Maiden Voyage

[Navaria Tarkin]

Sometimes even a well planned trip can go awry. It was just a small simple little trip away from Yavin so Navaria could stretch her galactic legs. She didn't want to stray too far from home and researched this area in the Outer Rim for a suitable planet to visit for a week or two. Nydalla was perfect. It was eight standard hours away and was populated by nomadic clans for the planet was mostly made up of mountains.

Navaria fell in love with it right away. After her self-training within the Jungles of Yavin, mountains would hold a different challenge in survival. It was a challenge she was looking forward to. Oddly enough, Navaria would never have thought to do something like this but a new world had opened up with her senses. It was something that she needed to explore and remember her vagabond roots with her mother so long ago.

Everything went smoothly. She informed the Academy of what she planned and took a shuttle to the planet. The new insights that were given to her in the jungle served her well because piloting one of these ships was almost child's play.

Yes, everything was perfect here. About two days after she had hid the shuttle, she came across the Zengiren Clan and they took her in with open arms. The people of this world knew of the Jedi and Navaria took quickly to living as they did. It was amazing how they could spot a poor area for making camp but would come across the exact same location, to Navaria's eyes, and it was safe.

It was about the fifth day the fun started. Navaria awoke to yelling outside her tent. It couldn't have been that much after the sun had started to rise because the air was still crisp and it was partially dark out.

Navaria squinted her eyes and looked around the encampment. It was the first night that the Zengiren Clan settled here for there was a river that passed through this valley. They needed fresh water and supplies and by the look of how much larger the camp had grown, it looked like another one of the Clans had the same idea.

She quickly put on her boots and straigtened out her shirt before running towards the crowd that assembled. Pushing through the mass of bodies, she got a good view of Sehen, the Zengiren Leader, having some serious words in his native tongue with who had to be the leader of the other clan. Navaria really had no right to interrupt. This wasn't her home world.

Her face stiffened in shock as Sehen pulled out sword. Violence on the other hand would make her react. She jumped out in front of her new friend with outstretched arms.

"ENOUGH!"

A few tricks she had learned was making her voice seem louder then it actually was. Even Sehen stepped back in surprise. She took a quick look around her before standing side by side between the two leaders.

"I may not know your ways or your language but I know violence."

Her blue eyes looked to Sehen.

"Tell me, my friend ... why do you draw your sword?"

[Probe Droid]

It had been a week since impacting on the surface of Nydalla. Inhabited by primitives, it was categorized in the databanks as a tertiary priority. The mountain people were of little discernible interest, and the Arakyd droid continued on its way...occasionally penetrating into the village perimeters for scrutinous reconaissance.

Such was the case now, as the droid cautiously approached the Zengiren Clan's fiefdom, sensors ready to find what was likely not there.

[Navaria Tarkin]

Navaria couldn't end the dispute but she was able to calm down both sides before any blood was spilled. That in and of itself was a positive step. It was getting just her alone with both of the leaders was a problem at first. Sehen's tribe trusted her but it took some oaths and smoothing things over with Fiorder's Clan before they would leave him alone with a Zengiren dog. Thank the gods that the Reputation of the Jedi weren't totally lost in this galaxy because of the Sith's hold. It was the only reason why a mediation could happen ... and thankfully no one knew what a Tarkin was ...

Now Navaria sat between Fiorder and Sehen, with a small fire crackling in the middle of the tent. The morning was still cool because of the mountains nearby and it was helping to ease the chill. Skins of various indigenous animals decorated the inside of the tent and the nighttime rolls and skins were pushed away towards the back, which Navaria was using as a rest. It was long and tedious but the young Padawan heard both sides of the story. Sehen's was simple. He willingly knew that this was Vanier country but had no idea the water was forbidden. Fiorder confirmed that and would not relinquish his hold. It was his people's land and it was their home. From what Navaria could gather, they didn't stray out of their land unlike Sehen. They were true nomads that had no set place to live. Just general hunting grounds, some of which were shared by other Clans of this world. Basically, this was the first time the Vanier even heard of the Zengiren.

"So you see ... our line is long and strong. Many a Vanierian had died for that land when the white devils came." Fiorder slammed his fist into his other hand, spitting venom in his words. "It would be blasphemy to the ones that have passed to have any other drink from it. The water is pure from the mountains that run into this valley ... when the Zengiren leave our claim, then can drink from the river."

The white devil could only mean Stormtroppers. She sighed inwardly but didn't let her discomfort show, "I respect your heritage and bravery. I understand that you want to preserve what had happened. What I do not understand is why someone other then Fiorder Clan can drink from the river? The water is free because your people made it free. Could it not be free for all since what you fought for was freedom?"

[Probe Droid]

The probot cautiously approached a gathering of natives, its sensors scouring the area, recording every person and every detail. Eventually, its optical sensors focused on a woman who dressed in a manner that was different from the others.

The probot advanced, its repulsordrive a humming throb.

[Navaria Tarkin]

Covering her eyes, Navaria noticed that it was well past noon as she looked towards the sun. She thought her stomach was playing tricks with her by its incessant grumbling but it was lunchtime. Judging by how she hit a wall in her negociations, the Padawan thought it best that Fiorder return to his people to discuss with what has happened. Sehen promised that no one would touch the water or land until things were settled. Navaria watched the Vanier Elder disappeared into the mass of people that greeted him.

Fiorder was wavering slightly to her argument that the land symbolized freedom. There wasn't enough supplies that the Zengiren had left. That was the main reason for stopping here because they knew fresh food and water resided here. To be out of the VAnier lands would take at least five days. It wasn't like the land was being used by Imperials ... mostly.

She sighed and turned around, heading back to her tent. The legacy of evil that her family had been apart of had touched so many innocent lives. It was almost liking realizing these atrocities by looking outside yourself. The same blood that commanded those troopers to kill was deeply rooted in her body.

Not too long ago when she came to terms with her roots in the jungles of Yavin, Navaria made a promise to herself that for the rest of her life ... she would do all that was possible to leave a legacy of hope and peace instead of terror and pain. A small victory here would continue a journey that had already started ... (http://pub56.ezboard.com/fgjofrm3.showMessage?topicID=279.topic)

[Darth Vader]

:: The Dark Lord paced the command deck of the super star destroyer Stormcloud, impatient at the progress of his battle fleet's search. Peering into the crew pit, Vader spotted an image from a transmitting probe droid of a woman...

...whose face was etched into his very being.

Vader searched his feelings through the Force... ::

Admiral, change course immediately for Nydalla.

[Navaria Tarkin]

Navaria sat outside Sehen's tent and wondered how the discussion was going over in the Vanier camp. It had been over an hour but the Padawan was patient. This matters take time and time was all that she had.

A commotion started behind her and Navaria peered over the side of the tent to get a look. A few of the Zengiren hunters had spotted something near the woods. She narrowed her eyes to get a better scope of the area and let her senses become alert. Perhaps there was a predator nearby? Navaria shook that thought away. Most predators on Nydalla came out a night. Gentle creatures roamed the plains and forests at night in the Valleys.

She rose to her feet and started to head in that direction when laser fire came out of no where. The entire camp screamed to life as they hid inside their tents as their warriors fell.

Navaria ran to her fallen friends but her heart knew that they had died. She had felt their life forces leave and become one with the Force. Whoever was doing this had to be stopped before more of them fell.

