Ask Dromund Kaas Quietly Into The Night

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Even though there were reports that the Sith had turned in their lightsabers and the Dark Lord ordered her followers to leave Imperial territory, there were a few Sith that were not as welcoming to this change. One of them resided in Dromund Kaas and when reports of Sith activity had been issued from the capital city, Aeron was the first Knight to these claims. Whenever there was a chance to lay a blow against the Sith, the young Knight seized it whenever he could. Each arrest, or death if need be, was his way of returning the favor to the Order for the abuse his people had witnessed for years. There was no rest for him until the Sith were completely eradicated from their territory.

Inside an ISB installation, Aeron stood at one of the holo-tables, in one of the many briefing rooms, as he studied a map of the capital city. He would be dressed in the recognizable Knight armor, a dark crimson that would soon terrify any Sith or Jedi that laid eyes upon it. Through the black visor of his helmet, his eyes flicked across the digital map that the table projected. Mostly, his attention was fixed to a small district, one in hub 3. Through the grapevine, there were whispers of a cloaked woman, one with mystical powers, that was slowly gathering followers to her cause. The point of concern was that her followers appeared to be mainly consistent of mercs or veteran soldiers, that alone raising enough eyebrows to have the IK sniff about.

With how armed and dangerous these mercs alone could possibly be if organized, he swore to seek this operation out and put a end to it. The only problem was that he needed more information, this being one of the first times he ever visited the planet. For that reason, the IKs had requested the assistance of one of their own associates, a Mandalorian.

Aeron had never seen one in person before but he had heard the stories, a culture of warriors that knew no fear and no retreat. A piece of him was excited to meet someone of that caliber but he kept himself focused. The young Knight was more concerned on what and who she knew. Her profile showed that she had done mercenary work before and he hoped that meant she had caught murmurings of what was taking place in Kaas City. While Aeron waited for her arrival, he would continue to monitor the district, noting the best exits and entrances.

@Sreeya

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale was still not quite used to working with Imperials, but she felt she had more of a direction now than for a long time. Her clan was still stuck deliberating and complaining about their way, the Mand’alor had gone missing, and she was still reeling from what she refused to ever call a broken heart, but that's what it was. Working with Imperials allowed a change of scenery and a shift in focus.

She walked over to join the Imperial Knight, finding their armor quite snazzy. As an armorer, she could appreciate armor aesthetics, though nothing ever compared to Mandalorian work. Shale gave a tilt of her helmeted head towards the man, “Shale Vizsla,” She introduced herself in accented Basic. She wasn’t used to speaking so much Basic, but she was quickly getting into a stride.

“The people that follow this woman,” She began, “They think she god. That she tell future. She do some Force tricks and tell she different from other Sith, so she started getting followers. Tell them their families will heal if they support her, their sickness better, things like that,” Shale’s brows furrowed beneath the helmet, “How can Sith heal?”

Only Aeron would make the connection that the woman was likely draining or some dark means of doing it. It would be done in a way that corrupted both the user and the person she healed, making the situation a lot more complex.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron's inspection of the projected district would be interrupted by the sound of a door opening. Pushing off the console to stand properly, he brought his attention to the source and found the Mandalorian they had requested. Right from the start, he could see how the stories of their warrior culture were truthful. The black and impenetrable nature of the woman's armor was imposing, the gleam of it attracting the eye of a few Imperials. Where she appreciated his armor, he did the same for her, more so the craftmanship and actual battle damage that was proudly displayed. The scars passed the notion that she was the real deal and more capable then the typical soldier.

This was his first interaction with a Mandalorian and he had no idea what to expect. There had been conflicting stories about how they operated and for the time being, he just resolved himself to keep his mind open. Before he could get distracted too much with his thoughts, she introduced herself with her full name. Aeron would repeat the gesture, giving her a half nod before introducing himself as well, "Wulfheart." He paused for a moment before revealing the rest, "Aeron Wulfheart." He was used to Kelrod and only sharing his last. "Thank you for coming," he added.

