Count To Six And Die (Completed)

[Taro Idol]

ooc: In this roleplay, my character is the leader of a group of people who hate force sentivies. Consider this an introduction thread in which we make our presence known, innitially on a small scale, and involvement from any who wish to be involved is more than welcome. /ooc

It's been some time since The Great Purge - that manic time back when Emperor Palpatine and his lapdog Vader went galavanting around the galaxy in search of Force users. It didn't matter who you were, where you were from, what colour your skin was or how powerful you were - if you were Force sensitive, then it sucked to be you. But there was only one problem with the method employed. It didn't work. It wasn't refined. It had a fatal flaw - one that would take them right back to square one.

It wasn't finished.

You see, once Vader and Palpatine had finished their big crusade they left it at that. As far as they knew, they were the only two Force users and were content in that knowledge. But in order to complete such a perfect plan, they would have to take it one final step further. In other words - they'd have to kill themselves. They too were Force Users - and a purge is only a purge if all the poison is cut from the wound. If a small amount is left then it can spread like the cancer it is, and consume once again.


In a nameless cantina on a world of filth, I stand at the front of an empty stage where a band normally performs. But tonight, I perform. Before me are my loyal subjects. My men-at-arms. My disciples. Whatever you want to call them, it's safe to say that they are mine. All of them would gladly give their life for me. They do whatever I tell them because of what they believe.

Me.

If you were to ask me what I do for a living, or what my occupation is, or basically what I am, there are a number of possible answers that I could give. A criminal. A bum. An ex-con. A musician. A pilot. A murderer. A preacher. Yes. For tonight, my answer is preacher. Essentially I'm a nobody leading a group of about twenty-five other nobodies, but a large part of me is a preacher. And like all preachers - this might come as a shock to you - I preach. And these dissidents of society believe strongly in what I preach. Perhaps you might too. Perhaps you'll disagree with my strong enough to attack me one day. Just pray your not Force sensitive or you'll wish you'd never been born.

A-ha! I think we've struck a nerve.

If I were to describe my best features I'd say they were my dazzling looks, quick-wits, godlike intelligence and undying hatred for Force users. And that latter point is out topic of discussion this evening. So with a half-full glass of lum in my hand, I stand before the crowd. Amongst the sixty or so bar-goers are scattered my disciples, awaiting tonights orders, as well as the disgruntled members of society who are sick of having friends and relatives being caught up in conflicts between Sith and Jedi and Dark Siders and any other Force users you care to mention. All I had to do was spread the good word...

"Okay lets go, c'mon, let's get it together."

And they ate it up.

...C'mon - this isn't a damn social!"

[Zeke]

"Looks that way to me."

Zeke sat on a stool, leaning against the bar. He was farthest from the stage, a few feet from the angry mob, a large, fanged cockroach on his shoulder. He spoke quietly to the cockroach, or maybe he was thinking to himself. Either way, the crowd paid him no mind. He listened to the man on stage talk.

[Mutant Cockroach]

Our conversation was very hushed as the man began to preach of his hate for the Force users. It ruffled me the wrong way, being that Zeke was a Jedi, but people had a free will. This one decided to turn it into something negative whereas he could point a finger and tell his followers to hate Force Users.

In a way, it sounded somewhat Sith-like. Except that he didn't like Sith, either.

"I wonder if his mother dropped him on the head as a baby."

I sighed slightly and flatted my body even further against Zeke's shoulder, glaring in the man's direction.

[Zeke]

"Perhaps. I'm not sure. But let him talk. Talk is cheap and means nothing."

[Keeto Mora]

With nothing to do lately, Gav decided to take another trip to Coruscant. To be fair, as much as he loathed the place it is the most important planet in the entire galaxy plus it was an ideal place to get a feel for the general consensus of the common people. Most of what he heard was either hearsay or scandal with little truth but within the lies occasionally lay a grain of truth or at least something that might interest him.

Now that the New Republic had once again brought it's democratic ways of governing all systems and peoples, divisions were clear amongst supporters of the New Republic and sympathisers of the Empire, divides between the powerful and the weak were less evident and there seemed to be an absence of control, particularly in these lower levels. Nevertheless, the most important advantage of having a democratic government is that even the poorest of men can have the right to an opinion: just like the man who was standing up on that stage.

Earlier in the evening, the Sith had overheard a couple of Sullustans openly discussing their undying hatred for Jedi and force-users alike; such brutal honesty suprised Gav and for a moment he listened before interrupting. He had heard them talk of this place and speak very highly of the man before them, Mr. Taro Idol. Not removing his helmet in order to keep his identity hidden and maintain his alternate alias of Keeto Mora, Gav simply took a seat with these Sullustans and waited for Taro to begin his words of inspiration.

[GNN Probe Droid]

One of the many hundreds of the GNN news scouts that were patrolling their respective regions of the city planet found itself hovering through the entrance to this cantina. The black droid hovered with an almost inaudible hum, hidden in the dark interior of the cozy establishment. With all sensors activated it was prepared to record the man's speech in it's entirety and relay the data back to main GNN News Centre.

[Taro Idol]

"We need to wise up and open our bloody eyes. Force-users are an unneccessary part of society and place a drain on the resources of an already limited galaxy. Last quarter, Coruscant alone spent 39 billion credits on the support and upkeep of force-users, with an additional 8 billion credits going towards the maintenance of the Jedi Academy. As far as crime goes, there are currently 18 million convicted criminals on Coruscant; 35% of those are force-users and 78% of them were reported of having used the Force to commit those crimes - 18% of them being murder and assault."

They're all listening, that's for sure. Looks like I've peeved-off a couple of Jedi-sympathisers over at the bar since they're leaving. It's pretty much a mixed response but generally it seems to be in my favour for the first three rows, minus that woman on the end of the first row with the beard. The two Sullustans are here. Again. They were at the last two and, I think,the one before that. There's another guy with them. Could be a girl, but I don't think so. Up to now, I haven't really been supressed so either there's no Jedi in here or they're waiting for now. My crew are all right in front of me, and a few more on the back row. They all look ready to go out and slaughter some force-users.

Not just yet.

"Suppose a kid lives in 4th sector, level thirty-three. No heating. No regular or reliable source of food. No secure place to sleep. Chances are he's going to die at an early age. But if he's force-sensitive! That's a whole different kettle of fish altogether! The kid gets his own room, three to four meals a day, warmth and security as well as the opportunity to make something of their life - all provided by the Government of course."

When children are concerned it can bring a tear to even the hardest mutha in the moshpit. We all have an inner instinct to protect children. There are exceptions, but generally we see them as unable to defend themselves from the World of Experience, and so step in and preserve their World of Innocence.

"Even families as a whole suffer. Jedi don't pay taxes in return for their 'service' they provide for us. That means there are thousands less paying taxes which means that our taxes are paying for them. I used to work in a smelting works where I was on 45 credits and hour - 7 of those credits payed for one of the damn wizard in his ivory tower. My little brothers school fees were 10 credits a day and they were always asking us for money to pay for this and that! Eventually he had to drop out two years early and get a job. He died six years ago at 16 years old thanks to the job he got. I blame the Jedi for that. Maybe you disagree but you can't bring Tommy back!"

That was good. Thought I'd throw in something personal - add some Helixell to the flames. It wasn't a lie. Tommy did die. The Jedi were the cause. I do blame them. And I will have vengeance.

[Mutant Cockroach]

"You know, the guy has a point ..."

I quickly jumped down on the table, avoiding the hand of an irritated Zeke. Hissing slightly, I raised my wings in a slight warning as of not to anger me. After seeing that he wouldn't attempt to swat me again, I calmed down and continued to listen to Taro.

[Zeke]

Zeke hadn't intentionally swatted at the Cockroach; he was listening to the man make his argument and had clubbed the counter with minor aggravation.

"I'm happy for him. He knows lots of info that in no way implicates Jedi. Force users committing crimes? Try the Sith or Dark Jedi."

[Mutant Cockroach]

"Well, I've never seen a Jedi feed the poor, pay for those who can't, help someone who's hurt .. You guys only seem to appear whenever a Sith or Dark Jedi is there, then try to help the innocent."

[Zeke]

"That's the major stuff, the stuff that makes headlines in the news. Who wants to hear 'Oh, well today some Jedi fed the poor soup in alleyways on Coruscant and saved young people from muggers and whatnot' when you could hear 'Jedi and Sith duel to the death with really neat weapons and a cool battle theme we added to make it look cool'? We do such small things, but you never hear about it because of the media's selection of what is broadcast."

[Ange Tot]

Sher heard Zeke talking to the roach as she took a sip of her drink and watched the "mob", hell if it got out of hand there would be a fight, she grinned and leaned over to talk to Zeke.

"Oh the media won't report Jedi doing little things, because we rarely do, have you ever heard any of the master's say 'Oh let's go feed the poor today.'? But this bloke is forgetting something, some of us Jedi pay from the things we use, like food and drinks and the occasional ship ride, right?"

She grinned and leaned back away from Zeke, Time to make this mob do something interesting...

She then shouted at the man on stage.

"Question mate, Have you ever EVEN talked to a Jedi?"

[Taro Idol]

Somebody with a question. How delightful. I do enjoy a chance to trade insults with those that disagree. Maybe she's a Jedi herself. Even better.

"As a matter of fact my dear, I have. Right before I thrust my archaically-fashioned, crudely-sharpened tree branch through his spine."

Perhaps she wonders how a pure being like me was able to kill a Jedi.

"I love Myrkr. Warm summers."

[Keeto Mora]

Gav audibly laughed when Taro made his witty comeback and what he found more entertaining was that he was telling the truth. Then it was his turn to speak up.

"I too have spoken to a Jedi unfortunately, do they ever talk about anything other than themselves and their supposed 'greater cause'?" He asked rhetorically to nobody in particular but he was greeted with grunts of agreement and some sighs of dissaproval.

"As far as I am concerned, the common man is too eager to praise the Jedi because they are angels in sandals. Nonsense if you ask me; they are arrogant and overestimate their roles, authority and power. Their significance to society of today is over-estimated and are no longer needed. If we rid the galaxy of force-sensitives then we'd only have petty criminals left to deal with. I mean did anyone see that footage of some Force-User throwing lightning at that poor woman's head on the news last night?" He spat that last sentence out with disgust and several others added their opinions which supported Taro's; things were looking good so Gav decided to turn his attention to the man himself.

"Mr. Idol, I see your point and agree with it but I have one question: What are we going to do about it?"

