The Beginning

[Marcus Telcontar]

<center>Lifehouse
The Beginning </center>

<font color=blue>tainted
has our love gone cold
in a place that's bitter and broken
we tasted of a world unknown
surely there must be something better
something forever

hello
from the world below
I'm watching the sun burning
as the road is slowly turning
well I know
that in letting go
I'm learning how to live
through a life I have to give

walking
past the city lights
silence can be so disturbing
you'll find me standing in the night
the stars never seem so unending
so unending

hello
from the world below
while I'm watching the sun burning
as the road is slowly turning
well I know
that in letting go
I'm learning how to live
through a life I have to give

but we painted
_ everything
without there remains our
shadows and the stones
tell me
where did we go wrong
can we just move on

hello
from the world below
while I'm watching the sun burning
as the road is slowly turning
when I know
that in letting go
I'm learning how to live
through a life I have to give

hello
to the world below
while I'm watching the world spinning
this night seems so unending
well I'll follow
to a place I know
that's only the beginning
start over after ending</font>

--

The date, he noted was 473 AE. The AE stood for After Endor, the day the Emperor died, the day Skywalker redeemed himself. For 473 years, the New Republic had been a dream, a goal. In it's earliest years, it had been a shakey dream at best, weak and easily killed. But no today... things had changed. The Republic was strong, growing with many of it's teething troubles over and done with. Peace had been achieved and new levels of prosperity had come. The guilds that infested the NR at it's birth were gone, the many Sith groups had collapsed and vanished, the war machines of the Imperials were silent. Now times were different, as could be maked by the three and a half thousand Jedi gathered here in this hall, a huge cathederal room that was a good ten stories high, grand and hundreds of years old. The Jedi Order as it was now known, still bearing the symbol of the flaming sword surrounded by a laurel wreath, the well maintained letters GJO on it, reminding all the Jedi here where the order had come from. The Greater Jedi Order, a union of Jedi groups to form one strong front to oppose evil. The date had been 50 AE of the union.

423 years, he thought. Who would have known what Jedi like Figrin D'An, Master Yogurt and Darth Turbogeek had founded, would have continued to be so strong today. It was a tribute to those now long dead Jedi, that their statues were in alcoves, commemorating the departed Jedi whom had gave so much. Today, there was one more statue, one more Jedi memorial, one more name that was now immortalised in memory and stone. Xazor Elessar, Jedi Master, had finally become One With The Force, departing in peace as old age finally caught up with her. Her statue, newly unveiled showed her in her youth of 400 years ago past, sword in hand, sabre in the other. Oh, she was a Jedi Knight then, a impetuous and occasionally foolhardy young woman, but true hearted and spirited, a fighter whom had clashed with evil and defeated it many times. He looked at it, feelign memories long gone coming to the surface...

"Excuse me, Honoured Master? Are you ready to accompany me?"

A young Jedi Padawan came to the aged man, whom broke away from his contemplation of the statue. He looked over the far younger human, for a moment forgetting whom this one's name was. His memory wasn't quite like it had been, even for his near human race, he was terribly old. Nearly 600 years he had walked the Galaxy, 600 years..... "Yes I am Padawan Tondry. Lead the way"

The young man, even if he was a Jedi Padawan, was visibly pleased and proud to be escorting the aged being, whom the Jedi affectionatly called Old Master. Only Jedi to have seen the Dark Times with his own eyes, a being of power and control that all Jedi aspired to. The Order's weapon's master, for he could still weild a sabre with a skill that only one or two Jedi Masters could hope to match. In silence they began to walk between the ranks of waiting Jedi, patient, waiting for their Old Master to arrive at the foot of the statue of Xazor. Slowly he walked, his cane making a slow counterpoint tapping as he walked.

"It is good to hear that another generation of Tondrys learn the Jedi ways of their first-father. What is your name Padawan?"

The young man seemed to almost freeze in fear. The Old Master striking up a conversation with him! "Umm... Ivan... Ivan Tondry Sir"

"Ivan! A good name that is. Pierce would have approved. Yes, approved much. You have the same build as he"

"You.. knew Pierce Tondry?" replied the Padawan, wide eyed.

"Of course I did. He was Master Evenstar's Padawan. A good one too."

The Padawan was silenced by that, for he hadn't really believed the Old Master had been alive that long. The proof of the Master's long, long existance was a shock. In verbal silence they walked to the base of the statue, at which point the PAdwan bowed to the Old Master and to the Jedi Masters, 23 in all gathered there. A tall Ho-Din came forth and bowed.

"Master. We are privledged by your presence, especially now. The death of Madam Elessar must be sorrowful."

"It is, but it is also a time of gladness. She has gone, but still remains. Her presence touches us, even now...."

The dedication ceremony took about an hour. And at the end, as he waited for Jedi to leave so he could be alone in the hall, he slowly looked over the statue, recreating every detail of the Jedi Master, each hair in place, each Garou coin where exactly he remembered. The coins she had removed not long after the birth of her first child, so many, many years ago. Here was the image of a young warrior coming into her powers, a woman free of spirit and untamed. It had taken years of training to her to tame her temper, but it had all been worth it in the end...

The last Jedi left the hall, leaving the Old Master in silence and a bowed head by himself. Eventually, he looked up and to the left, where incredibly a blue image of the statue had formed. The old cracked lips of the aged man formed a crooked smile and he even stood straighter.

"Xazor"

"Father" replied the apparition, smiling widely.

"I told you that we would see each other again" he said.

"I did not doubt it. And maybe again we'll speak. Maybe then it will be goodbye"

"No. My time draws near. I am truly old Xazor - older than any of my race ever has been. Soon, I will join you and Helenias in leaving this simple flesh behind. I feel it - I know it. My strength is finally starting to fail"

She nodded. "Mother is waiting for you"

The old man's eyes grew bright with sudden tears. Feeling the sting of salt. "I miss Helenias" he said simply. "It has been too long since she died. You were the last of my true friends Xazor, even if you chose to be counted as my daughter. As much as I am venerated, the Order has passed me on. I am a fossil from old times"

The apparition was silent for a moment before speaking again. "If only they knew"

"Yes, if only." he said getting her meaning. "What would they think?"

"Father, you know why we did it. You know why even now, Tondry learns things in secret. You know why you promoted Sit'tha to Warlord in secret. You know why our work had to continue"

"Yes, so evil would never rise again and people like Desvelles and Ravenwing could live in peace. Someone has to take the fight up to evil. The Jedi of the Order are not really for that."

Xazor nodded. "Then do as we agreed. Remind them. Remind them of what we started all those years ago. Reveal that I have been a warrior for that cause. You know it is to be done upon death of one of us"

The old man didnt reply verbally, but he raised a hand, pointing at the base that the statue of Xazor stood. There was a second's pause, then a burst of lightining and fire blasted out of his hand., scarring and melting the base, to cut two tall lines, a circle and three smaller lines. As he lowered his hand and stopped the flow of power, there could be seen glowing a symbol. A symbol that represented a nightmare, a fear. Of rogue Jedi's and a different way. The true way he would of said. A symbol that appeared only when one of them had been at work, or had died, a symbol marking a secret Order.

An Order he and Xazor had started so, so many years ago... of which this cooling scar now on the base of the statue clearly marking Xazor Elessar as one of their number. Only he was left of the first ones, but he and Xazor had kept the Order going, silently with great personal risk. An Order that had gained great respect but a lot of suspicion for it's unknown acts.

Xazor was one of it's founders. A fact she had kept hidden for hundreds of years.

And this old, old, man, had been the Head of, the Warlord. A title only he had possessed, in silence. An Order he had grown and for with this symbol was a mark for.

<img src=http://panic.hopto.org/swf/marcus/lostjedi.jpg>

The Mark of The Lost Jedi.

"Hey, do you remember when we started the Lost Jedi?" asked Xazor

"Why yes I do" Marcus Elessar replied. "I remember it like it was only yesterday. I was a bit younger then, wasn't I?"

--

53 AE.

The Jedi only numbered in the tens and the Galaxy was in turmoil. Sith and Dark Jedi roamed, chaos was the order of the day. However the Jedi themselves had finally returned to Coruscant and begun rebuilding their temple. Not far away, two being were standing on top of a building, the setting sun at their backs. A man, untidy hair, beared. Old clothes and a sword at his side. Already he was old in the counting of men, yet for his race, he could expect to live another 350 years. The young woman joining him was barely 25.

"Thought I'd find you up here. What are you looking at?" Xazor Dawnstrider asked.

"The new Temple. And just thinking about the old one" Marcus Elessar replied.

"Do you have any regrets?" she asked.

"Me? None. I've made my decision and I'm going to stick to it, no matter the consequences. What about you Xaz? You have more to lose than I do - for I am strong enough that any punishment the Order could hand to me if they found out would be meaningless. You however... you have a lot to lose. Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I do" she said with total certainty. "Ever since you gave me the data pad on the Lost Twenty... I've not stopped thinking about it. It's the right thing to do. And what about you? Did you....?" she ended uncertaintly.

"Yes. And the answer is yes. I will accept you as daughter."

"YEEESSS!!" she yelled and then hit Marcus with a huge hug.

"Hey, hey, hey, watch it. Hug me too hard and my ribs will break" he said smiling.

"Can you blame me?" she said, disengaging.

"Maybe not. If you don't mind, we'll talk about it more later. For now, I have other things we need to discuss. Like, Jeran and Dae. And that Elf woman plus her guardian. And also... it's nearly time for the Galaxy to know we exist"

"Are we going to proceed as per plan?" Xazor asked.

"Yes. The Lost shall become known and we shall throw down our challenge to the Hand, the Sith Order, The Krath and all other agencies of evil.And thinking of that... we should get back to training Jeran and Dae. They are promising, but they will need much work"

"I dont like Dae" said Xazor abruptly.

Marcus shrugged. "I know. Trust me on her, okay? I think she has real promise"

It was Xazor's turn to shrug. "Yeah, whatever. Your the boss, Marcus"

"And your father. And father knows best" he joked, ruffling her hair playfully. "Don't worry Xaz, Dae has a good heart. She'll do well, I can feel it. Now come on. Let's go downstairs and get somethign eat. I'm starving"

[Jeran Conrad]

The door to the small tavern shut swiftly as the portly, middle-aged man zipped inside--looking this way and that for people who might spot him. He checked each of the directions for any prying eyes, then looked quickly back at two men--his security, perhaps. With a small, nonverbal signal, they moved themselves to lean against the old building as they man relieved his thoughts. He didn't find anyone looking.

Or so he thought.

Jeran tucked the tiny camera extension back into a small, black bag that was strapped to his inner tunic. That would be enough for today--enough for this week actually. He checked the perimeter of his hiding spot for anyone watching, like Marcus had taught him. Find a good, clear viewpoint. Enter it and exit it at different locations--never let anyone detect a pattern in your work. Ever. The words rang out in his brain--Marcus had spent some time training him in the arts of survellience. Of course, the Force didn't hurt when it came to concealing oneself--but there was no need to ignore conventional methods as well.