Before he could say much, Shale already began to speak on the situation, one of eyebrows quirking up in reaction. Their investment appeared well placed as she already offered information they haven't acquired presently. The news itself was disturbing, especially that when it confirmed that Sith activity was taking place on their own soil. That simple fact enraged him but he quietly snuffed it when Shale asked her question about how the Sith could heal, focusing on the task at hand.

The question stumped Aeron for a moment but he answered truthfully, "They can't, at least not without a price. A costly one. There is always a different string attached, for both the patient and healer." Sith and Jedi were fundamentally different. Where was one pure, the other corrupted, the taint strong enough even the user wouldn't be able to dispel the side-effects.

Aeron half turned toward the map, gesturing to the projection with a nod before saying, "Because of this Sith, there is a conflux of mercenaries in the area. They know how to hide. Have you possibly heard anything of where they are gathering? I want to prevent this from being a door to door operation." The Knight then gave a half shrug to her, "If not, we'll do it the hard way. We already have transports ready to lock the district down."

@Sreeya

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale shook her head at his question. She had some information, but definitely not details on locations, “Mandos…known as bounty hunters,” She explained, “We can go lower districts. Cantinas. They talk there. Maybe someone that goes to…speech that the ‘healer’ gives to her followers,” Her visor tilted down and then back up as she gazed at the Imperial Knight, “You need less obvious clothing.”

Imperial Knights were easily picked out with their trademark armor. This operation involved going under cover, and he couldn’t do that with his bright and recognizable armor. She didn’t wait to see what he chose for his cover, but she was already stepping outside, “I wait by Bobo’s,” She said simply. Bobo’s was a popular cantina in the poorer district, and it usually attracted all sorts of unsavory characters.

While Bobo attracted the profile of mercenaries that would work for the Sith, the cantina was also next to a rundown clinic. Star Guardians had set up some facilities nearby, but due to funding running out it had become horribly short staffed and almost abandoned. The poor came here in their desperation, some of them turning to the Healer.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Shale had answers but not all of them. She answered his own questions the best she could. Her accented basic was hard to understand at first, but the more she talked the more he understood. Aeron actually found it quite enjoyable despite the difficulty. His experience typically revolved around Imperials, punctional men and women who wouldn't even allow a speck of dust to infringe on their uniform. Shale was a breath of fresh air for him as he savored the moment to actually conversate and not as soldiers.

The Mandalorian gave him a hint of possible location before addressing his outfit. Aeron would glance down at his own armor, honestly having forgotten about it and that the mission requires the opposite of a practically glowing neon sign that was the Imperial Knight uniform. Before he could even comment about it, the woman would he halfway out the door and telling him she would be at Bobo's. Aeron's helmet hid the smirk that blew up underneath his helmet before he turned on his own heel, heading the opposite direction Shale went in.

About half an hour later, Aeron would finally arrive to the cantina. He had more to do then just change his outfit as he coordinated with other Knights and Imperials about the operation. Tucked away in alleys and corners of streets would be transports, filled to the brim with soldiers and police in case everything went south. There was a certain tension in the air, a melting pot of excitment, tension and nerves. Something big was happening tonight, that much having been proven as there had been more activity tonight than any other, the streets bustling with more civilians.

For Shale, she wouldn't be able to recognize Aeron until finally, a young man approached her from a passing throng and with clear purpose in his steps, shortening the list of who it could possibly be. Compared to their last meeting, his appearence completely changed as he came to a stop in front of her. The replacement for his crimson armor was jet black clothing that matched his hair, a collared jacket, shirt, pants, and shoes. The only color he bore was black, the one exception being his eyes, a dark violet that had a similiar silkiness as fancy fabrics.

The removal of his helmet revealed his sharp and young features. Aeron actually believed Shale to be older and had no idea he had a year more on her. The only hint that he in fact was the Knight would be the stiffness he carried in his shoulders, a trait he had developed from his years in the military. Aeron would give the Mandalorian an upward nod as he took a spot on the ball beside her, ignoring a introduction, "I miss anything?"

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale was watching the crowds going in and out of Bobo’s. She was leaning against a wall with her arms crossed. From here, she could clearly look at the crowds from the clinic and also the cantina and the ones that went from one to the other. There were rumors that somewhere in the cantina served as a meeting location for the ‘cult’, but getting that intel wouldn’t be easy.