[Idolon Mortiferus]

A figure at the back of the room, sitting in a seemingly self-contained wreath of shadows, sat up slowly, and then raised herself to her feet, slowly, as if wanting to make a statement in doing so.
"I have a solution" she intoned, her voice cutting through the idle chatter of the pub like a knife.
"Why not just kill em, all of em?"
there was a general nod of agreement from the room.
"Side with the Sith, help them kill the Jedi, then round them up and massacre em."
she smiled inwardly as the room seemed to take to her idea.


"Of course, nobody said after killing the Jedi the Sith wouldnt massacre you first..... they could be tipped off. For the right price"

[Zeke]

"That'll never work, the Sith would stab you in the back. They wouldn't accept your help anyway, they think its their divine right to defeat the Jedi."

[Taro Idol]

The place seemed to liven up rather quickly. It's always nice when the audience takes an active part in the discussion. And it's even better when there are Jedi and Sith in the audience.

"In answer to the metallic gentleman's question, I refer to what the lovely lady at the back suggested. The only way to stop a cancer from spreading further and destroying more cells is to cut the cancer from the body and dispose of it effectively. Therefore, to stop the plague that is The Force from spreading and spoiling and corrupting, the only option is to erradicate those who are sensitive to it."

I click my fingers. I love this part. It shows just how much power I hold over my disciples, as they scatter into the back room and into the alleyway where the cage is located. Muffled screams are now audible as they wheel her in. She's quite young - but so was Tommy.

"Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to our star of the evening. Her name's Marie and she's twelve years old. Her parents were murdered when she was seven by me and my associates. She, like her parents were, is force-sensitive. But that could all change tonight. I throw it open to the floor - what shall become of this future-Jedi or Sith?"

Holding a clenched fist straight out beside me, I extend my thumb horizontally. I feel like some kind of judge or emperor. I'd better get used to it. There is a mixed response coming from the audience. My disciples say "kill her", naturally. As do the Sullustans with that metal guy - who seems to be observing the rabble. A group of women near the middle of the crowd are heavily protesting. To be honest, I can't tell what the majority opinion is. Like I care!

I invert my thumb.

[Zeke]

Zeke's eyes widened. Who was this man to play God over another's life? He got up off his stool and approached the cage. He looked up at Taro Idol, and around his crazed followers. No doubt they'd attack him. Oh well. He put his hands in his pockets and leaned against the side, as if not caring at all where he was or about the girl.

"Who does the honors?"

[Silus Xilarian]

It was a long day on Coruscant. It seemed that business on this planet was painfully slow, as people had to run about, calling friends, gathering information. Today however, he didnt mind. He stood in the corner of an unnamed Cantina. Listening to a disturbed fanatic rant on about his hatred toward force-users. Soon two padawans spoke up, against the man of course. A Sith had made what sounded to be a proposal, though it seemed to be more rhetoric than anything. Then a cage was brought in. A young girl. Appartantly force-sensitive. Silus didnt have any reason to care, or any really reason to step in. But he had come here out of interest, and really wasnt looking to watch an innocent kid die.

Silus stepped out from the corner, his coat flowing slighty behind him as he stepped, only partially concealing a light repeater rifle on his hip...

And when have you, Mr. Idol, stopped to help the needy. It just seems that you use these incidences to justify cold-blooded murder...

Silus stood with his hand close to his side, ready to fire on the first person who stepped near the small girls cage.

[Zeke]

Zeke glanced back at Silus. One ally in this. He held his breath and watched for Taro's reaction.

[Keeto Mora]

"Now that's pushing the envelope!" Gav thought to himself in his seat, behind that helmet a smile came over his face. He was pleased to see that this Taro Idol had the courage of his convictions and was prepared to practice that which he preached; his followers seem to take the bait without question which was impressive in itself. "But is he intelligent enough to come to this meeting fully prepared? Not everyone will agree with him."

Breaking his silence, Gav turned to the man who had just spoken up about helping the needy and cold-blooded murder. Despite the armour and helmet, his eloquent voice was reasonably clear and decipherable.

"I believe his intentions are to help the needy however his perception of the issues is greater than most others because Mr. Idol refers not to a temporary fix but a permanent solution to the plague of force-sensitives that bring so much suffering to the innocent. Extreme times call for extreme measures, friend."

[Taro Idol]

"That they do, my good Sir."

Who does this guy think he is, questioning me? He looks like some kind of announcer or butler and wouldn't last three rounds with a Bothan in a bacta tank. I'd pay money to see that! Time to steal this guys thunder.

"As for you, rude-man-in-the-corner. Do I look like some kind of Savior? An Angel sent from Heaven? A Messiah to heal the wounded and save the poor? I'm just a simple man with simple ways. My worldly possessions can be counted on a single human hand. I can't afford to help the needy. Anything I have left over after my expenses I gladly give to the orphanage down the street. The keeper there is an old friend of mine. I tell the kids stories twice a week, and when I can't make it I sent them a gift. Don't you even dare question me when I am in the open and you hide in the shadow! Anyway, my apologies for those who are ready for tonights finale..."

While everyone unfamiliar to my small sermon's starts conjuring up ideas of the "finale", I might as well get a brief look at our audience. Our actual audience. Too bad this thing can't detect force-sensitives. Anybody who was within a few feet of me and paying particular attention to my left eye would notice that the colour of my iris blinks grey before turning red. Ah! What have we here. Mr. Rude in the corner has a little friend under his garments. There are Jedi here after all - there's their lightsabers by their hips. And...bugger me! Metal-clad Marlon over there's looks like he's ready to start a war! I like him already! Oh well, Crunch Time it is then. I reach into my pocket and rummage through the contents. I'm not going to tell you what's in there because that's private. Just because you can somehow hear my thoughts doesn't mean you get to know everything about me. There it is. It's a small handkerchief that used to belong to a dear dear friend of mine. Until I found out she was a Jedi and slit her throat. See - my hatred for force-sensitives is stronger than my love for what I love. Raising the handkerchief above my head, I allow a large grin to escape my lips and I make eye contact with my disciples. Without a breath, I release the handkerchief. It takes a good few seconds to land on the alcohol-drenched stage beneath the cage - that's almost long enough to rethink my life, reform my ways, set the girl go and donate my life to the Jedi Academy. Unfortunately I barely manage to restrain myself from making the most insane decision of my already fantastic life.

Finally. It his the deck. And like clockwork - they're already bolting out the door; a look of determination in their eyes and the pre-emptive high of death coursing through their veins.

[Zeke]

Zeke watched the crowds of Force-haters go flying for the door. What control. What loyalty. What idiocy. They have no clue what they're even after. Zeke turns back to Taro Idol.

"And the purpose of this young woman in the cage IS? You drag he out, proclaim a death sentence upon her and your flunkies go out the door to kill innocents."

Zeke shook his head.

"Sad."

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus watched as a flock of followers ran out the door, but showed little care. What they did was their business. Silus's only agenda was to stop the death of this one innocent kid. His business on Coruscant didnt include fighting a war. He looked back up to Taro, intent on stalling what seemed to be leading up to a senseless exocution.

So you offer a permanent solution to an unfixable problem? It seems your target is a bit too narrow. After all, people from all races, force-sensitive or not, are to blame. Why not kill everyone who has that to give and doesnt?

Silus kept his eyes set on Taro, though he could still watch the other man, clad in metal, on his peripheral...

[Xander Kace]

Enough was enough.

"Hey, Idol. What makes you think just because you loathe Force users that you can go around and murder each one you see just because you lost your boy due to the goverment's fk'ups?"

Xander stood up from near the back, clad in a black jacket, denim jeans, and a white shirt.

"What of that child in the cell? You went and killed her ma' and her pa'. You put her in the same position that you are, only visa versa."

Xan began to stroll up between the remaining patrons, after the fanatics had filed out, a grim expression on his face.

"You took away her family, just as the system took away your boy. So, Your plan of revenge is to go and get rid of each and every Jedi, Sith, all them?" The sportist stopped halfway across the room, spinning around a chair and leaning on the back.

"So, Tell me. When's the last time you've seen a non-force sensative kid being care for by a Jedi?"

[Ebon Dir]

He sat at the bar, huddled over his drink. It was hard enough to drown out the voices in in his head, now he had to deal with a debate in his quiet bar? He had been coming to the place for months because it was small, out of the way, and unremarkable in every sense of the word. This evening, all of a sudden, it seemed to be a mecca for persons wanting to debate the merits of force users such as himself or lack thereof.

Yes, he was a force user, a Dark Jedi, as one might suspect from his slate grey robes. He didn't flaunt it, like the jedi, nor did he use it to dominate others in a never ending lust for power, like the Sith. He used it avenge the wrongs that had been inflicted on him earlier in life and, on occasion, the wrongs inflicted on others.

He had to admit, the talkative showman on stage had a point. The jedi were outdated. They took much, expected more, and actually did next to nothing. Where were the Jedi when the Sith ravaged his planet, claiming it as their own and killing most of the people dear to him? In their proverbial ivory towers, that's where, debating on the nature of the universe and whether or not they should get involved in the troubles of others. The universe probably would be a better place without them. Kill the force users, jedi, sith, yes, even dark jedi. He would not be sad to see this failed experiment that was his life come to an end.

But killing a little girl? Taking the lives of her parents before her eyes, such an action was inexcusable.

For the moment, he remained in the background, his cloak pulled tightly around his right side, where his arm should have been. Staring deep into his glass, he was practically motionless, but his mind was working overtime, keeping tabs on the surroundings and forming a plan.

[Keeto Mora]

It looks like Mr. Idol has the attention of more than enough people now, however they seem to disagree with both his cause and the course of action he was about to take. Gav stood and left the table which was now empty as the two Sullustans had run outside with the others moments ago. Sitting on a stool with his back to the stage, the heavily armed Sith struck up a conversation with the barmaid.

"Look on the bright side, darlin', at least you have no problems with getting customers." He joked but she only managed to grin, she was very uncomfortable and her attention was fixed on Taro, she feared for the girl's life but wouldn't dare try to stop him.

Quietly Gav scanned the area, looking for something he could use when the heat begins to rise. A pipe running the perimeter of the room. There was a control pannel on his left forearm, pressing a button activated another vision mode, infra-red vision enabled to see heat and through his visor the pipe appeared a dark purple - it was a cooling vent.

