaps it was entirely unrelated. All she knew was that there was danger, and she felt safer next to him rather than by herself. If her father was as dangerous as he explained, than it didn't matter if her instructor's kyber crystal, which she presumed was what made the beam of a lightsaber, had chosen her; she wasn't skilled enough to take on someone who spent their entire life using one. She was a good swordswoman, but she still needed to learn beyond the basics of how to use her lightsaber. She remained close to Sohsat's side, keeping her eyes peeled for anything out of the ordinary.

"These miners you're accompanying; what sort of description did they give you about your job?" She asked, curious and trying to distract herself from her alarming sensations.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat's demeanor remained alert, that of one anticipating a bad moon on the rise. He could hear within Kenzie's voice, even though it was well-hidden, that she'd sensed the same sensations. She was without a doubt Force Sensitive, and this could mean many things for her in the future. It just so happened, Sohsat began to think himself ready to accept an apprentice; to pass on his knowledge. Sohsat kept a firm grip on his staff, as his senses expanded outwards in all directions, closing his eyes, to do so, sacrificing one sense for a greater, but significantly more strenuous foster sense, allowing him to visualize the ripples within the transparent realm of the Force. Still, he held his attention to the girl at his side.

"It's simple work, really. Stand at the door, and ward off anything not meant to be there. Imagine gentle, old me being intimidating," he said, with a slight chuckle, just before his senses brought his attention to a blaster pistol range out from the crowd, behind them.

Sohsat sprung to action, opening his eyes, to see the bolt rain down from a nearby roof top, aiming straight for Kenzie's head. In a single fluid motion, Sohsat's staff crossed his body, defensively, so as to guard against the bolt, hitting the staff hard, but rebounding off the staff, leaving a large burn in the wood, as the Force had not completely manifested around it. It had managed to transfer most of the energy from the blast away from it, before severe damage could be done. Sohsat, stepped around Kenzie, placing himself in front of her, and locking eyes with the sharpshooter, who then turned away to high-tail it out of there, surprised to see his steps gain no traction, as he stepped, seemingly, into thin air, as he was lifted just inches off the ground and yanked toward Sohsat, who stepped forward, and spun around, releasing the cowled man, in mid-flight, freeing up his right hand, and pivoting into a spinning strike, clothes-lining the man with a bone-breaking strike to his chest, channeling the dark intent of the sniper through himself, back into his enemy. Letting out a winded grunt, the man slammed into the dirt beneath him, shoulders first.

The end of Sohsat's staff, was pressed into the Adam's Apple of the assassin. "Who do you work for?!" Sohsat shouted, bearing down on the man's throat. The response that came from the man, sounded like the croak of an amphibious swamp creature, to which Sohsat lifted his staff, "What's that? I didn't quite hear you!" he shouted, lifting the man with the Force, as he used his left hand to rip away the cowl, revealing a cold, dead face, foam emerging from the corners of his mouth.

He had taken a suicide pill; likely whilst in the air coming toward the pair. "Kenzie, avert your eyes. You don't need to see this," he said placing an arm in front of her view of the body, before casting into an alley.

 

[Moriarty]

"Kenzie, avert your eyes. You don't need to see this," Sohsat told her. She tried to obey, but her crimson irises couldn't look away. The man foamed at the mouth like a rabid animal that was just put down as his body fell limp. The sound of the sniper rifle he held clanging against the ground as he let go of it, and Sohsat's voice was all that she could hear as she comprehended what this assassination attempt meant; her father wanted to put her down... To keep her silent. He truly was as ruthless and evil as Sohsat had described his kind to be. She felt the pangs of hurt and discomfort wash over her heart like waves, and her cheeks turned blushed a little as her eyes puffed up and tears flooded her face.

