Jedi Knight

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=1>OOC: This RP is open to everyone. I intend for it to be a mixture of dogfight battles, character development, lightsaber battles and everything else you can think of. Feel free to join in.

<font size=3>A Warm Welcome

<font size=2>Coming out of Hyperspace in 4,3,2,1. Nichos Marr thought to himself as he slowly brought his X-wing back into real space. Nichos watched as the starlines formed back into tiny specs of light, known as stars. His astromech droid let out a relieved sigh. Nichos read "Another safe journey" as it scrolled across the translation screen. The Jedi let out a small chuckle.

His reasons for being at Tatooine weren't very special. He'd heard so much about the planet and decided it would be good if he saw it himself. As he approached the planet he took note that it looked like one giant sand-sphere in space. So far it didn't look that impressive. Nichos scrolled through the data on Tatooine in the Nav computer. The planet had a famous history. A history that Nichos had only learned about in holodramas and Holonet specials.

Perhaps I'll get to rent a swoop bike. The Jedi grinned, thinking of all he could do on his week vacation from the Greater Jedi Order. His arm had just recovered from a serious injury, along with both of his legs. Bacta could work miracles, but so could the Force. Nichos had very good healing powers, despite the fact he never used them on himself or anyone else.

<font color=red>"Breep! Voop!"<font color=white>

"Hmm? What is it Artoo?" Nichos asked the chirping droid.

The Jedi quickly turned on his sensors. In orbit around Tatooine, a Corellian gunship was quickly approaching him. Nichos suddenly had a bad feeling about this gunship. It didn't look too friendly.

"Artoo, activate the weapons system and apply 40% power to front deflector shields. We might be experiencing trouble." The droid complied with a nervous warble.

Nichos grabbed his commlink when the ship was within speaking range. He turned it on and pressed a few buttons. The Jedi held down the large button at the side and began to speak, "Corellian Gunship, this is Flight Major Nichos Marr of the New Republic. Identify yourself and the intention of your current course." He said in the most commanding tone he could muster.

The Jedi let go of the side button and waited for a response. He began to flip switches and give commands to his astromech droid. He would have to act quickly if this gunship's intentions were not good ones.

[Switch Escalof]

*Switch was down in the engineering bay, repairing some damage to the hyperdrive system.*

"R7, bring me that wrench over."

*The droid did as its master asked, but instead of giving it to him, he dropped it on his head.*

"DAMNIT! THAT'S IT! I'M DISMANTL-"

*The engineer's comm. link started to beep. He brought the speaking device up to his lips.*

"Yah, what is it?"

"Sir we got a New Republic X-Wing up here asking us who we are."

*Switch muttered something about this day getting worse and worse*

"3P5, Patch it through to engineering, voice only."

"Yes sir."

*Was the protocol droid's reply as he carried out his orders. Switch cleared his throat and spoke in the most respectable tone he could*

"This is the Corellian gunship, Twin Suns. How can we be of assistance?"

[Nichos Marr]

"Well if you spent the time to listen to my first transmission, you would have learned how you could have assisted me." Nichos rolled his eyes, mildly annoyed with the man he was speaking to.

Then as he stared out of the viewport, Nichos noticed a symbol. It belonged to the Zhotta Pirate Armada. This man was definately not a law abiding citizen. The Jedi searched the Force for what to do. Awkwardly he picked up his comlink and sent another message through.

"This is Jedi Knight Nichos Marr, leader of Stealth Squadron and member of the Greater Jedi Order. I noticed the Zhotta symbol on your ship and I suggest you leave now before I have to call the NR in. I'm sure they could find something to use against you. Then it's off to Kessel for you, me amigo."

The Jedi took in deep breaths of air after saying that mouthful, only taking the time to pause after the first sentence. Nichos commed the Gunship with one last message.

"Oh and in case you haven't heard, crime doesn't pay." He grinned, allowing the Force to control his emotions.

"Standby Artoo and be ready for anything." Nichos muttered.

[Switch Escalof]

*Switch was furious, he slammed his fists down on his console, and again started to mutter to himself. Then he gets an idea. He opens up a channel to the bridge where 3P5 was.*

"3P5, jam that X-Wing's communication frequencies. and begin to open fire on it. He's not getting away. Not after threatening me like that!"

"Aye sir."

*Switch turned off his comm., and began working on the hyperdrive, at somewhat of a hurried pace. If 3P5 somehow managed to screw up, He would have to get out of there in a hurry or the New Republic would be sending some help for their little jedi friend. If it worked out as he planned, he could sell the officer’s ship for scrap, and ransom off the pilot back to the Republic*

"DAMNIT R7! WHERE'S THAT WRENCH?"

*Switch could hear the jamming beam generator come on line as well as the turbolasers starting to fire upon the starfighter.*

[Nichos Marr]

"Aww Sithspit!" Nichos cursed, locking his S-foils in attack position. He applied 50% power to shields, leaving energy and laserpower with 25% power each.

You just had to be rude, didn't you Nichos? He asked himself, controlling his angry emotions and pushing them aside. Emotions could get you killed in a space battle. Nichos didn't want to die. He felt he could do so much more to help the Galaxy.

The Jedi sped up to 2/3 throttle, using his piloting skills and his Force skills to avoid turbolaser fire from the Corellian gunship. Nichos pushed back on the control stick, bringing his X-wing straight up in a 90 degree angle. He righted his X-wing again, jerking left to avoid a near hit. Nichos switched weapons to proton torpedos as the gunship filled his viewports once again. He targeted the ship's rear deflector shields, waiting for his targeting system to lock on.

<font color=red size=1>Beep.

<font color=white size=2>The beep indicated he had locked on to the source. Nichos pressed the trigger twice, releasing two proton torpedos.

Suddenly, the Jedi was thrown to the side of his cockpit from a powerful turbolaser hit. Another one followed, and another until Nichos could safely maneuver his way out of the line of fire. He jerked the control stick 45 degrees to the left, to watch as the proton torpedos struck and weakened the gunship's shields.

"Artoo!" Nichos shouted. "Status report!"

Nichos glanced at the screen for a few seconds, quickly absorbing the words that Artoo had sent through. The shields were down to 43%. This was not good. For a split second, Nichos was tempted to run for hyperspace, but something made him stay. He didn't know what it was, perhaps the Force, but he did not run from the scene. He skidded past the gunship again and released two more proton torpedos.

[Switch Escalof]

*Switches Head ricocheted off a wall as the impact from the torpedoes shook the ship.*

"OW!!! YOU SON OF A.. OK that's it! R7 get ASP5 to assist you in finishing the repairs. You don’t wanna know what I'd do to you is you screw up, so don't!"

* The droid beeped nervously as Switch ran out of the engineering bay and towards the bridge. The droid gunners kept pounding the Jedi's ship with heavy turbolasor fire. He opened up another comm. signal to the bridge *

"3P5, reset the rear shield settings they won't last much longer."

"Yes sir. Um sir, we really need u up here for assistance"

"I'm on my way as we speak 3. Just done make any stupid moves before I get there."

"I'll try sir. Oh dear oh dear."

*Switch turns his comm. off and quickly lights up a cig as he runs towards the bridge.*

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos was no longer in the cockpit of a simulator in a New Republic training area. He was now facing a foe which he had no chance of winning against. Of course, Nichos didn't believe in odds or luck. He believed in the Force. The Force was his ally and it completed him.

The Jedi used the Force to dodge turbolaser fire from the many guns pointed at him. He let the Force take control of his hands, slowly working his way toward the Corellian gunship. When Nichos was within 4 meters of the ship, he sped up to full throttle. The Jedi sped right under the belly of the ship, and flew upward, looping around the Corellian gunship as fast as he could. The guns moved to track him, but accidently shot at their own ship, and damaged the shields even further.

"All right Artoo! We're doing i--!" Nichos never got to finish his sentence.

<font color=red size=4>ZAP!

<font color=white size=2>A deadly accurate turbolaser struck the nose of Nichos' X-wing, knocking it straight for the gunship. The Jedi used all the speed and might in him and pulled back on the control stick (nearly breaking it) to avoid a collision.

When the Jedi opened his eyes again, he was still alive, but within good firing range. "Uh oh." He whispered.

[Switch Escalof]

"WHAT DO YOU MEAN WE JUST SHOT OURSELVES?!"

"Just what you said sir, but we've corrected it and hit him with a precise hit."

* Switch sat down in his command chair and shook his head. *

"I see I'm going to have to make some adjustments to the gunners' programming. Damn.

* The pirate took a puff of his cig. *

"Well if it's any consolation sir, it did hit the forward shields, which aren't as damaged as the bac-"

"SHUT UP!!!"

* The droid instantly cowered in fear from its angered master. The whole bridge became dead silent. Another tremor rocked the ship, and Switch finally snapped out of it. *

"Arm the concussion missile launchers, and for God's sakes aim better!"

[Nichos Marr]

<font color=red>"Vreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep!"

<font color=white>"What's the matter Artoo?" Nichos was instantly jerked forward, into the front viewports. He hit his head, leaving a less-than-minor bruise. The Jedi had just been hit by a concussion missile.

"Apply all power to rear deflector shields and hold on tight!" Nichos screamed as he blasted away from the Corellian Gunship, headed for Tatooine.

<font color=red size=3>BAM!

<font color=white size=2>"Artoo, status report! Artoo?" His droid wasn't replying. "Artoo are you there?" Suddenly a few words began to roll down his screen. Their shields had been knocked out and the Nav Computer was broken. "So much for running." The Jedi sighed.

He kept on his present course to Tatooine, nearing the atmosphere. Nichos knew that if he was hit a few more times, he would be done for. He couldn't help but wonder if R2-J8 was okay. The Jedi was worried about his droid and friend.

"Don't worry Artoo, I'll get you out of this alive."

[Switch Escalof]

"Sir, he's running from us. His shields are pretty much next to nothing and-

"What did I tell you 3P5?

"To um, shut up."

"That's right. WHY DON'T YOU LISTEN?"

*The droid went back to cowering in the corner.*

"Continue firing on the ship."

*Three more turbolasor shots hit the fighter and it began to go down, into the planet's atmosphere at an accelerated speed.*

"Um, 3P5, what are the chances that he's gonna survive that?"

* The droid was silent. *

"3P5!!!! ANSWER ME!!!"

"3450 to 1. Please stop yelling at me sir."

* The droid was shaking and sounded as if it was going to burst into tears or something. Switch just sat there thinking for a minute. He then called to one of the droids in front of him *

"Is the hyperdrive working yet."

"Yes sir."

*That was surprising to Switch. R7 actually did something right*

"Well, take us back to HQ then. I don't want to be anywhere near here when the Republic comes to find their comrade."

"Aye sir."

*The Highwind (The true name of the ship) charged up its engines, and entered Hyperspace.*

[Nichos Marr]

"By the Force! We were hit Artoo!" Nichos's ship lost control as it began to spiral through the atmosphere. The internal coolant systems barely kept it from burning up. Nichos didn't know what to do. He knew that if he didn't act fast, he wouldn't live to see Tatooine.

He quickly punched the astromech droid ejection button. A *thwip* sound was heard as Artoo was blasted out of the ship. Nichos followed the buttons along until he found his seat ejection button. The Jedi closed his eyes and pushed it. Nothing happened. Nichos opened his eyes and looked at the message displayed on his screen. All systems had shut down due to severe damage on the ship.

"This isn't good." Nichos said in a calm voice. He had 16 more seconds until he collided into a cliff that was quickly filling his viewports. The Jedi reached behind his seat and grabbed his backpack. He put it on, still trying to press the ejection button. His X-wing just wouldn't respond. 8 seconds left until Nichos Marr was just Jedi history. He closed his eyes and began to prepare to become one with the Force. 5 seconds left. 4, 3, 2--*Thwip!*

The backup systems had come online just before Nichos collided with the cliff. He opened his eyes to feel dry air against his skin. Nichos was still in his seat, but now he wasn't in his X-wing. He looked down and watched as his X-wing collided into a cliff-face in a grand explosion. Nichos was still trying to get his bearing straight. He felt nausea and had a severe headache.

Artoo... Nichos thought as he slowly floated down on a parachute. He had remembered watching his droid soar past the viewports, but where had he gone? Nichos couldn't even focus enough to use the Force. He needed sleep, yes sleep...The Jedi's head slumped back as he feel into a deep sleep.

[R2 J8]

<font size=3>Meeting the Locals

<font size=2>Somewhere in the Jundland Wastes

<font color=red>"Vreep? Vroo Ooop? Vreeeeeep!"

<font color=white>(The astromech droid released a high pitched scream to try and wake Nichos up. Unfortunately, the Jedi kept his eyes closed. R2-J8, commonly known as "Jay" began to roll back and forth on the rough terrain, jittering nervously. It had landed safely with the help of a parachute, and Nichos was also still alive and in good shape.

Artoo was also aware that their X-wing was gone and that they were stranded in the middle of nowhere. The droid had no experience of ever being on Tatooine and didn't possess any kind of map of the planet. The droid only knew the coordinates and the physical and climatical description. Luckily Jay was equipped with internal coolant systems, otherwise known as air conditioning. It would keep the droid from overheating, even when the temperature was very high.

Droids didn't need to live off food and water like sentients did. This was also an advantage that didn't make a droid a tough passenger. The droid began to run a soil check.)

<font color=red>"Vroop!"

<font color=white>(In seconds, negative results were displayed across its internal screens. Nothing could be grown on this planet. Artoo let out a negative warble, still worried about Nichos. The Jedi had risked his life to save the droid, and eventhough Artoo was not programmed with feelings, it appreciated wht Nichos had done for it.)

<font color=red>Beep, beep, beep.

<font color=white>(Artoo's sensors picked up lifeforms nearby. It couldn't quite decipher what kind of lifeform, or how many, but it sensed life nearby. The droid was a little surprised by this. It didn't think anything could survive on this planet. Instantly it began to bump into Nichos's leg, still sitting on the X-wing chair. The droid was attempting to wake it's master up, before the lifeform(s) arrived. It could have meant trouble for both of them. Artoo didn't want any more trouble.)

[Nikit the Jawa]

:: Cruising along the dunes of Tatooine, Nikit leant back slightly in his customised swoop, checking the landscape for dangers. Seeing a glint in the corner of his eye, he immediately stops the bike, and pulls out some binoculars to reveal...........A droid! The thought made Nikit fill with glee. A fully working astromech could fetch a small fortune on the market! Revving up the bike, he speeds towards his prey and disounts, slowly edging towards it...


Jumping at it, Nikit latches on to it round the "head", and clings on as it starts to move, trying to throw him off. The Jawa reaches onto his belt, and gets a restraining bolt off. Using all his strength, he slams it into the droid, causing it to stop dead, sending Nikit flying. Slowly getting up and dusting himself off, he looks down to say a body. Kicking it, and seeing no movement, he shrugs and goes off to work out how to transport his new droid::

[Nichos Marr]

Wake up...Nick Yes, that was what his parents had called him when he was young. They gave him the nickname "Nick" short for Nichos. Wake up. It's nearly 9:00 AM.

Nichos's eyes blinked open. The last thing he remembered was the shrill scream his droid emitted after he had ejected it from the falling X-wing. Nichos finally realized, he was alive. He heard a faint beep not far away, but the Jedi had lost his vision.

"Artoo is that you?" He called out weakly.

The Jedi stretched out with the Force. He could feel the presence of another. Nichos had felt this presence before, it was a familiar at Yogs. The presence belonged to a...Jawa. The Jedi projected his thoughts to the Jawa. He was saying:

Who are you? Where am I? Is R2-J8 okay?

Nichos felt around for a few seconds. He felt his seatbelt clasp and pressed down on it hard. Nichos's seatbelt slid back, allowing him to get off of his X-wing seat. The Jedi stood up and walked off, quickily falling to his knees. Walking in darkness wasn't as easy as it seemed. He felt out with the Force, once again feeling the Jawa. He sent out another message:

Please...Help me and my droid.

[Guardsman Kir Kanos]

Tightening his finger a hair further and he could have decorated the sandfloor with Jawa brain tissue.

Kir Kanos, lone surviving member of the Imperial Order of Royal Guards, secretive, elite, the best of the best, trained his longrifle on the unsuspecting creature with the steadiness of a seasoned marksman, index-finger teasing the trigger.

The Jedi, Nichos Marr, if the Guardsman had identified him correctly, was obviously in no condition to defend himself. The Jawa vermin, harmless in any case, would undoubtedly leave him to rot, scavanged by any number of the desert-dwelling lifeforms roaming the baren and desolate world.

Perched atop an outcropping, concealed by a multiple-purpose hooded, sand-colored poncho; comflauge, sanctuary from violent sandstorms, ventures into nearby spaceports, et cetera, Kanos didn't fear discovery. He blended well with the terrain, and had ample means of masking his presence from Force-manipulating beings -- the Guard corps utilized many, many methods of Force defense, and in many cases, offense.

Having sequestered himself on Tatooine to train, gather information, and use as a base of operations in his quest to avenge his Emperor, it was purely chance a Jedi Knight had crash-landed so near his place of dwelling. Lowering his blaster rifle, the seasoned warrior -- not needing to rely on the scope mounted on the powerful weapon, having sharpened eyesight from years of training on the Hellish Yinchorr -- he decided to remain and let the scene unfold; no need to interject just yet...

[Nikit the Jawa]

::As he walked to his speeder, he heard a voice in his head. Help it said. Suddenly panicing, the Jawa spun round, and pulled out a tiny blaster pistol, pointng at the pilot, who was alive. Breathing heavily from the fright he had, Nikit tried to keep a steady aim, but his hand was shaking all over the place.

"Woo are yoo?" He asked the human, in basic that clearly needed some work::

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=1>OOC: Kir Kanos, if you have AIM, feel free to contact me. My AIM name is in my profile.

<font size=2>"I'm...Nichos Marr, a Jedi Knight." He had hesitated for a moment, wondering if this creature should know his true identity. Nichos didn't sense any deceit in the Jawa.

Nichos finally regained his balance, keeping his force senses open. He could sense another presence nearby. This one seemed evil, very evil. The Jedi's hand instinctively brushed across his waist. He sighed in relief to find that his lightsaber was still there, and still in one piece.