Reaching out with her hearing, she tried to get some idea what was facing them. A dull hum of a repulsordrive was heard and the sound was not unfamiliar ....

Her eyes grew wide as danger was felt and Navaria dived for cover, knocking a Zengiren to the ground with her. Both narrowly missed red blaster bolts sailing over their heads. From what the Padawan could tell, the blasts were too big for normal blaster fire.

Navaria picked up her comrade and scanned the area for danger.

"What's happening?"

The hunter coughed, trying to regain the breath that was knocked out of him.

"Metal and black beast ... in the forest. We heard noises and ... investigated. Thinking ... thinking it was Vanier. No Vanier has laser guns."

Realization hit and she was a fool for coming here.

"Go back with the others. I have to handle this."

He looked at her like she was insane but Navaria was adamant.

"You have to. No one here can handle what is in there. My weapon can."

She pulled her sabre loose from her belt.

"Go to Sehen! NOW!"

He wanted to stay but her words held wisdom. The hunter scrambled to his feet and the few others that survived followed, trying to avoid another spray of laser fire.

Navaria stood her ground and ignited her lightsabre. A light blue blade came to life. She dodged to her left and parried two blasts, sending them back into forest.

It became quiet and that was something Navaria didn't like. She was a sitting duck out here in the open so she sprinted into the forest. Her eyes were wild searching for the Probe Droid and was greeted with blaster fire.

She dove into the safety of the bushes and stood still. Navaria concentrated on her hearing and slowing her breath. The droid was near. She could hear the repulsors getting closer to her, but they sounded so loud and heavy in her mind. The oil and ozone smell of the blaster was deeply rooted in her nostrils. The tingling in the back of her mind was screaming danger ... it was going to attack again.

The Padawan tightened her grip around the hilt of her sabre and came out of hiding. She was able to parry the first blaster fire but another blast slice into the side of her leg. The pain was fierce but she was focused on the moment. The blue sabre curved in an arc to cut the barrel of the blaster off and then trusting in the Force to guide her hand, watched as her sabre came back with such speed to slice halfway into the center of the droid.

Her breathing was ragged and she stumbled backwards because of her wound. The droid was not cut in half but the damage was extensive. Major circuits were fried or cut and systems were quickly shutting down left and right. It took seconds for the power to be deactivated and the droid slammed into the ground, falling forward.

Trying to get out of its way, Navaria stumbled over her own feet and landed on her rear. It was a better discomfort then being squashed by a heavy droid.

Unfortunately, she didn't have anytime to rest. Navaria had no idea her presence here would jeopardize these simple people. Either Sith or Imperials would know to look for her here. She had to get back to her shuttle and get as far away from here as she could.

Using a simple technique to block the pain, the Padawan got to her feet and raced back to the encampment.

[Drin Kizael]

:: A crisp breeze wove through the Brisehe Mountains of Nydalla like a song. The harmony of the pristine wilderness filled the caverns, passes, and at last a sheltered valley where a lone sentient floated in silent meditation, surrounded by hovering rocks.

:: Drin Kizael breathed deeper, expanding the black stripes across his orange fur, immersing himself deeper in the Living Force. The creature was content, a feeling he held on to for all it was worth, for as long as it would last. The sole focus of his long and chaotic life was the acheivement of peace, inner peace that made it possible to survive the ever constant course changes that brought him to this point in time.

:: From Jedi Knight, to Clone War veteran, to exile, to Ranger, to convict, to master, to outcast, peace and contentment became ironically distant concepts.

:: The wind rippled the white fur of his chest and jowl. His eyes closed, his breathing steady, he expanded his senses beyond his powerful body. It was finally here, in the farthest reaches of the Outer Rim, secluded from the unsettled galaxy that had driven his life, that he was truly able to be one with The Force. It was here that he could at last touch the Unifying Force, the elusive, intangible key that a Jedi struggle to understand to truly be called Master.

Vader's gauntlet shook violently, desparately calling to the dark side of the Force for more power. But the sabre hilt held fast. He lowered his helmeted gaze at the Jedi.

"So be it."

:: Kizeal's breathing faltered, his eyes shifting wildly under closed lids.

A red lightsaber flashed before him, crashing into a blur of sunset gold. Green eyes filled with rage glared at him, inches away, as they locked in a deathgrip.

:: The Trianii's eyes snapped open as the rocks around him fell to the ground. The first time he tried to ignore it, but this one was unmistakable. There was a distinct ripple in The Force, faint, but intrusive, the kind caused only by direct manipulation.

:: Kizael straightened his legs to the ground and ran to retrieve his robes and lightsabre.

[TSO Naval Officer]

Sondt's brow furrowed in thought. Nydalla was hardly a prudent choice for an assault.

Admiral Sondt: I beg your pardon, my Lord, but we have already scanned Nydalla and have found no trace of the Jedi. Only a few scattered villages inhabited by primitives.

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[Darth Vader]

:: Vader glared darkly at the Admiral ::

Admiral, you wish to disagree with me?

[TSO Naval Officer]

Sondt stopped in his tracks at Vader's calm but deadly query. He was not a fool, and knew enough of the Dark Lord's temper to know that he was now teetering on a knife edge. Nodding nervously, Sondt carried out Vader's wishes.

Admiral Sondt: Nydalla. Yes, my Lord. At once.

Sondt hastily walked to the helmsman station, ordering the battlegroup to set course. Within the hour, the behemoth warships lurched out of the starstreaks of hyperspace, looking down over the shining planet.

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[Navaria Tarkin]

"Are you sure about this, Navaria?"

Sehen was still shocked to what occurred and Navaria was trying to make him understand the severity of the situation.

"That droid was nothing and was lucky. Your people haven't seen blasters since the Vanier fought of the Empire. It was sent as a scout... for whom I don't know. If they are after me, they know I'm here."

She stopped her friend from interjecting

"And if they weren't, I'm still a danger to your people. I need to get to my shuttle and find help. I won't abandon you and will do all that I can..."

The leader of the Zengiren Clan felt a deep sorrow in seeing the Jedi leave, but also great pain for what was to occur. He glanced over at the Vanier encampment and nodded to Fiorder who was heading their way.

"Don't worry. We'll hold them off for as long as possible."

He smiled at Navaria, clasping her shoulder.

"They do have to find us first."

She covered his hand with her own.

"I need a weeks worth of food. It will take that long for me to get back to where I hid my shuttle."

"That will not be necessary, Jedi..."

Navaria narrowed her eyes at Fiorder who entered the conversation and handed her a crude map.

"We have heard from the Zengiren where you had landed. Take the southern pass that is a day's journey from here. You'll reach your craft soon enough within three days."

The way the negotiations were going, Navaria felt that it would take a miracle for these two to come together. I guess she received it but not in her own choosing. Quickly she put her few things together along with a tent, sleeping bag and food and water. She made sure the items were secure on the Yenti that was offered to her. It looked like an overgrown rabbit that she had seen before as pets. They were not the easiest of animals to ride but she had some practice living out here.

Navaria brought the creature’s head close to her.

"We must travel fast my friend."

She mounted the Yenti and steered the reins south. Navaria drew herself deep within the Force to help guide her on this journey and to alert the Padawan to danger.

"Forgive me that this had to happen and I hope to make it up to both your Clans in the future. Till then, May the Force Be With You"

Digging her heals into the Yenti's sides, the creature cried in protest but took off for the forest.