"That will be Coolth - usually only used in buildings in desert locations but temperatures can rise significantly in the foul, polluted, deeper regions of the Coruscant lower levels. this should be interesting--" Whilst he thought his left hand slipped to his utility belt and from a small pouch he took a small dart and dextrously slid into his dart shooter, easily concealed in the palm of his hand.

[Taro Idol]

Oh, isn't this magical. Another boy full of hot air ready to pop. And what the hell is he talking about? Is that supposed to make me think of an actual last time I saw such a thing? Even if it is - to what end? If I ponder on that I'll crack and break down to the point where I sound as daft as him.

"Well Sunny-Jim, to be truthful - I've never seen a Jedi help a non force-sensitive. Thanks for the thunder!"

I'm a bugger, I know! Don't complain about it - you chose to join the party, I didn't force you! And what's this? Rude Man adding his twenty-five thousand credits worth. For the second time? This guy's encouragable.

"As for you. No, everybody isn't to blame. The Force exists - no denying that. The Jedi encourage it's use by teaching it to those sensitive to it. Then, those that they teach become selfish and their perspectives change. Voila! The Darksider is born! Insane killers with dark motives. Evil in it's grandest form. The Jedi are to blame for their existence, for without the Jedi they would not have learnt to harness such terrible power. I only wish to save this child from what she may become. Yes - what she may become. There's no guarantee, but it's a sacrifice I'm willing to make."

I'm starting to get bored. And besides, it's getting late and I've got places to go, people to kill.

"I'm sick of this charade. Will you people please stop flirting with me and try to stop me or bugger off back to whatever asylum you broke out of?"

Let's try a little provocative action, shall we? I unholster my heavy blaster pistol - stolen from Ivor. I'm now holding it idly towards the girl, my eyes wide and head cocked sideways, looking at the restless natives as if to say Well what are you going to do about it?

[Ebon Dir]

Point or no, the man was starting to get annoying.

Would he pull the trigger? Probably, he didn't seem to place a very high value on human life; certainly no more than Ebon himself. Still, the girl was an innocent, there was no use dwelling on who she might become. Action would be taken, and it would be taken by him.

"I'll take your bait," he thought to himself.

He unclipped his saber, resting his thumb on the activation switch as he launched himself at the stage. With a graceful leap he landed on top of the cage, perched like a gargoyle, looking down from the graceful butresses of a cathedral.

He looked at the man with tired eyes and ignited the saber with a sharp snap-hiss.

"Okay, you got someone up here, now what do you want?"

[Idolon Mortiferus]

Idolon looked up from the foul-tasting drink she had been holding like a lifeline. she wasnt sure what it was or what was in it, but it had been cheap and alcoholic. and she had come here to avoid a full-blown fight, her comment was only an attempt at getting this guy angry. the weak were funny when they were angry.
she didnt really have any complaint about killing jedi but killing a little kid... yuk.
she stood up, hesitantly, happy to give her support to the angry Force-users, if she could.

[Xander Kace]

"Ayuh, That's because you dont see 'em doing it on the news."

Xander commented before Idol began fussing at Silus. But when the gun rose, Xander went for his own firearm; a colt 45 revolver. Defininatly an antique but it worked well and served it's purpose many times.

It seemed that more than himself and the other guy didnt want this girls death. For a split second later, a guy from the bar had jumped ontop of the cage and ignited a light sword, err.. rephrased - lightsabre.

Xan turned sideways and leveled his firearm up with a streight right arm.

"Put the gun down, Mr. Idol. I dont think you want to loose a hand."

[Zeke]

Zeke looked around. Even the Dark Jedi and Sith were going to save the girl and stop Idol. He ignited his sabers and moved to cut open the cage.

OOC: There ya go dude.

[Silus Xilarian]

As soon as Idol pulled a blaster, Silus pulled his repeater rifle. But before he could shoot, someone had pulled a saber and lept into his line of fire. Silus sidestepped to the left a bit and kept his aim on Idol. His finger twitched slightly over the trigger , ready to unleash a hail of fire should Idol make any sudden move of his weapon. Silus glanced over and saw another man with a crude, yet powerful looking pistol aimed at Idol. Then Zeke moved toward the cage in attempts to free the young girl. Silus still watched the metal-clad man out of the corner of his eye. He wasnt sure what the man was going to do, but he would be ready when he did it...

[Keeto Mora]

Whilst Taro addressed the now irritated the band of non-sympathisers Gav was heating a blue powdery substance on a spoon over a lighter, once it had caramelized he began to stir it into his glass of Gruvian Tovash. The barmaid looked at him with curiosity.

"There's nothing like heated algae sugar in your drink!" Gav said behind the mask in order to calm her fears.

Things were definately reaching fever pitch now so Gav returned to his table and set the glass down on the table, it's contents had now turned a pale, milky blue.

"Hey you, how 'bout payin' for that drink?" The barmaid whined across the bar to him and so he returned and handed her the appropriate ammount of credits for his beverage. However instead of returning to his seat, he once again sat on the stool at the bar to the back of the room so that most had their attention diverted to Mr. Idol at the front.

That was when all hell broke loose; a lightsaber-wielding dark-sider leapt on top of the cage, two men held their weapons pointed at Taro and another ignited his lightsaber and moved in to make an attempt at freeing the girl. Quite a busy hive of do-gooders, such good intentions despite the masses of force-sensitives outside who were being slaughtered at this very moment by Taro's henchmen.

The moment they took action so did Gav, there was a pop as he pressed down on the hidden palm-shooter and the tiny dart shot out and hit the pressurized pipe. Instantaneously the entire structure of piping burst all about the room, the pressure ripping it apart as the gas was released. It wasn't poisonous but was very thick and white and within seconds the entire room would be cold and virtually impossible to see in.

Hopefully some attention would be diverted from Mr. Idol and as such the armored man threw himself from the bar stool and took out one of his heavy blaster pistols whilst a circlular device on his back whirred around and revealed what looked like the barrel of some sort of weapon. Quickly his visor skipped through several vision modes until it accomodated for the gas and he was able to see the people inside the room, highlighted a bright yellow whilst the rest of the room was illuminated in shades of green.

[Idolon Mortiferus]

Idolon tried to adjust to the fog as quickly as she could, searching out Zeke and the girl.
"Zeke!" she yelled above the din of panic, "Get her free, i've got a place she can hide out in till this is over!"

[Diego Van Derveld]

Through the cloud of coolant gas, a vague silhouette could be seen rapidly bounding toward Silus. With a leap, it propelled itself airborne, slamming into the man's chest, and sending his rifle clattering away. Silus fell back, and the figure fell on top of him. He expected to come up swinging in a bare-knuckled melee, until he saw that the figure now atop him wasn't pressing him to the ground with hands...but with paws.

<font color=990000>grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr</font>

This was not a man at all, but a wolf. Faint yellow eyes caught residual light in the room, reflecting it down at Silus's face. Through the mist, he could just make out a muzzle of stark-white teeth.

[Xander Kace]

Xander had thumbed back the trigger when the pipes all under the building erupted. The sportist was thrown off his feet just before being able to release a round at Idol. Weither he hit the fanatic or not he did not know.

The room was quickly becoming very cold and the visiblity was down. Xan flipped onto his stomach and unloaded a blank shell into the air, he had five shots left now.

Clamboring up to his feet, Xan darted over to a round table and kicked it over for cover. He heard a low growling and a rifle skittering across the floor,

"Let's make some noise fella!"

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: a series of fiery bursts fill the air with a sulfury smell as red snap dragons dance through the room, snaking this way and that in random patterns ::

[Taro Idol]

ooc: Just letting everyone know, Zeke edited his post so that the girl isn't actually free yet. If you'd be so kind as to edit your post if needs be, I'd appreciate it.

Am I hallucinating, or has some guy just jumped across the room and onto my cage? No, I'm not hallucinating - I haven't had Liquid Silver in three months. Maybe he's some kind of acrobat or fitness freak. Probably just an acrobatic freak!

"What I want is for you to get off my damn cage!"

Retract and thrust. Simple as that. That's what my gym instructor told me to do for football. It seemed to be appropriate right now. The cage fell slowly at first, but crashed down a second later. The girl was screaming, and the guy on top groanded as he hit the floor.

"Put the gun down, Mr. Idol. I dont think you want to loose a hand."

What now? Some other fool trying to be a hero.

"You're right, I don't want to loose a hand. But I'm not putting my gun down either!"

BANG!

What the hell was that? Whatever it was, it's getting cold in here quickly. I hate having to duck down - makes it look like I'm scared. I just heard a gunshot. A gunshot? Somebody's on a budget! That was probably meant for me. Seems somebody down there likes me! Oh great - I can't see a bloody thing in this stuff! And do my eyes decieve me or is that a lightsaber moving towards me in the thick white Coolth? I'd better hurry things up. Grabbing my comlink, I shout down it loud enough for a deaf man to hear me...

"This is Taro. Speed it up. I'll take care of the rest of this level. Everyone move to their targets on the next level."

Time to kill this girl and find an exit...

[Silus Xilarian]

The gas filled the room too quickly for Silus to react. In an instance, he could see nothing. Then he heard it. A low, menacing growl. Then it hit him, quite literally. Silus hit the floor hard, but instead of being met with a flurry of fists or the barrel of a gun, he was met with teeth, gleaming razor sharp teeth. Silus struggled for a minute but the creature was too heavy, so in a last ditch effort, he reached into the cloud of coolth and wrapped both hands around the muzzle, hoping to hold its mouth shut and make it harder for the thing to breath. He grit his teeth as he closed his gripped as hard as he could, hoping that the creature would jump back out of instinct to free itself...

[Diego Van Derveld]

The wolf pressed forward, its growl reverberating through Silus's body, as stringets of saliva ran down from its chops. Instead of backing away, the wolf raised a paw forward, slapping it against Silus's face, just above his left eyebrow, and with the downward weight of his body, began to slowly rake down to his jawline.

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus felt the claw hit his face, slamming his head against the floor. He felt it cutting him. His hands tightened with his pain. He let go with one hand, keeping his other hand in place to judge where the creature's mouth was. Silus began hitting the animal as hard as he could, landing blow after blow on the wolf's sensitive nose.

[Diego Van Derveld]

<font color=990000>"rrrrrrrYIP!!"</font>

The wolf jumped back, pressing away forcefully from Silus's face. With the distance widened between them, it paced about for a moment, sneezing from the impact to the nose. With a shake of its head, it resumed its menacing stance, with ears folded back, fur bristling, and teeth fully exposed in all their menace. With its head low to the ground, it backed away, into the billowing coolant cloud...obscuring itself from Silus's sight.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

“Hey there, sweetheart.”

