Suppress and Survive

[TheSilentWind]

OOC:This happens before the Attack on Eriadu.

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The Bogan had recently began to move on Eriadu, but that was a top secret thing that no Bogan had revealed. In order to prepare himself for the Battle, the Dark Jedi Knight had saw an opportunity to increase his grasp of an ability, as well as training a particular apprentice that had caught his interest. Vaxvesh had considered Force Stealth to be one of the most important abilities in his repertoire. In addition to that, with the Bogan yet to reveal themselves, the ability was still very important.

The Dathomirian stood there, waiting, inside a room that was close to the exit of the Dark Jedi Temple. Vaxvesh was not one to interfere with other people's training. He was not one make sure that people didn't reach their full potential. He simply wanted to help them, and increase their grasp of the force. That however did not mean that he was not ruthless in his methods, as he believed that being ruthless, albeit slightly helped someone progress fairly quickly. Furthermore, he also believed that it helped develop a person as a whole, and some experiences were the sole cause of defining a person.

As he stood there, the young Initiate then made his legs go in a cross legged position. He then began to gather his energies, wanting to prepare himself for the class that was to come. They would not stay here. They would go and learn inside the wilderness, away from any disturbance that would be caused. Vaxvesh waited there, wondering when his student would come.

 

[Dawyn]

Lorn paced quietly through the cool, comforting shadows of the temple, his soft dark leather boots making little sound as the Dark Jedi crept his way through them. His brow was furrowed in concentration, small droplets of sweat pouring off of his tanned face unto the dusty stones beneath him, as he maintained the Force Cloak that shielded him from the perceptions of those not trained in the ways of the Force. It was a useful ability he spent quiet a great deal of time on, learning to bend and manipulate both light and sound to conceal his position. Today, he was hoping to improve the other critical aspect of stealth he would need to achieve his goals-being able to hide his presence from Force Sensitives as well. Once he was able to do both, more than a few of his plans could be put into motion.

To that end, the older apprentice carefully made his way to the assigned classroom, making sure to hold his sight shield around him as he did so, watching the perceptions of the various servants and skittering through the halls. None seemed to react to him, he had to quickly dodge out of the way to avoid bumping into one of them more than a few times. Smiling to himself beneath the cowl of his robes, he stepped through the open door of the chamber, holding his cloak of light and sound close to his body as he did so. A lone, male Zabrak sat meditating in the center of the room, holding a moderate amount of the Dark Side, but not weaving it in any noticeable pattern to his perception. Leaning against the wall, Lorn simply watched and waited to be called upon. If he was indeed skilled enough to teach Lorn how to bury his presence further, the Initiated before him should be able to penetrate his mere Force Cloak easily.

 

[TheSilentWind]

As the Dathomirian male meditated, he could feel his dark side connection getting stronger. Each second that he meditated helped filled him with the dark side. Vaxvesh believed that meditation was important in building a powerful force user, and he himself frequently meditated for many hours every day. Ever since deciding on changing his approach to his approach, and to everything, he had become to focus more on the force, and the Dark Jedi Knight had rapidly gained new powers, as well as increased his grasp of the force abilities he knew.

Vaxvesh began to stop sitting at a cross legged position when he could sense someone that was approaching. In addition to that, he could also sense their location. It was just that they couldn't be visibly seen. The only person that knew he was here was the apprentice that had caught his interest, so the Dark Jedi knew that his student was the one that was attempting to come and sneak up on him.

The Dark Jedi Initiate stood up, his visual expressions giving no indication that he knew that someone was here. "You should get better at being invisible." he stated, his tone showing a void of emotion. As the Dark Jedi began to move to the person, Vaxvesh's eyes began to glow, allowing him to visually see who his student was. This however did not mean that he could not locate him despite not being able to visually see his student.

"I believe your name is Lorn." he stated, wondering if the man would stop his attempt at being invisible, and tricking the Zabrak.