[Drin Kizael]

:: Kizael paused after coming around the last foothill in Zengiren land. He feared the worst for a nanosecond upon seeing an entire encampment broken down and packed for travel. It was a good 4 lunar cycles before the nomadic Clan would make the winter trek southeast.

:: The march from the valley had taken the better part of a day, not once feeling that twinge in The Force. He resisted the urge to let down his guard, now even moreso.

"Kizael?"

:: The Trianii smiled, taking comfort in the relaxed demeanor of his friend. There was clearly something wrong judging by the edge of his aura, but no sense of panic or dread in the Clan leader.

:: The Jedi bowed and greeted him in his native dialect, "< You look like you were expecting me, Sehen. What has happened? >"

:: Sehen related the story of another Jedi passing through their lands, careful to mention that no one spoke of him as requested. Drin had made it clear that no one was to know of his presence, even the unlikely off-world visitor ... especially anyone who used The Force as he did.

:: Kizael listened to every word, pausing at great length in front of the Probe Droid wreckage.

"< She is heading for Tyris Pass on yentiback. Then west out the other end to her skyship. >"

:: Kizael closed his eyes, absorbing all that he had heard. His own ship was well hidden from a sensor sweep. The probe droid skirmish definitely meant the Imperials would be here soon, if they weren't in orbit already.

:: He considered returning to his ship and picking the mystery Jedi up, but the Jitarn's Redemption was over a day's travel through the mountains. Something told him he needed to find this woman quickly, and in person.

:: He knew better than to question that "something". What others would call a gut feeling was far more to him. He took off his outer robe and rolled it tight as he walked toward what was once the edge of camp.

:: Sehen regarded the Trianii curiously as he tied his bundled robes to his waist like a pouch. "< You have my gratitude and respect, Sehen of the Clan Zengiren. You must move quickly. Erase all trace of your camp and stay hidden in the mountains for as long as you can. May the spirits guide our paths together once again. And may The Force be with you." >

:: Kizael took a deep breath, and ran. Though Trianii were not as fast as the evolutionary cousins, the Togorians, they could still outrun many riding animals. With The Force pushing him even faster, he felt like he could fly.

[TSO Naval Officer]

Sondt nodded to Vader, gesturing to a readout he was studying.

Admiral Sondt: Lord Vader, we've arrived at Nydalla. Preliminary commscan reports show negligible technology or cultural sophistication. A small interstellar craft has been detected, but it is located in an area that cannot be directly reached by our forces.

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[Darth Vader]

I want results, not excuses, Admiral.

:: He turned to General Hocke ::

Prepare your landing in the nearest valley. Send your forces into the mountains. The natives will be quite willing to assist us, given the alternatives.

:: He returned his attention to the Admiral ::

If the shuttle lifts off, I want it captured immediately. Don't let it leave the planet.

:: Vader left the bridge, preparing to arrive at the planet. ::

[Navaria Tarkin]

Afternoon gave way to dusk which then turned into night. The Padawan had just finished eating her dinner and feeding her Yenti before settling down. She wanted to get to sleep early so that at first light she would continue on to Tyris Pass. It couldn't be more then a hour's ride away.

Her eyes were closed and was welcoming the Force inside her body. Navaria's efforts were focused on the flesh wound she had received by the Probe Droid. She had thought the injury was much worse due to the pain. When she unwrapped the quickly made bandage, it looked terrible, but nothing too severe. Some salve giving to her as supplies, a fresh bandage and the power of the Force easily made the wound trivial.

Now she was calming her mind and relaxing. Breathing in life and exhaling the worries that came. A full night rest was necessary for her journey was going to be a long one when the sun's light crackeled to life over the mountains...

[Drin Kizael]

:: Kizael knelt in a small cave at the edge of the mountains, using a technique to prepare him for a trance that would make 2 hours sleep as effective as a full night's rest. It wasn't an ideal thing to do to a body. Humanoids still needed natural sleep, but the technique was created for cicrumstances exactly like this.

:: Earlier, as night was first settling, he felt the faintest ripple in the Force at the edge of his senses and pressed on well into the night, until exhaustion took ownership of his common sense. She was still out there. But it would do her little good if he arrived only to collapse.

:: He sliced some quick estimates in his head. Yenti were incredibly fast creatures, and she had nearly a full day's head start.

****

:: Kizael's eyes suddenly snapped open, panic seizing him. He figured he must have been asleep for just over 3 hours. His body apparantly knew how much rest he needed more than he did.

:: The Jedi quickly scrambled out of the cave, looking up into the night sky. By the position of the moon, he confirmed the time. But that wasn't what had set his mental alarm screaming.

:: It was the dagger-like sillhouette drifting slowly across it.

[TSO Naval Officer]

With the lofty mountains in the background, dozens of imperial landing craft approached, touching down in the rolling hillls of the nearby valley. Lambdas and Sentinels debarked their forces, returning to the battlefleet for more. In the meantime, a rudimentary garrison post was set up and manned. Two AT-AT walkers stood vigil, while eight AT-ST scout walkers patrolled the low-lying areas up to the base of the mountain range. Stormtroopers began to file and assemble, as speeder patrols also combed the land. In the midst of the garrison base, large cargo pallettes were offloaded, and large, spider-like machines crawled out of them. They were the relatively-new AT-MT, or All Terrain Mountain Transport. Designed for terrain unfriendly to AT-ATs and AT-STs, the AT-MT could brave such rocky paths with ease. Ten of these machines began to climb up the mountains, supported by trailing groups of stormtroopers. A squad of twelve troopers supported each AT-MT as they began their intense search.

Back at the garrison post, General Hocke prepared for a preliminary patrol briefing, as Vader's shuttle began to touch down. Just as Hocke was about to greet the Dark Lord, a sergeant approached him.

Sergeant Thrax: General, Mu squad has uncovered fresh animal tracks on one of the northern mountain passes. They are now in pursuit of a suspicious person. They request permission to engage.

Hocke glanced to Vader's shuttle, as the gangplank lowered. He then turned back to Thrax.

General Hocke: Give the order. Engage immediately.

Kilometers away, an AT-MT and a dozen stormtroopers trailing behind began to pick up their pace. The tracks they followed headed towards a dim light flickering in the distance...a campfire, no doubt.

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[Navaria Tarkin]

A hum of a sabre... A flash of yellow... A scream of concern... The acrid smell in the air... The images flashed quickly in her mind. Shadows that were cast by unseen light were clawing at her, trying to shred her very flesh from the bones... A yellow flash again but instead the melted into two tiny slits... Like the eyes of a cat...

Navaria grabbed at the air as she shot up out of her sleeping bag. A cry a fear tried to escape from trembling lips but the hatred and rage she had felt took her voice.

The nightmare was growing stronger....




Dawn was threatening to crack above the mountains but already Navaria had broken camp and packed up her supplies. She had to make it to the pass before the sun stood at noon if the young Jedi was to stay on schedule and somehow make it to her shuttle on time.

Mounting her Yenti, the Padawan started the race against time once again.

It wasn't that long into her journey that her Yenti stopped and sniffed the air.

"What is it?"

Navaria looked around and saw nothing with her eyes. Instead, she opened herself up to the Force, extending her senses, reaching as deep into the forest as she could ...

At first it didn't seem right but it felt like that ground was shaking. Strangely enough, it was coming at a regular pace. The Yenti could feel it too for it reared up, ears alert and growing at some unseen enemy.