The sensation that was proven correct by the presence of the assassin didn't go away as he died on the ground. It only told her one thing; they were still in danger, and so was the rest of her family; Kiri, Rohka, Sithis, and Glem. She knew they could handle themselves, being Eldrai, but she still needed to make sure that they were safe. With the presence of assassins, probably more skilled than the ranks of the Unspeakables given her father's exemplary military prowess, she was sure that Serr would no longer be a safe place to stay until she were stronger.

Instinctively, as her mind quickly processed all of this new information, she drew her lightsaber from its hiding place and ignited its scarlet beam, which gave a passionate growl as it flickered with an unstable blade, reflecting off the glossy surfaces of the walkways beneath their feet, and the walls of the buildings around them. There were gasps from the crowd as they admired the saber, and trembled with fear. She was certain Sohsat had felt what she did, and would soon ignite his own lightsaber. She wondered if this was common for Jedi to experience in their lifetime.

"I presume you already knew this, but he wasn't the only one," she said as her grip on her lightsaber tightened. She held her lightsaber in front of her face and admired the flickering and sparking beam. She wasn't sure why the blade did what it did, but she discovered something within herself as she stared into it; that growl was more than a reaction. It represented her passion for her people and her family, to liberate them from the clutches of the Sith. She felt the call to become the defender that she was meant to be, and wanted to enlighten her people to what the rest of the galaxy contained. However, she wasn't strong enough yet. She needed to train.

Then her thoughts turned to her family. "I think I know where they'll go next," she stated as she held the saber down by her side. She almost didn't wait for him to follow, but managed to control herself. She would need his help, for certain. She panicked on the inside, but kept her composure. She wouldn't let them see her sweat.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat turned to the girl, in an attempt to console her, as she had just been attacked, and was likely in some state of shock or another. Consoling her would have to wait however, as her scarlet blade roared to life. In that moment, he turned to his side, to see part of the crowd bolt for the doors of the nearby buildings, as a band of five men, carrying various melee type weapons. The hooded figure in the middle stood closer to Sohsat's height, was twice as broad, and bore the snout of a hog, seen sticking out just enough from the hood that concealed the rest of his face. He let out an ugly snort, before stepping forward, and taking his Power Hammer off his belt. "Leave the girl, and we'll let you live, Jedi. Stay, and you'll die like the rest of them," he said, part of his sentence sounding foreboding as if they'd already paid their visit to her family.

Sohsat could feel the fear emanating from the girl at his side. It was understood, but Sohsat knew the truth. If any Force Users perished during his time on the planet, he would have felt it. He put an arm around the girl's shoulders, pulling her in, closely, to make her feel more protected, "Take me to your contractor, and you'll live," Sohsat, responded, cracking a grin at the Gamorrean before him, promping an angry snort from the obnoxiously large snout on his face.

"Step aside, Jedi! Our quarrel is with the girl, not you!" he belted, whirring up his hammer, and lifting it, offensively. The four cloaked men behind him unsheathed their weapons; one even carried a saberstaff, with orange blades.

"Five of you, versus a 16 year old exile? That's hardly fair," he said, before closing his eyes for a moment, allowing his influence within the Force to expand in all directions, to avoid any surprise attacks. In the single flick of a wrist, both of his hilts came together, and ignited, both blades erupting to life simultaneously. The Gamorrean charged, clumsily, forward and raised his weapon over his head. Sohsat returned in kind, with pushing Kenzie slightly away, from him and grabbing his hilt with hiss other hand, meeting the Gamorrean's hammer mid-swing, and used the Force to shunt him off.

Swiftly and mercilessly, Sohsat went on the offensive, beating the Gamorrean back, with bone-crunching one-two combo strikes with his saberstaff,chewing through the integrity of the Power Hammer's cortosis-woven haft. Sohsat would best him with a single blade plunging deeply into his gut. From there, he stepped back removing the blade, keeping an eye on the other four assailants, waiting for one or all of them to make a move. "Kenzie, if you know how to use that saber, get ready for a fight. I'm not leaving Serr without you," he said, not taking his eyes off his enemies, then turning his full attention to them, addressing them, "Speed outdoes strength 8 times out of ten. Here's to hopethat one of you are faster than I," he said, cracking a manic grin at them, as the othe sbarstaff wielder jolted forward.