She saw someone approaching her that walked a bit too stiffly to be one of the locals. However, it was something only someone actively looking would notice. Shale tilted her helmeted head to the side, “You easy on the eyes,” She said, her tone lighthearted even though it was slighlty mechanized. He was more attractive than she had expected, and definitely a little younger than her. The eyes caught her attention - the Warmaster was rumored to have vivid, purple eyes. They looked striking on Aeron.

“Loosen shoulders,” She said, finally standing properly from the lean. She rolled her shoulders and relaxed them to demonstrate, “We go. Don’t stay too near me,” She said as she walked into the cantina. Right away, several people glanced up, catching sight of her armor. Even now, Mandalorians commanded fear and respect at all corners of the galaxy. People wanted to know which side she was on, what her motive was, and whether she'd start trouble.

This allowed Aeron the perfect chance to do some snooping and be a nobody in the cantina. Shale kept the attention on herself, walking over to the bar and slamming a metallic fist on the surface, “Rancor Blood. Don’t like wait, make fast!” She commanded, snapping her fingers. The nervous bartender quickly got to work, nearby patrons focusing on her. The rest of them went back to whatever they were discussing, giving Aeron plenty of opportunity to eavesdrop.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron had been expecting tidbits about the people flowing in and out of the cantina. Instead, he was taken off guard by Shale's compliment, her words clearly having an effect as he shifted a little bit in place. Amongst Imps and Knights, he had been so absorbed in the securing of the Empire, it left little time for him to actually practice these type of scenarios. "Thank you..." he replied slightly awkwardly as he didn't know what to add as he saw the reflection of himself in her visor. His imagination began to run wild about what she could look like but he snuffed it out, putting his mind back on task.

Immediately, Shale began to fix his posture, her comment making him glance at his own shoulders in confusion at first. Before he could reply, she was already on the move once more and making way to enter the cantina. Aeron couldn't help but chuckle softly to himself, quickly realizing that the woman was one that didn't like to be held down or waste time. Even though their time was brief, he was already liking working with her. She took the reigns over for the mission and he had no qualms, spinning on his heel in order to follow her lead.

Inside, the appearance of her armor could be fully appreciated, a majority of the heads turning to stare at her as the pieces gleamed. The stories he had heard about her culture seem warranted, given the reaction from the crowd. At first, he joined them, her armored figure easily becoming the sole point of interest for the whole room. But, Aeron refocused and caught on quickly and split off from her, easily joining in with the rest of the crowd as one glance wasn't offered to him.

Slowly walking through the isles, Aeron first noticed that most of the patrons were actually injured or sick. Many of them wheezed and coughed, hunched over in pain within their chairs. Mercenaries would be there too, but more of them injured as well compared to the ones at guard. The mercs that actively stood at the corners appeared more on crowd duty then anything else, cautiously scanning everyone.

In hushed tones, he caught whispers of those around them, most of them repeating one line, in different manners, "She's letting everyone in!" Even kids were brought my mothers and fathers alike, some of them even repeat visitors. After a couple of minutes of collecting tidbits, Aeron would eventually rendezvous with Shale, sliding in beside her at the counter.

Aeron would give an upward nod to the bartender, letting his fate be decided, " Beer. Dealer's choice." While the man got his drink, he remained facing forward, murmuring out to Shale, "Midnight. Apparently, she's letting everyone in. We have a handful of hours."

 

[Shale Vizsla]

“Midnight where?” She asked when he arrived next to her. Shale wasn’t convinced it would be right here in this open floor. There was some kind of ‘initiation’ process. She looked around for any potential exits, but figured they had time to kill. A quick glance at the chrono suggested there were a few hours before midnight, and they couldn’t be obvious the entire time.

“Some time to pass,” She said as she looked at him, “You have ideas?” Shale asked. They had several options - they could keep asking around, they could go to the clinic or they could do nothing at all. She was used to a lifetime of explosives and combat, and these lowkey missions were strange to her. Shale had led the way so far, but now she punted things to the Forcie.