Locking on to his position, Nichos walked over to the Jawa and bent down on one knee. He could feel the familiar whirr of his droid as it rolled over. Somehow, it had managed to saw the restraining bolt off. Nichos couldn't help but wonder where his droid learned how to bypass restraining bolt codes.

"You speak basic?" Nichos said in relief, directed at the Jawa. "I need help...I need to get me and my droid to..." He thought for a moment. The Jedi couldn't quite remember the name of Tatooine's famous spaceport. He took a moment to delve into his memory and dug the name out. "...I need to get to Mos Eisely spaceport. Can you bring me there?"

For a little added incentive, Nichos reached into his flight suit pocket and took out two cred chips, worth 100 credits each. He laid them on the sandy ground before the Jawa.

"I pay you money, if you bring me to Mos Eisely."

[Nikit the Jawa]

::Snatching up the chips, Nikit hurryedly stuffed them into his cloak. After hearing the name, he would have done it for free. He considered his new found wealth a tip.

Walking over to his speeder, the Jawa dusts some assorted dust and rocks off the back of the swoop, just enough space for the droid to be tied and the human to fit in.

"Forrow" he said, as he jumped into the seat::

[Nichos Marr]

Forrow? Nichos thought to himself for a moment. Oh, he means follow!

Nichos was regaining a bit of eyesight. He could make out distinct colors and contrasts, but his eyes had taken a heavy toll in the explosion. He had used all of his healing powers to speed up the process, but utilizing the Force was only adding to his dizzyness.

"Wait a parsec."

R2-J8 came rumbling over to Nichos. The Jedi stuck both hands until he found his droid. He picked it up, suddenly realizing how heavy his droid could be. He took about ten steps forward, holding the droid until Artoo let out a warning beep. Nichos set the droid down and took out his synthrope.

In about four minutes, the Jedi had finally succeeded in tying Artoo onto the bike. Not bad for a blind guy, he thought to himself, beaming at his accomplishment. He rounded the swoop bike and took a seat, holding on to a pair of side handles.

"I'm ready."

[Nikit the Jawa]

:: ROlling his head in every direction possible, Nikit hit the ignition, and accelerated at full, dust spewing behind them

<HR>

"Wekkum ta Mos Eisley"

Pulling up slightly in front of the Mos Eisley Cantina, The Jawa applied a bit too much brakes, causing the Jedi behind to jerk forward. As he dismounted, Nikit helped get the Droid down of the swoop, before remounting::

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>Chalmun's Cantina

<font size=2>Nichos blinked a few times. He could see now, although his vision was black and white and a little blurred. He rubbed his eyes with his left hand, resting his other hand on his droid's dome shaped head. He stepped forward and shook the Jawa's small hand.

"Thank you for the ride. Keep the credits, and good luck."

Nichos watched as the Jawa sped away again. He couldn't help but chuckle a little. He'd never seen a Jawa ride a speeder bike. This one had a unique-ness to it. Nichos raised his hand to wave goodbye, but the droid had already rounded the corner.

The Jedi yawned. He had been sitting on that speederbike for over 5 hours. It was miraculous that he found a transport to Mos Eisely.

Mos Eisely Spaceport looked very...dusty. Winds blew sand in all directions, causing Nichos to shield his eyes. He was in the town district of the spaceport. Nichos took a moment to watch in wonder at all the ships that were leaving and arriving on the planet.

Who'd wanna come here? This place isn't as interesting as they say. Nichos figured his judgement was leniant. He had been shot down, and almost died. The Jedi could only thank the Force he was near Mos Eisely. Now the only thing the Jedi wanted to do was get off Tatooine. But I guess I could get a drink first. Nichos walked toward the bar, followed by a catious R2-J8.

[Guardsman Kir Kanos]

OOC: Don't have AIM. And, for further notice, I'm not necessarily evil. Kanos actually fought alongside Rebels in the comics, and was having seconds thougths of which side was in the right; he's your basic good-bad guy.

The cantina double-doors groaned open, breathing in a brief, howling blast of sand. This, obviously, didn't please the trio of merchants -- two Rodians and, ironically, a Dug -- standing just inside. Not many favored sand in their drinks.

"Oota chaka nafar!" hissed the disgruntled Dug. Leveling himself on his hindquarters, fists doubled, he was ready to give the newcomer, enshrouded in a none-too-revealing, tattered ebony cloak, a bashing.

"I mean no trouble," the modestly-dressed stranger's voice was unfamiliar and deep; definitely not a resident of Tatooine.

The Dug swung mightly...

Sha-ink!

... with a flash of steel and a sickening seperation of skin, bone and muscle, the balled fist thunked uselessly to the ground; an enraged, confused and pained howl sounded after.

The presumptuous Dug's two companions blasters rasped free of their leather havens, only to have their owner's chests -- almost simulatenously, so it appeared to the naked eye, the blows striking so quickly -- spread, a fine, red mist blanketing the wall behind them.

As quickly as it had begun, it ended. Brutal, ruthless, but efficient. The only method the Guardsman knew.

Throwing back his hood, Kir Kanos revealed a striking visage... although tarnished, a jagged scar running from his left brow, down across the bridge of his nose, leveling off at lower right jawline. The blow, dealt to him by the Dark Lord of the Sith, Lord Vader, was a brutal reminder to never let his guard down. His Force-Glaive, a dual-bladed weapon, razor-sharp blades of steel encased in vibro-sheaths mounted on either end of the lethal weapon, slipped away into his cloak, the twin shards of steel sliding back into their metallic sanctuary.

A sharp, almost blurred kick to the Dug's windpipe silenced his pain-wracked howls.

"I've come to speak with the Jedi, Nichos Marr."

[Nichos Marr]

OOC: Ahh ok, do you have an email address?

Well, it isn't exactly Whyren's Reserve, but it'll do for now. Nichos thought to himself while sipping at the drink he had purchased.

This particular cantina was owned by a local named Chalmun. It was one of Mos Eisely's most famous cantinas. Aliens and humans from across the Galaxy flocked to this place for meetings, drinks, and even sometimes assassinations. Nichos felt relatively safe in a place like this.

Then Nichos felt it again. It was the same presence he had experienced in the Jundland wastes. Perhaps this presence was following him? The Jedi bent down on one knee to his astromech droid underneath the table. Nichos had to tip the bartender to let him in.

"Artoo, keep an eye open for anythi--" Nichos stopped in mid speech, hearing the familiar sound of blasterfire.

The Jedi unclipped his lightsaber from his belt and peaked his head over the table. Two patrons lay dead, and a wiry dug was killed with a kick to it's windpipe. Nichos's eyes slowly followed the foot all the way up to the face. He had never seen this person before, although he looked vaguely familiar, like a holodrama actor.

"I've come to speak with the Jedi, Nichos Marr." The man said, looking around the bar.

Nichos quietly stood up, still holding firmly on to his lightsaber. He stared at the man for a few moments and then decided to speak.

"I am Nichos Marr." His voice caused the man to turn his way. "Now why don't you tone down on killing people a bit? Who are you, how do you know me, and why do you want to speak to me?" Nichos had never asked three questions at once, but it all just suddenly came out. He waited for an answer, keeping his senses open.

[Guardsman Kir Kanos]

He nodded, once.

"Hello, Jedi," he didn't take care to answer any of his questions just yet; he surely didn't intend to answer how he knew of the Knight. Anyone of importance in the Galactic scale was closely watched by the Guardsman; the tactics at which this information was wrought was only known by a select few Sovereign Protectors and past, true Sith Lords. He would suffice it to say he had eyes and ears anywhere of importance, and in many forms.

"Let us speak in private." With that, he stepped from the tavern. Best to take his leave before any of the cowardly and inexperienced local law-enforcers showed up; there had been enough blood spilled already.

The fierce sandstorm having died, Kanos crossed the sand-paved street, entering a brief code sequence into a security pad gaining access to a grime-caked door. It slid aside with a rusted wheeze.

[Guardsman Kir Kanos]

OOC: Nearly forgot. Jedi_Red_5@Hotmail.com - I also have MSN.

[Nichos Marr]

Private? Nichos seemed a bit uneasy about that. He thought of the possible outcomes and even tried to view a future in the Force. The future is always in motion, Nichos had read somewhere. He decided to throw caution to the wind.

"C'mon Artoo." The Jedi said as he got up from his table. He hastily walked over to the bartender and gave him three cred chips. "Sorry about the mess." Nichos apologized for the strange man that wanted him to follow. He headed for the door, his droid slowly following, warbling out nervous bleeps every now and then.

Nichos crossed the road, glancing in every direction. He'd thrown caution to the wind, but not all caution. The Jedi valued his life and knew he could do so much more to help the Galaxy. It would be a shame if he had to give it all up so soon. He clipped his lightsaber back to his belt as he approached the open door.

The Jedi stepped inside of the building and turned to face the man in strange armor. He had a serious, almost impatient look on his face. A Jedi knows only patience, he thought to himself, using a technique to calm himself.

"You wanted to speak to me?" He said again.

[Guardsman Kir Kanos]

OOC: I'm not wearing my armor.

"Yes," the large and evidently lethal, judging from the scene of carnage back at the cantina, man replied.

Fear shone through not only the Jedi's stance, expression and actions, but in an underlying sense. Through the Force. A little known fact, many Royal Guardsmen were adept at manipulating the Force; they were not, after all, only chosen for their size, strength and skill.

"At the Jedi stronghold on Yavin rests a Holocron. I require information from this Holocron. I understand only a Jedi can activate the device. I need you to do this for me..."

"Why would I wa-" Kanos silenced Marr's outburst with an upraised hand, continuing, "... I have reason to believe my grandfather was a Jedi Knight. I can only confirm this by consulting, or having someone consult, rather, the Jedi Holocron. Will you do this for me? I am an advantageous ally for one to have, mind you."

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos obtained a calm he hadn't reached in a while. His face lost all expression and his hands rested lightly at his side. He listened to what this man had to say.

"You want me to do this for you. I don't even know your name. If you really want to know, only masters have access to the Holocron and I am but a knight."

Nichos began to pace back and forth, trying to creep inside of this man's mind. He was being blocked by the man himself. Obviously he was a force adept. The Jedi leaned against a wall. A grin crept across his face, destroying it's emotionless expression.

"Besides, I'm on vacation." Nichos's grin faded away quickly. "If you'd be more willing to reveal a bit about yourself so I know you don't pose a threat to the Order, I could probably introduce you to a Jedi Master." The Jedi went over the list of Masters in his head. "They're all very nice people."

<font color=red>"Vreep."

<font color=white>"Just a minute Artoo!" Nichos called from inside. He turned back to the man. "So what do you say Mr...?"

[Guardsman Kir Kanos]

... he paused a moment. The silence broke with a mechanical beep. Had the Jedi truly thought he would come to him in search of some piece of information? Hardly. He was more than capable of retrieving anything he needed in terms of intelligence. He had already known of his grandfather's past; an Old Republic scientest. He was skilled in the Force, but never pursued any career as a Jedi.

Deactivating a wrist-device -- having scanned the Jedi's physiological structure, needed for future experimentations the sharpened warrior intended to dabble with in the future -- Kanos threw his hood back over his head.

"That will be all."

He stepped out of the small enclosure, the renewed winds teasing the tattered hem of his coal-black overcloak. With a flick of the protective garment, the Royal Guard was gone, slipping into the sand-raked evening.

Under normal circumstances he would have killed, or worse, the Jedi. However, after the fall of his Empire, only to be renewed with a false imitation filled with would-be Paplatines, he had reserves.

Perhaps the lone warrior even saw the Jedi Order as an ally. A heretic, or simply vindicated..? Time would tell.

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>Touring Mos Eisely

<font size=2>What an odd....man. Nichos was just beginning to digest what had just occured. He didn't quite understand what the man truly wanted from him. Awkwardly and slowly Nichos walked out of the house, half expecting it to explode. He can use the Force. I hope I meet him again.

<font color=red>"Bruuup!"

<font color=white>Nichos's astromech droid broke his train of thoughts, diverting his attention to an approaching group of Humans and Rodians. Each held a blaster in their right hand, while the lead Human had an Imperial blaster rifle slung over his shoulder. They seemed to be walking in the direction of Chalmun's Cantina.

"We might be experiencing trouble if we don't jet it outta here." Nichos whispered to his astromech droid. The droid answered with an affirmative beep. "Follow me."

The Jedi rounded the house and entered an alleyway. He was met with a nine foot tall wall made of hardened rock. Nichos used the Force to lift his astomech droid off the ground. Instantly the little droid burst into a series of warbles and beeps.

"Be quiet Artoo, it's ok."

Moving his hand as he spoke, R2-J8 floated onto the top of the wall, landing on it's thick edge. Nichos was about to jump himself when he stopped in horror. A blasterbolt had nearly struck him in the ear. He could feel the burn of the bolt as it singed past him and hit the wall, leaving a charred hole. Nichos didn't even turn around. He heard Stop or we'll shoot! That convinced the Jedi to speed up his escape process. He jumped high and flipped over the wall, landing on the other side. Artoo followed and fell into the Jedi's arms. Nichos wasn't prepared for the droid's weight and had to bend down on one knee to keep from dropping the droid.

"Let's elude these guys. I think I know where we can hide."

The Jedi ran off through the maze of the city, followed by his astromech droid. The strange man had succeeded in getting the local authorities on their tail.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos wiped the sweat off of his face. His pursuers had given up after chasing him all around the city for two full hours. The Jedi Knight was exahusted, and noticed he didn't have enough credits to buy a way off Tatooine. He would be stuck on the planet for quite a while.

Guess I better get used to it, Nichos thought cheerfully. It was his experience that negative thoughts consumed much more energy then positive thoughts did. Nichos needed all the energy he could get on such a barren planet.

He spared a glance to his astromech droid slowly following behind as he continued to tour the streets. Nichos knew that R2-J8 wouldn't last much longer. The droid's internal coolant systems were beginning to wear. The Jedi would have to find a place where he could get Artoo cleaned up, and quickly.

***

"Hello, what can I help you with?" A Toydarian fluttered in Nichos' direction. The Jedi Knight had found a swoop bike store and decided to spend the majority of his money on a new transport.

Many would argue that he could easily use the Force to get himself off-planet, but Nichos was not a thief or a Dark Sider. His control powers were indeed powerful, but he only used them in dire situations. Nichos Marr didn't consider this to be a dire situation. In a week he would find a commlink and contact the Greater Jedi Order.

"I'd like a swoop. Not an expensive one, but something that looks nice. I prefer one that is in good shape also." Nichos told the creature.

"Ahhh you want our XG6 model!" The Toydarian grunted. He led Nichos into the back of the store. A shiny red swoop bike with black designs imprinted on each side quietly dwelled inside a glass casing.

"It looks...expensive." Nichos sighed.

"It is, but I like you...I give it to you for...seven thousand credits." The creature grinned.

"Seven thousand credits?!" Nichos began, fighting to maintain his calm. "He looked at the credits in his flight suit pocket. He had brought ten thousand with him. If he bought this swoop bike, he'd only have a little over two thousand left. I guess it's okay to indulge money once in a while.

The Toydarian waited impatiently, "Well?!"

"I'll take it." Nichos answered, with his infamous grin.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos Marr had never really spent credits on himself. He usually gave them to the New Republic or put them toward improving the Greater Jedi Order shipards. His X-wing was made by the shipyards for free of charge. Nichos occasionally bought a part worth the odd 2000 credits, but that was it.

He paid the Toydarian extra money to take care and look after his astromech. Nichos had taken the liberty of looking into the creatures' mind. He deemed the Toydarian to be trustworthy enough to watch over R2-J8.

Now the Jedi soared through the streets, letting the wind hit his face. He was enjoying his joyride. The Jedi pressed on the brakes and made a sharp turn that almost threw him off the swoop bike. He liked his new transport already. It was fast, sleek and the brakes handled nicely.

So where to next, Nichos? He asked himself, while touring the streets of Mos Eisely. I wonder if I could find Kenobi's pla--

Nichos pulled back on the swoop to avoid crashing into a strange alien. The Jedi's swoop turned just in time, but the back managed to smack the alien right in the leg, knocking him off his feet. The alien fell down, fast.

[Teemto Pugalies]

(Teemto saw the strange man coming, but didn't even have time to move. He froze like a human in carbonite. Instead the human noticed him too and tried to avoid him by braking hard and turning to the left. Teemto exerted a sigh of relief as the human managed to execute a turn.)

"ARRGGHH!"

(The Veknoid was smacked right in the back of the leg, by the spinning swoop bike. This was so unexpected to Teemto, that it threw him off balance. Teetmo stumbled for a bit and then landed face first in the sand, scraping his delicate left hand on a jagged rock.

He opened his eyes and examined his hand. The Veknoid's face wore a horrified expression. Blood began to drip from his deep wound. He started to lose feeling in his hand.)

"Putka Chuta Walya!"

(The Veknoid spoke in what was known as Huttese. If his words were to be translated into basic they would be cursing words. Teemto believed he had every right in the Galaxy to be mad. He had a Pod race to compete in the next day. The Boonta Eve race, to be certain. Now he would have to drop out.

Teemto shakily stood up and walked over to the man on the Swoop bike. He raised his good fist and began to shake it menacingly.)

"Chuba!"

[Nichos Marr]

Not again you clumsy bloke, Nichos cursed himself.

He took initiative and quickly leapt off the swoop bike. Nichos walked over to the obviously angry alien. The Jedi couldn't identify what species he was a part of.

"I'm really sorry about that. You just darted right across the road, I couldn't stop in time." Nichos used his right hand to rub the back of his head. He was having a bit of a hard time explaining to this alien, since they didn't speak the same language.

"Uhh, do you speak basic? Baaay-sick."

Many of the nearby residents stepped outside their houses or shops to see what was the matter. Nichos felt a bit embarassed, but he had already gotten himself far into this situation. He would have to correct it.

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

[Teemto Pugalies]

(The alien was about to knock the man out. His eyes shifted for a split second to see if this boy possessed any weapons. A laser sword handle hung at his belt. Teemto knew that Jedi used those things. His expression lightened a bit.)

"Yes I speak basic! You want to help, Jedi? Reverse time. This wound on my hand will not heal in one day!"