@Holmes (Sorry I took so long, I lost the thread in the bowels of my notifications. Lol)

 

[Moriarty]

(@Gian Greydragon it's quite alright. I've been super busy as well.)

Kenzie watched as the five hunters came forth from the separating crowd, each carrying their own distinctive weapon. One of them even had a pole that seemed to emit an orange lightsaber blade. But at the head of their crew was a pitifully disgusting creature with a deformed-looking snout protruding from its face. She was sure others of its kind weren't so unfortunate to have been crafted so terribly, but this one looked as nasty as it sounded. It wielded a crude hammer as well that appeared as though it could crack through the toughest hide with its weight.

It's next words stung her heart; "leave the girl, and we'll let you live, Jedi. Stay, and you'll die like the rest of them." What did that mean? Had they already killed kiri, glem, and the rest? Or were they telling Sohsat their plans because they thought they could overpower a Jedi? Fear began to itch in her heart, but she kept a calm demeanor.

"Take me to your contractor, and you'll live," Sohsat retorted. There was confidence in his words. He had the power and skill to back what he was saying. It added to her confidence. She knew she could hold her own as well.

"Step aside, Jedi! Our quarrel is with the girl, not you!" It squealed. She couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at it, judging it by its appearance and words. This was the best her father could muster? Or was this how low he thought of her? Surely he could give her own flesh and blood a bit more credit. But then again, she knew looks could be deceiving.

"Five of you, versus a 16 year old exile? That's hardly fair," Sohsat calmly responded. There was no more time for words; only action. She watched as Sohsat's saber hilts flung from his robes and connected to fashion a short pole like the other hunter had, but instead of orange, two brilliant violet beams hummed to life as he gently pushed her back and grabbed the saber. He spun, slicing the hog's weapon and then stabbing it through the chest. There was grace and finesse, and almost no effort. She was captivated by his talent. But then his comment snapped her out of her daze, and drew her attention to her own growling, crackling, passionate red saber. She sighed and then readied herself, feeling the familiar throbs of energy was what she once presumed was adrenaline pumped through her body.

As she held the saber, it was almost as if uravin gave weight to it where there was none, making it feel like a normal sword. All of her training suddenly kicked in. She spun the saber until she was familiarized with the weight, then dashed for the first hunter. He wielded a sword, which he used to block her horizontal strike. To her surprise, the blade bit, catching the saber and successfully protecting his own life. She should have figured this would be more than a simple hack and slash.

She blinked, and the world around her moved slowly as she employed her mind, calculating her next moves and predicting the appropriate response. This was where she shined. First, she would shove her opponent back while they were locked in place. He would stumble only a few steps because he is obviously stronger than her physically, but her move would take her by surprise. Then she would dash forward, bum rushing him while he was caught off guard so that he completed the stumble and fell backwards. Then, she would swing with an upward, diagonal stroke from his left hip, since he was right handed, making his left the clearly weaker side. He would block, but the force of her swing would knock his sword upwards.

He would have to work just as hard to keep the blade from getting knocked into his face, but he doesn't seem coordinated enough to concentrate fully on himself and her attacks simultaneously, so she would take advantage of that; employ another upward stroke, this time to his arm. The attempt would successfully dismember his left arm, possibly both. While in pain, she would take advantage of his excruciating state, and stab him through the chest, terminating the target.

Without a second's delay, she shoved him back and employed everything she planned in her brief moment of thought. Everything happened almost as she predicted, but with her slicing off both arms instead of one. The man's corpse laid lifeless as she pulled out her growling saber and spun it once more, reading herself for the next opponent.

