That's Why We Believe

[Leah Reach]

The Holy City of Jedha throbbed with life. Strangers rippled through chock-full streets, their voices mingled into an unintelligible clamor. An old woman chanted her daily prayers, a rod of incense burning in her hand as she paraded down the pavement. Several children sprinted past her, barefoot and trailing behind a smudged rubber ball. Tall figures covered in crimson robes marched between market stalls, ceremonial candles and wooden instruments tight in gloved hands. Peddlers flagged down each passerby with unbelievable prices. Vendors cooked tentacled cretins over makeshift stoves. Preachers, disciples and missionaries murmured sermons on each street corner.

It was a beautiful city. The union of a thousand threads, a hundred religions, tied together. For all the beauty and belief that possessed the Holy City, there was great darkness. In the last several decades, a growing evil cast its shadow over the planet. A tumor festered in the heart of a world meant to be home to all walks of life. They called themselves the Fanged Disciples, but to many, they were malevolent cultists, remnants of the Black Hand, who dabbled in the dark arts. Now emboldened by witches from Dathomir, scattered after Mandalore ravaged the planet a second time, the Disciples had since grown under their influence to become an unstoppable force.

Many religions were forced underground. Believers were persecuted, castigated, executed. The Guardians of the Whills, already on the verge since the fall of the Jedi Order, were expelled from the city. The Church of the Force was torn apart, homes ransacked and missionaries stolen in the dead of night for reasons unknown. With the revival of the Jedi and their return to Jedha, it was time to take action. According to orders from Jedi Master Leah Reach, two rebels were sent to save a group of followers scheduled to be executed in the Holy Quarter, the main plaza of the city. Rescuing the believers would prove to all that faith would prevail. Beating the cultists? An added bonus.

Already briefed by the rebel ambassador, she left them to their duties, where each rebel would find themselves at the edge of the plaza, ready and waiting to strike. Her last words would ring in either of them. Not her usual Alliance mantra, but the proverb of a Jedi:

“May the Force be with you."

@Kayenta Moenkopi @Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Lieutenant Draykon listened to the Ambassador as she briefed him and his partner about why they are being sent to Jedha. A group of believers are going to be wrongfully, and brutally put to death in the main plaza called the Holy Quarter. Now with the criminal turned rebel officer being against anything and everything that is wrong as well as cruel. The man had volunteered for the job straight away. He may have no idea what to expect as far as how the mission will go, but all the same the man is ready to get going. With him and his partner alreay in place at the edge of the plaza, Tycho stood ready to act when the time is right.

Of course to not look suspicious, the rebel has hidden his rifle under his parka, held in such a way that he can put the weapon in his hands in a few seconds.

Watching the cultists doing what he believed, from the chanting or whatever it was that they are doing, that the wrongful, disgusting executions are going to start at any minute. Shifting on his feet a bit, the man fought the urge to just run up and kill the cultist. But with the believers not in sight and not knowing where they are being held, Tycho was not sure if it is a good idea to just go running over and put a bolt in the figure's skull. No matter how badly he wants to do it.

He shifted on his feet anxiously as he fought down the urge to do something that will give away their position, "Please tell me that we are allowed to kill these demagolka." He said to his partner as the two rebels got into position.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

It had been quite a lot to digest in one sitting for the Twi’lek smuggler turned fighter pilot. The light side of the force was alive and doing well, it was not just lore found in one of Aurel’s ancient texts nor whispers spoken to children at bed time to chase away nightmares. She had seen it in action several times since the secret was announced to the Galaxy; her mission with Castor and Horus, the trip to secure the Grey Lady for Master Luy, and now that she thought about it perhaps even sooner on Ruusan with Aurora and Aurelian. A shadow caste itself across her face as thoughts of her brother continued to plague her stil; here out in the open worshiping the light? She had never heard of The Guardians of the Whills though it did not surprise her they had suffered greatly and it was a huge testament of faith that they even still existed. Faith… it pierced her to the core and all the secrecy felt like such a huge betrayal. Why hadn’t he trusted her with his truth?

So many people had known about the Jedi, she learned each day of more and more who had been taken into their confidence while she? Hadn’t she earned his trust a thousand times over? It left her brittle and exposed in ways she hadn’t ever thought possible. The complexities of the situation were more than just wounded pride or the sense that while she extended trust over and over again there was none given in return. There was love there holding her together, forcing that smile upon her face, and pinning her tongue toward silence. Aurel had lost so much for his search for truth and now that it had been vindicated she refused to darken his victory, to smear the worth of his journey with her petty and selfish wounds. She could not be like the council and forget the bigger picture and tear her family apart. But it was so hard and only her continuous activity seemed to push the pain aside.

“May the Force be with you”, Master Reach had said. She just shook her head and bit her tongue before following Lieutenant Draykon to the expected sight of the execution. They were dealing with life and death today and there was no room in her life for the concerns of the child in her heart that swallowed down her pain.

Clad in her ranger armour, a hooded poncho that hung to mid thigh covered her gear: the quick draw blaster, the four frag grenades she carried for when things needed to get ugly, and the R5 pistol belted at her side. Upon her back was a leather harness of Rycrit hide that secured a sheath between her shoulder blades in which her collapsible Lyaer’tsa was housed. Her helmet was a bit too obvious and she left it on board the Tempest Hunter feeling that she would not be needing the HUD or environmental filters for today’s task. She also had left her rifle behind and regretted the decision that had necessitated such caution even though she was mindful that being weighed down too heavily would hinder her movements she still wished for its comforting fire power this day.

Once they arrived in the main plaza of the Holy Quarter, Nera set her eyes to scanning the area noting the cleared area before the chanting cultists supposing that it was to that spot the faithful would be led and executed. The sound of that dark and droning dirge the cultists were setting up gave her a case of the creeps. Tycho’s words caused her to grin though Demagolka was not one of the words she had learned, she recognized it for Mando’a immediately.Turning to look him straight in the eye, it was with a certain sense of satisfaction to be partnered with someone who didn’t tower over her for a change. Her grin was all the answer he needed but just in case she replied, ”Oh yes. Every single one of them.” Someday she would have to ask him what that word meant, it sounded like something very descriptive indeed.