The Padawan's eyes snapped opened and her survival instincts took over. She felt it fight before it actually happened. A dozen minds looking for her.

She yanked hard to get her animal to get out of the way. Her success was minimal as the Yenti cried out from being hit as it tried to run away. The sudden shift in momentum accidentally caused Navaria to be bucked off over the Yenti's head. She let her body go limp, tucking her body together and falling into a forward roll.

Danger was all around her as she hit the ground and rolled to her feet, sabre in hand. Quickly it was activated and the light blue blade came to life as the Padawan turned around to find herself face to face with Stormtroopers.

They were preparing to open fire.

"So ..."

She began, getting into a defensive posture.

"... me being a Tarkin isn't going to help me right?"

They took aim and already Navaria was getting ready to parry the incoming blasts, trusting the Force to guide her.

"Didn't think so."

And then came the onslaught of blaster fire...

[Drin Kizael]

:: Drin Kizael crouched behind a tree, listening intently to the distant whine of oncoming repulsorlift engines.

:: It was an hour before dawn when he saw the Strike Cruisers sweep across the landscape. One flew north and the other south, hugging the mountains. Kizael watched from the cover of a sloping hill as one dropped platoons of Stormtroopers, command speeders, scout walkers, and a deadly AT-MT.

:: He knew it would not take long till they found the tracks of Navaria's yenti. And at 80 clicks, the spider-walker would catch up easily. He would never make it in time on foot.

:: The speeders drew closer. Even though working for TSO, the army kept most Imperial SOPs ... like search patterns. The buzzing whine of the repulsorlifts rose as 2 speederbikes and a patrol sled entered the forest.

:: Drin leapt over the trail in a blur, a streak of orange light arcing beneath him. The first scout pilot had barely registered the sound of energy slicing through the front stabilizer fins before careening off in a wild spin. The second caught a glimpse of fur before being launched off his speederbike by a powerful kick.

:: The third pilot whirled around in confusion as his repulsorlift sled zoomed past the now stationary bike. He pulled back on the controls, turning around in a small clearing 30 meters away. Kizael burst from the foiliage before his eyes, hopping onto the bike and kicking it forward.

:: The scout trooper gathered his wits enough to fire the sled's blaster cannon, but the Jedi dodged easily. The Trianii reached down as the bike rose up, grabbing the hapless pilot with one hand and throwing him into a tree.

:: Seconds later, the sled tore out of the woods onto open terrain. Drin Kizael gained altitude and slammed the throttle wide open, veering onto an intercept vector as reports from Mu squad came in over the comlink.

[TSO Naval Officer]

"HALT, Jedi scum!"

The dozen stormtroopers opened fire from behind a craggy ridge. Several began to strafe to the side in an attempt to flank the Jedi while their large AT-MT support vehicle climbed the crag above them, to get a better shot. Immediately, two stormtroopers were struck down by their own blaster shots, expertly repelled by the Jedi's lightsaber. The squad leader, identified by an orange shoulder paldron, quickly activated his comm.

EK-452: This is Mu squad. The Jedi has been located. Coordinates are 345.3!

[Navaria Tarkin]

After that last volley, Navaria was able to get a really good view of that AT-MT coming into firing range. Considering things, she was a very good moving target and the StormTroopers were coming in closer to her ... so they would be in the area affect of those cannons. Course she would be as well ...

Navaria's senses were alert and her mind was calm, letting the Force help her to pinpoint the enemy. Four minds were directly behind her position, trying to flank and box her in.

She extended her senses further, channeling the energy of the living Force and quickly dove for cover as yet another volley of blaster fire came from those four Stormtroopers.

Rolling to her knees, Navaria eyed the group of six Stormtroopers and called a blaster rifle to her hand. The grunt tried to hang onto it but wasn't ready for his weapon to ripped from his hand. The Force as her guide, Navaria opened fired on the large group of Stormtroopers, taking out two more. Her focus returned to the small group and she angled her arm to parry three blasts back towards them.

Covering her withdrawal from that area, Navaria found better cover around an upraised crag. It was going to be worthless once that AT-MT got closer. She couldn't stay here long but it was enough for her to think clearly. What she wouldn't give for a couple glop grenades...

Rocks rained down in front of her as blast after blast fired upon her location.

[Drin Kizael]

:: From a kilometer away, Kizael zeroed in on the AT-MT standing atop a ridge. Blaster fire erupted on the rocky trail below it, drawing his eyes to an azure energy blade in the center of the fray.

:: The repulsorlift sled closed the distance in less than a minute. Praying it was not one minute too long, the Jedi angled up the hill toward the Spider Walker, igniting his own lightsabre. He flipped the hilt in his hand and held his arm out as the mighty walker stopped atop the rocky crag and lowered its laser cannons.

:: Kizael roared and flung the lightsabre with all his strength at one of the frontmost legs of the mechanical beast. The golden blade pierced the knee joint with a piercing shriek, causing the entire vehcile to shudder violently as it regained balance.

:: The sled zoomed past, power-sliding 90 degrees as it flew off and over the ridge. The Trianii stood on the controls, pushing hard on the lift pedals for all he was worth. The repulsorlift engines strained against gravity, trying to slow the descent of the heavy sled.

:: Below, several Stormtroopers stopped firing at the boulder where the other Jedi had taken cover. Their surprise at the sudden entrance of a hurtling patrol sled did not last long, but by then it was too late.

:: The sled took the slightest bounce, then hovered back up to rest a meter above the rocks, parallel with the ridge under the AT-MT's field of fire. Blaster cannons erupted in a burst of crimson at the cluster of white armor. In that same second, the driver dismounted and in two steps, launched himself in a back flip that carried him clear to the opposite side of the boulder.

:: Drin Kizael landed between the boulder and a second team of flanking stormtroopers, facing a rattled and somewhat confused Navaria. The 2.1 meter felinoid flexed, stretching his shoulders wide. As blaster bolts pelted into his back, he looked down curiously at the braid in her hair.

:: Kizael smirked. "You're a long way from home, young Padawan."

:: Meanwhile, the orange lightsabre began to slowly sink in a lazy downward spiral around the leg of the AT-MT, the circle of glowing molten metal spreading across the knee joint.

[TSO Naval Officer]

The AT-MT stalled on the rocky ridge, servos squealing as the driver could no longer move his chassis. Instead, he rotated the twin blaster, attacking the area the Jedi were last seen. However, it was short-lived. In a screech of metal, the AT-MT's leg pylon snapped. With such a sudden weight imbalance, the mountain walker found itself pitching forward. It slammed to the ground, flames erupting out of its viewports.

Two stormtroopers remained, both hesitating to fire as the two Jedi advanced on them.

[Navaria Tarkin]

Before she could even acknowledge the Trainii that suddenly appeared next to her, the whining sound of the AT-MT caught her attention. She stood up in plain sight and watched the massive walker fall forward to the ground and explode.

She noticed a bright orange blade disappear beneath the wreackage and looked to the cat being. He was a Jedi and a powerful one at that. He easily absorbed the blaster fire and wasn't even remotely tired from coming to her rescue.

So many questions raced through her mind but they weren't alone.

"Yes ... I am, but there are still two more."

Navaria turned and jumped up ontop of the crag, facing the two remaining StormTroopers with blaster and sabre in hand. Both of them could easily take out these two without a thought ... hell, even the Trianii could without the Force but that wasn't the ways of a Jedi.