She, on the other hand, lifted the a piece in her helmet and threw back the entirety of her drink.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron would just give a shrug of his shoulders to Shale as he slid a couple of credits to the bartender. He ignored the suspicious look from the man and turned his attention to her momentarily before placing his back against the counter. "Another building, under, above, I don't know," he answered truthfully and annoyed. The young Knight would lift the beer to his lips, his jaw tightened despite drinking as his eyes scanning the crowd meticulously as he searched for any clue to help.

Taking stock of their situation, he realized he was confused and didn't know what was going on. Instead of a small army of mercs, they were almost at a cantina that was half a local-hospital for the sick and injured. There had to be more but they needed to dig for it.

When asked for an idea, a part of him desired just to drink with her and wait for the time to simply past. Her entrance and reaction from the crowd had inflamed his curiosity about her past. His knowledge about the Mandalorians was bare at best and hundreds questions about her and her people floated to his mind. One question rose above the rest however, what was underneath the helmet?

After a quick inhale though, Aeron turned back around, draining the rest of his drink in the same manner as Shale. His previous thoughts were pushed out with the influence of alcohol. The glass slammed on the counter, he revealed his plan next, addressing their most pressing issue, "As much as I would love to share a drink, we need more information. Do another round of the place, see what we can gather. If we find nothing, we meet outside and head for the clinic." The Knight ordered two more beers, quickly blending himself with the actual crowd that just wanted to drink.

Aeron looked over to Shale, his lips pulling into a half-smirk, "You appear to have gotten quite a few admirers. Shouldn't be too hard to open them up for you." He would commit a quick glance in a pointed direction, a few random tables being the culprits, both mercs and civilians alike still admiring her. Whether it was because of her martial ability or other reasons, it didn't matter, they were still fascinated. Aeron couldn't blame them but the pair could use it to their advantage easily if they played their cards rights.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale scoffed in amusement as the Imperial Knight couldn’t hide the irritation from his tone at his own lack of answers. Her helmet tilted down and then up to regard him as he very seriously suggested getting back to work, “You probably not know what to do with girl and drinks anyway,” She said with a snicker, raising her glass towards him in cheers before she swiveled her seat around and walked off to find a group to talk with.

She caught a table of mercenaries, and they all stared at her hopefully. However, she walked past them towards a table of very nervous looking civilians. Without waiting for an invitation, she pulled out a chair and plopped down. The two men there looked at one another and then her.

“C-Can we h-help you?”

“Can I help you?” She asked, pointing to herself and then them, “Lots of people want see Healer,” She turned her head to look at the mercenary table, “People with protection get first in line. She let anyone in now, yes?”

The two looked at one another again, “B-But we can’t afford a M-Mandalorian…”

“I do for free,” She said, catching shocked glances her way, “I want meet this Healer. Protect her.”

“I don’t think-”

“Alvon think about it!” The other man interjected, “If we bring a Mandalorian in as an offer of protection to her, we’ll be first in line! No one can bring a gift like this! Think of all the people trying to catch her! Mandos can stand up against Forcies!”

They thought for a long moment, a back and forth discussion taking place. At long last they agreed.

“Come with us, we can take you to the Speaker,” One of them said, getting up from where he sat. A private audience with a potential deputy? Now this had Shale’s attention. She didn’t look back to glance at Aeron, hoping he had the sense to discreetly follow and keep his mouth shut.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Even though he was about to walk off, he still caught Shale's comment and spun smoothly on his heel to face her. He would walk backwards, both of them still relatively close so he didn't need to speak up as he gave a quick cock of his head before saying, "I guess we can't find out just yet." Aeron would tap his beer against her own drink before spinning on his heel once more and finding a different table, a half-hearted salute with glass in hand made at the end of the spin before disappearing.

Aeron was able to easily identify able with a military background, their movements and ways they scanned the room reminding him of himself. He found drunken soldiers in the corner, sliding them both a beer each before giving a brief nod, "On me." Introducing himself and sharing stories between them easily made them fast drinking buddies.

He asked what they heard about this Healer and if they had seen her. They told him about the exclusivity of these meetings, only just recently had the woman decided to let everyone in. A few minutes of this silent probing revealed that the main ceremony took place at the clinic, the cantina more of a staging ground until this Healer and Speaker were prepared. Even though they had never been official allowed, they were drunk enough to share a way they had been thinking about sneaking into a clinic to get a meeting themselves. They were only too nervous to actually do it and that was just the bit of information Aeron needed.