(The Jedi did not quite understand what was going to happen in two days. Teemto sighed and raised his good hand in the air, as if to dismiss the Jedi. He turned his back on him and began to walk away, toward the crowd of people that had formed around him.

Teemto Pugalies snarled at the people.)

"What are you all staring at?!"

(The Veknoid pushed a young Rodian aside and strut past the crowd. He had intentions to return to his small home and begin to sulk over the fact that he would not be able to participate in the Pod race and earn credits. Teemto needed those credits.

Dumb Jedi! The word Jedi hissed in his mind. Before he had admired them somewhat, now he was just angry.)

[Nichos Marr]

"Hey, wait a minute!" Nichos hopped back on his swopp bike and turned it around. By then the crowd had disbanded and the road was clear again, so Nichos could easily navigate through the streets.

He followed the weird alien to what seemed to be his home. The alien stopped for a moment and then turned around. He was obviously disgruntled and very, very irritated. Nichos knew it wasn't just the heat.

"What do you want?!" The alien said.

"Isn't there some way I could help out? I mean...what's happening in one day. Please, allow me to pay for any medical surgery on your hand."

Nichos felt bad. He had never brought physical damage to anyone who wasn't a Sith or a Dark Jedi. He parked his swoop bike at the side of the building and hopped off of it. Again he walked over to the alien.

"I'm Nichos Marr, a Jedi Knight."

[Teemto Pugalies]

(The boy almost looked proud of the fact that he was a Jedi Knight. Teemto's eyes narrowed until they were just slits. He didn't feel that angry anymore. Perhaps this Jedi was using his magic to calm Teemto down. The Veknoid didn't appreciate being controlled by a human, or anything else for that matter. He entered a keycode and his door slid open.)

"Please...enter."

(Teemto decided it would be rude to leave the Jedi outside on such heat. The Veknoid's house had a coolant system installed in almost every room. Teemto Pugalies pulled out a seat for Nichos and filled him a glass of moisturized water.

The Veknoid began to tend to his wound. It stung a bit, and wasn't serious, but his hand would be too inoperable to compete in a pod race. After bandaging the wound up, Teemto got himself a drink and sat at the table with Nichos.)

"I am Teemto Pugalies. I'm a Pod Race Driver. Competed in many races I did. I'm not too bad if I don't say so myself. Tomorrow, the Boonta Eve will begin."

(Nichos obviously didn't know what the Boonta Eve was.)

"The Boonta Eve is a racing event on Tatooine that only occurs once a year. The best pod racers in the Galaxy flock to this planet to compete in that race. I WAS going to compete, until..."

(Teemto buried his face in his two hands, shaking it. His basic accent was a little hard to understand, but he still got across the stress he was experiencing.)

"I needed that money to retire."

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos felt a lump form in his throat. He couldn't even imagine how much trouble he had caused this Teemto fellow. The Jedi slowly sipped his water. He felt a bit guilty, accepting hospitality from a person he had just injured. Nichos knew he had to do something.

Then it came to him like a bolt of lightning out of the sky. "I can race for you." Nichos burst out. Teemto stared at him for a moment, trying to determine if the Jedi was crazy. "I'm serious! Haven't you ever heard of Stealth Squadron?"

Teemto shook his head, and arched a brow. The Veknoid was probably still trying to determine what had gotten into this boy.

"Well, I'm a really good pilot. Pod Racing can't be that much different. I'm also a Jedi, and I could use the Force to aid me in this race. You'll win your money and then you could retire. Please allow me to do this for you, it's the least I can do!" Nichos said, in a convincing tone. He didn't know if Teemto would let him, but it would be something to look forward to, if he stayed alive that long.

[Teemto Pugalies]

"Listen mister, I'm flattered but a pod racer is a very delicate machine. The likes of your human brain wouldn't be able to understand it."

(Teemto put his chin up, as if to finalize his answer. He knew this Jedi wanted to help, but he didn't need help. Teemto needed credits, to retire and live a better a life. He had upgraded his pod racer, and now he couldn't even use it.

The Veknoid got up and began to pace around the room. He looked at his hand for a moment and slightly poked it. Teemto bit his lower lip to refrain from crying out in pain. He tried to squeeze his hand into a complete fist, but he couldn't even do that.)

"Hmmm."

(What do I have to lose? He asked himself. I'll probably scrap the pod after the race anyway. The Jedi doesn't even know what he's getting himself into. Then again, he is a Jedi Knight.

Teemto slumped back into his chair and bowed his head a little bit. He slightly rolled his eyes and pounded his good fist on the table.)

"Fine! You can participate for me! I take it you have things to do, so return here tonight around ten. I'll teach you all the basics. The rest is up...to you."

(Teemto stood up and began to walk toward the entrance.)

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos set his cup down and followed the Veknoid to the door. He had an unmistakable smile on his face. Nichos was really looking forward to this pod race now. He had read about them somewhere, but he couldn't quite recall. Nichos heard they could go up to 700 MPH. A challenge, and Nichos Marr loved challenges.

"Again Teemto, you will not regret this. I'll be back tonight, and tomorrow, I'll win that race!" Nichos cheered.

"How can you be so sure?" Teemto replied.

"Uh...well I guess I can't. But I'll do my best, of course."

Nichos extended his hand. The two shook eachothers hands before the Jedi stepped out of the house. Teemto's door slid shut behind him. Now Nichos had almost a half of a day to himself. He wondered what he would do next. Nichos headed to his swoop bike, still parked at the side of the building.

<font size=1>Click.

<font size=2>After entering a keycode, the side hatch popped open. Nichos reached in and pulled out his backpack. He unzipped one of the sides and peered into it. The Jedi took out a ration bar and an old looking piece of paper. He quickly finished his food and studied the piece of paper which seemed to be a map.

I wonder if... Nichos thoughts trailed off. I wonder if Ben Kenobi's house is still around. It's been quite a time, but there is a slight possibility.

Nichos entered the ignition signal and watched as his swoop bike came to life. The Jedi tucked the map in his pocket and blasted away. He headed for the city exit.

[Kree Yees]

"That's him. That's the guy that was in the bar when Skerabaa was killed." Kree Yees said, while raising his rail gun. "If I could just get a perfect shot, right in the engin--"

"No you blundering fool!" His Twi'lek partner hissed at him. "We need the subject alive so we can question him."

"Why is that?" Kree replied, obviously angry.

"Master Falron wants to know who killed his favorite Dug. This...boy can tell us that, or he can die."

"I don't know Vera...I have a bad feeling about this."

The Twi'lek Vera shot him a glance, bearing his teeth. Once again he hissed at Kree Yees, and raised his fist. He opened it up and trailed his sharp claw up Kree's top eye. He let his nail hang before the eye.

"Do not stall our movement, Kree Yees." Vera grinned. "You don't want this nail in your eye, do you?"

Kree Yees hastily shook his head, no. Vera's grin diminished, as he removed his hand from Kree Yees' eyes. The Twi'lek stood up and brushed the sand off of his black robes.

"Assemble your swoop gang. I want the boy, alive."

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>Beggar's Canyon

<font size=2>"Look at that." Nichos had finally reached the entrance to Beggar's Canyon. He'd stopped his swoop bike to take a break and drink some water. The water was starting to warm up, but it didn't matter to Nichos. His stomach was feeling a lot better after he downed 1/10 of the bottle.

Nichos stared at the canyon entrance. He'd never seen anything like it before. Nichos hadn't really seen that much of a canyon before either. On Rodia, he'd lived in the city. There weren't any canyons on Yavin IV either.

"Too bad Artoo wasn't here to see this." He commented to himself.

Off in the distance, the slight whirr of machinery could be heard. Nichos turned around, but he couldn't see anything. The Jedi believed it to be the various spaceships deporting from Mos Eisely. Although the whirring sound only got closer. Nichos enhanced his vision with the Force. Off in the distance, he could see twelve specs, gradually becoming larger.

"I wonder wh--"

A future flashed before Nichos' eyes. He saw himself in a universal energy cage, being taunted by aliens, most of them being Gran.

The Jedi blinked, his eyes adjusting to the afternoon sunlight that would soon be departing. He suddenly had a bad feeling about those twelve approaching...swoop bikes! They'll be here any time now! Nichos dropped his water bottle and spun around. The Jedi practically dived on to his swoop bike seat and started the engine.

<font color=red size=3>FZZ!

<font color=white size=2>A blue bolt of energy sizzled by Nichos. The approaching swoop bikers were already firing at him. Not even taking the time to look behind him, the Jedi accelerated forward, into the canyon...

[Kree Yees]

"Remember, set your blasters on low and try to knock out his engines. We don't want him killed!" Kree Yees shouted in his commlink.

The twelve swoop bikes paired up in an odd formation. Two by two, each pair entered Beggar's Canyon, decelerating just a tad. One wouldn't want to go too fast in the Canyon. It was a death trap for someone at full speed, even if that swoop biker was among the best in the Galaxy. Of course Kree Yees and his lackies knew better.

He was accompanied by four Twi'leks, five Gran, and three Devaronian bikers. Each had a blaster in one hand, and a handle bar in their other.

Kree Yees accelerated to the lead of the pack. He skidded around a bend, finally spotting the target. He was no more then a young man, probably very early twenties. He looked pretty useless to Kree Yees. Then again, orders were orders. Falron would have his head if he screwed up on this mission.

"STOP!" Kree roared at the young man in about 10 feet away from him. He doubted the boy heard it, but it helped exert the Gran's anger. He still had a bad feeling about this one. Kree raised his blaster and shot twice, aiming at the boy's left leg. Kree missed, again.

<font size=3>KRSSH!

<font size=2>Kree diverted his attention for just a moment. One of the clumsy Devaronian's had slipped and lost control. Their swoop had smacked into the rock wall, causing a small explosion. Kree turned around once again and inhaled deeply. He began to wonder if he would live to see another day. Kree accelerated once again, almost coming up right beside the man. He pointed his blaster and shot.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos noticed the two blaster bolts heading his way from the corner of his eye. Using Jedi reflexes he pressed the brake handles, almost crushing them. His swoop bike suddenly stopped, as the others flew past him. Nichos jerked his head backward to avoid the two blaster bolts that hit the wall, leaving two charred marks.

"Boy, this place just keeps on getting better and better!" Nichos shouted sarcastically.

The Jedi reached for his lightsaber at his side and pressed down hard on the accelaration. With a definate snap-hiss, the Jedi's blue blade came into view. He applied all power to acceleration and sped down the canyon path, easily catching up to his pursuers who had slowed down to study what had happened. Nichos zoomed by the second Devaronian who wasn't going anywhere. The Jedi neatly jutted a deep hole in the in the engines, wrecking the pod.

The other ten pursuers had also put on their brakes, once again appearing behind Nichos. They seemed to be intimidated by the fact that he was a Jedi. Nonetheless he received blasterfire, using the Force to manuveur himself safely. The Jedi raced up a rocky ramp and flew across the air. He spared a half of a second to twist his body 180 degrees and deflect three blaster bolts.

Nichos turned around and dropped his lightsaber. He was about to smash into a rock wall, but instead he applied all power to his brakes and swerved his swoop bike, 90 degrees. Luckily for the Jedi, he had stopped in time. Quickly he recalled his lightsaber and held it close, deciding not to re-ignite the weapon just yet. Nichos once again sped through the canyon path.

[Kree Yees]

"Se naaba chusa Jeeedi!" Kree Yees hissed in Huttese.

His blaster was tucked away in it's holster. The Gran's large fists were gripped around each handlebar. He was now trying to catch up to this Jedi boy. Kree remembered what his brother had taught him on Malastare. Force Users were very dangerous and not to be underestimated. Jabba the Hutt underestimated Luke Skywalker and his entourage and it cost the Hutt his life. Ree had also died in the explosion of the sailbarge.

The Gran was filled with rage from his memories. This Jedi was responsible for the death of his brother and Jabba's crime organization. He knew how well Master Falron would favor him if he managed to capture him. Or even kill him...

Kree caught up quickly and was now neck to neck with the Jedi. Nichos did not have his laser sword ignited. This would prove to be an advantage for Kree Yees. He turned right and rammed his swoop bike right into Nichos's, knocking the Jedi to the side. Kree used one hand and took out his blaster. He pointed it at Nichos.

"Smile and die, Jedi."

[Nichos Marr]

"Look out!" Nichos screamed at the Gran that was just about to shoot him. The Gran didn't even hesitate to look, but he felt it. His swoop bike had run straight into a jagged rock, severing it's insides. The bulky figure jumped off of the swoop bike and rolled against the hard sand.

Nichos didn't have time to see what happened to the Gran. He passed through a low arch, that almost decapitated him. The Jedi Knight saw a new oppurtunity in the distant path. Two walls came together to form a narrow passage. There was a smaller path that led up one of the rock walls. Nichos slowed down a bit, allowing two Twi'lek to catch up. Both of them were on either side, giving him toothy grins as they rammed into him, in attempts of knocking him off his bike.

Suddenly, the Jedi accelerated, leaving the two behind. It looked as if he was going into the narrow crevice, but instead, Nichos hit the breaks sharply and veered left, up the path. The two Twi'lek didn't have fast enough reflexes to stop themselves in time. One after another, they crashed into the small entrance of the crevice.

"What's that, five down?" Nichos didn't have time to find out. Three more Gran had followed him up the hill and taken out their blasters. They began to take pot shots at Nichos, a few managing to scorch the paint off of his swoop bike. "I just bought this!" He shouted, igniting his lightsaber. Again the Jedi pressed on his brake and stuck his lightsaber out. A Gran went whizzing by, and managed to get in the way of Nichos' weapon. The alien tried to jump off the bike, but instead he was caught in a minor explosion.

Who are these guys? Nichos asked himself, receiving no answer. In the distance, he could see large rocks placed all around the path. The Jedi tried to enhance his eyesight. A drop of sweat dripped into his eye, causing him to close it. His swoop hit the side of a rock and began to swerve down the hill, quite dangerously.

[Kree Yees]

As soon as Kree was flung off of his damaged swoop bike, he stood up again. The Gran didn't waste any time in stopping another swoop biker (a Twi'lek) and throwing him off his swoop. Kree jumped on the bike and took off again.

He watched as the remaining six bikers rode up a dusty path. Trusting them, Kree took the same route they did. He passed all of the swoop jockeys, taking the lead once again. Kree noticed how the Jedi boy had lost control of his own bike and was about to smash into a wall. The Gran stopped his swoop and jumped off.

"Kramcha!" He ordered the others.

Every jockey present stopped their swoop at the cusp of the hill and got off. They all took out blasters of all shapes and sizes and pointed it at the Jedi, who had taken a wrong turn, and would soon be space dust. Kree and his men would ensure that the Jedi never left Tatooine alive, even if it meant Falron getting angry at him.

"Skuuvuk!"

As he issued his last order, the swoop jockeys pulled their triggers in unison. A hail of blasterfire rained down on the spinning swoop, and the Jedi.

[Nichos Marr]

With the help of the Force, Nichos managed to stop his swoop bike before the rock face. He took a moment to wonder where he had made the bad turn. He was stuck at a dead end.

Unfortunately, the Jedi's thoughts were disrupted with blasterfire spewing out at him. With a quick snap-hiss he ignited his blue blade. The Jedi felt the Force wash over him, and fill his body. His hand began to move as he deflected the bolts away. One ricocheted back up the hill, and struck a Twi'lek in the face.

The remaining five Gran and one Devaronian sprinted down the hill toward Nichos. The Jedi reached out with the Force, and lengthened his senses. He could feel their thoughts of fear and anger. He could feel an evil presence, watching nearby.

Nichos leapt forward and landed on a small rock crevice. The Jedi darted down and drop kicked a Gran in the face. He followed that with a spin kick to knock the bulky alien to the floor. The Jedi's arm sprung out to the side, and deflected the bolt back to it's shooter. The last Devaronian went down. He flipped back and kicked a Gran forward, pushing another attacker away with his free hand.

I'm not much of a fighter... A blaster bolt sizzled past his left ear, almost striking it. The Jedi turned around to meet a solid fist in the face. He rubbed his cheek and winced once. Nichos felt as everything began to fade away. He delved deep into the force, trying to resist unconscienceness.

<font size=1>Fading...Fading...Fading...

<font size=2>Nichos jabbed forward and decapitated the Gran's arm. The figure feel down, writhing in pain. Nichos was left with three more to deal with. He ran forward but was forced to spin around and deflect a bolt into the sandy floor. Nichos felt a presence from behind. He executed a backflip and landed behind a Gran. Nichos spun his sword and sliced the creature in two. He felt two more bolts arriving, but was quick to deflect. One bolt struck the Gran attacker in the chest.

Nichos bent down on one knee and stared at the last attacker present. He had stopped firing and was now slowly backing away from the Jedi. Nichos recognized this one to be the leader he thought he got rid of earlier.

"Who are you? Why do you want me?"

[Kree Yees]

".............."

The Gran responded with silence. He didn't even make one sound to the Jedi. Instead he began to back away. All of Kree's men had been slain. Soon he would too, by this murderous Jedi. Falron would have his head for this, and Kree couldn't do anything about it.

He turned around and began to run. The Gran sprinted across the canyon floors as fast as his legs could carry him. He reached the top of the hill and jumped on one of his swoop bikes. Kree frantically pounded the ignition, but the system would not start. He kicked the side of the vehicle and sighed as it came to life.

Kree turned once more and gave the Jedi one last gaze. He was thinking, You've won this time boy, but we will kill you.

He accelerated forward, and away from the Jedi as fast as he could. Kree just wanted to quench his pains with a bottle of brandy or Corellian whisky. He experienced a tough day today. When he presented his superiors with results, his day would only get worse...

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>Kenobi's Place

<font size=2>Just Outside of Beggar's Canyon; One hour after the swoop bike fight

"This is the place...or whatever is left of it." Nichos frowned at the large mound of sand that stood in front of him.

The Jedi headed straight for Obi Wan Kenobi's house. It had taken him the better part of an hour to find it. Nichos was quite sure that this was the location of his house. The Jedi knelt down and cupped his hands. He began to dig into the sand, hoping to find an artifact that would validate his theory.