Coming out of his 'nest' in a different way that yesterday, he tucked his hood over his head. Almost instantly, he had melted into the crowd--seemingly just another part of the daily hustle and bustle. Just the way he wanted it. It was only a 5 or 6 minute jog from here back to HQ, so Jeran took to foot.

He had been sent on survelliance of a semi-important CEO of one of the biotech companies in this sector. There had been talk that the man--named Jak Talli--had been taking part in some dirty dealings with an anti-New Republic group called FireEye--something that no one was too worried about. That is, until the prospect of these extremists getting their hands on some bio-terror weapons came about. Nonetheless, it had been tedious work for the young man--he was no technological whiz. Marcus had said it would be good for him to learn some ups and downs of tech use, and that he needed the training. So, without argument, Jeran had listened and obeyed.

It would be nice to get back. He had numerous findings to report to Marcus and it would be good to meet as a group again. Marcus, Xazor, and he hadn't met for some time. Dae would be joining them soon. That prospect equally excited and frightened him. It would be interesting to see where it all would go.

Swinging the doors open, the young man carried himself into Dex's. He had jogged the distance, and found himself full of energy. He kept his body in excellent physical shape, refuting any notions that he should become some office-dwelling pot-belly just because he worked most of his days in the control room now. He meet eyes with the blubbery manager of Dex's and gave him a quick smile.

"A good day to you--" he stopped his pleasantry aimed at the big lug and laid his eyes on Marcus and Xazor who were now coming from behind the counter. He was seeking them anyway, and this worked out rather well.

"I was just thinking of you both." He smiled, greeting the two. "Marcus, I have some data--"

"I'll take a look at it later. For now, it's time for some food. Care to join us?" Jeran felt his stomach rumble a bit--he had skipped breakfast in an attempt to pick up a frew details on Talli's caravan, so he could definitely use something to eat.

"Sure. Something warm sounds great."

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor nodded in agreement to Marcus's words. She trusted him in everything and the matter of Dae was no different -- perhaps she would come to respect the woman in time. A sigh escaped the Jedi Knight's lips as she walked beside the one person she admired most in her life. He lead them inside and downstairs into Dexter's Diner where they appeared from behind the large counter and met up with another member of their secret society. Xazor smiled and wrapped an arm around Jeran as he approached and spoke of food at Marcus's mention. A smile crossed her lips and she nodded in agreement.

"Food sounds excellent! I'm ready to eat anything, since I'm supporting two, ya know?"

She laughed to herself and they went and sat down at a booth in the back corner of the Diner. The Garou woman removed the hood of her black robes and settled into the corner, her favorite place. The jolly fat alien known as Dexter approached their table with a coy grin upon his face.

"So -- he he he -- Marcus, Jeran, Lady Xazor -- what can I ah, get you today?"

He laughed intermittently through the sentance before expressing his entire thought. Xazor smiled and looked to the men before her eyes met those of Dexter.

"I'll have the sauteed chicken breast with a mug of Spice Garou Ale, if you please."

She grinned and then nodded to the others before folding her hands atop the table.

'So Marcus -- when is Dae supposed to meet up with us?'

The Knight spoke softly in the Jedi Master's through their Life Bond. She was not nervous about meeting Dae again, but it was the simple fact that Dae was a Sith and she was not only intruding in on a family member's life -- she was intruding on an organization that the Garou wanted to keep pure. In her mind, the plan had been ruined and soon, the Lost Jedi would be tainted with one who was never even supportive of the Jedi at all! Shifting uncomfortably at the thought, the young woman shook it out of her mind and watched as the others ordered.

[Nevlonniel]

Nevlonniel stepped into Coruscant's bussling streets, exiting the cab. Sylos'delka, her guardian, paid the cab before stepping out himself and looking about, ever watchful and protective of her. She was quite capable of taking care of herself, but by tradition in her lands, she had chosen a guardian.

They walked down the crowded sidewalk, both lean and tall. She herself was taller than the average of her peoples, and her guardian easily stood a head taller than her. And yet, desptie their towering figures, they did not appear intimidating in the least. Their eyes spoke of many years, as both were ancient. Their races beginning is sketchy, but stories and history points them to be as old as the galaxy itself.

Many eons ago, when their world was still young, it came under attack by an evil they refered to as the Burning Legion. They were devil-like creatures, commanding the undead and wreaking havoc upon their fledgling world. After a long, bloody battle, they had vanquished this evil, letting peace reign once again on their world and in the galaxy. But even so, the evil they had thought dead had survived.

Now their race hunted what were called Vampyres, as they saw them as the bastard children of the Burning Legion. Though they were a quiet race and kept to themselves, leading lives to safeguard the galaxy by obliterating those that would bring about it's destruction, one man had found them. His name was Marcus Q'Dunn. And being one of the High Elders, she had met with the man. Soon after their meeting, they found they had much in common when it came to safeguarding the galaxy from evil. And thus a friendhship was born.

It was through this friendship that Marcus had contacted her and asked her to join him in a small group he was secretly founding, one that rode under the banner of good with the objective to safeguard the galaxy. Being as this was a goal Nevlonniel followed, she accepted and traveled to meet with him.

Stopping outside of the quaint Diner she had been given directions to, she waited for Sylos'delka to open the door for her. She stepped inside and looked about, both getting curious looks from the patrons inside. Ignoring the stares and whispers, she spotted Marcus and walked towards his table where he was already seated with two others. Reaching the table's side across from him, she greeted him with her people's traditional greeting by half-bowing towards him, placing the side of her right fist at her lips and then at the center of her chest, before spreading her hands to her sides.

"It has been too long, Friend Marcus. The forests of Ashenvale have missed your travels through it's woods."

She gestured towards Sylos'delka.

"You remember my guardian, Sylos'delka? We have both come in response to your summons, eager to fullfil what it was you spoke of."

[Dae Jinn]

A speeder pulled up to the curb. Or rather, onto the curb. Daetana Jinn stepped onto the sidewalk and yelled some choice Saiya-jinn curses at her driver. He simply smirked and speed off, leaving Dae to mutter to herself. She brushed off her black pants, adjusting her Sith robes and drawing her hood back off her head.

She pushed open the door to Dexter's Dinner, taking off her red-lensed glasses and hiding them under her cloak. She made her way to where the others sat, joined by two people she had never seen. She gave Elessar a nod before slipping into the booth beside Jeran. Underneath the table, she gave Jeran's hand a light squeeze and smiled.

"I hope I'm not late. Hello, Elessar, Xazor. New people."

[Marcus Telcontar]

473 AE

It had spread like wildfire - the news that Xazor Elessar, for so long a pillar of the Jedi had been marked as one of the Lost. Jedi found excuses to see the mark for themselves and they started to wonder. There were two other statues marked as such, but those were 200 years ago at least. Right here was the evidence that Elessar herself was one.

Isn't it amazing? thought Marcus, moving along one of the long walkways on a repulsorchiar, so he would be able to maintain pace with the younger Jedi next to him, that clearly I was the last in there, yet not a one suspects anything of me? Have I really become such a legend that even when I get marked myself, they wont believe? Maybe it was for the best. Walking next to him was the newest member of The Lost, Ivan Tondry. Marcus wanted a private word with the young man, hom, unlike what he pretended yesterday, actually knew quite well. Had trained him and had spotted the disquiet the young man had. Noted Tondry wasn't going to be like Pierce. Much more like the long dead Lilaena Deville.

Now that's a name out of the past Marcus thought. His thoughts however, were broken by Tondry speaking to him, mind to mind.

Master Q'Dunn, did you really know Pierce?

Certainly did Ivan. Quite a man he was. His son turned out quite well too.

I wish I had known him. He sounded like someone I could have looked up to.

Ivan, he was. He trained one of my grand-daughters. She became a Jedi Librarian.

Did you ever have a son become a Jedi?

Oddly... no. No male of my line showed an hint of being able to use the Force. Only the women.

Until now, he thought. Young Aragorn, the first true male heir of his line, had unexpectantly shown Force potential. While Marcus had taken a great deal of trouble to make sure any hint of a relation between him and anyone else in the Jedi (Apart from Xazor), It was clear to the old Jedi that the young child, barely three years old had untold potential. And while his bloodline had been diluted (The daughters of Evenstar usually proved to be valued as wives and hence normally married normal human Jedi), Aragorn was by some chance, pure. Already Marcus had seen the markings. He read the signs and knew.

Ivan, you know Sit'tha has been given the task of leadig the Lost?

Yes.

Good - It is time then. You need to come with me

Where to?

Home. I'm going home Ivan. My tasks, my time is over. Correction - one more task. I have a promise to keep

--

53 AE

The group gathered around the table was highly ecletic. Jeran Conrad, Daetana Jinn, sitting together. Jeran a man with a good heart, but the spirit of a fighter, a bounty hunter. Dae, a Sith whom was learning what being a Jedi was. and making her way across from Dark to Light. Xazor, the Garou Warrior, pregnant with her first child, with whom by accident had been formed a highly rare and unusual Life Bond. And now, come at his call an old friend, Nevlonniel and her guardian, Sylos'delka. They used the Force quite differently to how he did, but they still shared the same burning to see peace and order, justice done.

"Welcome Nevlonniel, well met again! Indeed, it has been far, far too long since I have walked your fair lands. Thank you for coming... thank you all for coming and being here" he added, expanding his remarks to include all at the table. "You have been called here to met with each other, for some the first time. Nevloniel, this is my daughter Xazor, over there canoodiling is Jeran Conrad and Daetana Jinn. Everyone else, this is a friend of mine, Nevlonnel and her guardian Sylos'delka"

Some greetings were said quietly, Marcus allowed it for a a few seconds before bringing the table to order by clearing his throat.

"There will be time for proper introductions later - for now now let me assure you all that we all share the same goals and that is why we are here. Even if I am one of the founders of the Greater Jedi Order, I have long known that Jedi are not capable, nay, should not even be allowed to handle some situations with the means needed. A Jedi is supposed to be peaceful, calm. Not feel emotions. There are limits on what a Jedi can and can't do. Friends, that is not the case for us. I know we feel emotions. I know we have a burn to see justice done - to see evil vanquished. We are not going to have the limits a Jedi should. I admit, sometimes we may look like we are dangling too close to the Dark Side for comfort (and here he bowed at the neck to Dae, apologising for that comment. It would take time for Dae to be released from the Dark Side, but she was willing), but there are things that only can be done by beings like us. Always remember, you must have true control and you must remember, things like assassinations are for a last resort."

"Things I will train you in, insruct and guide.To use carefully, with wisdom and good judgement. In many ways, we will be need be more honourable that the Jedi themselves - by honour, wisdom, trust and control we will live"

"You are charged never to allow the fact you are one of the Lost to be told. Only on your death may it be revealed and then no one else you shall betray - only to say that you were a Lost will be said. If you see someone that may fit into our group, you are to vet them, examine and judge. If they are worthy, bring them to me or Xazor. Be certain before you do"

"We may not agree with other Jedi in methods, but always remember, they are our alllies, even if they do not know. Our priority is to help the Jedi Order grow - some will work within, others on the outside. We will defend our brothers and sisters"

"We are also family. We protect each other, we suport each other. We help and we never leave one of our own to hang"

He paused, making sure they were all listening.