Before he could investigate more, he heard a rattling of chairs and turned his head to spot Shale leaving with some civis. Aeron already had an assumption of where she was going and after a few seconds, he got up as well discreetly. A few credits were tossed for the soldiers before he headed out, a different exit taken from Shale and the others. Already having a location in mind, he would take different alleys to approach the clinic, dipping into shadows and behind cover when a mercenary walked by.

Aeron would eventually arrive to the clinic and before Shale as he pressed against a corner for cover. Scanning the clinic, he noted the guards out front that patrolled the area. Did a Healer really need so many guards for a clinic? More importantly, he caught the path the soldiers had told to him before, a climbable fence that led straight to stacked crates, ones that easily led to the roof.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

The Speaker was a short, portly man with very greasy hair. Shale towered over him and he looked noticeably nervous in her presence. Nevertheless, he cleared his throat, speaking. Shale’s head tilted a bit when he spoke, his voice weirdly high pitched.

“I am the Speaker for the esteemed Mother and blessed healer,” He said, “The Healer wishes to tend to everyone in order. What is the reason you come here now?”

“I want to protect Healer,” Shale said.

She could tell the Speaker was considering things, but really Shale had little desire to go meet her. She was counting on Aeron to find a way in while she stalled this group. Her being out here in her armor meant all the guards and Speaker were focused entirely on her.

“And I need healing,” Shale said.

“Then you need to wait in line!”

“What?” Alvon from earlier hissed at her, “You said you were only going to do bodyguard duty for her!”

“Thank you for bring me here, but I want meet Healer,” Shale said, purposely instigating. The two men began to bicker amongst each other, suddenly realizing they had left behind their place in line. The guards grumbled and turned their attention to the commotion, preparing to engage if needed.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron had made crossed over to the fence easily enough as he used the shadows to his advantage. While he could have already made his way over, he chose to wait for a moment, wanting to ensure that he hadn't made a grave mistake with his idea to come to the clinic. Thankfully, after about a minute or so, he saw Shale being led by the two civilians to the front of the line, hoping to cash in on their present. He was part glad that he had made the right assumption and surprisingly to see that she was fine too.

Seeing that her appearence once against caught the attention of everyone around her, Aeron siezed his opportunity and used the force in order to lift himself over the fence gently. He wasn't the best at stealth but a distraction and the force went a long way to make up for his deficiencies in that field. Checking the coast was clear on the other side, he made his way over to the stacked crates and used the force again, this time fully reaching the roof in one go with his leap.

At the top of the clinic, at least one level, he was able to perfectly hear the Speaker down below. Even in his usual serious mood, the voice of the man couldn't help but make him shake his head and scoff softly in amusement. Out of everyone they had, that was who they chose for their speaker? Already, his imagination was running wild and quite accurate to what he actually was but he didn't let himself get too absorbed by the unique sound of the man's voice. Maybe that was possibly why that had chosen him.

Eventually, Aeron was able to find a door on the side of the building and he neared it, finding it locked after a tug. He took a step back annoyed but as if on cue, he heard Shale start to shout and then others joining in, creating a perfect mask with the AC units near him too whirring loudly. "Nice work," he murmured as if she could hear him, his opinion about working with her being enjoyable ringing true.

A snap of the force would lash out at the lock as it dropped to the ground before being caught by Aeron. He placed it on the ground before quickly slipping inside the clinic, ready to confront this Sith on his own.

Outside, the Speaker saw the ruckus that was being caused by the pressence of this Mandalorian. He had no idea what to do with her and the other two but the noise soon began to bother him, "Enough! Enough! Neither of you can see the Mother! Guards, please get them off the premisises and at the back of the line!" Two guards stepped forward, taking the two men by the arms and dragging them back. The Speaker then turned his attention to Shale, suspicious of her, "If you need aid then how can you protect our dear Mother? Explain yourself before I have you sent away too."

