A New Arsenal

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>The Yuuzhan Vong are a barbaric race of alien warriors hailing from an extra-galactic world. Humanoid in shape, they often mutilate their bodies as a form of religious ceremony. It is not uncommon to witness a Yuuzhan Vong warrior covered in scars and tattoos. In general, those with a larger number of mutilations are of a higher standing in their society. The face is perhaps the most noticeable way to distinguish a Yuuzhan Vong. They exhibit bluish sacks beneath their eyes, sloping foreheads, and lipless mouths. Although they are fairly thin, this in no way detracts from their physical capabilities. The Yuuzhan Vong have a mysterious absence in the Force. Recent studies have drawn conjectures that this might be due to an absence of midi-chlorians in the cellular structure of the Yuuzhan Vong.

Vekaar Vekin Information Broker extroadinare read this article he had downloaded from an <a href=http://pub2.ezboard.com/fswvstitanicstarwarsroleplayingarchive.showMessage ?topicID=3234.topic>Imperial Database</a> not long ago. He found these Vong creatures to be quite interesting. Vekaar had managed to get more information on their attitudes, weapons, ships, etc.

He was on his YT-1300 "Mystery", still on Coruscant. He planned to leave soon, but all this reading had sidetracked him. He let out a sigh and slipped another datacard into his datapad. Words appeared on the screen before him. Vekaar began to read. Something caught his eye. "Vong sightings on Bimmiel," he read in his mind. Vekaar had to know more about this species. He wanted to actually see one in action.

"Bimmiel it is," he said aloud.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Bimmiel was the fifth planet from the sun in the center of the MZX33291 system. Originally discovered by Imperial scouts, Bimmiel was thought to be a temperate world of grassy plains and cool deserts. Bimmiel had an elongated, elliptical orbit which brought the planet well away from its sun at its furthest path, plunging the planet into a deep winter. Home to dangerous slashrats and shwpi, the planet was not exactly a resort. The planet's magnetic field shifted on a regular basis.

Vekaar landed his ship somewhere in a desert, not far off from xenoarcheology expedition site. He was not sure if any humans remained on the planet. He was of course ready for the native slashrats that roamed the desert floors seeking prey. He was armed with blasters and vibro blades just in case. He also had sprayed a reppelant on his boots that would keep the horrid animals away.

Vekaar walked down the ramp of his ship, closing it and locking it behind him. He surveyed the area around him. The air was cool, and a high wind blew across the plains. Vekaar knew if this wind picked up, he'd have a sandstorm to deal with.

Reaching inside his pouch, he took out a pair of goggles. The Broker placed them over his head and took out a datapad. He typed in a few words and watched as an antennae extended. He was scanning the surrounding areas for possible lifeforms. All he found was slashrats and other minor animals.

"There has to be something here!"

He cursed for not bringing an R2 or sensor droid. It would make his job a lot easier. Vekaar set off into the desert, following a vaguely detailed map he had transferred to his datapad.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Vekaar was surprised to see a large structure off in the distance. It must've been the xenoarcheology base. He quickened his pace, now running across the sandfilled plains. The base was larger then it had seemed from a distance. Vekaar was now only 40 feet from it.

5 minutes later, with some difficulty due to high winds, he reached the base. The front door was still intact but it had dents. Vekaar took out his rifle and fired at the door blasting it a hole through it. He slipped through the hole with ease.

Inside the base was dark and lifeless. Vekin passed through the halls, searching for lifeforms. The aluminum in the base had jammed his life detector. He had been forced to rely on his own two eyes. Vekaar cupped hands around his mouth.

"Hello?"

There came no reply. Vekaar confirmed there was no one in here. He did not leave. The broker figured he could probably find some valuable equipment here that might be able to help him with his business.

He arrived at a hall leading to a large archway. Vekaar disregarded the doors along the hall and headed straight for the archway.