"Did my father send for me?" She asked as she met blades with the next man who approached her. Their engagement continued as any other sword fight; striking, blocking, parrying, repeating. She needed answers before she could kill him. To her misfortune, however, a second hunter approached from behind, also engaging her. She worked extra hard to fend off both attackers while she continued to ask her questions.

"You don't need to know. Just know that when we're done with you lot, we're after those that came with you into exile," he responded. His words betrayed the secret he tried to keep.

"So my father did send you," she said as she blocked their strikes and jumped back to a safe distance. They circled around while she matched their pace, keeping the space between them.

"Yeah, and when we pay that pretty lass a visit - you know, the one who used to be the Eldrai High Command - we're gonna-

"Chas, shut your clap, you idiot!" The one barked. Clap rolled his eyes. At the moment, she took advantage of their distracted state. She used divine logic, and telekinetically threw the first hunter back a couple feet, and ignoring the physical drain such a move put on her, she dashed forward to his companion who was clearly distracted. By the time he turned around to see Kenzie coming, it was too late; her saber was already swinging, and he couldn't get his sword up in time to block the crackling crimson beam before it sliced through his neck effortlessly. His head rolled off as his body collapsed to the ground. That left his companion, and the hunter with the lightsaber staff.

She dashed to the hunter she shoved back, who had just barely gotten up in time to block her attack. "I think you're starting to notice a pattern, here. Perhaps you should leave while you can." She threatened.

"I don't think you understand, young one; your father is Sith. He will always hunt you until he no longer thinks you are a threat. He will always send us after you. Besides, we were a distraction; others went looking for your companions," he revealed. Her heart sank, and it took everything to keep herself defended against her opponent. She knew they weren't dead yet, though. She couldn't explain it, but she just knew it.

(I only have one request regarding Kenzie's family; I at least want kiri to live. I'd prefer if they all lived, but if bounty hunters found them and not all of them made it, I'd be okay with that as long as kiri lived. I plan on making a character out of her.)

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat quickly dispatched the goons closest to him, to get to Kenzie, but as he kept an eye on her, he saw that she could handle herself fairly well with a lightsaber. He'd slow his approach, as the first man lost his arms in a perfectly executed disarming strike, lopping the attackers arms off at the elbow, then killing him quickly with a thrust through his chest.

Then, in an instant, she set upon the next target, killing him and fending off the second attacker. She certainly moved like a trained lightsaber duelist, and was even able to combat two assailants at once. Should Sohsat ever get the chance to meet her instructor, he would have to congratulate him. Sohsat approached, as the head rolled away from it's host, kicking it to the side, as it rolled near him. They had all gotten what was coming to them; a swift death at the hands of that very same child. The sweet taste of irony filled the air.

"I don't think you understand, young one; your father is Sith. He will always hunt you until he no longer thinks you are a threat. He will always send us after you. Besides, we were a distraction; others went looking for your companions," the henchmen spoke, as he gathered himself. Sohsat growled, growing impatient with the whole ordeal, grabbing the fool, with the Force, forcing him off his feet, only to be kicked full force in the chest, with a thrusting side-kick, sending him stumbling backward. Re-igniting his own saberstaff, Sohsat engaged the man, alternating light swipes with heavy cleaves, keeping the man on his back foot, before relenting, only to blast him backwards into a metal sign post, knocking him out cold. Sohsat pulled his saberstaff to him, and retained it, clipping it to his belt. He'd take a ziptie, and bind him to the metal post.

 

[Moriarty]

Their foes were dead or unconscious, and Kenzie was left with the anxious worry that those closest to her were dead. How could her father betray her so viciously? Was being a Sith so wrong and so dangerous, that all ties must be kept hidden instead of trusting that secrets could be kept? Or were these people the type that left no loose ends? Had they no compassion? She could feel the anger in her chest and pangs of pain from betrayal, but she would not let emotion rule her. Not now. She refused to turn into her father.