A gloved hand rest gently on Taro’s shoulder, but even the voice that accompanied it could not equal the tenderness of the finger that now traced down the side of his face. Taja’s hazel eyes stared intently into those dark, frenzied pools. The corners of her lips were upturned in a lazy smile, almost tempting. Beckoning. All else present in the bar were either too concerned with ending the life of the child, or salvaging what remained of her freedom.

Not Taja. She had different plans for this rebel entirely, this … Idol. He was by nature what his name suggested, and she was always the sucker for an anarchist. Not many noticed the young woman traverse the distance from her seat, near the exit, to the top of the steps leading to the stage. Fewer still saw her sidle up to the host and press her slim body against the full length of his frame. Then again, the unnatural mist settled over the patrons probably had something to do with this lack of observation.

Her bare shoulders showed no visible indication of the increasing cold within the cantina. The shadows allowed for such luxuries.

Leaning against Taro’s chest, she gazed calmly into his eyes, her demeanor pacific and soothing. With a small chuckle, Taja bit playfully into the space immediately before his face, lightly lowering his hand raised with the weapon.

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus scraped to his feet and immediately drew two blasters from behind his back. Silus could hear the animal breathing. His senses would tell him it was in one place, then he would hear it in another.

He kept his weapons drawn. The shear strength of that...thing, was overwhelming. Silus saw a haze of light in the clouds, and started easing his way toward it. If he were to get outside, it would help even the odds quite a bit...

[Diego Van Derveld]

Through the haze, Silus heard a sound. It was barely audible, and sounded faintly fluid...yet not like any sound he had heard before.

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus heard a very strange noise, but didnt recognize it. His instincts were screaming at him, as if he wasnt heading their warnings of danger. He stayed on his path...The light was getting brighter...

[Diego Van Derveld]

The next thing he heard was from above, as one of the support girders shook, like a great weight had landed on it. As Silus's eyes moved to where his ears had triangulated the sound, they met the sole of a large, bare foot, which sent him sprawling halfway across the room. By the time Silus returned to his senses, his attacker was a silhouette, diving back through the coolant shroud.

But this attacker stood on two feet...

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus stumbled back to his feet. He could barely see, his eyes still blurry from the shot to the head. He saw the shadow, and fired at it while stumbling. He had to buy himself a moment to gather himself before this thing ripped him apart.

Silus kept stumbling towards the door. He was getting closer. All the while firing off unaimed shots in the general direction of the creature, who was now....human?

[Diego Van Derveld]

"Aaah!"

One blaster shot hit home...striking the man somewhere. Silus was unable to judge his shot in the fog, but it was sufficient enough to drop him. The man fell to the ground, face-first.

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus saw the shadow drop, and Silus instantly followed suit, though only dropping to one knee. Silus knelt for a minute, and wiped a bead of sweat from his brow. He was relieved that he had dropped the thing, and had every intention of bolting out the door to where he could see better. But now he had to see what in the frell that thing was. Curiousity, it seemed, had taken over better judgement...

[Diego Van Derveld]

Through the coolant cloud, the figure appeared to be an impeccably-physiqued human male. He had a slight scorch mark at his shoulder blade, and aside from the wound, it was all he was wearing. His nude body still lay motionless on the ground.

[Silus Xilarian]

Something wasnt right. Upon examination, Silus only found a burn on the "man's" shoulder, hardly lethal...He thought that this might be a garou, but he wasnt totally sure...

Silus shrugged his shoulders and got one of his blasters back out. He pressed the barrel against the man's head...."Just to be safe", he thought....

[Keeto Mora]

Well despite his efforts, Gav found that he was ignored and most attention was still focused on Taro - lucky guy. From his crouched position he watched on as fights ensued, one most noticeable confrontation was that between the man who had lost a light repeater rifle and a wolf creature. Other peculiar things were taking place, some sort of illusion was being cast as firey dragons danced about in the air. Amidst this madness, Gav had decided on his targets, but first...

With his heavy blaster he took aim efortlessly and fired, the red blaster bolt hit his glass of Gruvian Tovash mixed with Rhyll Spice. The glass exploded into a great blast of fire sending glass shards in every which direction, much of which hit Gav but proved ineffective against his armour. The table collapsed and a chair caught fire and with a simple hand gesture that very chair was hurled at the man taking refuge behind a table. Through the gas he was just able to see the burning chair come soaring towards him.

"Mr. Idol!" He shouted, leaping up onto the stage. His attention had been diverted momentarily by a rather seductive female; a dark-sider.

Without hesitation, gav wrapped his armoured hand about her hair from behind and tugged at it maliciously pulling her backwards until he jerked on it so hard that she was thrown to the ground forcefully.

"Force-user!" He said to taro, hoping that was all he needed for an explanation. "Be weary!"

[Diego Van Derveld]

Seemingly against physical probability, the man was able to swing his left leg fully back from his prone position, causing the balls of his feet to press into Silus's lower back. He pitched forward, squeezing the trigger as he went. However he was already airborn, and the shot grazed high over the metamorph's back, singing a mane of rapidly-growing greyish silver hair. The same semi-fluid sound could now be heard, and Silus could at last know its explanation, as Diego's bipedal form became quadriped once again. Rising to his paws, the Lupine leapt for the kill...

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus turned in time to see the beast in mid-air. The suddeness of the attack made him forget he was holding a blaster, and he probably wouldnt have had time to raise and fire if he had. Silus quickly shifted his weight to the right, and managed to grab a furry paw as the creature flew at him. Silus used the beasts own momentum and sent it flying into a table. As the creature hit the table, Silus was already firing on it, hoping that he would be able to down the Lupine for good this time....

[Diego Van Derveld]

The wolf writhed on the table...the sound of blaster fire arriving at his sensitive ears. Sliding across the falling table, he balled his body up, springing out with a thrust of his hindquarters, his back right foot kicking Silus's weapon hand, altering its firing trajectory until it hit the ceiling. With another kick, the blaster was free, and Diego was sliding to the floor, free from Silus's grasp. His shining yellow eyes looked to the fallen weapon, and then he exploded in a burst of speed toward it.

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus had no shot of beating the wolf to the gun. He knew this much now. Silus calmly watched the lupine go for the gun. His eyes had adjusted to the fog a bit, and he could see much better now. As the wolf neared the blaster, it was knocked away from him, a few feet from its former placement as if moved by an invisible hand. Silus kept an eye on the lupine's reaction and waited for its next move...

[Diego Van Derveld]

Diego paused, regrouped, and dashed for the weapon once more...

[Silus Xilarian]

Once again the Lupine neared the weapon, only this time, it slid to him...

Silus watched the animals reaction closely still....

[Diego Van Derveld]

Diego paused, jumping back. He stopped for a moment, and his eyes flashed up to Silus...as he put two and two together.

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus could see the animal through the fog now, it's yellow eyes burning through. . He was sure the lupine had some basic animal instincts. Direct eye contact. A challenge, and a warning. The animal was now faced with two choices, fight or flight....

[Diego Van Derveld]

Slowly, Diego stepped away from the gun, his muzzle low to the ground. He his teeth exposed at the barest of motions, and a growl permeated the room. At about ten paces, he stopped, holding still as a statue, eyes fixed on Silus, instead of the gun.

[Xander Kace]

Xander quickly fled behind the table once more as the burning chair crashed into the top edge, shattering the chair and sending hot sparks and chips all over Xander.

"Holy Damn Mother of Jesus!" Xan yelped, leaping up and batting away the coals in pain. He retreived his Colt and spare loader from the burning remains of the chair and retreated to another table were he could see the form of a human and... .wolf? Shaking it off, Xan flipped the chamber open and inserted two brightly painted green shells into the fired shots.

The Green shells were tranquizers, the tips filled with a mild nerve gas created just to immobile a form if injected or smelt. Flicking his wrist and causing the chambers to lock back, Xan took careful aim at the wolf figure which had backed away.

"This place blows.." He spoke, popping off one shot that missed the target completely. "And this fog is a peice of..." his voice was drowned out by the second shot...

[Silus Xilarian]

Dont fire another shot. This one is mine....

Silus kept his eyes dead-set into the lupine's eyes.

here boy......Thats a good boy

As Silus spoke, the blaster at the lupine's feet twitched and slid even closer to the wolf.

go on boy, get the bone.....

Silus offered the blaster to the lupine. It was a welcome gift. Silus continued the stare down as his foot tapped reassuringly on his now-recovered repeater rifle....

[Diego Van Derveld]

The growl intensified...and as the blaster drew closer, a paw pressed on top of it, halting its forward momentum. Diego's eyes slowly returned to his adversary, and in a flash, he snatched up the blaster in his mouth, sprinting away...

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus watched the lupine as it sprinted away. Silus slowly reached down slowly for his rifle, keeping his eyes set on the lupine. He stood back up and secured the rifle to its holster....

[Ebon Dir]

The world spun as he came crashing to the ground with a bone jarring impact. Cursing himself for not anticipating the move, he tried to follow the events that were unfolding.

Room filled with mist, shots fired, temperature dropping, dog loose. His mind raced as he kept track of them all. And then she appeared.

"Taja? What's she doing here?" he thought as sprung to his feet. He had no idea there were other members of the Black Hand here. he should have sensed them as well -- his skills were obviously slipping. Regardless of who she was, she was between himself and the rabble rouser.

But then the tables turned, and she was suddenly gone, yanked backwards by an armored man. Seeing his opening, Ebon moved in to attack. His saber had fallen from him in ther fall and had skittered away, lost in the fog, forcing him to fight wihtout it. With a moment's hesitation, he leapt at the man, aiming his shoulder at his midsection.

[Maester Wargrave]

"Excellent work," a soft clapping came behind Silus as the cloaked man stood behind him, "You fought well...Mister Xilarian."

The stony-faced man gave a dark smile as he stared with his blue eyes at Silus.

"Come...your training is just beginning."

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus glanced over at the man who had just spoken to him. "My training?" he thought to himself. He took two steps back, something wasnt adding up here...

Who the hell are you, and how do you know my name?

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja’s knees surrendered beneath her, hands instinctively reaching behind her head to claw at whoever it was that had dared to lay a finger on her person. The leather of her gloves instead came in contact with the stiffness of metal. Well, maybe he hadn’t exactly touched her. She shuddered exaggeratedly; this Dark Jedi loathed machinery. Or, in this case, anything resembling such.