 

[Dawyn]

Lorn inclined his head slightly as he dropped the sight shield, coming back into full physical view as he straightened. He was not above showing deference where it was due, for he cared quite little about protecting his ego. No, the only thing that still mattered to him in this world was his daughter, and he would burn the galaxy and use his soul for tinder if it meant seeing her safe and happy. Pulling back the hood of his cowl, he turned his deep blue eyes to meet the Zabrak’s, his gaze firm but not defiant.

“Your pardon, Initiated.” Lorn replied, voice tinged with the slightest hint of apologetic deference. “Many here are not as they claim, as they seem, or both. It was never my intention to deceive you, for I knew that if you were the one I sought you would have seen through such and if you were not I would be able depart before wasting time. The high lords and masters do not look kindly on idle apprentices, especially on ones unable to discern those who are capable of teaching them and those who are not.”

With that, Lorn waited patiently, holding his hands at his sides.

 

[TheSilentWind]

"Compared to the Sith, and Jedi, we are few, and few no of our existence." he stated to his student, his tone void of emotion. "Yet we are more powerful than all of the independent force organizations that are out there. We are the most powerful, and in order for us to maintain that position, you are right, High Lords, and Masters don't like idle apprentices who waste precious resources and time doing nothing. I for one would execute them if I am ordered to." he stated, his tone becoming more harsh, and ruthless.

When he finished speaking, the Zabrak Dark Jedi walked around Lorn in a circular motion, his mind already made up with what he was going to say. Vaxvesh's mind was calculating, making strategic plans within seconds, and being able to learn things relatively quickly. It was this trait that made his mind an invaluable asset to him, and it was also this trait that made him focus on mental perfection, as well as defending his mind through various means.

"Today, you are going to learn about Force Stealth, an ability that we require if we are to remain in darkness. In addition to that, it is an ability that allows us to remain hidden from the Sith, and in my experience, it is a useful ability to use if you like the subtle approach. All I can do today is for myself to teach you Force Stealth, then you will be given a challenge, that is life threatening depending on your level of skill." he stated. Vaxvesh believed that Lorn would make it, but their was a little thing that he had to follow, and he would reveal it when the moment was right.

 

[Dawyn]

Lorn listened patiently to the Zabrak, wishing deep within that he would display something that confirmed him for more than a robot. That was part of the reason he was fond of Hrassk-the Trandoshan might be snarky, but at least Lorn knew he was a living being. Then again, maybe the Initiated’s apparent utter lack of feeling was simply a mask he displayed. He himself put on many masks to different people, and changed them as it suited him. Why would not others do the same? To that end, Lorn was actually relieved when Vaxvesh’s voice turned hard and gave him that not-so-subtle threat-it gave him a glimpse into the Zabrak’s true nature.

He did not react as the Dark Jedi circled around him, plainly studying Lorn to see if he was worthy and likely how he might manipulate the apprentice before him. To do so might have implied that he did not think he was worthy, that he was worried, or that he was afraid. Although fear was something that could fuel the Dark Side, it was definitely not something that one should show to many, and certainly not in the Bogan temple.

“I am ready to begin when you wish, sir.” Lorn replied, keeping his voice unfailingly polite with a slightly eager look on his face. He had found that being slightly friendly and unfailingly courteous was the most effective mask out there when he could not convince others he was some sort of rural country simpleton, for it gave no offense while making it possible to reply to almost anything without revealing one’s true feelings.

 

[TheSilentWind]

"Very well, we may begin" Vaxvesh stating, his hands behind his back. "You can also call me Vaxvesh." he also stated, nodding at the apprentice. The Dathomirian then began to speak, ready to begin his little lecture. Vaxvesh liked lectures. They helped him gain knowledge, and he always wanted to gain knowledge on the force. Unlike a normal class, he wanted to test this Apprentices' strength in the force, and his determination.