"Put your weapons down and surrender! Now!!!"

[Drin Kizael]

Kizael watched in horror as the AT-MT buckled and toppled. He felt the panic from the inexperienced pilot inside. He must have overcompensated, causing an overload that ruptured the fuel line. The lightsabre was only meant to cripple the walker to throw off its fire and prevent pursuit. But even after so many years as a Jedi, Drin never ceased to be impressed by the power of the elegant weapon.

What few stormtroopers were left standing in the group under the ridge were smashed under the weight of the twisted wreckage. Blissfully, the two behind him stopped firing after the first few shots. His back was starting to sting.

"Yes ... I am," the human woman said, drawing his attention. "But there are still two more."

She jumped on top of the boulder, shouting orders and covering the remaining stormtroopers with a carbine and her poised lightsabre. Kizael wondered if the way she took charge of the situation was a natural leadership instinct or an attempt to impress him.

Either way, it allowed him time to mentally scan for his own lightsabre. As the stormtroopers wisely tossed their E-11's to the ground, Kizael probed through the force for traces of his own aura left behind on the hilt.

The cylinder rose and flew from atop the ridge down to Kizael's outstretched hand. The Jedi examined it with a sour expression. It was damaged by shrapnel in the fall. A bent plate over the grip told him not to try igniting it any time soon.

The Trianii turned around, cracking the tension out of his back from those blaster hits.

"Okay, what brings TSO forces all the way out to this end of the galaxy? Be quick about it, we don't have all day."

Expecting the response to be serial number and rank -- stormtroopers were trained not have names in the field -- Kizael stretched his mind to the force. Under pressure, whatever they knew would intrude the surface thoughts of an undisciplined mind whether they answered aloud or not.

"What are you doing here? Who sent you?"

[TSO Naval Officer]

The stormtroopers pondered being obstinant, but the thought of such resistance against a Trianii Jedi was to say the least, unpalatable.

JT-119: We are searching for you Jedi. On the orders of Lord Vader.

[TSO Naval Officer]

Meanwhile...at the makeshift TSO base camp, Lieutenant Kax monitored field communications closely. Within moments, he caught the tail end of Mu squad's final transmission. Standing up, he quickly approached Vader.

Lieutenant Kax: Lord Vader...Mu squadron has found the Jedi. They report two. One human female, and one male Trianii. Communications ceased soon afterward.

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[Darth Vader]

Your Mu squadron is already dead, Lieutenant.

:: If it was possible, Vader's mechanical timbre became even more menacing ::

Alert General Hocke to prepare for departure. I...will be joining him.

:: The Dark Lord turned away, leaving in measuring strides that left his midnight cape trailing like a dark afterthought ::

[Drin Kizael]

Kizael grabbed the Stormtrooper by the top of his breastplate and growled, "What did you just say?" He glared down at the featureless black visor, lips curled back just enough to expose his fierce canines. He stood calmly all things considered, quelling the urge to rip the human's head off.

Vader began to slowly walk across the warehouse. "You should have listened to me, alien."

But his telepathic probe confirmed that the soldier was was not lying. His batallion was under the command of a being calling himself Darth Vader.

Kizael slowly released his grip, leaving the indentation of his fingers in the twisted armor as a graphic reminder of what he could have done to the human.

The sarcasm was dripping from his voice even through the electronic filter. "Valiant to the last. A noble effort, Drin Kizael. You were truly a worthy opponent."

He spun on his heel, cloak flowing behind him. "They'll be here any minute," he said to the Padawan. He marched toward the repulsorlift sled, sliding a leg over and curling his tail around his waist.

The engines flared to life with a groan of protest. He considered the LCD panel displaying repulsordrive status, then looked toward the hesitant woman. "Come on. You do not want to see what they will send as reinforcements."

[Navaria Tarkin]

What came from the Storm Trooper shocked Navaria greatly as she took a step back to steady herself. Darth Vader was dead and for the longest time she had thought Luke killed him but no ... it was Vader sacrificing himself to save his son from the Emperor that ultimately destroyed the once feared Dark Lord of the Sith.

The Jedi was a blur as he demanded answers from the Storm Trooper. The Padawan couldn't help being startled as the Jedi roughed up the Storm Trooper in that manner. She cold feel the tendrils of the Force being employed as the Trianii and the soldier stood there motionless.

Finally, he came too and unceremoniously started the engine of a repulsor sled.

Disengaging her sabre, Navaria clipped it to her belt and hopped on behind him. There was no time for questions because she too felt that more of them would come.

It was impossible for her to wrap her arms completely around the Trianii's waist so she grabbed hold of his robes tightly, hugging his back as they tore off ...

[TSO Naval Officer]

General Hocke: Alert all waypoint commands. Assemble my squadron for immediate debarkation.

The lieutenant nodded curtly, hurrying away. In his wake, Lord Vader approached. Hocke curtly saluted.

General Hocke: M'lord, my strike force is assembled, and prepared to intercept at the specified coordinates and engage.

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[Darth Vader]

Good. I shall join you, General.

:: The Dark Lord pointed to Hocke, a Damoclesian edge forming around his steely words ::

And for your sake...do not fail me.

:: He promptly made his way to one of the several AT-MTs, assembled at the foot of the mountain. ::

[TSO Naval Officer]

The implications of what Lord Vader said chilled the General, his jaw clenching at the thought of his failure's consequences.

General Hocke: As you wish M'lord.

Hocke assembled his troops, gathering four AT-MTs and an equal number of stormtrooper squadrons to travel aboard them. Without delay, they began their ascent up the mountain.

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[Drin Kizael]

The Nydalla sun peaked over the Brisehe mountains as a repulsorlift sled raced through the brisk air. The craft wove through twisting passes and treacherous ridges as fast as the egnines could push it and still navigate. The wind whipped around the two Jedi on board, though fortunately for the woman on back, she was cushioned from the brunt of it by the broad-shouldered Trianii piloting.

As each bone-chilling gust was driven through his fur by the high rocky walls, Drin Kizael kept his focus on the trails ahead. He wished they could do this as a better altitude, but needed to stay well within the mountains' protection from orbital and aerial sensors.

As the day crested past noon, Kizael could feel the controls begin to strain. Then without warning a restraining ring popped off the engine with a violent hiss, slamming the vehicle down in a wild skid against the stone floor.

Kizeal pulled the sled into a sidelong power slide. He leaned back, fighting to control the wild course. Then his eyes widened as he saw a cliff wall racing toward them.

He knew his passenger was not in any position to jump on her own. "Go limp!" he roared, turning in the saddle. Trusting that Padawans were still instilled with the ability to follow instructions at the Order, he wrapped a huge arm around her waist and launched himself off with one foot.

The pair tumbled through the air, landing on a craggy slope with Kizael's body twisted to take the impact.

The Trianii laid there for several seconds, allowing the ringing in his ears to fade, pleased that there was no smell of ozone or an explosion. At length he rolled upright and crawled to his feet.

He checked on the Padawan with a quick once-over. Satisfied that she was relatively unscathed, he approached the downed sled.

Drin sighed on examining the damage. The fall during the attack on the spider-walker and shrapnel from the wreckage damaged it worse than he feared. He stole a brief glance back down the trail where they came, then leaned over the pilot's seat and popped open the small cargo hold.