"Master Sohsat," she began as she withdrew her lightsaber and clipped the hilt on her hip, "we need to go to my family. They're this way," she explained. She hoped he would follow her, but she had to make sure they were safe. Their lives were in danger, and even if she would have to leave them behind, she needed to at least ensure their survival. She couldn't help but notice how petty the hunters were that attacked them in the streets. She felt the weight of guilt for the lives she took, but would have to mourn that later; her father was gauging her and most likely those with her. These hunters were weak, but the nests ones could be stronger once her father knows that they failed.

She quickly dashed through the slowly emerging crowds that came to look at the onslaught, assuming that Sohsat followed her, and ran through the market. The inn they stayed at wasn't too terribly far, but it was enough that she needed to run. Her thoughts turned to them; Rhoka, Sithis, Glem, and Kiri. She worried at the thoughts of what they would do to them, especially Kiri. Fear started to guide her movements, dangerously. Perhaps that was what her father was counting on.

She turned the final corner and ran through the mostly empty street that the inn was on and quickly approached the front door. It slid open, granting her access. She quickly gathered her composure, however, when she noticed the service droid at the front desk seemed unaffected by her distraught appearance, and the other patrons that sat in the lounge seemed unaware of the happenings that occurred just blocks away. It appeared that no one had come.

She calmly made her way into the inn, assuming that her new mentor was following, and walked into the lobby level hall with the room she and her companions were staying. Slowly, she approached her room and pulled the cardkey out of her breast pocket, and inserted it into the door. It slid open, revealing all four of her companions alive and well, and confused by her sudden return as well as her company.

"Kenzie?" A young brunette asked with eyes as crimson as Kenzie's. She appeared to be in her mid to late twenties.

"Kiri, I think we're in grave danger!" Kenzie exclaimed to Kiri as she looked at the three others in the room with confusion on her face. With Kiri was a redhead lad that appeared to be the same age as Kenzie; he was Rhoka. All three of the men also had red eyes, the signature mark of Serran natives. As well as Rhoka was a tall, broad black haired man, and a blonde.

"What's going on?" Asked the thinner blonde. He had an athletic build, and the stature of a mature warrior.

"It's my father, Sithis," Kenzie responded. "He's sent hunters after us."

"That backstabbing, treacherous-

"Calm yourself, Glem," Rhoka ordered. "Are you okay?" He asked.

"Funny you should ask..." Kenzie said half sarcastically as she looked over her shoulder to where Sohsat stood, if he had followed her to their suite.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat nodded and followed Kenzie closely to find her family, keeping his staff at the ready, should there be any more thugs on the way. The Jedi walked in, behind the girl, ducking down below the doorway, scanning the area for hostiles, finding only a droid, and Kenzie entering the hallway. 'Great... more doorways..." he groaned mentally, as he bent downward and followed Kenzie, until they were outside the room they were staying in, ironically enough, not far away from the room Sohsat was meant to stay, with the miners, as two of them saw him in the hallway, with the exiled high jurress. Sohsat paid them no mind, and kept his eyes peeled for any other aggressors, as Kenzie explained the situation to her family.

When she turned to address Sohsat, he approached with a grin. "Hello all. My name isSohsat. I am a Jedi of the Army of Light; a militaristc branch of the remaining Jedi. The Force; or Uravin, has guided me to this planet. As Kenzie said, your High Judge; Kenzie's father, is a Sith. An ambitious one, at that. He is no fool, and is sending several assassins to make sure you; his political enemies are silenced. As the universe would have it, I've arrived to help you in restoring the peace, and eradicating the threat. If you all will trust me to do so, I will take you to safety among the-" Sohsat began, before one of the very same miners took a shot at him with a light rifle, from down the hall, with several more joining them, armed with blasters and melee weapons. Sohsat turned to face it, and raised his staff, deflecting the bolt back at in their general direction, tagging one of them with what could amount to a stun bolt. With a gentle Force push, Kenzie and her kin were pushed into the room, they'd been staying in, as he fended off several more bolts, from a light repeater, tagging more of them with stun bolts. Placing his staff on the wall, he drew his lightsabers, separated the hilts, and ignited them at shoto length blades, before bowing forward, and rushing at the remaining conscious miners, among them, were the pilots of the same ship that brought Sohsat to Serr, both armed with blasters and vibroswords. Taking up both of the shoto length sabers in ice-pick style grips, Sohsat leapt and twisted into a whirlwind of saber blades and feet, as he relentlessly attacked, utilizing his speed and flexibility afforded to him by his cartilaginous skeleton taking on the four men simultaneously.