Of major concern to her than the letting of blood, was escaping with the faithful in tow and getting safely away. An evacuation site had already been designated and Ji Hu stayed with 99 on board ship awaiting word of their success so he might ferry the people to safety. As yet, however, she still had no idea how many of the guardians had been captured nor of those how many yet remained alive. She knew the crowd could pose another danger to them depending on how they felt about the execution. How many were fed up with the lack of religious freedom, how many were zealous enough to wish to stamp out all other but their own? ”I think we should split up a bit, get a reading on the crowd and keep an eye out for the holding pen. It would be sweet to end this thing before they were brought out. I don’t fancy having to put down a mob gone wild.”

Slowly she began edging her way toward the left side of the plaza getting a feel for the mood of the crowd.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho got a sick, eeriee feeling that settled in the pit of his stomach as the cultists chanted. The crowd that began to arrive too began to chant. The rebel officer started to feel a deep amount of worry for the believers that are set to be executed. No there was no telling how the poor people were going to be killed, as in to whether it will be a long drawn out death or a swift one. But all the same the man wanted to get the people out of there as quickly as he can with his partner's help. The Holy Quarter was at or roughly forty feet in total. Meaning that it can fit a lot of people in the square, and just as equally make it difficult to get the people in the cells out. The one thing though that he also wanted to do on top of getting the victims the hell out of there was to put a bolt in each of the cultist's skulls. The man looked to Ner, smiling a bit, "Great. I want to make sure none of them Calyarnr are left alive before we leave." The man's tone was a bit dangerous as he spoke quietly to the woman. He will be making sure that every single one of them are dead. ​

As the two rebels stood in place observing from where they stood. The first thing that the man noticed was that with the layout, and the crowds that it will be very difficult to get the believers out of there without being noticed. If a fight breaks out this place will be a death trap for everyone. And there is no telling if any of the people coming to watch the executions are armed or not. The criminal turned rebel was now starting to feel a bit concerned and wondering if they will be able to pull this rescue off. Both of them have come here in their own ships, each capable of carrying a good number of people.They don't even know how many guardians and believers have been captured by the Cultists. As the lieutenant scanned the area he wondered if anyone in the crowd had come here to do just what these two rebels are doing, or if any of them are fed up with what is going on here and wanted to do something about it. Tycho looked to his partner and nodded, "Good idea. Maybe.. we can find where all the Cultists huddle together and take them out there.. But let's take a look around first." The man said before he left Ner's side, walking away from Ner's right. He will walk along the right side of the Square.​

He will walk around, making sure that he was just another member of the security team or a member of the crowd that has come here to watch the execution. It appeared that no one was suspicious of the two rebels so far. The rogue made sure to take his time as he searched. Seeing if he can find the prisoners or an escape route they can use to get the prisoners from this hell to the safety of their ships. He noted of a few passage ways to his right that possibly lead out of the Square. He took a moment to stop and pull himself behind a wide pillar. Pulling out his comm he will say to Ner, "There are a couple of passage ways we could use to get them out of here on the right side of the square." Of course so no one understood what he was saying Tycho spoke in Huttese. If anyone heard all they may guess that he is praising the place, not feeding someone else information.​

After passing that information on the man will start walking again. He will make his way over to what he guessed was the execution arena. Which was fenced off from the rest of the Square. Now that they possibly know the layout well they needed to find the prisoners. But that was not going to be hard to find. Just beyond the fencing at the other side of the execution stage or arena, whatever the Cultists called it. The Rebel officer looked in horror as he saw the conditions that the guardians and believers were kept in. It made him want to vomit then hunt down the Cultists and give them the same treatment they are giving those innocent beings in the two cells. It looked like they had the prisoners split up in some sort of fashion. The officer leaned against the fencing, he knew that people can be cruel. But he had no idea that they can be this cruel. No these Cultists are not people or any living beings. They are nothing but monsters that needs to be eliminated. He glanced over to the cells and wondered how many people are in there, and if any of them are children. The Rogue tapped on the fencing twice, "Heee nacae kantkha." He will say under his breath, he spit on the ground to get the disgusting taste out of his mouth. But now figuring out just how cruel these Cultists are will not be washed out until the two rebels get these poor souls out of here. ​

As he looked across to the cells and around him, trying to get a head count of all the guards. Which was going to be a problem with everyone moving around. But one thing for sure is that they are running out of time. They needed to figure out how to get the victims out of here. ​

@Kayenta Moenkopi ​

 

[Ner Giza]

Calyarnr; yet another word to add to her lexicon if ever they made it out of here and she had chance to ask for a translation. She had a feeling it was appropriate, however, for her mind was already beginning to get a picture of how vile things around here would be. These cultists had quite the stage prepared for their theatrics, plenty of witnesses to awe, make cower, or raise to religious ecstasy. The fingers of her left hand came up to pinch lightly at her lower lip in thought, nodding her head in concurrence with Tycho. The trick would be getting the Fanged Disciples without taking out those within the Guardians of the Whills.

Moving along the left edge of the plaza, she slipped in between the crowd getting a feel for their mood. Snatches of conversation touting the crimes of those about to die, others who were all too obviously silent leading her to believe that not all would welcome the spectacle to which they were drawn. How far those would be willing to act upon their disagreement was another matter altogether. It was Nera’s experience that people didn’t stick their necks out for each other, let alone strangers. That was a lesson life had taught her which she was slowly having to unlearn since joining with those in the Alliance. They risked all for strangers everyday, she had seen it countless times and yet somehow it never occurred to count herself among their number. She merely followed her heart and didn’t think that was all that remarkable.