He produced a pair of blasters, a survival pack, compact heater, and an emergency electronic repair kit. He then bundled them together and turned to continue up the trail where they were going. On foot, they would reach his hidden ship well past the next morning, but they should be well ahead of the TSO ground forces.

He paused, allowing his newfound companion a moment to get herself composed.

"I am Drin Kizael," he said without further pretense. "It just occurred to me that we haven't had a chance to introduce ourselves."

[TSO Naval Officer]

The AT-MT strike force made good time, maneuvering through the ridges and escarpments of the mountainside with great skill. Eventually, they came across a wide mountian gap, with smoldering wreckage near one of the rocky outcroppings.

Lieutenant Naven: Lord Vader, we've come upon the last coordinates of Mu squadron.

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[Darth Vader]

:: Immediately, the Dark Lord ordered the armored advance halted. He personally inspected the attack site, walking amidst the fallen bodies of stormtroopers, toward the charred skeleton of the destroyed AT-MT. Amidst the ruin, Vader paused, running a black glove over a severed walking strut. ::

I sense a...familiar presence.

:: For a moment, the Dark Lord stood silent to ponder this. He then turned, quickly returning to his walker. ::

General Hocke...there is no longer any doubt about it. The Jedi are here. I sense...two of them, and one is a presence that seems...most familiar.

:: It was mostly spoken to himself in ponderance. Hocke, while militarily gifted, was a simple peon, and would know nothing of the things Vader spoke on. The Force was an alien concept to the man, and that made him simply an asset to be used. ::

[Navaria Tarkin]

Navaria had little time in getting some of the supplies that were on her ride but fortunately the Force had given her the foresight to wear her pack. All her own provisions and equipment were inside except for her tent and miscellaneous items that weren't essential for survival.

The Trianni on the other was searching through the compartment in the swoop, hoping to find some things of use. It allowed Navaria some time to catch her breath from her recent excitement of professionally falling off the bike. A few bumps and bruises were felt and probably would be worse tonight but it was a minor annoyance seeing as she was still alive.

This Jedi was obviously not much for words as he started up the trail. Navaria caught up after seeing he wasn't going to acknowledge her to follow ... probably seeing in his own mind it was obvious ... and tried to keep pace with the feline's long strides.

She was mulling over in her head what to say to break the ice but the Trianni beat her to the punch.

"I am Drin Kizael," he said without further pretense. "It just occurred to me that we haven't had a chance to introduce ourselves."

She wondered if he had a sense of humor.

"Proper introductions are hard with all the hiding, shooting and yelling of course."

The Padawan looked up at Drin.

"I'm Navara Tarkin."

She left it at that for surely he already knew that Navaria was a Padawan. Also, Navaria was used to either people not knowing what a being a Tarkin meant or the uncomfortable silence that happened because they did know.

"Thank you for helping me."

A quiet sigh escaped her lips as she looked to the road.

"So much for my quiet vacation."

[Drin Kizael]

"That makes two of us," Kizael said with a slight grin. He tilted his head toward the mountain trail and began the trek up.

"My ship is hidden in a valley several kilometers from here. We should make it by dawn. There is a meditation technique not unlike a low level healing trance that refreshes the body with minimal sleep. If you aren't already familiar with it, I can show you when we reach the cavern network deeper in the mountains."

"Tarkin, eh?" he added when Narvaria was walking by his side. "I bet that's usually quite the conversation stopper." He chuckled at the look she flashed him in response.

"I am no stranger to prejudice, trust me. And on that topic, most of what you have heard about me at the Order is probably not true." Kizael smiled easily as he continued on. They still had much ground to cover, but without blaster bolts raining around them, the sense of urgency that kept his mood so sour had lifted.

"I only heard that you had a penchant for controversey and your training methods were somewhat ... fundamentalist. And you openly challenged the Council on one or two occasions."

Kizael raised an eyebrow. "Well then I suppose it is true, then."

"We just missed each other at the Academy, actually. I entered my training when they were still settling on Yavin IV."

Kizael's eyes drifted off in response, seeming more distant for a moment. "So who is your master, Navaria Tarkin?" he asked at length.

"Leia Solo," the Padawan replied.

"Ah... That explains the positive spin on my tenure in the Order. You found yourself in good hands."

Navaria looked up. She appeared to want to say something, but held back. The pair continued on through the rugged terrain for the better part of an hour in silence. At one point Drin asked about her training. He learned of her talents as they walked, particularly in the healing aptitude. As dusk settled, he began to share some insights of his own master. By nightfall, he told her some of his history before the Clone Wars.

"I could not help but feel your reaction to the 'news' that Darth Vader is alive. But I assure you... whatever sentient wears the armor is not the same man."

Kizael wished his resolve was as strong as he sounded. A part of him wondered if he was just trying to convince himself. Luke Skywalker's account of his father's end was well known to all who had been in the Greater Jedi Order, but a spirit, especially one so immersed in the Dark Side as Anakin was, surviving through another body was not completely outside the realm of possibility.

"Though with the strength of the Dark Side that I have witnessed in this era, I doubt that makes him any less dangerous."

[TSO Naval Officer]

General Hocke deactivated the commlink with base command, just as Vader returned to the lead AT-MT

General Hocke: M'Lord, our reconaissance overflights have detected a second landing site. It is well-concealed, and like the first, inaccessible from an air-based landing. It lies due west, approximately...nine kilometers. What are our orders, m'Lord?

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[Darth Vader]

:: The Dark Lord remained silent for a long time, his mechanized breathing the only sound around him. Finally, he spoke. ::

Send one of your scout transports ahead. Capture the hidden ship, and any rebels who may be on board. Lead the other three transports in the direction of this new vessel. The Jedi will be there. I have felt it.

[Drin Kizael]

The Jedi continued on for several more hours through the starlit mountains. Though Navaria wasn't his Padawan, Kizael used the situation to teach her a technique that allowed her eyes to amplify the visible spectrum. "With practice, you can see even on twlight worlds as if it were second-sunrise on Tatooine."

Twice in their trek, they had to duck for cover as TIE fighters screamed by high overhead. Kizael was confident that the ship itself was well hidden, but had doubts about the cavern mouth going undetected by the recons. At the pace they were making, there was little he could do about that.

The moon was declining well into the eastern sky when the pair finally reached a network of small caves. For a moment he considered navigating the caves astrally to find a back route to the ship, but quickly realized how much longer the physical march would take.

"We are within a few hours of my ship." Kizael said, inspecting a cave opening. "We'll rest here for as long as we can spare. You are familiar with the healing trance?"

Navaria nodded. Kizael smirked and replied, "What is required to refresh an uninjured body isn't nearly as difficult."

He set down the small camping heater and turned on the low glowpanel to light the area, dim enough to not be seen from the entrance. He took off his robe and folded it before him. On that he placed his lightsabre, one of the procured blaster rifles, and the emergency repair kit.

Pale greenish light played off the smooth walls and reflected in Kizael's bright eyes as he put himself to work on the damaged hilt.

"To say you are an enigma, Navaria Tarkin, would be quite an understatement," Kizael said to the hanging silence as he popped off the carbine's power pack casing. He took some enjoyment out of using her full name, and it showed.

"Information on the Sith Empire is decidedly limited," he added at length. The sudden topic shift brought the young woman's head up with more than a hint of surprise and concern. Kizael removed a circuit plate from the silver hilt, then a conductor from the blaster.