"Force Stealth, given other names like Buried Presence is an ability that is aimed at hiding one's force signature. Various organizations use it, but none are mode adapt than the Disciples of Twilight, a Force organization just like the Sith and Jedi. We are the most powerful independent force organization in the galaxy, safe for the New Sith Imperium, and the Jedi Order. No one knows of our existence. Not even the Imperium's spies no that we are here. We have survived due to being stealth, and an ability like this is extremely important for most of us to learn. The ability in hands of masters like Palpatine can allow someone to fool an entire Order full of trained force sensitives." Vaxvesh stated. When he was finishing his final words, the Zabrak Dark Jedi Initiate hide his force signature to the point that he gave the impression of being an untrained force sensitive, something that he could use against his enemies.

"Using this ability can fool your enemies. It can give someone a false impression, giving you the opportunity to strike. You must be focused on hiding it, even when being pressured." he stated, finishing his lecture. "Now I want you to try and hide your force signature, while I attempt to strike you down." he stated, the Zabrak getting his curved lightsaber, with a dual setting that increased the blade's strength.

 

[Dawyn]

Stepping back from the Zabrak, Lorn reached down and grabbed his lightsaber with his right hand, using the Force to flick its internal switch on. The luminsiscent emerald blade hummed as it flared into existence, and he quickly held it low and to his side in the Makashi opening stance. Smoothing his fear of the Zabrak and his frustration at being expected to master the technique so soon and in the middle of a duel into determined knot in his stomach, he focused on replicating the patterns he had felt flowing around and inside the Zabrak. A hint of a frown crossed his brow as he tried to replicate it once, but failed, the weaves slipping from his grasp. No, it was not like a sight shield where one could bend the Force around oneself. It was more like letting oneself be submerged in its waters, hiding beneath its opaque service. The Force and Him were one, inseparable from one another. Lorn felt something change about himself, and he thought he might have managed the concealment. It was not so much an active use of the Force like a sight shield, it was not draining…it just required concentration. For him, more than a little at his level.

This will be difficult. But then, the Galaxy doesn’t care whether it is or not. If you don’t learn how to cloak yourself and fight at the same time, you’ll die, and Mileya will be alone.

At the thought of his daughter alone among the Bogan, Lorn’s face hardened. Giving Vaxvesh a Makashi salute, he prepared for the attack.

 

[TheSilentWind]

The Zabrak Assassin made his move, preparing to use Makashi to attack the Dark Jedi Apprentice. Vaxvesh would have preferred to use Djem So but he had changed his forms, and his approach to battle, so the strength he once had had diminished, choosing brute force over dexterity. That however did not mean that the Bogan Knight did not hold tremendous strength, that could be enhanced via usage of the force.

The ultimate goal of this lit duel was to have Lorn hide under the force while under pressure, because he was going to need it for the next exercise. The exercise would just be Lorn alone, and Vaxvesh would not be there to help. If Lorn would survive, he would have gained Vaxvesh's respect. If he didn't survive, the former Jedi would not really care. That was why Vaxvesh needed to go hard core on him

Vaxvesh activated his lightsaber, with a dual phase setting that extended it, and a standard hilt. The Dark Jedi Initiate then jumped via the force, the force flowing through him. In addition to that, his eyes began to glow, his reflexes instantly increasing to superhuman levels. The subtle Zabrak monster then began to run. After reaching an appropriate distance that allowed him to dodge strikes but make lethal attacks, the former Dathomirian Nightbrothers sent a horizontal attack toward his stomach.

After doing this, the Dathomirian then activated the dual phase setting telekinetically, his blade extending. As this occurred, he extended his arms slightly. His arms would still remain close to him. Furthermore, Vaxvesh had a dual phse setting activated, allowing him not to have his arms be put in danger. Vaxvesh sent a horizontal attack, performing an elliptical arc as he sent an attack at Lorn's chest.