Today her heart was telling her that no matter how thick thing became they could not let these people fall to the blades of the cultists. Her eyes went to the cells where the prisoners were kept, having pushed her way toward the far end of the plaza. Her mind went back to Ryloth, to Aurel and Devrim. It had been the first time she had ever seen Aurel kill, and Devrim had kept the slavers busy while she and her brother freed the Twi’lek prisoners. She would never forget the small body bags they took with them after killing the slavers, of the children who they had been too late to save. It wasn’t in her to witness such things again.

Tycho’s voice came over the comm speaking to her in Huttese and she responded in kind, ”Dotkot paupe bimay wata bom bom”, as the square was basically symmetrical. Her voice quieted and she slipped back into the crowd as two acolytes came out from the crowd and began to swinging lit censor’s. The chanting seemed to rise in tone as the acrid smoke filled the air. This was gonna get weird and creepy real fast.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Leaning against the fencing the man examined the execution stage or arena, he didn't know what to call what he is seeing in front of him. There were all sorts of different objects in there. In is head the man was picturing what will be taking place if they didn't get the innocent people out of here in time. The man looked around, noticing that there was a pile of crates and tarps at one side of the arena that was right next to one of the cells. He could not tell if there is a big enough gape between the pile of objects and the wall to sneak up to the cell. But it was worth a look, "Dotkot wa douapkhe cei see phoba bapionh bai bu vai. Dobra meeto toe neu whao Meecooda yoieu wahca ye wanya." He will tell Ner silently into the comm. The rogue pocketed his comm in his pant pocket since they are deeper than the pockets in his coat. Looking in her direction, the man spotted the few Sith Acolytes that were swinging lit sensors.

Kriff he needs to get moving.

The rebel officer pushed his way into a big, tightly bunched crowd, hiding in the center as the Sith came by scanning the crowd. Though because he was hidden with his head down, their scanners didn't pick him up or get his identity. Watching the Sith walk away, Tycho quickly made his way around to the other side of the arena where the crates are. He will make his way across quickly, finding that there is just enough space to squeeze behind the pile. It was not comfortable but it will get him closer to at least one of the cells.

Peering in the man's heart sank when he saw all of them in the right cell bunched up together in a cell so filthy he would not be surprised if some of them have fallen ill in however much time they spent in the cell. Then anger flooded his emotions when he counted three.. no four children in the right cell. So there must be a similar number or more in the right one. One of the prisoners spotted Tycho and came over, hiding herself behind the wall that Tycho is in front of, "Why are you here?" She will ask, "Are you here to taunt us like the others?"

Tycho shifted a little, "No. Me and a partner are here to get you and the others out. How many of you are there?" Lieutenant Draykon asked quietly. Glacing behind him as the chanting got louder. Time is running out!

"I don't know how many are in the other cell. There might be twelve or so of us in these two cells." The woman will say, "Please find a way to help us." Was the last thing the woman will say before going back over to the others. Tycho sat there between the crates and the wall stunned before he scrambled back out the way that he came. After getting out from behind the crates, the rebel made his way over to his comrade. Visibly he looked like he was going to be sick, but his eyes were filled with a dangerous level of anger, "Dotkot ree koumuaee wa sapbee du heee vai." He will tell her before adding with a pained tone in his voice, "Paupe see hoohah doth kanwon." The man was clearly struggling to keep himself from losing it, because if he lost it now then he will endanger everyone, his partner and the people they have come here to save. He needed to find a way to keep himself calm and collected until they get the prisoners out of here. Then he will tear into the Cultists.


@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

The red robed figures gave her the creeps in the worst way, overly tall and with faces masked they could be anyone. Why did they bother hiding their faces anyway? Was it some obscure religious kink or rather support in the Holy City wasn’t quite as far reaching as they had hoped just yet? She hoped it was the later and maybe they would stand half a chance of getting out of this crowd with the freed prisoners, if they managed to get that far.

Tycho signaled her once again and from her vantage point she could just make him out attempting to climb up on the crates and peek into the cell window. Much too busy with their incantation and pre-execution purification ritual, the Sith Priests didn’t so much as notice the man getting his eyes full behind them. She wasn’t too worried about him being mistaken for anything other than a curious thrill seeker hoping to get a look at the heretics before anyone else. At least she hoped that is what anyone who might chance to question the sight of him climbing onto the crates would assume.

The more she examined the area the darker picture her thoughts painted on their chances of getting everyone out of there alive grew. If they had arrived sooner they may have been able to grab a couple of the priests and disguise themselves to get up close and personal to the execution. But then they would still have to fight their way out… her thoughts trailed off once more as Tycho rejoined her at last and delivered the report on his findings. It didn’t sound good. With at least a dozen prisoners to guard there were sure to be quite a few guards to keep them in line. The addition of children in the mix would only slow them down when it came time to run.

Cursing inwardly she noticed the man seemed to be struggling with his mounting rage over the hopelessness of the situation; she of course had no notion of his history nor how the presence of children was affecting him. To her this whole thing should just be scrapped and the ships brought in to blow the place to...she grinned as she whispered to him in Huttese the thought that just occurred amid her internal ramblings. ”Jee sey jeejee mocma vehpe bata, duaia wa lhonbau hhee du bu han lumpa an panbipa bu kouuedahiua doptkee da heee sie bu cotky doth cuanica twa bahvetken doptkee wata.” Whenever something wasn’t working out, sometimes you just had to look at things in a different light.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

As Nera processed what the rebel officer told her, Tycho looked around the place. Wondering if they have missed something that will help them get the prisoners out of here. But with the crowd gathering more and more, the Square becoming more crowded it was becoming difficult to spot features in the walls of the place. The man looked to his partner as she suggested something that he honestly did not think about. Why didn't he think about that? Perhaps he was too worried about the possibility of their mission here failing or some of the prisoners getting hurt or killed during the escape. The man stroked his bearded chin lightly as he thought, "Tagwa. Da ah dan kabee. jot ten neu whao dotkot wa heee bai yoieu hoohah doi wata hhe bu bata." He will tell his comrade. Perhaps they would not even have to blow a hole in the wall to get the prisoners out of here.