 

[Moriarty]

Kenzie was pushed into the room by a thrust of telekinetic power from Sohsat, no doubt to protect her from and stray blaster fire. His sabers were ignited, and he spun them with elegance and finesse as he deflected the shots back at the miners. She heard a few grunts as some of the men fell to the ground, curious as to how far her father's influence spread within the galaxy. She knew little of galactic politics, except that the primary ruling body, the republic, was falling. The fight outside, as uravin whispered into her heart's ears, was a reflection of the state of the galaxy. Those who sought to use dominate them were many, but they had the power of uravin at their aid.

"Quite the friend you have there, Kenzie," Kiri commented.

"Quite indeed," kenzie responded as she ignited her unstable lightsaber. She dashed out of the room and let uravin inspire her with divine logic, directing and guiding her movements.

Suddenly, as she approached sohsat's side, everything moved slowly. She sidestepped to avoid a blaster shot to her face, and then instinctively held her saber up to deflect another bolt to the wall. As she progressed, she ducked and weaved as much as she could in between the bolts, strategically placed each movement out of harms way. It wasn't enough, as a bolt struck her arm. She grunted from the pain, and suddenly the deafening ring of silence filled her ears for a few seconds as she regained her focus through the stinging throbs of the blaster wound. She dug deep into her being, tapping into pools of reserve power that laid hidden in her core, and drew off of that energy. She held her free hand open in front of her, and then released a blast of telekinetic energy that began at her feet and ended at her finger tips. The blast knocked their foes back, many on their backs, and sapped her energy. However, she could still fight. She refused to bow to fatigue as she spun her blade and dashed forward.

She stabbed downward into the chest of one of their downed foes, impaling him in the chest, then sliced at the torso of another. Hopefully, their fight had just gotten a little easier. She opened her mind and reached out with her consciousness into their thoughts, reading and monitoring them in the hopes of being able to predict their next actions. Hopefully, they would escape soon enough.

 

[Gian Greydragon]

Sohsat dispatched the last three men, that were running out their hotel room, bearing blasters and shock batons, with a fluid show of dexterity, a he leapt and spun into a heavy kick, knocking one man back into his comrade, causing them to fall to the floor, and lose their blasters. The third man stopped short of them, and was able to fire off a few bolts at close range, one of them grazing the tall Jedi. The small space, although he'd done everything to compensate, was to his detriment, at seven-foot tall, but he was able to compensate for most of it, deflecting the other two bolts, to his sides, with his shotos.

Sohsat surged in, and quickly disarmed the blaster-wielder, by striking the blaster, bisecting it, and following up with a lifting knee strike to his chin, knocking him out cold, and likely breaking his jaw. With all of the initial attackers down, Sohsat disengaged his blades and connected them at their magnetic pommels. Sohsat returned to his apprentice-to-be, with a neutral expression on his face, never crossing the breach into anger. Internally, he was trying to figure out how and why the miners were attacking them. All he knew now was that this planet was not safe, and these people would need to get out of this Sith's sphere of influence. Nodding at Kenzie, they moved back to their comrades.

"We do not have time on our side. Grab what you can and follow me," he said before extending his hand out to his staff, that remained against the wall, and calling it to him. "I'll be taking you aboard the Peacekeeper. You'll meet many more like me," he said, reassuringly, before turning and walking toward the hall that led to the front desk, guarding the entrance.