His digging went on for another ten minutes until his hand struck something hard. Nichos took both hand out of the sand hole and began to kick at it. He used the Force to whisk most of the sand in that area away. This revealed a chest to Nichos. It looked quite old, being made of wood, with copper linings. The chest had an unlocked latch, and it looked as if the sand had worn away any symbols printed on it. With a mighty tug, Nichos yanked it out and fell back into the sand in the process.

He scurried over to the chest and forced it open. At first it seemed sealed shut, but Nichos managed to pry it open. The dust inside caused him to shield his mouth and cough. There were a few books and scrolls, along with a cloak. Nothing seemed as if it had been touched in a long time.

Suddenly reality hit Nichos hard. His hands were burning from all that digging, and the two Suns were beginning to set. He knew that he'd have to venture back to Mos Eisely and meet up with Teemto soon.

Off in the distance, the faint cry of a Tusken Raider could be heard. Nichos reahced out with his senses, but couldn't feel any closeby. He knew he was safe, and he hoped it lasted longer this time. Allowing the Gran to get away, made him wonder if he would be hunted down again. Perhaps it wasn't the smartest of moves.

Nevertheless, Nichos set his worries aside and began to dig into the trunk to see what he could find.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

The Mos Eisely cantina was one of the bussiest places the night before the Boonta Eve race. Gamblers, Smuggles, Bounty Hunters, merchants and locals of all species were out enjoying their time drinking away their worries with many kinds of liquor, talking abuot the next's days race. And most importantly, betting their money on who would be the winner.

The hands down favorite in the eyes of many was a Dug by the nickname of Geraldo Flashfryer. Gerikubleo (his real name) is a veteran pod racer, undefeated in every race he had competed in; including Boonta Eve victories. The other racers had coined the name "Geraldo Flashfryer" due to the fact his origonal name is hard enuogh to say over and over again, and on the curcit, the Dug would fry his competion by flashing by them with easy (and a bit of trickery).

"Bo shudda! Unddi chuba ke hadrudda, nongo." He proclaimed to his friends in Huttese. Geraldo chuckled as did the other four which sat with him. "Tomorrow's race will be a joy ride."

[Nichos Marr]

"Now what do we have here?" Nichos asked himself aloud.

He reached into the trunk and pulled out one of the smallest items. It was a corusca gem, an emerald one. The Jedi took a moment to marvel over it's beauty. He had only seen a sapphire one, and had used that one to build his current Lightsaber. Along with his blue lightsaber, Nichos also had a golden lightsaber. Gold corusca gems were very valuable and hard to find. His father had given it to him before he died.

Maybe it's time to... Nichos began to think to himself, ...move on.

The Jedi reached for his own lightsaber and unclipped it. He held the smooth weapon in his hand. Nichos stood up and ignited it. As always, the blue blade sprung to life. It felt like the Jedi had just constructed the blade a short while ago, when in fact it was months. Many months.

As he pressed the activation button again, the blade died away as quickly as it had come to life. He looked at it again, as if saying goodbye to an old friend. Nichos knelt down again and lightly placed his own lightsaber in the trunk. He took the corusca gem and put it in his ankle zipper pocket.

"Thank you Obi Wan." He knew perfectly well that the old Jedi Master could not respond to him. Nichos had heard many ballads and bed time stories about the great Jedi Knight, Obi Wan Kenobi. He was Nichos' idol in his childhood. Nichos would never forget that split second when he felt the warmth and goodness of the Force fill him as he closed the trunk.

***

About fifteen minutes after he had closed the trunk, Nichos was ready to depart. He'd dug another hole for the trunk and put it in. Darkness had filled the sky, and Nichos could feel Tusken Raider presence, very close. He knew it would be unwise to stay.

The climate itself had also changed a tad. The air was now cool, a little chilly. Nichos was forced to put on his Jedi robe to keep warm. The robe had been stored in the swoop's left compartment, so it was relatively clean.

With a last gaze at Kenobi's place, Nichos hopped on his swoop. He started the ignition, and headed back to the canyons. Nichos had promised Teemto he would meet him, and he was already a bit late.

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>Nightfall

<font size=2>Teemto Pugalies' House

Nichos brought his swoop bike to a complete stop right before the house. He was at least half an hour late for his meeting with Teemto. If Nichos had learned anything about the alien before, he knew Teemto would be a bit mad.

The Jedi had taken a short detour before heading for Teemto's house. He stopped at the swoop bike shop to pick up his droid. Artoo was really happy to see him, and probably a bit anxious to get away from the Toydarian shop owner. The toydarian was a bit surprised at how dirty the swoop was, when Nichos had only had it for one day. Luckily for Nichos, the winged alien didn't notice the scorch marks on the right side of the bike.

Teemto's house had one small light on in the kitchen. Nichos noticed this when he went to park his bike at the side. He untied his astromech droid and set him down on the floor.

"Stay close Artoo, and don't cause trouble." Nichos warned the droid. He paced toward the door until he stood right in front of it. Nichos rolled his robe sleeve back and knocked on the door three times.

[Teemto Pugalies]

<font size=1>Knock, knock, knock.

<font size=2>(Teemto almost jumped at the sound of the knocks. He had been irritated and anxious ever since Nichos had left earlier that morning. The Veknoid didn't even expect him to show up.)

"He's here!"

(Teemto grumbled as he hobbled over to the door and entered a small three number code. The door slid open, and sure enough there was Nichos. Teemto's eyes shifted downward to what looked to be a beeping tin can. At first the Veknoid thought it was a bomb. After he gave it a second glance, he recognized it as an astromech droid.)

"There you are! Almost an hour late no less. You Jedi are truly good for nothing..."

(Although he sounded angry and irritated, deep down Teemto was relieved. He'd heard of the mysterious powers that Jedi Knights possessed and this kid might have been able to pull it off and win the Boonta Eve race.

Teemto escorted both the droid and the boy inside of his house and closed the door behind them. His table had at least seven empty glasses and two empty bottles of Corellian whisky. It would certainly explain Teemto's grumpiness.)

"Ok, the Pod Racer is in the backyard. Please follow me."

(The alien didn't waste any time in directing them to the Pod Racer. He presented it to them, and began to explain to Nichos the basic fundamentals and what did what. Teemto had a feeling it was going to be a very long night...)

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>The Boonta Eve

<font size=2>The Next Morning; The Boonta Eve Racetrack

Nichos had used about four different Jedi calming techniques, although he was still a bit nervous about the race. Fortunately, it was too late to actually turn back and quit. Nichos would never do that to someone anyway. It was not nice at all, and his parents had taught him manners.

The Jedi was strapped into his pod, running a small system check before the race began. Humans and aliens alike had already filled up the stands. Nichos could feel the eagerness and anxiety pouring off from the thousands of people present. His competetors belonged to races of all kinds. He could recognize a few of them as Gran, Dugs and Veknoids. He seemed to be the only human present.

Good, wouldn't want any other Force Users. Nichos though to himself.

He recollected all that Teemto had taught him and replayed it in his mind. Working a pod racer was not far off from operating an X-wing fighter. Nichos believed he was ready. He wanted to glimpse into the future, but refrained from doing so. Although he wasn't Corellian, he didn't like the odds or the possibilities displayed before him. They only distracted him from his one true goal. The Jedi Knight had once been taught that the future is always in motion. He would have to trust his gut instincts, and the Force.

Nichos began to absorb some of the energy around him and focus on the Force. Off in the distance he heard the announcer begin to read off the pod jockeys competing in the race. He read them first in Huttese, and then read the same list in basic.

"I hope the Force is with me..."

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

"Gerikubleo ... Geraldo Flashfryer!"

The crowd imediately burst into cheers and hoots as the name of the ever-so-famous Dug was called out. The pops became louder as the creature stepped out onto the track, waving his arms to his fans. What fools. Did they really like the Dug? Probably not. They just had a lot of money riding on him. He had to win: for his pride, for the slobs out in the crowd, for Master Falron.

Ah, the sly sneaky smile which came across his alien face when he thought of Falron. The Master had taught him so much. He always got what he wanted and this race was no different. Falron hand picked Geraldo to insure that this race was won. And it was a nice choice indeed by the Master. Geraldo did not even see why the race needed to be carried out. Everyone knew who the winner was going to be... the Flashfryer.

The dug reached his racer, looking the beast over. Inmint condition. It was the fastest, and badest out there. What a sinch this race would be. Geraldo gave a quick glance over the other racers, not really noticing anything. No competition what-so-ever. Wait... a Human? He took a double take as he looked at the human entry. No humans could pod race... and those who did had something going for them... this Force thing Master was talking about. Hm... I hope what Falron taught me will come in handy in this... but it still should be easy. Humans, Force or not, are not pod racers. He thought to himself as he strapped himself into his racer.*

[Nichos Marr]

"And now, replacing Teemto Pugalies, Nichos Marr!" The announcer shouted through the communications link.

His voice broadcasted through the stands, ensuring everyone in the crowd heard. Nichos didn't get as many cheers as the Dug a few pods away from him, but he received some at least. All of these people didn't know him, or what he was capable of. Nichos wasn't surprised when he hinted a note of pity from the stands. People obviously expected him to die in this race because he was a human.

The thought of death brought a grin to Nichos' face. He would die when he had to die, and that time wasn't today. Nichos promised Teemto he would win him the money, and the Jedi was not lying. The top three race jockeys received the credit prizes. Nichos would win the first prize for Teemto. He owed it to the poor Veknoid. He also owed it to himself.

After my mishap two nights ago, I owe this win to myself. Nichos was referring to his encounter with the space pirate corvette the Highwind. It wasn't an experience he would like to remember.

After the announcer finished announcing everyone in Huttese and Basic, the racers were summoned to their pods. Nichos secured himself in the pod racer and put his helmet on. He watched as the other racers did the same thing as him. Each one was filled with anxiety and hope. Nichos himself was trying to maintain his calm attitude. He expanded his sphere of responsibility, allowing the Force to flow through him freely.

Suddenly, the representers walked on to the race track. Each one held a flag that belonged to a certain race jockey. Nichos noticed Teemto holding the flag with his good hand, followed by the Jedi's R2 unit. That brought a small smile to his face. Above the stands, Nichos noticed a few Hutts and Twi'leks watching the race. He also noticed someone else up there. The Jedi identified this figure as a human male. He reached out with the Force.

"Sithspawn!" Nichos felt an enormous wave of dark side energy radiating off that man. He hadn't felt it so strong since his encounters with Sith Lords such as Sumor Rayial. Could it be that another Dark Jedi was trying to hunt him out? Perhaps it was Jeseth trying to exact revenge?

Nichos didn't have time to think. He would check it out later. The countdown to the race start began.

<font color=red>3.......<font color=yellow>2.......<font color=green>1

<font color=white>The race had begun.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

Geraldo had the timing down between each of the flashing lights. One and a half seconds were between red and yellow, while three seconds seperated yellow from green. This added to the advantage the Dug had. His reaction time would be top notch if he did not need to watch the lights change to green.

Red... 1..

Yellow... His eyes went down to the track ahead of him, his hands on the controls.

2

1

Throwing the throttle forward just as the "blip" rang out signifying the start of the race. His racer jumped out to an early lead as the rest of the field took off.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos pushed both throttles forward, blasting past the starting line. Nothing could prepare him for the exhilirating feeling in his stomach. The Jedi pulled back on the left throttle. His pod racer made a sharp turn around the first bend. Nichos spared a few glances at the system monitors. Everything seemed to be in good shape. All he had to do was win the race.

Ok...Let's do this Nichos, The Jedi thought to himself. He tapped into the Force and allowed it to fill him. The Force gave Nichos a new sense of hope of self confidence that nothing else could.

The Jedi was currently in fifth place. It wasn't that bad considering this was his first time pod racing. Quickly he pulled back on both throttles and then pushed one forward. His objective was to slow down and make another sharp turn. The Jedi zoomed past the sandy racetrack entering a series of narrow cliffs. He applied all power to the throttles and blasted past the fourth place pod racer.

Then Nichos noticed it, an entrance into the cliffs. It was dark, tall and narrow. He had a sense his pod could fit, but it would be a tight squeeze.

"Here we go..." He whispered as he entered the cliff crevice.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

Ah, the Dark Cave. It was the home of many deaths and grand explosions. There was bound to be at least one big boom during this race.

Geraldo glanced over his shoulder to see how the competion was stacked at the moment entering the cave. A Rodian had caught up to him and was right on the Dug's tail. Slowing just a bit, Flashfryer allowed the second place racer to get along side him. The entrence, as well as half of the cave was wide enough for side by side racing. That would soon change. Geraldo made sure to be on the inside for this upcoming hard right narrow turn. Throwing his controls hard to the right, the dug made it, but not before giving a nice love push to the Rodian. Not that he needed it, for the open space quickly became rock as the Rodian's pod hit the side of the formation at high speeds.

Geraldo heard, saw, and felt the explosion happen to the side of him and bumped up his speed back to what it was before he entered the cave. The explosion should slow the rest of the field down, he thought to himself as his racer flew out of the cave's exit.

[Nichos Marr]

"Wow!" Nichos shouted as he pushed one lever forward. His pod racer swerved to the left, avoiding a huge stalacite that almost impaled his left pod. The Jedi was surprised by the explosion only forty yards away from him. One of the Rodian pod race jockeys had been forced to smash into the wall. Nichos pushed back on both levers and slowed his racer to avoid smashing into the wall. Three other racers zoomed past him, putting him in seventh place.

C'mon Nichos! His brain screamed at him.

The Jedi maneuvered his way out of the cave as carefully as he could. As soon as he was clear of the cave, Nichos pushed forward on both levers. The jolt sent him forward like a soaring mynock, flying through the sky. In reality, he was only hovering a bit above the ground, but he felt as if he were soaring.

The Jedi watched as his speed meter raised higher and higher. He was now passing a flat land, leading to another cave opening. This gave Nichos the momentum he needed to apply more power to the pod engines. He passed one of the Gran jockeys, positioning his own racer in front of the Gran to avoid being passed again.

A few seconds later, his pod zoomed into the cave, still in sixth place. Nichos let the Force flow through him and calm his thoughts. As if in slow motion, he could see where to turn, what to do, what to avoid. Nichos' concentrated thought path was broken when a Veknoid in front of him smashed into a stalicite. The Jedi moved his racer left, and skimmed the side of a rock wall. The Jedi moved right again to avoid the stalacite.

This is harder then I expected, He thought to himself.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

Geraldo's long face formed into a solid grin as he drove his pod racer out of the second cave. A series of rock archways and other large rocks met him. Geraldo had experienced this part of the track before in his previous races. He didn't expect it to be too hard.

<font size=3>BAM!

<font size=2>Another Dug by the name of Sekulla had slimed his way into second place. He had managed to place himself right on Geraldo's tail. Geraldo Flashfryer knew how badly his fellow Dug wanted to win the race, It would bring many honors to his family and give him oppurtunities to buy them a safe home with food and clothing. Sekulla's family was very very poor, which had caused him to enter this race to win money.

Use my aggressive thoughts like Master Falron told me to. Geraldo grit his teeth and allowed his aggressive thoughts to fill his heart and soul.

The Dug passed through an archway, meeting Sekulla on the other side. A series of three rocks lay before them, with only two openings. Geraldo pushed back on both throttles, slowing down once again. Finally, Sekulla took the lead and passed through one of the openings. Geraldo followed, as they entered another maze of 6 foot tall rocks.

"Nek'che patta bantha poodoo!" Geraldo cursed.

He pushed forward on both throttles. The size of his pods allowed him to brutally knock Sekulla into a stone. Sekulla lost control of his pod racer and watched in horror as both smashed into the rock, creating an explosion of flames that engulfed his body.

"He he he." Geraldo smiled, taking the lead once again. He was just too good for this game.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos jerked the pod racer left and right as the images of the near future flashed into his mind. He used the Force to predict the safest path through the maze of rocks. Sweat had formed on the young Jedi's faced. He managed to use his shoulder to wipe a bit of it away, but this proved dangerous. His pod skimmed the side of a rock, causing a few sparks to ignite.

This is just like flying an X-wing through an asteroid field! Nichos thought cheerily. Then he remembered the solid fact that he never did any good with those simulation packages. Damn...This is gonna be tough. I hafta do it for Teemto.

The two Suns of Tatooine could roast almost anything in a matter of hours. Water was scarce, and so were people. Not many wanted to live in a sh**hole like Tatooine. It proved to be uncomfortable and dangerous. The heat reminded Nichos of Rodia. Luckily he easily adapted to new environments so it did not stunt his racing abilities.

Finally he exited the maze of rocks. Nichos was passing through another piece of flat land. Ahead he could see the starting point. The Dug in first place had already begun his second lap. He was quite good, and he seemed a bit mischievous and arrogant before the race.

But I'll have to beat him, Nichos thought quietly while thinking about the Dug, Geraldo.

He pushed both throttles forward and watched as his speed meter increased heavily. Nichos knew that if he didn't slow down in a matter of three seconds, his pods would burst into flames, but he needed that boost...

3,2,1...Nichos pushed back, decreasing his speed a bit. He was still in fifth place but that would change in just a few seconds. He waited, and then pushed forward on his throttles again, beginning his second lap. Nichos rounded the bend sharply and pushed forward. He passed an alien he had never seen before and took fourth place.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

"Geraldo Flashfryer begins the second lap, still in the lead! He got off to a good start this race. It reminds me of his previous race on..." The announcer's voice droned through the intercomm as he announced the race results. He even added a few tidbits of the race jockeys that would probably interest some spectators in the audience.

The Dug payed little attention to the outside world. The only thing that concerned him was what lied behind him, and what lied ahead. The Dug had to make sure none of the other race jockeys were catching up, when in fact one was. It was a Veknoid, a long thin one.

"Chuba!" Geraldo cursed at the Veknoid. He smashed the side of his large pod into the Veknoid and sent him a bit off track. Fortunately the Veknoid managed to gain control and straighten out his stabalizers. Geraldo pushed forward on both throttles and passed the alien. He relieved himself of a wrench and threw it backward. The Veknoid's pod turbines sucked the wrench in.

He slammed his fist down on the ejection button but the poor creature was too late. Geraldo's wrench had caused his systems to mafunction and explode. The Veknoid perished with his pod racer.