“Do NOT mess with the hair. No gentleman ever upsets a girl and her vanity.”

Once she was released from his grip, Taja arched backwards and glared up at her assailant, using the mirror image staring back to rearrange the locks of hair strewn across her pale face. It was then that Ebon’s reflection in the armor plating lunged forward at her playmate. Her eyebrows arched. Then, nonchalantly shrugging her shoulders, she straightened herself and shuffled around on the floor until she faced the metal giant.

Struggling to suppress a particularly overwhelming urge to giggle, she canted her head to the side and slowly twirled a strand of strawberry blonde hair around her finger. Taja pouted.

“Are you implying that Force-users can’t be pretty too?”

She was, of course, aware of the presence of other members of the Hand in the building, but had not anticipated Ebon’s involvement. Unlike him, her agenda was not comprised of heroics. Sorsha was watching, and would certainly take some delight in the blaze that erupted in the cantina to aid her own fire dragons. And unless her senses of perception abandoned her completely, Wargrave too was lurking amidst the shadows.

As she spoke now, the air inside Gav’s armor compressed, and his skin felt numb with cold. Showing no ostensible sign to suggest she had anything to do with this, Taja continued talking, her manner stoical.

“And who’s to say I am one, anyway? I wouldn’t dream of hurting my Idol.”

No … she dreamt of other things. Taja had half a mind to intervene in her brother’s assault on Taro, but this most chivalrous one would perhaps prove to be just as entertaining in the meanwhile. After all, they had much in common already: both their attires consisted of masks … Only hers weren’t shiny and polished.

[Taro Idol]

It's all a-go tonight! First the confrontations. Then the gas. Then an explosion. Now an offer! I have to admit, for a Force-user she's extremely tempting. There's something about her. The way she looked at me just then. It's...

It's nothing.

This metal-clad guy seems to be somewhat fond of me as well - he seems to be looking out for me. I could have done without his intervention just then - she was turning me on. I hope he didn't hurt her too much - a pretty face shouldn't be treated like that. Even if she is a force-user.

WHAT!?

What am I talking about? She'll eventually die like the rest of them. And as if I haven't got enough on my plate - now some other guy's charging at me. Quick decision. As he leaps towards me, I fall backwards, curving my body invertedly so as not to hurt myself. I'm very important after all! I should have safety signs around me at all times. "This way up". "Fragile". "Handle with care". "Do not touch - or you'll break something". Yeah - your neck! I bring my feet up and raise them as he appears in my view as I look up at the ceiling through the foggy gas. His chest makes contact with my feet almost too perfectly. This guy'll go far! I push up hard with my backside, sending him flying over me and colliding with a broken chair. I quickly stand up to make sure nobody catches me off guard. Air mail! A lightsaber. I intercept it before Ebon can pull it towards him - the sneaky bugger!

Eh up!

I've got a lightsaber! I always wanted to do this! Turning to face Ebon on the floor, I raise the ignited saber above my head. I can see the white in his eyes. And hers. I bring the saber around and to my right, cutting one of the cage bars and piercing the little girls shoulder. To add insult to injury, I flick the saber out of the wound, cutting her shoulder and arm clean off. I hope I pissed somebody off by doing that!

Time to fly. I move for the back door...

[Zeke]

Zeke's eyes snapped to Taro. His gold saber drawn, he approached the cage and cut it open, watching Taro as he made his escape. Then his saber glitched...oooh, was Taro in for it. He hit the power once....twice....three times...and the glitch activated.

Sparks dripped from the saber's business end as it created a high pitched whine. Others in the room paused to behold as Zeke raised the saber over his shoulder. He swung it as it produced an ear-splitting howl, and it threw its blade after Taro, easily gaining on the man. If he didn't act fast, he'd be the first ever person to be hit by his blade. He picked up the girl, who was screaming in pain.

"Don't worry, I'm gonna save ya, pal..."

[Keeto Mora]

It looked like that Jedi over there was getting to close for comfort and despite the painfully chilling sensation within his body, Gav made the time to send the weapon which Ebon had dropped straight for Zeke's head. The Jedi had been running for the cage to help the girl but the metal cylinder collided with the back of his head and spun off in the direction of Mr. Idol. Fortunately for Taro he saw it coming and caught in transit.

"My dear, I know your a force-user and a dark-sider at that!" He said through gritted teeth, the sensation inside his suit was becoming dramatically uncomfortable. He being a force-user himself was able to sense the Dark Side in her, not only that but with all of this increadible technology and the Force he believed himself to be invincible.

"And a rank amateur at that!" He spat out but at the same time fired off a shot from the heavy blaster pistol he held in his right hand. Gav being a master in his art knew full well that a force such as the one Taja was casting upon him required an upkeep of concentration, at point blank range and with no lightsaber at hand to deflect the bolt she would need amazing reflexes to dodge it either that or she is hit by it, in her left thigh to be precise. Whatever happens she would have to completely divert her attention to react and as such, Gav would be free of her spell of sorts.

Diving back, Gav holstered his blaster pistol and from his crouching position put his arms behind his back to pull out to long, thin shafts of metal which when brough back around the front snapped together by a mag-lock device. He now wielded a Force Pike.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: the snapdragons snake after Taro along the ground, and then Sorsha appears in front off him in a burst of red fire ::

"Oh no no no no no, don't run off yet!!! :D I've come all this way just to see you."

:: she slams a palm heel strike into his solar plexus, knocking him off his feet with a force push ::

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[Taro Idol]

Behind me, I can hear that annoying little man cutting Catriona out of the cage. Lady and the Tramp. I won't say who's who! As I reach the door it hit's me! Literally! A pain in my chest causes me to stumble backwards and fall hard. As I descend, my arms flail upwards uncontrollably and, having no experience with a lightsaber, the energy blade crawls up my attackers leg causing a nasty wound. In actual fact I should thank her. She is, after all, my saviour - now she's got to deal with the flying saber that Zeke just threw at me. As my head hits the floor, so does Ebon's lightsaber - de-activating as it does so.

[Diego Van Derveld]

Choosing his battles carefully, the wolf loped up to the stage, high enough for a proper vantage, but away from any incidental action that might be bad for his health. When Zeke threw his saber, Diego's sleek frame tensed, ready to spring.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

A hand caught Zeke's sabre that was coming straight at Sorsha.

"You really should be more careful."

Dalethria was waiting for Sorsha to begin her attack first outside the door. Since it was so conviently opened for her, it was mere child's play to snatch the sabre sailing at her Sister with enhanced speed and senses..

Taro felt something grab onto his ankles, almost felt like hands but not quite the right feeling. His bruised body slide against the floor as his lower body was pulled up into the air by the Force.

He faced forward towards both her and Sorsha.

"You can do the honors."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: she curses at the wound on her leg but ignites her sabre with a snap hiss. Slowly she draws the symbol of chaos on his torso with the tip of her sabre ::

[Taro Idol]

"Don't mind if I do!"

It was tricky enough, but I managed to aim my blaster at the newcomers foot. It was only on stun, but it did the trick. Unfortunately for yours truly, before I was released, the scruffy bint decided it would be funny to burn my clothes! Had I been in the nip I'd have a nasty case of heartburn right now! It hurt like hell. Then I fell.

Too bad I was upside down - that'll hurt in the morning! As I land - again - my hand brushes against my waitline, activating personal Ray-shield. It's only strong enough to withstand three or four blaster bolts - but that's all I need most of the time. Standing up, rubbing the back of my head, I look at Dalethria dancing before me.

[Diego Van Derveld]

The wolf whined a bit, stepping back. The two women who approached were some kind of witches in the Dark Side, and held great enough power for Diego to recognize their threat. Slinking to the back of the stage, he held his head low...

[Zeke]

Zeke turned as Dalethria took his saber.

"Nav, I didn't think you had a thing for picking on padawans."

[Sorsha Kasajian]

ooc - Dale has gone to work, but I imagine she'll be around tonight.

:: her eyes dilate into black shadows as she drives a psychic icepick into Taro's mind. Sharp pain rushes through his head and he feels blood trickle from his nose ::

[Keeto Mora]

Realising that Taro had gotten himself in a little too deep Gav instinctively rolled backwards and fell off the edge of the stage onto his feet. For the time being he cared not for Taja, after all she didn't seem to have a problem with the man just an interest.

In one swift motion he placed one foot ahead of Taro and lunged at Dalethria, swinging low with his Force Pike whilst she was distracted by the shot to the foot. He succeeded in flooring the woman but jumped back quickly, Sorsha was right in front of him and he didn't want to get caught in between the two like poor Mr. Idol.

"I suggest you leave, madam." He said to Sorsha with the utmost courtesy, although his manners didn't reflect his true attitude to either of them, his actions did that. He glanced down at Dalethria, "After all, this is no place for a lady!"

Taking a ready stance, Gav spun the Force Pike about with professional elegance and waited for the women to make a decision.

[GNN Probe Droid]

The moment the pipes had burst the droid backed out of the bar until it had sucessfully analized the gas as being non-dangerous, that was when it moved right in and hovered behind the bar. It sensors were going crazy, and it called for a second droid to join it so that they would capture everything they could.

It's visual sensors were once again able to see things in normal mode now that the gas was clearing too.

[Taro Idol]

I've got one bad headache! I didn't hit my head that hard. Well I was angry before but now I'm really pissed off!!!

"Get out of my head, force-bitch!"

I aim my blaster again, this time at the one who isn't dancing. And this time, it's not on stun. I think I'll forget to release the trigger - it's a fully-charged powercell afterall!

[Ebon Dir]

He sprang lightly to his feet, his cloak fluttering behind him like the ragged wings of a vulture. For a non-force user, the guy certainly had quick reflexes, and it didn't help that the armored fellow kept getting involved.

The girl was temporarily forgotten, for now, his thoughts were focused on the man who had twice made a fool of him. Oh how he would enjoy slicing him open from gut to shoulder; perhaps a few limb removals first for fun.

*tink tink*

There, he heard it, the distinctive sound of his sabre hitting the ground. A silent command brought it out of the dissipating mist and into his hand. Uggh, it had been used by someone else -- he hated it when someone else used his things. Pausing for a moment to wipe the blade's handle clean on his thin shirt, he began stalking his prey. But he had competition, now, several more Dark Jedi seemed to have appeared.

"What was this, a convention? Did they know something he didn't? What were Dale and Sorsha doing here?"

All thoughts that ran through his head as took even, shuffling steps towards Idol, measuring him up.