"Tonight, The Lost Jedi come into being. Tonight after we finish eating, we will change into our cloaks. If you do not have a sabre, borrow one from the armoury. We will not show our faces or identify ourselves... for tonight, we begin to let the Galaxy know that the evil of the Guilds, the criminal syndicates, the politicians who are corrupt, the Sith and Dark Jedi groups have a new enemy, one they do not know of. One they can not explain or define easily, or work out what we are doing or even whom we are. But we will know"

"We are The Lost Jedi" he said, finishing, "and tonight we hunt as a group. Let evil begin to feel fear as we come to wipe it out. To the Lost!". He raised his glass as a toast.

Yes... to us. Long have I prepared for this. Long have I waited. Now tonight, will be a fulfilment. Maybe we will normally work alone, tonight we work as one.

[Nevlonniel]

Nevlonniel bowed her head at each in turn at the table as the greetings were exchanged, before seating herself at the table. Sylos'delka opted to stand against the wall, just behind her seat.

When all greetings were said and done, Marcus went into a stirring monologue, one that she felt deep in her heart. Everything he spoke of was what she and her people had strived for. Now she and Sylos'delka, along with the rest of the Lost, would continue to fulfill the duties of keeping peace and order within the galaxy, whether through conventional means or not.

At the mention of carrying sabers, an elongated feathery eyebrow arched upward over her left eye. It wasn't so much she didn't know what a saber was, or hadn't been shown how to use one, it was simply that she had never felt the need to carry one... at least not on her home world. There she used bow and arrow, daggers, throwing tri-blades, and the occassional broad sword. But here in this part of the galaxy, she ventured to guess that the saber would fair better than a bow and arrow.

At the end of Marcus' speach, she raised her glass which had been brought to her shortly after she had sat down, echoing Marcus' words.

"May evil fall and good reign. To the Lost!"

[Jeran Conrad]

"Aye, aye!" Jeran confirmed the same sentiment. He raised his glass and smiled at Dae. This was to earmark a truly amazing beginning, and it was soon to be unveiled to the world.

[Sylos'delka]

Sylos watched the group from his place behind Nevlonniel.
His training as a blood mage, the most difficult of the Magik Arts, and the training as a guardian had left Sylos seemingly cold, and unemotional. That was for the best, for it alone stopped half the troubles which could of plagued his ward. So he kept his true feelings locked away, otherwise he would of joined in the toast, and would of been applauding very loudly this new order... But he kept himself distant, scanning the room with his eyes, and the power of his class.

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor nodded gently and smiled, taking up her glass in a toast along with the others -- though she did not feel comfortable with any of them save for Marcus and maybe Jeran on occasion.

"Yes indeed -- to us!"

She said softly with a gentle smile before her glass touched her lips and she tipped it back for a long drink of the cool liquid inside of the vessle.

"I've never doubted you Marcus -- I just have a bad feeling about this, I mean, with Dae and all. The others are not so experienced. I hope that we don't blow our cover tonight."

Xazor spoke softly in Marcus's mind and the others could not hear. Taking another sip of her drink, she set it down before eyeing the group and sighing heavily inside.

"We shall overcome all evil and all darkness shall fear the Silent Ones which take the breath right out of the shadows."

She said with confidence before nodding to her own comment and settling her eyes upon the tabletop once again.

[Dae Jinn]

"Cheers" Dae mumbled, not really feeling comfortable, especially with all of her Darkside connections. She knew Xazor didn't really approve of her being here, and she grabbed Jerans hand under the table again. Draining her glass of Vodka, she sat and listened silently.

[Oriadin]

As day turned into night Oriadin remained in the Jedi archives. Reading over the story of how the force was brought back into balance by Anakin Skywalker with help from his son Luke. It was a favorite story of his and probably the most famous amoung the Jedi. Infact, probably most of the galaxy new about it.

The Jedi Knight slumped back in his chair in a day dream. He'd been at the order now for some time and had seen very little action. Not that that was something he desired, but he did wonder if fate had anything in line for him. Whether destiny would lead him to play a part in a famous part in the Jedi history.

The day dream came to a shuddering hault as a droid approached and told him he had an important message.

Master Jedi. The Jedi council are requesting your pressence imediately.

Oriadin nodded, returned the monitor he was working at to the start screen and made way to the council chambers.

[Darth Turbogeek]

473 AE.

On a lonely, deserted planet, there was a forest. In that forest was a clearing. For anyone with ecological knowledge, it would have been strange to see this clearing, about 4 meters in diameter. It was just plain bare dirt and nothing would live there. This was the only marker, the only sign an insane clone of a Jedi Master had been blown to pieces by a bullet to a gas cylinder.

Elsewhere in the Galaxy, another place far way, visitors to the planet Harrvii, now in the process of rebuilding after the devestating attacks in 31AE that wiped out the population, often felt cold and weak walking across one of the bridges over the main river of the capital. There was a small marker to note of a battle between a man named Tohmahawk and Darth Turbogeek, a Dark Jedi of considerable power, that had ended with the Dark Jedi beheaded, dark energies exploding on his death to destroy the original bridge. Tohmahawk was never seen again.

Some of the males that had decended from the famed Jedi Knight Helenias Evenstar had settled here, to become diplomats, farmers, engineers. Most of them had the mane Q'Dunn. Survivors of the attacks of 31 AE whom had lived to return greatly honoured them. And also another alien, whom in 54 AE had released their planet from bondage.

In a museum, the sabre of Darth Turbogeek was still kept - a reminder of one of the nastiest and evil men to have existed.

--

53 AE.

He was a male of about 25 years in age, smooth faced, very handsome, short dark hair and a favouring of trench coats and dark clothes. The dark clothes were to him just cool. The trench coat however had a purpose. It hid weapons - guns. Lots of guns. Tubogeek was a gun man at heart, enjoyed the kickback and the damage they did. His most prized ones were a set of rail guns, Jedi Killers he called them. He had stolen them and a supply of ammunition.

Others things he had theived - heavy hand held blasters, a thermal det or two, other bits of useful hardware. Now, he was a Dark Jedi, learning about the Dark Side via the memories in his head of the dead guy , but that didnt pay the bills. He was the principle of Anasta Medical Supplies, and a killer for hire via Assassins Inc.

He was here today not to kill, but to meet. A rather interesting couple of people and if he was right... yes. He could "see" the dark colour of a hooded being. The sign to him of a Dark Sider. Good. Right on time. He walked confidently over,making sure the sunglasses were on his face, cause he reckoned that was pretty hip and happening. After all, if you were bad, why not make the effort to look good.

"Hi there. You the Sith that is named The Black Rider?"

[The Black Rider]

Though it had been a rather painful trek, The Rider had made his way to the cramped, dark alley. He had taken the form of a shriveled old man (something not too uncharacteristic of his actual appearance) and finding a mode of transportation. Though he did not wish to leave his steed behind, an animal was of no use on Coruscant.

Coruscant.

He hated the name. He hated the planet. He hated the civilization of this place. A concrete jungle. A wasteland. And this was where the Jedi Temple was located. He laughed at this fact, silently to himself. How could such beings of life--such beings of the Force--find comfort in a durasteel structure on a dead planet. It amazed him.

He saw the man that approached well before he had come to rest in the position he stood now. The man was powerful--much, much more powerful than himself. Though, he would never admit this fact to anyone, it was true. In a time passed, he would have laughed at this man. Perhaps he would battled him and taken his life, bathing his saber in the man's blood.

No longer.

He was weak. Very weak, and few knew the fact. After...the events had come to pass, he had lost most all of his strength. The only he had retained was the strength of illusion. He was still very, very skilled at mind games. This had transformed him into a manipulative being, something as a warrior, he had tried to avoid. He had to use what little talents he had.

He was lucky. He could maintain an air of domination over the weak minded--these people not knowing that he really had no physical strength on them. It worked to his advantage, and he used it as much as was possible. Time for the matter at hand.

"Heh heh heh heh," the Rider's very broken voice managed to whisper. "You will find no Sith here, dark one." This one was very dark, indeed. The Rider almost fed off of it. He had long left his Sith background and affiliation to any code. It was because of Kun.

"You have called me by name that is not known by few. That, in itself, intrigues me. The darkness inside of you calls to my weay bones." He did not know exactly how he had ended up here, but the Force worked in strange ways. "Why have you brought me here?"

[Darth Turbogeek]

So the vague rumour was correct. This one was truly evil. Good!

"My apologies, Master. I am only going off rough information that I could obtain - anything on your existance is sketchy at best. And as it's not my habit of wasting time in meaningless niceities - I need you to help me with the beginning of a little somethign. A bit of murder and mayhem, designed with one thing in mind...." He pointed at the Jedi Temple, newly rebuilt and nearly reaching finish. "The Jedi must be destroyed. Vanish. I need some help in beginning a process that will lead to their fall, a fall so low none can foresee their rising again. Will you help me?"

[Dae Jinn]

"So, what exactly are we doing tonight?"

Dae asked Jeran, telepathically, as the others discussed the evenings plans and ate. She set her fourth empty glass on the table, waving the big alien server over to pour her another. She took the bottle from him and smiled as politely as she could.

"I mean, are we going to cloak ourselves and go wandering, looking for trouble? There has to be some plan of who exactly we're going to take out, if anyone, tonight."

[Marcus Telcontar]

"There's not really much more of a plan than that Madam Jinn. Tonight, we are simply hunters... later, we go after some things a bit more planned. Tonight, simply we will allow the Force to take us where it wishes and we hunt in our own ways. I might add" he said, with a twinkle of mischief in his eye, "Coruscant isn't exactly a place you have to go far to find trouble and evil. It's all around. Go down a few levels and there it will be. For all it's glitter and gloss, Coruscant truly has a seedy and disgusting underbelly. Yes, we will be cloaked - never allow your face to be seen or our form to become known. Never allow the fact you are part of the Lost known - but when you strike, leave the symbol behind"

"Now.... lets go"

--

6 figures moved in the darkness. Cloaked and hooded, they stuck to the shadows until they got to a place where pipes corssed the street and deep shadows lay on the rubbish on the ground. Not stirred but the six.

"Split up. We will regroup in an hour"

Silently 5 of the figures broke away, leaving one alone, whom stood alone.

--

473 AE

The old man stood in the darkened alley, the young human at his side.

"Much has changed since I first stood here Tondry"

"It must have Master Elessar. It has been many years"

"But some things never changed. Like the evil we fight"

He remembered back to that first night....

--

53 AE

The drugs lab was not far away. Not only a home to a drug factory, the beings inside were notorious killers, whom so far had escaped justice by tricky lawyers and bribery. By chance, the group was all in the factory tongight discussing deals when...

"Say, did anyone hear a crackling" asked one.

"Nah, just yourr imagination"

But it wasnt their imagination when the door suddenly was kicked down, with a lone being there, faceless and almost formless. The surprised gangsters looked up.