 

[Dawyn]

Lorn waited patiently, keeping his blade close to his center as waited for Vaxvesh to attack. The Zabrak was powerful, but his movements revealed his intentions. The other Dark Jedi began his swing a fair distance away from Lorn, far out of normal lightsaber range, and that gave him more than enough time to realize that Vaxvesh must have had a dual-phase blade. Twisting slightly to the side, he parried, then slid the strike past him upwards, then spun out and away from the blade as he did so. That would have left the Zabrak momentarily overextended if he was in range, but he was too far away for Lorn to counterattack. Instead, he prepared himself for another attack, keeping part of his concentration on keeping himself shielded in the Force.

 

[TheSilentWind]

If Vaxvesh truly wished to kill Lorn, he would have attacked with full force. Despite the fact that he wished to put some pressure on Lorn, the Zabrak knew that Lorn was a valuable asset to the Bogan, and he could not be killed. Furthermore, Lorn was quite strong in the force, so loosing him would have been a loss to the Bogan.

When his student blocked the attack, and attempted to slide the strike past him upwards. If he was attempting to overpower the Zabrak, it would not occur. As far as he knew, the Dathomirian had the same, if not a higher level of strength than the Zabrak. In addition to that, the Zabrak as a species were stronger, and more durable than humans, a credible example, and perhaps the most famous example being the trials Darth Maul endured, and survived.

Realizing that he need to put more pressure, Vaxvesh moved closer, the his dual phase blade. The former Nightbrother used the force, sending a force push at the knees of Lorn in an attempt to make him trip. If he did trip, he would be closer to the dual phase lightsaber. Furthermore, Vaxvesh had positioned his lightsaber horizontally, allowing for him to make a blow toward the human. In addition to that, the former Jedi could easily use the force to pull him down, or pull him toward his lightsaber, and Vaxvesh had an advanced grasp of telekinesis, so this was very easy for him. Even if he did jump, Lorn would still be close to his dual phase lightsaber, and being in the air wasn't exactly the best place to attack, and Vaxvesh was intelligent enough to know when to attack him, and he would seize an opportunity if needed to.

"Use the ability I taught you." he stated, the Zabrak clearly wanting Lorn to use the ability. He was very patient, but patience could only take someone so far.

 

[Dawyn]

Gritting his teeth, Lorn opened himself up fully to the darkness within him and the Force-except this time, he used the variation on his sight shield which he had practiced earlier to dampen his presence in it even as he drew more and more of the power within him. His breath caught as the sweet, strong. essence of the Force roared within him-his sight was sharper, his hearing keener, his touch more deft. When Vaxsvesh threw the push at his knees, he allowed himself to stumble forward, always keeping his saber held roughly at his center—then used a split second burst of Force Speed to steady himself as he slammed both of his feet at the ground and brought his blade up-once more held at the center of his body. The stumble had brought him a little bit closer to Vaxvesh, but not enough to engage him in a close quarters duel at normal saber length, and he did not move to strike the Zabrak. Lorn didn’t want to get too close to the other Dark Jedi. It was easier to deal with and shunt aside his attacks at this distance-the extended length of Vaxvesh’s saber gave his senior more range, true, but it also made his attacks obvious, and made him far less agile and responsive—one could only swing a saber two and a half times the regular stretch of one in so many ways and not as fast as a shorter blade.

If he thinks I am going to take his bait and attack him, he is wrong. I am using the technique he taught me, and he has an advantage in physical strength and knowledge of the Force. He also mentioned the point of the lesson was to defend myself, not try and overwhelm or impress him with my own lesser abilities.

Once more, Lorn waited patiently at the edge of Vaxvesh’s range, shielding his presence in the Force even as he held it and let himself be filled with it, readying himself for another attack—or, if the other Dark Jedi was satisfied, be sent on the task he had mentioned to prove himself.

 

[TheSilentWind]

The duel continued, with Lorn continuing to prove himself that he was capable even under pressure. That was something the Dark Jedi Initiate respected, and it was something that he was going to keep in mind. After being satisfied with Lorn's results, he deactivated his lightsaber using telekinesis and put it inside his robes. The Assassin went to him, and nodded at him in order to show that he was satisfied. They would then go on to the next, and last part of the lesson.