[Xander Kace]

Think.... think.... tink... mmmmmm mmm mm mm m m Revribrated through the bar as a cylinderic tube bounced off one wall, another wall, and began rolling on the floor. The cylinder was a dull grey in hue and had blinking lights on both sides.

The tube rolled across the battered stage until it rested nearly at the group of Sorsha, Dalethria, Taro, and the armored fellow. The blinking lights bleeped and issued a small hum as it came to a stop.

Xander had thrown a simple, five second flashbang. Hiding behind a table, and reloading the Colt with some special ammunition from a littel box, Xander was just trying to keep hisself alive.

There was a big commotion behind the table, most likey at the stage so the Sportist threw a common housemade flashie at that direction.

Two Seconds Left.

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

Being on the floor wasn't the ideal position for Dalethria, but this time it wasn't such a bad predicament. A grey canister had somehow made its way to their group and she had no way of knowing of what kind of grenade it was.

Ignoring the snide comment from Zeke, Dalethria took hold of the grenade with the Force and threw it well across the other side of the room. Some other slob would get that wonderful surprise as she formed her protective force shield around her person and assessed the situation quickly.

The armored being would most likely stop her from getting to Taro and Dalethria really needed to stop that fool before Sorsha got blasted. Danger was filling all her senses to the extreme and let loose the sabre in her hand ... After all, if it got damaged, what did she care? Wasn't hers. It was the idiot Padawan's.

Close range as it was, Dalethria skill over the living force was impeccable. It arched around Sorsha and banked right hard ... cleaving the blaster pistol in half.. rendering it useless.

Hopefully she took out some fingers with it....

OOC~ Me be gone for the weekend so you know :) Please don't leave me too far behind ^_^

[Diego Van Derveld]

Drawing up...Diego leapt suddenly, just as Xander had thrown his object. The slight instinct to fetch got the better of him, as he snapped up the flashbang. However, the sentience inherent in the creature had enough sense to work with. With a jerk of its head, it "threw" the device over its shoulder with its teeth.

[Maester Wargrave]

Who the hell are you, and how do you know my name?

"I make it my business to know your name," Wargrave let a tight smile come to his face as he observed Xilarian.

"Come Mister Xilarian...it appears there is trouble at the stage."

The Dark Jedi turned, beginning to stride down the hallway towards where his brothers and sisters in the Black Hand stood.

"And for the record...my name is Maester Wargrave.

"Come...now."

[imported_Taja Loraan]

The firing of the weapon worked to Gav’s advantage, as Taja retracted the shadows settled in his mind to freeze the shot instead. To be precise, the cold tendrils enveloped the projectile, holding it suspended in the air long enough for her to roll out of the way. When released, it shattered through the wooden floorboards of the stage where she had been less than a second ago.

“Bloody hypocrite …”

Taja was fully conscious of the fact that metal-man himself was a Sith, and a powerful one to boot. Still, one glance at the crowd gathered near the rear exit was reassurance enough that he wouldn’t be moving very far anytime soon. Her Master had decided to join in the revelry, and with no less than a brutal, fierce entrance.

An invisible sheet of ice encased Gav’s body under his outer shell, contracting inward with every breath he took. Rank amateur or not, she wasn’t entirely defenseless. Her gaze shifted to focus on one man in particular.

Poor Taro. No crime could possibly be so severe as to evoke the wrath of the Sisters of Chaos. Ebon and Wargrave were also advancing in their direction, so there was no sense in her hopping into the middle. Taja silently retreated to a far corner of the now virtually empty bar, concealed behind a solid wall of fog.

Inside the preacher’s head there resounded a soft tutting, already weakened by Sorsha’s psychic onslaught.

Naughty Idol … unless you want another headache, you’d do best to leave the fighting up to your friend there.

A quiet laugh followed, melodious and without any hint of mockery.

[Keeto Mora]

As much as he tried, Gav found the need to use the Force against these women more and more tempting but his eyes kept switching back to Taro, the hater of all force-users.

"He has to trust me!" Gav thought and he looked about with desperation. Suddenly Gav siezed control of the path of an airborne object and aimed it for Taro's head upon impact it rendered him temporarily unconious and when it hit the floor, the flashbang detonated.

There was a brilliant flash of light, well at least he assumed so everyone else seemed to be momentarily stunned by it but not him. He made sure he would be prepared for most situations and as such his visor was equiped with a flashgaurd filter; similar to those in NeuroSaav NiteSite Infrared Motion Sensors - they activate in one-thirtieth of a second to negate potentially blinding bursts of light.

Taking advantage of the situation he fought against the sharp, stinging cold inside his suit and with one fluid motion, turned on his foot, pivoting he swung his pike around in one sweeping motion and his anger - which had been growing ever since Taja had begun playing around with him - fueled a heavy telekinetic blast, launching the momentarily blinded Sorsha and Dalethria across the room and into the approaching Wargrave and Silus.

"Damned Dark Jedi!" He hissed, scooping Taro's body up, he made his way through the back door. Whatever plans he had would have to wait unless he didn't hold a value for his own life. On top of that, he hoped that Taja's sadistic and needless to say chilling affect on him would wear off the further he got away.

[Taro Idol]

What the hell? I was on Coruscant a minute ago. Why am I on Yavin? And what the hell am I doing in the Massassi Temple? I must be dreaming. I like dreams. I can do whatever the hell I like. Just like in the real world!

I wander for what seems like hours, seeming not to give a dead Jedi what's going on back in the bar on Coruscant (where my body is) as I seek out my target. My prey.

There he is. Sitting at peace before the open gap that takes a windows place. The sun is slowly rising in time with my steady movement towards his turned back.

He meditates. He can't be that good since he can't sense me coming.

As the sun comes over the treetops to the left of the temple in the distance, I thrust my sword down his back. He screams out in terror as flocks of birds flee their homes.

A little too over-dramatic for my liking, but a dreams a dream!

"Goodbye. Farmboy!"

[Silus Xilarian]

Silus shook his head and once again pulled the rifle from its holster. He took long strides to catch up to Wargrave. A few questions still remained unanswered, but they would have to be ignored for now. Silus had orginally intended to save the young female who was about to be executed, but was flung head first into the ensueing fight. No use backing out now...

Just as Silus caught up to Wargrave he looked up in time to see the two women who were just attacking Idol come flying at him and Wargrave...

[Ebon Dir]

He saw the flashbang a split second before detonation. Pure instinct saved him as he ducked his face behind his cloak, burying it in his arm.

Still, it was not enough to save him sompletely from the explosion, and when he looked out, his view of the room was obscured with dark blotches and phantom images. He was just able to make out someone retreating out the back door with a body slung over his shoulder, a glint of metal identifying him as the armored man. He could only assume the body was Idol. The girl forgotten, he sprang for the door, hoping to catch the two, his entire mind focused on the kill.

As he skidded into the filthy ally, he was greeted with...nothing. The men had disappeared. Left or right, his only two choices, the only two directions they could have gone. A quick decision and he stalked to the right, hoping he had chosen correctly.

[Sorsha Kasajian]

:: Sorsha curses again as her vision clears. Taro had escaped and now the hunt was over. It was time to leave. She helps Dalethria up and scans the area for the quickest way out ::

[Dalethria Mal Pannis]

She grumbles a bunch of obscenities as Sorsha helps her to her feet. Once the initial effects of the flash wore off, Dalethria looked around the room with little difficulty... except for the occasional star or two that blinked in and out.

"There!"

Her word caught Sorsha's attention and saw that there was a pretty clear path to one of the side doors of this huge room.

But just incase, she pulled out her sabre, not igniting it. Dalethria wasn't looking to cut a path out of here but if she had to, so be it.

Both of them stalked forward to get out of here. Their purpose this day was finished.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja blinked. And again. Whatever just happened, it had rendered her eyesight nearly useless, but the distance between where she was standing from the point of detonation and the dense vapor both ensured that her recovery was faster than the others present.

Her vision cleared to settle on the collapsed forms of the Dark Jedi and a man who stood alongside Wargrave. Metal Man and Taro, however, had disappeared.

Frell!

Using the distraction to slip quietly outside the door, Taja hurriedly scanned the alleyway. Ebon was rapidly progressing to the right of the cantina, and she thought it best not to interrupt his pursuit. Instead, she located the building’s fire exit and quickly scaled to the top; she would be taking a somewhat different path.

As the shadows worked independently of her, she now used them as a guide to situate Gav and his captive. Thankfully, the Sith had not managed to counter the cold and though she could not see him, Taja had a rough idea of his position. Her brother by the Hand had indeed chosen the correct route.

She noiselessly moved forward, keeping low and covering the gap between one edifice and another without any difficulty. Idol may be unconscious, but she wasn’t about to let him escape this easily.

***

An unnatural silence fell over the Massassi Temple as Taro admired his own handiwork. Several minutes passed in this manner, only to be broken by the sound of quiet breathing, from a source so close that the hairs on the back of his neck stood on end. He swiveled around to face his stalker, but was confronted in its place by nothing.

“Well. Aren’t you Mister Popular.”

His head rolled in the direction of the voice. Taja was perched on a windowsill carved into the far wall, similar to the one near which the man had been sat a while ago in that it lacked any panes. One knee was bent, the other leg swinging lazily on the side. She patiently examined her fingernails, paying meticulous attention to detail.

[Taro Idol]

"I'd like to think so."

Tasty! Very tasty indeed! There's got to be something special about her - she's in my dream for frig's sake! Stepping over Skywalker's dead body, I close in. Her leg swings teasingly, driving me insane. Insane enough to kill. I could do that with no consequences, since this is a dream. But something deep down prevents me - and I think it's near my crotch.

"But it all depends on who I'm talking to..."

I don't think you could slip a credit card between myself and Taja right now. Erotic. I'm not even sure if she's force-sensitive. I suppose that's what makes it all the more exciting. Too bad I'm dreaming.

[Keeto Mora]

Once outside, Gav had a very short amount of time to escape with his catch of the day. If he went left or right someone would see them before they turned the nearest corner. There was only one other option, up. The alley was narrow enough and the buildings were only small as this was a slum area.

"With Taro this is going to be difficult!" He thought and with a deep breath leapt. He jumped almost ten times the height of a regular man which for a Sith Master is quite poor but considering his armour and the tall man he carried, it was reasonably good. As his momentum faded he quickly began kicking from wall to wall gaining some extra height until finally his momentum completely died near the top. In one last, desperate attempt from his right wrist shot a length of synth-rope with a grappling hook attatched.