"What the <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> are you doing here?" exclaimed one "Your one dead mother <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>er!"

"I dont think so" came the reply, the being raising his weaon - a bow and arrow, then firing into the table the gangsters were around. The explosive tipped arrow detonated, throwing shards of table at the gangsters, killing half of them immediatly. The others tried to grab guns or run, wounded as they were, but the shadow planted another few arrows into them. Firing the ancient style weapon with a blur of hand speed, the remaining gangsters were dispatched in a few seconds. The shadow moved inside, retrieving the arrows, before takign out a small cylinder from his pocket and putting it on a table. He clicked a button then calmly walked out.

A minute later, the factory blossomed into a flower of fire and noise.

[Dae Jinn]

Dae walked along the streets of the Slum area, humming a happy tune to herself. She held her saber hilt in her right hand, twirling it around and round.

She lived here, so she had a rough idea of what kind of "evil" the others would find. She stopped, sniffing, and listening. Some kind of ruckus coming from the alley. Dae pulled the hood of her cloak lower over her face, and followed the source of the noise into the darkness. The smell of alcohol, sweat and blood became stronger the further she went.
A few men stood over a fallen form, a woman from what Dae could make out in the shadows. She was sobbing softly, the men talking in low voices, deciding what to do with her. Dae shook her head.

"Tsk tsk, that's no way to treat a woman."

The men turned quickly, one nearly dropping his liquor bottle. Dae folded her arms and sighed. She stepped forward, and smirked.
One man grabbed for her arm, only to have his own twisted back until it made a lovely snapping noise. He stumbled backwards, holding his arm and crying out. The other man came towards Dae, lunging for her. There was a muffled cry, a flash of orange and a low hum as she ignited her saber into his rib cage. She brought the blade upwards, slicing through bone and muscle till she reached his collar bone. She drew the saber back, moving out of the corpses way as it slumped over. Dae stalked over to the man holding his arm, practically whimpering in pain. She didn't bother looking to the woman who was now rising to her feet slowly.
"Get the frell out of here..." Dae muttered, tightening the grip on saber. The woman turned and ran from the alley, not looking back as Dae brought the blade of her saber down across the back of the man's neck, severing it from his body. She deactivated her saber, twirling in her palm once, before walking away, humming.

[Nevlonniel]

The Elven archer walked silently along the shadows, her footsteps making no sound as she crept lightly into the lower levels of Coruscant looking for night scum. Only one other accompanied her as always... Sylos. Both slid into the dank alley shadowed by skyscrapers of enormous proportions on either side.

Neither one was used to so much concrete and technology, but both knew quite enough about it.

Rounding a corner they came into site of what appeared to be a gang war already in progress. Though the lower levels were dirty and low class, people still lived down here, and cowering behind a decrepid hover truck were a few civilians who had gotten stuck when the gang war had erupted.

Not saying a word, Nevlonniel signaled to Sylos to go around and get behind the gang which had taken refuge behind some overturned dumpsters, shooting at the other side where a broken metal wall protected the other gang, likewise shooting blasters.

She herself made her way silently to place herself behind the gaang behind the broken wall. Each one appeared to have a scar on the left sides of their faces, no doubt some initiation to get into the gang. She waited a moment, her concealment easily covered by the noise of the blaster fire, until she felt Sylos get into position. Then, grabbing one of her daggers, she aimed it and threw it, it's sharp blade embedding itself deeply into the back of the skull of one of the scar's members. The man fell without a words, dead before he hit the ground. At that moment, the blaster fire stopped on her side... subsequently, it also stopped on the other side as Sylos implimented his own tactic of grabbing the attention of the gang he was dealing with.

The scars looked at her with disgust, obviously not happy with the death of their comrade.

"Who the hell do you think you are...", one member spat, looking her up and down, trying to find an appropriate insult. Not being able to come up with anything, he merely finished, "...freak."

She smiled under her hood, all that could be seen was the smile. "In three words," her smile got bigger, eerily white in the shadows she stood, "you're worst nightmare."

In the blink of an eye, her bow was in her hand and an arrow was already flying towards it's victim before anyone had time to react. The arrow embedded itself between the eyes of the man who had spoken. The instant the arrow had found it's mark, she moved from her position as blaster fire errupted around her, trying to punch her full of holes.

She grabbed for another dagger as she ran, throwing it at another gang member. The dagger sank into the woman's chest, dropping her. At this point most of the scars were crazed, blaster fire going everywhere. It was at this point she removed a cyndrilical object at her side and ignited it. The lavander energy blade shot upwards, deflecting some of the blaster fire back at it's origins. Gang mebers started to dive for cover back and forth as their own blaster fire was coming back at them. Some gang members fled for fear they'd be chopped to ribbons by the lightsaber. Others stayed to try and avenge their fallen comrades. But to no avail.

In a few minutes, quiet reign once again in the small complex, bodies of the gang members about the area behind the metal wall. Nevlonniel looked up at the other side and saw Sylos emerge, his side of the alley quiet, behind the dumpsters looking about the same as her side. Those that lived in the low class housing in the area gave quiet thanks as they hurried back into their homes.

She nodded to those near her before calling out into the darkness, knowing some gang members were still about. "Let this be a warning to all those that would cause chaos and harm, for chaos and harm will follow them, and be their undoing." With saber in hand, she dug it into the ground and carved out the symbol of the Lost.

Then, just as quietly, Nevlonniel and Sylos left the area, heading deeper still into the levels of Coruscant, looking for those that would cause evil in the galaxy.

[Jesse Custer]

I'd seen places before. Coruscant was a beauty. All it really was, when you got right down to it, was political crap and durasteel. Still, it was frellin' unbelieveable. First time out in the galaxy on my own. I was off on a good start.

I had no money for a cab or a rental. Hell, I could just make the driver give me a free one but that'd be wrong, way I figure it. So I'm walkin'. Damn, back in the old days I'd hotwire a hotrod.. Even before the Word came to me, that was how I lived my days. Hell, best years of my life was with that crazy girl and our crime spree. Never did get caught neither.

I see a bar in the distance. I have enough for a beer. Always do.

It's not amazin' by any stretch of the imagination. Street level. I guess the higher you go up, the more glamour you get. Reminds me of back home actually, so I'm just fine with it.

"What'll be?" As he speaks I notice he's mighty annoyed. Ruitine has gotten him down, I reckon.

"Whatever's on the tap'll be fine," I sigh. Funny, he doesn't notice the white around my neck Or maybe he just don't care.

"Mm-Hmm."

I don't get speedy service. He takes his damn time. Almost too much time. I guess I have the look of a tourist. Maybe it's because I can't stop taking everything in. Mm.

I go straight for my cigarettes. I keep them in my shirt pocket. I don't need to pat around for them like those light smokers do. As I put it in my mouth, I take out my lighter. Written on it, "<smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> the Empire," it was my fathers. I place it back in my pants pocket after lightin' the cigarette.

The beer arrives finally. I sip it. Have to taste beers in places you've never been. Tastes alright.

"How much for the one?"

He leans against the bar, hands for support, trying to intimidate me. Doesn't work.

"Twenteh Credits."

Goddamnit. I've got twenty three. I reckon I can sleep on the streets just the one night. I've already tasted the damn beer. Can't be sendin' it back.

"Hell, alright," I blow a puff of smoke down at my side as I get the credits out.

"Mm-huh," he grunts as he takes the credits. First person I've met and he's a sunuva bitch.

I take a gulp. Before I can finish it I remember I've been holdin' a piss since the transport pad. Frell.

I take the mug with me. I place it on the nearest table I can find to the bathroom.

I swear it smelt like the devil had <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> all over the floor. I go into the nearest stall. No use wastin' time takin' in the aroma.

After I'm all unzipped and goin', sure 'nough I hear a moan. Not a good one, that'd be expected. This was one of those moans you get when you can't muster up the strength to scream. I'm finished anyway, so I go ahead and investigate. Not forgettin' to zip up.

I look in the mirror, tryin' to make out the scene before divin' into it. Doors are all closed.

I walk to the next one, open it, and take a look inside. Nothin'. Two more to go, I open the next one. Well, seems I found somethin' alright. A man has a woman in a very bad position. She's pretty beat up. Mother <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>er. He hasn't gotten her undressed yet. Sick sunuva bitch is still tryin' to torture the poor soul. Sure 'nough, he notices the stall openin'.

"Wha--"

I take the time to drop my cigarette and stomp it out. I'll let him get up and get all fired up.

He turns and raises, as I suspected he would. A mess of the girl's blood and a madder than hell expression on his face.

"You stepped into the wrong stall preacher," he sure thinks he's a bad <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>. Delusioned into thinkin' it takes skill to beat on a poor defenseless woman.

"Mm-Hmm."

I punch across his face, breaking his jaw as it slams against the stall wall.

"Uh!"

I grab the bastard's hair. I'm not showing this SOB any more mercy than he show the girl. I pull him out so he's nice and clear of the stall.

He throws what he thinks is a hook. I dodge it pretty easily, slamming my fist into the back of his neck. He goes stumbling to the sink. My foot meets his private place, comin' from behind and goin' under. He has to watch too, in the mirror. I spin him around, punching him a couple of more times in the mouth and eyes, making them good and swollen. He grabs me by the neck. Smart move, except my hands are still free. Now inexperienced fighters would grapple with this dumb <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>. I slam my fist into his stomach, puke coming up his throat as the result. I take advantage of his bending over by introducing my knee to his nose. He flops back, sliding down to the floor. He's beat up pretty good now. After checkin' on the girl, still cryin' and shivverin'... I reasses his damage.

Pullin' him up by his collar, I shove him against the wall, next to the soap despenser. I make him drink soap despite his wimperin' and carryin' on.

"You alright, darlin'?"

She nods, still shakin'.

As he starts to gag and foam at the mouth, from the soap, I drop him. Leanin' in real close, I speak in his ear. Course, speakin' ain't quite the word for it.

"Listen you <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>er. Eat that toilet an' don't stop till it's gone."

The man starts crawlin' for the toilet, not able to stop. He pleads through the teeth he still has and even cries. The girl seems pleased at his discomfort. Enough to make her cry a little less anyway.

"Come on, sweet heart. Let's get you outta here."

'Course I wouldn't dream of leavin' her here. Especially while the bastards starts goin' about his penance. I don't even bother myself with the question of how a man would eat a toilet. He'll die tryin' if that's what it comes to.

I walk out of the bathroom, the girl hanging onto me for her life. Grabbin' my mug, I head back for the bar with her. She'll be fine

[Xazor Elessar]

Xazor smiled gently at Marcus before bowing her head and parting ways with him -- at least, physically. All the while she knew what was going through his mind and every single move he made echoed through her thoughts. With the hood of her black robes drawn up so that he shadows masked her identity, the Jedi Knight ventured forth into the slums of Coruscant. She knew it like the back of her hand due to her wanderings during her free time. It was an aweful place full of pain and suffering, and this day -- she would avenge that pain felt by others by bringing much more to those who caused it.