Once passing through, he arrived at a large room with a lot of computer equipment. Some of the machinery was still on, and much of it was still functioning. Vekaar activated the main computer. He slipped a datacard in and began a data transfer. Much to his surprise, the data was not encoded. After about 10 minutes, the transfer was complete. Vekaar continued his search for any useful items.

He entered a small cabin not far from the archway. Vekaar walked over to a wardrobe and opened it. All he found was women's clothing and what seemed to be a journal. He took the journal and sat on a cot. Vekaar opened it up and began to read:

<font color=yellow>Month 8

We are running into many difficulties. Many members of the team have gone missing. We begin to fear the worst. Large human shaped predators have been spotted in a cave not far off. I fear that our lives are in danger.

<font color=silver>Vekaar pocketed the journal. He now knew where the Vong were stationed. He could only hope that the Vong were still there. The journal entry he just read was written a month ago. Vekaar stood up and headed for the exit.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>The cave was only a mile from the base. Vekaar was used to walking so it wasn't a hard trip. The wind had died down and there was no more sand particles flying into his face. The temperature had also risen. Vekaar guessed the planet was nearing the sun.

At the edge of the cave, a few tents were set up. Vekaar checked each one of them. There were no lifeforms. The broker was beginning to wonder what happened to everyone. He had a good idea that the Vong were behind this. Yuuzhan Vong did not hesitate to capture and convert someone. They were evil, there was no doubt about it. The sly creatures come into the Galaxy proclaiming they are there to cleanse it. Vekaar believed in the Force somewhat, he had seen a Jedi in action before. It spooked him when he heard the Vong were a blank spot in the Force. He had learned that the Force is life. How could the Vong be alive then? His mind flashed back to Coruscant where he had read that article. Scientists believe that the Vong do not have midi-chloreans.

Vekaar entered the cave, the blackness seemed to swallow him up. He activated night vision on his goggles and began to look around. This cave seemed to be pretty deep. He kept on walking, turning his head to each side. All he saw were rocks and small bugs along with the occasional slashrat trying to avoid the repellant on his boots.

Vekaar stopped dead in his tracks at the sound of a far off scream. He could hear shouts and screams faintly in the distance. His heart started to pump faster then normal. He looked around but saw nothing. Everything became silent once again. A few moments later, he heard another scream. Vekaar reached into his trenchcoat and pulled out the datapad. He pointed it in the direction of the scream. Many lifeforms could be sensed in that area. It seemed the Yuuzhan Vong were still here.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Vekaar was a little hesitant about moving onward after hearing those screams. He did want to see a Vong in action, maybe collect some information, but he did value his life. If they found him, they would probably not hesitate to kill him. Vekaar Vekin still had goals to accomplish.

Releasing a sigh, he moved onward. Vekaar noticed that the path was sloping downwards. He didn't expect to see faint lights only a few meters away. Vekaar removed his goggles and advanced. The lights were probably put there by the xenoarchaeologists. Vekaar thought of it as fortunate. He was tired of seeing everything in one color.

In time, the screams and shouts appeared to be closer and louder. Vekaar was now driven by curiousity. Nothing could stop him. There was a twist in the passageway, and a large rock at it's side. Vekaar quietly walked up and peered over the rock. What he saw on the other side made his jaw drop.

Human slaves were screaming in pain as they were placed in these living devices. Vekaar had heard of those things, they were called "Embrace of Pain". Vong warriors were beside them, shouting at them. The Vong were telling them to embrace the pain. Vekaar was terrified at what he saw. It was a Yuuzhan Vong converting center, and he was without a hope. One of the Vong had spotted him. A cry was issued. Vekaar knew it wouldn't do much to run. He took out a blaster and a vibro blade.

[Commander Tla]

Commader Tla of the Yuuzhan Vong was currently overseeing operations on Bimmiel. He was accompanied by his priest Harrar and an assortment of other Vong priests and Warriors. Bimmiel was a slave holding place for the Vong. They did not own the planet, but they were using it in secrecy. Right now they had less then 30 slaves, but they had enough to start with.