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale watched the others get escorted out. This was both a good and bad thing since they helped caused a spectacle. Now the entire focus was on her. She looked back at the Speaker, his voice beginning to give her a migraine.

“If she true healer, she recognize even warrior need healing,” Shale said back, crossing her arms over her chest, “Mando best protection,” Very few people could refute that. Their skills were legendary across the galaxy.

Meanwhile, Aeron would find himself led to a room at the end of a hall. There was a hospital curtain in the way, but if he stepped past it, he would hear a woman chanting to herself. He would feel the pulse of the Force and instantly recognize the darkness in it. She was grinding up some herbs and muttering some things, practicing a variation of alchemy.

“Mmm you’ll want to get back in line, dearie,” She muttered in between her chanting without even looking up. The Force swirled powerfully within her, and he would realize right away she wasn’t exactly a pushover.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron found himself in a dimly lit hallway, doors lined on both his flanks that extended the entire length. At first, he had no clue where to go but then, he sensed it. Staring down the hallway, he found the door at the very end, one that oozed with the darkside and made the air thick like sludge. The Knight inhaled softly, maintaining contact only for a moment before he pulled out his comm-piece, sending a one way message to Kelrod in the transports, "Our position is at the clinic. Stay out of sight and set a perimeter, the target is here."

As he stepped closer to the door, his heart would begin to pound in his chest, small beads of sweat extending down his face. The entire reason he had joined the Knights had been to wipe out the Sith and now facing that opportunity, he found a mixture of both fear and rage culminating within him. For years as a child, he had been terrified of them, fearful that he would be taken himself just like... the people he cared for. Now, he had found his first opportunity to face one himself, alone and unarmored and his body almost shook not knowing what to do.

Aeron's training however kept himself in control and he made his legs continue on. When he reached the door, he pulled his lightsaber free but kept it deactivated before slipping inside. Instantly, the stench of darkness grew thick enough to the point it was choking; hearing the chants that were most likely the cause behind it. When he stepped past the curtain, he finally laid eyes upon the Sith, a woman with her back to him, wrapped in a sort of black shawl.

When she muttered to him, Aeron replied coldly, "I'm not here to be healed." The tone was instinctive, naturally coming out when staring upon a Sith.

The woman stopped her chanting then, an eerie silence brought down from it before she spoke again, "But I sense the open wound inside you. Festering and gaping." Her voice slightly somber. Her hand would be placed down on the table in front of him, showing the skin to be almost charred to black, spoiled skin that was a hint of the price she was paying.

Aeron glanced at her hand and took a half step back at the sight of her hand, "Are you sure that isn't you?" He tried to deviate from her statement, taken off guard by her words.

The lady peered down at her own hand before lifting it up toward her face, the shawl still covering her appearance. She chuckled softly before murmuring, "Festering maybe. Not gaping, however." This time, she would be met with silence.

Outside, the Speaker stared at Shale for a few moments, debating to himself about what to do with her. He didn't want to risk bloodshed right on the front door of the clinic and the service of a Mandalorian could be invaluable. Primarily, he wanted her gone so she wouldn't inspire anyone else to try the same trick. Finally giving in, he gestured for her to step forth, "I cannot dictate whether you are worthy to be one of her protectors. That is for her to decide. Guards! Escort her to the Mother!"

The guards would form a loose square around Shale, the Speaker taking the rear. Mando's skills were legendary and that meant they were a little nervous.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale grunted as she spun to look at the guards and the Speaker, “I not want a big party around me when I meet Healer. I have personal things to discuss,” She grumbled as she crossed her arms over her chest, standing outside the door that led to the healer. She purposely wanted to stall a bit more, talking loud enough for Aeron to work out that his time was running out.

“How may I heal you, child?” The woman asked, not even trying to hide the yellow glint in her eye, “The galaxy is sick and dying. We are the harbingers of healing and justice. Now a pretender has taken the helm. The people are sick and unhealthy. You are a child of the Gift. We carry a destiny and a mission beyond ourselves to lead and rule!”

She smiled almost maniacally, but she didn’t attack, “Do you want to live under the boot of your lessers?”