"You have done well. Now we shall progress to the third and last part of the lesson. In the first part, you learned Force Stealth. In the second path, you showed that you could keep Force Stealth even under pressure. In this last part, you are going to go and survive there, far away from the academy. You are not to use any other power other than Force Stealth, but you can use other weapons, other than your lightsaber. If you are to use any other force abilities, I will know so it would not be wise to deceive me." Vaxvesh stated. While one may have seen the last statement as a threat, it was simply fact. Vaxvesh would know, so it would be better for Lorn not to deceive him.

 

[Dawyn]

It was only after Vaxvesh extinguished his lightsaber and stashed it away beneath his robes that Lorn mimicked his mentor and clipped his own back on his belt. The Zabrak gave him what he thought was an appreciative nod, but he did not relax his stance or let his hand drift away from its hilt until the other Dark Jedi spoke. It was always better to be safe around other members of the Bogan, because if you weren’t, you would be dead before you had any time to be sorry.

Hmmm…no active Force powers, and only blasters. Why do I have the feeling he is going to have me try to take down an imported rancor or something?

Lorn inclined his head toward Vaxvesh slightly in acceptance of his task.

“Where would you like me to go to undertake this third part?”

Lorn almost added “master”, but decided against it. To his own knowledge, the Dark Jedi was only an Initiated, and the Zabrak had not taken him on as an apprentice. From what little he had been able to glean about his compatriot, he did not think he would respond well to undue flattery.

 

[TheSilentWind]

"Outside of the Bogan academy. It will be conducted in the deep ends of Dagobah but there is a safe route that you can use to come back. The safest route that I know of at least. Despite it being the safest route that I know off, that doesn't mean that it isn't difficult, and while it may be the safest route, dangerous things do happen in this unknown world." the Initiate stated, his tone not caring if Lorn died or not. Vaxvesh was extremely advanced at hiding his emotions. He however saw Lorn as a future investment for the Bogan. That was why he wanted to see if he would pass this test.

"Any questions?" he stated.

 

[Dawyn]

“Only if you’ll take care of this for me until I return.” Lorn replied smoothly, withdrawing his lightsaber, flipping it around, and offering it to the Initiated. It was a risky move, handing over his blade to the other Dark Jedi, but it would just be dead weight on his person. If he used it during the trial, he would be cut down for disobeying orders. If he died fighting against whatever was out there, it would be of no use to him anyway.

“One way or the other, I won’t be needing it today.”

His hard blue eyes met Vaxvesh’s green.

 

[TheSilentWind]

When Lorn handed him his lightsaber, Vaxvesh took it gently, adding it to the belt on his waist. "I will guard it." he stated, a stream of thoughts coming out of his mind to show that he meant the truth. Vaxvesh had intentionally let that happen, and after doing so, he quickly brought back the mental defenses that were highly advanced.

When he was taking his lightsaber, the Zabrak saw his eyes meet the Lorn a staring contest having been created. He could see the fire in Lorn that the Apprentice had hidden very well, as well as the cunning and intelligent man that he was. He could also see what Lorn could become with the training that Vaxvesh could bring him. This man in his opinion was important to the Bogan's future, and that was what mattered the most to him.

Vaxvesh moved back after taking Lorn's lightsaber away and telekinetically opened the exit. It was time for Lorn to leave and endure this journey to see if he could survive in the jungles of Dagobah, all alone. Various people had died here, including Grand Master Yoda, one of the most powerful beings in galactic history. If he survived all alone, it would be a testament to the strength that Lorn had in the force, as well as his future.

 

[Dawyn]

Giving the Initiated a brief, stiff nod, Lorn turned and walked through the exit, his cloak trailing softly across the dusty floor of the temple, before gliding across the thick grass and detritus as he entered the jungle. Upon reflection, he probably should have asked Vaxvesh where exactly he was supposed to go in the first place, or even when he should return, but it was too late to turn back now. No matter-it was clearly some sort of survival test, to see if he could manage on his own.