Keeping his focus on the repairs, as if idly chatting about the weather, he said, "But Dalethria Mal Pannis is certainly known to us. To your master in particular."

He quickly ignited a soldering torch, tracing a delicate line along the crosswired filaments of the powerpack overlayed between contacts of the sabre. Following several seconds where the only sound was the sizzling of electronic fibres and plastine, Kizael looked up.

The silent Padawan was the vision of mixed emotions, but to the Force, whatever those emotions were could not be read at all. Whether she was scared, confused, or fuming, the Jedi Master was blind to her aura. Navaria had thrown up a wall that blocked him solidly. Kizael noted the impressive feat, performed soley on reflex by the severity of the change he felt.

Kizael set down the circuit plate and took the torch to the bent shell casing of the hilt, applying just enough heat to make it malleable in his powerful hands. "You can imagine my surprise, then," he interjected before she could speak up, "when I first saw you."

"Even more surprising was the way I saw the Force flow through and around you ... not in erratic bursts as a Sith would horde and release the pent up energy inside them."

He replaced the hilt cover, raising it with a hint of ceremony, then placed it on the cloth between them.

"This is my fourth lightsabre, you know. Its predecessor was destroyed in my duel with Darth Vader. My first was the one I carried as a Padawan. The second one served me well during the Clone Wars."

Navaria continued to look at him with those savagely unemotional eyes. "I did not recognize it in the heat of battle, but once I had time to get a feel for you, I realized the 'twinge' in your aura was the feeling I learned to recognize all those years ago." The fur tightened across Kizael's face for a moment. "The same feeling I got when I was around Obiwan Kenobi."

The Jedi straightened a bit, looking down at the woman with a gentle gaze. "If nothing else, I wished to clear through the cloud of secrecy between us."

[Navaria Tarkin]

The cave was somewhat damp and it caused what little weariness that Navaria had to be felt. Pulling off her robe, she rolled her shoulders to try and ease some of the tension and nodded to Drin about knowing how to perform a healing trance.

Carefully she folded her robe and placed it upon the ground and sat before the heater, warming herself up.

There wasn't much to be said so she watched the Jedi begin to fix the sabre that was broken. It didn't look too damaged and this was an opportunity to learn without anything actually being said. Navaria knew how to make a sabre but you never knew what one could learn by simple observation.

All was quiet but she didn't mind, especially after what had occurred ... but it wasn't to last.

The question wasn't being asked but it was coming as soon as Drin said. How could it not be asked ...

"To say you are an enigma, Navaria Tarkin, would be quite an understatement."

"Information on the Sith Empire is decidedly limited."

She looked up finally, with wide eyes, staring at the felinoid. It was unclear where he was going with this. Now the Padawan was confused and instinctively put up a defensive mind barrier. Navaria thought Drin would mistaken her for Dalethria but that wasn't the case.

And it continued...

"But Dalethria Mal Pannis is certainly known to us. To your master in particular."

"You can imagine my surprise, then," he interjected before she could speak up, "when I first saw you."

"Even more surprising was the way I saw the Force flow through and around you ... not in erratic bursts as a Sith would horde and release the pent up energy inside them."

Through this monologue, and that is what this was ... a monologue, since Navaria was too fascinated and scared to interject. Her complete focus was on Drin, drawn in by his every word to see when this would end. When she would be forced to speak.

Navaria continued to look at him with those savagely unemotional eyes. "I did not recognize it in the heat of battle, but once I had time to get a feel for you, I realized the 'twinge' in your aura was the feeling I learned to recognize all those years ago." The fur tightened across Kizael's face for a moment. "The same feeling I got when I was around Obiwan Kenobi."

The Jedi straightened a bit, looking down at the woman with a gentle gaze. "If nothing else, I wished to clear through the cloud of secrecy between us."

And then he stopped and Navaria leaned her back against the wall, almost in a daze.

"I ..."

She tried to begin, but faltered. Her one hand was wrapped around her stomach as if trying to protect herself. The other was hanging in the air as an indication of how difficult this was. It wasn't shaking however.

Closing her eyes, she tried again.

"This body is a clone but I'm not a clone."

Quickly her eyes snapped opened, showing the unshed tears that Navaria was trying to hide.

"It's just so hard to explain ...."

[Drin Kizael]

Kizael bowed his head and sighed inwardly. He reached into the survival pack, producing a thin cloth rag which he extended to Navaria.

"There is no need, child."

Drin Kizael remained silent, giving her a chance to get whatever she needed to out in the open, but the words did not come.

"I have seen many terrible and wonderful things in my long life. The Force can destroy or create life in more ways than any of us save perhaps Master Yog can ever know.

"If a soul can defy death by becoming one with its essence... there is no reason to doubt that a soul can be freed from the grips of the Dark Side and given new life."

She looked up again. Her aura was still hidden from his senses, but a hint of light had returned to her eyes.

"Rest," he said at last. "I will maintain watch."

Kizael guided Navaria through the technique, and soon both were deep within the warm protection of the Force.

******

"Rise and shine."

Navaria's eyes fluttered open at the sound of the key phrase. She found the heater and supplies already packed and Drin all ready to go.

By first light they were a ridge away from sight of their destination.

[Darth Vader]

:: Unfortunately for the two Jedi, the mechanized pursuers had advanced along their flank, undetected, and had arrived on the other side of the ridge. The AT-MTs debarked their stormtroopers, two squads proceeded up the adjoining rock ledges, to cover the high ground. The third squad stayed low, with the three AT-MTs. Vader disembarked, staring up the ridge at the ship one of the Jedi had arrived in. He turned to Hocke. ::

Good work, General. The Jedi have not arrived. Allow them to approach, but prevent their escape from the direction they came. I will deal with them myself.

[Drin Kizael]

Kizael and Navaria stood at the edge of valley, waiting. A several seconds' pause became a minute. Kizael's accute hazel eyes scanned the landscape, his ears twisted forward, but the only sound was an occassional avian chirp and the breeze scraping against rock into the green field below.

"What is it?" the Padawan finally asked.

Drin only held up a taloned finger, listening.

Navaria strained her ears. "I don't hear anything."

"Exactly," the felinoid replied.

The lush valley spread out beyond them invitingly. The rocky trail descended from the ridge through an expanse of grass, winding lazily across the ground to a cave where the Jitarn's Redemption awaited them less than 100 meters away.

"I sense no danger," Navaria said at length.

"I hear nothing through the Force either. Only the rhythm of the valley itself." Kizael looked down at the girl, then back across the peaceful vale.

"Let's go. But tread carefully."

[Navaria Tarkin]

Cautiously, Navaria navigated down the path. Drin had pointed out this was the easiest why down the side of the valley. She remained alert; senses extending the area for any sign of alarm. This area was completely open; a wonderful place for an ambush which is why Drin had stopped to make sure the coast was clear.

It was difficult to traverse the rocky terrain. Every now and then a small rock would come loose and bounce down the side of valley that opened up in the grassy area. It was a much better surface to walk on and her feet thanked her.

The winds were cooler down here eventhough the temperature was warmer. The sensation of the sun rays penetrating her robes provided a comforting warmth.

Navaria and Drin could only have walked a few meters before the young Padawan stopped. The hairs on the back of neck tingled as her mind warned her that there was danger ...