Keeping focused once again, Geraldo passed a few sand dunes. Up ahead he could see the dark cave again. Pushing forward on both throttles, Geraldo boosted himself forward, heading straight for the cave.

"Ahhh Ahhh Ahh!" Geraldo heard and felt them. Tusken Raiders were perched atop the cave opening, high above the ground. They shot down at Geraldo's approaching pod. He clenched both throttles really hard and dwelled on his dark thoughts. The raider that had been shooting at him slipped off the hill and fell toward the rocks beneath. Geraldo had used a trick that Falron had taught him. He grinned, knowing others would think of it as an accident.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos felt it. He felt the Dark Side of the Force, just ahead of him. The Jedi knew it wasn't the man he had seen up in the spectator's box. This feeling was different, a little weaker and fainter. Then the Jedi saw the Tusken Raider fall right off the top of the cave opening. He wasn't even standing up. This led the Jedi Knight to believe that one of these race jockeys was a Dark Side warrior.

A Sith? Strange how I did not sense them before, Nichos was on the verge of worrying, but he called upon the Force. His worries were flushed away with the feelings of calm that entered his body. This Dark Sider was obviously ahead of Nichos. Time to start trying.

With that devillish grin he used to make when he was younger, Nichos increased his speed. His pod racer blasted past another's and took third place. Nichos entered the cave, going faster then any of the other racers. He knew this dark cave would be his advantage since there were no monitors. Only the pod racers behind him could see how fast he was going. Images flashed into his mind as the Force took complete control of him.

Nichos no longer thought in words, he was now thinking in motions and instincts. Nichos had only felt this sort of calm and connection with the Force when he was practicing with his lightsaber, or flying his X-wing. He made sharp twists and turns, skimming the rock walls and barely missing large stalacites, but the Jedi Knight managed to do it. He could see the racer in second place, along with the exit of the cave.

And the race carried on.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

I can feel something probing around me, Geraldo thought to himself. He sharply veered left to avoid collision with a large rock. The Dug had felt this feeling before when he was in front of Master Falron. It wasn't very pleasant, but the Dug knew how to block his "presence". He did as Falron had instructed.

Suddenly, the probing feeling disppeared as Geraldo pushed it back. He knew little about this Force, but it had helped him to win almost every race on Tatooine, Malastare and Ando. Perhaps Falron would take his training all the way and make him stronger in the Force. Geraldo would love that.

"I wonder who he is." He whispered with another sharp turn to the left. Finally the Dug reappeared on flat land. He pushed forward on both throttles and watched as his speed raised from 560MPH to 670MPH. It was still rising, but Geraldo's systems were beginning to overheat. He watched as his heating meter went way up. Just before it hit the red line, Geraldo pressed back on the brakes and slowed down.

He was the first to begin the last lap. Overhead he heard the announcer's voice again. Geraldo decided he had time to take a pit stop. He moved to the right and stopped at the pit droid area. The droids began to repair some of his pod's systems. His top speed maneuver had put him way ahead, and did a little damage to his internal systems. He tapped the side of the pod and looked back to see who was catching up.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos had managed to catch up to the Rodian in second place as he entered the third lap. He would really have to go all out in this lap if he wanted to win the first prize for this race. He had promised the race jockey Teemto, and he intended on fulfilling that promise.

This one isn't the Force user, He thought, Must be the first place racer. It would make sense.

The Rodian jerked to the side in attempts of throwing Nichos off-course. The Jedi managed to sense the attack and pull back on his throttles, falling directly behind the Rodian, who missed. Nichos tried to confuse him, by feinting a right turn, and instead jolting left. The Rodian cleverly anticipated this, and moved his pod racer to block Nichos yet again.

Nichos looked ahead and saw the path leading to the cave, and another path that went over it. This path was blocked off because it wasn't safe at all for the pod racer jockeys. The Jedi got an idea, and his mouth formed into a grin, displaying his white teeth. As suspected the Rodian took the path heading to the cave. Nichos looked as if he were going to do the exact same thing, but instead he jolted left.

<font size=3>BAM!

<font size=2>Both of the pods smashed into the fence that had been put up to block the path. Nichos pushed both throttles forward, feeling the pod racer have trouble making it up the path. He used the Force to switch a few buttons on and apply all power to the turbines. With a sudden jolt, his pod made it up to an unformed path over the cave.

This isn't going to be pretty.

[Teemto Pugalies]

"That boy is out of his mind!"

(The Veknoid screamed amidst the cheers of the crowds. He felt a small amount of anger inside, slowly expand as he watched Nichos use the blocked path. They blocked it off two years ago, after coming to the conclusion that no pod racer could make it through the path alive.)

"Vroop."

(Nichos' droid replied to Teemto.)

"Shut up droid!"

(Teemto's words came out with a note of rage. He balled his fists, obviously mad by the kid's decision. Teemto believed Nichos could have won the race if he would have just kept on track.)

This is no time for Jedi heroics.

(Clasping both hands over his eyes, Teemto peeked through the finger slits to see what was going on. He was too scared to watch, expecting Nichos' camera view to show the pods explode any second. Overhead the announcer was telling the crowd how Nichos wouldn't survive.)

"May the Force be with you kid."

(He whispered.)

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

Geraldo didn't have time to notice Nichos' actions. He was too busy ensuring his win. The Dug had allowed his anger and lust for victory take over. His hands moved based on instinct and intuition rather then common sense. He was experiencing this "Force" full fledged.

He could feel the presence of a Rodian enter the cave. Geraldo didn't really care, he was already two thirds through the dark cave. No one could catch up to him now, the Dug was sure of it.

With amazing speed, he passed through the cave, dodging stalacites and stalagmites, passing through archways and avoiding large rocks. It was Geraldo's finest hour and nothing could stop him. He felt the power around him. It was like an aura around his person. Geraldo had a devious idea.

He slowed down a bit, allowing the Rodian to catch up. Soon they were side by side, through one of the caves more narrow parts. Geraldo knew he had to act quickly, so he took his right hand off the throttle and punched a button. Fire escaped from his vents and hit the side of the Rodian's right pod. Geraldo pushed forward on both throttles and passed him.

Taking a moment from his time, he glanced through his rear view mirror. The pod had caught on fire. The Rodian hadn't died, but he was too disabled to move. Now Geraldo was one hundred percent sure of his victory.

Wait! I can feel something..up above...

[Nichos Marr]

Using the forbidden path gave a new definition to the phrase "bumpy ride". Fortunately for him, Nichos was wearing a helmet, that stopped his head from cracking open everytime he impacted with the ceiling of the cockpit. He could hear and even feel the rocks ripping at the pods and turbines. Nichos had an idea that could kill him, but it could also save him and the pod.

He used the Force to switch the repulsorlifts on and set them to high. His pod racer slightly blasted off the ground, while Nichos set the repulsor power to it's highest setting. The Jedi's pod raised even higher off the ground then it had before, avoiding the jagged rocks and the flying pebbles. Nichos also used his own power in the Force to raise the pod two meters from the rocky path.

"Finally!" He exclaimed. Nichos had sighted the edge of the cave, leading to the rocky area, the flatlands, and after those the finish line. He pressed forward on both throttles, soaring back toward the ground. The bottom of one of his pods hit a small rock and crushed it in the spinning turbines, but it had caused a spark.

Nichos went right over the edge, activating his repulsorlifts again, and changing the settings. He prevented himself from smashing into the ground and landed slowly. It took Nichos a moment to realize he was in first. Pushing his sphere of responsibility outward he could sense no one ahead, but someone behind. This someone was approaching fast. It was the Force User!

He didn't wait for the force using pod racer jockey to advance any longer. Nichos pushed forward on the throttles, determined to finish the race. He would deal with the Force user afterward.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

"He must be a Jedi!" Geraldo screamed inside of his pod racer. He was outraged that this boy had managed to pass him and take first place. But the race wasn't over yet. Geraldo would win this, and kill the Jedi boy in the process.

He applied all of the power to the pods. Such a thing wasn't smart, seeing how it drained up a lot of fuel. Geraldo didn't really care at this point, he just wanted to win.


"Chuvva saka nabja, Keron chibruk!" He let out a series of curse words in Huttese.

He dodged past the rocks, trying hard to focus. He had to catch up to this boy. He rounded a boulder and flew off a rock ramp, landing on a straight path. The boy came out of the rock maze, right beside him. They were approaching the flatlands, the last part of the race. Both jockeys were neck to neck.

You won't win, Jedi boy! Geraldo thought to himself. Little did he know that he sent that message to the Jedi through the Force.

[Nichos Marr]

You won't win, Jedi boy! Nichos heard the hissing sound loud and clear in his head.

"Emperor's black bones. He's a Dark Sider!" Nichos whispered, veering his pod right to avoid smashing into a boulder. He pressed forward on his throttles, passing the Dug and heading for the finish line. He would be there in about a minute if he kept his present course.

"Cha Naaba Raaba!" The Dug screamed, hitting him from behind. One of Nichos' pods swung to the left and smashed into a rock. The Jedi watched as his speed went down. He would curse, but instead he practiced a calming technique. He was still in front of the Dug and had a good chance of winning.

Then Nichos watched in horror as the Dug passed him. Not only would he not win first, but his engines were dying. Nichos flipped the ignition key, but nothing happened. Then something caught his eye. It was a panel that read "Backup power cells". Nichos' palm slammed down on it. The familiar hum of his engines returned. Then pushing both throttles forward, Nichos was in the race again.

I have to do this somehow, He thought to himself. The condition of the pod racer wasn't all that great. One of the turbines was damaged and moved slowly, and the other was moving as fast as it could.

Geraldo came into his sights, as did the finish line. Unfortunately, he didn't think he would make it. Nichos pushed both throttles with all of his might, and noticed a medium sized rock shot out of his damaged turbine. The turbine began to spin faster again. Nichos jolted forward again, now going at top speed. His pod racer was reaching a speed close to 700MPH.

Finally he caught up to Geraldo, the finish line was only one mile away. Nichos smiled at the Dug and pressed forward on his throttles, putting himself in front of the jockey. He passed the finish line and brought his pod to a complete stop near the pit area. The Jedi was about to faint from exhaustion. Pod racing had taken a lot out of him, but at least he managed to keep his promise.

<font size=3>BOOM!

<font size=2>The Jedi spun his head and stared wide eyed in horror.

[Geraldo Flashfryer]

Geraldo watched as the Jedi passed the finish line before he did and won the race. He had failed for his first time in his pod racing career. He knew quite well, more then anyone else that failure would not be tolerated. It especially would not be tolerated by Master Falron.

Now there is nothing left for you. The Dug bowed his head as he passed the finish line, second. He knew what had to be done.

Geraldo powered up his engines again and pushed both throttles forward. His direction path headed straight for a stone wall. Geraldo closed his eyes and bit his lower lip. First his two pods smashed into the wall, and then the whole pod racer did. Flames engulfed his beloved racer and then him. His last thought was that of his family back on Malastare. Then his world was brought down before him.

<font size=3>BOOM!

<font size=2>His pod racer exploded, and with it Geraldo Flashfryer died.

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>A Jedi's Weapon

<font size=2>Two days later; Teemto's House

After the pod race had ended, Nichos and Teemto had collected the money and returned to the Veknoid's house to celebrate. Teemto must have thanked the Jedi at least 30 times before Nichos told him it was really not necessary anymore. Although he was quite happy at his accomplishment, he couldn't help but wonder if that dark figure in the spectator's box had any relation to Geraldo Flashfryer. Nichos pushed the suspicions and wonders to the back of his mind. He couldn't feel the dark presence, perhaps it had left Tatooine.

The Jedi had begun construction of a new Lightsaber. He had purchased all of the proper parts needed to construct one, and even planned on coating his hilt with gold. He wanted this to be one of the best lightsabers ever. One that wouldn't be used against him in battle and something that would look good. The emerald gem he found at Obi Wan's was the essential part needed to construct his lightsaber properly.

It had taken him an hour of silent meditation to pull up the plans in the depths of his mind. Familiar memories flooded in from when he was a padawan. Notes and procedures flashed before his eyes.

"I'm ready..."

He stood up from the floor and walked over to the table where he had laid all of his parts on. Nichos began to build his lightsaber, step by step. He wasn't even looking at what he was doing. He allowed the Force to guide him and followed the steps that flashed through his head.

A Jedi should have a special bond with his lightsaber. Nichos thought to himself, one tenths through the construction. He was already beginning to feel that bond he felt when he had constructed his blue lightsaber. The construction of this lightsaber would take a minimum of two days. Nichos had that time to spare. He'd already been on Tatooine for almost a week. He was beginning to adapt to the heat and the ecosystem.

He worked on his lightsaber only stopping for essential matters, like eating or drinking. His droid and Teemto knew what he was doing and knew not to bother him. Nichos didn't really mind if they did anyway. He had learned patience when he became a Jedi Padawan. Impatience lead to the Dark Side. Nichos hadn't chosen the easy way out, and he planned on sticking by his choice, even if he had to die for his beliefs.

[Teemto Pugalies]

"Look at the kid go...Hasn't stopped for two days almost."

(Teemto said to Nichos' astromech droid. He was in his den, watching Nichos work in the kitchen through the doorway. Nichos had assembled almost every part and was now meditating. Or was he? Teemto wasn't quite sure about that. He had never seen anyone meditating before.

He took his eyes of Nichos for a moment to grab the drink that he had set down on a small table before him. It was times like these Teemto wished he had a holonet projecter. Now he could finally buy a ticket off-planet. He didn't know for sure where he was going to go, but he had a lot of options. Teemto wanted to keep all of them open for the time being.)

"Do you know when he finishes that ritual?"

"Vroop Vroop!"

"Oh...no sense in talking to you. You don't speak basic. Nichos really should refit you with basic speaking capabilities."

(He sat back and lit a small cigarra. He hadn't spent that much of his money as of yet, and planned to spend it smartly. As a repayment for his hard work and determination, Teemto purchased all the parts needed to construct the lightsaber and would also pay to have the hilt coated in gold.

After all it was the least he could do for a good friend. After what Nichos had done for him, Teemto considered him a good friend. He wished there were more Jedi in the Galaxy.)

Perhaps one day, He mused.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos' eyes opened and his vision slowly returned. It took him a moment to remember where he was and what he was doing there. The Jedi was in Teemto Pugalies' house, a retired pod race jockey, along with his droid.

"It's done." He said, rather loudly.

Nichos brought a bare arm to his forehead and wiped off the sweat. He could feel an invisible bond between himself and the lightsaber, but did it work? That was something Nichos had to find out. He remembered he was a tad reluctant the first time. Nichos had heard stories of unproperly built lightsabers exploded upon igniting it.

But you know you've built this Lightsaber correctly, He thought to himself.

The Jedi brought his lightsaber up and was about to ignite it but he stopped himself. The Jedi remembered that he had wanted to get his hilt covered in a thin layer of gold. Nichos' saber was already magnificent to say the least. He had installed the ignition button with a fingerprint sensor, matching that of his thumb. Only he could ignite his lightsaber, no one else.

"Teemto, I'm off to get the gold plating." Nichos called from the kitchen.

"Let me come with you, you don't know where to go." Teemto replied.

***

A few hours later, Nichos and Teemto returned. They had payed the guy a little extra to keep the information of a Jedi on Tatooine a secret. Jay greeted them at the door with a series of whistles. Nichos patted him on the head and rushed to the backyard.

The Pod Racer was there, covered by a white cloth, pinned to the ground. Teemto said he didn't want to sell it. It made the Veknoid remember a lot of good memories.

He couldn't wait another moment. Nichos put his thumb to the ignition and pressed...The familiar sound of the snap-hiss filled his ears.

<img src=http://darkserpent.clanpages.com/saber.jpg>

"It looks...magnificent..." Nichos smiled to himself.

[Nichos Marr]

<font size=3>Jabba's Palace

<font size=2>After completing his lightsaber, Nichos Marr had eaten a quick meal with Teemto. As he was finishing, the Jedi told Teemto his desire to go to Jabba's Palace. At first the Veknoid was surprised, but he didn't want to question Nichos' decisions. Instead Teemto tried to draw him a map of the surrounding area and the way to get to Jabba's Palace. The Veknoid had never been there, but his map would have to do.

Nichos boarded his swoop bike and typed in the keycode to start the ignition. The beautiful sound of his engine came to life with a small rumble. Nichos had packed lightly. He carried a backpack with ten ration bars, a bottle of water and his lightsaber, which was hung at his side. This was the traditional place to keep a lightsaber for Jedi Knights. That way it was easy to grab in times of need, like a sword.

Not many had been to Jabba's Palace after his death. Those who did venture came back with stories of the unrested dead. Some even said one of Jabba's horrible pets had broken loose and fed on visitors and tresspassers. Nichos shuddered at imagining that thought. He wasn't afraid though. Fear was of the Dark Side. Nichos had the Force as his ally, and that made him feel more safe then anything.

His droid hadn't come with him. Nichos had thought this would be the best for R2-J8. As much as he would have liked his astromech there with him, Nichos knew it was dangerous. R2 units weren't as fast as humans and it could hold him back in times of dire need.

Finally, he arrived at the palace. It was very large and looked a little odd. He hadn't seen that sort of design before. Nichos brought his swoop bike to a complete stop near the steps leading up to the gate. He would have to force the gate open somehow. He doubted the gatekeeper was still there after all these years.

What?! Nichos felt something in the Force. It was inside of the castle, and it wasn't of the Light Side. The power he felt made him shiver. It was not the same signature as the man in the spectators box. This one was more powerful, more evil. The Jedi contemplated whether he should have turned back and left or carried on. His curiousity drew him up the steps. Nichos blocked his presence in the Force as he neared the doorway. This signature was coming from inside of the castle, deep inside.

The wave of his hand and a force push later opened the door enough for him to slip through. Nichos did so, barely fitting. It was no surprise that he was met with darkness. The Jedi stood up and closed his eyes. He let the Force fill them and strengthen the pupils. This would at least help him distinguish shapes and angles in the dark.

The Jedi walked forward. There was a small light ahead. Nichos crept forward as quietly as he could. He slithered along the walls, hoping to blend in. In a few moments time he reached the edge of the doorway. Nichos poked his head through and stared at the source of the light. It was a lamp in the middle of the floor. He felt the dark presence, in that room.