Good thing I always carry my SR-23 and Foe Hammer on me. There’s not much out here that won’t die with a few precise shots from either weapon. At least, that I know of.

Reaching out with his senses, he tried to focus on the jungle around him as he began his trek into the unknown. After a few moments, he applied the same technique he had tried with Vaxvesh earlier. Best to keep it on as much as possible, especially since the other Dark Jedi had more than hinted it would be necessary.

 

[Dawyn]

(Sorry for taking so long to reply Silent! Didn’t know until I spoke to you yesterday you wanted me to post by myself until returning to Vaxvesh. Just the first in a series of small posts running over into the next day when I have time while travelling).

Four hours later.

CRACK! CRACK! CRACK! CRACK!

Lorn sprinted over the side of a hill, the shots of his Foe Hammer Revolver tearing through the relative quiet of jungle. Tripping over a vine, Lorn stumbled forward, catching himself moments before he would have plunged face-first into the ground. He didn’t dare stop, not with an entire flight of Greater Bogwings hellbent on making him their next meal. It didn’t help that half of his concentration was devoted solely to keeping up Force Stealth, which he did not dare drop for a moment just in case that damn Zabrak was skulking around.

I somehow doubt he would waste his time with that, but you can never be certain.

CRACK!

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Lorn smiled grimly. One down, twelve to go, soon with the added benefit of night. He had a feeling he wouldn’t find that trail anytime soon.

 

[Dawyn]

Eight Hours Later.

A hand to his side, Lorn stumbled along the edge of one of Dagobah’s many lakes, glad to be out of the jungle, if even for a moment. His cloak was trailed with blood-mostly his enemies, but a not insignificant amount of his own. He had used up all of his ammunition hours ago, and had simply discarded his weapons in the forest when they became deadweight. He could always buy another blaster. He could not buy another life.

Grrr!

Spinning around at the sound of the growl, Lorn brought up the jagged, bloody black rock that was his chief weapon now. A Sandcat stood before him, only yards away, crouched low with its teeth bared. Lorn bared his own teeth at the large beast, his lips curling in a feral smile. He knew something in the jungle had been stalking him for the past hour, and now, he knew what it was. Holding the stone low and towards his center, he returned the creature’s challenge with one of his own.

“Looks like only one of us is getting out of here alive. Come then, damn you!” Lorn barked.

At his word, the tan cat leapt toward him, and Lorn countered with a desperate jump of his own, raising his weapon and shoving it right in the beast’s neck as it fell heavily upon him, knocking him to the ground. Powerful claws swiped at his chest, tearing through his robe and leaving deep, bloody gashes across it, and Lorn barely managed to jerk his head enough to avoid having his head taken off by its gnashing jaws. After a few moments, however, the creature finally died, leaving Lorn there panting, bleeding, and glad to be alive.

After just lying there for a few moments, he forced himself up, despite the fact his chest felt like fire. Ripping the dagger out from the beast’s neck, he glanced down at his chest. Blood oozed from it-but it looked like he had just avoided truly fatal damage. Still, if he didn’t find anything to bandage it with it, it could be a problem. Glancing down at his tattered shirt and cloak, he ripped them into crude bandages with his knife, then tied them across his chest. Then, he trudged on.

Only a short distance away, however, he noticed something odd. Light. Trudging toward it, he soon discovered the trail the other Dark Jedi must have been talking about, illuminated by small beacons placed along the ground. He could simply follow them back to the temple.

I could just go back now, but after all this hell…

Lorn glanced back behind him, toward the Sandcat, and smiled grimly. Oh, no, he wasn’t going back empty handed.

Twelve Hours Later.

A disheveled, bloody figure exited the jungle around the temple, carrying with him the severed head of a massive Sandcat in one hand, and a bloodied rock in another. Reaching an outer patio, he simply stood and waited. Vaxvesh would no doubt have sensed his approach.