The rebel officer will lead the way over to the passage way he found just a bit ago that possibly will lead them to the prison cells the Believers are being kept in. That is if Ner will follow him or take another passage that she had found herself if she found one. They won't know until they follow the passageway. Which was strangely empty, there weren't even any guards to be found. Well this was either a blessing or something that they will be paying for later while they are getting the prisoners out. Either way the man will continue to lead the way down the passage way until either they find the prison cells or perhaps even the Cultists in some secret room of theirs where they gather before whatever it is they are planning to do with the people locked in the cells.

The man managed to remain calm, moving in calculated steps as he walked along the passageway until he came to a stop. Pressing himself against the wall Tycho peeked out around the corner. Spotting two guards standing in front of some sort of doorway. It could either be one of the prison cells or where the cultists are, "Dotkot dopa lohba saptkhe heee." He will say quietly, it appeared that if they did this right then perhaps they can blow a hole into the wall that will hopefully allow them to get the believers out of here and to the safety of the two rebel's ships. The man swallowed lightly as he observed the guards, then spotted a barred window, "Ye wanya bacaka jeejee noa-a jahke bai duaia wa hhee du da kiy bimay heee. Paknee ata wa ye wanya." Tycho moved so that Ner can take a look for herself. Maybe they can pull this off after all. But first they will have to take out those two guards without them getting word out or making a noise.

The rebel officer slipped his rifle out from under his coat, quietly preparing the weapon. Maybe if he can get a good shot, he can easily take the two guards out without them making a sound. Then the rebel hesitated, he had forgotten about the sound of his rifle going off. That would alert anyone nearby that something is going on in here. Well bugger. Now what? Tycho placed his rifle back on his shoulder. Thinking of a plan b.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

Nera nodded to Tycho and followed him immediately through the crowd toward the passageway that he found on his side. Though there was one on her side she didn’t want to split the party now that the area was getting so crowded. Her eyes observed their passage feeling a little bit like she was inside a chute for loading herd beasts or something. It was a bit oppressive within its smaller width compared to the openness of the streets leading to the courtyard for the passion pageant these Sith had planned.

Swallowing down her apprehension, Nera stopped just behind her partner while he peered round the corner to take in the scene. She hoped it would present better options to them than the frontal approach they had been considering. When he spoke to her letting her know there were two guards just on the other side she thought that might not be too hard for them to deal with. It depended on if they were Sith or just muscle. She didn’t fancy having to take on users of the dark side of the force.

Tycho moved back so that she could get a gander, and peeking out she took her first glance at the men in question. They appeared to be rigged out like prison guards, tough guy looking individuals rather than robes in red like the priests or cloaked in darkness and exuding evilness like the Sith did. Tucking back behind the wall before she could be noticed, she grinned at Tycho noting he was putting his rifle away as though he had stifled the urge to start blasting the guards.

She would attempt to slide her hands up over his shoulders and said, “Hhonvei doth beuanke, bimhee wahca. Joday cay mi wata.” If he went with her plan she fully intended to draw them both out of the passageway acting like a couple trying to find a quiet place to share some ‘alone time’.

Stepping out from the corner of the wall, her arms slung up over Tycho’s shoulders, she backed her way out into the open area where the guards were, curvaceous behind first. Speaking to Tycho in her most seductive voice, her performance would be delivered in basic galactic. ”Ah come on baby. No one's gonna catch us. It’s been so long since you spoiled me right. I crave a little excitement.You know you want to.” Hopefully they could get close enough to the guards for her plan to work. Her own knife was slide into the outer side of her right boot. It shouldn’t take her too many contortions on her part to reach.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

As Ner took a gander. Lieutenant Draykon struggled to decide on how exactly to take out the two guards. He can't use his rifle because the noise will draw more guards towards the two rebels before they can get out of there or do anything. As much as he wanted to blast the guards away, it is just not a good idea. So what are their options?

The man highly doubted that they will just be able to casually walk over to the guards. Ceetainly not like they are exploring the place. Who knows how many people tried to free prisoners that way. So there is no way that the guards will fall for that old trick.

But it appeared that Ner was easily able to think of a way to get over to the guards without raising suspicion of what the two rebels are up to. What did she figure out?

Well for one she slipped her arms over his shoulders as she spoke rather sexily to the human male. It didn't take much for him to click on what she is thinking. It was genius really. Surely the guards have not encountered something like this yet, "Jee canta Jee yoieu haku uba doth canta see." He will tell Ner as he placed his arms around her waist.

As Ner stepped out from behind the corner, the two guards will notice the two rebels. But due to the two's behavior being that of two lovers looking for some.. One on one time. The guards did not suspect anything. To Tycho it looked like it just might work. As the two rebels neared the guards, Tycho spoke to hid partner with a low, husky voice, "I know you are craving some excitement Ji muna. That is why I brought you back here. To make up for being gone for so long." To further play the part of a lover wanting his lover; to fool the two guards further with the two rebels' little act. The rogue lifted the woman up so she could wrap her legs around his waist. Which will give her access to the knife hidden in one of her boots.

If this move in anyway insulted Ner, she can slap him later for it. But with how she is the one who instigated this, and Tycho is just playing along with it, Ner should not be upset. But then again there is no telling what the woman was expecting as far as how Draykon will play along.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

Backing out into the open area, she depended on Tycho to steer her in the right direction keeping her focus upon his face as though they were indeed the only two people in the world. As he drew her up into his arms, her legs would encircle his waist putting her knives well within reach of her hands. She mewed softly with the brightest smile upon her face, ”I can’t help it. I just get so lonely when you are away.”

The guards to her back exchanged glances with one another even as the ‘couple’ seemingly unaware of their presence drew nearer and nearer. Finally one of the humans spoke up, ”Clear out of here you two, this isn’t a brothel”, but rather than turn to look at the guards Nera continued to ignore them hoping to draw them over. Leaning into Tycho, she let her arms drape round, her left over his shoulder and her right sliding about his ribs so that she could draw a dagger from her boot.