With hands folded at hear waist and beneath the long material of her sleeves, the woman walked through the alley ways and set her cyan eyes upon the poor and weak. These people had become victims of the street, and Xazor had a great deal of determination to stop the evil from happening. Suddenly she stopped as her ultra sensitive ears picked up on a faint whimper of what sounded like a puppy. With a twist of her head in the direction, she instantly spotted the entrance of a door in the side of a shack. The Force was warning the Knight about danger but she paid no mind to it and soon gaped the distance between she and the doorway. Quickly she kicked it open and immediatly her eyes came to rest upon a little girl tied up in a chair with a large piece of tap over her mouth.

The brown haired child looked no older than six years with bright green eyes that took Xazor's heart in an instant. Suddenly though, her stomach turned at what she saw. Upon a pole against the wall facing the child was the bloody head of who appeared to be the girl's mother. The wolf in Xazor's heart stirred and begged to be released to inturn release its fury upon the one who did this -- but she did not submit and instead looked to the blocked off door to the next room. Her main concern was for the child and so before Xazor made a move, she knelt beside the little girl and drew out a knife from her weapons belt. The child shrieked but Xazor hushed her.

"I will not hurt you, I promise."

She whispered in a slightly accented voice as her hands fell upon the girl's shoulders and the Force flowed from Xazor into her. A calming effect took over the child as Xazor cut the ropes that bound her to the chair. It was obvious she had been there long for already her writs and arms had deep gashes and cuts that were bleeding and now infected. The Garou Knight winced at the sight, though the child could not see her face or know the pain she felt from seeing this. She put the knife away and reached up to the tap upon the girl's mouth and with gentle Force guided hands, she removed the sticky strip.

"Now hold still and I'll make you better."

The Dark One instructed and took both of the girl's wrists in her own hands as her eyes closed and her natural healing abilities took over. They coupled with the Force and produced a potent mixture that began healing the wounds immediatly. It took but a few minutes before Xazor pulled away and began working on her arms, healing those in the very manner she did the child's wrists. All that remained was the hint of scarring before Xazor withdrew and slowly stood. Perhaps it was not a good thing to be putting such stress on her unborn child, but the Knight knew this was her duty and so it was performed. Helping this little girl was her number one priority at the moment, and so she was.

"No run away -- go straight down the street and run into the bar, okay? It has a big sign in front that says 'Dexter's Diner', okay?"

The child nodded and then suddenly threw her arms around Xazor, holding her tightly for a moment. At that time, the Garou woman took the advantage of placing a forged memory in the girl's mind -- it was a picture of the sign in front of Dex's. That would make her remember the name, even if she could not read.

"Now go and don't look back!"

She turned the child around and gave her a light push to get her started, and so she ran out the door and never looked back. Xazor sighed in relief but knew her job was not finished yet. Her eyes danced across the room to the blocked off door way where she slowly walked over to it and then kicked it in with aid from the Force. The scene opened up to a table surrounded by five men who were drinking and abusing drugs of mass effect. A deep growl filled the room as the woman suddenly drew out her lightsaber from her belt and switched it on. Two blue blades shot forth from each ends of the hilt and the weapon came to life, humming gently in Xazor's right hand. The five men sat and simply stared at her before one finally rose to his feet with a laugh.

"And what are you gonna do what that? Kill me?"

The growl grew deep within Xazor as she canted her head to the side and eyed the pitiful fool. Then slowly, she nodded in his direction.

"As you wish."

With that she lept forward and with a swing she connected one blade with his stomach, and then twirled the saber in her hand, bringing the other blade to his neck. The man fell to his knees in a slump before falling over into a pool of blood on the floor. The other four that remained were stunned and could not move out of fear.

"Hey -- we didn't do anythi --"

But this one's words were cut off as Xazor blindly decapitated him. His head rolled across the table and fell into the lap of one of the remaining three. He yelped in horror and pushed the head from him before standing and backing up against the far wall.

"You have caused too much pain -- and now your life shall end. Live by the sword and you shall die by the sword."

With that the Knight separated the double bladed saber in the center and two blades came to life, one in each hand. Now all three men rose from their seats and huddled together, beginning for mercy. Xazor moved to attack, but two of the figures dove away and rolled under the table, leaving a clean shot at the man against the wall. Suddenly the Knight snarled and sent her blade straight through his stomach and into the wood behind him. He fell over with his mouth hanging open in shock -- and blood spilling forth from his insides. Xazor spun around and lept onto the table, crushing it beneath her weight and the strength of the Force. The two remaining men scurried out from beneath it, and then Xazor came down upon them with two slashes coming together between them -- separating both bodies at the waist.

All became quiet once again as her eyes gazed about the room. The smell of death was strong just as the sight of blood grew as pools became rivers, then joined together to become oceans. With a sigh of relief and satisfaction, the Knight slowly walked over to a large bare wall just to her right where she stood with both sabers in hand and stared at it. With a bow of her head and a raising of her weapons, she carved into the wall the mark of The Lost Jedi. It glowed red hot and even after it cooled, the figure was still red. The wood around it was singed and burnt brown and some ashes fell to the floor. The marking was large and all who entered the room from that time forth would see it quite clearly for it took up a good portion of the wall. Slowly she disengaged the lightsabers and rejoined them in the center before hanging the weapon on her belt. The woman placed her hand in the center of the symbol and recalled her purpose and her mission.

"Evil shall fall in the glory of the Light."

She softly said to herself before moving out of the room and then out of the run down shack. People who had heard the men's screams and cries had gathered around the home, but as Xazor passed them by, she touched their minds so they would not ponder the situation any longer. Cloaked in the darkness of not only her robes, but of also the eve, the lone Garou continued on with one mission in her mind, and one purpose in her heart.

[Sylos'delka]

Sylos had taken up a good position when the Lady Nevlonniel made her attack. His attack relied on brute strength in magic then on finese and stealth.

With his left hand, Sylos reached into the folds of his cloak and pulled out nearly 2 dozen small, jagged red jewels. He tosses them into the air, yet they do not fall. The jewels seemed to glow with a inner power of their own as they floated in front of the Elf Mage. The low booming laugh startels the gang memebers in front of him. The firing ceases as they turn, almost as one, to the new threat.
Sylos could see the eyes flash directly to the jewels with unbridled greed before turning to the elf who owned them.
The leader, a one eyed Twi'liek, looked more curious then afraid.

"How are they floa-" One eye shakes himself, and raises a blaster.
"Kill Him! Get the jewels!"

Sylos laughs again as the gang rushes toward him.
Flinging out a hand, the blood Mage touches his power. The jewels suddenly spring forward, screaming across the space between Sylos and the gang in a blink of an eye...


Sylos rejoined Nevlonniel and both continued into the depths of Coruscant, leaving behind two seperate scenes for the police to figure out. One of limited blood, and shadow killing, the other of blood drenched dumpsters with skull and brain fragments littered everywhere.

[Jesse Custer]

The girl's sippin' on a cold glass of ale. Turns out the bartender wasn't such a bastard as I made him out to be. It was on the house. She's bloody and torn up pretty bad but she doesn't have any vital injuries, just painful ones. Cigarette burns, cuts to mess up her pretty little face, broken arm if I'm not mistaken, bite marks on her legs, cut open hand that's tied off by a rag from the bartender. Makes me want to go in and teach the sunuva bitch some more. Need to get her to a hospital even though she'll live, but I'd have no clue where to start lookin' for one.

I think of lightin' up a cigarette but don't as it'd probably scare her more'n anything. Flash backs and what not.

"You think you could take her to a hospital?"

"Why don't you?" the bartender says back, leanin' against the bar again.

"Got no money."

"Well <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>, should have thought of that before you bought a drink, dumb <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>."

Okay, I take it back. He is a no good mother <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>er. Guess people sue if they get hurt in one of these places. Guess the thought of tying off a bleedin' hand and givin' away a beer ain't so painful then.

He knows why I do it. Punch him. No one calls me that, and no one acts like that period, without getting hit.

He flops against the back wall and slumps down to the ground. Hell, I tried to hold back too. Must have a jaw out of glass to go with that disrespectin' mouth. I try it anyway.

<font color="red">"Take her to a hospital you piece of <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>."</font>

Guess he's still awake because he jumps up real quick. He grabs her arm mighty hard and starts leadin' her out. She takes the mug. The look on his face is priceless. What kind of a person feels that much pain in helpin' somebody.

<font color="red">"Treat 'er right."</font>

He loosens his grip.

"What the <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>?! Wh--wh--Who did this to Fossy?! Fossy, yo-you--stop that! Stop it! Stop gawd damnit!"

Well, seems like the woman beater has friends. What in the hell kind of name is Fossy?

"Fossy's chewin' on a shitter!" Reckon his buddy is out of the bathroom from the sound of it. I don't turn at all, just keep lookin' ahead. Looks like Fossy's got more than one friend.

"What?"

I hear the bathroom door open and then close seconds later.

"Oh <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>! God..... There! That son of a bitch! He went in there just a minute ago!"

Well, seems I've got a bar fight on my hands. Ain't my first.

I finally swing around on my bar stool to find four ugly SOBs walkin' my way. Last chug of the beer, finishin' it up, and I put it back on the bar. I take the time to light a new cigarette. Girl's gone so I'm free to do so.

"Reverend! You done messed with the wrong man!"

The one, I reckon he found his buddy first, comes up real close. The others, like the good little followers they are, stay behind a ways.

"I don't care if you are a preacher, we're killin' you tonight!"

I take the cigarette out of my mouth and stomp it out again. That's the second one. Should make these bastards buy me a new pack, they want to keep <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>in' around.

"Your friend already tried," his <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> eatin' grin fades.

Now they're really out for blood. They're packin' everything under the sun near as I can tell... Oughta go hard then.

The first one, the big mouth, finds he can't see no more. My fingers make sure of that, going straight through his eyes. I'm too quick, usually am. Problem with these hard nosed wannabes is they ain't thinkin'. They just walk in with their heads in the clouds, never thinkin' they might get beat. If you don't do no fancy <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> and just take 'em out, it goes mighty smooth. Bull shitin' ain't fightin'.

While he's screamin' like a little girl, the next one in line pulls a gun. I kick it aside and lean in with a straight poke to his throat, followed with a gut punch. The first one ain't doin' <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont>. He just keeps missin' his eyes.

"Oh god!" He screams out, as I move through his pardners.

The third one comes up nice and strong. He's an ox but I make quick work of him. After duckin' a mighty big wallop with his left, I grab his crotch and squeeze real hard, pullin' as I do. I give him some mercy as I let go and just knock his sorry butt down with a punch.

Now the fourth and final, takes his time. He eyes me real sharp. Suddenly the little <smallfont color={hovercolor}>-Censored-</smallfont> pulls out what had to be a four feet long sword. I'd heard of those laser swords but this was just old sharpened durasteel. Guess he thought he was some kinda ninja.

I take the time to light my third cigarette since I entered this bar. He just stares me down.