The Commander had placed himself in the Embrace of Pain. It was a device that many of the slaves were being placed in. It gave the victim true pain. Tla believed that one became stronger and favored by the Gods each time they used the Embrace of Pain. Unfortunately, he had to quit rather early. Shouts were coming from the entrance. War cries and Amphistaff whiping sounds could be heard. The Commander instructed a Vong warrior to help him off the device and picked up his Tsaisi. He wrapped a magnificent cloak around his mangled shoulders and walked up to the nearest guard.

<font color=red>Commander Tla: "What is the problem?"

Warrior: "An outsider, stumbled upon this. Our best warriors are in pursuit of him now."

Tla: "When he is caught, which he will be eventually, he is to be brought to me directly."

<font color=white>The warrior nodded and walked off in the direction of the entrance to issue orders. Commander Tla put his Tsaisi away and spun on his heel. He cursed to himself and bit his lower lip. If enough Infidels found the secret base, the Vong would have to leave. The Commander walked over to the Embrace of Pain and resumed what he had been doing before. If the warriors failed to capture the menace, Tla would kill them himself. There was no room for failure in such a critical era.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Large beads of sweat dropped down Vekaar's forehead. His eyes were wide and ready. He had stopped and concealed himself behind an enormous rock. He could hear the shouts of the Vong warriors as they passed. Or so he thought they passed. Vekaar knelt down and checked his blaster power pack. He took this time as an oppurtunity to change the power pack. Vekaar made sure all his other weapons were close at hand.

He stood up and peeked his head over the side, looking in both directions. It seemed that the coast was clear. Now he had to wait for the Vong to return. Vekaar turned around only to see a 6 foot tall Yuuzhan Vong warrior staring at him. The broker jumped back and pointed his blaster at the Vong. With a simple flick of his weapon, the Vong warrior knocked the blaster from Vekaar's hand. The broker reached into his overcoat and fumbled for another weapon. The Vong raised his foot and kicked him in the face. Vekaar's head fell back and hit the rock wall behind him.

<font color=red>Vong Warrior: "State your purpose."

<font color=silver>Vekaar was surprised that the Vong could speak Basic. Not very well, but he could speak it. Vekaar did not speak. He attempted to stand up, only to feel the Vong's hand dig into his shoulder and force him back down. Vekaar slumped back to the floor.

<font color=red>Vong Warrior: "I repeat. STATE PURPOSE!"

<font color=silver>Vekaar was taken aback by this scream. He still did not answer. The Vong warrior knelt down and punched him in the face. He grabbed Vekaar's coat collar and lifted him off the ground with one hand. The Vong stared straight into Vekaar's eyes. Vekaar stared back, analyzing the Vong's physical features. The other Vong were coming back from their search. Finally Vekaar spoke.

Vekaar: "I wish to speak with the Director of Operations here."

The Vong gave him a weird look. Vekaar came to the conclusion that the creature did not understand him. He sighed and rolled his eyes.

Vekaar: "Me speak with Commander."

Vekaar used hand jestures to help him speak. The Vong thought for a moment and then nodded, indicating he understood. He let go of the broker and let him fall to the floor. The Vong motioned for the other Vong to come and assist. Vekaar was stripped of all his weapons and binded. He was being carried to a leader he supposed and hoped.

[Commander Tla]

Commander Tla was enjoying the pain that shot out all over his body. By feeling the pain, he was showing his devotions to the Gods. He could feel bones popping out of sockets, blood and sweat running down his face. It was a most commemorable moment. He closed his eyes and felt the pain. Tla let out maniacal screams and started to cough out blood. The screams were followed with a hoarse laugh. He shouted at one of the warriors to help him.