Tucking her head against Tycho’s left shoulder she said softly, ”Han dah chace". Sure enough the guard was not in the mood for foolishness. The priest wouldn’t be forgiving for any mishaps today, not when they had this big execution staged to cow the masses. He stepped forward reaching out for Nera’s shoulder, his voice barked with command, ”I said to clear off…”, but the man never got a chance to say more.

Nera was swift in her actions, the moment she felt the man’s touch she pushed away from Tycho, twisting her torso round with the dagger gripped in her fist. With deadly accuracy she shoved the tip of the blade into the man’s throat severing his larynx even as she unwound her legs from around Tycho to shove her weight after the man. The two crashed to the ground in a heap, Nera still pressing the dagger deeper into the man’s throat all the while.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho did his best to steer Ner in the right direction. Of course with them playing the loving couple seeking out a place for some alone time. He could not steer his partner directly towards the two guards, thinking that the two men will unknowingly do the rest of the work for the two rebels. The criminal took in a deep breath as Ner wrapped her legs around his waist, he kept his arms wrapped around her waist so she wouldn't fall as she reached for her knives. The man gave the other rebel a grin, "Let me show you how lonely I get." He will whisper.

The rebel will ignore the two guards, putting all of his focus on the woman in his arms like how a real lover would do. So as she leaned against him, his head rested on her left shoulder. His nose turned towards the crook of her neck, the motion allowing him to use his peripheral vision to judge where the guards are and to see if they are taking the bait or not. It appeared that the guards are falling for it, one venturing closer to the "couple". As Ner shifted in his arms a bit as she reached for her knife, Tycho hiked his hand up her back to give help her balance as she got her weapon. To the guards it will look like the couple is taking their actions up a notch.

Man they must be playing their parts so well. Because the guards are falling for their little stunt, "Jee nah doth jotonkee
bolla ateema kanwonah." Was the last thing he will say in his part of the stunt before Ner drove her knife into the closest guard's throat. She and the one guard will tumble to the ground while the second came will also go after Tycho. The guard opening his mouth to yell for help.

The criminal punched the man in the throat before he could yell a single word. The rebel officer will then use the time the guard stood there stunned to get his arms around the guard's throat. He will snap the man's neck in a sickening twist to the right of the man's skull. With both guards taken out the criminal looked to his partner, "Well that was brilliant." He will say between pants as the rogue started searching the bodies for any keys or whatever to get the cell doors open to get the prisoners out. After a bit of searching he found a card key to one of the cell doors, "Found one." He will tell his partner quietly as he showed her the key.

@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

Nera’s recovery time was quick, disassociating herself from the death of the man and pushing herself up to her knees as she extracted her blade. Already in her mind he was put into the heap with all the other slavers and vile people she had dispatched over the years. Wiping her blade on the man’s sleeve, she held onto it as she gained her feet. Tycho had taken down his man with a skill she did not herself possess, the snapping of a man’s neck being no small fete, and she turned to keep watch as he searched the body.

Her head turned back toward him as he announced the discovery, it being the first break they had gotten in the implementation of their unfolding plan, and she smiled in return. Slipping her dagger back into her boot, she drew her quick draw blaster, the ruse of being just a face in the crowd would no longer hold water at this point anyway. Not with two dead bodies on the ground and the soon to be open cell doors.

”I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do that before”, she said in between breaths glancing up the passageway. They were effectively trapped back here, even though there were two ways out. Well she supposed three counting that which lead out front for the execution. That option was certainly out the crowd bunching everyone up, pressing forward to get the best view for those that were the more grisly minded among them. Not to mention these cultists who no longer respected the religious freedoms of those around them. She hated to suggest it but it seemed like if they could divide their numbers they might be able to slip through the plaza better than in one large group.

Not really needing to remind Tycho of their time constraints, he didn’t seem the sort to hesitate any more than herself, instead she asked, ”What do you think of splitting this band between us when we leave, one down each passageway?” Hopefully some of the prisoners would be able to fight, though she wasn’t sure precisely what the tenets of their faith said about that. She wasn’t much of one for religion in any form but knew that pacifists could be the worst when it came to common sense.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

After discovering the key card in the possession of one of the two guards they took out, the man searched the other guard that Ner killed while the Twi'lek kept a look out for any visitors or other guards that will come looking in on their two comrades. Well the guard that Ner killed had nothing helpful on him minus the knife that he had hidden in his armor. Which Tycho took, slipping the weapon into his boot for just in case he will need it. And he had learned from Ner that it is a good idea to have the small weapon hidden in one of your boots, "What haven't you seen anyone do before?" He inquired as the criminal finished searching the two guards a second time for just in case he had forgotten to search a pocket that he missed the first time. But time is not on their side anymore, that is one thing that the rebel officer knows. So a third search will not be helpful at all.

Besides if the one guard had a card key. That means it probably works on the control panel that controls both of the cell doors. If it did then it will be the biggest break they may get so far. What the man did not like though, was that besides the way that they came. The two and the prisoners are practically trapped. They cannot go out the way that they came in. On top of that there are two other passage ways, the situation with that is that there is no telling where they lead to or if they lead the way out. He wants to get these innocent souls away from these cruel cultists who has no respect for those that have different religious views. He wants to get these people to where they can practice their chosen religion without the worry of others being disrespectful or violent.

As he stood up with the card key in his hand, the rogue looked to his partner as the woman spoke up, "That may be our best option if we are going to get everyone out of here. Going together as one big group will just slow us down and make it more likely to get captured. If we split up they will have to split up themselves if they go on the aggressive route. Which will make them easier to handle if they do attack." The man said as he looked at the two passageways that will hopefully lead the rebels and the prisoners out of the place, "I just hope that some of them are able to fight back.. or at least willing to. I have no idea what affect their religion has on their views of violence." He will tell the other rebel as he walked over to the control panel in between the two cell doors. Tycho pondered at it for a moment before sliding the card into what he guessed is the slot. But then a number pad came onto the screen, "Kriff! There is a passcode as well.." He said quietly with an alarmed tone in his voice. If he guessed the wrong passcode then the alarm will sound. The man shook his head as he tried to think of what to type in. Then he felt a hand tug on the flank of his parka.