Although he would ask himself a thousand times afterward, Nichos did not know why he just walked in the room. He carefully kept a hand at his side, near his lightsaber.

"Hello?" He called out in a voice a tad higher then a whisper. Nichos opened himself up in the Force, revealing his presence. He didn't know if it was such a good idea, but it would get him an answer, most likely.

[Gav Mortis]

History had always interested Gav; culture and diversity where what intrigued him most about each planet he visited and each time he would have to return with some degree of knowledge of the planets history. Whilst his disciples where away on training in some remote location in the Dune Sea, Gav had taken it upon himself to visit this unlikely tourist attraction.

It certainly was interesting; amidst the darkened interior, damp, odious air and a general atmospheric coldness he could still sense the life that had once thrived within these very walls. Music echoed within the vacuum of time and seemed distant, against the shadows he could see an exotic dancer manouvering herself lustfully about the cold, stone floor and overpowering the damp, clammy smelling air was a strong, smokey smell; that of tobacco and grilled meat.

The feelings and sensations were soaked up through his pores; such a strong comparison with what existed now, a dead, empty, delapidated place long forgotten, by most. But not all.

That was when he heard a voice, quietly call "Hello?" Innitially Gav thought it to be was another voice from the past resurfacing, but then he realised when from out of nowhere a presence was unveiled nearby. It was a light presence, the signature was bright and shining amidst all this darkness - Gav thought quick and had almost immediatly located the presence of this Jedi. He was a curious fellow, not afraid but somewhat doubtful in his actions; Gav assumed he didn't know what exactly he had got himself into and so took advantage.

He stayed in the shadows, not masking his presence from the Jedi amd closed his eyes so that the light from the lamp didn't reflect in his eyes. He was going to play a game with this Jedi - lets see how skillful this one is, I've needed a good laugh for a while - he began to focus on his own presence, touching his inner darkness until after a brief moment of self-communication Gav was ready.

A stiff breeze whistled through the chamber and resultantly extinguished the lamp burning on the floor with a "putt." The Sith then began to reach out to his surroundings, making a mental impression of all walls and floor space nearby until he finally touched on the Jedi, who was cautiously moving forth. Let the games begin.

Now almost encompassed entirely by darkness, the Jedi moved in on the Siths location when suddenly another presence was unveiled on the other side of the room opposite to that of the first, another Dark presence, not as potent as the first but still strong; now there were two. Suddenly another dark presence emerged further away, then another nearer - these where much weaker than the first couple but still there were four presences in front of the Jedi. Perhaps he wanted to back off and leave now before it was too late?

Too late. Simultaneously, another two dark presences emerged - they seemed to be those of Dark Side Adepts however this Jedi was now surrounded by six dark presences - and he couldn't see one of them. Gradually, the six began to move in a circling fashion, getting faster and faster, weaving in and out of pillars and passages all around and yet there was not a sound. The Jedi seemed very calm yet couldn't focus on the signatures of each presence. There was movement all around now and shadows seemed to move within shadows - what was going on? Was he really surrounded? Was this a trap?

The Jedi jerked suddenly at the iminent sense of danger but he was too late - from the thick black air came a clenched fist which swung upwards from beneath the Jedi. The impact was of thunderous force, complete with the stomach-wrenching sound of bone cracking against bone, the unseen uppercut contacted squarely on the Jedis' jaw, slightly to the left. Reverberations were sent up through his skull and inside his brain seemed to hum like a tuning-fork, a deafening ringing in his ears. His eyelids drooped at the force of the blow once he was lifted off his feet and into the air. Sent back by this viscious attack, the world seemed to spin around him, the ceiling above seemed to curve and swirl in the shadows as his head cracked against the cold, stone floor.

Blood oozed from his partially separated lips, following the inevitable spray of crimson immediately after impact - he hadn't heard it splatter on the floor on his way down, he had in been in too much of a haze. Slowly the Jedis senses returned and upon achieving awareness, he realised that the six signatures had disappeared and only one remained now - that same potent darkness as before - and that presence could now be seen in it's physical form now as the Sith rekindled the burning torch in the center of the chamber.

He was a hooded individual, clothed in draped, dark robes - those traditional of a Sith - he stood upright after lighting the torch and the glow illuminated the lower half of his face, so that the recovering Jedi could see his lips move as he spoke and a noticeable scar stretching accross his throat.

"Welcome to Jabbas' Palace - I hope you enjoy your stay."

The voice was cold, like ice and similarly the icy breath spewed from his mouth which had now became a subtle, yet sinister smile.

[Nichos Marr]

Upon entering Jabba's throne room, the Jedi thought it would be a good idea to just turn back and leave. As much as he tried to turn back, his joints would not respond. The dark presence, the strong presence had not fled his mind. He still felt it, and it was approaching...

<font size=1>Closer, closer, closer...

<font size=2>Nichos Marr's hand instinctively brushed the golden hilt of his Lightsaber, but he could not grab it. The Jedi took a step forward, further into the room, keeping his senses open. The Jedi's head jerked left as he felt another presence, and then right as another revealed themselves. He looked all around him, knowing he was surrounded by these shadow warriors. Every time he tried to pinpoint the exact location of one, he could not.

Nichos turned back to the entrance, and at that moment a shadow fist contacted with his lower left jaw. Nichos' only thought at the time was, Sith!. Waves of nausea pounded the Jedi, along with the headache that had emerged only moments after the punch. Nichos tried to call on the Force for calmness and strength, but his thoughts were interrupted. He was raised into the air, and thrown across the room.

As he'd done before in training, the Jedi used his right shoulder to break the fall. The only problem was that this time, there was no mat to meet him, just hard permacrete. His shoulder hit the ground, and then slided across it, ripping some skin open, and revealing blood. Nichos tried to think coherently, but he had been taken off guard. Whatever was attacking him, was strong in the Force. Nichos' thoughts flashed back to his short fight with Anbira. The Jedi had managed to hold his own, but he still felt the dark power growing inside of Anbira. For every attack Nichos, or one of the other Jedi ever dealt, Anbira grew angrier.

Nichos raised his left hand up to feel his lip that ached in pain. Although he could not see it in the darkness, Nichos knew exactly what he felt, blood. With difficulty, he craned his neck upward and reached out with the Force. There was only one signature now, a strong one. This signature was stronger in the Dark Side then Nichos had ever imagined any being could be. In his current state, the Jedi was taken aback by the immense hatred and torment he felt in this individual.

<font size=1>Darkness, blackness, blackness...

<font size=2>The Jedi clenched his hands into fists, fighting to remain conscience. His eyes stared into darkness, as if the shadows had taken on a human form. Then Nichos realized he was staring at a man in black robes. He held a burning torch that he placed in the middle of the chamber. As he did this, Nichos caught a glimpse of his lower face. A nasty scar had been dealt to him, across his throat. Nichos shivered as his voice filled the air. Unlike the other Sith he'd met, this one had been the first to speak, rather Nichos.

"Welcome to Jabbas' Palace - I hope you enjoy your stay."

Much to his dismay, the young man watched as the man's mouth formed into an evil smile. Nichos knew that now was the time to act. Although his joints would not respond quickly enough, he made them. The Force burned inside of his chest now, filling him with determination, and washing away his fear.

Guess I'll be able to test my lightsaber in battle after all... Nichos grimaced at the irony of the fact. He ripped his lightsaber from his belt and put his finger on the ignition button. Yet the Jedi was not so quick to ignite it. He concentrated on expanding his sphere of responsibility to the things around him. He felt various insects through the Force, and some animals slightly larger, but the glaring signature in front of him, was enough to wake a Bantha from the dead.

Nichos locked on to the signature and began to circle the man before him. He had no doubt that this male was probably an elite Sith, wanting to have some fun with Nichos. The Jedi was determined to prevent just that from happening. He didn't know whether to expect he was going to lose or win, or simply die. Nichos didn't care about the future, only the present. It was one of the reasons why he never used the Force to peer into the future.

Snap-hiss

The new green blade emerged from the lightsaber hilt. It stood a meter long, and wavered in the air. Nichos had acquired the jewel from Kenobi's property (or whatever was left of it) a few days ago. He held it with both hands, dispite the aches in his right arm. Nichos pointed it at the Sith, who was about 6 meters away, and then raised it in the air slightly. The Jedi assumed a fighting stance, allowing the waves of the Force to wash over him, and strengthen him.

He was the protector of light, and shone in the darkness. Nichos didn't need to enhance his vision to see through the darkness. As he'd learned in training, his eyes could deceive him. The Jedi would have to rely on the Force as his vision, and only use his eyes when necessary.

"Who are you?" Nichos asked, remaining in his attack position. He figured that this Sith had already peered into his mind and learned his name. Nichos wouldn't doubt it if he knew about most of his past as well. Although Nichos could not do the same. Every time he tried to see what the Sith was thinking, or anything along those lines, pictures of torment and fire flashed through his head.

The dead silence between the two combatants was almost chilling. Nichos knew this Sith would answer, and attack again. But this time the Jedi was ready for anything this dark side agent had to throw at him. He held his lightsaber defiantly and waited to see how the Sith would respond to his question.

[Gav Mortis]

The Jedi was responding as expected observed Gav; the traditional by-the-book example of Jedi behaviour - no provocative language, a calm approach to the situation and making himself aware of his surroundings and opponent. Yes, Gav had learned a great deal about Jedi fighting techniques during his time spent with their order of do-gooders. Even the great Master Yoghurt had been unable to detect the darkness within his padawan, Seth TraSven. After faking his own death, Gav travelled for a while until he finally arrived at a planet harbouring an order of Jedi and it was there he posed as one of them and mingled with the light-siders, hiding his real identity and dark presence in the Force. They still to this day have no idea.

Once the Jedi had regained his composure, he asked "Who are you?" Well, Gav was not one to let a person down and so he answered. Not that it would matter, this Jedi - who goes by the name of Nichos or something to that effect - wouldn't live to tell the tale. So what harm would speaking with him have?

"My name is Gav Mortis and yes, your assumptions are correct; I am a Sith Master."

No longer did Gav believe in the decorative, arrogant pre-fight talk in which most Dark Siders engaged; it was petty and immature - the type of words spoken by a man uncertain of himself. If he was going to kill this Jedi, the least he could do is to have the decency to talk to him, so that he knows in whatever afterlife he exists who was responsible for his death.

"I believe you are a Jedi Knight, called Nichos?"

The Jedi confirmed this with a nod, the focus and concentration behind his eyes was so intense it would've burned a hole through a durasteel bulkhead by now. Gav momentarily averted his gaze to look over his shoulder to line of six large, wooden barrels - they had not been opened and rested on a part of the floor which was filled with holes, like a meche of sorts - under Gavs feet, it was a touch unsteady but nothing significant.

The walls and surroundings were illuminated just to the point that they were visable in the dull lighting, if only there was some sort of power generator around this place. In fronmt of him, the Jedi was waiting, his lightsaber illuminated the room marginally more than the torch and he expected a fight of sorts - and that's what Gav wanted, he was going to do exactly the opposite of what the Jedi expected.

So clasping his hands together in front of him calmly, Gav asked in a dogmatic fashion, "So why is that you condemn yourself to this life of pretence Jedi? After all if it wasn't for the arrogance of your masters there would be no so-called Dark Jedi and my people would still exist if it weren't for your corruption. Why can't you just accept the Force is a power that cannot be harnessed responsibly?"

Gav imagined that this approach, an attempt at intellectual conversation would suprise the Jedi a great deal. That is what he wanted, he had all the time in the world.

[Nichos Marr]

This confrontation was awkward and most unusual to Nichos Marr. He had never gone up against anything more then a Sith Lord, and even then he barely escaped. Although those battles were a long time ago, Nichos knew that he would have a difficult time surviving, let alone defeating this Dark Siding villain. Unlike most villains, Gav actually revealed his name, and did not immediately launch into a salvo of attacks, like Nichos had anticipated. He rarely ever second guessed a being, but having confronted so many stereotypical Sith, this was quite a surprise. It seemed as if Mortis was willing to talk, before he used his powers to destroy Nichos.

Gav's words came as a chill that one experienced atop a sand dune in the middle of Tatooine's night. Nichos did not feel intimidated, nor would he actually emit the feeling if he did. Intimidation was a powerful weapon, and the Jedi had been drilled in numerous "by the book" training techniques that would help him clear his mind of insecurities. If this Sith were to strike Nichos down, it was the will of the Force, and the Jedi could do nothing about it. Sith...It was a word that Nichos had used so loosely, but had he really meant it before? This man seemed to define the word quite nicely, as if a holographic dictionary was emitting an image right before his eyes.

Nichos pointed the green blade down, holding it in only one hand now. He kept his eyes on the Sith Master, and quickly thumbed the blade off. The green energy disappeared behind the golden handle that it once was produced from. The Jedi Knight held his weapon in his hand, but it would be of little use if he did not ignite it. He was sure that the time would come when he would have to use the Lightsaber to defend himself. Do not expect or assume. Do not think, just know. Even at that present moment, Nichos Marr was using the Force. He felt the Sith Master lightly probe the edges of his mind, digging out information about the young man. Information was a useful weapon, Gav Mortis probably knew this best.

"The Force is a power that cannot be harnessed responsibly in the hands of Sithspit like yourself. The Dark Side of the Force is a means of achieving one's own gains, regardless of who gets injured in the process." Nichos kept his tone low, but loud enough for the Sith Master to hear and analyze every single word he said. "I chose to become a Jedi because I had no goals that concerned myself. I've seen the scum of the Galaxy, perhaps not in it's ugliest form, but I've seen it. I've seen how humans, and non humans alike treat eachother. Hatred, jealousy, fear, these are all powerful tools that drive forces against one another. Although I regret to say it, every being is susceptible to these emotions."

Gav eyed him, without speaking. This Sith Master obviously had good manners, a thing that chilled Nichos right down to the bone. How could one such as evil as Gav Mortis have such control and restraint over his dark emotions. Gav himself was a paradox, and in the same breath a pandora's box. All it took was Nichos to say something wrong, or idiotic and he would unleash a world, no a Galaxy of trouble upon himself.

"I am far from perfect, as I suspect you are too. The Force is what strays me away from these dark emotions. My only goal is to see the Galaxy in a peaceful state. I know that this goal shall never be achieved in my lifetime, but perhaps I can make it better for future generations. This is a purpose that makes me proud to be what I am."

Nichos bowed his head for a second, "All I have left in this Universe is my cause." He paused for a few moments, allowing the silence to fill the air. "I am not sure why some turn to the Dark Side of the Force. Is it because they cannot come to terms with their past transgressions? Or are they truly evil beings. You remind me of someone."

The winged man of chaos flashed before Nichos' eyes in Gav's place. He had encountered this man back on Hoth over six months ago. The Jedi Fire Hazzard died at this evil man's hands. He was none other then the notorious Jeseth Cloak. Nichos had confronted the Dark Jedi, but was quickly battered down. Jeseth escaped with Fire's body, leaving Nichos Marr to die in the cold expanse of Hoth. Had it not been for a fellow Jedi, arriving on the scene to aid Nichos, he would have died that day. His slight anger for Jeseth had long since faded away. He wanted to see justice served, although avenging the death of another was not the Jedi way. It was not his way either.

"His name's Jeseth." Nichos fell silent, allowing the name to sink into Gav's memory banks. He doubted that this Sith Master had heard of Jeseth, but there was a small possibility. "You, like him, are unlike the rest of your kind. And, both of you are evil to the core."

The Jedi shut his mouth, and closed his eyes. The Dark presence that swirled around him, was repelled by his own light aura. Master Yoghurt had once told the Jedi initiates that they were luminescant beings in the Force, rather crude matter. Nichos had believed this since the day he heard it. Although he could not see any aura, or Gav's dark presence, he could feel it. Eyes most oftenly deceived a person, and he had been told to rely on what he felt, rather what he saw.

For a second, his eyesight focused on the scar across Gav's neck. He restrained himself from cringing at the sight of that deadly trademark. Nichos had registered a similar, yet thinner and smaller gash on Jeseth's cheek during their duel. Could it be possible that Gav acquired the scar in a battle? Or was it something entirely different that had bruised him in such a terrible way. Nichos felt those cold eyes lock on to him, he shifted his gaze upward, and returned the stare.

[Gav Mortis]

Clearly, this Nichos character was rather knowledgeable and reasonably intelligent; although they do not go hand-in-hand because if he were really intelligent he would have ran the moment that fist hit his jaw. Nevertheless, courage in a man staring into the face of death is an admirable quality. From what Gav deduced, this Jedi had quite a bit of experience behind him, perhaps this confrontation wont be that easy. At the mention of Jeseth, Gav's interest was hightened.

"Jeseth," he repeated the name in a clear tone, he paused, "The Jeseth you speak of is my apprentice, Jeseth Cloak. Therefore it would be safe to say I am aware of him. The reason we may seem similar is because I only take on the best for apprentices."

Not intending to remain annonymous nor mysterious any longer, Gav pulled back his hood to reveal the fresh face of man in his mid-twenties, however behind those icy-blue eyes there was a dark strength and conviction that seemed to exist only in those who had seen lifetimes of suffering and injustice. Stepping forward towards the Jedi Gav once again began to speak, however he did not seem hostile and his voice was less than cold and harsh, instead it was clear and eloquent, he almost seemed sincerely polite.

"Evil is how you would describe me?" he asked but before the Jedi responded he continued, "My friend, you would not know evil. Corruption, hatred, malice and cruelty perhaps," he paused, his gaze pierced the Jedi's eyes and shaking his head finished, "But not evil."

"Evil is that which is resides in the heart of every man, in some it may never surface whereas in others it dominates his existance. I Nichos, am not evil."

He began circling the Jedi at a fair distance, at a calm, reflective pace.

"All you have left in the Universe is your cause?" he asked, then adding, "You don't realise how deeply it saddens me to hear you say those words; you Nichos are a prime example of the conspiracy and corruption that is what I call the 'New Jedi.' But it is not your fault, you are but a mere slave to the system, of that I have no doubt."