The hook buried itself in the top of the neighbouring building and suspended in between the two buildings, Gav placed his feet on the wall and with a strong push launched himself up and over the roof top until he turned in the air, released the synth-rope and landed. He was now on top of the gambling house next door and quickly he made his way over to the other side; Taja's coldness wearing off now.

"Ah, here we are!" He sighed with relief upon seeing his speeder below. Without bothering to look to see if anyone had noticed them, Gav dropped from the roof top.

[Diego Van Derveld]

As the armored man and his unconcious companion dropped to the ground below, the light sound of soft paws on pavement greeted his ears.

[Zeke]

Zeke recovered his saber. In the confusion he'd lost the girl, he hoped she'd made it to safety. It seemed everyone had escaped: he headed out as well.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

She held her breath for a second, still crouched behind a low railing. The Sith seemed to effortlessly glide past the top of the next building, but it was apparent the weight of his armor combined with that of his hostage had slowed him considerably … Allowing Taja to make up for lost time.

Not giving her next decision any thought, the Dark Jedi hopped over the barrier and kicked off forcefully from the narrow ledge, coming to rest on the roof that Gav had just moments before crossed. It was pure reflex coordinating her every move now as she made her way to the side facing away from the street and, just as the Sith had done, she jumped off the edge. Her descent was slowed via the Force, and as such she landed soundlessly.

Her senses detected another being present … a Lupine to be precise. The creature’s signature was oddly reminiscent of the Dark Lord Vega, but right now it was the least of her cares.

“Mind if I join you?”

There was nothing in Taja’s voice to indicate hostility, and to emphasize on this point the last traces of the cold melted away from Gav’s body. Regardless of his affiliation, she harbored no personal qualms against him. Either that, or she had lost it completely.

“I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t mind.”

She nodded curtly at Taro. Mind games were good and all, but it was only so far her mental capacity could extend.

***

“Hmpf.”

The Dark Jedi lowered her leg and turned to Taro, her head level with his chest. His skin was scalded where Sorsha had inflicted her saber wounds, and Taja lightly trailed her finger over the affected area.

She rose to her feet. Her height was still nowhere near to matching his, but now their bodies were pressed uncomfortably close together. Pulling him down by the collar, Taja planted a slow kiss on his lips. Her cool breath fell on his neck as she whispered.

“Taja Loraan, at your service ...”

Her voice trailed off, allowing him time to linger on the meaning of that last word. Then, as if in reply, she gripped him by the shoulder tightly and shoved him hard, the Force-enhanced push sending him sprawling some meters away.

Taja cocked her head to the side, watching him with an amused smile.

[Diego Van Derveld]

From behind, Diego sprung forward, tackling Taja's form and clamping the back of her neck with a tooth-filled muzzle.

[Keeto Mora]

Gav's eyes were fixed upon the wolf even as Taja began to speak, his armour would protect him from that visious thing but this creature seemed more intelligent; it would probably try to hurt Taro given half the chance. He stood stoll and pressed a button on the control panel on his left forearm. The wheel on his back turned so that a different appendix emerged over his shoulder. His finger crept over the trigger to fire the weapon but suddenly Taja dropped down into his line of fire.

"Yeah sure, you can come along!" He said once the wolf had knocked her down and had it's jaw clamped about the back of her neck.

Taking advantage of the distraction, Gav sat Taro into one of the seats on his speeder. It was a larger model, Imperial in design and usually equiped with a heavy repeating blaster turret but Gav had it removed so as not to rouse suspiscion. He then hopped into the driver's seat next to that in which Taro sat, starting up the engine he turned back to Taja who was struggling with the wolf.

"So are you coming along or not?"

[Taro Idol]

She kissed me.

Then she pushed me.

My head hits the floor like a tonne of bricks.

Then I wake up....




And here she is again! My luck never runs out! My heads sore. I must have been caught offguard back in the bar. And I assume this metal-clad guy got me out of there. I look over at him.

"Thanks!"

He knows what I...What the hell? Some wolf-man's tucking into Taja. I reach for my blaster. But it's gone.

"Hey pal. Let her go - she hasn't done anything to you!"

I hear a snarl. Guess he don't like being told what to do. I think I'll let the metal guy help her since I'm not exactly up to the task. I reach for a small device on my belt, pressing the small black button.

"Hey guys - count to six."

(ttt)

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja’s eyes flashed scarlet just as the tip of the wolf’s canines broke skin on her nape. What happened next was a blur: she fell, the Lupine recoiled, and she bit into his neck instead.

Or, to be exact, the mass of the animal pushed Taja down to her knees; Diego’s teeth were coated in dark blood, dribbling down the sides of his jaws. With it emanated an acute chill that first paralyzed his gums, then spread throughout the whole of his muzzle; the shadows rigidly binding his every muscle as her primary defense mechanism came into play.

The Lupine’s grip slackened until he held between his teeth only skin; enough damage had been done to bother with this, and her head swiveled around instinctively. The fangs folded back against the roof of her mouth drew outward to puncture Diego’s throat. He was fast, but it took only a fraction of a second for the venom to inject through into a major artery and start acting against his nervous system.

A feral hiss escaped her throat, irises narrowed into two slits; the dose wasn’t lethal, but enough to cause temporary epilepsy. Diego was fortunately deterred before the wound to her neck could penetrate any deeper, but she had already lost a considerable amount of blood. Not wanting to wait around to get bitten again, she staggered to her feet and hopped into the speeder on Taro’s side, dropping heavily onto his lap.

She lofted a brow and her gaze fixed on the object attached to his belt. Her vision was flickering in and out of focus, and she was just barely able to hear his words.

" .. what ... ?"

[Diego Van Derveld]

The wolf withdrew, falling to its side in a series of spastic convulsions. Its breathing became erratic as it twitched on the ground...

[Keeto Mora]

With a groan, Gav hopped out of the speeder and walked around to the convulsing wolf; at first he took out a blaster and aimed for it's head hoping to end it's misery quickly but then he realised something unusual. This wolf had the presence one would expect from a more sentient creature like a human, behind his helmet he frowned.

"I think I'm gonna bring this thing with us. It could survive and would make a handy pet!" He called over to the others.

Then shifting his weight, he courched down and slipped his well-protect hands under the large, trembling body and with a grunt he lifted it up. It was heavier than any normal wolf and larger for that matter, thus the feat required some empowerment from the Force to accomplish but it was done easily enough.

"Right is there anywhere you have to go before we get out of here?" He asked Taro now that he was awake and had finished toying with some small device. The wolf was now unconcious in the back, Gav had used a tranquilizer dart to help it rest.

[Taro Idol]

Metal-guy wants to be my chauffeur for the night. Lucky there's only one pit-stop before we have to get the hell out of the district before the authorities put their doughnuts down. He climbs in and we're off. Down the alley of course!

One.

"Yeah actually - a tenament building a few blocks over. Can't miss it - next to an abandoned department store. I have a few things to take care of there."

Two.

Taja's on my lap - I could get used to that. She feels cold. Should I put my arm around her or what? Better not. As the metal guy pulls the speeder round the corner I ask her if she's okay. I think she nods - could've been a shudder or a nervous twitch - I make lots of women nervous - especially force-sensitive ones!

Three.

This is one hell of a speeder. We're already around the corner and outside the front of the cantina. There's Catriona by the side of the road - covered in Hellixel. She'll be a bright girl sometime soon!

Four.

The speeder breaks suddenly as a large cargo hauler pulls out in front of us. My driver takes a hard left ready to go down the next alley - we're in a hurry I guess.

Five.

I'm about two metres away from her. She looks at me with eyes full of hatred. The feelings mutual. I smile at her. Raising my hand, I wave at her.

"Goodbye my dear!"

She disappears out of my sight as we proceed down the alley - the corner of the building blocking my view.

Six.

Behind me, a bright light errupts and flames and smoke billow around the corner.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Just great; doggie tried to make a meal of her, and despite this Metal Man decided to bring him along for the ride. Lucky for Taja she chose to sit up front; that way in case the effects of the sedative wore off prematurely, Diego would have to get past Taro first. Then again, maybe Idol had some perverse engrossment with the sight of blood.

As the speeder turned a corner, Taja just barely caught sight of the young girl whose life was being wagered on back in the cantina, and who was essentially the source of the consequent turmoil. The child had already disappeared from view when that area seemed to come alive in flames - no doubt Taro’s doing. Even if the fire had been accidental, there was no way she could have escaped. Catriona was dead.

She wanted to question him, ask the driver to identify himself, maybe try figure out the wolf’s connection with Vega ... but it was becoming harder to concentrate, and thinking was too painful.

Leaning back on Taro’s chest, she groaned loudly and, resting her head under his chin, closed her eyes.

[Keeto Mora]

Whatever Taro had just done had certainly marked the end for that little girl, Gav didn't need to sense that because this man didn't come across for one second the type of person to leave his work unfinished. After turning a corner, the speeder soared on down the path and there was a trio of punks arguing with two others in the middle of the road. Instead of slowing down, Gav simply went faster and with a high pitched whine the engines began to hum loudly as they rocketed towards them. They dived out of the way however one was a little two slow and as a result had his right leg snapped like it were a dry twig. His cries weren't heard, they were already too far away.

"Take a right here." Taro ordered, they turned and came to a stop outside the building he had mentioned. It looked like a slum area and seemed to hold no importance.

"What now?" Asked Gav.

[Taro Idol]

"S'cuse me dear..."

...I say, sliding out from under Taja and onto the pavement. She looks at me disappointed. Sorry, but I do have work to do!

"I'll just be a few minutes."

I walk up to the main entrance of the rundown building. A pile of debris to the right catches my eye. A large, slightly bent, metal bar sticks out of the rubble and trash. I yank it out and sling it over my shoulder, look back at my companions in the speeder, and smile wickedly at them, before turning and entering the house of hell.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja visibly pouted and turned to Gav; whatever business Taro had inside the decrepit tenement building, it was of no concern to her. For that matter, she had no place being here at all, but curiosity dragged her out of the speeder and to her feet nonetheless. She swayed uncertainly, blinked, then asked hesitantly.

"Shall we ... ?"

[Keeto Mora]

"You go on right ahead and I'll see if I can teach this puppy a few new tricks." He said, getting out of the speeder. The lady really seemed to have taken to Taro but Gav knew it would hardly be a match made in heaven. Taja made her way into the building but as she got to the doorway, Gav stood upright from leaning over the wolf and spoke.