He looked to Ner, expecting it to be her who pulled on the flank of his coat. But she was not the one. Plus the direction his coat was pulled was too low. Then he got his answer as to who when his coat was pulled again. Blinking he looked to see a boy standing at the other side of the cell door. The boy gesturing for him to put his ear to him. When he did the boy whispered something that he did not expect to hear. The boy whispered to him the passcode! Now this boy is a sneaky one for sure, "Great job kid. I will get you and the others out of those cells in a moment." He will tell the boy quietly as the other prisoners started to crowd around the two cell doors. The rebel officer quickly put in the passcode and with a chime the two doors opened, "Great. Now we better get moving. The guards or the priest will be here any moment to see what is going on." He warned the prisoners and his partner.


@Kayenta Moenkopi

 

[Ner Giza]

Noting that his search of the second man had produced a blade that Tycho nabbed and secreted away, she stepped further from the gate toward the far wall so that she could get a look further round the curve of the area. From her vantage point she could just see the entrance to both passageways. All they needed was for someone to round one of those turns and she would have to take this mission loud.

His question prompted a reply, ”That whole snapping a man’s neck with your bare hands thing. You’ll have to teach me that sometime”, they were about the same size and she figured he may be a bit stronger than herself but if it was a matter of leverage she might be able to pull it off. While she had spared a bit here and there, her hand to hand skill was mostly just barroom brawling and improvised weaponry. The woman was deadly with a broken beer bottle.

Moving a bit closer as he took the card key and went to the cell doors, she listened to his words finding them of a like mind on the situation. If only they had gotten here yesterday… she halted that line of thought as Tycho came up dry. Her expression changed as she huffed, a kriffen pass code of all things! Couldn’t they get a break here? Nera had to shake her head a bit, all this church of the force business, any religion actually, but you’d think if there was any truth in worshiping a deity, a force, a whatever, that it would be just the slightest bit interested in keeping its parishioners alive. It all sounded like foolishness to her, this belief in some higher power that actually gave a kriff what the living did. All she had to say about a potential moral dilemma was, ”Well fighting is good enough for the Jedi so...these force worshipers shouldn’t fuss too awful much.” The Twi’lek was a self preservationist and any faith that would prohibit her from protecting herself could…

The look on tycho’s face gave her some concern and she chose that moment to step forward and see what was going on, a questioning look upon her own features. That is when her partner turned round to the cage and Nera could see a small hand extended through the bars with a handful of Tycho’s coat in his grasp. Tycho bent down for a moment and his following words and actions made it clear the kid had learned the pass code! This kind of gave her the creeps and she looked around, mostly at the sky, as though some deity was privy to her prior thoughts might reach out and drop a house on her head or something.

As the prisoners filed out of the cells they naturally had a million questions and were beginning to set up a bit of a murmuring. She raised her left hand in the air, palm facing down, and waved at the crowd to stop before drawing her forefinger to her lips. That she had a blaster in her right might have aided the effectiveness of such a ploy a tiny bit. ”Who here can fire a blaster? We’re gonna split up. Everyone from this cage on the right follow me. I want someone to cover our retreat. It’s life or death time folks. Show of hands?” The crowd began moving into two groups, though there was some switching up here and there as loved ones who had been separated reunited and would refuse to be parted any longer. There were just too many unknowns from this point on and though she didn’t like it she was forced to work with what they had.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho was honestly not too sure about teaching Ner how to snap a person's neck like how he did. It will mean revealing to her his background, the violent lifestyle the criminal had before joining the Alliance. There is no telling how the Twi'lek would react if she was told or somehow found out. Though if the other rebels who found out had such concerns he would have been taken in by high command or kicked out of the Alliance by now if it was such a concern. Perhaps it is because he is using the learned skills on missions that the higher ups are turning a blind eye towards his past. And it was just that. His past. He is a hardened criminal, turned soldier using his skills to help others in need.

Even though the process of being an Alliance soldier was still violent.

Maybe he will just teach Ner what she wants to know. And if she asks the rogue will simply tell her. Then deal with the consequences that follow.

Right now though with the prisoners filing out of the cells. The new, most important comcern was starting. With the believers now realizing they are one step or two closer to being free, they were starting to become a bit rowdy as they shuffled about looking for their loved ones and friends. The boy however stayed next to Tycho, gripping the man's jacket. But with Ner raising her hand with her pistol in the other, the prisoners quietened down to the point they will be able to hear a womp rat scurrying across the room if there was one. Then the noise picked up again as the prisoners finished getting themselves into two groups. Then there was the silence again, "Are there anyone among you who will be willing to use a blaster?" Tycho will ask unsure if they understood what the two rebels were saying since no one had said anything or stepped forward.

After an agonizing moment eight men in total, four from the two groups, stepped forward, "We know how to use a blaster." One of them said, "We are willing to fight."

Tycho nodded, "Great. You and one other can take the two guards rifles. Make sure to take any ammo they have." He watched as two men out of the eight stepped over to the two guards and took their rifles and ammo. Now it was how to arm the remaining six men. That was when the officer got an idea as he looked to his comrade, "Perhaps as we move and take out the cultists and guards on our way out that the rest of the unarmed men in our groups take weapons from the guards we injure or kill. We can't stay here much longer."

 

[Ner Giza]

Doing a quick head count she was more than glad to accept Tycho’s plan. ”That sounds good to me. Meet you back at the ship?” It was the moment of truth, for now her words about the neck breaking forgotten, though if they made it through today, and went about their prospective missions then one day if they ever met again she would be sure to remember and ask then. If today was like many of her other missions it would be rare for her to run into Tycho again. So many people had come and gone from her life since joining the Alliance and it was better that way she supposed.