Tla now cleansed donned on his magnificent robe and took his Tsaisi once again. Shouts were coming from the entrance. The Commander quickened his pace and watched as a scruffy looking human was dragged in. Commander Tla smiled. This one had a fighting spirit. He was trying to strike the guards using his head. Unfortunately for him, Tla would make sure that this Infidel would never escape.

The Commander motioned for the two warriors holding him to let go. The man fell to the floor uttering a small yelp of pain. Commander Tla grinned at his warriors and stepped up to the Infidel. On one knee, he bent down and stared at him closely. The human tried to punch Tla in the face, but the Commander was too quick for him. He grabbed the human's hand and batted it away. The Commander smiled and picked the Infidel up. He pointed his Tsaisi at his neck.

<font color=red>Tla: "State your name and business here and I let you live a little longer."

<font color=white>Tla could speak perfect basic. He saw that the man was sweating and bleeding. He guessed his warriors ruffed him up a bit. The Commander awaited an answer, his patience running thin.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Vekaar just stood there. His heart pouding with anticipation, beads of sweat rolling down his face. It seemed as if he couldn't speak. It was partially fear that made him freeze up. He was scared of what he didn't understand. A weapon that looked to be alive, waiting for it's master to give the signal to strike. Vekaar knew this to be an Amphistaff of some sort. He knew that the venom from this creature could kill him within minutes. Vekaar gulped down blood and cleared his throat.

"I am Vekaar Vekin, Information Broker."

<font color=red>"Why have you come here Infidel?"

<font color=silver>"It was a mistake actually. I stumbled across this place."

<font color=red>"Do not test my patience blasphemer! You are lying."

<font color=silver>"It was an accident stumbling across this place. Though I was searching for a Vong."

The Vong Commander let out a dry laugh. His eyes narrowed and he placed one hand on Vekaar's throat. The lengthy and bony fingers curled around his fat neck. Vekaar winced as some nails slightly dug into his skin. The Vong Commander was not one to play around with.

<font color=red>"You will tell me why you were searching for Vong. Your words will speak the truth or you will suffer fate."

<font color=silver>"I want to offer my services to you. I know the Vong are powerful creatures. I have become intrigued with your race and how you act. Unfortunately, our Galaxy has limited information on the Yuuzhan Vong. I am a Broker, and I could help you in exchange for credits and riches."

[Commander Tla]

The Commander stared at Vekaar for a few moments, analyzing him. His eyes narrowed once again. He turned to the Warrior beside him and uttered a question in Vong language. The warrior shook his head, no. Tla smiled and turned back to Vekaar. He released his clench on the broker and watched him fall to the ground. He issued other Vong to step forward.

<font color=red>Tla: "We will keep him alive for now. Get him out of my sight, he would make a wonderful slave."

<font color=white>The Yuuzhan Vong warriors nodded to their Commander. Two bent down and picked Vekaar up. They dragged him off in the direction of the Embrace of Pain. The Commander smiled and walked back to his quarters. Soon all the Infidels in the Galaxy would tremble before the Vong. The Vong would help reform them. It was the will of the Gods.

Some time later, Commander Tla was enjoying a time of peace and quiet by himself. He was writing up new ideas and battle strategies he could show Warmaster Vong upon his arrival into this Galaxy. Tla would od his best to make the Warmaster most pleased. For sometime now the Commander had been trying to obtain the rank of Supreme Commander. He knew a lot of responsibility was involved in the job, but he knew he was ready. The Commander had much experience with the Vong fleets before. He knew it was only a matter of time before his efforts were brought to the attention of Warmaster.

Tla was stirred from his thoughts when his small villip began to twitch. He bowed his head down and suddenly, a hissing voice came from it. The commander was somewhat startled at first. He recognized the voice to be Harrar's. Harrar was a High priest, one of his priests. He was informing Tla that a ceremonial sacrifice was to begin soon. The Commander acknowledged and exited his quarters. It was his duty to be present for all sacrifices.