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

The woman was persistent but so was Aeron. The glint of her golden eyes was all he needed to reinforce his resolve about what he was doing. Her words infuriated him, watching how easily she twisted reality in order to have it suit her narrative. His fingers around his lightsaber tightened, adrenaline pumping through his veins as both rage and disgust ignited inside him.

The Knight almost felt his connection to the force wasn't a gift if it brought him in closer relation to the woman standing in front of him. It felt like a curse then and he wanted to wipe away any reminder of that. "Your destiny only leads to death for everyone involved. Anything is better then living under your boot again." The words came out harshly, a conviction within them to let the Sith know that their conversation was over.

Right when Aeron stepped forward however, the woman lifted her infected arm and sent out a blast of the force that struck him in the chest. He would be sent flying back as he collided right into the door, knocking it straight to the ground as both he and it slid down the hallway for a few feet. Aeron groaned for a moment and gave a quick shake of his head, dust falling off him as the woman stepped out of the room slowly. She smiled before saying excitedly, "I am not an easy challenge, boy."

Shale and the others would be able to hear the small crash made by Aeron from slamming into the ground. All of them turned their heads away from the Mandalorian, gazing toward the windows as the Speaker asked out loud, "What was that?"

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale heard the loud thud and knew time was up. The men in front of her all heard it and they would barge in soon, “Stay back,” She said, mustering her most intimidating voice. When they stepped forward, she leveled her arms. The galaxy knew what Mandos had on their wrists, and even the Speaker wasn’t going to mess with her.

She didn’t say anything else, charging in through the room behind her. Shale almost tripped over Aeron, but it didn’t stop her from slamming a fist directly into the face of the woman. She shrieked and toppled back, calling the Force to herself to unleash a blast of lightning at both of them.

Meanwhile, the Speaker knew they wouldn't let anything happen to the healer, not when he was in on the profits and power that came with it. More guards barged into the clinic, preparing to stop the commotion.

 

[Aeron Wulfheart]

Aeron barely had a moment to recover before he heard the doors behind him slammed open. Heavy footsteps followed after before Shale almost ran over him to deck the Sith right in the face. It all happened quick and was one of those situations he just had to accept. But the woman was still fierce opponent and almost immediately, the Knight could feel the swell of the force building up through her.

Hearing voices and footsteps behind them as well, Aeron relied on his training and instinct, shouting out to Shale, "Watch out!" With an open palm, he blasted her right in the side to send her through a door and into an office. Given Aeron's length, he simply kicked both of his feet against the wall while he remained on the ground, his opposite hand used in order to open his own door as he slid into a patient room. Right after both of them found cover, hot and sparking streams ripped through the hallway, striking the mercs instead as the Speaker ducked.

The hallway lit up blue from the lightning, Shale would be able to see Aeron staring at her for a moment before he immediately got up. The Sith kept them trapped in their rooms, continually blasting it down the hallway as she neared. Thinking off the top of his head, Aeron glanced to the nearest wall and rushed toward it, throwing his body with the help of the force through the cheap material. He broke through in an explosion of dust and in the room right on the Sith's flank, earning her attention as she whipped to her side and shut off the lightning. She'd barely have a moment to react before the Knight leapt out of the new room, his snow white blade ignited and slamming into her blood red one.

 

[Shale Vizsla]

Shale was bodily thrown across the room, growling in frustration. She absolutely detested the Force and how unnatural it was. She glanced up to see the stream of lightning hit the mercenaries and she begrudgingly decided Aeron was acting in their best interests. She caught his gaze and gave a nod to acknowledge the aid he provided in a pinch.

She didn’t remain where she was, springing up as Aeron and the Sith clashed blades. With the guards all fried and clamoring outside, Shale slammed those doors closed to delay further interruptions. She kept her distance, allowing Aeron to engage in combat directly. Her blaster was leveled, looking for an opening. For now, she kept almost out of sight, wanting the Healer to think she was out of the fight.

Meanwhile, the woman was a skilled duelist, expertly parrying and launching counterattacks. She dropped to the ground and attempted to cut through both of Aeron’s legs. If that didn’t work, she attempted to bodily throw him down the hall.

It was only when she popped up again that Shale leveled her weapon and fired a bolt, streaking right past Aeron towards her shoulder.