Motioning one of the men who had picked up a rifle from the fallen guards to come join her, she started her half of the prisoners headed for the passageway on the left. Pausing before turning into the alley, she looked back to Tycho as if imprinting his face on her mind, before lifting her hand and slipping away.

Moving through the passageway, she would turn from time to time lifting her hand toward the people under her care for quiet or to hold up and wait. The chanting from out front had started up again and she felt this was no longer just part of the prelude but the moment in which the prisoners would be discovered missing. She darted to the end of the passageway peeking out to see the crowd had been worked up into the moment as a large portion of them where swaying from side to side as though entranced by the sound of those voices. Her eyes cast about the open area to the street down which she and Tycho had first arrived.

Slipping back into the passageway she said, ”Stick to the outside of the crowd while they are distracted and head for the street and don’t run and don’t bunch up. Head out in small groups.” Nera pressed her back to the end of the passageway and then began waving the groups of prisoners through covering them from the center for after about half had ventured forth she too would begin her skulking way behind the crowd. ’Please please please if you are there’, she prayed, ’just let us save your people…’

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Tycho looked from the crowd before them to his partner after he completed a head count of the group that he will be leading, "Yeah I will see you back at the ship." He will tell her confidently. Both may have seen a lot of comrades at one point or another, just to never see them again. But if all goes well here, the two rebels will meet back at the ships. Who knows, they may have the luck of bumping into eachother again after the mission. But as what would be considered normal for the rebels, it may be weeks or months before the two see each other again due to how busy the rebels will be.

As Ner will begin to lead her group down the passageway, he will take a moment to get one last glimpse of his partner. Something that one will do when they fear or know that seeing that person or scenery will not happen again. But he had no time to be emotional, there is a job to do after all. Once his group was organized with the armed believer being at the back of the group to cover the rear, the rebel officer signalled his group to start following him. He will lead his group down the other passage way. But as though his mind thought it was okay to show emotion one last time, he paused just as Ner stopped again to look at her. He will raise his hand in a 'good bye' gesture as the Twi'lek is doing l, watching the woman slip away. His hand will drop back to his side, "Alright let's get moving. Do not draw attention to us. Stay quiet." He will tell everyone quietly before moving down the right corridor. The passageway that he will lead his group down was full of turns, so he stopped the group often to check for any cultists or guards around each corner. When Tycho peeks around one corner the guard was just turned to fully face the rebel officer, though he will not be able to get any word out as the criminal stopped him with a vicious punch to the temple that knocked him out cold. The man will then proceed to quietly killing the guard, giving another man willing to fight in his group the guard's rifle and ammo. So far things are going well, the man will think as the guard's body was hidden away in an opened crate behind the group.

Tycho felt his heart sink as he heard the chanting in the Square change, amd can see that some were beginning to sway from side to side in sync. This is the time that the cultists will discover that the prisoners are missing. He is not a religious person, but Tycho found himself praying to whatever deity it was that had given the chance to get this far to allow him and his partner to get their groups to the safety of their ships.

The passageway that he led his group through will have them exit into the Square just ahead of Ner's group. But instead of going out as one big group Tycho will have them go out in waves after telling them where to meet up at to regroup. But he will not take the lead, instead he had the two armed men lead a small group each. The first group that one armed prisoner will lead was made up with one teenage boy, and a woman and her child making the first group being made up of what Tycho believes is a family unit. Totaling four in the first group. The second was consisted of the armed prisoner, a woman and a teenage boy, another three in total. That left Tycho with the boy clinging to him, an old man along with a woman he guessed is the old man's daughter. Making his group a total of ten people not including himself. Getting all of them out of here alive is going to be a major challenge. Being on board the man's ship may be a bit uncomfortable but that will be better than rotting in a prison before being violently, cruelly killed in some sick ritualistic execution.

A moment after the other two groups left, Tycho will lead his out. As the man moved he will carry the boy in his right arm so that he is not separated in the gathering crowd. Just as his group and possibly Ner's group cleared out of the Square, someone shouted "The prisoners have escaped!" Was yelled by a guard or a cultist that had gone to retrieve a prisoner.

The rebel officer looked to the two people he is leading. They knew that they really needed to get moving now. Tycho will give the old man his pistol, while the rebel took up the rear the old man took the lead as they searched for the other two groups. Which they will find huddled in an alleyway. The officer panted as he looked to each one of them. With the discovery of the prisoners missing, the streets were becoming busy with guards and cultists searching for the believers, like a nest of Wasps searching for their next meal. And with each passing second more exciteable as they failed to find the prisoners.

"Alright. Stick to the back streets and alleyways. We need to get to the outer wall to get you lot out of here." He will tell everyone as Tycho started leading the group as a whole. He didn't want to break them all up into units again. If they stuck together as one unit, then they will have better chances at getting out of here with there being four armed men. Minus the boy who still clinged to Tycho, the women and children in his group was in the center with the armed men taking up the edge of the group. Making it appear as though they are escorting prisoners, not trying to escape.

 

[Ner Giza]

Pressing her back to the stones of the building on the corner, Nera clutched her quick draw pistol beneath her cape as she kept switching off between looking up the street and back into the plaza. Her hood was up for the blue of her skin was just about like a flashing light that could only draw focus once in motion. Swaying from side to side as the last of her people tucked into the street she told the armed man to move up to the front as swiftly as he could and head toward the port. Before slipping away he looked to her clutching her forearm and said, ’May the force be with you’, and then he too merged into the crowded street.

It had been perhaps the most nerve wracking moments of her life, this creeping around the outer edge of the swaying crowd, trying to guard everyone from the center, the civilian with his confiscated rifle bringing up the rear. The most nerve wracking, that is, until the cry went up that the prisoners had escaped. ”Don’t run”, she hissed as the last of their grouping finally reached the street.