[Dark Hunter Jango Fett]

OOC- Moderator please delete this post from the thread. Thanks!

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Luckily Vekaar had managed to resist all Vong conversion attempts on him. He had been a prisoner with them for two days. It wasn't the best time of his life. Beside him he had seen strong-willed men crack and go crazy. Others just lost all hope and submitted themselves to the Yuuzhan Vong. Everytime a Vong warrior tried to convert him or break his mind, Vekaar used all his will-power inside to focus on something else. The Vong warriors soon caught on that he was ignoring them. The beatings had increased and were becoming more painful. The broker's body was full of bruises and scars.

Vekaar was happy to see it was break-time. He collected his bowl of nutrient suppliments and nestled himself in a corner with two other human slaves. Vekaar conversed with them while he was eating his suppliments. He learned that all the slaves here were from the xenoarchaeology project on Bimmiel and a rescue team from Coruscant. Most of the captives had managed to resist and survive. Others had not been so fortunate. Vekaar told them he didn't plan to die anytime soon. After the humans stopped laughing, they told him with that attitude, he'd be next on the death list. Vekaar just shrugged and walked away.

Never had he endured so much pain since he was placed in an "Embrace of Pain". After a while, Vekaar's vision was beginning to get blurry and dark. His first thought was "I'm dying". Vekaar knew now was not the place or the time to die. He had a life to live still, credits to earn. His teeth dug into his lower lip as he attempted to bite it. Blood started to show. Suddenly Vekaar couldn't hold it inside anymore. He released a bloodcurdling scream of pain. The Vong warriors supervising him seemed to get a kick out of this. Vekaar exercized his lungs and vocal cords with each scream. He wasn't one to talk a lot, let alone scream. Vekaar gave one last scream, and passed out from the extreme pain.

[Vekaar Vekin]

<font color=silver>Vekaar watched as the next victim was dragged off towards the Embrace of Pain. He found out a lot of information on the Vong, but at what a price. He was a captive now. Vekaar knew he had to escape, but how? Yuuzhan Vong warriors guarded every exit/entrance. Vekaar had to devise an ingenous plan and fast.

Every time Vekaar passed an area, he studied it. Luckily he had a photographic memory. All good information brokers did. For the next few days he studied the base and devised a plan. He had managed to keep alive. The Vong seemed to love beating him in particular. Vekaar swore they would all get what's coming to them.

Vekaar explained bits of his plan to a few others of the slaves. They were quick to point out errors and technicalities. Vekaar's plan was to start a riot and grab hold of an Ooglith Cloaker. He would make himself look like a Vong and then he would escape with the other captives.

The other captives were not so sure, but they did want to get out alive. Some believed it couldn't happen. Others didn't want a part in it. Sooner or later, every captive agreed. Vekaar knew exactly where the weapons were held. Unfortunately, the place was heavily guarded. In a few days, his plan would be put into motion.

[Commander Tla]

The Commander walked out of his quarters and headed for the Armory. He had a plan to find out what this new slave was up to. He had heard several stories of escape plans from his Vong Warriors. Tla had a plan to find out firsthand. He ordered Vekaar be seized and hidden for the time being.

Upon entering the Armory, he took an Ooglith Cloaker and walked out nodding to the guards on each side. He now headed for his quarters where Vekaar was being held. Tla entered and smiled at Vekaar being held by two guards. He put the Ooglith Cloaker on his skin and felt it seep into his pores. The Cloaker took a new shape and form, clinging to him like real skin. Once it stopped expanding, he looked exactly like Vekaar.

<font color=red>"If I find out that you have a plan of escape with other captives, you will be dead."

<font color=white>Tla grinned at Vekaar and put on the exact same clothes Vekaar had been wearing that past week. He turned around and exited his quarters. It was break time, a time for him to find out Vekin's true intentions.