"What do you plan to do once he finds out that you're Force-sensitive?" His question was asked in a haunting tone; she was young and perhaps even naive to believe she would be happy with this man. "Think about it."

[Taro Idol]

The stairs are wooden and creaky. There's stuff growing out of the walls! This place is old. I hate it! Just like I hate it's inhabitants. Just seven of them mind you! I hear a noise behind me. It's Taja. She's persistent.

"Miss me?"

Time to go to work. I kick down the first door. Mr and Mrs Goldman. Both of them thirty-two years old and practitioners of the force. Though they weren't active force-users. Yet! And they never will be. Two shots from my blaster. One for each of them. Next please!

Two floors up. A family of four. An old granny, mum and dad, and a cocky eighteen year old son ready to introduce a bat to my head. But my blaster is quicker.

Finally, third floor. Mr Arnold. A neurotic womaniser who uses the force to subdue his lady friends. Replace "friends" with "victims". I open the door with my blaster ready. He reaches for his slugthrower and dives into the next room, firing off a couple of shots. I almost got hit then, but managed to move to one side of the door, with Taja on the other side.

"Take my gun. Keep him busy. But don't get yourself killed on me. Be careful!"

I walk down the corridor, to find an empty apartment on the same side of the building. I hope I didn't sound too concerned then.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja gripped the edge of the doorway and scoffed at the Sith's implication; he actually thought she cared. She found Taro intriguing in certain aspects, true, but her thoughts on him did not surpass just an interest ... she was far from frivolous. Maybe she was bored, maybe it was something else. Maybe it made no difference. Probably.

"Who says I have anything planned?"

She sprinted up the stairs, the sound of her laughter alerting Taro to her presence. He was on a killing spree, and the victims were anything but chosen at random. At least his activities would not incriminate her as a hypocrite so long as she refused to participate.

Then he handed her the blaster.

The Dark Jedi stared after Taro's retreating form, the feel of the weapon almost alien to her. A few more shots were fired from behind a partition, which she easily deflected. Tucking the firearm into her belt, Taja placed her hands on her hips and called out to the tenant, her voice sickeningly sweet and sultry.

There followed a pause as the man absorbed the idea of his attacker being female. Soon after he crawled out of hiding, clutching fearfully at his revolver.

Taja suppressed the urge to grimace; he was an ugly brute, and his surface thoughts upon seeing her were deserving of censorship. Still, she beckoned him forward with a crooked finger and like an obedient pup he came, the gun dropping to the floor. His massive frame was almost on her when she drew a dagger from her side. Mr. Arnold was fallen on the ground within the minute.

Pivoting on her heel, she returned the blade to its sheath and ran out into the hallway in search of Taro.

[Taro Idol]

It took me a couple of tries to kick the door down, but it came off, bringing the hinges with it. The apartment was empty - good. Unfortunately it was four apartments down from the guys! I move quickly to the window. It's broken. No matter. I have my trusty sword of truth. Right now it's disguised as an old grotty pipe. Sooner than smite my enemies with it, I get rid of the nasty protruding shards of glass around the edges of the window. Much better. Much safer! I look out!

Crap! That's narrow for a ledge! Guess I'll just have to deal with it. Taking a deep breath, I climb outside.

That's a long way down. I don't thyink I'd survive that kind of drop. Neither would Mr Arnold for that matter. Interesting option.

Finally! I made it. Lucky for me, the windows open - I dropped the pipe half way across! I clamber inside, only to find that the guy's dead. Stabbed. And Taja's gone.

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Eyebrows arched, Taja leaned on the wall to the side of the door. A quick mental scan of the building had shown her that Taro was nowhere inside, and certainly not on this level; so she returned to that same flat, out of sheer tedium.

And voila.

At least he hadn't abandoned her. Taja frowned; he seemed rather anxious, as though missing something. Either way, he was clearly oblivious to her presence, and she quietly observed him for a while. She didn't feel much like talking, so she didn't.

Her voice gently resounded in Taro's mind.

Are you done yet?

With a sigh, she walked back outside the apartment and slumped down against the banisters of the main staircase.

[Taro Idol]

Puzzled, I leave the crime scene. Don't worry about me - I'll be long gone before the authorities start sniffing around! I walk back to the stairs as if I'm missing something. And there it is. Welll, part of it. She's standing on the stairs...

"What exactly happened back there?"

[imported_Taja Loraan]

"I don't like perverts, especially ones making cheap use of the Force."

Taja pulled out the blaster pistol and passed it back to Taro.

"That and you were taking too long."

She shrugged her shoulders nonchalantly before muttering, "Why? I thought you hated all Sensitives."

[Taro Idol]

Wow! She's the inquisitive type!

Yeah I just er...wasn't expecting..."

I trail off as she turns to walk down the stairs. My cimm beeps four times in quick succession. Time to make tracks.

"We should get going. C'mon..."

Grabbing her by the hand, I lead her quickly back to the speeder.

"Hey big guy, you know where the old BlasTech supply factory used to be?"

He's fondling with the huge mutt in the back. That's not right!

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taro exuded urgency as he practically dragged her down the stairs; he was obviously hurried to reach whatever destination he had in mind. As they neared the bottom of the steps, Taja's eyes unconsciously strayed to where Gav was hunched over the Lupine. The wolf was still asleep.

Strange; Taro didn't appear to be any ordinary felon constantly evading the authorities. But as she was unfamiliar with the squalid district they were situated in, she wordlessly followed behind him as he voiced his demand.

[Keeto Mora]

Having had no luck with the wolf which was still heavily sedated, Gav returned to his seat as Taro and Tajo got inside. He gave the man a nod and asked: "That our next stop?"

[Taro Idol]

"Yeah. But don't take any major speedways along the way."

My comm beeps another four times in quick succession twice on the run, and at twice the speed.

"We need to go now".

With that, the speeder pulls away from the tenament building and the metal guy drives away down a side alley. Taja's to my left, between us. She looks cold. Or she could be unwell. Who knows?

"You okay? You don't look so good."

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja opened her mouth to speak, then bit down on her bottom lip to silence herself. It just dawned on her that she was sandwiched between a Sith Master and a man who had only moments before slaughtered half a dozen people, purely on the basis that they were users of the Force. And, presumably, they both wanted her dead too.

"And you care ... why?"

There was a new edge in her voice; her siblings of the Hand did not bother to pursue Taro all this way, so why had she? Paranoia was sinking in fast - the three other passengers would probably kill her if given half the chance.

"Any reason why I should come along, or can I leave now?"

She inhaled deeply and shifted uncomfortably in her seat. The wound to her neck would have to be treated and soon to prevent infection, and there was a dull ache pounding away in the back of her head.

[Keeto Mora]

Having heard the talk between Taro and Taja, Gav brought the speeder to a stop at the side of the flyway. He didn't need to look to either of them, having heard Taja's last words he knew a decision had to be made now for he was growing tired with the charade from both perpetrators.

[Taro Idol]

"If that's your attitude you can leave now."

As the speeder stopped (that was pretty damn convenient timing!) I quickly open the door, climb out of the speeder, dragging her with me. Then I push her away from me slightly before getting back in. The speeder then pulls away again. I don't even look behind. I don't know if this guy hears me since I speak under my breath...

"I guess I was wrong about you."

[imported_Taja Loraan]

Taja quirked an eyebrow and placed her hands on her hips. The man was almost as moody as she was.

"... righty-ho."

She watched as the speeder faded out of sight; chances were she'd never see either of them again. Shrugging, she turned on her heels and paced back down the empty road.

[Diego Van Derveld]

With a sudden movement, the wolf sprung back into conciousnes, bolting up from where it had laid across the seat. Resting on its haunches in the speeder, its attention shifted between the occupants.

[Keeto Mora]

"Looks like you and your lady-friend have woken up sleeping beauty here." Keeto commented, not turning to see the creature for he was busy driving the speeder. Up ahead were a number of chimneys which had turned black at the top where fumes use to be released, they could be seen over a few buildings. That was the old BlasTech factory, why Taro was interested in this place was beyond Gav but there seemed to be a method to his madness.

"Now, my four-legged friend." He began, addressing the large wolf, obviously. "You're not just a snarling, viscious little nipper are you now? Please, do speak, in one way or another and identify yourself." Whatever Gav had sensed earlier in the bar was something he'd never felt before and it was coming from this creature. It didn't act on instinct alone, there was a great degree of sentience in it's behaviour.

[Diego Van Derveld]

The wolf whined, turning its head to look outside the speeder, and then back at Keeto...or more particuarly, the brake pedal underneath him.

[Keeto Mora]

"So much for that!" Gav thought as he brought the speeder to a stop and looked back at the creature, gesturing outside with a nod of his head.

[Diego Van Derveld]

As soon as forward momentum had decreased, the wolf sprung out of the speeder. It paused, eyes closed as its head turned in a deliberate direction. After a moment of contemplation, it loped off toward a small flat, leaping through a window with a crash. There were fumbling sounds, a growl, a scream, and several ripping sounds. Several minutes later, a man strolled out the front door, doing up the tie on his business suit and fastidiously scrubbing at a bit of crimson on the lapel with a rag and a bottle of club soda. He leisurely re-entered the speeder, looking to the armored man.

"Well, you can go now."

[Val Torre]

Bah!

[Keeto Mora]

Upon watching the wolf's actions Gav had actually turned right around on his seat and was leaning as far forward as possible, trying to catch a glimpse through the broken window. When the well-dressed man stepped outside everything begun to make sense, he could sense the exact same presence from this man as that from the creature.

After he'd got back in and spoke, Gav turned in his seat and behind his helmet wore a huge grin as he sat down once again.

"Alright then." He replied and the vehicle started moving along once more. He had been greatly amused by what he'd seen and his curiosity had now been piqued. "Keeto Mora. What's your name?"

[Diego Van Derveld]

"Diego"

He said matter-of-factly, still engrossed in the task of removing the annoying bloodstain.

[Keeto Mora]

"So Diego, if you don't mind me asking, what pursuaded you to get involved in the chaos back at the bar?" He asked this keeping his eyes on the road then turned onto the road on which the factory was located.

[Diego Van Derveld]

"Sounded like a good bandwagon to jump on. I've got no love for Force users."

[Keeto Mora]

That was the answer he wanted to hear. No doubt this guy would prove to be a valuable asset to the cause served by Mr. Idol and Gav. So the duo had become a trio and the chaos had only begun. Again, behind his helmet, Gav couldn't hold back a smile, the smile of a victor.

"Then welcome aboard, Diego."