Gav himself knew that his words were beginning to sound like gibberish to the Jedi, afterall, they were beginning to sound like jibberish to himself. So, turning away from the Jedi, he approached a series of old, stone steps and sat down, clasping his hands and catching the Jedi's eye, he said, "Let me tell you a story.

Milennia ago, a future-deciding discovery was made, a field of energy was discovered to exist and it affected all living things. It was named 'The Force.' Naturally, many wished to seek out and harness its strength and in time an order of Force-users was founded; The Jedi Order. These Jedi were the protectors of peace and justice throughout the Galaxy, using their powers for good.

However, somewhere along the line a mistake was made, one of these Jedi turned bad! Soon enough he had a band of followers who were greedy and craved power like him; they succummed to the shallow allures of what became the Dark Side. These group of Dark Jedi fell victim to their own desire and lust for power and they became puppets of the Force.

The Dark Jedi travelled to stay out of the way of the Jedi who hunted them down, to erase their mistakes. Finally the corrupted Dark Jedi came to a planet of beings potent in the Force and used the will of the Dark Side to overpower the simple minds of the race of Sith. Eventually the Jedi discovered the Dark Jedi and their followers and in a great war wiped out the Sith race and most of the Dark Jedi.

If we summarise, it were the Jedi who believed they could responably harness this power called the Force but in their desire to do what they called 'good' they were to arrogant and sure of themselves that they didn't realise the darkness developing right under their noses. If Jedi had not taken a hold of this power, there would be no Dark Jedi, the Sith wouldn't have been victims of the act of ruthless genocide carried out by your precious Jedi Order.

Now, the Jedi still claim to be protectors of peace and justice yet they are the root of the true evil that plagues our lives. You Nichos, are only serving a cause that has a history of corruption hidden carefully by your hierarchy - what you are doing with your life is the pennance for those you strive to be.

I am not evil. my friend. I am simply helping you and your kind carry out the pennance for the genocide of my people."

Never once did Gav break eye contact with Nichos, whether the Jedi believed it or not he was being sincere, and there was evident a great unhappiness conveyed through his face. Gav himself hated the way he lived his life, he was cursed; if he attempted to fight the Dark Side he believed he would become like the rest of the Zombie-Sith so he has learned that if he can control his emotions, he can have control over the Dark Side. It has not been easy to accomplish but now, at last he can once again resemble a logical human being. The dark gift was a curse and he was burdened by his own cause, but he believed in it and he must carry it out in vain hope that one day he will be released from the curse.

Gav averted his gaze, then too the Jedi's suprise his face changed, a wicked grin came across his face and his eyes had a malicious sparkle to them. Then Nichos sensed through the Force that something had changed, turning around he noticed that the six large barrels had moved to the center of the room about the lamp, resting on the metal meche in the floor.

"Oh well," sighed Gav, "That's enough of that!"

Upon hearing these words, Nichos found himself being hurtled through the air with inconceivable speed towards the barrels, in an arch he soared towards them and colliding with such brute force he was sent straight through one of the wooden barrels and was immdeiatly drenched in a strong-scented, viscous liquid. Crashing to the ground, the ancient, corroded metal meche buckled under the pressure and surely enough through the gap created, fell the Jedi, the five remaining barrels and the lamp.

It was the notorious Rancor Pit into which Nichos had plunged and surely enough there was a great crashing sound as down below the five barrels were broken apart, the fuel inside rushed out and covered the rough floor. there was a moments silence before the tiny lamp, smashed onto the drenched floor and the rest, as they say, is history.

The pit exploded into red and yellow roaring fire, stretching accross the entire floor's surface, the flames leapt up about two or three feet and the sight resembled a minature hell. The light from the fire filled the chamber in which Gav stood with bright light, he looked over the gap into the pit and sensed the Jedi in a great deal of stress and suffering.

Stepping back, he resumed his seat on the steps in the illuminated chamber, the light and shadow flickering from the fire below, it was getting warmer in there at last.

[Nichos Marr]

There was a time when Nichos Marr would have probably initiated attack on a foe, should the chance present itself. Those times were in the past when he was a carefree Padawan leaner. It was unfortunate that Nichos Marr had to learn the hard way, and he had a few body scars to prove it. His head was filled with the idea that a Lightsaber could best any foe and rid the world of their evil. That idea was very dangerous to believe in, considering those who were arrogant were killed quicker than others. Soon after he was ordained a Jedi Knight by the higher powers, Nichos Marr left the academy to do the work of the Jedi. Once again, he had the idea that he could change the world with the wave of his hand.

After his first encounter with Jeseth and the death of Fire Hazzard, his mind was in constant dispute. He had wondered to himself if anything good came from the horrible situation that left him nearly dead. The incident had a big impact on the way he viewed things, and probably would for the rest of his life. Jedi were capable of dying and evil was capable of spreading. Those two lines soon became facts and stuck with Nichos. He trained himself to become more cautious and a little less reckless. It was the will of the Force that he was still alive, but it was also his own discretion. Nichos knew when his life was in danger and at risk. An unpleasant feeling formed at the pit of his stomach that urged to him retreat. Almost every time he did retreat with the knowledge that he would fight another day...

The dark eyes were upon him again, determining his ability and strength through the Force. The dark powers that swelled across the room poked at the fringes of his well guarded mind, tempting him of many things. The darkness around them threatened to smother Nichos, and end his life of light. This whole palace seemed to take on a new form as Gav Mortis spoke once again. Nichos strained his ears to hear what Gav had to say, still blocking the darkness from clouding his mind. Subconsciously he clenched his hand into a fist, as if this action would add to his effect. He allowed the light side to flow through him, cleansing his mind of confusion. The words of the dark man became clear, and slightly echoed through the halls of the now condemned palace.

"The Jeseth you speak of is my apprentice, Jeseth Cloak. Therefore it would be safe to say I am aware of him. The reason we may seem similar is because I only take on the best for apprentices."

The realization did not come as much of a surprise to Nichos Marr as it should have. He knew that Jeseth did have a Master somewhere, and this Master was probably much stronger than the apprentice. He reached out with his senses, feeling no deceit in the lingering words. Further sensing was repelled by Gav Mortis' dark barriers. Nichos' eyes shifted downward for a few moments. When his eyes resurfaced, he found he was staring back at a man, possibly half a decade older than him. Mortis revealed his face, which came as more of a surprise than the Jeseth revelation. It was not Nichos to judge one by their first appearance, but he thought Gav would look a little older. Yet staring into those dark eyes was conviction enough of what Gav Mortis had been through in his life.

"Evil is how you would describe me?" Gav continued to speak, his voice was rather polite. Nichos expected it to be full of hate and darkness, yet Gav Mortis once again proved himself to be unpredictable. The Jedi opened his mouth to answer, but shut it soon after. Gav still had more to say on the subject and did not want to be interrupted. Rather risk himself and interrupt, Nichos held back his tongue and listened.

At one point, Gav went on to say some words that inspired an irritation in the back of Nichos' mind. But it is not your fault, you are but a mere slave to the system, of that I have no doubt." The words were referring to Nichos and his membership with the Jedi Order. Mortis called him a "mere slave to the system". Nichos called on the Light Side and surpressed his anger with much control. He silently thanked his Master for teaching him how to stay calm and collected with his thoughts. The mere words of Gav would not be enough to fully anger him.

The dark man went on to tell Nichos a story related to the creation of the Jedi Order. Gav mentioned the creation of the Dark Jedi with much passion in his voice. This man was obviously an intellect when it came to Jedi and Dark Jedi history. He knew what he was talking about, and Nichos could confirm this with the small amount of knowledge he possessed. Then, the story shifted to how the Sith came to be, under the oppression of the Dark Jedi. The lesson of a history long gone was finished with the accusations and faults of the Jedi. Nichos had a hard time believing that the Jedi had been corrupt and arrogant. According to the history that he was taught, it was the Sith who were the first to take up the sword of war and strike out. But you cannot simply discount these words because of who you are and what you have become, he told himself. The Jedi frowned as a childhood lesson came back to haunt him. Weeks before his father's death the man had said, Nothing is impossible, Nichos.

Gav Mortis presented Nichos with a wicked grin soon after he was finished speaking. The image of the man grinning at him sent immediate chills down his spine, causing him to call upon the Force for control. He'd never felt such immense emotion and passion from a man, and yet Gav had such impeccable control over his emotional urges. Mortis was a mystery wrapped in an enigma, that would be almost impossible to solve. Nichos turned to see that six fairly large barrels were now situated near the lamp in the center of the room. The danger klaxons in Nichos' mind blared as he realized what was soon about to happen.

Too late. Nichos was pushed back into the air by a great and powerful force. He smacked into one of the barrels and was drenched in a tough fluid, not different from Agamarian syrup. He quickly strove to regain his senses, but found that his mind and body would not cooperate as he would have liked it to. The metal meche below him gave way and Nichos plunged into a dark pit along with the lamp and the five remaining barrels. Everything hit the stone floor below and smashed into thousands of pieces. The viscous fluid slowly trickled out from the barrels and filled the area. At the same time, the lamp smashed, causing flames and sparks to dance through the air. Nichos' eyes widened at the sudden realization of what would happen. He forced his body up and dove aside, trying to situate himself out of harm's way.

A miniature explosion ensued and Nichos was forced to close his eyes. He hit the side of a wall, using the Force to soften the impact. It seemed to work, because the Jedi felt no immediate pain from hitting the stone. A few moments later he was forced to scream out in pain. A flame licked across his back, searing through the material of his clothing. Nichos clenched both of his fists and scrambled up against the edge of the stone wall. The flames threatened to spread closer and destroy Nichos. He reached out with the Force and let it flow through him once again. It soothed his back, flushing away most of the pain, but only healing meditation could rid Nichos of the injury.

Nichos reached out and allowed the Force to flow out of his body and touch upon the fire. The flames began to bend and retracted slightly, allowing Nichos some breath space. The sweat beads dripped from his face, but he payed no serious attention to them. Once again he focused and pushed out with the Force, trying hard to control the flames. For a moment he wished he were outside. It was near impossible to summon a wind inside this secluded palace. Pushing the flames back was futile and would do nothing. Nichos grimaced as he realized that this fire would have to stay for a while. Now or never, Nichos. The Jedi grit his teeth and summoned his inner powers. As he had practiced with the tall trees in the jungles, the Jedi flung his body into the air. The Force acted as a boost and propelled him to a great height. His hand caught hold of a rock just a few meters above the entrance to the Rancor pit. The flames were just a few inches below his feet, daring him to fall. The brittle stone he was holding on to began to gave way.

Then the Jedi swung his feet to the rock wall behind the stone and kicked off. This sole action caused the stone to rip from its foundation. At the same time Nichos executed a perfect backflip that sent him up into the air and out of the fiery pit. The feeling in his stomach was unsettling and made him feel as if his whole body was ripping. His feet smacked upon the stone floor above the pit. Nichos still clenched the stone in his hand, trying hard to remember where he was. He panted openly, using his sleeve to wipe away the sweat. The area around him was now fully illuminated by the fire inside of the rancor pit. Nichos dropped the stone and made eye contact with Mortis.

"You won't get rid of me that easily." Nichos shouted across the expanse of the pit. His hand went back and in a swift motion, he grasped his Lightsaber. The jewel in the blade had once belonged to Obi Wan, and it served a significance. Nichos pointed the blade at Gav and began to round the pit. A few seconds later he stood only a few feet from Mortis, with the pit off to the side.

"Your life ends here, Sithspawn!" Nichos brought his arm back and flung the ignited lightsaber at Gav, using the Force to guide it. It acted as a flying scythe, slicing through the air. He hoped with all his might that it would hit home, but such wishes never came true.

[Gav Mortis]

This one would certainly provide Gav with a good few minutes mild entertainment. He wasn't suprised to see Nichos soar up into the air out of the dangerous of the inferno roaring in the pit; Nichos, as he had perceived was certainly a strong Jedi and very capable, needless to say his display of athleticism and handling of the situation was professionally executed. His stare contained conviction and determination, he certainly seemed to want Gav dead.

Earlier there were times during his story when Gav was able to pry deep into the Jedi's mind whilst he tried to stop the dark presence from suffocating him and blocking out light. This was common Jedi paranoia after how Yoghurt had lost his life. But he had been reckless as a Padawan, enderared by the feel of a lightsaber in one's hand - it was understandable - but a completely taboo concept in Jedi Lore. However now the reckless desire to take life hastily appeared to have resurfaced from beneath the layers of supression and certainly to the Sith's suprise, Seth hurled his weapon through the air towards him. A flying lightsaber (under the control of the Force no doubt) was an increadibly lethal weapon.

Gav had barely half a second to react before he would be promptly decapitated by the blade. Luckily for him, he was graced with speed, dexterity and agility; although his greatest flaw was his physical strength and to go hand-to-hand with someone in a display of brute force would be suicide for someone his size. He was broad and his body well-toned however at little more than 5'10" he lacked in the upper-body strength possessed by most other Sith and Jedi.

Through the air the green light spun against a canvas of darkness occasionally illuminated by a flickering of orange and yellow. To the untrained eye, it would have been perceived of nothing more than a blur of light however instantly Gav sidestepped and felt the heat of the blade pass his cheek by millimetres. Lifting his left hand he caught the rotating hilt of the blade and his arm was pulled back behind his back at the sheer momentum of his stopping the weapon whilst in transit.

He grinned slyly at the watching Jedi. "That was somewhat reckless of you Nichos. It seems your foolishness will once again cost a life, except there'll be no-one to pay for your mistakes this time." His words were bitter now and his eyes narrowed as he slowly closed the distance between him and Nichos, "I remember Jeseth's words; he told me of the death of the one called Hazzard at his hand, Fire Hazzard I believe. He told me of her pitiful whimpers as she neared death and how she moaned and groaned like a whore."

He switched the Jedi's weapon into his right hand, eyes piercing the Jedi's chest as he neared, some twelve yards away still. He chuckled to himself.

"I suppose that was her role in the Jedi Order - the common Padawan whore - I could imagine such debauchery to take place in your immaculate Order! Yes-" He waited a moment, staring into the Jedi's eyes, "-Fire Hazzard. So Nichos, tell me, was she any good?"

He grinned then added, "Well if she was a descent lay you will be happy. You're about to be reunited!"

And with that he launched the Jedi's weapon into the air like a spear, it soared through the distance between them high above, not on target with Seth suprisingly who now had his attention drawn to Gav who had begun speeding towards him. There was a hiss as above the lightsaber passed through a part of the ceiling then re-emerged, falling towards the floor and with it, part of the ceiling caved in and instinctively the Jedi dived out of harms way.

Calculating where Nichos had landed, Gav leapt up onto the large piece of ceiling as it fell and placing is left foot down hard, soared further up into the air and through the cascading dust and rock he emerged and planted a ferocious kick into the Jedi's chest as he flew through the air. Upon impact the Jedi was forced back hard against a rock surface whilst Gav landed. By the time Nichos had regained his senses he saw his Sith opponent lunging forward before him bringing a black, humming blade down upon him, about to sever the Jedi straight down the middle, from head to toe.

[Nichos Marr]

The Jedi Knight allowed the everlasting Force to shield him from dangerous emotions. The comments that Gav made about Fire Hazzard had opened a can of worms. Nichos knew that if he let the anger take over, he'd become nothing more than his opponent. The thought of himself decaying sent shivers down the young Jedi's spine, remembering how he'd seen what happened to those who used the dark side constantly. The power that they used excessively ate away at their skin, not a very pretty sight. He knew that even if he did turn to the Dark Side, he would still not defeat this evil man. With much hope, Nichos clung to the ways of the Jedi.

A few moments later, many things had happened in sequence. Rocks fell from the ceiling, as did his lightsaber. He looked up and hastily avoided being crushed by the ceiling that was about to come down on him. Seconds later, Nichos Marr was pinned against a rock wall by a kick that took the breath out of him. His head leveled with his attacker once again, Gav Mortis. The Sith Master had whipped out his weapon and ignited it. A black blade of fury and hatred, that brought no glow about the room, other than the glow of evil. In slow motion, the Sith Master rose it and slashed downward. At that moment, Nichos felt his limbs freeze up in momentary terror.

Miraculously, the Jedi felt all of the feeling return to his limbs. Before the black tool of evil could destroy him, he spun his body out of the way. The lightsaber blade missed him by a few centimeters, ripping his shoulder fabric to pieces. As he spun, his leg rose up in a roundabout kick and headed straight for Gav's unprotected back. Nichos' foot made contact with the Sith Master's back, regretting it a moment later. His toes beneath his boots screamed in pain. Gav Mortis' back felt like a durasteel wall reinforced with plastisteel coverings. He stumbled backward, narrowly missing another slash by the black lightsaber.

If I don't find my lightsaber soon, this battle is going to be very one-sided. Not that it already isn't. This guy could probably take on three Jedi Knights at once! Nichos scrambled backward and up the small mountain of rubble. The sunlight above bore down on the throne room, revealing an extra source of light. I wonder who he is affiliated with. I do not see the Sith Empire's symbol anywhere on his body. If I don't really know what I'm up against, what chance do I have of surviving, let alone beating him?

A glint of gold shone in the corner of Nichos' left eye. Mortis was in front of him and approaching at a fast and murderous pace. Nichos reached out with his left hand and summoned the glint forward, through the Force. A flash of relief passed through him a moment later when his own lightsaber was back in his possession. Gav leapt into the air and lunged forward, but before he could kill Nichos, the Jedi ignited his own green blade and blocked the attack. He was unprepared for the sheer force of the blow, which caused him to lose his step and tumble down the small mountain of debris.

At the bottom, Nichos rose his head up high and stared back at Gav. The Sith Master stood terrifyingly tall above him, with his black weapon ignited, and visible in the sunlight's spotlight. The Jedi brought his own weapon up and pointed it at Gav, as if he were tempting a bull to come forward. This was a very dangerous act, but Nichos felt a new sense of confidence blossoming from within.

"You're wrong about Fire Hazzard, you know." Nichos shouted "But I don't expect much from you, other than the knowledge of your own name...And the ability to use the Dark Side as your tool." Nichos noticed under the sunlight that Gav's face was not decrepit or rotting away. This was surprising, but Nichos masked his expression from the Sith.