She unclipped her sabre and looked around, trying to scan the area more fully to find the source.

"We are not alone, Drin..."

[Darth Vader]

:: A single solitary figure stood by Drin's ship...clad in armor darker than night. A flowing cape trailed down from the dark warrior's broad shoulders as he stood, expectant of the approaching Jedi. ::

Your flight is at an end, Jedi. Now, you will answer to me.

:: As the Dark Lord spoke, two dozen stormtroopers appeared on the overlooking ridge above, blasters trained on the approaching Jedi ::

[Drin Kizael]

Kizael's eyes remained fixed on the image of Darth Vader, noting the sudden appearance of Stormtroopers simply by the sound of duraplast armor on stone echoing in the valley.

The Jedi narrowed his eyes as the black figure stood there smugly, his black gauntleted hands at his sides. Whoever this imposter was, he was still powerufl enough to shield an army from his danger sense. But that did not change anything.

His ears twitched. Slowly, he turned his head to peer behind them at the new sound. Two AT-MT spider walkers rose and tilted their blaster cannons down the path, covering the only exit from the trap.

A powerful dark Jedi one one side, two tanks with enough firepower to destroy even the energy absorbing Trianii, and over 20 armored soldiers on the high ground surrounding him and a single Padawan he had just met.

"Take this," Kizael whispered sharply.

Navaria darted a glance up in surprise. "What?" She felt a furred hand grasp hers, pressing a metallic card into the palm.

"That is the key to my ship... inside the cave. Keep moving. Don't even stop for cover. Just run. I'll handle 'Lord Vader'. Left on three. One... "

The echo of forty-eight armored boots taking position to open fire filled the air.

"Two..."

The spider-walkers swiveled and took firmer ground with a loud whir.

"Three!" Kizael bolted.

[Navaria Tarkin]

She looked down at the key card in her hand. Quickly her eyes darted forward to where the imposing visage of Lord Vader was waiting for them.

Navaria flipped the key card between her fingers and readied the sabre in the other hand. As soon as Drin yelled three, the Padawan darted left as the Trianii bolted right.

Everything exploded in a sea of red blaster bolts. Her ears were ringing with the sounds of blaster fire ricocheting off the walls of the valley. It was enough to distract any normal being from defending the death that was being fired in her direction. The odds were against her .... but Navaria was not a normal being.

She was a Jedi and the Force was her ally.

The sabre in her hand came to life in the familiar snap-hiss that made people either feel fear or relief ... depending on who was wielding the blade. Her emotions were quieted, her fear in control. All that was left was the need to make it to the ship by any means.

With one hand, Navaria turned around, swinging her sabre around her body in a circular pattern to parry the blaster bolts. There were too many for her to concentrate fully to send them back at their source for now. Her main goal was to continue moving forward without injury to her person. Also, if she wasn't careful, Navaria could accidentially hit Drin's ship.... That was something that both Jedi could not afford....

[Darth Vader]

:: They split up immediately. Valiant, brave, and foolish for the Trianii master. He would pay for the girl's freedom in the highest price. Vader's blade halted his advance, the sound of crashing lightsabers echoing above the chaos behind them. For a moment, the two stood locked against each other, measuring their enemy ::

[Drin Kizael]

The Jedi bit a curse through clenched teeth as sparks shrieked off the orange and red energy blades centimeters from his face.

Kizael was running at a tangent from the cave. He had intended to split the Stormtrooper's fire, drawing at least half of it away from Navaria. But soon the hail of blaster fire abated and a shadow swooped over him. On instinct, Kizael's lightsabre moved to intercept the descending shadow of Darth Vader. The unexpected offensive gave Navaria an opening to reach the ship, but it shifted the focus of blaster rain completely on her.

"You've changed, Annie," Drin said through a feral grin. Whether the words struck a chord in the being behind the black mask, he could not tell. But this close, the Jedi could confirm what he already knew.

There was so little posturing. All these boulders around, and the Dark Lord jumped straight into a swordfight. And his first move was a blocking maneuver that pitted his raw strength against a Trianii's... with a two-handed stance.

In Avelon, Luke Skywalker had told Kizael how his father had redeemed himself in his final hour. That knowledge swelled him with pride and relief. Now this pretender was exploiting the failure of one of the few beings in the galaxy he had called friend.

Kizael allowed himself to be thrown back by the power block, having no wish to test the pretender's strength. He turned the backwards fall into a flip, landing on one knee with feline balance. He swept his free hand in a wide arc, flinging a wall of loose rock clear across the vale, over Navaria's head, toward a row of Stormtroopers exposed on the high ground.

He sprang sideways at the urging of his danger sense, avoiding a blindng red flash that lascerated the ground in his wake. The Trianii landed on one foot and pivoted, tossing his lightsabre into his other hand while throwing his outer robe away in a spinning motion. Free of the bulky fabric, he met another lightsabre blow with a deft parry.

http://www.powerfulpress.com/ezboard/drinsig2.jpg

[Darth Vader]

:: For a moment, the Dark Lord did not advance. Standing tall, he held his blade squarely in front of him. ::

Your thoughts betray you, Trianii. If you underestimate me, however, you will surely meet your destiny.

[Navaria Tarkin]

The down pour of blaster fire stopped briefly and Navaria stood her ground briefly, listening to what the Force was telling her. She could feel the Stormtroopers confusion and it gave enough time to channel her energies elsewhere. It did not matter what caused the distraction, though instinct told her Drin was involved, only that if she was going to make her move towards the ship ... Now was the time to do it.

It wasn't really a smart thing to do, but Navaria stole a glance behind her. Drin and Vader were at a stand still. Knowing that the Jedi Master was all right renewed her strength and kept her focused on her objective. If she fell ... then Drin drawing Vader away from the ship would have been in vain.

With a burst of speed, Navaria raced towards "The Redemption", dodging the spray of fire from those Stormtroopers that came to their senses. In mere seconds, Navaria was already placing the key card into the outside control panel and the ramp started to lower not too long after that.

As soon as there was enough room, Navaria hopped onto the side of the ramp and disappeared into the ship.

By the design of the hull and how the interior was laid out, "The Jitarn's Redemption" was an older model Nova-Drive. Which meant that the cockpit wasn't too far away from where she was standing.

Making sure to secure the ship, Navaria made off in a hurry in that direction.....

[Drin Kizael]

The lightsabres of the Jedi and the pretender clashed once more. Both warriors traded blows and parries, neither coming closer to breaking the other down. But the sentient in the armor of Darth Vader was proving that whether he was the true Sith Lord or not, he was no less dangerous.

In a lingering pause in the battle, the silence finally registered in Kizael's ears. The blaster fire from the ridge had ceased. He dared not take his focus off Vader, but he had to assume Navaria had made it into the cave. The Stormtroopers had nothing to fire at and dared not risk shooting him so close to their leader.

The Jedi thrust his lightsabre toward the ebony Sith, pulling back for an immediate parry. The feints continued, again with neither gaining ground. Soon the two combatants found themselves on a hillock.

Kizael stood back, extending the phase of his lightsabre to extend a full 3 meters. He shifted his stance on the opposite slope of the tiny hill, lifting his lightsabre parallel with his ear in an inverted grip, holding his opposing hand with an open palm against the hilt.

The ceremony he put into the stance accomplished its goal of breaking the pace of the duel. The Trianii held the stand-off for several more seconds, leveling his sabre at full length between them.