"Know what I'm gonna do if you don't stick that pigsticker somewhere else?"

He does the dumbest thing he could, cut my cigarette in half. Now I'm pissed.

I fake in. He swings like the ametuer he is. Last mistake he'll make. I come in, punchin' him straight across the cheek. He drops the sword. I pick it up and stick it up where the sun doesn't shine. He drops down, gaggin' and diein'. All of them ain't movin. Good.

Well, no one's much speakin' no more in the bar. They're a tough group, gangs and the like, but they're pretty mute at the moment. After I start eyein' them, not tryin' to imply anythin' on purpose, they start chattin' like a bunch of teenage girls. Hmm.

Well, the bartenders gone. I take it apon myself to get myself another beer. I'm thirsty and he's not someone I feel remorseful over stealin' from. Hmm. Good.

I light my fourth cigarette. I'm goin' out of these damn things but I never get to finish one.

[Jeran Conrad]

The alley was darker than it had been all month, and the young man could tell. He'd walked it several times, each night equally intoxicated. This night, however, something seemed to loom in the air above him. As he stumbled down the closely packed walls, he found himself stopped before a taller, darker figure.

"Headed somewhere?" The voice said, its tone dark and somewhat sadistic.

"Ummmm...excuse me, I was just," the words were slurred as the younger man continued to make his way down the alley.

"Wrong alleyway, pal," the voice replyed. "Hope you didn't spend all of your creds at the bars. Hand 'em over!"

"Please, I don't have--"

"I ain't gonna ask again," the man said leaning into the other with the muzzle of a saber masked behind the fabric of his jacket. "Now, gimme all your--"

"Let him go," another voice entered the seemingly faceless group of men. The large, threatening man turned sharply, his eyes finding the very faded outline of a figure in the shadows.

"A hero?" The man spoke. "Too bad for you, bub. Derik, Grett, take care of this chump!" The man ordered two apparent cohorts into action.

"Your friends send their reguards," the voice spoke again. A shuffling took place where he stood, and the heads of two males rolled into the view of a lamp. The thug's eyes grew as he saw the faces stare up at him from the ground. "Now, let the kid go." The voice was very stern.

"Hey pal! You're gonna pay for that!" The man drew a blaster from within his coat and trained it on the shadow. He fired it into the dark, hitting nothing but wall as sparks flew from the strike.

Silent...like Marcus said...be the shadow...be the shadow.

Jeran found himself directly behind the thug. With a lightning quick reaction and great aim, the blade of the saber burst forward, a blue whir sifting through the air as Jeran cleaved the thug's firing arm from his body.

"Argghhhhhh!" The thug screamed falling to the ground. By this time, sensing troubled, the young boy had clicked his heels and hightailed it outta the alley. "Who the hell are you?"

"I'm new in town, and I have friends. Let your boys know that this is our turf. It belongs to us now, got it?" Jeran kept his face hidden in the darkness as the saber pointed towards the man's neck.

"Who'n the hell are your friends?"

"We're the new police around here, and we don't miss a thing." He let the blade find its home inside the hilt. "Tell your friends to watch their back--we're coming for all of them." With that, Jeran dissapeared into the darkness from whence he came.

[Figrin D'an]

The Council was nearly ready to break from a rare evening session. While most matters had been handled with reasonable brevity, there was a lot on the agenda, and it took many hours to trudge through the list. One thing remained... an important investigative assignment. The details of the investigation had been worked out by the council in a previous session, and it was decided that Jedi Knight Oriadin would be selected for the task.

Oriadin had entered the council room, and bowed in respect to the Jedi elders.

Figrin D'an, assuming the role of Speaker in this instance, stood to address the Jedi Knight on behalf of the Council.

"Jedi Knight Oriadin, the Council has an important mission for you to undertake. We agree that it will be a good test of your skill, and present a challenge that we know you have sought since your knighthood."

He paused briefly, taking a deep breath before continuing.

"Two years ago, the Jedi Bar & Grill establishment was nearly destroyed in a devious attack perpetrated by a single individual... a man that, despite our best efforts, we have been unable to identify. His face appears in no criminal database, and he left no traces at the scene of the crime. The severity of this crime is obvious. After the incident, he vanished. Various unsubstantiated reports from various planets throughout the Republic have filtered in over the past two years, indicated sightings. However, the man has managed to elude capture, and more impressively, positive identification.

Figrin stepped forward, handing a data pad to Oriadin, which he took and viewed with a serious curiosity. The knight tapped a few buttons, scrolling through a small series of photographs.

"These images have been taken over the past 3 days, at various locations one of the less scruplous warehouse districts. They match the description of the man seen leaving the Bar & Grill after the attack 2 years ago. Specific coordinates are provided for you, as well all the information we have collected thus far on potential criminal ties the man might have. Your mission is two fold. Seek out this man, learn his identity, and determine his reasons for surfacing here on Coruscant. Once you have sufficient evidence in those regards, apprehend him."

The mission, while it appeared to be a clear-cut crime and punishment scenario, deeply trouble Figrin. But, his concerns could not be brought up in front of the council... he would speak to Oriadin afterword in private.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin played close attention to Figrins words as he browsed the information on the data pad. What had started out as a peacefull and uneventfull night had now turned much more serious.

The information on the data pads came in drips and drabs. There seemed to be nothing concrete. Most of it was sketchy at best but all the information had been compiled over a long period of time. Ever since the explosion had happend infact, two years ago. Now he flicked through the information gathered in the last three days. There had been more solid intel in the last three days than there had been in the previous two years which to some may have seemed like a good thing, but it made Oriadin concerned. Why now all of a sudden? There seemed no logical explination as to why this information would suddenly present itself after all this time.

Something was happening. What though, Oriadin wasnt quite sure. The council didnt give much away either on their thoughts and concerns. Looking up from the data pad though, Oriadin sensed Figrin had more to add. He seemed slightly troubled.

--Is there anything else?--

Figrin shook his head, which Oriadin found a little odd but accepted.

--Ok then. I shall return to my quarters, get my things togther and leave imediatly.--

The Knight couldnt help but get the impression that Figrin had more to add but was holding back for some reason. He told the council of his plans to leave so that if someone should have anything else to add, they would know where he would be.

He backed away slightly and bowed before leaving for his quarters.

Once there, he packed a spare pair of plain clothes, incase he needed to go under cover as well as his saber. Almost ready, he thought to himself.

[Figrin D'an]

After the council broke session, Figrin made his way to the living quarters wing, seeking out Oriadin. He hoped the shadow that plagued his thoughts of this matter was baseless concern... but it was too much to ignore, and anyone that was to risk confronting the mysterious man would be better armed the more knowledge they had.

Figrin tapped the comm on Oriadin's door, and waited for a response.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin paced his quarters for a few moments reading over the information given to him by the council. There really wasnt much to go on. He checked the time. Perhaps he was wrong about Figrin wanting to add more. Oriadin felt sure though, he was usually a very good judge of character and had a natural instinct for peoples feelings.

--Oh well.--

Oriadin picked up the sack he'd packed his things into, took a last glance around the room to make sure nothing important had been left behind. Lightsaber... check. Data pad... check. Comm unit... check. He was ready. He motioned towards the door just as a quick bleep was heard. Someone was at the door. Figrin?

Oriadin placed his sack back down and made his way over. He opened the door to reveal the council member.

--Master Figrin. Come in, please.--

[Figrin D'an]

"Thank you, I hope you don't mind my arriving unanounced " Figrin replied, his face revealing little. The purpose of his visit was likely clear to Oriadin, though.

"I take it you've had a chance to look over the intel on the pad more closely by now."

He paced a little, looking out of a window in the main living area of Oriadin's quarters. A look of concern, and perhaps laced a bit with guilt, came across his face. He sighed.

"What is on the pad... is complete in an official sense. It's what we know for fact. There is more, however, that is... uncertain."

Figrin, composing himself, decided to just say it as clearly and concisely as he could.

"After the attack on the Bar & Grill, there was a... an odd residual Force signature left behind. I and other Jedi that arrived to sort things out after the incident all felt it. It was dark and powerful... but it was also familiar. Too familiar. It was... like an echo of someone that we had know before. But it was shrouded... masked... we couldn't determine whom or what it might be."

He paused, letting this revelation sink in.

"We were concerned, of course, but there was nothing to be done. When all the leads were quickly exhausted, it was all but forgotten, along with the incident itself. Now... that this same man has appeared again, all but on our doorstep... "

His voiced trailed off.

"It wouldn't be fair not to share this with you," he began again, "as you have been charged with finding this man. We can't be sure if the Force signature belongs to him, or maybe someone that was there with him that escaped unseen. But, either way... there could be a strong Dark Side pratitioner involved."

Figrin's voice became more authoritative.

"If you find this Dark Side user, contact me as soon as you are able. Use my private secure comm frequency. I do not have the precognative abilities of some, but I have a strong intuition that if you find the man in question, you'll find the Force signature. Even if I am wrong, I still wish to be advised of your progess. Above all else, though... be careful."

[Oriadin]

Oriaidins eyes drifted away from Figrins as he finished. The fact that the wise Jedi had come to see him after the meeting in the council chambers meant that this was an extreamly serious and dangerous matter. Blowing up the Bar and Grill could not have been a simple task in any way, shape or form and whoever did it would be extreamly clever and they had to know exactly what they were doing.

Now it had come to light that the person in question might be a force user. A strong one at that. Oriadin kept his feelings in check. For the briefest of moments the Knight wondered if he was the right man for this job but the council wouldnt have choosen him otherwise. He squashed those worries in no time and focused again on the job in hand. There was too much at stake for Oriadins mind to be anything less than 100% concentraited.

--Thankyou master Figrin. Im thankfull that you have come to tell me about this, added information.--

Oriadin looked back at Figrin, face serious and mind sharp.

--I am ready for this mission and I will do all that I can to unravel this mystery as quickly and succesfully as possible.

I guess this is it then.--

He smiled.

--There anything else I need to know before I head off?--

He questioned, as he turned around to pick up his sack ready to leave.

[Figrin D'an]

"No... there's nothing more," Figrin replied. He was still concerned, but knowing that Oriadin was completely focused on the task at hand did lift a bit of the weight from his mind.

"Much about this matter is clouded... but, the Council, as well as I, have great faith in your abilities. They will serve you well, I am sure of it."

Figrin smiled in kind, and moved toward the door. He turned back to Oriadin as he reached the doorway.

"May the Force be with you, Knight Oriadin."

The Jedi Master turned down the hallway, and disappeared from view.

[Oriadin]

That was that then. Figrin left Oriaidn standing in his room. It seemed larger now that it ever had done before. The Knight took a glance around the tidy room and hoped it wouldnt be too long before he would return, safe and sound. He walked over to the doorway, took a final look and shut the door. Then he made his way over to the transport hanger.

A few people passed him on the way but it was getting late now and so was generally quiet.

It didnt take long for Oriadin to reach the hanger bay. This was a huge room, filled with many ships of various different types. He'd have to sign out a ship, of course, so he made his way over to one of the droids by the main control Pannel.