[Commander Tla]

Tla pretending to be Vekaar quietly collected his bowl of nutrient suppliments and shuffled over to a corner. One human female and a male Gran joined him after getting their food. Tla stared at the Gran, disgusted at his three eyes. <font color=red>"What an abomination,"<font color=white> he thought to himself. The female had short hair and deep blue eyes. Tla forced a smile and shifted over, providing them seat space. Both quietly sat, glancing behind their backs every now and then, afraid that someone or something might attack. Tla was tempted to laugh out in glee, but he held back. All three just sat there quietly, finishing their nutrient suppliment. Tla came to the conclusion that the meal was the most horrible thing he had ever tasted. Suddenly, the silence was interrupted by the woman.

"So Vekaar, when does the plan come into action?"

<font color=red>"Plan?"

<font color=white>"You know, the escape plan you created."

<font color=red>"I did? And what exactly was this plan?"

<font color=white>The woman stared at him blankly. Her face changed to one of confusion. Tla was tempted another smile at how stupid these humans were. He managed to supress the smile once again. He returned his gaze to the woman, giving her an impatient look. To his dismay, the Gran leaned forward.

<font color=blue>"You know Vekaar, the mutiny plan. All for one and one for all?"

<font color=red>"Oh yes, THAT plan."

<font color=white>Tla turned around and coughed three times. It was a signal to the nearby Warrior. The Warrior pretended to be enraged and walked over to Tla. He picked him off the floor. Tla slowly nodded and smiled at the Warrior.

"I no like attitude of you! Go to Embrace of Pain!"

Tla nodded at what the warrior said and pretended to fight his way out of the grip. The Vong faked a strike in the head. Tla fell limp, and the warrior dragged him away.

Inside Tla's mind he was thinking how enjoyable it would be to kill Vekaar in front of all the other slaves, breaking their spirits. He was not really unconscious, and he was waiting for the warrior to bring him back to his own quarters, where Vekaar was.

[Commander Tla]

The Yuuzhan Vong warrior set Tla down before his chamber doors. The Warrior gave the Commander a curt nod and spun around. Tla waited until the Warrior was out of sight. He rose himself off the ground and pressed his nose. Instantly, the Ooglith Cloaker began to remove itself from his pores. Tla's fake skin began to writhe as it contracted. Underneath, his scarred face revealed itself. Tla grabbed the Amphistaff that the warrior had left for him.

<font color=red>Do-ro'ik vong pratte,<font color=white> The Commander thought to himself. He held the Amphistaff firmly, opening the Chamber doors.

There was Vekaar. The man still wore his grey slave outfit. He was binded together by three Amphistaffs. Two Yuuzhan Vong warriors beside Vekaar bowed to the Commander. Tla smiled back.

<font color=red>"Vekaar Vekin, you will die an honorable death for you have proven yourself that worthy. You will accept and embrace the pain, and maybe Yun Yuuzhan will spare your soul. Or...you can die an infidel!"

<font color=white>The Amphistaff in the Commander's hand became hard. Tla raised it into the air and swung it down, striking Vekaar in the shoulder. The human screamed out in pain. Again Tla striked, now knocking Vekaar across the floor from the severity of the hit.

Then came a knock at the door. The enraged Commander turned around, almost tempted to strike whoever decided they could disturb him. He quickly gained control over himself and walked over to the door. He opened it, immediately he met Harrar's serious stare. The Priest bowed quickly.

<font color=red>"What is the meaning of this?!"

<font color=white>"Commander, the Warmaster summons you in the villip choir."

<font color=red>"He does? Thank you for informing me. I will go as soon as I am finished with this infidel."

<font color=white>"The Warmaster made the urgency of his call very clear."

<font color=red>"Fine! I shall go now!"

<font color=white>Tla turned back to the human and spit at him.

<font color=red>"Watch him until I return!"

<font color=white>And with that, the Commander was gone. He paced down the hallways as fast as he could.