Watching as they fled up the street Nera saw they were doing a fairly decent job of losing themselves in the crowded street, but she wasn’t sure with what was to come that the crowd was much of an advantage. Her head turned back to the plaza which was steadily becoming a hotbed of activity.

The acolytes in their red robes were easy to spot, moving about frantically calling out for the guards. One in particular seemed to be more poised taking command of the situation; the priest who had been slated to perform the ritual, she decided. Motion at her periphery drew her focus and she spotted guards leaving their placement at the stage. Her time was up and it would be her task to cover their backs. She could have cursed for if blaster fire broke out the carnage would be considerable.

Leaving the fate of the faithful to the force for now, she had given them a chance and would do all she could to see it was not wasted. As the guards began rushing toward the streets that exited the plaza, she wish Tycho good luck and drew back into the street searching for a place to make her stand. And throughout it all the sound of chanting falling off and turning to cries of alarm dominated the air.

She had barely made it to the recessed entrance of a building when the trio of guards ran into the crowded street. People were making way for the soldiers and Nera found herself pressed against the door of the building by throng. Blinking a bit stunned by the sudden reversal of her fate, she watched in amazement as the guards ran past in search of the escapees. If she could sneak up behind perhaps she could take them out one by one with her dagger.

Ner’Giza had to push and shove her way through the press of bodies, which became easier by the moment as they spilled back into the street behind the guard’s passage. Hitching up her left leg she grabbed her blade and without missing a step trotted off in pursuit.

The three before her did the same, moving forward in a staggered formation as they yelled for people to get out of the way. Not one of them thought to check their back trail. Holstering her blaster she moved into position behind the last guard. She could see side streets opening up, some just mere alleyways connecting between the main spokes of the city’s layout and the guards were sparing precious moments in stopping at each to survey quickly before moving on. It was a cautionary tactic, and she hoped their ‘prey’ had stayed on the main streets.

As her man turned to scan the alleyway , his blaster held in two hands leading the way, the Twi’lek slipped up behind and struck with her dagger in the gap between his armor plating to puncture his lung as she shoved her weight against him and drove him into the wall of the corner shop. Even as his knees began to buckle under her she was drawing the blade out and going for the downed man’s neck. Making her mark she heard blaster fire break out and she rolled off the body to tuck back into the alley way. Bolts pinged along the street to the sound of people’s screams while she scrambled to her feet.

Her dagger left in the man’s neck, she pulled her quick draw throwing her cape over her shoulder as she moved. It was blaster fire coming from the direction of the plaza that drew her attention first. Cursing for not having been watching her own back trail, she could see two guards had come up behind her. At least she would have cover from the two who were ahead. Nera fired her blaster at one of the new comers and ducked back into the alley. Her double shot having taken the man in the chest dropped him to the ground. But his was not the only body to fall.

Two men from the prisoners had backtracked to aid in the defense of those fleeing and took out the two guard. Where the second rifle had come from she could only imagine and hoped that that encounter had not cost any one of the prisoners to lose their life. The arrival of the men drew the last guard’s fire giving her the chance to move forward and wing him in the leg. Quickly the three began to gather the fallen blasters, Nera noting that the volunteer from before had taken a wound to his upper arm. He seemed hale enough to run and the three didn’t waste time heading up the street to rejoin the rest. There was no telling how long it would take for more guards to follow or how many they might encounter before reaching the port. They were far from out of the woods yet.

@Nommie

 

[Tycho Draykon]

Hearing blaster fire, Tycho knew that the battle has now started. Their time is up and now if they are going to get out of there they will have to fight for it. The officer handed the teenage boy in the group his Westar Rifle as he told the group where they needed to go. The boy though refused to let go of Tycho's leg because of being so frightened and knowing that the criminal is his best source of safety. But with cultists and guards coming, it was more dangerous for the boy to remain with the rebel as he stays behind to hold off the enemy. After some struggling, the man managed to get the boy to let go of his leg, "You need to go with them kid. I will see you again soon." He will tell the boy as he handed him to one of the women in the group. After handing the now screaming boy off, the group he was leading started moving in the direction of the rebel ships.

It was just in time too as two cultists and three guards came in his direction. Unsheathing his echani vibroblade and the knife he had hidden on his boot, Tycho is ready to face them. As he watched the group rush over to him, adrenaline started pumping through his veins. He will run through the first of the three guards with his vibroblade, using his body as a meat shield when the other two guards opened up. Well the man clearly did not think this through as he stubbornly stood his ground. Then again he is stuck using his melee weapons. Pulling his blade out of the dead guard he shoved the corpse onto one of the advancing cultist, the two bodies falling to the ground. The knife in his hand was thrown into the skull of a second guard who came rushing over. Twirling around Tycho will take out the third and final guard as the man came running up behind the rebel loudly. He will take the third guard out with a slash to his exposed abdomen.

Now with only the two cultists left the man watched as they too armed themselves with their own vibroblades. Both attacked Tycho at the same time, the one on Tycho's left swung vertically from the ground up then the other swung horizontally right to left. Jumping bawards to dodge both blades the rebel officer could bear blaster fire in the background, making him hope the prisoners are alright. Jumping back again the rogue blocked one of the two cultist blades. While he was in a grapple with the one, the other started to come up from behind to bisect the rebel. Grunting the rebel released himself from the grapple, moving to his right the blade he was blocking cut into the fabric of his left coat sleeve. Possibly cutting flesh as well but with the adrenaline pulsing through his veins the man didn't feel any pain. With his move to the right the cultist that came up from behind ran through the other cultist with his own blade. Tycho will then run the second cultist through with his blade.

With the three guards and two cultists taken care of the rebel knew that there will be others coming. So he started moving, running onto an alleyway. Knowing that the narrow passageway will give him some sort of advantage since the guards and cultists will have to move single file. Breathing heavily, the rebel officer didn't realize he had forgotten his knife.

@Kayenta Moenkopi