--Transport ship please. Just whatevers available will be fine.--

He smiled.

The droid beeped and squealed before pointing over to a one man piloted ship, with space for an astro droid and a passenger.

--Thankyou, that'll be fine.--

He bowed and headed off towards the ship. Wasnt a bad one either, relativly new, which was always nice. The Jedi Order had invested in some new ships with their funding, when they moved to Courscant. As Oriadin gave the ship the once over, the astro droid assigned to the ship came over. R6 39

--So, you'll be joining me then eh? Well, I guess we should get underway.--

Oriadin got in the ship, who was shortly joined by the astro droid. The engines were powered up and the course set in, using the co-ordinates from the data given to Oriadin by the council. Clearence for take of was signaled by the droid. Time to go...

She ship rattled slightly as it lifted from the ground. A slight rumble could be felt within the hanger and within moments they were out the hanger doors and on their way. It wouldnt take long for them to reach their destination. As the ship was on auto pilot, Oriaidn used that time to try and piece together any information he could.

[Marcus Telcontar]

When he had first told Xazor of what he intended to do this night, even she was a little taken aback.

"Are you sure about this Marcus? Your goign to get a lot of people angry too fast. What if they linked it back? There would be just abut every underworld person as well as... these others after you!"

"I know... that's the idea. But it's no good trying to strike back at a shadow that's already gone, now is it?"

She had to concede, even if it was for the fact his mind was so made up. The fact was, he was out to annoy a lot of people. He was also out to stop them and the best way he had discovered in the past, was to firstly, stir them up. Get then paranoid. Get them wondering where you were going to strike next. Wondering who you were. It certainly was no way for a Jedi to act - but as he drew the knife from his side, if the Jedi could handle this, he wouldn't be doing it. He would never of gone looking for other ways. He would never of found out about the legends of the Lost Twenty, those whom had willingly left the Order, high ranking Jedi, no less than Masters. Seen the reasons and decided that this was something he had to do himself. But more importantly, it was something he flet he needed to do in his heart.

But what about all your friends? what about all that you have done? The Jedi Order was somethign you set up! Your stronger than all of them, you can still be a light, a beacon to them! screamed back a voice in his head.

I know... I know. I know what I'm leaving behind. I know why I have to do this

There is no going back, the voice warned. He bowed his head, then with the look of steely detirmination.

I do this because if I dont, Helenias and I could never be free to be at peace. I can't let a galaxy be ruled by corruption and petty media. I cant sit by and let criminals take over. I want Jina to never have to take this path. I want Jax to grow to be a Jedi like he should be. I must do this because no one else can. This is why I fight and this is where my stand begins. I'm drawing the line in the sand

"But I know I must go on. Although I hurt I must be strong. Because inside I know that many feel this way" he said quietly.

"Hmmm? Pardon?" said the man he had been approaching, a GNN reporter whom he had set up to be in this dark alley, far away from prying eyes or recordign devices. A man whom he knew was corrupt and evil.

"It's my way of saying goodbye" Marcus said, coming out of the shadows and then with one horrifically fast slash, slicing the reporter's throat open with the knife in his hand. The reporter hardly had time to look surprised before he died.

My god, what have you done! yelped the internal voice. You just killed someone in cold blood!

Maybe God will forgive me when this is all over. Maybe. If he can forgive me, He can forgive anyone

Looking at the dead body on the ground, Marcus raised a hand and calling on powers in the Force that he knew a Jedi should not touch, he concentrated for about half a minute, raised a hand and pointed. The body began to burn with a blue flame.

And so it began. He had become the first true Lost Jedi of the New Republic in the truth sense of the term.

[Oriadin]

Oriadins ship neared its destination and so he switched off the auto pilot and took over the controls. He looked at the co-ordinates given to him by the council and then looked at the co-ordinates on his ships monitor. This was the place.

It was a run down deralict area of Coruscant, a perfect hiding place for a criminal. Buildings were left empty and falling to pieces. There were very few places like this on the plannet since it was "the place to be" but one or two areas existed. Usually drunks, homeless and drugies would be found here. The type of people society would rather pretend did not exist.

Oriadin decided to set his ship down just away from the co-ordinates so he wouldnt attract any unnessesary attention to himself. An old abandond warehouse. Perfect. The ship glided in and set down inside the warehouse. Oriadin, got out the ship and gave the surrounding area a good look over. No one was about. He decided to change into his spare clothes, to try not to look so out of place. Still, his clothes were too neat and tidy. He began making rips in his shirt and trousers. Then he came across what looked like oil. He rubbed that into his clothes, hair and a bit on his face.

Now came the hard part. He stumbled out of the warehouse, trying to make it seem as if he'd had several too many to drink and as if he'd been sleeping rough for a number of days. Then he headed off in the direction of the co-ordinates given to him in the seach of clues. All he carried on him was his well concealed lightsaber, data pad and comm device.

[Darth Turbogeek]

It was party time.

The young dark Jedi grinned as he looked at the front of the bank through a sniper scope. All was normal at the GalBank. Just the regular guards that in a moment would be disabled by The Black Rider. Silently and quickly. He kept looking, trying to see how the Sith did it - but even with his advanced Force senses, he hardly had time to see it. Just a black blur and then the guards dropping.

"Hell yeah! Lets rock!"

The missile the masked hood next to Turbogeek fired, striking the bank's front door. Even as the masonry and duracrete splinters and exploded in all directions, the Dark Jedi was already moving, leaping down off his perch, Rail Guns drawn as his feet slammed into the ground. Running straight for the demolished front door, he leapt over the debris, coming to a skidding stop inside the bank.

"Good day ladies and gentlebeings.... today is your lucky day. Gimme all your cash and you get to live"

Petty theft and he had to talk long and hard to convince the Rider what was happening was actually just the start of something much bigger. and besides, wasn;t mayhem and death fun to cause? DT got the disticnt feeling Rider thought he was way too reckless - that was true. Very reckless.

But great things only happened if you took great risks. This couldn't work if he was careful and concervative. All these other Sith and Dark Jedi took safety first. Oh no, not Turbogeek. He went in guns blazing. And ran out with credits in bags overflowing.

Hey, that kinda had a nice flow. So did the silly guard who somehow survived Rider's thing, tried to stop Turbogeek and his gang. The flow came from the splats on the wall from a brain turned to mince and hurled against a wall. Rail Guns did things like that. Before he left, he deliberatly reached out, scraped a bit of the walls with a finger and sampled it.

"Hmmm.... tastes like oatmeal. Not bad"

There was the sound of someone being noisly sick in the background.

"Sorry, aint eating that. I dont like meals tastes three times around, even if they are warm. Thanks for the offer tho" The dark Jedi, with and insame grin on his face, moved to the vomiter, grabbed her hair and pushed her face in the vomit. "But you might. No? Ah your no fun!" A good solid kick threw her away.

"Dude... time to go! Nerkfs coming!" yelled one of DT's gang.

"Damn, just felt liek shooting someone. See ya all later!" he yelled, running out. They piled into a speeder that blasted out of there. Turbogeek had a frown on his face and patting his pockets.

"What's up boss?"

"Damn think I dropped...."

The bank exploded into an orgy of flames.

"...... my thermal detonator" said Turbogeek, sighing and reclining into the seat. "Think they found it?"

[Oriadin]

Oriadins staggering haulted suddenly as he felt a large disturbance in the force. An explosion was heard in the distance a few seconds later followed by the sounds of sirens and then some smoke could be seen over the top of the buildings.

Oriaidn remained calm, trying to piece together what might have happend. Should he go an investigate? No doubt the Jedi would be dispatched there anyway. Oriadin was on an important assignment already. A niggling feeling tingled his mind though. His instincts told him that perhaps this explosion and his investigation were connected. He checked his data pad descreatly. The co-ordinates he was heading for was in the same direction as the explosion. If there was nothing to be seen at the co-ordinates Oriadin would continue on to the scene of the explosion.

The Jedi Knight tucked away the data pad, resumed his drunken look and staggered on. He reached out with the force, trying to detect any clues along the way.

[Marcus Telcontar]

What now, he wondered. The night was going quite well and the sweep the Lost had made was working out as planned. There was time for one more hit before the time he gave for the regroup - he knew of a bar not far away that was not all it seemed fromt he front. It was a an illegal gambling and vice den of the worst kind. Somehow, it had never been raided. Well okay, not really when you consider the propietor was the son of a very, very wealthy businessman. It was as per usual one rule fo rthe rich and powerful, another one for the poor saps who gambled their very lived in that house of dren. Justice could be bought and sold for those witht he resources.

Not tonight. He was a force unto himself. He couldnt be bargained with, he couldn't be bought, he could not be bribed. He had no mercy and was ruthless. These ones were beyond redemption, they thought they were untouchible - they were wrong. Very, very wrong.

Marcus leapt up to a window ledge, crouching as he allowed his senses to adjust and seek out what he was looking for - a hint his target was about. He could see the sin house entrance, see the poor going in - and precious few going out. If you lost at this place, you gave up your freedom. You became a slave or worse. The Lost Jedi knew of a organ racket based out of here and the sickening fact was, some of the beings that never came out were cut up and used to supplant dying organs of the rich. Why the hell they couldnt use other methods was beyond him - they were availible. Legal transplants, organs growth tanks... the list was large. Yet....

Screw this...

He leapt across the alley, landing softly on another ledge. he placed a hand on the window, closed his eyes and used the Force to unlock it. The wndw slid open quietly, allowign the Lost Jedi inside quietly and easily. The room itself stank of blood. He glanced about, getting his bearing, before deciding how to do this. Not the sabre and not the guns. With a steely hiss, the sword came out of it's hilt, glittering in what light was availible. His feet made no noise as he moved to the door, his fingers touching it before deciding there was no one in the hallway beyond.

--

The room was full of J'tah's groupies. He was high on deathsticks, alcohol and sex. all around him were his boys, the beings that had helped build this highly profitable den. He had ladies that had lost and were now sex slaves - or worse - for him and the others. He was protected, young and on the way up in the Coruscant Underworld. There was a knock on the door.

"Hey.. someone see who it it!" he managed to get out of his befuddled drugged out mind. Someone did so, hardly able to walk from glitterstim. That person paused at the door, reached up tot the veiw slot....

And groaned as suddenly there was the scream of steel going through wood, the sharp point of something came out of the back of the answerer. J'tah blinked. Woah. The thing slid out of the dead body, before a a fraction of a second later, the door was violoently kicked down. Those able to screamed. Others went as quick as their blearly minds could force their bodies to move, going for weapons. J'tal stared, open jawed as a vision of hell came in, a ... thing cloaked and hooded, bearing.... something. It was smeared in blood whatever it was, but it could have been made of steel by the way it flashed. Immediatly th demon began to cut down anyone who tried to stop him, limbs flying and beings screaming in pain as the demon mercilessly came for the the now gaping J'tal. He closed his eyes, praying to a God he suddenly believed in to stop this rampage... he kept his eyes closed in terror as the sounds of mayhem and death surrounded him. ...