Whilst Gav prepared for his next onslaught, Nichos brought his right hand up and motioned it in every direction. Some of the large pieces of stone from the debris began to fly at Gav Mortis. Nichos manipulated the rocks and pebbles to his advantage, in an attempt to weaken the Sith Master. He used his control over the Force and sent each of them hurtling at the dark master. He couldn't tell if it would work or not, but that didn't matter. It bought him an extra second to catch his breath.

I'll make sure that you pay for what you've said about the Jedi Order and our ways. He thought grimly.

[Gav Mortis]

Nimble and quick, Nichos Marr reminded Gav of a ferret fleeing a predator, in this case Gav, but he can only evade the Sith for so long before he tires, makes a mistake which will then turn out to be his last. He had avoided being severed in half then planted a well-eimed kick to the base of Gav's back which was locked in an awkward position from the lunging attack. Although the impact seemed inaffective, Nichos had hit Gav when vulnerable, his spine clicked and for a moment the Sith's back was locked. Luckily the Jedi was unarmed for Gav's situation might have been much worse.

Arching his back it popped back into place, he was relieved and in annoyance turned and lunged at his enemy, however fortunately for him, he had retrieved his weapon and parried the attack but stumbled back.

"I'm wrong?" Gav retorted, "My Jedi friend, you have been wrong your whole life, but it is not just the Jedi who are misleaded."

Gav calmed for a moment, keeping his gaurd, occasionally there were fizzing sounds when the black and green tips of their sabers touched. Neither Gav nor Seth were prepared to let their gaurd drop for even a split second.

"There are those claiming to be Sith when they are nothing but deluded Dark Jedi, if that, gone mad in their craving for power. They aren't Sith and never will be for a Sith is a very rare thing, power is not what crave, justice is that which I desire. As for the whole hate, anger and aggression preconception - nonsense - my train of thought is not dominated by these things. For like yourself and your Jedi friends, I have control. Worrying isn't it? A Sith in control of his anger and hatred. Which means-"

He was cut short as a fist-sized rock hit the back of his head.

"-Argh!"

Gav was thrown off gaurd for a moment, and another smaller stone hit his left knee. There were more to come but by this time Gav was ready and wielding his lightsaber embarked on a fury of swings, parries and dodging. Rocks all around him were reduced to dust and more rubble, the lightsaber had become another limb to him and with it he quickly made short work of the oncoming projectiles.

Unfrotunately for Nichos, he had not lost control and was very much aware of the Jedi's presence. He had begun climbing to his feet when the last of the stones darted towards him, it was about the same size as the one that had hit Gav's head which had now begun bleeding, his neck was stained red. To the Jedi's suprise, instead of parrying or dodging the rock, Gav caught it in his hand and maintaining the projectile's momentum pivoted on one foot and turning smashed the rock into the Jedi's jaw, knocking him back sufficiently.

Gav momentarily hooked his now deactivated weapon onto his belt then tore a piece of material from his hooded cloak, a long dark strand which he promptly tied around his forehead, which would absorb the blood from the wound on the back of his head, thus drying it up.

"Like I was saying; which means you are facing a man who can stay as focused as any Jedi yet is able to summon power from the darkest of places."

The Jedi's face was cut from the rock, the blow had taken it's toll on his pretty face which brought Gav slight satisfaction. Already Nichos had climbed to his feet, waiting. His resiliance was impressive and his determination admirable, a shame they were focused in the wrong direction, he could've been moulded into a great warrior but the rot had set in long ago. He was Jedi to the bone.

"Why did you condemn yourself to a life like this?" It was a peculiar question to ask, but for a moment, Gav sounded almost sympathetic, "Did you have a choice?"

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos Marr felt the feeling return to his cheeks and the pain that was promised with it came soon after. His hands clenched the lightsaber handle, as though they could absorb the shock from the sudden attack. It had been unexpected and the speed at which the rock hit him was unbelievably quick. As he worked to right his neck, he felt a slight tickling sensation travel from his forehead to his left cheek, and then onto his chin. He brushed his right hand across his cheek, knowing what would be there when he looked at it. Gav Mortis was successful in striking blood from the young Jedi opposer. Nichos Marr relished the fact that it was a victory that they would both share, having noticed Gav's small wound moments before he was struck.

The Jedi Knight used his tanned sleeve to wipe some of the sweat that had accumulated on his forehead. Although Tatooine was predominantly a very warm desert world, he found that the fire manifesting inside of the pit added to that dreaded effect. He decided that this climate was a lot better than that of Hoth's, where one could easily find himself with locked joints and unfriendly Wampas. It had been quite a phenomenon that none had noticed the festival of clashes emanating from within Jabba's Palace. Not that anyone would be in the vicinity to hear, but Nichos had always thought that bounty seekers lingered around these kind of places, searching for artifacts.

The fire that produced the overwhelming heat seemed to have no effect on the preserved Gav Mortis. In fact, Nichos could not remember seeing the Sith Master at any point of discomfort since he had met him. The Jedi was beginning to regret that he'd ever layed eyes upon this "uber" foe, who was obviously more than enough to overwhelm him. The Jedi didn't want to take a guess at what Gav had planned, but he knew that his enemy was toying with him. The feeling of knowledge made him feel somewhat uneasy, but he allowed the Force to wash away his doubts.

Much to his surprise Gav spoke again, "Why did you condemn yourself to a life like this? Did you have a choice?" His voice echoed through the quiet hall, easily drowning out the sound of the flames and the scurrying insects.

The Jedi did nothing to respond at first, other than call on the Force for support. It washed away the pain from his forehead, but the blood still trickled. It felt odd as the red substance mingled with his newly grown beard. He resisted the urge to scratch it and leave himself vulnerable to another attack orchestrated by Gav. The Jedi searched through his connection with the Force for an answer that would help him survive. Nothing seemed to present itself other than the option of running. Oddly enough, Nichos Marr felt insulted by the mere thought of running away. He told himself that he would either destroy this evil or die with the honor of a Jedi.

"I didn't join the Jedi under the orders or commands of anyone else other than myself." Nichos de-ignited his lightsaber and also clipped it to his belt. Although he'd given himself no command to do so, his legs began to move forward. The distance between him and the Sith Master was shortening by the second. Oddly enough, Nichos felt no fears or hidden doubts, only the urge to trust himself and his abilities. "I would hardly call my choice of lifestyle condemning, but thats your opinion and I don't control your opinions. If thinking you're right makes you glad, than be my guest."

The Jedi was now only a few feet away from Gav Mortis, but he still showed no signs of falter. Gav was obviously ready for anything this Jedi had to dish out for him, and was probably awaiting it expectantly. Nichos knew that this Sith wasn't a bloodlusty animal like a few he had encountered. Mortis was more of the manipulative type, hoping to poke and prod at the weaknesses of his opponents before he pulled the plug on their lives. A dangerous mind like that could do a lot of a terrible things to a lot of innocent people.

"Besides, can't say I was too impressed with what the Sith brochures had to offer." His feral grin was a toothy one that reflected an animal that had been fed well. It was one of those grins that you just wanted to smack away with all your might. Nichos was aware of that, and even counting on it in a way. It wasn't a smart idea to provoke Sith, that only made them angrier. They drew on their anger for power, so it was referred to as a death wish by many.

Nichos lunged at Gav Mortis with his left fist pointed at the man's jaw, intent on dealing some sort of damage. He feinted and switched arms, now punching with his right hand. He struck skin and immediately worked on digging his knuckles into the man's cheek. Nichos was pushed back, but quickly recovered. He held his fists up high, filled with adrenaline.

"Now why don't you get off this planet?" Nichos asked in a mocking tone. "Or do I have to make you?"

[Gav Mortis]

Nichos Marr was a witty character indeed, the way he responded to Gav's questioning and his behaviour showed that he has had a fair deal of experience with Dark-Siders; he knew he was treading on thin ice by provoking someone like Gav; true, a Dark-Sider would get angry and thus draw strength from that anger but at the same time make him prone to being caught out foolishly. To be in such a frenzy is to lose control of your actions, Gav didn't fel the need to do that. It was unneccessary, the Jedi's attempt to anger him had failed.

"You have a strong right-hook Nichos, at least the jedi taught you something," he said in a calm tone, rubbing the side of his face which was now wamr and marked red where the fist had impacted.

"Leave the planet?" He repeated in an almost suprised manner, "Now there's no need to be rude, I enjoy it here. Are you trying to say you don't enjoy my company Nichos?"

A menacing smile came upon his face as his piercing eyes stared into the Jedi's, he was confident but deluded and unprepared. Gav began to walk slowly around the Jedi, lightsaber still ignighted although the silouette of black was barely noticeable against the dark flickering chamber walls, the fire still roared below and a wide shaft of light flooded into the room from where the celing had collapsed.

Gav could feel the conviction of the Jedi, the belief in truth and justice and the greater good; that's all very well but the entire system is corrupt, the Galaxy would be a much more peaceful place where there no Force-users at all. Part of the Sith envied Nichos, he was honestly content with his way of life, for a Jedi, the gift was not a curse, the Sith are the curse, for Sith the gift is the curse. Gav loathed the life he was condemned to, he wished he didn't feel he had to take on the responsibility of bringing the Jedi to justice for their butchering of the ancient Sith race. But the sooner it was done, the better for he would at last be free from these chains.

"My friend, you are deluded, you have no idea how easy it is, how simple and beautiful." The was a brief pause and then Gav returned his gaze. "I'll show you!"

Then without hesitation, Gav launched into a great lunge at Nichos, his dark blade swung in an arc over his head in one big, clumsy manouver. Naturally the Jedi ignited his saber and brought it up to block the oncoming blade, held horizontal, Nichos blade hadn't clashed with Gav's when it should have, less than an instant later Gav's incinerating lightsaber blade cut into the Jedi's left shoulder a couple of centimetres. He had disengaged his lightsaber just before it clashed with the Jedi's weapon, then re-ignited it once it had passed Nichos's line of defense and in one swing, had made what could've been lethal contact with the Jedi, had he intended it to be.

But it did not end there, once again he de-ignited the blade and pulled away from Nichos somewhat, who was wincing at the sudden sharp pain in his shoulder, then with his own momentum he spun, pivoting on his left foot and with his back facing the Jedi, took hold of the edge of his own cloak with one free hand. He continued to spin until just before he once again faced Nichos, he threw up the edge of his cloak in front of the Jedi, thus blocking his view. In one fast motion, Gav, with his back once again facing the Jedi, lowered the hilt of his lightsaber to face his now descending cloak behind him, he activated the weapon and the blade shot out, through the material and almost an inch into the Jedi's right thigh.

That must have hurt! In fear of the Jedi retalliating too quickly, Gav rolled away from him, then discarded of his now damaged cloak, it had served it's purpose. he turned to face the now injured Nichos, his wounds were not at all incapacitating, but Gav could have easily dismembered the Jedi's arm at the shoulder and leg from the thigh in those two manouvers. Now he was toying with his prey, perhaps Nichos will learn more respect now.

"Be grateful you still have all your limbs after that!" He scoffed at the Jedi.

Gav then, sat down on a couple of stairs not very far away from Nichos but with sufficient distance to secure that he didn't try anything sly. He watched him carry out the neccessary Jedi techniques to regain his composure and began speaking once again.

"Nichos Marr, you're still alive. If I had really have wanted to kill you, don't you think I'd have done it by now? Tell me Jedi, why do you think I do this?" He smiled and his face looked care-free now as he awaited a response of some sort.

[Nichos Marr]

Nichos found himself feeling very faint the first few seconds after the lightsaber had pierced his thigh. His own weapon became no further use to him, finding a nice place to rest on the ground beside of him. The mystical dark lightsaber had prevented any blood from pouring by cauterizing the wound, almost medically. Make no mistake, the pain remained even though there was no blood to show for it. There was a nasty mark that would only go away with bacta therapy and a whole lot of synthflesh to waste. Even all that would probably not take away the pain in a minute's time. It spread like a spiderweb, branching across the upper part of his leg in a matter of moments. He couldn't tell if he screamed out in surprise or not, for his head became dizzy.

What was most surprising of all from the experience was that Nichos Marr was still alive. Mortis could've jabbed it in his thigh and dragged the lightsaber upward and cut him in two. Yet, here he stood, or rather kneeled, still feeling human impulses like pain and the Force. Yes, the Force would soothe his pain if he could get a good grasp on it. Nichos sniffed some of the hot air and tried to concentrate on the energy field around him. His vision changed somewhat, only reading the energy in the air around him. Gav Mortis was like a dark stain in the picture of his mind, sitting down on a staircase.

It was definately the voice that caught Nichos' attention. That familiar voice that he became forced to remember when he met this man. It sounded very calm and chilling, as though one were simply conversing with a lesser creature. Gav further the conversation, "Nichos Marr, you're still alive. If I had really have wanted to kill you, don't you think I'd have done it by now? Tell me Jedi, why do you think I do this?" The questions were simple enough, yet Nichos did not feel like answering them. With each passing moment he felt somewhat like a lab rat, under very close scrutinization. This feeling bothered him a lot more than any of the pains he possessed.

Nichos allowed his hands to touch the grimy stone floor just to give him some leverage. His hands submerged halfway in the muck-like substance, although his own body rose off the ground somewhat. He raised one hand out of the muck and reclaimed his golden weapon, that represented everything he was. The lightsaber was his legacy. A legacy now tarnished by the muck on his hands, and in more realistic terms the evils of the Galaxy. He wouldn't let any of them stand in his way. Calmly and carefully, he wiped the muck off of his golden lightsaber until it shone again. Gav Mortis watched him while he did it, with those ravenous eyes, watching, watching, watching.

"There's only three reasons why you're doing what you're doing." Nichos stood up with his weapon in his left hand. He didn't ignite it or even put his thumb on the ignition, he was content with simply holding it. "Number one reason, you really don't have what it takes to kill me. Number two reason, you enjoy watching people squirm before you. You're a big fan of mental games. Rather than just devouring your prey, you feel them out first. Number three reason, you're trying to prove a point."

Unexpectedly, a bunch of large barrels on top of the staircase came roaring down after Nichos stopped talking. Through minor distraction and manipulation through the Force, he was able to move them unnoticingly. Mortis turned around in time, but was not fast enough to dodge them. The first one smashed against his upper body, drenching him with a syrupy viscous fluid, most likely bad alcohol.

Nichos hadn't payed attention to whether the second and third barrels crashed into Gav Mortis or not. Just before the first one hit, he had ignited his lightsaber and called upon the Force. Now, upholding his Jedi heritage once again, he was determined to continue the fight with Gav. Nichos would either fight and win, or fight and die. Remember the Jedi code Nichos, there is no death. There is only the Force.

In moments he found himself a few feet away from Gav Mortis. The Sith Master was prepared to dodge the second barrel. Nichos calculated where and how he would dodge and dove at the man with his lightsaber. He hoped the situation would confuse Gav. It was unfortunate that hope and reality rarely coincided with each other.

[Gav Mortis]

Impressive. The first thought that came to the Sith once drenched right through with some foul smelling liquid, viscous as it was, it dripped profusely from his arms, fingertips and hair. Against his will he closed his eyes to prevent blindness from the stale alcohol. The moment his eyes closed, his senses widened beyond the ability of regular humans and advanced telepaths; by the time he was aware of the second barrel no sooner had he side-stepped it when a searing, sharp pain shot into his side.

He cringed in agony, but before the pain moved up through him, before Nichos could make his attack any worse and before he could smell his own burning flesh, Gav leapt away from the blade and Nichos. Into the air, he moved at a remarkable speed with cat-like agility, where he kicked off the third barrel he sensed approaching, twisting through the air over the Jedi. As he came down to land, his opponent turned to meet him with his weapon at the ready for another strike, but suprisingly, Nichos was greeted by a hefty kick thrust into his chest from both of Gav's falling feet.

Nichos was sent back from the force of the kick, likewise Gav was sent back from the impact of his own attack, deliberately pushing himself further away from the Jedi. Whereas Gav crashed into the pile of rubble from the collapsed ceiling, Nichos was thrown into the third barrel and shattering, it covered him in the same stale alcohol that had drenched Gav. There was a moments silence as both combatants regained themselves.

"You're partly right, I do like to see you wriggle like a worm on a hook - after all, what else can the big, bad Sith do for entertainment?"

Upon hearing Gav's icy voice, Nichos rubbed the viscous fluid from his eyes so he could see his nemesis. There stood Gav before the glowing, gaping hole in the floor, the grin he wore did not reflect the extent of the injuries Nichos had dealt him. His side stung, indeed the cauterized wound ached, but rather than block the pain or use what power he posessed to heal the wound, Gav rather fed from it. Pain aided him in conducting his might over the Force, and clearly it showed, against the face stained dark and wet, were the gleaming whites of his eyes. He seemed to be enjoying himself.

"You have an important role, Nichos Marr. You have been chosen as the messenger who will warn your precious Order of what is to come. A shadow is nearing, my friend, and the tides of fortune are about to turn on the Jedi. The great Sith Empire, the illustrious Sith Order, the frightful Black Hand and any other second rate group of demented, disillusioned Dark-Siders have failed thus far ion any attempt to bring an end to the reigning Light. You are to be congratulated, as are the rest of your Jedi companions. The Jedi are strong, but shortly after your arrival back to the Order, right behind you will be a new terror and before you can do anything to stop this change of tides, it will be too late, my friend."

During Gav's words, Nichos was forcefully held to the spot so he could neither advance or retreat. Below, it sounded like the firey pit was breaking apart, rocks could be heard tumbling and cracking, it was most peculiar.

"But before then, Nichos, it would do you good to have a taste of what is to come." He smiled and his hold on the Jedi released.

Almost immediatly after, a flaming boulder soared out of the pit, it trailed a long, firey tail and resembled a minature meteor as it hurltled toward him. It was about half a meter in diameter and struck the ground where Nichos once stood, crippling the ground beneath and shattering upon impact, sending shards of burning rock in everywhich direction. As Nichos stood two similar boulders which had been sent at him impacted with each other, a meter above his head, they exploded with fury. Flaming rock and hot ash rained down upon him. He winced feeling the effects of the burns and one fist-sized rock struck him about the back of his neck, sending forward to where the fourth and final boulder was heading.