... untl he got a kick in the side.

"Hey man... wadda want?" J'tal screeched. "Girls? Money? Drugs? Anything man, just dont kill me!"

The demon, with the sword in his hand seemed to look around the room. "Death's too short and quick for you scum" it said in a grating hellfury voice. "You first have to pay for what you have done."

"Wha... what?"

A huge punch knocked the gambler out.

--

Marcus waited patiently while one of Dexter's shadier contacts carted what remained of J'tal and his gang of misery traders away, before leaving for the rendevous with the others of the Lost. It seemed appropriate J'tal was now on his way to be thrown into a sarlacc. And in an hour, this place would be burnt to the ground to clense the ground of the vileness of what occured here before J'tal was taken down.

Xazor.... coming to you now. Lets gather everyone up again

[Nevlonniel]

Nevlonniel and Sylos had just finished "removing" another gang war from the lower levels of Coruscant, when both their commlinks that had been gievn to them by Marcus emitted a quick double click; the signal to regroup at the afor-designated place.

Both elven-like beings made their way silently upward towards the busier parts of Coruscant, heading in the direction of the meeting place.

[Darth Turbogeek]

Not even a minute into their getaway, Turbogeek sensed something that made him frown. He looked and just caught the vesages of a strange colour. Not the normal grey tinge, but a bright glow.

"Stop the speeder and call in the rest of the boys. We have a Jedi nearby"

His voice was cold and didn't broker any question. The local security forces he couldnt give a damn about. But a Jedi so close was not so good. Jedi had ways of finding things out and pokingtheir noses where they didnt belong. DT knew that, cause the memories in his head told him. While the speeder settled to a stop, the young Dark Jedi steeled his mind and checked the guns at his side.

He closed his eyes, then barked out "NOW!". The crew on this speeder leapt out, joined quite suddenly by a few other speeder crews that had responded to his call. In a blink, the Jedi was surrounded by a good dozen gun toting mercs with more on their way.

"Dont even think about trying to escape or use your sabre Jedi... and yes, I know your one. Stand up straight" Tubogeek ordered Oriadin. "You try to use a mind trick, I'll have your head ventelated before you so much as blink. I'm sure your accquainted with why rail guns are called Jedi frellers, right?"

And yes, there was one in his hand. How he had gotten stolen it from the NRSF, that was a story itself. It was pointed right between the Jedi's eyes unwaveringly.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin sensed a dark presence near by and he knew he was in trouble. It was too late though. Before he knew what was what he was surrounded by a group clasping guns, all of which aimed in his direction. One in particular stood out by shouting out the commands and indeed talking to the Jedi Knight. He was the most intimidating of the group, the gun he held up to Oriadins head guaranteed that. It was too late to call Figrin, or any of the other Jedi. He was on his own.

Oriadin fell to the ground and shook, convincingly acting as if he were scared half to death.

--Plwease jont kill me, I mean jou no harm!--

He looked up with a blurred, drunken and scared look. His speach slurred although rushed at the same time. He looked up to the leader of the group, who stepped forward to place the gun to the Knights head once again. He seemed familiar, although he was sure he'd never met him before. He took a slow look around him to judge his chances of escape. He was impossibly outnumbered.

--Peese, I aint no Jedi. Ims julst wondrin round, mindging my own business.--

For now, there was nothing Oriaidn could do but try to keep up the act.

[Darth Turbogeek]

The act was starting to grate on Turbogeek. To show his displeasure, he booted the Jedi in the ribs.

"Listen Jedi, you dont fool me. I see your colour and that never lies. Now if you dont stop this pretence, you'll die even more painfully than I bet you can imagine."

After that little speech, Turbogeek reversed the gun handle and smashed the handle int the Jedi's temple, knocking him out. "Right, scrape him up and throw him into a speeder. Lets get out of here"

--

The place they went to was in a much seedier part of town, much closer to where Turbogeek's warehouse was. The Jedu they threw into a shipping container after making sure he wasn't armed with anything hidden, before slamming the door shut.

"So, what now boss?" asked one of the hoods.

"Maybe ransom. You dont have a Jedi captive often - they tend to be useful for leverage" replied DT.

"Who we get leverage on"

"The Jedi Order you idiot. This isn't a Padawan - this is a Jedi Knight. This is a highly tradeable commodity. If I can get the Order away off my back for even a few days, it will be immensly profitable. Plus, catching a Jedi is a big thing for your name int he Underworld. Only the best do that" He glanced at the locks they had placed on the doors of the container. "Hmph. I hit the sucker so hard, I doubt he'll wake up for a few days and even if he did, he'll have too much of a headache to concentrate in opening all that. Lets get some food, I'm hungry"

Ten minutes later, the top lock moved....

OOC : fill in the gaps and take it away Oriadin :p

[Oriadin]

Oriadin had come round, all beit with an almighty headache. It was dark, damp and cold, wherever he was. Infact, he couldnt see a bloody thing! He raised his hand up to his head and felt a small scab forming where the man had hit him over the head. Some dried up blood could be felt down the side of his face too.

Instantly Oriadin went for his light saber and comm unit. Both had been taken. 'FRELL!!' He thought to himself. He paused for a moment to think, then began feeling around to see if he could make out where he was. The place was very small. You could stand up but youd have to be bent over. Probably around 5ft by 5ft by 5ft the Jedi Knight guessed.

His head was thumping and he collapsed to the ground, raising his hand to the wound again to try and comfort himself.

Oriadin stopped moving for a second, he could hear voices coming from somewhere, somewhere outside his little room. He reached out with his senses to try and figure out where it was emulating from, then proceeded to place his face up against the wall of the container.

The captives were leaving to get food! On oppertunity to escape perhaps? He listened intently until they left. Now it was time to move. Oriaidn scurried around the small room trying to find the doorway. He searched all four walls but to no avail. He couldnt understand it. He fell to the floor in an exhausted heap. Then it occured to him. He stood up and searched the roof. Bingo! It had been around 10 minutes since the men had left, so there was no time to lose. He tried pushing the hatch to begin with, but there wasnt much give. It lifted slightly but there must have been some form of lock on top.

Oriadin sat down in a medative position and began to reach out with the force once again. He visualised the lock in his head and managed to move the mechanism inside to unlock it. He then simply moved it to one side. He stood up again, opened the hatch slowly and quietly, just enough so he could see out. The room was clear, and no security cameras as far as he could see. He pushed the hatch open and pulled himself out.

--A shipping container of some sort?--

He shut the hatch after him, replaced the padlock and locked it, so it looked as if he were still there.

After scanning the room again, he spotted his lightsaber and comm unit. He raced over to them and picked them up. He raised the comm unit and tried to establish a connection with Master Figrin. There was no reply. Just static. Oriaidn decided to send him a message instead.

Master Figrin. I had been captured by a small group of men, all armed and very dangerous. I belive it will be possible for me to escape, although I want to see if I can hang around and gather some information. I belive this group is led by the man shown to me in those pictures the council gave me. I sense there is something big happening here, although without further investigating, I wont be sure what.

Oriadin began the describing the leader of the group as he looked around the room for clues on his exact whereabouts. He found a note with an address on it and was about to repeat it in his message where some familiar voices could be heard.

Oriadin cut the message short and hid behind some crates stacked up close to where the shipping container was. Three men entered the room, but there was no sign of the leader.

[Darth Turbogeek]

Turbogeek came back about 15 minutes later, still chewing on the end of a bantha rib. Hunger stated, he decided to go to the container to check to see how their new pet was doing. Maybe the Jedi had woken up from the school of hard knocks. Then maybe he could give the Jedi a few more schoolings. Much cheered by that thought, he wandered back to the back of the ware house.

"Yoohoo.. Jedi... I'mm baccccck! Miss me?" No answer, so the dark Jedi wandered around to the opening of the container with a huge grin on his face - a grin that froze when he saw the container's lock on the ground and the doors open. There was no need to know if that barstard was still inside. No fool would be waiting there. Turbogeek snarled, drawing out one of the rail guns, a look of pure hatred on his face.

"Hey? what's up bo...." BAM! The other two idiots who had let the Jedi escaped wisely stayed down. He gave the room a scan mentally, trying to see if there was any funny.... yes.... He raised the gun and fired. The boxes the Jedi were hiding behind exploded.

"Your dead, you trixy little bastard" he yelled, making a run at the place where the shrapnel was still falling.

[Oriadin]

Oriadin made no mistake, this leader was a 'shoot first ask questions later' kinda guy. Perhaps not the most intelligent he considered. Afterall, he was shooting on a bargaining tool. He would be pretty useless to the Jedi order if he was dead.

The bullets came thick and fast as the boxes around him exploaded, sending small splinters of wood everywhere. Oriadin dived to his right, drawing his saber just as he slid across the ground. One of the bullets came into contact of a swinging blade. It had been the Jedi Knights intention to deflect the bullet back at gun ho man. To his dissapointment though, the saber simply burned it up. That would be pretty useless against the rate at which these things were flying in his direction.

A choice had to be made, stay and fight, or run and hide. Live to fight another day. A plan was begining to form in Oriadins mind. He sent the saber flying in an arc like motion in Turbogeeks direction. That distracted him long enough for Oriadin to charge in, and aim a kick at the mans gun in a hope to kick it out of harms way.

[Jesse Custer]

Well, now that I have a couple of beers in me and I've fought my fight for the night, I look for a place to sleep. Not that I'll be sleepin' tonight. Closin' your eyes here means never openin' them again, I reckon. Could have picked up a lady I suppose and slept at her place after whatever transpired there after. But that'd be cold hearted, doin' such a thing for a roof over your head. No better 'an a lady of the evenin' then.

The streets here are unclean, which isn't a suprise. Stories you hear of Coruscant are misleadin' though. Towers of steel and lanes of air, they'd say, but down here at scum level it's nothin' I ain't seen before. Certainly nothin' to put into a brochure.

KA-BOOM

What in the hell? Lord, what could that of been? My first instinct is to turn away and head back, back to the bar. I can probably 'talk' the owner into letting me stay there for the night. Explosions... Damn, what kind of a man would I be if I did that? Not the kind I like to think I am. Hell no.

"God, give me any strength you can, if you're listening."

Though I wouldn't blame him if he wasn't. I haven't exactly been a model servant of his.

"Hey, everyone alright?!" I call into the darkness, where I head the sound. Nothin' replies. Either everyone's dead or the livin' ain't wantin' the dyin' to live any more. "I sai--" I'm interuppted by gun fire and more explosions. Better check it out. For my peace of mind if nothin' else.

As I run further towards the sounds, I hear the oddest hum. Like a gospel choir was hummin' a song through a rebreather almost. Though it seems to vary in it's sound and frequency the longer I listen.

"Hey, now--" I shut my mouth as I see the scene. I've been in some nasty scrapes and that fella with the.. glowin' stick is in my usual role. "Everybody freeze!"

They do as told. As I suspect them to. Some, and I reckon they must be dumber than dren, actually seem to turn blue with frostbite.

What in the blazes? Those two perticular boys ain't stopped movin' yet...